We got the Biggest Loser game for our Nintendo Wii for Christmas, and I have to admit that I am addicted. I have been using the workout routines as my non-running workouts and so far they seem to be really working.
Since October, I have been restricting my running workout days to three per week. One long run, one tempo run and one speed workout. I did this because I had found it hard to run 5 days a week without hurting something and having to take time off. I spent weeks nursing a swollen Achilles tendon over the summer and I found that three runs a week worked much better for me and I haven't had any major problems since I cut my days of running down.
I have been looking for other things to do on my non-run days, and I think I have found the perfect solution with these Biggest Loser workouts. I selected a 12 week training program at the beginning of 2010 (with Jillian as my trainer and Bernie as my avatar). Each week I do at least 3 30 minute exercise programs with the Wii Fit and compete in challenges. If I do well, Bernie loses weight and doesn't get eliminated. Each week the exercise programs get harder and work on the muscles in different ways.
I feel stronger and am seeing improvements in my tempo runs and speed workouts as a result of adding these Biggest Loser workouts and my hip stretches. Oh, Bernie is still losing lots of weight each week too!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Strawberry Banana
After completing three long runs in 2010 using GU's, I have tested a variety of different flavors and have come to the decision that Strawberry Banana is the right flavor for me.
For those that know me well, this is not a surprise as I love everything that is Strawberry Banana... Milkshakes, Ice Cream, Smoothies... the list goes on. However, I am glad that I tried the other flavors, as they all seemed to have a different texture and after taste. The worst by far was "Chocolate Outrage", it was just too heavy and had a really strong taste that I couldn't get out of my mouth for a good fifteen minutes.
For those that know me well, this is not a surprise as I love everything that is Strawberry Banana... Milkshakes, Ice Cream, Smoothies... the list goes on. However, I am glad that I tried the other flavors, as they all seemed to have a different texture and after taste. The worst by far was "Chocolate Outrage", it was just too heavy and had a really strong taste that I couldn't get out of my mouth for a good fifteen minutes.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Run for Young 5K
Today was the first race in the Second Empire Grand Prix Series of races. It was a 5K in downtown Raleigh organized to honor Sadiki Young, a senior at Wakefield High who was killed as a passenger in a drunk driving car accident on January 14, 2007.
The weather was freezing cold (26F, -3C) and felt even colder with the wind and cloudy skies. I wrapped up warm in my cold weather gear including hat and gloves and stayed in the car as long as possible before the start of the race. I managed some quick stretches and then took to bouncing around at the start line waiting for the race to begin. The course was a simple out and back with a the majority of the steeper inclines on the way out.
The out part of the race was in to the wind and I was glad that I had decided to wear my hat and gloves as my fingers were freezing even with the gloves on! After the turn the wind was at my back and my fingers began to warm up. I didn't know what to expect time wise so I was pleasantly surprised to go through the first mile in 7:35. I managed to navigate the pot holes on Hillsborough Street and went through the second mile in 7:16. The third mile was harder and I slowed to 7:34 before seeing the finish and kicking for a time of 23:02. I finished 52nd out of 309 and 6th in my age group.
23:02 is the fastest I have run on a certified course and I am surprised and really pleased that I seem to be in good shape right at the beginning of the year.
Lance Harden (22) won the race in 15:51 which gives me 681 points (out of a possible 1000) for the Second Empire Grand Prix.
The weather was freezing cold (26F, -3C) and felt even colder with the wind and cloudy skies. I wrapped up warm in my cold weather gear including hat and gloves and stayed in the car as long as possible before the start of the race. I managed some quick stretches and then took to bouncing around at the start line waiting for the race to begin. The course was a simple out and back with a the majority of the steeper inclines on the way out.
The out part of the race was in to the wind and I was glad that I had decided to wear my hat and gloves as my fingers were freezing even with the gloves on! After the turn the wind was at my back and my fingers began to warm up. I didn't know what to expect time wise so I was pleasantly surprised to go through the first mile in 7:35. I managed to navigate the pot holes on Hillsborough Street and went through the second mile in 7:16. The third mile was harder and I slowed to 7:34 before seeing the finish and kicking for a time of 23:02. I finished 52nd out of 309 and 6th in my age group.
23:02 is the fastest I have run on a certified course and I am surprised and really pleased that I seem to be in good shape right at the beginning of the year.
Lance Harden (22) won the race in 15:51 which gives me 681 points (out of a possible 1000) for the Second Empire Grand Prix.
Monday, January 4, 2010
2009 Statistics
I have now had my Garmin Forerunner 405 GPS watch for a year. The online tool showed me this report for my usage in 2009 today. Obviously, these are for runs outside... I probably logged another 100 miles on treadmills throughout the year.
Count: 110 Activities
Distance: 477.90 mi
Time: 68:47:21 h:m:s
Avg Speed: 6.9 mph
Calories: 57,568 C
I wonder how many miles I will log in 2010?
Count: 110 Activities
Distance: 477.90 mi
Time: 68:47:21 h:m:s
Avg Speed: 6.9 mph
Calories: 57,568 C
I wonder how many miles I will log in 2010?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
First Long Run of 2010
After the Kiawah Island Half Marathon, I decided that I needed to incorporate long runs that were longer than 10 miles (90 minutes).
In both of my Half Marathons in 2009, I found the last 3 miles very difficult. I put this down to the fact that I never ran further than 10 miles or for longer than 90 minutes during training, and my body was not used to the additional 3 miles that I needed to do on race day.
Today I ran for 1 hour, 40 minutes and covered 11.62 miles. Map
Another change I am going to make in 2010 is the use of "GU's or Gels". I have run without them up until now, but I feel that I will get a big benefit during long runs and more importantly, during races from the additional carbohydrates. Elizabeth bought me a selection of different flavors for Christmas, and I will be trying them out over the next few weeks.
In both of my Half Marathons in 2009, I found the last 3 miles very difficult. I put this down to the fact that I never ran further than 10 miles or for longer than 90 minutes during training, and my body was not used to the additional 3 miles that I needed to do on race day.
Today I ran for 1 hour, 40 minutes and covered 11.62 miles. Map
Another change I am going to make in 2010 is the use of "GU's or Gels". I have run without them up until now, but I feel that I will get a big benefit during long runs and more importantly, during races from the additional carbohydrates. Elizabeth bought me a selection of different flavors for Christmas, and I will be trying them out over the next few weeks.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Second Empire Grand Prix Series (Spring)
This spring I will be participating in the Second Empire Grand Prix Series of races.
There are 8 races in total (six 5K's, one 10K and one Half Marathon) starting next weekend and running until mid-May. I will get points in a race based on my finishing time compared to the time of the winner. The best 6 of my scores will be used to calculate my final score and I will be ranked overall and in my age group.
I did a couple of races last year that happened to be part of the 2009 Grand Prix Series but my Half Marathon training was my focus and I didn't get a chance to run more. This spring I am going to use the Grand Prix Series as something to keep me focused as I train for the Shamrock Half Marathon in March.
There are 8 races in total (six 5K's, one 10K and one Half Marathon) starting next weekend and running until mid-May. I will get points in a race based on my finishing time compared to the time of the winner. The best 6 of my scores will be used to calculate my final score and I will be ranked overall and in my age group.
I did a couple of races last year that happened to be part of the 2009 Grand Prix Series but my Half Marathon training was my focus and I didn't get a chance to run more. This spring I am going to use the Grand Prix Series as something to keep me focused as I train for the Shamrock Half Marathon in March.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Goals for 2010
As 2010 begins, I have decided to set myself a few goals for the year. These aren't the typical "eat less chocolate" new years resolutions; these are things that I'd like to achieve this year...
1. Buy a new, bigger house: This is our #1 family goal for 2010. We currently live in a lovely 2 bedroom house in an excellent location. However, we are going to need a bigger house in the years to come, and we want to take advantage of the cheaper prices at the moment.
2. Not gain any weight in 2010: Okay, well I guess this is kind of a new years resolution, but after gradually getting my weight right, I want to keep it that way!
3. Run a sub 1:45:00 Half Marathon: After going from 1:54 in my first Half Marathon to 1:50 in my second, I think it is a good goal to want to run at 8:00 minute mile pace for 13.1 miles.
4. Run a 5K dressed as a Hot Dog: According to my race log, I have run 11 5Ks in the last 15 months. I have lined up on the start line for nearly all of those races with my PR in the back of my mind and focused on running hard to try to beat it. I focus on my stride and breathing and monitor the mile splits while I am running and barely even pay attention to the other runners. So, I have decided to select an appropriate race and run dressed as a hot dog and simply enjoy running with other people without a finishing time in mind.
1. Buy a new, bigger house: This is our #1 family goal for 2010. We currently live in a lovely 2 bedroom house in an excellent location. However, we are going to need a bigger house in the years to come, and we want to take advantage of the cheaper prices at the moment.
2. Not gain any weight in 2010: Okay, well I guess this is kind of a new years resolution, but after gradually getting my weight right, I want to keep it that way!
3. Run a sub 1:45:00 Half Marathon: After going from 1:54 in my first Half Marathon to 1:50 in my second, I think it is a good goal to want to run at 8:00 minute mile pace for 13.1 miles.
4. Run a 5K dressed as a Hot Dog: According to my race log, I have run 11 5Ks in the last 15 months. I have lined up on the start line for nearly all of those races with my PR in the back of my mind and focused on running hard to try to beat it. I focus on my stride and breathing and monitor the mile splits while I am running and barely even pay attention to the other runners. So, I have decided to select an appropriate race and run dressed as a hot dog and simply enjoy running with other people without a finishing time in mind.
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