Sunday, January 31, 2010

71- need sleeps

I cannot believe it is Monday tomorrow already!  I guess that's what happens when you work all weekend- the week comes anyway!

Today was a good, long day.   I got to show my sis and bro-in-law my bakery in the early morning, then I drove to do my demo.  It was a long afternoon of giving out samples of Bacon Pecan Sandy Cookies and Rustic Italian Bread!  Just when my eyes were ready to close, it was time to pack up.  My parents met me at the market and got me a few choice groceries (ie pricey stuff like GF stuff and turkey.)  Then, linner with them and I was back on the road for an hour drive back to the bakery to drop stuff back off.  Atleast I got paid for all of my driving today!  The last couple hours I've been trying to get prep work done for the week, but fighting a losing battle with my eyelids.  Sooo, I think I will give up in favor of sleep.  Another 4:45am wakeup call tomorrow morning.  6am-12pm bakery job, 12-1 drive, 1-5 teaching, 5-6 driving, 6-8pm laundry mat.  Oh man.  Good times.

Pelvis is alittle iffy after being on my feet so much the last 3 days.  Must. Run. SOON>

Saturday, January 30, 2010

72- all according to plans!

I'm actually really happy that I made it through today, and it went how I planned!  Lots of times I plan out my day and then skip pieces or don't have time to do stuff.  Today went well.  Work was tougher than usual because the bakeshop is remodeling, so we are working out of the building next door.  Since I work in the kitchen and prepare foods for the shop, this involved me walking back and forth constantly, many times pushing my 'savory kitchen cart' with sandwiches and stuff on it.  Totally a pain, especially at 6am when its 5 degrees out!  Thankfully, the construction is only for a few more days, and then we will be back in the building and the shop will supposively have a better 'flow.'

Atleast my pelvis felt good doing all the walking/working an 8+ hour shift.  Swimming after was fine too, although I kept it short and wasnt' totally into it (soo sleepy.)  I managed to get prep work done, and clean my apartment, just through back a smoothie dinner while watching Billy Madison, and am now awaiting my sis and bro-in-laws' late arrival tonite.  I think tomorrow I'm going to take them to the bakeshop in the morning because I have to be back there to pick up supplies to drive an hour to the demo I'm doing.  Atleast tomorrow should be only about 6 hours of work between the demo and drive time.  Although it looks like laundry mat and groceries won't be happening like normal Sundays.  The good news is, I'm doing the demo in a grocery store close to my parents' house, so they are going to meet me there and take me out to linner (ie about 4pm.)  Maybe I can score some free groceries from the store out of it too?!?!? 

Alrighty, going to attempt to keep my eyes open a bit longer.  Have a good Sunday everyone! 

Friday, January 29, 2010

73- no weekend for you!

I always work a 6 day week with teaching and Saturdays at the bakery 6am-2pm, so Sunday is my whole 'weekend.'  However, I was asked today to work Sunday as well so I'm doing 4 bakery days in a row and no weekend.  Blah.  13 days of straight work (sometimes jobs x2 like today) is rough, but time sure does fly!  And money- oh yeah, I need it!  Sunday is actually pretty cool cuz I'm doing a product demo with some of our cookies/breads in a local upscale market.  I did one with our candy bars before and its lots of fun, giving out samples and talking it up with people.  Plus, they pay for gas and drive time- win!

Today was crazy busy as anticipated.  I even managed to be productive and get some prep work for teaching next week done, since I'm going to have such little time this weekend to do so.  Schedule tomorrow is as follows:

4:45am wakeup
6am-2pm bakery
2pm drive straight to Y and swim
3:30-?? drive straight to coffee shop, drink mass amounts of coffee and finish prep work!  (this is key, because if I come home after an early morning + swim, napping is inevitable...)
evening: clean apartment before sis and bro-in-law arrive
10pm ish: sis and bro-in-law!!!! :) :) :)

off to bed before the early wakeup call...
itching for a run- TUESDAY is the day PT perscribed- save the date!

Thursday, January 28, 2010

74- success!

My stressful teaching situation today was successful!  Long day, but I'm happy to have it behind me. 

Short swim this morning.  My arms were shot after the 'double' yesterday.  I was telling myself when I was in the pool that it is my buff arms that are going to pull me up heartbreak hill!  Really hoping that's true...

Tomorrow is alittle crazy for me:

Wakey wakey at 4:45am
Bakery job 6am-10am
PT 10:15-11:00
Drive to work 11:00-11:45 (yes, my commute blows)
Teach (short day!) 12-2:15pm
Drive home 2:15-3:00
Doc appointment 3:30-?

Yikes!  The day should fly though, then I'm only one day from my 'weekend' (ie Sunday because I work M-Sat each week)

Wish me luck!

PS. Have I mentioned that I'm obsessed with milk?  I'm like a baby that needs its bottle before bed- I cannot fall asleep without having a glass!  Takes the edge off my nightime hunger without making me feel overly full.  Ha, now I sound like an add on the Biggest Loser!  Laaammeee

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

75- the waiting game

The hardest part about being injured is the waiting.  I want to run soooo bad, especially now when things are feeling good.  But, I really want this behind me.  My PT advised me today that I should not be running yet, or else I risk being out for several more weeks.  As much as that bums me out, I trust him and he has helped me so much that I'm not going to doubt him now.  My patience will be rewarded.

I did a 'double' swimming today- good workout alone this morning, and swim class tonite.  The swim class is tough because we do lots of technique drills, but I hope it will help me to become a better swimmer.  Now I am cold and tired - the good kind of tired that only comes from swimming!  ahhh, sleep.  sounds good.

In other news, remember how much I loved being a teacher Monday?  Today, not so much.  My students were driving me up the wall and I felt so out of sink.  Tomorrow is a long and stressful day because of a few things that are going on.  Oh well.  Atleast nothing is planned after work so I'll finally have a chill evening.

Hope everyone out there had a good humpday!  We are over the hump!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

76- loong day

Today felt long.  Period.  Long day teaching, PT, then dinner with my friend (which was tons of fun).  Ironically, my back/pelvis is feeling good, but my right arch is hurting which I am hoping is just from swimming.  I was hoping to get back out on the run tomorrow, but my PT thinks waiting another day or so is smart.  I will do whatever he says, because so far, he hasn't led me a stray!  Tomorrow will be a double day in the pool with swimming in the morning, and swim class at night.

Biggest Loser, milk, bed.  In that order.

Monday, January 25, 2010

77- i'm osmotic

I'm pretty sure that my body is osmotic ie I diffuse water through my skin.  Reason being, whenever I swim I always have to pee!  Even if it is early in the morning, and I haven't eaten or drank anything!  Today, I braved the sketchy pool-deck bathroom because I didn't want to cut my workout short and I was only 30 minutes in.  It was worth it though.  I had a great swim.  Today was my 7th day in a row of swimming and I am definetly feeling it.  Good ways= it is getting easier/I am feeling stronger/more toned in my upper body.  Bad way= my arms are shot!  They feel all tingly- even tonite!  I'm hoping to get the go-ahead from my PT tomorrow to attempt a run finally on Wednesday (fingers crossed!)

In other news, I must say that today I was totally into teaching.  Some day I question if I'm really a good teacher or if it is for me.  Today though, I loved it, loved my students (even when they were talking constantly) and just overall had a good feeling about it.  It is so cool to be in the working world after basically 23 years of school.  I know tomorrow I might think otherwise but for today, all is well.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

78- awesome is...

Awesome is...
- having the 'greeter' at Meijer ask you if you want a ride-on cart when you walk in because you are on crutches..ummm, no thanks, i'm just here for stamps!
- the laundrymat at 6pm on a sunday.  i love it.  seriously.
- deciding to bring all of your crap with you when you go to the pool at 11am, so that you don't come back home and procrastinate.  good call t-mart.
- doing 3+ hours of prep work while being hiped up on coffee.  mmmm, productivity.
- still not knowing what you are going to teach your sophmores in chem tomorrow despite said prep work (calculus and physics focused)
- clean sheets.  does anyone not like them?
- sleeping with my window open cuz its 40 degrees out!
- milk.  i don't get people who don't like it or who need 'alternative milks.' skim.  3 ingredients.  pure and perfect as is.
- feeling ready for the week on a sunday night (besides said chem class).
- possibility of a run sometime soooon?? ;) that is the ultimate!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

79- nothing much

Nothing much to report for today.  Got another 12+ hours of sleep last night, which was great.  Hit up the pool for a good, hard swim.  Cleaned my apartment (finally!) and almost started on some prep work.  Buttt, that will be for tomorrow along with a laundry mat trip which will be difficult to do on crutches!

I'm embracing the rest this weekend, not fighting it!  Bring on sommore sleeps!

Friday, January 22, 2010

80- sleepy

Ugh, I dont' know what has gotten into me!  I'm sooo tired.  Despite getting 15 hours of sleep in the past 24 hours, I'm still ready for bed before 9pm.  Atleast tomorrow I don't have to work my normal Saturday 6am-2pm shift at the bakery because I can't do my job on crutches!  Which means I'll be sleeping as long as I like because the pool has lessons in it until 12pm anyways.

Speaking of the pool, my arms were so tired today!  My body is totally not used to using swimming as my main, hard, workout several days in a row!  When I'm running, I generally just do it a couple times a week for 30 or 40 minutes.  Now, I've been hitting the pool hard the last 4 days and I felt it!
Good PT visit again today.  My PT told me to 'hit the resting hard this weekend.' lol.  He told me to get some good movies and books and really stay off it and I should see some major improvements after the weekend!  I'm going to do what he says because a) he knows everything b) he has already helped me out so much and c) I have so much prep work to do for my classes!  Sooo, this weekend will be swimming and lots of rest for me, which works out because apparentely my body is craving sleep like crazy!

Off to bed......

Thursday, January 21, 2010

81- quicky

Ok, quick tonite, cuz I'm just. plain. tired. and am going to bed immedietely after I hit "publish post" even though it is abotu 8:09pm.  I'm not above that.

Did an hour swim this morning.  Sort of did 'intervals' with it, although I'm sure people could not tell/would not consider what I did 'fast.' That's OK, the effort was there, and my arms were tired!  Gave my last set of finals to two of my classes that would not stop talking, and tomorrow I have the day off from both jobs!!! :)  Saw my PT this afternoon too, he was really impressed at the progress I've made and honestly, it has felt the best since I saw him Tuesday.  I think the stuff he is doing + swimming + staying off it (ie sitting all the time or crutches) are really helping!  I'm seeing him again tomorrow morning, just to stay on top of the inflammation, so that should be good.  It is so nice going there, it's such a small place and the people are so friendly, I'm always sad when it is over! 

Ok, really, off to bed for me.  Morale of today = good swim, finished giving finals, NO WORK OF ANY KIND TOMORROW (besides gradings...), PT is amazing

Nighty night!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

82- yay pelvis and swimming!

Tonite, I had my first swim class!  Sure, I swim alot (well, a few times a week) even when intensely running, but I signed up for this class just to get better technique and set aside time for swimming each week.  Now, since swimming will be my main form of exercise for a bit, I'm really glad I did!  The instructors were nice and it was a lot of fun.  Definetly have some things to work on in the pool on my own tomorrow.

Met up with an old friend/boss for lunch today too.  It was so fun, we talked at the table for 3 hours!  When I was leaving I thought "hmmm, I'm kind of hungry."  Come to find, we had eaten over 2 hours ago! (soup and salad for me, so not super filling.)  She is a really cool person and I'm glad we reconnected.  However, I missed my PT appointment so I will go tomorrow and Friday instead of today and Friday.  Another reason why I love my PT- they are so flexible and accomodating!  Annddd, after all of the work he did with me yesterday, my pelvis felt better than it has in two weeks today!  :) 

Well, I'm off to an early bed.  Working my cafe job at 6am today + swimming at 8pm tonite = tired Tmart.  Plus, I want to get up early to swim before going in to give more finals at school.  And, I want to beat the old lady aerobics class that hogs the pool!  Moral of the story = time for bed!

Have a good one everyone! :)

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

83 days- good news, bad news

When someone asks you if you want the good news or the bad news first, does anyone actually ever choose hearing good first?? Just wondering...

Sooo, of course, bad news first.  I saw my old PT today and he was awesome.  He took almost 2 hours with me, stretching, flexing, moving me every which way to diagnose.  Basically he is fairly certain that I have a sprained sacroiliac joint (meaning my pelvis)  Since the inflammation is along the whole joint, it has been giving me trouble in my low low back and through my left butt (hah, that's the technical term ya' know).  He did some ultrasound, stim, and ice to reduce the inflammation which helped ALOT.  Tonite, it feels better than it has in two weeks.  Unfortunately, he thinks the more diligent I am and aggressive with staying off it, the better it will heal, so he wants me on crutches for a week or so just to REALLY reduce the inflammation.  Blah.  Teacher on crutches = hard.  But, I'm committed to doing this the right way to put this injury behind me, because basically he said if I half ass it, it will plague me throughout training.  So, I'll be seeing him 3x a week too.  He really is a great guy and I'm soo happy he saw me so fast and is treating me, because the person I saw last week was a total bust!  So I feel like atleast I'm on the right path.

Good news: swimming was good today!  I felt little to no pain, and I got the OK from my PT to hit the pool hard.  So, I'm going to be going crazy swimming for awhile.  Probably get in some longer swims and some 2 a days to keep some semblence of fitness.  Plus, if nothing else, maintain my sanity.  Not working out = depressed T-mart.  I need my endorphins!
Off to whip up a smoothie dinner and watch the Biggest Loser!

Monday, January 18, 2010

84- sunday- monday

Today was awesome because it totally felt like a Sunday!  I only had to go into school for 2 hours to give a final and that was it!  The rest of the day was filled with normal Sunday chores like cleaning and making a mega-grocery run.  Sooo good to get food to bring back to my apartment tomorrow. 
I got an appointment to see my old physical therapist tomorrow because I wasn't so thrilled with the guy I saw last Friday.  I'm feeling really positive that he can do something to release the pressure in the nerve, and I just like him in general.  I'm also going to try out a swim at the pool once I'm back in my 'home town' and by the Y.  Since walking/running aren't getting any better, hopefully swimming will be ok and I can maintain some sort of fitness.

It has been good times staying at my parents' house for the last week or so.  Sigh.  I love my apartment and where I live and being on my own, but everything is so much nicer here (big ol' soft bed, huge plasma TVs, big kitchen table to work at, Ollie the cat.)  These things will be missed, but atleast I will have lots of good food for the week! It's the simple pleasures...

Only have to teach 40 minutes tomorrow too!  Middle school PE and I'm done for the day, and off to the pool! :)

Sunday, January 17, 2010

85- run fail

Ugh.  Don't feel like "talking" aka writing tonite.  Had a serious run fail today when I attempted and could not make it more than 2 miles before I limped home.  By that point, my pace was 10:30/mile which is 2-3 minutes per mile slower than usual.  MRI results showed nothing, so I'm on my own, frustrated, and hurting more than ever. :(  And I basically comforted myself with serious amounts of cereal and chocolate.  Blah.  Good going down, not so good now.....Hopefully I'll feel more positive tomorrow.  Right now, I don't feel like a runner at all.

Saturday, January 16, 2010

86 days- FINALLY MY weekend and retail therapy

Well, I survived my 4am wakeup call, hour drive to work, 8 hour shift, and hour drive back.  Promptly showered and crashed in my big bed but woke up very soon after, thanks to all the coffee in my bladder that I drank on the drive home! Oh well, I decided instead to just go to bed early (ie after I type this and its 8pm!)  My one day weekend has officially started and I am looking forward to catching up on sleep and having a chill day tomorrow.

Unfortunately, my back/nerve situation has gotten worse.  Probably due to being on my feet for 8+ hours at work.  The pain is soooo deep in my low back/left butt cheek, if that makes sense?  I'm sooo bummed cuz I planned on attempting a run tomorrow, but I honestly don't know if that will be physically possible, it hurts so much!  I'm feeling very sad and frustrated right now which I think is being exasserbated by the fact that I am so tired.  Tired Tmart = emotional Tmart. 

How do we remedy this? RETAIL THERAPY!  I drove up to the outdoor mall and limped into Gap because my sis convinced me they had a good sale going on.  I ended up getting a pair of jeans, tank top, and long sleeve shirt for 28$ total!  Annnddd, the best part was that I didn't try anything on at the store (too lazy and in pain) and it all fits!  Funny part is, I hardly ever wear jeans (just sweats and work clothes and running clothes) but I have a small obsession with buying them, especially when they are a good deal.  Oh bother.

Ok, Ollie is dead asleep in my lap (too cute!)  I'm hoping to feel better physically and mentally in the morning after some good, long sleeps!

Friday, January 15, 2010

87- dragging

Yo yo!

It is 7:30 PM and I'm about ready for bed!  Looongggg day, and tomorrow will be long as well.  The 6th day of my 6 day workweek is always rough.

MRI went OK, I'm awaiting answers.  Unfortunately I only got 4hours of sleep last night, when I'm normally a 9-10 hour girl!  Then Physical Therapy started this morning, which wasn't very helpful.  Teaching, then I had to come home to my parents house as I am cat-sitting this weekend while they are in Florida (yeah, they got the good end of the deal!)  Ollie (the cat) is in my lap right now and is sooo super cute!  The bad news is that I still have to work my 2nd job tomorrow so I have to make the 1 hour drive back to where I live.  Sooo, I will be up at 4am tomorrow, working 6am-2pm, then driving the hour back to my parents house.  The good news is all of my finals are written and my prep work for next week should be minimal.  Sooo, Sunday will be filled with sleep, perhaps some shopping, and hopefully a run!?!?!

And, best news of all, my mom provided me with some "compensation" for my trouble.  ie: GROCERY MONEY! I'm so pumped to get some actual good food! :)  Thanks Mommy! :)  I'm old, but I still appreciate it!  Perhaps because my own fridge looks like this 99% of the time....





Ok, Ollie is pinning my arms down with his body!  Have a good night/Saturday everyone! :)

Thursday, January 14, 2010

87- sleepy and waiting....

I'm up late for me (ie past 10pm) as I am waiting to go to the hospital at 1:30am for my MRI.  I decided that trying to get to sleep, then having to wake up a couple hours later would be more painful than just staying awake.  Sooo, I decided to clean my apartment.  Decided to.  But then instead I worked on my running scrapbook while watching "My Sister's Keeper" (ie depressing-ness.)  So its now 10:50 and I feel like a little kid on New Year's Eve.  So sleepy, but I NEED to stay awake.  Perhaps I will put on some coffee....

Hope everyone out there had a great day!  I'm REALLY off to limp around and clean now! :)

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

88- nothing so report so i'll play 'beautiful blogger'

Since my life is so boring now, and I have no fun running stuff to report, I've decided to follow marathonmaiden's lead and do the 'beautiful blogger' thing!

Soo, 7 things that you always wanted to know about me but were afraid to ask... :)

1) I own my own "business".  It is called "T-Cakes" and I sell minature layer cakes at farmer's markets up north in the summer.  I hope to be in a position to do this as my only summer job at some point.  On that same note, my dream is to open my own bakery after attending culinary school and getting my business degree.

2) The Boston Marathon will be my 7th marathon.  I love the number 10.  I'm hoping to run Boston, Bayshore, and Charlevoix Marathons this spring making my total = 9.  I think it will be sooo amazing to run my 10th marathon next fall in Chicago on 10/10/10.  I'm completely banking on a PR on this day.  Nomatter that it is still like 8 months away.  It has been decided.

3) I am the ultimate home-body.  It's really bad.  99.99999% of the time I would rather be at home (mine or my parents) in my sweats, watching TV or messing around online than out anywhere in tiny, tight, uncomfortable clothes late at night.

4) If I am not at work or running I am wearing sweats.  I literally strip as I walk in my house.  True story.  You know you wanted to know.

5) I pretty much idolize my sister.  Not because I want to be her, or have her life, but because I really admire her personality and how she leads her life.

6) My mom bought me a "Artisan Stand Mixer" for my graduation present last spring.  I picked it out and its lime green.  I will have it forever.

7) I NEVER drive in my car alone without music on.  EVER.  I also have a small obsession with my Honda CR-V.  It has been through alot with me.  I am willing it with my mind never to die, even though it has almost 120,000 miles on it and is 10 years old.  We need to be together forever.

Wellll, I guess that's it!  I feel more beautiful already.....

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

89 - sameness

Just popping in the say 'hi.'

Obviously still nothing on the running front.  I am living my days like 99% of Americans- wake up, play around on computer with breakfast, go to work, drive home, eat dinner, sit on couch.  Yes indeed, the sedentary life.  Really, it would bother me more if I actually felt like I COULD do something, but literally it is killing me just walking around at work.  So yeah, T-2 days until the MRI and hopefully some answers.

In other news, I am busy writing midterms this week and reviewing with my classes.  Next week will be horrible for the students, but nice for me as I am only giving midterms and only on 2 days!  Yay!  I'm hoping I'll be back to running by then because I will actually have time.

PS. Is it just me, or is the "Special K Diet" about the stupid-est thing ever?  I mean, I love cereal and all but really?  I cannot believe it is still out there everytime I see a commercial while watching The Biggest Loser.  C'mon people, eat some meat!

Peace out,
Tmart

Monday, January 11, 2010

90- update

Hello out there!

Sooo, my update.  I still can walk only minimally, and luckily thanks to calling right away I got in to see my primary care doc this morning to get a referral.  She thinks that it is some sort of nerve damage because my left side is so weak.  She did some tests and basically my left leg had like 10% of the strength of my right.  Soooo, I got perscribed an "urgent" MRI which means this Thursday night.  Well, actually Friday morning at 1:30am!!! Yes, the middle of the night.  True story.  So basically I'm screwed until then, limping around and no running. :(  Yeah, I don't even want to talk about it.  But, atleast I can hopefully get some answers and some treatment from them.  We shall see.  Until then, everything is on hold....

Sunday, January 10, 2010

90- depression

I'm going to keep this short and sweet tonite because I'm pretty bummed about my back/nerve problems.  I literally cannot walk at this point and slogged through 11 miles with my friend this morning which I have no idea how I did.  I just feel like my training was really taking off and now this setback.  I'm calling the doc first thing in the morning so hopefully I'll get some answers.  Blah.  Boooooooo

Saturday, January 9, 2010

91 - I. Am. Hardcore.

That is what I said to myself after tonite's race- by far one of the most intense races ever!  This 8 mile race ended up being 8.7 miles - four 2+ mile loops through trails covered in 6 inches of snow!  It really was crazy.  After the first loop I thought "really, I have to do this 4 more times?"  Not to mention my back/nerve was killing me and it was literally 3 degrees out.  My eyelashes froze shut and I kept having to put my gloves over my face to melt them.  If that isn't hard core, I don't know what is!  One of my running friends from my Thursday night group did it (it was his idea) and I spent a large part of the race cursing his name!  In the end, it was all good though as I came in first overall female with a course record (although this race is only in it's second year but whatevs...)  I won a cozy fleece blanket! :)  Yay!  Unfortunately, the uneven snow-footing has pushed my back to a whole new level of hurt and I can barely walk.  I made plans to meet my training bud tomorrow morning for a long run so that should be interesting.  I think I'll just defrost under the covers and hope it goes away!

Good times runners.  Keep it real.

Friday, January 8, 2010

92 days- if it's not one thing, its another!

Sooo, advice time: anyone have any tips for getting rid of pinched nerves?  I've had one in my back shooting down my left side for a couple of days and it has escalated really badly today to the point where I can barely walk tonite (no second run today :( I'm getting really frustrated because of how bad it hurts to be on my feet/walk with the fact that I have to work my second job (completely on my feet) from 6am-2pm tomorrow. Help!

Today I awoke early ie 4:30am to snow covered everything.  I decided I couldn't do the TM two days in a row so I ran/shuffled through deep snow for three miles up the Y, did my 30 minute strength circuit, and shuffled the 3 miles back.  It was actually a really good workout and a good change of pace.  Tomorrow (hoping that my back FINALLY feels better) I may be going out to a race in the evening to run.  Saturdays are tough because I can't run before work (seeing as I would need to get up at about 3am) so it's nice to have a race with a group of people to look forward to.  Keep your fingers crossed that this nerve un-pinches itself!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

93- frustration!

Ugggghhh....today was quite the day.

Started off well enough.  Did my first treadmill workout at the Y.  6 miles with 4x800 at tempo pace of about 6:50/mile.  Then lifting and core at the Y.  The plan was for me to run another 6 miles with my fav Thursday night running club, but then the day went downhill....

From the Y, I drove to pick up my dad to go get my car from the shop (I've been driving a rental.)  I drove 45 minutes to his work, picked him up, then drove 45 minutes back to my home town to get my car.  Got my car, changed then drove 45 minutes back the same way to where I teach (very close to where my dad works.)  In the mean time, I discovered my dad had removed the faceplate from my CD player (which I think is because he didn't want them to steal it?) but moral of the story is = I can't turn on ANY music.  Let me make it clear that I have never been in my car alone without music in my whole 7 years of driving.  And I drive atleast 100 miles per day because of my job.  Awesome.  In the mean time, it had started to snow and everyone was driving slow (which is funny now compared to "slow" later!) and I was running late.  And my wiper fluid wouldn't squirt cuz I think the tank was frozen.  Got to work - barely - on time, taught, then went to get back on the road to go meet my running group.  I get out of work around 4:30, and we meet at 6, so usually I have time to drive the 45 minutes back and change and such.  The snow was falling hard at this point and people are SO RIDICULOUS!  This is Michigan- you would think that people would know how to drive in the snow!!!  No.  Fail.  It took me 1  hour to go 6 miles.  I was thinking "hmm, I could run alot faster than this!"  Needless to say, I missed run group.  I got home alittle before 7:30 ie: it took me almost 3 hours to drive the normally 45 minute drive.  Frustration to the max.  And I missed my run so my double will have to be pushed to tomorrow.  Did I mention I HATE SNOW!  Because I do.

Sorry for the rant.  I'm off to do my core/stretching to blow off some steam, then bed.  Early.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

93- skating or running?

That's what I asked myself on this morning's 11 mile run.  It was so slick out there and I picked my hilliest route!  The uphills were like running up a sanddune and the downhills were probably even slower because I had to focus on not-falling.  Although my pace was slow, I did it.  Midweek long run, in the books.  Unfortunately there was a big accident on my way home from work so it took me like 2x longer so I couldn't get to the gym for my planned strength training.  It is on tap for tomorrow instead now, along with some speedwork of some kind (fingers crossed!)

In other news, I have a delicious crockpot meal - my first - almost ready!  Basically is is just veggies, potatoes, turkey sausage, and spices in the pot with some wine and chicken broth.  Smells delicious, I will try to post pics tomorrow!

Peace out,
T-mart

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

94 - Circle swimming stinks

Yes, true story, I am a SLOW swimmer.  I used to have the luxury of swimming in the late afternoon, when only old people were in the pool and is wasn't crowded.  Now, I have to go after work with "normal" work people and swim lessons going on.  Not to mention the Y is crowded with the stupid Resolution people!  C'mon- give up already!

I actually had a really good run this morning, although it was a workout fail.  I intended to warm up to the base of a hill and then do hill repeats.  The run was going to be 8 miles.   Unfortunately, I underestimated the distance and got to the hill in 4 miles!  I didn't have extra time to run more, so I just took a really hilly route back (my home town is hilly and i'm a hill-wimp!)  My pace was great though, even though my legs were freezing cuz I wore 1/2 tights and it was 15 degrees.  But whatevs.  I hit up the pool as mentioned after work, getting lapped repeatedly while swimming until my pride and bladder forced me out of the pool.  Dinner, 30 minutes of core/strength and here I am!  I've prepped some stuff for my first "crock pot" meal tomorrow, so I'll let y'all know how that goes!

I'm watching the Biggest Loser right now, which I have mixed feelings about.  Perhaps I'll expound my opinions on that another time...

Off to find a snack!  Have a lovely day! :)

Monday, January 4, 2010

95- is winter over yet?

That is totally the question I asked myself this morning while driving to the doctor.  I decided that January 4th is probably the most depressing day of the year- holidays are just over, the weather is horrible, and there is no hope of it getting nicer anytime soon.  Plus, for me it is the realization that the school year is not even quite halfway over.  I love my students and all but ya know...

Luckily all was well at the knee doctor.  The PT and stretching is really helping and I'm happy that I have committed to it so hard core.  Today's run was a buzz kill.  It was super icy and I spent 5 'recovery' miles working my hip flexor to death!  I went up the gym for some strength training, and that was it.  Tonite, normal core and stretching.  A bigger workout was probably unpacking my car into my apartment on the second floor.  Atleast 10 trips later all of the clothes, food, gifts, etc were in and I only had to spend another hour tucking it all away.  Now I feel like I am "home" though.  I'm off to have a glass of milk and snooze.  I love going to bed early! :)

Sunday, January 3, 2010

96- back to the real world!

Only 96 more days!  Week 1 is already done!

First off, I'm fairly certain that I have an unnatural obsession with the show "Hoarders" on A&E.  Just wanted to put that out there...

Anyways, my hope for a fair-weather run this morning was dashed, when I awoke to sub-zero temps and wind chills of negative ten.  I'm all for hard-core running, but I'm not so pumped when frost bite becomes a possibility.  Sooo, luckily I had a treadmill option.  I ran 10 miles on the treadmill while watching teenage hockey players lift weights.  Interesting was the fact that they did more talking then lifting!  And, they came and left while I was running.  I kept the run a consistant pace and finished the last mile HARD.  It felt really good/sweaty and fun to run in a t-shirt and shorts for a change!  Since I was at the gym, I finished with a lifting session and stretching.  Did my nighly core/stretching just now and am about ready to eat some TCBY dinner (yeah, I'm that cool) and go to bed.  Tomorrow, it is back to my apartment and teaching and real life.  Already!?!?!

Weekly report:
41.5 miles
Strength training x 3 (which is good cuz 4 days I was up north with no access to a gym)
Core = every night but 1 (when I was sick :( )

As much a I like the high milage, I'm really pleased with starting low right now and building slowly.  I think that my legs and brain will thank me as I get into the more intense weeks of training and again at the starting line on April 19th!

Have a great monday everyone!  Back at it tomorrow....

Saturday, January 2, 2010

97

Ha, I really should get more creative with my blog titles...

This post is going to take me forever to type cuz my hands are still freezing long after my run because of not wearing the appropriate gloves.  Bummer.

This morning I woke up up-north to a complete white out.  Crazy lake effect snow.  Because we live out in the country and I didn't want to get hit by oncoming traffic (because obviously then I would be able to race Boston...) I couldn't run. Buttt, after a long day of driving halfway down-state, hanging with my extended family for "Christmas" and driving the rest of the way home, I still put in my 5 miler at 7pm.  This is a big deal because I'm a total morning runner, and the only time I run late is with groups.  Although it was colder than expected and dark, I was mostly on pavement so my pace was less of a crawl then yesterday.  I just finished up my core and stretching and am about to hit the showers- then my bed!  My nighttime core/stretching are sometimes a pain and time consuming, but I really am noticing a difference, even after being deligent for only a week.  My flexibility is increasing and my posture feels better on runs.  Also, I am not sore even after tough runs in deep snow.  I know my milage is super-low right now for me, but it is promising for the future as I increase!

"Long-ish" run tomorrow.  I'm hoping for good weather.  It will definitely be a late-morning run as I need to SLEEP IN!!!

Peace, Love, and Running,
T-mart
(ha, that's for you sister!  who hates when I use my blog-name as a sign-off!)

Friday, January 1, 2010

98

Yo blog-o-sphere!

Sorry about being MIA yesterday for day 99- I ended up getting really sick Wednesday night after I posted and spent the day yesterday dehydrated and recovering.  I was pretty intense, but I'm pretty much back to normal today (and eating a bit extra to make up for the 'lost' 48 hours ;)

Today was a character building 6.5 mile run.  The snow made it feel like running in sand.  Good thing that I stretch now! Ha.  Tonite, core and more stretching.  We are celebrating Christmas with our extended fam tomorrow in the middle of the state, then I will continue the drive downstate and back to reality.  I hate to leave up north after such a short time, but I am looking forward to alittle less rugged conditions and doing my long-ish run on pavement (fingers crossed!)

Nothing much else to report.  I'm way behind on my prep work for Monday when its back to teaching. blah.  Is break over already?

Stay warm everyone!