Archive for July, 2009

Running Again and the Garmin Forerunner Resurfaces

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

It feels great to be back to 100% again. So, that means heading out for a run. After completing my 5K race in Allenspark, I decided that I needed to make sure that hills were part of my training. I managed to complete a two mile route with several nicely sized hills. Yeah – it feels good to be running again. It is funny how much I miss it when I can’t run for a few day – and it’s funny how it took me three years to get to this spot…again.

I also pulled out my old Garmin Forerunner for this run. I had purchased it when I was pregnant with my first child who is almost three now. My goal was to work out and to keep track of my heart rate using the heart rate monitor feature. The crazy thing is that I could never get it to work properly. It always picked up both my heart rate and the heart rate of the baby. Consequently, my Garmin Forerunner gave me all types of bizarre readings. So, I put it away…until now.

I have actually fallen in love with my old Garmin Forerunner. (It is only “old” because it is old in years, not in use). Now, it does everything that it is supposed to do. I love the fact that it tracks how far I have fun. I love the fact that it keeps track of my time. I love the fact that I can log information from my run onto my computer, if I want to. I’m sure the technology is ancient compared to what is out there now, but I can deal. Admittedly, it is quite bulky, so only time will tell if my Garmin Forerunner will become too cumbersome for a long run or if the love will remain.

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Running with a Cold?

Friday, July 24th, 2009

I am at the tail-end of a summer head cold. I’ve heard stories where people can continue to run or at least walk, even when they are sick. Well, I’m not one of those people. I thought I would just walk on the treadmill in the basement…or not. I just can’t fathom working out with a stuffed nose, so I didn’t. Is it one of those things where getting a work out in while sick is matter of will power? I guess I’m more inclined to get better as fast as I can, and then, jump back in to the running process fully charged. I don’t think there are any reasons why someone shouldn’t run with a cold; so, for those who do run while sick, any helpful hints?

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Posted in Health, Running | 3 Comments »

The Next Thing: A 10K Race

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

With a 5K under my belt, I have decided to start training for a 10K race. I’m not sure which one I will do yet; but, I’m excited to jump into the training process. In the meantime, I must admit that I am addicted to running races. I actually want to run a few more 5K races this summer.

I love the fact that the Allenspark 5K race has a fun story behind the race. It was designed to raise money for the town’s community center. An art gallery in town was put up for sale; however, a porn shop was attempting to purchase the property. Consequently, the town stepped in and voila a new community center was born. They offer art classes and yoga classes, among other fun activities. I’d love to find an equally great story behind the next race I run.

Anyhow, back to the task on hand…training for a 10K and finding a great race to run. Keep posted!

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3.1 miles long and 1.6 miles high - the Allenspark Run Like the Wind 5k

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

So this weekend I did it!  I ran my first 5k in several years.  I finished the Allenspark Run Like the Wind 5k. 

It was a beautiful day complete with an alpenhorn player.  This was my first 5K race in several years and I couldn’t wait for the horn to blow and the race to begin.

 

The elevation was around 8,500 feet and the course was quite hilly.  Although the altitude didn’t bother me too badly, I wasn’t as prepared for the hills as I would have liked.  Consequently, I placed 15 out of 26 in my age group.  On a positive note, now I have a new goal…practice running on hills.

 

As I came down the final hill, I experienced something I had not experienced before while running a race.  My family was cheering for me (the last time I ran, was pre-kid).  A “Go Mama go!” and a “Yeah Mama!” was all I needed to hear to finish strong and with a big smile on my face.   

 

It was a fun race and I now have a time to beat for next year: 39:29.  Just running this one 5K race has motivated me to keep running.  I think I’ll train for a 10K now!      

allenspark_5k

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My First 5K Race: Allenspark Run Like the Wind

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

I am officially registered for my first 5K race - the Allenspark Run Like the Wind 5K/10K. I am so excited and can’t wait for race day to arrive. Unlike my past races of years gone by, I now have my own cheering section that is comprised of my husband and kids. My goal is to take it slow and steady - which can be hard with the race day adrenaline. Now, to make my pre-race plan…I’ll keep everyone posted!

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Running My First 5K Race – Again

Sunday, July 12th, 2009

I have decided that it is time to run my first 5K race…again. I have run several 5K races in the past, but they were years ago. I found one for this upcoming weekend. I have yet to actually sign up for it, but I must admit I am very excited. Years ago, when I was running after work on a daily basis, I used to run 3.1 miles in about 28 minutes; however, when I started racing the adrenaline kicked in. I would typically knock about 5 minutes off of my time during the course of a 5K race. It will be interesting to see how things go. Slow and steady is my goal, but most importantly, I am bursting with excitement to be back in the groove again.   And of course, running a 5K race is all part of my long-term goal of running a marathon.

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Posted in 5K Race, Marathon Training Schedule | 1 Comment »

Zero Water® - Is it Worth the Money?

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

I came across a new type of water filter. Although I have never heard of it, it sounds great. It is called Zero Water®. It claims to be the only filtered water that actually meets the definition provided by the FDA for purified bottled water. It has a five-stage ion exchange filter instead of the usual carbon filters. It comes with a Total Dissolved Solids meter to measure the amount of dissolved solids in ppm in the consumer’s drinking water. The goal is to drink water with 000 total dissolved solids for health and taste. Zero Water® can be purchased at major retail places like Target, Walgreens, and Home Depot.  With all the concern over pharmaceuticals and other chemicals in tap water,  I am definitely interested in the Zero Water® pitcher, but I’m not sure if it is worth the money.  I want the best drinking water for my kids, but has anyone tried it? Is it truly better than conventional carbon water filters?

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A Quick Break

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

Just when I had gotten to the point in my workout where I could run for almost three miles without stopping – I took a full week off. We had a full week with out-of-town visitors, visits to the pediatrician, lots of rain, and an attempt at an Independence Day camping trip; but, I didn’t make time to run. Today, the rain finally stopped and the sun came out; so, I decided to take the opportunity to get back on my running schedule. I was shocked how my legs and lungs wanted to revolt against my seven day hiatus. After running and walking intermittingly for a mile and a half, I returned home. I’m sure it’s not the last time I’ll take a break; but, it will be helpful to remember my slow return to running after such a quick break. Better luck tomorrow.

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