On the trail again...

After a week of not walking outside the house, it was nice to be back on the trail again.  My momentum to get started was really good, but I slowed down a lot towards the end.  I was really hoping to break the 20 miles per minute mark, but I just can't seem to get past it on my own.

I'm working with developing a new playlist, to see if it will help pick up my tempo, but it's taking some work.   I found this really cool website that helps you pace with your music.  Growing up with a marching band helps me get to my groove, but I know that some songs motivate me a lot better than others.  I really like the concept behind this amazing gadget.  Again, though, it seems a little cost-prohibitive.  For right now, I will stick with my little $2 MP3 player, and just keep trucking along.

Today's workout:

Shannon Binkley Completed a 1.82 mi. walking activity

Chilly morning, but I enjoyed the cool weather. I walked around the park this time, and I liked that better than walking along the street.

Yesterday's workout:

Shannon Binkley Completed a 1.58 mi. walking activity

Early morning walk went farther than I thought I was going to!

Have a great day!

Running Stuff

Every girl needs some new stuff now and then.  For me, having gear for working out will make a huge difference.  Hear are a few things that might be nice (That was a not-so-subtle hint to the powers that be!)

A hand or wrist holder for my cell phone and keys.

One of these would be fantastic, but the expense is more than a little overwhelming.  I like the idea of the biking and swimming information as well as the running.  Since my goal is to eventually complete a triathalon, this would be a great tool to use!

I would also love some really good workout clothes.  Finding things in my size is always tricky, and it is usually a cotton blend that hangs onto my sweat instead of sending it away.  Bike Shorts  T-Shirts  Capris  I must admit that I am a warm person naturally, so staying cool is important to me when I work out.

I love these water bottles, but carrying them would be a pain.  I found this sleeve for the water bottle, but I'm not sure how well it would work.

Does anyone have any thoughts about running gear?  Wanna share?

Elliptical Adjustment!

I really enjoy using www.runkeeper.com to record my workouts, but I was really struggling with the calculations for strides to miles.  I found a new one.

I just need to divide stride count by 1320!

That makes so much more sense.  I was averaging 30 minute miles, and I knew that wasn't right!  Now the distances and times make a lot more sense.

My Second Race

Last time I told you about the Red Kettle Run October 2011.  I'm so excited about the same run this fall!.

My second "race" was the Dorothy Dash, part of the Garmin Marathon in the Land of Oz - Olathe, Kansas on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

I didn't even come in last place, which was awesome!!!  (I was 375/379) even though I was the last run/walker who got counted under the pacing.  I averaged 19 minutes 22 seconds per mile and it took me 1 hour and 10.28 seconds to complete the race.  I know this because they tied a little microchip to my shoelace.  (If you want to see the horrible pictures of me...  click here.  They are NOT PRETTY!)

Janelle and Wendy (pictured above) ran the Wickedly Fast Half the same day I did the Dorothy Dash.  My friends Kris, Jessica and Molly also ran the 5K the day that I did, but I don't have a picture of them.  My goal for next year's Dorothy Dash is to jog the whole distance.

Getting up early in the mornings is helping my workout routine so much!  I'm in a better mood the whole day, and I sleep better at night.  I also get a lot more done earlier in the day, so when my family comes home, I am ready for quality time with them, without the hassle of getting "my stuff" done.  Another side benefit is that I am starving for breakfast, which means I am actually eating breakfast!

My biggest thing is figuring out what my rewards should be for working out.  I thought about making my reward for each race I do signing up for my next race, but I need something a little more frequent than that.  I thought about getting a pedicure each month I workout at least 5 days per week...  But then, there is the shopping...  Tune in to see what running gear I would love to have!

Long Time...

I'm really good at starting plans...

Not so great at finishing them.

This week, I kicked back in to my workout gear with the start of seminary for Hailey.  This is by far the best workout opportunity I have had.

I get up, check for a job, then take the seminary carpool to the church.  From there, I either walk, or go to workout with Shauna.  I love it.

My next event is the Red Kettle Run on October 27, 2012 in Omaha, NE.  This fun run/walk is a food drive for the Salvation Army, so registration is either $10, or 10 non-perishable food items.  Last year, a group of my friends joined me and we had such a great time.  For my first "race", it was a good one.  I came in at just under an hour - walked SLOWLY the whole way, but I did it.

If you are in the area of Omaha, and want a fun race, join me the morning of Saturday, October 27th, 2012 at 9am!  It's totally fun!

Mom... the Gym, shoes and me

This morning I walked with mom at her gym.  I have walked in gyms before, but never in my mom's shoes...  literally.

She loaned me a pair because I didn't know we were going walking.

Anywho...

I realized how important my good walking shoes are.  Surprisingly enough, my mother is the one who bought them for me about a year ago for my birthday at The Running Company.  I'm finally using them well.  About 20 minutes into the walk back pain like I haven't had in a LONG while settled right above my gluts...  30 minutes was all I could stand.  again.. Literally.

This afternoon I finally signed up our family for the Larson Lifestyle Fitness Center here in Lincoln.  We are so excited to be able to go and swim and workout, even when the weather isn't fantastic!!!

Bring on the new workout era!!!!

I'm actually doing it!

In August, I finally decided that I really needed to work on this.

At a lot more pounds than I will admit on the internet, I couldn't even walk to the library without getting winded.

I joined an on-line app called Runkeeper.com, dragged out the running shoes mom bought me, put my headphones on, and off I went.  Some days are a lot better than others, but at least I am doing it now.

I feel better than I have felt in a long time, and I know that it is because I am working to feel that way.  Just recently, I decided that I didn't want to walk for just me.  How self-righteous is that???  SO...  I'm on the fundraising path.  I will be posting walks, runs, races, I am getting involved in to help others less fortunate than myself.  I'm taking requests and looking for motivations.  I hope that you will help too, whether you walk, run, or just donate, please get involved!

Just up the street from where I live, there will be a fundraising walk for Juvenile Diabetes.  It's Sunday, September 18th.  If you want to learn more about it, find information here.

The story is simple.  I was diagnosed with diabetes several years ago.  I treated with diet and exercise, but that didn't help.  I am now on my second kind of pill attempting to control it.  I walk every morning and I watch what I eat, though I could be better.  If I can get my weight and A1C down, then I can go off the medication, but that makes me one of the lucky ones.

Perhaps my biggest motivation is my husband's cousin.  She has struggled with diabetes here whole life, and she is only 20 years old.  She dances, goes to college and has a great job, but there are days when she has to be in the hospital to regulate her sugars.  She even wears an insulin pump all the time, but sometimes it isn't enough.

I found this walk in the newspaper, and asked DJ about it.  He explained the process.  If you are interested in helping, there is a "donate now" button.  If you would like to walk with me, you can sign up for that too!

My first 5K walk is October 29th in Omaha.  I will be walking for the Salvation Army.  It's called the Red Kettle Run and the link is here.  I love this one because registration is only $10 or at least 10 non-perishable food items.  I'm really excited that a bunch of my friends will be coming with me for this one.  If you would like to make a food contribution, just let me know!