No Run-day

Well, things took an interesting turn and I decided not to run my 16K today.  All I want to say is it important to stay hydrated before, during, and (I have learned the hard way) AFTER your run.  I will start running again tomorrow, but it will be a very slow and easy 3 or maybe 4 K.  I will take the next few weeks to build up my endurance again but things will probably move at a slower pace for a while.  Can't wait to write about tomorrow's run! Have a great day/night wherever you are!

Yee-Haw!

So this week there has been an increase in rain, thank you rainy season.  Thus, my runs have suffered.  I know I could run in the rain, and I will probably start doing that soon, but right now I love running with music.  If I run with music in the rain, two things will happen. One:  My iPhone will be water damaged and Two:  I will be electrically shocked in the head thus keeling myself over.  Both are pretty bad outcomes.  I do know my running course well enough that I could run without music or my running app and still know about how far I went.

Anywho, on today's run I was pretty happy with myself.  It is definitely getting more humid here.  So that is something to watch out for.  Today was a nice 7K run, and tomorrow will be an even better 16K run!  I am definitely eating a banana and taking some of those energy gels tomorrow.  I will also be taking water (very important) with me on my run.  I might even take an extra water bottle with me!  Back to today's run.  I ran a "new" course today.  That's one thing I love about running.  You get to go to places and discover parts of your city that you didn't even know were there.  I guess if I was running in OC things wouldn't be as much of a surprise, but still, you notice things running that you never would have seen if you were in a car.

I did get confused on my run today.  Somehow I thought I ended up a little north of my apartment building even though I was running south.  I got very confused and really had a brain fart.  I was like, I am running south and I looped north somehow.  Then it dawned on me that I was still south of my apartment and had to run in the opposite direction to get home.  New courses are fun, but sometimes confusing.  And even today's 7K run I should have taken water.  New rule, over 5K water is with me!

Follow my run and can't wait to update everyone tomorrow!
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130615-0950?r=e

PS~ I will be writing a little something about feet soon! You know you don't want to miss that!

Worst 10K run...ever

What a weekend for my running it has been... Yesterday was a great run.  I did a 5K and tried to work on a faster pace, which I accomplished.  I got faster every split and in general, was pretty happy with how the run went.  This week's long run was a short run, because every four weeks there is a "rest" week where I don't run as much.  So I ran 10K today, and it killed me.  I don't know what happened to me.  After six kilometers I took a short rest, and then took another rest to get a picture of that development that they are building.  I thought I would be able to run back home easily after two rests.  Well, think again.  I felt like I was stopping after every minute.  And part of the time I would actually walk.  I mean, it was only like ten to twenty seconds of walking and then I would start running again, but man...  My body just felt zapped today of its energy.  I just don't get it.  The weather was nice, mostly cloudy, so there was a little sunshine, but nothing like tons of sun rays beaming down on me.

My feet took a big hit today.  I know I definitely have some blisters forming.  One of my blisters popped yesterday (on the bottom of my right foot) and I wonder if that had anything to do with today.  I know you're not supposed to pop them, let them heal on their own time.  Is this what happens after one pops and you run on it the next day?  I hope not!  My feet have taken quite a beating the last few weeks.  Under one of my toenails, I can see pooled blood.  So that toenail is purple and I have had it for like a week, and Ryuta just noticed it yesterday.  A couple of my toes have blisters on them, but I always thought that was normal with running...am I wrong again?  Looks like it will be time to research feet and running.  And I know I said this in an earlier post, but I really need to start carrying water on anything above an 8K.  Maybe that's why I was so tired today, I just needed a little water.

I did go running after lunch today, so that was the only thing I did differently for my Sunday run.  Usually I do my run in the morning, after I wake up.  Today, I had lunch, waited for about an hour and a half and then went on my run.  That could be it too.  My body just didn't want to be outside running today.  What a crappy run.  I mean, my 15K from last week was easier than today.

Alrighty...I have complained enough.  I will do my research and can't wait to report back on feet!

Follow my run!
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130609-1333?r=e

Wednesday's Run

Well today was a nice run, except I didn't want to actually go on it when I woke up this morning.  It took a lot of motivation for me to get my running shoes on and get out the door.  I just kept repeating this saying I saw on Pinterest, I may run slow, but I am faster than people sitting on the couch.  Or at least something like that.  I was actually pretty happy with myself afterwards.  Sometimes it is just getting out of the door.  After that, though, I had a pretty productive day.  After breakfast, I started making lunch, a delicious chicken "taco seasoned" salad sandwich and homemade potato salad.  Unfortunately, I couldn't make time to study Japanese this morning.  So I guess today was my off day from studying, which I really shouldn't do.

Anywho, back to the run.  I ran a different route today, which was good and bad.  On my familiar route I can guess how far I have run, and how much more I will be going.  This new route threw me a few loops, but I was happy that I was guessing around the right mileage!  It was super sunny and hot though, at 9:00 am today so I could have lived without that.  Oh well, at least I was out there.  I am starting to think though I might need to take water with me on my short runs.  If this is only the beginning of June, I am not looking forward to what August is going to bring me!  That is going to be hot and humid.  Plus rainy season will be starting here really soon.  So that makes me a little nervous as well.  I did notice my long run from Sunday was much easier to do, probably because of the cloudy, cooler weather, than today's short run.  I am getting a nice tan though, but I am sure I will have to break out the sunscreen soon for my runs.

Follow my run
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130605-0851?r=e

15 K today

What a great run this morning.  I ran 15 kilometers and felt pretty good the whole way through.  I did notice my left knee had a little pain during the middle of the run, so I am gonna have to keep tabs on that and see how it progresses.  During my shorter runs it doesn't bother me at all.  So I will have to see how it is during the next long run.  The weather was really cloudy and the air was a little crisper, so that part of the run was awesome.  Perfect running weather where I didn't feel like buckets of sweat dripping off of me.

I also went for 7 kilometer run yesterday, but didn't write anything on the blog.  I have had a cold since Wednesday and I just really relaxed yesterday after my run.  Even though I had a cold, I still felt great running.  Like, I had all my energy, and mentally I felt fine.  My throat was just scratchy and I had a little cough. other than that, I felt fine.  Except Friday night, because I basically lost my voice on Friday from teaching.

I did notice today I got a lot more looks from people today than usual.  I kept wondering, "why are they looking at me?!"  Then it hit me!  I lip-sync when I run.  I mean, I just don't lip-sync, I go all out with it, like a drag queen running a marathon.  While I was running today, I thought about my lip-syncing, and I figured this is a good thing to do while running.  When running, you want to be able carry on a conversation.  You don't want to be out of breath too much.  Having said that, I guess I don't lip-sync, as much as I sing softly.  Doing this has really helped my breath control while running.  I hope to see more people lip-syncing while they are out for their runs!

Follow my run!
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130602-0758?r=e

Running, with a cold

I haven't run since Monday.  Monday and Tuesdays were supposed to be rest days, but on Wednesday I had a teachers' meeting and had to wake up super early (for me).  So Wednesday's run became Thursday's run.  Unfortunately, I think I caught a cold from one of my students.  Kids are always getting sick and being a teacher, we're always getting sick from the students.  Luckily, it's not a bad cold.  I have a little cough and my throat is scratchy, but not sore. Also, my left knee was really sore yesterday night.  Walking up steps actually hurt just a little bit.  I probably shouldn't have gone for a run, but I woke up early and didn't know what else to do.  I hate just being in bed.  I had to move around and do something. 

And the most surprising thing about today's run was I feel it was one of my best! I got faster each split! Even my "fastest" speed per split got faster in each split.  I really can't believe it.  That was something that I wasn't expecting.  I thought I wouldn't have any energy to go faster.  Just running was going to be good.  But then, the energy spewed forth from my body and I was able to get faster and keep a good mindset throughout the run.  I love those little surprises.  

Now it is time to drink some hot lemon water with honey and hope that that will help me on the road to recovery.  This cold needs to go now!

Follow my run!

http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130530-0813?r=e

14 kilometers under my belt!

Well, today was a very good day for me so far.  I was able to run 14.52 kilometers (9 miles!) this morning!  I have such a feeling of accomplishment.  Three months ago, if you would have told me I would be able to run 14 and a half kilometers I would have called you crazy.  But now, wow.  I mean it's all I can say!

The run started out good...of course I had an energy gel before this long run.  I was able to keep a good pace, or so I thought!  My body felt fine throughout the first five kilometers.  But during the fifth kilometer, my body felt a little bit like it was shutting down.  The run felt a little harder to do.  Somehow, I found the energy and stamina within me to at least make it another kilometer before I took a quick rest.  I refueled on another energy gel and drank some water.  After that little break, I felt great and good to go.  The next couple of kilometers were quite easy.

It makes me wonder if I was crashing from the first energy gel.  I also ate two bananas before my run today. Usually the bananas charge me up enough to keep going and no crashing feeling.  The only difference today was the energy gel.  So it really made me ponder if I was feeling a crash.  After my second energy gel there was no crashing feeling at the end of my run.  I even got a little faster during the last kilometer or so of my run.  I think any runner would agree, being able to go a little faster at the end of a run is the best feeling!

I also think my right foot is a little different.  It doesn't point straight forward, but slants to the right.  I know I had an injury there from soccer during middle school, but I didn't really think it affected me too much.  This run today felt a little harder on my right leg.  It was only my lower right leg, calf area if you will.  My knee felt fine.  But the ankle area and shin area of my right leg were a little sore.  While I was running I looked down at my feet and noticed the right foot does slant a little.  Not really sure what to make of that at this point, but I guess it will be a Google search type of day!

The construction area I run pass has improved a little.  There is the beginnings of a road.  And it looks like I can start to see the beginnings of where the new houses' lots will be.  Here is the next photo!

Follow my run!

http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130526-0813?r=e

Saturday

So today was supposed to be a 3 kilometer run, but I did a 4 and a half kilometer run  It was perfect.  Since yesterday was a rest day, I had a lot of energy for today.  Weather was a little cloudy, with some sunshine, so it wasn't a bad run in that way. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's run...13 kilometers! I can't believe I am now a person who looks forward to longer runs.  I never thought I would be that kind of guy.  But here I am, and I have to believe it.  It really is about changing your attitude toward running.  Instead of dreading, and thinking of the pain you have from running...you have to think positive and go with that.  I know I have days that I really don't want to go, but afterwards I always feel so good.  And even when I am tired after my runs, it is a good tired...I feel like I can accomplish anything throughout the day! So here's to a good run tomorrow!

Follow today's run!
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130525-1144?r=e

Good Run

Well today was a good run.  Today's goal was conserving energy.  I tried to keep a slower pace in the beginning of my run and then gradually increase my speed in the second half of my run.  It was good, but surprisingly to me, in my third split I actually increased my speed and held that speed pretty well throughout the rest of my run.  Now in my mind, I thought I was slower in my third split and my 4th-6th split was faster. I didn't realize I was actually maintaining speed from the third split.  I am gonna have to work on that.  I know I have to listen to my body more to recognize my speed.  Unfortunately, I feel like my body is wearing earmuffs and playing really loud music and not wanting to communicate with my mind at the moment.  Hopefully that will resolve itself and I can turn down the music and remove the earmuffs.  Although, I do feel like I am getting better at it, I know it's something I still need to work on.

Today's run was a glorious six kilometers.  Tomorrow is a rest day, Saturday will be three kilometers and Sunday, get ready for it...will be 13.5 kilometers! I might make it 14 though.  I usually like to run a little over what is actually scheduled.  Plus, I will have the energy gels for that day!  That might make me a little stronger in mind to make it 14 kilometers.  I am guessing it will take me approximately 90 minutes to do it.  My 12.55 kilometer run was about 75 minutes, so I think that would be a good guesstimate.

Follow my run!
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130523-0901?r=e

Another day, another run

Beautiful weather equals a beautiful run, always...no matter how bad I feel, it just does.  There is something about being in the sunshine that does something to the spirit.  But the spring time in Japan was literally like a week long...it feels like we are already having summer weather.  And it's not even June! That scares me a touch.  If it is already getting this warm during the morning, what is July gonna feel like?!?

I was a little disappointed with my first split today.  I thought I ran it a little faster, like 5 minutes 45 seconds-ish but it was over 6 minutes.  I know it doesn't seem like much of a difference, but it's a world of difference to me.  On the good side, I got faster with each split!  AND I felt like I was getting slower with each split, so that is good news for me.  My body is getting used to running! Yay!

I'm also noticing little changes in my body.  I'm getting lines where my legs connect to my body again! It has been so long since I have seen those lines.  My faces feels a little slimmer.  My chest is going up, not pointing down as much any more!!! It's just my belly...like a doughnut, it does not want to leave me.  I know I am going to have to add sit ups or some sort of exercise that can target my abs...but I was hoping the running would take care of that.  Looks like I am gonna have to revamp my workout routine somehow!

Follow my 4 kilometer run!
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130522-0857?r=e

Beginning of my Run Week

At the beginning of every "new" run week for me I always go down in the mileage department.  I build up throughout the week.  It usually ends on Monday and begins on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on when my "rest" day is.  Sunday is usually my long run.  Today, Tuesday, started the run week this week.  My body did not want to do it.  My mind was strong, but my legs were saying no.  I think it was more difficult because I couldn't do a short run yesterday.  Yesterday it was raining cats and dogs during the morning, so I couldn't go for a run at all.  According to the program I am doing, I should walk the day after a long run.  I don't want to walk though!  I am doing this to become a runner, so I usually opt for a short run after my long runs.

I am getting so excited.  My short runs are increasing to about 4 or 5 kilometers per run.  My long runs are increasing nicely.  In two weeks I will have a "shorter run week."  My long run during this is 10 kilometers! That will be considered a short long run! That makes me so excited.  Knowing that I am building up my stamina and I will accomplish that is amazing.  I really need to sign up for some races to keep this momentum going!

I think I also need to give myself a little more time to wake up before I start my run.  I stretched this morning, but my body so didn't want to do it.  Maybe that's another reason my body didn't want to run this morning.

On another note, being in Japan I get news later, rather than sooner, especially from America.  Prayer and good thoughts going out to Oklahoma.  This is a devastating tragedy, but the American people will rally together and help.

Follow my run:
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130521-0852?r=e

beautiful 12.55K

Wow~ what a day I have had today.  Not only did I run 12.55 kilometers, but I also have gotten my house pretty well cleaned.  The only thing left to really clean is the toilet and bathtub.  I can't believe how productive I have been after that long of a run.  And for the record, it was my first time running for over an hour!  I think I only made three pit stops for water.  I'm just beyond the moon today!  I wish every running day were this good.

There were two new things with my run today:  (1) Backpack and (2) Energy Gels.  Let's talk about the backpack first.  Now it isn't an ordinary backpack, it is a running backpack.  I felt so good having my water, energy gel, keys, and ID on me throughout my run.  I have never really thought about it, but it is really important to run with your ID, especially in a different country!  I mean, what if you fall, break your leg, and blackout all at the same time?!?  If an ambulance comes to get you, at least they will have your name, and if you can (I need to do this), carry an emergency contact number in your bag.  The more I think about this, the better it sounds!  Back to the pack.  The runner's backpacks are surprisingly light weight.  The one I bought even has a "mesh back," to allow for more breathing room for the pack.  I will say, my back was still a little sweaty where the pack was even though it said it had breathing room.

Now for energy gels...they are definitely different.  At first I was very surprised by the taste and texture.  I mean, it was really gel-ly.  The first one I had was "mocha" flavored.  And to my shock, they didn't do a bad job with getting the flavor right.  I mean, it wasn't like I was sipping a mocha right before my run...and the gel-factor was a good indication that it wasn't a real mocha.  I drank/ate that about 15 minutes before leaving my apartment.  I don't know if it was a mental thing or an actual energy giver, but I felt great throughout the first part of my run.  A little after my fifth kilometer I had the second energy gel (lime).  I also refreshed with some water at this point.  The gel leaves a weird feeling in your mouth.  You definitely want to wash it out of there.  And once again, I don't know if it was mental or pure energy erupting from my stomach, but I had lots of energy to complete my run! I even got faster in my ninth, tenth, and eleventh kilometers.  My twelfth kilometer was a little slower, but that's OK, it was still under 6 minutes.  Based on today's performance, I will say the energy was actually there and not mental.  Maybe I need to have a bad run while sucking on those things to prove me otherwise.

At the end of my run, I actually ran into another runner in front of my building.  We talked for a bit about our runs.  He looked like he had run a lot today, but he ran 4 kilometers....I hate to say it, but I felt a little boost to my ego there thinking, "I ran farther than you!"  Isn't that a terrible thought?  It just kinda popped into my head before I had time to censor that!

Also on the run, I noticed they are building a new apartment complex/row of houses (maybe) along my running path.  Now I have always been impressed with how fast Japanese builders construct buildings.  I mean literally, nothing is there in the spring and by fall they are renting out the first places.  So, as a little side project on this blog, I am going to document the speed of the construction. Picture one!

Follow my run~

http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130519-0935?r=e

Good Today, Bad tomorrow?

Had a beautiful run today! I was only supposed to run 3 kilometers, but ended up running just under 5! Sometimes the beauty of being outside captures you, and your mind says "yes!" to more running.  Now though, I wish I hadn't run that extra little bit.  Tomorrow I am running 11 kilometers.  So now I am wishing I would have taken it a little bit easier today so tomorrow's run will be smoother.  Then again, that is a very negative way to think about it.  Tomorrow is a new day and I will be able to make that 11K run with no problems.  Plus, I think it is going to rain here on Monday, so I have to get my run in tomorrow.

I am going to try and wake up a little earlier than usual to do this run.  It would be nice to get it under my belt before too much of the day has passed.  I am also a little excited for tomorrow's run!  I bought myself a new running bag.  It doesn't have the straw and water pouch to drink from while running, BUT I can purchase the pouch separately later and put it into the bag.  I will also try the energy gels tomorrow for the first time.  You have to eat/drink one before you start and then take one every 30-45 minutes later.  Since tomorrow is only 11K I think I should only need one to go with me in the bag.  But I am very excited for when I need to have like four of them suckers in the bag.  You know that will be some mileage on those days! hehehehe! I get excited just thinking about that.

I tried recording a video while I was running today to post on the blog, but it was waaaaaay to bumpy.  Oh well, live and learn!

Follow my run!
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130518-1253?r=e

5K 30 minutes

What a good day for a run! The weather today is sunny, and the temperature is definitely not too hot yet.  I'm so scared of running when the humidity picks up...Lord knows how humid the Tokyo area is in Japan!  Anyways, my run today was fantastic! I was happy with my pace.  My first kilometer was my slowest today.  I think because there is a big hill, basically right away, that tends to slow me down.  I don't want to waste too much energy on that hill and run out of steam later! I have been reading about running hills and how you should go at them full steam, but I don't think I am there yet.  Maybe next month!

I did notice today that even though my head was facing forward, my eyes would gaze down.  I don't think this is a major problem though.  My head is in the right position for running, it's just my gaze.  I guess I have to practice my cheetah eyes and keep scanning further ahead of myself.

Today's main focus was my shoulders and arms.  I have read that you don't want to keep your shoulders too straight, like a "T" shape when running.  They should be slouched just a little.  It's hard trying to relax your shoulders while exercising!  But I did attempt it, and I think it was pretty successful! I know I am happy with my results from it.  There was also an article that talked about your arms.  They should be bent at the elbows in a 90 degree angle.  I spent a lot of mental energy thinking about this.  I noticed that when I did that my wrists/fists were about level with my hips.  Surprisingly, this made my run so much easier!  When my legs felt a little tired I would pump my arms just a little harder, and it made my stride better!  I don't know if there is any science fact to this, but there was a big enough difference that I noticed.  I also really need to stop holding my iPhone when I am running.  This would free up my hands so I could focus more on them.  Right now I don't have a running bag, so I must carry it with me.

Hopefully I will get a new bag this weekend!  I have been on the lookout for a "camel bag."  I don't know if that is the correct name for it or not, but that's what one of my friends, Richard, called it.  He's into fitness so I am trusting that is the correct name.  The camel bag has a straw coming out of it so I would not have to stop to drink water.  As long as there were some other pouches so I can carry my phone, ID, keys, and some energy gels, I would be very happy with that.

I need to start carrying energy gels with me.  My runs are getting longer, which means I need to nourish myself during the run.  Looks like after work, I will be exploring the world of energy gels online tonight! Such an exciting Friday night.  I know, yins are jealous!

Follow my run!
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130517-0925?r=e

Nice and Easy

Today was a nice and easy three kilometer run.  According to my running app, my Wednesday or Thursday run will be a shorter, more relaxed run.  I also ran a little slower than my usual pace and I must say...I really liked that pace.  It was about 6 minutes 10 seconds per kilometer.  I ran in the park today and that was really nice.  I was so surprised at how fast the run went.  I felt like I had just started it and *boom* it was done!

Today I also was trying to focus on my running form.  I checked out some websites to help me learn a better technique.  Holding your head up and looking straight ahead, like you are a cheetah scanning the horizon, is very important.  You shouldn't run with your head down, looking at your feet.  I know I am guilty of doing this a lot! So in today's run, I focused on keeping my head forward and found out running was much easier!  You don't want to have your head up too much though.  I tried to picture my body being very liquid like today.  Keeping it loose was very key to my run.  At the same time, you don't want to be a rubber man or woman.  Too loose would be too bad. You will definitely get neck cramps!

I will talk more about good posture in upcoming posts! There are many things I would like to talk about and if anyone out there has suggestions, please leave comments.

Follow my run!

http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130516-0840?r=e

What a weekend!!!

Hello friends! This weekend was crazy.  Saturday it rained all day, so I couldn't go out for my run.  So instead I had a nice rainy day inside.  Didn't do too much exercise, but that is OK for one day.  I took my day of rest.

Sunday, instead of running, was a day of hiking!  It was my first time hiking in Japan.  I think the course was about 6 or 7 kilometers and the height was about 950 meters.  It was amazing! The only difference is in Japanese they say mountain climbing.  I wouldn't consider what we did was "mountain climbing."  I think hiking is a much better word for it.  Anywho, it was an amazing time and I made a lot of new friends.  The group I was with had 15 people in it.  It was also a great day for speaking Japanese.  I loved that part!  After the hike we went to a hot spring and relaxed for a while.  Then it was restaurant time and a beer to cap off the night.  Such a good time with so many new friends.  Can't wait to see everyone in the future.

My run today was six kilometers.  And surprisingly it was an easy run for me.  I didn't feel winded at all during the run.  I think my stamina is finally building up! I tried to keep a slower steady pace of 5 minutes 50 seconds for each kilometer and did pretty well maintaining it.  I went a little faster in the 4th and 6th split.  And I think I was pretty lucky with the red lights.  I didn't really have one until I was halfway through my run, so that was a pleasant surprise. The weather was gorgeous for the run today too.  Sunny and warm, but not too hot yet...that won't last for too much longer I am sure.

I have also recently bought a running magazine in Japanese!  It's a little terrifying to read, but I am always proud when I can do it, and understand it.  It has a lot of information in it too, like running clubs and marathon postings.  I hope to sign up for a couple of runs in the near future!

Follow my run!
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130514-0824?r=e

Easy, shorter run

Well, today was only a three kilometer run.  According to my running app, every 4th week of training is a little easier and lower in the mileage department.  This apparently will help my body build up its stamina.  So excited for that! The run was super easy.  I should have done it yesterday, but ended up talking to one of my best friends who lives in America, so the time just slipped away from me.  I did notice on my run this morning that beginning is always the hardest.  Maybe the first half kilometer my legs just scream, "NO RUNNING!" but my heart says quietly "keep going."  After that first half my body gets into a rhythm and I no longer notice my legs.  I did stop with about 200 meters left to run because Ryuta called me.  He left for Australia yesterday and was calling to let me know he was in Adelaide.  His final stop will be Melbourne, so he still has a little ways to go, but I am thankful that he made it down there in one piece.  After we talked, I was able to finish my run.

Many people want to eat lots of protein after a workout.  Protein supposedly helps build muscles and our body, I guess, needs it.  Beans and eggs have so much protein in them, they are almost the perfect breakfast choice.  In Japan, there is natto.  Natto is fermented soy beans, and they are delicious.  If you like stinky cheeses, you would love natto.  So for my breakfast, I had 1 cup of white rice, I package (80 grams) of natto, 1 egg (raw), and some Japanese pickles.  Put into a bowl, stir, and enjoy!  If there is an Asian, or even better...a Japanese, Market near your place of dwelling, you should be able to find natto.  Please try it! Every food deserves to be tried once.

Follow my run:

http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130509-0915?r=e

The Weekend Runs

Well, over the weekend I had two exhausting runs...on Saturday I tried to pace myself between a 4 minute 55 second kilometer to a 5 minute 25 second kilometer pace.  I was able to keep that up for three and a half kilometers. I found a thingy on my running app that allows you to control the pace.  I also ran in a new part of the park near my house.  I loved running in that area.  Usually I run along the streets and I always wonder what kind of car exhaust I am inhaling. The park didn't give me that feeling.  It was so nice to be in "nature."

My run on Sunday was a whopping ten kilometer run.  This time I set the pace to be a little slower.  But it still killed me.  My time wasn't what I wanted.  I wanted it to be under 58 minutes, but I ran it in a little over 59 minutes.  I felt like I did a good job keeping my pace constant.  I also found I need to listen to techno or remixes of music that have a great beat.  If the music's beat is stronger, I run stronger.  Gotta love that!

Also for that week, I didn't really have any days of rest.  Monday and Tuesday are rest days for me this week.  My runs this week will also be a little less in the kilometer department.  I need my body to catch up, so by running a little less it might help my body adjust.  Then next week it will be longer runs again! My goal after this training is to have my "short" runs be between eight to ten kilometers.  Right now my "short" runs are about four to five kilometers.
Saturday's run:
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130504-1350?r=e

Sunday's run:
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130505-0923?r=e

The Devil's Run

So my run yesterday way good...but also bad in a small way.  I felt pretty good during my first 3 kilometers, but after that my energy was zapped.  It kinda surprised me, but oh well.  I think I pushed myself a little too in my first kilometer which kinda screwed up my pace.  Live and learn.  I also ran 6.66 kilometers, hence Devil's run...don't know if that is a good thing yet or not! I tried doing slow-fasts, but my slows were really slow! I was basically just walking them, and my fasts were a mere jot.  All in all though, I felt really good.  Burned over 500 calories, so I was able to yakitori (chicken on a stick) for dinner without any guilt!

One thing I love about running is discovering the neighborhood around me.  I can see new places and discover new areas that I live close to.  Yesterday on my run I found out the park near my house is actually bigger than I thought.  There is a street that basically breaks up the park, and I have never ran to that street before.  When I got to the street, I discovered that there was more park on the other side! So when I go for my run today, I am gonna to that side.

Check out the run, and there will be another post later today.  I was going to take today off, but the weather is just screaming for me to go run outside today!

http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130503-1257?r=e

Yippy!!

So on today's scheduled run, it was supposed to only be 3 kilometers, but I ended up doing a little over 5 and a half kilometers.  I just kept running, and going, and not stopping, then running some more.  I like my pace for the first three kilometers then after that it became a little tougher.  Near the end I decided to run slower for 30 seconds then haul ass for the next thirty seconds.  I don't know the technical name for that exercise so I will call it slow-fast.  From hence forth, that's what it will be called.

                                             

I made a delicious dinner last night that was also very (kinda) healthy.  It was a scrumptious fried chicken.  And it was super easy to make! And each chicken strip is only about 53 kcal!!!! Wahoo!!!

What you need for this super easy and delicious meal :
6 chicken strips (two or three chicken breasts that have been cut into thirds, the width should be just under an inch long)
1 tbsp of sake
1 tbsp of soy sauce
1/2 to 1 tbsp of ginger juice ( I used raw, grated ginger)
potato starch

1. Mix the soy sauce, sake, and ginger in a shallow dish.
2. Cut the chicken.  I also made 2 cuts in each strip to flatten them out a bit.  Then flatten the chicken strips a little more with a rolling pin (I am terrified of eating raw chicken!)
3. Marinade the chicken the soy sauce mixture for about ten minutes
4. Heat up cooking oil (your choice vegetable or whatever) to 180 degrees C
5. Dip the chicken strips into the potato starch (I also put a dash of salt and pepper in the starch)
6. Fry the chicken strips for about 3 minutes in the oil, if the oil doesn't completely cover the chicken do three minutes for each side.

Total cooking time should be about 20-30 minutes!!!

If you eat this with one cup of rice, shredded cabbage and boiled tomatoes, you'll have a dinner that is well under 550 calories!  Lots of protein to keep up your strength.  I made a dipping sauce for the chicken with 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp Tonkatsu sauce (bulldog sauce), a little honey and a little brown mustard.

This meal was delicious, simple, and budget friendly if you already have sake, soy sauce and potato starch!

Follow my run for today:
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130501-1455?r=e

8 kilometers (5 miles!!!)

Well, well, well...today was quite the run.  8 kilometers, which I found out is roughly 5 miles.  Paced myself very well throughout the first four, or I thought I did! Last four kind of hurt, and I felt like I was pushing myself a little too much, but I am happy with the results...except that my shins hurt a little more than usual.  I think I need to do more ankle rolls and stretching before my runs.

And after running 8 kilometers today, I met my friend, Rika, and one of her friends in Tokyo.  We did a lot of walking around Tokyo as well, so it was a very exercise filled day! We walked around the "kitchen" area of Tokyo and there were so many things I wanted to buy.  I decided to be healthy and buy an apple slicer, and not healthy by buying a mold for making chocolates.  I decided on dinosaur shapes.  I think that would be cute for chocolate!  I am so excited to try making some chocolates, and making them healthy!  Ryuta and I will be having a dinner guest on Wednesday so I will attempt my first chocolate creations around them...and I have so many ideas for making them healthy.  I think I will be adding fruit to the chocolate, and I would like to add grains in some way...but the major grain here is rice and I don't think rice chocolate sounds very appetizing, but I will figure something out.

To check out my run details, please click:  http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130429-0913?r=e

5 K, just a little slower

Well, the weather turned out to be beautiful today! Nice and sunny but not too hot. Love this weather.  This made my run so much nicer.  I just wish we had this weather during cherry blossom season. Running at that time is beautiful.  There is so much pink all around you that you cannot help but be happy, even on a run! Today I slowed down my pace and tried to work on maintaining my speed...which I didn't do as well as I had thought.  I went a lot slower than I thought I had.  But while I was running, I felt good!  Oh well....I guess this means it is my learning curve.  I will figure this out.  Maybe I should read a running magazine!  I will do my best with the Japanese running magazines and pray that my translations are correct!

For the map and info of today's run, please click here!
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130426-0915?r=e

Tomorrow is my off day from running and on Sunday it will be an 8 kilometer run! Woohoo!

Beautiful weather = Beautiful run

Well, the weather right now is bright and sunny! That made my run so enjoyable.  It's amazing how weather can affect one's mood.  Personally, I'm Only Happy When It Rains (love Garbage!)!  But anywho, with the amazingly warm sun (19 degrees C!!!) my run went smooth and quick.  Granted it was only a 3 kilometer (1.86 miles) run, but still I was able to maintain my pace throughout the run. And my third split was my fastest! Which if you remember from Tuesday, was my worst split time. I am still learning "how to" maintain my pace.  I don't really understand it.  I mean, I feel like I am going the same speed but sometimes, when I check my pace, I have slowed down, or sped up.  I guess I just need to listen to my body more. If anyone has any helpful tips on learning how to maintain one's pace, please email me, facebook me, anything!!! I want to get this down.

For a map of today's run:
http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130425-0922?r=e

Rain...again

Well today I cannot go for my run because it is raining.  That's unfortunate, but what can ya do? I surely can't change the weather! So now I have to figure out way to be more active during my classes today...looks like the kids are going to be doing lots of movement activities in class! It's probably a good thing to give my body a day of rest and hopefully it won't be raining tomorrow! Although rain is in the forecast...I hope it doesn't!

Here are the details of my run from yesterday, forgot to post them!

http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130423-0855?r=e

Six kilometers...whew

Wow! Six kilometers killed me today. And I don't know why...personally I'm guessing it was having to stop so many times for red lights. That's what I'm telling myself at least. I feel like I kept losing momentum during the run. And surprisingly to me, my worst split was my third kilometer. I have been racking my brain to figure out why that split was bad, and I can't figure out why it was. It might also have been running four kilometers yesterday with no runs over the weekend. That's probably the real cause, but I still like the idea of too many stops. I blame the stop lights!

Here is a picture of my new shoes! Which today gave me a bloat on one of my toes! I couldn't believe it. Yesterday they were perfect and today I get a blister. The picture makes the shoes look a bit shiny, but it was a sunny day! Happy running all!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

4 kilometers

Wow~ what a difference good running shoes make! My feet felt wonderful throughout the whole run.  There were a couple of times I felt like my heels hurt, but I think that was in my head.  I was trying to find pain and my brain decided that there was pain, but as soon as I didn't focus on it the pain went away.  Today's run was a little tough endurance wise, since I didn't run all weekend...thank you rain! But even though it was tough, I still found energy just waiting to be burned.  I have to realize personally that running is physical as well as mental.  My thoughts were telling me to stop, but my body was OK to go, I just have to trust in that. My next purchase for running will be a running bag of some sort.  Right now I am holding my iPhone while I run and I am always worried about dropping it.  I also want a bag big enough to hold water and my keys as well.  That is my other worry, losing my keys on my run.  Plus I know I should really be running with my ID on me, and a bag will allow that.  I hope to find a light weight bag for a not too expensive price! Alas, this will have to wait to after my next payday.

http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130422-0905?r=e

This is a link to a map of my run and what not! Hope everyone has a beautiful day! Weather is perfect for running in Japan today!

Down time

Well, the past two days the weather has not been cooperating in Japan. I will be able to go for a nice run tomorrow and I'm super excited!! I bought new running shoes today and actually spent a little bit of money (and time researching what shoes to buy) for the first time. So excited to see what kind of difference this will make. Another update tomorrow! Happy running!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

My run yesterday was great.  I started this blog because I took a 2 week break from running, and that break was so damaging to my stamina.  Before the dreaded two week break I could run 10 kilometers, and after the break, three kilometers was very challenging.  I am happy to say this week I have run three times for three kilometers each time.  My stamina has built up again for the three kilometer run and tomorrow I will be increasing to 4 kilometers.

To view my "stats", brought to you by Runmeter, a very nice app for the iPhone, please go to:
 http://runmeter.com/886666d72192b648/Run-20130418-0905?r=e

Introduction

Well everyone, this blog is really going to become my runner's diary.  I wanted to keep one to help motivate.  I will be posting pictures of me running and healthy food ideas.  I currently live in Japan and am hoping to move back to America next year! Happy running!