I had a temporary breakthrough for a couple of days last week. I ran with someone in order to help push them and ended up pushing myself as well. They are actually a TON faster than I. The course I run has tons of cul-de-sacs and such so you end up retracing your steps a bunch. Whenever the other runner would run past me, I'd speed up to simulate a competitive runner. Even though sprinting was thoroughly exhausting, I ended up getting a couple of great runs out of it. My two-mile ended up sub-18 and my three-mile run was sub-28. Those two days were great.... and then there was a long day at a football game and the next AM I was too tired to really push it and all I could manage was a 30 minute 3.1.
I think the presence of another person was what helped me muster the energy to sprint. On race days I know I am able to run faster and I always figured that was because of the atmosphere. I think the same must go for practice runs; when I am being watched or have someone to watch in the distance, I think I tend to forget about being tired or in any pain and just concentrate on keeping up with the person ahead of me, thereby running with better form and effectiveness.
That being said, I typically don't run with anyone so the only thing I am looking to catch up to is the clock. Not as fun/easy. Also, I noticed my foot pain seems to decrease when I shift the way I run. I don't know which is right or wrong, for all I know, it's all wrong. What I'm trying to do is concentrate on running up hill on my toes and downhill, and on the flat surfaces, on my heels. Previously, I had been thumping flatly on my feet because I was tired and felt like it was easier. I should have figured, if it's easier, it's probably a bad idea. My foot has been hurting pretty badly so, I really needed to try something new and fix it. So far, so good. I'm hoping it helps fix things!
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Nothing new to report
It's been a while since I posted and I feel like I've failed myself, again. I think I have some pretty good excuses though. Most of them revolve around being out of town. A couple of weeks ago, I went up to Wisconsin to cheer on a friend competing in the USA National Championships.
While I was there, I ran almost everyday but, I don't actually know how far I ran. My foot was killing me so I just ran as far as I could without the piercing pain in my arch forcing me to walk. I think it might have been hurting worse there because of all the walking, site-seeing I was doing.
Anyway, after that, my runs have continued to be lack-luster - I've been doing around 10 minute miles for weeks with no improvement in time or feeling in my foot. I also haven't kept up my plan to complete 6 miles every two weeks. While it might be better to wait until my foot feels better before implementing longer distances, I'm afraid if I don't start soon, I'll be back in the same position from last year - training too hard in too short of a time and ending up disappointed. Hopefully, I can start getting more serious as the weather gets cooler.
Anyway, after that, my runs have continued to be lack-luster - I've been doing around 10 minute miles for weeks with no improvement in time or feeling in my foot. I also haven't kept up my plan to complete 6 miles every two weeks. While it might be better to wait until my foot feels better before implementing longer distances, I'm afraid if I don't start soon, I'll be back in the same position from last year - training too hard in too short of a time and ending up disappointed. Hopefully, I can start getting more serious as the weather gets cooler.
Monday, August 3, 2015
After the weekend
I expected this morning's run to be better since I spent the end of last week south of the city, where it's SUPER hot. I figured running in the heat would be good training and could make me faster. My run this morning was 20:05. That's a little faster than my last 2 miles but it wasn't as fast as I expected, especially given how well I felt. Starting off at my house, there's a hill within the first 20 steps that goes for about 1/10 of a mile. Usually, about half way up, I get really tired and half to slow down and catch my breath. Today my legs felt strong and I had no problem powering it up the hill. That was kind of a mood booster for the rest of the run, since I was able to start off on a strong note. I figured, because I felt so great, I would have a strong, fast run on the books.
That's why I was so surprised, and a little disappointed to see 20:05 on my watch when I finished. I know it's not much different, but I would have greatly preferred 19:59. It's like how a $2.99 price sticker is a lot more enticing than a $3.00. They are essentially the same thing, but that two in the front makes the brain feel better about buying it. And any positive mental boost is always appreciated.
Speaking of which, I saw this blog post this morning from Disney: 12 Disney Movies That Should Inspire Your Twenties.
Seeing as I am in my twenties, Disney is always a good choice, and inspiration is always welcome, I gave it a click. I know it's a simple thing, but they took 12 Disney movies, as the title suggests, and applied the message of that film to life lessons for twenty-somethings. I absolutely loved it! I loved it so much I bookmarked it. I love it so much, I might print it out and tape it to my wall... or something. Go ahead, give it a read, and Have a Magical Day!
That's why I was so surprised, and a little disappointed to see 20:05 on my watch when I finished. I know it's not much different, but I would have greatly preferred 19:59. It's like how a $2.99 price sticker is a lot more enticing than a $3.00. They are essentially the same thing, but that two in the front makes the brain feel better about buying it. And any positive mental boost is always appreciated.
Speaking of which, I saw this blog post this morning from Disney: 12 Disney Movies That Should Inspire Your Twenties.
Seeing as I am in my twenties, Disney is always a good choice, and inspiration is always welcome, I gave it a click. I know it's a simple thing, but they took 12 Disney movies, as the title suggests, and applied the message of that film to life lessons for twenty-somethings. I absolutely loved it! I loved it so much I bookmarked it. I love it so much, I might print it out and tape it to my wall... or something. Go ahead, give it a read, and Have a Magical Day!
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
7.28 - 7.29
Yesterday was 2 miles, my favorite days because they're shorter and quicker and, therefore, less pressure. Unfortunately, I ran 20:29... Not bad, but over 10 minutes per mile...
Today was a little better. I struggled hard core even though the temp was a lot better and the sun hadn't really come up that much. As I was coming down the hill, I looked at my watch (which I never do until I finish - like it might jinx me or something). I was at 29:15 and finishing up the .1 of the 3.1. So... I sprinted the rest of the way to make it under 30. Luckily, I finished 29:50 - cutting it kinda close! The only reason I wasn't really proud of it was that, had I not looked at my watch it would have been over 30 minutes, for sure.
As for food over the past two days, I definitely ate TOO much sugar on Monday. I had a throbbing sugar headache from these beauties!
Today was a little better. I struggled hard core even though the temp was a lot better and the sun hadn't really come up that much. As I was coming down the hill, I looked at my watch (which I never do until I finish - like it might jinx me or something). I was at 29:15 and finishing up the .1 of the 3.1. So... I sprinted the rest of the way to make it under 30. Luckily, I finished 29:50 - cutting it kinda close! The only reason I wasn't really proud of it was that, had I not looked at my watch it would have been over 30 minutes, for sure.
As for food over the past two days, I definitely ate TOO much sugar on Monday. I had a throbbing sugar headache from these beauties!
They're not any special flavor or anything, I had made some cookies for Christmas in July last Saturday and had WAY too much icing left over. Since we used neon pink and green I thought it would be perfect for watermelons! They're a little messy looking and super duper sweet but, I was able to use all the left over icing and they're still darling looking. I'd consider them a win ;)
Happy hump day!
Monday, July 27, 2015
New Direction
So... I've been meaning to start this for almost a month. My performance on the Peachtree Road Race this year was lack-luster. I mean... I guess it was alright, but it was slower than last year and I was devastated for the rest of the afternoon. Therefore, I am changing the focus of this blog to a diary of my progression, throughout the coming year, leading up to my next chance at a Peachtree Road Race PR.
To recap this month, quickly, it's been less than stellar. I've been running pretty steady 10 minute miles, which would be fine and dandy had I not been running sub-9 about two years ago. Sure the heat could play a factor, but it was hot two years ago too. I've had a couple of good days where I broke 28 minutes for a 5k (that'd be what? a 9 minute mile - I'll take it). But that hasn't been consistent.
Today wasn't one of those days. It was roughly 80* when I started. I ran 30:24.
To recap this month, quickly, it's been less than stellar. I've been running pretty steady 10 minute miles, which would be fine and dandy had I not been running sub-9 about two years ago. Sure the heat could play a factor, but it was hot two years ago too. I've had a couple of good days where I broke 28 minutes for a 5k (that'd be what? a 9 minute mile - I'll take it). But that hasn't been consistent.
Today wasn't one of those days. It was roughly 80* when I started. I ran 30:24.
I don't really know much about running, as far as diet, training patterns, how the body works, I just run and hope I have a good time. That might have something to do with why I don't have great results but, unless someone is going to pay me to run, I can't afford all of that. It also might be how stubborn I am, but I have an addiction to sugary food and olive oil and bread and pasta and cheesecake (omg cheesecake!!). I just can't give up any of that without losing my mind. And in my opinion, running just wouldn't be fun anymore if I couldn't cool off after a long run with a homemade ice cream sandwich (I swear I've eaten two a day...I'd include a pic, but they're not the sexiest things I've ever made. This was the recipe though : http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chocolate-covered-mint-ice-cream-sandwiches.html).
This is my mission:
- Run alternating 2 or 3 miles a day
- Run 6 miles every other week
- Continue to cook yummy meals that are delicious and nutritious ;)
- Beat my Peachtree time from two years ago (hopefully by a long shot!!)
Here's to life, goals, and Mondays!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
"Iced Coffee" Cupcakes and portfolio "building"
Tuesday was cupcake day. I had chosen an iced coffee cupcake to go with an ice coffee frappe. It sounds fancy, right? Welp, remember how I said I needed to find the recipe box? Since I didn't have recipe on me, I hadn't gone shopping for the ingredients. So, I had basically nothing to make these fancy sounding little cakes. Sadness ensued.
Luckily, I pulled it together and decided to wing it! I smashed the recipe for the iced coffee cupcakes and Hershey's chocolate cake together. And it worked!!
Here's what I did:
STEP 1- Preheat oven to 350F. Line (about 20) muffin cups.
STEP2- Beat 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs, 1 (4 ounce) package of instant chocolate pudding and pie filling mix, 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1 tsp vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Make sure it's at low speed so all the flour doesn't create a snow storm in your kitchen!
STEP 3- Speed it up to medium speed for a bit until it's all blended.
STEP 4- Spoon into muffin cups, filling 3/4 full.
STEP 5- Bake 20 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
STEP 6- Place a scoop of coffee flavored ice cream (I didn't have any so, Caramel Turtle Cheesecake it was!) on top while it's still warm. Drizzle on magic shell topping (Again, I didn't have any so I used regular chocolate sauce) and toasted pecans.
STEP 7- Devour the chocolaty goodness.
In other, non-food related, news, I am still currently career-less. I got some advice yesterday from my neighbor about building an online portfolio in order to boost my credibility. Easier said than done! First, I had to find a website. Then, I had to figure out said website. I tend to think of myself as tech-savvy but, Portfoliobox, the site I ended up choosing, just boggled my mind! It literally took my all of yesterday and a bit of today to figure it out. I guess it didn't help that my work wasn't already readily accessible...
After hours of frustration, I am only sort-of proud of the result. It's something and something is better than nothing. But I don't think that the little bit of something that is online right now accurately represents the caliber and type of work that I am capable of doing. I just uploaded everything I had done from school that could be quickly formated as an image file. That leaves it looking a bit empty.
However, it doesn't look really fancy and professional! While I am not confident that my portfolio as it is will make quite the difference in my job search as I would have hoped, I hope it doesn't turn away potential employers. Maybe I'll try to mock up some more random stuff to fill it out more... I'd rather it be published work though...
Here's the link: brianafetrow.portfoliobox.me. Tell me what you think!
Luckily, I pulled it together and decided to wing it! I smashed the recipe for the iced coffee cupcakes and Hershey's chocolate cake together. And it worked!!
Here's what I did:
STEP 1- Preheat oven to 350F. Line (about 20) muffin cups.
STEP2- Beat 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa, 2 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 3 eggs, 1 (4 ounce) package of instant chocolate pudding and pie filling mix, 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1 tsp vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Make sure it's at low speed so all the flour doesn't create a snow storm in your kitchen!
STEP 3- Speed it up to medium speed for a bit until it's all blended.
STEP 4- Spoon into muffin cups, filling 3/4 full.
STEP 5- Bake 20 minutes. Cool on wire racks.
STEP 6- Place a scoop of coffee flavored ice cream (I didn't have any so, Caramel Turtle Cheesecake it was!) on top while it's still warm. Drizzle on magic shell topping (Again, I didn't have any so I used regular chocolate sauce) and toasted pecans.
STEP 7- Devour the chocolaty goodness.
In other, non-food related, news, I am still currently career-less. I got some advice yesterday from my neighbor about building an online portfolio in order to boost my credibility. Easier said than done! First, I had to find a website. Then, I had to figure out said website. I tend to think of myself as tech-savvy but, Portfoliobox, the site I ended up choosing, just boggled my mind! It literally took my all of yesterday and a bit of today to figure it out. I guess it didn't help that my work wasn't already readily accessible...
After hours of frustration, I am only sort-of proud of the result. It's something and something is better than nothing. But I don't think that the little bit of something that is online right now accurately represents the caliber and type of work that I am capable of doing. I just uploaded everything I had done from school that could be quickly formated as an image file. That leaves it looking a bit empty.
However, it doesn't look really fancy and professional! While I am not confident that my portfolio as it is will make quite the difference in my job search as I would have hoped, I hope it doesn't turn away potential employers. Maybe I'll try to mock up some more random stuff to fill it out more... I'd rather it be published work though...
Here's the link: brianafetrow.portfoliobox.me. Tell me what you think!
Weekend Recap
What a weekend! The beginning felt so rushed and hectic!
Friday
I worked Friday evening. After that I had to hop on the highway, heading around the city to the south side, to my boyfriend's house. It was around 11:30 by time I got to his house. The next day was the Butterfly Dreams 5K. While it normally wouldn't be bad to head to his house late after work, with a race the next day I knew I'd be exhausted and my feet would hurt from standing on the concrete for hours.
Saturday
We woke up around 5:30 (i think- my boyfriend just came and got me and I just hopped in the car, I really wasn't coherent until 7). I had looked up the race before and my fears were confirmed once we got there. People who had run the course before were talking about how hilly it was and how the last mile was killer. Great. I don't know about everyone else but, I get all jittery before the race starts and then I feel like there's so much adrenaline pulsing through my body, my legs feel tired and tingly before I even hit mile one. And then the hills came... and they were awful. I thought it would take forever to hit the halfway turn-around point! But the turn-around point was the best turn-around cone, ever! There was a little orange traffic cone AND two girls with a PONY!!! It was definitely good motivation! For a little while, at least. Then the hill came, that last mile that everyone was talking about. I felt like I was walking, it was awful! You don't know how happy I was to round the corner and see the final hill. Yes, that does sound a little bit like a typo but after that hill was a tenth of a mile downhill to the finish line. My boyfriend was waiting for me a little before the 3 mile marker. He gave me a pep-talk as he jogged with me to the finish. After all those hills and how slow I felt I was going imagine how shocked I was to see 25 minutes on the clock above the finish line! That's the best I've ever run, EVER! I sprinted under the finish line at 25:38. woot woot!
With that fantastic time, I managed to come in first in my age group.
And my boyfriend won the whole thing! He's amazing.
After the race ended we headed home for a quick nap and tailgate preparation! The Dawgs played Clemson Saturday and we wanted to ring in the football season with a proper party. It was just family but we made a whole mass of food!
There was a cheese ball,
Chesapeake snack mix,
Paula Deen's All-American burgers (made in slider size),
veggies and dip,
chips and salsa,
and Paula Deen's Lemon Bars.
(We like Paula Deen, can you tell?)
It was all really good but the sliders stole the evening. My boyfriend and I were the only ones who stayed awake to see the disappointing loss...I still have high hopes for the rest of the season though. GO DAWGS!
Sunday
The day of rest. All we did this day was run some errands, swim, and relax.
Monday
Labor Day. I had to work. I left his house at noon and worked till 5:30 on a national holiday. Boo. When I got home I checked my email and I still haven't heard anything from any potential employers. So now it's back to stressing about finding a full time job... wish me luck!
Friday
I worked Friday evening. After that I had to hop on the highway, heading around the city to the south side, to my boyfriend's house. It was around 11:30 by time I got to his house. The next day was the Butterfly Dreams 5K. While it normally wouldn't be bad to head to his house late after work, with a race the next day I knew I'd be exhausted and my feet would hurt from standing on the concrete for hours.
Saturday
We woke up around 5:30 (i think- my boyfriend just came and got me and I just hopped in the car, I really wasn't coherent until 7). I had looked up the race before and my fears were confirmed once we got there. People who had run the course before were talking about how hilly it was and how the last mile was killer. Great. I don't know about everyone else but, I get all jittery before the race starts and then I feel like there's so much adrenaline pulsing through my body, my legs feel tired and tingly before I even hit mile one. And then the hills came... and they were awful. I thought it would take forever to hit the halfway turn-around point! But the turn-around point was the best turn-around cone, ever! There was a little orange traffic cone AND two girls with a PONY!!! It was definitely good motivation! For a little while, at least. Then the hill came, that last mile that everyone was talking about. I felt like I was walking, it was awful! You don't know how happy I was to round the corner and see the final hill. Yes, that does sound a little bit like a typo but after that hill was a tenth of a mile downhill to the finish line. My boyfriend was waiting for me a little before the 3 mile marker. He gave me a pep-talk as he jogged with me to the finish. After all those hills and how slow I felt I was going imagine how shocked I was to see 25 minutes on the clock above the finish line! That's the best I've ever run, EVER! I sprinted under the finish line at 25:38. woot woot!
With that fantastic time, I managed to come in first in my age group.
And my boyfriend won the whole thing! He's amazing.
After the race ended we headed home for a quick nap and tailgate preparation! The Dawgs played Clemson Saturday and we wanted to ring in the football season with a proper party. It was just family but we made a whole mass of food!
There was a cheese ball,
Chesapeake snack mix,
Paula Deen's All-American burgers (made in slider size),
veggies and dip,
chips and salsa,
and Paula Deen's Lemon Bars.
(We like Paula Deen, can you tell?)
It was all really good but the sliders stole the evening. My boyfriend and I were the only ones who stayed awake to see the disappointing loss...I still have high hopes for the rest of the season though. GO DAWGS!
Sunday
The day of rest. All we did this day was run some errands, swim, and relax.
Monday
Labor Day. I had to work. I left his house at noon and worked till 5:30 on a national holiday. Boo. When I got home I checked my email and I still haven't heard anything from any potential employers. So now it's back to stressing about finding a full time job... wish me luck!
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