Wonderful Wednesday

Today was absolutely beautiful out! The sun was shining, the air was crisp, and best of all, I felt great! 

Today I ran 6 miles. I have been running this same route for the past few weeks, because I know the distance of the trail and it makes it easier for me. However, I know it is important to not get complacent in my runs. So, today I mixed it up. As I have said before, I use the MapMyRun app on my phone, so I can periodically check to see how far I have run. 

I was able to run 6 miles in 52:37 mins, which is an 8:42 min/mile. I was really happy with that. And, like I said before, I felt really good. I wish the weather would stay like this forever. It was so nice out. I didn't wear too many layers, so I wasn't too hot or too cold. Towards the end, I really picked up my pace to challenge myself, but I don’t think I will be able to do that on Saturday when I run 12 miles. I might be on empty by the end of that run. 

I have looked a little into what I should be eating before my runs, because this past week, I was getting cramps and not feeling so hot in the middle of my running. I found that eating bagels with peanut butter and drinking a glass of orange juice is good, so I tried it and it has been pretty good so far. On Saturday, I think I am going to bring an energy bar along with me, just as a supplement in case. 

Tomorrow is a 3 mile run, so it should be easy :D

Here is a picture that I was able to snap of myself in action!!

Until the next run, 

cody! 

Too-Windy Tuesday

So today, I woke up and decided that it was indeed too windy to run outside. I know that I am trying to maintain consistency, but I also don't want to get swept away and lost foreverrrrrr!

Today started off as usual with my 3 miles. Obviously I ran on the treadmill. My goal for when I am running is to have a pace within 8 minutes. I know for longer runs, it is more difficult, but if I don't have a goal, then I think I would always keep a slower pace. So, anywho, I ran at 7 mph which is a 8:34 min per mile pace. One reason I hate running inside at LA Fitness is because it feels like they keep the heat on in that place, so when I am done, I am literally drenched in sweat. Which actually makes me feel like I am having a better workout, but I guess there really is no pleasing me.

Tomorrow is 6 miles. I hope to get up early and knock it out of the park :D I think I am going to work out after. Oh, update. Running is good for several things 1. the obvious physical aspect 2. the obvious health aspect but one of the best is 3. the mental aspect. Running has really allowed me to meditate to myself, clear my head and allow me to think. In doing so, I have clarified what my length descriptions are. ANything over 7 miles I am deeming as a "long run" and anything under is a "short run". I can finish 7 miles in about an hour, so this week is a "short run" week until Saturday... 12 MILES!!! Im totally ready for it too!

Thanks again to all who have been reading this. I am glad to be sharing my experiences with you, shout out to Michelle!! Now, get off the computer and go run!!!

Until the next run,
cody!

running update

Ok, so sorry for the delay on the post. Like running, blogging is something I am still new with and trying to get comfortable with.

Anywho... here is a recap of the past weekend and up to now.

On Saturday I had my 10 mile run. I was both excited about the challenge but nervous about the outcome. I started my run and was feeling pretty good. I got to about the 2.3o mile mark and I stared to not feel so hot. I had eaten some food to fill my stomach earlier in the morning, but this was a feeling like I had no energy. I was not too happy seeing as how I had basically just started my run. I made it to about 2.80 miles when I started on my second trail, and decided the best thing to do was walk it off. I was hoping that this would help, I could collect my thoughts and move on. Of course I didn't have any protein bar of anything of substance. The brief thought of if I really did need to eat somethings was... GRASS... haha I know, ridiculous!! Good news, it did NOT come to that. I decided to challenge myself again, and at mile 3, I tried to run again. This time I felt good. I guess I needed that little break to collect myself and get back on track. I was still pretty angry with myself about having to walk. During this time, I realized how much of a mental sport this is. I started to think positively and it actually worked. I had someone behind me running and he was gaining on me. I told myself that it is ok if he passes me, and that helped me keep a good pace. He didn't pass me :D

So, it was reallly windy on Saturday, so I had that to deal with. It is really only bad when there are no trees and you are just running on a path. But that is when I really dig deep and try to keep my solid pace, because when I get to an area of no wind, it is that much easier.

Towards the end of my run, I was feeling pretty good, endurance wise. My legs however, were really tight and I knew that I was pushing them to their limit. I have started to incorporate leg squats with weights into my normal work out to try and help build that muscle. Also, my toes were killing me. It wasn't until after my run, and when I was taking my shoes off that I noticed I actually had blisters on my big toes. EEK! I figured it was from not only my shoes, but the distance my feet weren't used to and the way that I run. I am going to look into specialty shoes eventually and maybe that will help.

My stats for the run are as follows : 10miles, 1:31:02 hours, 1375 calories burnt, 9:05 mins/mile. I have to say that with all the setbacks I encountered, I am really pleased with myself. That is the longest and furthest I have ever run! GO ME!

This week has been my normal short runs. 3-5 miles. I am really working hard to get better timing when I run these distances. Today I ran 5 miles in about 40 minutes. I am trying to increase my minutes per mile so that my long runs I can run slower and longer. I am feeling good about my training, and doing my best to stay positive. Tomorrow is 3 miles and Saturday is 7.

Until the next run,
cody!

Week 5

So, today started week 5 of my training. I want to start by thanking those of you who are following my blog, and shout-out to my cousin Stephanie for following me :D!!!!

Today was a 3 mile run. I have been looking into doing some 5k's in the next few weeks to get me into racing mode and change up the monotony of training. Today I tried to train like I was running a 5 k. I did 3.19 miles in about 26 minutes. It isn't the best, but it is fine. I think if you add the added challenge of racing, adrenaline would kick in a I could have a  fast time.

The rest of my week looks as follows: 3 (today), 5, 3, rest, 10, cross. Should be a pretty good week. Seeing as how I am basically unemployed and now have nowhere to be in the morning, I can sleep in a little bit more and so running outside would be a little easier if it is warmer out. Besides the wind, and the actual fact of keeping a good pace, one of the hardest things to do when I run outside is to not stop and pet/ play with all the dogs I see being walked. There was a big, but very cute dog today that I waved to. It was hard to run past him. :D But it is ok, because I have Okie to come home to. Well, that's it.

Until the next run,
cody!

i can do it... I CAN DO IT!!!

Well, Winter is here, and man is it letting us know. This week I ran both inside and out. I found out this week that I do prefer to run outside. I ran 4 miles on the treadmill inside LA Fitness, and felt like I was going to die. It was soooo hot in there. The nice thing about running outside is that, yes. It is cold at first and you want to turn around and go back to your warmth, but once you get running and have your layers on, it is enjoyable. And the eventual sweat keeps you cooled as you run in the crisp wind.

On Thursday though, I ran outside, in 32* weather, and felt as if I were going to die. It was sooo cold. Somehow, I got past that and did my 3 miles. I didn't map it, so I'm not sure if the cold made me run faster or slower.

Today was my long run day.... 9 miles!! I am soo proud of myself for being able to run that far. It is now the farthest/ longest I have ever run. I ran it in 1:23:45. Is was under my intended time of 1:30:00, so that's great! I wasn't sure where I was going to run, but I had an idea. I did my usual path for my short runs, but then I kept going until it lead me to a path in some forest preserve.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/57592140

This link has all the information you care to know about, like elevation, pace, my path ect. 

I am really starting to feel good about my training. I can honestly say that during my run today, I didn't feel tired. And no, I'm not trying to sound more mighty than I am. I honestly felt really good. I think my legs were getting really heavy, but endurance wise, I was solid. I think though, that I really need to get new shoes. Maybe specialty shoes that are made for long distance running. I love my shoes, but they are wearing out, and just nike running shoes. I'm going to start looking. Any ideas, I would gladly take. 

As usual, tomorrow is my cross training day, and I think I am going to give swimming another try. If I don't like it again, I will figure out other ways to cross train. Thanks for reading. 

Until the next run, 

cody! 

Up To Date:

Here's a recap of the past few days. As you know, I have started running outside. On Saturday, I ran my 5 miles which it was a beautiful morning for a run. My under armor is great! Keeps my warm, but doesn't feel like I have 100 layers on. Sunday was my cross training day, so I did my usual walking and biking. I really thought that I would get more into swimming, but I haven't. Monday was my off day. I went to the city with a friend, shout out to Jerica Exum, and auditioned for The Glee Project. It was a fun day as we both got through to the second round of auditions.

Today brought on another 3 mile run. I am happy to say that 3 miles is really becoming "easy". I had my first weather challenge of my training today as it started to rain in the middle of my run. I must say, it was awesome, a little cold, but nonetheless it gave me some adrenaline. I ran 3.19 miles in 26 minutes. I think that's pretty good :D I still have a long ways to go.

This week I have 3, 4, 3, rest, and then 9 miles on Saturday. That will be interesting, but I'm looking forward to it! I'll keep you posted.

Until the next run,
cody!

Week 3

So, it has been a few days since I've last updated this blog. Not too much has happened. I will admit I had a slight drawback this week. I went out on Monday night (Halloween) and didn't get in until late in the morning. Consequently, I was very tired when I woke up and decided that for me to function that day, I should sleep in. So, I did. In doing this, it threw off my training cycle.

Being that I am determined to keep this training up, I altered my schedule. On Wednesday, I ran my intended 3 miles from Tuesday, on Thursday I ran my intended 4 miles from Wednesday and today, Friday I ran my intended 3 miles from Thursday. If you followed that, good for you! Friday's are supposed to be my off days, but I wanted to make sure that I am keeping up with the proper milage to be run over the course of this training, and I figured that I only have 5 miles to run tomorrow, so I should be in good shape in the morning.

I was planning on running outside all week, but that of course didn't happen, except for today. I was able to wear my pants and I wore two shirts and my under-armor pullover. I felt warm except for my hands, which felt like they were going to break off because they were so cold. Now  I know that I NEED to wear gloves.

The run itself felt pretty good. I finished in a faster time than I do on the treadmill, but that's because I am not very good at keeping a steady pace yet. It wasn't until a little over halfway that I started getting a cramp in my side. I tried to do breathing techniques to try and have it go away. It didn't totally worked, but I think it did something. I use Map My Run on my phone to measure how far I go. Here is the link with my stats:

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/56714986

Tomorrow I am going to try and run again outside. Like I said, it is a 5 mile run, so I should be able to do that with relative ease... We shall see...

Until the next run,
cody!