Recovery Week

I took it easy on Monday and Tuesday and then did 35 minutes of the one hour Zumba class on Wednesday. I figured I would ease back in to my routine, so today I ran 1:1's for 20 minutes. I plan to do 6 miles this weekend as part of my discombobulated recovery/taper week as I signed up to do the Rhythm and Blues Half Marathon on the 10th.

Another Half Marathon on the Books

The USA Fit Marathons were today in Sugar Land. I did the half with my friend Carla Fair-Wright. The weather was great (a little too warm for some) - in the 60's with a cloud cover. We ran 1:00/1:00's for the first 8 miles and then my calves started to cramp. At first I didn't know why, but then I realized that I had failed to follow my own advice and had started a new exercise routine last week.
I did Zumba classes 2 times and then took advantage of an introductory consultation that involved strength exercises. I used muscles I had not used in a very long time, and they came back to bite me today. Luckily, I had some Tylenol, and once it kicked in, I was able to pick up the pace. We walked the last 3 miles and then ran it in at the finish line. Our time was 3:45. The finisher's medal (see below) and the shirt are really nice.

Since I survived, I  registered for the Sugar Land Half that is scheduled for March 3rd, starting and ending at Sugar Land Town Center  www.signmeup.com/83247. I'm trying to decide if I want to commit to the Rhythm and Blues that is on February 10th in downtown Houston. I'll probably decide tomorrow.

Me and Carla finishing the race

Finisher's Medal



The Sugar Land Half is this Sunday

I've continued my trainings, but have not consistently posted. Patricia and I did 10 miles on the 18th. I'm very excited that she will be doing the half, as well. I started Zumba classes this week and have done some light walking, enjoying the taper before the race.
The weather should be interesting - in the 60's to 70's with cloud cover. I guess it beats the cold and rain.

I have been training, just not posting.........

My last post was December 22nd. I guess I got wrapped up in the holidays, but I did my weekly trainings of 30 to 45 minutes and then my long runs - 7 miles on the 23rd and 8 miles on the 29th. I did 6 miles on Friday, January 4th and then left on a week's cruise that Sunday. I did my best to exercise while we were gone, but only managed a few miles on the ship's deck one morning. Knowing that I would miss the next weekend's long run, I took the stairs as often as possible, sometimes walking up 9 levels.

Sunrise on my one run on the deck

 



Only Did 30 Minutes

My long run this weekend is 7 miles. I got up late and when I finally headed out the weather was beautiful. It was one of those mornings when it was hard to get comfortable - either too hot or too cold. I only did 30 minutes and decided I would do my 7 miles tomorrow.

4.5 Miles in Oyster Creek Park

Patricia and I did a 4.5 mile walk in the 30 degree weather this morning. It had been a really long time since I'd been to Oyster Creek Park. There was barely any greenery in the places that are usually so lush. One of the sections closest to Lexington, just before the bridge, had been totally "scalped." It was really sad. There were a ton of cardinals, though, that brightened the landscape. I tried really hard to get a good picture, but they kept eluding me.

 

One if many cardinals



On the Road

From Monday December 17th, through Wednesday December 19th, Stan and I walked the streets and sites of Atlanta. On Monday, we walked at least 4.5 miles, the rest at least 3 miles. Even though we ate quite a bit of the local fare which included a lot of fried foods, I only ate half f my portions. That strategy worked because I only gained 1 pound during our trip!