This Week's Workout (6/20/05 - 6/26/05)

This week I started my new job. I use the term "started" loosely. I've made it through orientation and now I'm sitting around waiting until I get access to all the various systems and databases that I need to access. This is guaranteed to take some time. For one of my coworkers, it took up to 3 months to finally get settled. Anyway as for working out… I had the worst week ever. My feet and my knees were killing me. I spent most of the week suffering from my first real running injury!!! I looked it up. I had Chondromalacia Patellae aka Runner's Knee. All week long my knee was sore. Even though I iced it regularly, the heeling process took the entire week. So, here it goes….

Monday, June 20th, 2005
Workout – Not so good

I decided that because my knee was still sore that I'll hold off on running and do step instead. After wasting all my time on the phone with Radio Shack, who took over a month to fix my cell phone, I didn’t have enough time to make it to Ronya's step class. So, I went to step class in Fairfax. It was a pretty lack luster routine. So I didn't get much of a workout. But I managed to aggravate my knee injury.

Tuesday, June 21st, 2005
Workout – None

Because my knee was still bothering me, I didn't workout. Instead I checked out a Community Center near a running trail to see if I could use it after work. The Center didn't have a changing facility so I passed.

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2005
Workout – None

Still recovering from my knee injury, I decided to go clothes shopping.

Thursday, June 24th, 2005
Workout – Good

I felt well enough to try running again. So, I went to the gym and ran on the treadmill. I did pretty well. My knee didn’t bother me too much, but I went home and put ice on it just in case.

Friday, June 25th, 2005
Workout – None

I decided to rest because tomorrow was the big 10 mile run.

Saturday, June 26th, 2005
Workout – None

I woke up Saturday morning and my knee felt great, better than it felt all week. But I remembered reading something that said just because the pain as gone away it doesn't mean that the injury is gone. So, I decided that it would be better to “ease” back into running. And doing a 10 mile run would only ease me back into the ice pack. So I got up anyway and volunteered to run the water stop. I took a few pictures of my fellow Red team members as they passed by the water stop. I felt a little jealous because they were running their first 10 miler and I was benched. But I’ll be running my first 10 miler soon.

After that the Red team went to the Silver Diner for brunch. After brunch I went to the Potomac River Running Company for new running shoes. Sean wasn't there but a girl named Sam helped me pick out my shoes. It's possible that my old shoes played a hand in causing my injury. After I picked up my shoes, I went on my second date w/ Carl. We saw “Mr. and Mrs. Smith”. Like all action flicks, if you can manage to suspend reality it'll be a fun movie.

Sunday, June 27th, 2005
Workout – Great

I decided to break in my new shoes. So, I went to the gym and ran on the treadmill at a 12 minute mile pace for 1 hour. The shoes felt OK. I think one or two more wears will get them into shape. Overall, I felt really good about this run. It sort of made up for missing out on the 10 mile run on Saturday. I'm pretty sure I could have kept running if I didn't accidentally hit the Stop button. This always seems to happen on this particular type of treadmill. But I made a new PR (Personal Record) today almost 4.0 mile in 1 hour.

I was in a great mood until I came home to find water all over the floor of my laundry room. Something is wrong with the AC Unit. I called a guy who came out on a Sunday night and tried to fix the unit. He wasn't too confident that he fixed the leak, so I called another guy to come out on Monday. I'll let you know how this Saga ends next week.

So, until next time…
Gotta Run

This Week's Workout (6/13/05 - 6/19/05)

Once again I'm behind on my postings. So, this is a quick overview of what I did this week.

Monday, June 13th, 2005
Workout – Good

Here I was at the beach. It was Monday and I had the urge to get out and run. So, I got up early and ran along the highway 2.5 miles from the house into town and back for a total of 5.0 miles. It was a pretty cloudy and breezy morning and the trail along the highway was pretty flat, so running wasn’t too hard. However my time was really slow.

Tuesday, June 14th, 2005
Workout – OK

This morning Anna and Joyce were going for a run so I decided to join them. But despite the fact that we left around 8:00am the sun came out early and I wasn't fully recovered from the previous day. So, I really struggled during this run. Because of the heat we only ran 2.0 miles to the traffic light and came back.

Wednesday, June 15th, 2005
Workout - None

Because I was returning from the beach today I didn't have time to workout. Instead the gang went outlet shopping afterwards I headed home.

Thursday, June 16th, 2005
Workout – Great

I decided to go to the gym and do a tempo run on the treadmill. I think this is a good way to build up cardio. I increased my speed to 4.8 minute mile and ran 3.1 miles in under 40 minutes. I felt pretty good about the run, but my knees were a little sore afterwards. I think it’s time to invest in new shoes.

Friday, June 17th, 2005
Workout – None

Today I rested and that was only from working out. I had a ton of other things I needed to do including weighing in. In 2 weeks I only lost .8lbs for a total weight loss of 28.2lbs!!! But in the grand scheme of things .8lbs isn’t much for 2 weeks. I really, really need to get back to journaling.

Saturday, June 18th, 2005
Workout – Great

Today was the 9.0 mile long run. I actually ran pretty well for the first 7 miles and slowed down a lot for the last 2 miles. I felt fine physically except my feet were killing me. I think I tied my laces too tight. Now my feet and knees are very sore. I’m going to put ice on it in hopes that the soreness goes away.

Sunday, June 19th, 2005
Workout – None

After yesterday, I could really use the break. I went to my nephews christening/ dedication in the morning and watched movies and TV for the rest of the afternoon

That’s about it. As for next week, I start my new job in a new location that’s pretty damn far from my house. It will take some time to figure out a workout schedule that I can manage seeing that I'll be working until 6 each night. I pass the C&O Trail on the way from work. If I can change before leaving work that will work out pretty well. My other option is to find another gym near work. But we'll see.

So, the following schedule for next week is mostly hopeful thinking…
6/20 – Ronya’s Step Class
6/21 – Rest
6/22 – Run 4.0 – 5.0 Miles
6/23 – Weigh-in
6/24 – Light workout/ Strength Train
6/25 – 10 mile long run then celebrate!!!
6/26 – Rest

As for races I’m registered for, nothing has changed since last week.

So, until next time…
Gotta Run

This Week's Workout (6/6/05 - 6/12/05)

Well, I had an OK week. I didn't do much running, but I got in enough to stay in shape for the long run on Saturday. As for eating, things have gone from bad to worse. I didn't do any journaling and I ate whatever whenever. So, without further adieu…

Monday, June 6th, 2005
Workout - Good

Because of the weather and the fact that the gym was closed due to a power outage, I went home and did the Slim-In-Six 'Burn-It-Up' workout. It's a very good workout, but it's sooooo boring. If anyone can do that workout six days a week for six weeks straight then they deserve to lose weight.

Tuesday, June 7th, 2005
Workout - None

I invited my friends over for Tea Party II (aka TP2 or T2). I hosted the first one on a fluke because Max wanted to get everyone together. Then I expanded the guest list for the second one since my table can seat 6 and Max agreed to cook. Tricia agreed to host the third one sometime this summer.



Pictured from left to right: Tricia, Ondrea, "Fuzzy" Bill, Max and Christian.
Not Pictured: Me, because I was the one taking the picture.

Wednesday, June 8th, 2005
Workout - None

I went on a date tonight. The conversation was great. We had a nice time. But I haven't heard from him since. Oh well, I'm too indifferent to start forming a relationship. If a guy doesn't call or write, I'll live.

Thursday, June 9th, 2005
Workout – Great

I had to get some running in this week if there was any hope of me being able to run on Saturday. So, I went to the gym and did a tempo run on the treadmill. I did very well at a 4.7 minute mile. I ran 3.1 miles (w/o stopping) in about 40 minutes. My typical 5K pace.

Friday, June 10th, 2005
Workout - None

This is the normal recovery day before the long run on Saturday, so I left work early. Yippee!!!! My last day!!!! I went home and completed one of 2 finals online then went to dinner to celebrate the birthday of one of my coolest friends in the whole wide world, Doug. After dinner I went home did stuff inside the house to get ready for my beach trip.

Saturday, June 11th, 2005
Workout – Great
Today we ran 8 miles! I've never ran eight miles before in my life. It wasn't so bad. I think it would have been better if it wasn't so hot. People in my group were fading in the sun. I, on the other hand, broke from the pack and finished ahead of them for the first time. But the heat made it a pretty brutal run. Afterwards I went home to take the second of 2 finals and get ready for the beach. BTW, I aced both classes.

Sunday, June 12th, 2005
Workout – None

I’m on my way to the beach!!

BTW, I didn't make it to Weight Watchers again, but I'm sure I would have been up.

For Next Week…
Since it's Saturday I can be honest about this schedule.

6/13 – Run 5.0 miles
6/14 – Run 4.0 miles
6/15 – Rest
6/16 – Run 3.0 miles
6/17 – Rest
6/18 – DCFit Run 9.0 miles
6/19 – Rest

Races I'm Registered (or Planning to Register) for...
9/11 - Fairlakes 8K (Registered.)
9/24 - Quantico Half (Maybe. Still deciding on this one.)
10/2 - Army 10 Miler (aka ATM. Registered. My chance to redeem myself with the The Vagas.)
10/30 - Marine Corps 8K (I'm not registered, yet. I'm deciding between running and volunteering.)

And the big one...
1/7 - Walt Disney World Half Marathon (Registered.)

This Week's Workout (5/30/05 - 6/5/05)

This week was a good week for working out and ended with my triumphant entry into the world of road races. I'm still not back to journaling like I should be, but I think I'm burning more calories than I'm eating most of the time. So here it is...

Monday, May 30, 2005 - Happy Memorial Day!!!
Workout - None

I didn't workout today. I didn't even attend any Memorial Day celebrations. Instead I stayed home did some housework that was long overdue. Including fixing the cabinet door, repotting my plants, putting out the recycling, going through all the mail that's been piling up, etc. So, it was a personal workday.

Tuesday, May 31st, 2005
Workout - Great

I went running on the Crescent Trail. I ran the usual route from Georgetown Park Mall to Fletcher's Boathouse and back. I'm thinking this is somewhere between 4 and 5 miles, because my overall time was 1 hour and 3 minutes. I can usually run 4 miles in 45-50 minutes. Maybe one day I'll purchase on of those GPS thingies to get the exact distance.

Wednesday, June 1st, 2005
Workout - OK

I attended Ronya's step class. It was OK. No problems keeping up w/ the class. It's a pretty moderate workout for me at this point. No news here.

Thursday, June 2nd, 2005
Workout - None

I had to go weigh-in. I've been failing to do so on a regular basis. So I made an appearance tonight and stayed for the meeting to get my "25 Pound Loser Star"!! I was down another 1.2lbs for a total weight loss of 27.6lbs!! Yeah!! I'm starting to get compliments.

Friday, June 3rd, 2005
Workout - Really Good

Since nothing was going on at work I left early to go to step class. Now all this time I've been thinking that our instructor's name was Johnny. Well, while I was waiting for class to start I looked at the schedule and his name is spelled... get this... Giahani or something pretentious like that. Which actually fits him pretty well. Unfortunately, he wasn't teaching tonight and his equally flamboyant counterpart (who looks like a cuter, younger Ryan Saecrest) "stepped" in for him (pun intended).

Saturday, June 4th, 2005 - The Race for the Cure!!
Workout - Pretty Good

For my first race I don't think I did too bad although I could have done better. According to my stopwatch I ran 5K in 39:34, but the official time was 40:39. With the tons of people there I didn't actually start running until almost 2 minutes after the official start. I will post a link to the full story of my first road race in another post when I get a chance to do so.

Sunday, June 5th, 2005
Workout - None

I had to study for class and turn in an assignment for school, so no workout.

For next week...
Since it's already Thursday I can be honest about my schedule for next week. It'll be a very social week for me.

5/6 - Slim-In-Six Video Workout (Thunderstorms drove me indoors)
5/7 - Hosting Tea Party II at my place
5/8 - I can't believe I have a date!!!
5/7 - Run 4.0 - 5.0 treadmill (It looks like rain again)
5/8 - Farewell/ Birthday Dinner for Doug and Dan
5/8 - DC Fit 8.0 miles. Wish me luck.
5/9 - Leaving for Beach Week!!

Races I'm Registered (or Planning to Register) for...
6/4 - National Race for the Cure (Registered.)
9/11 - Fairlakes 8K (Registered.)
9/24 - Quantico Half (Maybe. Still deciding on this one.)
10/2 - Army 10 Miler (aka ATM. Registered. My chance to redeem myself with the The Vagas.)
10/30 - Marine Corps 8K (I called the guy about fund raising and he said there's nothing formal like they have for the MCM. So, out of laziness I decide not to go the fund raising route. But I may still run it for fun.)

And the big one...
1/7 - Walt Disney World Half Marathon (Registered.)

That about sums it up for this week. Stay tuned for next when our heroine runs her first 8.0 miles.

- See Ya. Gotta Run.

This Week's Workout (5/23/05 -5/29/05)

This was a pretty good week for working out. In seven days I managed to squeeze in 5 workouts. My journaling has gotten a little better, but it's not back to where it needs to be. So without further delay...

Monday, May 23rd, 2005
Workout - Good

The weather was kind of gloomy, so I decided to take a spinning class. This was probably the most annoying class I've ever taken at WSC. Not only was the instructor annoying, so was the music and the other students who were regulars in this class. The volume was way to loud, so I could barely hear what the instructor was saying and it was like he didn't have a very structured routine. But I will give him credit for teaching a spinning class wearing a neck brace.

Tuesday, May 24th, 2005
Workout - Good Plus

Since the weather was still gloomy, I went to Georgetown and ran on the treadmill. I decided that it was time to increase my pace from 4.5min/mile to 4.7min/mile. For the most part, I did pretty well. I ran a mile in exactly 13 minutes and continued running until I got tired and took a short walk. When I started running again, I planned to push myself at this pace to reach a total of 45 minutes, but I accidentally hit the stop button at 35 minutes and decided to call it quits.

Wednesday, May 25th, 2005
Workout - None

I went to WW to weigh-in. I was down 2.2lbs for a total weight loss of 26.4lbs! Yeah!!! But It's been 3 weeks since my last weigh-in and 2.2lbs is not a big loss which means I need to get back to journaling.

Thursday, May 26th, 2005
Workout - OK

The weather got better, so I did my regular weekly run down the Crescent Trail and back. I started with 4/1 intervals, but I wasn't inspired to stick w/ that pace, so I switched to 2/1 intervals. I noticed that I run more consistently on the way back. I guess my system is all warmed up and ready to work by this time.

Friday, May 27th, 2005
Workout - Easy

Little did I know that Step class was cancelled because of the holiday weekend. So, instead of taking Johnny Terrific's step class, I did 30 minutes on the recumbent bike and finished w/ lots of ab work. Whenever I go to this gym in Dupont Circle I see a lot of trainers working w/ their clients. They seem to be working them really hard during these sessions, so maybe when DC Fit ends I'll look into setting up sessions w/ a trainer. I don't want my fitness to back slide after DC Fit ends in October and the race in January.

Saturday, May 28th, 2005
Workout - Terrific, but tough

Today was the 6.0 mile long run w/ DC Fit. We started at the Pentagon, ran through Iwo Jima, then Rosslyn, across the Key Bridge, through Georgetown, along the waterfront, across the Memorial bridge and back to the Pentagon. Because of the distance (and the fact that I didn't know where we were going), I was determined to keep up w/ my group and not fall into that trap of burning all my energy at the start and having nothing left at the end. We did 4/1 intervals and I was fine for probably the first 4.0 miles. I chatted w/ a few people during the walks, but for the most part I ran in silence. Somewhere between mile 4 and 5 I started to get bored. I wasn't physically tired of running, but I was just tired of doing it. This feeling is kind of hard to explain, but I couldn't wait to be finished. Then right before this feeling of boredom set in I started feeling nauseous, but I think it was because of the stuff I was drinking or not drinking. It's hard to say. I had been drinking Propel Fitness water and the sweetness was unsettling after a while so I stopped drinking it. But the feeling came and went in one or two intervals. By the last mile I slowed down and broke off from the group because I pulled a calf muscle coming down a long set of steps near the Memorial bridge. The pain was slightly noticeable, but I knew the rest of the course and was proud of the fact that I stuck w/ my group that far so I backed off and finished 3 minutes behind them. All-in-all it was a pretty good run.

Sunday, May 29th, 2005
Workout - None

This is a mandatory rest day. So, I sat on the couch for the greater part of the day working on a project for school. Then I drove 2 hours into the country to have dinner w/ my friends Richie and Dan who is moving back to San Diego next month. He said something about not liking the cold weather. I'm thinking people from California are really wimps when it comes to cold weather. I don't feel one can truly appreciate the summer until they've survived the winter.

Well, that about wraps it up for this week.

As for next week...
Here is my tentative schedule for next week. Since it's already Wednesday, I don't have to decide what I'm going to do for the first 3 days.

5/30 - Happy Memorial Day - Rest
5/31 - Run/Walk 4.0 - 5.0 miles
6/1 - Step Class
6/2 - Run/Walk 4.0 - 5.0 miles (or Weigh In)
6/3 - Step Class
6/4 - Race for the Cure 5K
6/5 - Rest

Races I'm Registered (or Planning to Register) for...
6/4 - National Race for the Cure (Registered.)
9/11 - Fairlakes 8K (Registered. Kind of. I wrote a check, sealed the envelope and haven't mailed it yet.)
9/24 - Quantico Half (Maybe. The folks on my team were encouraging me to join them. But I really want Disney to be my first Half and not my Second Half. Hee Hee Hee.)
10/2 - Army 10 Miler (aka ATM. Registered. My chance to redeem myself with the The Vagas.)
10/16 - Oy Vay 10K (Not looking too good since I've registered for the ATM. I'm not super woman. A 10 Mile and a 10K back-to-back is crazy.)
10/30 - Marine Corps 8K (I called the guy about fund raising and he said there's nothing formal like they have for the MCM. So, out of laziness I decide not to go the fund raising route. But I may still run it for fun.)
And the big one...
1/7 - Walt Disney World Half Marathon (Registered.)

That about sums it up for this week. Stay tuned for next when our heroine brings you tales from her first 5K in 4 years!!!

- See Ya. Gotta Run.