Already week 8 of WTC training!

Today was a Twin Rocks run with the Tuesday girls and a new guy named Randy. We had a fab time. I submitted to subtle peer pressure and did 2 hill repeats on the nasty hill from the gate. Here's the top of the hill:

 Ran back following Kem (that doesn't happen very often), she kept her pace nice and leisurely, but it was a nice tempo run for me. Did a total of 4.4 miles. And , of course Starbucks afterwards.  I am feeling alittle sore in the left hip flexor (not sure which one though) which I've had before. It happens when I run hill repeats. Later I will do 45 min yoga/strength/core and foam rollering, then to bed :)

12-27-09 Day 49 Shannon

Wow - long time no blog! Talk about crazy week! Christmas is over - phew!


Since my last post, you know Pam and I got into Way Too Cool - OMG - I'm still in freak out mode, however, my nerves have calmed a bit after taking a closer look at the cutoff times. Pam and I feel 92.93% confident that we'll be able to meet the cutoffs. We're going to plan some training runs on a few of the tougher parts of the course - one being Ball Bearing (the steepest climb (.7 miles) of the course) - gosh even the name is scary! It has also been suggested that we take a training run down the waterfall (Dead Truck Trail) - hello the word DEAD in any trail has got to mean something really bad!


So I've been keeping up with my training. I've been trying to keep it easy and it's really helping with my adrenal fatigue issues. Last week (X-Mas) was stressful, but now it's over and I can really start to focus on the training. Was only able to get one yoga practice in last week, but I'll get my 2 in this week.


The funnest run this last week was on Wednesday night with the FTRs. We met at Karen's Bakery in Folsom and headed out to Dovewood Court in Orangevale to see the infamous X-Mas light showing. I, being fairly new to the area, had never heard of the infamous Dovewood Court X-Mas lights, nor had I ever been, so this was a lot of fun. Of course, I had a wonderful FTR, Steve, hanging back with me so that I wasn't left behind.

Here are a couple of pics from that night. We were suppose to come dressed in the spirit, so I wore antlers and Renee wore her Santa hat and fun candy cane striped socks. Angie also came festively dressed. Here I am with Renee showing off our cute attire and then one of me in front of someones lit up house. Tons of people and cars! Glad we were running in!














Lots of fun, we ran a total of 6.5 miles that night, mostly on pavement, and I'm happy to say that my knees held up quite nicely. I'm definitely getting stronger. I thought for sure my hips might not be happy with me Thursday morning, from all the pounding, but I felt good - no pain.

Saturday had a great 10 mile run with Pam, we took it nice and slow and really enjoyed the scenery and the run. We then went to Starbucks afterward with Diane, Kem, and Trish. Great time!! Then I came home and spent the rest of the day making tamales - yummy.

Today I got in a short 2.75 mile run in my neighborhood. Hit the trail behind my neighborhood. It runs along New York Creek and the creek was flowing strong after last night's rain. It was awesome. The trail was nice and muddy - just the way I like it!!

This coming week I'm hoping will be stress-free.

Stay dirty.

Christmas week wrap up

The week went by so quickly. I can't believe Christmas is already over! It is always tough to not spend the holidays with my family (who are 2000 miles away), but I was very grateful to have good friends to spend Christmas eve and Christmas day with. Didn't run Wednesday (or do anything) due to feeling sick with a flu and body aches. Dousing myself with grapeseed oil seemed to kill that illness off. Christmas eve I had to work in the morning. Bella harrassed me to get out of bed that day, appearing like she wanted to go for a walk, but when I came out of the bathroom, this is what I found:

What a life she has! I only had to work a 1/2 day, so I did a run at Twin Rocks, which was gorgeous but cold..brrr. Friday did my yoga tape for 45 minutes. Saturday was a fantastic 10 miler with Shannon and the FTR group.

Felt really good Saturday. Today was a 5 miler and my legs were very tired, I was tired too. But it is good to get these back to back runs going to build the base for longer runs. I definitely see a difference in adding strength training this time around. When I did CIM, I didn't do much at all and I suffered. I feel much stronger.  I am REALLY looking forward to a rest day tomorrow.

Trail Tuesday

Had a GREAT run with FTRs today! Kem, Trish, Susan, Lindsay, John and I ran from Twin Rocks towards Auburn for 5 miles total. I LOVE this part of the trail! I had never been this way; every time I attempted it, I would get lost and turn around in frustration. We got to the actual "twin rocks' and were greeted with an incredible view of the lake with the sun rising over it.  The 'fast girls' were running slow today so I was able to keep up with them. Love running with these guys! It was good to see John out on the trails again. He hadn't run since finishing CIM, with a calf injury no less. Trish, Susan B and I went to Starbucks for coffee and chatted for over an hour. It was a great morning.

I'm now sitting here feeling like I'm fighting off something...I have mild body aches and alittle cough..ugh.  I really don't have time to be sick :<

A Little Something Extra

With Way Too Cool entry fees paid by both Pam and I, it is official, we are in! I found this on the WTC website and thought I'd share it here.

Tips on how to train for your first and best 50K
-Julie Fingar, Ultra Endurance Coach, athlete and race director

Train by time on your feet instead of total miles. Focus on quality workouts versus quantity. Your goal is to arrive at the start line on March 13th, healthy and injury free. This is 50% of the battle in getting to the start line of any endurance race.

Train on the race course if possible and or simulate race terrain.

Cross training activities such as cycling, swimming, elliptical, yoga, strength and core work should be incorporated in to the training. The key is to keep your program balanced.

Practice hydration and fueling on every run even your short, recovery runs during the week. Fill your body with good fuel and eat balanced healthy meals.

Train with others, explore the camaraderie, support and motivation with other trail runners.

Schedule bi-weekly or monthly massages. Body care and stretching are essential when preparing for an endurance event.

It's a Christmas Miracle!

Shannon and I both got into WTC! Time to celebrate....and run more!!

Saturday

Ran 6 miles on the trail out of Sterling Pointe Staging area with Shannon. It is such a fantastic trail! Thank you, Shannon for coming out this way :) Afterward got my Starbucks and tried the new Caramel Cream Brulee Latte. It was sooooo good! I just checked out the calories for this, 270....ugh...but a nice change from my usual non fat latte. Headed home and did a yoga sculpt video (karen voight) for 45 minutes. I've had this vid for years, and never do it. It's a great workout, I'm glad I rediscovered it. Tomorrow will run 4 miles on the parkway and then off to the Ironman party in the afternoon with the ironman girls :)

12-18-09 Day 40 Shannon

Last night I did another night run with the Folsom Trail Runners. What a blast. Pam got to join us this time - woo hoo. I now know for sure that night running is my new passion. Yup, I'd like to be able to get in all my weekly runs in the dark, but I know that's not possible, so I'll take once a week :).

Got in 2 yoga classes this week - yeah. Next week though it looks like I may only get in one. I'll try to do my own practice at home on Thursday.

Today is a rest day - a much needed rest day. I've had a really stressful week (my daughter's car was stolen, work, too much traffic, blah, blah, blah) and I'm really feeling the effects of the stress (mental & physical) this week. This weekend won't allow for me to mellow out either :(. But I'll take and do my best to cruise through the weekend, hope for a less stressful week next week, and then I can take a much needed break from work and "scheduled" life appointments next weekend. :)

This weekend Pam and I are going to try out a new (ok new to me) trail on Saturday to do our scheduled 6 miler. Sunday I have to be up in Auburn by 1p, so I'll have to stay close to home for my scheduled 4 miler (can't join the group at Cavitt) - neighborhood run :(. However, I'll squeeze in part of those 4 miles on the trails behind my neighborhood, so it won't all be bad.

Have a great weekend.

Stay dirty!

Night run

Ran with the FTRs on my first night run. What a blast! It was alot of fun. Felt effortless running in the dark.  Got 3 miles in. Tomorrow I'm working 1/2 day and plan to get some shopping done, I don't have much time left!

Wednesday

Another hellish, busy day at work. Very tired tonight; I think it is delayed fatigue from Sunday's race/run. I did a very easy workout; walked Bella for 10 min, then elliptical for 10 min, some strength training and core. My food intake today was pretty crappy; there is chocolate, cookies, etc all over the office. We were swamped and I got 10 min to grab fast food and eat (I won't tell you what I ate, but it was discustingly fattening). Today was definitely a prime example of stress eating.  Tomorrow I'll hit TJs to stock up on healthy food. I am planning to run tomorrow night with the group for my first night run. Cross your fingers I get out of work in time!

Weekend recap

The weekend was a whirlwhind, went by way too quickly. Got outside for a 2 miler on Saturday, then Sunday ran the 11.5 mile race from Beals Point. It was alittle cold, rainy, muddy, but really a fantastic run. We took our time, enjoyed ourselves, splashed thru puddles and tried not to fall into them. Sadly, there was no Rubios for us since we were last, but we had the party food to look forward to.  Sunday evening headed over to Linda's house in Cool for the FTR party. Had a great time with everyone and ate too many of Rene's snowball cookies :( It was such a great weekend!  Oh, Shannon gave me a great gift, white arm warmers! I love them and can't wait to use them :)

Today our group (4) ran from the Sterling Pointe Staging area. I have found my new favorite trail. Janet, a new member, who is a major ultrarunner, met up with us to show us the way. She was an absolute delight to run with. I picked her brain about WTC, Western States, Auburn trails, etc.  Susan G and Jessica ran ahead the first 2 miles, then Jessica headed back and the 3 of us ran another 1/5 mile. This trail is gorgeous!

12-15-09 Day 37 Shannon

Sunday was a FLWTS race at Beale's Point. It was a wet day! I got there early to help with set-up and registration and luckily we had the snack area to block the wind and rain. We were definitely at the right venue for a wet race :).

Pam and I did the 11.5 mile run. It was muddy which made for a more tiring race. You definitely use different muscle when running in the rain and mud. I remember saying to Pam how much I enjoy the 7-8 mile distance, I wonder when I'll enjoy the 11 mile distance??!!

I felt really good throughout the run. Diane had us going on some different trails which is always fun. As usual, Pam and I were poking along in last place, but we were enjoying ourselves. We stopped and chatted with the aid station volunteers, hit the potty a couple of times, and just kept trekking along. We finished in a little over 2.5 hours. We'll take it! Oh we get double points in the series for running in the rain - woo hoo.

Click here to see a photo of us on the run

After the race I went home took a hot Epsom salt bath and then crawled into bed for a short nap as I had to get ready for our 1st Anniversary & Holiday party for the Folsom Trail Runners being held at Linda's house in Cool.

The party was so much fun! Great food, great people, great raffle prizes, great gifts! I had a lot of fun and can't wait for the next one. No one has posted the pics yet, so I can't share any pics on the blog. Perhaps later I'll be able to post some pics of the party.

Today I am still really tired. Got to the gym and hopped on the hamster wheel (my new name for the treadmill) and my legs felt like lead. The first mile was tough, but I took it slow and easy. Picked it up for the 2nd mile. Finished up with a few minutes to spare so I did a small cool down before heading into yoga. Still feeling tired and still having lead legs I struggled in yoga, but it felt good to get in some good stretching.

Fatigue is definitely going to be a huge factor for me. I sure hope I start to feel the goodness that is to come by going wheat-free soon! Now I will admit, I haven't been 100% wheat-free yet, but I'm definitely 95% wheat-free and the 5% is a smidge maybe once a week. I will eventually be 100% wheat-free once I figure this whole thing out.

Here's to being muddy!!!

Saturday

Got out for a run with Bella. Ran 2 miles on the crushed granite trail, then walked for another 1 1/2 miles. Didn't rain on me and it wasn't that cold. I did that workout "never get hurt" in the March 2009 Runners World - focuses on core and hip flexor stabilization. There is a move that looks very easy, but I could barely squeak out 2 on each side! It is a side plank, you put your feet on an 8-10 inch step and lift up your hips. It was hard as hell! So, my goal is to do this workout twice a week on days I don't strength train.  Ended with some sun salutations and now I'm starving so need to find some food :)

Update on sis: she is doing okay, she has a surgeon appt next Wednesday. I've been doing alot of research on treatment options. It is likely they will recommend radiation and she does NOT want this. But we'll see. I think she will do just about anything to lower her chances of getting this again. EVERYONE SHOULD GET A MAMMO AND DO THEIR BREAST EXAMS, NO EXCUSES!

Finally Friday

Wasn't able to run Thurs night with the group so ran on the dreadmill for 2 miles, followed by weights and core. Today was a rest day and glad cuz work was insane today!  It's pouring tonight and Bella is harrassing me because I can't walk her. She is such a high maintance girl! Tomorrow I will probably run my 2 miles in the rain to appease the beast (Bella).

12-11-09 Day 33 Shannon

Last night's trail run was awesome! What can I say, I think I've found a new passion! To run on the trails in the dark is just cool! The neat thing was being able to look out toward the river and there be enough lighting to see how calm it was!


There were 6 of us hard-core FTR's out there last night with Bryan Tully, our fearless Assistant Organizer, leading the group. Everyone was up for the distance I needed to get in (4 miles) and they all just wanted to take it slow and easy. Which of course is my normal pace :)! They are all so sweet.


It was really cold to start. Standing around waiting to get started was the hardest part of the run last night! I was shivering so bad that my muscles started to ache, especially in my neck and shoulders, so I tried to relax my neck while we waited. Not easy when you're that cold. But once we got started, I loosened up and felt really comfortable. About a mile in I was able to take my gloves off.

At 2 miles we stopped for a breather and for a photo shoot! Here's me in total bliss (mostly because I get to take a breather - these guys and gals don't take walk breaks - HHHMMM):

Then we gathered for a group shot. Nicole took our group shot picture and we discovered that we had the Natoma Night Ghost with us (don't worry, he's trail runner friendly):

In this picture, from left to right, is Bruce, Shannon (me), Cathy, Joel & Bryan - oh and the Natoma Night Ghost (lovingly named by Bryan).

The run back was good, although, I did start losing ground on the front runners, however, the group kept me in the middle, and Cathy and Joel remained behind me to make sure I didn't get left behind. All I can say is FTR's rock! Trail runners are a different kind of running breed! I'm so glad I found Diane, creator of the Folsom Trail Runners, and trail running!

Today is a rest day and I'll be taking a quilt class at Meissner's. Then tomorrow is a nice easy 2 miles, which I'll do in my neighborhood. Sunday is 11.5 miles at the Folsom Lake Winter Trail Series at Beale's Point. I'm hoping the weather is just like it is right now, drizzly and muddy. I got my muddy trail running shoes all ready to go - woo hoo.

Get wet and dirty this weekend!

Something a little extra

I really like Kristin Armstrong's blog titled "Eeenie Meenie". She talks about when you should run and when you shouldn't. It is quite humorous and serious at the same time.

GO RUN ANYWAY, IF...

You can only breathe out of one nostril, or you are emitting strange whistling sounds when you breathe and you wonder if everyone can hear that, or just you.

You really have a hangover, but you are calling it a cold.

You feel like your brain is in a fog. Who knows? It might lift. Turn back for home if the fog gets thicker.

for more go here: Kristin Armstrong's "Eeenie Meenie"

If that link doesn't work - look to the right of our blog for her blog link.

Enjoy!

12-10-09 Day 32 Shannon

This week has been full of ups an downs for me.

Tuesday - After Monday's snow, I woke up Tuesday morning, on time, feeling good ready to hit the gym for my 2 miles and yoga. I wanted to do a nice easy 2 miles since I hadn't run since Saturday. Got out to my truck and realized I had made a big mistake. I didn't scrape off the snow from my windshield on Monday when it was nice and soft. Tuesday morning I had 4" of solid ice stuck to my windshield - AAARRRGGHH. So 20 minutes later with defroster running full blast and running into the house a couple of times for buckets of water, I was on my way to the gym.

Becuase of my 20 min fight with the ice, I no longer could put in an easy 2 miles, I had to put in a hard fast 2 miles so that I could get to yoga on time. Did it! But once again, I had to go into yoga all hot and sweaty. I'm telling you, doing downward dog when your hot and sweaty is no fun!

Wesnesday - Overslept! Didn't want to get up! Could it be because I stayed up late to watch the finale of The Biggest Loser? Ya, most definitely. Those people all look so awesome!! I am especially happy for Abby! She was the lady that had lost her family 2 years ago and now has found herself once again and she looks fabulous!

Anyways, I had great expectations of doing some upper body work and 2 miles on the treadmill. Well I ended up only having enough time for the 2 miles and some stretching afterward. ARGH!

Thursday - Once again, this morning, I overslept, although, no I did not stay up late again. I was asleep before 9p. So I don't know why I'm so tired!

I was scheduled for 4 miles today and I was dreading doing 4 miles on the treadmill. Luckily Bryan had scheduled a night run for tonight and since I don't have to work on Friday, I can go on my first night run!! Woo Hoo. Last night I went bought myself a better running light, much brighter.

So since I didn't have to get in a run this morning, thank goodness, I was going to do my upper body workout that I didn't get done yesterday and go to yoga. Well because I overslept, I didn't get my upper body workout in, and I was late getting to yoga, which I hate. I hate walking into the class when it's already in progress. But I did it! So I got in my yoga this morning and tonight will be 4 miles in the dark.

Looking forward to the race on Sunday - I need a run with Pam! It's been almost 2 weeks. I'm going through Pam withdrawal!

Wednesday

My sister's biopsy was positive for cancer.........

Cut out of work early; I was in shock. It is very early, in the ducts, carcinoma in situ (the best kind if you have to have it) They may have even gotten it all with the biopsy. She will see the surgeon on Monday and will have a lumpectomy and lymph nodes checked shortly after that, hopefully quickly. She is doing well; I however was overwhelmed with emotion when she told me. I couldn't believe, my sister, the health fanatic, had the big C. My boss gave me the rest of the day off, told me to 'go run' so I collected Bella and headed to Twin Rocks. Ran the long way to the top of the hill.

It was a good, therapeutic run for me. A coyote ran across my path, which was pretty cool. I ran about 2 1/2 miles total. I love coming down the short way from the hill, it's so fun!

Tomorrow I will probably head to the gym for my 2 miler followed by weights. This weekend is our 10 mile run/race. It looks like rain but I don't care. I am going to enjoy every bit of it :)

Tuesday's Workout

Got up early to meet the Tues group run girls Jessica, Shannon and Pat. It was COOOOLD! 29 degrees when we started. Ran on the trail from twin rocks along Granite beach and back. I did my 4 miles today since it is my day off. Had a great run. Afterward Pat showed me a trail up Auburn Folsom a few miles called Sterling Point. It is a slice of heaven! It is tucked into the nice homes and is a horse staging area. The trail hooks into the trail that goes up to Auburn. I am going to schedule a run there next Tues. Shannon, we HAVE to run that trail for one of our long runs!! Got my usual Starbucks dirty latte (but didn't get my petite scone, I'm trying to get those only after runs longer than 7 miles :) and headed home. Did a great strength workout, core, then alot of foam rolling. I am feeling stronger and stronger. Nothing is bothering me and I know it's cuz I'm staying consistent AND doing my wts and core. 

My sister had her biopsy today and will know the results tomorrow. The anxiety has been setting in this evening and I am fighting the horrible thoughts trying to get into my head. Please say prayers that the report is benign. She is a wreck right now, and so am I.

12-7-09 Day 27-29 Shannon

Crazy weekend!

Day 27 - Saturday - got up early (didn't sleep well) and headed to downtown Sacramento to the convention center to help Diane at the California International Marathon Expo handing out timing chips and bibs to relay members. What fun that was.

Having never been to the CIM expo I didn't know what to expect, so I didn't bring any money with me, but there were vendors galore there and I would've liked to have done a little shopping. But I really didn't have the time.

As soon as my shift was up, I left and headed to work to swap vehicles (needed company truck for my craft show on Sunday). Then went to the aquatic center for my scheduled 4 mile run. My legs were a bit tired from Friday's run, but I felt good and the run was nice. It was cold, but the sun was out and it was really pretty.

After that, went home for a shower. Then I had to spend my free time working on X-MAS spiders for Sunday's craft show. When Skyla (youngest daughter) showed up to do my hair for the X-MAS party, we headed up stairs. That took some time. But when she was done, my hair was sassy to go with my sassy dress :) Here's my hubby, Mark, and I before the party.

The party was a lot of fun. Got home and crawled into bed about 11p.

Day 28- Sunday - Today was a rest day - phew - as I had to get up early and get packed up for the craft show. The craft show was up in Camptonville, approximately 1.75 hrs away in the mountains. Heading up there it started to hail/snow on us about 8 miles from our destination. Nothing major, but it did worry me because if it kept up, we may not get down the hill.

Luckily, during the show, the sun busted out and the whether was beautiful. I did well at the show and we had a really good time.

Heading home, though, it started really snowing on us. After we crossed over the south fork of the Yuba river, the snow really started coming down and it stayed with us through Grass Valley. I don't like driving in the snow. I get really tense and I'm feeling it now as my body is sore! However, we made it home safe and sound.

Day 29 - Monday - Today is also a rest day - thank goodness - because we woke up to approx 4" of snow outside our door - OMG - we don't get snow in EDH!

This is our backyard. Poor little wagon! The time on my pics is off by an hour. I forgot to reset that clock I guess. LOL

This is our front yard from upstairs.

And this is the view from where I'm sitting right now because I refuse to drive to work until the snow on the road melts. I don't need the stress of driving on snow today. My body is too sore from yesterday!

So now I'll putz around the house until I feel it's safe enough to drive out of here and go to work. Tomorrow is 2 miles and yoga. Hopefully it doesn't snow again tomorrow, otherwise, I don't know what I'll do!

Stay warm!

Weekend wrap up

This weekend flew by! Started off great with dinner at BJs with Kem, Shellie, and Pam. Pizza and beer, yum :)) Then Saturday morning ran with the group from Cavitt for 8 miles. It was freezing but I felt really strong. Stuck with Toni and Cynthia for most of the run. Then on to the expo in the afternoon to man the FTR booth with Susan B and Katy. We had a blast, laughed a ton and had lots of people stopping by, taking brochures, etc.  This morning I met a friend at 'the wall' to cheer FTRs on...

I saw Kem, Leslie and Bryan - they looked so focused. They passed too quickly for pictures :( It was really fun (but very cold) being out there and cheering everyone on. These little cuties were all bundled up with big furry hats on...just had to take their picture!

The day turned blustery cold and I really didn't want to run 5 miles. So I took a nap when I got home :( Felt guilty and Bella was bugging me, so I got bundled up and ran on the bikepath near my house, staying on the crushed granite as much as possible. Started to sprinkle, but thank God it didn't open up and rain. Very glad I got my miles in this weekend. I am so happy tomorrow is a rest day, Yoo Hoo!!

12-4-09 Day 26 Shannon

Today's run was GREAT!! The FTR's really came through for me, and I had 4 other members join me on my run for the 1st 2 miles, then 2 turned around. However, Donna and Christie stuck with me for the full 8 miles that I needed to get in this morning. They were both very encouraging and very patient.

Donna is much faster, an Energizer bunny, however, she kept it slow for me. When she would get out ahead and I'd lose eyesight of her, eventually she would come back. She is so sweet.

Christie is a new FTR member who came out and she too kept the pace slow for me. She stayed with me most of the time, and when she would get out ahead of me, there she would be jogging in place at the top of hill waiting patiently for me.

I can't thank Donna & Christie enough for being my running buddies today.

The run was beautiful, sunny, and a bit chilly to begin with, but then the chill factor mellowed. I did 8.3 miles total in 1:44:15, which gives me an average pace of 12:34. I'm quite pleased with that!

Tomorrow I've got to squeeze in a 4 miler after helping out Diane at the CIM Expo. This will be tough as I've got time constraints, however, I will do it!

Have a great weekend & get dirty.

Thursday

Well, I didn't get up this morning to run :( But I did make it to the gym tonight. Had a free pass at the gym down the street and ran 2.30 on the dreadmill. Felt great. Did a strength workout afterward. They have Bosu balls so I did weighted lunges which really force me to focus. Ended with some core and stretching. I gave up my CFF gym memberhip cuz it was too expensive (and I rarely went). I really like the gym down the street. There were 3 people in the gym at 6:30pm! Great new treadmills and everything I need, without the huge price tag. So I will probably join this one (it's $20/month cheaper). Tomorrow is a rest day, then Sat 8 miler with the group.

12-3-09 Day 25 Shannon

So I woke up late this morning and seriously did not want to get out of bed. It was soooo cold this morning!!!!!!!! Usually when I wake up late, I throw in the towel and tell myself, well now you don't have enough time to get in a good workout, why bother going?! Then I go back to sleep.

Well with Pam and Diane on my hills, I can't use that excuse any more! So I got up, rushed around, and got out the door and to the gym. Yesterday I indicated that I wanted to do an easy 2 miles then yoga. Well with only 25 minutes until yoga, I had to run hard to get in my 2 miles. I did it! Phew.

Well let me tell you something, doing yoga while extremely hot and sweaty is not an easy task. It probably took 15 minutes to finally cool down enough to enjoy the yoga :). Definitely need to make sure I have enough time to cool down before yoga from now on.

Tomorrow is my long run on the trails with at least one other FTR. Donna has agreed to run with me - yeah. I haven't run with Donna since we were apart of the now defunct River Rats running group. She is faster than me, but she's a really neat person, and I know she will slow it down just for me. Plus she's bringing her newest doggie, Cream, can't wait to meet her.

Stay dirty.

Wed workout

Plan was to run on the treadmill, but again kept long at work and lost my motivation to go anywhere but home..so walked Bella for 15 minutes, then did the elliptical for 20 minutes. My tentative plan for tomorrow is to get up early and run 2 miles near my house. It will be a HUGE accomplishment if I actually get up early enough. That is the toughest thing for me to do on days I have to work.

12-2-09 Day 24 Shannon

Nothing exciting to report today. Got to the gym, did a really good upper body workout followed by some ab work. Then got in a hard 2 miles on the treadmill. I'm trying to increase my speed on these short runs. However, since I'm putting in 8 miles on Friday, tomorrow's 2 miler will be really easy and I'm gonna get in another yoga class. :)

Sidebar:
Went to a gym I haven't gone to in a while and was dissappointed to see so many pieces of equipment label "out of order" (even benches were marked that way - huh?). I gave the by buddy up in front a bad time about it. He said they are fixing the vinyl on all the seats and that not so many pieces were supposed to be done at the same time. He promised it would be done by next week. Knowing this gym, I doubt it. Ever since it got sold to new owners, the equipment, the bathrooms, etc. have all gone down hill. But I like this little gym because it's not a "family" gym, so no frufru'd out men or women. In fact, I'm usually the only female in there as I get there really early. So I get the bathroom to myself - hehehehe.

Stay dirty

Sobering Tuesday

The start of this week has been very tough; both sisters are dealing with some new health issues. My sister Paula who is autistic (lives in Michigan) was admitted to the hospital for respiratory problems and medication complications. My sister Patty (lives in Florida) had an abnormal mammogram and has to have a biopsy. It is frustrating to be so far away. I feel helpless. Thank God my brother, Gary is near Paula. My parents are in Florida. I am in constant prayer mode right now.

Ran with Jessica this morning. She is such a loyal FTR, she shows up at my Tues runs every time. We had a great, fast (for me) 2 mile run today. Avg pace was 10:45. It was FREEZING! About 35 degrees when we started.  After that I headed home and walked Bella for about 2 miles (didn't take her running today). Spent alot of time in deep thought during this walk. Life really is precious. We gotta enjoy each day and eachother to the fullest. You just never know when it could all be taken away...

Did a wt workout followed by yoga stretch and feels good to be done with the workout for today. Tomorrow another 2 mile run on the treadmill, ugh!

12-1-09 Day 23 Shannon

Happy December. I can't believe it's already December and there's only 30 more days left of 2009. OMG!

Yesterday was a much needed rest day, just wish I could have rested at home instead of work. Oh well.

Today went to the gym and put in a little over 2 miles on the Treadmill (2 miles strong, then .25 miles as a cool down). Then went to yoga for an hour. Yoga feels so good. I guess I was really tired because during savasana I almost feel asleep. I could have stayed in that pose all day :).

My hamstrings are really short and need a lot more stretching. I may try to get in another yoga class this week. I'll be glad when I can do all the poses without having to bends knees, etc. Although, my back does limit me in some of the poses, but that too shall get stronger, I hope.

Tomorrow is another 2 miles and strength training.

TTFN