John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV

Friday, February 19, 2010

FAB-U-LOUS Friday

I am so excited it is Friday. Friday mornings are my free mornings. I do not have to rush the kids, I do not even have to get dressed. (I only watch Baby A Mon-Thurs from 8 to 12:40). I love Fridays. This Friday is also special because I get to see my college friends Cat and Melissa. We are having dinner together - Yay!!!

As I mentioned yesterday, my hubby stayed home. We did our P90X - Plyometrics workout at 9am and I had the worst headache. (I went to bed with a wet head, and it always produces a headache the next morning. I should have known better.) I did the workout, but Plyometrics is hard and I slacked. Hubby did a great job!! I know... I watched him the last 15 minutes from the couch.

I decided to eat my lunch earlier than usual (a can of tuna with a little lit mayo, 1T of cheese, and almonds) so I could run with Baby A since we had a heat wave of 40 degrees. We did 4.5 miles but it was so much harder pushing the baby jogger. When my Garmin FR60, Lola, beeped that I had completed the first mile, my time was 12min. I REPEAT - 12 MINUTES!!! I couldn't believe it - most of it was up hill with lots of wind, but still... that was bad. Knowing this I consciously decided to run faster. At mile two when Lola beeped, it was 12.36. I ran even slower - WHAT?!?!?!

Okay, so now I am mad. I REALLY make an effort to run faster and this part is mostly flat. Mile 3 was 12:10. Better but still awful. At this point I am so upset angry, I want to give up; but I want to get the miles in, so I kept going. Mile 4 was 12:17 (more hills too, plus had to wait for a little traffic to pass). I was thinking that I would run 6 miles, but decided to take the 1/2 mile loop back to the house.

Three plausable conclusions:
  1. My 7 snow days really put a damper on my time (despite having 2 other runs that seemed normal).
  2. I suck at running.
  3. The baby jogger adds 2 minutes to my time.
I like the 3rd conclusion. I will test this tomorrow. I really want to get a long run in.

Also, my knees are starting to bother me. The last mile it seems like I could feel the bones rubbing together. I had surgery in June 08 to replace my ACL and repair my meniscus in the left knee and need an ACL replacement in my right knee; but my Orthopedic Surgeon said that your ACL does not affect your running ability. Maybe my legs were just cold.

I will keep you posted. I know that I need the surgery on my right knee, but who has 6 weeks to lie around and do nothing? NOT ME!

Do any of your run with the jogging stroller and if so, does it affect your time?
BTW: On my title graphic, can you find me? My sister didn't see me, so I thought maybe no one understood why that is the background to my blog title.

20 comments:

J said...

Running the a baby jogger thing is insane! It takes so much effort just to push that thing much less on hills. I havent tried it but I just know it is hard!

Jocelyn said...

I agree with J. Running with something totally messes up your form and speed. I wouldn't worry about it too much. :) As someone who has tore the same ACL twice, I feel your pain. Sometimes if there is lower pressure your knees will feel looser. I still run with a brace because I don't trust myself not to hurt it again

Unknown said...

the baby jogger *HAS* to slow you down. Don't fret it. It's making you stronger!

Marlene said...

I'm thinking the combination of those factors would EASILY result in a slower time. You got a great workout in, so don't worry about it!

Happy Weekend!

Kelly said...

a) I see you in your header. b) I never have run with a jogging stroller but I think that that may have affected your time. I do NOT think it's because you suck at running. Nope. I hate runs that aren't as good as I thought they'd be in my mind, when I was planning them out. But you get back out there, that's what makes you a runner, right?

Syl said...

I am much slower with a running stroller, my son weights more than 30 pounds and it slows me down. It's tough pushing that thing!

I can see a person in your header, didn't realize it was you.

don't worry about the time I would definately say it's the stroller if you are not use to running with one and the snow!

Allie said...

I ran with a jogging stroller one time, my time sucked! It's a lot harder to run with a stroller, especially uphill. Don't worry, you're doing great.

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

I run with a stroller all of the time. A single stroller adds 30-40 sec per mile, a double adds 45-1:00 per mile and a triple (yes, I have run with a triple) adds 1:15-1:30 per mile, at least that's what I have found. And to keep those paces I work a TON harder.

Have fun with your friends!

Catey said...

Ditto! running with the jogger totally slows me down. It's a heck of a workout too. Running without using your arms is much more difficult that it looks. :)

saundra said...

It's definitely #3 and most certainly not #2. The stroller itself weighs approximately 10-20lbs before you add in the weight of the babe. And pushing one uphill- forget it!!!
Don't be too hard on yourself. Stroller or no stroller, bad runs just happen. So do good ones.
Hope you knee isn't as bad a you think! Take care.

Amanda said...

seriously, every time i see someone running with a stroller, i feel like a wimp. or give them mass props in my head. those things are no joke.

and we all have days that are slower than others.

MCM Mama said...

Definitely the running stroller. Those things are hard to push! But at least they are a good workout and make running without them seem like a breeze.

H Love said...

I just discovered your blog as you were tagged. I became a followe and look forward to learning more about your journey. Time Time Time....sometimes time will drive you crazy. Now worries on teh 12 minute mile...at least you were out there.

Felice Devine said...

Definitely #3. For sure!

Have a great time w/your college friends.

ajh said...

It's got to be the stroller!

RunningFromCancer said...

ditto - running stroller has got to slow you down - but think about the good work out that you are getting! You will appreciate it when you run without the stroller!!!

Anne said...

I agree with everyone...it must be the stroller. It really makes sense.
...and Yes, I can see you there in the left hand corner :)

Kirsten said...

Of course it's the stroller!!!!! Good for you to pursue such a tough workout and to keep pushing yourself all through it. Don't sweat it, you're a great runner and you have LOTS more miles to run in your lifetime let alone between now and next fall. Thanks for the tip about your pic, didn't realize that was you either. It's a great photo, even more impressive knowing it's from your camera. :)

Sara Cox Landolt said...

We have a single & a double jogger and yes, they slow you down! Great practice, extra resistance. The thing with the single is it always pulls right so you have to apply constant pressure to make it correct itself. Exhausting on its own! :-)

Anonymous said...

i think jogging strollers are great. i have twins and they love being a part of my love for running. i know alot of women are worried about time. i am happy just to be running.