almost half way there

That's right folks - I ran five miles today which is almost half of a half marathon! :) hehe. Today was the first day wearing water belts. While it did bounce around and annoy me for a few miles it was wonderful to have water to drink whenever I wanted it. Next week we also have to have a snack with us - I think I'll try my sport beans (jelly belly jelly beans made for runners). My pace group and I (name still to be determined by my students) ran a little fast - we finished in 62 mins but were slated to finish in 65. We need to slow it down a bit but I'm sure that'll happen next week with 6 miles. I felt it this week! My hips were tight/sore/bugging me and at times I just wanted to slow down. I never felt the need to stop altogether though - I wasn't out of breath just sore. I feel good - I might go for a walk tonight though if it isn't storming just to keep my muscles loose!
A few of us stinky runners went to the bagel bakery after and sat, ate and talked for about an hour and a half. It was so nice to talk to each other and not run at the same time. Some of my fav girls who are in the pace group ahead of me :( came along so it was nice to spend time with my old running buddies. Too fast for me!
On a training/diet update: I've been hydrating pretty well although I should up my water intake more during the school day. I've been on points but after craving Chinese on Thursday, it took up the majority of my flex points so I certainly can't cheat this weekend! Must be good...must be good. My next weigh in is Monday and I'm hoping to have lost more than 50 lbs. I hit the 50 lb park last Saturday but gained some after eating at panera bread, although it was totally worth it! As of this morning I have 12 days to lose 4 pounds. Tough but doable if I don't cheat! We shall see. I didn't cross train at all this past week but I did get my 2 required maintenance runs in -thanks to Nicole. Thursday we were slotted to run but I didn't want to and I wanted Chinese. She bribed me - we ran a shorter amount in exchange for going out for dinner. :) I love bribery!

OK...I stink and the shower is calling my name. Pray I don't get too stiff today and I sit at the PERK!!!! and do grad work and grading. I have almost a marking periods worth of grading to do before I can start my report cards. Oy! Today is a work work work day so I can have FUN tomorrow!

4 miler and beyond

Saturday's 4 mile run went very well. My pace group and I finished 2 minutes faster than we were suppose to but we were feeling good. It's encouraging to know we can slow down a bit. The 3:1 walk ratio is great. It had been awhile since I had done a 3:1 since I normally train at a 4:1. I never felt as though I wouldn't make it to the walk break. The five mile seems less daunting now that I've experienced the 4 mile with such positive results. My hip was super sore after but I've been working on stretching it the right way. After I ran today I couldn't even begin to stretch it but I babied my hip through the stretch - inch by inch - until I could stretch it properly without pain. So far so good. Really other than the hip popping and pain I feel great. Tomorrow I think Nicole and I are going to go for a bike ride as our cross training. This could be my week to eat right and exercise - while getting a good night's sleep Friday. Could the stars really align to make me put all my "requirements" in place at once? We shall see.
I'm cutting it short because it's beautiful out and company is coming over soon. :) Happy running!

And the winner is....

Glenda! Glenda bought some last minute tickets and was the gran prize winner of a week at The Pelican in Avon, NC. Together we made almost $1,000 selling the tickets. So each of us will get almost $250! That puts me over my $1,000 requirement to race and closer to my new goal of $1,310.

Thanks this week to ALL who bought raffle tickets and my Aunt Nancy, my latest supporter!

I am being good tonight - ate on points - drank plenty of water - ate my pasta - and have a evening planned at home which will include going to bed at a decent time. Hopefully all that will help me be prepared for tomorrow's 4 miler. No update after the run tomorrow - a bunch of us are headed to Ripken Stadium to watch St. Michaels HS baseball play in the state tournament. A day of fun in the sun!

tight tonight

So today I ran. That's about all I have to say about that experience. I was tight - a bit sore - and the running just wasn't all that enjoyable. But...I did it. I backed off and only did six 4:1 run/walk cycles and walked a bit before and after. It still falls under what I need to do during the week but I'm feeling the effects of my laziness. I need to move more on work nights - whether it's cross training, cleaning, or doing laundry - I need to be more productive and less sedentary when I get home from work. I'm sure that will help. With that said - I'm off to clean a bit - launder a bit - and then work on lesson plans for next week.
Next Up: Fundraising info tomorrow on my mail in donors this week - final amount of fundraising from beach house raffle - and announcement of the beach house winner.
Saturday is the 4 miler - first increase in mileage - first week in pace groups - first time someone tells me to slow down my pace. :)

Iran with my Ipod

Lovin the Ipod! I did run today - 45 minute run walk ALL over town. I am a bit sore - probably since I hadn't run since Saturday. Bad bad Carolanne.. I know! I will run again tomorrow then await my pace group 4 miler on Saturday. Nothing new really - just watching some American Idol then heading to bed. Still eating on points and working out - I can't wait to see how this pays off.

Booked

Well...I am really going to do this now. The official race weekend hotel is booked. (sorry folks - I went up in price and went for the hotel on the boardwalk at the finish line!). Jen had found a cheap hotel with a kitchen (which is awesome since we need to watch what we eat prior to the race). However it was about 25 blocks from the finish line/concert area. I'd love to save money but the thought of booking it and being unhappy with comfort etc just outweighed the savings. I mean truly - how often do I stay in a hotel Labor Day weekend in Virginia Beach. SO....Nicole and I opted to spend a bit more and go in on the block of rooms LeaAnn had at Surfside Oceanfront Inn & Suites. The pictures are nice - and it does have a fridge and microwave - so "cooking" at the hotel will be possible. Now that I'm spending gobs of mula on the hotel - if anyone wants to pamper the runner with a gas card for the trip that would be wonderful - nothing like a moocher right? hehe.

I've been a slacker on the running this week - well to be honest I haven't done anything since Saturday but I've eaten really well - doesn't that count for something? I swear - If I am on target with the exercise I'm eating handfuls of M&Ms - If I am eating right I am lazy. Someday this will match. It better! I just set my end of school year weight loss goal - Which would mean 7 pounds by 6/12. It's a stretch but possible if I work hard - SO...do not buy me candy or chocolate - NO inviting me out to eat - Let me lock myself in eat on points and exercise - I have to do this for me!! The tempting food just truly isn't worth me feeling uncomfortable. Plus - my goal gift arrived and Nicole is holding it hostage until I reach the goal and I REALLY want to show it off before school lets out. So...7 pounds in 23 days - woohoo!!! Here I come!

update

Now that I've been up for 14 hours and have been done running for 12 hours I thought I'd update you. I'm tired. My legs are tired! They are actually kind of restless from hip to ankle! I definitely have to walk a while tomorrow to stretch them out. So..a little sore and tired but doing well (even though I'd like to pig out a bit on ice cream or something but I only have 2 points left for the day...that won't be happening. grrr.)