It's a little sunnier

Yesterday I made a pretty depressing  post  full of self pity.  Today, I have a better attitude.


While I am still really tired with fuzzy eyes and a slow-moving, heavy body, I'm not so down on myself.  I see the light, sort of.  Shit, this is probably all a bad case of PMS anyways...


But there is so much that I can do in life - the possibilities are endless!  And it is definitely something I will focus on once I'm back from my trip, but right now I need to put my all in the present!  No more sour puss!


I haven't talked about running since my post about my off week so I'll fill you in.  It's tough - I'm having a really hard time getting motivated and once I'm out there I'm not at 100%.  But I'm doing it.  I won't quit.  I've been close a few times but I just won't do it.  Only 4 more runs left in the program! Can't stop now!  


Get ready, folks!  T-minus 13 days until we touch down in London town!  2 nights in London, a week in York, then it's jet set to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands (with maybe some diving in my future!)  But this is all a whole other post that I will save for later.


Knockin' myself out of my funk because I just can't stand the sound of myself anymore.  Suck it up, Morg!  Your childhood dream of a vacation is less than 2 fucking weeks away!!!!!!! The other shit can wait!

My unglamorous life as a Disney Princess

This monster, we'll call her Maleficent after the wicked fairy godmother in Sleeping Beauty (Seems, fitting, right?), has prevented me from getting out of bed to go running all week and it has to stop!

I brought my tennies and sports bras (yes, I wear 2) to California, planning to go for a run along the beach Monday morning before we checked out but I was just plain lazy.  Convinced myself that I was on vacation and running along the beach really wasn't as cool as I was making it seem.  What?  Complete nonsense!!!  I was so f'ing excited to do that and now I lost my chance.  FAIL!

She gets me all the time - I lay in bed, most of the time in anticipation of my alarm going off, and it's as if I am Aurora and Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather are in a full debate with Maleficent on  when I should get out of bed.

Every possible scenario runs through my mind of how I can reschedule, shorten the time I need, minimize to what is absolutely necessary, and somehow believe that this 5 minutes to an hour of debate is going to make me feel more rested.  What a waste of effort!

It isn't until the very last minute I come to my senses and realize that I have completely underestimated the time I need and want to get ready for the day.

So... today is Thursday and I haven't run all week.  Monday it was because of being on a mini-vacation, Tuesday was because I wanted to be in at 7 so that would call for waking up way earlier (no way) plus Tuesday isn't a normal day, yesterday I can't even remember the rationale but I'm sure it was very clever, and today it was a sore throat and lazy body.  

Thank goodness I was finishing a full week before we leave for our trip so I don't have to kill myself going without rest days but I worry that this week off will have screwed with my stamina!

It's ironic how it seems like Simon is the only thing that can get me out of bed when I'm in this state.  Maybe there really is something to say about who your favorite Disney Princess was as a young girl...

But it's all on me.  I need to get my ass in gear and stop living in fairy tale dream land.  Who the fuck invented the snooze concept, anyways.  It's all their fault.

Into Week 7

Today began week 7 of Couch to 5K.  I am in awe of my continued dedication to this program.  Normally, I get uber excited and giddy about a new project, ambition, routine, whatever and once I get into it I become so bored and down right lazy.  Not this time!!  I have made it through 6 weeks of mental and physical struggle and I'm still going strong!


And it is paying off!  My waist is reappearing woo hoo!  I was standing with my hand on my waist and when I laughed at something I felt my muscles flex; they are so strong!  Clothes are fitting better and my posture is improving!  Oh my and my ass, my ASS!!  My co-worker complimented on how great it looked - "Oh! Your little tushy is like a shelf!"  What?  My ass has always been flat.  This is fantastic!  And to put the cherry on top, Simon said to me last night, (while doing a little man handling *wink wink*) that my ass feels tighter.  Score!  


What's even better?  All I have been doing is the program, with maybe a sporadic and infrequent Pilates routine or light free weights here and there.  I am amazed at how running has increased my core strength.  Keeping those abs tight, head high, and entire body active throughout the entire stretch!


Fuck yeah!


A new obstacle has presented itself - Arizona heat.  The era of evening workouts has ceased (since I don't have, and can't afford, a gym membership) so my alarm is now set to 5:15 M, W, F.  Ugh.  BUT as soon as I can get my lazy ass out of bed (Simon can attest for my tremendous lack of ability to get out of bed in the morning), get dressed, stretched, hydrated, and fueled - I'm out the door with a huge grin on my face!  Air is brisk, birds are chirping, and everyone you meet wishes you a good morning.  Life is good!


I have been trying something else new: Sprint/Jog Intervals.  Not too sure what pace I'm at since I don't use a treadmill.  I participate in a forum about the program and everyone seems to be going at 4.5 mph.  They say that they're barely at a 10 minute mile and based on how far I go, I estimate that I am, too. (I've been using Map My Run to track this).


So my dear friend Sarah suggested I start doing intervals of sprints to boost my speed and so far it's working great!  Rather than, timed intervals I am setting markers such as light posts, turns in the path, trees, etc.  It's so great!


This morning I really pushed it on my sprints with long and strong strides.  It surprisingly feels more comfortable to take longer strides, but my body isn't ready for non-stop efforts of this magnitude.  Just need more practice and to build up my leg strength.


After the program is over, I thought about maybe starting over but instead of doing walk/run do jog/sprint on the same schedule.  We'll see.  First step is to complete this round and I'm less than 3 weeks away!

A run on a rainy day

Week 6, Day 2 - I found some relief from the heat and the weather gave me a rainy day!  I only felt a few sprinkles but the cloudy sky, random puddles, and cool temps made for a perfect evening to be out on the path!




































The person with the PIP car apparently has a friend that drives my childhood dream car  - sea foam green classic beetle - got close with my apple green new beetle!


Funny thing is, an old friend drove this exact one, with the rack and all... Wonder if it's him!

The first day I ran this route I saw this statue and was so startled!  One of the fun things to do while out and about is snoop on people's patios - I swore to God at that moment this was a person, maybe an aboriginal, and here I was staring at him.


Phew!  It's just a statue of an ape.    Cracks me up!








































This is a view of the golf course I run along - this was a beautiful view in person with the cloudy sky and then the illuminated mountains on the horizon...
(Sorry for the poor lighting)

Love a stormy sky....  

W5D3

Hold on to your seats, kids!  I ran NON-STOP for TWENTY ONE AND A HALF minutes! That is longer than the program called for, granted it was only a minute and a half longer, but that is super exciting!

See, I wasn't feelin the music so I was messing around on my ipod.  If you leave the app, it pauses the workout, but I kept running as not to mess with my flow.

I felt awesome all through it, and I even had a few beers the night before.  Imagine if I hadn't!
Breath was natural and legs were strong.  And then, it was time to walk.  This is where I felt the jell-o in my legs take over.  Note to self.  Don't stop! haha

But really, this has officially burned into my psyche that the vast majority of running abilities is in my head.  I've always known but I think one just has to experience it to really learn how to manage it.

A friend had invited me to do Pat's Run that was this day and I had considered it for about 30 seconds but chickened out.  Now, after completing this segment, I know I could have done it and I would have enjoyed it.  I was just scared.  Next year I'll do it for sure!  It's only 4.2 miles and has all levels of runners, and walkers.

I am feeling regretful that I didn't go for it but even so, here this ex-smoker couch-potato went from running 8 minutes non-stop to 21:30.  Pretty amazing what a little practice and jedi mind tricks can do...

Two more sessions of intervals then it's gradually gonna increase from 25 to 30 minutes.  Only 4 weeks left!

Why running is so awesome

• It's outside and free
• I get to listen to music
• There is nature and animals all around me
• There is no machinery assisting my efforts.  It's all me, baby!
• When I do well, I feel amazing - huge confidence boost
• When I suck, I am motivated to do better
• Sunshine
• Feeling accomplished and unstoppable when done
• Knowing, and FEELING, physical improvements in my muscles and breath
• Having the next challenge to look forward to
• Exploring is fun!
• People watching is great!
• There is no TV or computer or game distracting me
• It makes me feel normal and not such a lazy couch potato
• Fresh air
• Movement
• Healthy obsession/addiction
• Saying hello and smiling to complete strangers
• Knowing that someday I will be good at it

And the number 1 reason why I think running is awesome:

• It's the only thing I do that I'm not multi-tasking.  And I don't over analyze life.  I spend all of my thoughts on the moment. I can focus 100% on one thing and that is pretty fucking amazing for me.

Exciting news....  Jenn started the program yesterday!  Go Jenn!!!!!!!!

W5D2

I just ran 8 minutes straight!!!! Twice! And loved it!!! Not lying.
Saturday I did W5D1, which was 3 intervals of 5 minutes. Also amazing!
Only issue I still have is feeling slow and beating myself up for it.
There are a lot of people on the trail and I imagine they're all
training for the Tilman on Saturday. These fit, lean, dressed to the T
when it comes to running gear are flying by me. I keep reminding
myself that they were slow one day, too. Someday I will do better! I
just need to keep at it!
I am also really excited about a new podcast I just found - it is
workoutmusic.com
: pumpin cardio. The episode I downloaded has an Indian or Middle
Eastern vibe to it and the beats are fantastic. Really helped me keep
my feet moving!
And now I will share with you something I covet every time I do my
run. A VW Karmann Ghia. Just like Andy in PIP drove. Paint this baby
the pink hers was and I am buyin!! Isn't this car amazing? I think
my heart flutters every time I go by.... Me wants!!!!!!!

Week 4, Doctor Visits, and the Worst April Fool's Joke in History

Get comfy folks, I have a lot for you to catch up on.  I'll give each headings to help you along the way 

Couch to 5K - Week Four
And the struggling has begun...  Ugh!


It has been a busy week so my days have been more spread out than I would like.  Day 2 was supposed to happen Friday but Zipps happy hour just sounded way too tempting.  But I knew that I would be going with Sarah on Saturday so I decided I would rather do Saturday and Sunday than Friday and Saturday.


Saturday sucked.  I sucked.  Big time.  It was 2 in the afternoon and probably 85 degrees, no breeze, no clouds, no relief.  I was really active all morning running around and working on projects so I was already pooped.  Chilled out by the pool to try and recoup for a bit but it clearly did not help.


My knees were KILLING me!  And I was terribly out of breath.  No bueno!  So of course I was in no mind set to do day three of week four on Sunday.  I about died this time!  


But you'll be surprised and I am proud to say, I ran Sunday morning despite the pain.  Now it wasn't the program, but it was about 5 minutes or so (I didn't keep track).  You see, after the terrible experience I had, Sarah and I went and rewarded ourselves with cheeseburgers and beers at Saddle followed by more beers at Giligin's.  Being the responsible adults we are, we walked home.  On my way to get my car Sunday morning, I walked long enough to eat a banana and then to challenge myself I committed to running the rest of the way.  I think I got at least 2 full songs out of it so I had to have gone at least 5 minutes.  yay for me!


Monday, was supposed to be day 3 since Sunday wasn't but I finished up my day too late.  (I decided today I need to get over my fear of running at night stat - blistering heat is very near).


So here it is Tuesday, and I have completed day 3 of week 4.  I have been running 3x a week for a month!  A huge accomplishment!  Whoah! I just realized I'm 1 1/2 runs from half way.  Yippee!


Tonight was incredibly better than Saturday.  The sun was setting and the breeze was refreshing.  I stretched more than usual and really took my time with it.  Minimal knee pain this time!!  Had some mild shin splints, though.  Will never ever have a pain free run though so it's time I learn to just deal with it rather than let it criple me.  I find I do best when I love the song, it's loud, and I focus on my breath and a smooth, slow, springy, stride.  It is when I obsess over how my feet land on every step and how short or long my stride is.  I start to get frustrated, push too hard, and get out of breath and stiff.


Baby steps.  I am not going to be able to keep up with people who are runners.  I'm not a runner.  I'm training to be one and have to be patient with myself to get there at my body's own pace.


Now I face the dilemma of scheduling week 5.  Tomorrow is ideal, but it should be an off day, then Thursday I work 7:30 until 9 or 10p.m. and Friday 7:30 until 9.  Saturday morning will be no problem and Sunday is out because it is the day after a party we are throwing. So it looks like I'm going tomorrow and Saturday because we all sure as hell know I will not get up and do this before work.  I'm pretty excited because I have thought out a new route since I'll be running more and will need a slight bit more distance.  Brace yourselves - day 3 of next week is run 20 minutes.  Pray for me!


Doctor Visits
I had contemplated even writing about this because I simply don't want this to be a forum for me to cry "woe is me."  Well, woe. ;)


For probably the past ten years I have had "episodes" that I could never really pin as anything specific and they have scared the shit out of me.  Based on my family history with all the ladies on my mom's side, we self-diagnosed it as high levels of estrogen and aura migraines.  (Fun fact: my mom is sure that all of the Howard women were/are over sexed aka are sex kittens due to high levels of estrogen)


My solution was to stay away from BC with a lot of hormones.  It seemed to work, most of the time.  But I still had them, just not as frequent.  They were more often prior to '06 and since then I had one last spring and then now again on Sunday.


I briefly described them in a previous post.  Doc advised that I take notes next time it happened so I did just that.  I focused on every little detail that I possibly could.  I am so frustrated with the incredible challenge of communicating how I feel.  But it was a good experience.  I remembered that lights don't flash, the numbness only exists on the left side, and I was better able to describe the "whoosh" as if heat is gradually spreading underneath my skin and that my head feels as if it is moving backwards.  My motor skills are slowed, but I can still function.  I took deep breathes, analyzed what was happening, and it went away.  for about 15 minutes afterwards I was still out of sorts, but the disorientation was gone.


She is still puzzled, but doubts it is a migraine.  One of the possibilities is mild seizures.  So, now I get to have an MRI and an EEG.  Please, dear God, let this just be defensive medicine and a way for her to rule it out.  I emailed her today asking if I should have my estrogen tested first; if she thinks that or any sort of chemical imbalance is the likely culprit.  We'll see what she says tomorrow...  


In the meantime, I stress that I either a) am wasting time and overreacting or b) I have something wrong with my brain.  I'm just embarrassed about all of this - that it's all nothing and I'm just a crazy worry wart.  I welcome humility with open arms!!!


Worst April Fool's Joke in History
My brother is a very mean, twisted person.  He is NOT moving here.  End of story.  Jerk.


And I leave you with a positive update...
Thursday is Simon's birthday!  We are having a housewarming party on Saturday for some of our friends and will be celebrating his birthday, too.  I ordered an amazing cake and I can't wait until I can speak freely about it!  (I promised Simon I wouldn't bring it up anymore)
48 days until England/Lanzarote!  Lindze brought her beautiful daughter Sadie in today after work so I got to see her for a little bit.  Oh, and Lindze and I had ice cream today.  Definitely a sunny day!


Good night all!  Tomorrow is a clean slate and new opportunity for betterment - I leave you with this quote to learn and live by!  


"Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most." - Buddha

W4D1

I made it! This has been the hardest one yet and I'm getting
intimdated by the days to come.
Week for is: run 3:00, walk 1:30, run 5:00, walk 2:30, run 3:00, walk
2:30, run 5:00.

I noticed that on each 5 min interval I was ready to stop running at 3
minutes. This must be because last week my longest interval was 3
minutes long. Hopefully by the end of the week I will be fine with 5....
But now I'm psyching myself out - in just a week I will have to run
for 20 minutes straight only after I do intervals of 5 one day and 8
the next. Really? From 8 minutes to 20? Yikes!

Yesterday's run was my hardest so far. My knees hurt for the first
time ever, too. Every time my feet impacted I'd get a twinge on the
insides of my legs right at the knee. It lessened when I used the pose
method but it was still there. Once I got to my second round though,
it wasn't as bad.

I hope it was a fluke from tired legs or joints. Evenings just aren't
as easy as mornings but I can't seem to get out of bed!
Maybe the heat will encourage me. UIt was over 80 last night! Better
start settin the alarm earlier!

I heart Saturdays!

Started the day by sleeping in... until 8! (late, I know!) I was able to convince Simon to join me on my run today, W3D3, despite his hangover.  He suggested that we take a drive to Chaparral Park this time.  Brill! 


It was a gorgeous morning and a beautiful run!
























This week has been fantastic, I have really felt challenged which I like.  Last week felt like cake in comparison so I am encouraged that each stint of the program will feel the same.


I'm not as at ease with my breath but I have learned how to eliminate the pain in my legs - 2 advil before I start and plenty of stretching.  


It's hard to keep up with Simon since I've slowed my pace but I'm trying to build my endurance, not win a race.  And he is conscious of it and was so great to slow down to keep pace.  I did have to keep reminding myself, though, that if I need to go slow then that is just fine.  The important part is that I don't give up in the middle of an interval.  So far so good!


Also, I have been adding 1-2 minutes this week after the last interval of 3 minutes of walking.  I feel like 8 minutes of walking is boring me!  Good sign!


Overall it was a great day (and an accomplished week in the program!)

Sara - Here is my coordinated hat for ya ;)


After the run we stopped by Scratch Pastries for coffee, one of our new favorite places walking distance to the place.  Hung out on the patio and I got to chat with my Dad for a bit on the phone.


We swung by TJ Maxx - the dangerous part of where we live is how close we are to this!! - and then came home to clean up and have some breakfast.  Simon makes a mean breakfast sandwich!  Yumm!


And what could possibly top off this already promising Saturday?  Going poolside!


71 degrees, that felt like 80 and a few dos equis and I'm in heaven!

Pool was way too cold but didn't need it, really.  Just turned on the tunes and read my mag and life is good.  Also got to chat with my dear, dear friend DJ who I think needs to make a visit ASAP!

But, life is hard poolside and it can get old when you run out of beer so I meandered inside to do a bit of blogging and catching up on DVR.  Oh Grey's Anatomy, how much I love you so....

Hope you all enjoyed your Saturday afternoon, too!  

Happy Hump Day

First I'll update you on yesterday's run. I was too damn pooped to
muster up enough energy to blog last night...

I took a different route - went north up Miller to Chapparal, then
swung back along the canal to Camelback and home. I have decided I
like running in the morning hours better than evening. Proof I am an
early bird at heart. I endured and forced smiles but honestly, it
wasn't as fun this time. Legs were tight even after 10 minutes of
stretching and the standard 5 minute warm up. But at least I got
relief from the dirt path and had quite a bit to take in.

This time of year the orange blossoms in Scottsdale are heavenly. This
makes even walking to your car enjoyable so imagine 30 minutes of
constant whiffs or sweet fragrant bliss. Add silhouetted palm trees and
the sun setting behind camelback mntn and you have one beautiful
evening!

Until.... Blech! My first bug in mouth experience! Hahaha I almost
died laughing at myself just in awe of everything around me, caught
in the moment of my growth and accomplishment and then all of a sudden
a bug swooped into my mouth with my inhalation.
Didn't eat him, luckily. He only made it to the back of my tongue
before I so gracefully spit him out. Too funny!

So I made it through my first set of longer stints alive, with only
very small problems with endurance which I think is a result of being
tired from the day.

Should I try a pre-work run tomorrow? That means up at 5:30 hmmm...


Okay so on to today. Check out this stunning necklace and earring set I'm wearing by Elements and Alloys, one of the phemnomenal designers at The Golden Barrel.


The design is Spheres, the necklace is in gold priced at $7,950 and the earrings are gold and silver, priced at $495.


I think they look pretty smart paired with my white button down, don't you?

Couchto5k - W2D3

I am kicking ass and taking names! I'm having fun, and getting my breath back and doing oh so well!

Last post I didn't have time to tell you that instead of switching to walking on my last interval, I challenged myself to run the rest of the way home.  Whoop whoop I did it!  The longest I have run non-stop since gym class, about 4 minutes!

The trick, I've realized, is to keep it slow.  Originally I was sprinting, thinking I had to be "running" at almost full force.  Not so good for endurance...  But I have been consistent with my pace and have noticed I too am springy and graceful!  I am not out of breath and fatigued, and my body feels wonderful!

The minor aches and pains are totally manageable.  I just focus on my breath and music and push through with a smile.

So I have successfully completed two weeks of the program and am excited to start week three tomorrow!  The intervals are getting more intricate - jog 90 seconds, walk 90 seconds, jog 3 minutes, walk 3 minutes, repeat.  Can't wait!!

W2D2

7 am run = amazing! Busy day gettin pretty fo the wedding so that's
all for now. xx
Sent from my iPhone

Couch to 5k - W2D1

Tonight was a great success!  I was hardly short of breath at all throughout the whole time which I imagine is a result of slowing my pace as advised by various articles I glanced over today.  One suggested inhaling for 3 steps and exhaling for 2.  When I tried this I noticed that I was running quickly or taking slow breaths.  So I slowed my roll and found that I could move along with greater ease.

However, my legs were not happy tonight.  Have some mild shin splints but I know that is because I barely stretched beforehand.  I figured since I just walked around Target for 45 minutes I was already warmed up! haha

Overall I really enjoyed it tonight!  Got a late start which gave me the opportunity to watch the sunset and catch some cooler weather - 85 today!

In other news... I had a great find at My Sister's Attic - a chair for the downstairs desk!  finally! Only $25, add a cushion and voila! Very happy with this little treasure.  It's quite comfy!  A little lower than I originally wanted but it ended up being a perfect height for working on a laptop.  Love how everything always works itself out. =)

Couch to 5K - 1 week in

Last week I stumbled across a fantastic iPhone app called Couch to 5k in the search for an interval training podcast or app. For $2.99 you can't beat it!

To give you a little background, I am not a runner. Never have been and never thought I would be. I was more interested in art and partying than anything athletic through high school and college and was also a smoker. I quit smoking about a year ago and feel amazing! Almost every day I go through life without even thinking about cigarettes - only triggered by other people smoking. My immediate reaction is "Blech! I am so glad I quit!" I can't even picture myself as a smoker since not smoking comes so naturally. Even after a year, I still suffer from shortness of breath. The only way to fix that is to get active and get this body in shape!

Enter "Couch to 5k." A 9 week training program set out to get you from couch potato to running a 5k non-stop using a graduated interval method done 3 days a week. It will be perfect timing for our trip to England - hopefully along this quest to a healthier me I will trim down as well! I'm 5'5" and fluctuate between 145 and 150 - not overweight by technical definitions but I bit more weight than I would like to be carrying around.

Week one...warmup 5 min, run 60 seconds, walk 90 seconds, cool down 5 min...total time 30 min

March 9th = W1D1 Got home from work around 6, changed and hit the road not far after. Recently I moved to downtown Scottsdale so this is also a fun opportunity for me to explore my new neighborhood. Considering my OCD planning behavior I have decided to just run aimlessly, making turns as the moment inspires me. Wandered through the neighborhood and then into downtown, passing a few of my favorite spots. Note to self: running past restaurants, bars and clubs equals great motivation!

March 12th = W1D2 The program suggests running every other day but I worked until 8:30 on Thursday so day two had to wait until Friday. It was a little nicer out this day so I was able to wear shorts and a tee. Took a lap around the other way, going through the park this time. I noticed a shortcut to the backside of a nice little community of houses I wanted to snoop on so I cut left off the trail and through a marsh. 5 strides in my logic kicked in and I realized I could have a run in with a rattlesnake or two. What was I thinking! This is the moment where my adrenalin spiked and amazingly my fatigue vanished. I sprinted knees up across that marsh, even after the guy told me to start walking! Forget that, I'm gettin outta here! lol Lesson of the day: it's all in my head. Now, let's see if I can maintain this as a mantra...

Returned home this day with Simon and his mom having a drink on the patio. Well, it is Friday evening... Why not! ;)

March 13th = W1D3 Didn't skip a day this time and went out Saturday morning, this time bringing Simon along. Simon grew up in England and, as expected, played "football" as a kid and in high school. So of course, he is a natural runner and still has great endurance, even if he is a bit out of shape right now. I loved being able to go out and do this with him. Not only did I get some great one on one time with him but I was also able to learn, too. Watching him in is graceful springy stride was motivating. Lesson of the day: learn proper technique!

How I felt:

HEAVY! Out of breath and fatigued. I had a quick recovery between intervals thankfully! It seemed as if I was ready to quit right when the app told me to start walking.

What's on my mind:

Get new shoes? Mine are comfy but they're cross trainers

How's my technique? I asked Simon how I looked - was I awkward or sloppy? Any advice? He said I look great except the way I plant my feet is different than he does. He puts heel first and springs up from his toe while I land on the ball of my feet. Maybe this is why i'm feeling so fatigued! Was doing some research and found an article that says otherwise. It directed me to what is called the Pose Method that argues the tried method of heel first claiming that it gives too much impact while ball of the foot first allows the runner to spring forward. I'm going to try heel first next time and play around with what feels best.

Looking forward to week two - longer stints of running and walking, but still keeping the same ratio of 1:2 respectively. Wish me luck!