RAMBLINGS

RUN: 33:00 min.

I haven't written much lately. The days have been hectic and just sucked. I always feel like I am a positive person but I went into a funk and I think now I'm back. I was really touched by 2 patients yesterday at work. I usually am able to keep my distance but with my FIL's battle and loss to cancer, I have become over sensitized to the families. I can't say alot about the cases but on the way to the car I shed quite a few tears. I had to go in today and treat one of them as an emergency this morning. I hope I made a little bit of a difference.

I got up this morning to 37 and mainly dry roads. I had to take Hooch to work then go to the hospital to work so there wasn't time. I did make it out for about a 30 min run. The cold, clear air helped me clear my head. I was able to think through alot of things. My MIL has had a tough week. She is flying in on Monday night to stay with us for awhile. It's just too hard on her alone in Cleveland.

Next, my thoughts on my training. I have decided that any kind of plan in the winter in Chicago is impossible! You just have to wing it until the weather stabilizes and get in as much as you can. With another winter storm on top of us, my long run will be whatever that I can do at the gym tomorrow. I was thinking back to the training for the first 2 marathons. My first I did not do enough weekly training but did alot of long runs. I don't feel that my base was that good. My second marathon training was on track. I set a PR in the half 5 weeks before the full. I was running a good pace until mile 22 when it felt like someone put a knife in my Rt knee. I had ITB problems before and knew what it was. I walked the last 4.2 miles and finished with the same time as my first year. I have gained a huge respect for the distance and I will be ready. The weather currently is just a speed bump in my training.

On my favorite candy-Peeps. I found sugar free Peeps last night. I had to try them. They had Splenda insted of the sugar. My honest opinion-they tasted like paste in my mouth. You only got 3 for the price of 12 regular Peeps. No contest.

Waddling to read my other blog friends...........

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

WEDNESDAY : ZERO

THURS. : SPIN : 1:00 / AVE HR = 145 / MAX HR 168

Yesterday and today were absolutely the most gorgeous days. You would have thought that someone training for a marathon would be out there finally getting some runs in. There are no great excuses for why I didn't. Yesterday , I was just tired after work and did a few errands after work. Today , My plan was to go out and run but about mid-afternoon while talking to DD developed some strange rumblings in the stomach. After further thought, running and getting too far from the house seemed not a good idea.

My daughter, Hooch, started her first job today. She has always loved hair stuff and spas so she landed a job as a receptionist and assistant at an upscale salon. I hope she enjoys it. I remember my first job was waiting on cars at an A&W rootbeer stand in Ohio. I had a great time although often I spent all my tips on Coney dogs. I am anxious to hear about Hooch's day.

Waddling and waiting for Hooch......

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

SPIN : 1:00 / AVE HR= 152/ MAX HR= 172

"Take tonight and challenge yourself." That's how my fav instructor started spin class. I felt tonight like she was personally coaching me even though there we 25 others in the room. We did 4 hill climbs tonight. The goal was to come out of your comfort zone on your ride. It's easy to spin for an hour with light resistance. You must take ownership of the workout. There are no gains if you don't take yourself to another level. She reminded us of our form and finding a relaxed position to settle in to. I've taken her classes for over 1 year now and every time realize how lucky I am to find such a motivating person.

When I got home, the peeps that have been sitting there taunting me were eaten. I felt like tonight I truely earned all 4 of them.

Waddling with peeps in my tummy...............

WHAT A FEELING

RUN= 32:00 / AVE PACE 13:31 / 2.44 miles

I had one of those days at work that seemed like it would never end. It was crazy and hectic from the time I opened the department at 6:30am. Everything did fall into place and every fire was put out. Although I did not have time for lunch, I did leave almost on time.

The great part of the day then began! I walked out to sunshine and 41 degrees. I got home and my house was cleaned by my kids. I was able to put on my running gear and head out the door. The best part---my new Garmin 305 was on my wrist for the first test run. Being a geek, I couldn't wait to plug it in to the computer and download my first workout. This will probably be the only time you see miles for me. It is too cool!! It really pumps you up when you can finally get out and have a great run.

Waddling to play with my new Garmin..........

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

RUN : 3: 15 / 4R:1W / TREADMILL

Today is the beginning of the Chinese New Year. It is the year of the PIG. It seems fitting that I am running The Pig this year. If you were born in 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983 or 1995 - you were born under the sign of the pig. Like the pig, you are highly regarded for your chilvary and pureness of heart, and you often make friends for life. For pigs in 2007, any recent setbacks or obstacles can be overcome so look forward to a year in which to really shine, either personally or professionally. Hopefully it will be my year to break the 6:00 mark in the marathon.

Today, after going over the options, I decided to head for the gym and run on the treadmill. The minimum goal was 3:00 with a max of 4:00. I did make it to 3:15 ,needed a pit stop and that was it for me. I felt good though and probably could have pushed to the 4 but just didn't. During the run 1 used 3 Gu's and that worked well. As far as my peeps reward-they are safe until another day.

Waddling to watch the Daytona 500 with hubby........