WIND BLOWN!

OMG It is officially fall in Las Vegas, NV. I woke up and thought I was ready to head out at 6:45 this morning but then I opened the door and BURRRR it was freezing. I had to go back upstairs and pull out my jackets. The wind was so strong I want to say it really slowed me down this morning. My pace picked up in the last two miles but damn it was cold. On the plus side I can tell that i'm breathing better while i'm out there running. Also, I didn't have to make an emergency pit stop. I went straight through my 4 miles. Felt great and my pace is getting better after each run. As long as that happens i'm really happy with my results.

So I need to update you all on the latest haps. Yesterday i didn't post because I was exhausted after Monday. Running 6 miles and two hours of softball made for a great Monday. Yes, so I played my first games with my new softball team "Beer30". Which i'm not sure what that means other than everyone is over 30 and likes to drink beer? Well, i'm on a great team...everyone is amazing and I think I had pretty good days with them. I'm playing 2nd base which for me has been a while since I've been that involved on a softball team.

Monday was insane. I left an hour before my game realizing that I needed to buy some cleats. So what do I do but hit my favorite NIKE Factory Outlet. I found the best cleats they were half size larger but they were only $4.99. My socks cost more than the cleats. I can't believe how much of a fan I have become of Nike. I never really thought I would be such a label whore but hey I really like their products. This morning I ran in my Nike Structure TriaxII shoes; Nike sports bra; Nike head band gear; Nike FitDry jacket and of course my Nike+. Damn, i'm a NIKE BIG GIRL RUNNER. If only they would really pay attention to regular people using their gear. But You should check out your local Nike Factory Outlet. I have found some great deals. It may take a visit or two before you catch some deals so be patient.

Okay, enough with the soap box. Tonight I have volleyball practice and it's time for me to be on my way to work. Lots to do!

Get your RUN ON BABY!!

TOOTLES...

OUCH!

This morning was hard to run. Which is interesting because I ran a better pace. And my Nike+ gave me another message from Joan Benoit Samuelson. She congratulated me on making a new best 1 mile time. I didn't know who she was until I started playing with the Nike+ options on ITunes.

It seems that Nike+ started putting together some training albums with Lance Armstrong, Joan Benoit, Serena Williams, Kara Goucher and Alberto Salazar. Now, there are comments on these albums and it seems for the serious runners Lance and Serena mixes are the best to consider purchasing. Even though they are over a year old i'm still considering buying one to help me with my training. When I have more time I will be checking them out. But if you need more training material to help you out for your IPOD Nano check out ITunes. To find it on ITunes store click on Music then scroll down to the left side of the screen for More To Explore and click on Nike Sport Music. That's where you can find them.

Anyhow, I hope all is well for everyone. I finished my 3.55 miles this morning and am scheduled to run 4 miles tomorrow. I am so tired...but i'm going to push through it.

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

TOOTLES...

HAPPY SUNDAY!!

I was so pushing to run a 10k this morning and missed the f'in boat. Talk about disappointed. But I should be happy with a 15.43 mile week...at least that's good news. That's my goal 15+ miles a week. We can do this. I need to keep that goal up to be ready for my first half marathon.

Thats right...I really haven't shared that news with y'all. Once thought to be a commitment phoebe (yes, i'm talking about myself) I made a commitment to the Las Vegas Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. I mean really! Like I said before, it's not about making an amazing time it's about finishing it.

Well, i'm wipped out this morning and I running late to my softball practice. BTW Volleyball was fun on Friday except that we have yet to actually win a game. But that's what happens when you play with strangers. It takes a while to come together.

TOOTLES...

HEARD FROM LANCE ARMSTRONG!

KICKED SOME BUTT today! I am so siked today after running for 1:04 I completed 5.86 miles. At times while running I felt like I was practically walking but according to my pace I kept it up pacing at 10:55. For me my goal is to always be under 11 minute miles but it's hard sometimes. And taking on more distance tends to really slow you down. I'm so excited now I think i'm going to try a 10k this weekend. Now for those of you that are new to my blog know that the longest I've run before is 9.3 miles my pace sucked for that 10k but the important thing to me was that I could do the distance. All you speed junkies go ahead and pass me up. I have no worries and my feelings won't be hurt. I know that i'm out there to compete against myself. Although it does feel good to know you aren't the last person coming in. But anyhow, i'm on a role with my training.

My Nike+ was even so impressed with my workout this morning that Lance Armstrong sent me a message. He said Congratulations on a great workout. This was your longest workout to date. Keep up the great work. HAHAHA How many of you can say that you got a message from Lance Armstrong? Well if you have the Nike+ I'm sure you have but a note to everyone else. The next time you complete a GREAT workout pat yourself on the back. If you know someone that just finished a great workout you better congratulate them. If there is anything that everyday people need to encourage a better more active lifestyle is the pats on the back.

So everyone, while you are out this weekend at a BBQ or brunch or just hanging out with your buddies...raise your glasses / bottles and toast to the people in your lives that are trying to change their lifestyle. At least they are trying!

TOOTLES...

MORNING RUNS!

So, I got a little bit of a late start got out around 6:30. Had a little bit of coffee before I stepped out. Now that I have my Nike+ chip I was able to measure my outdoor run. It is 3.53 miles. So now I know that I need to add an additional half mile to hit my 4 mile goals for the day. Will start that tomorrow. My ankle is giving me a little problem but not too bad. Will watch it to make sure it doesn't evolve into a problem.

I'm going to talk about something a little embarrassing but it's important to discuss if you are going to start picking up your running routine. After a little bit of coffee this morning I hit the trail and a little more than half way through I was desperately looking for a bathroom. Thank god there was a community center that I run through and the public restroom was open. Remember, the idea of waking up at least 30 minutes earlier than you want to start your run is to give you time to have your coffee maybe a slice of toast and walk around the house to get your stomach moving. You want to try to hit the toilet before you hit the pavement. Trust me it will be beneficial for a successful morning run.

Well, as you can see I love my Nike+ Mini Chica! Isnt' she cool? I wish I could add some additional clothing but it's cool for now. Oh I also signed up for a half marathon training program. Going to make sure I'm able to add it to the blog so that you all can keep track as well as I can.

That's it for now...OH BTW I happen to be watching some morning shows and CBS Early Show was talking about BREAD! But they didn't even really give any help on the matter. If you want more detail information check out the September issue of Runner's World. (if you can still find one out there) Check out the article here. It's important to know about bread. You don't have to completely cut out bread from your diet just eat it in moderation and know the calories. I will take credit for starting the BREAD CHATTER.

Until later...TOOTLES

SPA DAY!!

It's Monday and well it is my day off of running. One of the reason's I came home was because it was my cousin and nephew's birthday this week and it was an opportunity for me to play some softball. BTW we WON our softball game I struck out but in the last inning got a great hit and then was batted in for a score. It was a great ending to a fun weekend.

Back to today. I bought my cousin a spa day at a local spa here in Grapevine. She got a full body massage, pedicure and manicure. I only really wanted / NEEDED a full body massage. I had so many knots in my shoulders and back that she worked it out. She even worked out my glutes. I needed it so bad. I found out about Massage Envy. Apparently it is a massage place that you can get a monthly membership to. I need to check this out. Since i'm training for my half I think i'm going to need to keep getting massages on regular basis to keep my muscles in constant recovery.

No run today but I should be able to get a run in tomorrow when I get back to Vegas.

Until later...TOOTLES!

NATURE!

So it's Sunday, I got about 4.5 hours of sleep. Got up at 8:00 am and decided to go for a run. I walked the dog, drank some water, got on the foam roller and was ready to hit the pavement all alone. Since it was kind of late morning the sun was out and it was a little powerful. Can I just as a runner various things can happen in the middle of a run. Today, nature was out and about. Especially the bugs! I think i caught like two bugs in my hand and I wasn't even trying. I just happen to be running striding my arms up and down and I just kept catching bugs in my left hand.

Did I ever tell you I actually had a duck chase me down the street for half a block. I was flipping out yelling and hoping up like I was trying to run hurdles. Well, I think Nature should chill out a bit. I am a Big Girl Runner and I don't need bugs, knats, flies and ducks chasing after me while i'm trying to get my run on. I understand that you are there and you exist but come one give a girl a little breathing room. And stay away from my nose and mouth. I don't even want to think about how many knats made it through. UGH!!!

Well, i just enjoyed my protein shake. Now it's time for a little piece of meat. We have a busy day today. At 1:00 pm we have an indoor volleyball game, 2:30 the boys have another baseball game then at 4:30 we have our softball game. I am going to be good and pooped tonight. Ready for my full body massage tomorrow at Renata Salon & Spa in Grapevine.

Until later...TOOTLES!