Deferring

Sigh.

I've made the decision to defer my entry in the Shamrock Half-Marathon to next year, 2013. I think I underestimated the amount of energy required to take care of Lily all day, every day, but the main reason I am deferring is because I have, not one, but TWO ingrown toenails that are in the excruciatingly slow process of growing out. Hopefully I won't need to have them cut out. Just before Christmas I saw my doctor for the third time and asked him flat-out if I should be running.

He said no.

In the meantime, I am planning to start swimming again and I am really excited about that. It's been several years since I swam regularly, and I guess it's been long enough for me to miss it. Now I have to figure out where to fit that into my weekly schedule, but with Lily starting daycare a few mornings a week I should be able to make it at least once during the week and once on the weekend. Gotta start somewhere.

I am VERY thankful that the Shamrock allows you to defer your entry if needed. I know not all races allow that.

Back On The Horse!

After a month of injuries and illnesses, I FINALLY made it to the gym yesterday! Unfortunately I'm feeling worse today, so maybe I overdid it, but it still feels good to have gone. I ran/walked two miles and did some strength training. I don't know if I'll get back to the gym this week, but I'm planning to run outside with Nicki this coming weekend. A couple times per week is better than nothing!

Miles: 2
Time: 30 minutes

Miles on my Brooks: 28.5

Setback

Well, I was supposed to start my training program today but I'm already being set back by an injury! Hopefully I can get to the doctor later this week. Right now I am limping when I walk, so no running (or much walking) for me right now :(. I am bummed but I am also determined not to let it get me down or keep me from my goal.

Good Intentions

I had such good intentions of getting to the gym today, I even had a babysitter! But I was just so exhausted that I tried to take a nap instead (and naturally couldn't fall asleep). I am a little nervous about being able to get enough training in for the half marathon, but I'm trying not to worry too much about it. It's still many months away! Here's to better weeks of training...

A Beautiful Day

My friend Sarah came over this afternoon so I could sneak off to the gym. I ran outside for 1.5 miles (I think) and it was SUCH a beautiful day. I really don't like the cold weather, can we please have more of these nice days?? Then I went into the gym to work on strengthening my legs. As I started doing squats my right knee was hurting, so I decided not to push it. As I learned in Yoga, you always need to listen to your body. My knee was telling me, "No, not this!" so I listened :)

Miles: 1.5
Time: 22 minutes

Miles on my Brooks: 26.5

Pre-Training: Day Two

Well I made my goal for this week: I got to the gym twice! This afternoon my friend Jeanette came over while Lily was napping so I could sneak off to the gym. I ran/walked two miles on the treadmill. My knees were bothering me off and on, especially the right one, but I have no idea if it's because I was on the treadmill and not pavement or something else. Afterwards I did some strength training for my legs and stretched. All in all, a good day!

Miles: 2
Time: 30 minutes

Miles on my Brooks: 25

Half Marathon Pre-Training

Today I started what I am calling my "Half Marathon Pre-Training". Basically this is just me getting back into the swing of things before my official training plan starts on Nov 14. I have a history of knee issues and shin splints, so I want to start working now to prevent any injuries. Today I ran/walked 1.5 miles outside (what a BEAUTIFUL day, too!), then I went into the gym and did some leg strengthening exercises. Mostly I'm focusing on building up the muscles in my quads and hamstrings so that they hold my knees in the right place while I'm running. I'm going to aim to get to the gym at least twice a week.

Miles: 1.5
Time: ???

Miles on my Brooks: 23