Category Archives: Random Tuesday Thoughts

Random Tuesday Thoughts about a Super Sloth with a Cough, a Sociopath, Some Hot Stuff and Track Tuesday

Posted on by Run DMT
1

For the past two weeks, I had been suffering from a really nasty cold that I just couldn’t shake.  One of the fantastic symptoms of my cold was a horrible, wet hacking cough, like a smoker’s cough. No exaggeration, I sounded as though I had been smoking unfiltered Lucky Strikes for 20 years. With the cough, I also had this horrible tightness in my chest, which made it very difficult to breathe.

Despite not being able to breathe, I decided to go ahead and run in the 5 Miles for Moffitt race.  I already had skipped out on the Crazy Sombrero 5K the week before due to my cold and I didn’t want to miss another race.  Besides, my aunt spent the better part of two years fighting lung cancer, the least I could do was suck it up and run with a little chest cold.  Admittedly, that wasn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done.

Just as the experts warn you, you shouldn’t run with a chest cold.  A runny nose or sore throat is a different story.  Limited breathing due to chest congestion is not a good thing and I truly believe running in the race extended the life of my cold.  So, let this be a lesson to you. Learn from my mistake.  Always listen to the Livestrong Gods.

So while I spent the time recovering from my cold, my blog suffered.  Actually, everything suffered.  I didn’t have the energy to do much.  I missed out on the superhero challenge.   I missed out on the Track Tuesday speed work.  I missed out on logging miles for the Joggermom Marathon. It made me sad to miss out on it all.  For almost two weeks, I was a super sloth with a cough.

Then when I woke up on Saturday morning, I could breathe, but I waited a couple more days just to be safe. I started running again on Monday and today it was back to business as usual with my speed work.  I am happy to be back on “track” now.

Now that I’m all healthy again, I’m a #superhero once again doing my Spiderman and Superman sets as well as running and blogging again.  The first half of the month may have been a loss, but next couple of weeks and the Joggermom Marathon will end on a high note.

Although my running may be back to business as usual, my blogging still had a slow start because yesterday, I totally flaked on a Music Monday post, which is a first in almost 3 years.  I’ve been playing catch up now that I’m feeling better and blogging a music post didn’t make the must-do list.  I felt horrible about it too since I’m an honorary co-host this month with Xmas Dolly and 4M crew.  Plus, this week’s theme was a song from a movie and movie soundtracks are my thing, a lesson I learned from the late John Hughes.  And I had such a good one in my head, but it just never made it to the blog.  Aw hell, I’ll share it now.

Is anyone else sad that all the shows are ending?  I am not happy about all these season finales and cliff hangers.  I am completely addicted to Once Upon a Time and that cliff hanger was the worst best.  Of course, if the show is not renewed for another season, I would be happy with the ending, without giving too much away.

Please tell me I’m not alone with my Once Upon a Time obsession!  I can’t wait for the Season 1 DVD to be released (August 28) so I can watch it all over again.  Seriously, it’s that good.

Once Upon a Time: The Complete First Season [Blu-ray]

When I am really into a show, like I am with this one, I visit the show’s website and read all the actors’ bios and watch the interviews.  I love reading where the actors studied and what other shows they’ve done.  Since I’m a bit entranced by the actor who plays Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold, Robert Carlyle was the first I investigated.  Imagine my surprise, when I learned he was the actor who played Begbie in Trainspotting.  Actually, I wasn’t truly surprised, because Rumplestiltskin in pretty creepy as is Begbie.  But Begbie gave me nightmares.

In case you aren’t familiar with it, here’s a glimpse.  Warning: Begbie is a psycho sociopath and these clips are violent and riddled with vulgarities.

Robert Carlyle may be better known for his role as Gaz in The Full Monty. (Be sure to click on that link and watch the movie clip.  Gaz is one sexy thing. lol)  Truthfully, I prefer to remember him as Gaz than Begbie.  It also demonstrates the depth to his acting ability.  Plus, with Donna Summer’s passing over the weekend, this scene and song seem very fitting pretty fitting.

 

So, there you have it. My Music Monday post may be a day late, but Track Tuesday is now literally Track Tuesday.  And now for the sprints…

1.1   Mile

Time 11:05

Ave Pace 10:05

 

Lap 1 –  0.25 mile

Time 1:73

Ave Pace 7:37

 

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile

Time 1:73

Ave Pace 7:37

 

Lap 3 – 0.26 mile

Time 2:01

Ave Pace 7:53

 

Lap 4 0.24

Time 1:52

Ave Pace 7:39

 

1 mile

Time 10:14

Link up and share your speed work and some music for your Track Tuesday/Track Tuesday post.


*Also linking up at*

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Thoughts about Nutella, Superheroes, a New Challenge, Anxiety and Track Tuesday

Posted on by Run DMT
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So, have you heard the news about Nutella? Are you surprised to hear it’s not healthy?  Shocking, I know.  How could something with sugar listed as its first ingredient not be healthy?  Not to mention, it has 3.5 grams of saturated fat and only 3 grams of protein.  How on earth did anyone think Nutella was healthy while peanut butter and eggs get a wrap?!

I have so many runner friends that love the stuff and I’m sure their Nutella power balls are getting soggy from all the sobbing they’re doing since hearing the latest news.  Personally, I never liked the stuff because it always tasted fake to me, but I think maybe I’ll make some cookies just to tease smooth things over with my runner friends.

My family and I can’t wait to see The Avengers this week and since we’re so pumped about the new movie, I planned this month’s fitness challenge around it.  When I told my oldest daughter, Allana, about the challenge, she told me I should have created exercises specific to The Avengers and then demonstrated some examples.

“You could smash something like the Hulk”, she said and threw a clasped fist as she squatted.

“And then you could throw a shield like Captain America”, she said as she twisted her torso to throw an invisible shield off to the side.

“And then you could smash a mallet like Thor”, she said as she twisted her torso and pretended to smash a mallet to the opposite side.  “But I’ll have to think about Iron Man.”

I think she’s onto to something there and I wish I had consulted her sooner.  We could still do the Superman exercise but call it Iron Man instead because Iron Man flies too.  I’m going to video record Allana and I performing the exercises and maybe we can throw them into the superhero mix.  Wouldn’t that be funny?

Last week, I had some terrible bouts of anxiety.  I’ve never shared my issues with anxiety before on my blog, because I’m a little embarrassed by it.  I’ve always been a “shake it off” kind of person and so it’s hard for me to admit to any issues with anxiety, but last week, I had two attacks and I feel compelled to share.

One happened during a run with my Strider friends.   About 3 miles into the run, I pulled back away from the pack to slow down a bit.  At the particular point, the path became very dark.  Since I had forgotten my flashlight, an overwhelming sense of fear began welling up in me.  I tried to stay focused on my pace to avoid crying.  It was awful.  Next time, I need to stay with a buddy or bring my flashlight or pop a Zoloft.  Though, I think fear worked in my favor because I had a pretty good run.

4 miles

Time 39:11

Ave Pace 9:48

Max Pace 7:29

The next panic attack happened the very next day at a media event at Sea World.  I became overwhelmed by the crowd, but I powered through it once again.  I haven’t had a bad spells with my anxiety in awhile so I was really taken back by these episodes.

Hubby is out of town for a few days, which has put a damper of my training especially my speed work.  Therefore, I have no sprints to share this week.  Hopefully, Ricole can be a hero and save the day with some faster than a speeding bullet sprints for Track Tuesday.


How about you?  Did you do some sprints?  Link up and share.



By the way, while you’re here don’t miss out on the Joggermom Marathon and giveaway!

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Thoughts about Being in a New York State of Mind and Track Tuesday

Posted on by Run DMT
8

First off, I have to brag.  Run DMT is listed as #24 on Frugal Dad’s Top Running Sites and sharing the spotlight with some truly amazing running blogs. which just blows my mind!  I’m honored, flattered and so proud that people read Run DMT and find it valuable and inspiring.  I could cry.  Thank you for your continued support.

Tomorrow is the NYC Marathon lottery and I am beside myself with nervousness.   Once again, the soundtrack from A Chorus Line is playing in my head to keep me distracted.  It’s my mantra.

God, I hope it get it.
I hope I get it.
How many people does NYC need?

God, I hope I get it.
I hope I get it.
How many boys, how many girls?
How many boys, how many…?

Look at all the people!
At all the people.
How many people does NYC need?
How many boys, how many girls?
How many people does he…?

I really need this jog.
Please God, I need this jog.
I’ve got to get this JOG!

Several of my running friends and I have applied this year and we will all be sitting at our computer at noon tomorrow watching the lottery live at www.nyrr.org and on Twitter.  I’ll be live tweeting so watch for #NYCmarathon by @denisermt.  If I don’t make the marathon this year, I’ll apply again until I make it.  After all, I’m guaranteed an entry in 2014.

I may need to do sets of burpees all day tomorrow to deal with my anxiousness, which is no joke.  We’re up to Day 24 in the 30 Day Burpee Challenge and it’s out of control.  I have to do small sets sporadically throughout the day to manage them all.  It’s getting tougher but I’m doing it and so is the burpee posse.  Everyone is doing great and like @running2bfit said, we’re getting stronger every day.  Personally, I’m impressed with the muscle definition that’s beginning to show.  Who knew I had transverse abs and triceps?

Last week, I mentioned that Ricole Runs and Run DMT were teaming up for a new, first time ever running blog hop called Track Tuesday.

To join our Track Tuesday linky party, do your speed work (at least 4 quarter mile sprints) on Tuesday or any day you that works best for you, blog about your times and remember to add our cool Track Tuesday button to your post.  Then, link up your post at either Ricole Runs or Run DMT to share Track Tuesday Speed Work Sessions.  To show support for our other virtual running partners on the Track Tuesday Team, be sure to visit the other blogs listed in the linky party.  Give them a virtual high-five and leave some comment love too.



A cold front rolled in over the weekend but that front took a really long time to take effect and cool everything down.  Last night, the overnight lows dropped ridiculously low for Florida this time of year (55°) but it was perfect for speed work.  I loved having the cool air hit me instead of the humidity for a change.

In case you’re wondering, I do my sprints in the streets of my neighborhood.  I have a mile loop around my house and I marked quarter mile distances along that mile loop.  For sprints, I run them as hard as I can without killing myself.  It’s faster than my normal run, but not too fast.  It’s the pace I like to call my finish line pace.  It’s that last distance I force my body to run a bit faster once I see the finish line.

This morning, I did my usual mile warm-up followed by 4 x 0.25 mile sprints and one mile cool down run.  My times weren’t as great as last week.  I’m blaming it on the cooler weather.  Who knew my legs preferred humidity?

1 mile – 9:51

Lap 1 – 0.25 – 1:51 – Ave Pace 7:12

Lap 2 – 0.25 – 1:49 – Ave Pace 7:25

Lap 3 – 0.25 – 1:55 – Ave Pace 7:43

Lap 4 – 0.25 – 1:55 – Ave Pace 7:44

 1.1   Miles  - Time 11:06 – Ave Pace 10:07

Total 3.1 miles

Time 28:31

Ave Pace 9:12

Before I wrap up this randomness and Track Tuesday post, don’t forget this Sunday is Automattic Worldwide WP 5k.  Join the #WWWP5k by walking, running, biking or skipping 3.1 miles anytime between now and Sunday, April 29. We so got this.  It’s as easy as π.

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Thoughts about Sweets, Sweats, Burpees and Track Tuesday

Posted on by Run DMT
15

For my New Year’s resolution, I swore off sugar and was doing really good with it.  I survived Valentine’s Day without going overboard.  I even made some delicious brownies for St. Patrick’s Day without falling too badly off the wagon.

Then, Easter came and all the stores were stockpiled with scrumptious Easter candy like Peeps and chocolate covered Peeps and Robin Eggs and Cadbury eggs and not-so-great- generic store-brand jellybeans and oh-so-delicious Starbust jellybeans.

I’d like to say I ate all of the above in moderation, but I didn’t.  In fact, I fell so hard off the no-sugar wagon that I got a headache from the volumes of sugar I ate.  Man, I was jonesing BAD, like a crack addict.

I seriously had no idea that sugar and sweets could affect me like that.  I was a mess.  I had successfully eliminated sweets from my diet and in a matter of days, I couldn’t get enough of it.  I would eat one Peep after another followed a fistful of jellybeans, followed by countless numbers of Cadbury’s mini-eggs.  It was CRAZY how fast I was ingesting it all!

So, guess what I did with all that candy?

No, I didn’t throw it out.  There are children starving in this country, for heaven’s sake!  I hid it, so the temptation is no longer in my line of sight when I open the pantry.  It’s a mind-over-matter thing for me, you see or don’t see.  Whatever.  The point is this works for me.

I’ve also been making Easter trail mix with pretzels and the leftover jelly beans for my kids’ lunches.  Don’t judge.  I know it’s not the healthiest lunchtime snack, but I’d like to believe their sharing it with their friends at school like good little sugar pushers.

But then guess what I did?  I found Cadbury mini-eggs 50% off at Target the other day, so I simply had to buy two bags.  Don’t you worry!  I hid them in pantry, too.  As long as the bag stays sealed, I’ll be all right.  Truth be told, I think I’m going to bake some Candy Bar Shortbread Bars with the mini-milk chocolate candy coated eggs for a brunch I’m going to this Saturday.  I pinkie-promise to only test them one.

The burpee challenge is going well.  What I mean is it’s getting tougher but I can definitely feel myself getting stronger.  At the end of the challenge, I’d like to perform another push-up exhaustion test, but with real push-ups not alternate push-ups to see how many real ones I can do.  At this point, I can do 17 push-ups as part of a burpee, then I should be able to do at least than many or more.

And let’s not forget the running!  Last Wednesday, I wanted to run 6 miles but my legs hurt so bad from Amy Dixon’s ass Kickin’ Strength work-out that I could only manage 5 miles.

5 miles

Time 52:56

Ave Pace 10:36

Max Pace 8:33

My legs were still sore on Friday when I tried to run 3 miles, but I ran with my stroller for what I like to call resistance training.  Running with a stroller is like running up a hill…both ways.

3 .1 miles

Time 33:30

Ave Pace 10:49

Max Pace 8:25

All that soreness and a stroller may have slowed me down a bit, but I made up the time on Sunday when I finally did run 6 miles.  I inserted a lap at mile five just because I was curious if my time had improved from Wednesday.

6.2 miles

Time 1:02:13

Lap 1 – mile 5 – 50:05

Ave Pace 10:03

Max Pace 7:42

Today, I decided to do some speed work instead of subjecting myself to another Amy ass kicking and then I ran a couple of easy miles with my kids’ running club.

1 mile

Time 9:46

Ave Pace 9:47

Max Pace 5:53

Lap 1 – 0.25 miles – 1:49, Ave Pace 7:12

Lap 2 – 0.25 miles – 1:52, Ave Pace 7:30

Lap 3 – 0.25 miles – 1:47, Ave Pace 7:11

Lap 4 – 0.25 mile – 1:54, Ave Pace 7:37

1.1 miles

Time 10:55

Ave Pace 9:56

Max Pace 7:47

Speaking of speed work…Starting next week, Ricole Runs and I will be hosting a running linky party called Track Tuesday and we are so super stoked about it.  Well, not about the sprints, but we’re definitely excited about what we believe to be the first speed work blog hop ever!


Calling all runners!

Every Tuesday, Ricole and I will perform some sprints and we’d like you to join our torturous Track Tuesday efforts.  To join our Track Tuesday Team, do your speed work (at least 4 quarter mile sprints) on Tuesday or any day you that works best for you, blog about your times and remember to add our cool Track Tuesday button to your post.  Then, link up your post at either Ricole Runs or Run DMT to share Track Tuesday Speed Work Sessions.  To show support for our other virtual running partners on the Track Tuesday Team, be sure to visit the other blogs listed in the linky party.  Give them a virtual high-five and leave some comment love too.

So, I hope to see you back here next Tuesday to join our new runner’s linky party, Track Tuesday!

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Thoughts about Skipping a Beat, 10 Burpees, Some Shoes and a Few 5Ks

Posted on by Run DMT
2

I’ve spent the past two days recovering from Spring Break which has been mostly spent sweeping and tidying away the fallout from Easter and Spring Break.  It’s amazing how dirty and unkempt my house looks even though we spent so little time in it over the past week.

I’ve been so busy trying to play catch-up to my housework that I didn’t even blog yesterday for Music Monday.  Gasp!  I had a post in my head complete with photographs showing all our fun in the sun which I was going to link up at Kristi’s Leap into Spring! Photo Challenge at Live and Love Out Loud.  However, time just escaped me while one Little Lion Man wouldn’t leave me side, so I couldn’t swing it.  Maybe I’ll work on it for Wordless Wednesday, minus sunny day song.

We’re on day 10 for the 30 Day Burpee Challenge, which means we’ve moved hit double digits.  Truth be told, ten burpees about did me in today.  I am so out of shape, which why I need to do burpees.  It’s a vicious cycle.

Have I ever mentioned that I assist with my kids’ running club after school?  Every Tuesday, I run about 3 miles with my stroller and close to 50 kids.  Besides spending quality running time with my girls, it’s all part of my evening training plan to help me train for upcoming evening races in warmer weather.  And you thought I was trying to be a good mom!  Nope.  I’m just trying to be a better mother summer runner.

I officially registered for my first summer race: Oldsmar 5K (formerly the Oldsmar Taphouse Run) in June.  Even though it’s hotter than hell, this is one of my favorite races.  I love the flat course and its beautiful view of the bay.  It’s not chipped, but the first 50 finishers get “Das Boot” and since that will never be me holding Das Boot, I’m just going to have fun with it and get my drink on after the race.  I get to do my thing, taking photos running happy and snappy as usual and I’ll have a beer or two or three when it’s all finished.  Did I mention that there is free beer for all runners at the finish?

My new Brooks Trance 10 running shoes arrived last Thursday afternoon and I unfortunately didn’t have the chance to break them in before the race.  In other words, I wore brand-spanking new shoes for a race, which incidentally was 5K trail run.  I had no idea it was a trail run!  So not only was a panicking about not running for over a week due to plantar fasciitis, I began panicking because I hadn’t trained for a trail.  And on top of it all, I worried that I would dirty my pretty new white shoes.  Such a girl!  I’ll tell you more about the race in another post.

Speaking of shoes, our new pup chewed through my pink Spenco flip-flops.  Son of…!  They were about a year old anyway and I was long overdue for a new pair as they had lost some of the support in them, but still.  UGH!  Thank goodness it wasn’t my new Abeo shoes but I’ve been hiding those out of the dog’s reach.  Oh well.  Now, I have an excuse to buy a new pair.  Maybe I’ll go for the pink (honeysuckle) cork shoes?

Before I forget, WordPress is hosting a Automattic Worldwide WP 5k.  The WWWP5k is set for Sunday, April 29, but you can do your run/walk anytime from April 23rd-29th, which means you’ve got a week to fit it in.  If you’ve never done a 5K, the WWWP5K is the perfect no-pressure 5K, because like the Automattic gang put it so eloquently, “you can run, walk, or skip the 3.1 miles. It’s up to you. There’s no time limit and there’s just one requirement: that you participate! You can do it inside or outside, on a treadmill or on a track, or even do a swim or a bike ride instead of running/walking – just get moving!”

So, will you join the WWWP5K on April 29?  Of course, I’m down with WWWP5K. Yeah you know me. It should be a lot easier than 10 burpees.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Thoughts about a Break or Two, Burpees and My New Shoes

Posted on by Run DMT
4

My plantar faciitis began bothering me again which I believe to be a result of old shoes.  I’ve put a lot a miles on my shoes since November when I bought them.  Since my left heal has been giving me trouble, I haven’t ran since last Wednesday and I ordered myself some new lavender Trace 10 running shoes from Brooks.com.  They should arrive tomorrow, so hopefully I can get at least one 3 mile run in and break them in before my 5K on Saturday.

The Hare Racing Experience this Saturday is the only race I have one this month.   Although I never ran it before, I’ve heard great things about it so I’m excited about it.  This race will be even more fun since I’ll be joined by family members running/walking their first race.  We’re all participating in this race to benefit epilepsy in honor of my niece, Meghan.

I’ve had some amazing opportunities fall into my lap lately and I’m feeling so blessed for each of them.  I’m a grateful for every opportunity and the doors they have opened for me.  Thank you.

And speaking of opportunities, did you hear that I was featured on Another Runner Mother?  Go read my interview and leave some comment love.

On the subject of things I love…last week I received some new sandals from The Walking Company which my PF feet totally love. My ABEO sandals are so supportive that I don’t feel any heel pain at all.  I’m going to do a full review of the shoes, but here’s a sneak peek.  I really love them. 

shoe

 My girls are on spring break this week and we have lots of fun planned, however, my husband thought I was planning too much fun and the girls would need a break from their break.  So, today we’re having a quiet lie in and we’ll go to our community pool around lunch time.  I’m really looking forward to swimming since I haven’t run in almost a week and I have all this energy pent-up inside.  I’m going to have to tread water to expend some of it.
Speaking of expending energy, I’m almost finished with my push-up challenge.  I finished Week 6/Day 3/Level 1 yesterday, but I still have to complete another exhaustion test tomorrow.  I’m really nervous about it, which is so silly because it’s not like I could “fail” the test, but I’m afraid I won’t be anywhere near 100 push-ups.  At my last exhaustion test, I did only 50.  I’d like to be somewhere between 60-70 push-ups and beyond the half-way point, but we’ll see.

I’m excited about my next challenge for April! This month, we’re ”Springing into April with a 30 Day Burpee challenge“!  Yay.  *sound of crickets chirping*

 Although I received a lot of resistance to this challenge at first, the response has been quite the opposite which is really motivating.  Follow #30burpees on Twitter if you need some motivation.  People hate burpees but their strong detest for burpees pushed them to be part of the challenge.  It’s pretty funny.

Basically, we started with one burpee on Day 1 and we’ll add one burpee each day after that, ending with 30 burpees on Day 30.  Simple, right?  hee hee  Find out more information here and join the linky party while you’re there.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Thoughts about Green Things and Other Gross Stuff

Posted on by Run DMT
3

Little Lion Man’s green snot situation is still sticking around. Poor little dude can’t shake whatever he’s got and then this morning it escalated into a hacking cough.  I debated calling the doctor, but since I had to run some errands, I thought I’d call the doctor on the way.  No appointments were available until the afternoon, so against my better judgment, I decided to stop by Target while I was out.

Once in Target, Little Lion Man’s hacking developed into a projectile vomit situation and he puked three times in his stroller.  I made a mad dash to the cart wipes area to clean the mess.  As I attempted to clean up his entire stomach contents, Little Lion Man notices the bananas nearby.  “Mama, nanas.”

Yes, there are bananas over there.

“Mama, nanas, please.”

“Seriously, dude. You just puked all over yourself.  Now you want a banana?”  He replied with a huge grin across his face.

Wondering if this is a good idea, I reviewed the BRAT diet in my head.  “Bananas are good for upset tummies and we really do need diapers.  And Allana needs a science board and cough drops.  Right then!”

As I ran off to finish my shopping, I hoped no one would sniff him or the stroller while we shopped.

On my way to the infant aisle, I spotted some fun skinny jeans.   Before you judge, the women’s section is right next to the baby stuff and I didn’t try them on! I swear!  I just looked.

Mossimo Supply Co. Juniors Skinny Denim - Assorted Colors.Opens in a new windowMossimo Supply Co. Juniors Skinny Denim - Assorted Colors.Opens in a new windowVanilla Star Juniors Leopard Print Skinny Denim - Assorted Colors.Opens in a new windowVanilla Star Juniors Leopard Print Skinny Denim - Assorted Colors.Opens in a new window

Anyway, I love the animal prints and the variety of bright colors for spring.   Thank goodness I didn’t spot anything sparkly.  Poor Little Lion Man would have really suffered.

Later at the doctor’s office, I learned Little Lion Man has a nasty respiratory infection and some fluid in his ears.  Poor little guy!

Although Little Lion Man is my latest patient, it’s been like revolving door of a hospital ward in this house.  Someone has had some infliction or illness for the past month.  It’s crazy which also makes me crazy because it’s difficult to squeeze in my running when I’m playing nursemaid.

However, last Saturday, I ran in the Armadillo 10K (full recap to follow shortly).  Then, I ran 3 miles on Monday, but I forgot to charge my Garmin, so no stats.  This morning, I did some speedwork.  Nothing fancy, just 1 mile warm-up followed by 4 quarter sprints and a mile for a cool down.

1 mile

Time 9:46

 

Lap 1 – 0.25

Time 1:44

Ave Pace 6:53

 

Lap 2 – 0.25

Time 1:48:65

Ave Pace7:18

 

Lap 3 – 0.25

Time 1:48:22

Ave Pace 7:12

 

Lap 4 – 0.25

Time 1:50

Ave Pace 7:29

 

1.1 mile

Time 10:39

Ave Pace 9:43

My girls and I have the Spring Sprint 5K this Saturday.  I’m excited to run our first 2012 race together and of course, we’ll all be wearing green for St. Patrick’s Day.  Hopefully, Little Lion Man’s snot situation won’t coordinate with his shirt by then. That’s an accessory I can do without.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

Random Thoughts About Challenges and Other Shameless Plugs

Posted on by Run DMT
2

Last week, we ended our Love My Abs Challenge and moved onto another one, Pushing Our Luck.  If you missed my ab progress, you should check it out because it’s “abs”olutley amazing.  ;-)

As for March’s pushups challenge, basically we’re following the One Hundred Push Ups Program.  We’re only week one into it and it’s going well, but then, I love push-ups.  Swing back this Thursday to read a full rundown on my first week.  There’s a linky party too if you want push your luck along with us.

And while I’m a self-promoting and on a shameless plug roll, I would like to inform all local bloggers about the next installment of the Tampa Bay Bloggers event to be held at Square 1 Burgers on March 24 at 5:00 p.m.  It will be a great opportunity to connect network with other local bloggers and of course, there will be swag bags!

Oh and one more shameless plug!  I was selected to be a regular contributor for 5 Minutes for Moms’ newest feature, 5 Minutes for Food.  Stop by 5 Minutes for Mom this Thursday to see what recipe I share. I’ll give you a hint. It’s something sweet for St. Patrick’s Day and no, it’s not green.

Last Friday, I was like a kid in a candy store at the Gasparilla Race Weekend’s 8 On Your Side Health and Fitness Expo.  Besides a bountiful of cool free food and goodies, there were a ton of vendors and really cool running threads.  Of course, I wanted everything, but bought nothing. I really, really love these tees by Raw Threads.

Thankfully, friendships are free and I was so happy to finally meet my cyberspace BFF and virtual running partner @leighspannwfla.  Leigh is part of the Storm Team 8 for News Channel 8 (our local NBC affiliate).  Much like her morning forecasts, Leigh’s tweets are full of sunshine and warm-fuzzies and she’s just as adorable in person as you’d expect her to be.  Thank you for all your support and encouragement, Leigh!  See you at the next race!

Since I had two half marathons so close together, there haven’t been much training runs.  Then, Little Lion Man caught some green snot cold, so naturally, I caught it and I just wanted to rest.  Now with the colds and half marathons behind me, I’m ready to start training hard again.  This morning I was ready for some speed work.

1.2 mile warm-up

Time 11:22

Ave Pace 9:29

Max 7:58

 

Lap 1 – 0.25 mile

Time 1:45

Ave Pace 6:56

Max 5:26

 

Lap 2 – 0.25 mile

Time 1:45

Ave Pace7:06

Max 5:36

 

Lap 3 – 0.27 mile

Time 2:12

Ave Pace 8:15

Max Pace 5:52

 

Lap 4 – 0.25

Time 1:58

Ave Pace 7:52

Max Pace 6:31

 

1 mile cool down

Time 9:53

Max Pace7:48

I’ve been volunteering after school every Tuesday to assist with my girls’ school’s running club and since I have Little Lion Man in tow, it means that I have been running 1-2 miles in the late afternoon with a stroller every week or what I like to call “resistance training”.  Have I mentioned how much I hate running with a stroller?  But if it makes my girls happy to see me out there with them, then it’s worth it.  Even on days like today when the wind is blowing so hard and the stroller catches every breeze like a kite and I feel like I’m running backwards instead of forward.  Yep, totally worth it.

I have two more races this month: Armadillo 10K and the Spring Sprint 5K.  My goal for the 10K is to finish under an hour, but since I’m running the Spring Sprint with my girls, my only goal is to keep them motivated and moving forward, much like the after school running club.

*Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Random Thoughts about a Swelled Head, a Shrinking Waist and a Princess Problem

Posted on by Run DMT
11

Marathon TrainingIn the past few weeks, Run DMT has been spotlighted on several websites and it’s giving me a big head.

Marathon Training Schedule compiled a list of top running blogs and Run DMT is #64.  Then, RN Central.com  shared 50 Inspiring Blogs for Your Post-Pregnancy Weight Loss and Run DMT is #5 on the list.  How exciting is that?!

I’m flattered to be considered an “inspiration” to others for post-partum weight-loss and I hope yours is going better than mine because I’m sill struggling to lose the last of my baby weight 19 months later. What’s that old pregnancy rule of thumb for weight-loss? Nine months up, nineteen months down?  That sounds about right.

Five unflattering pounds are still sticking around from my pre-pregnancy weight but I don’t put a whole heck of a lot of value on the scale since most of my old clothes are fitting me.

So the numbers on the scale are not dropping but I am definitely toning and shrinking inches, thanks to our Love My Abs Challenge.  If you haven’t been following along, you should go over there RIGHT NOW and check it out!  Each week, I’ve been sharing photos and a brief recap of my progress.

Tomorrow, we’re moving onto to Week 4 and 200 reps, but it’s not too late to join in the fun.  Even if you fell off the wagon, you can simply start over at 100 reps at Week 1. It’s not about how many reps or how long, but more about making a commitment to a better you.

Speaking of wagons, I will be catching a carriage ride over to Orlando this weekend for the Disney’s Princess Half Marathon.  I don’t feel prepared at all for this race, but it has nothing to do with training.  I still haven’t figure out what to wear!

Should I be Belle or Tiana? 

Both princesses are equally smart, brave, fearless, beautiful and good role models for my girls (next to their mom, of course).  But…
If I dress as Belle, I’ll wear a yellow running skirt, matching yellow top, a tiara and carry a red rose.

If I dress as a Tiana, I’ll wear a green top, green shorts and a magnolia rhinestone hair clip in my hair.  I wanted to find a green tutu to wear over my shorts, but I haven’t had any luck yet. 

As any stylish, runner (a.k.a stunner ) will tell you, tiaras and tutus are a must for any Disney Princess race.  I think what I wear will be a game time decision, but I would love to hear your vote: Belle or Tiana?

The girls have the Gasparilla Jr. Race on Saturday. Next year, Liam will be old enough to run the Gasparilla Jr with Emmalynn, but this is Allana’s last year to run it as she’s getting too old for it now.  The thought of it makes me all melancholy, but she’s moving on to bigger distances with her mom.

And who knows maybe she’ll run a Princess race with me someday.  Then she can be Belle and I’ll be Tiana!  There. Problem solved.  Hopefully, by then I would have found a green tutu or made one or bought one of these shnazzy sparkly skirts.  A runner mom can dream, can’t she?  Like a wise mouse once told me, “If you dream it, you can do it.”

And now for my running stats!

I suffered from a stomach bug for two days after the Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon, but I think the forced rest helped me run under 30 minutes for the first time in nearly a year.

2/15

3.1 miles

Time 29:35

Ave Pace 9:33

Max Pace 7:31

 

2/16

4 miles

Time 41:09

Ave Pace 10:17

Max Pace 7:59

 

2/18

6 miles

Time 1:13:27

Ave Pace 11:51

Max Pace 8:56

 

2/21

3.1 miles

Time 30:21

Ave Pace 9:48

Max Pace 7:06

 *Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy

Random Thoughts about Getting Physical and Rocking ‘n Rolling

Posted on by Run DMT
2

In the last two days, I’ve been inside three doctors’ offices.  First, I had a 6 month follow-up for Little Lion Man’s hip dysplasia.  According to the nurse practitioner, “Everything looks great”.  His hips are developing normally (excellently) and now our visits will occur once a year.   Honestly, as fast as little man has been running and climbing these days, I knew everything with his hips would be fine and I didn’t have any worries.

Then, today I had my annual physical.  My cholesterol is high again (240), but I think that might be related to my soft foods diet as I have been eating a lot of eggs.  Also, my vitamin D was low, which is so weird to me living in sunny Florida and all.

Apparently, a vitamin D deficiency is a typical diagnosis as people age, especially for someone with darker skin or someone who consumes a vegetarian diet.  I don’t eat enough fish or beef liver, but I’m sure it’s a combination of everything.  I have been prescribed a vitamin D supplement once a week but I prefer ten minutes in the sun as a prescription.

I also had a follow-up with my oral surgeon today for my wisdom teeth extraction.  When I mentioned to him that I am still have some pain, he said that’s to be expected for up to SIX WEEKS!   Oi vey.  At least I’m healing well and he seemed pleased about that, but I still need to stay on soft foods for a little while longer.   Ugh.  I really miss almonds and tortilla chips with salsa.

Speaking of my soft foods diet, I lost another 3 pounds for a total of 7.5 pounds.  I’m happy about the weight loss, because my clothes are fitting a bit better, but I’m not too thrilled about the way I’m losing weight.  Oh well.  At least I’m only 10 pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight.

On a related note about my weight, my general practitioner said, “You don’t look like you weigh 135 pounds.” Um…thanks?  I’m all muscle, baby. Yeah, I hide my weight well since most of it is tucked away in my juiceful butt.

This Sunday is the St. Pete Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon and I feel pretty good about it.  Even though I haven’t really trained as much as I had hoped, I think I’ll do all right, especially since I threw in some resistance training last week.  Yes, every once in a while, I run with a stroller to remind myself how much I hate running with a stroller.

Last Sunday, I ran 10 miles and it felt good.

10 miles

Time 1:47:55

Ave Pace 10:48

Max Pace 8:07

 

Here are the rest of my runs:

2/2/12

4 miles

Time 41:04

Ave Pace 10:16

Max Pace 7:36

 

2/3/12 (stroller run)

3.1 miles

Time 34:07

Ave Pace 10:58

Max Pace 8:26

 

2/07/12

3.1 miles

Time 31:37

Ave Pace 10:12

Max Pace 8:05

 
And in case you haven’t heard…for the month of February, I’ve committed to showing my abs some love with my #lovemyabs challenge.  Every Wednesday, I’m hosting a linky party.  So, stop by tomorrow to link up and see everyone’s progress.  I’ve already noticed a difference, but I’ll fill y’all in tomorrow.

 *Proudly submitted to Stacy Uncorked, because when I blog about my training, it’s usually pretty random.*

Stacy