56 Days to Portland
154 Days to Houston
I know I've been neglecting this blog. I've been running. I did my sixteen mile run last weekend. It was horrible, but I felt like I was on top of the world when I finished. All I wanted to do when I was done was to go to sleep and get up hours later, but I drove to my grandmother's house to visit out of town family. I had a great time, but I think I would have had a better time if I had taken at least a short nap.
I've been trying to speed up this week's schedule because I'm going out of town for a week. I wanted to get in this weekend's long run (a ten mile recovery run) before I left. I'm going to Colorado and would rather not run at altitude. Life interfered.
I'm having minor surgery on the 23rd to correct a problem with my kidneys. Without getting into too much detail, I have a congenital defect that is causing pain. Hopefully this procedure fixes things. I spent so much time dealing with work and health issues I didn't want to run.
I tried to do my five mile run last night--I thought if I felt well enough I'd stretch it into ten miles. I stopped at four. It was just a horrible run. I thought it best to finish because I was feeling so sick. I don't know if it was the heat, or if it was just my body, but it wasn't having anything to do with it. I still let myself put a star on my five mile spot on my calendar. Have I mentioned that I'm all elementary school and put a gold star on the calendar when I run? It works for me :)
I don't know if I'm going to try to run in Colorado. I might near the end of my stay. I plan to do quite a bit of hiking in the mountains, and I will count those hikes at altitude as my junk miles. I think the effort will be equivalent.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
First Scary Run Down
76 Days to Portland
174 Days to Houston
First of all I should say that the past week has gone well. I was able to get in my "junk miles" for the most part. I'll explain the "most part" bit later. I had to run fartleks on Thursday and my training plan increased the number of repetitions from six to nine. I already don't like these workouts and to have them made longer was awful. But I got them done and didn't hurt too much afterward, so I'll consider that workout a success.
Friday I was supposed to run four miles. Supposed to. I chose to have a night to spoil my three year-old nephew instead. We played hard, we baked and decorated a cake, and watched movies. That cake, by the way, decorated to perfection in the eyes of a preschooler, is enough to put you in a diabetic coma just looking at it!
But the funny thing is that after he decorated it, he didn't want any of it. All he wanted was to eat more of the gum drops (his favorite). So I have a cake staring at me--and it does taste good!
The long and short of it is that he exhausted me. I was planning to go home, clean up the mess we made, hop on the treadmill and put in the four miles I missed, and then pour a glass of wine. My sister had other plans.
She called me and asked me how much I needed to run. She needed to do seven (her race is a few months after mine) and when she heard I needed to do four, at first she was let down. I told her that I would run four with her and she could finish her seven. At the prospect of running three on her own, she suggested that I run my fourteen instead and she'd try to run it with me. My sister has run two previous half-marathons, so it isn't like she has never run (close to) that far before, but it has been a while since her training has put her up to these distances. And how an extra seven miles is better than three alone is beyond me! But run we did.
I struggled a bit in the first miles because I was waiting for my Achilles tendon to loosen up. After it finally did the run was pretty easy for me. I didn't struggle much with the extra distance--the longest I have ever run and two miles longer than my longest training run. My sister really struggled with the extra distance. I thought she was going to have to stop with three miles left. She pushed herself and I thought she was going to have to stop with two miles left. She kept pushing herself and finished with me. Her legs were cramping in ways she had never experienced before. She almost got sick. I was really afraid for her. We got some carbs in her, put her in a cold shower (not having enough ice for an ice bath) and found some Aleve. That got her well enough to come put her feet in the pool while I jumped in. There is something wonderful about how much lighter you feel in a pool--especially after pounding 14 miles.
This was also my first long run when it started at dusk and ended well after sunset. It was really nice to start a run in the heat (heat index was still 99 degrees when we began) and finish in the (relative) cool instead of the other way around. I'll just never be able to get myself early enough to finish a run before dawn.
This coming week is a recovery week. I'll be glad to run some shorter distances!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Another Setback
82 Days to Portland
180 Days to Houston
I've had another setback. Last week I thought I was having another kidney stone attack. I had one last year and this one felt very similar. I spent most of the week on pain medications and NOT RUNNING! Not what I needed after a week of dealing with a heal injury.
Friday I was starting to feel a little bit better--I could ignore the pain for short periods of time--and decided to try my four mile run that was scheduled for that day. I drove to the gym so that I would have witnesses if I were to pass out from pain or something else requiring assistance. I made it through the run without any trouble.
When Sunday came around I woke up really early (4:30) and went a local park for a twelve mile LSR. I started running before dawn. I even had to wear my geeky headlamp! It took me a long time to finish the run because, well, for several reasons. Reason number one: it was really hot. I took it slow and made sure I took walk breaks to keep hydrated and cool down a bit. Reason two: my back started hurting again about mile eight. I wanted to finish and I did, but pain really slowed me down. Reason three: I saw three bunnies and three snakes. Bunnies are cool and I didn't want to miss seeing one and snakes are definitely NOT cool and I didn't want to miss seeing one.
One cool thing about finishing this run is that it bumped me up to another level in the Nike+ program. I've now completed enough miles to be a blue level runner. I only had to run 621 total miles to do that.
One of the things I learned about running in the heat is that I really needed to invest in some running underwear. I know you probably didn't want to know that, but at the end of a hot run it feels like you are wearing a soggy diaper. I knew it was time to invest in something that wicks sweat away. I went to my favorite running store and bought two ridiculously expensive pair of underwear. I haven't had a chance to use them yet. I hope they are worth the money (as I obviously can't return them).
This coming weekend is my first scheduled LSR at a distance longer than a half marathon--14 miles. I hope I'm able to complete the "junk miles" scheduled this week to prepare me for it.
180 Days to Houston
I've had another setback. Last week I thought I was having another kidney stone attack. I had one last year and this one felt very similar. I spent most of the week on pain medications and NOT RUNNING! Not what I needed after a week of dealing with a heal injury.
Friday I was starting to feel a little bit better--I could ignore the pain for short periods of time--and decided to try my four mile run that was scheduled for that day. I drove to the gym so that I would have witnesses if I were to pass out from pain or something else requiring assistance. I made it through the run without any trouble.
When Sunday came around I woke up really early (4:30) and went a local park for a twelve mile LSR. I started running before dawn. I even had to wear my geeky headlamp! It took me a long time to finish the run because, well, for several reasons. Reason number one: it was really hot. I took it slow and made sure I took walk breaks to keep hydrated and cool down a bit. Reason two: my back started hurting again about mile eight. I wanted to finish and I did, but pain really slowed me down. Reason three: I saw three bunnies and three snakes. Bunnies are cool and I didn't want to miss seeing one and snakes are definitely NOT cool and I didn't want to miss seeing one.
One cool thing about finishing this run is that it bumped me up to another level in the Nike+ program. I've now completed enough miles to be a blue level runner. I only had to run 621 total miles to do that.
One of the things I learned about running in the heat is that I really needed to invest in some running underwear. I know you probably didn't want to know that, but at the end of a hot run it feels like you are wearing a soggy diaper. I knew it was time to invest in something that wicks sweat away. I went to my favorite running store and bought two ridiculously expensive pair of underwear. I haven't had a chance to use them yet. I hope they are worth the money (as I obviously can't return them).
This coming weekend is my first scheduled LSR at a distance longer than a half marathon--14 miles. I hope I'm able to complete the "junk miles" scheduled this week to prepare me for it.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Back in the Groove
89 Days to Portland
187 Days to Houston
I'm back to running after taking a week off. I did manage to fit in one day on the elliptical, but I was staying strictly away from actual running. I wanted my Achilles to heal (ha!). Anyway, yesterday I tried running again. I spent the weekend in the car--almost the whole weekend. After work on Thursday I got in the car with my sister and her friend and drove from Houston to Florida to watch the last shuttle launch--we didn't sleep at all. After almost 48 hours awake and being stuffed into a loaded car (we picked up my cousin in Pensacola), I was pretty exhausted when we finally got back in the early hours of Sunday. I slept in, so I needed to wait until later in the day to run.
I was supposed to do my eight mile run. Technically it was the long run for the week. Luckily the week I needed to take off was a recovery week anyway. Everything was cut back to give my body some time to heal. I started running outside at about 5:30. I don't know exactly what the temperature was in degrees, but I can tell you that it was effing hot. I managed about 3.5 miles before I returned to my house and hopped on the treadmill. I hate treadmill work, but I suppose it is preferable to melting into a glob of slimy goo.
Usually I get incredibly bored when I run on the treadmill--even with music. I usually do okay with the television or a movie on, but I tried something different yesterday. I listened to an audiobook. It worked really well for me. I didn't have a good beat to follow, but that isn't very important on a treadmill. The machine keeps you on pace or you fall off! I was transported to a different location and, because of the work required to imagine the locations and situations, I didn't get bored and just stare around for something to amuse me. I also found a way to fix the cord to my earphones so that I don't jerk them out of my ears. I first tried running the wire up my shirt. That worked to a certain extent. I was no longer catching the cord with my hand and pulling them out. The cord kept sliding down, though, and the shirt would eventually pull hard enough to pull the earphones out. I ran the cord through the strap of my jogging bra. The bra, being much tighter than my shirt, kept everything in place. I had a strange little indention from the wire, but all in all it worked very well.
Am I healed from my injury? Maybe not completely, but I'm much better. I didn't have a problem running yesterday and I was only a little sore and stiff this morning. I'm in recovery mode until Wednesday, now. I'm going to get some exercise in this afternoon by mowing my lawn. I'm facing a long run this week that will be the last run at a distance I've done before. Twelve miles. After that all my long runs (other than in recovery weeks) are at new and longer distances. I'm half way through my training. And I'm getting scared.
187 Days to Houston
I'm back to running after taking a week off. I did manage to fit in one day on the elliptical, but I was staying strictly away from actual running. I wanted my Achilles to heal (ha!). Anyway, yesterday I tried running again. I spent the weekend in the car--almost the whole weekend. After work on Thursday I got in the car with my sister and her friend and drove from Houston to Florida to watch the last shuttle launch--we didn't sleep at all. After almost 48 hours awake and being stuffed into a loaded car (we picked up my cousin in Pensacola), I was pretty exhausted when we finally got back in the early hours of Sunday. I slept in, so I needed to wait until later in the day to run.
I was supposed to do my eight mile run. Technically it was the long run for the week. Luckily the week I needed to take off was a recovery week anyway. Everything was cut back to give my body some time to heal. I started running outside at about 5:30. I don't know exactly what the temperature was in degrees, but I can tell you that it was effing hot. I managed about 3.5 miles before I returned to my house and hopped on the treadmill. I hate treadmill work, but I suppose it is preferable to melting into a glob of slimy goo.
Usually I get incredibly bored when I run on the treadmill--even with music. I usually do okay with the television or a movie on, but I tried something different yesterday. I listened to an audiobook. It worked really well for me. I didn't have a good beat to follow, but that isn't very important on a treadmill. The machine keeps you on pace or you fall off! I was transported to a different location and, because of the work required to imagine the locations and situations, I didn't get bored and just stare around for something to amuse me. I also found a way to fix the cord to my earphones so that I don't jerk them out of my ears. I first tried running the wire up my shirt. That worked to a certain extent. I was no longer catching the cord with my hand and pulling them out. The cord kept sliding down, though, and the shirt would eventually pull hard enough to pull the earphones out. I ran the cord through the strap of my jogging bra. The bra, being much tighter than my shirt, kept everything in place. I had a strange little indention from the wire, but all in all it worked very well.
Am I healed from my injury? Maybe not completely, but I'm much better. I didn't have a problem running yesterday and I was only a little sore and stiff this morning. I'm in recovery mode until Wednesday, now. I'm going to get some exercise in this afternoon by mowing my lawn. I'm facing a long run this week that will be the last run at a distance I've done before. Twelve miles. After that all my long runs (other than in recovery weeks) are at new and longer distances. I'm half way through my training. And I'm getting scared.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
I Wish Horses Dropped Feathers Instead of Poop
97 Days to Portland
195 Days to Houston
Ugh. I just got back from an eleven mile LSR. It went faster than I expected, but it was still not fun. First of all I forgot to bring any gels. I've learned that I need one at about mile seven. Those last miles were hell. You know how they say "dig deep"? I was digging down to my toenails to make myself finish. I definitely needed some fuel.
What was really not cool was that during the last mile and a half I was passed by two girls on horses--despite the NO HORSEBACK RIDING signs up. Nothing like running while trying not to step on horse crap. And who wants to exercise while breathing that? I managed to keep my disgust silent--unless they heard all the evil thoughts I was sending their way. Don't get me wrong. I like horses and even enjoy riding occasionally, but there is a reason they shouldn't be ridden on a jogging trail.
Bad news. I might have a running injury. I felt some twinges in my Achilles tendon. Stretching, rest, ice, elevation. I know. Also break from running. We'll just see about that. I'm ibuprofen-ed up right now. Pain isn't too bad.
Despite it all, though, I did finish the run. Not as fast as I would have liked, not as strong, either, but it was finished.
Now I need to decide if I want to run a five mile race tomorrow. I was going to before my ankle started hurting. I guess I'll just see how this evening goes.
195 Days to Houston
Ugh. I just got back from an eleven mile LSR. It went faster than I expected, but it was still not fun. First of all I forgot to bring any gels. I've learned that I need one at about mile seven. Those last miles were hell. You know how they say "dig deep"? I was digging down to my toenails to make myself finish. I definitely needed some fuel.
What was really not cool was that during the last mile and a half I was passed by two girls on horses--despite the NO HORSEBACK RIDING signs up. Nothing like running while trying not to step on horse crap. And who wants to exercise while breathing that? I managed to keep my disgust silent--unless they heard all the evil thoughts I was sending their way. Don't get me wrong. I like horses and even enjoy riding occasionally, but there is a reason they shouldn't be ridden on a jogging trail.
Bad news. I might have a running injury. I felt some twinges in my Achilles tendon. Stretching, rest, ice, elevation. I know. Also break from running. We'll just see about that. I'm ibuprofen-ed up right now. Pain isn't too bad.
Despite it all, though, I did finish the run. Not as fast as I would have liked, not as strong, either, but it was finished.
Now I need to decide if I want to run a five mile race tomorrow. I was going to before my ankle started hurting. I guess I'll just see how this evening goes.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Running Through Grief
98 Days to Portland
196 Days to Houston
I've been dealing with the death of a very close friend, Jim. It wasn't unexpected, but, like they say, you are never really prepared. You can be MORE prepared, but never actually prepared. Trying to take care of myself and trying to help the family has thrown off my training a bit. I missed a couple of days due to the visitation and funeral. I have plenty of time to get back on track, but. . .
I woke up today very angry. I wanted to hit things. Scream at things. Kick puppies (not really). You know, just throw a classic toddler temper tantrum. One of the bad things about being an adult is that you know it won't help. Instead I found something I was able to do for my friend, Susan (Jim's daughter). It was a small thing, but it does help me to help somebody else. It's a win-win type situation.
Then I went to the gym and ran fartleks. I ran harder and faster than I usually do. I imagined I was chasing down this thing I'm angry at. Every pounding footstep was smashing its face in. Every short recovery was just a small breather so I could torture it some more. I left the gym spent and numb.
I know this isn't an uplifting blog post, but I needed to get this out there. You see, when my grandmother died I ended up having a breakdown and spent several days in the hospital. It is remarkable to me that exercise is helping me deal with the loss of someone who, though not technically family, was as important to me as she was. And running is a far more healthy outlet for my feelings.
196 Days to Houston
I've been dealing with the death of a very close friend, Jim. It wasn't unexpected, but, like they say, you are never really prepared. You can be MORE prepared, but never actually prepared. Trying to take care of myself and trying to help the family has thrown off my training a bit. I missed a couple of days due to the visitation and funeral. I have plenty of time to get back on track, but. . .
I woke up today very angry. I wanted to hit things. Scream at things. Kick puppies (not really). You know, just throw a classic toddler temper tantrum. One of the bad things about being an adult is that you know it won't help. Instead I found something I was able to do for my friend, Susan (Jim's daughter). It was a small thing, but it does help me to help somebody else. It's a win-win type situation.
Then I went to the gym and ran fartleks. I ran harder and faster than I usually do. I imagined I was chasing down this thing I'm angry at. Every pounding footstep was smashing its face in. Every short recovery was just a small breather so I could torture it some more. I left the gym spent and numb.
I know this isn't an uplifting blog post, but I needed to get this out there. You see, when my grandmother died I ended up having a breakdown and spent several days in the hospital. It is remarkable to me that exercise is helping me deal with the loss of someone who, though not technically family, was as important to me as she was. And running is a far more healthy outlet for my feelings.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Cheering Squads
103 Days to Portland, 201 Days to Houston
That's right! I found out today I'm going to run the Chevron Houston Marathon too. I entered the lottery earlier this month and wasn't really sure whether or not I really wanted to get in. I did. Guess I have to run it now, huh? I may seriously regret this decision once I've run one marathon, but I think I'm going to enjoy running a local race and having a cheering squad. I might have one in Portland as well--I don't know what my family up there plans to do, but I know I'll have local support. My mother (who works the same place I do) put balloons on my office door this afternoon. Makes it a little difficult to shut the door but I still think it is so cool I'm not taking them down.
Last night I ran 10 miles. I stuffed my mailbox with four bottles of water and headed out at about 7 pm. I was soaked through before the end of a mile. I was doing a good job of pacing myself and forcing myself to drink every five minutes or so, but I was still exhausted. My sister showed up at around mile 5 or 6 with her kids. They handed me water and cheered for me. My nephew told me that I was running "super fast". My sister also told me that she overheard a little girl wondering how many times I was going to run past her. Once it got too dark I came inside and finished on my treadmill. I would have kept going outside but I'd forgotten to put my headlamp outside--not that there was room in the mailbox for it.
This was my first run in this training program where I decided to carry and consume an energy gel. I actually tried Chocolate Mint by Gu. I heard about it on the Two Gomers podcast. It wasn't too bad, actually. I don't know if it was the flavor or the brand that made it better than the ones I used when I was training for a half marathon. It could also be that, because of the heat, the Gu wasn't quite as thick as the ones I was using earlier this year. Who knows? All I do know is that gels in general are gross but necessary. I certainly felt like it gave me enough energy to finish the run.
That's right! I found out today I'm going to run the Chevron Houston Marathon too. I entered the lottery earlier this month and wasn't really sure whether or not I really wanted to get in. I did. Guess I have to run it now, huh? I may seriously regret this decision once I've run one marathon, but I think I'm going to enjoy running a local race and having a cheering squad. I might have one in Portland as well--I don't know what my family up there plans to do, but I know I'll have local support. My mother (who works the same place I do) put balloons on my office door this afternoon. Makes it a little difficult to shut the door but I still think it is so cool I'm not taking them down.
Last night I ran 10 miles. I stuffed my mailbox with four bottles of water and headed out at about 7 pm. I was soaked through before the end of a mile. I was doing a good job of pacing myself and forcing myself to drink every five minutes or so, but I was still exhausted. My sister showed up at around mile 5 or 6 with her kids. They handed me water and cheered for me. My nephew told me that I was running "super fast". My sister also told me that she overheard a little girl wondering how many times I was going to run past her. Once it got too dark I came inside and finished on my treadmill. I would have kept going outside but I'd forgotten to put my headlamp outside--not that there was room in the mailbox for it.
This was my first run in this training program where I decided to carry and consume an energy gel. I actually tried Chocolate Mint by Gu. I heard about it on the Two Gomers podcast. It wasn't too bad, actually. I don't know if it was the flavor or the brand that made it better than the ones I used when I was training for a half marathon. It could also be that, because of the heat, the Gu wasn't quite as thick as the ones I was using earlier this year. Who knows? All I do know is that gels in general are gross but necessary. I certainly felt like it gave me enough energy to finish the run.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Benadryl to the Rescue
105 Days to Race
I had a very full day today. I helped my sister watch her kids at the first birthday party for one of my cousin's kids. They had little pools in the back yard and there were about a million little kids everywhere. We all had a great time but, as my niece and nephew are without fear, it was exhausting.
I was very glad to finally get home. I realized that the one day of rain we've had caused green stuff to sprout up in my yard. I won't say it was grass because it wasn't. Well, technically I guess it was--crab grass. I knew I needed to mow. I also knew I needed to run. I thought I'd mow first and go for a run with my sister later in the day. Front and back yard done with minimum fuss. I even avoided fire ant bites! (I'm allergic)
I got to take a shower only to get dressed to go get sweaty again. I picked my sister up at her house and we drove to a local school to use the track. I needed to run three miles so a track wasn't really the top of my list of places to run tonight, but she needed to do some speed work. She needed a track.
I'm running along and begin to realize that my breathing isn't going so well. I slow down some, but my breathing isn't getting any better. I do have asthma--exercise induced at that--but I'm on a daily controller medicine and use my rescue inhaler before every run. I haven't had problems running in ages. Today it felt like I hadn't used anything. When my sister finished her work she walked a lap with me--I was able to finish two miles. I came home and took Benadryl. I hope it was the combination of exhaustion and pollen and dust kicked up by mowing. Perhaps also that my inhaler is nearing the end of its life. I really don't want to have to deal with medicine changes again.
I had a very full day today. I helped my sister watch her kids at the first birthday party for one of my cousin's kids. They had little pools in the back yard and there were about a million little kids everywhere. We all had a great time but, as my niece and nephew are without fear, it was exhausting.
I was very glad to finally get home. I realized that the one day of rain we've had caused green stuff to sprout up in my yard. I won't say it was grass because it wasn't. Well, technically I guess it was--crab grass. I knew I needed to mow. I also knew I needed to run. I thought I'd mow first and go for a run with my sister later in the day. Front and back yard done with minimum fuss. I even avoided fire ant bites! (I'm allergic)
I got to take a shower only to get dressed to go get sweaty again. I picked my sister up at her house and we drove to a local school to use the track. I needed to run three miles so a track wasn't really the top of my list of places to run tonight, but she needed to do some speed work. She needed a track.
I'm running along and begin to realize that my breathing isn't going so well. I slow down some, but my breathing isn't getting any better. I do have asthma--exercise induced at that--but I'm on a daily controller medicine and use my rescue inhaler before every run. I haven't had problems running in ages. Today it felt like I hadn't used anything. When my sister finished her work she walked a lap with me--I was able to finish two miles. I came home and took Benadryl. I hope it was the combination of exhaustion and pollen and dust kicked up by mowing. Perhaps also that my inhaler is nearing the end of its life. I really don't want to have to deal with medicine changes again.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
New Record!
108 Days to Race
I just ran my fastest 5K to date! I beat my old record by 27 seconds--and that includes a quick stop to readjust my shoelaces.
I've been so focused on getting in my distance and suffering through my speed work that it is really nice to see some evidence that it is working! I felt like I was flying!
Today. I just need to remember today. THIS is why I run.
I just ran my fastest 5K to date! I beat my old record by 27 seconds--and that includes a quick stop to readjust my shoelaces.
I've been so focused on getting in my distance and suffering through my speed work that it is really nice to see some evidence that it is working! I felt like I was flying!
Today. I just need to remember today. THIS is why I run.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Odds and Ends
110 Days to Race
I chose to sleep in a bit yesterday morning instead of go running, so I had to either complete my long run on a treadmill, brave the heat, or put off the run until this morning. I already know what it is like to run before work and to brave the heat, so I decided to try running on the treadmill. I chose to go to the gym because their treadmills are better than the one I have at home. However, six miles on a treadmill seems to take forever. I'm lucky that this week was a recovery week and my long run was shorter than it has been for a few weeks. I think the gym was warmer than it normally is as well. That wouldn't be surprising given the record heat we've been having.
I did pretty well on the run all things considered. I ran most of the distance at 5.3 mph, slowing down every mile or so for a good drink of water. I sped up a bit at the end--no so much because I felt like I could but because I felt like if I didn't finish soon I'd lose my mind!
Things pick back up in the training schedule this week. I'll actually be glad to put in longer and harder runs to combat some of life stresses that have been increasing lately. In fact, I'm having a hard time accepting that today is a rest day. I really want to go out and beat down some stress.
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On a lighter note, my nephew did really well at his race. He finished strong. He is only three, so of course he didn't have an easy time with even the relatively short 1K distance. But he did it all himself. And he sprinted the end. I couldn't be prouder. As promised, I'll include a picture of him and his beaming face!
I chose to sleep in a bit yesterday morning instead of go running, so I had to either complete my long run on a treadmill, brave the heat, or put off the run until this morning. I already know what it is like to run before work and to brave the heat, so I decided to try running on the treadmill. I chose to go to the gym because their treadmills are better than the one I have at home. However, six miles on a treadmill seems to take forever. I'm lucky that this week was a recovery week and my long run was shorter than it has been for a few weeks. I think the gym was warmer than it normally is as well. That wouldn't be surprising given the record heat we've been having.
I did pretty well on the run all things considered. I ran most of the distance at 5.3 mph, slowing down every mile or so for a good drink of water. I sped up a bit at the end--no so much because I felt like I could but because I felt like if I didn't finish soon I'd lose my mind!
Things pick back up in the training schedule this week. I'll actually be glad to put in longer and harder runs to combat some of life stresses that have been increasing lately. In fact, I'm having a hard time accepting that today is a rest day. I really want to go out and beat down some stress.
On a lighter note, my nephew did really well at his race. He finished strong. He is only three, so of course he didn't have an easy time with even the relatively short 1K distance. But he did it all himself. And he sprinted the end. I couldn't be prouder. As promised, I'll include a picture of him and his beaming face!Friday, June 17, 2011
The Spread of Running
113 Days to Race
I had an easy four mile run this morning with my sister. I was only supposed to run three but, as her training schedule had her doing four, I decided to run with her. Having company more than makes up for having to run an extra mile. And. Well, it isn't like I was saying, "Hey, sure I'll add another mile to my long run." Although it is still weird to say it, going from three to four miles isn't a big deal any more.
What I'm really excited about running wise is that my three year old nephew, Gavin, is going to run his first race tomorrow morning. It's only a 1K, but he is so excited. My sister tells me that he asks her almost every morning if his race is today. He's been on a few "runs" with us before and insists on sprinting and then resting. But what do you expect from a toddler? Preschooler? What do you call a three year old, anyway? Every kid who finishes this race gets a medal. Before anybody starts complaining about how all the kids get medals for just finishing and how this is adding to the downfall of society, I just have to admit that I LOVE getting a finisher's medal. If we are trying to create a healthier society we should use every gimmick we can. If it works. . . Besides, I'd bet most of the kids who are competing are the children of runners. Many of these kids just want to be like Mom or Dad. I know that is the case with Gavin.
Maybe my sister will let me post a picture of him with his medal tomorrow.
I had an easy four mile run this morning with my sister. I was only supposed to run three but, as her training schedule had her doing four, I decided to run with her. Having company more than makes up for having to run an extra mile. And. Well, it isn't like I was saying, "Hey, sure I'll add another mile to my long run." Although it is still weird to say it, going from three to four miles isn't a big deal any more.
What I'm really excited about running wise is that my three year old nephew, Gavin, is going to run his first race tomorrow morning. It's only a 1K, but he is so excited. My sister tells me that he asks her almost every morning if his race is today. He's been on a few "runs" with us before and insists on sprinting and then resting. But what do you expect from a toddler? Preschooler? What do you call a three year old, anyway? Every kid who finishes this race gets a medal. Before anybody starts complaining about how all the kids get medals for just finishing and how this is adding to the downfall of society, I just have to admit that I LOVE getting a finisher's medal. If we are trying to create a healthier society we should use every gimmick we can. If it works. . . Besides, I'd bet most of the kids who are competing are the children of runners. Many of these kids just want to be like Mom or Dad. I know that is the case with Gavin.
Maybe my sister will let me post a picture of him with his medal tomorrow.
Monday, June 13, 2011
I Did It!
117 Days to Race (Still)
I did it! I finished the nine mile run before work this morning. The stress of working out before work is unbelievable. Did I allow myself enough time? Will I be able to cool off before my shower? Am I running too slow? Can I walk right now so I can drink some water?
To shut my brain down I ended up turning on some music at about mile five. I generally don't like to run to music. I'm not sure why. I want to hear birds and cars. I like to hear my footsteps and regulate my breathing. Maybe I've been running long enough now that I don't need to do that so much anymore. Anyway, I turned off the podcast I'd been listening to (Two Gomers Run a Half-Marathon--it's amazing) and turned my ipod to Alternative music. Most of the songs in that category have a great beat. I was really liking it. Until Nirvana came on. It just felt really, really wrong to be engaged in a healthy activity while listening to that band. But I finished. That's what mattered.
I had a little time at home. I took a cold shower--it actually felt really good--then turned it to hot to get clean. I don't like to take a shower immediately. I like to cool down first. I didn't have time this morning. But I made it to work on time.
Barely.
I learned two things today. I don't want to wear the shirt I wore this morning during the race. It got too heavy. Also I learned that my new running skirt has seams where it really shouldn't. Chafing has become an issue. At least I now know where I need to place more BodyGlide before I run.
I have another class in a few minutes. I hope I can stay awake. . .
I did it! I finished the nine mile run before work this morning. The stress of working out before work is unbelievable. Did I allow myself enough time? Will I be able to cool off before my shower? Am I running too slow? Can I walk right now so I can drink some water?
To shut my brain down I ended up turning on some music at about mile five. I generally don't like to run to music. I'm not sure why. I want to hear birds and cars. I like to hear my footsteps and regulate my breathing. Maybe I've been running long enough now that I don't need to do that so much anymore. Anyway, I turned off the podcast I'd been listening to (Two Gomers Run a Half-Marathon--it's amazing) and turned my ipod to Alternative music. Most of the songs in that category have a great beat. I was really liking it. Until Nirvana came on. It just felt really, really wrong to be engaged in a healthy activity while listening to that band. But I finished. That's what mattered.
I had a little time at home. I took a cold shower--it actually felt really good--then turned it to hot to get clean. I don't like to take a shower immediately. I like to cool down first. I didn't have time this morning. But I made it to work on time.
Barely.
I learned two things today. I don't want to wear the shirt I wore this morning during the race. It got too heavy. Also I learned that my new running skirt has seams where it really shouldn't. Chafing has become an issue. At least I now know where I need to place more BodyGlide before I run.
I have another class in a few minutes. I hope I can stay awake. . .
Grumble
117 Days to Race
If God had meant for me to be awake at 5 am she wouldn't have made sleep feel so darn good.
I'm off to do yesterday's nine mile run. Wish me luck.
If God had meant for me to be awake at 5 am she wouldn't have made sleep feel so darn good.
I'm off to do yesterday's nine mile run. Wish me luck.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
HOT
118 Days to Race
I just tried to run my long run. I was supposed to do nine miles this morning. I was going to get up early and get it over with. But. . .sleep sounded better. I had some errands to run in town so when I was done I just headed over to Memorial Park--the big running park in Houston. They have a great wooded three mile loop there. Three loops. Done.
Right.
It was just too damn hot. I think it was around 96 degrees when I started. I carried plenty of water and had more in the car. I was able to run a mile without stopping. After that I was walking more than running. The heat was killing me. At about two miles I realized that this run just wasn't going to happen. I kept running as much as possible while I was deciding what to do. They say that it is most important to get the miles under your feet on a long run--even if that means walking a lot. At first I thought I'd just finish out the nine miles walking. At about 2.5 miles I realized that wasn't going to happen, either. When I made it back to my car at three miles I hopped in and blasted the AC. I decided I did Tuesday's three mile run early. I'll try to get in nine miles a bit later in the week.
I just tried to run my long run. I was supposed to do nine miles this morning. I was going to get up early and get it over with. But. . .sleep sounded better. I had some errands to run in town so when I was done I just headed over to Memorial Park--the big running park in Houston. They have a great wooded three mile loop there. Three loops. Done.
Right.
It was just too damn hot. I think it was around 96 degrees when I started. I carried plenty of water and had more in the car. I was able to run a mile without stopping. After that I was walking more than running. The heat was killing me. At about two miles I realized that this run just wasn't going to happen. I kept running as much as possible while I was deciding what to do. They say that it is most important to get the miles under your feet on a long run--even if that means walking a lot. At first I thought I'd just finish out the nine miles walking. At about 2.5 miles I realized that wasn't going to happen, either. When I made it back to my car at three miles I hopped in and blasted the AC. I decided I did Tuesday's three mile run early. I'll try to get in nine miles a bit later in the week.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
A Most Alarming Shade
120 Days to Race
Today I ran a three miler with my sister. Our plans just happened to overlap today so we decided to run together. It's always nice to have somebody to distract you while you are running. What was different today was that she was pushing my niece in a jogging stroller. I have a lot of respect for people who do that on a regular basis. It is so odd to not be able to pump your arms. You'd think that the lack of movement would help you conserve energy but it really doesn't. The stroller rolls very well and it actually takes very little energy to push it, but it really throws you off to not be able to swing your arms. We kept trading her off. It also didn't help that the roads aren't completely flat. I know that's a good thing for drainage and all, but it is horrible for strollers. It ended up slowing us down quite a bit. It also didn't help that the heat index was still in the nineties.
Not much fodder for a blog there, is there? I was planning to write this just to try out a new automatic facebook tool anyway. I went to take a shower first. I happened to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror on the way into the shower. I noticed a massive rash across my breasts. I looked down and realized that my boobs are a most alarming shade of pink. What could it be? I'm not itching. My mind is racing and finally I realize. . .my newish sports bra has faded onto my skin. Oh well, at least it wasn't the blue one. I'd rather not be a Smurf.
Today I ran a three miler with my sister. Our plans just happened to overlap today so we decided to run together. It's always nice to have somebody to distract you while you are running. What was different today was that she was pushing my niece in a jogging stroller. I have a lot of respect for people who do that on a regular basis. It is so odd to not be able to pump your arms. You'd think that the lack of movement would help you conserve energy but it really doesn't. The stroller rolls very well and it actually takes very little energy to push it, but it really throws you off to not be able to swing your arms. We kept trading her off. It also didn't help that the roads aren't completely flat. I know that's a good thing for drainage and all, but it is horrible for strollers. It ended up slowing us down quite a bit. It also didn't help that the heat index was still in the nineties.
Not much fodder for a blog there, is there? I was planning to write this just to try out a new automatic facebook tool anyway. I went to take a shower first. I happened to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror on the way into the shower. I noticed a massive rash across my breasts. I looked down and realized that my boobs are a most alarming shade of pink. What could it be? I'm not itching. My mind is racing and finally I realize. . .my newish sports bra has faded onto my skin. Oh well, at least it wasn't the blue one. I'd rather not be a Smurf.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Getting Better??
121 Days to Race
I haven't written since my last really bad run. Why? I don't know. Perhaps I wanted to write that things were now going really well. I can't say that, though. I'm doing well. I'm healthy. I just had to ice my knees, but nothing too bad. I'm just starting to wonder again if I'm crazy.
I had a good run on Sunday. I did eight miles in a local park. I hadn't been to this particular park in several years. There is now a good set of running trails through the woods. Woods are good in this heat. Besides, it was nice to see a bunny rabbit at about 7.5 miles. Anything to get my mind off the fact that I was tired.
I went for a decently long bike ride on Tuesday and ran three miles yesterday. Oh, yesterday. I went up to the indoor track at the school where I work. I don't really like running there because it is only a tenth mile loop and that gets old really, really fast, but it beats the heat. I made one lap before the volleyball camp that was happening on the gym floor let out for a break. Thousands (not really) of middle school aged girls swarmed the track and wouldn't let me pass. I had to stop, ask them to move, deal with preteen attitudes, and shove my way through. I went into the Wellness Center and continued the run on a treadmill. Which I could have done at home. Ugh.
Today I ran fartleks at the school. I would have normally run on the track but the volleyball camp was still going on. I just wasn't in the mood to deal with it. I did pretty well, but, as I've said here numerous times, fartleks suck. My knees weren't too happy with me afterward. They aren't exactly bad, but they just let me know they'd had some work today. I thought I had better ice them just in case. The last thing I need is bad knees.
On a different note, my family is talking about taking a trip together later this summer to Colorado. Good news? I love Colorado. Bad news? I'm supposed to run my eighteen miler that week. I ain't gonna do that one at altitude. I'll be researching alternative schedules if we decide to actually go.
I haven't written since my last really bad run. Why? I don't know. Perhaps I wanted to write that things were now going really well. I can't say that, though. I'm doing well. I'm healthy. I just had to ice my knees, but nothing too bad. I'm just starting to wonder again if I'm crazy.
I had a good run on Sunday. I did eight miles in a local park. I hadn't been to this particular park in several years. There is now a good set of running trails through the woods. Woods are good in this heat. Besides, it was nice to see a bunny rabbit at about 7.5 miles. Anything to get my mind off the fact that I was tired.
I went for a decently long bike ride on Tuesday and ran three miles yesterday. Oh, yesterday. I went up to the indoor track at the school where I work. I don't really like running there because it is only a tenth mile loop and that gets old really, really fast, but it beats the heat. I made one lap before the volleyball camp that was happening on the gym floor let out for a break. Thousands (not really) of middle school aged girls swarmed the track and wouldn't let me pass. I had to stop, ask them to move, deal with preteen attitudes, and shove my way through. I went into the Wellness Center and continued the run on a treadmill. Which I could have done at home. Ugh.
Today I ran fartleks at the school. I would have normally run on the track but the volleyball camp was still going on. I just wasn't in the mood to deal with it. I did pretty well, but, as I've said here numerous times, fartleks suck. My knees weren't too happy with me afterward. They aren't exactly bad, but they just let me know they'd had some work today. I thought I had better ice them just in case. The last thing I need is bad knees.
On a different note, my family is talking about taking a trip together later this summer to Colorado. Good news? I love Colorado. Bad news? I'm supposed to run my eighteen miler that week. I ain't gonna do that one at altitude. I'll be researching alternative schedules if we decide to actually go.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Worst. Run. Ever.
127 Days to Race
I was supposed to do three miles. It should have been no problem.
We're having an ozone day here in the Houston area. I have asthma. So even if I had wanted to go run in the unbearable heat--near 100 degree heat index--I couldn't. I didn't really want to run on my old treadmill so I headed to the gym.
About a half mile into the run I realize I'm just going too fast for today. I try to slow down. BUT THE MACHINE WON'T LET ME! I have to stop and start again. I just couldn't do it. I kept having to slow down. I ended up walking about a third of the run. I felt so bad. I thought I was going to be sick. I reached the point when I didn't even want to keep walking.
I don't know what the hell is going on but I hope it goes away soon.
Ugh.
I was supposed to do three miles. It should have been no problem.
We're having an ozone day here in the Houston area. I have asthma. So even if I had wanted to go run in the unbearable heat--near 100 degree heat index--I couldn't. I didn't really want to run on my old treadmill so I headed to the gym.
About a half mile into the run I realize I'm just going too fast for today. I try to slow down. BUT THE MACHINE WON'T LET ME! I have to stop and start again. I just couldn't do it. I kept having to slow down. I ended up walking about a third of the run. I felt so bad. I thought I was going to be sick. I reached the point when I didn't even want to keep walking.
I don't know what the hell is going on but I hope it goes away soon.
Ugh.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
I Must Be Insane
128 Days to Race and 226 Days to Race?
Yesterday was my birthday. I had a great day. I brought my three year-old nephew to Brazos Bend State Park and we "hiked" around a lake and looked at alligators and birds. It wasn't much of a work out for me, but he had fun. Well, not a physical work out, anyway. Mentally I was exhausted--trying to keep him away from the water, watching both our steps for snakes--especially babies, and making sure there were no hiding alligators near us. But we both had a great time, I think.
I came home after dropping him off with his mother and ran my three miles on the treadmill. I really hate treadmill running, but hey, at least I got to watch television while I was doing it. I've learned that So You Think You Can Dance isn't a bad show to run to. The music keeps changing and you are entertained. Can't ask for much more.
Yesterday was also the first day to enter the lottery to run the Houston Chevron Marathon. I entered. I must be insane. I've never run a marathon in my life and now I've registered for two??? I don't know whether or not I hope I'm picked. It would be nice to run closer to home--more supporters, you know, but, still. . . If I'm not picked I might go do the Dallas White Rock with my sister. At least I'll have somebody to run with there. AND I'll have more marathon experience than her. That would be a cool feeling.
The summer session at school starts up again next week. I came up to the school today to get a little (very little) work done and to use the indoor track to run some fartleks. I hate fartleks. I like the air conditioned-iness of the indoor track, but other than that I hate indoor tracks. I don't particularly like outdoor tracks either, but at least they are a bit longer. Running in tenth mile loops gets old fast. But I learned that I can run at a 9:30 pace for four minutes without dying--not quite dying anyway.
Any which way, I am back on track and running like mad. Or is that mad with running?
Yesterday was my birthday. I had a great day. I brought my three year-old nephew to Brazos Bend State Park and we "hiked" around a lake and looked at alligators and birds. It wasn't much of a work out for me, but he had fun. Well, not a physical work out, anyway. Mentally I was exhausted--trying to keep him away from the water, watching both our steps for snakes--especially babies, and making sure there were no hiding alligators near us. But we both had a great time, I think.
I came home after dropping him off with his mother and ran my three miles on the treadmill. I really hate treadmill running, but hey, at least I got to watch television while I was doing it. I've learned that So You Think You Can Dance isn't a bad show to run to. The music keeps changing and you are entertained. Can't ask for much more.
Yesterday was also the first day to enter the lottery to run the Houston Chevron Marathon. I entered. I must be insane. I've never run a marathon in my life and now I've registered for two??? I don't know whether or not I hope I'm picked. It would be nice to run closer to home--more supporters, you know, but, still. . . If I'm not picked I might go do the Dallas White Rock with my sister. At least I'll have somebody to run with there. AND I'll have more marathon experience than her. That would be a cool feeling.
The summer session at school starts up again next week. I came up to the school today to get a little (very little) work done and to use the indoor track to run some fartleks. I hate fartleks. I like the air conditioned-iness of the indoor track, but other than that I hate indoor tracks. I don't particularly like outdoor tracks either, but at least they are a bit longer. Running in tenth mile loops gets old fast. But I learned that I can run at a 9:30 pace for four minutes without dying--not quite dying anyway.
Any which way, I am back on track and running like mad. Or is that mad with running?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Back on Track?
130 Days to Race
My ankle is killing me. I'm used to a low level of constant pain. That's what comes from a severe fracture and dislocation. I'd almost expect there to be something brewing in the Gulf. I can usually tell if we have a good strong low out there. I haven't heard of anything yet. I ran yesterday even with my ankle problems. It's been ten years since the injury. I can tell by now what is regular if slightly more intense pain and real pain that I should pay attention to.
Anyway, I missed two LSRs recently. I was supposed to do a seven miler while I was on vacation and I was supposed to do a five miler this past Sunday. I've been catching up so I've been a bit off. I set out yesterday knowing that I was going to do at least five miles and, if I felt up to it and the sunlight held, I'd do seven. It was brutal. I guess I'm going to have to start running in the mornings. I am sooooo not a morning person. It was still too hot to comfortably run. I think it was still 88 degrees when I set out. I wore my hydration belt (which makes me look like a total geek) but it barely held enough Gatorade for me to do five miles. I was slow. I could have kept going for seven, but it was starting to get too dark and I hadn't brought my safety gear. I can't say I was upset by this turn of events.
I found a Nike + GPS app for my new Iphone. I'm not sure I like it. I've calibrated my regular Nike+ several times and it is almost dead on. I've used my Iphone twice now and it has cheated me out of at least a half mile each time. I do like, however, the option to post to Facebook when you start a run and have it cheer you whenever someone likes it or comments on it. It's fun to get random cheers when you are running--especially when you are having a tough run.
Today is a rest day. Part of me thinks I should try to get in seven miles, but the rest of me thinks I need the rest. Tomorrow is my 35th birthday. I get to celebrate with a three mile fast run. Joy.
My ankle is killing me. I'm used to a low level of constant pain. That's what comes from a severe fracture and dislocation. I'd almost expect there to be something brewing in the Gulf. I can usually tell if we have a good strong low out there. I haven't heard of anything yet. I ran yesterday even with my ankle problems. It's been ten years since the injury. I can tell by now what is regular if slightly more intense pain and real pain that I should pay attention to.
Anyway, I missed two LSRs recently. I was supposed to do a seven miler while I was on vacation and I was supposed to do a five miler this past Sunday. I've been catching up so I've been a bit off. I set out yesterday knowing that I was going to do at least five miles and, if I felt up to it and the sunlight held, I'd do seven. It was brutal. I guess I'm going to have to start running in the mornings. I am sooooo not a morning person. It was still too hot to comfortably run. I think it was still 88 degrees when I set out. I wore my hydration belt (which makes me look like a total geek) but it barely held enough Gatorade for me to do five miles. I was slow. I could have kept going for seven, but it was starting to get too dark and I hadn't brought my safety gear. I can't say I was upset by this turn of events.
I found a Nike + GPS app for my new Iphone. I'm not sure I like it. I've calibrated my regular Nike+ several times and it is almost dead on. I've used my Iphone twice now and it has cheated me out of at least a half mile each time. I do like, however, the option to post to Facebook when you start a run and have it cheer you whenever someone likes it or comments on it. It's fun to get random cheers when you are running--especially when you are having a tough run.
Today is a rest day. Part of me thinks I should try to get in seven miles, but the rest of me thinks I need the rest. Tomorrow is my 35th birthday. I get to celebrate with a three mile fast run. Joy.
Friday, May 27, 2011
My First Night Run
135 Days to Race
Say you want to increase your speed. You search online for speed training programs. You start interval training. You run some fartleks. Maybe you start some plyometrics training. Maybe it works. The easiest way, I've learned, is to go for your first night time run.
I'm still on Pacific coast time. I wanted to go for a run and just couldn't face running on a treadmill. I've bought all the safety equipment to go running at night. I have a head lamp. I have safety flashers. I have a RoadID. I have a whistle. I even carried my phone (something I hate to do) and called my sister before I headed out.
I knew I needed to run today because I got off my schedule on vacation. I mentioned in an earlier post that I was good at the start but allowed myself to slack too much. It turns out that I only missed two runs. One of those runs was a seven miler, though. I chose to catch up on my two miler tonight. I headed out and, though I felt strong and settled easily into the run, I never settled into the situation. I found myself breathing harder than I usually do. So, when I reached a street light and could, I checked my Nike + armband to find out my pace. Let's just say that I must have really wanted to get the run over with.
I wonder if I'll become more at ease with running after dark like I got used to running in public or if I'll always be uncomfortable. And I do make a distinction between heightened awareness and uncomfortable. I don't think I'll ever become complacent about night running.
Say you want to increase your speed. You search online for speed training programs. You start interval training. You run some fartleks. Maybe you start some plyometrics training. Maybe it works. The easiest way, I've learned, is to go for your first night time run.
I'm still on Pacific coast time. I wanted to go for a run and just couldn't face running on a treadmill. I've bought all the safety equipment to go running at night. I have a head lamp. I have safety flashers. I have a RoadID. I have a whistle. I even carried my phone (something I hate to do) and called my sister before I headed out.
I knew I needed to run today because I got off my schedule on vacation. I mentioned in an earlier post that I was good at the start but allowed myself to slack too much. It turns out that I only missed two runs. One of those runs was a seven miler, though. I chose to catch up on my two miler tonight. I headed out and, though I felt strong and settled easily into the run, I never settled into the situation. I found myself breathing harder than I usually do. So, when I reached a street light and could, I checked my Nike + armband to find out my pace. Let's just say that I must have really wanted to get the run over with.
I wonder if I'll become more at ease with running after dark like I got used to running in public or if I'll always be uncomfortable. And I do make a distinction between heightened awareness and uncomfortable. I don't think I'll ever become complacent about night running.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Slacking
137 Days to Race
I was doing so well with my running while on vacation. WAS is the operative word. I made myself run in Seattle and on the Olympic peninsula. I actually enjoyed my runs there. Sunday, however, I found myself in Leavenworth, Washington. This town has styled itself as a Bavarian hideaway. I found myself enjoying good German food and good German beer far too much to make myself get out and run seven miles. I rationalized it by saying that not only did the landscape resemble the Alps, I was truly at altitude. I know I can handle running at altitude or handle hills, but I don't think I could survive both. Definitely not seven miles of both. SO, I put off the run. I'll fit it in, I said. This morning I'm near Portland, Oregon--a place that is hilly but relatively close to sea level. I should have gotten up and run this morning. I'm scheduled for two miles today, I think. I should have done the seven miles I missed. But I've gotten lazy. Tomorrow I fly home. I could run tonight, but I'm thinking that I'll probably just give up until I get home. I'll start over then. I still have a few months until the race. I'll be able to make up training in that amount of time, right?
I was doing so well with my running while on vacation. WAS is the operative word. I made myself run in Seattle and on the Olympic peninsula. I actually enjoyed my runs there. Sunday, however, I found myself in Leavenworth, Washington. This town has styled itself as a Bavarian hideaway. I found myself enjoying good German food and good German beer far too much to make myself get out and run seven miles. I rationalized it by saying that not only did the landscape resemble the Alps, I was truly at altitude. I know I can handle running at altitude or handle hills, but I don't think I could survive both. Definitely not seven miles of both. SO, I put off the run. I'll fit it in, I said. This morning I'm near Portland, Oregon--a place that is hilly but relatively close to sea level. I should have gotten up and run this morning. I'm scheduled for two miles today, I think. I should have done the seven miles I missed. But I've gotten lazy. Tomorrow I fly home. I could run tonight, but I'm thinking that I'll probably just give up until I get home. I'll start over then. I still have a few months until the race. I'll be able to make up training in that amount of time, right?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Running in Washington
142 Days to Race
Today has been a historic day in my running career. Well, perhaps I'm overstating, but it has still been a good day. First the mundane. I ran fartleks today in the fitness center at my hotel. I had a lot of vacation things to do today and couldn't spare the time to travel somewhere to run. Figuring out strange treadmills is always fun. This one was FAIRLY straightforward, though, and I was able to get started pretty quickly. My fartlek training was extended to 30 minutes from 20 minutes. That meant two extra sessions. They kicked my ass. But I was able to finish. During the next to last set, however, a family started staring at me through the window in the fitness room door. I kept imagining what the father was saying to the young girl. Was he commenting on that fat girl who thinks she is running? Perhaps I shouldn't be thinking such things, but I can't help it. There was an article in Runner's World recently about how a formerly fat runner is always a fat runner. Either you are fat are you are running from being fat. I identified. Anyway, it felt like they stared at me for about 10 minutes. I finally waved at them in the mirror and they jumped. Like they really thought I couldn't see them? Mirrors let you see behind you too. That's the cool thing about them. I think that just made the last two sessions even harder than they should have been.
That's a bit of a negative, right? So why am I so happy? Because I seem to have influenced two women in my life to start running and/or set lofty running goals. Admittedly I'm ASSUMING one of these women was talking about me when she could have been talking about anybody, but my cousin contacted me directly. She started the Couch to 5k program today. I'm proud of her for trying and hope she is successful. I hope she knows I'm here for her no matter what. The other woman? She is running for weight loss and has set a goal of running a marathon--probably in 2012. I'm very proud of her, too.
Tomorrow I'm supposed to do a three mile run. There appears to be a nice trail along the Juan De Fuca Straight just outside my hotel. I'm not sure how long it is, but it is beautiful enough that I can double up if needed.
Today has been a historic day in my running career. Well, perhaps I'm overstating, but it has still been a good day. First the mundane. I ran fartleks today in the fitness center at my hotel. I had a lot of vacation things to do today and couldn't spare the time to travel somewhere to run. Figuring out strange treadmills is always fun. This one was FAIRLY straightforward, though, and I was able to get started pretty quickly. My fartlek training was extended to 30 minutes from 20 minutes. That meant two extra sessions. They kicked my ass. But I was able to finish. During the next to last set, however, a family started staring at me through the window in the fitness room door. I kept imagining what the father was saying to the young girl. Was he commenting on that fat girl who thinks she is running? Perhaps I shouldn't be thinking such things, but I can't help it. There was an article in Runner's World recently about how a formerly fat runner is always a fat runner. Either you are fat are you are running from being fat. I identified. Anyway, it felt like they stared at me for about 10 minutes. I finally waved at them in the mirror and they jumped. Like they really thought I couldn't see them? Mirrors let you see behind you too. That's the cool thing about them. I think that just made the last two sessions even harder than they should have been.
That's a bit of a negative, right? So why am I so happy? Because I seem to have influenced two women in my life to start running and/or set lofty running goals. Admittedly I'm ASSUMING one of these women was talking about me when she could have been talking about anybody, but my cousin contacted me directly. She started the Couch to 5k program today. I'm proud of her for trying and hope she is successful. I hope she knows I'm here for her no matter what. The other woman? She is running for weight loss and has set a goal of running a marathon--probably in 2012. I'm very proud of her, too.
Tomorrow I'm supposed to do a three mile run. There appears to be a nice trail along the Juan De Fuca Straight just outside my hotel. I'm not sure how long it is, but it is beautiful enough that I can double up if needed.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Foreign Running
143 Days to Race
I just ran for the first time in a different state. That sounds funny, doesn't it? I was running when I went on vacation last year, but I wasn't yet comfortable enough to go out and run in unfamiliar areas.
I just ran for the first time in a different state. That sounds funny, doesn't it? I was running when I went on vacation last year, but I wasn't yet comfortable enough to go out and run in unfamiliar areas.
I did my research and found that Seattle's "runner's park" was Green Lake Park. I'm going to insert a (bad) picture I took with my phone.
Quite different from Houston!
Anyway, the trail runs around the lake and is about 2.8 miles. It was cold and windy, but it was wonderful to run some place new. It was a flat trail for Seattle, but hilly for Houston. I was able to keep a fast pace (11'07"--fast for me) and avoid what seemed like millions of other runners, walkers, bikers, skaters, and lollygaggers. I'm generally proud of myself today.
By the way, I forgot to mention in yesterday's blog post that even though I fell three times and it was a trail run (which is generally slower) I was within about two minutes of the time on my first (and only other) 10k race. Cool.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Races and Falls
144 Days to Race
I haven't written in a while. My runs have been going pretty well all in all. I've felt strong. I've felt fast. I haven't been fighting my running demons as much as usual. I was supposed to run six miles on Sunday. I was looking for a more fun way to accomplish this and stumbled on a night time 10k trail run. I thought it sounded fun. I geeked out in my headlamp and crashed through heavily wooded trails.
I fell.
Three times.
And hit my head.
I haven't written in a while. My runs have been going pretty well all in all. I've felt strong. I've felt fast. I haven't been fighting my running demons as much as usual. I was supposed to run six miles on Sunday. I was looking for a more fun way to accomplish this and stumbled on a night time 10k trail run. I thought it sounded fun. I geeked out in my headlamp and crashed through heavily wooded trails.
I fell.
Three times.
And hit my head.
I'm okay, but I'm thinking there are no more night trail runs in my future. It's just too dangerous for a klutz like me. Check out one of my more colorful bruises.
I'm out of state for a week. I hope to get some runs in up here, but I must admit that the less than flat terrain has me a bit nervous.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Seeking Encouragement
154 Days to Race
I’m on schedule and doing okay, but I’m having trouble with the mental aspects of training for a marathon. Today I ran outside—at the hottest part of the day. I know I’m crazy for doing that—especially given that I had a heat stroke when I was fifteen and am now supposedly more likely to have them. But I did it anyway. It wasn’t that hot for Texas. Well, maybe it was hot (85 degrees) but not humid and there was a breeze so it didn’t feel that bad. I know that later in the summer I’ll have to be running in near 100 degree weather with near 100% humidity. I have to adjust.
ANYWAY, I felt okay physically during the three mile run. It took a bit longer than usual to settle into it, though. I’m usually feeling settled after about a quarter mile. Today it took about a mile. I just couldn’t shut off my brain! I kept asking myself why I was doing this. I kept thinking that there was no way I’d be able to do it. I’ll never be able to run a marathon. I should just quit and go home to sit on the couch.
I fought it and kept going and I’m proud of myself for that, but it bothers me that it happened at all. I’ve done more in the last year than I ever thought I’d be able to do. A marathon is the next in a line of natural progression. My brain knows I can do it. It is logical. My heart, however. . . It needs some convincing.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The End of a Crazy Week
160 Days to Race
I haven't written here in a while. Why? Well, Tuesday during class I all but passed out. I soldiered through the end of that class and met with the next, cut it short and went to an Urgent Care center. I don't know anything yet. They did some tests--including an EKG and bloodwork. They have ruled out problems with my heart at least. I've been a bit off with my training. I'm still on schedule more or less. I've been off a day but got caught up yesterday. Then today my lights went out. I couldn't make myself go run today without knowing if I'd have air conditioning or the ability to have a hot shower when I got home. So, well, I'm off again.
I've lost a lot of weight since I've began. I just bought a pair of size 8 jeans. They don't fit beautifully, but they do fit. What I wonder, however, is when I'll actually start to see myself as thinner. When I was almost 250 pounds I thought I was the same size as another girl who, though my height, was more than 300 pounds. I learned through therapy to trust numbers not images. I'm okay with that, I guess. I just wish I could look in a mirror or at a photograph and see, actually see, someone who is less than 300 pounds. (I just heard Osama Bin Laden is dead). Anybody else out there dealing with this? j
I can't keep this kind of post going right now. Must watch news!
I haven't written here in a while. Why? Well, Tuesday during class I all but passed out. I soldiered through the end of that class and met with the next, cut it short and went to an Urgent Care center. I don't know anything yet. They did some tests--including an EKG and bloodwork. They have ruled out problems with my heart at least. I've been a bit off with my training. I'm still on schedule more or less. I've been off a day but got caught up yesterday. Then today my lights went out. I couldn't make myself go run today without knowing if I'd have air conditioning or the ability to have a hot shower when I got home. So, well, I'm off again.
I've lost a lot of weight since I've began. I just bought a pair of size 8 jeans. They don't fit beautifully, but they do fit. What I wonder, however, is when I'll actually start to see myself as thinner. When I was almost 250 pounds I thought I was the same size as another girl who, though my height, was more than 300 pounds. I learned through therapy to trust numbers not images. I'm okay with that, I guess. I just wish I could look in a mirror or at a photograph and see, actually see, someone who is less than 300 pounds. (I just heard Osama Bin Laden is dead). Anybody else out there dealing with this? j
I can't keep this kind of post going right now. Must watch news!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
LSR
167 Days to Race
Today was my first official Long Slow Run (LSR). It wasn't really all that long--only three miles, but I did have to slow down. After two weeks of having to run faster than race pace it was very weird to have to force myself to slow down. The object of a LSR is to finish the distance however you can. They also want you to slow down because the longer (timewise) you are active the easier it will be to add more distance later. This training schedule I'm following doesn't really settle into a pattern for another couple of weeks. Soon, though, I'll be doing short fast runs of three miles. I won't lie, though. It was nice to have to tell myself to slow down rather than to tell myself to pick it up.
It was a beautiful morning as well. A bit windy, though. I walked down to my local park that has a running trail and started making laps. Laps are boring, yes, but I had the park to myself at first. The birds, wind, squirrels. . . Anyway, it was peaceful. Then the other people started showing up. They were all walkers, which is fine, don't get me wrong, but they wouldn't move over for me to pass. I'd say, "On your left" and they would just stare at me. The worst was an older man who was walking his dog on an extendable leash. He'd hear me coming and let the dog have more leash so he could trip me up. So, there was some rope jumping involved today as well.
I generally don't like morning runs. But, as it is Easter, I thought I'd better fit it in before all the family obligations start setting in. That sounds negative and I don't mean it to be. I like being with my family. Running just doesn't fit in well with visiting.
I also went out today wearing my new Road ID. It is going to take a bit of getting used to but I like it anyway. I'm just not accustomed to wearing something around my right wrist (the left one is already taken by my Nike +). I hope I never need it, but I like knowing that I don't have to carry id anymore. I'll just wear it. Check out their site. It isn't very expensive and my family and I have peace of mind.
Today was my first official Long Slow Run (LSR). It wasn't really all that long--only three miles, but I did have to slow down. After two weeks of having to run faster than race pace it was very weird to have to force myself to slow down. The object of a LSR is to finish the distance however you can. They also want you to slow down because the longer (timewise) you are active the easier it will be to add more distance later. This training schedule I'm following doesn't really settle into a pattern for another couple of weeks. Soon, though, I'll be doing short fast runs of three miles. I won't lie, though. It was nice to have to tell myself to slow down rather than to tell myself to pick it up.
It was a beautiful morning as well. A bit windy, though. I walked down to my local park that has a running trail and started making laps. Laps are boring, yes, but I had the park to myself at first. The birds, wind, squirrels. . . Anyway, it was peaceful. Then the other people started showing up. They were all walkers, which is fine, don't get me wrong, but they wouldn't move over for me to pass. I'd say, "On your left" and they would just stare at me. The worst was an older man who was walking his dog on an extendable leash. He'd hear me coming and let the dog have more leash so he could trip me up. So, there was some rope jumping involved today as well.
I generally don't like morning runs. But, as it is Easter, I thought I'd better fit it in before all the family obligations start setting in. That sounds negative and I don't mean it to be. I like being with my family. Running just doesn't fit in well with visiting.
I also went out today wearing my new Road ID. It is going to take a bit of getting used to but I like it anyway. I'm just not accustomed to wearing something around my right wrist (the left one is already taken by my Nike +). I hope I never need it, but I like knowing that I don't have to carry id anymore. I'll just wear it. Check out their site. It isn't very expensive and my family and I have peace of mind.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Bits and Bites
169 Days to Race
Some successes to report. When I stepped on the scale this morning I saw the smallest number I've seen since 1994. I'm still not quite sure I believe it. Eight more pounds and I'll be at the weight I told myself I had to see before I'd allow myself to pierce my nose. It now looks like I'll actually have to DECIDE if I really want to do it. I thought I had picked some random unattainable number. It's just a bit scary.
I also (this is kind of gross) lost my first toenail last night. Runners say that toenails are for sissies, and I knew it would happen eventually, but now I look down at my bare toe and wonder what to do. Summer is practically here and I will want to wear open toed shoes. I live in flip flops for heaven's sake. How am I supposed to paint a nail that isn't there?
Ugh, anyway, I just did another fast two mile run. I ran outside. Too hot! Too windy! But I still did it at a 10'49" pace and managed another negative split. I just hope I have enough energy left to babysit my niece and nephew tonight!
Some successes to report. When I stepped on the scale this morning I saw the smallest number I've seen since 1994. I'm still not quite sure I believe it. Eight more pounds and I'll be at the weight I told myself I had to see before I'd allow myself to pierce my nose. It now looks like I'll actually have to DECIDE if I really want to do it. I thought I had picked some random unattainable number. It's just a bit scary.
I also (this is kind of gross) lost my first toenail last night. Runners say that toenails are for sissies, and I knew it would happen eventually, but now I look down at my bare toe and wonder what to do. Summer is practically here and I will want to wear open toed shoes. I live in flip flops for heaven's sake. How am I supposed to paint a nail that isn't there?
Ugh, anyway, I just did another fast two mile run. I ran outside. Too hot! Too windy! But I still did it at a 10'49" pace and managed another negative split. I just hope I have enough energy left to babysit my niece and nephew tonight!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Fartleks Blow
171 Days to Race
Today was my first real day of speed training. I ran 20 minutes of fartleks.
Go ahead.
Laugh.
I know it is a funny word.
Out of your system?
Okay, so fartleks are a kind of interval training. I ran a five minute warm up at 4.5 mph. I can't believe I now think of that as an easy run. Anyway, after that I ran four sessions of four minutes at 6 mph and then one minute of "recovery" at 5 mph. Remember last week when I was hoping to be able to run an 11 minute mile? 6 mph is a 10 minute mile. I'm hoping to run the race at about 4.7 mph.
So, yeah. Fartleks suck.
I'm proud of myself for being able to do what I did today. But I don't have to like it, right?
Tomorrow is ANOTHER rest day. This training program sure is starting out slow. . .
Today was my first real day of speed training. I ran 20 minutes of fartleks.
Go ahead.
Laugh.
I know it is a funny word.
Out of your system?
Okay, so fartleks are a kind of interval training. I ran a five minute warm up at 4.5 mph. I can't believe I now think of that as an easy run. Anyway, after that I ran four sessions of four minutes at 6 mph and then one minute of "recovery" at 5 mph. Remember last week when I was hoping to be able to run an 11 minute mile? 6 mph is a 10 minute mile. I'm hoping to run the race at about 4.7 mph.
So, yeah. Fartleks suck.
I'm proud of myself for being able to do what I did today. But I don't have to like it, right?
Tomorrow is ANOTHER rest day. This training program sure is starting out slow. . .
Monday, April 18, 2011
Warrior Dash!
173 Days to Race
I’ve been out of touch for the last few days. Last Thursday was supposed to be a rest day but I decided to go ahead and do Friday’s run. I knew I would have to get up really early to run on Friday because I had to leave early to drive to the Dallas area. I don’t like early runs. Don’t know why, exactly, but I’m always super tired the rest of the day if I do that. I envy those people who say that a morning run energizes them.
I’ve slept since then, but my running log says that I ran just over two miles and managed another negative split. Evidently nothing interesting happened on that run or I’d remember it, right?
But to the fun stuff. WARRIOR DASH. So. Much. Fun. 3.24 miles of slippery mayhem. Up and over 15 foot walls. Army crawls through mud under barbed wire. Mud pit at end. . .
I’m so glad I participated and can’t wait until the next one. I’m bruised from head to toe and sore from top to bottom, but that should count as my 3 mile fast run, right?
My sister is on my left in each of these before and after shots. . .
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
30% Insanity
178 Days to Race
Today was supposed to be another fast and easy two mile run. Rather than run this one for time, I decided to head to my gym (the one I pay for rather than the one at work) and use their high end treadmills to run some hills. I have a treadmill at home but it is so old it doesn’t even have a display to tell you your incline. The ones at work are more advanced but don’t have the ability to do a negative incline. Why should I suffer through hills if I never get to run back down?
Anyway, I walk in the gym and go straight for the biggest baddest treadmills they have. Not the nice friendly ones that would have worked just as well. The ones with the hand grips up high that go up to a 30% incline.
30%?
Isn’t that called rock climbing?
I think, “How hard can it be to figure this machine out? I’ve seen people on these things who look like they couldn’t manage to turn on a light switch!”
WRONG
I finally find the hill program and (thankfully) it asks me what I want to be my maximum incline. I don’t remember what number I put in but I know that it was TOO DAMN HIGH! I did know enough to run more slowly, but I couldn’t make a mile of that program. Too much uphill and not enough down.
I found the cool down button while swearing under my breath. Didn’t have enough breath to swear out loud! Found the manual button and ran the remaining distance at a normal pace.
I know I need to run some hills, but today was really awful. There has to be another way. Runners around here run bridges—good solution unless you are, like me, terrified of heights. The most popular bridge to run is one I can’t even stand to drive over.
Tomorrow is another rest day. I'll take it.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
First Day Success
179 Days to Race
Yesterday's training session went very well. I ran just over two miles at a pace of 10’56”. Not bad for me, really. I even managed to run a negative split! (Second half faster than first half.) That’s supposed to be a good thing and propel you to run a personal record (PR). I don’t know or even really care if that is true. I’m running my first marathon. I’m guaranteed to run a PR if I finish.
When I decided to identify as a runner—just saying I’m a runner is still a new and foreign concept to me—I ordered a subscription to Runner’s World. I’m learning all kinds of cool things about running. I was introduced to the wonders of BodyGlide (one word) to keep from chafing and read reviews of running shoes before I bought my newest pair. But the main thing I like about getting this magazine every month is the feeling of community and the inspirational stories I find.
Today is supposed to be a rest day. Rest days are hard. It sounds crazy, but you keep feeling that you aren’t doing something you should be doing. I know intellectually that my body needs rest, but emotionally I want to go out and pound the pavement. I do tend to think of my feet kicking and pounding the ground as a way to beat the stress out of my day. Nice, I think. But, back to point. I’m going to use my rest days to focus on those who inspire me.
When I subscribed to RW I received a special deal. I got a training log and a “Complete Runner’s Guide” as well. In the Runner’s Guide there is a story about a woman, Margaret Davis of Azusa, CA, who ran her first marathon at age 79. Her current goal (at age 85) is to qualify for the Boston Marathon. She says that she needs a 5:30 (what I hope to be able to run) and her current best is a 5:37.
I want to be Margaret Davis when I grow up.
Yesterday's training session went very well. I ran just over two miles at a pace of 10’56”. Not bad for me, really. I even managed to run a negative split! (Second half faster than first half.) That’s supposed to be a good thing and propel you to run a personal record (PR). I don’t know or even really care if that is true. I’m running my first marathon. I’m guaranteed to run a PR if I finish.
When I got home I enjoyed my own ceremony to celebrate the start of a new training program. It's a bit kindergarten, but I put a sticker on my calendar. It's blurry because my phone's camera isn't great, but still. I have my first gold star!
Today is supposed to be a rest day. Rest days are hard. It sounds crazy, but you keep feeling that you aren’t doing something you should be doing. I know intellectually that my body needs rest, but emotionally I want to go out and pound the pavement. I do tend to think of my feet kicking and pounding the ground as a way to beat the stress out of my day. Nice, I think. But, back to point. I’m going to use my rest days to focus on those who inspire me.
When I subscribed to RW I received a special deal. I got a training log and a “Complete Runner’s Guide” as well. In the Runner’s Guide there is a story about a woman, Margaret Davis of Azusa, CA, who ran her first marathon at age 79. Her current goal (at age 85) is to qualify for the Boston Marathon. She says that she needs a 5:30 (what I hope to be able to run) and her current best is a 5:37.
I want to be Margaret Davis when I grow up.
Monday, April 11, 2011
An Introduction to My Crazy Goal
180 days until race
I've been running a little over a year now. I started off with the Couch to 5K program. I was about 100 pounds overweight. Through the course of that running program I discovered that I have exercise induced asthma, got that treated, lost about 60 pounds, and dropped from a size 20 in denial still wearing an 18 to a size 10/12. I've now run several 5K's, a 5 mile race, a 10K, and two half marathons. I'm set to run the Warrior Dash this weekend. AND I'm starting my training for a marathon today.
Why do I call this a crazy goal? Well, first off there is the fact that I broke my ankle ten years ago and my orthopedic surgeon told me I'd never run a marathon. There's the fact that the marathon I've registered for is in October in Portland, Oregon, and I'll have to do my longest training run in the Southeast Texas Summer heat. And there is the fact that Portland is hilly, and, well, this area is FLAT!
Today I need to do a two mile fast run. My sister is going to run this one with me. She's in better shape than I am and runs as well. She refuses to consider running a full marathon, though. I'm still a slow runner. I'm going to shoot for a "fast" run of eleven minute miles. Last week I ran my fastest ever mile at about ten minutes. I don't think I could keep that up for two miles, however.
I've been running a little over a year now. I started off with the Couch to 5K program. I was about 100 pounds overweight. Through the course of that running program I discovered that I have exercise induced asthma, got that treated, lost about 60 pounds, and dropped from a size 20 in denial still wearing an 18 to a size 10/12. I've now run several 5K's, a 5 mile race, a 10K, and two half marathons. I'm set to run the Warrior Dash this weekend. AND I'm starting my training for a marathon today.
Why do I call this a crazy goal? Well, first off there is the fact that I broke my ankle ten years ago and my orthopedic surgeon told me I'd never run a marathon. There's the fact that the marathon I've registered for is in October in Portland, Oregon, and I'll have to do my longest training run in the Southeast Texas Summer heat. And there is the fact that Portland is hilly, and, well, this area is FLAT!
Today I need to do a two mile fast run. My sister is going to run this one with me. She's in better shape than I am and runs as well. She refuses to consider running a full marathon, though. I'm still a slow runner. I'm going to shoot for a "fast" run of eleven minute miles. Last week I ran my fastest ever mile at about ten minutes. I don't think I could keep that up for two miles, however.
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