A weeks worth of an update

So after my last run in Florida, I did a race the day after I returned. I struggled like you wouldn't believe and have rested since then. I was so inspired while in Florida. I swore I would stick to my training schedule. However, even after ensuring I had a car to get me around, I failed to find the nearest Bally's fitness club. I know of the one in Orlando/Kissimee but I failed to look one up in south Florida. :( So I did 2 runs and that was it. Boo to me.

I came back to NY and the next day I had a 4 mile run. Not to bad right?!?! Wrong! I think it was the worst run I have done to date. Okay maybe there was one or two bad runs during half marathon training in the wonderful heat but I felt so uncomfortable, sluggish...ugh! I had very little motivation and it didn't help that I knew of no one else running that day. I had to come up with many ways to keep myself in it. One mantra I kept repeating to myself...."I'm as light as a feather". After not sticking to my training and eating not so healthily. I truly did suffer during the run and was glad it was over...check out my face here:

Oh yeah I was struggling. Look at me here trying to convince you and myself I was a-OK! NOT!

I was so not a-OK. Well after this I went home to soak in Epsom salt thinking I would be great the next day. I so wasn't for the next week. I had a stiff neck and upper back for a whole week. Tiger balm, 2-3 deep massages, more soaking...and nothing. It drove me nuts! I even exercised by dancing my booty off with a Xbox Dance Central game and it helped very little. I was at a loss. Somehow and eventually the pain and most stiffness went away. I still have a little stiffness over my left shoulder.

This week I have made attempts to go running. Monday night I wanted to run but it didn't work out. I just didn't want to run alone so I was trying to work it out with Goober but it just didn't pan out. Yesterday I attempted again and this time it worked out. It was raining for most of the day so I expected to run in the rain. However, to our luck it was dry the whole time we ran. We ran through the park. I hadn't run through this park ever and I'm glad I did. It is quiet, lonely and a bit spooky on a raining night so I'm glad I wasn't alone. I am glad someone guided me on a new running path and mostly I was glad I didn't do it alone. My forerunner didn't register the first quarter to half mile but overall I was proud of Goober for keeping up despite having run in the morning. It was slow for me but I didn't mind being that I felt so out of shape. It was a great warm up for me so tomorrow I am definitely doing a 4 miler. I have to ready for a 7 miler on Sat or Sun. I can do it!!! I just cannot wait to get this 15 K over with and then be able to do some fun and easy running. I need a break before I get back to half marathon and eventually marathon training.

Oh and speaking of marathon training...I officially qualify for ING 2012 NYC Marathon! I was suppose to qualify after the 15K but I forgot to email NYRR about that and so I am done with my 9+1 guarantee in track! Yay!!!!

Fort Lauderdale run

Today I drove along part of the Fort Lauderdale coast and these were some of the views.

 Since it was hot I decided I would lay out and get some sun and then later run along the sidewalk next to the beach. However, this is how the day got once I had my bathing suit on....*sigh*. Of course it would get cloudy. It just isn't meant for me to get some color on these pale legs of mine.

Once the sun began to set I went out for a run I did about 3.25 miles. I felt good. I did run slowly though. I really need to start doing something about that but not this week as I get my body back into running shape and not before a race. I have to figure out the details of this race on Sunday. I am kind of not looking forward to running in the cold weather again...oh well.

Miami run

So I find myself in Miami and it was an absolutely beautiful day to run. I did my long run not knowing if I could make it but I did. I ran about 6 miles. It was a beautiful run along the broadwalk and these are the views that I got a peak at as I ran. I actually stepped onto the sand and wondered for a bit what it would be like to run in the sand but I am grateful I didn't actually do so. After stepping on the sand to just take a few pictures I ended up with so much sand as I realized my sneakers are very "holey". They are definitely not good to run with in the sand. I would end up with sand bags and it would be horrible to run it...oh I can imagine the blisters..eek!

Back to running

This picture was taken as I finally head out for a run after over a week of being off due to my sickness. I was sick on Tuesday after Halloween. I felt slightly better on Wednesday night into Thursday but after a long work day on Thursday I was back down on Friday straight through Monday feeling slightly better by Tuesday. I was finally better enough Thursday. I took the day off instead of taking Tuesday off for Election day.

I got a 3.75 mile in although I was aiming for 4 miles though I should only have been doing 3 miles. Not bad after having over a week off. I had a little difficulty with gunk in my system but I was good after my run.  I am so happy to be back on track. It was a beautiful fall day and I didn't run alone as I had my shadow running right besides me.

Sick

So although I tried to take a few measures to attempt not to feel worse...I failed.

I am sick.

I didn't go running last night. I thought about going to the gym but knew I would not be able to drag myself to the gym. Today it looks like it is just not happening either. I just want to sleep and I will need to since I work late tomorrow. Thank God I have Friday off. I cannot wait.

Now it would be helpful if I just didn't eat a cupcake and a cheese puff pastry thingy...oh well, I will deal with my battle with sweats once I am feeling better.

Blah!!!!

Preventive measures

I do not want to get sick! I do not want to get sick!! I took 2 Tylenol had a cup of tea and am about to make some more. I had an airborne...what else can I do for now. I may need to get Echinacea.

Yay to new sneakers

Yay to new sneakers! My new sneakers came in today and I cannot wait to put them on for my commute home! I don't feel so great but I'm hoping to be able to maybe take them out for a spin.....we'll see.