<p>Sunshine – that part sounds good. Persnickety calf muscle – argh. How frustrating! I think the brush bop counts. :)</p>
<p>5.1 miles and I think that’s it for the day.</p>
<p>1,438 calories yesterday, 36% carbs.
I was exhausted last night, fell asleep on the couch in the evening and then dragged myself to bed around 1:30 and woke up this morning tired and sore. Typical for a tennis + running day.</p>
<p>I have not so much as brush bopped yet today (although yes, I have brushed my teeth!). I’m wiped out from yesterday’s run and moving like a slug. Trying to motivate myself to get rolling with stretch/strength/core. Posting this should give me the shove I need.</p>
<p>I’ve spent the last 8+ hours (except 1) cleaning around the house. It’s been a long day already! And I’ve still got laundry in the washer and dryer… Then I have to go do homework so it’s going to be another late night tonight… </p>
<p>Too busy for regular workouts at the moment…</p>
<p>Cleaning counts, especially for creating a more pleasant living environment. 
I try to do most of it during the week because I can. That way I get to spend time on the weekend with my spouse doing more enjoyable stuff. And yard work can definitely be a workout as far as I’m concerned.</p>
<p>Okay, I’m going, I’m going. Step 1: turn on radio.</p>
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<p>I have no energy during the week to do it. Normally I end up lounging around all weekend because of the crazy week! But the rest of the family left yesterday and are gone until tonight so I had 24 hours to get A LOT done! Except for about 3 hours while I was sleeping, I’ve had laundry going since 7PM last night…</p>
<p>Dreaded Airdyne intervals for me. Six 1/4 mile intervals. First time I’ve done 1/4 miles since November. They take between 34 and 38 seconds. I almost bailed after the second one, which I did too fast. I backed off after that and got thru 6 of them. Now, I feel like I should go straight to bed!</p>
<p>I got saved by the Ipod. Just as I was about to stagger off the bike, beaten, I got Bootsy Collins and this Motown classic:</p>
<p><a href=“Bootsy - YouTube”>Bootsy - YouTube;
<p>How could I stop peddling? :)</p>
<p>^^And Bootsy’s gold pants. Motivation to keep the legs moving :)</p>
<p>Okay, mission accomplished. Got my workout in.</p>
<p>H just returned home from swimming. I commented on Bootsy’s attire. He asked if you have any George Clinton on the iPod, iDad. :)</p>
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It is very hard not - while everyone is making so much progress. Everyone is dropping weights, you ran a 1/2 in less time than I ever would image; etc. etc. </p>
<p>It is just feeling so out of the group when everyone is doing so great.</p>
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<p>Is this a honest statement? In a way, I really like to hear some positive supports now. </p>
<p>My goal is to complete that 1/2 because I made a promise that I can not change.</p>
<p>Dad II, if the 1/2 were in two weeks, would you be able to walk it and finish?</p>
<p>here are my HR during my run today.</p>
<p>Mile 2 - 135
Mile 3 - 142
Mile 4 - 148
Mile 5 - 152
Mile 6 - 160
Mile 7 - 159
Mile 8 - 159
Mile 9 - 162
Mile 10 - 165
finished the run at 10.25 miles in about 105 minutes.</p>
<p>Mile 1 to 6 were all at 6MPH, in mile 7 - 10, I did do some slowing down to 5 or 5.5 MPH to catch a breath for 30 to 60 second. Overall, I learnt several points - to do the long run, you got to eat some carb before. One probably does not have to drink a water in the first 10 miles. To run long, for me at least, is don’t get my heart rate over 165. So, I have to very careful and follow the pace setter in the actual 1/2. Also, while running slow, such as 5 MPH speed, gives the heart a break, it actually make my legs more tired.</p>
<p>So, if I could get to run 12 miles by April 15th. Then I would definitely complete the 1/2 even if I walk the last mile or so. (Cross post with DT)</p>
<p>Looks like the week of rest did you good, Dad II.</p>
<p>Dad II, everyone is doing such different things. You really cannot compare! I have yet to run the miles you have posted, and I may never do so. My pace on my low running mileage is slow, slow, slow. But, I have goals to exercise and eat right to improve my general health–stronger bones, more muscle, heart health, etc., and these are almost unmeasurable. Know that when you and others post, you are inspiring me to keep on moving and eating well. Do not lose heart in what you have accomplished. Keep posting, reading here, and taking steps, no matter how small, to do something. I just read a section of Younger Next Year called "The Kedging Trick. It says that we all need some type of booster at times to keep up with fitness programs. While the authors suggest signing up for a special adventure trip (biking or ski trip) or buying a new piece of athletic equipment (a fancy bike), I think that something as simple as looking at a book on a special aspect of fitness, or doing a different type of physical training (lifting weights?), or even getting a new pair of running shorts could serve the similar purpose. At least this works for me. Can you try doing something different? A walk or exercise bike ride instead of a long run? Smaller portions or cutting back on some refined carbs at meals rather than a full blown “diet”? Everyone is on a different journey, yet the bottom line is better health. You are part of this group, and you can keep up the progress, even if it seems small!</p>
<p>DadII - You never need to run the actual 12 miles before the race. If you can run 10 miles now, you will be able to complete the half marathon – if you make sure not to injure yourself in the interim, and you pace yourself properly during the race.</p>
<p>You are doing great. There is no point in comparing. If I compared my running to ohio and MOWC, I would feel like a huge failure, despite finishing a full marathon. If I focused on comparing my weight loss (or lack thereof) to all those people dropping pounds like it’s nothing, I would be devastated.</p>
<p>Okay Dad II, I just cross-posted with you. I am impressed. 10 miles in 105 minutes. Good job! Just keep on moving.</p>
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<p>Sounds good.</p>
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<p>Absolutely.</p>
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<p>Using fat for fuel requires enough oxygen and water so your body might
go after your muscle for fuel if there isn’t enough water.</p>
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<p>Sometimes running slower can be less efficient.</p>
<p>You might consider carrying supplements with you (Gatorade Gels).</p>
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<p>That will be the biggest challenge for me.</p>
<p>It is during all these treadmill runs I learnt this lesson the hard way. Every attempt I tried to increase the speed - even a very slight - result in getting tired much faster. </p>
<p>For example, if I start the run at 6.2 MPH, I would probably reach my limit by about 4 miles. At 6 MPH, I could easily do 6.</p>
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While many people told me that, there are equal number of people told me that the last miles is harder than the first 12 combine. As I am following my HR, I tend to believe that. </p>
<p>I also believe the treadmill run of 12 mile does not equal the actual road running with hills.</p>
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<p>There are many water stations along the route. I read on line that drinking water while running is not as easy as it looks. That was why I was trying to see if I have to drink water or not. I guess it has a lot to do with the race day weather.</p>
<p>It sounds like your stomach lining may be delicate right now, Dad II. I saw something on another forum discussion along the lines of “if your stomach will tolerate” in a thread about gel. Any thoughts on that from those of you who have used gels?</p>