Cha..Cha..Changes...

UPDATE: More changes have been made.... I have moved to another site. This site will be deleted in a couple weeks... Come join me!

So I made some changes to this site... and am working on making more. I would almost like to put on a personalized header... but do not have the capability of doing so... I don't know how! hehehe. So if anyone knows anyone that can... send that info my way!

I was planning on doing my long run this morning, but, when I woke up shortly after 8am and checked the weather, I knew it just wasn't going to happen. It wasn't hot, but it was humid! So humid. Plus, the air was dead. There was so much moisture and fog in the air that I could barely see across the yard! Craziness.

I went out for a run anyway... I ... was... dying. I was a sweatin' machine!

Distance: 3.42 miles run
Duration: 41:36
Avg Pace: 12:09
Avg HR: 170
Max HR: 184
Temp: 66-71 degrees
Humidity: 100% OUCH!

WARNING!

I plan on making some changes to this site...

I am sick of the black...

Just wanted to let all that follow this blog that it may look different...

....so don't get too worried!

Quick & short

I wasn't feelin' the run today. I had planned atleast a few miles. But, when I got up and saw the clouds in the sky, I knew I didn't want to venture out in that. Then my sis got up and went out for her walk and I knew I had to do it! I am supposed to be a role-model, right?

So, I saddled up and headed out. Sure enough it was sprinkling before I even left the driveway. I almost turned around deciding to bag the run. It wasn't the rain, necessarily, that I was afraid of. I could handle a few sprinkles or getting a bit wet. It was the thought of lightening. Like I said before, our neighbor's yard got struck by lightning a week ago.... just out of the blue. It wasn't even raining then!

So, I hauled a** and pushed myself hard for what I was hoping was atleast a mile. Done. Tomorrow I hope to conquer another long run. Last week, I did my long run wednesday, but I am pushing it up this week (I think), since I won't be able to run saturday and sunday. Yippee!

These rainy days make me want to bake. ... .. hmm.

Distance: 1.47 miles
Duration: 14:37
Temp: 70 degrees
Humidity: 81% (eeks)
Avg Pace: 9:56 (wahoo!)
Avg HR: 173
Max HR: 180


I saw on Marcy's blog the Cadaver Calculator... where you figure out how much your body is worth. ... and just had to give it a try. $3,555. That's it! Kind of disappointing. I am sure it has to do with the amount of soda I drink, my height (or lack there of), and the amount of ibuprofen I take. )


P.S. Is anyone else not able to get to javamom's blog? Or is that just me?

It's been a while....

Okay. So, I have been without internet access for about a week. Yikes. Umm, monday night our neighbor's yard was struck by lightning and it killed our computer at home. Not cool. I attempted to fix it by replacing the power source in the tower, but that didn't work. So, as of yesterday we have replaced that computer and I have been attempting to get this router working. Not having much luck. But, I do have internet access directly through the modem.

So, I am sure all have been wondering what I have been up to with my time away from the computer....

Tuesday.... REST day.

Wednesday ..... LONGER run.
Distance: 6.05 miles
Duration: 1:16:00
Temp: 67 degrees
Humidity: 51%
Avg Pace: 12:33
Avg HR: 171
Max HR: 185
.....my right knee hurt a bit through the first mile and a half or so. I was contemplating turning around and doing only a couple miles. But, shortly after that, I got into my groove and it felt fine. I felt like a robot. Ran about 6-8 minutes and walked a minute between each. I probably could have gone further, but the loop I did got me 6 miles by the time I got home and I wasn't feelin' like going much further. The only thing that felt the slightest bit sore were my groin muscles...

Thursday... short easy run
Distance: 3.05 miles
Duration: 37:30
Temp: 65 degrees
Humidity: 68%
Avg Pace: 12:17
Avg HR: 168
Max HR: 180
.....Felt good. Did more than I thought I was going to be able to do after my "longer" run. Ran 7/ Walk1. Completed this 3 mile loop faster than on Monday.

Friday... REST day.
....went to the PBR challenge this evening. It was a blast!

Saturday.... went for a nice ride with the bike...
Distance: 12. 83 miles
Duration: 59:23
Temp: 72 degrees
Humidity: 71%
Avg Pace: 4.37
Avg HR: 149
Max HR: 170
... it was perfect for a ride... except the paths were full of walkers, runners, and cyclists... I had to slow down so often it was rediculous...

Today might have to be another rest day. I went out last night with a few friends. Let's just say it has been a while....

Happy Running, y'all!

To Whom This May Concern

Dear Legs:

I have been fighting with you on and off for the past year. As soon as I get into a routine with running, you tend to take over my life and put a hault to my training. I have learned to rest, stretch, ice, and use ibuprofen, more often. I have been taking my women's multi-vitamin and Omega-3 pills daily. I have been consuming a protein shake after every run, and I am working on having one once a day. During the day, I am attempting to drink 80-100 ounces of water, even though it can become quite difficult. I don't know what it is that I am doing wrong to make you, make me, feel miserable on my runs lately.

So despite how you have made me feel, I got up this morning and had a different game in mind. I ate my multi-grain cheerios, drank some water, and stretched a bit to warm up my muscles. Then, I went out for that run. I had made a mental note that this was going to be a good run, even if it had to be slow. I told myself I was goign to run5/walk1. And that is what I did. I attempted to keep my heart rate down, but found that difficult with the hot sun and discomforting humidity. But, I did it. And darnit, it felt wonderful!

For your information, I am not going to let you win this one. Not just yet. And if you haven't noticed, some races are coming up. Some small ones. And some big ones. You are not going to hold me back. Like I said, I have been running for a year+ now and I am ready to train for these raices. Bring it on! Because we all know that I am going to win this fight!

Sincerely,

Ms. S

Time: 10:15 am
Temp: 74 degrees
Humidity: 51% (UV index 5)
Distance: 3.05 miles
Duration: 38:07
Type: R5/W1
Avg Pace: 12:29
Avg HR: 170
Max HR: 180

My Favorite Pass Time

Yesterday I was on the road by 6:30am with Dad... on our way to look at apartments for me. After looking at two, I made my decision and went with the first one. It is only a 1 bedroom, but I look forward to having my own washer and dryer, as well as a dishwasher. Something I have never had in an apartment before! I also took advantage of being there by heading over to HR to take care of my contract and go over my salary and possible benefits. Ahh... the real world.

Today I went out for a nice run, but the sun was extremely hot (70 degrees with almost 80% humidity), and my body felt sluggish and dehydrated. I didn't have the drive to push myself, and I didn't want to increase the soreness/stiffness in my calf. So, all in all, I did 3.42 miles, but I am not logging the time... as it was pathetic!

I finished my book last night.

And, I look forward to starting my next one today.

It's been a LONG time since I have been able to enjoy reading... for pleasure. If any one is looking for good, easy reading ... check out Nicholas Sparks' books. I love his stories. He also has a book out there ther him and his brother wrote together... "Me and My Brother".

On a last note, I have these nasty red dots all over my right leg and I can't figure it out. I knew one of them (the really large one), was there from the 4th of July, but I woke up the next morning with 9 little ones... all in one area. Just nasty. They don't really itch, except for the large one on the back of my calf. It looks like something attacked me! Any doctor in the house?

Happy Running, y'all!

Conquering Fears

*****UPDATE: Pictures added****

Yesterday we spent Independence Day at my sister's-husband's-mom's house. Did you catch all that? We spent most of the afternoon and evening along the river. Blaine put the jet ski in the river and after giving all the little ones rides, my sister took me for a ride.

I love water. Don't get me wrong. I could live in the water. But, there is just something about being on the back of a jet ski ... not in control of the speed...... practically flying across the water! I was scared livid. But, after hitting a wave so hard that we were both drenched, we went back to the sandbar and she had me drive. Now that was much better! Until she wrapped her hand around mine, holding the gas down completely.... going faster and faster. Talk about conquering a fear I didn't know I had. (The picture on the left was the third time I went... my mom's first)

me & my baby sis

.... the 'rents... chill-axin.


This morning, feeling a little wiped from too much sun yesterday, I crawled out of bed around 8am for my longer run. Since it wasn't so successful saturday, I had to try today. It was very nice out and the only problem I faced was a need for water halfway through. I was sooo dang thirsty! All and all... it went.


Time: 8:30am
Temp: 74 degrees
Humidity: 55%
Distance: 5.13 miles
Duration: 1:02:23
Avg Pace: 12:09
Avg HR: 172
Max HR: 183



Tomorrow will be a rest day. My Dad and I are getting up early to go look for a place for me to live! Fun times!

Happy running, y'all!

...Picture of the State Capitol

Cool Your Jets

It's been a couple days since my last post. It's also been a couple days since I last ran. I was a little disappointed with my run saturday morning, and new I needed the rest sunday. A run on monday was just not in the cards. I was busy with another engagement. As you can tell in the photo, my run the morning was hot... and sweaty. I went out afraid that I was going to have to cut it short as the clouds looked might dark, but halfway through, the sun started to peek through those heavy clouds, making it even warmer. I am not one that would sweat much on a 3 miler, but I do tend to get quite red. When I got back from this run, I couldn't figure out how to cool down.

Time: 10:30am

Temp: 67 degrees & cloudy

Humidity: 87%

Dewpoint: 63%

Wind: From WSW at 6mph

Distance: 3.04 miles

Duration: 36:26

Avg Pace: 11:59 (sub-12!)

Avg HR: 172

Max HR: 182

Yesterday was a day spent with my 8-year-old God-daughter. I told her once I moved back home that I would take her to a movie. We spent most of the morning playing the Wii system, and then went to lunch at her favorite place, then to the movie. Shrek the III. It was pretty good. I was humored. There was some adult humor in there.

After that, I took her back home and went with her family and some other relatives to watch her first softball game! It was so much fun. I was lucky enought catch a couple other cousin's baseball games.

What a great eveing to be sitting at the diamonds... and did I mention how good the "taco in a bag" was?

A little too much...

It is the last day of June. Already. And I was hoping to finish it off with a 5-miler with the rents. I just probably pushed myself a little too hard this week. Didn't quite get those 5 miles...but I did get some.

Time: 8:00am
Temp:67 degrees
Humidity: 67%
Wind: SSE at 19mph
Distance: 3.68 miles
Duration: 46:17
Avg Pace: 12:34
Avg HR: 161
Max HR: 177

Looking at my ticker, I didn't meet my goal of 45 miles this month, but I did pretty darn good with all that was going on! 37 miles and some change!

I hope July will be better!

Randy asked about the Nike+ marathon... It is October 21st, and I believe in order to do it outside of the actual marathon, you have to use one of those Nike+ pieces...and then upload the information from that onto the site.. Oh... and Randy was wondering where in ND I will be teaching. Let's just say it lies along the Red River...

Happy running, y'all!

Randomness... at it's best..

Where to start?

I went out for an easy/slow run this morning. Easy and slow because I didn't want to push it, and I knew that I would be switching my long run from sunday to tomorrow to run with the 'rents. I took a few walk breaks, due to feeling hot, thirsty, and a bit queezy in the last half mile or so. Here are the stats.

Time: 10:00am
Temp: 74 degrees
Humidity: 57%
Wind: SE at 17mph
Distance: 3.42 miles
Duration: 42:27
Avg Pace: 12:24
Avg HR: 162
Max HR: 178

Tomorrow, I think we plan to do at least 5 miles. Hopefully I can get the 'rents out of bed before it gets too warm..It will be in the 70's by 9am..

____________________________________________________

Sports Commentary:
So there we were. Me. My Mom. My Dad. Sitting at Buffalo Wild Wings last night enjoying our wings and somewhat paying attention to the NBA Draft. It was pure craziness. I don't know how anyone can keep their head straight while watching that. I am not a bandwagon fan for the most part, I have a few of my favorite players and teams that I like to really watch.... KG & the Timberwolves, Steve Nash & the Suns, Kirk Hinrick & the Bulls, Shaq & the Heat, and I do like the Lakers but Kobe Bryant bugs me.

So anyway. There we were. Watching it. I was making a comment on how much I really enjoyed watching the Bulls last season and how far they have come. Then I made a comment on how that should be "MY" team... just like it was when I was 12, 13, 14 years old. When Michael Jordan and cry-baby Scottie Pippen played. Then, all of a sudden they were talking about Noah. You know, the guy who played for Florida?! The annoying one? The one who is good, but really annoying. You either love him ... or you hate him. I seriously dislike him. And... before I knew it, they drafted him. THEY picked NOAH! THEY as in THE BULLS picked NOAH! I hope the Bulls will teach him a few things... maybe Ben Wallace will walk all over him...and give him a few pointers in the process!!

____________________________________________________

Time for a little reflecting:
I spent the last 8 years in a city that I didn't really care for from the beginning of my college career. It was wonderful for college and meeting new people. But, it was not somewhere that I wanted to start my career, and it was definitely not somewhere friendly for runners... bikers... or swimmers.

During this past school year, while I was completing my masters and my internship at school, I thought a lot about where I was going to apply for jobs. A LOT. Those of you who have been following my blog on a regular basis could agree. I was ready to get out of the state. Or so I thought. I knew I needed a fresh start, and I thought that leaving the state, even if it was for just one year, I would be pleased.

In the process of applying for jobs, mostly out of state, I learned a lot. Each state is so different. Different calendars, different ways of doing paperpwork, different terminology for the different positions. It's very hard to apply for jobs when you have little idea of what you are getting yourself into.

In april, I was offered a position in NC, my dream state. I don't know what it is about that state that draws me to it, but it was someplace that I had dreamed of moving to for a long time. As anxious and excited I was about the offer, I was scared at the same time. Not to move away, but the thought that I was offered a position without even having to interview. I know I would have been up for the challenge, but I was not ready to spend my first year as a teacher working in a school district that is low on qualified staff... 1500 miles away from home.

Then, once the school year was over, I had more time to apply for jobs. I started to apply for jobs left and right in CO. As well as in MN .... mostly in the area of the Twin Cities and Rochester. I had two interviews with CO, the same district. They were both phone interviews and both less than 10 minutes long. Not a great sign. Then I had an interview in Rochester, which required me to drive and put 1000 miles on my car within two days. I thought that interview went really well, but I was somewhat worried that if I was offered the position, I would not have the resources I would have liked. I would have been on my own with 15-20 students and no paraprofessional. If anyone has a background in special education, you know that this is near impossible.

I had also received a couple calls asking me to apply for a position within their school district. They had gotten my name from the education department on campus. I think I was the only RT left that hadn't gotten a job yet. I was flattered, but I was not ready to move back to GF. Like I said, GF is not a place for me!

Then I went a week and a half without hearing from any other schools, until I got a call this past sunday. I was invited for an interview right here in ND. So I drove to the location wednesday night and had my interview yesterday. It went really well, and I felt really comfortable with it. They told me they would notify me by monday or tuesday of next week. My phone rang at 9 this morning... and sure enough, it was the principal calling to offer me the job. I took it. This is one happy Teacherwoman.

So, as much as I was ready to leave the state, is seems as if this North Dakotan girl is staying put. And I am perfectly fine with that. I look forward to doing some traveling. I hope to use races as an excuse to get me out of state on a regular basis. I hope to get to England next spring/summer to visit my cousin and her boyfriend...

If you look over at my sidebar, I have made a couple changes. I have a countdown to when I start work...and a countdown to the Nike+ Women's Half Marathon. (Thanks Leana for letting me know about this!) I wanted to do that race so bad, in San Francisco, but new I wouldn't be able to travel that weekend. So, with my Nike+ that my sister bought me as a gift for participating in her wedding, I will be running the 13.1 miles her in ND and logging it online before midnight. I will then recieve my Tifanny's necklace and t-shirt in the mail. It won't be the same as being there...but I thought it would still be fun! Anyone else want to join?!?!

Thanks for all the best wishes on my interviews and job hunting process! Now it is time to decide what kind of place I want to look for!

Happy running, y'all!

4 miles....

First and foremost.... I posted the last of the pictures from my sisters wedding... check 'em out!

After sleeping in the morning...shocker, I know.... I finally rolled out of bed, checked a few blogs, and was out the door for my scheduled 4 mile run. And what a beautiful morning it was. Ahh... I think a few runs in the heat and humidity has done some help. This run was kind of a Fartlek run...

Time: 10:00am
Temp: 64 degrees & sunny
Humidity: 52%
Wind: NNW 8-17 mph gusts
Distance: 4 miles (Fartlek)
Duration:46:26
Avg Pace: 11:36
Avg HR: 171
Max HR: 181

Tomorrow is a scheduled rest day. And I will go with that. I will be spending the day, once again, traveling for an interview. Yeah!

I am going to enjoy my post-run treat!

Evening Run with Mom

Okay, according to my schedule, today is to be a rest/XT day. But, I just couldn't help myself. The weather was so much better today than it was yesterday and I couldn't let it go to waste. After Mom got home from work, we went out for a sweet, short run before dinner.

Time: 5:45pm
Temp: 79/feels like 79
Humidity: 27% (only!)
Wind: 20-25 mph gust from the W
Distance: 2.31 mile Run
Duration: 28:36
Avg Pace: 12:22
Avg HR: 159
Max HR: 176 (and we talked the whole time)


____________________________________________________

Time for Questions & Answers!
Allez had asked if I was training for something specific. And the answer is NO, not yet. I figured if I started training, then when I get settled in a new place for a new job, (where ever that may be) I could take part in a race coming up.... if that makes any sense. Probably just a 5K/10K in the near future, and then a half marathon this fall.

Randy was asking to see my training schedule... so I thought I would post it here. It looks something like this but I am pretty flexible with it.

Monday: 2-3 easy miles or Bike

Tuesday: Rest/Bike

Wednesday: 4-5 miles

Thursday: Rest/Bike

Friday: 3 miles or Intervals

Saturday: Rest/Bike

Sunday: Long Run


Some days may get switched around... we'll see how it goes!

Check out my earlier post... wedding picture galore!

THE WEDDING!

Before reading this post, check out these related posts first ... if you haven't already:

• Day Before the Wedding
• Wedding Day: Preparation

The Wedding was gorgeous! After returning back to the house from taking pictures, it wasn't long before the wedding was to start. The crowd was rolling in... and so were the clouds. We were worried about the possibility of rain, but the show was to go on!

....me, waiting patiently...

To continue with family tradition... a western-north-dakota-german-russian-wedding-tradition, my sister grabbed the bottle of red-eye and started pouring a shot for every one in the wedding party. Mmm...
Then, it was time for the ceremony to begin.

Dad, handing over his little girl to her fiance...

Not too far into the ceremony... the clouds were really rolling in.

Then, it began to sprinkle.

The thunder was loud and crazy. And then, the sprinkles turned to rain drops.

The Pastor asked Steph what she wanted to do... and she just took off running for the tent....the wedding party behind her...and the guests behind them.
The ceremony was finished under the tent.

Shortly after that, the rain stopped and the sun was shining. The guests gathered for beer and wine during the reception and we stole the wedding party to have a couple shots before dinner.

And we were back in time for the wonderful meal!
Shortly after dinner, it was time for me to do my speech. I was putting it off ... and one of the groomsman made me! If you know me... I am a sap. Big time. I am suprised I made it through the ceremonly without tears. But, I gave my speech, even cracked a few jokes and made some laugh, and ended it will a few small tears and hugs for my sister and new brother-in-law.

Then it was time to dance the night away! (in the dirt)

...the first dance...

Father-daughter dance

Mom and her three girls

The sun was shining the rest of the evening and the kids loved playing in the yard... with the rose petals from the ceremony.

And it was awesome to have two of my best girlfriends join us for this celebration...
....I love these girls!

Despite the short spout of rain during the ceremony, I think my sister had the time of her life and spent the entire evening dancing..with everyone. Including the studly ring bear who was showing off his break dancin' skills!

CONGRAT's Steph & Blaine! I hope you enjoyed your Honeymoon Cruise!

Kick Me

I keep kicking myself for not getting out of bed early enough. I was awake at 7am before my alarm went off, I should have gotten up then. But no. I lay in bed for a while, and then I was one the computer for a while. Before I knew it, it was after 9 and I knew it was already warm. I thought it would have been a whole lot cooler this morning, when in reality, it really didn't cool off that much last night. It's just that time of the year.

Time: 9:35am
Temp: 76 degrees/feels like 80
Humidity: 79%
Distance: 3 mile run
Duration: 36:33
Avg Pace: 12:11
Avg HR: 167
Max HR: 181

As much as I was dreading my run this morning (mostly due to the heat/humidity), I pushed myself through it. I kept it at a steady pace and took walk breaks when necessary. It was just so hot in the direct sun. Instead of doing the 3 mile loop around our neighborhood, I was thinking I should have done the out-and-back on the trail along the golf course. There would have been less sun, for sure.

I have created a "training schedule" to follow for the next couple months. We'll see how well I can follow it. Life sometimes gets in the way... so I must be somewhat flexible!

Happy running, y'all!

Tagged and such

I've been tagged by SkiRough.... so here goes!

1. Find the nearest book.
2. Name the book & the author.
3. Turn to page 123.
4. Go to the fifth sentence on the page. Copy out the next three sentences and post to your blog.
5. Tag 3 more people.

Book Title: TRIATHLON Training Basics
Author: Gale Bernhardt

On Thursday, you can run for 20 minutes continuously or run for most of the
20 minutes, including 30-second walking breaks at each 5-minute mark. On
Saturday you can run for 30 minutes or complete three repeats of running for
9 minutes and walking 1 minute.
Race week has finally arrived!


I haven't read this book yet. And the excerpt above is part of a week by week training instruction. Maybe I will start reading it... since I can't find my book that I was reading.

I will tag:
Marcy
Makita
Leana

___________________________________________

Today is going to be a rest day. My right calf is a little tight from my crazy attempt at a mini-duathlon yesterday. I probably didn't stretch as much as I should have yesterday afternoon.

Tomorrow: Bright and early for 3-4 miles.

Happy Running, y'all!

Mini-Duathlon

I went out for a 4 mile run this morning with the 'rents. It was a slow and easy 4 miles, for sure. A slight breeze on the run would have been greatly appreciated... Maybe next time.

I got home, fueled up a bit, stretched some, and then took off on the bike.

Run: 4 miles
Temp: 77 degrees
Humidity:56%
Duration: 55:10
Pace: 13:47 (I said it was slow)
Avg HR: 164
Max HR: 180

T1: 7:00

Bike: 8.05 miles
Temp: 82 degrees, feels like 84
Humidity: 59%
Duration: 36:23
Pace: 4.31/mi
Avg HR: 167
Max HR: 177

It's supposed to get into the mid- to upper- 90's today. I feel sorry for those 400+ softball teams in town for the annual McQuade Softball Tournament! I remember when Dad used to play in this tournment... it always seems soo hot and miserable to sit and watch! I couldn't imagine playing in this! Good luck teams!

Happy running, y'all!

Wedding Day: Preparation

Saturday Morning:

We woke up and there were a few clouds in the sky with the lingering of possible rain showers. We just went about our business, praying for good weather. It was predicted to be a day with a high of 79 degrees and 30% chance of showers. Thank God for such a wonderful family. Aunts, Uncles, and cousin's were working diligently to get chairs set up, decorations in place, extension cords to the appropriate trees with lights. Without them, it wouldn't have gone as well as it did.

In the meantime, the girls spent the morning getting hair and make-up done. The Bride was in a great mood with her normal attitude. Before we knew it, it was time for pictures.

Steph & Baby Sis-Susie
Me & Steph
Steph, "striking a pose"

The Bride getting dressed

The Groom, getting his flowers

The beautiful Flower Girls... all dolled-up.

The Bride's Boquet

Mother-of-the-Bride, with the Flower Girls

...more to come..