Last Run of The Week

5.04 miles 1:00:25 11:59 pace 7:15 am 81 degrees


The Hal Higdon Intermediate Marathon Training schedule suggests the long run take place on Sunday. I switched them out last week and this week due to weather last week and social plans this week. (I'm going to see "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert" tonight. Fun!) Higdon's Novice schedule gave me 4 running days a week, not 5. This is certainly a step up and I'm feeling it. I'm going to do my best not to put the long run on Saturday again. It was psychologically tough to get up and run this morning after yesterday's challenge.

I did it anyway.

I'm glad it's done. And now I'm going to go have some oatmeal, almond milk, and an orange.

Happy Sunday. I hope you enjoy yours as much as I'm planning on enjoying mine.

An evening at the theatre with 2 of my favorite guys and about a bazillion sequins. What more can a girl ask for?



©Michelle Scofield, September 29, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Spin Through The Neighborhood

9.03 miles 2:00:55 13:23 pace 7:15 am 81 degrees

I thought it might take me 2 hours. This is the longest run for me since completing the Houston marathon last January. Yesterday, I mapped out my route and it felt daunting. I went to bed about 10:30 and hoped to sleep at least until after 6:00.

My internal alarm is set for 5:30. It works well. I'm not foolish enough to think I can run in my new neighborhood in the dark. I no longer live in the suburbs. I tried to go back to sleep, but nothing doing. I read for a little bit, then got up and ate half a bagel and drank a glass of water. Finally, my loft brightened with day breaking.

I made my way through the Museum District from Binz to Montrose then on to West Gray up to Shepherd back to Bissonette and down Montrose on the Rice trail. I crossed Main to Hermann Park, came around the golf course and made my way home.

Here's the thing about going through Montrose and River Oaks on a Saturday morning: Those neighborhoods are full of the aromas of bistros and donut shops.

Not to worry. I had my GU packet. Almost as good.

I had the other half of the bagel, took a shower, and a 2 hour nap.

I'm glad this run is out of the way. I have a 5 miler on the schedule for tomorrow.

Next week is not looking so tough. Runwise or workwise. Yay, me!





©Michelle Scofield, September 28, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Future Thinking

3.02 miles 37:54 12:33 pace 5:15pm 94 degrees

Not wanting to dwell on current unpleasantness, I'm looking toward upcoming happiness.

I have a couple of art events to attend. I love that!

I've been scouring travel websites and daydreaming. Beach? City? Mountains?

Oh, the possibilities.

I'm also trying to decide on the next book to fall into after I finish "Under The Dome" by Stephen King. Reading is the perfect escape from reality for me. And it does a great job of sending me off to sleep.

And I have a marathon to run. In January. Woot!

Glass half full. Glass half full. I'm going to keep topping it off. To heck with those who try to spill it.

Happy Thursday.






©Michelle Scofield, September 26, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Wednesday Hotties

5.01 miles 1:05:20 13:02 pace 5:45 pm 93 degrees

Mother. Freaking. Hot.

There should be a dedicated elevator in my building for those of us who are post-exercise. I feel a little embarrassed when I'm riding with one of my neighbors and I'm wearing eau de sweat. Today I rode up with two very handsome, very European, very nicely dressed gentlemen. All I could do was smile and try not to drip.

On the mileage front, I'm right on track. Although I wasn't going to sign up for any sanctioned races, I'm feeling less than 100% motivated so I have a bib for a 30K run on December 15th. That fits in with my training schedule and to get out there and run that many miles in one day (unsupported) is asking a lot of me. It was 60 bucks but I'm not exactly out there spending tons of cash wining and dining lately.

Speaking of food. I'm craving fruit. Meat - not so much. I need to up my protein intake and I'm going to have to work on that. I had a few (6?) almonds when I got in from tonight's run. I'm drinking Gatorade on ice. I have no idea what I'll have for dinner.

Must plan better. (Yes, I have plenty of greek yogurt, almond milk, hummus. I'm really not hungry.) Scrambled eggs may be the winner tonight. Lots of veggies in the fridge. I know I can't exist on fruits and veg. I have a feeling the heat is what is knocking my appetite out.

What I'd give for a cool front.





©Michelle Scofield, September 25, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Tough Tuesday

5:30 pm 3.03 miles 37:26 12:26 pace 94 degrees

(Yesterday was cross-training. I worked abs with a yoga DVD here at home. No where near as much fun as taking a class but I'm feeling sore - in all the right places - today. It felt like a good workout and having taken so many yoga classes, I was able to follow the cues.)

Today's run was a bit of a letdown after the lovely weather this weekend. I felt like I was plodding along and had to fight myself to finish that 3rd mile and not call it quits after 2.

I've said it so many times. Anyone can do this. It's not physical. It's mental.

No day felt more so than today. And it was only 3 miles.

But I'm done and I'm sipping my gatorade.

Here's to you, my supporters. I appreciate your comments (and your private emails and texts). You're a big part of what keeps me going. Cheers!




©Michelle Scofield, September 24, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Breathing Macy's

7:15 am 68 degrees 5:02 miles 1:02 12:21 pace

I've been waivering. Seeing the number of miles on the Hal Higdon Intermediate schedule versus the Novice II schedule was a shock. The difference is this additional 5 miles on the weekend. The weather report pushed me on over. I've been craving cooler weather.

I need to test myself - to push a little harder.

I was aware that there would be a building implosion downtown. The news said there wouldn't be a lot of dust. When I stepped onto Almeda, there was a moderate wind blowing from the north and I looked toward downtown. I saw a giant gray cloud rising in that area but it seemed to be fairly stationary. It didn't remain that way.

Today my route took me through the Hermann Park Golf course, past Miller Outdoor Theatre, around the Rice University Trail and back home - in one big circle. By the time I crossed Main Street, the air was filled with a fine grit and my eyes were burning. The dust cloud from what used to be Macy's had made it's way to the Med Center.

It's blown through now. This is just part of living in a big city and I'll happily take the bad along with the good.

I suppose I could have waited until a little later in the day to go for a run. But then I wouldn't have accomplished all this by noon:

laundry done
floors swept and mopped
turkey, veggie, and quinoa meatloaf baked and divided up for lunches next week
turkey spaghetti sauce simmering for dinner tonight
dishes washed and kitchen cleaned
blog entry about to be wrapped up

Happy Sunday.

(And Happy Birthday to my loving and awesome son. He's absolutely the best. Absolutely.)






©Michelle Scofield, September 22, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Trucks

8.21 miles 1:46:00 9:10 am 72 degrees 12:55 pace

It rained (gently) the first 20 minutes of my run. I was prepared to face it and had decided to take most of it on pavement. My route today was: Almeda to Hermann, over to Binz/Bissonett, up to Ashby, across to the Rice trail. I ran around Rice, back to Bissonett, then over to Hermann Park, around the golf course, and home.

2 themes.

Puddles and Trucks.

I jumped over puddles. I ran around puddles. I did my best to avoid them. Some, I simply couldn't. Last night it rained like crazy in this neighborhood and it hasn't soaked in yet. The Rice path was a muddy mess.

I saw trucks I haven't noticed before. The one from Hotel Za Za that is a (what?) Hummer with longhorns on the front. I guess it's their limo. I think I'd take a cab. :)

I saw a double decker bus giving a tour of the museum district. It was a hop-on/hop-off number like they have by the thousands in London. I had no idea they were operating in Houston.

Some bubba had his pickup blocking the sidewalk in The Village. It was in front of one of those McMansions. Guess he hasn't gotten that far in his lessons about money buying class.

Rounding my last big curve at Hermann Park, I came upon a tree service truck spraying something from a massive tank onto standing water on the ground. I had a decision to make. The worker was gloved. I can't remember if he was masked. There was a little breeze. I was almost dead on my feet and if I turned around, I would add another mile to my run. I decided to sprint past him and hold my breath. A good way past him was an older couple with a little girl in a stroller. They were stopped and seemed to be discussing what to do. I stopped to talk to them. I told them I didn't know what he was spraying. They decided to turn around and go back the way they came. I'm really glad they did. Bone marrow is precious - as was their little girl. (Who knows if the stuff was hazardous to humans?)

Last truck. I arrived home and a food truck was parked in front of my place. The Waffle Truck. I stopped to talk to a couple of my neighbors who were sitting on the steps and enjoying lunch. It smelled wonderful. I happened to have my mini-credit card with me. (I carry it with me on long runs in case I need to stop and buy a bottle of water.) So...I had a waffle and chicken sandwich. Yummo!

I took a hot bath with epson salts. I took a nap.

And now, I'll see what else Saturday has to offer.

Happy Weekend!


©Michelle Scofield, September 21, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Life's a Beach

3.33 Miles 42:21 12:45 pace 5:15 pm 84 degrees and raining


I was looking forward to this all day. I imagined the rain cooling my skin. I had my visor so I could wear my glasses. I'd already decided to wear my current running shoes. They would dry out and it's just not worth trying to deal with heel pain secondary to a shoe switch.

I headed across the street to the park. It seemed I had the place to myself. Almost. I came across 3 other runners, 1 guy walking his dog, and 2 crazy bike riders.

It wasn't ridiculously hot.

Here's the thing. Have you ever run on wet sand at the beach?

Yeah, it was like that. I sank in and pushed off on...

Every. Single. Step.

My butt began to ache after the first mile.

I zigged and zagged across the trail, tightroping on curbing when I couldn't hurdle-jump the biggest puddles.

Great workout.

Happy Thursday. Tomorrow is my rest day. Rest from running. I'm super-thrilled that it's the end of the work week. Super. Thrilled.

Super!

That's pretty darned thrilled.






©Michelle Scofield, September 19, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Rounded Up to Five

4.91 miles 5:30 pm 1:05 13:14 pace 90 degrees

Good grief! It's hot. I carried a bottle of water with me and I wanted to quit about a hundred times.

Today was another wildly busy day at work. The temptation was to pass on tonight's mileage. I'm really trying, here. Being on my feet from 7:30 to 4:00 (with a half hour break for lunch) makes me think, "You already exercised." Nah, not really.

I know these things:

The weather will break - someday.

The clinic schedule will let up. Maybe.

There's always the weekend.

Happy Wednesday.




©Michelle Scofield, September 18, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Here We Go!

3.01 miles 36:26 12:06 pace 91 degrees

My Hal Higdon Marathon Training has officially started. Last night was cross-training. Planks, kettle bells, pushups.

Today it's hot as hell but I needed to get out there. Missing the first run on the spreadsheet would have felt defeating. Currently, I'm not open to defeat.

No speed-racing with the temp and humidity as high as it is. I'm easing my way into this. My sincere desire is to get through this training without injury or illness.

Happy Tuesday! I'm looking forward to the rest of the week.








©Michelle Scofield, September 17, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Happier Background Music

7:10am 75 degrees 4.02 miles 47:16 11:45 pace


One of the weather sites says 100% humidity. I thought that meant it was raining. I'm no meteorologist so I haven't a clue as to what's correct but, dang! It's humid! It also smells like someone's burning a wood pile out there. Or maybe there was a house fire. Whatever. I coughed and "ahem'd" my way through my morning run. I have an inhaler prescription for exercise-induced asthma. Today was the first time in a long time that I felt symptoms and thought about using it pre-run next time.

Excuse me while I go check the air quality on another site...

...The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality says it's all within the "Good" Range. Guess it's just the humidity.


Lately I'm finding myself in a bit of an excuse-making mode. Since completing last year's marathon and taking time off to recover, I honestly haven't wanted to run again. It's a drag. It's time-consuming. It hurts. I got so busy at work that I was overcome with fatigue and couldn't manage a run. My legs felt like lead. I put on 15 of the pounds that I dropped during marathon training. (It's no wonder my legs felt heavy!) I moved and it's not safe to run in my new neighborhood in the very early morning. It's been too hot to run in the evenings.

Here's the thing about running. For me.

I keep depression at bay with what I admit is sheer defiance. When I'm not running, I white knuckle my way through my days. Running not only gives me something to look forward to, I absolutely believe it raises my seratonin levels and acts as a natural antidepressant.

Training for the 2014 Houston Marathon begins next week. I'm feeling more positive about running and more excited about it. I know it's not going to be easy. Last year I didn't use music much while I ran but I tried it again yesterday and I was happy for the diversion. I think there has been so much negative out there pushing it's way into my head and I need to find a way to drown it out. I'll be checking out Itunes for kicky stuff to make me smile while I'm on the trails.

Yeah, yeah. The negative stuff needs to be dealt with. Maybe. Some of it. Some of it will never change. (Going back to my 12 steps again. They come in handy.) Running is for ME! Reworking someone else's garbage during my time, in my running shoes, doesn't seem to be productive or healthy.

I hereby declare this marathon training season mine. I don't need to solve the problems of work or world while I run. I'm going to do my very best to enjoy it.

There! I feel better already. Kind of. :)



©Michelle Scofield, September 15, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Change Happens

3.11 36:34 11:45 pace 7:15 am 75 degrees

I woke up (I'm guessing) every 2 hours last night. It was a super-stressful week at work. A colleague I admire and respect professionally resigned and I'm sad and feeling a little adrift. Change is hard.

Even thought I'm tired as heck, I know exercise is just what I need. That, and a little time with friends. (I have a dinner set up for this evening.)

I feel better after my run.

I still miss my morning coffee. I think it's the ritual of it...I'd be sipping a cup right now, if I could. I'm not having palpitations now so I think I made the right choice.

Anyway...

Here's a picture of a pretty butterfly. It makes me happy. :)



©Michelle Scofield, September 14, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Bzzzzz

7:00am 75degrees 2.6 miles 31.3 12:07 pace


It's not getting any cooler. Oh, the thermometer may say it's cooler but it doesn't feel like it. The grass in the park was covered with dew this morning and my fellow joggers and I were soaked with sweat as we made our way around the trail.

I alternated 5 minute run with 1 minute walk today.

Just when it was time to run, I'd notice a mosquito had landed on me. Guess when you're moving faster you're not such an easy target? I also had one in my mouth. In. My. Mouth. I didn't spit. I'm not THAT runner. But, c'mon! That's just disgusting.

So if you're headed outside, bug spray!


My Hal Higdon marathon training schedule starts September 16. Almost here.




©Michelle Scofield, September 8, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Cuppa

7:15am 79degrees 3.02 miles 36:25 12:04 pace

This week, I put my money where my coffee cup was and took myself off caffeine. I knew I was risking a whopping migraine headache but I had to do it. I've been experiencing palpitations and they got my attention.

Over the last year my coffee habit has escalated from a cup in the morning to two in the morning, one after lunch, and sometimes one in the evening if I have plans to be out late. I kind of freaked out when my coffeemaker broke about six months ago and immediately bought another one - I mean that very day.

There may be another reason for my heart flutters. I've been relying on melatonin to help me sleep at night. It's been reported to cause palpitations. I ditched that, too.

I didn't feel any yesterday. If I notice them again, I'll make an appointment with my Physician.

I had the teensiest of headaches yesterday. No big deal. (I could have attributed it to the mountain of stress that was sitting on my shoulders regarding work.) The most noticable symptom of caffeine withdrawal is muscle stiffness. I can't seem to get comfortable. And, yes...I'm a little agitated.

I admit this.

It was a good idea to get out and run this morning. I wasn't up to a sprint. A little jog was just what I needed.

It feels like a new beginning. (The coffeemaker is going on the shelf - with the coffee. I'll save it for company.)




©Michelle Scofield, September 7, 2013 All Rights Reserved

Good Medicine

7.50 am. 77 degrees 2.27 miles. 36.55 minutes

I'm going to keep walking this line between avoiding injury and maintaining a healthy mental status. Best way I can see to do that is to meet and greet my fellow exercises with smiles and "good mornings". We're good for each other.

I just know it.


:)

Good morning!

Holding Back and Other Rules to Go By

7:16am 75 degrees 2.32 miles 28:59 12:30 pace (ran a little, walked a little)

The ankle is feeling better. I'm aware I tweeked it a couple weeks ago. The swelling is gone. The entire ankle/heel complex is a bundle of confusion for me. I don't know what's what. I'm going slightly stir crazy so I knew I had to get out and move this morning. Missing outdoor cardio is not good for my brain chemistry.

Fresh air + sunshine + increased heart rate = increased saratonin levels.

My right knee has a point of tenderness medially. I'm not sure if it's patellar or deeper. It's nagging but it bothers me most when I'm inactive. I hope it's arthritic in nature. I hope. When hoping wears thin, I'll go to the Orthopedist.

Positives: The park was full of people out enjoying the relative coolness of the morning compared to the rest of what's forecast for the day. There were also plenty of squirrels and birds. A huge flock of pigeons landed in a tree as I passed by the statue of the General on his horse. I felt the dewdrops falling around me. I hope they were dew drops and not doo drops. One rule I've learned about jogging in the park.

Look forward, not up.


Oh, and Happy Birthday, Brett! Rule #1 and #1000 and #1,000,000! Tell those you love that you do. I love you.






©Michelle Scofield, September 1, 2013 All Rights Reserved