Not-so-fast-running-blog

Workout: 

• 5.22 miles
• 2020 is finding it difficult to leave this morning. I ran in rain, snow, and then clear skies. 
• I finished my run with 10 minutes of yoga for runners.

Workout:

I did not run today. I am still waiting, waiting, waiting for my new treadmill. My 20 year old treadmill died in the spring. With the fickle weather patterns, I finally broke down and made the purchase. I don't see a gym membership in my near future.

I did a weight training workout on the treadmill app that I can currently access. It was a good workout. My heartrate was elevated and I experienced a good amount of sweat. I've been reminded over this past year that adding more variety in my workouts is an essential. As I age, I am finding that I really need balance and flexibilty to remain injury-free. 

My daughter headed back to her home in Pennsylvania following an extended stay for the Thanksgving and Christmas holdiays. She coordinates the study aboard program for Dickinson College so she has been working remotely since February 2020. This has provided us with the luxury of spending A LOT of time together over this past year. Freshman and seniors are returning to campus so our time together will once again be limited, but we are both extremely grateful for the wonderful year that we've experienced together.

I return to the classroom tomorrow following a 6 week stint of e-learning. It is extremely confusing and disheartening that our school board and superintendent have made this imptaient decision. Our community, like most, are experiencing a surge upon a surge. Our hospital is at full capacity. Our positive test results are above 95% and deaths are rising. 

I prefer my learners to be at school, but safety is currrently more important. I can teach them effectively online. I can not keep them safe at school. There is nothing safe about school plans because there is no way to socially distance learners. I can not teach while separating and constantly disinfecting six and seven year olds. 

My distraict's logic to open our doors is based upon the following rationale:

1. District - Other surrounding districts are open. Me - We are the largest district in the area. The core of our district is not rural.

2.  District - Elementary students are assymptomatic. Me - COVID individuals, with or without symptoms, still spread the virus. The week my district went to e-learning I had one known student with COVID. The school nurse contact traced 12 of my students. She wanted to contract trace 8 more, but the district said, "No." I had several more positive students during e-learning as a result.

3. District - The spread does not happen at school. Me - If the spread is in the community, it is going to move into our buildings. 

4. District - Teachers are essential workers. The vaccine is on its way. Me - No one knows the timeline. No teacher has been vaccinated yet.

Anyway this is my soap box moment. I'll do my best to keep myself and my students safe once again.

Workout:

This was a comfortable early morning run. I headed out the door a little later than I had hoped so I did not accomplish 6 miles, but that was okay. I'll need to build my stamina back up this month since I pulled back my mileage over the past few months. Half way through the day, my inner thighs were really screaming from my cardio workout yesterday. 

Following work, I completed a Tabata workout. My hamstrings should be screaming tomorrow. My treadmill is in transit so that is good news. I'll be able to restart my speed work in the near future. My running life is getting back on track although pulling back to fewer run days was most likely a really smart move on my overall wellness and life balance. 

Workout:

I am inching my way back to 6 miles! I just need to get out a little earlier in the morning so I am not so pressed for time before work. The run felt good. I was just really hot and slow. I definitely over dressed for the cold. 

I finished off my day with a body strength class. It was a lot of balance work. I liked it. I was pleasantly surprised with my balance abilities. I did not know that I had those capabilities.

Workout:

I felt as if I had a steady, quick pace throughout the entire early morning run. I should have never checked my stats when I entered the house. Steady. Yes! Quick. No!

Workout:

I did a quick 6 miler this morning. I have a play date with the grand kids today. Here are my picks for the football games today - Buffalo, Rams, and the Bucaneers. This is how I wish the wins would go - Colts, Rams, Washington (I will never be a Brady fan).

Workout:

• Run / 6.10 mi / Treadmill / I love my new treadmill! 
• Core Body Strength / 30 minutes
• Treadmill Hike / 2.17 mi

Inaguration Day:

• I have 5 girls in my classroom. The remaining 16 students are boys. As Kamala Harris was being sworn in as our new Vice President, my five girls spontaneously stood up, placed their hand on their hearts, and repeated the oath along with her. When she finished, my girls clapped and clapped for her. My eyes welled up with tears. What an incredible moment for these young, impressionable six and seven year olds to experience, understand, and embrace for all women, but most importantly, for Black women and Asian women. What a glass ceining to break! 

Workout:

• Trail Walk
• Total Body Workout
• I was feeling under the weather today so it was good to be outside for a little while. The fresh air was rejuvinating.
•  

Workout:

• Treadmill / 6.10 mi / This was a mind over body run. It took everything I had to finish the 6 miles.
• My learners and I watched an interview of Amanda Garner discussing her speech articulation struggles in grade school. We've been learning about the idea of empathy and how to live that word in our daily life at school, home and community. This interview was a good text to world connection to that concept. Learner's discussed how Amanda's speech concerns affected her learning, friendships, and how she chose to perservere when she answered questions and/or shared her ideas. These discussions carried throughout our day of learning as students applied the idea of empathy and perserverance with each task. I heard learners encourage others to not give up. I saw learners stick to a task longer and/or try several different strategies before coming to me for assistance. I felt in my heart that these young learners were inspired by a positive role model because they had taken the time to empathize with someone else's struggle. As we say every day, "Make it a great day or not, the choice is yours. Make it count!"

Workout:

• Treadmill / 6.12 mi / Today was a much faster, less mental struggle run
• Walk / 2.20 mi
• Total Body Condition / 30 min / Hand Weights

Workout:

• Total Body Workout / 25 minutes / Back, Chest, Legs
• Treadmill Run / 6.17 mi 

Workout:

• Treadmill Hike / 2 mi
• Treadmill Jog / Live / 3.17 mi

This was the first time that I did a live class. It was interesting. I had to override the instructor because the pace was too slow. I assumed this would be the case, but I started with an easy class to gage my interest and entry point for future level classes.

Workout:

• Treadmill / 5.02 mi / Manual setting

Workout:

• Treadmill / 6.17 mi / 9:32 
• I finally managed to run a decent, steady pace. I have a lot of work in the months ahead, but its a start.

Workout:

We had a 2 hour delay due to the ice and snow so I had additional time to run. I tried a few different workouts on my tread mill.

• Trail Run / 3 mi / Rolling hill work / 9:30 pace
• Manual / 4 mi / 9:20 pace
• Jog/Walk /3 min run / 1 min walk / 3.26 mi / 8:56 & 10:00 pace

Workout:

• Recovery run / Quick and short

Workout:

• Trail Hike / 2.17 mi
• Run / 3mi / 9:30

Workout:

• Easy 5 miler in slush. It rained. Then, snowed. Then, rained again. What a mess. It was A LOT of fun! I was glad to have worn older shoes.

Treadmill Workout:

• Run/Walk - 30 minutes at an easy pace
• Threshold Run Workout / 20 minutes
• Whole Body Workout / 25 minutes

It was a snow day which meant e-learning. I had extra time to work out. I also shoveled the driveway. It was only a few inches, but there was a layer of ice underneath the snow.

Workout:

• Treadmill / 5.15 / Easy miles

Workout:

• Treadmill / 6.63 mi / Easy miles
• Today is the first day of my new training program. My goal is to get back into good running shape. I have no future races. This month my focus is to comfortably increase my mileage to around 40 miles. 

Workout:

• Treadmill / Easy Run / 3.50 mi / 10:40
• Tempo Run / 3 mi / 9:20

Workout:

• Treadmill / 5.27 mi / Easy miles
• My workouts were easy, but I feel as if I am making fitness headway. I know my treadmill better in terms of the speed settings for accurate pacing. I found some trainers that seem like a good fit for my personality and motivation needs. 
• For this week, I am hopeful to add more consistency with my weight training and balance stability.

Workout:

• Treadmill / Easy hike / 2.17 mi
• Treadmill easy run / 6 mi / 10:10
• Total body conditioning / 25 minutes 
• I am hoping for a Chiefs back to back Super Bowl victory. I can appreciate Tom Brady's storied career, but I just don't care for him. 

Workout:

• Treadmill / Walking Warm-up / 1.26 mi
• Treadmill / Easy Run / 6 mi / 10:46

Workout:

• Treadmill / Walking Warm-up / 1.66 mi
• Speed Workout / 12 x 400 w 400 recovery 
• I am well out of fit running health. I did not run at my 5K race pace. 

• Treadmill / 6 mi /Easy pace

Workout:

• Treadmill / 6 mi / Easy pace

• Warm-up / 1.02 mi
• Recovery run / 6.0 mi / 10:00

Treadmill Workouts:

• Speed walk / 1.23 mi 
• Easy run / 8 mi 
• Total Body Conditioning / 28 min

Treadmill Workout:

• Speed Walking / 1.38
• Easy Pace / 6 mi 
• Total Body Workout / Weights / 28 min

Today I fell on/off the treadmill. I wish that I had an awesome story to tell, but I don't. I stepped off the treadmill to quickly take care of something that was distracting me. I guess that I was still distracted becasue I just stepped right back on to the treadmill. I went flying on to the moving belt and into the wall behind me. My calves are badly scraped. My neck and chest are worse mainly because the skin was fully exposed. I must admit that i never imagined this happening. I have a newfound appreciation of the power of this machine!

Treadmill Workout:

• Warm-up / Walk / 1.52 mi
• Walk/Run / 2.10 mi
• Speed Work / 8 x 800 by 400 recovery / 8:56 & 9:58 paces

I am pretty sore from my fall yesterday, but I wanted to make sure that I got back on the treadmill so that I did not face it with trepidation. I know that my paces are probably not considered speed, but I am pleased with the workout. Getting back into shape is a progression. I consider it a win that I worked out.

Treadmill Workout:

• Speed walk / 1.56 mi
• Tempo Run / 6.25 mi / 9.49

• Warm-up / 1.56 mi
• Easy Pace / 11 mi / 9:58

• Easy Pace / 10 mi / 9:5 
• I currently detest running. I experience zero pleasure from the activity. Admitting this makes me so sad. I think for the first time I am experiencing the so-called pandemic fatigue which is odd because I have truly enjoyed myself over the past year. I have spent the majority of the time with my family. I have a job. I have saved a ton of money. I am still COVID free. I just got vaccinated. I have kept up with hobbies and added new hobbies. I get outside as much as possible to get fresh air and sunshine. I'm just in a funk especially with my running. Sigh!

• Quick 6 miles

• Easy Run / 6 mi / 9:48
• Walk/Run / 2.91 mi / 
• This run felt good. I am grateful for a good run. Mentally I was in a good place!

• Warm-up / Walking / 1.6 mi
• Speed Work / 6 x 800 w 400 recovery / 8:52 / 9:45

• Easy Run / 5 mi / 9:45

• Warm-up / Power walk / 1.60 mi 
• Tempo run / 6.03 mi / 9:34
• My workout actually felt good! Maybe I am rounding corner of positive workouts!

Treadmill Workout:

• Easy Run / 10:03
• This was my first good week since the New Year. It was mentally difficult, but I showed up every day. I have a long way to go and lots of work ahead of me. I'm not really sure what I want to accomplish, but I definitely want to enjoy my running life and to regain my strong fitness level.

Treadmill Workout:

• Warm-up / Steep Hill Climb / 2. 5 mi
• Easy run / 8 mi / 10:22
• I ran faster than my prescribed plan pace (10:52). I found a pace that was comfortable and relaxed. I had planned to just complete 8 miles, but my left knee has been bothering me. It seems to require a fair amount of warm-up before I can run. It's odd because it doesn't hurt any other time. 

• Warm-up / Walk / 1.81
• Run / 5.50 mi / 10:02
• I was supposed to run 6 miles, but I ran out of time. It was a rough workout. I felt so slow and weighted down until my 4th mile. By then, I just couldn't run fast enough to finish my mileage. On the plus side, my overall average pace was faster than the prescribed pace of 10:52.

• Warm-up / Cool down / Walk / 2.69 mi
• Speed work / 6 x 800 w 400 recovery 
• Paces / 8:33 / 10:03

• Warm-up / Walk / 1.24 mi
• Strength Workout / 7 mi / 9:32

Workout:

• 6.0 miles / 9:54
• I'm still running. Currently, that's as good as it gets for me. 

Workout:

• Warm-up / Walk /1 mile 
• Run / 8.25 mi / 10:02
• Cool-down / 1 mi 
• I'll be fully vaccinated this morning! It's not my son's day to be in charge of the vaccination center, but I am dragging him with me to take my photo! Thanks to President Biden for making this happen for teachers!

Workout:

• Recovery run / 12 mi / It was not pretty, but I completed the workout. I wonder when my mind will get on board and stop sabtoging my workouts with negativity!
• On a positive note, I have zero side effects from the vaccine. Not even the injection sight is  sore. I'll take this win!

• Lift weights / Four times a week / Build muscle tone
• Yoga  / Twice a week / Prevent injuries
•  Find a new running plan / Run six days a week / Improve my mental state 
• Cross train /  Three times a week / Cycle, walk, hike, etc.
• Nutrition / Every day / Consume less chocolate  

• Warm-up / Walk / 1. 54 mi
• Run / 10.95 mi / 10:18
• My pace is nothing to get excited about, but my stamina is improving. My new running book arrived today. It looks challenging, but doable. 
• I signed up for my first live race in over a year. This should provide the much needed motivation that has been lacking in my fitness routine.
• Giving up chocolate is going to be a HUGE hurdle!

• Recovery run outside

• Strength training / Heavier weights / 2 circuits with no rest inbetween excerises
• Warm-up / Walk / 1.98 mi
• Run / 4.02 mi / 10:10 I messed up on my run today. I thought that it was supposed to be a recovery run. I was to do a fast run. Oops!
• This is the first day of my new 6 week program. I am not totally sold on it. It is from Runner's World. It is for women and works on toning the abs while increasing speed. My mileage will drop considerably, but I have plenty of time to prepare for my marathon at the end of September. I'll have shorter workouts, but will spend more concentrated time with short bursts of intense running. I'll do hills, interval training, circuit weight lifting throughout the week.
• I am only allowed to eat for 8 hours a day. After that, I am to fast for the next 16 hours. My eating will go from 10:40 - 6:40 since that initial time is my lunchbreak at school. I practiced yesterday. It really was not that difficult. Since my running mileage will be considerly down, I don't think that I'll be starving! I am hoping to drop 7 pounds so that I am back to my optimal running weight.

Workout:

• Treadmill / Warm-up / Walk / 1.50 mi
• Run / Outside / 5.0 mi
• My legs were incredibly sore this morning. It was most likely from the hill workout and squats from yesterday. 

• Thursday / Tempo Run / 7 mi / 9:40
• Friday / Easy Run / 6 mi / 10:20
• Saturday / Easy Run / 8 mi / 10:30

• Easy Run / 8.28 mi / 10:40
• Strength Training Circuit Workout
• I lost 4 lbs last week. Now if I could just increase my speed!

• Easy Run / 5.83 mi / 10:50
• Body Strenghth Circuit
• My run actually felt refreshing this morning! I had some slight knee pain, but that was most likely an anomaly.

• Walk / 1.63 mi
• Easy Run / 5 mi / 10:48
• I received notice today that my application was drawn for the Chicago Marathon! This was the first time that I applied to this race. I am going to Chicago in October!

• Easy Pace / 6.02 mi / 10:42

Workout:

• Circuit Weight Training / 30 minutes
• Run / 6.03 mi / 10:52
• All though this is the set pace, I am hoping that one of these training days my speed will just come! I turned off the Garmin voice except to give me my mile markers. Apparently, this is my current comfortable pace.

Workout:

• Run / 8.02 mi / 10:49 / Strong head wind, but pleasant temperature
• Walk / 1.48 mi

• Circuit Weight Training / 2 rounds / 20 minutes
• Power Walk Warm-up / 1.76 mi 
• Treadmill Run / 5 mi / 10:00
• My left knee is bothersome when I run on the treadmill

• Warm-up / Walk / 1.76 mi
• Strength Workout / 12 x 400 w 400 recovery / 8:32 & 10:03
• My left knee was very bothersome until mile 4. I raised the elevation and that seemed to help alleviate the pain.

Workout:

• Warm-up Walk / 1 mi
• Treadmill Run / 5.37 mi / Easy Pace
• Cool-down Walk / .38 mi
• I've been having left knee pain for the past month or so. I've never experienced knee pain before so the other day I did some googling on it to find causes, strength exercises, etc. I read several articles about treadmill running and knees. Today I raised the incline of the treadmill. Guess what? No knee pain! I wish that I could solve all of my life ssues this easily!

Workout:

• ​Warm-up / Walk / 1.02 mi
• Treadmill Run / 6.01 mi / Easy Pace
• Circuit workout with weights / 20 minutes
• I raised the incline even more this morning because my knee had some slight pain when I started my run. Hopefully tomorrow I can run outside. Cold and snow this morning! I really had hoped that the winter weather was completely over!

Workout:

• ​Treadmill Warm-up Walk / .80 mi
• Run (outside) / 6.02 mi / Easy Pace
• Circuit Workout with weights / 25 min

Workout:

• ​Easy Pace / 8 mi
• Circuit Weights / 25 min

Workout:

• Run / 6.40 mi / Easy Pace
• Circuit Weights / 25 min
• Afternoon Hike / 1.25 mi

Workout:

• Warm-up / Treadmill Walk / 1 mi
• 8 x 600 by 400 / 8:32 & 10:03 / Treadmill
• Cool Down / 1 mi / 9:17
• Circuit Weight Training / 25 minutes

• Run / 6.02 mi / Easy Pace
• Circuit Weight Training / 25 min
• Interminttent rain, but otherwise a really nice early morning run

• Easy Run / 6.04 miles

Workout:

• ​Run / 6 mi / 10:24
• I beat the rain this morning! My overall average pace is gradually getting faster ehcih is encouraging. The Chicago Marathon isn't until October, but it will be here before I know it! I still can't believe that I was selected in the lottery drawing!

• Easy Pace / 8.0 mi / 10:38
• My pace is not fast by any means, but on the plus side each mile was faster then the last!
• The temperature outside was divine!

• Easy Pace / 7.10 / 10:37
• A few drizzles of rain this morning, but the temperature was moderatley warm. Each mile continues to be faster than the last so that is good.

Workout:

• ​Easy Pace / 5.05 mi / 10:01

• Warm-up / Walk / 1 mi
• 8 x 600 by 400 recovery / 8:50 / 10:03
• Cool-down / Walk / 1 mi

There was nothing good about this workout other than the fact that I did it!

Workout:

• Easy Pace / 6.32 mi / 10:58
• Everything about this run felt so right while I was running it. Perfect temperature. Light on my feet. No aches and pains. Then, I looked at my overall average pace! Ugh! 

Workout:

• Run / 10.01 mi / 10:45
• Treadmill Cool-down / Walk / 2 mi 
• This is my longest run since trying to get back into being more of a serious runner. I could have run much further at this pace. I managed to avoid the rain. Just a few drizzles here and there, but the temperature definitely dipped from my start to finish. So glad that I leftthe house before dawn.

Treadmill Workout:

I completed 3 quick and short interval workouts. Nordic Track has a new feature on their treadmill app which is turning out to be a game changer for my workouts. It tracks my paces for each workout. If I alter the trainers recommended pace, the machine will automatically adjust the paces throughout my workouts. This is really nice since I used to have to do this manually. My treadmill workouts are much more challenging now and are a better fit to my fitness level.

• Easy Pace / 6.02 mi / 10:20
• This run actually felt decent. I even managed to average a faster pace! Is it possible that I might be improving?
• Weights / 40 min

• Warm-up / 2.89 / Interval Run
• 6 x 500 with 400 recovery / 8:52 & 10:03
• Overall Average Pace - 9:16
• This workout also felt really good. I could have pushed myself more on the speed a touch more. I woke to snow this morning! Most of it melted by mid-morning, but then we experienced blizzard conditions for about twenty minutes late in the afternoon. Mother Nature is really messed up!
• There are 156 days until my local marathon. I need to decide if I'm going to bump down to the half-marathon since I got into the Chicago Marathon.

Treadmill Workout:

• Tempo Run / 7.25 mi / 9:42
• Weights / 40 min

Workout:

• Weights / 45 min / Upper body
• Tempo / 5 mi / 9:34
• I failed with my time management, but the run felt good. The pace felt comfortable and relaxed. 

Workout:

• Weights / 45 min / Legs
• Run / 8.02 mi / 10:30
• I need to remember to do a leg workout after I run not before! My legs were really worn out by mile 5, but I pushed through. My splits were faster with each mile.
• This was an encouraging run week. My pace time is improving. I am feeling and seeing improvements with my speed and tempo workouts.  

Workout:

• Run / 4.08 mi / 10:49
• Run / 4.01 / 10:07
• I accidently turned off my Garmin at 4 miles, but it turned out a good thing. I was able to see that my final four miles were faster than the first 4. My legs were not as tired today as I did not do a leg workout prior to running!

Treadmill Workout:

• ​Kettlebell Workout / 45 min
• Treadmill Run / 6 mi / 10:19

Workout:

• Weights / 45 minutes

Workout:

• Run / 8.30 mi / 10:37
• This run was really easy. I need to start pushing my pace now that I am getting back into physical shape.

Treadmill Workout:

• Warm-up / 1 mi / 10:35
• Tempo run / 7 mi / 9:35
• Cool-down / 1 mi / 10:00

I wish that my tempo run was easier, but it was pretty rough. The first 3 miles were difficult. The final 4 miles felt more maneageble.

• Run / 6.02 mi / 10:35
• This run felt so fabulous. I felt light as a feather and as fast as a cheetah. That is until I saw my overall average pace on the Garmin! 
• I know that I am gaining and improving in my fitness, It is just a slow process. I don't mind aging, but getting back to where I used to be is much harder now.

• My workout was a hodgepodge of many paces. It was hard, medium, and easy all rolled up into one. I'm not really sure what I was doing, but the treadmill program constantly changed and I just ran. I can't say that I currently like being on the treadmill, but I do like this Nordic Track upgrade that automatically changes my speed.

Workout:

• Run / 12.02 mi / 10:45
• Weights / 45 min
• This is my longest run in over a year. I detest my pace, but on the positive side I finished each 2 mile recorded pace faster than the previous two. The road to improved fitness is full of hits and misses. I'm no great runner. I'm simply ordinary, but that's not the point. The point is whether I improved over yesterday, last week, last month, and so on. That's what keeps me going, keeps me trying, keeps me moving forward.

• Recovery Run / 10:00
• So much rain outside! Mentally, I was not in the mood to be on the treadmill.

• 5 x 1200 by 400 recovery / 8.59 & 9:52
• This workout was hard, hard, hard! I am grateful for the rain because without it I would have completed just another slower paced run outside. It's important to constantly push my paces.
• Weights / 45 min

Workout:

• Run / 5 mi / 10:20
• Weights / 45 min / Legs

Workout:

• Run / 10.36 mi / 10:22
• Brisk morning, but no rain!!!
• Weights / 45 min / Upper body

Workout:

• Long run / 10.01 mi / 10:27
• It was another cold morning run. I had to wear my ski gloves and winter hat. My overal average pace was just slightly faster than the suggested training pace. I was pleased my performance.

• Recovery Run / 10.15 mi / 10:27

Workout:

• Speed Workout / Overall Average Pace - 9:27
• 400 / 600 / 800 / 1200 / 800 / 600 / 400 w 400R's 
• Speed Pace - 8:32 / Recovery Pace - 9:52
• I thought that I'd be on the struggle bus, but this workout was pretty easy peasy! I was pleasantly surprised!

• Easy Run / 4 mi / 10:30
• Weights / 40 min / Total body

• Warm up / 1.15 mi / 10:25
• Tempo run / 7 mi / 9:31

• Easy Run / 8.03 mi / 10:48
• I really thought that I was flying toward the end of my run, but I was far from a fast pace. Even so, I felt light and happy! I really enjoyed the last few miles.

Workout:

• Easy Run / 8.03 mi / 10:48

Workout:

• Long run / 14.05 mi / 10:30
• I was a second per mile off of the suggested program pace (10:29). I am making progress.
• Overall, it was a good run. I felt consistent throughout the run. My final few miles were faster. 

• Treadmill Recovery Run / 5.14 mi / 10:30
• I really wanted to run outside, but the skies opened up with thinder, lightning, and heavy rain. I really had to push myself to complete this run.

Workout:

• Treadmill / Speed Work 
• 2 mi / Warm-up / 10:51
• 3 x 1 mi with 600 recovery / 8:49 / 9:52
• 2 mi / Cool down / 9:26

Workout:

• Run / 6.05 mi /10:33
• Running conditions were perfect. I just need to figure out how to run my first 3 miles faster!

Workout:

• Warm-up / 1 mi / 10:40
• Tempo run /  7 mi / 9:35
• Cool-down / 1 mi / 9:40

Workout:

• Long run / 10.23 mi / 10:34
• I should probably reset my Garmin after about 3 miles. Those first few miles are so slow. They make my overall average pace much slower which is discouraging. I am not claiming that any of my miles are fast, but I do see a pattern that I gain speed with each mile.
• 2 mi - 11:15 / 4 mi - 10:48 / 6 mi - 10:23 / 8 mi - 10:18 / 10 mi - 10:16 / 10:23 - 9:28

Workout:

• Long run / 9.40 mi / 10:23 
• I finally ran ever so slightly under the suggested pace (10:29). 
• I should have left the house earlier than 7:30 AM.. It was hot, hot, hot!

Workout:

Easy run / 8.07 mi / 10:32

Workout:

• Easy Run / 8.05 mi / 10:21
• This run felt really good from start to finish. I had a lot on my mind so the time passed quickly. This is the last day of a very strange, difficult school year. I don't know how we managed, but somehow we got through it. My little learners took each day in stride and gave their best efforts. I'm really proud of what we accomplished together.

Workout:

• Easy Run / 7.94 mi / 10:16
• Today is the last day of this Pandemic school year. I'd like to say that next year we will be back to normal school policies. I highly doubt that as a possibility. So far, my county has less than 40% of its population vaccinated. Unless community perspectives make a drastic turn around, schools will continue to mask up, social distance, and follow quarantine protocols. 

Workout:

• Rain soaked run / 7.24 mi / 10:23
• The rain was a pleasant change from the heat of the past week. Even though my paces are still too slow, my first few miles are becoming faster. That is worth a small note of celebration. 
• Weights / Biceps & Triceps / 45 minutes

Workout:

• Long Run / 15.02 mi / 11:09
• This was an easy run which I am happy to report. Each two mile pace increased in speed. My final two miles were completed at a 9:46 pace. I could have continued running many more miles.
• On the donwside, this completed overall average pace was significantly slower than what I should be running. The training program that I am following states that my long run should be at a 10:29 pace. It is probably time that I turn more coaching supports onto my Garmin while training so that I don't coast like I did today. 
• I did not run yesterday since High School Graduations took place. All three high school graduations were held outside for the first time in the district's history. Let me just say that all three were FREEZING! I'm not sure why every high school girl decided to wear her summer sundress and high heel sandals under her gown, but I felt so bad for each of them. I was shivering and I had a winter coat on and covered myself in a blanket. Any way, I am always touched how each year, I have former first grade students send graduation tickets inviting me to their ceremonies and parties. I always attend because the idea that my impact remains with them for more than ten years is humbling and gratifying.  I never take these moments for granted. 

Workout:

• Recovery Run / 8.05 mi / 10:29
• I really felt as if I was flying this morning. NOT! Even though my overall pace was not fast, the run felt great!

Workout:

• Speed Work
• Warm-up / 2 mi / 10:40
• Tempo / 3 mi / 9:20
• 6 x 800 by 400 recovery / 8:46 & 9:34

Today was a difficult day. Two of my former first graders were involved in a crime. They are/were both 19. One boy killed the the other. Currently, these are the only facts that I have obtained other than that the murder weapon was a chef knife. My son works in the emergency room of our hospital. The victim's injuries were just too severe. 

I teach in a very rough neighborhood. The odds are often stacked against my young learners, but these two boys were genuinely kind hearted and good natured. I always hope that as a teacher and as a school we are equipping our learners with the tools that they need for the world around them. It's difficult to predict what will stick and stay with each individual.

On a lighter note, I signed up for the virtual Boston Marathon. I've qualified twice, but my times have never placed me phyisically at the start line. I figure this is as close as I'll ever get to that coveted race and medal! 

Workout:

• Global Running Day Virtual 5K 
• My son and I signed up for the runDisney Summer Virtual Series. We have three 5K's that we'll need to complete over the summer months. This first 5K was incredibly difficult. I'm not fond of the distance nor have I run a race since March 2020. Although this was only virtual, we treated it as a race. I ran the 3 miles at paces of 9:07 / 8:28 / 7:46.

Workout:

• Recovery Run / 8.43 mi / 10:12
• Today marks exactly 18 weeks until the Chicago Marathon. My training needs to become focused now in preparation for this event. I honestly just want to enjoy the experience and finish with a respectable time. A respectable time is the rub because what my mind desires may not be what my body is capable of producing.

Workout:

• Weights / 20 minutes

Workout:

• Long Run / 10.56 mi / 10:51

Workout:

• Easy Run / 15.04 mi / 10:52
• I completed my miles at the suggested pace. It was hot and I should have brought more fluids, but I am satisfied with my efforts. It feels good to get my long run out of the way for the week.

Workout:

• Recovery run / 6.93 mi / 9:44
• Weights / 20 min

Workout: Overall Average Pace / 9:17

• Warm-up / 2 mi / 10:43
• 12 x 400 by 400 recovery / 8:40 / 9:43
• Cool-down / .36 mi / 9:34
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Tempo Run / 6.28 mi / 9:34 / Lots of rolling hills
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Easy run / 7 mi / 10:24
• My easy pace is supposed to be 10:52. What I ran this morning felt easy and breezy! Even though I know that I am running significantly slower than two years ago, i am encouraged with my progress. It's slow, but steady.
• My mile splits - 11:05 / 10:36 / 10:17 / 10:11 / 9:40 / 9:35

Workout:

• Long run / 7.63 mi / 10:38
• I was supposed to run 10 miles. I got a late start to my run. It was already 80 degrees by the time I left the house. It was just too hot to finish all of my mileage. I was really languishing toward the end.

Workout:

• Long run / 10 mi / 10:24
• I got up extra early this morning to get my full mileage in for the day. It was still hot and humid, but more manageable than yesterday.

Workout:

• Easy Run / 10.43 / 10:29

Workout:

• 8 x 600 by 400 recovery 

Workout:

• Easy run / 8.02 mi / 10:48
• My pace was slow, but the run felt glorious!

Treadmill Workout:

• Tempo Run / 6.48 mi / 9:28
• Weights / 20 min
• Cycle / 15 miles / I finally hopped on my racing bike this morning. The bike trails have been expanded during the pandemic. I'm not sure why I hadn't been out on my bike before this.

Workout: Destin, Florida

• Easy run / 8.0 mi / 10:32

Workout: Miramar Beach, Florida

• Easy run / 8.02 mi / 10:43
• Rained for most of the run

Workout:

• Easy run / 7.14 mi / 10:38
• This Florida heat is quite challenging!

Workout:

• Easy run / 10.09 mi / 10:11

Workout:

• Easy run / 6.58 mi / 9:58
• This is my last day to run in Florida. The temperature was 10 degrees cooler. What a difference that made with my performance. I tip my hat to all Florida runners! 

Workout:

• Easy Run / 8.01 mi / 10:26
• My legs were sore on the outset. They loosened up after a few miles.
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Easy run / 8.04 mi / 10:30
• Vacation wore me out! I have no energy to run!

Workout:

• Warm-up / 2.60 / 10:49
• Speed Work / 6 x 800 by 400R / 8:52 & 9:34
• Overall Speedwork Average Pace / 9:14
• Weights / 20 minutes / My arms are looking menancing! I wish that my running could get the same quick results!

Treadmill Workout:

• Warm-up / 2.43 mi / 10:32
• Tempo run / 6 mi / 9:40
• I literally wanted to do anything but this workout. On a positive note, I received a Boston Marathon 2021 training shirt in the mail yesterday. Also, Disney announced that live races are going to start up again. This means I can sign up for the 2022 Disney Princess Race weekend now!
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Easy run / 6.05 mi / 10:17
• The running program that I am following says that my easy pace should be 10:52. Since I do these runs by feel, I might be experiencing some improvements. The pace that I ran today was easy.
• Weights / 20 minutes

Workout:

• Easy run / 8.10 mi / 10.26
• Weights / 20 min
• Live treadmill race / Crown City Classic 5K / 8:52
• I suggest running a race first then run the additional miles afterwards. The order that I ran today was pretty rough on my mind and body! lol

Workout:

• Weights - 20 min
• Long run / 16.04 mi / 11.03
• My pace was a snail crawl, but I ran the entire mileage. I really, really wanted to throw in the towel the closer I neared home. I could have easily found some short cuts, but I stayed the course!

Workout:

• Recovery run / 6.02 mi / 10:17
• The first 3 miles were extremely difficult. I felt dehydrated and worn out from my long run yesterday. Once I hit 3 miles, the struggle vanished. I finished with a solid 3 miles.
• 1 mi - 11:26 / 2 mi - 11:17 / 3 mi - 11:09 / 4 mi - 10:02 / 5 mi - 9:34 / 6.02 mi -  9:17

Workout:

• Weights / 20 min
• I tried to run my speed work, but I was just not feeling it.

Workout:

• Warm-up / 2.41 / 10:51
• Speed work / 5 x 1 km w 400 recovery / 8:43 & 9:26
• Weights / 20 min
• I was more in the mood today! Paces felt fine too.

Workout:

• Easy run / 8.01 mi / 10:15
•  It was humid this morning. Plus, the mosquitos were biting. I itched throughout the run. This was not a pleasurable outdoor experience!
• Weights / 20 min

Treadmill Workout:

• Warm-up / 2.04 mi / 10:36
• Tempo run / 6.01 mi / 9:34
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Hill Repeats / 3.01 mi
• Weights / 20 min
• I had planned to run 7 more miles following my hill workout, but the rain came. I waited and waited for the rain to stop. It is still raining 3 hours later. Sigh!

Workout:

• Long run / 13.10 mi / 10:34
• This run felt fantastic. My pace was steady. My stamina was strong. I didn't even mind the rain.

Workout:

• Recovery run / 8.28 mi / 10:10
• I had some problems with my Garmin staying on, but I managed to beat the rain! The rain felt good and it was pleasant outside. I enjoyed my route.

Workout:

• ​​Steady State / 3.41 mi  / 10:32
• Speedwork /  5.0 mi / Overall Average Pace - 9:10
• 4 x 1200 by 400 recovery / 8:47 by 9:34

Workout:

​Tempo run / 7 mi / 9:40

Workout:

• HIT run / 3.02 mi / 1 minute on & 1 minute off / 7:10 & 10:56
• Tempo run / 4 mi / 9.26
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Recovery run / 6.10 mi / 10:34
• Today was the first time that I have run with people since March 2020. I almost backed out at the last minute, but I'm really glad that I didn't. It was actually fun and relaxing. I liked running without music and without my Garmin constantly telling me that I am running too slow! I enjoyed our conversations. It was good for me to put myself out there again. This Pandemic has changed me in so many ways, some good and some not so good.

Workout:

• ​Long run / 16 mi / 10:50
• My pace is certainly NOT where I want it to be, but overall the run was not horrible. I purposely slowed down at mile 12. This helped me, physically and mentally, to finish the miles.

Workout:

• Easy Pace / 5.19 mi / Loosen my legs following my long run yesterday
• Weights / 20 minutes

Workout:

• Easy run / 10 mi / 10:32
• I ran my last mile at a 9:19. Anymore, that is a fast pace for me!
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Speed work / 400-600-800-1200-1600-1200-800-600-400 by 400 recovery / 8:32 & 9:33
• Overall Average Pace - 8:55

Workout:

• Easy run / 9.75 mi / 10:32
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Tempo run / 7.14 mi / 9.36

Workout:

• Hills / 7.88 mi / 9:57
• I ran Grandview Lake with friends. I would have never managed this on my own. 

Workout:

• Warm-up / 2.02 mi / 10:52
• Easy run / 5.01 mi / 10:15
• Cool-down / 2.25 mi / 10:20
• The schedule said 10 miles, but my hilly run yesterday left my shins sore. Rather than risk further soreness, I chose to stop.

Workout:

• Recovery run / 8.04 mi / 10:15
• My left shin is still very tight and sore. I'll take Tuesday off and see if that relieves the pain.

Workout:

• Easy miles / 8.14 mi / 10:15

Workout:

• Easy Run /  8.38 mi / 10:36
• Hot! Hot! Hot!
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Warm-up / 1.57 mi / 10:50
• Speedwork / 4.0 mi
• Cool-down / 2.66 mi / 10:00
• Weights / 20 min

Speedwork:

• 3 x 1200 w 400 recovery / 8:49 & 9:34

Workout:

• Warm-up / 2.44 / 10:36
• Strength run / 6.0 mi / 9:17
• Cool-down / .66 mi / 10:20

I ran with a running group again. In typical fashion I tried to talk myself out of a group run, but upon completion was grateful that I went with them. A friend and I met earlier to warm-up. As I age it takes me longer to settle into my stride. The 6 miles at this faster pace was relatively easy. On my own, I would nt have achieved this pace.

Workout:

• Easy Run / 10.13 mi / 10:05
• Weights / 20 min
• Cycle / 15 miles

Workout:

• Warm-up / 2.55 mi / 10:40
• Speed Work / 6 x 800 by 400 R / 8:42 & 9:34
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• ​Tempo run / 8.16 mi / 9:47
• My pace for this run should have been 9:44. I was a little off, but I was mainly grateful to have completed the run. I had to will myself to run just one more mile to completion. That mindset began at mile 3! It was a battle to the very end.

Workout:

• Run / 4.5 mi / 9:35
• School began today. It was a teacher work day plus our super spreader Open House event was during the evening. Every day this summer I woke early to run and stay in the habit of my sleep schedule. Today, however, I slept through my alarm! I only had time for a short run. I hope this isn't a sign for what my year is going to be like!

Workout:

• ​Easy run / 10.02 mi / 10:05
• School started today. My school district is mask optional. Living in a red state makes this a nonsurprise. Unfortunately, our county just moved into the highest caategory for COVID-19 transmission. Our superintendent put out a statement saying, "What happens in school does not effect the community and what happens in the community does not effect the schools." WHAT????? 

Workout: 

• ​Long run / 15.35 mi / 10:34​
• I got out early a little before 6:00 this morning. It was already in the 70's, but the humidity was fairly low. The run was easy.

Workout:

• Easy run / 10.02 mi / 10:29

Workout:

• Recovery run / 8.04 / 10:30

Workout:

• Easy run / 8.01 mi / 10:30
• This was the hottest run I can recall in quite some time. I left the house at 4:45 AM. The heat index was already 85°. I almost gave up after 3 iles, but pushed through to 8 miles. It felt like a win.

Treadmill Workout:

• Speed work / 3 x 1600 by 600R 
• I might have enjoyed yesterday's heat index run better than today's treadmill run.

Workout:

• Easy run / 7.02 mi / 10:49
• The early morning heat is killing me!

Workout:

• Easy run / 10.01 / 10:09
• Any miles under 10:00 at this point of my training is HUGE! I had 4 miles under 10 minutes! These are very small steps, but I'll take any that I can achieve
• 7 mi - 9:47 / 8 mi - 9:30 / 9 mi - 9:23 / 10.01 mi - 9:14
• It was only 75°! It felt like a cold front this morning!

Workout:

• Long run / 10.20 mi / 10:32
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Easy run / 8.06 mi / 10.06
• 1 mi - 11:38 / 2 mi - 11:08 / 3 mi - 10:40 / 4 mi - 10:11 / 5 mi - 9:36 / 6 mi - 9:13 / 7 mi - 9:17 / 8 .06 mi - 8:49
• Weights / 20 min

Treadmill Workout:

• Warm-up / 1.81 mi / 10:48
• Strength / 7.77 mi / 9:34 
• 6 x 1 mi by 400 recovery

Workout:

• Easy run / 7.33 mi / 10:19

Workout:

• Easy run / 8.15 mi / 10.12

Workout:

• Long run / 18.05 / 10:53
• I was scheduled to run 16 miles. Around mile 11, I still felt fairly strong so I decided to attempt two addtional miles. My training has been such a mental challenge that it made sense to try and push myself toward more mileage.

Treadmill Workout:

• Warm-up / 2.15 mi
• Tempo run / 9 mi / 9:47
• Bike ride / 12 mi
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Easy run / 8.07 mi / 10:18
• Registration opened this morning for Disney's Princess 2022 Half Weekend. My son and I signed up for the Princess Challenge - 10K and Half Marathon. WE also signed up for the 5K race. I find the Run Disney registration a high anxiety experience. I waited almost an hour for the 5K race sign-up. My son waited 45 minutes for the Princess Challenge sign-up. We are grateful that Disney allows you to register more than one person and that we got our events! February will be a fun month!

Workout:

• Easy run / 6.15 / 10:12
• I was supposed to do speed work, but the treadmill was not appealing. I flipped flopped my workout days. Hopefully, I'll be more in the mood tomoorow.

Treadmill Workout:

• Warm-up / 1.30 mi
• Strength / 4 x 1.5 mi by 400 recovery
• Overall Average Pace / 8:59

Workout:

• Long run / 10.02 mi / 10:09

Workout:

• Long Run / 10.08 mi /10:13 
• My local town's marathon was just canceled due to the high spread of the delta variant. Our local hospital that funds the marathon as well as provides all medical and ambulance services does not have the manpower to cover the race. It is unfortunate and so frustrating because I live in a blue state that continues to promote conspiracy theories and anti- vaccination dominance. 
• I'll just push my efforts now toward the Chicago Marathon and the virtual Boston Marathon.
• I am curious as to whether Chicago will go ahead with its marathon. Most everything has been scaled back. Each month its updates are a little more whittled down.  

Workout:

• Long run / 10.01 mi / 10:17
• I felt physically worn out this morning, but I persevered. I so badly wanted to throw in the towel at mile 5.

Workout:

• Easy run / 8.04 mi / 10:04

Workout:

• Strength workout / 3 x 2 mi by 800 recovery 
• Overall average pace / 9:30
• Bike / 10 miles

Workout:

• Easy run / 8.03 mi / 10:36

Treadmill Workout:

• Tempo run / 9 mi / 9:41

Workout:

• Long run / 20.04 mi 
• It rained the entire run. My pace became faster with each five mile increment so that was encouraging.

Workout:

• Recovery run / 8.02 mi / 10:12
• I really don't understand how my recovery pace is supposed to be 12:22. I am pretty sure that I could walk that pace.The pace that I finsihed at was probably faster than my recovery pace should have been, but it felt natural so I went with it today. I still ran in the rain,but at least there were no down pours like yesterday. 
• My legs were not sore or tired from yesterday's 20 miler! Although, I have eaten everything in my sight!

Workout:

• Easy run / 6.02 mi / 9:51
• I finally finished under a pace of 10 minutes! Things are looking up! HA!

Treadmill Workout:

• Strength run / 11.21 mi / 9:32
• I am running the Boston Marathon course on my treadmill through the i-FIT app. There are five sessions. I completed two sessions this morning.
• Weights / 20 min

Workout:

• Easy run / 7.04 mi / 10:44
• Cool morning, watched a falling star just no zip in my step. Rats!

Workout:

• Easy run / 9 mi

Treadmill Workout:

• Long run / 16.68 mi / 9:45
• I completed the last 3 sessions of the Boston Marathon course on my treadmill. It was a lot of fun.

Workout:

• Easy run / 9.15 mi / 9:40

Treadmill Workout:

• Strength / 9.14 mi / 9:14
• 3 x 2 mi by 800 recovery

Treadmill Workout:

• Easy run / 7.76 mi / 9:34
• I ran 1.29 miles outside. It was pouring rain which was fine, but then the lightning flashed. I thought it best that I finish the remianing miles inside. Of course my weather app posted a 20% chance of rain!

Treadmill Workout:

• Tempo run / 10.18 mi / 9:39
• This was an afternoon run which I NEVER do. I anticipated that my legs would scream, "NO!" Instead it was my stomach. Oh, my! I had a sour feeling stomach the entire run! I'm glad that I did the run, but I will certainly stick with my early morning runs. No more lazy morning for me!

Workout:

• Easy run / 6.02 mi / 10:25
• I typically run before 5 AM. This morning was a little unsettling. I saw a car stopped along a street with its lights on. I decided to cross the street so that I would not have to run past it. When I did that the car made a quick u-turn and drove slowly fprward. Then, I crossed the street again because I really wanted to continue my run along that side of the road. The car suddenly did another u-turn. I highly doubt the car was paying any attention to me, but I decided to cut my run short. I ran an odd way home just in case if the car tried to follow me.

Workout:

• Long run / 10 mi

Workout:

• Long run / 16.04 mi / 10:18
• This was a really good steady state run. It felt cool outside, but it must have been very humid. I was drenched when I returned home.