Go To The Mattresses Germs!

What is it like to run with a cough hopped up on cold medicine? Preeeeeeeeeetty GROSS! I save y'all from the selfie that would compose of boogers, watery eyes, sweaty hot mess.

My throat feels like hot lava & thank you baby Jesus for Puffs with Lotion!

Germs can go suck it! What the heck! Now I'm sneezing? What a crock of poop! I've consumed every Airborne, Emergen C, multiple vitamins with orange juice. No chance I'll get scurvy any time soon. Oh & NyQuil is da shizzle! That stuff made me pass out last night! Today, I am going to tell you I feel better because I need to feel better. Son of donut hole. I do NOT do sick!

60 Minutes of Exercise

On Saturday morning, after watching the weather & NFL analysts pick apart the playoff teams, hubby & I went hiking for 4 miles on the Santa Rosa Plateau : http://www.rivcoparks.org/education/santa-rosa-plateau/santa-rosa-plateau/ .

Burrrrrrrrrrr!

It's in the 70's in California!

Hubby feels he wants to exercise more routinely, but chimes "I'm not going to run any marathons!"

I pointed out differences between exercising daily to maintain a healthy body & training workouts for a race.

Walking on sunshine!

Training for a race for me :)

1. A training schedule is a must. There's is no option for skipping a workout. I learned the hard way, later on the skipped workout caused an injury. Listening to my 40+ body was a hard lesson. 

2. Core workouts are an absolute must to prevent injury and build muscle. It's sit-up city & butt lifterville!

3. Dietary changes involving foods with more fuel use & loads of protein makes my runs easier. Without these foods, my mind focuses on my hunger instead of my running mechanics.  Peanut butter & jelly in the morning before a long run last a lot longer than a bagel with cream cheese.

4. Electrolytes such as Gatorade is my bestie!

5. Morning/night runs; I own a LED light for my running cap for night runs. Winter training equals running in the dark!

6. Cadence work is not my favorite. Shorter strides & try to keep at 70 to 75/min heel strike, run natural, head up, shoulders relax, hill runs, & stairs takes a lot of effort. This comes after my endurance has build and the miles get longer. 

Coyote is reminding me we are sharing this space!

Running to exercise for me :)

1. No set distance. 

2. Easy peesy no cadence, no pace run.

3. More down time with less pressures.

4. Diet changes to calorie counting. 

5. Yoga videos to do at home are one of my favorites things. It allows me to really relax rather than doing yoga in a gym where I'm worried if I have a camel's toe or my shirt has hitched up!

6.  What ever the exercise, the NFL summed it with it's Play 60 Programs: http://www.nflrush.com/play60/programs . 

 Any form of exercise is good exercise!  

Christmas Reflections 2013

At 0630 I was up, put on my fuzzy socks & began reviewing again how to roast a stuffed goose. After many videos, blogs, and how to sites, I settle for this one: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/roast-goose-with-chestnut-and-leek-stuffing.html . I used my own stuffing because I don't have chestnuts nor leeks and my recipe is better. *smiles*  Calculating the cooking time to the number of pounds,  I realized I didn't have to get up this early!  So I washed off the dry rub, left on the goose over night, placed it back into the refrigerator, poured a cup of coffee, then sitting on the couch began to look back and reflect.

Dang it, you mean I could have slept in?

 

There's been so many good times this year even though I've had two surgeries, both successful by the way. Here are some awesome moments. Merry Christmas y'all, peace, love, and goodwill to all!

Carlsbad Marathon 2013, Crazy hair, fever, and still smiling. See what running does to you?!

April 2013, We will always remember Boston!

San Dieguito Half Marathon 2013, After several attempts to get pic with my running pal's eye's open,...well, I tried!

Girls On the Go Half Marathon 2013, a Saturday race, created brain a fart & I had to write a message to myself to

to "Get Bib" so I would remember to pick it on after work on Friday!

La Jolla Half Marathon 2013, My running pal & I goofing & Mac Cheesing! 

Rocks & Roll San Diego Half Marathon 2013, Tutu strong!

Whaaaaaaat cookies aren't on my runner's diet???

Coronado 15k 2013, I smile with my mouth open because I'm like a dog & need to pant!

October 2013, Must be the heat because I'm seeing a giant weenie!

Nike Women's San Francisco Marathon 2013, I'm nervous & giddy.

I'm clutching the Gatorade pouches because that's how I roll!

Nike Women's San Francisco Marathon 2013, My last race of the year!

Thanks to my running pal for an awesome time!

Bring on 2014 and Happy Health Running!

 

 

 

 

 

Have a Fun Friday Running Day! (Living Vicariously Through You)

This week, I had a conversation about when I should begin running with my husband.  My doctor gave me permission to run again after 6 weeks. My hubby wants me to wait until after 8 weeks. The Internet suggest I wait for at least 6 to 8 weeks. *sigh*
At the beginning of week 6, I am chomping at the bit! Currently I'm walking 3 to 4 miles 3 to 4 times a week with yoga. Hubby suggested, after 6 weeks, I should increase the number of miles I'm walking in lieu of running. Smiling, I told him I would get a note from my doctor saying it was okay for me to start running. He shook his head & still resolved I should wait.  I made a counter offer with 6.5 weeks, he came back with 8 weeks. This could go on & on! He hugs me and says, "please wait."  *sigh*
The rest of the week I've been sending out my Christmas cards, donating time to my doggies, household duties, walking (my absolute favorite time of day), & watching the Pioneer Woman: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/ ; she is the ultimate blogger!

I'm doing a #HarryMetSally moment and putting each card in & checking to make sure it's in the slot!

I got another StrideBox : http://stridebox.com/ yesterday. Happy day! Every item in these boxes have been useful. Love the reflective laces in this month's box. My son & hubby will go through it & munch on anything I have an allergy to, so it works out for everyone!

Hope Snowman's bib isn't the expiration date!

Goodies!

Today's walk was fabulous! I imagine as soon as I can run again, I am going to run like Pheobe from Friends! : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-IVhJLD0sQ

December Post Surgery Recovery Plan

Into the second week of walking as my nonimpact exercise, along with yoga, & I feel my endurance improving. After my surgery, I ate like crap because I felt like poop. Surprisingly, I haven't packed on the weight. My abdomen has become less swollen, but I still have the nagging right abdomen muscle pain off & on. The muscles in my legs from the hills I ran in preparation for the Nike Marathon has long disappeared. This muscle loss could explain why I didn't pack on the weight.  Since I'm only walking, I've limited myself to roughly 1800 calories a day. I'm avoiding refine sugar, trans saturated fat,  & enriched flour. What does this mean? More consumption of perishable foods, whole grains, & lean proteins.

Selfie after walking up hill. Alive at 45!

 

 Note: I have a small electronic scale to ensure I'm not getting over my caloric intake. It's very handy for measuring 100% whole grain pastas, brown rice, & sweet potatoes. It's important for me since I'm not running.

I don't remember where I bought this. It's easy to use.

 

Once training/running, I'm not so strict about weighing my foods because my calories will increase to a 2000-2100 calorie diet. I still use a protein drink/shakes for my snack. It's quick and simple. I do take vitamin supplements: Centrum Multiple Vitamin, Iron, & Fish Oil.

Scoop, add water, & shake! Simple pimple!

 

My hubby & I decided we're not doing our annual holiday party. Sorry friends :( My kids & I only brought out half of the decorations & we'll trim the tree on Saturday. Keeping things simple & easy is my motto for the holidays ♫. Falalalalalaaaah!

Dang artificial tree. I would love it hate it! Takes forever to set up!

 

 

 

Yippee Ki Yay! I Walked 3/4 Of Mile!

Hope y'all had a wonderful time yesterday mac'in out and spending time with your families! I did too! We stuck with all the traditional fixings and turkey. I was hard to get my family sold on the idea of having a meatless Thanksgiving. Go figure! Same with what to watch on TV. Oh yes, the Macy's Day Thanksgiving Parade is on for about an hour until PREGAME football start! Yeee Haw! Love Troy & Joe.

Later that evening, I went on the longest walk I've done since my surgery. Afterwards, it felt like I just ran 10 miles. My doctor says the fatigue should really dissipate over the next few days. The weather was crisp and it was so quiet outside.  Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

If You Can't Run, Clean Your Closet!

When I'm training for a race, some things tend to get pushed to the waist side and I tell myself I'll get to it later. Later never seems to come because as soon as I'm done with one race, it's onto training for another one. My closet is one of those things.

On weekends, I'll decline going out with for girls night because I have to get up early to train.  I love reading about history, but instead spend extra minutes, reading blogs, books, & magazines about running. You see,  I can think of a dozen run related things to do besides cleaning my closet such as haunting the sports stores, figuring out how to explain to my husband how I needed another dri-fit shirt and a pair of running short. I get excited about finding a hat that has two LED lights on it allowing me to see during my night runs! Since I am currently can't run and barely able to walk around the cul-de-sac due to pain, I figure there's no better time to correct this problem. My son helped me out. On Friday, I'll call my favorite charity to donate clothes. Thanks to my son who sat there going through some memories and laughing as we sat in the mist of a mess! Here are some before & after pics.