Oh yes she did! I (once again) dropped off the face of the earth.
I could blame my long absence on a multitude of things, among them a ski trip (see previous post), another half marathon (this one!), a ridiculous number of social and networking events (yes, it's a tough life I lead), the Texas Independence Relay, SXSW and a last minute trip to NY to see my brother Gil, who was home from Afghanistan. But I won't. Well, not really.
Fortunately, things are (sorta) calming down. I still don't have a free weekend until the middle of May, but the whirlwind weeks of running and catching planes and hopping between three events in one evening are on a hiatus for at least a month and a half. (The only exception to this is the MS 150, but after the last few crazy weeks, it sounds as relaxing as a spa weekend with girlfriends.)
So now I'm back to catching up on sleeping, cleaning out my inbox, and trying to save some moola, especially since my checking account currently resembles a big black hole. The other thing I'm doing? Revisiting my to do list, aka resolutions. (Remember those? No? That's ok. I didn't either.) Here's a recap on where I stand:
To-do number 1: update my blog more often. Ha. That's funny.
To-do number 2: stop reading crap. I did breakdown and read the last Larsson book (not worth your time, fyi) but right now I'm finishing this book, which is much more inline with what I should be reading. That said, I haven't cracked open even one book on my list. Oh dear.
To-do number 3: get more sleep. Yeah, right.
To-do number 4: do a triathalon. Not yet, but it will happen, although it might make it easier if I swim more than 1x per quarter. The spring sprint isn't happening, but hopefully I'll do one in the summer or early fall.
To-do number 5: rid my life of people and things that don't make me happy. I've been somewhat successful on this one, although I sorta think I may be a bit of a glutton for punishment. I'll analyze that with a shrink another time.
To-do number 6: be a grown up, get my own place. Too early to even comment on this one.
To-do number 7: um, oops. Never did a to-do number 7. Or 8. Or 9 or 10. And since my track record ain't so hot right now, I think I should just stick to trying to accomplish the first 6 I have for now. My list of 10 is now a list of 6. I'm changing the rules in the middle of the game 'cause that's how I roll.
And with that... I'm passing out. I have a post due for my company's blog tomorrow (it's a comparison of ereaders! exciting stuff!) and a newsletter article about my major SXSW takeaways. You best believe I'm re-purposing those for this blog, so get ready to read, folks.
XOXO
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Half marathon recap...and number 7 on my to do list
Hey folks,
Yes, I'm slacking -- again! -- when updating my blog. So sue me. I'm trying to write more frequently, but being lazy is a constant issue I struggle with...hence, delayed postings.
Moving on...
So YES -- I ran the Houston half marathon last weekend! I would put the professional photos up but 1) they are awful and 2) I can't bring myself to pay for photos of myself. I am sure my dad will find the pics online, buy 'em and send them to me. If that happens, I'll post a couple here and on FB. But like I said, they are bad. I look miserable and SUPER pale in all of them.
But, enough about how I look when I race. How did I run? Not badly! If you recall, my goal time was 1:48, and I crossed the finish line at 1:48:17. Close enough in my book -- I'll just round down. Sadly, this run was NOT as much fun as my half last year. Not sure why, but I couldn't get into a groove.
If you want a full recap, my split times were as follows:
Mile 1: 8:29
Mile 2: 8:20
Mile 3: 8:18
At this point, I'm feeling pretty good. On track with my usual negative split percentages to average under an 8:15 pace...maybe I could do a bit above an 8 minute pace??? I'm getting stoked! The other thing that made this part of the race pretty cool: I wasn't the tallest person running! I ran behind Clyde Drexler for miles .5-1.5. His legs were super long -- he looked like he was running in slow motion. I bet I look that way, too. Anyway, after a mile or so trailing him, he sped up and I stayed behind to keep the people with shorter legs company.
Mile 4, 5 and 6: 8:11, 8:10 and 8:04. This is when things got hard. At mile 5 I began to get a side stitch, so I did my obnoxious pregnant lady breathing and (luckily!) it went away when I got to mile 6. I struggle with side cramps a lot...very annoying. Anyway, despite the cramp, my pace increased because I (figuratively) ran into one of my cycling instructors, a tall South African guy named Hans. He was doing the full and averaging about an 8 minute pace, so I followed him for a bit. The guy is a big Ironman, so like my pal Clyde, he soon went ahead and I kept on (more slowly) trucking.
So now the race wasn't much fun. It was rainy and humid, I was sweating a ton and I was tired, even a little out of breath. Y'all know that I don't like to get out of breath....
Mile 7: 8:07
Mile 8: 8:16
Mile 9: 8:11
So I slowed down a bit. I also accidentally high fived a homeless guy. He looked really excited...and then I saw the grocery cart. Oh well. I'm sure at that point in the race I was way grosser and germier than he was.
More split times:
Mile 10: 8:15
Mile 11: 8:09 (A boost of energy thanks my awesome friends cheering me on from my running club, BON!)
Mile 12: 7:56 (Almost there....I should have been going a lot faster though. :( )
Mile 13: Not sure...guessing about 7:50. At this point, I was too tired to click the "lap" button on my Garmin. Yes, I realize this is pathetic.
So there you have it. Half marathon #2 done. Thus far, I've done one half marathon injured and one without much training....I think if I can combine an injury free season with a training regimen I actually follow, 1:45 will be easy to break. So that's the goal for next year -- 1:45. (Or even 1:43 'cause I like random numbers better...)
I'm running the Austin half in a week and half, but it's for fun only. Or at least, that's the plan. I do get competitive, so that could change. God, I hope the weather is better than it was last weekend....I HATE HUMIDITY.
So to close out this post (I need to crash): to-do item #7 for 2011 is...STOP CURSING. I realized over the weekend that I curse way too much. It's really not necessary -- and it makes me sound like I was raised in a trailer park. So...I'm going to try cut back on the R-rated words. No more! (And yes, please yell at me -- even curse at me, that;s ok! -- if I break this to-do list item. I'm sure I will.)
Night folks! xoxo
Yes, I'm slacking -- again! -- when updating my blog. So sue me. I'm trying to write more frequently, but being lazy is a constant issue I struggle with...hence, delayed postings.
Moving on...
So YES -- I ran the Houston half marathon last weekend! I would put the professional photos up but 1) they are awful and 2) I can't bring myself to pay for photos of myself. I am sure my dad will find the pics online, buy 'em and send them to me. If that happens, I'll post a couple here and on FB. But like I said, they are bad. I look miserable and SUPER pale in all of them.
But, enough about how I look when I race. How did I run? Not badly! If you recall, my goal time was 1:48, and I crossed the finish line at 1:48:17. Close enough in my book -- I'll just round down. Sadly, this run was NOT as much fun as my half last year. Not sure why, but I couldn't get into a groove.
If you want a full recap, my split times were as follows:
Mile 1: 8:29
Mile 2: 8:20
Mile 3: 8:18
At this point, I'm feeling pretty good. On track with my usual negative split percentages to average under an 8:15 pace...maybe I could do a bit above an 8 minute pace??? I'm getting stoked! The other thing that made this part of the race pretty cool: I wasn't the tallest person running! I ran behind Clyde Drexler for miles .5-1.5. His legs were super long -- he looked like he was running in slow motion. I bet I look that way, too. Anyway, after a mile or so trailing him, he sped up and I stayed behind to keep the people with shorter legs company.
Mile 4, 5 and 6: 8:11, 8:10 and 8:04. This is when things got hard. At mile 5 I began to get a side stitch, so I did my obnoxious pregnant lady breathing and (luckily!) it went away when I got to mile 6. I struggle with side cramps a lot...very annoying. Anyway, despite the cramp, my pace increased because I (figuratively) ran into one of my cycling instructors, a tall South African guy named Hans. He was doing the full and averaging about an 8 minute pace, so I followed him for a bit. The guy is a big Ironman, so like my pal Clyde, he soon went ahead and I kept on (more slowly) trucking.
So now the race wasn't much fun. It was rainy and humid, I was sweating a ton and I was tired, even a little out of breath. Y'all know that I don't like to get out of breath....
Mile 7: 8:07
Mile 8: 8:16
Mile 9: 8:11
So I slowed down a bit. I also accidentally high fived a homeless guy. He looked really excited...and then I saw the grocery cart. Oh well. I'm sure at that point in the race I was way grosser and germier than he was.
More split times:
Mile 10: 8:15
Mile 11: 8:09 (A boost of energy thanks my awesome friends cheering me on from my running club, BON!)
Mile 12: 7:56 (Almost there....I should have been going a lot faster though. :( )
Mile 13: Not sure...guessing about 7:50. At this point, I was too tired to click the "lap" button on my Garmin. Yes, I realize this is pathetic.
So there you have it. Half marathon #2 done. Thus far, I've done one half marathon injured and one without much training....I think if I can combine an injury free season with a training regimen I actually follow, 1:45 will be easy to break. So that's the goal for next year -- 1:45. (Or even 1:43 'cause I like random numbers better...)
I'm running the Austin half in a week and half, but it's for fun only. Or at least, that's the plan. I do get competitive, so that could change. God, I hope the weather is better than it was last weekend....I HATE HUMIDITY.
So to close out this post (I need to crash): to-do item #7 for 2011 is...STOP CURSING. I realized over the weekend that I curse way too much. It's really not necessary -- and it makes me sound like I was raised in a trailer park. So...I'm going to try cut back on the R-rated words. No more! (And yes, please yell at me -- even curse at me, that;s ok! -- if I break this to-do list item. I'm sure I will.)
Night folks! xoxo
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Eek.
OK, so I've already dropped the ball when it comes to my 2011 to-dos. I'm 1) not updating my blog and 2) definitely not getting enough sleep. Oh, and my reading list? Yeah. I'm not even reading crap now. I'm reading nothing.
I suck. My bad.
Anyway, it is a new week so the past will be the past and I'll move on. This week, btw, is the half marathon! WOOHOO! So excited! :) Like I said, 1:48 would be great, but I haven't been training that well and per the negative split calculator I just looked up...well, it may not happen. I always start my runs slowly and then increase the pace, but the negative pace calculator wants me to start at 8:25! (BTW, if you don't know what negative splits are, read about 'em here.)
I think I have to use the calculator I looked up as a general guide only. I run a pretty ridiculous negative split (example: my 13 mile run was a 9 min pace the first few miles and then about 8 minute or under for the last couple miles...a difference much greater than the average -2% negative split most people see.) For the training run, my avg pace was 8:30, so I hope in the race with all the ppl cheering me on I'll be able to average about 8:15. So if you live in Houston -- come and cheer for me!
But enough about pace and negative splits and boring stuff like that. I'm just STOKED to run this year! Unlike in the past, I'm not freaking out about this race. I know I didn't train the way I was supposed to...I also know that I have the potential to run WAY faster if I do train properly. I hope that this half and the one I do in a few weeks (Austin baby with my friend Brittany!) will kick me into gear and force me to start taking my training seriously. I really think I have the potential to be a pretty strong recreational athlete (some would argue I already am) but I want to be better. I really want to run a half in under 1:45 soon, but to do that I need to start including tempo and speed work into my runs. (Might also help if I run more than 2x a week....)
It's gonna be a busy week at work but I will make an effort to blog a few more times. We have our company retreat this weekend, and I have a TON of work to do for it. (I've been tasked with helping develop our 2011-12 digital strategy and so far, I have nothing to show for it other than some brilliant ideas floating around in my head. Gotta get them on paper STAT.)
So with that....good night folks! I spent about 2 hours cleaning my room and getting rid of old stuff I didn't need, so not only is my room clean (thanks not to my poor cleaning skills, but those of my maid) it's also ORGANIZED! But now, I need to sleep. To-do list to continue this week.
XOXO
I suck. My bad.
Anyway, it is a new week so the past will be the past and I'll move on. This week, btw, is the half marathon! WOOHOO! So excited! :) Like I said, 1:48 would be great, but I haven't been training that well and per the negative split calculator I just looked up...well, it may not happen. I always start my runs slowly and then increase the pace, but the negative pace calculator wants me to start at 8:25! (BTW, if you don't know what negative splits are, read about 'em here.)
I think I have to use the calculator I looked up as a general guide only. I run a pretty ridiculous negative split (example: my 13 mile run was a 9 min pace the first few miles and then about 8 minute or under for the last couple miles...a difference much greater than the average -2% negative split most people see.) For the training run, my avg pace was 8:30, so I hope in the race with all the ppl cheering me on I'll be able to average about 8:15. So if you live in Houston -- come and cheer for me!
But enough about pace and negative splits and boring stuff like that. I'm just STOKED to run this year! Unlike in the past, I'm not freaking out about this race. I know I didn't train the way I was supposed to...I also know that I have the potential to run WAY faster if I do train properly. I hope that this half and the one I do in a few weeks (Austin baby with my friend Brittany!) will kick me into gear and force me to start taking my training seriously. I really think I have the potential to be a pretty strong recreational athlete (some would argue I already am) but I want to be better. I really want to run a half in under 1:45 soon, but to do that I need to start including tempo and speed work into my runs. (Might also help if I run more than 2x a week....)
It's gonna be a busy week at work but I will make an effort to blog a few more times. We have our company retreat this weekend, and I have a TON of work to do for it. (I've been tasked with helping develop our 2011-12 digital strategy and so far, I have nothing to show for it other than some brilliant ideas floating around in my head. Gotta get them on paper STAT.)
So with that....good night folks! I spent about 2 hours cleaning my room and getting rid of old stuff I didn't need, so not only is my room clean (thanks not to my poor cleaning skills, but those of my maid) it's also ORGANIZED! But now, I need to sleep. To-do list to continue this week.
XOXO
Friday, January 14, 2011
Why 2011 is going to rock. Part 1.
(Disclaimer: this post sounds like I overdosed on Prozac. If insanely happy people annoy you, stop reading this now. You have been warned.)
I am in an AWESOME mood today. Why? Because today I got some really, really, REALLY exciting news.
Come March 11 - 15th, yours truly (and this guy) will be attending SXSWi! I am so stoked! For those of you unfamiliar with SXSWi, read about it here. We'll be soaking up loads of digital and social media goodies to bring back and share with the crew at the 'Pont. I couldn't be more excited to partake in such a fantastic event!
But that's not it. This year is going to rock for so many reasons! Here are just a few of the things I have to look forward to: the half marathon (maybe 2), a week of skiing, MS 150 training, SXSWi, more skiing, the actual MS 150, my first tri...and that's just 'til May! Also plotting a VERY cool trip in late summer/fall -- deets TBD but passport will be required. And around that same time, my brother Gil will be back from Afghanistan and Robby will be at flight school only a few hours away in Alabama. Added bonus: I have several friends (and my parents!) planning trips to Houston in the next few months.
I LOVE LIFE!
Now off to bed -- I have an 8 miler tomorrow morning! WOOHOO!
XOXO
I am in an AWESOME mood today. Why? Because today I got some really, really, REALLY exciting news.
Come March 11 - 15th, yours truly (and this guy) will be attending SXSWi! I am so stoked! For those of you unfamiliar with SXSWi, read about it here. We'll be soaking up loads of digital and social media goodies to bring back and share with the crew at the 'Pont. I couldn't be more excited to partake in such a fantastic event!
But that's not it. This year is going to rock for so many reasons! Here are just a few of the things I have to look forward to: the half marathon (maybe 2), a week of skiing, MS 150 training, SXSWi, more skiing, the actual MS 150, my first tri...and that's just 'til May! Also plotting a VERY cool trip in late summer/fall -- deets TBD but passport will be required. And around that same time, my brother Gil will be back from Afghanistan and Robby will be at flight school only a few hours away in Alabama. Added bonus: I have several friends (and my parents!) planning trips to Houston in the next few months.
I LOVE LIFE!
Now off to bed -- I have an 8 miler tomorrow morning! WOOHOO!
XOXO
Sunday, January 9, 2011
I need some iron
Happy Sunday folks!
My run Saturday AM was glorious -- great weather, great company and great time (about 8:30 for 12.5/6ish miles). Barring any bad weather, illness, etc. I should be able to do the Houston half at about an 8:15 pace....so about 1:48ish. If I trained properly for this race -- (surprise!) I didn't -- I'd be able to crush 1:45 I think. But I'm lazy and hate tempo runs and speed work. We'll just wait and see what Jan. 30 brings. Whatever the outcome, I'm looking forward to the half being over so I can sleep in on Saturdays again. (Or at least until late February when my Saturday AM bike rides kick off.)
In the meantime, check out my bruised leg! I got a massage on my IT band after my run yesterday. Didn't think much of it although my IT band was sore last night and this AM -- more than usual. So I show up to do a recovery 3 miler and yoga class today and one of my friends asks: "Jen, what happened to your leg???" I had no idea what she was talking about -- til I looked down and saw THIS!!!!
At least I now know why my IT bad was sore....and where NOT to get a massage again.
My run Saturday AM was glorious -- great weather, great company and great time (about 8:30 for 12.5/6ish miles). Barring any bad weather, illness, etc. I should be able to do the Houston half at about an 8:15 pace....so about 1:48ish. If I trained properly for this race -- (surprise!) I didn't -- I'd be able to crush 1:45 I think. But I'm lazy and hate tempo runs and speed work. We'll just wait and see what Jan. 30 brings. Whatever the outcome, I'm looking forward to the half being over so I can sleep in on Saturdays again. (Or at least until late February when my Saturday AM bike rides kick off.)
In the meantime, check out my bruised leg! I got a massage on my IT band after my run yesterday. Didn't think much of it although my IT band was sore last night and this AM -- more than usual. So I show up to do a recovery 3 miler and yoga class today and one of my friends asks: "Jen, what happened to your leg???" I had no idea what she was talking about -- til I looked down and saw THIS!!!!
At least I now know why my IT bad was sore....and where NOT to get a massage again.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Number 4! And 5!
Drum roll please....
I've now updated my blog three days in a row??? THREE DAYS IN A ROW! I'm a rock star!
Now, onto business: to do items for 2011, numbers 4 and 5.
#4. Do a triathlon. EVERYONE assumes I do them. And when I tell them I don't....well, this is how the convo usually goes:
THEM: "What races are you signed up for this spring?"
ME: "I'm doing the Houston half."
THEM: "No, I mean, after that." (SILENT THOUGHT TO MYSELF: You mean the Houston half doesn't count as my one race for 2011???)
ME: "...."
THEM: "Do you do triathlons?"
ME:"Uh..."
THEM (with a look of shock, horror and disgust): "You don't do triathlons? Really??" (SILENT THOUGHT TO MYSELF: Um, do you know how lazy I am???)
ME: "Uh, maybe next year."
I've said 'maybe next year' for the last two years. In 2011, it's time to say 'YES! I'm doing a triathlon!' And you know what? I don't think I'll suck! I'm a pretty strong runner and biker, and as for swimming, well, I don't drown. This is the year I'm going to DO IT. I'm thinking about a spring sprint with with my friend Kristin. Houston peeps, any tris you recommend??
#5. On a more serious note....item number 5 involves some heavy spring cleaning. In 2011, I'm ridding my life of people and things that don't make me happy. I've spent WAY too much time trying to make sad and miserable people happy, and I've wasted WAY too many hours doing things I think I "should" do and not things I want to do. But that's changing.
In 2011, I'm not spending time w/ people who don't bring positive vibes to my life. I'm also not forcing myself to do something that doesn't make me happy in some way. (Example "something": gourmet cooking. I hate it and I suck at it. So friends, moving forward you'll just have to deal with my boring marinated chicken, overcooked pasta and ginormous salads. At least I make a mean, and some would say, kinda gourmet-y cookie.)
Tomorrow morning I have a 13 mile run, so don't expect any post until tomorrow afternoon or Sunday. In the meantime, HAPPY FRIDAY! Have a beer or two for me tonight at happy hour -- I'll be at home hydrating (on water) and going to bed at 9 pm. Fun times.
I've now updated my blog three days in a row??? THREE DAYS IN A ROW! I'm a rock star!
Now, onto business: to do items for 2011, numbers 4 and 5.
#4. Do a triathlon. EVERYONE assumes I do them. And when I tell them I don't....well, this is how the convo usually goes:
THEM: "What races are you signed up for this spring?"
ME: "I'm doing the Houston half."
THEM: "No, I mean, after that." (SILENT THOUGHT TO MYSELF: You mean the Houston half doesn't count as my one race for 2011???)
ME: "...."
THEM: "Do you do triathlons?"
ME:"Uh..."
THEM (with a look of shock, horror and disgust): "You don't do triathlons? Really??" (SILENT THOUGHT TO MYSELF: Um, do you know how lazy I am???)
ME: "Uh, maybe next year."
I've said 'maybe next year' for the last two years. In 2011, it's time to say 'YES! I'm doing a triathlon!' And you know what? I don't think I'll suck! I'm a pretty strong runner and biker, and as for swimming, well, I don't drown. This is the year I'm going to DO IT. I'm thinking about a spring sprint with with my friend Kristin. Houston peeps, any tris you recommend??
#5. On a more serious note....item number 5 involves some heavy spring cleaning. In 2011, I'm ridding my life of people and things that don't make me happy. I've spent WAY too much time trying to make sad and miserable people happy, and I've wasted WAY too many hours doing things I think I "should" do and not things I want to do. But that's changing.
In 2011, I'm not spending time w/ people who don't bring positive vibes to my life. I'm also not forcing myself to do something that doesn't make me happy in some way. (Example "something": gourmet cooking. I hate it and I suck at it. So friends, moving forward you'll just have to deal with my boring marinated chicken, overcooked pasta and ginormous salads. At least I make a mean, and some would say, kinda gourmet-y cookie.)
Tomorrow morning I have a 13 mile run, so don't expect any post until tomorrow afternoon or Sunday. In the meantime, HAPPY FRIDAY! Have a beer or two for me tonight at happy hour -- I'll be at home hydrating (on water) and going to bed at 9 pm. Fun times.
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