Breaking Bad Habits

It's not necessarily a "bad" habit, but it's one I want to be rid of.

Run 9/12 Month 1/24

Distance Ran: 1.4 miles
Duration of Run: 16:07 minutes
Pace of Run: 11:31 minutes/mile
Goals Crushed: None today

Full List of Monthly Goals

After Tuesday's spill on the treadmill I've been a little leery of getting back on. I took a few days off for Thanksgiving and to rest. Which means the next few days will be filled with runs, because after  all my hard work there is no way I am missing my 12 runs in a month.

I normally get up 15-20 minutes before I have to be at work, throw on clothes, and run out the door to be at work on time. I've tried waking up beforehand and nothing has worked.

I feel like the time change has been on my side in helping with this. I'm naturally waking up a little bit earlier and going to bed a little bit sooner.

I'm about to go work 10 hours today, but I made sure to get my run in because I want to say I did it. I won't have an excuse not to tonight and that's been a problem for me in the past. I had it beat into my own head that waking up a little earlier would never happen. I proved myself wrong.

Today's run started off a bit rough, my knees were hurting, but I pushed through and for the majority of the run I was okay. I found myself in advertisement hell again though, pushing through the last 0.15 miles while listening to ads for insurance and pizza. Finally, the last song kicked on and helped me beat my previous duration and mileage.

I call today a win.

Pandora Playlist that got me through today:

"Animal I Have Become" - Three Days Grace
"By Myself" - Lincoln Park
"Monster" - Skillet
"I Will Not Bow"- Breaking Benjamin
"Re-Education" - Rise Against
"Headstrong" - Trapt

Heels up, Bottoms up..
*Ida Jade

Overexertion

Boy did I push today and maybe a little too hard.

Run 8/12 Month 1/24

Distance Ran: 1.0 miles & 0.21 miles
Duration of Run: 11:33 & 2:31 minutes
Pace of Run: 11:33 & 11:59 minutes/mile
Goals Crushed: None today

Full List of Monthly Goals

Well today was a bit of a shit show, but first let me tell you about yesterday.

Josh and I hit the woods for the first day of rifle here in West Virginia. We heard some coyotes at first light, but didn't see any deer just squirrels. The hike in and out was a total of 4 miles in some pretty mountainous territory. My legs were killing me from the previous run and this just added to it.

I intended to run this morning before work and even woke up at 6 am to go, but when I awoke I was sore and decided it'd be best to drink water and stretch throughout the day so that I could run this evening.

I was feeling okay when I hit the treadmill, but as the run went on I felt really bogged down and towards the 1 mile mark I was light headed. I have it set in my mind that I won't let myself run less than 1 mile continuously, because this is where I started, so...

I hit that mile and slowed down for 1.5 minutes, drank some water, and started back up at a slower pace. I just wanted to make it past another 0.33 miles so that I was bettering myself from the last run. Unfortunately, my body had other plans.

At 0.21 miles in, my leg gave out and I fell forward.

I caught myself with my arms and managed to hit the "Emergency Stop" bottom as I did.

Not exactly how I thought the night was going to go, but I can happily say that I'm not hurt and I'll be resting tomorrow per Josh's instructions.

I still have 4 more runs to do in 8 days to meet my "monthly goal" for November and I'm going to make that happen one way or another. I just may have to take off a day or two to regain my strength. For some reason your legs will give out if you do push too hard. 😜 I'm proud to say I tested my limits though and don't regret it for a second.

Pandora Playlist that got me through today:

"Kyoto" - Skrillex
"Animals (Victor Niglio Remix)" - Martin Garrix
"Blue Steel" - Exision & Downlink
"Gold Dust (DJ Fresh)"- Flux Pavillion
"Bitch Came Back" - Theory of a Deadman
"Addicted" - Saving Abel

Heels up, Bottoms up..
*Ida Jade

Motivation

I slipped up a little bit and didn't run for over a week until tonight. I was a combination of exhausted and unmotivated, but a friend help to light that fire for me again.

Run 7/12 Month 1/24

Distance Ran: 1.33 miles
Duration of Run: 15:08 minutes
Pace of Run: 11:23 minutes/mile
Goals Crushed: None today

Full List of Monthly Goals

On Friday, I worked with a friend and afterwards we got to talking as we normally do. She expressed that she was inspired by me and that alone was enough to put the fire back in me. She also got me an awesome new hoodie to sport, so that helped to. ;)

I'll admit to making excuses this week from long grueling hours at work to chiropractor appointments, but even though I saved a small amount of time not running I was upset with myself without even knowing it. I'm so much happier knowing I worked today, came home, got ready, fought the cold and wind, and made my way into the gym to get it done.

Did I mention it's cold?

That's the hardest time for me to get motivated so I hope I can keep it up.

Pandora Playlist that got me through today:

"Blowin' Smoke" - Kacey Musgraves
"Mama's Broken Heart" - Miranda Lambert
"I Feel a Sin Comin' On" - Pistol Annies
"Levels"- Avicii
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" - Nirvana
"Time of Dying" - Three Days Grace

Heels up, Bottoms up..
*Ida Jade

Work Hard Play Harder

I failed to post 2 Saturday's ago about my sixth run. It was a rather busy and fun day with probably just a tad too much fun. I managed to get up and run in the morning before enjoying my day off with Josh and friends.

Run 6/12 Month 1/24

Distance Ran: 1.3 miles
Duration of Run: 15 minutes
Pace of Run: 11:32 minutes/mile
Goals Crushed: None today

Full List of Monthly Goals

This was a crazy hard run for me, but I'm so proud that I got it done. I had in my head that I wanted to get back on track with my running and I wasn't going to let myself stop at 1 mile again, so I pushed to beat my current record in mileage and duration.

For some reason my normal go to station on Pandora, "Rock Pre-Game Radio", just didn't cut it for me. I could feel myself bog down and it wasn't the motivation I needed. So mid-run I switched over to "Fight Song Radio". I'm glad I did because it was just what I needed to get me to the 1.3.

Though the worst part of the run was the last 30 seconds, when my song changed and I was bombarded with an advertisement. This might just be the worse thing you can possibly run to when you are trying to push yourself to the max, but somehow I got it done.

We then enjoyed ourselves at my work, Adroit Theory Brewing Company's, release party of a limited edition beer. Dia de los Muertos was a 13.6% Milk Stout and was aged in a Maple Rye Whiskey Barrel from Catoctin Creek Distillery. Let me break this down, Rye Whiskey once housed itself in that barrel that then had maple syrup aged in it and then we took our beer and aged it in that for a few months. It was unbelievably good. At the party they had our normal beers on tap plus two guest breweries, Council Brewing Company and Reaver Beach Brewing Company. Let's just say we may have consumed great amounts of alcohol, food (probably not enough), and good company.

Pandora Playlist that got me through:

"Prayer of the Refugee" - Rise Against
"I Bet My Life" - Imagine Dragons
"Titanium" - David Guetta
"Brighter"- Against the Current
"Open Your Eyes (Deep Blue Songspell)" - Bea Miller

Heels up, Bottoms up..
*Ida Jade

I Have to Keep Going

After two full physically exhausting days at work I am sore and the last thing I really wanted to do was run today, but I did.

Run 5/12 Month 1/24

Distance Ran: 1.00 miles
Duration of Run: 11:15 minutes
Pace of Run: 11:15 minutes/mile
Goals Crushed: None today

Full List of Monthly Goals

We had to move 4,000 bottles by hand yesterday after a pallets structural assembly was compromised. It took 2 hours and 5 people to remove them from the van because there was no way they would be moved otherwise without breaking hundreds. We ended up only breaking about 12 or so and placed them in every bin and box we managed to find. Then today we had to move these  bottles into boxes, stack, and store them until we go to label them on Monday. This is in addition to our normal work so it was a busy and laborious day.

I woke up this morning and even though I wanted to run before work, my body had other ideas in mind. I was incredibly stiff and knew that running in the morning was not going to happen. So I stretched throughout the day and drank as much water as I could.

This run has been looming over me all day, but I continued to tell myself I was going to do it one way or another. As long as I ran I would be happy, even if my duration or mileage dropped from my previous runs. Today's goal was just to finish a run no matter the outcome, and I did.

I tend to go faster when I'm sore, so I believe that's why my pace dropped by 14 seconds. I completed a mile and yes, that's back to my starting mileage, but at least I ran. That is an accomplishment on its own.

In the past I would of made an excuse or postponed my run, but not today. Each run gets me closer to the finish line.

Pandora Playlist that got me through today:

"Pain" - Three Days Grace
"Bleed It Out - Linkin Park
"Seven Nation Army" - The White Stripes
"State of My Head"- Shinedown
"World So Cold" - Three Days Grace
"Ain't No Rest for the Wicked" - Cage the Elephant

Heels up, Bottoms up..
*Ida Jade

I Exercised Today

"Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote

except the American people themselves

and the only way they could do this is by not voting."

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

I exercised my right to vote and I'm thankful I have the opportunity and right to do so.

I also managed to get my 4th run in this month and crushed my mileage goal for December.

Run 4/12 Month 1/24

Distance Ran: 1.26 miles
Duration of Run: 14:28 minutes
Pace of Run: 11:29 minutes/mile
Goals Crushed: December's Total Miles

Full List of Monthly Goals

Yesterday, Josh and I went out archery hunting and where we go is about a mile hike back into the woods. My legs were sore yesterday, but I'm glad I kept moving.

Today's run my legs felt like jello, but I knew I needed to not only complete my run, but prove to myself I can consistently do better. I made sure to have a goal in mind, today it was the mileage 1.26 so that I could scratch off my December mileage goal.

Once I was .15 miles from my goal I bumped up the speed by 0.2 again and when I hit .05 miles to go I bumped it up by 0.1. By the end I was breathing heavy, but I had a much quicker recovery than I have with the last three runs. It feels great to know I'm improving with each run.

I not only checked off my final December goal, I also ran 39 seconds longer and bettered my pace by 2 seconds.

That means that since I started last Wednesday I've increased my mileage by 0.26 and my duration by 2:30 minutes!

Now that I know my goals are attained for the next 20 runs, I just need to remember to continue to push myself and not let myself get lazy.

Pandora Playlist that got me through today:

"Fallen Angel" - Three Days Grace
"Rebirthing" - Skillet
"One Step Closer" - Linkin Park
"Come with me Now"- Kongos
"Porn Star Dancing" - My Darkest Days

Get out and exercise! ;)

Heels up, Bottoms up..
*Ida Jade

Early Morning Workout

"Exercise in the morning
before your brain figures out what it's doing"
- unknown

How do you know I'm committed to the task at hand? I wake up shortly after 5am on my own will and get to the gym to run before enjoying my day off.

It still feels weird and I'm not sure I could do this all the time, but I'm feeling great right now.

I also crushed my duration goal for December today.

Run 3/12 Month 1/24

Distance Ran: 1.2 miles
Duration of Run: 13:49 minutes
Pace of Run: 11:31 minutes/mile
Goals Crushed: December's Total Minutes

Full List of Monthly Goals

I had it in my head that I was shooting for a longer (time) run today. I hit 12 minutes 30 seconds and bumped up my speed by 0.2 at Josh's suggestion to push myself. I knew I wanted to get to 13:30 and when I did I was .03 from 1.2 miles, so I kept going.

I not only crushed December's duration goal, but I better my pace today, maybe by only 1 second, but better none the less.

I believe some of my extra motivation came from the fact that today is the 2016 Wine and Dine Half Marathon, giving me that extra boost.

Here's the course they are taking this year, in case anyone is wondering.

Pandora Playlist that got me through today:

"Burn it to the Ground" - Nickelback
"Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" - Fall Out Boy
"Riot" - Three Days Grace
"Awake and Alive"- Skillet
"What I've Done" - Linkin Park

Heels up, Bottoms up..
*Ida Jade

Better Pace

"Running is like mouthwash;
if you can feel the burn, it's working."
-Brian Tackett

Today's run was a little more difficult than the first, but I'm proud to say I not only did it I ran my mile in less time.

Run 2/12 Month 1/24

Distance Ran: 1.0 miles
Duration of Run: 11:32 minutes
Pace of Run: 11:32 minutes/mile
Goals Crushed: None today

Full List of Monthly Goals

Right around a 0.75 miles my legs started to feel weak, but I knew if I could get to a mile again I would be happy, so I pushed on through. It's only day two in a long journey, but this will become habit soon enough.

Pandora Playlist that got me through today:

"Home" - Three Days Grace
"Crazy Bitch" - Buckcherry
"Sound of Madness" - Shinedown
"The Diary of Jane" -Breaking Benjamin
"Break" - Three Days Grace

Heels up, Bottoms up..
*Ida Jade

Goals Crushed

"Set some goals,
then demolish them"
- unknown

I did just that. :)

Run 1/12 Month 1/24

Distance Ran: 1.0 miles
Duration of Run: 11:58 minutes
Pace of Run: 11:58 minutes/mile
Goals Crushed: November's Total Miles & Minutes

Full List of Monthly Goals

I am beyond pleased with myself and feeling really wonderful about where I am starting. With training and persistence that finish line will come into view more quickly than I can imagine and I can't wait.

Pandora Playlist that got me through today:

"Painkiller" - Three Days Grace
"Crawling" - Linkin Park
"Bad Girlfriend" - Theory of a Deadman
"Radioactive" - Imagine Dragons
"I Will Not Bow" - Breaking Benjamin
"Bad Company" - Five Finger Death Punch

Heels up, Bottoms up..
*Ida Jade

Monthly Training Checklist

"What we face may look insurmountable.

But I learned something from all those years of training and competing.

I learned something from all those sets and reps

when I didn't think I could lift another ounce of weight.

What I learned is that we are always stronger than we know."

- Arnold Schwarzenegger

I did what any reasonable person does and turned my training into a math problem.

On average, woman complete a half marathon (13.1 miles) in 2 hours 20 minutes and I want to be running 15 miles by the time I hit the pavement in Disney in 2018.

Within each month I will need to complete these set goals for myself. It does not matter if I exceed them, but during my 12 runs monthly I will need to check them off.

Month * Total Miles Ran * Total Minutes Ran * Race Goal (Every other Month)

November 2016 * 0.63 miles * 6.6 minutes                    
December 2016 * 1.26 miles * 13.2 minutes
January 2017 * 1.89 miles * 19.8 minutes
February 2017 * 2.52 miles * 26.4 minutes        Goals Unmet...New Timeline Set 6/19/17
March 2017 * 3.15 miles * 33 minutes
April 2017 * 3.78 miles * 39.6 minutes * 5K
May 2017 * 4.41 miles * 46.2 minutes * 5K
June 2017 * 5.04 miles * 52.8 minutes * 5K
July 2017 * 5.67 miles * 59.4 minutes * 5K
August 2017 * 6.3 miles * 66 minutes * 10K
September 2017 * 6.93 miles * 72.6 minutes * 10K
October 2017 * 7.56 miles * 79.2 minutes * 10K
November 2017 * 8.19 miles * 85.8 minutes * 10K
December 2017 * 8.82 miles * 92.4 minutes * 10K
January 2018 * 9.45 miles * 99 minutes * 15K
February 2018 * 10.08 miles * 105.6 minutes * 15K
March 2018 * 10.71 miles * 112.2 minutes * 15K
April 2018 * 11.34 miles * 118.8 minutes * 15K
May 2018 * 11.97 miles * 125.4 minutes * 15K
June 2018 * 12.5 miles * 132 minutes * 20K
July 2018 * 13.13 miles * 138.6 minutes * 20K
August 2018 * 13.79 miles * 145.2 minutes * 20K
September 2018 * 14.32 miles * 151.8 minutes * 20K
October 2018 * 14.95 miles * 158.4 minutes * 20K

Day 1/12 Month 1/24 is today and I can't wait to check off my first goal/s.

Edit: New Timeline as of 6/19/17

July 2017 * 0.94 miles * 10 minutes * 
August 2017 * 1.88 miles * 20 minutes * 
September 2017 * 2.82 miles * 30 minutes * 
October 2017 * 3.76 miles * 40 minutes * 
November 2017 * 4.7 miles * 50 minutes * 5K
December 2017 * 5.64 miles * 60 minutes * 5K
January 2018 * 6.58 miles * 70 minutes * 5K
February 2018 * 7.52 miles * 80 minutes * 10K
March 2018 * 8.46 miles * 90 minutes * 10K
April 2018 * 9.4 miles * 100 minutes * 10K
May 2018 * 10.34 miles * 110 minutes * 15K
June 2018 * 11.28 miles * 120 minutes * 15K
July 2018 * 12.22 miles * 130 minutes * 15K
August 2018 * 13.16 miles * 140 minutes * 20K
September 2018 * 14.1 miles * 150 minutes * 20K
October 2018 * 15.04 miles * 160 minutes * 20K

Heels up, Bottoms Up..
*Ida Jade
       

The Journey Begins...

"A dream doesn't become reality through magic;
it takes sweat, determination and hard work."

- Colin Powel

In no way is this personal goal going to be an easy one, but I want to prove to myself and others that I can and will accomplish this run. I've never tackled anything quite like this before. I've tried working out to better myself, but fall short time and time again. This race has always been in the back of my mind along with my self doubt. I'm done with excuses, this is something I want need to do.

I'm going to need somewhere to help keep me accountable and I'm resorting back to an old passion..blogging. I'm hoping that in sharing my journey I can help to inspire others to begin or continue theirs.

In late 2018 I will complete the Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Half  Marathon.

I've invited friends and family to join us in this trip and there is great interest already. I'm hoping more decide to run with us in the half, but there are shorter races to consider as well.

The 2016 Wine and Dine Races begin tomorrow, November 3, and end Sunday, November 6. If similar to other races and years, you'll be able to follow the runners on the website: http://www.rundisney.com/wine-and-dine-half-marathon/.

I have two full years to train and excel in this goal. At 29 years old I will finish my first and possibly last half marathon. We will see how it goes. ;)

My journey begins today, I plan to run 3 days a week and work on strength and flexibility another 2 days of the week. No one can complete this goal but myself and even though my husband, Josh, will support and encourage me, I'm the one who will need to cross the finish line.

Heels up, Bottoms up...
*Ida Jade