35 Minutes Mostly Walking

I had every intention of running intervals this morning, but only lasted for about 10 minutes before my right foot started hurting. Yesterday, while I was cleaning off some shelves, I dropped a load of books (some hardback) on my foot. I iced it for about 30 minutes, but my big toe is black and blue. It doesn't hurt to walk, but it sure hurts to run. I'm hoping it won't keep me from running at this Saturday's Impact a Hero race at Lost Creek Park.

Memorial Day

I decided that I really needed to get with the program so I headed to Oyster Creek Park. On my way there I spotted Bob walking down Austin Parkway, so I flagged him down and joined him. He had already done a mile by the time we connected. We walked over to Town Square, went up and down the parking ramp, checked out the Memorial Day celebration that was about to begin and then went back down to Lexington. A storm rolled in, the temperature dropped and it rained pretty hard for about 10 minutes. All in all I walked about 5 miles by the time I got back to my car. Even though I didn't run any today, I feel like I got a good work-out.

Astros Race for the Pennant

Me & Bob With the Astros Mascots

This morning Bob and I went downtown for the Astros 5K race. It started at 7:45am and although there were a few spots where there was a nice breeze, it was really hot. I decided to leave my fanny pack behind today since it weighs about 5 pounds with my new phone and a full bottle of water. I wore my racing shorts, so I stuffed what I could in them. I didn't want to have to carry my water, so I made the mistake of depending on the water stations which were few and far between. By the time I got to the finish "chute" I felt really light headed. The last .2 miles were down a dark ramp and around onto the ball field. It was a very eerie feeling, especially since I felt the way I did. My time was 39:49, better than last week's 39:55, but still over my PR of 39:42:7 at the Sienna 5K.

Me & Bob After the Race

Another 40 Minutes

I was able to get out fairly early today while it was still coolish. I ran 60/85 intervals after a 5 minute warm-up. Tomorrow is an off day and then the Astros 5k downtown on Saturday.

60/85 Again for 40 Minutes

This morning I was able to get out before it got really hot. In fact there was a slight, almost cool breeze. I did the same intervals as yesterday for 40 minutes. Even though I've broken in my new Asics 2110's, I decided to try my old 2100's and they actually felt better. Tomorrow is a rest day.

60/85

I decided to work towards shortening my walking time, but keeping the running part at 1 minute for now. I cut back 5 seconds which doesn't seem like much, but I've found that baby steps work best for me.
I got out later than I had intended, and the heat and this past week's extra eating caught up with me. I was totally spent after 50 minutes. I am back on track and eating sensibly after a week-long Birthday celebration.

Eclipse 5K

Jannelle & Bob before the Race

The Eclipse 5K turned out to be a small race - just under 70 participants. The skies were clear and it was pretty hot by the time the race started at 8:10am. The course was the same as the First Freedom 5K, starting and ending at Lost Creek Park. My time today was 39:47, just a few seconds longer than the Sienna 5K. I'm hoping to do a bit better this coming weekend at the Astros race downtown.

Jannelle, Monica, Me & Bob after the race

Me and fellow Houston Running Blogger Steve after the Race

65 Minutes of 60/90 Intervals

I wasn't able to get out today until lunchtime and although it was pretty hot, it wasn't too bad as I tried to stay in the shade as much as possible. My regular Monday, Tuesday and Thursday schedule got off track with this past Sunday's run. Since my IT band has been tugging I wanted to rest in between trainings, so I skipped Monday and went out on Tuesday. I did double duty today so that I could rest before the Eclipse 5K on Saturday. After a 5 minute warm-up, it was 60/90 intervals for 60 minutes.

35 Minutes 60/90 Intervals

The weather was great once again and I took full advantage. I increased by running time from 55 seconds to one minute. After a 5 minute warm-up, I ran intervals for 30 minutes. I started feeling a little bit of a tug at my IT band. This seems to happen every time my running time is increased. I'm going to take a break tomorrow and do double time on Thursday in order to give my muscles a rest.

I'm trying to decide if I'm going to sign up for the Eclipse 5K this Saturday, a fundraiser for the local soccer team. It's in First Colony and goes through Lost Creek park.

6.25 Miles in the Park

This morning I decided to do my workout at Oyster Creek park. It was pretty breezy, but warming up when I got there at 9:00am. There were quite a few people out and I found it to be a nice change of pace. I forgot that the leg of the trail to the right was only .75 miles. When I hit Dulles and turned back, I took the whole Oyster Creek trail to the end for another 2.25 miles. When I got back to where I started I thought I just needed another mile to complete my six, so I went back down the first leg for a half mile and as I was headed back I realized I would come up short, so I turned around, did another quarter mile and then came back in. I could have just come back to the start and continued for another quarter mile, but there was a group by the fountain taking pictures and I didn't want to have to navigate around them a second time. When all was said and done, I had added an extra quarter mile which was fine. I had run 55/90 intervals after a 10 minute warm-up and then walked in the last half mile. I really enjoyed watching the wildlife which included several rabbits, two male cardinals in their crimson glory and two cats. I was on the look-out for alligators, but was glad that I didn't see any.

Great Weather Again - But it's Warming Up

I was glad to be able to take advantage of what will probably be our last "cool" day of the season. It was late morning when I got out, but there was still a little chill in the air. It's amazing what a difference the weather makes. I did 55/90 intervals again for 35 minutes. Getting 6 miles in the weekend is going to be my challenge. I won't be able to train until Sunday. We're going to Mother's Day Brunch and I know if I don't run first that I'll never make it out. If this is the only problem I have to deal with then life is good!

Fabulous Weather II

If only every day could be this beautiful! I managed to get out early - 6:30am and the weather was magnificent. It was really cool and dry. I ran intervals of 55/90 again for 35 minutes. I could have stayed out for a really long time, but I had appointments.

55/90 Intervals for 30 minutes

Well, I've added some carbs back into my diet and it seemed to help. I didn't get out until this evening. The air was really smoggy thanks to the burning fires in Mexico. I pushed my intervals to 55 seconds. I ran them for 30 minutes in between a 5 minute warm-up and cool down.

6 Miles on Sunday

FBF was scheduled to meet at Brazos Bend park yesterday for a pre-season get-together and run. But as luck would have it, a horrible thunder and lightening storm hit and the event was cancelled. I decided to wait until today to run, so I went out in the morning and after a 5 minute warm-up did 50/90 intervals for the first 3 miles. I became really tired at mile three so I decided to walk the last three back. It's obvious to me that a low carb diet and running don't mix. I'm going to have to add some carbs back in so this doesn't happen again.

30 Minutes

The weather wasn't too bad this morning, although the temperature was rising. I did my typical 5 minute warm-up and then intervals for 25 minutes.

I started back on the elimination diet and it's really zapping my energy. I was trying to take advantage of the fact that I don't have another race until the Astros' 5K on the 27th, drop a few pounds and get back on track. This time I'm eating oatmeal for breakfast, but it's still not really enough carbs to keep me going. I'm going to have to find a happy medium.

30 minutes 50/90 Intervals

I've started reading Jeff Galloway's book, "Testing Yourself," which is designed to help you increase your speed through various exercises. I'll try it out next week, but in the meantime I'm back to 50/90 intervals. It was pretty hot by the time I got outside around 10:00am, but unless I venture out in the dark, Tuesdays are difficult. I'm feeling a bit of a pull in my left leg, so I'm glad tomorrow is an off day. I'll rest again tomorrow and go at it again on Thursday.

Early Evening Stroll

Since I did the 10K yesterday, today should have been a rest day, but I felt the need to get out anyway. So I walked briskly for 30 minutes and enjoyed the breezy weather.