12.30.06

6-mile run/walk. Leg started hurting right away. Tried wrapping it, but that just made it worse. Unwrapped it and ran/walked the remaining miles. Will rest tomorrow and have an easy week this week and next. That alone will help to heal this minor injury + good nutrition and getting about 10 pounds off will be an added help. Will increase my stretching as well to see if that will help. I think it may. This really is a fortunate time to have such a problem for my training schedule calls for 2 easy weeks this coming week and next -- lucky for me!

137

139.8

12.29.06

GREAT fast 5-mile run. A little tight in the lower left leg but not painful. The next two weeks will be recovery weeks with only 25 miles each week. No long run on Monday. Doesn't look like the weather is going to cooperate and + my running partner will not be here after all.

Went to WW last night for my monthly check-in. Have gained 9.4 lbs. since last month! WoW! Double WoW!! I was 6 tenths of a pound from having to pay. OUCH!

Today will be a throwing out day. Going to get rid of all that left over Christmas JUNK that tempts me so greatly. Will have 3 servings of the good stuff -- yogurt w/live cultures. No sense in waiting 'till the New Year to get started. Running will be much easier once I get about 10 lbs. off. I think that's probably why I have been struggling so the last few weeks.

So, a couple of weeks of recovery running and dropping 10 pounds. That should set things right for getting back to it. Only 2 long runs in the month of January, a 15-miler and a 20-miler. February will bring more long runs. a 20, 15, and 25! Looking forward to these long runs, they are most enjoyable.

Would like to drop about 20 lbs. before the marathon. I believe if I can strike a balance between light weight but not weak it will serve me well.

12.28.06

7-mile run\walk with little to no pain.

12.27.06

5-mile easy run/walk. Still nursing a strain in my lower left leg.

12.25.06

MeRrY ChRiStMaS!

Ease 5-mile run/walk, after all -- it's Christmas! No, seriously, I'm nursing a slight injury in the inside calf portion of my left leg. When I was stretching on Saturday, before my run, I felt something pop or snap there like the snapping of a rubber band. Probably from stretching too far. It didn't bother me much Saturday during my run but it did today :~( Not good.

Update on the Watch

Thursday was 5 weeks since I took the watch in to be cleaned -- remember the post about the watch? (12.6.06) On Friday morning I called to check on it, although my last contact with them was, "Don't call us, we'll call you..." Guess what? THE WATCH IS BACK! "How long has it been back?" I asked. After all, they were going to call me as soon as it arrived (they had told me). Well, we don't have any way to tell how long it's been back. "No record of when it was returned?" I asked. That's hard to believe. Anyway, today (Christmas Eve) was the first chance I had to go and pick it up. I KNOW, I KNOW... going into any retail environment on Christmas Eve is a BAD IDEA! I wanted my watch back THAT bad!

So, in the afternoon I headed over to JC Penney to retrieve the long lost watch. I had to wait until an "associate" could help me. Associate, I wonder why they call them that? After a brief wait of 10 minutes or so an "associate" came over to help me. I told her I was there to pick up a watch that had been out for cleaning and gave her my name. She quickly retrieved the watch from a locked drawer. THIS IS WHERE THE UNBELIEVABLE PART BEGINS...

Plastered on the outside of the envelope that the watch was in is a LARGE sticker that says, "DID NOT CLEAN!"

YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!?!?!??

The watch had been to Chicago and back I find out, to the Pulsar factory. Evidently, at the Pulsar factory they don't clean watches, just repair them, and there were no repairs to be made on this watch. So, they did nothing. Just sent it back with this BIG sticker on it. THAT took 5 weeks???!!?!?!

Evidently, watches to be cleaned go to a local jeweler. He picks up on Mondays and Thursdays and brings them back the next Monday or Thursday. This is the normal procedure.

It's getting too ridiculous now to even be mad or get angry! The "associate" lets me know that the "local" jeweler will pick it up on Thursday this week (since Monday -- tomorrow -- is a holiday -- Christmas). She says he will bring it back the NEXT Monday. Then, I reminder her that that too is a holiday -- New Year's Day. So, we both assume that he will pick the watch up this Thursday and bring it back the next Thursday. Another week and a half -- what's another week in a half?

She assures me there will be no charge for this. There was no charge to begin with! I'm just trying to abide by the extended warranty that was purchase for me which states that the watch must be brought in for cleaning every 6 months or the extended warranty is void.

I was relieved to know though that evidently when I bring the watch in for the next 3 6-month cleanings it should only take 3-4 days and not 4-6 weeks!

12.23.06

8-mile afternoon run. This tops off a 35-mile week -- mid range.

An off day tomorrow and 5 on Christmas day.

Next week will just be a 30-mile week and the week after that a REAL easy week with just 20 miles -- I'll probably boost that up to at least 25 miles. Don't like my base being less than that. At least, that's what the schedule calls for. I actually may squeeze in a long run (14 miles) on New Year's Day to boost the week's mileage a bit. And actually, the week after the 20 mile week, well I messed up on my schedule and skipped a week so we will have to make up something or repeat a week that week or something. we'll cross that bridge when we get there (so to speak).

12.21.06

The first day of winter.

Good 15-mile run -- 3 laps around the Rock. Not as many people out on a Thursday morning as there are on Saturday. Our time was 2:32. Last Saturday my time was 2:33 but that was with a pit stop which we didn't have to make today until after the run. So, my time today was actually a bit slower. However, that was to be expected I guess. 2 15-mile runs within 5 days -- that's pretty good!

Will take tomorrow off and see what Saturday holds on Saturday. Probably 8 miles.

12.19.06

Easy 6-mile run/walk. Felt better than yesterday but still tried. Not so much tight or sore.

12.18.06

6 miles. Tough run. Stiff from Saturday's run. Loosened up by mile 4 and felt good until I stopped then the stiffness returned. Hit the Aleve and Endurox. Another 6 tomorrow. Hope I feel better.

One-of-a-kind Mizuno Dry Science shirt
available for ING Georgia Marathon participants!!

Looking for the perfect piece of performance apparel to help you get to the finish line of the inaugural ING Georgia Marathon? Or, are you looking for a unique gift for someone who will be participating in this event? Well, The BIG Peach Running Company in Marietta and Atlanta has a great offer for you!

Mizuno, the Official Footwear and Apparel Partner for the ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon, has produced a limited quantity of its patented Dry Science shirts with a one-of-a-kind design in celebration of the event. These shirts are available FREE to anyone who has already registered for the event and purchases Mizuno footwear or apparel at BPRC. There is also the option to purchase the shirts at BPRC for $24.99. But you'd better hurry because supplies are limited and likely to move fast! The shirt is displayed below:

12.16.06

TERRIFIC 15-mile run!!! Felt SO good. Could have, would have (maybe) run 20, but my running partner has a nasty HUGE blister from a new pair of running shoes. I said go back to the old shoes until the blister heals. I think that's a good idea. The weather was gorgeous, 40-50 or so and clear. Wonderful for December especially! Hope this trend continues into January but it's doubtful. We have been too blessed already. Will take tomorrow off. 6 on Monday, 6 on Tuesday, an off day on Wednesday, and then another 3 laps around the Rock on Thursday at which point I will say, "good bye" to the Rock for this year -- see you NEXT year...

BYW, let it be known that Santa Clause has given up his sleigh for a mini van. We know, we say him (and Mrs. Clause too).

12.14.06

TERRIFIC 8-mile run. Felt good. Didn't sleep very well last night though. So, I slept in this a.m. Sometimes I get like this fear of not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep and when that happens -- it happens. I can't fall asleep and I don't stay asleep. It's all a mental thing. I hate it when I lay down at night and start thinking that way!

An off day tomorrow and then 15 on Saturday. Looks like the weather will be nice.

MY CHRISTMAS LIST

I want a hippopotamus for Christmas,
Only a hippopotamus will do.
No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses,
I only like hippopotamuses,
And hippopotamuses like me too!

$115.00 worth of Starbucks gift cards!

HEY, I wrote a NEW version:

I want a MINI Cooper for Christmas,
Only a MINI Cooper will do.
No Cadillac, no BMW,
I only like MINI Coopers,
And MINI Coopers like me too!

1. 2007 MINI Cooper (I’ll probably get this one but it will look more like a Cadillac CTS. However, when I’m driving, I’ll just be thinking I’m in a MINI Cooper – humor me.
2. MacBook 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo – white w/ a 200GB Serial ATA drive @ 4200 rpm and @GB 667 DDR2 SCRAM – 2x1GB
3. Dell Axim
4. 1 ct diamond circle pendant
5. “Running Until You’re 100” by Jeff Gallaway, preferably a signed copy
6. Stukey’s Pecan Log Roll (see, there’s something for everyone on this list)
7. New set of cookware, stainless steel w/glass tops and copper bottoms, preferably a name brand like Calhalon, KitchenAid, All Clad, etc.
8. Stainless set for 12
9. Garmin Forerunner 205
10. Sling Box
11. Chia Pet – the afro guy
12. ING long sleeved Marathon tee shirt in small, available only at The BIG Peach Running Store in Marietta (I REALLY want one of these but not bad enough to make the trip I guess)
    
13. ING orange running clothes, not shoe laces - got them already
14. Starbucks gift card (got 4 of these already, but one could never have too many)
15. a get away to Perry's
16. Dinner at RED
17. iPod Shuffle
18. Betty Crocker's Cooky Book
    
19. 1/2 acre and $500,000 to open a Jo To Go franchise www.jotogo.com
20. Subscription to "Runner's World" magazine
21. A pair of Oakley M Frame Sweep Pros in black
    
22. a hippopotamus, he he he he....
    

Not necessarily in this order.
I will add to this periodically over the next couple of weeks in case you buy me everything on the list and run out of ideas and want to get me more because I've been so very good this year ;~)

12.13.06

6 mile run w/ a couple of walk breaks. Hit the Endurox afterwards. Thought I'd better get a jump start since tomorrow will be 8 and Saturday 15. Really tired.

12.12.06

4 miles. Slept GREAT! Felt good and refreshed this morning when I got up. Good run.

White Christmas like you've never seen before

http://badaboo.free.fr/merryxmas.swf

Turn your sound up, it's worth the trip :-)

12.11.06

Slept in. Really, really tired! This weekend was like a marathon in itself. Lots of fun though. The family was all together and we celebrated Christmas with my running partner and her CPA who will be out of town at Christmas.

5 miles this a.m. Lots of aches and pains ;-( Will hit the Aleve for a couple of days and see if that helps. Switching my rest day tomorrow for the 4 miler on Friday and will take a rest day Friday before the 15 miler on Saturday.

12.9.06

10th annual Jingle Bell Trail run on the trails in Peachtree City. REALLY, REALLY cold. I think like in the 20s. It was only a 5K. Haven't run a 5K in a long time. Seemed like it was over before it started. Struggled to get my breath the first mile like in the 1/2 marathon, but after that I was fine. Probably about 700 people or so -- I'm just guessing. I saw Santa, so I know he's real. Won 3rd place in my age group. My running partner won 1st in hers. Was given some mistletoe by a quy about 1/2 my age -- sort of cool, but weird. Wore my silly Santa hat and got lots of comments. Didn't see another one like it. Time: 28 Flat. Would do this one again next year. Free Starbucks coffee but no bagels.

12.7.06

12 mile run on the mill with interruptions -- the phone, dryer, bathroom break, etc., etc., etc. Made all the usual prep just as if it were to be a long run outside except somehow I forgot to wear my Injinji toe socks and just wore my usual Thorlos. I got a nasty blister on one of my toes -- I hate that! Had a little gastric discomfort after about an hour (after downing a Clif Shot) but that passed without any consequence.

Please note: At 99 minutes and 59 seconds the treadmill cuts off automatically. This could be quite dangerous, especially if one is in a full run. I find it an appropriate time for a break.

I was really sore all over last night. Not sure that all of it was from the run. It was unusual. I moved a room of furniture around before the run -- maybe that had some part in it. I'm sure. You know how it goes moving furniture... Move it here, move it there, move it back.... My leg muscles were twitching at bedtime and I knew I would have trouble sleeping if I didn't take something so I took 2 Tylenol PM and still didn't sleep very well. That's the second time I've had trouble with the leg muscles twitching and real, real tight. Don't know if I need to stretch more or what. Probably a massage or whirlpool would help but that's not likely to happen.

Will take Friday off, short, fun (and CHILLY) 5K race on Saturday, rest on Sunday, and then back at it on Monday. Haven't really looked at next week's schedule so I'm not sure what's coming up but I think it's a slow week.

The next long run will be a week from Saturday -- 3 laps around the Rock for 15 miles.

The Watch

For my birthday I was given a very nice watch. The person who gave it to me even went as far as to purchase, along with the watch, a 2-year service plan. How nice. In order to keep the service plan active I only have to take the watch in once every six months to have it cleaned and at that time they will make any necessary repairs, etc., etc., etc.

So, six months passed and I took the watch in of its 6 month cleaning. I was surprised when the sales lady told me it would take 2 weeks (then she added – maybe 3) to send it out and get it cleaned! I thought that was kind of excessive.

It will be 3 weeks tomorrow and I haven’t heard from anyone concerning the watch so I gave them a call this morning. No one could talk to me when I first called, they were in a meeting, so a lady took my name and phone number and said someone would call me back. In a few minutes the phone rang and another lady asked me a bunch of questions about my watch and the repair ticket that I was given – she seemed puzzled and I knew I was in trouble! She said she would look into it and call me back. In an hour or so she called back only to ask the same questions again – At this point I knew I in trouble and doubted I’d ever see the watch again. She said she would look into it further and call me back. Several hours later the supervisor of the store calls and tells me she’s sorry but I was given false information and actually, it will be 4 – 6 weeks (because of the holidays) before my watch returns. Seems a lot of people must want to get their watches cleaned for the holidays - right...

4-6 WEEKS! WHERE IN THE WORLD DID THEY SEND IT?!?

So in order to keep this service contract active, every 6 months I've got to go without my watch for a month (or more). Maybe I need to buy ANOTHER watch -- like about the 3 month mark, so that while one is being cleaned I can be wearing the other and while the other is being cleaned I can wear the one. Seems about as logical as taking 4-6 weeks to have a watch cleaned to me. Doesn't it to you?

12.6.06

Good 5 mile run. Have been sleeping VERY WELL. Feel like I need a lot more rest than usual. Will sleep in tomorrow and run 12 in the afternoon when it is warmer and sleep in Friday which will be a rest day -- finally, a REST day, ahhhh...

Started taking a Vitamin E supplement yesterday, 400 IU daily. I have read there are benefits like a faster recovery time + when I took the Real Age test a month or so ago that was one of the few suggestions it made. So, what could it hurt? I'll take it during this marathon training period at least.

Endurox 

12.5.06

SUPER 5-mile FAST run. Felt so strong! Was hard getting out of bed on such a cold morning. Will start using the supplement Endurox after long runs (longer than 10 miles). I've read a lot of good things about it. Used it this morning just after my 5 mile to see how it was. Kind of difficult to get down, like thick Gatoraid - ick! However, I think after long runs it will help with recovery, especially during this marathon training period when I have so many long runs back to back within the same week period.

12.4.06

5 mile GLORIOUS run. Felt GREAT. Even ran without the TV. Once in a while (with the TV now connected to the stereo, XBox, VCR, DISH, and whatever else is in the entertainment center), after the kids finish watching TV, it doesn't work like it is supposed to with the remote I use. I can't figure out how to fix it -- the kids have to do that. Makes me feel old :~[

Going to change up the routine a bit this week and do my long run (12 miles of it) on Thursday so we can have more time on Saturday for our cookie bake-off. We will do the 5K Jingle Bell Trail run on Saturday morning, then bake cookies all afternoon :~)

Will run 5 tomorrow, 5 Wednesday, 12 Thursday, and take Friday off.

12.2.06

Today's run (2 laps around the Rock -- 10 miles) started off kind of rough. It was about 30 degrees and because the weather has been so warm I haven't had a chance to get acclimated to the low temps. I think I got lung freeze. I had trouble getting my breath at first. Didn't warm up like I should. After about a mile or so it got better and the second lap was much better -- it had warmed up some by then so that helped.

BTW -- We saw the Abominable Snowman (or woman), but that's another post.

I feel pretty good for someone who has run 35 miles in the last week. Especially considering that is up by about 10 miles from my normal routine. The next week will only be 30 miles -- including the 3-mile Jingle Jog in Peachtree City on Saturday -- one of my favorite places to run, and this one will be EXTRA fun because it's short, fast, and you get to wear a Santa hat and tie jingle bells to your running shoes :~) That aught to be annoying! but fun.

I was just thinking this afternoon about the new wardrobe I have acquired over the past 2 years -- Running clothes. Things I've never owned before.

1. There are assorted colors of running shorts -- most of them being black and pink, I'm really not sure why
2. A dozen+ tee shirts from races I have run -- most of them short sleeve, some long
3. A couple or so sweatshirts from races and my favorite sweatshirt from the Atlanta Track Club
4. An ATC singlet -- for the summer (won't be wearing that any time soon)
   
5. 3 or so pairs of capri length yoga pants and a couple pairs of swish pants
6. "disposable" gloves and hats that can be thrown off at water stations during a race with no thought of ever going back to retrieve them
7. 1 pair of compressing shorts
   
8. 1 pair of leggings for really cold days like today
9. Several pairs of Thorlo socks and a couple pairs of Injinji socks -- they are the ones with toes in them for long runs (10 miles or more)
10. Several Jog Bra tops in a variety of colors
11. A lot of "Coolmax" and "DriFit" pieces
12. A few jackets, one with a hood

There are other things too that I have acquired like:

1. Several pairs of running shoes -- most retired
   
2. Body Glide -- to keep from chaffing
3. Breath Right strips
4. A 4-bottle Fuel Belt
5. Clif bars (both energy and protein) and gels
6. Bottles of Gatoraid High Endurance
7. Spike pills
   
8. A Nike Peachtree Road Race backpack
   
9. A sports watch -- a really, really cheap one
10. Several books -- most of them by Jeff Galloway
11. And there's a collection of bookmarked websites in my Favorites
    

There's probably more that I haven't even thought of. I just think it's kind of weird to have all of this stuff now that 2 years ago I wouldn't have even needed (or known what to do with -- some of it anyhow)

I have a "Wish List" too, full of things I'd like to add to my little "collection", things like the Garmin Forerunner 205, a long sleeved ING Georgia Marathon tee shirt in small -- available only at the BIG Peach Running Company, a red long sleeved ATC tee shirt, and so on, and so on...

OK, enough thinking... back to reality.

Will rest tomorrow and run 5 miles on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of next week, resting also on Tuesday and Thursday. May (will probably -- more than likely) switch Thursday and Friday.

12.1.06

GOOD 5 mile run even after a BIG meal w/friends last night. Will eat mostly carbs today, and a bit lighter. Going to be about 30 tomorrow a.m. for the run around the Rock. Berrrrrrr...... cold.