Shoe Experiments

Adam suggested that I try out his Brooks Ghost 2 on my run tonight... to see if I might want to use it for racing or something else in the future. After being around him and his VA Runner store coworkers, I'm finding myself easily excited by all the different shoes and their designs, so I was happy to accept the idea. Shoes are fun. And it's handy that my husband and I wear the same size shoe... a little sad that my feet are that big... and his that small... but I think it's a benefit in the end.

So I did a quick treadmill run tonight and decided to try structuring the workout a little bit for once while I tried out these shoes. I broke it down into quarter-miles splits by pace.

1st .25 - 6.3 mph (for a warm-up, then stopped to pull my hair up since I had forgotten before heading out to the garage).

2nd - 6.5 mph

3rd - 6.6 mph

4th - 6.7 mph (finished the first mile in 9:15)

5th -6.5 mph (for a break of sorts)

6th - 6.6 mph

7th - 6.7 mph

8th - 6.8 mph (which is about 8:47 pace, I think it said)

Finished the 2 miles in 18:17. Wanted to go faster for a sprint at the end, but decided I should just keep it steady. Then I even did a cool down lap at like 10 minute pace... that was tedious, but I was proud of myself for doing it. So I did a total of 2.25 miles in like 20 or 21 minutes... don't remember the final time. The first two miles were the real workout anyway.

Shoes felt great. Much lighter and more flexible on the foot. I think I still need the support of the Dyad 5 most the time, but the Ghost would be a nice shoe to do quick runs/races in for me. I enjoyed it. Yay shoes. Apparently, I am a Brooks addict. Three different pairs of Brooks since November. Good thing my husband gets such good discounts on running gear.

Sorry

Sorry to anyone who has actually been trying to follow along with my boring old blog. I have been horrible at posting for the last week or so. It's just to easy to let it go. The little girl demands so much of my time, and then the little boy to come makes me want to rest for the remainder of my time... oh well.

Monday: no run, just didn't manage to work it in.

Tuesday: Went out in the afternoon without the stroller, but it was horrible. My lower legs were just killing me. I didn't even bother to take a watch since I knew it wouldn't be a good run. Maybe the attitude didn't help... oh well. Did like 2.3 miles total running. Felt pretty slow, but I think it was faster than I should have done.... I always rush through to finish.

Wednesday: I was going to try and wait for the evening to run without the stroller, but I have been putting runs and everything off so much lately, that when Ellie started begging to go for a walk, I made a quick decision to just change and make it a run instead. It's tough with the pregnancy.... cause part of me feels like I need to take it easy and relax, which makes it easy to consider skipping workouts when I'm tired or lazy.... but then the rest of me says, "just get your bum out there and do it... stop making excuses... you're fine." Luckily, I think the second part is more correct and usually does win out in the end. So anyway, we went out and did 3 miles. I did have to take some extra breaks doing all the hills with the stroller after not doing it for a while. But the pace was pretty average, between 9:30-10:00 minute miles for most... the watch died right at the end, and I hadn't been checking much, but I think I was on track to finish the three in 29 min or so, probably more.

So with the leg pain... I'm thinking maybe it's more pregnancy than training and hills. This conclusion comes from the fact that I am getting to that point in pregnancy where just laying on your side in bed all night HURTS. It just feels like tons of pressure on my hips and legs the whole time I sleep... but of course... they tell you that you pretty much have to sleep on your side this late in pregnancy... so it's hard to get much relief, other than the little bit that pillows can do. Anyway, I think that's more of what's causing all my lower leg pain while I run... all the stretching, loosening, widening, etc. that these lovely babies put our lower bodies through. I hope that's all it is at least. I don't want to end up with an injury. I think it would be too hard to get back into the running if I had to take any kind of significant break. So hopefully if I just keep working and being careful, things will work out okay.

One Slow, One Fast

I feel like I never have time to even look at a computer lately. So, obviously, I haven't been posting well. But here's the run down for the rest of last week:

Thursday: Did a 3 mile run through the neighborhood, sans stroller, and it didn't go very well. Don't try to run after eating a big burrito and such at Taco Bell, unless you allow enough time for it to settle. I didn't get much time that evening, so I went anyway, and it was the first time in a LONG time that I've had cramps while running. My body didn't like the run much. Anyway, the 3 miles were done in 29:05, and I did stop once about halfway through for a quick break. It was yucky.

Friday: I put it off all day, then the night came too quickly, and since I was planning to run early on Saturday, I took another day off and didn't run my planned 2 miles on Friday.

Saturday: Finally a good day. Woke up about 6:15 and drove over to the traditional national forest that we love to run in every Saturday. I love that this has become such a regular thing for us. Anyway, Adam ran with me again, which was wonderful... the first half was alright. It didn't feel amazing... like my lower legs were hurting a little. But I accredit that mostly to the gradual uphill that it always is going out on that road. So we hit 2.5 mi at right around 24:00, and then turned around. I wish I could say it got better as soon as we turned back around, but somewhere around mile 3.25, I had to stop very suddenly. READER DISCRETION ADVISED here.... I absolutely could not go a step farther because of how badly I felt like I had to go to the bathroom... but "number 2". I really didn't feel like doing that in the middle of the forest, so we stopped for like a minute and a half while I tried to relieve some pressure without actually relieving myself... yucky, I know. But I managed to do so, and we were quickly off again. And I do mean quickly. We ran so much quicker coming back. It was amazing. My legs stopped hurting, and I was much more able to relax and just focus on running. I wasn't paying enough attention to the road markers, but Adam was pretty sure that we did the last mile in about 8:15, finishing with a sprint at about 7 minute pace.... CRAZY! We were really moving.... well, for me especially. It felt so great. I love running fast. Do I say that enough? Cause I really do love it. So yes, we finished our 5 mile run in 45:45.... like a whole minute faster than what I thought was a fast 5 miles for me last week. Just a wonderful run... It felt amazing... even at 26 weeks pregnant!

No running, just food.

It was a rainy day, so I took that as a sign that Wednesday should be my rest day this week. And since I don't have a run to post about, I thought I should do a recipe or something.

Just a week or two ago, I tried my hand at homemade energy bars. I took a recipe from Ellie Krieger, over at Food Network, and adapted it to fit my family's tastes and on-hand ingredients. So here is my version:

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup milled flax seed
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour (pastry flour not necessary)
• 1 cup walnuts
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup jumbo mixed raisins
• 1/2 cup powdered nonfat dry milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup pure honey
• 2 large eggs

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 8 by 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Place all ingredients except the honey and eggs in a food processor and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. Add the honey and eggs and pulse until the mixture is well combined. It will resemble a coarse paste.

Transfer to the baking pan and spread evenly (if you spritz some cooking spray on your hand, it is easy to spread with your fingers) . Bake until just done, about 20 minutes (I use a convection setting at 325 for about 13 minutes, or until edges are just browned). Cut into 20 squares (I'm usually closer to like 15 squares, but just cut to suit your needs).

I live in a house full of people who regularly eat protein bars and the like, so maybe our tastes are different, but we LOVE these bars. Even my one-and-a-half year old loves to eat them. My father even took one to work at the Pentagon and ended up sharing with some of his weight-lifting buddies, who all loved it and requested the recipe right away. It's a great way to work in some really healthy ingredients and have a yummy snack on hand. I like to individually wrap them and keep them in a zip-lock in the fridge. Ellie Krieger says they last about a week in the fridge, but you can freeze them too, if you want. So... conclusion: You should totally try these bars, and feel free to adapt them to fit what you have in the pantry and like to eat.

Pleasant Surprise

So... I really thought that, if anything, I'd probably just be maintaining speeds as I progress through this pregnancy. But, somehow, I've been pleasantly surprised in the last week or two to see my speed actually improving! Craziness.

Monday: I decided to just do 2 on the treadmill, since I did a long run on Saturday. But when I got on the treadmill and started around 10 minute pace, it just felt way too easy and slow. So, I put it up to like 9:13 pace, and did the first mile in 9:18 total, then kept going straight through the second mile, and was feeling really good still, and decided to go for some speed the last .25 or so, so I kept gradually speeding up, until I was going just under 8 min pace. It felt great... I felt like I could have kept going a little longer like that.... but I stopped myself. I know I say it a lot, but I just LOVE running fast... it feels so good. I wish I would have gotten into running in high school. Oh well. Anyhow, did the second mile in 9:03, so did my 2 miles in 18:21.

Tuesday: I drove out to another part of the neighborhood this evening while the hubby watched the little girl. I just didn't want to do any of the courses from our house... and didn't feel like doing the treadmill again. So, I went and ran where I don't normally run, and it was mostly rolling hills. Since I wasn't familiar with the course, I didn't watch the time or pace on the watch at all... only the distance... so I was WAY surprised at the end when I looked down and saw that I had done my 3 miles in 27:50. Much better than usual... and it felt nice and easy and normal.

It seems to pay to not watch the time. Even on the treadmill yesterday, I kept my husband's duct tape cover over the time on the screen. It really helps things go by quicker.

Awesomeness

Adam was showing me these old ads from Adidas. I was cracking up. These 2 are my favorites because I have experienced them most recently:

See the rest HERE.

5 miles!!!

I picked Adam up from work Saturday evening, and continued our new tradition of running in the National Forest together every Saturday. Luckily, Adam's plan was for an easy day, so he decided to stay with me for most of the run, which is always nice. I love having him by my side... or slightly ahead of, as he often is.

Anyway, he wanted me to run one of the nice side trails with him, so we did an out and back on a beautiful path to start the night. Going out on it was amazing. Sadly, my watch wouldn't get signal, so I don't have any exact speeds, but we were very quick (for me) going out on the trail, since it was mostly downhill and nice, soft dirt. I was feeling so good... all the pain was gone.

Then... we turned around... yikes... I think my body was yelling at me and saying, "I thought we were taking a break from all the uphills! Are you kidding??!!" But I told it to calm down and just make it back to the start so that we could take a quick break and get a drink of water. So... it hurt me a little going up the little steeper parts, but it kept going for me until we got back to the car. According to the maps and our own calculations, we're pretty sure that was right around 2.5 mi, and we finished in 23:something. The first half being really quick, the second half much slower. So we averaged pretty good.

Anyway, I gave my body the promised water and quick rest, then we were off on the main road to get the rest of our run finished. I knew I wanted to do 5 miles total, so we went out 1.25 before I turned around. Going out, I was thinking about stopping at the turn, but I have realized that on this road, I always feel a ton better coming back, so I pushed through and ran the 2.5 without any rest. I wanted things to average out to a pretty good pace, so I set the goal on the way back to finish my 5 miles in a total of 47 minutes, and I managed to finish in 46:40. So, I was way excited and pleased. It was a great run, and I felt great doing it, and even sprinting the last little stretch (always my favorite part) was pretty easy to do.

The new Brooks were amazing. My feet and legs felt wonderfully cushioned and supported. Definitely a great shoe for the pregnant me. Thanks for the advice, Adam. You always know best with shoes. And, I love running with you!

My shoes came!

So, our package came in yesterday, so I went to VA Runner and picked it up as soon as I could. The two Brooks shirts I ordered were a little large, but should do well for me as I continue to "expand" over the next 3-4 months. The shoes are good (Brooks Dyad 5). I love the look of them.... but they definitely will take just a little getting-used-to. They are just a lot more stiff and supportive than what I am used to for running.

Tried out the new shoes in the afternoon, which probably wasn't the best idea. My tummy was feeling a little bleh. I actually felt like I needed to stop and hold it up a couple of times on yesterday's run... crazy to think I am finally getting big enough to feel that way. But yeah, the run was pretty so-so. I had to stop even more than yesterday, but I still ran 3 miles in the end. And even though I was consciously trying to slow it down for a lot of the run, I still averaged just under 10 minute pace. But I guess that's a good thing... being faster than you think/feel. But yeah, did the 3 in.... 29:31 (I think).

I was a little disappointed that my new shoes didn't work miracles and get rid of all my pain. But the pain did change. I didn't feel like my feet/legs were just pounding the pavement with no cushioning, like I did yesterday. But my lower legs did still feel sore/tight. It wasn't very pleasant. But I'm kind of thinking that it's more about my growing body, growing stroller, and the never-ending hills outside my house. Maybe my body just doesn't want to deal with the hills and the 50ish pounds of stroller that I am pushing, in addition to the weight that I am gaining and carrying with me from the pregnancy. This theory was somewhat backed up at the end of my run, when I turned on a side street to give myself a boost and finish the last .2 or so on a good downhill. It was the first time this week that I actually felt good, and felt like I was running. After just a few seconds, I really felt like I was rolling, and everything stopped hurting. It was wonderful. That's why I think it's more the hills/stroller combination... the shoes felt great running down the hill like that.

So... I guess that means my new goal is to try and work out a way to get the runs in more often without the stroller, and with less hills. The hills are tough to get around in Northern VA though... maybe I'll just have to do more treadmill runs throughout the week. I wish I could just get up early and run before Ellie is up... but it's tough to work that out right now. Everyone else in this house just has work way too early in the morning. I'd have to run at like 4 am to be up before them all and have someone who could actually afford the time to listen for Ellie and help her if she did wake up. Maybe 5 am on some days. I don't know. Adam will be done with the semester soon, so I should be able to work something out then... assuming he's not trying to run at the same time in the mornings. I guess I'll figure something out.

I need my shoes

Tuesday: No run.

Excuses: Tummy aches, rainy weather, and laziness

Wednesday: Did 3 miles, like I planned... but it wasn't a great run at all. I had to take a lot more breaks, even than usual. I did the first mile solid, in 9:34 or something, took my little break. And then I ended up taking a break every half mile (instead of the usual mile).

My lower legs were not feeling great. And the more I pay attention and break down what I am feeling that hurts, the more I see that my instincts and Adam's know-how are probably right: Definitely the shoes. It makes me sad though because I love my shoes. I am currently running the Brooks Glycerin. They have been wonderful. But I guess besides being a little used up, they probably just aren't up for the changes my body is going through. Problem is, our order for new shoes hasn't come in yet. My new shoes will have much more support, and I'm hoping it will help a lot... but I can't just stop running until they come in... so hopefully my Glycerin's will hold up a little longer.

Anyway, the total 3 miles (not counting all my breaks) were finished in 29:57. Not great, but it will have to do.

SLOW

Just did 2 miles this morning.... since I ran pretty long and hard on Saturday night. It was slow though. I went a different direction from our house (with the stroller), and it ended up being pretty slow. The first mile was 10:38, took a quick break to walk/drink water, and then finished the second mile at 20:44. So I did speed up a little coming back.. but still.. slow.

Didn't feel too horrible, but my leg was hurting a little again. It wasn't shin splints like I remember them, but maybe just minor ones? Cause like Saturday, it was mostly the lower half of my left leg... and mostly just the shin, rather than the calf or ankle. My right one hurt just a tiny bit today, but it was mostly the left. I assume I just run lop-sided. I don't what the deal is though. I mean, I've been able to deal with it fine, but it's annoying to have these kinds of aches when I haven't in so long. I'm wondering if it is my shoes. They don't have many miles on them (just got them in November, and haven't run that many miles since then)... but maybe I am just outgrowing them with the pregnancy? The shoes I have coming to me in the next week or two have a lot more support on the bottom, so maybe that's what I'll need. More support for the growing, pregnant body. I hope that's all it is... or that it will just go away on its own. We'll see.

Date Night!

Another Saturday, another date with that wonderful husband of mine. Yes, we had another running date. It's hard to work in real dates very often, but since we both have to work in a run, it's fun to do it together. We decided this week to do it in the evening, after Adam got off of work at VA Runner. He ended up being a little late because they had some customers stay a little past closing. Anyway, we got to our local National Forest a little after 7 p.m., and started our run. I didn't make Adam stay with me this week though. It's funny; even though we didn't actually run more than a few seconds together, there's just something about knowing that we're both out there on that same trail doing the same thing and enjoying our run. It makes me happy... and it still feels like a date. It still feels like a way to be closer, driving there and back together, finishing with each other, and just knowing I'm not alone out on the road. I guess I just love my husband... and I love running, so it all goes together perfectly. Much thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for babysitting, as always!

Anyway, on to the actual run report.

I didn't have a solid plan for what I wanted to do, so I started running thinking I would just try for at least 3, with 4 being my true desire. I really wasn't sure how I would feel... I'm not really used to running in the evening very often. I usually don't enjoy it as much as the morning. But anyway, I did the first mile in 9:43, then sadly, felt that I was slowing down, which I was. My second mile was at 19:52 or something like that (my watch didn't work perfectly... so I used the trail markings). Anyway, since I could see that I was slowing down a little and having a some pain in my lower left leg, I decided not to worry too much about speed, but just try to do my full 4 miles without any of my breaks that I usually take.

After I turned around at the 2 mile marker, everything felt so much easier. My leg still hurt a little, but it was nothing that was going to make me stop. I think the way back has a lot more downhill, so my breathing got easier, and everything was flowing better. It didn't really make me faster on the third mile, but it did require a lot less effort (or at least it felt that way). I hit mile 3 right before 30:00. So my 5k (estimated) was right around 31:00. Not too bad, but I hope I'm faster when I race in Provo in 4 weeks.

My 4th mile was even easier and even faster, which makes me think if I did run a 5k now, I could probably do it under 30:00 if I put the effort in... that makes me happy. It's not an amazing time, but I think it's pretty good for a pregnant lady. Anyway, I finished mile 4 at 39:21 (I think... I don't have my watch with me, so I'm trying my best to remember). I was able to sprint the last little bit and feel really good. Loved it. Walked to the car in the lot, got a drink, and was still feeling good, so I decided to go run an extra 1/2 mile while I waited for Adam to finish his run. It worked out perfectly, as he came up on me right when I was at the last like 1/8 mile. He was moving pretty quick, so I tried to sprint after him, and had fun, but still didn't stay with him. He's much too quick for me. Anyway, my total running time was 44:something. I can't remember. All in all, I was really happy with this run. I was so glad that I was able to do 4 miles without any breaks. Felt great. And I ended up running 4.5 miles total, which is even more of an ego boost for me. Yay for running. And Yay for steak when you get home from running... mmmm... steak....

I don't do out-and-back here

So, I decided to just do another 2 miler this morning, but outside with the stroller since it was actually kind of cool and sunny today, albeit windy. I did the first mile in 9:38 and felt pretty good since the majority of it was downhill. Then I walked for a minute or two and had some water... and watched the squirrels with Ellie. Then we went out for another quarter mile away from home in order to perfectly plan the second and final mile to end just before the crazy uphill home could begin. I always plan my neighborhood runs these ways... the hills are just way too ridiculous. Out and back is not an option in my head. I walk that hill home. I think I've only run it once or twice... and that was while I was not pregnant and not pushing a stroller. But anyway, even avoiding the worst hill, there was still a lot of gradual uphill throughout the second mile, so I didn't manage to make it faster than the first. I finished it in 9:45. Oh well. The run felt good in general... and I'm looking forward to more tomorrow.

Thursday

So I decided to take Thursday off. Part of me wanted to get out and run... but I was pretty busy throughout the day and figured it was probably in my best interest to have a rest day toward the middle of the workout week. I'm mostly glad I did. We'll see how I feel when I get out there today. Oh, and I didn't feel any of that lower-back or abdomen soreness yesterday that I had just after Wednesday night's run, so I think that is definitely a good thing. I should feel good and rested... as long as Ellie feels better. She fell and hurt her leg yesterday and doesn't want to walk on it. I'm hoping she will wake up more able to move... mostly cause I want her to feel better and not be in pain, but also because I don't want to over-stress my pregnant body by having to carry her the entire day.

I like fast

Just did 2 miles on the treadmill again this evening. Since I was only planning a short one, I decided to make my goal to just push through it and not take my usual break after each mile. I felt really good. My legs felt great. It was just hot, and my throat was kind of dry. Adam always tapes a card over the time and distance screens on the treadmill, and I decided to leave them there tonight, and it seemed to help with this run. I counted the laps to keep track, but not seeing the time made it go much quicker. I didn't think to look and see what my first mile time was, but it should have been somewhere around 9:30ish. So I kept that pace pretty steady, with a plan to try and sprint the last little 1/8 mile while I listened to my favorite fast-running song. Did the sprint at 7.4 mph, so just over 8 minutes pace, and finished my 2 miles in 18:38. A whole minute faster than Monday, and without the break, so I was pleased. It felt so good for my legs to be able to go fast like that. I always enjoy doing little sprints like that. It's not as easy with the pregnancy, but it still feels good once in a while. The only soreness I've been feeling this week is a little in the lower back, and just under my belly along the front. But I've done a lot this week, so it's probably just from the increase in activity. I've run 7 miles so far, and I've probably walked between 8 and 10 miles... kinda crazy in this hot weather. But I still feel good.

It's hot... and I'm pregnant..... bleh.

I don't know what in the world I'm going to do when the real summer weather shows up. It's hot enough already.

Monday: Just did two miles. It was nice and warm out, but I did it on the treadmill because I wanted to see if any of my running shorts would work for my little belly bump. The simple answer to that query.... NO! I put on the biggest running shorts I own anymore, and they wouldn't fit right to begin with. They just looked goofy, so I was glad I wasn't outside. Then they were constantly rubbing and riding up. It was quite unpleasant. But I did my 2 miles in 19:38... I think that's what it was.
Also walked 3-4 miles with my mom in the afternoon... she pushed the stroller.

Tuesday: Decided to go for it and start running more days out of the week when I am able. So... went out and ran 3 miles, with some walking breaks in between each. Had Ellie in the stroller... and felt like I was barely moving at all for a lot of the run, but somehow I ended up averaging a 9:53 pace for all 3. Pretty good for me on the crappy hills out here in the heat. It was so hot today. I wore a tank that I bought yesterday, and I really liked it... plenty long for the belly (even stayed in place), so my upper body felt pretty nice in the sun. But... since I have so running bottoms for a pregnant summer, I was still wearing long pants. They are my super comfy Brooks pants, but they were SOOOO hot. My legs felt like they were so heavy and overheated. But ANYHOW... did my 3 in a total time of 29:41. Not bad at all.

The Verdict: I need some better running stuff for summer and my growing belly. The only thing I have found that looks decent in the Maternity Running Skirt. I think it could be really nice and comfy, but since they pretty much have a monopoly on that market... they are not cheap. I think I'm going to wait a week or two for our tax return to get deposited, then I'll buy one. Hopefully it will be worth the money. But I guess anything is better than long pants.

It was going to be a busy weekend, so I proposed a plan to my husband for us to still fit in some alone time (a "date" of sorts) for the week. I asked him if he wanted to wake up early on Saturday and go for a run with me in the National Forest. He was game, so we got up at 6:10ish, left the house a little after 6:30, and started running by 7 a.m.

I stuck with my goal to do 4 miles, but with rest in between each one. It was nice to be without the stroller and have some of my favorite company, but my legs were tight, and it felt far from easy.

Half mile splits were as follows

5:18

4:41 -- then had to stop and lean on a tree to go potty in the woods. My first time doing so on a run, quite exciting... the joys of being pregnant. I felt better after I went though, so it was worth it.

4:50

4:50

4:49

5:00

4:29

4:09

So, my 4 miles were finished in a total time of 38:09. I was hoping to get under 38, but this was good... I just have silly dreams and expectations sometimes.

Like I said, we walked a for just a minute in between each mile, but it was a good workout. And I was proud to finish at such a good pace. I always love running with Adam... I just wish I wasn't slowing him down so much. Good thing he is such a patient man.

So I didn't get my run in yesterday since we were so busy, but I would guess that I walked at least 4 miles... with the stroller. We walked to and from Ellie's Easter egg hunt, then went to DC and walked around the Washington Monument area for a picnic with my husband's graduate class. It was a warm, beautiful day, and my legs were tired enough to feel like I had been running.

I did run today. I did 2 miles out on a running path with the stroller. The first was just over 10 min pace, and then I walked .25 mi, then the second mile was under 10, but I need to check the Garmin to see what it actually ended up being. I wasn't paying enough attention. But I did feel good, and those are good paces for me with a stroller right now. I should have done another mile... I felt good enough to keep going, but I think I was just bored cause I did not want to go anymore. So I just walked a little while to cool down, then drove home. I'm contemplating a 4 miler tomorrow, but we'll see what happens. I want to do my usual 3 at least. We'll see what I manage to work into the day.