Race registration complete

June was not a fun month for a variety of reasons so that means July can only get better. This first week has been full of shorter runs. Monday was a 1.3 miler, Wednesday was a 3 miler, Saturday a 2 miler, and today will be a 3 miler, once this storm passes through.

I know I am not a morning person. However, Saturday morning I got a little bold and decided to go for a run at 8 am. It turned out to be the worst run ever. However, since my race is at 8:30 in the morning, I need to start getting more runs in so that I am prepped for being up and mobile that early. I did receive some encouragement from a running buddy, Maddilia, "Great job getting out there, the more you do it the easier it will get." I am going to hold her to it!

On a very positive note, I completed registration for my first race, the Aflac Iron Girl 5K. The race is on August 8th so I have less than a month to prepare. I should have picked up my running last month but I didn't realize the months were flying by so fast. Consider it a lesson learned so I will be picking up my running for the next three weeks with more speedwork and distance. I am very excited about running my FIRST race. Maybe I will catch the running bug!



From the Iron Girl website:

Launched in 2004 with just two events, the Iron Girl brand has grown to now include ten events nationwide, varying in distance from 5K to duathlon and triathlon. Iron Girl's mission is to empower women toward a healthy lifestyle. The Iron Girl event experience provides women with a competitive platform and amenities such as: a post-race catered Breakfast Café, performance shirts sized just for women, IPICO Sports Timing, personalized race bibs, custom finisher medals, post-race giveaways and much more.

The race is being held in the Denver City Park so I plan on doing a couple of runs on the actual course prior to the race. Since I am a newbie to all of this, I welcome any pre-race advice your willing to share (and any encouragement).

New Gear

This week has not started off well. Actually, this past weekend wasn't too fantastic either. It has nothing to do with fitness but everything to do with life in general. That is a whole other matter all together, unfortunately. I was able to get in a five mile run yesterday in between the thunderstorms, hail and tornado's. I ran the bike trail along Bear Creek and made the return trip on the horse trail. I prefer the horse trail to the pavement any day because of less strain on my joints. Plus, the scenery is better and makes the time go by faster.

Have I mentioned how much I love Daily Mile (here is a shameless little plug to my profile if you want to by my buddy) and runner's in general. Runners have to be the most motivating individuals ever. When one of the running buddies noticed I hadn't posted a workout, I got a great message of encouragement. That is what busted my butt to get the 5 miler in yesterday. There was also a little challenge throwdown yesterday with a group of people. I caved and will be running 100 miles in the 10 weeks. When you break it down, it really isn't too difficult. The plan is to do one 5-mile, then two shorter runs during the week. We shall see how it goes.

I purchased some new running gear a while back and I am now in love it. I got two new Under Armour sleeveless T's - you know, the ones that feel like cotton. LOVE EM! One in pink and one in white. I also picked up two new pair of Reebok running shorts and two new Champion sports bras. These are my first Champion brand sports bra's and I don't think I will ever go back to the ole Speedo's that I used to buy. I am a mix of everything and definitely not dependent on one brand. Next on the list is a new pair of running shoes. These are racking up the miles quick and losing the arch support even quicker.

National Running Day

Yesterday was the first annual National Running Day, a day to get up and get moving. Finally, runners have a holiday! From their website:

National Running Day is a national initiative whereby many of the major organizations within the running industry are joining forces in an unprecedented unified effort to nationally and locally promote running as a healthy, easy, and accessible form of exercise. The inaugural National Running Day will be Wednesday, June 3.

From New York to San Diego, the day will celebrate the benefits of running as part of a healthy and active lifestyle aimed at combating some of today’s most pressing health issues.

You can participate in National Running Day anywhere—you don’t have to be in one of the cities hosting events to take part. At the least, all it takes is to wear your running shoes throughout the day, go for a run, and invite a friend to join you.

Cities across the country organized running events and groups. Lakewood started their running group yesterday but I unfortunately didn't make it to Bear Creek Park in time. I did a lonely 5 mile run instead but I am looking forward to a weekly group run. I will be glad to have someone to help me pace. One day I might have an investment and purchase a Garmin.

Looking around the website, I came across these seven reasons to run and thought I would share them.

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Because of changes in diet and lifestyle, Americans are increasingly at risk for diseases that can significantly diminish the quality, productivity, and length of their lives. The time to act is now.

> Nationwide, the annual medical expense for juvenile obesity is more than $127 million annually.

> Health-care expenses and productivity losses related to obesity problems cost Americans more than $100 billion annually.

> Currently, obesity-related illnesses cause some 300,000 deaths a year. Inactivity and poor diet will soon overtake smoking as the leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

> Overweight youth ages 10 to 15 have an 80% chance of becoming obese adults by age 25.

> Only one in four kids gets at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Kids and teens obesity rates have doubled in the past 20 years.
Exercise—and running, in particular—is one solution to combating these health issues.

> According to the American Sports Data 2007 Superstudy of Sports Participation, 39.5 million people in the United States ran or jogged at least once, and 11.7 million ran more than 100 days/year.

> In 2008, according to Running USA, there were 9.2 million finishers in road races (ranging in distance from the 5K to the Marathon), a 4 percent increase from the 8.8 million finishers in 2007.

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So get up and go for a run! Or at least a walk.

Workout Recap

Last week was a successful week for me. I started off with an easy 2 mile run on Monday with a pace under 11:00. These short miles for me really need to focus on time instead of distance. Tuesday, I hit the gym for some circuit training with weights. Spent about an hour hitting all my major muscle groups. Wednesday was a great run. Brian decided to run the 5 miles with me. He was sore before the run ended and the next day felt like a stiff old man. Needless to say, he won't be running with me anymore. Thursday I missed my class at the gym because work was late, which is disappointing but not a lot I could do about it. Friday and Saturday I rested, but was mostly lazy. On Sunday I managed 4 miles in the humid sun before thunder and lightening cut it short.

Monday: 2 miles
Wednesday: 4.3 miles
Sunday: 4 miles

1 hour of strength training

I can handle running in the rain, but not in a thunder storm. That same storm produced tornado's and almost flooded my apartment. I had to stand outside with a trashcan (while lightening) and scoop water from my porch. It was about a quarter of an inch from coming through my door. Did I mention I was terrified that I was standing in a couple of inches of water, outside, in lightening? Not a wise idea but I had no choice - scoop the water or let it flood my carpet.

Colorado Travel: ElDorado Springs

Last weekend we woke up to sunshine and 80 degree weather so we packed a bag and headed north toward Boulder. About 8 miles outside of Boulder we reached our destination: Eldorado Canyon. The town here is extremely small and tucked away but on the other side is an amazing canyon full of hiking trails and rock climbing opportunities.

We made it to the park early, around 11 am, and after a short hike along Boulder Creek we decided to head to the longer hikes further in the canyon. When we got back to the main road, rangers were already turning vehicles away because parking was full. It is best to get there early. If you decide to take a picnic, head all the way in to the visitor center. There you will find several picnic areas along the stream. From there you can walk to any of the trail heads in the park.

From the website:

Eldorado Canyon is a hidden treasure right in Boulder’s backyard! Whether it’s hiking amidst the towering sandstone cliffs, picnicking along scenic South Boulder Creek or climbing Eldo's sheer golden walls, Eldorado Canyon State Park truly has something for everyone! Discover this hidden jewel and take home memories that will last a lifetime.

The weather was beautiful and it brought in lots of rock climbers that day. Everywhere you looked there were tiny dots scaling the high rock walls. The climbing is apparently amazing here. According to their website, there are over 500 technical rock climbing routes in the park. There is obviously something for everyone, whether you want to mountain bike, hike, climb, or relax by the stream.







We had an amazing time and will definitely be going back. Entrance was only $7 per vehicle but the cost is seasonal so check the website before going.

Incorporating strength training

I started the week yesterday with a short 1.75 mile run around Bear Creek Trail. The weather has been fantastic with temps hitting 90 the past two days. I love it! 90 degrees here doesn't feel like 90 at all because of the lack of humidity. I left the apartment wanting a pace under 11 minutes and I made it with a 10:57 pace. Amazing what you can do if you just think you can.

Today I hit the gym to get a strength workout in this week. I have mentioned before that I need to incorporate more cross and strength training so today I made the extra effort. The rec center I go to has a large selection of machine weights that is sufficient for the training I need. I did a full circuit hitting all the major muscle groups - 2 sets of 12 on each exercise - and finished with 50 crunches. I left the gym with fatigued arms and a great feeling.

I need to get back into a routine so here is my "on paper" commitment:

Monday: Short run
Tuesday: Weights
Wednesday: Medium run (or speed work)
Thursday: Power Workout class
Friday: Long run
Weekend: Cross training

If I can stick to the Monday-Friday schedule, I think I will be doing good. Now, you guys are reading this which means you must make me accountable! Feel free to bust my behind - I work better under those circumstances anyway.

Power Workouts and Big Hills

The rec center I go to offers a power workout class and until this week, I was never able to make it because of the start time. After they announced the time change, I made a point to try it out on Thursday.

All I can say is WOW. This lady kicked my behind. It is more of a step class (which I have never attended) but incorporates weights, jump ropes, and everything else you can imagine. I was doing everything from burpees to pushups to mountain climbers. About a half hour in the hour class, sweat was dripping from my hair and face.

What a workout! I was exhausted but the workout was excellent. It incorporates strength training, a core workout, and a change in cardio that is desperately needed in my workouts. I left the class with extremely tired arms and the next day I was ridiculously sore, my arms in particular. Soreness is good, right? That is what I keep telling myself.

Today was a 4.3 mile run along Bear Creek Trail. The first part of the run is all uphill. The hill isn't too bad but the gradual climb for almost 2 miles can really get to you. At the top of the dam I made a u-turn and went back down the hill and around the trail loop back to the apartment.

The run was good except for the crazy hill part but what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger. I felt great afterward so it was worth it. Tomorrow we are heading north to Boulder for some hiking. The weather is supposed to be phenomenal and I can't wait.

Easy Miles

Ever feel extremely lazy? Well, that is how I have been feeling these past two weeks after not exercising. My excuses? Of course I have them. The first week I was in New York City on a business conference. I didn't run but I got in a lot of walking! I packed clothes with the intent to workout but they charged to use their facility and being the broke young'un that I am, opted to skip the gym. The second week, I was just lazy. I had so much to do with work after being gone that I was exhausted by the time I got home at 6pm and chose not to work out. The first week, I feel ok about. The second week was completely uncalled for.

No point in dwelling in the past though so today I came home, changed clothes and worked my way back into a routine. I did an easy 1.75 miles along the bike trail at my apartment. The weather was fantastic and I couldn't have asked for a better run. It felt absolutely amazing and at the end, I was so proud and I felt great. I can't wait to get back into a routine!

Now, for the reasons to run. I can tell a difference with my body after not running. About a week into a regular routine, I was eating everything in sight. I was constantly hungry and my metabolism was racing. I was losing weight. My self-confidence was up and I thought I looked better (regardless of whether I actually did).

After two weeks of not running, I am never hungry. My metabolism has slowed way down which is the worst thing that can happen to someone trying to lose a few pounds. I also feel bloated and heavier - not a great feeling. I hadn't really thought about all of this until after today's run.

Running really does make a difference and this time, I plan to stick to a routine. I just feel so much better and that is not worth giving up! Onward and Upward!

Running with Arthritis - Part 2

A few weeks ago I recorded my personal thoughts on running with arthritis. Just for clarification, I am not a doctor, only a patient. I also want to point out that not everyone is affected the same. While I might be fine, others might not. Test your limits. You will never know if you can run unless you take your body to that place.

You will know what is arthritis pain and what is regular soreness from stressing your muscles. Go for an easy run, wait a few days, and see how you feel. You may be surprised.

Myth: Running causes more harm than good.

I wanted to follow up with some myths about exercising. Running does not have to be bad for RA patients. There is no evidence that suggests running causes harm to your joints or causes osteoarthritis. If anything, moderate running may actually be beneficial. Regular exercise for patients can decrease your joint pain, ease stiffness, help build stronger muscles to support your joints and bones, increase flexibility in your muscles, and, as with any exercise, increase your endurance. Not to mention all the other health benefits that come from keeping your body in shape.

The last thing anyone with RA wants to do is sit around. I know that it hurts. I know that some days it takes everything you have to get out of bed. I have been there, more times than I care to count. However, something as simple as walking around the house can make a huge difference. That simple ten minute walk, while it may hurt at first, can relieve the stiffness (especially in your lower joints) and increase your range of motion (which is necessary to keep muscles strong).

Not exercising will only perpetuate the pain, stiffness, and damage that is already happening.

Fact: One-third of RA patients lead a sedentary lifestyle.

I recently read a study released in 2006 (a little outdated, I know) that said 37% of RA patients get zero exercise. You may think that is a low number, but that is one-third! One-third get no exercise. Just think about it. One-third get no exercise which means that one-third mostly likely suffer from other diseases caused by a sedentary lifestyle. If that one-third is overweight, imagine just how much worse their joint pain is. Also in the study, 30% of those that do exercise, do not get the proper amount of moderate exercise necessary and only 20% get in strength-training. Strength training, when done correctly, can decrease the stress placed on joints, easing pain and increasing range of motion.

Why RA patients omit exercise

There are probably more excuses than time allows but the most common ones (in my opinion) are fear that the pain will worsen, physical limitations such as not being able to hold onto something while walking, and the one you hear most often, I don't have access to a gym. I call the last one BS. No one requires a gym to get in a 30 minute walk. I can understand the first two reasons as I have been there. However, you must change your mindset. Once you realize that moderate exercise will help relieve your symptoms, I think you will be more apt to get up and get moving.

Running actually does hurt. Now what?

As I said in the beginning, everyone is different. You may find that running flares your symptoms. Don't get disappointed and quit. Instead, try my favorite exercise (of all time) - swimming. Swimming is a fantastic workout and actually targets all your muscle groups. Check out this article I wrote about aquatic therapy for more detailed information. Basically, water-based exercise eases the pain of exercising by supporting the weight of the individual (no weight-bearing) and allows for a greater range of motion. Not to mention, the warm water feels amazing on stiff joints! If you can't (or don't want to run), swimming is the way to go. You can try variations of swimming such as water exercise programs if you get bored easily or need guidance. As a lifeguard I actually taught and participated in a water aerobics class specifically targeted for women with arthritis - so you can't use the excuse that no such thing exists.

Since this post is way too long (thanks to those who made it to the end) I will do a third post with some suggestions on programs to try. More information about research and arthritis exercises can be found on the Arthritis Foundation's website. That cool photo at the beginning of my post is available for purchase at CafePress, along with an awesome messenger bag.

Credit Card Debt Free!

This month was a huge milestone for me in the debt department. I paid off my credit card in its entirety! FINALLY! I am looking forward to putting that money toward other debt.

I was paying $100 a month toward that credit card but decided I was fed up. I cut back spending and found a way to eliminate over $3,000 in three months. It is a great feeling and now I am looking forward to doing that for all my other loans.

The next one to tackle is that car. Once the car is gone I will only have student debt left. I find that student debt is a better kind of debt that the other. Plus the interest rate is higher on my car than the student loans, although not by a lot. When we purchased our Land Rover back in November, we got a stellar interest rate.

As a side note, Always the Planner had an interesting post a while back that discussed her financial health. Money Magazine has created a tool that measures your financial physical fitness.



I scored a B. I was upset that the test was only for those 25 years old and older. Since I am younger than that, I had to lie about my age so I am not sure how skewed these results might be for me. Overall though, I think my score was pretty darn good considering my age, the fact that I have only been out of school for 11 months now, and I have only had a real job for seven months now.

As a complete side note, I am headed to New York City on Monday until Thursday for a conference. I am excited and will share photos after I return!