A Running Daze...

Gotta start somewhere

2010-03-06T12:20:00.002-06:00

I'm a little embarrassed to reveal to the entire universe a.ka. the World Wide Web that my running pace is a tad bit on the ridiculously slow side. For example, today I ran 3.68 miles in 51:02 minutes... yielding an average of... wait for it... 13:52 min/mile! Pretty darn slow. Well, I have to think positive. At least I "ran" (with quotes) all the way through. Some people do the sprint-and-walk thing, not because they are practicing tempo runs but because they just can't pace themselves, and I consider that cheating. There, I said it!

By the way, I've been posting all of my work-outs and runs on a training log on www.mapmyrun.com. I'll look into seeing if I can make this public.

Back from my hiatus!

2010-02-28T12:04:00.008-06:00

I haven't been posting on this blog as much, but that doesn't mean I haven't kept up with my running or working out. Lately, I've been working 60-70 hour weeks due to new projects at work (including one that is allowing me to go to Las Vegas for a week to coordinate a technical conference, all on IBM's dime!).... So, because of this, the frequency and intensity of my workouts aren't what they've been in been in the past, but I have managed to squeeze in at least 1-2 workouts a week, mixing in 3 mile runs with 1 mile sprints and other cardio workouts. And I'm pretty happy with that.

The point is, I am trying to keep up with the running I started 3 years ago .... And, I just registered to run the Capitol 10K again this April! :) Here is my blog entry from when I finished this race in 2008.

Week of May 31 - June 6

2009-06-02T15:57:00.002-05:00

Sunday, 5/31
Exercise: none
Diet: late breakfast: Vietnamese beef noodle soup. lunch: grilled chicken snack wrap with ranch dressing. late afternoon snack: uncooked ramen noodles, corn on the cob. dinner: chips & salsa, 3 beers
Monday, 6/1
Exercise: none
Diet: breakfast: small cup of coffee. lunch: pizza, Vitamin Water 10. pre-dinner snack: Vietnamese pork cold cuts. late dinner: Vietnamese beef noodle soup

Week of May 26 - 30 (first week back from yet another weekend of gluttony)

2009-05-26T23:59:00.029-05:00

Tuesday, 5/26
Exercise: Sprinted 1 mile in 9:41 minutes. Worked out on exercise bike for 30 minutes, targeting 123 - 153 heart rate (10.7 miles)
Diet: Breakfast: small cup of coffee, Luna bar. Late Lunch: 1/2 turkey & swiss sandwich on multi-grain bread. Late afternoon snack: 1/4 turkey & swiss sandwich, South Beach snack bar. Dinner: leftover pasta salad, two mini cucumbers, a banana, and a few pieces of beef jerky
The " scientific metrics":
Weight: 141.6 lbs
Waist: 31 inches
Hips: 36.5 inches
Wednesday, 5/27
Exercise: Lifted upper body free weights (Duration: 35 minutes)
- 6 sets x 20 reps bicep curls (8 lbs, one arm each: 2 lower, 2 upper, 2 full)
- 4 sets x 20 reps tricep extensions (8 lbs, both arms together)
- 4 sets x 20 reps tricep extensions (16 lbs, both arms together)
- 10 sets x 20 reps crunches
Diet: Breakfast: Luna bar. Lunch: 1/2 turkey & swiss sandwich on multi-grain bread. Afternoon snack: 1/4 turkey & swiss sandwich. Late afternoon snack: South Beach snack bar. Dinner: one spicy tuna roll, one salmon roll, edamame, two glasses of Michelob Ultra. Late evening snack: a few pieces of beef jerky
Thursday, 5/28
Exercise: none
Diet: Late breakfast: a banana. Pre-lunch snack: another banana. Lunch: South Beach snack bar. Late lunch snack: Luna bar. Pre-dinner snack: leftover pasta salad. Dinner: seared Ahi tuna salad, chips & salsa, ... and a drink or five... =)
Friday, 5/29
Exercise: none
Diet: Late breakfast: Vitamin water. Lunch: vegetable soup and Baked Lays. Early afternoon snack: Luna bar. Late afternoon snack: uncooked ramen noodles. Dinner: Phara's Lamb La Zeez (grilled lamb, basmati rice, with roasted habanero garlic sauce), hummus, pita bread
Saturday, 5/30
Exercise: Ran 3.02 miles, 39:44 minutes (13:09 min/mile)
Diet: Breakfast: none. Lunch: a small bowl of fried rice with low-fat Chinese sausage and lean flank steak, baby bok choy soup, with pickled baby eggplants

Memorial Day Weekend log

2009-05-23T12:19:00.023-05:00

Thursday, 5/21
Exercise: Worked out on elliptical trainer for 60 minutes (4.84 miles).
Lifted weights for upper-arm toning.
- Tricep Press Machine - 3 sets x 15 reps (50 lbs, both arms together)
- Bicep Curl Machine - 3 sets x 15 reps (20 lbs, both arms together)
Diet: Breakfast: skipped(bad). Lunch: light creamy potato & sausage soup, salad with Italian dressing, 2 breadsticks. Dinner: lean pocket, 5 lychee jellies, Bueno hazelnut chocolate wafer bar (a Spanish version Kit Kat), half a bag of uncooked instant ramen noodles (God, it gets worse and worse...), a few (like, 4) kettle-cooked jalapeno potato chips, unsalted almonds, dried cranberries
Friday, 5/22
Exercise: none
Diet: Breakfast: none. lunch: grilled chicken southwest salad with 1/2 packet of creamy spicy dressing. Afternoon snack: half a grilled chicken wrap, a third of a fried (damnit!) chicken sandwich. Dinner: a little bit of hummus, a spring salad with Italian dressing, two plates of spaghetti & meat sauce (eek!), 3 slices of french baguettes, 3 of Sarah's famous "low fat" cranberry & white chocolate oatmeal cookies, and half a slice of a fruit cream tart. .... oh, and a couple of bottles of Dos Equis beer (but, it was so worth it)
Saturday, 5/23
Exercise: Worked out on elliptical trainer for 60 minutes (4.98 miles)
Diet: Breakfast: a bottle of water (so, none, again). Lunch: asiago bagel with reduced fat sun-dried tomato cream cheese, a bowl of vegetarian vegetable soup, a piece of french baguette. Dinner: (... what's the point...) lots and lots of eggrolls (I probably ate about a dozen), beef fajitas, beef jerky, two of Sarah's famous "low fat" cranberry & white chocolate oatmeal cookies, and half a slice of Oreo cheesecake.
The "scientific metrics":
Weight: 140.0 lbs
Waist: 30 inches (hm... am I measuring myself correctly)
Hips: 36.25 inches
Sunday, 5/24
Exercise: Ran 3.02 miles, 39:29 minutes (13:04 min/mile... arg, so slow! even though it was my first time running .. in THREE months... I thought I could have done better)
Diet: Late breakfast: eggs, 3 pieces of turkey sausage, a couple pieces of bacon, hashbrowns, tortilla. Lunch: one bratwurst, one hotdog, German potato salad, baked beans. Afternoon "happy hour": 4 glasses of Moscato =) Dinner: grilled chicken breast, pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil
Monday, 5/25
Exercise: Walked for 35 minutes
Diet: Breakfast: 2.5 breakfast tacos, 2 waffles (no syrup). Pre-lunch snack: two of Sarah's famous "low fat" cranberry & white chocolate oatmeal cookies. Pre-lunch snack part 2: a few pieces of dried squid. Late lunch: pho with lean tai meat, small bowl of rice with braised lean pork and quail eggs. Dinner: pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil

So, the net of this Memorial Day weekend is: A LOT of eating... but I was able to fit in some kind of work-out between meals - not that it negates all the eating, but I would still consider this a success (especially if you know how the Dangs eat...)

My Goals

2009-05-21T23:09:00.021-05:00

I don't necessarily believe in tracking progress through weight (much less on the freakin' internet), but I'm recording it here for some level of "scientific" measurement and objectivity...

Starting Weight: 141.6 lbs
Starting Waist: 32 inches
Starting Hips: 36.5 inches

....... but you know what, damnit? Today, my form-fitting shirt and slacks fit quite nicely, and cross my heart, I honestly felt I looked slimmer in them. I also could feel my hip bone under a noticeably thinner layer of skin/fat, and my stomach didn't seem to bulge out as much as it usually does.

Whatever. For the sake of science and objectivity, here are my goals:

Lose 5 lbs before Boston trip.
Lose 2 inches in waist.
Lose 2 inches in hips.

Can I do it????

2009-05-12T21:00:00.005-05:00

Monday 5/11
Elliptical Trainer - 60 min (4.8 miles)

Tuesday, 5/12
Upper body weight training
- 6 sets x 20 reps bicep curls (8 lbs, one arm each: 2 lower, 2 upper, 2 full)
- 8 sets x 20 reps tricep extensions (8 lbs, both arms together)
- 10 sets x 20 reps crunches
(Duration: 30 min)

Thursday, 5/14
NYC! A lot of walking =) .... but a lot of eating =(

Friday, 5/15
NYC! A lot of walking =) .... but a lot of eating =(

Saturday, 5/16
NYC! A lot of walking =) .... but a lot of eating =(

Sunday, 5/17
NYC! A lot of walking =) .... but a lot of eating =(

2009-05-04T23:26:00.006-05:00

Wowzas!! It's been over 2 months since I've worked out! .... But then again, I haven't been recording that month of Bikram yoga (hot yoga in a room heated to over 100 degrees)!!! But still. Need to get back into shape. This is getting ridiculous.

Goal: Look good at Vince and Trimi's Boston wedding in June... Hmm... I should define a more specific goal, something with metrics, like with inches or pounds. TBD.

Monday, 5/4
Elliptical Trainer - 60 min (4.79 miles)

Thursday, 5/7
Elliptical Trainer - 60 min (4.80 miles)

Saturday, 5/9
Elliptical Trainer - 60 min (4.97 miles)

One month to get back into shape before Boston trip....

Getting back to running

2009-02-22T13:13:00.002-06:00

Saturday, 2/21

3.02 miles - 38:13 minutes
Average pace: 12:39 min/mile

2009-02-21T18:08:00.004-06:00

February 12 - 17

2 days in Vancouver - BEAUTIFUL CITY

Vancouver is a BEAUTIFUL city. I think it a good balance of city and nature. I'm not much of a shopper, and even I could appreciate all the shopping options in the city. (I've never seen so many shoe stores on one street in my life.) It's nice shopping in downtown Vancouver, and looking up to see the snow-capped peaks of the mountains in the distance. You never see that in Texas.

3 days of snowboarding in Whistler

It was probably a really bad idea to do so much shopping and sightseeing in Vancouver because on the morning of our snowboarding trip, I woke up feeling really sore. That was not a good sign. But I still had a really good time the first couple of days, especially when you don't get to see this every day:

This picture doesn't really capture it. Whistler is really beautiful. There were many points where I just needed to stop and sit down off the side of the trail just to check out the scene.

Here I am with some random snowboarder. Just kidding. It's David hidden under that gear. (Or Vince, who knows)

This is me, defeated. On the final day, I went down one trail by myself (my fellow beginner partner had already gone home). I admitted defeat as I tumbled down the mountain, but came out a winner after deciding to get lunch, a bloody Mary, and 5 beers. It was excellent.

So, it was an amazing trip. I really want to go again, maybe again next year - after my muscles recover and my finances replenish. Not the cheapest of vacations, but worth it =)

One month before Vancouver!

2009-01-12T22:26:00.007-06:00

Must train. Strength and Cardio.

Week of Jan 11 - 17

Monday, 1/12

Exercise bike - 15 min (~2.5 miles)
"Body Pump" 1-hour Endurance Weight Training class

Tuesday, 1/13

Exercise bike - 30 min (~4 miles)

Wednesday, 1/14

"Body Pump" 1-hour Endurance Weight Training class

Saturday, 1/17

Exercise bike - 30 min (~4.75 miles)

Week of Jan 18 -24

Monday, 1/19

"Body Pump" 1-hour Endurance Weight Training class

Wednesday, 1/21

"Body Pump" 1-hour Endurance Weight Training class

Thursday, 1/22

Exercise bike - 30 min (~4.5 miles)

Week of Jan 25 - 31

Monday, 1/26

"Body Pump" 1-hour Endurance Weight Training class

Saturday, 1/31

1-mile sprint - 9:08 minutes

"Body Pump" 1-hour Endurance Weight Training class

Week of Feb 1 - 7

Tuesday, 2/3

"Body Pump" 1-hour Endurance Weight Training class

Wednesday, 2/4

1-mile sprint - 9:13 minutes

Elliptical Trainer - 30 min (~2.5 miles)

Change of Plans

2008-12-30T00:11:00.006-06:00

The Half Marathon Relay is canceled due to the lack of committed runners on my team =( But that's okay. I haven't been running for the past several days due to my obsession over the Twilight saga! Yes, I have jumped on that bandwagon.

I started reading the first book on 12/23, and now just seven days later, I am about to start the fourth and final book of the series! Am I embarrassed over the giddiness of my teenybopper obsession? Of course!! But there's something about it... It's an easy read, a page-turner, and it reminds me of cheesy high school romance, which is weird because I'm usually the first to gag when watching cheesy teeny-bopper romance movies with sappy dialog and mushy sweet-nothings (Ugh, High School Musical....). Maybe reading this stuff is different from watching it? I have yet to see the Twilight movie, so I guess we'll see. But anyway, a little cheesy never hurt anyone. It's actually very sweet. But dang it, I hate being obsessive like this! I am actually trying to finish the series before work starts again in January so that my obsessive reading doesn't conflict with work, and uh... the rest of my life?! *sigh* This is so unhealthy.

Alright, back to reading...

2008-12-24T12:33:00.009-06:00

Running: Ran 2.94 miles - 35:49 minutes (Ave pace: 12:11 min/mile)
Thoughts: I ran 3 "Wilsons" (the block around my old middle school and elementary school). Physically, it was an easy run. Emotionally, it was draining. I don't think I like running anything three times in a row. I need some variety. Otherwise, I just feel like a hamster on a wheel (which is why I avoid treadmills if I can). On another random note, I am reading Twilight! I'm transitioning from children's literature about magic and wizardry to adolescent teen vampire romance.

Merry Christmas Eve!

2008-12-22T12:04:00.004-06:00

Running: Ran 3.02 miles - 35:39 minutes (Ave pace: 11:48 min/mile)
Thoughts: It is so freakin' cold outside!!!!! I can't feel my ears, arms, legs.. I should have checked the weather before I decided to run in a tanktop and shorts. 32 degrees.... I thought my body could warm itself up, and I was too determined to continue to turn back. I hope I don't get sick..... Stupid.

3M Half Marathon Relay

2008-12-18T10:24:00.006-06:00

Holy Moly, I've just committed to running the 3M Half Marathon Relay in January (~6 mile leg per partner). I must be crazy, but this will be good endurance training for my snowboarding trip in February. (Vancouver, baby!)

Anyway, I ran for the first time in a few weeks today. 3.02 miles in 36:38 minutes, for an average pace of 12:08 min/mile. I think if I train consistently, and realistically take into account the amount of free time I'll have (I'm expecting January to be very busy month for me), I should be able to maintain this pace for the 3M Half Marathon Relay. The last 6+ mile run I ran (the Capitol 10K), my average pace was 12:29 min/mile, and that was with A LOT of training. We'll see what happens. I'm staying optimistic!

2008-11-26T12:22:00.003-06:00

Monday, 11/17

Elliptical Trainer: 45 min (~3.5 miles)

Thursday, 11/20

Elliptical Trainer: 45 min (~3.5 miles)

Monday 11/24

Ran 3.02 miles: 38.27 min (Ave pace 12:44 min/mile)

Tuesday 11/25

Ran 2.29 miles: 30:59 min (Ave pace 13:32 min/mile)

Wednesday 11/26

Ran 2.29 miles: 28:25 min (Ave pace 12:25 min/mile)

2008-11-11T23:40:00.005-06:00

I completed my all of my "running goals" for 2008!
Update: I completed all of "Harry Potter goals" for 2008 (completion date: some time in early Dec)!

New Year's Resolutions Update:

Run a 10K race - Done: Capitol 10K (March 30, 2008)
Run a 5K race every 3 months

Winter 5K - Done: Mardi Gras 5K (Feb 2, 2008)

Spring 5K - Done: Schlotzky's 5K Bun Run (April 13, 2008)

Summer 5K - Done: IBM Uptown Classic at the Domain 5K (Oct 19, 2008)
... okay, sure this isn't technically "summer"... but let's let this one one slide =)

Fall 5K - Done: Run for the Water 5K (Nov 9, 2008)

Read all the Harry Potter Books

Book 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
- Done

Book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Done

Book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Done

Book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Done

Book 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Done

Book 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Done

Book 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
- Done

Go snowboarding again
- Deferred to Feb 2009. Whistler, Vancouver. Tickets booked!

Getting back on track... (again)

2008-10-08T00:40:00.004-05:00

After the wedding, I've been indulging myself in all sorts of luxuries, such as carbs after 5. It's been great. But now, it's back to maintaining my healthier lifestyle.

Tuesday, 10/7

Elliptical Trainer: 45 min (~3.6 miles)

Wednesday, 10/8

Elliptical Trainer: 45 min (~3.6 miles)

Thursday, 10/9

Elliptical Trainer: 45 min (~3.6 miles)

Sunday, 10/19

IBM Uptown Classic 5.3K
3.29 miles - 41:33 minutes
Average pace: 12:38 min/mile

Sunday, 11/9

Run For The Water 5K
3.1 miles - 35:09 minutes
Average pace: 11:20 min/mile

Wednesday, 11/12

Elliptical Trainer: 30 min (2.28 miles)

Countdown to Wedding Fitness!

2008-09-07T11:55:00.057-05:00

Goal for Michelle's wedding on 9/27 (in 3 weeks): Work-out 5 days per week. Continue to maintain a low-fat, low-carb diet, and refrain from carbs after 5 PM (allowing some moderate exceptions on weekends).
The bottom line: Just look thin and healthy at Michelle's wedding!

Here we go!

WEEK 1 OF 3

Sunday, 9/7
Running: 3.02 miles - 40:16 minutes (Average pace: 13:20 min/mile)
Diet: Lunch: Raw veggies. Dinner: First, a Vietnamese minced prawn & egg soup (bun rieu) with fried tofu. Then, a potluck dinner complete with meatballs & French bread, Parmesan-crusted halibut fillets, tomato & mozzarella salad, green bean & crab salad, rotisserie chicken, turtle cheesecake, fruit custard tart, and red wine. (I am stuffed, which is NOT good! At least, most of the food was healthy, but it's just too bad that I ate so much of it! Not a perfect start...)
Monday, 9/8
(Rest)
Diet: Breakfast: small cup of coffee. Lunch: half a turkey & provolone sandwich on wheat. Early afternoon snack: half a turkey & provolone sandwich. Late afternoon snack: a banana. Dinner: rotisserie chicken breast, raw baby carrots. Midnight fuel (as I work into the night..): a medium cup of coffee.
Tuesday, 9/9
Elliptical Trainer: 45 min (~3.5 miles)
Diet: Breakfast: small cup of coffee. Lunch: half a turkey & swiss sandwich on wheatberry. Early afternoon snack: a banana. Late afternoon snack: half a turkey & swiss sandwich on wheat. Dinner: Mushrooms in clear chicken broth soup, brussel sprouts, a pickle, and an apple.
Wednesday, 9/10
Elliptical Trainer: 45 min (~3.4 miles)
Weight Training - Upper Body Machines: triceps, biceps
Diet: Breakfast: small cup of coffee, an orange. Lunch: half a turkey & swiss sandwich on wheat. Afternoon snack: half a turkey & swiss sandwich on wheat, a banana. Dinner: turkey and chicken cold cuts, a banana, an orange, and a pickle.
Thursday, 9/11
(Rest)
Diet: Breakfast: small cup of coffee, Special K Protein Bar. Lunch: beef jerky (while shopping). Afternoon snack: an orange, Atkins "Day Break" Peanut Butter Fudge Crisp Bar, G2 energy drink. Dinner: Chinese buffet =( (but it was for Megan's 18th bday!!! I'll eat well on the weekend.)
Friday, 9/12
Running: 2.29 miles, 28:39 minutes (Average pace: 12:31 min/mile)
Diet: Breakfast: Special K Protein Water. Lunch: half a turkey & provolone sandwich. Early Afternoon snack: an orange, half a turkey & provolone sandwich. Late Afternon Snack: a banana, an orange. Dinner: turkey cold cuts, raw baby carrots, hummus, a pickle, Atkins "Day Break" Peanut Butter Fudge Crisp bar (for dessert). Late Night Snack: Special K Protein Bar
Saturday, 9/13
Elliptical Trainer: 1 hour, 5 minutes (~5.1 miles)
Diet: Lunch: spaghetti & meatballs. Afternoon Snack: small bowl of spaghetti & meatballs. Dinner: egg rolls, fried rice, a slice of ice cream cake, a slice of chocolate mousse cake (Megan's Birthday Part 2). Late Night Snack: turkey cold cuts.

WEEK 2 OF 3

Sunday, 9/14 (Note: Started Crest Whitestrips this evening)
(Rest)
Diet: Lunch: egg rolls, fried rice, a slice of chocolate mousse cake. Afternoon Snack: Atkins "Day Break" Peanut Butter Fudge Crisp bar. Late Afternoon Snack: an orange. Dinner: turkey cold cuts, raw baby carrots, hummus, a pickle, an apple.
Monday, 9/15
Elliptical Trainer: 45 minutes (~3.5 miles)
Weight Training - Free Weights: triceps, biceps, shoulders
Diet: Breakfast: medium cup of coffee, plain bagel with cream cheese. Lunch: half a turkey & provolone sandwich on wheat. Late Afternoon Snack: other half of the sandwich, Atkins "Day Break" Peanut Butter Fudge Crisp bar. Dinner: (I cheated!!! ... but just a little) one slice of white meat chicken quesadilla, one very small beef taquito, 4 white corn tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa, and a bunch of raw baby carrots
Tuesday, 9/16
Weight Training - Free Weights: triceps, biceps, shoulders (30 min)
Diet: Breakfast: medium cup of coffee, plain bagel with cream cheese. Lunch: half a cajun chicken wrap. Afternoon snack: other half of cajun chicken wrap, Atkins "Day Break" Peanut Butter Fudge Crisp bar. Dinner: a glass of wine, 4 pan-seared pork dumplings, sauteed beef & water spinach, Vietnamese squash (bau) soup
Wednesday, 9/17
Elliptical Trainer: 30 minutes (2.5 miles)
Diet: Breakfast: medium cup of coffee, plain bagel with cream cheese. Lunch: half a grilled chicken & swiss sandwich on wheat, a banana. Afternoon Snack: other half of grilled chicken & swiss sandwich on wheat. Dinner: chicken & salsa salad, turkey cold cuts, Vietnamese pork cold cuts (gio). Late Night Snack: fresh fruit (banana, apple, orange)
Thursday, 9/18
Exercise Bike: 30 minutes (4.1 miles)
Diet: Late breakfast: small cup of coffee. Lunch: half a turkey & swiss sandwich on wheatberry. Afternoon Snack: other half of sandwich, Special K protein bar. Dinner: half grilled pork sandwich on French baguette, braised pork, fried tofu, bittermelon soup
Friday, 9/19
(Rest)
Diet: Breakfast: small cup of coffee. Lunch: minestrone soup, salad, 3 breadsticks. Afternoon snack: small cup of coffee. Late Afternoon "Snack" (aka Happy Hour): 3 beers. Dinner: Sauteed shrimp with Thai chili peppers, chicken coconut curry with green beans, ground pork & bean thread patty, Vietnamese spinach soup
Saturday, 9/20
Running: 3.02 miles - 38:57 minutes (Average pace: 12:54 min/mile)
Diet: Breakfast/Lunch: small bowl of chicken pho. Dinner (at Shady Grove): Thai grilled chicken salad, cup of Mexican tortilla soup, chili cheese fries. Late Night Partying: jello shots & vodka cocktails =D

WEEK 3 OF 3

Sunday, 9/21
(Rest)
Diet: Breakfast/Lunch: small bowl of lean beef brisket & eye round steak pho. Afternoon Snack: 2.5 Round Rock doughnuts =( Dinner: tacos (one double-decker, one crunchy)
Monday, 9/22
(Stood on my feet for 5 hours straight for a recruiting event today!)
Weight Training - Free Weights: triceps, biceps, shoulders (30 min)
Diet: Breakfast: medium cup of coffee, fat-free peach yogurt. Lunch: chicken marsala, green beans, side salad with small drizzle of ranch dressing. Dinner: (Cheesecake Factory) Weight Management Spicy Chicken Salad (chicken spring mix salad with low-fat vinaigrette), small appetizer plate of Mitchell's meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables, pumpernickel bread & butter (yes, I know, carbs... )
Tuesday, 9/23
Weight Training - Free Weights: triceps, biceps, shoulders (30 min)
Diet: Breakfast: medium cup of coffee. Lunch: half turkey & swiss sandwich on wheatberry, a banana. Late Afternoon Snack / Early Dinner: other half of turkey sandwich
Wednesday, 9/24
Diet: Breakfast: bottle of water. Lunch: half turkey & swiss sandwich on wheatberry. Afternoon Snack: 2nd bottle of water, a banana.

2008-09-07T10:52:00.004-05:00

Thursday, 8/28 - Monday, 9/1: Sick with a stomach bug!!! (Con - Nursing stomach bug during Cancun bachelorette party, tortured by embarrassing incidents (keep reading). Pro - Couldn't stuff my face with fatty Mexican food or sugary alcoholic beverages; probably lost a pound or two.)

As a result of this horrid stomach bug (complete with utter embarrassment - 1) inebriated bride-to-be announces to entire Mexican restaurant that I have "diarrheas" (yes, with an "s"), and 2) co-bridesmaid walks in on me during one of my gastric episodes, thanks to the hotel failing to provide a lock on the bathroom door).... unfortunately, I was only able to fit in one work-out this week. The positive side of this week however is that I stayed true to my diet and ate only good nutritious food and snacks, including salads, fruits, and no carbs after 5 PM!

Saturday, 9/6
Weight training: Body Pump class (1 hour)

2008-08-24T14:04:00.001-05:00

Sunday, 8/24
Toning: triceps, biceps, shoulders
Monday, 8/25
Walking: 2 hours
Toning: triceps, biceps, shoulders

2008-08-20T18:13:00.008-05:00

Monday, 8/18
Weight training: Body Pump class
Tuesday, 8/19
Elliptical trainer: 45 minutes (~3.25 miles)
Wednesday, 8/20
Running: 3.02 miles - 39:53 minutes (Average pace: 13:12 min/mile)
Friday, 8/22
Elliptical trainer: 45 minutes (~4 miles)
Saturday, 8/23
Running: 2.22 miles - 26:25 minutes (Average pace: 11:54 min/mile)
Toning: triceps, biceps

TRYING to get my high school figure back! (Reunion coming up!!)

2008-08-11T21:59:00.009-05:00

GOAL FOR THE WEEK OF 8/10 - 8/16:
Fit in 5 work-outs before my 10-year high school reunion on Saturday night!

RESULTS:

Sunday 8/10
Elliptical trainer - 33 min (~ 2.5 miles)
Weight training: Upper-body machines - triceps, biceps, shoulders, chest, abdominal
Monday, 8/11
3.02 miles - 37:44 minutes
Average pace: 12:30 min/sec
Thursday 8/14
3.02 miles - 40:00 minutes
Average pace: 13:15 min/sec (sloooowwwwww!!)
Friday 8/15
Exercise bike - 30 minutes
Toning: triceps (dips), abdominal (crunches)
Saturday, 8/16
Exercise bike - 30 minutes
Toning: triceps (dips), chest (push-ups), abdominal (crunches)

I did it! 5 work-outs before my 10-year high school reunion!!
I'm a little disappointed that work got in the way. I really think I could have fit in a little bit more had it not been for work (working late hours, early morning conference calls). Saturday morning, I was cycling away on the exercise bike at my parents' house while listening to a release status call! Oh well, I'm happy that I achieved my weekly goal! =)

Vacation!

2008-08-10T21:01:00.008-05:00

Thursday 7/31 - Sunday 8/3
Vacation in San Francisco: Walking, walking, walking, ... more walking! (but eating, too =\)

Keeping track...

2008-07-20T18:13:00.006-05:00

Sunday, 7/20
1 mile - 10:28 minutes
Weight training: Upper-body machines - biceps, triceps, chest, shoulders, abdominal

Monday, 7/21
1.98 miles - 22:26 minutes
Average pace: 11:20 min/mile

Tuesday, 7/22
Exercise bike - 20 minutes (~7 miles)
Weight training: Upper-body machines - triceps, biceps, lats, shoulders, chest, abdominal

Slow progress...

2008-07-12T12:39:00.006-05:00

I can only fit in one run per week =( ... better than that one-month lull at least...

Saturday, 7/12
2.29 miles - 27:55 minutes
Average pace: 12:11 min/mile

Saturday, 7/19
3.02 miles - 39:46 minutes
Average pace: 13:10 min/mile

Holy Moly, it's been a month...

2008-07-05T01:53:00.013-05:00

After moving to my new job (I got promoted to management in mid-May), there has been no time for anything anymore! 60 to 70-hr work weeks leave less time for family and friends, and even less time for working out. It's been a month since my last run... a month!!! When work is busy and stress is high, usually the weight comes off on its own (albeit in a very unhealthy way), but lately I've been feeling as though I've let myself go because in the short spurts of leisure time that I can find to spend with family and friends, I try to compact in there as much merriment and relaxation as possible; this includes food, drink, and plenty of unburnt calories. As a result, I'm soft and and flabby! (.... Oh, but that juicy ribeye, fries, garlic bread sopping with butter, and cold beer I had at Mitchell's dad's house was so good...) I need to get my flabby bootie into gear!

Week of 6/29 - 7/5
Thursday, 7/3
3.02 miles - 39:15 minutes
Average page: 13:00 min/mile

Saturday, 7/5
Town Lake, 4.5 mile trail - Ran for 40 minutes, then ran/walked the rest of the way for approximately 15 minutes, yielding a total time of around 55 minutes.
Average pace: ~ 12:13 min/mile

Weekly Workout Summary Backlog

2008-06-11T09:23:00.005-05:00

... I've been too busy to post, not to mention run! I've been maintaining my one-run-a-week streak. It's far from stellar, but at least it's something!!

Week of 5/25 - 5/31
Thursday, 5/29
2.36 miles - 29:15 minutes
Average pace: 12:24 min/mile

Week of 6/1 - 6/7
Thursday, 6/5
2.22 miles - 26:52 minutes
Average pace: 12:06 min/mile

Work/Life Integration - A Work In Progress

2008-05-17T13:54:00.010-05:00

This "running daze" blog was supposed to be a combo of my running info (the "running" part) and things going on in my head (the "daze")... Yet somehow, all that I've been posting is workout summaries, which makes me feel like a robot. ....So, where's the daze? Lately, I've been so inundated with work that I've barely had any time to keep up with anything else (hence the one-run-per-week pattern you may have noticed).

So, sadly some things going on my head have been:

When should I schedule a meeting for myself to go get my car washed? (Yes, I want to PAY to get my car washed (inside and out) while I sit and catch up on my reading of "The Kite Runner.")
Should I go to the grocery store during my lunch break and keep the refrigerated items in the "team refrigerator" until I take them home at the end of the day (or, as we office robots say, at "close of business")?
What kind of pictures should I decorate my office with? - One of my funner thoughts
How cool is my new personal planner, which I picked up this week (during my lunch break, of course) at the local Barnes & Noble?!! It's light green, comes with its own pen, and fits easily in my purse. So far, I've been filling it up with birthdays, planned vacations, important weddings dates.. - Yes, I am sad...

So, in conclusion, I need to take a chill pill and then get slap-happy drunk. =)

Weekly Workout Summary, 5/11 - 5/17

2008-05-17T13:43:00.004-05:00

Wednesday, 5/14
Excercise Bike - 60 minutes

Saturday, 5/17
2.54 miles - 30:49 minutes
Average pace: 12:08 min/mile

Weekly Workout Summary, 5/4 - 5/10

2008-05-09T00:35:00.003-05:00

Friday, 5/9
3.02 miles - 35:44 minutes
Average pace: 11:50 min/mile

My Stack o' Bibs

2008-04-29T00:10:00.004-05:00

Recently, I started organizing all of my race bibs to put into a scrapbook later (to prove that I was actually "physically active" at some point in my life).. and I realized that since November of last year, I've run five organized races! Count 'em, biatch!

Susan G. Komen 5K Race for the Cure - Nov 4, 2007
Wellstone's Dallas White Rock Marathon Relay (5-mile leg) - Dec 9, 2007
St. Gabriel's Catholic School's Mardi Gras 5K - Feb 2, 2008
Statesman Capitol 10K - March 30, 2008
Schlotzsky's 5K Bun Run - April 13, 2008

For an "indoorsy" gal like me, this is 5 more than I ever thought was possible... and I'm proud to say that, Yes - I RAN all of them. This is a pretty cool feeling.

Weekly Workout Summary, 4/27 - 5/3

2008-04-28T22:39:00.002-05:00

Monday, 4/28
2.36 miles - 25:50 minutes
Average pace: 10:57 min/mile

Weekly Workout Summary, 4/13 - 4/19

2008-04-16T09:51:00.004-05:00

Tuesday, 4/15:
3.02 miles - 36:22 minutes
Average pace: 12:02 min/mile
Notes: Overall, this was a nice light jog through the neighborhood park in awesome weather - about 60 degrees with a slight breeze while the sun was about the come down .. but I felt kind of stiff during this run, and I don't think I stretched enough before and after the run. After the run, I got on my tip toes to reach for something, and I felt a weird pull in my left heel. It didn't hurt, but it felt strange, like something in my heel.. snapped? Sounds really bad and painful, but it didn't hurt... What could that mean?? This has happened before once, but I didn't notice any effects later...

2008-04-13T15:26:00.007-05:00

This morning, I ran the Schlotzky's 5K Bun Run. My chip time was 31:40, which averages out to 10:13 min/mile - my best time yet =) This was also the first time I registered as a timed runner, which I think helped because I had more space to run - this time, I was running with other runners instead of working my way around all the walkers.

Timed running is a different league, though (for me at least!). I saw an old lady, probably in her late 60's, zoom right by me!!! Nevermind my thoughts of failure as a 28-year-old, but I did manage to break away from my self-pity for 2 seconds to admire this older lady. I hope that to be me one day. Silver hair, skin barely hanging on my bones, but zooming by all the 20-somethings and laughing while they cough on my dust! - for me, though, I think I'll wear spandex pants =)

I think a goal I will set for myself is to run a 5K at 10:00 min/mile flat. Sounds easy, but the Texas summer may very well block me from victory. I guess we'll see..

Details of the 5K:

~50 degrees F, clear skies, slight breeze (perfect running weather!!)
1364 Total Finishers - 703 Males / 661 Females

Min Time: 00:15:09

Max Time: 01:01:04

Ave Time: 00:29:07

2008-04-09T15:11:00.001-05:00

I'm surrounded by idiots!!!! ........ Or, maybe I'm the idiot.

Running Updates

2008-04-08T14:36:00.004-05:00

Sunday, 4/6:
3.02 miles - 34:50 minutes
Average pace: 11:32 min/mile

Monday, 4/7:
Weight-training - 1 hr Body Pump class

Tuesday, 4/8:
Registered for the Schlotzsky's 5K Bun Run, which takes place THIS SUNDAY! =)

Wednesday, 4/9:
Weight-training - 1 hr Body Pump class

10K - Done!

2008-03-30T13:58:00.010-05:00

I did it!

1 hour: 17 minutes: 24 seconds
Average pace: 12:29 min/mile
(... which is good enough for me. I'll take it!)

Here I am!!!!! Don't be fooled by this false "look of anger"... This is what I look like when running in the rain. I can't see!!! I'm actually have the time of my life! It felt so good to finish.

The Countdown to the 10K!

2008-03-25T23:00:00.007-05:00

~~Day 6: 3 mile run~~ Ran 3.02 miles in 34:17 min (11:21 min/mile average pace)
~~Day 5: 30 min cross training~~ Hm... I've been working a lot. Believe me, that in itself has been well over 30 minutes worth of cross training......
~~Day 4: 2 mile run + strength training~~ Ran 2.00 miles in 23:08 min (11:34 min/mile). No strength training - don't want to risk having sore muscles before/on the day of the 10K
~~Day 3: Rest~~
~~Day 2: Rest~~
Day 1: 10K Race!

Weekly Summary, 3/17 - 3/23

2008-03-19T00:32:00.016-05:00

Monday, 3/17
Plan: Stretch & Strengthen
Actual: Rest

Tuesday, 3/18
Plan: 3 mile run
Actual: Ran 3.0 miles on the treadmill (Oh, how I hate the treadmill..) - 32:54 minutes (10:58 min/mile average pace)

Wednesday, 3/19
Plan: 45 min cross training
Actual: Rest

Thursday, 3/20
Plan: 2 mile run + strength
Actual: Ran 2.29 miles - 25:44 minutes (11:14 min/mile average pace)

Friday, 3/21
Plan: Rest
Actual: Thursday's run + Thursday Girls' Night Out (while everyone except me had Good Friday off) + 3.5 hours sleep = Much needed REST on a Friday night. I think I slept 12 hours. While I was sleeping, I think people came over to play Rock Band and Hold'em... I don't even know what goes on in my own house! Oh well, I love having people over. It makes the house happy =)

Saturday, 3/22
Plan: 60 min cross training
Actual: Ran 5.66 miles - 1:10:25 (12:26 min/mile average pace)

Sunday, 3/23
Plan: 5.5 mile run
Actual: Home Depot and Yard work - 4 hours ... I am counting this as Saturday's "60 min cross training" ........ Ha!

Weekly Summary, 3/10 - 3/16

2008-03-12T21:34:00.008-05:00

Monday, 3/10
Plan: Stretch & Strengthen
Actual: Rest (... well... kinda... Went out to 6th street with my sisters and ended up dancing like crazy people. This will henceforth be referred to as "cardio.")

Tuesday, 3/11
Plan: 3 mile run
Actual: Rest

Wednesday, 3/12
Plan: 40 min cross training
Actual: Ran 3.02 miles - 35:21 minutes (11:42 min/mile average pace)

Thursday, 3/13
Plan: 2 mile run + strength
Actual: Ran 2.22 miles - 27:06 minutes (12:12 min/mile average pace)

Friday, 3/14
Plan: Rest
Actual: Rest ("Sex and the City," wine and apps, with Kristen and Thuy =))

Saturday, 3/15
Plan: 60 min cross training
Actual: Ran 5.0 miles - 1:05:07 (13:01 min/mile average pace)... In 90 degree weather, this run was BRUTAL!!!

Sunday, 3/16
Plan: 5 mile run
Actual: 2.5 hour "cross training" (aka shopping)

Weekly Summary, 3/3 - 3/9

2008-03-04T18:01:00.008-06:00

Monday, 3/3
Plan: Stretch & Strengthen
Actual: Rest

Tuesday, 3/4
Plan: 3 mile run
Actual: Ran 3.02 miles - 38:20 minutes (12:42 min/mile average pace)

Wednesday, 3/5
Plan: 40 min cross training
Actual: Ran 2.22 miles - 27:48 minutes (12:31 min/mile average pace)

Thursday, 3/6
Plan: 2 mile run + strength
Actual: Rest

Friday, 3/7
Plan: Rest
Actual: Ran 4.56 miles - 56:15 minutes (12:20 min/mile average pace)

Saturday, 3/8
Plan: 60 min cross training
Actual: Rest (In Houston for a wedding)

Sunday, 3/9
Plan: 4.5 mile run
Actual: Rest (In Houston for a wedding)

Weekly Summary, 2/25 - 3/2

2008-02-26T09:12:00.006-06:00

Monday, 2/25
Plan: Stretch & Strengthen
Actual: Rest

Tuesday, 2/26
Plan: 2.5 mile run
Actual: 4.12 miles - 50:26 minutes (12:14 min/mile average pace)

Wednesday, 2/27
Plan: 35 min cross training
Actual: Rest (Worked early/late)

Thursday, 2/28
Plan: 2 mile run + strength
Actual: Rest (Worked early/late)

Friday, 2/29
Plan: Rest
Actual: Rest (Flew out to Penn for my uncle's funeral)

Saturday, 3/1
Plan: 50 min cross training
Actual: Rest (Funeral)

Sunday, 3/2
Plan: 4 mile run
Actual: Rest (Flew home, crashed)

Weekly Summary, 2/18 - 2/24

2008-02-24T20:57:00.004-06:00

Monday, 2/18
Plan: Stretch & Strengthen
Actual: Rest

Tuesday, 2/19
Plan: 2.5 mile run
Actual: Rest

Wednesday, 2/20
Plan: 35 min cross training
Actual: 3.02 miles - 38:47 minutes (12:51 min/mile average pace) - First run after being sick

Thursday, 2/21
Plan: 2 mile run + strength
Actual: Rest

Friday, 2/22
Plan: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday, 2/23
Plan: 50 min cross training
Actual: 4.12 miles - 50:28 minutes (12:15 min/mile average pace)

Sunday, 2/24
Plan: 4 mile run
Actual: 2 miles - 23:25 minutes (11:42 min/mile average pace), walked 1.1 mile

2008-02-21T22:45:00.003-06:00

My uncle just passed away this morning. It was very unexpected. My aunt has a bad heart, and I'm worried about my 4 cousins..... This sudden turn of events puts all my stupid bitching about work into perspective.

2008-02-19T19:08:00.001-06:00

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You are bright and enthusiastic, so team with people who appreciate these qualities. Hint: It's usually the ones who meet your smile with a smile and easily give up laughter to your jokes.

Weekly Summary, 2/11 - 2/17

2008-02-17T16:37:00.004-06:00

Monday, 2/11
Plan: Stretch & Strengthen
Actual: Body Pump weight training class

Tuesday, 2/12
Plan: 2.5 mile run
Actual: 3.02 miles - 39:47 minutes (13:10 min/mile average pace)

Wednesday, 2/13
Plan: 35 min cross training
Actual: Grocery shopping for Valentine's day dinner.... and meds =(

Thursday, 2/14

Plan: 2 mile run + strength
Actual: Rest (in bed sick!... and Valentine's day canceled)

Friday, 2/15
Plan: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday, 2/16
Plan: 50 min cross training
Actual: Rest

Sunday, 2/17
Plan: 4 mile run
Actual: 2.29 miles - 28:31 minutes (12:27 min/mile average pace)

2008-02-14T09:54:00.001-06:00

I'm sick! This really sucks. I'm irritated that I can't do anything except sneeze and let my nose run. Anger!!!

2008-02-12T11:47:00.000-06:00

3.02 miles - 39:47 minutes; windy, light drizzle, approx 55 degrees
Average pace: 13:10 min/mile

I did Body Pump again last night; this time, I increased my weights. So, this morning, I was feeling very stiff. I think I should probably re-think taking Body Pump on Monday evenings before my Tuesday morning runs.

Weekly Summary, 2/4 - 2/10

2008-02-11T15:54:00.005-06:00

Monday, 2/4
Plan: Stretch & Strengthen
Actual: Body Pump weight training class

Tuesday, 2/5
Plan: 2.5 mile run
Actual: 3.02 miles - 40:11 minutes (13:18 min/mile average pace)

Wednesday, 2/6
Plan: 35 min cross training
Actual: Recruiting event (on my feet for 4 hours straight) =)

Thursday, 2/7

Plan: 2 mile run + strength
Actual: 2.0 miles on treadmill - 18:45 minutes (9:23 min/mile average pace), immediately followed by Body Pump weight training class.

Friday, 2/8
Plan: Rest
Actual: Rest

Saturday, 2/9
Plan: 50 min cross training
Actual: (Switching Saturday with Sunday training plan) 4.05 mile run - 50:19 minutes (12:25 min/mile average pace)

Sunday, 2/10
Plan: 4 mile run
Actual: Shopping for new HDTV (Samsung 61" DLP with LED) and PS3 (for the blu-ray DVD playing functionality) -- I am counting this as my 50 min cross training!

2008-02-05T12:02:00.000-06:00

3.02 miles - 40:11 minutes
Average pace: 13:18 min/mile

Okay, let me explain this poor performance. Yes, I am disappointed that I'm running at a 13:18 min/mile pace after nailing a 10:31 min/mile pace at the 5K this past Saturday... but today, I felt really stiff because I took Body Pump on both Sunday and Monday. I'm not supposed to take Body Pump on two consecutive days, but the training program I started has Mondays down for "Stretch & Strengthen," and I just wanted to start the week off right. =) I thought I could squeeze in another Body Pump class if I kept the weights light, but I guess they weren't light enough. Also, I think when I do my usual runs during the week, I tend to run slower because 1) I'm running by myself, so I don't have anyone to help me pick up the pace, and 2) I'm running right when I get out of bed (around 7:15 AM) and I'm tired. Oh well. Excuses, excuses! My next run is on Thursday. It's going to be a short 2-mile one, which I plan on taking right after a 5:30 AM Body Pump class, so I'm not sure if I can improve my pace... but for this 10K, I'm not too worried about speed than I am about finishing the darn thing!

Here's my training program: http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10knovice.htm
I'm starting on Week 4, which I think more closely matches where I'm at right now.

2008-02-03T16:41:00.001-06:00

I took Body Pump this morning. The class was good. I took it a little light today, but it still felt good to get it done this morning. I felt a nice sense of accomplishment for a Sunday morning, when I'm usually still sleeping until lunch time.

I was worried that I wouldn't wake up in time for it since I was up until 4 AM hanging out with my buddies Newton and Tadaki. We watched Just Friends, which is about a former fat kid (played by Ryan Reynolds, who looked really hot btw haha) who was always put in that "friend zone" by this girl he's had a crush on since the 6th grade (played by Amy Smart). Anyway, I thought the movie was really funny. I'm surprised I hadn't heard much about it when it was showing in the theaters. I think one of the reasons why I liked it so much was because of the movie's choice of music. There's a scene in the beginning where the "fat" Ryan Reynolds sings I Swear, by All-4-One. Here's him singing during the credits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27Qm9pk7vho .... Oh, this takes me back to high school... hahaha

Ever wonder what song(s) this decade will be known for? Maybe I'm starting to sound like a "grown-up," but sometimes I wonder where the next high school generation is going. I really hope the song that they remember isn't going to be that stupid Soulja Boy song ("Superman that ho??" Where do they come up with this stuff???)... but then again, I know my generation has put some songs out there that aren't worth bragging about. ..... Nah! haha just kidding

My Winter 5K: The Mardi Gras 5K

2008-02-02T19:12:00.001-06:00

I did it! ... in 32 minutes and 53 seconds... which comes out to an average pace of 10:31 min/mile, my best time yet!! The Mardi Gras 5K was pretty hilly, and with the afternoon sun shining brightly on our necks, it was also a pretty hot and sweaty run! (yes, like, gross.) The race started at 4:00 PM, which was a little unusual since the past couple of runs I've finished always started very early in the morning. It was nice not having to wake up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning, but for an afternoon run, I think I would have liked an extra hour to digest my lunch... or, maybe I should have eaten a little lighter =) ... because my sides were starting to cramp up towards the end. Lesson learned - Don't eat that extra turkey sandwich, even if it is just a couple of thin slices of turkey and no cheese, and allocate 4 FULL hours of digestion time, not a measly 3.5 hours. =) All in all, it was a fun event, and I'm glad I finished it in the time that I did. Now, it's time to kick it into gear and start focusing on the 10K!

New Year's Resolutions Update:

Run a 10K race - Capitol 10K (March 30, 2008) - Registered
Run a 5K race every 3 months

Winter 5K - Mardi Gras 5K (Feb 2, 2008) - Done

Spring 5K

Summer 5K

Fall 5K

Read all the Harry Potter Books

Book 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
- Done, 1/6/2007

Book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Done, 1/14/2007

Book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Done, 2/1/2007

Book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Currently reading

Book 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Book 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Book 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Go snowboarding again

HP3 and W5K

2008-02-02T12:43:00.000-06:00

I finished Harry Potter Book 3 last night, and now I've got my "Winter 5K" in 3 hours!

Book 3, The Prisoner of Azkaban, was pretty good. I've already seen the movie, but there's a lot of details that the movie leaves out. (Now, I get the deer part!) I've already started Book 4, The Globlet of Fire. A part of me feels like I should be embarrassed for being so giddy over these children's books, but not really. These are pretty good stories. (Way to go, J.K. Rowling) Quite honestly, I'd rather curl up in bed reading these children's books than finish Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia, which is a pretty good book, but sometimes I just want to read some good old fashioned fiction rather than read about someone's search for answers to her problems. Hey, we all got problems... Mine is my current addiction to Harry Potter, and I'm 28 years old. haha

2008-01-29T09:15:00.000-06:00

3.10 miles - 40:30 minutes
Average Pace: 13:04 min/mile

It was moderately humid today.... and moderately gross! Mardi Gras 5K in 4 days!

Also, I forgot to mention that on Saturday morning, I took a Body Pump class (I want to write down all this stuff so I can track my progress..). Body Pump is the best full-body strength/toning workout I've ever done. It's been a while since I've taken this class, so after I took it on Saturday morning, I was so ridiculously sore by Sunday. It was hard to just to get out of a chair. Anyway, one of my goals this year is to take Body Pump more regularly (at least once a week). By Michelle's wedding (September 27), I want to have toned arms... because I can't be strutting around in a doll dress with mom arms! (haha no offense to moms out there, but I heard this term from an Amanda Bynes chick flick movie and thought it was kind of funny.. mom arms.. haha... again, sorry, moms out there... that's going to be me one day....)

Resolutions resolving...

2008-01-25T10:15:00.000-06:00

2.22 miles - 26:04 minutes
Average pace: 11:45 min/mile

Under 12 min/mile! =)

New Year's Resolutions Update:

Run a 10K race - Capitol 10K (March 30, 2008) - Registered
Run a 5K race every 3 months

Winter 5K - Mardi Gras 5K (Feb 2, 2008) - Registered

Spring 5K

Summer 5K

Fall 5K

Read all the Harry Potter Books

Book 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
- Done, 1/6/2007

Book 2: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Done, 1/14/2007

Book 3: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Currently reading

Book 4: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Book 5: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Book 6: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Book 7: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Go snowboarding again

2008-01-22T11:37:00.000-06:00

3.02 miles - 39:28 minutes
Average pace: 13:04 min/mile

2008-01-19T12:03:00.000-06:00

4.12 miles - 56:38 minutes
Average pace: 13:45 min/mile

My face is so chapped! It was pretty cold this morning, but I'll take chapped face over a ridiculously sweaty one from scorching heat and humidity any day.

My right knee tends to hurt when I run. I think this is causing my left ankle to hurt too since it's overcompensating for my weak knee. I should try a knee brace and see if that helps...

General workout plan:

Maintenance mode until I start training for 10K run on March 30
In Feb, start training program: http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10knovice.htm
Maintenance mode will consist of 2-3 runs a week (each run will be anywhere from 2 to 3 miles) and a Body Pump class at Gold's gym (weight-training in the rhythm of music).

2008-01-16T09:53:00.000-06:00

3.02 miles - 40:30 minutes
Average pace: 13:25 min/mile

2008-01-15T09:25:00.000-06:00

I didn't feel like running this morning... I'll run tomorrow. I just wasn't feeling it. But hey, I finished Book 2 of Harry Potter! Working on Book 3 now, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. =)

2008-01-10T09:13:00.000-06:00

2.22 miles - 29:28 minutes
Average pace: 13:16 min/mile

My mind keeps wandering off.. I keep looking up the sky, and I keep wanting to just take the day off to spread out a blanket somewhere in the park, and lay there in the company of a good book.

2008-01-07T09:54:00.000-06:00

3.02 miles - 41:55 minutes
Average pace: 13:53 min/mile

I just barely got out of my holiday schedule, so this morning's run left me a little light-headed. I guess I need to take it easy, but I hope all the training I did last year haven't gone completely to waste! I think the best thing for me to do now is first prepare for my Winter 5K, then my 10K. I want to do the 10K before the Texas summer heat wave hits!

My 2008 Resolutions are slowly unraveling...... I finished the first Harry Potter book yesterday! Good read. Even though I already saw the movie, it was still interesting to read the little details that I missed in the movie.

2007-12-31T11:24:00.001-06:00

2.29 miles - 28:04 minutes
Average pace: 12:15 min/mile

One More Holiday Run

2007-12-28T12:17:00.001-06:00

2.54 miles - 33:40 minutes
Average pace: 13:15 min/mile

Arg! Still slow. I want to stay under 13:00 min/mile.

A Holiday Run

2007-12-27T13:00:00.003-06:00

2.06 miles - 27:03 minutes
Average pace: 13:08 min/mile

At my annual check-up last week, I told the doctor that I exercise 2 to 3 times a week, but for the past couple of weeks, I've only been running once a week. I guess I can justify this by saying I'm on my "holiday schedule." That's not slacking off too much, right? =\ Besides, I spent 4 hours at the mall yesterday for Day-After-Christmas Shopping & Returns, which is always complete madness, but it's a great way to fit in some cardio - nonstop walking, dodging other shoppers and baby strollers, and periodic squatting to view merchandise on any low shelves or maybe pull on the occasional pair of pants on sale. Anyway, I guess I won't spend too much time going over details of the Chinese buffet I indulged in afterwards. oops. haha

Well, on a more positive note, even though I've been running less frequently (and at not-so-great times), it's nice to know that I can now run the "Wilson," which is the block surrounding both Wilson Middle School and Shepard Elementary School, without stopping. Back in my grade school days, when we had to run that distance for P.E., I could never do it without stopping. My sides always cramped up, and I always had to take a break. Pretty pathetic, I know. But, now I'm pleased to announce that I am no longer pathetic! haha =)

Happy Holidays!

Running for better skin!

2007-12-21T12:21:00.002-06:00

2.22 miles - 28:13 minutes
Average pace: 12:43 min/mile

Running first thing in the morning of a freezing winter day helps my skin because when I come back to shower, I am less inclined to use scalding hot water. Hot showers feel nice, but they're merciless on your skin.

Hooked!

2007-12-21T00:57:00.001-06:00

My first trip snowboarding was so incredibly fun. I can't wait to go again, and I'm surprised that my friends who HAVE gone snowboarding before aren't raving about it as much as I am! What the deal, man? Am I just crazy?? Am I crazy to add another snowboarding trip to my list of 2008 New Year's Resolutions??? Well, I'm hooked - the end.

Anyway, my old high school & college buddies and I decided to take a trip to Lake Tahoe. The scenery was breathtaking. Snow-capped mountains surrounding a serene lake... Yeah, we don't see much of that in Texas. These pictures don't do much justice, but here's an idea of what we saw from the ski lifts:

The first day was pretty much a waste for me. I missed the morning class I had been planning to take (since I had never snowboarded in my life), so I had to wait for the afternoon session. In the mean time, Phong had the excellent idea of throwing me down a green slope before I had a chance to learn anything at all (thanks, buddy). I had literally just strapped on my snowboard, wobbled straight over to the ski lift, got on it, and then as I skated off the lift, my snowboard slid up right under me, and I fell backwards, head-first. Here's the death-defying ski lift:

It was really embarrassing when the ski lift attendee had to stop what he was doing to help me up. Anyway, I was knocked down so hard that my goggles fell off, which became a problem because the next thing I knew, I had somehow managed to get myself stuck in front of a big snow machine. It blew snow everywhere - in my goggles, in my hair, inside my coat.... And to make matters worse, I didn't even know how to perform basic actions like keeping my board stationary or getting up from a fall. I was stuck in front of this horrible snow machine which kept blowing snow all over me. I couldn't see anything but snow, and I kept falling down in the very same location. If Purgatory had a winter season, this would be it. I didn't want to hold my friends back, and Phong was trying his very best to help me, but sometimes it's just best to perish in style. So, I asked him to just leave me, and let me tumble down with the last bit of dignity I had left. I made it down that GREEN (the easiest!) slope in... oh... a couple of hours.

When I finally got down it, I had to rest. I found Julia at the bottom of the slope, and we just kept practicing there for the next hour or so. We would run as high as we could up the slope, strap on our boards, then away we'd go. Good times =) .... Then, I scarfed down a granola bar, and headed over to my class. Unfortunately, by that time, I was so exhausted that I could hardly do any of the exercises our teacher was teaching us to do. Very discouraging, that first day. But here's a fun memory - Julia and I discovered our snowboards made great sleds:

My second day was like my real first day. Ivy came from San Francisco the second day, and since she had never snowboarded before, Julia and I spent the first hour or so to help her get acquainted with her board on the bunny slope. Here's a view of the bunny slope:

You'll have to turn your head a bit to see that the bunny slope was pretty flat, but it was definitely a good starting point. Ivy picked everything up very quickly. Unlike Julia and me, she still had a high level of confidence and energy to jump on the ski lift immediately and face that deadly green slope that I tried yesterday. Recalling my experience on the first day, my mind kept screaming, "Noooooooooo!!!" but my actions said, "Ok, fine." The second time was a little better. I was still struggling, and I was scared, but I was a little better. This time, instead of getting stuck in one place all the time, I was now moving on to real problems, like how to maneuver turns, how to avoid traffic (it was a very narrow slope, so it was easy to get into someone's way), and how to get up and stay stationary on an incline without falling. Even though I was doing better than the first day, I was still haunted by my first day's experience because my sore muscles kept reminding me - my butt hurt, my arms hurt, and even the muscles in my neck hurt, which I think was caused by the way I kept pulling myself up every time I fell.

On the third and final day, I finally got it! I could plow down steep slopes (plowing is snowboarding perpendicular to the slope to better control your speed). I could "leaf" from side to side down the slope. Plus, I was finally able to get off the ski lift without falling! It was HUGE improvement. I still need to work on my "S's," or rather the right way to snowboard, where you go one direction while facing down the mountain, and then you curve your course to go the opposite direction, this time facing up the mountain, hence traveling in an "S" shape. I still fell every now and then, but now I could actually stay up on my snowboard and really enjoy it. Yay! Here are Ivy and me jumping for joy:

Here are Julia and me making snow angels:

One major difference between the first two days and the last day is that we went on a different green slope on the last day. I didn't get a chance to go back on the first green slope to truly prove that it didn't get the best of me. I'm saving that for next time. Until we meet again, First Scary Green Slope, until we meet again.....

Here's the group I went with. From left to right: Phuong, Jevon, Julia, Vince, David, Phong, Me, Ivy. (Diana came with us, but isn't in the picture)

Alright, so here's my revised 2008 New Year's Resolutions:

Run a 10K Race
Run a 5K Race every 3 months
Read all the Harry Potter Books
Go snowboarding again <-- New

Wellstone's Dallas White Rock Marathon Relay

2007-12-10T10:38:00.000-06:00

I ran my first 5-person relay yesterday, where every member of the team ran one section of a full marathon (total distance of 26.2 miles). First, let me begin by saying that it was a very cold, windy, and drizzly day. It was so cold that my face froze to the point where I couldn't move my face to form words. But, despite the ridiculously evil weather, overall I had a really good time. I came to do what I sought out to do, and I finished! Plus, I got to cheer friends on, who then also cheered me on. It was a good feeling knowing that we were all in this together.... There was my team, Team Awesome... Our "sister team," Supreme Team 3-Beam Bucks... and Thang's team, whatever his team's name was =) ... And somewhere out there was our buddy D.Lam running his second full marathon. There was definitely a lot of team spirit in the air. And also, kudos to our "Team Manager" Newton for coordinating everything for our team, including registering our team before the the event sold out, and also synchronizing our rides so that we arrived to our exchange points on time.

So, as I mentioned in my previous post, it was a loooooooooong day! Here's the play-by-play:

6:20 AM - Wake up
6:45 AM - Meet team
7:20 AM - Take first runner to starting point
8:00 AM - Race begins
9:40ish - Exchange 1st and 2nd runners
10:10ish - Exchange 2nd and 3rd runners (MY EXCHANGE)... Walk one mile to switch point, then run 5+ miles.
11:30ish - Exchange 3rd and 4th runners
11:35ish - Try to find mom
12:25ish - Exchange 4th and 5th runners
1:30ish - Go to finish line. Run across finish line with Julie, as if we ran the full marathon =)
1:40ish - Standard 20-minute loitering
2:00ish - Get free food and drink in the American Airlines Center
2:30 PM - Pass out on Newton's couch
4:40 PM - Wake up and shower
5:30 PM - Sushi Buffet at Tokyo One
8:00 PM - Get gas and coffee, and head back to Austin
11:30 PM - Arrive Austin
11:53 PM - Blog =)
11:56 PM - Send in my weekly status report for work
12:01 AM - SLEEP!!!

Here I am finishing my leg...

And here's the exchange!! Go Janice, go! (I look so frail, like a raggedy doll.)

There were a few hiccups which I think could have been avoided had the event been organized better. The most frustrating part was not being able to find my mom at the finish of my leg, which really upset me because she had been standing in the face-freezing cold by herself, at the WRONG mile marker. Who knew there was a 15-mile marker for full marathon runners and a completely different 15-mile marker for relay runners? They really should have at least labeled things better! I was so upset about not being able to find her to make sure she was able to get to her car (or anywhere with heat) safely. Fortunately, she was able to wave down a race official in a golf cart to take her to her car, which was two miles away. =( ... Well, problem solved, although it could have been easily avoided, and I felt really bad I didn't at least get to see her... =(

The other little headaches were relatively minor. First, the maps we were provided with didn't specify where the road blockades were going to be, so the closest I could be dropped off from my exchange point was a mile away. Maybe the event organizers didn't share this information on purpose so that everyone would use the buses, but where is the team spirit in that if everyone waited separately on buses in the cold?! =\ Secondly, my leg also turned out to be longer than 5 miles because the relay exchange points weren't placed exactly 5 miles apart. My team mates estimated my leg to be anywhere between 5.75 to 6 miles, but it would have been good to know the exact distance. I didn't mind running the extra distance, but what was frustrating to me was not knowing exactly how long my run was so that I could determine how to pace myself and also how to calculate my average pace. It's a little disappointing to train for a run and not have the information to figure out how well you did. But to share some numbers, I ran the 3rd leg in 1 hour, 18 minutes, and 20 seconds. If the leg was 5.75 miles, then my average pace was 13:37 min/mile. If the leg was 6 miles, then my average pace was 13:03 min/mile. This is around the pace I expected to average out at, so I was happy... MUCH happier than I was when I originally thought my pace was 15:40 min/mile, based on a 5-mile leg!! ......... So, in summary, I had to walk a mile to my exchange point, and then run 5+ miles!! Crazy! Well, I'm glad I did it. Piece of cake, man!!! hahaha Sure, I say this now when it's all over =)

Another strange thing about the event was the location of the "post-race party," where free food and drinks were provided for all of the runners. It was located in the downstairs pit of the American Airlines Convention Center. For novice runners like me who only ran 5-6 miles, it wasn't a big deal to walk up and down the stairs; but for marathon runners like David, this is a painful (and pretty cruel) location for runners to walk to and from. ... It was as if the organizers of this event hadn't ever participated in a race before... Strange.

Oh well, little minor annoyances, but like I said, overall I had a really good time! After everyone finished, we all went home to shower and rest. (I took a nice 2-hour nap.) And then, we all went to eat sushi buffet at Tokyo One. At 8:00 PM that night, I started my exhausting 3-hour drive home.

So, what's next? Snowboarding in Lake Tahoe this weekend!! Then once the new year begins, we'll talk about future runs. I see a 10K and/or a Half-Marathon Relay up ahead in Spring of 2008.

Stay tuned!

I did it!

2007-12-09T23:53:00.000-06:00

I did it! I came, I ran, I conquered. Then, I took a nap, ate sushi buffet, and then drove the three grueling hours back home. What a long day... Austin, home sweet home.

More details later...

Eeek!!!

2007-12-08T23:52:00.000-06:00

I should be sleeping, but the White Rock Relay is tomorrow!!!!! The marathon, half-marathon, and relay are all sold out. This is going to be a fun and happening event! (.. not to mention a cold and wet one, per the current weather forecast... I was not prepared for rain and was stressing out on where to find dry-fit clothing at the last minute..)

Ahh!! Nervous! Can't sleep... Oh, but I must!!!!

Good night!!

My Stop Watch, My Trusty Friend

2007-12-06T11:10:00.000-06:00

This morning, I wore my stop watch and ran 2.26 miles in 26:39 minutes, which averages out to 11:48 min/mile!!!! Well, I kind of expected (well, actually hoped) that my time would improve from Tuesday's run because I only ran 2 miles today. But, this is still good because now I feel more comfortable about being able to maintain an average pace of at least 14:50 min/mile for the relay (that's the relay's requirement, for safety reasons). I was getting a little nervous about my actual pace for my 5-mile leg. My longest run so far has been 4.5 miles, and that took me 63 minutes to finish (14 min/mile =\), but I think if I wear my stop watch to pace myself better, and drink plenty of water and load up on carbs the night before, I think I'll be okay. Plus, I think I'll be running on a good dose of adrenaline during the relay.

So, my stop watch helped. I'm pleasantly surprised because I thought it would be a huge distraction, in the same way that treadmills distract me ("ugh, one MORE quarter-mile.. ten MORE minutes of this agony... ").. I guess what I really hate about treadmills is that they're boring and are usually placed in environments that aren't very stimulating. I just feel like a hamster on a wheel. ... So, back to what I was saying - my stop watched helped, so I'll wear that at the relay. One note though - I think I need to remember to take it easy and remember to breathe properly. When I'm aware of the time ticking, I can easily push myself too hard and overdo it. This morning, I felt my sides almost cramping up, which is something I definitely don't want happening this weekend.

Alright. I'm ready! =)

P.S. We won the hallway decorating contest!!!

So tired...

2007-12-05T18:53:00.000-06:00

Usually on Wednesday evenings, I try to make it out to Gold's Gym to take their Body Pump class. It's a full-body weight training class - with music. It's a really fun way to get toned, but today I'm way too tired. I would normally tell myself to "man up," but today's been a physically strenuous day at work. Plus, I really don't want to accidentally overdo something and be too sore to run this week. I just have one run left (2 miles tomorrow morning) before the White Rock relay on Sunday.

Work today was interesting. Every year, my co-workers on my hallway engage in a friendly "competition" of holiday decorating with the other hallways in our building. And today was that time of year again. Our theme this year is "The Twelve Days of Winter" - We can't have any religious references at work, so we're censoring "Christmas." (ha, what a strange thought.) We have 12 offices on our hallway, and each office door has a verse... I got the "Three French Hens," so naturally I decorated my door with three brown hens in matching red berets standing in front of the Eiffel Tower, all crafted with construction paper, courtesy of Pflugerville ISD, thanks to my teacher-sister. =) Anyway, I didn't think this whole theme would be so much work, but we had to put up about a hundred little music notes and arrange them to match the sheet music (I have very ambitious co-workers), in addition to wrapping all 12 doors in butcher paper and hanging garland and ornaments from the ceiling. It turned out well, but I'm completely drained now. It really took all day to do this - although, I did find a way to fit in some real work in. Ah, the art of multi-tasking! I literally cut out music notes and treble clefs while on conference calls all morning, and then again in the afternoon while waiting for automated jobs to finish. But now, I think I'm ready to zone out in front of the TV. Oooh, my favorite show, Dirty Sexy Money, is on tonight!

Tuesday Morning Run

2007-12-04T09:15:00.000-06:00

This morning, I ran 3.02 miles in 36:29 minutes, averaging a pace of 12:05 min/mile.

Remember how I said I run an average pace of 13:45 min/mile? Well, yeah, weird!! I thought I ran at that pace... but I think wearing a stop watch during my run this time might have helped. I noticed that I picked up the pace whenever I glanced at my watch and saw how much time had passed, especially in the last stretch when I sprinted (uphill!) to try to finish my run in less than 40 minutes. I guess I'll keep on wearing the stop watch and see what happens. I hope this improvement isn't a fluke!!!

While I was running today, I was thinking about how I really enjoy running in the mornings. Considering how I'm not a morning person at all, I thought I'd hate morning runs, but I actually prefer it now. I think it's because it forces me to put in some "me time" first before I do anything else for the day. Then, when I go off to work, my job becomes a little easier to deal with because I know it's not consuming all of my life anymore. Weird how things work out that way. Good exercise and no dragging feet to work. This is a really nice combination to have in my life right now. =)

Welcome Me!

2007-12-03T15:57:00.002-06:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I am far from possessing any athletic finesse, high physical endurance, or even decent hand-eye coordination. However, since July 30th of this year, I've been sticking to a regular running training program (ahem, for novices, thank you), and since then I've completed my first 5K in November, and am now training for a relay in December where I'll be running a 5-mile leg. (... and it's THIS weekend!!) ... These are baby steps for some, but huge gimongous leaps for a weakling and physically awkward person like me.

I've noticed that while I run, at the average lightening speed of 13:45 min:sec/mile, I find myself drifting off to a daze (hence the name of this blog) on all sorts of random things, whether it be on why the heck I'm even running in the first place... or what I need to get done at work today... or even how I'm going to manage to look sweet and delicate in a (very cute, but not sure how it's going to look on me) baby doll-style bridesmaid dress for a wedding in September. So, I've created this blog not only to track my progress and thoughts on running, but also to write down any thoughts that come up during or in between my runs. Hopefully, I'll continue running for a long time, but if not, I hope to at the very least come across (or, "run across" hardy har har..) some interesting things worth jotting down for myself.

Wish me luck! =)