No, I'm not getting plastic surgery, but I do need to do something about my chest. Since I've gotten pregnant, it feels like someone is rubbing sandpaper over my chest and it hurts!! It actually slowed me down today on our 7 mile run. We stopped after mile 3 so that I could research how to eliminate my pain. It looks like we are off to the mall to purchase an underarmor (sp) sports bra which is supposed to help. I'll keep you updated.
If you are wondering why I am re-starting my blog, it's because we are training for a half marathon at the end of October. I have not been posting all of my runs like I usually do, but today I felt the need to discuss. Maybe I should since training while pregnant is very different from how I used to train. Anyway, I keep asking my Dr. if it is OK to run and she keeps telling me yes as long as I drink A LOT!! (Which I have been doing.)
I have decided to use the novice training program and do not worry about my time... it would only make me sad. It has taken me back to a time when running was truly enjoyable and I am really taking in the scenery in new ways.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Here we go again!
We have some sad news. Due to circumstances out of our control, we are unable to go to the Gate River Run this year. I am sooooo sad about this. It is such a cool and fun race. Oh well, there is always next year...
Training officially begins tomorrow for the Marine Corps Historic Half. It will be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia and will run through George Washington's childhood neighborhood on May 16th. I am sooo excited!
Since the Disney Marathon, we have been doing some light running including a 5K in Hahira, GA which I won for my age group. I would have been the first female overall, but got beat out by some high schoolers in the last half mile... bummer. My friend, April, from my gifted endorsement classes told us about it and we decided what the heck. The race was called the "Art of Surviving" and was hosted by some art teachers in honor of one of the teachers at the elementary school in Hahira (a city in Lowndes County - where we live).
Here is a picture of my award (they gave out art work made by the kids at the elementary school where the race was held - so creative!). We also met a really cool couple, Paul and Jamie, who we had over for dinner last Saturday.
Training officially begins tomorrow for the Marine Corps Historic Half. It will be held in Fredericksburg, Virginia and will run through George Washington's childhood neighborhood on May 16th. I am sooo excited!
Since the Disney Marathon, we have been doing some light running including a 5K in Hahira, GA which I won for my age group. I would have been the first female overall, but got beat out by some high schoolers in the last half mile... bummer. My friend, April, from my gifted endorsement classes told us about it and we decided what the heck. The race was called the "Art of Surviving" and was hosted by some art teachers in honor of one of the teachers at the elementary school in Hahira (a city in Lowndes County - where we live).
Here is a picture of my award (they gave out art work made by the kids at the elementary school where the race was held - so creative!). We also met a really cool couple, Paul and Jamie, who we had over for dinner last Saturday.
Friday, February 5, 2010
The Happiest Marathon on Earth!
It sure has been a long time since I've posted anything. Here it is in a nutshell. Jason and I followed the program through to the marathon. Some highlights include a most excellent 20 mile run in Cleveland the Tuesday before Christmas (Average time: 8:45 per mile!! Temperature - in the 20's).
In the end, we had an AWESOME time (fun) at the marathon, but not an awesome time. We finished the marathon in 4 hours, 38 minutes. We had hoped for under 4 hours. Oh well, we can't be too mad, we did run a whole marathon! That's pretty amazing! Of course we did get to see Mickey! It was the coldest WDW Marathon ever! 27 degrees at the start. I did get a pretty sweet blister, but to see that picture, you will have to check out our Flickr account. Here are some pictures of the event.
Fireworks to start the race:
The infamous Epcot ball in the background (approx 6am):
Jason in front of Cinderella's Castle:
High Five for Donald at the Finish:
WDW Marathon Finishers!!
My Marathon Tattoo (I got it the Saturday after the marathon):
The best part is that Jason wants to keep running marathons! Maybe we will do Disney again next year???? I definitely want to run that one again, but I would also like to try a few other destination marathons (Hawaii has one that looks cool.)
Now we are training for the Gate River Run in Jacksonville, FL on March 13. I did this run with Krissy last year and we had a blast! This year I will be running it with Kim and Chlesea. Jason may run it with us as well depending on his court martial schedule for March.
In the end, we had an AWESOME time (fun) at the marathon, but not an awesome time. We finished the marathon in 4 hours, 38 minutes. We had hoped for under 4 hours. Oh well, we can't be too mad, we did run a whole marathon! That's pretty amazing! Of course we did get to see Mickey! It was the coldest WDW Marathon ever! 27 degrees at the start. I did get a pretty sweet blister, but to see that picture, you will have to check out our Flickr account. Here are some pictures of the event.
Fireworks to start the race:
The infamous Epcot ball in the background (approx 6am):
Jason in front of Cinderella's Castle:
High Five for Donald at the Finish:
WDW Marathon Finishers!!
My Marathon Tattoo (I got it the Saturday after the marathon):
The best part is that Jason wants to keep running marathons! Maybe we will do Disney again next year???? I definitely want to run that one again, but I would also like to try a few other destination marathons (Hawaii has one that looks cool.)
Now we are training for the Gate River Run in Jacksonville, FL on March 13. I did this run with Krissy last year and we had a blast! This year I will be running it with Kim and Chlesea. Jason may run it with us as well depending on his court martial schedule for March.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
No Va!!
This week has sucked as far as running fast. I'm afraid I peaked during our 17 mile week. Next week is going to be dedicated to speed work and research.
I felt great today and yesterday - beautiful mid 60 degree day, nice cloud cover, good night sleep last night, no cramps, leg pains, or breathing issues - however, when I hit a hill, forget it! My legs would not move! Maybe it's all the treadmill running we have been doing lately, or maybe it's the stress from school, maybe it is something physical, maybe it's the burning concern I have developed over the past 2 days (I will discuss with you at length over the phone, not ready to publish it for the world just yet). Not sure, but I hope it's mental, that is easy to fix.
Oh yeah, and to make matters worse, I think my Garmin is acting up. It started during yesterday's run (in the rain). This thing is supposed to be waterproof!!
Anyway, here it is:
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Ran 12 miles in 1 hour and 55.02 seconds (yuck)
Average Pace: 9:35 per mile (boo)
Number of Intervals: 12.00 miles around the neighborhood
Aches and Pains: --
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: about 3 months
Calories Burned: 993
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Ran 5 miles.
Average Pace: 8:4? per mile Garmin is frozen
Number of Intervals: 5.00 miles around the neighborhood
Aches and Pains: --
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: about 3 months
Calories Burned: ??
I felt great today and yesterday - beautiful mid 60 degree day, nice cloud cover, good night sleep last night, no cramps, leg pains, or breathing issues - however, when I hit a hill, forget it! My legs would not move! Maybe it's all the treadmill running we have been doing lately, or maybe it's the stress from school, maybe it is something physical, maybe it's the burning concern I have developed over the past 2 days (I will discuss with you at length over the phone, not ready to publish it for the world just yet). Not sure, but I hope it's mental, that is easy to fix.
Oh yeah, and to make matters worse, I think my Garmin is acting up. It started during yesterday's run (in the rain). This thing is supposed to be waterproof!!
Anyway, here it is:
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Ran 12 miles in 1 hour and 55.02 seconds (yuck)
Average Pace: 9:35 per mile (boo)
Number of Intervals: 12.00 miles around the neighborhood
Aches and Pains: --
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: about 3 months
Calories Burned: 993
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Ran 5 miles.
Average Pace: 8:4? per mile Garmin is frozen
Number of Intervals: 5.00 miles around the neighborhood
Aches and Pains: --
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: about 3 months
Calories Burned: ??
Monday, December 7, 2009
Too Busy Farming
We have been running, but whenever I sit down at the computer, I can't stop farming! So here it is (hope you have lots of time for reading):
Sunday, December 6
Ran 5.68 miles in 53 minutes and 15.35 seconds.
Average Pace: 9:22 per mile (yuck)
Number of Intervals: 5.68 miles around the neighborhood
Aches and Pains: The back of my right and Jason's left knees hurt
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 2 months
Calories Burned: 472
Thursday, November 26
Turkey Trot 2009
Brought back the Burke Family Tradition!! Scott didn't make it, but Brandon did!! Kate also joined us and plans to do it again next year!! We will also be joined by Zach and Austin!! So excited for next year!! It was supposed to snow, but we ended up having great weather!
There was plenty of turkey eaten afterward. Got to replenish those carbs! :-)
Here are the stats from the Results Page:
Race # age Overall Chip Time Gun Time Difference Pace
Sunday, December 6
Ran 5.68 miles in 53 minutes and 15.35 seconds.
Average Pace: 9:22 per mile (yuck)
Number of Intervals: 5.68 miles around the neighborhood
Aches and Pains: The back of my right and Jason's left knees hurt
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 2 months
Calories Burned: 472
Thursday, November 26
Turkey Trot 2009
Brought back the Burke Family Tradition!! Scott didn't make it, but Brandon did!! Kate also joined us and plans to do it again next year!! We will also be joined by Zach and Austin!! So excited for next year!! It was supposed to snow, but we ended up having great weather!
There was plenty of turkey eaten afterward. Got to replenish those carbs! :-)
Here are the stats from the Results Page:
Race # age Overall Chip Time Gun Time Difference Pace
Amanda Sopko Valdosta GA 2311 28 1684 45:17.63 46:23.52 01:05.89 9:03/M
Jason Sopko Valdosta GA 2312 30 1885 46:24.09 47:30.11 01:06.02 9:17/M
Branden Burke MarbleheadOH 29402 16 546 38:08.91 39:14.86 01:05.95 7:38/M
Kate O'Malley Strongsville 30809 14 1886 46:24.17 47:30.22 01:06.05 9:17/M
Jason, Kate (niece), and John (brother-in-law)
Branden (cousin), Uncle Gary, Me, Jason, and Kate
Branden (cousin), Uncle Gary, Me, Jason, and Kate
My "not so photo" Finish:
Jason, Kate, and Branden did not have photos on the official site. :-(
Jason, Kate, and Branden did not have photos on the official site. :-(Average Pace: 9:03 per mile (yuck)
Number of Intervals: 5 miles through Downtown Cleveland
Aches and Pains: ---
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 2 months
Calories Burned: about 460
Tuesday, November 24
Went to the Seven Hills Rec with my Mother-in-Law, Carolyn. It was nice, I ran 5 miles on the treadmill while she did her routine. Afterward, we met Russ (Father-in-Law) for a delicious lunch at Panera! (I miss that place!)
Average Pace: 7 - 7.5 mph
Number of Intervals: 5 miles
Aches and Pains: ---
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: less than 2 months
Calories Burned: 465
Sunday, November 22
Ran 13 miles on a treadmill @ Moody. It was rainy and cold and we didn't want to run outside (OK, so it was like 60 degrees outside, we just may be becoming southerns ~gag~)
Jason hated it, but it wasn't the worse thing we could have done. The drive to OH 3 hours later... not so fun! My legs cramped the entire drive to Corbin, KY. (The walk around Downtown Cincinnati was equally uncomfortable the next day when Aunt Bev and I looked for a lunch spot while waiting for my blown out tire to be repaired.)
Average Pace: 6.8-7.5 mph
Number of Intervals: 13 miles on a treadmill
Aches and Pains: ---
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: about 2 months
Calories Burned: 1186
Saturday, November 21
Karma
Before running today, Jason and I were having a lovers squabble. I didn't feel that he stretched or heated enough to run and told him I was sick of him ruining our runs with his pains. Well, lo and behold, just after the 2 mile mark, I felt a stabbing pain in my back. Karma sure does stink.
Ran 2.98 miles in 27 minutes and 43.76 seconds.
Average Pace: 9:19 per mile (yuck)
Number of Intervals: 2.98 around the neighborhood
Aches and Pains: Felt like someone punched me in the back. It was my pain that prevented us from finishing.
Breakthroughs: Be Kind!
Age of Shoes: about 2 months
Calories Burned: 251
Sunday, November 15
Ran 17 miles in 2 hours, 34 minutes and 51 seconds. Felt pretty good considering we ran 17 miles. So did the dip in the pool afterward!
Average Pace: 9:07 per mile (not terrible)
Number of Intervals: 517 miles around the neighborhood
Aches and Pains: ---
Breakthroughs: We did it!!!!
Age of Shoes: less than 2 months
Calories Burned: 1414
Saturday, November 14
Ran 3.85 miles 31 minutes and 53.01 seconds. Don't remember this run at all, but it was in my Garmin. Wish I had more to say here...
Average Pace: 8:17 per mile
Number of Intervals: 3.85 miles around the neighborhood.
Aches and Pains: ---
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: less than 2 months
Calories Burned: 323
Number of Intervals: 5 miles through Downtown Cleveland
Aches and Pains: ---
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 2 months
Calories Burned: about 460
Tuesday, November 24
Went to the Seven Hills Rec with my Mother-in-Law, Carolyn. It was nice, I ran 5 miles on the treadmill while she did her routine. Afterward, we met Russ (Father-in-Law) for a delicious lunch at Panera! (I miss that place!)
Average Pace: 7 - 7.5 mph
Number of Intervals: 5 miles
Aches and Pains: ---
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: less than 2 months
Calories Burned: 465
Sunday, November 22
Ran 13 miles on a treadmill @ Moody. It was rainy and cold and we didn't want to run outside (OK, so it was like 60 degrees outside, we just may be becoming southerns ~gag~)
Jason hated it, but it wasn't the worse thing we could have done. The drive to OH 3 hours later... not so fun! My legs cramped the entire drive to Corbin, KY. (The walk around Downtown Cincinnati was equally uncomfortable the next day when Aunt Bev and I looked for a lunch spot while waiting for my blown out tire to be repaired.)
Average Pace: 6.8-7.5 mph
Number of Intervals: 13 miles on a treadmill
Aches and Pains: ---
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: about 2 months
Calories Burned: 1186
Saturday, November 21
Karma
Before running today, Jason and I were having a lovers squabble. I didn't feel that he stretched or heated enough to run and told him I was sick of him ruining our runs with his pains. Well, lo and behold, just after the 2 mile mark, I felt a stabbing pain in my back. Karma sure does stink.
Ran 2.98 miles in 27 minutes and 43.76 seconds.
Average Pace: 9:19 per mile (yuck)
Number of Intervals: 2.98 around the neighborhood
Aches and Pains: Felt like someone punched me in the back. It was my pain that prevented us from finishing.
Breakthroughs: Be Kind!
Age of Shoes: about 2 months
Calories Burned: 251
Sunday, November 15
Ran 17 miles in 2 hours, 34 minutes and 51 seconds. Felt pretty good considering we ran 17 miles. So did the dip in the pool afterward!
Average Pace: 9:07 per mile (not terrible)
Number of Intervals: 517 miles around the neighborhood
Aches and Pains: ---
Breakthroughs: We did it!!!!
Age of Shoes: less than 2 months
Calories Burned: 1414
Saturday, November 14
Ran 3.85 miles 31 minutes and 53.01 seconds. Don't remember this run at all, but it was in my Garmin. Wish I had more to say here...
Average Pace: 8:17 per mile
Number of Intervals: 3.85 miles around the neighborhood.
Aches and Pains: ---
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: less than 2 months
Calories Burned: 323
Sunday, November 8, 2009
2 months til Disney
Anatomy of a Runner's Foot
I know, it's disgusting, but as our favorite running shirt says, "Toenails are for Sissies!" I finally got my nail off last night. It has been wiggling since the half marathon last weekend. Today we did a 14.4 (approximately, didn't charge the Garmin... again!) in 2 hours, 4 minutes and 32 seconds. For the most part it felt great. Jason said he only hurt from the belly button down. :-) Our 12th and 14th miles were the fastest (interestingly). Jason really kicked it in on the last mile. I was so proud of him! :-) Afterward, we jumped in the pool (we can still do that down here it was 83 today!)
Average Pace: 8.39 per mile (not too shabby)
Number of Intervals: 2x4.2mi 2x3.00 mi
Aches and Pains: My legs hurt to move afterward, but a soak in the cold pool water really helped.
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 5 weeks
Calories Burned: somewhere between 1300 and 1400 (Awesome)
Didn't Go The Distance
Saturday, November 7, 2009
We were supposed to run 7 miles today, but Jason's leg did that weird cramping thing again and we only ran 4.39. He thinks it is because he didn't stretch enough beforehand. This was not a problem during the half marathon, which was much longer than 7 miles. We will have to see. I think he should go to the doctor if that does not work.
Average Pace: 8.29 per mile
Number of Intervals: 4 mile loop backwards (missed a turn so it was a little longer)
Aches and Pains:
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 4 weeks
Calories Burned: 362
Major Running
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Went for a run with Jason's boss (a Major - hence the title) tonight. We felt great! It is always nice to have a new person running with us. She is just starting her training for the Princess Half Marathon in March (Disney World of course).
As a result we had to slow down from our normal pace. We ran 5.22 miles in 47:02.42.
Average Pace: 9.00 per mile
Number of Intervals: 5.22 miles
Aches and Pains:
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 4 weeks
Calories Burned: 432
Average Pace: 8.39 per mile (not too shabby)
Number of Intervals: 2x4.2mi 2x3.00 mi
Aches and Pains: My legs hurt to move afterward, but a soak in the cold pool water really helped.
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 5 weeks
Calories Burned: somewhere between 1300 and 1400 (Awesome)
Didn't Go The Distance
Saturday, November 7, 2009
We were supposed to run 7 miles today, but Jason's leg did that weird cramping thing again and we only ran 4.39. He thinks it is because he didn't stretch enough beforehand. This was not a problem during the half marathon, which was much longer than 7 miles. We will have to see. I think he should go to the doctor if that does not work.
Average Pace: 8.29 per mile
Number of Intervals: 4 mile loop backwards (missed a turn so it was a little longer)
Aches and Pains:
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 4 weeks
Calories Burned: 362
Major Running
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Went for a run with Jason's boss (a Major - hence the title) tonight. We felt great! It is always nice to have a new person running with us. She is just starting her training for the Princess Half Marathon in March (Disney World of course).
As a result we had to slow down from our normal pace. We ran 5.22 miles in 47:02.42.
Average Pace: 9.00 per mile
Number of Intervals: 5.22 miles
Aches and Pains:
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 4 weeks
Calories Burned: 432
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Just to Keep the Legs Moving
We went for a very short run today (2.18 miles in 20 minutes and 40.67 seconds) just to get our stiff legs moving. It was very slow, but it was a very pleasant run. The weather has been beautiful lately.
Yesterday's race really got us out of our running funk. Although we did not run as fast as we wanted, we are rejuvenated and hopefully we will be more dedicated.
Average Pace: 9.28 per mile
Number of Intervals: 2.18
Aches and Pains: Generally sore (it's to be expected.)
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 4 weeks
Calories Burned: 182
Yesterday's race really got us out of our running funk. Although we did not run as fast as we wanted, we are rejuvenated and hopefully we will be more dedicated.
Average Pace: 9.28 per mile
Number of Intervals: 2.18
Aches and Pains: Generally sore (it's to be expected.)
Breakthroughs:
Age of Shoes: 4 weeks
Calories Burned: 182
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