On Wednesday, the NoBo Coaches "surprised" us with a Time Trial. This was very much like what we did the first workout of the season to get placed in our pace groups. I'm not sure if it was a good surprise or not, but at that moment I really had no choice. I had so much on my mind, and even though I wasn't in the mood to run 2 miles as fast as I could, I welcomed the distractions in my brain to help hide the sweat and pain that was about to come my way.
Two miles, as if you were running a race with no talking. I positioned myself in the back of the pack this time, so I wouldn't feel like I was in anyone's way as they passed by. I was bummed that I didn't have my watch with me and really felt like I had no way to gauge my progress or pace. It was a bit intimidating, but soon that feeling escaped my mind after a woman from the 13:00 pace group said "hi Divina" as she passed by.
"Hi Fawn. I'm so happy to see you!" I exclaimed and instantly my mood had changed! AHA... that was my "watch"... my pace leader... my prize, I thought to myself!
Fawn and I have ran together during Wednesday workouts, and she was always a few steps ahead of me. If I could keep up with her, then I knew I would be in good shape. And that's what I did. I stayed a little behind her, 16 seconds exactly. I finished in 22:32 minutes, 1:13 FASTER than I did a month ago. It didn't feel easier, but the feeling afterwards was so rewarding!
Today's NoBo workout was 3 miles, just like yesterday's homework was. 3 miles at a 13:00 minute pace is going really well. My breathing is pretty much in control the whole way, unless it's super hot out. But even that's going pretty good too. Slowly I can feel my body getting used to the heat with each run.
I feel like I'm transitioning again, which is truly an awesome experience. I'm not scared of 3 miles, or the heat as much, OR for what is coming next. I have a new record to beat at the next Time Trial and more goals to follow. I'm so ready for this!!! Bring it!
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Saturday, July 5, 2014
My Reward
Saturday morning's No Boundaries workout was brought to you by the most beautiful place I am able to call my second home of the summer
What moves me today? The St Lawrence River!
The 2-mile loop outside Lazy Acres was where I spent this morning after forcing my butt out of bed. I had every intention of doing it yesterday, but the excuses in my brain won. "I'm tired & Friday's are my rest days" seemed fair enough to me to keep my body from moving.
Not today! All day yesterday I wish I had felt the satisfying feeling of "I ran today". I thought about it when I was on the boat and drinking my new favorite Bud Light strawberry margaritas. I thought about it as I eagerly grabbed the second helpings of macaroni salad. Even by breakfast, I felt guilty I didn't make it out for a run.
Today, I wanted to feel that I earned the right to indulge. I wanted to feel that inner satisfaction and joy I get from running. Right now, I feel great and so glad I got my butt in gear this morning! Four miles. In my favorite place. Done.
The first loop went by really fast. It was pretty crazy. The best part was the recovery. A slight down hill, cool breeze and the River, in all it's beauty, straight ahead. Simply stunning!
As I passed our cozy little cottage the first time, I could see my father in law sitting in the sun porch enjoying his cup of coffee. "That will be ME very soon. All I need is one more lap"... I thought to myself.
Coffee, the beautiful recovery scene and the fact that I promised Pina a picture of my watch time is what drove me through the next two miles. They seemed so much longer than the first two, but I knew the ending would be worth it.. AND... the rest of the day to follow.
So here, as I sit on this beautiful boat, with great family and friends, I feel a bit more satisfied. Knowing that the run this morning helped "ground" me for the day. It was the first time in a while I ran by myself, connected to my own thoughts. I needed that. It was great!
I love running here. And even though it was just my second time, I know there will be countless times in the future.
Heck, maybe in the near future I will add another lap, creating 6 miles as the goal. When I am ready to I do it, I can't think of a better place!
What moves me today? The St Lawrence River!
The 2-mile loop outside Lazy Acres was where I spent this morning after forcing my butt out of bed. I had every intention of doing it yesterday, but the excuses in my brain won. "I'm tired & Friday's are my rest days" seemed fair enough to me to keep my body from moving.
Not today! All day yesterday I wish I had felt the satisfying feeling of "I ran today". I thought about it when I was on the boat and drinking my new favorite Bud Light strawberry margaritas. I thought about it as I eagerly grabbed the second helpings of macaroni salad. Even by breakfast, I felt guilty I didn't make it out for a run.
Today, I wanted to feel that I earned the right to indulge. I wanted to feel that inner satisfaction and joy I get from running. Right now, I feel great and so glad I got my butt in gear this morning! Four miles. In my favorite place. Done.
The first loop went by really fast. It was pretty crazy. The best part was the recovery. A slight down hill, cool breeze and the River, in all it's beauty, straight ahead. Simply stunning!
As I passed our cozy little cottage the first time, I could see my father in law sitting in the sun porch enjoying his cup of coffee. "That will be ME very soon. All I need is one more lap"... I thought to myself.
Coffee, the beautiful recovery scene and the fact that I promised Pina a picture of my watch time is what drove me through the next two miles. They seemed so much longer than the first two, but I knew the ending would be worth it.. AND... the rest of the day to follow.
So here, as I sit on this beautiful boat, with great family and friends, I feel a bit more satisfied. Knowing that the run this morning helped "ground" me for the day. It was the first time in a while I ran by myself, connected to my own thoughts. I needed that. It was great!
I love running here. And even though it was just my second time, I know there will be countless times in the future.
Heck, maybe in the near future I will add another lap, creating 6 miles as the goal. When I am ready to I do it, I can't think of a better place!
Monday, June 30, 2014
Lucky #13
Wow, has it been a crazy two weeks!!
Summer has begun which means so have the beautiful warm days reaching into the 80's; mosquito's at dusk; cold drinks in your hand; camp fires and fireworks.... I LOVE IT!
The past two weeks in NoBo have been pretty great too! I'll admit, my workouts suffered while I was in Pennsylvania last week. And I was pretty nervous this past Wednesday at our group workout. I went over to the Westside to run with my fellow 13's. {Oh yeah... I'm officially in the 13:00 pace group! Kinda exciting!!!}
So, back to Wednesday. Yep, the workout was pretty challenging... but it was the kick in the butt that I needed to have... and grateful it came early in the NoBo session. HOMEWORK is important. I had to learn it last session in 5K and hopefully I can stay focused now moving on.
This morning when I completed homework with Pina, 2.5 miles went by way faster and easier than 2.0 miles on Friday. Crazy! I don't understand it at times, but I know keeping up with the Homework and HYDRATION will be the 2 H's I will hold near to my heart these next two months ahead!
The heat and I have this love/hate relationship. I love that Rochester is finally being rewarded from the disgusting winter we just had... but I'd like to 'call off the reward' for only just an hour as I put on my sneakers'.
Running in the morning has really helped. Pina is still excited to meet me at the end of my driveway so we can hammer out a run by 7am! I am so happy we've been able to get into a good routine!
Saturday's workout at Mendon Ponds was pretty good. We've now advanced to running 2.5 miles and walking 1/4 mile before and after. I really like having PACE groups and a leader too. It's that constant visual aspect of controlling your speed without always looking down at your watch.
Each pace leader has been upbeat and has had great stories to share during our run. On Wednesday, Dawn talked about how we were running so we could eat cake. On Saturday, Jessica's singing and her positive attitude helped us the entire way, even up the hard hills! An "uppertunity" she'd say! And opportunity to become STRONGER as we suffered through 10 seconds of pain!
What moves me today? Pace leaders or Pacers... whatever the technical term is.
I consider these pace leaders as my "mini finish line". Towards the end of the workout, they push me to catch up and stay parallel with them so we can finish together. Even if I have to sprint, (like I did today with Pina at our morning workout) I'm there next to them and I know I'll be done soon.
Happy Monday, Cheers to a great week!
Summer has begun which means so have the beautiful warm days reaching into the 80's; mosquito's at dusk; cold drinks in your hand; camp fires and fireworks.... I LOVE IT!
The past two weeks in NoBo have been pretty great too! I'll admit, my workouts suffered while I was in Pennsylvania last week. And I was pretty nervous this past Wednesday at our group workout. I went over to the Westside to run with my fellow 13's. {Oh yeah... I'm officially in the 13:00 pace group! Kinda exciting!!!}
So, back to Wednesday. Yep, the workout was pretty challenging... but it was the kick in the butt that I needed to have... and grateful it came early in the NoBo session. HOMEWORK is important. I had to learn it last session in 5K and hopefully I can stay focused now moving on.
This morning when I completed homework with Pina, 2.5 miles went by way faster and easier than 2.0 miles on Friday. Crazy! I don't understand it at times, but I know keeping up with the Homework and HYDRATION will be the 2 H's I will hold near to my heart these next two months ahead!
The heat and I have this love/hate relationship. I love that Rochester is finally being rewarded from the disgusting winter we just had... but I'd like to 'call off the reward' for only just an hour as I put on my sneakers'.
Running in the morning has really helped. Pina is still excited to meet me at the end of my driveway so we can hammer out a run by 7am! I am so happy we've been able to get into a good routine!
Saturday's workout at Mendon Ponds was pretty good. We've now advanced to running 2.5 miles and walking 1/4 mile before and after. I really like having PACE groups and a leader too. It's that constant visual aspect of controlling your speed without always looking down at your watch.
Each pace leader has been upbeat and has had great stories to share during our run. On Wednesday, Dawn talked about how we were running so we could eat cake. On Saturday, Jessica's singing and her positive attitude helped us the entire way, even up the hard hills! An "uppertunity" she'd say! And opportunity to become STRONGER as we suffered through 10 seconds of pain!
What moves me today? Pace leaders or Pacers... whatever the technical term is.
I consider these pace leaders as my "mini finish line". Towards the end of the workout, they push me to catch up and stay parallel with them so we can finish together. Even if I have to sprint, (like I did today with Pina at our morning workout) I'm there next to them and I know I'll be done soon.
Happy Monday, Cheers to a great week!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
You're not in 5K anymore
Last night was our first NoBo group workout with our pace group. The goal was to walk 1/2 mile. Run 2 miles. Walk 1/2 mile. It was 70 something degrees, the sun was shining and there was a slight brezze.
These conditions were greatly appreciated during the steep inclines around the pretty residential homes near Cobbs Hill. And then there was the infamous hill up to the Reservoir. I have wanted to go to the hill workouts on Tuesday nights for a while now. And last night I sure got a preview!! YOWZERS!
This running workout was completely different. And the feeling of Change was staring me in the face. "You're not in 5K training-land anymore, Divina!" New obstacles are on the horizon, and HILLS are on the list.
It's a whole new ballgame now. I feel like I'm some freshmen graduate student who is starting her Sophomore year. I know how to run and now it's time to learn more tips and face new challenges!
What moves me today? Currently, a 2004 Honda CRV as we start a family vacation camping in PA.
What really moves me? Running in a new place while completing 2.0 NoBo Homework. Heck, I havent ran in Pennsylvania yet, Let's give it a try!
These conditions were greatly appreciated during the steep inclines around the pretty residential homes near Cobbs Hill. And then there was the infamous hill up to the Reservoir. I have wanted to go to the hill workouts on Tuesday nights for a while now. And last night I sure got a preview!! YOWZERS!
This running workout was completely different. And the feeling of Change was staring me in the face. "You're not in 5K training-land anymore, Divina!" New obstacles are on the horizon, and HILLS are on the list.
It's a whole new ballgame now. I feel like I'm some freshmen graduate student who is starting her Sophomore year. I know how to run and now it's time to learn more tips and face new challenges!
What moves me today? Currently, a 2004 Honda CRV as we start a family vacation camping in PA.
What really moves me? Running in a new place while completing 2.0 NoBo Homework. Heck, I havent ran in Pennsylvania yet, Let's give it a try!
Monday, June 16, 2014
NoBo 2.0, Here I GO!
No Boundaries 2.0 started this past weekend and there was excitement in the air! It was great seeing familiar faces and new friends that I had made last session. I felt so different on Saturday compared to the feelings of fear and anxiousness I had when I began this journey on February 1st. Granted, it was because I never thought I would take on an adventure to learn how to run. And now I have the desire to see how far I can go! I'm so excited to be part of this again!
The first thing we did was something called a time trial. They had us run two miles and recorded our time. This directly affects what pace group we will be placed in as we proceed with our group workouts. The one main rule while we're ran this was, NO TALKING!! The coaches and mentors wanted us to work hard so we could figure what our true pace time in a race setting.
I really enjoyed it. It allowed me to become lost in my thoughts and in my own state of mind. I was able to think of the goals I have during No Boundaries this summer. I was excited when I finished and saw that my time was faster than my normal workouts have been. I guess I never realized how much energy talking uses. Crazy!
I really enjoyed it. It allowed me to become lost in my thoughts and in my own state of mind. I was able to think of the goals I have during No Boundaries this summer. I was excited when I finished and saw that my time was faster than my normal workouts have been. I guess I never realized how much energy talking uses. Crazy!
Today was day one of homework. And in true fashion, Pina was there. I couldn't believe she agreed to meet me at my house at 6am to run 2 miles and walk before and afterwards. It really meant a lot to me. I know she's doing these workouts for herself too, but I was really touched that she came and for her support! It was a beautiful morning and it felt great to be able to start today this way!
Before we started to run, I asked Pina if we could continue the "no talking" rule while we ran. She didn't mind at all, and it was a hit! At the end of the workout, the numbers on our watch said it all!
It was such a cool feeling, running in silence next to someone that has helped me grow so much. Up until now we would have conversations to pass the time to get us to our next mile. But today was different. We were both recognizing how much we've gained, and our silent running bodies did the work while we could just reflect. We've stepped up to a new level and now, at least for me, I'm starting fresh with this new challenge. No Boundaries, 2.0!
Today, I was able to show Pina what I do while I'm on my own. My breathing was under control the entire time and I was happy I could do that. Normally while I'm talking to her and running I strain to maintain it at times. We were about 2 minutes per mile faster than we have ever been when we finished. We were in the groove and it felt awesome!
What moves me today? THIS WORKOUT. I learned so much and felt so comfortable within my new "running self". I'm excited for more workouts where I focus less on talking and more about what is happening inside.
Happy Monday!
Before we started to run, I asked Pina if we could continue the "no talking" rule while we ran. She didn't mind at all, and it was a hit! At the end of the workout, the numbers on our watch said it all!
It was such a cool feeling, running in silence next to someone that has helped me grow so much. Up until now we would have conversations to pass the time to get us to our next mile. But today was different. We were both recognizing how much we've gained, and our silent running bodies did the work while we could just reflect. We've stepped up to a new level and now, at least for me, I'm starting fresh with this new challenge. No Boundaries, 2.0!
Today, I was able to show Pina what I do while I'm on my own. My breathing was under control the entire time and I was happy I could do that. Normally while I'm talking to her and running I strain to maintain it at times. We were about 2 minutes per mile faster than we have ever been when we finished. We were in the groove and it felt awesome!
What moves me today? THIS WORKOUT. I learned so much and felt so comfortable within my new "running self". I'm excited for more workouts where I focus less on talking and more about what is happening inside.
Happy Monday!
Sunday, June 8, 2014
5 MILES.. Whoa Baby!
Today I did something I NEVER thought I'd ever be able to... I ran 5 miles. It's crazy to think about it, really, and I'm just so amazed at how running is NOT something I hate anymore. I actually felt like I was in control the entire time. "I got this". And I did.. I really had it!
After about a mile and a half I got into the "groove" as Pina explained. A "groove" that was comfortable allowing my mind to realize that I could do the same motion for as long as I needed to... and not worry about a thing. At times I needed to check in with my breathing, but I know that will never go away, and I'm okay with that!
I am so excited to be able to have gone this far. I got to where I wanted to go during the break between No Boundaries Spring and No Boundaries Summer. My next adventure starts up next week, and I can't wait for that new journey to begin.
I welcome this milestone with a new challenge. The challenge of being held accountable with the number on the scale. In the past, my weight loss worked when I weighed myself in front of somebody. Each week, no excuses. I brought my scale to Paychex when I worked there, and stepped on it in front of my best friend every Wednesday morning before we got our coffee. Today, I did the same thing... instead I brought the scale to our running location and gracefully stepped on it in front of Pina. {heck, if she could push me to run 5 miles, and all the training that lead up to it... I think she could push me to shed a few pounds as well... right?}
So, here's to a new beginning. Or, should I say a new chapter to start! I had written before about that finish line, and when I crossed it after my first 5K race. The feelings of excitement, fear and determination as I tackled what was next! I need to tap back into those emotions that will help me push through the times I want to give up.
What moves me today? The excitement of summer, and all the amazing numbers that will come my way.. in all areas of life. They will take work to achieve, but I'm ready!
After about a mile and a half I got into the "groove" as Pina explained. A "groove" that was comfortable allowing my mind to realize that I could do the same motion for as long as I needed to... and not worry about a thing. At times I needed to check in with my breathing, but I know that will never go away, and I'm okay with that!
I am so excited to be able to have gone this far. I got to where I wanted to go during the break between No Boundaries Spring and No Boundaries Summer. My next adventure starts up next week, and I can't wait for that new journey to begin.
I welcome this milestone with a new challenge. The challenge of being held accountable with the number on the scale. In the past, my weight loss worked when I weighed myself in front of somebody. Each week, no excuses. I brought my scale to Paychex when I worked there, and stepped on it in front of my best friend every Wednesday morning before we got our coffee. Today, I did the same thing... instead I brought the scale to our running location and gracefully stepped on it in front of Pina. {heck, if she could push me to run 5 miles, and all the training that lead up to it... I think she could push me to shed a few pounds as well... right?}
So, here's to a new beginning. Or, should I say a new chapter to start! I had written before about that finish line, and when I crossed it after my first 5K race. The feelings of excitement, fear and determination as I tackled what was next! I need to tap back into those emotions that will help me push through the times I want to give up.
What moves me today? The excitement of summer, and all the amazing numbers that will come my way.. in all areas of life. They will take work to achieve, but I'm ready!
Sunday, June 1, 2014
4.5 Miles
It was another beautiful morning, and the plan was to run 4.5 miles so I could stay on track with my schedule. Last week was a tough week, and I found myself more occupied with housework, a purple cast on my daughter's left arm, busy evenings and a crazy calendar schedule. I was bummed I wasn't able to cross train at the gym, for I really missed my Pilates classes! I'm counting down the hours till Tuesday morning where I can reconnect with my pretty green Pilates mat, along with my core, abs, legs...... you get the drift!
Today I broke a record as I slowly increase my distance.
4.5 miles in an hour and two minutes. Whoo hoo!
It was a great run with a nice friend. We had a great conversation and it just carried us away as we took in the beautiful canal. I really can't believe how the time flew.
What moves me today? The excitement to increase my distance to a solid 5 miles. I know this will take sticking to the training I have for the next two weeks so I can reach that goal...and I'm all IN!
Cheers to a great week ahead!
Today I broke a record as I slowly increase my distance.
4.5 miles in an hour and two minutes. Whoo hoo!
It was a great run with a nice friend. We had a great conversation and it just carried us away as we took in the beautiful canal. I really can't believe how the time flew.
What moves me today? The excitement to increase my distance to a solid 5 miles. I know this will take sticking to the training I have for the next two weeks so I can reach that goal...and I'm all IN!
Cheers to a great week ahead!
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