Sore, sore, sore!

This morning I am feeling more sore than I have ever felt before. Yesterday I ran 2 miles, no problem, did an hour of yoga and to top it off I went rock climbing holy moly do my arms HURT. I woke up in the middle of the night and had to stretch and take a pain killer because my body hurt so bad. It was most likely a combo of being sore and falling asleep in a bad position because I was so tired!

Today I have a 10 mile run planned! Will I make it? Lol. Lifting my coffee cut hurts!

Quote to consider

If one can stick to the training throughout the many long years, then will power is no longer a problem. It's raining? That doesn't matter. I am tired? That's besides the point. It's simply that I just have to.

Emil Zatopek, Olympic runner

Frankie's Couch to 5K ... or floor to 5K

 Last Saturday marks the first day Frankie has joined me as my running partner. We did a one mile lap around the Mineral Palace Park. After the mile I dropped him off at home and did my second mile alone. This morning I took Frankie with me for a 2 mile run. He did pretty well considering his activity level has consisted of chasing squirrels for the past couple years. During mile 1 he was almost pulling me along as we ran through a grassy stretch. Towards the end of mile 2 Frankie started to lag behind me. I think 2 miles is his max right now. As he gets more comfortable with the idea of running with me and his body acclimates to the constant activity I will increase our mileage. Not only is this going to be a test to his endurance but it will also test and strengthen his manners on the leash...I hope.

Frankie is my 6 year old English Cocker Spaniel. This goof ball has been my companion since he was a baby puppy just old enough to be away from his mom. Back when he was a puppy I lived in Reno, Nevada. On a regular basis I would take him to the dog park to let him run around the huge field and socialize with other dogs. His favorite friends were a huge, black Newfoundland and a puppy mastiff who didn't realize how long and lanky he was. The way these dogs would play with Frankie was hilarious! The Mastiff would swing his hips around and knock Frankie on the ground and sit on him. The Newfoundland would bound around as Frankie tried jumping for his ears. Frankie would run around the grassy field, bounding here and there, playing with all the dogs.

Then, I moved back to Oregon and my ex went back to Reno. After this, my free time went out the door as I worked from 8:30am to10pm or sometimes until midnight. I had two jobs, American Family and Starbucks. I still took Frankie for walks around the block, runs at parks and to even to the dog park whenever possible. We would go on hikes around the Gorge and around Silverton Park. Unfortunately, he didn't get as much exercise and attention as he needed. What was worse was that I lived in an Apartment so he would spend those long days alone. He managed all right but many of his social skills and training died.

Now I live in Pueblo, Colorado in a house with a big yard. Frankie spends his days running back and forth along the fence line chasing squirrels and napping under the small sunflowers by the front fence. I take Frank for walks every so often but I have honestly earned an F in that department. Since I am planning to add more short runs spreadout through my week I think it is a great time to break him into running with me.



Frankie before his last trip to the groomers. What a shaggy dirty dog! :)

 If I can run 2 miles at least 3 or 4 mornings a week that will knock out 6-8 miles.
Then, if I can run Saturday and Sunday making Sunday my long run. I should be able to get 20 miles in each week. I know some will get more than others but if I am in this mind set and have a plan for when my options to run are...perhaps I will have more motivation to get out there.

2 miles is quick! Frankie will appreciate it and my body will also love it. I feel so much better after a run! The only part I still need to work out in my mind is my eating schedule... that is more complicated. Perhaps it is time to plan some crockpot meals! This term will be a test to how planned and organized I can be! Bare with me as I struggle through the weeks and months to come!


This is Frankie and I on a hike in Oregon back in 2008



Frankie and his old friend Tyson. They were best friends when I lived in Reno. Look how small by pup is! :)

Mornings Peace & Yoga's Affirmation

This morning my Simple Abundance reading encouraged me to let Mother Nature nurture me. Explaining how humans are naturally inclined to find peace while outside in natural surroundings. Looking up at the sky through the trees. Listening to water flow down stream. Smelling a flower. I feel connected to mother nature as I sit on the front porch with my coffee in the morning. The sun peaks through the trees. Our tomato bushes with their green glow, sunflowers attracting little finches and their twittering noises.... I love spending time in our garden, at a park or anywhere that drips of beauty and tranquility. I have even been known to find a peace while wondering neighborhoods in Portland, Oregon.

On Friday mornings I have been going to yoga at the Nature Center here in Pueblo, Colorado. I love flowing through the moves, listening to the wind in the trees and the sound of the river. Even at 6:30 am when I am tired this experience is terrific. I love the feeling I have after I'm done and I'm on my way back to the real world. I feel ready for the day. More at peace.

Today I had my morning coffee on the front porch. I found my morning peace, read my daily Simple Abundance and started my day. After work I rushed over to Open Studio Yoga. I was right on time and it was a packed room. The only spot left for my mat was right in front of the big, green money tree. A few of my "flat backs" between my 'forward folds" put my head into the bush. I had to laugh inside as I flowed through the Vinyasa moves. Even while inside doing yoga, Mother Nature was asking me to join her today.

9 miles and feeling good

9 miles. Wow. I did it and I did it in decent time. It was about 80-86 and sunny while I was running. Luckily there was a nice breeze. I started at the footbridge by the river in Hyde Park and ran 4.5 miles toward the dam. My turn around point was a beautiful spot just before the dam. There were fishermen down the river, it was a little piece of paradice. There was a picnic table which makes me desire to go back for a picnic! That would be a good date for Mike and I. I took a photo while I was taking a quick break. The run back to my car was where I felt the burn. I did a good job at coaxing myself to pick up the pace and keep running. I ran during each mile, only allowing myself to walk briefly to catch my breath before pushing myself faster again.

Yesterday I ran 2 miles and went to 2 Yoga classes at Open Studio Yoga. Frankie came with me for one of my miles. During the next several weeks I am planning to bring Frankie on more runs. I'd like for him to be with me when I run on the trail sometimes, especially when I run in the evening. Maybe taking him on two miles each morning would be a good start. 2 miles is just enough to wake me up but not enough to create a huge time commitment. He needs to get out more, to work out that English Cocker Spaniel energy and potential for rage. He plays with the squirrels every day running back and forth along the fence line but he needs more exercise. I will need to work more short runs into my schedule anyway to help me keep my weekly miles up while also getting everything else done. If I am going to maintain 20 miles a week and still reach for my half marathon goal I will need to be creative with my time.

My goal during this term is to run 20 miles a week until I run my half marathon. I can train myself to wake up at 6 am everyday but any earlier is not going to happen. My Sunday Long Runs absolutely have to be outside. Since my race will be outside I will need to make sure I am used to the various climates. My plan of the moment is to run a Half Marathon in December here in Pueblo. This means I need to develop tolerance for running in the cold weather.
This will be a time of upping my game and pushing myself I do things I don't immediately want to do. Time to wake up earlier than I wish. Windy? Get your butt out there! Snowing? Get that butt moving! 6am and cold? Too bad! Lol, we'll see how it goes but I think I can manage to keep my miles up for the most part.

*Fingers Crossed*

4.5 miles in at my turn around point