new look + where did all my motivation go?

The title pretty much sums it up. I'm supposedly in week 3 of my 1/2 training program and have totaled 7 miles thus far - a 2 mile run on the first day, and another 5 mile run about 5 days later while on high-altitude vacation. Granted, I did an amazing butt-kicking hike 1.6 miles long that gained 1600 ft. in elevation. So that counted as a workout.

I've wondered where to go to get new motivation.

• First, I've changed my look. With a new look comes new life, maybe. I continue to read all the motivational blogs on my list, and I think about going for a run every day. So this should add some freshness to the running idea.
• Second, I should remember that I have a new kickass running skort that I love to run in. I also bought a super-duper-extra-cute dress on sale from Patagonia that I'm dying to sport this summer ...
• Third, I love activity. I love making time for it and scheduling it in. I love getting massages and feeling like I deserve them. I love sacking out on the couch with a beer and feeling like I deserve it.
• Fourth, I feel I'm very very close to needing new running shoes. However, I'll only need them if I continue to train for my 1/2. My old shoes will continue to work if recreational running is all I'm good for.
• Fifth, there is new activity to be had. Badminton is back on the schedule, the number of hot yoga classes have doubled, and I still haven't been swimming! No excuse to be bored.

That might be it.

This blog is called -run because you love it- remember?

RW SmartCoach 1/2 Marathon Plan

I found another training program for a 1/2 marathon on Runner's World that I'm posting here. I like this plan because of the "rest/XT" designation! I'm not so keen on the Tempo Run stuff...not really sure how to do that, or if it's even necessary. We'll see. I should actually time myself on another 10k or 5k so the times listed here will be more accurate.

Wk Dat Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat Sun Total 1 6/7 6/13 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 5 mi, inc Warm; 3 mi @ 9:29; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 6 mi @11:05 Rest / XT 13 miles 2 6/14 6/20 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Speedwork Dist: 5 mi, inc Warm; 2x1600 in 8:57 w/800 jogs; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 6 mi @11:05 Rest / XT 13 miles 3 6/21 6/27 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 5 mi, inc Warm; 3 mi @ 9:29; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 7 mi @11:05 Rest / XT 14 miles 4 6/28 7/4 Easy Run Dist: 4 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 3 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 3 mi @11:05 Rest / XT 10 miles 5 7/5 7/11 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 6 mi, inc Warm; 4 mi @ 9:28; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 7 mi @10:59 Rest / XT 15 miles 6 7/12 7/18 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Speedwork Dist: 7 mi, inc Warm; 3x1600 in 8:51 w/800 jogs; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 8 mi @10:59 Rest / XT 17 miles 7 7/19 7/25 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 6 mi, inc Warm; 4 mi @ 9:28; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 8 mi @10:59 Rest / XT 18 miles 8 7/26 8/1 Easy Run Dist: 4 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 4 mi @10:59 Rest / XT Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 4 mi @10:59 Rest / XT 12 miles 9 8/2 8/8 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 7 mi, inc Warm; 5 mi @ 9:28; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 9 mi @10:52 Rest / XT 20 miles 10 8/9 8/15 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Speedwork Dist: 8 mi, inc Warm; 4x1600 in 8:46 w/800 jogs; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 9 mi @10:52 Rest / XT 21 miles 11 8/16 8/22 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 7 mi, inc Warm; 5 mi @ 9:28; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 10 mi @10:52 Rest / XT 21 miles 12 8/23 8/29 Easy Run Dist: 5 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 5 mi @10:52 Rest / XT Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 5 mi @10:52 Rest / XT 15 miles 13 8/30 9/5 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 8 mi, inc Warm; 6 mi @ 9:27; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 10 mi @10:45 Rest / XT 22 miles 14 9/6 9/12 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Speedwork Dist: 10 mi, inc Warm; 5x1600 in 8:41 w/800 jogs; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 11 mi @10:45 Rest / XT 25 miles 15 9/13 9/19 Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 8 mi, inc Warm; 6 mi @ 9:27; Cool Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @10:45 Rest / XT Long Run Dist: 11 mi @10:45 Rest / XT 23 miles 16 9/20 9/26 Rest / XT Easy Run Dist: 2 mi @11:05 Rest / XT Tempo Run Dist: 5 mi, inc Warm; 3 mi @ 9:29; Cool Rest / XT Rest / XT Race Day Dist: Half-Marathon @9:26 Time: 2:03:50 20 miles

New Plan

The horrible weather has given me the opportunity to relax and think about my running.

Someone on my blogroll recently posted a quote (DOTR?): "Run to Eat, Eat to Run." I love it! This seems like the healthiest, best recipe for success in maintaining a body that I'm proud of. I run because I love it, and also because every single time I've ever gone on a run, I'm happy that I did - I am always proud of myself. Since going gluten-free 8-ish months ago, I've lost between 5 to 10 pounds, depending on the day. I've also been much more active with hot yoga and running. I feel good, and fit, and am actually motivated and excited to workout - not every day though, which is fine!

I originally started running back in late February/early March because I decided I wanted to run a 1/2 marathon. Sticking to Hal Higdon's training plan was a disaster for me. I could never run long enough on long run days, and I could never keep myself to just 3 miles on short run days. I was always pushing myself in random ways. I also put a 10k on my plate right in the middle of it all, and had to really strain to make it happen. I loved it, but I felt like I'd accomplished my goal and stopped "training" and continued to just "run".

Now that I know a little bit more about my running self, I think I could stick to a training plan. I know how to appreciate short run days, I have good ideas for strengthening days, and I know that little-by-little, I can up my mileage each week on a long run. It takes serious dedication and concentration to make something like this happen, (and I know I'll get sick of my stand-by trails!), and I know I'll have to fuel my body right.

There are several 1/2 marathons in October, which gives me all summer long to prepare and still not freak out if I go astray. If I can keep to my schedule over the summer I will be ready in 12 weeks, or 3 months.

warm yoga

Warm Yoga tonight. I admit, I had serious second thoughts about using one of my yoga punches on a 'warm' class, but it was perfect. It was so humid and warm in there I sweated just as much as I do in a hot class.

Today is pathetically rainy and drizzely. I hate it. I wish I could fill out a whole long list of good things, and grateful things, but I am just so over all this rain. I wanted to run for National Running Day, but I know I hate running in the rain. So warm yoga was my fix. As well as whipping up an uber-healthy dinner of carrot-cabbage-apple salad with a side of red quinoa.

It's supposed to rain the rest of the week, which means I will probably not be working and have extra time for a p90x workout. Ha! There, I tricked myself and found something good!

5 miles + Ab Ripper

Saturday, May 29 was my last run. I was exhausted with no motivation, but the day was glorious and E was motivational. I went out telling myself that all I had to do was 3 miles. No big plans are necessary if it means I'll actually get out and run vs. sit on my butt. So once we're out there, 3 easily turns into 5 and I feel like I'm running really fast. Quick pace, E says.

I pushed through a round of Ab Ripper upon returning, and threw in some nice stretching. And post-shower I was greeted with a frosty margarita and delicious fish tacos. Holy Memorial Day Weekend!