Carmen Electra and 3 inch heels

Not surprisingly, those two things are related. On our rest day, which is Monday, Marc and I decided to do a workout tape here at home. Carmen Electra has her Striptease workouts, which are actually pretty fun, and although most are dancing, one of them is this nice "Fit to Strip" video which has some good Core exercises. Well, Marc and I did the exercises, but on Tuesday I felt like heck when I got up. My inner thigh was really tight and I had a sore spot on my back (I've done the tape before and did not get these results) So whatever. I got dressed in my pretty sweater and khakis and put on my nice new boots from DSW. They have a 3 inch heel, which makes me really tall, but I like them and they are nice. Well they hurt all day. Usually not so badly, but my foot was moving around in them and I built up some nice little blisters in the center of my feet. So badly that I took the shoes off to walk to the car in 30 degree weather. So I get home and change into my workout close. I'm not feeling so hot because of my feet, but we have a 3 mile run ahead of. We get to the drill hall, we start running and 10 seconds in I want to die. My feet were on FIRE. My back was killing me, my inner thigh throbbing! I tried to keep running and I ran/walked for 25 minutes, but I thought I was going to die. All of a sudden I felt the urge to vomit and had to hobble-run to the restroom where I lost my cookies (I don't eat cookies but I was trying to be classy). It was awful. I was then in horrible heartburn like pain as I went back to Marc who had successfully completed his distance. I made it like 1.8 miles and couldn't do it anymore, so we packed up and went home. Today I woke up and my legs are super tight and my bum bum is really sore and my back feels worse. Several people made "too much sex" comments at work because of my highly awkward gait, but don't worry, not an issue! I'm sitting here taking a break from packing for our trips home these next 11 days and my thighs are killing me from my short jaunts up and down the stairs. That damn Carmen Electra and those damned boots!

I am not sure how Marc and I are going to workout for the holiday. Most of the places are going have treadmills, but we are also not looking to be too anti social. We're going to cold weather places (Indiana and Michigan) so it will probably be too cold there to run, though we may be able to run outside in North Carolina. We're bringing workout clothes but we make no promises. I'll tell you what I'm not doing; that stupid Fit to Strip video, though I highly recommend it, it just rubbed me the wrong way this time.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!

Sunday Training

Well thank goodness we ran our longer run yesterday because we had a very late party last night. We had a great time with our friends and we partied until about 2 am, which is not like us at all! It was fun and I think most of our guests had a great time too, and for those who didn't, well too bad for them because everyone else did (some people were being snotty because apparently our party wasn't run the way they would have preferred!)

Marc and I ran a short two mile run this morning (ok, it was like 11:30 because we were tired.) Marc ran 8 minute miles, and I ran at 6.0 for most of it and then kicked it up to 7 for the last 1/4 mile. I think I am really improving as of late with all this practice and although I'm not "confident" by any means, I do have a little bit of hope.

I decided to post my training log here. I'm going to make a link on the side too. I think the training log really helps me, I like seeing my accomplishments and I'd like to keep it updated for the year next year and see my mileage. That would be pretty interesting.

We also played racquetball and I think that I should get a most improved player award. I held my own and actually burned some big time calories while playing because I was in the winning spirit. Yes, I lost, but the spirit was strong!!

A 4 Mile Run, A 4 Mile Run

After typing that I realized that it was actually a 3 mile tour for Gilligan's Island, but if anyone dares to judge me then I will shun you from my inner circle :-)

Marc and I ran the 4 miles required for our training today. Marc ran it straight through, I had a little trouble, but stopped in 30 second spurts for a total of 2 minutes, so it wasn't really that bad for me either. I just get so overheated when I run and I think that the drill hall really likes to keep it warm enough for the workers there, not taking into consideration that others are sweating A LOT. Well, at least I am.

I also discovered that I really need to find some new running shorts and perhaps new running undies (and a bra for that matter). Not that anyone really cares, but after sweating for so long I just become a "swampy" mess and its really quite uncomfortable. I feel like I need a diaper change after mile 3. I also came home and stripped down from my shower and realized that I had two nice little abrasions where my underwire from my sports bra was rubbing. Here, 8 hours later it still hurts, so I need to get a new sports bra as well. I'm not sure if anyone has any suggestions on a sports bra or workout shorts/undies. I have the nice shorts that have the little "built in" dri-weave briefs, but I'm pretty sure I need something on under that. I don't want to run commando. As for the bra, I guess Oprah had some bra on there for big breasted women, so I need to do a search for that. Currently I wear the underwire and a compression and I don't know what's going to hold me in. Ok, enough icky stuff.

Tonight Marc and I are hosting a Christmas party. It should be really nice. We've got all sorts of yummy snacks lined up and others are going to bring snacks to share. Our kitties are mad because they have to stay in my office, otherwise they eat all the food and stare at all the guests who are allergic to cats (as if they know somehow). We do a white elephant gift exchange too and Marc and I bought silly gifts. We gave a pillow that was given to us last year (sort of the joke gift from three years ago) and a funny Peter Griffin dressed in drag toy. The other gift was the Holiday Pack from Jones Soda that has icky flavors like "turkey and gravy", "brussel sprouts" and some other sick stuff. Hopefully that will go over well.

Well, off to party like a rock star. (Yeah, like a 60 year old "light rock" star)

Tight Bod

Marc and I are sticking to our workout plan and I feel like I might die. My poor leg muscles are so tight that I have trouble walking at work. On our rest day Friday I'm going to make an effort to do a yoga workout or something because my body is just too tight. I stretch before my runs, but this isn't cutting it as of late. I need something more!!


Today is a 3 mile run and tomorrow is our rest day. I'm going to see a friend of mine from my old job and visit with her new kitty. I'm super excited because everyone likes a kitty. I love my cats but sometimes I wish they were a little tinier and more playful, but they are the best companions ever.

Saturday is just a 30 minute cross train (I think-I have to check) but Sunday is the 4 mile run, which scares me to death, though I keep proving to myself that I am capable of more than I think, so it should be semi-successful. If I can't run it all, so be it, I'll walk until I feel ready to run and keep going. I'm pretty sure that is how the actual half-marathon will go, so I'm not going to be disappointed.

I'm really looking forward to the holiday. I look forward to seeing our family and I look forward to sharing gifts with those that I love. I really hope that Marc likes his gifts, I did go a little overboard compared to my plan, but I love him and he deserves it (and I could afford it). I'm not sure how the workouts will go over the holidays, but I guess a week off won't kill us. Its much too cold in Michigan to run outside, at least for our poor Maryland bodies, so it will probably just be some stretching and stuff. Maybe I'll bring a workout dvd or something!

Tight Bod

Marc and I are sticking to our workout plan and I feel like I might die. My poor leg muscles are so tight that I have trouble walking at work. On our rest day Friday I'm going to make an effort to do a yoga workout or something because my body is just too tight. I stretch before my runs, but this isn't cutting it as of late. I need something more!!


Today is a 3 mile run and tomorrow is our rest day. I'm going to see a friend of mine from my old job and visit with her new kitty. I'm super excited because everyone likes a kitty. I love my cats but sometimes I wish they were a little tinier and more playful, but they are the best companions ever.

Saturday is just a 30 minute cross train (I think-I have to check) but Sunday is the 4 mile run, which scares me to death, though I keep proving to myself that I am capable of more than I think, so it should be semi-successful. If I can't run it all, so be it, I'll walk until I feel ready to run and keep going. I'm pretty sure that is how the actual half-marathon will go, so I'm not going to be disappointed.

I'm really looking forward to the holiday. I look forward to seeing our family and I look forward to sharing gifts with those that I love. I really hope that Marc likes his gifts, I did go a little overboard compared to my plan, but I love him and he deserves it (and I could afford it). I'm not sure how the workouts will go over the holidays, but I guess a week off won't kill us. Its much too cold in Michigan to run outside, at least for our poor Maryland bodies, so it will probably just be some stretching and stuff. Maybe I'll bring a workout dvd or something!

A Much Better Day

Today has a lot of signs of "good day" in it, so I'm feeling confident. I was able to get all the extra work done yesterday when I took my "mental health day" and now I feel reenergized and prepared for the holiday season. I even made some sweet potato bread and I'm going to bring it to work tomorrow for little gifts for the people that sit near me. Maybe. They are kind of buttholes so who knows if I will give them anything.

Work is going ok today. I've taken on a huge task today to update a database and I have to keep calling a bunch of weirdos. Its very upsetting and annoying but I'm really making waves with it today.

Today is a three mile run according to our running plan. That shouldn't be so bad, knock on wood.

Shitty Day

Well that's what it is...a shitty shitty day. Yesterday I had everything in the world, today I feel like I have nothing and all because I am a freaking spazz. I won't go into anymore detail, but let's just say I managed to ruin my life in 5 minutes of idiocy...standard operating procedures for Miss Kate R. Reed, so I don't see why even I am surprised.

As for running. On Friday I ran three miles without stopping and it felt pretty good. I'm such a sad sack of crap that I can't run more than that, but oh well, that's what I did and I was proud of myself, especially since I had set a lower goal. My legs have really been aching daily now, and I wanted to take the day off, but Marc talked me into running. And I was successful so I felt good about it. On Saturday we took our second pilgrimage to Williamsburg with our friends Robyn and Andrew. We wanted to see it decorated for Christmas. Despite the rumors that it is nice when it is decorated for Christmas-it is pretty tame. There were some beautiful wreathes with fruit on them, but other than that, I wasn't too impressed. Apparently in Colonial times we didn't go hog wild with decorating on Christmas-and that's their loss!
On Sunday, despite the fact that I wanted to take a break, Marc talked me into running again. I did 3 miles again, and felt horrible, but it was worth it. Without Marc I would just sit on the couch getting fat (something I should get used to since he hates me now) but he talks me into my fitness.
Today really is a rest day, in fact, its so restful that I am taking a "mental health day from work". My work isn't very stressful right now, but I don't want to sit at my desk sobbing like a baby all day. Hopefully tomorrow will be better and maybe, just maybe, Marc will trust me again and we can get married. Fat chance.

Friday Friday

Of course I kept up with my lame theme...did anyone expect otherwise?

Ugh, I'm getting a little stressed out about our relay run. We realized that we have 13 weeks to train a 12 week program, great right? Nope, because one of those weeks is Christmas. We're just going to try our best. I know that I will have to walk during the run, I just know myself and my body. It stresses me out because I don't want to let Marc down. He runs so much better than I do, and it makes me feel bad because I am the weakest link on our team. Oh well, all I can do is try, and to push myself I took the longer distance, so its going to be quite a feat.

I ran again on Wednesday night and it was ok. It was pretty warm in the drill hall and my body was just tired. Did some weight machines as well and my legs just feel tight. I think I might take today off from running and do my yoga dvd or my Carmen Electra Fit to Strip dvd...which is actually a surprisingly good workout. My muscles have just been so tight and running has been hard. I ran yesterday too, which went ok. I had to stop twice, once to pee and once because my legs hurt. I think I need a break from the running because I should be able to get through a 25 minute run without much trouble. I won't be running tomorrow for sure since we are going to Williamsburg again with some friends (free tickets from our first trip there) so we'll get some walking done there. Sunday I'm going to push myself and make an effort to go as far as I can without dying, and I'd like that to be 3.5 miles. That would make me happy.

I just feel like training for this half marathon is a set up for failure...I'm trying to remember that we wanted to do it for practice, but I always set such high expectations for myself!

Wednesday Wednesday

Ah, I thought I'd go with a theme for the week.

So Monday, I lazied out of my run. I was dressed for the run and everything but when Marc finished on the treadmill (We didn't go to the drill hall b/c the weather was kind of nasty) I got on, ran for about 3 minutes and realized that I really didn't want to run, so I stopped. I hate running when I'm not in the mood for it ( I mean really not in the mood for it) because I don't want to make it a chore, I want it to be something I find enjoyable and relaxing.

Yesterday we went to the drill hall and ran on the treadmills. I had an awful run. It was so much warmer in there than it has been in ages and I thought I would die. I only made it for like 20 minutes, which sucked for me. I really had to use the restroom and had cramps, so I figured I would let myself off easy and not feel too guilty. Marc and I both felt really drained and just went home and ate ourselves out of house and home. We've both been really hungry lately, I mean, hunger pangs and all, and can't seem to satisify it. Wonder if that's a weather thing or what.

We signed up yesterday for the Lower Cheasapeake Marathon on March 12, 2006. We're both pretty terrified about it. We are going to do it as a relay, where the first person runs 14 miles and the second person runs 11.2 miles. Its really strange that they don't split it up into two half marathons, but I can't make them change it. Our team name is PC Load Letter (from Office Space) and we figured we'd make shirts with that on the front and "What the %#* does that mean?" on the back. Stupid humor I know, but still. Now the training must begin and we are scared!!! Again, not looking for any special time, just need the experience, and the price was only $50 for both of us to run, which is better than most 5ks!

We intend on running tonight. I have a work office party this afternoon (yeah for time off work) and then I'm going to come home and wait for Marc so we can go to the drill hall. We need to start following our plan and we're using Hal Higdon's Running Plan. Hopefully we can do this!

Monday Monday

I am going to be much better about updating. I didn't realize that people still cared, made me feel good!

I had a good weekend. I was social and met some new people (which I hate doing) on Friday, and I also finished almost all of my Christmas shopping (just need to get my stepsister a gift and its all planned out).

As for running. Marc tried to get me to run on Saturday morning. I said I'd rather run in the evening and he patiently waited until about 5 o'clock for me. We drove to the drill hall to find out that although it closes at 6, they had closed up shop early. So we drove home and Marc graciously let me run first downstairs (he was being super nice on Saturday despite my bitchiness). I had a great run. I didn't get very fatigued, but I did get a little overheated, despite the 30 degree air I had blowing in the basement windows. I felt pretty good and ran about 3 miles, which is about my best at this point. I know I suck, but I just keep trying and I know it will be better with time! I do have faith in my self.

Sunday we woke up and ate breakfast and then went to the drill hall at about 11. I was pooped from the run the night before, and still sore from the machines I did on Thursday. My hips have really been hurting. I had a sucky run, chock full of side stitches and heavy breathing. I ran about 2.5 miles, but it wasn't pretty. I think that I am not a good morning runner. My body isn't all stretched out yet and my mind is still a little tired. I also think that since it had only been 15 hours since my last run and I was really sore from my weight lifting that I didn't perform my best. Every 24 hours is way better for me!

I'm going to run tonight despite my nasty cramps. Sometimes they go away with exercise, sometimes they are worse. We'll see tonight!

I'm also getting pretty excited about Christmas. Our tree is all decorated, the presents are pretty much filling the entire living room (not for us, for our 20 family members we have to purchase for, 4 of which are mine!) so the house is pretty messy. I used to hate the holidays but now I love them. Its great having Marc to share them with!

Kick it Up a Notch...BAM!

I need to really kick it up a notch. I just finished my two classes for grad school and got A's in both so I'm pretty stoked. Now I have some free time until the 2nd week of January and I'm going to use that free time to run like hell. I ran last night and it was ok. I was getting into a rhythm but was having some side pain so I was dissastisfied. Had to cut the run a little short b/c I got some hardcore stomach issues that continued well into the night. Guess that Sam Adams Winter Brew kicked my ass, I had 1/4 of a cup of it and then had my standard Coors light, but woo, something got to me!

Marc and I are trying to think of a name for our running team. Any suggestions? We're huge fans of Family Guy and South Park and I feel that we might use some of those jokes in there!

Going to run again tonight for sure, not so sure about tomorrow as I have some shopping plans during the day and a bonfire at night.

One Week Gone Already!?

I can't believe it has been a week since I last posted! I can't remember if I ran last Friday, but I remember that my first run of this week was yesterday and it was pretty good. I was doing really well. Had some side pain but was going strong. Only had to stop because I had to use the potty so badly. Came back and did like 5 more minutes, but after my break my knees started hurting so I had to quit. It was only 30 minutes, but it was one of my best runs. I'm just a sucky runner!!

OOOh, we went to North Carolina to see my parents this weekend. On the way there we picked up HITCHIKIERS!! Oh my god, that is not like us at all. These sort of punk looking people (i guess punk is misleading-they listen to punk music, maybe goth is closer) came up to us in a well lit area at a gas station and said they needed a ride to Richmond, which was about 40 minutes away. After talking to them for a little while we realized that they were most likely harmless, so we agreed to drive them down there and drop them off at a McDonalds. I was terrified, but it wasn't that bad and they were telling us about their adventures. 1. I didn't know people hitchiked, 2. I didn't know anyone picked up hitchikers (besides us) and 3. No, we will never do it again. These people were perfectly nice but there is no chance in hell that we will ever do that again. On a funny note, they left their sign in our car, and I wanted to keep it for proof. We had to hide it though b/c I knew my parents would have a shitfit if they found us. So yes it was silly, but it all worked out. Sometimes you just go with your gut. And both of our guts said it was ok, but we were very cautious. I drove and Marc kept his eye on them the whole time and I swear I wasn't watching the road and just the review mirror!

Ok, that's enough. I have class tonight. We're getting our exams today but he said they would be take home essays, so here's hoping it goes ok!!

Short Run, Long Walk

I was bored yesterday so I ran about 20 minutes but was losing motivation, so I walked for another 80 minutes. I figured, I'm just watching tv, so why not? I'll tell you why not. My right knee is killing me. The back of my knee hurts so badly. I was walking at a pretty good incline (5%) and I think that might have had something to do with it. OY!
No running today b/c of class, and then tomorrow morning I'll probably run since I've got a weekend away at my parents!!

I'm Slow But I'm Back!

I came home early from work since there is NOTHING for me to do. So I'm working from home, which means checking my work email periodically since no one gave me any work before they left for two weeks. So I took this time to go on my run early so I could just veg out tonight since I want to watch the Colts game and probably need to take a nap so I can stay up for it!

Ok, the point. I went on a run. It started out pretty good. I was going really slowly, but I was steady and felt good. Then I started having some phlem issues and kept choking. But I pushed through. I finally choked enough to throw up (I'm so lucky I have such an easy gag reflex) so after that I walked for about 2 minutes before starting up my slow jog. Let's just say it didn't go well, but it went. I couldn't be happier! I'm just happy that I went out there and I'm not as "soft" as I thought I would be after almost two weeks of no exercise.

Most likely I will not run tomorrow as I have class, but I may walk on the treadmill a little bit while I watch tv. In fact, that's what I think I am going to do right now!

Oh When Can I Run Again?

Hopefully, the answer is Monday. I haven't done a bit of exercise since I got sick and I'm looking forward to trying again. My cough is still going, and I feel a little discomfort in my lungs (I have walking-pnemonia) but I am convinced that exercising tomorrow is in my future. I am going to go to the drill hall too, because that will help me to not give up, as I often do on our treadmill here at home. Its so easy to just go "I'm tired" when I'm at home, and just jump off the machine. At the drill hall I have to drive home, so its more of a deterrent.

Wish me luck, I need it. I'm sure this will be a light jog more than anything, but I look forward to getting back in the saddle. I've gained a little weight, which I am not happy about, so I'd like to get moving again since the holidays are coming and thereby big dinners!!

What a Great Perspective on Life

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=fleming/051102


Marc sent me this article. Its amazing what a strong person Gary Brackett is despite all of the sadness and loss he has had in such a short time. It really makes you think about how you deal with your own losses and the issues that we all have to overcome in our lives.

Still Sick

I tried to run last week but it didn't work. I haven't done a darn thing since last Monday...and I feel like a lazy piggie. I'm hoping that by this weekend I'll be back "on the road". I'd like to be active but the cough and walking pnemonia just aren't letting me. A little frustrated but I'm not going to push it!

Lazy Bones Reed

Since I've been sick I have been a lazy bones. I tried to work out on Wednesday after work (when I didn't feel as bad as I do now) and I almost died. But it didn't seem to be from my cold. I keep getting these side stitches as on Wednesday I also had pain right in the center under my ribcage. It was so strange I decided not to push it. I think its time for me to run on a treadmill in front of a doctor or something or get some professional advice. This is getting ridiculous!

I want to be well again. I feel like hell but I keep trying to push through it. Even put on some mascara today ( I never wear makeup) so I might help myself look "alive". I feel mostly dead. I'm going to go home from work in awhile and work from home...I'm just waiting for a meeting this morning and then I'm out!

Hope everyone has a good weekend. I probably will take it easy all weekend because of the sickness, but we'll see. I have a trip to Ikea planned for Saturday, since they are having a 15% off everything sale for their 20th Anniversary. Yipee!!

Good News...Bad News...Running News

The good news is that I got my scores back for my grad school class test I had last week. I got an 88% on the test I thought I failed (I seriously didn't think I got any of them right) and 100% on the test I studied like a madwoman for (because I thought I had failed the other one) Yipee!!

Bad news. Woke up with a sore throat in the middle of the night and its been bugging me all day. I gave my friend Bill a ride for like 3 minutes on Monday and he said he had a sore throat and now I'm having the same problem. I choose to blame him, though its probably not his fault, but I tend not to believe that I just get sore throats out of nowhere. The weather is also nasty here so it looks like cold season has begun!

Running News-I've been doing a little research and I'm a little ashamed of myself. People just run so much faster and longer than I do, and seemingly have been trying for the same amount of time. I will cut myself some slack though because although I tried to be active, I wasn't horribly active all summer and have recently gotten back into working out consistently. Its become a habit now. I will keep trying, but I'm so sick of things not being easy. Sometimes I just want that easy button.

Running Post

Yeah, I've been running and haven't even mentioned it! On this, my running blog!

On Friday I was lazy and didn't do anything. No excuse. I had a test to take in the morning and I should have run that afternoon or evening but I didn't. I just lazy boned around the house-and it was great!

On Saturday I think we went to the drill hall, its hard to remember. Oh yes, I had horrible side stitches and a nice man came up to me and said he was a dr and said that I might want to check out my appendix, but then I explained to him that it was stitches and he agreed. I only ran about 15 minutes that day and walked the rest of the time.

Sunday, Marc and I made another attempt at the 10k, only this time we actually just did a 5.5 mile run b/c we liked this path better. It was so beautiful, right along the water on base. It was great. We ran a total of 4 miles, which isn't much, but its better than last time when we ran three walked three, so I feel like we made some waves. I wasn't having any side stitches or knee pain, but I was whining and tired, so it was still a treat for Marc. I just always feel like I'm holding him back when we run because I know he can run way better than I can!

Yesterday we went to the drill hall and I ran for 25 minutes, though I took about a minute or two break in there because the side stitches were bad again. I'm going to do a little studying on this issue because its really bothering me. I'm able to get over them really quickly and keep running, but I'd really like to be able to run without needing a side stitch breather! Today is an off day, but I'm back on for Wednesday!

Great Picture

So today is just a special day. I am really not a fan of my job lately...ok, since July. I currently work in an office on a rotation which ends in February and dear Lord I am counting down the days. Here are some things that set the tone of my job...

• I am an intern, which just means that I am in a great program where I get my graduate school paid for and I get to experience a lot of cool things that the Navy does. For example, I spent several days out on an aircraft carrier and actually landed and took off from it in a C-2 Greyhound. Despite popular belief, an intern isn't in college or HIGH SCHOOL as some of my co-workers have indicated to me. Every day I have to hear at least once "don't worry about Kate, she's just an intern" BLOW ME.

• I have been moved around 3 times in this rotation. I have to keep moving desks and changing phone numbers, which is really hard since I'm the Intern President and people constantly have to call me so it makes it pretty difficult. Most recently I got moved to this little tiny ass desk next to the complete and total jerk who has always been an ass to me. He's just a jerk who makes it very clear that he is a "Lootenunt Commandah" and dear God we should all bow to him. If I joined the Navy today I would be a LCDR, just so everyone knows. ASSHOLE. He keeps complaining because he had to move stuff out of his desk to make room for the "stupid intern". Little does he know, and I haven't told him that someone is going to be filling my place when I leave in February. HA HA!!

• Someone has made yummy food and it smells like a cookout. I want that food!

• I lost a notebook that I had written my name and phone number in. Someone overheard me complaining about it today and said "oh, I have that notebook on my desk back at my office" He works in another building. My main question for this is "Why Didn't He Call Me?" My name and phone number are in the notebook-this guy has had it for two weeks!! Its amazing to me that people take little care-thank goodness he was eavesdropping!

• Lastly, and what has to be my favorite, is that when I came on to the program they took my picture for the F/A-18 program office book. And this my friends is the picture these people have to show everyone how gorgeous the intern is. Oh my lord!

U2 Concert

I know that I want to keep my site on the topic of running and marathon training, but I just had to post this stuff. I'm actually considering revamping this blogger to be about all things "Kate" and focusing on my personal life, weightloss and running-but we'll see. My readership is pretty low anyway!

Ok, back to the concert. It was awesome. Marc and I went to see u2 at MCI Center in Washington, DC on October 20. It was just great. Both of us are pretty pissed though because our tickets said "no bags and no cameras" and dear lord if everyone (but us) had a bag and a camera. So I've pirated the pictures that other "bad kids" had taken during the concert since Marc and I followed the rules.

The played a ton of great songs that I never expected to hear live in my life. I really felt that the setlist was tailored just for me-they played a ton of songs off of their earlierist albums and that just made my night. My favorite surprise from the concert was that they played "Out of Control" from their first album Boy, which came out the same year I was born. Wow, I'm old (and so are they). But despite all of our ages I love them to pieces. It was so great to finally see them because as corny as it sounds, they guys are my friends and I listened to their music through a lot of good and bad times and they were very important to me. I don't look at them like "gods" as so many people do with rockstars and the like, but I look at them as my friends who held my hand throughout life.

Also, Bono, who usually pisses me off with his politics really impressed me that night. Condoleeza Rice was in attendance (so close to where we were standing-it was pretty cool) and Bono said several complimentary things about her and the President. He said despite his views on the Republicans that he couldn't deny the fact that money was contributed to the One campaign and the debts were relieved to many African countries. I finally looked at Bono as a reasonable human being and I was also very proud of all the work he's done. To hear him speak made me realize that he wasn't doing this for "fame and fortune" he really cares about these people.

So it was great. And I hope to see them again sometime, but I'm so glad that I could share this with Marc. I wanted to post a pretty cool picture of Larry Mullen Jr, my second favorite drummer ever (Marc being the first), but this damned blog won't let me. Poopy blog.

Victory is Mine!

After such a nice post from Marc, which I read today for the first time (though surely not my last as it was a great inspiration) I had the most awesome run ever. I did 25 minutes at 5.5 mph on the treadmill and it wasn't that bad. I didn't have to stop once, not even for a drink or anything. I was very happy with myself, and next time (probably Friday as the U2 concert is tomorrow evening) I will try to go about 5-10 minutes longer. Right now I think 5.5 is my speed though. I'm capable of going faster, but not for a long time and I'd really like to focus on distance first and then speed can come later. As I've said before, I don't want to win a marathon-I just want to finish. I don't care how long it takes, I want to know that I completed it all.
And now I'm one step closer. But I've got a billion steps to go!

Marc's First Post

I guess since I'm a contributing member of this blog, it's high time I contributed. Kate does a lot of worrying about her running, but truth be told, she's doing a great job. She has an entire blog setup to detail her "frustrations," but I just don't see much that she should be unhappy about. She's only been running for a few months and the improvement I've seen in her is amazing. She started out shuffling along (with her geisha steps) for maybe 2 minute bursts, complaining the whole time. Now she soldiers on for entire 5K's with a confidence I've never seen in her. Heck, I've been running for 2 years and I still suck at it.
You also have to take this in the context of her weight loss. She's been very successful with Weight Watchers, which has obviously helped her running. This past weekend we visited my sister (who we haven't seen since Christmas) and she said the same thing so many of our friends have- that they barely recognize her. It really is like she's a new person.
So I guess my point is this: take Kate's frustrations with a grain of salt. Running is hard, and really only fun in retrospect, but most people quit long before they achieve what Kate has. Like everyone else, her problems with fitness are real, but she is doing a fantastic job. I couldn't be more proud of her.

Some Running Questions (and Answers)

Not that ANYONE reads this...in fact, I can count you all on one hand...if I'm missing two fingers! But the blister socks questions came up and I did a little research to find them cheap.
The "just socks" website has some decent prices-I swear by the socks. I bought them for $7 at a running store in Jersey, but can't find them anywhere in this area, including Waldorf. Also, I just found this site to compare the sock prices.

I also had a question about chafing-embarassing maybe, but after a long run (I really only experienced when we tried our 10k) I feel really chafed and wondered if anyone had any good suggestions on how to not have that problem. I guess I could rub some vaseline, but I just feel like a sticky mess won't help me peform.

Also, does anyone have any suggestions on shoes? My boyfriend and I both wear Nike Shox and we love them. We loved our first pairs so much that we bought other Shox as backup shoes, those we both chose different "models" to get a little variety.

Ok, enough with questions.

A Little Inactivity Never Hurt Anyone, Right?

Har har!

I didn't exercise very much this weekend. In fact, the only organized exercise I did was on Saturday morning-I ran for about 2.5 miles, but I was getting hot and had a blister on my foot. I always get a blister on the treadmill and I forgot to wear my awesome "Wright Sock-Blister Free" socks. I love those socks!

I walked around the mall for a little bit on Friday, but shopping hardly counts as exercise-at least not my style of shopping.

Sunday and Monday were spent painting our bedroom and bathroom so I didn't do much there, though I'll say my legs really hurt today from climbing the stairs at our house a billion times as well as climbing the ladder-apparently I don't often use those muscles.

Today I am going to go to the drill hall with Marc and run on the treadmills. Marc showed me some treadmills that are a little more springy than the treadmills that make my knees hurt (its like running on granite) Its been so rainy and nasty here that there's no chance of me running outside. Wish the weather would clear up...

Discouraged

I am not one who is patient by any means. I'm smart enough to know that so that should count for something right?

I'm also not a good judge of whether or not I should run...last night I shouldn't. My knee was hurting on the way there, and when I started jogging I was just miserable. My knee hurt, I was getting side stitches again, and was just miserable. I had to walk a lot more than I was running and I cut my normal out and back a little short as well. While I was walking I felt so guilty that I wasn't trying harder, and then I'd start to run again and my knee would hurt and I would stop, but then so would the knee pain. It was a vicious cycle of guilt and pain!

This morning I woke up and I could barely get down the stairs, and its not just my right knee. Its my right knee, thigh and calf, as well as my left calf-what the heck? I certainly didn't realize I could hurt myself even more with a light little jog!!

Marc keeps suggesting that I do the elliptical, but I find that they hurt my knees anyway and I don't get any satisfaction from it either. I guess that I could start running on the treadmill at home, but I just don't like it. I want to do an exercise that I enjoy...otherwise what is the point? I don't want my health to be a chore.

Another issue I am currently having is that I am a sucky runner. I just can't do it. How freakin' hard is it to move your legs? HOW HARD CAN THIS BE? I'll tell you-its really hard, at least for me. I am most dishearted by the fact that I have seen some extremely heavy people (heavier than I was when I was 210) jogging around and they look perfectly at peace with the world. They are going a little more slowly than I usually do, but still. They just keep going. Also, on a related note, a very heavy and lazy person has been reporting to Marc and I that he is running 5 miles at a time in 10 minute miles-and he just started running about 3 months ago. When I say heavy, I mean very heavy, so that's got to be a lot of work. Why the hell can't I do it? What do these people have that I don't? I really thought it would get easier as I was losing weight and practicing, but I just don't get any better. Am I just not cut out for running? Do I give up? Is this all a waste? Argh, so frustrated!!

I've Got High Hopes!

I have a lot of plans in the works and they are causing my brain to run on over-drive. First of all, I haven't run since Sunday because of my knee and my class, but tonight I'm getting back into the game. My knee is still kind of sore, but I guess I don't really have a choice on this-I think I must run with knee pain...that might just be my life :-)

Marc and I have decided to sign up for the 5k at Sotterly on October 22nd. Neither of us is ready for a 10k for sure, but I'm a little nervous that I can't even run a 5k. But we're going to do it for sure because I'm sick of being scared of failure. There's a couple of other races coming up in the area and I think we're going to try to sign up for a couple of them-at least those that are donating to charity.

I also found a link to a marathon that is being run in this county! That is exciting when you live in BFE! Its the Lower Potomac River Marathon and its March 12, 2006. I'd like to think that Marc and I could each run a marathon by that point, but I'm pretty sure we can't. There is, however, and option to do a two-person relay, and that sounds like a really neat thing for us to do. It would be great to train together, great to work as a team, and nice to get the experience of a half marathon before we attempt the "real deal" hopefully later that year.

I'm very frustrated again. I am just not sure that I will ever be a runner, and I'm not sure my body wants me to be. This whole crap with the knee pain is bugging me...but I'm trying not to let it ruin everything.

I will say, I have been so stressed out lately with school and work, and nothing feels as good to me as taking a run after work, just listening to my music and experiencing the scenery. During those runs the only frustration I feel is with the run itself, and its kind of nice to forget about the rest of the worlds ills.

Busy Running Weekend

I just have to say that I had a great weekend! Nothing spectaclar occured, but I just feel satisfied. And you know why? Because I was active. I am usually such a lazy bum on the weekend, but this weekend was great!

On Friday, Marc and I were both wanting to be really lazy. But after sitting around for an hour or so after work, we decided that we would just feel so much better if we worked out. We went to the drill hall, where Marc did the elliptical runner, and I ran outside from the drill hall to his office again, which is about a 3 mile jog. It was nice, I ran the first half without stopping at all, and then after I caught my breath for about a minute or two, I ran back to the drill hall. I really felt good out there-my breathing is getting better, as I concentrate on it I see an improvement in my stride, and though my ears are constantly popping I'm so used to it from the past two weeks that I hardly care. The only thing that really frustrates me is my posture. Years of low self-esteem have me living with rounded shoulders and I think they are fairly pronounced when I run. I am taking note of that and committing myself to correct it.

On Saturday I went to a wine fest and walked around, and was just too tipsy to run when we got home and by the time I was completely sober it was dark, so we just called it an evening. We watched Purdue get slaughtered by Notre Dame, and our shame for a defensive line that would just invite the Irish into the endzone was very discouraging.

Today was the day that I had been dreading, but was also pretty excited about. Marc and I had been looking at paths on base and decided that we would attempt to do a 10K. Both of us knew full well that we weren't ready to do one straight through, but we attempted anyway. We ran for about 2 miles, but my side stitches were really bugging me. So we walked a little bit and then ran some more, though my knee really gave out on me out there and for a second I thought Marc might have to get the car! But he didn't, and I was able to run/walk back to our car. All in all we ran 3 miles and walked 3 miles (according to our wonderful Garmin wrist GPSs). I'm proud that we did it, and slightly ashamed that I couldn't do the whole thing, but I guess I honestly did better than I had expected. Our intention is to just keep trying it, over and over again until we can do the whole thing-I know we can do it for sure. I felt bad because Marc is a better runner than me and I'm pretty sure he could have run more often, though I do take some satisfaction that he admitted that he rather enjoyed our walking breaks!

I did have a little breakdown out there though. It became painfully clear that I am really really far away from completing a marathon. I am going to complete a marathon in my lifetime. I'd really like to do one next year. But I was really frustrated out there today and afraid that I wouldn't even make it a mile without falling to my knees. As my tears were drying on my face I realized that in that moment, I was creating a memory that I would be able to look back on when I am running that marathon and think I can't do it. I'll remember how I thought I'd never do a 10K and it will help "fill my sails" and lead me to the finish.

Oh the Joys

I really love running. I love that it is my time. I ran early yesterday as I got out of work early and had plans at 5:30 pm so I ran at about 4 pm. It was great. There was a nice breeze going, and the only negative is that it was pretty warm in the sun, but I was just as warm as I have been when its been humid out so it wasn't too bad.

I did notice that I'm not a very "high stepper". My form is strange. I have this tiny little geisha steps where I barely lift my feet as I am running. As I go faster, my legs lift higher, but I feel like I am "shuffle-running". Not really sure what to do about that, but I'd like to get over that.

Haven't had a good nights' sleep in days. I'm taking steroids right now for my messed up ears and it effects your sleep as well as the Allegra-D I've been taking. So I've been up every hour on the hour for 3 days straight. Not cool.

No running tonight, as I will get home too late, and frankly I feel horrible. My goal is to do a quick run tomorrow before we go to the movies, and try to get some running in this weekend. With my messed up ear drums though, it has been suggested that I rest, so if I feel too cruddy, I'm just going to "couch potato" part of the weekend away. My intention was to go to a wine festival, but I'm not really interested in the calories nor the walking around with bursting eardrums, so we'll see what happens as far as that.

Purdue plays Notre Dame this weekend too. I'm already nervous!!! Go BOILERS!!!

Making New Goals

I've decided that I really need to push myself harder than I have been. I've just been slowly running, and then I stop when I get tired. Last night when we got to the drill hall, I decided that instead of going in and using the elliptical (I hate the drill hall's treadmills) I was going to run outside. There are a couple of courses on base, so I figured that I'd follow the 1.5 mile out and back...but when I got to the turn around point I wasn't even slightly tired so I decided to run to Marc's office which I guessed was basically double the run that I had planned. It went ok. I had to stop and walk sometimes, but then I would get running again as quickly as I could, even when I was still breathing heavy or had side stitches (I didn't drink enough water yesterday and I knew it going in) I made it out to Marc's office and back which turned out to be 3 miles. 3 miles isn't very far, but I'm such a beginner...I'm actually a re-beginner because I took so much time off during the summer that I need to really get conditioned. So my mini-goal is to get working on that 3 mile loop and master running it without needing to rest at all. From there I want to keep adding a mile that I can run without stopping.
One big problem with that loop is that the road isn't even slightly level. I feel like I am running at a horrible angle, and that is really putting additional stress on one side of my body, which isn't a good thing for sure. I know that roads aren't all flat and perfect, but I feel like I'm really misaligning my body, so I'm going to look for other places to run where the road has a little less tilt.
All in all, I'm excited about this and really want to keep this up. Today is an off day as I have class, but Wednesday I'll be back out there giving it my all.

Humidity-Nature's Wet Blanket

I ran last night and it went pretty well considering the weather. I felt like I could barely get any oxygen as it was really quite humid. The knee held up, the side stitches were fine (my Dr. said it was probably lack of fluid and I've been drinking up again) but it was just so darned hot. My shorts were in this sticky mess attaches to my legs and I felt like I was wearing a diaper. I'm really looking forward to the cooler weather and I'm really looking forward to going on longer runs once it cools. I really need to start pushing myself...I'm just doing casual "everyday" kind of runs, but that's not going to get me into marathon mode. I need to kick it up, but I'm realistic enough to realize that I can't do that while its this hot out. As it stands my face stays purple for about 30 minutes after I'm done running, cooling down and showering. Not cool!!

I RAN (like the flock of seagulls)

That's right boys and girls. I went on a run last night. My knee hurt a little bit, but that was the least of my problems. I went a little too early so it was still pretty hot out, but I still had the horrible side stitches from last time. In fact, as I sit here the next morning they still hurt a little bit, which is very strange. I need to really concentrate on my stance and make sure that I am leaving all the air passages completely open and whatnot. Argh. If it isn't one thing its something else.

The icing of my knee has really helped (thank you Sarah) and the fact that I am no longer climbing the stairs at work has helped as well. Now if all the other ills I am plagued with would just disappear (I'm such a baby)

Today I have class and then a friend is coming over afterwards so I don't think I will have a chance to run. I'd really like to get a little bit of a jog in as I'm hooked on the endorphins that kick in-even with the side stitches. As soon as I get these maladies under control I really need to get going on a running plan. I need to hold myself much more accountable than these little 25 minute runs through the neighborhood. Now that I'm getting faster its not taking so long so I look like a wimp!!

Today's the Day

I'm going to try to run today, for the first time since last Friday. I've been icing my knee at night (vanilla, j/k) and I really think I might be able to just push through it...that is, if the weather cooperates. I think I've decided that I need to lay of the stairs at work for a little while, but I really enjoyed that bit of exercise in the morning...but its not worth it for knee health.

Here's hoping I can run today-I feel fat when I don't exercise so I've been feeling pretty low the past couple of days.

On a fun note, today is my kitty cat Fernie's birthday. She's so cute and she gets to wear a party hat for "angry kitty" pictures!!

The Knees

So its official. I'm one of those people with "the knees". The knees that just aren't meant to be pounding on the pavement, taking the stairs everyday, and just getting generally beat up. I went to the drill hall today and tried to do the elliptical and even that was too much on my right knee. Then I tried the bike, and it hurt too badly as well. So I did some weight machines, but I was very disappointed. I've probably been overdoing it a little lately, not so much that I'm working hard, its just that I'm working much harder than I have in ages.

I do not want to be sidelined with this-I'm going to probably rest tomorrow and then get back in the game on Monday-that is if it cools down. Otherwise its back to the elliptical for me.

Friday Triatholon

If you count a triatholon as elliptical, running and biking, then I'm a pro. I just felt really bored when I was doing the elliptical, so I only went for about 10 minutes on it, then I went over the treadmill and did 10 and then went over to the bike and finished up with 10. And the funny part? The bike was the hardest for me-I'm not used to how that feels on my muscles!

Today we're going to work out again at the drill hall. It has been really hot and humid the past few days and I can not run outside like that.

My knees are killing me...and that worries me.

Another Day Off

I didn't run on Thursday after class...not a big surprise. My knees have really been bothering me a lot lately. I take the stairs to the 5th floor at work everyday and man oh man I can really tell that my knees are having trouble!

My intention is to run a lot this weekend-I'd really like to do a run on base, although it has been extremely humid and there is definitely some foreboding rain with Ophelia in the area. Maybe we'll just end up working out at the Drill Hall on base.

At my new running friend Sarah's suggestion, I've looked into the Chesapeake Bay Area Runner's Club-they have a lot of races in this area and as I get more advanced in my running I think I definitely want to join or at least participate in some of their sponsored races.

I'm feeling pretty good about running and I know that if I put my mind to this I really can succeed. I look back to this time last year when I first started "running". I did a run/walk program and I could barely last the 30 second interval with the 4 1/2 minutes rest...I've come a long way and there's a lot to go, but I am confident than I can accomplish anything if I put my mind to it, even if my knees threaten to give out on me.

Humid??

Since my friend crapped out on me for running tonight I went shopping at Target for new pants...and they are cute. Their a 10 and I'm happy-almost fit into an 8!

Not the point though. I came home and started my jog. The air was really heavy and I felt like I was trying to run through pea soup. And I kept getting nasty side stitches, which wouldn't quit. I'd walk a little, start to feel better, than resume running only to have the pain a minute later. I ran/walked the neighborhood and then started to feel better halfway home and kept running all the way home.

I really hate the heat and hate humidity-I'll be in Florida for 2 months in the Spring, which is when I'll really be training for the marathon and I know the humidity is going to suck!!!

Eh, enough bitching. Hope my two readers are doing well :-)

No Run Tuesday

I got home from class and it was almost dark. I know that I could have gone for my standard run in the neighborhood. But I didn't. I chose to eat dinner, followed by a little Law & Order, followed by a lot of crying. On my runs lately I have been thinking a lot about my mom and if she would be proud of me for getting things back together after they completely fell apart in college. I wonder if she would be proud of my job, my weightloss (if she got over the shame of me gaining 80 lbs) and frankly, I wonder if she watches over me on my runs, makes sure that I find my footing, etc. Sometimes I wish she was running right there next to me, though my mother had several back surgeries and I can't picture her running ~ but its a nice thought at the time.

My intention is to run today. I have a running "date" with a friend and she and I are going to try our hand at a run around her lovely tree lined, SHADY neighborhood-it was hot this morning when I came into work, so I hope it cools down or we run in the trees!

Monday Running

After my rest yesterday it was nice to get back on the "pain train". I am getting a lot better with my flexibility-it might be b/c my jelly roll isn't as big, but I feel a lot more limber when I'm running.

My run went ok today. I was a little warm and had to stop about 10 secs (2x) to get my breath but it was ok. I had a tortilla with salsa right before my run and that is never conducive to a good run.

All in all, I feel great. Hopefully I'll get home from class tomorrow night in enough time to do a quick run before it gets dark. We have a really great treadmill, but I just feel like I'm going nowhere slowly when I'm on that thing-even with the tv going. I need to be out and about!!

Saturday Evening Run

My run last night was AWESOME. I had stamina that I haven't seen in ages, my breathing wasn't all that bad, and I really enjoyed the music and the surroundings. It was great. I'm finding, though Marc takes offense at this, and he shouldn't because I love him dearly, is that I love to run alone. I love having the time with myself, to think about the day, to enjoy my music and just enjoy the sights. I don't have to worry if I am going fast enough, if I am keeping the pace a partner wants-I'm out there for me. If I want to stop, I can stop, or go on for hours (har har) Its just great.

In this most recent run I ran around the neighborhood and for once in my life didn't have to stop at all on my path. It was great. I was purple in the face when I returned home, but I just had a great sense of pride and I felt really good.

Now for the guilt trip...I decided not to run tonight-even though it is extremely nice and temperate outside. I just really don't feel like it and I am really tired. I know damn well that I should be out there right now, but I just took my evening shower and have my jammies on. Oh the guilt! But I will run tomorrow for sure, as its a priority to me.

Tomorrow is weigh in for Weight Watchers-here's hoping this weeks running has helped a little bit...I feel so close (yet so far away) to goal!

Last night's run

I took a quick run last night in the neighborhood...make that a run/walk. Marc and I went out last night after splitting a bag of popcorn and it was just not conducive to running. We ran and walked and just enjoyed each other and the neighborhood. I really need to stop being a big baby and just keep going!!! I always stop for side pains, etc, and if I just keep going they always go away.
Ah, today is a new day. Washed cars the the Police Department for a few hours and then I'm going to run this evening. Now I'm off to watch The People's Court!

Ugh

I exercised today but it was NOT awesome. I actually went home from work sick today because my stomach has been killing me as well as my head. My doctor thinks its migraines and I tend to agree with that!

But I decided to work out anyway. I wanted to run outside, but Marc said he didn't want to hurt his knees, so we went to the drill hall instead and did the ellipticals. My stomach really started to hurt after about 20 minutes, so I rode the recumbant bike for another 10 minutes while he finished up. I would have preferred jogging at home, but I guess its all exercise.

Tomorrow is a new day, hopefully free of headaches and tummy aches.