Week 3, Day 2 - When I *Finally* Got New Shoes

Todd ordered new boots from a local shoe store and asked me to pick them up on may way home. When I walked in there was a HUGE display of women's running shoes. This store is just awesome. The staff.knows everything about every shoe they carry. After figuring out which type of shoe would best for me, she measured me and went in back. She returned with SIX pairs of shoes - none of which were too narrow! In fact one was way too wide. I tried them all out and went with a pair of Nike's.

I was so excited to find them that I couldn't wait to get home and try them out! So what if it was 27° with snow flurries!

Obviously they weren't broken in yet and my feet are used to my beat up x-trainers. My feet were achy by the time I got through the first interval. I was also feeling it a bit in the shins at first, but that passed very quickly. I will be wearing them around the house a bit to break them in a little faster.

As for the run itself, I felt a bit stronger than the last time. Achy feet and all. Still focusing on my breathing and I'm noticing an improvement. Sham Rock N Roll - here I come!

Today's run is here.

C25K - Week 3, Day 1

First, the stats/map are here.

This weeks runs alternate 1.5 minute and 3 minute intervals. This means that the runs are significantly shorter overall, but longer intervals. I felt like I could have done another interval, but I don't want to push it. I feel tired, but not completely spent. I still have energy to do the things I need to, but I may just watch a movie and knit anyway. (Shhh! Don't tell my family that is why they will be eating leftovers tonight!)

I took the opportunity of the longer intervals to focus on my breathing. I think I did better. It is hard to tell since I was already coughing and wheezing before the run. It is cold and I'm still coughing up campfire from this weekend. I don't think it was my breathing that held me back on my intervals, it was more about muscle fatigue. My legs may be strong, but they are more accustom to kicking and sweeping than running.

All in all, I feel good and I am ready for the next one! I think it helps that I have decided that I will be OK with whatever time I end up with on the 5k - as long as I finish! I know I will and I hope to see some of you cheering me along on the way. I'm already thinking I'm going to need some post-race carbs from Modern Apizza.

Gym Rats Ranting

I will begin Week 3 of my c25k this afternoon, but I've been holding back a rant for about a week now and it is time to let it out so I can move on.

I have noticed a tend on my facebook and twitter feeds for the last 10 days. Many of my gym rat friends (wow there are a lot of you!) have been bitching about how crowded the gyms are. Yes, many people resolve to hit the gym to get fit. Yes, many will give up. BUT they are trying to make some healthy lifestyle changes.  Why not offer a smile, a hello or maybe even a "keep it up"? Some support and encouragement may be just what it takes to keep them coming and making those changes permanent. Or do you have to be one of the cool kids and already fit in order to work out? I don't think so.

We live on an obese and sedentary society. We need to fix it together. One of my reasons for doing this whole running thing is to be a positive example for my kids. Another is to prove to myself that I can. If I can encourage someone else along the way, even better!

So, to those of you inspiring and encouraging the sofa spuds to be veggie sticks, thank you! Keep it up!

Week 2, Day 3... Finally

Well, I finally picked up where I left off before the Christmas crazies kicked off. I pulled a muscle in my neck, which sidelined me for a week as well. I was feeling better last week in time for my MMA class, but I was certainly feeling it again after class. Glad I waited on running in the cold too. I don't think it would have helped.

I still haven't gotten new shoes yet. Really, there is a conspiracy against wide width women's running shoes. I hear rumors, see them on line, but they don't seem to actually exist. So. Frustrating! I will keep trying.

I have to say that even though it had been a couple of weeks, the run felt pretty good (in spite of the old x-trainers). I did get a nasty stitch ion my side during the 5th run interval. By the time I walked it off, it was time for the 6th interval and it came back. I ended up walking at least the last 30s of the interval. I guess that slice of pie before I ran wasn't such a hot idea. I will be doing less snacking and more stretching before future runs. I will also try to be aware of staying hydrated on the days that I run. I'd rather like to avoid that experience if I can help it.

In spite of the shoes, stitch and the raw windy winter day, i rather enjoyed it. my body was rested and ready to run again. I also came to the realization that I can finish the 3k - even if I have to walk a lot of it. I have set my goal at crossing the finish line for race #1. I will do my best, but I won't push myself too far past my comfort zone. if I injure myself, I can't train for the next one or do MMA or many of the other things I enjoy.I am feeling better about the whole thing in general. Less stressed. more confident. I have also decided that i am making no resolutions for 2012. Instead, I am focusing on all of the things I desire from 2012. Finishing the 5k is one of them. Then I will finish the second one...

I'd like to go backpacking too...

run details here.

Week 2 Day 2 - And Shoe Shopping.

Week 2 consists of the regular warm up/cool down  with 6 90s run intervals with 120s rests between. this was the second day. I didn't fool with the pause button like I did the first time, so I actually went a shorter distance this time (run details here). Sure didn't feel like it. My feet and my shins were killing me - which led to a lengthy and insightful discussion on proper running shoes on Facebook.

I have been wearing the cross trainers I had just to get started. Yes, I am aware that they are not proper running shoes. I figured it was better than nothing to get me started. After all, I'm still doing more walking than running. Alas, my shoes are beat and I am feeling it. time to bite the bullet on that one. I am COMPLETELY overwhelmed. There are so many brands, styles and colors.

There is a running shop near one of my bridges and I could easily pop in there at lunch, but I have to admit that I am a bit intimidated. I am not a serious runner - and I don't intend to be. I can see why people do it now, but that isn't my goal.. I have no intention of inflicting  anything more than a 5k on my body. I feel like they will blow me off or laugh at me maybe. I know I am a novice but I don't want to be treated like a total loser. Before you protest and say they wouldn't I have to point out that it is in Darien. The people in Dunkin Donuts treat you like that.

So, I went to a few sporting goods stores. I learned a few things.

1. The sales people may be nice and well intentioned, but they don't know what they are talking about. 
2. The employees (male and female) will assume that since you are a woman, the most important quality in a running shoe is the color. really? I know I look like a hot mess when I run. The color of my shoes will not help.
3. Women's running shoes don't come in wide widths. I have heard rumors to the contrary, but I have yet to actually SEE them.
4. Due to #3, the kind and well meaning sales people will tell you to look at the men's section and then point out that there are more colors available in men's.

Then, I went on Facebook. My running friends came out of the woodwork with fabulous advice. I will hit the highlights here:

1. DO NOT BUY MEN'S SHOES! That was my initial instinctive reaction. I'm not a man. My body mechanics are VERY different. So glad to have everyone backing that one up for me.
2. I really do need to suck it up and go to a running store and get fitted for some thing that works for me.
3. I do not need to buy it there! I can go to DSW and get last years color for less.
4. Asics might actually make wide widths. Still looking for the proof here...

Once I get the shoes ironed out, I can figure out how to get rid of the cramp in my side that happens at about the 60s mark in each interval. by the time I walk it off, it is time to run again... sigh...

C25K - Week 2, Day 1 - When I didn't feel like it

It is definitely Monday! It is one of those Mondays that gives all the other Mondays a bad name. I went to bed early, but woke up late and feeling like I hadn't slept at all. I think part of that may be because several times I found myself waking up in the middle of a conversation. Apparently, my husband went to bed late and got up early. lucky me.My day began by making the perfect cup of tea, then leaving it on the kitchen counter. I am not a coffee drinker. Tea is my lifeblood. I was devastated.

Monday also means meeting day in my office. That means that all of the bigwigs show up and trash the ladies room (none are ladies or even women). Normally, I am in the field by then and avoid the bigwigs. not today. office all day.

Also, It is cold. Yeah, I know. It is December and I live in Connecticut. It just finally feels like it. Much colder than last week. The upside of working outdoors is that I already have Under Armor Cold Gear (If you are trying to figure out what to get me for Christmas, I could use more).

It was just one of those days where I am feeling totally spent.I just wanted to go home and crawl under the covers and hide from the world. When this sort of thing happens on a karate day, the last thing I want to do is train. I know that those are the days that I need to go even though I don't want to (also, I paid for the class so I am going). I always feel better by the end of class and I am glad I went. Using this logic I decided to suck it up and run anyway.

I was right. I was cold, but I was right. I do feel better. My times weren't stellar, but not terrible. the run intervals are longer this week and therefore more challenging. I need to work on my breathing too if this is ever going to work with winter and my asthma. I also kept accidentally hitting the pause button, so I went a lot farther and it made a couple of intervals look better than they were.

The run data is here.

And because I am such a geek, I made a spreadsheet and some charts to track my progress. you can't tell me you didn't see it coming. I am an engineer! However, I am NOT a software engineer, so I haven't figured out how to insert them in the blog. If you can tell me, I would love it if you could leave instructions in a comment.

Couch to 5K Week 1, Day 3 - When I remember that it is winter

Can someone please tell me why I decided to start is in DECEMBER?! It has been a fairly mild December (almost makes up for the December-like October), but it is still December in Connecticut. Today it was starting to feel like it.

I went for my run, but I had to psyche myself up for it. It was raw and windy. I actually wan't too cold during the run and even got a bit of a sweat going. Unfortunately, it is going to get colder before Spring comes. Odds are this is the weather I will be seeing for my first race. Although, this is New England all bets are off on the weather in March.

On a positive note, I was able to run uninterrupted. Kids were still either in school or on their way home and Todd was working. My times overall were faster. Although, my run interval times really dropped off as I went. I started to develop a cramp in my side a little more than half way through and by they time I walked it off, it was time for the next run interval.

All in all, I think I had a good first week and I am looking forward to week 2! I may start it on Sunday. I will be having a fun girls' weekend in the City (that is NYC if you aren't from CT). There will be much walking and schlepping. I guess I can consider that a workout!

Today's run is here. I decided to vary the route a bit. Don't want to be too predictable or get bored. It also changes up where I hit the hills. My neighborhood is NOT flat AT ALL. Looks it on the map though, doesn't it?

Couch to 5K - Week 1 Day 2 - Running with an anchor

Due to a bunch of errands, I couldn't get in my run before the kids got home Monday and with a cold December rain on the way, I did NOT want to skip it! I decided to take the kids with me. After all, #2 and #3 are hyper and #1 desperately needs to exercise. Family run sounded. good.

Colin did a great job of keeping up especially when you consider that he is only 5 and his legs are pretty short. Ryan kept wanting to run ahead and of course burnt out when he realized just how far we are going. He also kept telling me that he wanted to go a different way than the way we were going. I really wouldn't have minded if he didn't keep telling me we should have turned 3 blocks ago. Then there is Andy. He didn't even try to run. He did walk it though. Almost 2 miles. I am proud of him for that. He wandered in a while after the rest of us singing Christmas carols. That kid is too much!

As for me, I was really annoyed that I had to drag them with me. I was also surprised at how annoyed I was. It wasn't so much that they slowed me down - which they did, but not a whole lot. It was because they were invading on MY time. My quiet half hour. They were talking, bickering and complaining about my playlist. MY playlist

.I love them, but until they can keep up and keep quiet, I think I'm going to keep my runs to myself. I have to spend the rest of the evening listening to "Mom, mom, mom, mom..." and "I want..." and my personal favorite "MOM! _____ just _____! Make him stop/give it back!!!" I don't think an uninterrupted run is too much to ask of my family.

Today's run stats are here.

C25K - Week 1 Day 1 - My First Run

"Just for today, I will have a quiet half hour all by myself, ans relax. During this half hour, sometime, I will try to get a better perspective on my life." ~Naranon blue book


Just for today, I will get off the couch and run.


Today was my first attempt at this running thing. I think I am starting to get it. I am not focusing on my knee pain with every step or worrying about each and every breath I take. I can let my thoughts wander. I can meditate. I can think about life's problems. I can listen to my own thoughts. I can sing "Crazy Bitch" while I run through the neighborhood (I'm pretty sure the neighbors think I am a crazy bitch already). I can spend time with me. How did I figure this all out on my first run? My family kept calling me. I was really annoyed - more than I thought I would be. I really surprised myself by being so annoyed. From now on, all calls will be dumped into voice mail while I am running.

I also learned just how badly I need a pair of running shoes. I knew I'd need them, but I just wanted to get started so I went with what I had. My feet and ankles were sore by the time I was done. I will put shoe shopping on my to-do list for the weekend. I have a feeling I will be expanding my wardrobe as well, but that can wait.

The playlist needs to be tweaked, but I was really motivated by the songs I picked. Nickleback, Pink and ABBA - among others... NIN had to go. I just wasn't feeling it. I also need to add "I Will Survive" for my last interval.

I'm liking the app from RunDouble as well. I choose my own playlist from my phone and it plays it during the run. It tells me when to run, when to walk and what the pace and distance was at each interval as well as the total distance and average pace. I will admit to doing a little happy dance in my run/walk when it told me I was half way. I'm sure a running partner would be a better motivation. You know someone who can physically remove me from the sofa. No app can do that. I love that it can keep track of all that information because I have no clue what I am doing at this point. I can just run/walk and listen to the music. Run details are here.

All in all I am feeling good. My legs are a bit tired. My ankles are still a little sore. My knees feel just fine! I am a little wheezy though. It is cold and I had ice cream last night (dairy allergy). I will definitely bring my inhaler next time. Bring it Day 2!

What *am* I Doing???

If you've known me very long, you know that I have been one of those "I don't run" people. (I am not claiming to be a runner now either) I have attempted to run in the past, but due to knee problems and undiagnosed asthma triggers it just plain sucked. I never could understand how people would do this for FUN!

I have since met a wonderful orthopedist who ordered an x-ray view that none of the dozens of other doctors I had seen (since I was a toddler) ever did. Turns out the muscles on the outside of my legs are tighter than on the inside. Some simple stretches and exercises and the problem is FINALLY resolved. I've also figured out what triggers my asthma which makes it infinitely easier to breathe and exercise at the same time. Those two things have made a measurable differance in my life.

Since then I have become more physical. I took a self defense class for a couple of years then switched to an MMA class about a year and a half ago. I only train once a week. I'd love to go more often, but it is just a logistical impossibility right now. What I have noticed is that as I progress in rank, I am getting frustrated with the physical limitations of my own body. I decided to challenge myself to get stronger, faster and more flexible.

First, I started the 100 Push-ups challenge. I always struggle with them in class and one night I decided I wasn't going to let them defeat me. I could do 11 when I started. Tonight I did a total of 245 and maxed out at 55. Saturday I will do the final test. I don't know if I will do the 100, but if I don't I will go back to week 4 or 5 and try again!

As I got to about week 4, I noticed that the push-ups were starting to hurt my back. I added the 200 sit-ups challenge to increase core strength. I started out with 35. Today I did 261 and maxed out at 67. One more week before that final exam!

How I decided to do the Couch to 5K is anyone's guess. I was feeling tired, sluggish and blah. I wasn't happy with how I felt and how I felt about my body. I downloaded to app. from www.rundouble.com. As some of my friends suggested, I set a goal for myself. I needed a 5k to train for. After a bit of searching, I decided on the WPLR Shamrock & Roll. I figure half of the participants will probably be drunk (I will not be), so how can I humiliate myself? I registered today! I then proceeded to download a playlist that would keep me motivated (it needs tweaking) and then I realized that I actually need to start running...

I did my first run/walk workout today. more on that tomorrow. I need to go build some Lego's.

Cub Scouts are Hooked on the Blues

The boys are really having fun in the new pack. The latest adventure was the Scout Night Camp Out at Harbor Yard. We caught a double header with a Scout parade between

Jammin' with Jimi & friends

One of Andy's Cub Scout buddies, Jimi did a presentation for his Disabilities Awareness Belt Loop about a fundraiser he and his mom do to help kids with Special Needs. Jimi talked about his own special needs and his friends with disabilities. Andy decided that he was going to donate the money from the cans and bottles he was saving as part of his recycling achievement would go to Jam 4 Jimi's Friends. After 3 months of collecting cans and bottles from home, the park, the neighborhood and my office, he raised $25! (That is 500 cans and bottles!)

So, this year's Jam was this past Sunday. I took Andy and Ryan while Todd and Colin held down the fort. The boys had a blast in the kids' room. They sang "Ring of Fire" during karaoke, got their faces painted and had a terrific presentation by a couple of Firefighters including a couple of give-aways!



Did I mention there were some guests that came all the way from a Galaxy far- far away?



yes, Todd was jealous! Actually, these guys were from the 501st CTG Troopers.

We had a great time and Andy is starting his collection for next year. If you don't want to deal with returning your cans & bottles (and you live near me) drop me a note and Andy can take them off your hands. His goal for next year is $100 because 25x4 is 100. It is great logic, but none of the 3 months he collected were during softball season.

WIP Wednesday - 3/3/10 Ravelympics wrap-up edition

Mission accomplished!


I combined the techniques of knit and crochet. I started with the Ribs & Lace Tank from IK. Then, I changed the lace to st st and began with a privisional cast on. I Bound the provisional stitches with single crochet and then added the bcrochet lace edge.



I worked the ribing mor or less as written. I did shorten the straps and raise the back. After grafting the straps, I added a crochet trim to the neckline. I then added a full crochet lace sleeve. This yarn has great drape, so it worked out nice.



upon further inspection, I decided the neckline could use some beads for a subtle sparke.




Yarn: Caron Spa
Needles: US 4 &6
Hook: US G

What is next? I have a few stealth deadline projects one down three to go. Two of which should go quickly. The third is OTN now and going pretty quickly. LOVE that chunky yarn ;)

TGIF- 2/26/10

I read this quote in the SESH the other day and thought I'd share it here.

"As we express out gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~ John F. Kennedy

and what words of grattitude shall I utter here on the blog - and attempt to live by in the real word?

I am grateful to/for the following:

• hip tosses - sorry Dubs
• patience
• clarity
• reading
• writing
• Sudafed PE (wish it was the real stuff tho... damn addicts...)
• making plans
• making changes
• building stuff with the kids
• creativity
• "rainbow salad"
• tea
• electric dryers (sorry Deb... )
• quilt square swaps - and swappers!
• fabric sales
• road trips past and future
• bamboo yarn - LOVE it!

It is Derby night tonight - weather permitting - I'll have car and race photos up tomorrow - weather permitting. Wish my boys luck! Oh- my nephews too. thier pack races tomorrow too.

Pinewood Derby 2010- Cars under construction

I realized that putting all of the Pinewood derby pics into one post would be pretty photo-heavy, so I will post the building of the cars as a little tease.

Being an engineer, it was pretty tempting for me to want to tell them how to build their cars, but it is really important that they learn the how and why. The race isn't about winning - though that is the goal. It is about learning and having fun. BUT when there are power tools and xacto knives involved, the adults do need to help them out.

We spent one Saturday googling images of Pinewood Derby cars for ideas. Then, they set to work building the cars... (The grown-ups helped with the power tools and sharp objects.)

Andy (Bear):

Ryan (Wolf):

Colin (Sibling): He had to get in on the action, so we bought him a car kit, helped him put the wheels on and the paint job was ALL him!

WIP Wednesday 2/24/10

I've been busy working on my Ravelympics project. I did a provisional cast-on and bound that with a round of single crochet. details on the hem are on my project page. I continued in st st to the rib. I worked the front as written from there, but I shortened the straps quite a bit. I'm working the back now. I did the shoulder decreases as written, but I didn't divide the back and I am working it higher on the back to accomodate the crochet neckline. I'm going to add crochet sleeves too. I'm considering beading, but as that was not part of my original design, I'm not counting that as part of "completion" for the gold medal.

I tried it on today and I gotta say... I LOVE this yarn!!! it is even softer on!

We've also been working on Pinewood Derby cars this week too. Weigh in was yesterday. Race day is Friday. I'll have a full recap including the race results and the making of the cars, but here is a sneak peek.

Yup... Colin is getting in on the sibling race action! He'll be a pro by the time he is a scout.

TGIF 2/19/10

• getting my TGIFs in on Friday (even if I did miss WIP wed)


• applying engineering to scouting


• applying engineering to knitting


• tempting offers


• deadlines (I like the motivation)


• Advil Cold and Sinus


• time and talent that brings me treasure.


• goat cheese and salmon wraps


• a cup of tea (ok- pot or five) and a good book


• a sense of humor


• Humility


• oh yeah... ROADTRIP!!! going to Northampton MA on Sunday.

Jar Block for the QOTM Group

Fabrics:

• Jar- 10.5"x5.5"- your choice - I think it will be more fun to see what you all come up with to put in the jars than to try to stick to a theme, so be creative!
• Lid- 1.5"x3"- should read as black
• Background - should read as cream/off white - 4- 1 7/8" squares, 2- 1.5"x2" strips, 2- 1"x11.5" strips, 1- 1.5"x6.5" strip

Step 1: making the jar.

• mark each 1 7/8" square along the diagonal on the wrong side.
• make another mark 1/2" closer to the corner.
• line up a square on each corner
• sew on the lines
• trim the square between the seams and press open.
• you will have created the jar and 4 half-square triangles. I would love it if you could send the HSTs with your blocks. I'd like to use them in the border.
  

Step 2: Assemble the Lid.

• sew the two 1.5"x2" strips to the "lid" piece
• attach lid to jar.
  
  

Step 3: add bacground strips.

• Sew the 1" wide strips to the sides of the jar
• Sew the 1.5"x6.5" strip to the top of the block.
• there is no bottom strip.
• the block should measure 6.5"x12.5" (finished block is 6"x12")
  

The finished quilt will be rows of the jar blocks with a horizontal only sashing to give the appearance of sitting on a shelf.

TGI did it again

So, I've been sick this week. Last night I came home from work, crawled into bed with a book and stayed there until a few hours ago. I did put the book down to cast on and knit a few rounds. I'm not about to let a little respitory distress knock me out of Olympic competition! (Ravelink to my "event"). If you aren't a Raveler, then just trust that it all makes sense and it is't the cold medicine talking.

on to the grattitude:

• coupons for FREE stuff
• Caron SPA yarn - very cuddly!
• seam rippers
• Albuterol and Mucinex
• Tea... tea fixes everything!
• Todd letting me be sick.
• snow days
• being missed
• Food for thought.
• fondue

WIP Wednesday - 2/10/10

Mother Nature's WIP of the day as seen from my living room.


I'm sick and a bit light headed, so I'm not sure if I posted this or not, but once I finish the stuff for the show, I'm going to get started on my T-shirt quilt. I've had these letters in a storage bin for about 10 years now. I think they will be happier as a quilt...


Speaking of the show... "Stairway to Serenity" is 100% DONE!

The quilting is a combination of stitch-in-the-ditch and echo quilting. I stitched in the ditch along the edges of the blue steps as well as the border strips. I echoed the steps at the same width as the individual strips through the field of the quilt. I'm very pleased with the outcome.

this is for another BOTM project - this one is a swap. the block has a mate, but it is in time out until I am feeling a little better - or at least have some patience...

The only knitting I did so far this week is swatch for the Ravelympics. boring. I'll have WIP shot next week - two days until cast-on!