Just getting comfortable with the TIC TIC TOC

I started my physical therapy a few months back after an injury and  finally have reached the point where I am able to do some minor running.   As, most runner's know, running outside can cause a strenuous effect on the body. It's almost like running against a concrete floor because you feel the next day like your muscles were run over by a car that you  never saw coming your way.  Most of my training I am doing on a threadmill  as this is my only option, for now. So a quick desicion was make to workout at the gym instead of running outdoors.

My first run was actually very smooth with no pain, which is always a plus. The training that I am currently required to do is to run to the beat of a Metronome. My Buddie Kristin S. explaines it much better;  My trainer is trying to train me from overstriding (common cause of injuries) and help me to run underneath my center of gravity. When I overstride and land heal first, it's like coming to a hard stop; every stride is very jarring on my body.  Well, needless to say after 5 minutes of the tic tic tac I was thinking like the bull; first person dress in red is out of here. Believe it or not, it does help after a while. I could hear the tic tic toc sound more like foot,foot, foot toc; foot, foot, foot, toc. I found myself repeating the metronome beat under my breath alloowing me to be on beat. I have tried a few other suggestions made by some of my DM Run Budies [www.dailymile.com ], and found this is a great website to created Freindships and meet runners that want to run or work out with you. You will find dozens of runner's that are running for the same Events or Organization that you might be running for . The best part is that everyone shares advice and gives tips and suggestions based on experience, trial and error.

If you want to add me on Dailymile : 

My cousin Yvonne, as well as one of my DM Buddies, explains why this type of training is used.

Yvonne H.: Jeff Galloway says the same thing as Kristin S.  said. I find that when my stride is longer, I strike much harder on my heel. When I shorten it, I can run faster and more comfortable.

Jennifer E. suggested in Jog.fm. it will allow for cadence/bpm of music. If you even run with musicBudies see Jene were the Jog.fm app.   You can use the Jog.Fm on your IPhone  [ http://jog.fm].  There are great songs and lots of play list from previous runners.   While searching I found my son's favoite song : Marron 5 Moves like Jagger which is best for a 12 mile run using a 128 BPM.  What does BPM mean?  Beats Per Minute, which is how the speed or tempo is measured in musical terms in Group Fitness.

Running Apps or Fitness Apps you will find plenty..........5K....10K...for speed.....for recordkeeping and plenty more. 

If you have any suggestions that could help me or what to just share an idea please let me know.  Well headed to the gym for my 2 mile tic toc run.  

 Love you guys

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Making Changes 2012

Hey Guys,

This years I have decided to make a few changes.  I do believe I have always places my best foot forward in everything that I do.   But there comes a time, or should I say an age that you need to focus a little bit more narrow.

With careful though I am taking my company a step back and giving it a different image.  There are a lot of Telecommunication companies out there and due to the economy every fortune 500 company is now offering the same services as the smaller Ma & Pop shops as we call them.   I will still be in the same industry but I will engineer, design and consult and let someone else do the work ( Install).

Just got finish deploying the Town of Cicero and its looks "Awesome".   Take a look at our Camera POD.

I am creating a new company image,  If you have seen my current site its all about "Wireless"  take a look www.Fiberinthesky.com.  The Company is still doing "Wireless" but with 12 years of experience we will focus more on the Engineering, Design and Consulting.  I am almost done with the new Image and website, once its complete you will be the first to see it.

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changing my blog, to better things

Hey its been a while, since my last entry. I havent been running for a few months. I got a stress fractue from running and was cut off from running. I am now going through physical therapy and hopefully i should be able to run soon.

When i started my blog, I started writing about my running and experience. I recently decided that I would rather write about the reason I run , my life. I feel that running helps me handle life in general. But maybe writing about life as well we help me to move forward to better things. I will be adding stories and ask for help and maybe I can even help you with something. one of my subject will soon be. i'm 45 this month!

ok guys until the next chapter.

Monika

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Hard Miles

Hey guys,  I am stilling running :) currently, at the hardest part of the training.  Every run moving forward will consitst of a Half a Marathon. Today's goal was a 14 Miles run. Had lots of Facebook family cheering me on.  " Thanks Guys"!  The run was great, the Chicago humidity Suxs!  Got a serious calf cramp at 13.4 Miles into my goal. well almost reached the goal.  I made a sudden rush for the cold water of Lake Michigan  it was needed! But i did make it past my Frist Half Marathon! OH YEA!

Ice water after a long run is perfect. It takes away the inflammation and relaxes the muscles. You do not seem to wake up as sore. Chicago Lake Michigan water if everyone can remember is a tub of ice. After every run I walk into the lake deep enough to reach my waist (which is not much since I am short) and standing/squat/ walk a bit for at least 20/30 minutes.  The water is ice cold it’s so cold it burns a bit but after 10 minutes it starts to feels warm.   I start to go deeper to reach colder water.  Try it after a run its great. Ok guys until the next run.

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Tortoise and the Hare

Today was a great run.  I started a new training program that will enable me to complete the Chicago Marathon in 5 1/2 hours.   I am training to run 12 minute miles.  Today I was scheduled to run a little faster than normal,  some days are faster then others.    As, I was running I could hear foot step catching up to me from behind,  My Hubby's was passing me up.    

I continued to run and started to sing to the music on my iPhone. "Quiero estar contigo mi "Morenito",  [I want to be with you my little brownie].  My husband slows down to join me in my run and at my pace.   He had this BIG cheesy Smile on his face.   By the way my husband has dark complexion so Morenito would be his color.  Morenito Men are just "HOT"!   As I am singing my song, my hubby is running by my side, but the moment I stop singing that song.  He took off like a FIRE CRACKER!

" I see how it is" I yelled as he took off. 

I keep telling my hubby I will continue to run at my pace,  because I am going to pass him up at the 16 miles.  While the paramedic is pulling out the cardiac paddles for his butt.  Dont worry,  I will make it up to you. On your headstone it will read “Crockpot Paella wins Boiler Beaner" here she has placed her Metal.  Aww You know I am just kidding Mi Amor, You know Que Te Amo, [love you].

 But love has nothing to do with it! LOL

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Oreo Cookies

I have never been a bad eater, as most of my family says “You will not find crap food in Monika's house".   My kids love to visit their aunts and uncles on the weekend.  Guess why! they have Oreo cookies and Candy, chips and crap!

During one of our family gatherings, Isaac was looking for chips or cookies in the kitchen cabinets.  My daughter Cindy says to Isaac “you will not find that in this kitchen”.  Number 1 Rule: you bring that crap with you.   

He found what he believes to be a container of Brownies from Whole Foods!   This is the store i do most of my shopping.   The container says dairy free, wheat free, gluten free; he paid no attention to the label since he could see they were brownie...    He took one bit out of the brownie and said “what the hell is this, it taste like crap”.     Cindy replied “that’s what my mom calls sweeties”. 

It’s funny but every one that visits brings soda, and SWEETIE! (Cake, cookies, chips, etc....).   

The reason i am telling the story is because I recently weighed myself and found I had gained weight! How, it beats me.   As, of today very serious training, more fresh food and water. NO COFFEE.   

I am a morning person, and working out at 5 or 6 am was never a problem.   I feel like the energizer bunny, after a workout. 

I haven’t been myself lately,  I think I might need vitamin.  Check out how I'm feeling!  

Alright, I have a 10 days trip to Hawaii in September and I plan on wearing a small bikini.  Wooo Hoooo.... OK!  “So lets get our shit together”   NEED SOME HELP HERE !

GOT TO KEEP RUNNING!  My Motivation:  Hawaii, hot beaches, waves, pineapple with liquor.  

Open to suggestions J

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Freaking Out

Call it old age, or call me a whip.   I have been thinking out this year’s marathon more than I should.   I have never been concerned with speed, my thoughts are as long as I complete the marathon I am good.   And I have to admit last years marathon was hard but I did complete it, that was my only goal. 

Just in case you’re laughing, I didn’t see you at the finish line! J

As a new marathon runner its hard to know what is good and what isn’t.    Like every sport everyone has advice and there are always books, books and more books.     I am trying to keep my sanity as I train and try not to overdo it.  I have always been a health nut, of course the regular 5 or 6 miles run on the theadmill but I never did imaged I would become a marathon enthusiast. 

I enjoy the run, the time alone to think thing out.  The control I have over myself and the feeling of my accomplishments when I am done.  

I was running 5 miles run yesterday and I was supposed to run 2.5 miles, and when I reached the mile marker I was suppose to turn around.   I started my run by listening to a sermon on how we should be the best at everything...   Geezzz am I obsessed with perfection. “no”.  I just like to hear positive words as I run.  For some reason I started to remember high school and all the things I had planned to do with life.  Like I was reviewing my plan.

Then I jumped to the birth of my daughter Monica.  I was remembering that I took some pictures of her at Humboldt Park surrounded by dandelions, which of course I now know are weeds!   I love that picture.   I know you are saying “get to the point”, well my point was I got so deep into the thoughts that I blocked out the run.   I had passed the 2.5 miles marker and I noticed that my breathing was in tune.  My legs didn’t feel heavy and I was running in sync.   That is my point as an amateur runner, I don’t need to over think my run or focus on the need to be a 10 minute mile runner.  That will come with time and experience.   The reason for my runs has always been health, entertainment, and to reduce migraines from stress.

Stress, because when I run, I solve problems, I organize my day.   I remember what I have forgotten to do.   I clear my head and have a clear perspective of a lot.

What I like the most from my running now is that it has united my family.  My kids have gain interest in running;   we planned a few 5K’s together.   I give them credit; I know they love me if they are running in cold weather with me during the Santa hustle last year.   Its sweet to see them matching my soxs or running next to me.  I guess health is not the only reason to run now.    

I guess this is what I need to remember instead of worrying about the marathon.   

I will admit I have become a bit selfish, I was searching for long distance runs last night and my husband as me why.    Well I answered I have quite a few long distance runs, if I am going to run a 14,16,18,20 miles during my training, it would be nice to get a metal for them. 

Thanks for hearing me out!   Join me in a run J

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