Week 4: Day 7

Nada. SO sore from yoga and running yesterday but what it came down to was that my arch is still bothering me! Boo!

Ben and I took Byrdie for a nice walk around the neighborhood (about 60 minutes) but I wouldn't call that exercise. Activity yes, exercise no.

What to do, what to do... Cross train. Boo.

Total:
Pilates: 60 minutes
Running: 160 minutes
Yoga: 60 minutes
Rest days: 2 (including walk day)

Week 4: Day 6

Today was another beautiful mid-Winter day. I think the temps got up to 50 degrees! Yay! I woke early and enjoyed a little coffee before heading to yoga. Class was awesome - I think I can officially say that this instructor is the best teacher I've ever had in a yoga class. I'm still not crazy about how the Corepower yoga classes are run, but Ashley's teaching style really makes it worth going to the studio. Once my Groupon is expired I'm going to have a hard time not going to the Saturday morning class!

After a great breakfast with friends at Walnut Cafe, Ben and I ran part of the Big Bluestem trail (to the gate and back). We kept a steady moderate pace the whole way. Our run was 36 minutes long.

My right arch is bothering me again. I iced today so we'll see how it feels tomorrow. I will consider running some flatter trails or roads with no rocks to maneuver for the next few days. I really don't want this to turn into plantar fasciitis. Ugh.

Total:
Pilates: 60 minutes
Running: 160 minutes
Yoga: 60 minutes

Week 4: Day 5

A BEAUTIFUL day for running! So happy to have the daylight and warmth today for my run! I took my phone along and captured some photos...

So my goal was yoga and running tonight, but I kicked ass on my run and I'm too beat for yoga. My intention was to be out the door at 3:30 and back home by 4:30 to make a 5pm yoga class, but I futzed around the house too long and wasn't out the door until 3:45. My motivation for running fast was to make it back in time for the class (afterall, I just got a great new yoga tank from Prana!) but really, I knew that it wouldn't be feasible to run that hard and then make it through class. Still, I was able to trick my brain for most of the run and managed to push and push and push! I'm thinking this route was 8 miles-ish? I'm hoping longer because I ran for 58 minutes, but I think my route plotted on mapmyrun.com says 8.

Big Bluestem from home. I really like this run; it's the perfect combination of hills and flat sections. I started off running moderately fast during the flat/downhill portion. Once I started to climb I really cranked. I did stop to take a few iphone pics and of course to open gates but other than that I just cruised (huffing and puffing). Once to the top I let myself recover and then ran hard again, this time downhill. There's a slight uphill during the last 1.5 miles before home and I sort of ran at a moderate pace through it.

I really enjoyed the run! I wore my yaktrax thinking there'd be ice but surprisingly everything has pretty much melted. I sort of irritated my arch again wearing them. At least that's why I think it is sore. I'll take it easy tomorrow - but hopefully still get some decent miles in - and see how my foot feels.

Here's some photos from my run!

 

  

  

  

  

 

Happy dog!

Total:
Pilates: 60 minutes
Running: 124 minutes

Week 4: Day 4

Nada!
My day:
Up at 6am
6-7:15 Genetics
7:15-7:45 Get ready for work
7:45-8:30 Commute
8:30-5:15 Work
5:15-6:15 Commute
6:15-7 Get ready for date
7-? Date night
The end.

Tomorrow.

Week 4: Day 3

Tonight Veronique came over for a quick run after I finished work and just before she went in. Once again I was feeling frustrated because I worked 1.5 hours longer than anticipated so I was late for our planned run. Thankfully we still had enough time to fit in a decent one.

Ran out to the bluestem trail and to the top of the hill to the fence and turned back. Aside from the hill climb, this was a fairly easy run and I felt really good. No foot pain during or after. Yay!

I'd really like to go to yoga and run tomorrow like last week but I really don't want to get my hopes up only to be dashed again by work. I guess I'll just go with the flow. Running is my priority (despite the cold and snow waiting for me out there... and despite that ever-tempting 80 degree yoga studio) so I just need to keep that in mind. If I have time for running and yoga before my date with B. then great, otherwise I'll just go to yoga on Friday or over the weekend.

Anyway, a respectable 37 minutes in the books. I'm only up to 66 minutes... guess tomorrow should be about an hour run. Since I'm feeling so good, maybe I should try for an hour tomorrow, an easier one on Friday and then two longer runs over the weekend??

Side note: Super hungry as of late. I really should pack better calorie-packed/protein-rich foods for myself. Tonight though, I'm beat and ready for bed now. My grammar and punctuation in this post can attest my fatigue. Oh, side-side note is that I'm taking iron, vit C and vit B12 again. Yay me!

Total:
Pilates: 60 minutes
Running: 66 minutes

Week 4: Day 2

This morning I woke early to squeeze in a little genetics study time before work. I sipped on some fresh squeezed juice courtesy of B. and then a little coffee... courtesy of me. :) After about an hour of solid studying and caffeinating I was more than ready for a run! Short on time, I did the short Shanahan Loop (south and then down the middle) and I pushed myself most of the way. For the first 18 minutes of my 29 minute run I was working hard and the last 11 minutes I backed off (plus it was downhill). I felt so good! Love having legs under me - even if I am a long way from race shape. I have to say that coupling my runs with yoga (or climbing or even Pilates) really makes me feel stronger.

Foot felt better today! I actually didn't even notice any discomfort!

Total:
Pilates: 60 minutes
Running: 29 minutes

Week 4: Day 1

Week 4 already? Wow! OK, well thanks to Twitter I found this free class schedule offered by the local Prana store. Having never taken a Pilates class before, I thought that a free class was the perfect opportunity to try something new. Kristen and I rolled out our yoga mats and settled in for the 90 minute class. I was surprised by the nature of the class... and I'm not sure why?! I knew going into the class that it was a strengthening/core class... I don't know, I guess I just wasn't a huge fan!

The class actually only lasted 60 minutes and while I did leave feeling like I gave my core a good workout, I didn't have that yoga-ish afterglow from centering yourself and breathing into your whole body. Ah well, at least I tried, right?

Right foot still just a little tender.

Total:
Pilates: 60 minutes

Week 3: Day 7

Today I woke early and decided to head to yoga for 9:30am. With a different instructor, I found myself challenged with new poses. I loved it! Really refreshing to try new things.

Class was 75 minutes long and that was it for exercise today. My right foot/arch is still tender and I'll use that as my excuse for not running. :)

Total:
Snowshoeing: 150 minutes
Running: 144 minutes
Yoga: 75 minutes
Rest days: 1

Week 3: Day 6

Another mild winter day in Colorado. Ben and I took advantage and both decided to run longer runs than usual. We started off together on some treacherous ice climbing uphill on the Shanahan trails - Ben nearly lost his life (OK exaggeration, but the fall was pretty scary) - and parted ways so that Ben finished the Shanahan big loop and I continued to the Mesa trail and then cut down to Bluestem and back home. Once Ben and I split off I had no more problems with ice which was a blessing because it was mostly down hill!

Along the way, Byrdie and I heard a very noisy animal in the dry creek bed and waited for a few minutes to see if it would show itself. We never did see the critter, but if I had to guess I would say it was a skunk (unless they hibernate?) so it's probably good that the stinky fella never showed face. After the animal encounter, the run was so so fun! Mostly downhill (and like I said, no ice) we moved and moved fast! What fun it is to bound from rock to rock pushing off of one and onto another. Did I mention this is one of my favorite runs?

The run was 57 minutes. A great run! My right arch is a little tender now, but I plan to stretch and ice... no injuries!

Total:
Snowshoeing: 150 minutes
Running: 144 minutes

Week 3: Day 5

Friday, Friday, Friday! I had high hopes of making it out of work by 2:30 today (in at 6am again) to get to Boulder in time for a 3:30 yoga class. Once again, out of work an hour later than I had hoped. This week sure didn't seem like a short one!

Decided to head up to North Boulder to check out the trails. The temperature was around 50 degrees when I left home so I was very motivated to run! By the time I made it through town the winds had picked up considerably - icy cold wind! I ran 30 minutes and called it good. The trails were decent, but not worth the 20 minutes of downtown Boulder traffic or the fact that I have to keep Byrdie on a leash up there. I respect the leash laws, but when I have trails outside my door that don't require leashes, I favor them.

I have pretty much slacked this week. Not because I don't want to run, but because other areas of my life have been demanding more energy than usual. I'll adjust and settle in again.

Total:
Snowshoeing: 150 minutes
Running: 87 minutes

Week 3: Day 4

So tired from an early morning at work... tonight is date night and so instead of going to both yoga and running before our date, I just ran. And not far. :)

20 minutes. Meh!

Total:
Snowshoeing: 150 minutes
Running: 56 minutes

Week 3: Day 3

Surprise surprise, today was another long day away from home. I managed to power through the frustration and fatigue to salvage a run. I started off with the intention of running the neighborhood route I've been taking lately but about five minutes in, contemplating my brooding mood, I changed course and ran around the lake and then to the high school track. Once I was on the track, I thought it would be a good time to pace myself so I can gauge the distance of my runs accurately. In three laps I found that I run about 8:30 pace which was my goal when I started training again (although looking at it now, my snobbish runner self can only scoff at the pace - why not faster?!). The last lap around the track I thought I would play around with picking up my pace. I didn't push, just picked up the tempo so that I was out of my comfort zone. I would say I was right around my lactate threshold. I was surprised to see that I ran 400m at 6:30 pace with little effort! Honestly I think I could keep this pace for a mile, maybe two if I really tried. What a pleasant surprise! I hope this means that when my base is back and I'm able to start some workouts I can put out some respectable times - whether in workouts or races.

Pretty pleased with the evening workout. I think I'll head down to the track every so often to run a few "pick up" laps. Should help my speed reappear from the depths of my muscles (Are you there, speed? It's me, Leah). Anyway, I ran 36 minutes tonight.

Tomorrow is date night, but since I've been working some long days, I hope to leave work a bit early to fit in another run and maybe use that yoga pass I bought last week? Need to get my money's worth out of it!

Total:
Snowshoeing: 150 minutes
Running: 36 minutes

Week 3: Day 2

I would like to blame my lack of activity on work... which would be a likely excuse, however tonight I can't use work as an excuse. I did work late but I also chose to attend the live jazz night at The Laughing Goat (hey, Ben's friend Mark was playing!). I wish I could have snuck in a run before we went, but there's the whole eating and studying thing I have to balance with work and play.

Total:
Snowshoeing: 150 minutes

Week 3: Day 1

Today was a snowshoeing adventure with Veronique, her friend Liz, Little Bull and Byrdie. After a few U-turns and stops on the way in, we managed to find the road to the East Portal trailhead and the James Peak Wilderness. When we left the trailhead the wind was up and the clouds were threatening precipitation. Luckily, the trail began in a thick wooded area so we were protected from the wind and cold temps. Over the course of the first hour, the front moved through rather quickly and left us with warmth and clear blue skies. We weren't sure if we had found the right trailhead because the lakes we planned to hike to were never listed on the trail signs, but the scenery was gorgeous and we really didn't care where we were heading.

Liz had knee surgery in the fall and is just now starting to increase her strenuous exercise. The trail was steep and as the trail website suggests, determined so we took it easy but hiked for about 1.5 hours up the mountain before turning back. We never reached a lake, but we did go beyond the junction listed in the trail guide, so we probably hiked about 2.5-3 miles in and 5-6 miles round trip.

I would consider this day a bit of a rest day, and that's OK. The day was meant for more than just activity and we all left the hike more than content. I have some gorgeous photos that I'll post in my other space soon. I need to remember this hike when spring arrives and the wildflowers are blooming.

Total:
Snowshoeing: 150 minutes

Week 2: Day 7

Ran around the Shanahan Ridge trails again today. Started off on the short loop (South first) and then headed up toward Fern Canyon before turning around and heading back down the mountain toward home. My body felt pretty good during the run but I was very slow when climbing toward Fern Canyon. This week has been in the 50's and the snow and ice has all melted to a slushy, slippery mess. I struggled with the trail conditions some, but I know that wasn't the only reason for my slow ascent. :)

My total time was 46 minutes. Now that I'm home and recovering, I can feel my muscles just aching from yoga yesterday! Good to be back.  The 46 minutes makes that an average of 24 miles or so for the week. Two weeks ago I ran about the same mileage in less days. I'm OK with this number, though. I need to ease into my training so a few weeks of lower mileage is alright by me.

Total:
Run: 211 min
Yoga: 60 min
Rest days: 1

Week 2: Day 6

Yoga day! Yesterday I caught the deal of the day on groupon.com and took advantage. It was a month of unlimited yoga at a local studio for 1/3 of the price! Since I've been wanting to incorporate more strength into my training I thought this opportunity was a gift from some higher power!

The gift couldn't have arrived at a better time. I really needed this class today. First, I stopped off at my favorite coffee shop for a couple of hours of studying/people watching. Then I drove over to the yoga studio. The teacher was really talented and when I left the class I had energy just buzzing through my body. Even now, five hours after class I'm still feeling pretty good. Now if I could only feel this good about my surrounding environment.

Well, that will come.

Total:
Run: 165 minutes
Yoga: 60 minutes

Week 2: Day 5

Tonight Veronique and I ran around the Shanahan neighborhood. Like the last run around the area, we headed north on Lehigh and looped around to head back up Greenbriar and home. This was the first time I've seen my bestie since before Christmas! As time goes by and silly things like law school and work fill our days, we find fewer moments to spend together. We talked about the "good old days" when we all used to spend every minute of our lives together, whether that be class, work, practice, meets or just hanging out. Hell, we even lived together! These days, we're lucky to see each other once every couple of weeks despite living only a few miles apart. But, I digress.

This run was filled with conversations of the past, the present and hopes for the future - and it was exactly what we both needed. We even added a mile around the high school track because we just weren't ready to be finished running - or conversing - when that last mile came around. The pace was perfect, the air chilly and still and the company was happily welcomed! It feels so good to be back into a routine of sorts and to be running with friends and old teammates. Again, I need to map out this run, but with the extra mile around the track we made it 47 minutes.

Total:
Run: 165 minutes

Week 2: Day 4

This morning Ben, Byrdie and I went for a short run near home. We stayed in our cozy bed until we could see the light peeking through the blinds letting us know there was enough light to run. Once again, I felt sleepy and sluggish during the first couple miles of the run but after 13 minutes I started to warm to the pace. We took the short, short Shanahan route (south first and then cut down the middle) and ran for 31 minutes.Yaktrax were needed again.

Despite feeling really cruddy when I start my am runs, I finish with gusto, ready to take on the day. I really enjoy having mornings off every so often so I can enjoy the morning sun, my morning coffee and a little extra time to prepare for the daily grind.

Total:
Run: 118 minutes

Week 2: Day 3

Oh sweet sunshine, and warm Colorado air, how I love thee! I ran in the middle of my work day today around the Aurora/Stapleton area. With another long day on the docket I took advantage of a free hour at noon to enjoy this beautiful spring-like day. The weather was perfect for running however the trails were another story. Still we have lingering snow and ice and now, as an added pleasure, there's melting muddy, sticky icky trails lying beneath.

My run lasted just over 50 minutes and my pace ranged from easy to moderate, depending on the footing. Again, I'll map it when I find the time. I felt OK during this run - though my left knee (dead center) acted up a bit - nothing serious to report.

Here's a picture of the view on the way out:

Total:
Run: 87 minutes

Week 2: Day 2

No exercise. I'd like to rant and rave about how unplanned late afternoons at work are just downright unfair and throw my tediously planned schedule out of whack and therefore put me in a mood of moods... but I won't. :)

Week 2: Day 1

I left Denver around 4pm armed with a snack and some water so I was ready to run as soon as I arrived home. The temperature had been 50 degrees and the skies were brilliantly clear all day long. Most of the day I hoped that I could sneak out of work early enough to run before the fading light, but the days are quite long enough for me to make that happen yet - but they're close! I was out the door at dusk and hit the roads. I was surprised by how much snow and ice were left over even after a few days of warmer temperatures and bright sunshine.

My route started down Cripple Creek and then headed north on Lehigh. I took my usual neighborhood route around to meet back at Greenbriar and finally up the hill toward home. The route took 37 minutes - probably 4.5 miles. When I have a bit more time I will map it so I know for certain. Today, I felt awesome! I think my body was able to warm to the pace early as I started off downhill for a good mile or two. By the time I started climbing home, the run was over halfway finished. I found myself thinking "holy crap, I'm already up the hill!" I hadn't even noticed the climb - probably too busy thinking of what to say here. ;) I'm happy to report that I've made it through the initial pain of returning to training. Pat on the back deserved.

Some highlights:
- the feeling of being back in shape!!!
- the perfect 40 degrees
- the fading light behind the foothills
- the still air
- the man with a headlamp and the dog by his side, making laps around the high school track (can't say that I haven't considered it myself!)
- finishing my run knowing next time I will run longer (time) and further (distance) and knowing that's OK with my body

Total:
Run: 37 minutes

Week 1: Day 7

Today I returned home from the Springs around 1pm. The day was warm and beautiful but I chose to stay inside instead of enjoying the great outdoors because the Packers were playing. :) I biked for 45 minutes on the trainer. This time I did some intervals (3 minutes with a HR around 180-190) to break up the monotony. Boy am I out of shape, but still, it really does feel good to pour sweat once in a while.

Originally when I started this blog I had myself convinced that it would be a running diary - I mean the name of the url is a dead giveaway of my expectations. I guess that's my "collegiate athlete" side coming out assuming that my life is all about running. Over the last few years, I have evolved, in a sense, and so has my training. And for that change, I am a much healthier person! No longer do I have those seasonal colds and yearly strep cases or that blasted anemia problem. In fact, I'm rarely sick enough to even miss a day or two of work each year! I have to admit that despite the fact that I can see I'm no longer the "runner" I used to be as I've incorporated different forms of activity into my life, I have a hard time letting myself be OK with that truth. I loved having that label and I still want to be considered part of that runner crowd. I guess this is the reason why I stopped racing. I chose not to devote my life to training (running) and my prideful self just won't allow me to race when I'm not in true racing form. I know that this is something I need to change. What am I trying to prove? Who am I trying to prove it to? Deep down I know these answers and the tough part is moving past them. I will always see myself as a runner-at-heart, but there is so much more out there that I love doing and chose to experience. 

So in working on myself in all fashions - physically, mentally, emotionally - I'll use this blog to record my training. Any training. And I'll learn to be happy with my accomplishments. I'm switching my "Total" to minutes of activity rather than miles. I've never logged my activity by minutes since we used mileage in college, so maybe it will help to ease me into accepting my training as good enough.

This week:  
Running: 75 minutes
Biking: 85 minutes
Hiking: 240 minutes
Rest days: 2

Week 1: Day 6

Today I drove down to the Springs to see my long-time friend Marci. She was in town visiting her brother, Brian and his wife, Darci. We all took a 4-hour hike up to Jones Park which was about six miles round-trip. We actually did some scrambling up a scree field as we wandered slightly off the trail because of the snow-cover. The trails were moderately challenging and I did find myself breathless once in a while so I know that I did get my heart rate up at some points.

I didn't run today - chose this hike as my form of exercise today instead. The hike was beautiful and really fun and I'll post a few pictures from the trip in my other space. There's nothing like spending time with friends who have known you for your entire life. So much history, such a real, quality friendship. What a great chance to reconnect!

Week 1: Day 5

So I was sort of lazy today... and by lazy, I mean I left the house at 5am and returned at 7pm so I chose not to exercise when I got home. This was probably a bad thing for my training, but this year I'm trying to keep my life in balance as much as possible and so if I miss a day of training in order to avoid the stress and added fatigue (which in the end is counter-productive) of forcing myself to run just to put the miles in the "bank", I'm okay with it.

Instead, I cooked dinner and had some wine with B. A relaxing evening!

Week 1: Day 4

Well, you can't blame me for not trying. I started off on a run after work but unfortunately the sub-zero temperature got the best of me. First of all, Byrdie's jacket was in Ben's car and after about 5 minutes I realized she really needed the thing. Second of all, when I headed back home to drop her off, I saw that after 10 minutes outside my cheeks were already red and wind burned. I pulled out the alumni card... :)

Used Ben's trainer for the first time. Since I was short on time, I used his bike and biking shoes. I actually had a great little workout! I biked for about 40 minutes and my heart rate averaged 165-180 almost the entire time. I probably exercised at a higher % max than I do while running. I turned on a show I've never seen, but read about often on my Twitter: Glee. It's this fun new show about a Glee Club at a high school in Ohio. I actually really enjoyed the episode - it was almost like a musical! The bike workout was a nice change of pace and I finished dripping sweat!

I hear today (because I'm posting this a day late) should be in the 30's. I can handle 30 degrees. Back out to run?

Week 1: Day 3

A day off! It's really too bad though. I found this little gem in the box with my textbook that arrived today. My very own blaze orange! And what better a day to wear it than today while the snow falls and the temperatures sit in the single digits.

Ah well, there's always tomorrow.

Week 1: Day 2

This morning I set out for a run around 8am - a little later than planned. As I noted yesterday, my goal was to run a little longer this morning since I took it easy yesterday. I chose to run my favorite route near the house which is an hour run. When I began the first hill climb (only about 10 minutes into the run since I chose to do the route "backwards") I again realized I am not quite ready for hills. I've been through this building up from nothing thing once before and it ended badly as I injured myself and actually have never quite recovered from the foot injury. Needless to say, I'd really like to avoid injuring myself again.

So, when I changed course (all the way back down the hill cursing myself - is this really a physical barrier or is it just mental?) I decided I was being too hard on myself for cutting my run short. Along the way, I concluded that running short (3-6 miles) consistently with one longer run (7+ miles) each week, for now, is exactly what I should be doing. I may have motivation issues at some point, but now when I'm in that tenuous stage of training where any wrong move could mean a lasting injury, I do not need to preoccupy myself with worries of not doing enough. I need to remember my slow and steady mindset and keep myself there for awhile. Patience.

Overall, I had a good run. Despite how I feel during hill climbs, I know this fatigue will only last another week or two before I start to gain my climbing strength back. This morning my legs were recovered and no longer sore, which is a good feeling. The weather was warm and I had my blue skies (with a few clouds dotting here and there). I ran for 34 minutes and called it good. I'm going to say it was about 4 miles. Really, the run was quite enjoyable! Tomorrow we are forecast to have snow again and cold temps for most of the work week. I'm happy that I was able to enjoy the warm weather while it was here.

Total: 7.5 miles

Week 1: Day 1

I had a difficult time getting myself out the door today. Waking at 4:30am for work and "resting" on the couch for an hour after work didn't help my motivation (resting meaning watching my guilty pleasure shows on netflix). Alas, thanks to Byrdie's ceaseless whining once I pulled out my running gear, I made it out for an easy 30 minutes. I don't have a specific route to list here - I mostly bumbled around the trails and then through the neighborhood just taking it easy and avoiding hills so that I could recover. I started off feeling so-so which isn't hard to imagine considering how I was feeling before I left the house but after 15 minutes the run improved and I fell into my usual rhythm.

A short run was all I wanted to do today since I ran a bit longer yesterday. Tomorrow I work late and I have the morning free which means I can take the time for another long run. I'm looking forward to the am run since most mornings there's blue skies and sunshine around here. Such an amazing, refreshing feeling!

Some highlights of my run today:
the complete randomness of my route
Byrdie barreling down the trail carrying the biggest stick (log?) she could find
the hues of pink, purple and orange in the east
the blue sky and purple and orange clouds in the west
the giant houses along my neighborhood route - houses I don't often see since I'm usually on trails in the daylight
the still air - the type you only feel at dusk

Total: 3.5 miles (probably an underestimation, but better than overestimating)

Day 3: 01/03/10

Today I went for a longish run since yesterday was a short day. Byrdie and I drove over to the South side of Marshall Mesa and started off from the trailhead on 93. The weather was chilly and gray and there weren't many people on the trails. I started off feeling pretty good. My hamstrings are still tight and a little sore today, but that's to be expected.  About 3 miles into the run, I started to feel sluggish. The trails were slightly snow-covered and very muddy. The mud was a lot like soft clay, so it really stuck to my shoes which made them feel heavy and probably contributed to the way I felt. I pushed through and eventually my run improved. I had a pretty significant climb between miles 4 and 5 and I didn't have any problems with keeping my pace. I finished out the run on Dowdy Draw running past the Flatirons Vista trailhead and back across 93 to the Marshall Mesa trailhead. Once I climbed ot of the valley, the wind picked up and the snow flakes began to fall. I wished I had a hat!

Overall, not a great run in terms of how I felt, but I made it through without stopping. Well, I did stop to take a couple of photos with my iphone... I'll post those in my other spot. A respectable 6.5 miles in the books. Took me about 56 minutes which means I averaged just under 9 minute pace. I'm really not sure how this would convert on flat roads, but I'm not really concerned at this point. Slow and steady... :)

Total:  15 miles - Looking back on the week of running, I probably ran about 23 miles. Again, slow and steady climb. :)
View my route!

Day 2: 01/02/10

Today Ben and I ran the short Shanahan loop - about 3.5 miles. We are having a few people over to play Rockband tonight, so we spent most of the day preparing for the party and ran out of time for a long run. My legs were a little sore today so I was alright with a short run. Our pace was very easy - 30 minutes.

Tomorrow I'll run a bit longer.

Total: 8.5 miles

Day 1: 01/01/2010

Over the last few months my training as come to a screeching hault. For a number of reasons, I found myself going days and days without exercise but things have settled down and I can afford more time for training. I decided to take an online course this semester to give myself more time for the things I want to be doing - running, hiking, yoga, etc. Night class and a busy work schedule made it very difficult for me to find enough time for training. I think this online course (and not to mention how much easier the course will be - genetics vs. organic chemistry) is the perfect solution. So this blog is really a diary of my journey back to fitness!

It was a beautiful, blue sky day in Boulder today. I checked the weather early and saw that the temperature would reach mid-40's by 2pm and decided to wait to exercise. Ben and I thought about taking a hike today, but he's not feeling well and is a bit sluggish so I went for a run instead. I chose to run part of the Bluestem trail (the whole trail is about 8 miles from home). I walked to the trailhead near the house and started off. Originally, I left with the intention of running up Bluestem to the Mesa trail and back around to the Shanahan loop, but once I started the climb to the base of the foothills, I realized that it would be silly of me to jump into a hill-climb run this early in the game. I'm looking to avoid injuries so instead I continued on Bluestem. I ran for 41 minutes and decided that was enough for the day. I maintained a good pace the whole way through. My goal for increasing my training is to keep a pace between 8-9 minute-miles and slowly build up my weekly miles. Of course, I have to consider that a lot of my runs have a significant hill climb in them, so I'll keep that in mind if I don't hit my intended pace. On this run I was slowed a bit by the snow and ice. I used yaktrax, though which helped some.

I plan to run every day this weekend, and if I can average about 5 miles every day I'll be happy.

Total: ~5 miles View my run

I'll start a weekly mileage count next week.