Off-Season

Well triathlon season has officially come to an end.  I completed two triathlons, one with a lower-back problem.  I just finished taking one week off to heal my lower back and I am ready to begin my off-season training.  I always find that if I share my plans I will tend to keep them, using this little blog post as a way to keep myself accountable.

I've been paying for my gym membership and really the only thing I used it for during tri season was to swim.  Occasionally I would go to a cycle class if the weather was not cooperating.  A few weeks before my second triathlon I started to go to a body works class.  Other than that, LA Fitness really hasn't seen me much and is pretty much just sucking unused dollars out of my bank account.  So I plan to correct that and make every penny count.

Here is my "PLAN"

Monday: Swim!
Tuesday: Cycle Class @ 9:15 AM
Wednesday: Yoga @ 8:30 AM
Thursday: Body Works Plus Abs @ 8:30
Friday: Off
Saturday: Run! (Or doing a pretty good hike.)
Sunday: Off

I would like to get stronger and more flexible during the off season.  Work on my abs so I can protect that lower back of mine.  I would like to swim, run and cycle (class counts) once a week to keep all three in shape.

I am also thinking about buying a little journal to document what I am eating.  I've counted calories before with an iPhone app, which that worked out for the most part.  It could be more convenient than an actual hand written journal, but I guess I'll see.  I more want to document everything I am eating and if in a month or two I have not seen any change in my body (positive change!) than I may consider talking to a nutritionist to see what I need to change.  (Which I am sure I could use a lot of change, really!)

Anyone is welcomed to join me in the pool or at any of the classes I will attend.  I would be happy to have a work-out partner.  I found the one time that I ran with my friend my 3 miles went by faster and we're easier so if anyone wants to run on Saturday mornings with me, please let me know.

Here's to always working towards a healthier lifestyle.

Skipping,
Aubrie

What happened to week 6 and beyond...?

I quit.

Ok, I am kidding.

I didn't quit.  In fact just the opposite happened.  I kept training and adding on here and there.  I am sure I had a few off weeks, in fact I think week 8 sucked!  But after that things started to look up.  I doubled up on some of the training like did a swim-bike and a bike-run a few times.  All were successful including my last one on Wednesday where I biked about 16 miles and ran a 5k.  (Shocked that I wasn't sore afterwards).  So I feel good and ready to take on the triathlon tomorrow.

...Yes, tomorrow!

I'll post once more tonight on my thoughts before the race and the hopefully post again with some results and photos.

Done TRAINING!  (for now)
Aubrie

Week 5

Well I am officially a quarter of the way done with my training.  That means I only have 8 more weeks until the triathlon.

Last week was a recover week.  Although it wasn't necessarily "easy."  Both bike rides were good (you'll have to check the previous post to find out about one of my rides.)  The second ride, on Saturday I rode for about 1hr and 15 mins.  I am loving the Banks-Vernonia trail.  My run was good, I only did one run last week but it was the farthest and longest I've ran.  I ran 3.33 miles.  (I thought 3.33 was a fun number to stop on.)  I found a new trail to run on right by my house, the Rock Creek trail.  It's perfect and I am looking forward to running on it again this week.  Both swims were good as well including my 1,000 yard time trial on Friday.  I swam it a little faster than I thought I would, so that's good.  It took me 15:15 to complete all 40 laps.

So we're back at again for Week 5.  Today I will bike to the pool and get about 1,600 yards in.  So I guess I better get a move on!

Week 5:

Monday | Swim: 1,600 yards (main set 20x50's)
Tuesday | Run: 50 Minutes
Wednesday | Bike: 60 Minutes
Thursday | Run: 40 Minutes
Friday | Swim: 1,900 yards (main set 15x100's)
Saturday | Bike: 90 Minutes

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Week 4

So after this week I will be a quarter of the way done with my training.  It goes fast!  Week four is actually suppose to be a "Rest" week, however looking at the training it doesn't seem very restful.  I guess if I want to I can either have an easy ride on Wednesday or a day of rest and that's all I see that is different lol.

So last week went well.  My bike ride on Wednesday was about 20 miles.  I went up to the Banks-Vernonia trail.  It's actually a gradual incline the whole way up, so the first 10 miles or so was my workout.  Then once I turned around I felt like coming back took me like 15 minutes.  :)  It's a very nice ride though, really pretty.  I am looking forward to riding even further this week.

My swims were good too- my whole neck thing didn't bother me.  Phew!  On Friday my main set was 1,500 yards!  All together on Friday I swam about 2,000 yards... I'm getting up there.  (Laughing to myself and remembering days when I would swim about 10,000 yards.)

You heard about my wimpy run on Tuesday, I ran... but it was very, very slow.  Thursday's run was better and a little longer- I ran about 2.7 miles.  The good news is that my knees didn't bother me the next day.

My bad news, once again is that I failed to bike on the weekend.  I was gone on Saturday allll day so I was going to ride on Sunday.  And the weather just got to me.  I don't have a rain jacket to ride in... and that's what it did on Sunday, rained.  (At least during the period of which I could've gone out to ride.)  So I skipped my long ride over the weekend, oops.  I did ride my bike to and from the gym on Friday- with a little extra mileage thrown in on the way back, so at least I did that.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for better weather this week!  At least when I ride and run, it makes both a lot easier when it's sunny.  I am looking forward to my big swim on Friday.  David and I have a special "date" on Friday night.  I have to swim a time 1,000.  So big Dave is going to be my counter for me.  It should be interesting- I don't think my husband has actually ever seen me swim like that before.  Afterwards I am thinking.... cheeseburger!  hahahhaha

Onward I train... into Week 4:

Monday: Swim- main set 750 yards total 1,300
Tuesday: Run- 30 minutes
Wednesday: Bike- 60 minutes (or take the day off to rest)
Thursday: Run- 30 minutes
Friday: Swim- 1,000 yard time trial
Saturday: Bike- 60 minutes

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Week 3

Well week 2 came and went and I am already two days into week 3.  Week 2 was good... and bad.

I said last week I really wanted to push myself a little harder on Week 2, which I did... that was good.  My swims were pretty strong and my bike rides were longer.  I reached 13 miles on one ride and I FINALLY ran 3 miles again.  (I haven't ran 3 miles since my 5k.)  I was a little sore and a little more tired this week, that's what I wanted.  So the bad news.... well I only did 5 out of my 6 days.  Saturday quickly became my day of rest instead of Sunday.  So on Sunday I should've ran that day... but I failed to do so.  I did work in the yard for a couple of hours though, so at least I wasn't a couch potato.

My body is finding a few problems here and there, but I am trying to work through it.  My lower back keeps "giving" or pulling or whatever you want to call it.  It makes me a tad bit worried, but after I work out it's okay.  Strange.  It's more during times of rest that my back is yellin' at me.  I will admit the knees were a little sore after my 3 mile run...nothing that little ice and Advil won't fix.  The newest addition of aches and pains was during my swim my neck kept spasming and running down into my upper shoulder a little bit.  Well I swam yesterday, and it didn't bother me... so hopefully it was a fluke.

Week 3 is off to a good start... My swim on Monday was good, I did about 1400+ yards.  My run today was slllooow- but I wanted to take it easy today and make sure my knees and back are keeping up with me.  Tomorrow is another bike ride.... pray for sunshine!  The weather sucks for training right now, ugh Portland!

Week 3:

Monday- Swim: 1500 yards (main set 20x50's)
Tuesday- Run: 30 Minutes
Wednesday- Bike: 60 Minutes
Thursday- Run: 30 Minutes
Friday- Swim: 1800 yards (main set 10x150's)
Saturday- Bike: 2 Hours
Sunday- REST!

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Training, Week 2

Well my first official week of triathlon training was a success.  My body is not wasted, in fact it's not even sore really.  Of course that could mean that I didn't push myself hard enough.  So we'll aim to be a little sore this week.  :)

I bought my road bike (and all the necessary accessories) at REI.  My first time (ever) riding a road bike with pedals was on Wednesday.  It was interesting.  David came with me and we fixed a few things with the pedals and bike seat arrangement.  So on Saturday, when I rode again, everything seemed to fit great.  And I am getting pretty good at getting into and out of my pedals.

Swimming was just fine- I think I swam around 1100+ yards on both days and it felt good.  Running...well running was running.  My weakest link.  However the first run was on a treadmill to make sure my lower back was okay and it held up like a pro.  Then on Thursday I ran outside for 2 miles and my back was great.  Hopefully my backs stays where it is and doesn't cause me grief.

I feel like it was almost a "warm-up" week to prepare myself on working out 6 times a week, figuring out my schedule, learning how to ride the bike and figuring out my back issues.  This week, week 2, I think I'll step it up a little bit.  This week's schedule...

Monday= Swim: 4 x100's easy, 20x50's race pace, 4x50's easy
Tuesday= Run: 30 minutes (My goal is to run 2.5 miles since I ran 2 miles both days last week)
Wednesday= Bike: 1 hour (5 mins. easy than steady with 15-sec hard bursts every 5 mins.)
Thursday= Run: 30 minutes (again my goal is 2.5 miles)
Friday= Swim: 200 easy, 15x100's race effort, 4x25's easy
Saturday=Bike: 90 minutes (easy-to-steady)
Sunday= REST!

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Spinning, Weights and Ice Cream

Wow.  It's been a really long time since I have updated everyone on how my training is going.  I would apologize, but I really don't think anyone wants a weekly update on how the gym is treating me during these winter months.

...But a monthly update, maybe.  So the gym is treating me well. :)  Actually I am proud to say that the three goals I mentioned earlier are working out.  I am officially practicing/training for all three sports now.  I've been either swimming at the gym or I'll get in the pool before I coach the Sunset High School swim practice. I am trying to run at least twice a week.  I've been using the treadmill for the most part, but with the warmer weather this last week or so I've ran the last three times outside.  Every time I take more than a couple of days off (dang holidays!) I have to re-build my running for some reason.  Tonight I ran two miles again so I am hoping to keep that up and then build to the actual 3 miles I need to be at.

My latest and greatest activity is the spinning class, or LA Fitness just simply calls it "Cycle."  I love it!  After my butt adjusted to being sore of course.  I have been trying to go to the cycle class at least twice a week... and sometimes I throw a third "class" in on my own time.  Definitely my favorite part of the training for now.

Yesterday I added yet another component to the training- weights!  I have never been into weight lifting.  During my years of competitive swimming I was always too tight and muscular to do weight lifting, I had to stretch instead.  So this will take some motivation, dedication and discipline on my behalf.  (What doesn't?)  Hopefully I can keep it up and get use to the fact that I'll be sore... a lot!

As far as eating goes... well let's just say I eat tons of salads, fruit, veggies, whole wheat pasta and English muffins, low-fat yogurt and leaner meats.  I also eat ice cream, bread, more bread and more ice cream.  I am happy that all the cookies and box of chocolates are gone from the holidays- one less temptation I have to fight.  Psh, there is no fight.  They call out to me- and I cave within in seconds.  Owell.  Hopefully I'll find that nice balance soon.

One last thing- I have decided on an actual triathlon.  I will be competing in the Blue Lake Sprint Triathlon in Fairbanks, OR on June 11th.  Anyone want to be my sponsor and donate the $80 sign-up fee?  :)

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Three Goals

WoW.  It's almost been a month since I last wrote something.  I guess training in the gym is not that exciting.  The scenery is the same... the treadmill and the stationary bike have the same view.  The good news is that I haven't fallen off completely- I am still running on the treadmill around 2-2.5 miles and I am biking about 8-9 miles.  I also have been attending 1-2 yoga classes a week.

I always feel more motivated at the beginning of the week.  Monday I hit up yoga and then go work out, Tuesday I typically hit the gym followed by at least yoga on Wednesday and a possible work out as well... then Thursday starts the downward plunge into the weekend where sometimes I don't make at all.  (I did make it last Saturday- go me.)

What I need to do is get into a routine.  Uh, just saying routine makes me cringe.  But I think between running, biking, swimming, yoga and a cycle class or two I can mix things up enough to keep it interesting.   I'll think of a routine- maybe if I post it on here it will help keep me accountable.

And, for the 10-billionth time, I need to work on my eating habits again.  *Sigh*    Seriously- what is my problem with ice cream?   I like how I am stating that I need to create better eating habits the day before Thanksgiving.

Okay.  After this weekend, because let's face it, it's Thanksgiving and I will be out of town... I am putting three goals into action starting 9.29.

1. Add Swimming!!!
2. Plan a routine and stick with it!
3. Count Calories!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving and that they forget about whatever diet/exercise regime they are on for one day to give thanks for the fact that we have some AWESOME food in this world.  :)

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Back to the Gym

I'm not saying that were never going to see the sun here in Portland for the next 4-5 months, but I can officially say that summer and Indian summer are officially over.  The colder, wetter weather has set in.  So what does that do for my work outs?  Well, for now they are simply moved in doors.

I came down with a cold already- I thought it was a bit early, but hey maybe this will be it and I won't suffer through the ol' sinus infection this year.  With the cold, change of weather and um... aunt flow visiting... I definitely lost motivation.  (That's really all this blog is about to tell you how I lost motivation and then to tell you how I found it again and then to tell you how it's holding up and then to tell you again that I lost it... and start vicious cycle over again.)

Almost an entire week went by before I decided to get my bum off the couch, eh probably more like the computer desk chair.  I ran outside last Thursday... actually I think I ran down to the grocery store, bought myself some Thyme and then ran home.  And then...nothing.  I got sick, I debated for about 4 days whether it's good to work out while your sick (a.k.a my excuse) and then I decided...it's time for the GYM.

So I set my alarm Monday morning for a yoga glass, I thought I would start off easy.  Snoozed right on past that puppy.  Tuesday came around and I set my alarm for the cycle class (which I might add was an hour later than yoga) I snoozed right on through that one too.

Finally on Wednesday, after dancing around the idea in my work out clothes for about an hour, I finally headed back to the gym.  I got a gym membership awhile back at LA Fitness.  I froze my account during August, September and October because I was running and biking outside.  On Wednesday the gym doors opened up again and so did the monthly bill cycle. I plan on using the gym now during the winter and of course the gym has the beloved swimming pool where I will train for the swimming part of my tri.

So I ran on the treadmill on Wednesday, two miles.  And then today I biked about 8.5 miles on the stationary cycle.  It felt good to be back, even if I am still fighting a cold.

It's a change of pace, which is always motivating to me- gotta keep things interesting.  All the other people at the gym are a lot more fit and slim- also motivating.  I could not read my magazine while on the open road riding, in the gym I can.  And let's not forget... I pay a monthly fee to use that place, if that's not motivation than I don't know what is.  I'm back baby- gym style!

Keep Training,
Aubrie

For Now...

I have a feeling that if I was going to write a lot tonight (well like a few paragraphs worth) that it would mostly be complaining.  I don't think complaining is what others want to read nor is probably good for me to dwell on.  So instead I'll say two quick things that are in the "complaint" section: 1. My bike sucks. and 2. Every-other time I run it's horrible and it hurts.  (Hey at least it's not every time.)

I will say that I did ride 9 miles (straight) today on my bike. And there were a few hills involved too.  I took the old two wheels down West Union to Jackson School Rd. and then I rode down that road a little bit as well.  I am very blessed to have a bike and have an area right out my back door that is beautiful to ride- nice country roads.  Plus we are having AWESOME Fall weather right now.  ...Just give that a week and I'll probably list the rain and cold as my third complaint.  :)

For now I guess I can just say that I am sticking with the training.  I probably could be a little more hard-core about it, I am hoping that kicks in when I am about 10-12 weeks away from the actual triathlon.  For now I am biking and running and I guess for now that is all I need to do.

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Bring on the Bike

Okay, I'm pretty much back on track.  Well I ran 2 miles twice.  2x2!  Anyway... I say "pretty much" because it still hurt.  Before I left for vacation I was feeling pretty good.  Running will never be "easy" for me.  Part of my problem is my flexibility, it's awful!  That is what hurt me the last two times my poor legs were killing me.  I did some extra stretching after the second two mile run so hopefully that will help for tomorrow's run.  Running, *sigh*

I did... GET ON MY BIKE!  I took it down from the rafters, pumped up the tires (or, eh, asked my awesome neighbor to do with his automatic air pump, he had it done in two seconds) and I took the bike out on the pavement and actually used the pedals!  I even wore my new biking shorts.  Okay so I am way out of shape for biking too, ugh.  Thank God I can get in the water and pull 800 yards out of my butt because if I was totally out of shape for all three I would have my work cut out for me (even more so!).  Anyway, I biked...a whole...4 miles!  HA!  I rode my bike down to Fred Meyers, bought some socks, and rode back.  So I definitely have a lot of progress to make with biking... but at least the bike is not hanging in my garage now and hopefully this is just the start of my biking experience.

Still Running

I realized that I never posted anything after my "Where's my Motivation?" blog post.  I just wanted to quickly say that I am still running.  I have a few ups and downs but for the most part I run 2-2.5 miles every other day or so.  I "was" getting faster until I had a lil vacation.  In fact one run I lowered my mile pace to like 10:30 which so far is my fastest pace.

I just returned from my week vacation in Indiana.  I ran the Tuesday morning I left followed by a run Thursday down good ol' Clover Rd.  Then.... ummm... well I guess vacation got in the way and I didn't hit the pavement until I came home.  So today was my first run back after taking 5 days off.  I'm not going to lie- my legs felt a little more like lead than flesh and bones. I told myself to just get out and run- do the best I can today and I'll get back to running 2.5 miles again in no time.  I managed to run a little over 1.5 miles.  So I think tomorrow I'll build it back up to 2 miles and then increase again from there.

My plan at the moment is to figure out how long of a run it is to my pool and start running and swimming.  My draw back at the moment is that if I run to the pool than how do I get back home?  I am sure after some training I could probably run back home... but my problem there is it's a little time consuming.  That's a chunk out of your day- right?  So we'll see if that idea pans out or not.  Maybe I'll ride my bike instead and then throw in some running days.  I definitely need to add one or the other into my exercise routine.

Keep Training,
Aubrie

Where's My Motivation?

Did I lose my motivation to run already?  I did not run Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday... oops.  The first two days were a breather as I allowed my legs to get back to normal.  Wednesday I basically didn't feel like running when it was 93.  This morning I got up and decided to run before work.  Ouch!  I have already learned that taking 3 days off is not a good thing... but I felt like I had no motivation to run either.  I don't know if it was because my 5k run is done or because I tried to run with out music, or because I felt sorry for my dog and decided to take him along (still a pain to run with- and took a poop within the first 2 minutes of running) or maybe my legs and body really did hurt and I just wasn't feeling it. ???  I don't know what my problem was but I didn't even run a mile- maybe the combination of my run/walk equaled mile.  Sad.

So I have to fix this little problem.  I think the stretching and just getting back to running today will help my legs and body feel better for my next run.  I will not bring the dog with me, sorry Lukah.  I'll have to create some other moments to be "alone with my thoughts"... I'll leave that for when I swim or bike.  But running?  Music is a MUST!  Plus I think I will sign up for another 5k run for my motivation.  I found one in October in Portland, "Run Like Hell." It sounds like a fun run with it's Halloween theme.  

There.  Problems solved.  Oh- and I know of some big sales going on this weekend for bike stuff.  Maybe I'll find a pair of riding shorts and get on that bike of mine.

Keep Training,
Aubrie

5k- Check. What's next?

Well, I did it.  I completed my first 5k run.  In hind sight, after watching Daniel cross the finish line after his first triathlon, running a 5k is not all that hard.  I told someone after the run that it's easier than a 200 butterfly or 400 IM race- for sure!

I am happy to know that the last part of the triathlon leg is doable- I can run 3.1 miles.  Now can I run after swimming and biking?  Well, I guess we'll find out.  (Of course I CAN! It just takes training.)

Oh- a few race details...  The start was very sudden.  I did not have my headphones on or my "imapmyrun" application going.  So in the beginning of the race I was running and trying to put my headphones on and play with my iphone.  All to say that I did not correctly record my 5k run.  I finally figured out how to look at my time last night and realized that I did not finish the race in 32 minutes... I finished it in about 38 minutes, I think.  I guess for my first run it doesn't really matter... I ran the entire way (even the lovely zig-zag up hill and stairs part), I did not stop and I finished it.  We'll work on running a tad bit faster later.  There were a lot of people around me that did walk a few times... so I was just happy that I kept running.

Couch-to-5k, completed!  Onward...

What's next?  Well, I have to keep running.  This isn't like a... check, I'm done- sort of thing.  I have to add either swimming or biking into the mix now.  My first idea was to add the biking because the swimming part will be easiest for me to train.  However I am really at a loss with my bike right now.  I have a mountain bike, not a road bike.  I have a helmet.  That's it.  I realize I can start to train with a mountain bike.  I also realize that eventually (and I am sure the eventually will sneak up on me very fast) I will need bike shorts, gloves, road bike wheels, pedals and shoes... plus I need to teach myself how to change a tire, etc.  Well if I was a millionaire none of this would be a problem but I am guessing all that I just listed will cost a pretty penny.  So I have started an envelope (I stash cash into envelopes, that's my savings plan) for my "bike."  We'll see how fast that accumulates.

So- do I get back into the water?  Do I start training with just my mountain bike?  Should I sign up for another 5k run so that I keep running?  Maybe I should find a bike race to sign up for?

I don't know what to do next... but I'll figure it out and let ya'll know.  :)

In the mean time at least I'll... Keep Training,
Aubrie

5k Baby!

Well my 5k is here!  It's 6:15 AM on Sunday and I am eating a little bowl of cereal while I write this.  Waking up this early and putting on my "attire" reminded me of my good ol' swimming days- getting ready for a swim meet.

I am running the "Run for the River" in down town Portland.  Here is my lovely route.  Lindsay Stark is running "with me" (I told her I am slow so technically she doesn't have to run with me.)  And we are cheering on her husband, Daniel, who is doing is first sprint triathlon.

I did narrow down my play list for today.  These songs some how just keep me moving- it really has nothing to do with words but more of the beat and the music.  My First 5K Play List:

"Wild at Heart" by Gloriana
"Send Me on My Way" by Rusted Root
"Missed the Boat" by Modest Mouse
"All In" by Lifehouse
"Lie in Our Graves" by Dave Matthews Band
"With You in My Head" by UNKLE
"Lets Get Lost" by Beck & Bat for Lashes
"1901" by Phoenix
"Kids" by MGMT

....and I might add "What Part of Forever" by Cee Lo Green as a back-up incase I run out of music.

Well wish me luck.  My first goal is to just make it, finish it with out stopping or walking.  My second goal (and not as important) is to run it in 35 minutes.

Yay!
Aubrie

Running, Running... Running in the Sun!

I am officially on the home-stretch.  This is my last week of running before I do the 5k race.  Two mile runs are actually "easy" for me... in the sense that I can put on the shoes, stretch the calves and run with out stopping with out too many difficulties.  However I do not advise running when it's 98 degrees out in the middle of a sunny day.  I did this a few days ago and thought I was going to die about .2 into my run.  I think I got so hot and sweaty that my body started to feel cold, I felt dizzy at one point too.  I was going to stop a my 1.5 marker.  I was listening to "Lie in My Grave" by DMB, which I thought was a perfect song for how I was feeling.  I told myself that if my favorite little song to run to came on next I would finish the run.  Of course the song came on next (I typically listen to my play lists on shuffle).  So "Kids" by MGT brought me through the home stretch to the 2 mile marker.  I thought for sure I was super slow, but I actually got like a few seconds faster!  hahaha.

I had to make a little chiropractic appointment yesterday to fix a little kink in my lower back.  It was feeling better today so I thought I would try to hit the 3.1 miles again.  (It has now cooled off and is even cloudy today- Thank God!)  My thought was that I would run though the neighborhood behind me to mix things up a bit, that way I don't know how far I have ran and will keep going.  (It's all about mind games.)  I also thought the neighborhood was going to be super flat... I was super wrong!  To make a long story short I some how managed to get pretty far away and "lost" while running.  I found a cool trial to run on though and it's a short-cut into town.  Well my entire trip ended up being over 4.5 miles (my tracker paused for 5 minutes while I talked to my sister).  I ran/walked for an hour today.  Did you actually think I ran all 4.5 miles?  Around the 2.45 mile marker I was starring at a big hill and my right foot was sleeping (again) so I decided to walk a little.  I ran again at the 2.8 marker until the 3.6 and then I walked the rest of the way home.  So all in all I got a 3.1 run in there somewhere.

...What am I going to do about my right foot falling asleep?  It's not fun!  I wonder if it's because my right calve is soo tight.  Hmmm....

4 Days Left!  Keep Training,
Aubrie

When did 2 miles become difficult??

On Sunday morning I ran two miles, no problem.  I wanted to get a quick run in before we headed off on a little trip to Maupin, OR.  So the rest of Sunday I spent lounging around, doing some wine tastings, reading my book in a chair along the Columbia River.  Monday we spent the day white water rafting down the Deschutes River.  Tuesday came and I need to run but my body was like... uh, no!  It kept telling me that I was tired and sore from Monday's excursion.  In the back of my mind I kept telling myself something that I read in one of my triathlon books... "Do not run tired."  So I didn't run Tuesday either.  Wednesday morning I knew that the running shoes had to hit the pavement.  I was excited- I missed my runs.  Who knew that taking a whole three days off would really throw me out of whack.  My run was not as easy as the Sunday 2 mile jog.  I could not wait until I hit that 2 mile mark today and I kept thinking... how in the world did I accomplish 3 miles a week ago?  I did finish the 2 miles in 24 minutes and I guess after a 3 day vacation that is pretty good.  Hopefully I'll be able to get another 3 mile run in some time this week.  Looking at my schedule though it's going to be complicated... wish me luck.

Keep Training,
Aubrie

PS. If you would like to see some photos from my trip to Maupin, OR and me screaming down a 4-class rapid you can check out my photo blog. http://capturinggrace.com/blog/

3.1 Miles!

Woo Hoo!  Today I officially completed 3.10 miles, which of course is the length of a 5k.  I actually was surprised that I finished in 32 minutes (and some odd seconds).  I figured from my other timed runs that it would be more like 38-40 minutes.  I kept looking at iMapMyRun to make sure it was functioning properly, it seemed like it was right.  I feel extremely relieved that I hit the mark before the actual race.  I was scared that I was not going to get up to 3 miles.  But hey- we are t-minus 17 days and running strong baby!  I guess I won't die at the finish line.

Today I ran the Vernonia-Banks Trail.  It's a great trail... flat, quiet and beautiful!  I will actually use this trail a lot for the bike training, especially in the beginning.  So I am sure this will not be the first and last time my feet hit that trail.  I'm still training my ears and coming up with the perfect mix to run to.  The Eclipse Soundtrack was great to run to and I have a feeling a few songs will make the final cut.

The Side Ache article I posted in my last entry helped me with my problem-o.  I am trying to figure out if eating/drinking is affecting the aches or not.  I am also trying to breath in through my belly.  I did not get a horrid side ache today.  My right foot is still falling asleep on me though and today I couldn't shake it.  Usually I can wake the ol' foot up but it wanted to sleep.  It's the strangest feeling running when your foot is snoozing.  It's not comfortable and I want to fix it ASAP!  So I guess I am going to have to do some searching to see why my foot is not cooperating.

Healthy Eating is still a go-go.  I'm not perfect nor am I trying to be.  I will say that I had to walk past Coldstone Creamery like 5 times yesterday.  I paused and was very, very tempted to get a scoop.  I was strong and decided to get an Odwalla Chocolate Protein shake instead.  (A lot less calories and a lot more "good stuff" for you like vitamins, minerals and...protein.)  This weekend will be tough.  Saturday I am photographing a wedding, which means I eat whatever meal is provided.  Typically it's good, just not good for you.  Sunday-Monday I will be camping and rafting.  Hopefully the rafting will burn off the hot dogs and smores.  ;)

Here is a fun photo of my tennis shoes- my new running kicks!  It's more of an artsy-fartsy shot than it is to show you what the shoes look like.  I'm a photographer- you'll have to excuse me.

Keep Training,
Aubrie

What's up with Side Aches?

Well, I missed my run today.  No harm, I guess.  I just really wanted to keep an every other day pattern going through August.  I am glad to see that lasted one day- since it's only August 2nd.  I will say that it was not due to lack of motivation- I wanted to run.  But life... {like sleeping in a few extra minutes, cramming dishes, invoices, CD labels, and camping spots in all before leaving for work and then after work running to the grocery store, cooking dinner and having a dear friend (who broke her ankle) over for food and card games} can just catch up with you sometimes.  Which, I think, is okay.

I did find a helpful article on side cramps though.  I thought my right side was falling apart, but side aches are typically on the right side- who knew?!  I was pleased to see at the end of the article that the "coach" is from Portland, Oregon!  You can read the article here.

Hitting the trail tomorrow morning before work- no excuses!

Keep Training,
Aubrie


PS. Eating Healthy Again (day 1) was a semi-success.  Life Cereal isn't horrible, right? Work will kill me every time though.  Somebody made fresh pasta salad and sampled it at work...and a breadstick snuck in there!  Ugh!  But for dinner I had grilled chicken and a salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.  You won't believe this... I did not have ice cream for dessert!!  I made a fruit salad instead with strawberries, blueberries and blackberries!  

Healthy Eating... Again? X 20!

I actually have an exercise plan that is working.  I have an exercise goal... a lot of mini goals leading up to one big goal.  I'm pretty excited about running and looking forward to whipping my butt into shape.  Exercise has always been the easier part of being healthy for me.  We all know what the second half of the equation is- food!  Eating healthy is not easy for me.

I make it sound like I sit around and eat Twinkies and hot dogs all day.  Actually I love fruits and veggies, I eat a lot of chicken and lean meat like venison.  I always buy whole wheat bread and skim milk.  So what is the problem?  Well I'm a big fan of dessert- especially ice cream.  It would not be a lie if I said I eat ice cream almost every night.  My portions are, I am assuming, not correct.  I love bread.  And... well I get odd cravings from time to time and do not deny myself the satisfaction of meeting those cravings...like Kraft Mac n Cheese.

If you know me- you know what I look like and I am pretty top heavy.  I have the Huddleston stomach or lovely muffin top.  And I am on the larger end of things in the bra department.  I can actually see that it's too much weight for my lil knees to carry when I am running.  They are sore and tired when I am done and I am guessing it's from lugging the top half around.

So I need to lose weight.  In order for me to loose weight- running 2.12 miles (and increasing) every other day is not cutting it.  I know it will get easier if I eat healthier and lose weight.  So here we go AGAIN for like the bazillionth time.  I need to get back to counting the calories and actually staying away from ice cream and macaroni and cheese.

I need my husband to join the frenzy.  It's hard to eat apples at night while your husband scarfs down chocolate peanut butter ice cream (my personal favorite.)  I am the woman of the house- I do make the menu, the grocery list and pack his lunches.  So I guess if I don't give him an option than he'll just be forced into eating healthy too.  ...Although he did go to the store tonight and he bought (what else?) ice cream and carmel topping!  AHHHHH!!

Here is a quick article on healthy eating.  Wish me luck!

Keep Training,
Aubrie