Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Snow Shoeing

The roads were not good enough for me to run so I went snow shoeing with the dog instead. She loves to bound in the snow and sniff at things! It wasn't as good as a running workout but it was nice to get outside! Also I promised B-Rabbit I would take pictures so he could see how much snow we got here (he is still in FL - but he does have double session practices!)

Kia (she's a Siberian husky and loves the snow!)

My trail through the snow with snow

Me!!

My snow shoes!

Kia led the whole way!

New Years Eve

I really should have run yesterday instead of taking the day off. I lounged around all day and didn't have any energy (staying up till 1am the night before to finish my book may have caused this!). But the temperature yesterday was 30 degrees with no snow, while this morning I woke up to 18 degrees and 6 inches of snow and the roads not clear! I hope I can make it out later this afternoon for a nice enjoyable 5 mile run!

Here are my tentative 2009 running goals (at least until the end of track season)

1. Get faster! (Now how do i do that? I already do all the speed workouts and drills in practice - maybe I need to put more intensity into them?)

2. Run the 2009 Boilermaker in under a 8 minute/mile pace

3. Leave no regrets (in the sense that I have 4 months in track left and I want to make every moment count!)

There are a few more *tiny* personal track goals but I know that if I follow #1 and #3 then I will hopefully accomplish them!

I have really enjoyed reading everyones year in review posts as well as the looking ahead to 2009! May you all have a safe and happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

2008 Review

Oh 2008 you were such a great year but also a very stressful year.

Many of you know that the beginning of 2008 signaled the end of my collegiate basketball career. I played 4 strong years for my college and helped to set many records including most wins in a season as well as post-season records. During my final year, the head coach was asked to resign and the assistant coach took over. My team almost fell a part from that disaster but we managed to make it into the post season.

I wasn't sad when my season was over - it was time to move on. I has been internally battling whether to go out for Outdoor track; the coach had wanted me to run my freshman year but when my coach threatened to not play me I stuck with bball. I felt like I had a second chance at a senior year with Track. Although I had been in the best shape of my life coming into the 2007-2008 season for basketball, I had lost much of my endurance and therefore was not able to run during the 2008 Outdoor track season. I did compete in shot put - although at the Championship meet my nerves got the best of me. I ran the 800m three times, each time knocking off a second.

Going out for track was one of the best decisions of my life! It has re-energized me and given me a chance to be a part of another team that shares a strong bond.

In the final week of my fourth year I sat down with the head track coach and asked him what I should do for training over the summer. He once again wanted me to compete in Heptathlon and this time I gave in. I always have liked a challenge and 7 events in two days seemed to fit the bill.

After more than 4 years of not competing in track I entered a meet and competed in Heptathlon, only to place third with a disappointing score and also with sore muscles that didn't allow me to run for 4 days. I took it as a starting point - I knew I had a lot of training to do. I started to push myself too far and developed knee pain in late July/early August. I scaled back on my mileage and eventually the pain went away.

Around the same time I began to train with my best friend Winkly for a half marathon! In early September on a beautiful day we completed the race in 2 hours and 19 minutes - It was the best race I have run yet because I didn't feel the pressure of having to run fast but actually enjoyed the scenery and other runners.

A few weeks later I started pre-season workouts for Indoor track and slowly saw my body change from a solid basketball body to a lean track runners. I was surprised by the muscles I never knew I had and was overcome with the idea that I could actually be good at track. I now have two new great friends from the team, Abby and Alison, and also became Captain and competed in my first indoor track meet in December.

Now lets not forget B-Rabbit - I know I would never hear the end of it if I didn't include him! I started dating him in 2008 and I couldn't have asked for a better friend or relationship! He is always supportive of my running but makes sure that I think through my decisions. I guess you could call him the voice of reason at times because I know I can get carried away! While I participate in my final year of track, he is swimming in his senior season after recovering from a bi-lateral hernia. I can't believe that in 5 short months we will both graduate from college!!

Well that pretty much sums up my 2008 year - although it doesn't cover anything. I have learned to not take things for granted and be thankful for everyday that I able to run. I know that 2009 will be just as good if not better!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Monday Wrap Up

Just a quick post here as I am on my way out to the mall to get my charm bracelet I got for Christmas from my dad fitted and put all together!

I ran this morning again, it was a lovely sunny 40 degrees out! I did a 1.6 mile warm up then 6x100m sprints and finished with a 1 mile cool down run back to my house. All my speed workouts/interval runs have been done solo this week as I am still on break until the 5th.

I am still keeping up with all my reading and right now I am have checked out A Race Like No Other By Liz Robbins. I am finding that it is a very quick read, the words just flow and it makes it easy to just sit down and pick up where I had left off. As I was finishing a chapter last night I found this quote - from Ecclesiastes 9:11, "The race is not won by the swift nor the strong, but to he who endures to the end". This obviously is a modern interpretation but I think it is great; Life is a marathon not a track meet!

I am hoping to post a review of the 2008 year plus some goals for 2009 (although since Ill be in track till May my road racing goals really wont materialize until then). B-Rabbit is in lovely Florida for swimming and has been bragging about the 80 degree weather!! Totally not fair!

Other than that, life is pretty lazy around here. I don't have any plans for New Years and I feel like I will be going to bed at 1030pm just like I did last year (except last year I had bball practice at 10am on New Years Day!) I know I am a bum!!

Sunday, December 28, 2008

At The Track

The weather here has been unseasonable warm since yesterday and this morning I awoke to a beautiful 55 degrees! I pulled on my running clothes and drove down to the track. It was VERY windy and in the distance I could see dark clouds looming. I started my warm up and then got into the workout but the wind just kept blowing and soon the clouds had blocked out the sun. It was like a hurricane with blowing winds and spitting rain! I hurried to finish my workout and then drove myself home to a nice warm shower and coffee! (The temperature read 46 degrees when I got back!)

This workout was actually quite good had I not been rushing!

800m warm up, stretch etc.
2x55m high knees
500m, rest 2 minutes
120m, rest 10 minutes
400m, rest 2 minutes
120m, rest 8 minutes
300m, rest 2 minutes
120m, rest 6 minutes
200m, rest 2 minutes
200m, rest until comfortable
then do 800m cool down and stretch

I didn't really get any kind of cool down in - opps

Now its time to curl up on the couch with my book and the tv remote! Happy Sunday!

Saturday, December 27, 2008

What day is it??

Where to begin?

Well I have been on vacation for a week and I don't really know what day it is anymore. I just wake up, work out, eat my three meals, read a book/watch some tv and sleep!

After taking off Christmas Day, I headed out yesterday afternoonish for a nice long warm up jogaroo and then 5 hills. I did 2.4 miles slowly in the snow and slush and was careful to get out of the way of the cars speeding blindly to the mall. My run was an out and back, and when I reached my driveway I pushed on to the hill that is literally just 50 feet further on. I ran 5 hills starting at the bottom (where telephone pole #1 was) and sprinting until I passed telephone pole #3. I focused myself and worked on pumping my arms and picking up my legs faster. One of my new years resolutions will be to work on my speed - I have decent endurance now I need to be fast!

The hills felt great, in fact the whole workout felt good. I just tried to be positive and enjoy being outside. I wore one of my new pair of spandex I got for Christmas as well as my new reflective vest that is super bright orange so that people can see me!

After that workout I headed to the mall quick with my mom - I am an avid scrapbooker and I have been trying to organize all the pictures in my house. I took all my baby pictures out of an acid filled book and now I am redoing it, so I needed new acid free pages! As I was looking at things I got a call from B-rabbit. He invited my family and I over to his house for dinner! I was over-joyed when my mom and dad agreed to go and we had a great time! I am so glad that our families get along!

This morning I woke up and headed to my college because there was a Winter Track meet (at the indoor track!) and I was helping out as well as possibly competing! I didn't really feel like running the 800m and we didn't have enough girls for the 4x4 relay so this afternoon (while the meet was still going on) I walked into the gym and warmed up on the bike fr 15 minutes then ran hard on the treadmill for 3 miles. Then I lifted - bench press and leg press. When I got back to the track, I found out that we had enough girls and were going to run the 4x400m relay!! I was second leg again and could feel my legs were tight but I just went with it! My legs hurt when I finished but I think I held my form well throughout the race (although I wasn't able to stay up on my toes and sprint that way for the whole 400m, I only lasted for about 275m). I was delighted to find out that my split was 67.25 seconds and we won the relay!!

I am glad that I ran it because it just helps me to become mentally stronger for future meets! One step at a time, one day at a time - if we keep a positive attitude and train hard we can achieve our goals!! I hope everyone had a great Christmas! Keep up with those workouts!! After this long post, I don't really have anything else to say! Thanks for reading!

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Christmas Day

Presents have been opened, pictures have been taken, video has been recorded of the whole morning! Overall it was a great morning and I can't wait to play with all the stuff I got!!

The run....didn't really happen this morning and I am not sure if it will at all this afternoon! With 12 miles in the last 3 days, my legs are in shock a little! Usually I only get a few miles per day at the most so 4-5 per day is a ton!!

Merry Merry Merry Christmas!!

(I left my camera connector at school so no pictures... : ( oh well!)

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas to All!

This is my favorite holiday by far - I love the decorations and music and the homey feeling I get hanging out with my family. Yesterday my aunt and uncle got here and we watched old Christmas videos of me when I was 2 and 4 years old! I was such a goof ball, its a wonder how my parents put up with me!

I ran this morning! Yippie! It was a beautiful 37 degrees and I just ran along, not worrying about my time, letting my legs and brain and heart decide the pace. 3.74 miles in 29 minutes! The only problem now is that my sneakers are disgustingly dirty from the slush that was on the roads! I always try to keep my sneakers as white as possible for as long as possible!

My plan for tomorrow is to get up and run before family breakfast and present opening time! I know I should be doing a speed/interval workout but its really hard when the local high school track is covered with over a foot of snow! There is a Winter indoor track meet for any local people this coming Saturday so I will probably run in that.

I was looking at my month mileage and saw that so far I have only take off 4 days this month! AND it looks like I will only be taking one more day off for the rest of the month! I think the think that allows me to have so few rest days is that my mileage is not very high.

I am off to settle myself on the couch! I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas!

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Chilly Run

I ran today - OUTSIDE in the COLD! For the first time since Thanksgiving (running from the locker room to the field house at school obviously doesn't really count!) I put on three layers, a hat, gloves and my spandex and headed out (I left my under armour top at school). The hard part of course is getting out the door, but I did it and once I got going I felt GREAT! I felt better today running than I have in a long time.

I powered up the hills and chugged through the snow as I ran to the grocery store to meet my mom. I hate fighting the cars for space on the road but I was feeling so good that it didn't bother me too much and it didn't really feel hard to run!

My long term goal for long distance running is this - To maintain a good base of 7:30-7:45 min/mile pace until May while working on my sprinting. Once track is over with I will dive into hardcore training for my 15k race in July!

Todays stats - 4.2 miles/32:10/7:40 pace

I just really enjoyed todays run, I can't say it enough!! Yesterday's track workout was a little different! B-Rabbit and I drove back to school, so he could swim and I could do my workout. I warm up like usual and felt pain in my knees and feet but kept going. Sometimes I have these weird pains but once I get going I am ok. I did some 55m accelerations to get my muscles going and I could feel my hamstring.

The workout called for 2x(300m and 150m @ 90%) with 2 laps recovery after the 300m and then 10 min rest between sets. I cut the rest in half because I wanted to push myself. It was hard to push myself to run fast without anyone else there but I just kept thinking that Abby was behind me and she was going to catch me and pass me - that seemed to work. I was supposed to so some 120m cool down sprints then an 800m cool down but I just ran 200m and called it quits. My hamstring was feeling funny and I didn't want to push it - I did lift weights (bicepts, tricepts, and shoulders) before I left to go home.

So now I am home at my parents for Christmas - I made cut out cookie dough and its in the fridge now! Later I will roll out the dough and bake the cookies! I hope everyone enjoys their time off and has a very merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

First Christmas

B-rabbit and I made it home to his house through the snow. Last night we exchanged presents with his family - I couldn't wait any longer, I wanted everyone to have their gifts because I love to give gifts. I love to see everyone's reaction (even if it is small) because I try to think of something special that each person will enjoy and appreciate.

Well after everyone had opened their gifts, I was handed a few for me to open. I had asked for a few things but I doubted that I would get them as B-Rabbit had assured me that he had been original on all gifts and not purchased anything I had asked for.

To my surprise I opened three wonderful gifts and I was swept off my feet with joy! This was the best Christmas I have ever had with a person/family besides my own. This was also B-Rabbit and my first Christmas together which was very exciting! The only thing - he forgot to take pictures with his fabulous camera!

There are few words that I can adequately explain my feelings from last night but I have never been more grateful to have such a great man in my life who treats me so well and whose family is so nice and loving.


Running has been non-existent since last Thursday but I plan to hit the gym with b-Rabbit today for a nice run and swim. The rest did my hamstring good although it still is a little sore - we will see how it feels today. I have a full training schedule for the break from my coach which I hopefully will be able to complete if the snow stops and the track gets cleared!

Today is the first day of Winter and the longest day of the year! From here the days start getting lighter and as my mom says "Its all downhill from here!" Merry Christmas!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Friday Friday

Well first a little fun bit - Today I am featured on Twenty Six Point Two as the Weekly Pace Setter. Amy asked me to be a part of it for this week and I felt very special! Thanks again for selecting me Amy!

I couldn't be more happy that it is FINALLY Friday! I hopefully will be out of my class/group project mumbo jumbo before noon. My bags are packed, all the gifts are wrapped (and packed), my room is clean and I am ready to go! I am so excited to open presents - I got to open one last night. I exchanged gifts with one of my good friends from school and he got me The Host by Stephanie Meyer (the author of the Twilight series). I look forward to reading it over break along with the huge stack I took out of the library!!

Yesterdays practice was...well it just was. I ran the 55 meter hurdles in 11.08 seconds and then I opted to not compete in the 300m. My hamstring was very sore and I didn't want to make it any worse. There was no need to over do it and injury myself. I am taking today off from all exercise and instead helping out at the high school track meet at my college tonight. I was hoping to see my high school team run but sadly they didn't enter into this meet : (

Drive safe for all those out there getting hit with the snow (if the weathermen are correct) and Enjoy the season!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

TIART: A Year In Review

Thank goodness it is Thursday! I walked to class this morning with a little smile on my face thinking to myself "only one more day and then I am FREE!!"

Since it's Thursday it is time again for TIART, one of the last of 2008! This weeks theme is A year in review in 52 words or less!

I ended my 4 year career of college Basketball and jumped head first into training for Track and Field.

I ran my first Half Marathon with my best friend and competed in my first college indoor track meet.

I hope that 2009 holds just as many “firsts” and memories as 2008 did.


Quick recap and update on Track:

Yesterday I practiced hurdles and like always my hamstrings started to hurt. My quads hurt from Monday and Tuesdays practice so today I am just a cripple! Today's practice is going to consist of Time Trials! The races will be 55, 55 hurdles, 300m and 600m. I am running the 55H just for fun and then the 300m to try and improve my time from the last trial (50 seconds or something like that). Tomorrow Ill post a quick report!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Under Armour Underwear


Ever since I saw these in the local running store a week before my first half marathon, I have wanted a pair of underwear from Under Armour. They looked fairly comfortable and although I was kinda skeptical if the boy short cut would work I still bought two pair.

I wore them underneath my spandex/spankie shorts at the meet and they were very comfortable. My uniform spandex were not very good and that caused some problems but I didn't spend any time "picking my seat" at the meet because there was no real underwear to "wedge" in anywhere.

They stayed in place very well and overall I would highly recommend them - it felt like I was wearing regular underwear the whole time! They are kind of expensive but if you want to treat yourself, it is well worth it.

In other news - Yesterdays (Tuesday) track workout...

All of the sprinters wanted to do the short sprinting workout so I was left alone to run 400s by myself. I did 5x400m @ 65% with 400m jog recovery in between. I wanted to try and stay between 85 and 90 seconds on these. Once again I was messed up by the indoor track since I was running in the 2nd/3rd lane I ran more than 400m but my times were still pretty decent!

87, 93, 90, 89, 94 seconds (minus 1.5 to 2 seconds for lane 2 and additional meterage (??))

After practice we had a team meeting where Coach announced the womens and mens captains and guess what!! I am one of the Women's team Captains!! Surprise surprise, especially to me because I did not expect this but my coach said that he thinks I have many natural leadership qualities. Alison is also a Captain with me which is awesome!

So thats all I have for now! Only two more days of school for me until break!! YAY!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Athlete Formal

Every year the athletic committee holds a formal for all the athletes. As this is my last year as an athlete and since I had never been before I thought I should go and experience it.

I met up with Abby and Alison (and their dates) before hand and we all went together. It was a really fun time and the theme was James Bond which was really cool. Heres some pictures!

B-Rabbit and I

Sprinter Girls - Alison, me and Abby


Sunday I went to the gym and ran 4 miles on the treadmill. First mile and a half was easy at 8:13 min/mile pace then I increased to 7:30 min/mile for the next mile and half. When I got to 3 miles I reduced my speed to 8 min/mile pace to recover for half a mile then increased to 7:30 pace for the last half mile to equal 4. Overall I felt really good on the treadmill. I think taking Saturday off helped me to recover from the week and the meet.

Yesterday at practice we did 300m sprints with 1 minute rest after then 100m sprints all at 90%. Abby sprained her finger or something so she had to go to the emergency room so she wasn't there so I ran with the boys. I ran two sets of these sprints with a ten minute rest between and was very consistent with my times, which I think is good but not sure.

Happy Tuesday! Christmas is almost here!!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Track Meet Report

Friday night was a pretty eventful day - Since all three of my events were towards the end of the meet, I took the second bus and met up with the sprinter girls who were already there. Since this was my first track meet I was unsure how fast the meet would progress.

Usually our indoor track meets are held at only a few places that actually have good indoor tracks. This was a dual meet which we usually don't have and it was at a near by college that has a horrendous track. First of all this track isn't 200 meters like most indoor tracks, its about 210 meters so all the starts are not at the finish lines they are scattered randomly. Second, this track is partially in a tunnel! A freaking tunnel!!? I don't know what engineers designed it but they were apparently not thinking straight!!

I started warming up for the 800m (there were two other girls from my team running this event with me). Just after I put on my track spikes, one of the throwers came over and told me that mens shot had just finished and womens shot would start soon. I sprinted over to the the shot put pit and explained my situation to the official. He said that I could get some throws in first to qualify me for finals and the come back after I ran and throw my final 3 throws. Let me explain - in college field events like shot and disc, etc there are first 3 regular throws, then the top ten go to finals and get three more throws. Since there were only 6 girls this meet, I was guaranteed to get into finals.

I threw two throws (9.3m? and 9.72m) and sprinted back to change into my spikes and continues warming up. The 800m race started soon after I got back and I was off! I aggressively pushed towards the front of the pack but made sure not to exert any extra energy than necessary. The first lap my split was 38 seconds and I didn't even feel out of breath, the second lap I continued to follow the four girls in front of me and my split was 1:17. Every time I passed my team I could here Alison screaming for me!! It all went by so fast and before I knew it I was on the final lap and I felt really good. With about 100m left I pushed past a girl who had slowed down and into the finish. One of the girls from my team won the race and I came in 4th. It wasn't that bad but I thought I had gone much faster and made it under 2 minutes and 40 seconds. (My ultimate goal in this is to go as fast as I can!! hehe or at least 2:30).

I didn't have any time to find out my time (I didn't even see the clock as I sprinted to the finish because I was so focused) and I went back over to the throw shot. I had three throws and was in 5th place. Last year at my first outdoor meet I was very nervous and only threw 9.3 meters. My farthest throw going into my final shot throw was 9.85 meters. My name was called and I stepped into the circle. I focused all my energy and thought "ok actually throw this big 8 pound ball, no more wimpy girl throws!" Then another thought popped into my head - Think about a time when you were mad a B-Rabbit and channel all that anger into throwing! I know thats prolly not the best thought but guess what! IT worked! I threw 10.12 meters! For not practicing at all before this meet I was pretty happy!

While my meet was going on B-rabbit was at his swim meet which happened to be at the same college and was literally right next to the track. I popped my head into the pool area after finishing shot and talked to him. He had been swimming when I ran the 800m so I was hoping he would be able to make it for the 4x4 relay.

I had a lot of time before the relay - they had to do the 400m, 500m, 55m finals AND the 3000m for both women and men! We (the relay team) practiced our hand offs for a bit and continued to warm up - soon it was time to lineup for the relay. Abby went first and set a blazing lead with a 64 second split! As soon as I got the baton from her I took off - I could hear the sprinting coach telling me to increase the lead immediately. I sprinted towards the tunnel and heard my dad yell "run with your heart!" and then heard loud whistling. I could hear the other teams second leg girl behind me but I concentrated on moving my arms and staying on my toes. I came out of the stupid tunnel and finished my first lap - I saw the head coach ahead of me and zoned in on him listening to what he had to say - he wanted me to kick in and move my arms more; to not let down or something like that. I continued on back towards the tunnel and I thought I saw B-rabbit standing with my dad but I just pushed on.

My arms were hurting and I knew I was slowing down and my form was off as I came out of the tunnel, but soon I came upon my teammate and handed her the baton. I found out later that my split was 68 seconds which I was proud of.

We ended up coming in second (of two teams) because the final leg girl ran a 59 second 400m! Which was insane but oh well we did well for the first time. I was happy to run a 68 after running the 800m. In better conditions (a better track like the one at my school) I am sure I would have run faster in both the 800m and relay. Every time I came upon the first tunnel curve I almost hit the wall because it was such a sharp turn!

After the relay was finished I saw that B-Rabbit had in fact seen me run the relay and I was so happy. I couldn't ask for anything more from him - He is so supportive of me and is always trying to help me get better! I really liked the fact that we both had meets at the same place but this only happens two more times for the rest of the season : (

I know some girls took pictures from the meet but I am not sure if I will get them at all. I did run in the under armour underwear and I will post my thoughts on those maybe tomorrow or later on next week. Also last night was the Athlete Formal - more on that later too!

Thanks for reading - I wanted to get all my thoughts out so I would remember exactly how I felt for this meet but everything went very fast - I think in a bigger meet with more teams it wont go as fast. Thank you also for all the support and encouraging words! They were really helpful and very thoughtful! I hope everyone had a good weekend!!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Meet Results

I am still working on writing up a mini report from my first track meet - Overall things went really well. We got an email from our coach this morning congratulating us on a job well done at such a horrible track location (more on this later) and also saying that our competitive spirit was very impressive and that for the first meet our times and distances were very good!!

Results:

Shot Put - 10.12 meters!!
800m - 2:42.28
4x400m relay split - 68 seconds

Friday, December 12, 2008

On your Mark, Get Set, GO!!

I made a big checklist of all the stuff I need for today - I have my uniform top, a t-shirt, a long sleeved shirt, a sweatshirt and my warm up jacket as well as, spandex running shorts, spandex pants, and my warm up pants!! I will be layered up so my muscles stay nice and warm!

I think I have everything! I packed most of the stuff (extra socks and clothes, etc) last night plus my ipod and camera. Did anyone see the Victoria's secret fashion show last week? Well that first song by Usher - "What's your name?" has been in my head and I definitely got it on my ipod now so I can listen to it and let it pump me up! Its got a great beat too so I will run fast!!

I said last week I would show what I had bought when I went on my running clothes shopping spree!! Here's a few things, plus all my stuff in a pile, packed for the meet!!

All My stuff packed up and ready to go!

Under Armour undies!

Under Armour spankie shorts

My NEW Spikes!!

Well in just a few short hours I will be on my way to the meet! I am feeling good and have been hydrating all morning! I am thinking positively and just going to go out and run and know that my body is ready for this!! Happy Friday!!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

It's Official!

The finalized roster is out and here are my events!

Shot put
800m
4x400m relay

I am running the relay with Alison and Abby and also a freshman. Abby is first, I am second leg, the freshman is third and Alison is last. I am pretty excited about running this so we will see how it goes.

Now on to my goals:

Since I haven't practiced shot I am hoping to throw 10 meters (PR from last year is 10.43 meters)

I am hoping to run a PR in the 800m of 2:39 or lower (PR from last year is 2:41)

I am hoping to run a 67 second split in the 4x4 relay (time trail from october 2008 is 71 seconds)


Uniform pick is later on today, then we have a light practice. I plan to make a nice pasta dinner tonight and get to bed early! Did I mention I was super excited!!??

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Final Countdown

The past two days of workouts have been intense. Yesterday was all about "speed" and today was about "endurance".

Monday we did 120m sprint at 85% then walk a lap for recovery then 150m sprint at 85% with one lap recovery walk and repeat for total of 3 sprints each. Abby is my designated training partner at practice and here is an example of how it goes:

We both start out, but Abby starts faster than me so my 85% sprint turns into a 100% sprint just to keep up with her. Then my legs hurt from over exertion and by the end of practice I am spent and ready for bed.

Today we did run 400m at a good but slower pace (our goal was 95 seconds) then jog 400m for recovery and then repeat (4x400m at 65%). It really wasn't that bad - we ended up doing our splits in 93, 98, 95, and 88 (this last one we went all out just for kicks). I suggest this workout to anyone who wants a speed workout mixed with endurance.

Just two more days until my first track meet of the season! I have a tentative list of what events I will be competing in but until it becomes official I wont reveal anything or any of my goals! Lets just say that I am super excited!!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Bananas

My track coach sent this document about bananas! After reading this, I just happened to go to the grocery store with B-Rabbit where I picked up a few bananas! I am thinking I want to make Chocolate covered bananas so I found a recipe! The reason I am sharing this is because I am trying to eat a bigger breakfast to help boost my metabolism as well as give me more energy for the day! Enjoy!


A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain. Read on:

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey.. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on our shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit !!!