The Biggest Loser League

Well, 3 down and 9 to go!!  I completed 21 miles this week with a long run of 7 miles.  On the long runs I am learning to take in nutrition along the way--those little sugary packets--some are called gu.  Rightfully so--they are nothing but gooey sugar.  Not sure I like them so well.  They also have little jellybeans.  Those are more to my liking.  Anyway, I can't really tell that they give me energy, maybe they just keep me from losing all the energy I have :)  Anyway it felt really good to run 7 miles.  I am running at such a slow pace that my heart rate stays at about 80%.

 I went to a chi-running workshop on Saturday.  It was very interesting.  It's all about running with less effort and less injury.  There are a lot of things to focus on while running, so it will take me a while to master it, but I think it will improve my running and hopefully before the 1/2 in November. 

We'll be off to Atlanta on Thursday, so I probably won't be on here over the weekend.  4 little guys keep us pretty busy while we're there.  I am really anxious to see the baby---she's 2 months and I haven't seen her for a month--I'm sure I won't recognize her. 

 Hope everyone is off to a great week.

Wow, I successfully finished week 2 of the half-marathon training.  Only 10 more weeks to go :)  Overall the week went well.  I stayed within my pace & heart rate goals and ran a total of 19 miles.  3 on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, 4 on Wednesday and 6 on Saturday. 

 He has me running at such a slow pace it's really no problem.  He ran with me on Sunday morning.  It was kinda nice--a little intimidating--but nice nontheless.  He said my form was good.  I was glad for that.  I've never had anyone analzye my form before.  So I guess I'm good to go onward and upward to the half marathon!!!! 

 It's interesting learning about pace, cadence, taking in nourishment while running, etc.  It's crazy to think that when I run the 1/2 I'll be running for 2-3 hours!!!  (depending on how fast, or slow,  I run ) 

 I may travel to Columbus, OH this weekend to attend a Chi-running workshop.  I am really interested in learning this method of "effortless" running.

Weight wise, I'm up a little.  Don't know, just can't seem to get back with the program.  I'm thinking of joining Jillian's online program after Labor Day if I still can't get on track.  We'll be going back to Atlanta to see the grandkids over Labor Day, so I definintely won't plan anything amazing till after that.  Both my daughter and son-in-law are running as well.  It will be fun to run with them. 

Well, week one is over and I have learned a few things:

 1. I HATE the treadmill. Give me the good outdoors ANY DAY!!!

2.  My running plan is much harder in real life than it is on paper!!

3.  It's hard to run slow when you have been used to pushing yourself to run fast!

4.  Running 20 miles/week makes you tired (and hungry!!)

 
So anyway, I am off to week 2.  Meeting with the coach (actually running with him) on Thursday evening.  I always run in the cool of the morning, so I warned him that I may collapse running in 85 degree weather--seriously!!!  This week I will run 20 miles, then build up to 30 miles during the next 10 weeks.  I am skeptical, but I doubted the c25k plan also and it worked, so I am just going to work the plan and have confidence in my coach!!