Too Cold in TX

Yes it is cold and we are all complaining about it. Well not all but most. Aside from the weather I am excited to say I am now gainfully employed at new job and taking some time to be lazy before I start work on the 14th. I should be running more but it is just too cold outside for me. My warm bed wins most mornings. I did venture to the gym today for just a bit. I will most likely be at the gym tomorrow morning as well considering it may be snowing outside. Hope I don't go slip sliding all over the road. All the TX peeps that have no clue how to drive in the winter yuckiness stay safe!

Back Again

So I guess it is time to write a short and sweet update. Thanks to a friend I have decided to attempt blogging again. Life has been busy and ever changing. I have decided to embark on a job search which has proved to be a big learning experience. Things have gone well. Actually better than I expected yet the whole interviewing thing is really rather unnerving. I am in sales and love it but I hate when the interviewer tells me to sell them a pencil. Yuck. I guess that is just one of those questions I will continue to get. Anyway on to running. I have been running with friends around my neighborhood and at the trails in Seabook. Just running for fun and I have no races planned. I think that will most likely be my running life for the time being. Racing will probably take a back seat as it has for the last 2-3 years. Honestly the last real race I had was probably 2007. I was proud of myself for running at the gym the last 2 days and not staying in my warm bed. I have a lingering cough and do not relish the idea of running in 30 degree weather. I think tomorrow will be another gym day. To quote the Starbucks guy this morning, stay warm and classy!

Bridge Runnin' Fool!

It feels good to be back on a running/training schedule. Sunday through Wednesday are gym/treadmill days. I just HATE running in the heat and humidity and will avoid it when possible. I even made it to the Kemah bridge on Thursday morning for a 5 am run. Friday is my day off and Saturday is my long (ish) run. I would like to be able to run the Toughest 10 K in September. This goal really helps keep me focused. Let's hope I can keep it up! After the 10K I will need another focus as I skipped the CHM Half sign up. Maybe the 10 for Texas in October/November.

Marathon Madness

Wow what madness has descended on the runners in Houston over the hometown race going to a lottery system. I used to be a marathoner. I never had much love for the race either. I ran this race for the challenge and I was just a little mad myself for never being satisfied with my times. I ran the Boston marathon and then just lost the fire within to keep pursuing a marathon PR. I am now a less respectable half marathoner. Not that those who run this race are less respectable but somehow I am made to feel this way many times. Anyway I am going to enter the lottery in hopes of running the half marathon. I do not understand the half people that register for the full knowing they are going to switch. I think you just register for the race you are going to run with no switching allowed. Just like life you run the race you are meant to run end of story. So your marathon training does not go as planned then pick another race. So you get injured then pick another race. Other major races do not have a half you can switch to and you just get over it and pick another race. That said if you do not like the lottery then pick another race. Yes I will be disappointed if I don't make the cut, but there are other half marathons and new places to explore.

Another Year Goes By

I am now another year older as of Tuesday. The years seem to be going faster all the time. I used to hate when people said I looked much younger than my age and now it makes my day. Those comments are coming fewer and further between but oh well. Still the same age group (35-39). The funny thing is when I look up race results I still look up 30-34 out of habit. I have been in the new group for over a year and still forget! When I passed thirty I started forgetting my age when people would ask. I notice as I get closer to forty I am starting to remember. I love when my son (he is 8) talks about something far in the future like when he is an adult and he says "mom you won't be around then so don't worry". Kids are great. So hopefully I will get to more races this year and participate in my new and improved age group before I become a masters runner (that's when it gets really tough).

Just Tired

No running for me in the last two days. I have been really tired due to work obligations. The last few days were spent at an expo meeting some really great business contacts and leaving me really exhausted. My job is essentially talking to people all day long and creating customer relationships. I love what I do and can talk plenty (ask anyone that runs with me). My favorite running peeps are those that can run and talk without giving me dirty looks when I want to socialize. What's up with that anyway? I have run with all types: the serious fast types (not talkers), the slower jolly types, the medium speed want to be fast serious types, the medium speed happy to be medium types and the fast but don't get all serious and edgy types. My favorite are those that are happy to be running and happy with where they are. My long run each week is a time to escape the gym and enjoy running outside. My Clear Lake friends are great and many could run circles around me but prefer to slow down a bit and enjoy the company and the run. We look out for each other and slow the pace if someone does not feel good that day. We also share jokes and talk politics (at least we have one other Democrat in the group to agree with me!) Tomorrow morning I will venture out to the trails in Seabrook to meet my friends for a run over the bridge then we will enjoy coffee at the Kemah Boardwalk. I can't think of a better way to start my weekend!

More Gym Days

I have been showing my face everyday during the week at the gym. The speed is getting better and feeling easier. Today was another step up so it was not as easy this morning but you can't stop progress! My long run on Saturday was humid but good friends made the time fly by. I am still only able to complete 7-8 miles which is fine for the summer months. I have given up marathon running for the next few years so this fall the races for me will be 13 miles or less.

On another note:

I was watching the Biggest Loser last week which was a first for me. Does anyone else see this show as a bad idea. I think it is wonderful the participants are getting in shape however aren't they losing a dangerous amount of weight in one week? They are getting encouraged to lose as much as possible from week to week and it just seems really unhealthy and contrary to anything I have ever known about weight loss. Maybe I am missing something but I just watched the whole time thinking one of them would pass out any second. One of the guys even mentioned he could now run at 8.5 mph on the treadmill. I can't even do that! Just seems off to me.

You Can't Always Get What You Want...

I always find I do get what I need. Related to running this means not getting the races I want but being able to run at the gym which I need. Really I need the daily running for mental clarity. I would love to do more races but often my schedule will not allow (just too tired on weekends). I think my regular running during the week will leave me prepared when I am able to race. I think 2009 was about making my life more efficient and getting rid of the wastefulness. This year will be about getting healthier in all aspects of my life including family relationships, finances and physical wellness. I think most of us get stuck in unhealthy cycles and habits that lead to slow decay whether we realize it or not. Sometimes life has to hit us in the face hard and then we do something different. My life has been all about this lately. I realize everything I have gotten has certainly not been what I wanted but absolutely what I needed. I have listened to my wake up call and am getting out of bed to run toward a better days. I will keep listening for more things I need.

Finally Friday!

Another week is gone and I am glad this one is history! Running wise all is well. I have been on the treadmill at the gym again this week. My training for the next several months will consist of treadmill @ gym run 20 minutes increasing speed every week or two until I reach sub seven pace for said time. When I reach desired pace then add 5 minutes until I reach 35-40 minutes of running. This is what has worked in the past to get in race shape so this is what I will do. Other part of the recipe is finding a group to run me into the ground on Saturday or Sunday. I have run with a few groups over the years to accomplish this, it is just a matter of deciding which day I want to run. I may meet up with Kenyan Way in May but not sure yet. Have a happy fast running weekend!

Painful Wednesday

I am really doing my best to get some work done but my head just keeps pounding. Only a half hour more until I take lunch and I am hoping that will make it all better. This morning I got up at the standard 4:30 am to get to the gym. After going to bed way too late this was the most painful workout yet. The intensity was actually low yet I had no energy. I think work has drained all of that from me. I like running on the treadmill most of the time but today I just felt sick. The guy next to me kept running way too fast and hanging on to the side bars of the treadmill for dear life. I really wanted to yell at him to just slow down because he was driving me batty. If you can't run without hanging on the treadmill you are going to fast. I skipped weights and headed to Starbucks for a giant coffee. When I got home Bear was ready for a quick walk before I got the kids up for school. Maybe I will call it quits early today and head home for some rest. I need a reset button for today...

Saturday

The conditions were horrible for my short run this morning. I felt like I was running through a swamp. Anyway I made it through 4 miles and then headed back for breakfast with the family. I have decided I would like to run the Tour de Bayou races this year. I love the cross country courses. I am sure the hills will make mince meat out of me but what doesn't kill me, well you know. I used to be able to burn up those hills but that was a few years ago and lack of training has taken it's toll. I do miss those days. Plans may change being that the races all take place during the week after work and I may not have childcare available. I suppose if the stars align I will be there and if not it was not meant to be. I am off to a day of chores and work...

Getting There

As of Thursday I have convinced myself to get back to the regular running thing. I joined the Y again and have been going with Mike since Thursday. We get on the treadmill no later than 5 am (this stinks) and then hit the weights (arms or legs on alternating days). I have learned it is hard to run fast so early in the morning but I have little choice about the time. I am typing this with a major headache and I really would love to go back to bed! I guess I just need to start getting to bed earlier. These last few days have made me feel really out of shape. This morning I was so sleepy I typed the treadmill up higher than I meant too so at the end of my run when I went to up the speed I realized I was already running at the speed I wanted to finish at. No wonder it felt so hard today! I would really like to target a race but nothing is really jumping out at me. Something with breakfast tacos at the end would be good so if you know of anything let me know.

Wednesday

This morning when the alarm went off I immediately thought about skipping the run. I knew this was not really an option and I reluctantly got out of bed and put my warm clothes on. The house was cold so I thought it would be a lot colder outside and it turned out I was overdressed. Oh well the run must go on. Bear bolted from his crate as usual and we headed out the door. Halfway down the street I decided this would be a walk not a run. Bear seemed to agree as he just wanted to stop at every tree. We proceeded to do a mile walk and then get home to get the kids up for school. Since I bailed this morning I will probably go for 4 miles this afternoon after work. Tomorrow will most likely be a day off to celebrate Tabitha's Birthday. She said she would like to shop, see a movie and eat out (no mention of running). That sounds good to me!

Non Running / Houston Chronicle Article

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/steffy/6818731.html

This is non running stuff but good publicity for the business. This is what I do in my non running time, which is most of the time now:)

A Fun Half Marathon

Today was D day and I have to say I had a good time. I knew there would be no PR in store but a good quality training run to kick off the spring season. I do miss training but I realized I run much better when I am relaxed and just enjoying the experience. The people were the best part! I saw some truly colorful characters. Congrats to all of the half and full marathon finishers!

The Bear Miles

Last night I went for my longest Bear run so far. Bear is our mini schnauzer/griffon (like Star Wars ewok) new doggie. He is the best but he thinks he is a rough and tough big guy. This evidently got him into trouble because the vet told us at his first appointment that he had been in a dog fight. When we got him from the rescue we were told he had early cataracts but really he had been wounded in some type of attack. He also had sore ribs according to the vet. He is fine now but still acts like he is the boss when he sees other dogs regardless of their size. Another thing I find interesting is that when running he has to be just a step ahead of me. I know the feeling:) Since his running career has started Bear has gotten a crazy amount of energy, he cannot contain himself when he sees the leash come out. I guess he is hooked, which is good because it keeps me from skipping runs. Along those lines with so many skipped runs this year I am still on the fence about Sunday. Let's hope the running gods are with me this weekend, I need all the help I can get!

Undeleted and Ready for A Good Year

Well I decided to reinstate the blog even if only for a few readers. Just after I deleted due to lack of motivation regarding running among other things I found out my daughter is a regular reader. She would read at school during her computer time and said she wanted me to continue. That was really all I needed. Regarding running I reached an all time worst year in the six years I have been at this. I guess life is just like that sometimes it kicks you in the butt and you have to keep going in the hope that better things lie ahead. My last entry was about our puppy Jake we adopted from BARC over Thanksgiving. He passed away after two weeks due to a bad case of distemper which he had before we adopted him. Later I read an article about BARC and how most of the animals there are sick and disease is rampant in the kennels. I really hope 2010 is much better, I am ready for some happy times. I plan to run the half marathon this year but very slowly. I really don't know what to expect since this is the first year I have had such sparse training. I guess I will just hope it is cold enough to propel me to the finish! I think that indoor running will be on the agenda for the rest of this week as I am a real wimp in the cold...

A New Running Friend

I mentioned in a previous post that we had lost our wonderful dog Lucy recently. She was the greatest dog (I am now a dog person because of her!) I know I will always miss her. I knew I wanted another dog so over Thanksgiving week I took the kids to a local animal shelter. Our new dog would have to be a rescue like Lucy was. Anyway we head to the shelter and get checked in with badges and all then we proceed to the puppy area. The dogs all looked so ready to get out of there and it was rather distressing. I spotted a puppy in the corner just quiet in his cage and that was it he had to go home with us. He is very sweet and calm. The kids were not very picky, they just wanted a cute dog. Jake was one of only four pups there that day. The girls that worked there told me they were busy the day before. I guess because he was quiet people weren't interested but I liked his calm demeanor. So we get him home and he is really scared being in a new place. Gradually he starts to eat and feel comfortable around us. He starts to seem a little too quiet to me. A few days later we take him back to the shelter to have a vet look at him and we get some unsettling news. She thinks he has either Kennel Cough (not so bad) or Distemper (definitely bad). He gets some medicine and we are told he will either get better or much worse. Wow, so we are really upset and I watch him closely for the next week as he takes his meds. He starts to get more active and is still eating and drinking so I figure that is good. I also decide to take him to our local vet just to get their take on the situation. Our local vet says it is not Distemper, just Kennel Cough and he will recover in a few days. I am happy to say his is getting better and is now acting like he is ready to start getting outside and getting in shape. He is still really calm for a puppy and he actually does what we tell him to. He is good with the kids though he is weary of strangers (which I guess is good). I am still trying to figure out what type of dog he is, the shelter had him listed as a lab mix. I suppose I need to post some pictures and maybe someone will have an idea...

Running State Of Mind

Lately I have wondered what attracts me to running. My motivation has been at an all time low yet running is still on my mind. I remember when I was fast (all relative I know) and I ran with the fast people. I enjoyed the competition and was constantly looking to improve and reach higher goals. I think the first thing that really hooked me 6 years ago was that running was an escape, a place where my mind was only in the moment. My problems were never solved during a run and I never thought about world peace or whatever only how I was feeling or if I could pick up the pace to catch the runner ahead. I would listen to my friends discuss their lives and comment if I had the breath. On an easy run I could joke and laugh and just enjoy the experience still never thinking of my non running self. These days I am happy if I get in 2-3 miles in a morning and I notice how much better I feel when I do. Maybe it is because I took a moment to just exist quietly in my mind and turn off the rest of the noise. I guess this is why I am jealous when I am speeding to my various appointments throughout the day and I catch a glimpse of a runner out my window. I always think about that state of mind and wonder when I will be there again.

My Life as a Non Runner

Lately I would have to classify myself as a non runner due pretty much to running very little or never. When I do run I have to take walk breaks much like when I first started six years ago and that stinks. My clothes do not fit the same and I have been making lame attempts to run just to somewhat fit into my pants. Business has been challenging the last 2 months so that has taken away from workouts as well. For me I tend to loose focus in training when other parts of my life are distracting me. Some continue to be dedicated through good and bad times but not me. Things are picking up at work but it always seems to be something lately. Work starts to go better and then something crops up with the kids and so on. We lost our dedicated and loving dog Lucy on Friday. She was suffering greatly and now she is in a better place. We miss her. So this is how life has been for a non runner that misses running and sunnier days.