Running Through Life

Recap!

2009-05-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

This week was again a crazy week so working out and running were a bit off the normal.
I ran with Jodi and Stacey this morning it was a hot and humid run but it was beautiful out. Stacey and I did 5 miles and Jodi did four miles, still recovering from injury, our average pace was 9:13 so a good pace for all of us.
This week I also had a chance to run hills with Jenny, which was so good! I have felt a bit sick this week with some sort of throat thing going on so I was a little slow on this day, sorry Jenny:( I am looking forward to our long run tomorrow.

My Reminder of Why I get up Early to Run!

2009-05-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

I had NOT planned on running today as this is my usual rest day, when I headed to the gym for stretching and some abs I ran into my friend Stacy, and had much to catch up on with her on, so we headed out for an easy peasy 3 miler. I was glad it was only three miles as it was hot and humid!!! This is precisely why I have to appreciate 6AM, even when I don't want to get out of bed.

Great Sunday Morning Run

2009-05-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

This morning I met with Jenny and Carin for 4 miles before deciding to turn around and head back as I am always late for Sunday Church. I ended up doing 9 miles as my Garmin read 8.45 by the time I got to my car, so I cant stand uneven numbers and did 9. My average pace was around 8:58s so a bit faster than the norm, I think I was rushing the end last 2 miles, knowing I had to get to church. These Sundays are becoming pretty tiring as I have to work afterwards church and everyone seems to love Outback these days!

My training Blog Continues!!!! (yet again)

2009-05-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

I love to read everyones blogs they keep me so inspired so why I don't keep my own is beyond me. I feel I just love to run and that is all I have to blog about, oh and of course all the people I love to run with. With nothing to train for recently and nothing coming up I have just been putting in the miles each week, lots of treadmill and early morning runs as the kids are getting sick of kids gym and its to hot to go mid morning. Life is good, running is good!!!

I do have a great recipe for some protein bars to share with everyone as they are super easy and pretty tasty.

1 Cup Dry Oatmeal

5 heaping spoonfuls of peanut butter (any kind is fine, I used the choc flavored:) very good)

2 or so TBS of Flax seed

1 cup dry non fat milk

1/2 cup water

5- 6 scoops protein powder (I like vanilla flavored)

1TBS vanilla

raisins, cranberries, almonds, whatever you want to add,
I added a bit of flavorless fiber powder just for the extra boost of fiber in your day!
I portion them into balls about 18 per recipe and put into small baggies and press them down, store in freezer or refrigerator as the will go bad with the milk. About 100 calories per bar!

9 at 9

2009-05-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

So happy to run with the girls this morning!! We ran 9 miles right at about 9s the weather was great and the company good. This run felt very good, went by very fast, I had to get back ASAP this morning as we had a breakfast date and church.

6 Heated Miles

2009-04-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

With summer almost in full swing these 10 am runs are getting harder and harder!!! and hotter and hotter. Met Jenny at the Y did 6 miles outside and was just plain old pooped out afterwards I think from the heat most of all, took the kiddos to the pool afterwards to get refreshed.
6 at 9:03s ish!!!

I am Sick of looking at this old post!!!

2009-04-30T05:14:00.000-07:00

Don't really know why but have not felt like blogging in awhile, life is just so busy one more thing to add to the list. But I have been running in between all the craziness of life, yesterday I ran with Jenny and Andrea and we did hills one of my all time favorites and we were all strong, we ran 6 miles in a little over 9 min miles as our pace.
Yesterday as I was running I realized was how blessed I am to have such wonderful friends and how far we have all come over the last 6 months of our running career and how much we have grown together not only as running partners but more importantly friends and life supporters! I am so blessed to have met so many wonderful people in life and I thank God for all of you everyday. (so after all it is not about the running or working out after all:):)

6 or more????

2009-04-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

Ran on the treadmill, really did not have a plan, just wanted to run. I was called off to teach a class last minute (the advantage of the YMCA of having me there all the time). I forgot to check my mileage before I jumped off to teach, I was guessing around 5 miles. I had to teach spin in the PM so ran another 1.5 miles before class, just to try to get in 6!!! WHATEVER I AM SO COMPULSIVE!!!!!!!!!!

Running Running and more Running

2009-04-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Monday easy 4 on the treadmill!
Tuesday due to weather ran with Jenny on the treadmill we supplemented hills by increasing the incline to #5 for .20 of a mile, this was actually a harder workout than outside hills. Finished up about 8 miles in at about 9:19's!

5 fast miles

2009-04-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

Ran with Stacey this morning!!! It was a great run as she pushes me to go faster than I normally would, our finishing average was about 8:50s and that was only b/c the first mile was hard to get moving. After my vigorous (thanks Stacey) run I had to teach 2 classes at the Y, and I look forward to a day of rest on Easter Sunday:) Happy Easter Everyone!

Speed Work on the Treadmill

2009-04-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

4 miles total in 33 mins. first mile warm up, then 3 miles at 8:00s or a little under. Felt good, could have probably pushed myself a little harder than I did but it was a crazy day and I have to teach 2 hard classes tomorrow and meeting my Saturday running girls before that.

6 1/2 miles on the old stand by

2009-04-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

6 on the treadmil at about 9:10ishs!!! nothing else to report on this run as it was boring.

A Day Off

2009-04-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

OK somewhat of a day off! I had to teach spin class today, but I am pretty sure for me that is a day off in the Cherise category. I am hoping my legs and hips feel rested tomorrow for a nice strong effortless run after today's rest as last week I taught a lot of classes and lots of running miles.

Again Another Catch Up Post

2009-04-07T16:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday I ran a little over 5 miles before teaching class.
Sunday I ran 91/2 with Carin and Andrea, this was a great run, we ran at a steady pace the temp outside was good and we did one of my favorite routes.
Monday met Jenny we did an easy 4 before I had to teach classes. Very windy out!!
Tuesday my favorite hill day!!! Met with Jenny and Andrea did our usual hill route, with the hills we had extra wind to train us for strength today. We actually were pretty fast out there which I did not realize till I down loaded my garmin, another great run, but my legs need a break for sure.

7 Miles with Jenny at the YMCA

2009-04-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Today I met with Jenny for an easy run! :) which makes me happy! We ran 7 miles all around the Y I think our pace was around 9:30ish.
With the heat of the summer vastly approaching I need to drink more water before, during and after running and try to run more early morning runs.

weekly catch-up of post!

2009-04-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Monday ran 2 miles on treadmill and had to teach my Monday classes!!
Tuesday I did Hills with Andrea and Jenny had a great run 6 miles and added an extra 2 with the stroller, the boys wanted to go find pine cones and I could burn a few extra calories.
Wednesday ran the treadmill I did 6, today felt harder than the norm and I was extra sweaty, must be very humid today. I have to teach spin at 4:30 and I am not looking forward to it as I am tired today and I don't feel like getting all sweaty AGAIN.

To Blog or Not to Blog

2009-03-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

So my last 1/2 marathon of the year Stunk!!! I don't even know what my finishing time was, as soon as I saw 1:50 pass by on my watch I had no need to see my finishing time. For some reason this race was hard, very, very hard, I felt tired, my legs were tight and I just wanted to walk, which is so unlike me. I opted not to walk as it would take forever to get back to the finish line and I just wanted to be done with it! For the positive side of this day I did run and I did get in a workout, 14 miles, and I did donate money for Alzheimer's and last but not least I was able to run with all the girls which I love them all dearly.
I will still try to get a sub for next Saturdays class so I can run the iron girl 10k, in which I can hopefully have a better race than today.
Miles for the Week: 43

easy 4 warm up

2009-03-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

nothing to report on this run easy 4 on the treadmill, just getting ready for the race tomorrow, which I am all of the sudden very nervous for!!

7 Miles outside the Y

2009-03-26T11:53:00.000-07:00

Today was going to be a tempo run at the usual spot, but with the boys a little under the weather I asked Jenny to meet me at the Y instead. Lucky for me Jenny's legs were tired today from the non stop of events of the last few weeks in her life and my were tired from yesterdays hills and spin class. We decided just to go out for a mile warm up and see how we felt, when my watch beeped I said "well what are we going to do??", (WISHING she would say lets gets stay at the pace we are at and finish our run, noooo) Jenny said "lets go do one loop (1 mile) around race pace", which ended up 2 laps around (2 miles) race pace. This was holy hard! My legs were pooped out, luckily so were Jenny's! After 2 miles of race pace we were finishing up a few more miles when Jenny got a side stitch! I took her back to her car to rest up the side stitch for Saturdays race and finished with another 2 miles. Average Pace Was: 9:25

Hills - Hills and More Hills

2009-03-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

Miles so far this week: 19
This morning I met up with Jenny and Andrea to do our hill route (which I love)!! We did 6 miles with our average pace showing on my watch of 8:55s it felt hard but good, well except for the last mile in which I was tired. I came home to eat a massive lunch to restore energy for tonight's spin:(ahhhg!!! and maybe speed work on Thursday!!!
Forgot to put in my 3 miles on Tuesday for the week, with the boys being sick this week my mileage has been a bit off so far.

10 Looping Miles

2009-03-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

Today we did 10 miles at Jenny's house as her husband was out of town and she could not leave the kids, so we opted for a loop around her neighbourhood and repeated that loop for 10 miles. Jenny was worried that it would take forever doing the same loop over and over but it actually went by pretty fast and effortless. I forgot to restart my watch at some point so I do not know the splits but felt fast and steady. I think Carin stated that are average was 9:29 or something there abouts.

5 Fast!

2009-03-21T14:49:00.000-07:00

For my usual Saturday Run I meet with Jodi, but she was racing this morning so I ended up running with another friend (who insisted she was not that fast), she wanted to run 4 miles, no problem, I will never turn down a running partner! After the first mile I looked down to see a 9:10 split! The next mile a 8:49 and each mile preceded to get faster with a finish of 8:10 split. It was a nice run and I was glad to have a running partner to push me along on a morning I thought I would be by myself.
miles for the week:32

Whatever It was Day?????

2009-03-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Met Jenny at Starkey Park for speed work!! Jenny did amazing and I am JEALOUS, in a good sort of way. For me I don't really know what I did, I don't even really know how many miles to log as I walked so much without even much speed work entwined! So I am going to put down 5 miles for the day with a bit of speed work mixed in and a lot of walking added to the whatever it was. I hope next week this will be a bit better of a speed workout for me with some type of purpose and plan, instead of just depending on Jenny and her capability's. (and if all this sounds confusing it was and is)! Great Job Jenny and good luck to everyone running Armadillo Saturday!

5 Miles on the Treadmill

2009-03-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

I was going to get up early to run but after yesterdays workouts I opted to run easy on the treadmill. A little over 5 miles at 9:30s and faster, just caught up with the idle YMCA chit chat!! Teach spin this afternoon!!!

Early 7.5

2009-03-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

I got up Early to run this morning I did my 7.5 mile loop with avg pace of 9:03s! Felt good just so darn dark outside for so long!

Perfect Sunday Run

2009-03-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

The weather was PERFECT this morning I could have gone forever, I felt great the conversations were great all in all great 9 miles for me! Average Pace was 9:37.

Catch up for the week

2009-03-14T10:05:00.000-07:00

Thursday I ran 7 outside avg pace 0f 9:20s not a great run!
Friday I did the treadmill for 8 miles with running and walking maybe I ran 5 ish and finished with walking.
Saturday I met with Jodi and she did awesome. We ran 5 with avg pace of 9:30, she has great speed and would make a great 5ker girl!
35 miles for the week!

4 miles on slight hill

2009-03-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

Had to teach a class this morning so I only had time for 4 miles I added a slightly higher incline than the usual and kept the pace at 9:20s. I intend to run 8 miles on Thursday to make up for the shorter runs so far this week.

5 miles then Disney World

2009-03-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

Did 5 miles at 5am, pace was at 9:20s!!! Felt good! found a sub for my class the dayof Chasco race so the last 1/2 marathon is on. My goal will be get under 1:50, therefore I will be working on speed for the next few weeks along with the hill runs as well.

9 Miles

2009-03-08T05:54:00.000-07:00

This morning I ran around my house as no one was able to run at the usual spot. I did 9 miles at average pace of 9:17s. The weather was perfect just a bit darker today for a longer period of time due to time change. Nothing else to report!

The Great 5 Miles

2009-03-07T09:58:00.000-08:00

It has been a long while since I last ran by myself outside!!! This morning was great, I love running with everyone but every once in awhile it is good just to go out get in your groove and just think about nothing. My Splits were under 9s and felt good! and I was super lucky with the early sunrise so when I started at 7 it was already light out (it feels a bit safer anyways). Looking forward to running with Carin and whoever else cares to join us tomorrow. Good lucky Disney group!!!
Miles for the week were 28 a bit lower the last 2 weeks with the extra classes and the 1/2 marathon last weekend.

Not to much to report!

2009-03-06T17:11:00.000-08:00

No run again today:( After yesterdays workouts, my lower back is killing me I am hoping just a bit tight from drills, as I have never really had any back pain before. I did 45 mins on the precore nice and easy and that is it, I tried to just rest today to get my back in order. Looking forward to running on Sat and Sunday!!!

GI Drills Thursday

2009-03-05T13:09:00.000-08:00

At 5:30AM I had to sub a GI drills class for a friend who has helped me out many of times so the favor was past due, but 5:30:( am I crazy did I not already get up at 4am this week!!!), I was planning on running before class started but I made the excuse it was to cold so I opted to stay in the Y and do the precore for 30mins easy!! As it turns out I am happy not to have run as class ended up being a bit challenging on the old legs and I still have to teach another class this evening, my legs should be nice and strong after this week.
So another day without a run this week, my miles I liked to be achieving are not happening, but I hope next week I will be back to the swing of things and as I said I not being a bum just getting some cross training in.

Tuesday Outside 6

2009-03-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

Met with Jenny outside the Y today for any easy 6, well, what was supposed to be easy I was thinking 10 min miles would be nice, oh no! not with Jenny 9:15 were good:) In all honesty it was good, my legs felt and still feel very sore, but running with Jenny is always fun! As for my legs I think teaching on Monday morning was not a great choice on my part as I felt fine up until then, but no worries.
Wednesday I ran on the treadmill 4 miles and 30 mins on the precore, in the evening I taught my spin class, not to hard of a class today as I just need a bit of rest. I will be teaching at 5:30am on Thursday so rest does not look like an option at this point!

Gasparilla 1/2 marathon (WINDY)

2009-03-01T10:53:00.000-08:00

Getting up at 4am is so much fun, especially when rain is in the forecast for race day, but rain or shine Jenny and I were going to show up! Race time started at 6am without any rain so far but it was still in the forecast for later in the run as the race directors warned us. We started with a marathon pacer for 8:24 min miles which is around the time we wanted to stay at, she was very good at keeping us on pace as we were at 8:17s ish till she left us with her marathon pack. That's when the run became fun OK not fun HARD straight wind for 3 miles I am not talking light wind I am talking 20 to 30 mile hour straight continues gust! I wanted to walk but realized that would even take longer to finish, so running it was almost 9 min miles, slowing down 45 seconds per mile. Thankfully we turned around for the last 3 miles to finish up going back down to low 8's! The last .20 mile is when I hit the rain, how lucky could I get! Not so lucky for the people behind me or the marathoners who had to endure not only wind but now rain on top of it, just another reason not to run marathons.
Final clock time was 1:51.58
.

easy 6 on the treadmil

2009-02-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

nothing else to report the title says it all.
teach spin and body flex tonight. i am going to be pooped out:)

Tuesday Hills

2009-02-24T08:53:00.000-08:00

I have come to love this Tuesday Hills Drills Day! Today it was Jenny, Andrea and Kathrine we did a little over 6 miles at average pace of 8:59 with Hills. The weather was perfect I can only hope it is so nice on Sunday, which I am really looking forward to as even Andrea is running the 1/2 marathon which the more the merrier in my mind.
Today when picking up my kids from Andreas house they were decked out as a Power Ranger and Robin/Peter Pan, this is working out great with the kids! Thanks again Andrea and the clan for watching the boys!

Easy Monday

2009-02-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

Today my legs are thanking me for a nice easy morning!! I did 30 mins easy on the precore (great for the hips) and then taught my classes which are more fun than then they are exercising. Would like to get some core strenght in today if I have time!

12 Miler

2009-02-22T17:53:00.001-08:00

I was back to my Sunday long run today as I missed last Sunday and never did get a chance to make it up during the week although the mileage stayed up, it just took running everyday (that stinks)! I cant wait for tomorrow to have a break from running.
We did 12 miles this morning are splits I think were fairly good as I felt strong. I can tell you as I am writing this after my shift at Outback my legs are done tired turkeys and the thought of teaching in the morning does not seem pleasing.
I cant wait for the 1/2 marathon next week, just to see if the speed work and long miles will pay off!

Body Flex Super Charged

2009-02-21T07:52:00.001-08:00

Miles for the week 36, considering I missed out on Sundays long run I am happy with this number, my hips are begging to differ.
Today I ran with Jodi we did 4 miles at about 9:45ish then I taught Body Flex which they have now renamed Super Charged. I think it was the coffee after the run that put me on fire. So great workout this morning! I found someone to cover my next Saturday class, which will be the 1st time that I take a day off before the 1/2 marathon, I am hoping this will give my legs the extra boost they need to get a better time for the 1/2:)

speed work (kind of)

2009-02-20T08:50:00.000-08:00

It is amazing how one day you can feel so tired and the next day you feel great! i decided to do speed work on the treadmill today to make up for yesterday. I did a mile warm up at 9:30 then started speed work.
1st mile at 8:10 min mile incline 1. (b/c of treadmill it seemed to easy compared to outside)
2nd mile at 8 min mile (quick bathroom break the one luxury of the treadmill)
miles 3, 4, and 5 I did in 23:50 Min's. it sounds like it was great but in all reality after doing speed work outside this felt much to easy. Don't get me wrong I worked hard but it just did not have the same feeling as outside. You have the wind, sun, humidity and uneven grounds to conquer.

Wind Training

2009-02-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

Today was supposed to be a speed work day, the last few weeks Jenny and I have done this together but today on her birthday her son was sick:( so it was left for me to do by myself. I did not have it in me at all!!! no excuses at all just could not, my legs were toast I could not even get myself to get nine min miles or even close. I did 7 miles (barley) at around 9:45 min pace in the wind at every direction, which is actually good race day practice as you never know what you are going to get that race day. Pretty pathetic. but I ran and that is all that matters.

7 miles on the deadmill

2009-02-18T11:30:00.000-08:00

nothing to much to report 7 miles at 9:30ish min miles.

Hills

2009-02-17T09:40:00.000-08:00

7 miles at 9:04 pace (with hills :):)) Met with Jenny and her friend Andrea it was a great run so nice outside and the company was a pleasure. Andreas four kids were a great help with watching my boys! and my boys had a blast! anytime they come home with treasure maps and swords it was bound to be a good time! Thank you Everyone cant wait for next week.

make up for a lost sunday

2009-02-16T11:47:00.000-08:00

Due to a long long day on Saturday I missed my long run on Sunday and I cant tell you how bummed I am about the whole situation but my legs were happy for a day off. I was planning on getting up early on Monday but my husband decided to workout early and when he wants to work out I am happy to let him go first.
I ended up running 4 before my classes started at 9 min miles, my legs still felt a little tired from Saturday so I was happy for not having a long run this morning, it all worked out.
I will try again for a long run on Tuesday.

Running with Jodi

2009-02-14T07:11:00.000-08:00

On Saturday I meet with Jodi and anyone else who wants to join and we run 5 miles it is a slower pace for me, but it is nice to just to take it easy and chat and enjoy the nature around us. I follow our run with teaching body flex and by the end of the morning my legs are toast.
Total Miles this Week are 32.5! I would like to get it to around 35 for the week but in 5 runs. One distance day, one speed day, two longer easy days and one day with adding speed every mile.
Happy Valentines Day Everyone!!!

easy day

2009-02-13T10:53:00.000-08:00

No running today as my legs are killing me! Took a class in Spring Hill!

3 Mile Tempo

2009-02-12T19:35:00.000-08:00

Meet up with Jenny for a tempo run, we did 1 mile warm up then 3 miles at 8:05 with 2 miles warm down! It was supposed to be 4 miles but I was happy to make the 3 miles at 8:05 I feel I will get stronger each week and just to keep working on speed! Thanks Jenny for a great run!!

The Treadmill Running Life!

2009-02-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

Monday nice easy recovery day!!
Tuesday 6 1/2 miles slight hill on the treadmill at about a 9:20 pace
Wed easy 4 miles at 9:40s with 30 mins on the precore to stretch out the hips! Teaching Spin at 4:30 that should be more than enough for one day.
Looking forward to speed work with Jenny on Thursday!

Long Run Sunday!! 11 Miles

2009-02-08T18:15:00.001-08:00

With just a small group in tow today we headed to the usual spot, usual time for an usual 11 miles!! I can tell you I did not feel like running today but knowing my head with explode with madness if I did not get out of bed, I hate missing all the fun! and really once you are up out of bed, it is all down hill from there, OK maybe a few uphills, some wind but you catch my drift! It was a great run! the morning was awesome (once it warmed up). Our last few miles were quick which made me happy knowing we can finish so strong! Yes I love to run.

Sunday - Wednesday Miles

2009-01-28T09:20:00.000-08:00

On Sunday it was great to be back with the tech girls we did a nine mile run at the Suncoast Trail, not our usual spot due to boar hunting. It was a very hard run for me that day I could not figure out why, I thought I was tired but I think I may have some chest infection going on as I can't catch my breath and I feel some wheezing going on (who knows). I ran an easy 3 on Monday and Tuesday and today I tried to run 6 miles and it felt hard, way to hard. I am supposed to run speed work with Jenny tomorrow I hope I can hang!!
I signed up for the Gasparilla 1/2 marathon along with Jenny, Catherine and Angela in February so it should be fun to be running with the group again.

SPEED WORK:(

2009-01-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

Taking it easy this week for 2 reasons, mostly b/c the boys have been sick and second b/c my legs were tired from Sundays race those bridges were killers. Even if I did enjoy them in a crazy sort of way.
I met up with Jenny on Thursday for the 1st run of the week and we did a speedy 6.5 miles at a 9 min mile pace. It felt really good to have a running partner for an outside run during the week and we had much to talk about not having run together in a few weeks. Thanks Jenny I really enjoy running with you. As we finished our run and we were inside the Y stretching someone made a comment about speed work and me not keeping up, that comment kind of ate at me for the rest of the day, a bit so much that today was speed work day!!! I did a warm up of 1 mile and 3 miles in 23:56 mins. and a 1/2 mile warm down! Take that!! I am not competitive against anyone but myself but don't tell me I cant Keep up. With that said I will be doing speed work more often and I will signing up for a 5k soon.

Clearwater 1/2 Marathon

2009-01-18T09:30:00.000-08:00

Wow, I actually felt amazing this race despite all the cocktails and the restless sleep prior to the race, the weather was perfect and my husband came to watch which was so nice, thank you. For this race I decided to GU and stop at all the water stops and it amazingly worked out in my benefit, I am so stubborn I should have listen to all of you much sooner. Even with the Bridges it felt good, I felt strong, I could have gone a little faster but was holding out for the bridges making sure I had enough energy to run them strong. I loved having the Garmin being able to see my splits helped out and gave me a bit of encouragement along the way. My final time was 1:53:57 which is great but of course now I want under 1:50:xx!!! Does it ever really stop:)
Mark did an incredible job with making a PR of some crazy time, he is so fast.
Jenny did super getting a PR on the 5 miler, and she just finished a marathon the week before!
I saw a lot of friends everyone did amazing and of course I had lots of fun even with the Bridges.

A Great 10 Miler - January 11

2009-01-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

I have been a terrible blogger, but of course I have still been running I finished a little over 32 miles this last week. Today most of my running girls ran the Disney Marathon and did an amazing job, as I must brag, great job girls I am so proud of you and all your hard work!!! That left Carin and Jodi for me to do my Sunday run with, but neither one were able to make it, that left me all by myself with a choice of a day off or out running by myself (10 miles:( )? So I decided to go for it and run by myself and stay in the hood , I finished 10 in a pace much faster than I would have run my last 2 half marathons in. I felt amazing, I think what made the difference was the GU I took at mile 4, I felt so charged up after the GU kicked in, wow, what was I missing all this time. I did all 10 miles with the average pace of low 9s some even 8s! hey that is great for me especially with being in neighbours hoods with all the turns and traffic to deal with. I cant wait to run the Clearwater 1/2 next Sunday, despite the hills I will have to endure during the race!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009

2009-01-01T09:55:00.000-08:00

We have been so busy with the holidays and work that I have not had time to email, blog, face book, or even relax.... but of course I have made time to run, (this is Cherise we are talking about). For Christmas my husband did get the Garmin for me, and I am having so much fun with it, probably a little to much so.
My old running partner Linda is in town for the week so we meet up for a long run on Sunday, a little over 10 miles. It was so very nice to get a chance to catch up with her and a good challenge as well, as she is a fairly fast runner.
Over the holidays my husband, Mike also decided he was going to start running!:) This is an exciting day in the Dumas household as Mike never has liked to run but knows 40 is just looming around the corner and he needs to get healthy and in shape. His goal is going to be to finish a 1/2 marathon in the next year, with this in mind to encourage him I told him he could get a flat screen t.v on the way home from finishing his 1/2 marathon, I thought it was a pretty good encouragement gift! We will start training in the evenings on the nights I am off of work.
It has been truly a great holiday season, my brother came from Australia, my in-laws from Texas and the kids have been so much fun and such a blessing.
To start the New Year off right I did run today I did a little over 7 miles and it felt great!!! nothing to report about this run just 7.

Starkey 7!!

2008-12-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

I am lucky enough that my in laws are here for the holidays season to see the boys on Christmas morning and all the rest of the excitement, but most of all I get to have a little break from the kids!!! Which is an amazing treat for me, not only can I have peace I can run outside during the day for a change!!! So today I did 7 miles at Starkey Park, it was so relaxing and peaceful, and very windy. On the way out the wind got the best of me on the way back home I got the best of it, and it was great! Nothing else to much report about the run!!! No wild life, not to many people just me and mother nature, which is not such a bad thing every once in awhile.

10 Miles At Starky

2008-12-22T12:09:00.000-08:00

Jenny, Angela, Catherine and I met at our usual spot usual time with unusual weather, it was the thickest fog with warm and cold patches along the way. It was so thick with fog that when Jenny took pictures along the way it looked like we had snow in Tampa, Florida. I ran the first 5 miles out with the girls then turned around to finish my 10 as the girls preceded to run 20 miles, yes 20 miles!!! They are training for a marathon that is just few weeks away, and that was there last 20 miler and my last long run hopefully without a Garmin:) (Mike I hope you read this)
It was a great run! I would have liked to add a few miles onto it but I did not have anyone to run back with and it gets pretty boring after a while.
Have a Merry Christmas Everyone!

I love this time of year!!

2008-12-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

Can I tell everyone how much I love Florida! It is 80 degrees and no humidity, perfect running weather, so with that in mind I finally had a chance to run outside with help from Mike. I only had time for 3 miles, I also had to teach a spin class at 4:30. I realize why all the girls complain about running on the deadmill as they call it, after running outside it can be rather boring on the treadmill. My miles were easy and nothing to much to report except maybe getting away from the kids for a few hours.

6 tough miles

2008-12-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

I think my body was telling me to take a rest today, but as usual I did not listen. I ran 6 on the treadmill and it was tough!! My legs are still sore from 1/2 marathon on Sunday then teaching two classes yesterday, my legs did not want to move. I ran at about a 9:40 pace and I could not go a bit faster if I wanted. I plan on doing a nice good round of stretching tonight after the kids go down and maybe a little yoga, to get those legs ready for Wednesdays long run.

The 1/2athon

2008-12-15T18:14:00.000-08:00

What a Great Race!!! I had so much fun! I felt I could have done better but this just inspires me to run more. At this point I do not even know my official time around a 1:58, for the 1/2 marathon, for my third 1/2 I do see where I need to make improvements, but that's what it is supposed to do right? All the running girls were there and everyone did amazing, maybe not the times some of us hoped for, but that is there own opinion, everyone did great.
It makes me look forward to our Sunday runs even more, I believe that I get to know everyone so much more each time we run and I truly look forward to that. Thank you everyone!! Great Job.

I have to title this Wed - Monday

2008-12-08T17:11:00.000-08:00

Again I have to get used to blogging b/c some people actually read this (not that they care) and are now wondering what I have been doing. I will start with Wed. I did not run but taught a few classes to make up for it. Thurs 4 easy miles I ran. Friday a sick kiddo so a day off, which is few and far in between. On Sat. I had an awesome run with a friend Jodi, we did around 6ish!! The weather was perfect and the rainbows we saw felt like you could run to the pot of gold underneath. On Sunday the Tech Girls and I did 12 miles, some ran a few more for their marathon training, the pace was great and the weather I can only hope for for next Sunday the 1/2 athon, great morning as always. Monday morning I ran an easy 3 taught a few classes and took the rest of the day packing for my week at Disney and baking or shall I say eating Christmas Cookies.

8 miles

2008-12-02T18:10:00.000-08:00

This morning I did 8 on the treadmill, thankfull Lisa was there for 5 to keep me company, the last 3 miles were boring, till the kids are older or I get up super early this is the way it is. I did an average pace of 9:30!

easy peasy 3

2008-12-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

Nothing to much to report 3 miles on the tread about 9:30 average pace. I taught my Monday classes and off I went.

11 miles and counting

2008-11-30T17:20:00.000-08:00

Today I set off to do 12 miles with the Sunday Morning Gals only to finish at 11 instead, I think I am just plain pooped from Thursdays Turkey Trot. (I am come on anyway 11 - 12 at that point whats the difference for one mile) I do not have the splits yet from Jenny, but I feel that we went a decent pace which makes me a little less nervous about the 1/2 athon in just TWO weeks, especially after the Blue Moon last month:(.
I really appreciate the running girls, they are doing so well and have been so consistent with there miles, I mean here I am complaining about 11 and they are doing 20!!! Great Job everyone, look forward to next Sunday.

easy 4 and a body flex class

2008-11-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

Saterday morning I had my usual routine of being at the gym at 7 for a easy run, which I love, it is so peaceful and so beautiful. Then I teach my body flex class which I love teaching. It was a great workout and wonderful run. All ready for Sundays long run, well I hope anyways as my legs are still sore for the Turkey Trot.

I GOT THE MUG!

2008-11-27T09:13:00.000-08:00

After getting the family ready for the Turkey Trot, the shirts on (which were very nice this year) getting our numbers pinned on we were ready. Mike, the boys and my mom and dad did the 1 mile gobbler run the boys did 20 mins this year shaving 2 mins off of there time from last year. I did the 10k I wanted to get under 50 mins, but I missed it by 39 seconds, which was totally fine with me as I forgot about all the hills that I had to endure, I gave it my all. Which in turn I did get my mug:))) and the my family got to see me in action really for the 1st time which made me very proud. The whole family is addicted to this Thanksgiving Tradition of the Turkey Trot, I am telling you I could not be happier with this morning. I am sorry for not getting to see all of my friends finish as so as I crossed the finish line is off to find the family, with crowd I did not want them to stress about finding each other. I hope everyone had a great race and a great experience. Happy Thanksgiving

The Life of the Treadmill

2008-11-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

Today I ran 5 miles on the treadmil, Lisa did the first three miles next to me, soon after she left Carin appeared to finish the last few miles, it went by quick and painless. I am ready for the Turkey Trot!!!

Slacker Sunday

2008-11-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to run a long run on Sunday, but just to darn tired from a long week I felt I needed a break on Sunday. Today Monday I ran 61/2 in the morning I another 31/2 in the PM I have to make up Sundays long run and the only way to get it in is to split it in 2 runs. I ran the morning run with some speed work entwined I did 2 miles at sub 8s and the rest at 9s. It felt great!!! I think having the day off helped, not that it was much of a day off as we put up the Christmas decorations, I love the holidays!!!

all in 24 hours

2008-11-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

The worst part of teaching exercise classes is the constant pain you are in from teaching the BEST part of teaching is that you have to work out even when you are not in the mood :) Yesterday the kids were still so sick so I was unable to get to the gym till the evening when I had to teach a spin class, a very hard spin class, I must add in. We all know sometimes getting to the gym is the hardest part but once there you can go forever, so after spin I ran an easy 2 miles and did a few weights, I felt much better after I worked out as we mostly do! As I was leaving the gym I was asked to sub a class for today, it was going to be a challenge as I have never taught this class, but hey life is short go for it, is my theory. It was a good class but my legs were pooped,and I still had my sprint run to get in and to prep for tonight's class. I only ended up running 4 miles without the speed drills, I will run a few extra miles tonight before I teach again just to get my miles in for the week! Then again maybe I will just teach my class and call it a day:)

Sick Kids Happen

2008-11-19T09:53:00.000-08:00

Tuesday Morning I met with Jenny as she was gracious enough to get up early to come run with me as my kids are sick, and we all know what that means, no kids gym!!! We ran 6 1/2 miles at a pace quick enough to keep us warm and toasty on a cold morning. I actually really enjoy running early in the morning, for two reasons 1st off just to have it done for the day and 2nd because it is so beautiful in the early day with the sunrise the color of the sky, the fog over the grasses, hearing to birds wake up. All this really makes me appreciate my life and what I have been given a chance to see and do, to meet new people everyday, learn new things, have new opportunities. I think my life is pretty amazing!

Long Run Sunday

2008-11-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

Today I ran 10 miles with the girls, it was a tough run for me today, my legs are tired and sore from 2 long nights of waitressing and a body flex class yesterday that had the whole class screaming in pain:) I actually was not planing on running today but I was up at 5AM so I thought "what the heck I am already up, guess I will run." Cathrine and Angela were my running partners today and they were both very strong, I was the whiner in the group (sorry girls), I am not used to feeling so sluggish, but I made it through my 10 and hope to feel better next Sunday (life happens).
Thanks girls for the great run!!! I had fun and I enjoy your company!

Arc Trainer Day

2008-11-14T10:36:00.000-08:00

I ran quite a bit this week, tomorrow I will run another 5ish and Sunday whatever the girls are running so I did around 70 mins on the arc trainer to substitute. I had a good sweat going without the extra pounding on the knees!!! Hopefully I burned enough calories to wear off the Ice Cream Cone that I had yesterday:)

Speed Work

2008-11-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

Jenny has been a great inspiration to me, so with her doing all this speed work I decided I should give it a try, as she is getting so much faster and stronger! I did a total of 7 miles today with 3 fast miles the 1st at 8:16 and the second 2 miles at 8 evens, it was hard, very hard, I thought I was going to be sick I kept looking at the garbage can next to me hoping just hold it in long enough to finish the set. I did finish and did not get sick, but I was thankful for the garbage can as it said no worries I am right here if you need me!!!
So this makes me even more proud of Jenny as it was this speed work was very hard and she is religious about her speed work, I cant say I want to do it again anytime soon, but I am sure I will.
So thank you Jenny!!! You are doing amazing. Our goal under 50 mins for the 10k and a mug for the turkey trot!!!!

Wed Nov 12th

2008-11-12T12:45:00.000-08:00

I am so bad at remembering to get on this site and write about what I have done. I am supposed to writing all this info down so I can go back and see what I did in the past, well I am obviously not doing so well.
Lets start with Sunday meet the group at 6am and it was so cold! 3 of the girls were doing 20 Carin and I opted for 11 as we are not training for a marathon. It was a great run the weather turned out being very nice as we finished up. Carin and her coffee keep my mind off of running.
On Monday I had to teach a few classes so I did 3 1/2 easy miles just to stretch out and get in gear for classes. Nothing to much to report on this.
Tuesday I had to sub a GI class at 5:30 AM yes I typed that correctly AM. I am still so sore from this class you have no idea how much my legs are killing me! No run that day as I think my legs will never run again.
Wednesday my legs still do not feel better but I go for a 7 mile run early early again as the kids are sick and will not get out for the day. Nothing to much to report about this run except the weather was fairly warm compared to the last few weeks.
I hope to get some speed work in this week and a nice long run in again on Sunday.

Still Here

2008-11-08T11:51:00.000-08:00

After teaching quite a few classes this week my legs are pretty shot!!! I actually took a few days off of running this week in hopes of them feeling a little better, but the classes kept coming and did not offer much rest for the weary. I did do an easy 5 mile run this morning before teaching body flex with hopes of stretching the hamstrings out a little. With 12 miles for tomorrows Sunday run I best get stretching a little more as my morning workout did not help matters at all.

Obama Wins

2008-11-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today we all find out Obama wins, what did I do Speed Work, life carries on. Ran 2 easy with 2 at 8mpm pace. Finished with I roughly 1 more easy mile I have 2 classes to teach tonight, I needed to rest my legs up. Nothing else to much to report on my agenda.

Election Day Tuesday Nov 4th

2008-11-04T08:55:00.000-08:00

After a long long long long day at Disney on Monday my quads have not really recovered from Sundays mess of a run, but I needed to run as it is my medicine in life. So I did what was supposed to be an easy 6 to a quick 7 miles around a 9min pace I am guessing (I need a garmin!)I felt good my legs feel better and I feel better, isn't that what is all about anyway? I LOVE to RUN!!!!!!!!!
Time to go vote

Sunday Novermber 2nd - The Blue Moon 1/2

2008-11-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

I wish I had good news for everyone, but I don't I finished with a 2:00:55:( At least I finished is the positive of this race! My morning started with an upset belly, getting lost on the way there, not being on the check-in list and rain. I finally found the park which was a different location from last year and the rain ceased, to make for a beautiful morning, and it was an easy fix to put me on the race list, but unfortunately the belly was still not so happy. I have no idea what I ate yesterday that did not agree with me, but whatever it was I should not have eaten it, as it got the best of me. With all that being said the race was much better this year than last, the location and run course was very nice, you did not have to pass the finish line at mile 12 to run more half mile out and in, which was cruel blow last year. The shirts were very nice, the food was better, all in all I would recommend the Blue Moon for next year. Thanks Running Co!
I will sign up for the 1/2 in December with the girls just to prove to myself that I can beat my time of last year 1:57 as I am so disappointed with myself.

November 1st

2008-11-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the Big 1/2 Day!!! I am very excited I am just going with the attidude of have fun and run, that is what is all about anyway, Right???
For todays workout I had to teach body flex early so I did a little pre core as I feel it stretchs the legs out, I feel good cant wait to run. Anyone going to join me????

Friday Oct 31st Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T06:00:00.001-07:00

I started my morning early!!! 5Am to be exact! I did a spin class at a fairly easy pace and finished off with 20 mins on the pre core machine. I felt very good with my workout this morning so I am starting to look forward to Sundays Race. Not to much else to report with my workout at 5 am I was not all that much awake to pay attention to much.

For Jenny

2008-10-30T12:24:00.000-07:00

I have been lazy about blogging (sorry Jenny), but I promise not about working out or running. I have not put in a long run since last blog about my 9 or so miles. I have put in about 25 plus miles running in over the course of the last week along with a what feels like a million classes. I did sign up for the 1/2 blue moon on Sunday the 2nd, which I am a little nervous about, but I paid so I will be there rain or shine. Jenny I promise I will keep my blogging more updated from know on.
As far as working out today I will do the pre core for about 30 mins then I am going to teach Pilate's and a 30 min sculpt. Hope to see some of you there.

Wed October 22nd 9miles give or take

2008-10-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have just one of those days when you don't know your left from your right? You forget everything? Your kids wet two beds in one night, just when you finished all the laundry the night before? You go to Wal Mart without a Credit Card or Check? Yes this is my day today!!! Even my mom, my own mother told me I should have been born blond.
I went to the gym to Run on the treadmill, teach a class on send my youngest to arts and crafts class. As I finally have the rest of the morning all organized I start my run nice and easy just a little pre class warm up, when I see the instructor setting up the class I am supposed to teach. Comes to find out I don't teach till next week (I am telling you it sums up my morning). So I finished up about 5 miles there then headed outside with a group of girls for about 4 or so more miles. The weather is so great right now as I hope it stays for the rest of the winter.
So as for speed, I have no idea, miles a rough guess, but for me I am just glad the morning is over and I am able to run again.

Tuesday Oct 21st easy 6

2008-10-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Went outside for an easy 6 as the weather is so great. My shin felt great, my right leg still a bit tight but with a good stretch a short walk a little later today I think is should be back to par!!! AS I do not have a Garmin I do not know my splits nor do I really know my excat mileage as I just go by 10 min miles and just hope I hit 6 miles. Exactly the reason I have determined I would love a Garmin from Santa this year!!!

Monday Oct 20th

2008-10-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

My legs feel great, my shin does not hurt at all!!! I don't believe it myself!! I decided not to run any today just to make sure the pain does not come back. I did 45 mins easy on the pre core machine and taught two classes. Enough for me after a nice long run, but I have to admit I can't wait to run tomorrow.

Sunday October 19th 13 miles

2008-10-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Talk about amazing weather!!!! Great Company!!! Life is good, well almost still very very sore but hey I ran the 13 and that is all that matters! I hope by next Sunday I can get a feel good run in, if not I will postpone the 1/2 Marathon for a later date I don't want to waste $50 on a poopy run time. Thanks girls for a good run!!!

Sat Oct 25th

2008-10-18T09:22:00.000-07:00

Did a two mile run with my shin just feeling ok (I am so depressed) I thought I better lay low so I can do the long run on Sunday. I had to teach Body Flex again and did an extra 20 on the precore.

Friday

2008-10-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

Easy 3 mile run. Taught a Body Flex Class. My shin is still not great.

wed Oct 15th

2008-10-16T10:06:00.000-07:00

1 hour on the pre core machine! my morning looked promising as my shin started feeling better. than i had to teach spin and low and behold my shin started killing me. i went home to ice and ibuprofen it. It felt a little better afterwards. I just want to run.

Tuesday Oct 14th

2008-10-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

AGAIN no running, I did a hard hour and fifteen on the precore machine but just not the same as a good run. One more day of rest to go I HOPE.

Monday October 13th

2008-10-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

My Shin is still in need of resting. I just taught my 2 classes and did some light cardio for the day. I am really really hoping by Thursday I can get a run in as my legs are aching to go. I will take it one day at a time as it could be much worse.

Sunday October 12th

2008-10-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

This morning I met the girls at 6:15am for what should have been a great run, but instead ended up having the 1st horrible run in a long long time. I have a shin splint! I finally decided to run a half Marathon in a few weeks and I get a sticken Shin Splint of all things. I ended up with 9 miles instead of the 14 I was hoping to run, hopefully by next week things will feel better.