...was a slow month for the running. After my huge debut as a half-marathoner, I believe I've gone out for a run 3 times? Nothing stellar. But I REALLY don't want to lose all that training I worked so hard for. I'm not a fan of the long run (I'd say beyond 6 or 7 miles it's just no fun) so I will keep it short and sweet for now, and ramp back up when I have a distance to train for. And I've started back up again - 3 miles yesterday, and I planned on going out again today until I woke up with a nasty headache. So I'll be out tomorrow. I'd like to shoot for 3 runs a week, keeping it at about 3 miles.
I also signed up for another half marathon, but this one I'm doing as part of a relay team with my dad and sis-in-law. Should be fun, and will keep me running over the summer. I'll probably start looking for a 10K to do sometime this fall as well.
And as far as kage / delilas 10K crunch challenge goes, I've been doing my 100 crunches 4 or 5 out of every 7 days. Nothing to brag about, but that's 4 or 5 days more than I was doing crunches before!
I'm looking forward to my annual physical next week. Last year, my doctor encouraged me to make exercise a regular habit (beyond my usual training routine of chasing children) and I haven't seen her since. I can't wait to see her face when I tell her that I didn't just add 20 minutes a day, I ran freakin' 13 miles. And now I've just got to keep it up.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
DONE!!!!
This post is going to have a lot of pictures, but you can just deal with it! Considering I think I've had maybe one picture in the life of this blog, consider this the make-up post!
I started the day with a half a peanut butter sandwich and a breakfast drink, and at 8:40 Chris (my racing buddy / sis-in-law), Mike (her hubby and our chauffeur) and I left to pick up Keighty (our other racing buddy and sis-in-law) to head off for the race. I was... nervous. NER-VOUS. Butterflies in belly. Not sure what to expect. As we approached Woodstock (the biggest town on the course) there was definitely traffic, a lot of cars parking and a bus ahead of us full of people. The closer we got to the start, the crazier it was. And then, we arrived - at about 9:30, with race start at 10:15 - and there were LOTS of people, and notably, LOTS of port-a-potties.
See them there behind us? Yeah, there were lots of them. Okay, so we first made a bee-line for said potties, since we all had to go. I get this nervous peeing thing before I run, I go about 10 times, convinced my bladder is full, but then it's like dribble, dribble, nothing. TMI?
Anyway, after that it was off to registration where we picked up our numbers and our timing chips. We then stood around watching all the "real runners" (as we termed them) stretching. It was our determination that it was too early for us to stretch, so we wandered around and crowd-watched a bit. With about 20 to go until start, we did some stretching, applied sunscreen and ultra glide, downed some shot bloks (I stashed some extras down my shorts) and we packed up our bag and stuck it on the gear bus (which took our bags to the finish line). Then it was time for one more stop at the potties, and then to the start line. Or, more specifically, to the back of the large mass of people at the start line. When the gun went off, it was 2 - 3 minutes before we crossed the line, and then we were off!
Chris and Keighty have always run a little faster than me, and we soon separated and did our own thing. I was probably right on pace in my first mile, but got a little worried in my second and slowed down more than I needed to I think. At about mile 3, you come to a part of the course where the route is doubling back on itself - and of course, by the time I got there, there were plenty of runners coming the other way (they were at about mile 5). The beauty of running slowly, you get the course to yourself, right?!?!? Just after mile 4, the course crosses a covered bridge and comes into Woodstock. That's where our team of supporters was waiting - so awesome and slightly overwhelming to see them!
Another nice thing about being near the end of the running pack is that there aren't a lot of people around to get in the way of photos, so Mike got plenty of shots of me crossing the bridge!
I look quite happy in that last one, don't I?
The highlights of the next 4 miles was a perfectly placed port-a-potty (they must have known when we'd need to get rid of all that pre-race water!) and some water stations and lots of very nice people cheering. If there's a race in your town, even if you don't know anyone running in it, go out and cheer for the people running by - it really does make them feel great! Starting at about mile 7.5, there were gatorade and water stations. I figured out that what I like is to take a cup of gatorade, drink 2- 3 sips, and then chase that with some water to get the taste out of my mouth. Running with that sweet taste in my mouth isn't fun - I'd rather flush it out with some water.
At mile 8, our cheering team met us at the end of a long dirt road stretch, right before we hit the biggest hill on the course. Here are a couple of shots of my son, Max, keeping busy while they waited:
And no, he doesn't know any of those people, he was just really enthusiastic about the whole event. Apparently, he was very upset that he couldn't run, so when I came along, he went out and joined me:
I paused long enough to give him a kiss, pick up a new pack of shot bloks from hubby, and then I was off again for the remaining 5.1 miles (after I trudged up the short but darn steep hill).
At about mile 11.5, when I was glad I had run the course before and knew the end was nearing, a sweet / funny / pathetic thing happened. There was a woman out on her porch, cheering us all on. As I came by, she looked right at me and said, very earnestly, "you've come this far, you're almost there. Look at what you've done! Now finish it!" What she said struck me and I got a little teary, getting excited about accomplishing this enormous feat that I never really thought I could do. Then, because I started to get teary, my throat started to close up, and suddenly, I couldn't breathe! I started to panic as I wheezed with no air, until I finally calmed myself down, mentally slapped myself around for getting teary, and resumed normal breathing. Basically, I got so emotional about finishing the race, I almost didn't finish!! Pathetic.
Speaking of finishing, here's the big moment:
My buddy crossed the finish with me. The time on the clock is my "gun" time, meaning the time from when the gun went off until when I crossed the line. My actual time (from crossing the start until reaching the finish) was 2:43, which is a good bit below my goal of coming in under 3 hours. And now I have a number to shoot to beat next year! Yes, that's right, I'm thinking I'll run it again.
Here are my partners in crime on their runs. They did great!
And here we are, happy to be done. (and stuffing our mouths with food, please ignore our chipmunk cheeks...)
A big thanks to everyone who turned out to cheer us on, especially Michelle, our fellow training buddy / sis-in-law who had to sit out the big day due to the baby inside her really wanting to come out (but it's not time yet baby, STAY IN THERE!) so she was there cheering us on. She pretty much did the race though, since she went out on the 12 mile day with us, so she deserves a big cheer as well. (YAY CHELLE!)
Thanks for reading along through this adventure. It's cheesy to say, but I hope this inspires you to set a goal and go for it. A year ago, I would have pulled a muscle laughing at you if you suggested I'd have just completed a half marathon today. But here I am! And i'm not a runner, or a fitness enthusiast - never have been. But this has made me a healthier and more confident person, and I'm glad I've done it. I'm already planning for my next race (a half marathon relay at the end of the summer) and I expect to keep training, so keep reading if you'd like. I'll try to be better about updating you all on my frustrations, fun, and foibles as I go along.
YAY!
I started the day with a half a peanut butter sandwich and a breakfast drink, and at 8:40 Chris (my racing buddy / sis-in-law), Mike (her hubby and our chauffeur) and I left to pick up Keighty (our other racing buddy and sis-in-law) to head off for the race. I was... nervous. NER-VOUS. Butterflies in belly. Not sure what to expect. As we approached Woodstock (the biggest town on the course) there was definitely traffic, a lot of cars parking and a bus ahead of us full of people. The closer we got to the start, the crazier it was. And then, we arrived - at about 9:30, with race start at 10:15 - and there were LOTS of people, and notably, LOTS of port-a-potties.
See them there behind us? Yeah, there were lots of them. Okay, so we first made a bee-line for said potties, since we all had to go. I get this nervous peeing thing before I run, I go about 10 times, convinced my bladder is full, but then it's like dribble, dribble, nothing. TMI?
Anyway, after that it was off to registration where we picked up our numbers and our timing chips. We then stood around watching all the "real runners" (as we termed them) stretching. It was our determination that it was too early for us to stretch, so we wandered around and crowd-watched a bit. With about 20 to go until start, we did some stretching, applied sunscreen and ultra glide, downed some shot bloks (I stashed some extras down my shorts) and we packed up our bag and stuck it on the gear bus (which took our bags to the finish line). Then it was time for one more stop at the potties, and then to the start line. Or, more specifically, to the back of the large mass of people at the start line. When the gun went off, it was 2 - 3 minutes before we crossed the line, and then we were off!
Chris and Keighty have always run a little faster than me, and we soon separated and did our own thing. I was probably right on pace in my first mile, but got a little worried in my second and slowed down more than I needed to I think. At about mile 3, you come to a part of the course where the route is doubling back on itself - and of course, by the time I got there, there were plenty of runners coming the other way (they were at about mile 5). The beauty of running slowly, you get the course to yourself, right?!?!? Just after mile 4, the course crosses a covered bridge and comes into Woodstock. That's where our team of supporters was waiting - so awesome and slightly overwhelming to see them!
Another nice thing about being near the end of the running pack is that there aren't a lot of people around to get in the way of photos, so Mike got plenty of shots of me crossing the bridge!
I look quite happy in that last one, don't I?
The highlights of the next 4 miles was a perfectly placed port-a-potty (they must have known when we'd need to get rid of all that pre-race water!) and some water stations and lots of very nice people cheering. If there's a race in your town, even if you don't know anyone running in it, go out and cheer for the people running by - it really does make them feel great! Starting at about mile 7.5, there were gatorade and water stations. I figured out that what I like is to take a cup of gatorade, drink 2- 3 sips, and then chase that with some water to get the taste out of my mouth. Running with that sweet taste in my mouth isn't fun - I'd rather flush it out with some water.
At mile 8, our cheering team met us at the end of a long dirt road stretch, right before we hit the biggest hill on the course. Here are a couple of shots of my son, Max, keeping busy while they waited:
And no, he doesn't know any of those people, he was just really enthusiastic about the whole event. Apparently, he was very upset that he couldn't run, so when I came along, he went out and joined me:
I paused long enough to give him a kiss, pick up a new pack of shot bloks from hubby, and then I was off again for the remaining 5.1 miles (after I trudged up the short but darn steep hill).
At about mile 11.5, when I was glad I had run the course before and knew the end was nearing, a sweet / funny / pathetic thing happened. There was a woman out on her porch, cheering us all on. As I came by, she looked right at me and said, very earnestly, "you've come this far, you're almost there. Look at what you've done! Now finish it!" What she said struck me and I got a little teary, getting excited about accomplishing this enormous feat that I never really thought I could do. Then, because I started to get teary, my throat started to close up, and suddenly, I couldn't breathe! I started to panic as I wheezed with no air, until I finally calmed myself down, mentally slapped myself around for getting teary, and resumed normal breathing. Basically, I got so emotional about finishing the race, I almost didn't finish!! Pathetic.
Speaking of finishing, here's the big moment:
My buddy crossed the finish with me. The time on the clock is my "gun" time, meaning the time from when the gun went off until when I crossed the line. My actual time (from crossing the start until reaching the finish) was 2:43, which is a good bit below my goal of coming in under 3 hours. And now I have a number to shoot to beat next year! Yes, that's right, I'm thinking I'll run it again.
Here are my partners in crime on their runs. They did great!
And here we are, happy to be done. (and stuffing our mouths with food, please ignore our chipmunk cheeks...)
A big thanks to everyone who turned out to cheer us on, especially Michelle, our fellow training buddy / sis-in-law who had to sit out the big day due to the baby inside her really wanting to come out (but it's not time yet baby, STAY IN THERE!) so she was there cheering us on. She pretty much did the race though, since she went out on the 12 mile day with us, so she deserves a big cheer as well. (YAY CHELLE!)
Thanks for reading along through this adventure. It's cheesy to say, but I hope this inspires you to set a goal and go for it. A year ago, I would have pulled a muscle laughing at you if you suggested I'd have just completed a half marathon today. But here I am! And i'm not a runner, or a fitness enthusiast - never have been. But this has made me a healthier and more confident person, and I'm glad I've done it. I'm already planning for my next race (a half marathon relay at the end of the summer) and I expect to keep training, so keep reading if you'd like. I'll try to be better about updating you all on my frustrations, fun, and foibles as I go along.
YAY!
Friday, May 30, 2008
it's the final countdown....
da da daaaa da... da da da da da.... da da daaaa da (come on, don't say it wasn't going through your head too when you read the title)
The race is on Sunday. I am ready. I ran 12 miles on the 17th (I know, right???) and I have my shoes, socks, shorts, and tank all set to go. The last thing I need to do is load up my latest audiobook (The Second Summer of the Sisterhood - I know, I'm ashamed...) and quell the butterflies RAGING in my tummy.
I'll try to post on Sunday (with some pictures even!) but if not, then Monday at the latest. :-)
The race is on Sunday. I am ready. I ran 12 miles on the 17th (I know, right???) and I have my shoes, socks, shorts, and tank all set to go. The last thing I need to do is load up my latest audiobook (The Second Summer of the Sisterhood - I know, I'm ashamed...) and quell the butterflies RAGING in my tummy.
I'll try to post on Sunday (with some pictures even!) but if not, then Monday at the latest. :-)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
apparently, I'm not much of a blogger these days
It doesn't help that I'm a little bored with running, which makes BLOGGING about running fall even farther down the list!
We tackled 9 miles, and while it wasn't as good as the 8 mile run, I'd say that's mostly because I didn't sleep enough the night before. This past week was an "off" week (meaning our regular Tuesday / Thursday 3 mile runs and then a 4 mile on Saturday) in preparation for this Saturday's 10 mile run. It's a testament to how far I've come that I'm not freaking out about it - what's one more mile? Of course, the next week is 12 miles and that sounds a little daunting, but I'm sure we'll do great.
I made it through The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but it wasn't quite doing it for me. So I've switched over to some really hard-hitting literature: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Try not to hurt yourself laughing at me.
Also, after a less-than-thorough and really not scientific search, I've decided that I (along with my running partners / sis-in-laws) prefer Clif Shot Bloks in strawberry as our "performance food" of choice. Next task? Finding some (gulp) running shorts. Ugh.
We tackled 9 miles, and while it wasn't as good as the 8 mile run, I'd say that's mostly because I didn't sleep enough the night before. This past week was an "off" week (meaning our regular Tuesday / Thursday 3 mile runs and then a 4 mile on Saturday) in preparation for this Saturday's 10 mile run. It's a testament to how far I've come that I'm not freaking out about it - what's one more mile? Of course, the next week is 12 miles and that sounds a little daunting, but I'm sure we'll do great.
I made it through The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but it wasn't quite doing it for me. So I've switched over to some really hard-hitting literature: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Try not to hurt yourself laughing at me.
Also, after a less-than-thorough and really not scientific search, I've decided that I (along with my running partners / sis-in-laws) prefer Clif Shot Bloks in strawberry as our "performance food" of choice. Next task? Finding some (gulp) running shorts. Ugh.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A bit of a break
Hello there everyone, sorry, I've been a bit out of the blogging groove these last couple of weeks.
So yes, I was sick. I missed 3-mile training runs on 4/8, 4/10, and 4/17. I got in a 4-mile run on Saturday the 12th and a 3-mile on the 15th, but all said not exactly a stellar training period. Colds suck. 'nuff said.
Then, this past Saturday - 8 miles! It was an awesome run actually. We ran part of the actual race course - from Billings Farm in Woodstock to the Quechee polo fields, just past The Inn At Marshland Farm (where my hubby and I got married, actually). We left a car at each end, stuffed a bag with water and goo shots and dropped it by the side of the road, and we were off! Three of us ran, two (pregnant ladies) walked it. Aside from the water stop in the middle, we ran the whole way. It felt quite good actually.
Then yesterday I had the worst run I've had in MONTHS. I couldn't figure it out, it was only a 3 mile run, which we decided to do on the trails in the nature preserve behind my house. This is where we did all our running last summer, and so it should have felt familiar. However, I couldn't seem to get into it at all - it was totally a mental block, I wasn't too tired, but my body just wouldn't run for me. But after the run, I realized that all this time training on treadmills and the road has allowed me to develop a relatively consistent pace, and it is very difficult to maintain that when trail running - so many twisty little paths, ups and downs, rocks and roots, etc. So I'll be heading back to the road tomorrow, in hopes that it is indeed the solution. I hope I'm not permanently broken!
9 miles to come on Saturday. I finished Harry Potter #7 on the run last Saturday, and while I was tempted to just listen to it again (I love that book...) I thought something fresh might do me good. So I'm listening to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis, which I'm enjoying so far. I haven't read the books in decades, so it is like reading (listening) to them again for the first time.
So yes, I was sick. I missed 3-mile training runs on 4/8, 4/10, and 4/17. I got in a 4-mile run on Saturday the 12th and a 3-mile on the 15th, but all said not exactly a stellar training period. Colds suck. 'nuff said.
Then, this past Saturday - 8 miles! It was an awesome run actually. We ran part of the actual race course - from Billings Farm in Woodstock to the Quechee polo fields, just past The Inn At Marshland Farm (where my hubby and I got married, actually). We left a car at each end, stuffed a bag with water and goo shots and dropped it by the side of the road, and we were off! Three of us ran, two (pregnant ladies) walked it. Aside from the water stop in the middle, we ran the whole way. It felt quite good actually.
Then yesterday I had the worst run I've had in MONTHS. I couldn't figure it out, it was only a 3 mile run, which we decided to do on the trails in the nature preserve behind my house. This is where we did all our running last summer, and so it should have felt familiar. However, I couldn't seem to get into it at all - it was totally a mental block, I wasn't too tired, but my body just wouldn't run for me. But after the run, I realized that all this time training on treadmills and the road has allowed me to develop a relatively consistent pace, and it is very difficult to maintain that when trail running - so many twisty little paths, ups and downs, rocks and roots, etc. So I'll be heading back to the road tomorrow, in hopes that it is indeed the solution. I hope I'm not permanently broken!
9 miles to come on Saturday. I finished Harry Potter #7 on the run last Saturday, and while I was tempted to just listen to it again (I love that book...) I thought something fresh might do me good. So I'm listening to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis, which I'm enjoying so far. I haven't read the books in decades, so it is like reading (listening) to them again for the first time.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
I'm beginning to sense a pattern here
I'm feeling a little low, not really into the running groove. I head out, somewhat unenthusiastically, for a challenging run. I return victorious, energized, jazzed, ready to tackle the next run. Bring it on! And the next step?
... I get sick. I've been down with a cold since Sunday. :-( Which means no run on Tuesday, no run today. I should be back for Saturday's run, but I'm bummed I've had to miss these two. It's spring! I can run outside! I am nearing the (dramatic, gripping, wonderful) end of Harry Potter on my ipod! Nothing can stop me now! ... Except a little snot...
... I get sick. I've been down with a cold since Sunday. :-( Which means no run on Tuesday, no run today. I should be back for Saturday's run, but I'm bummed I've had to miss these two. It's spring! I can run outside! I am nearing the (dramatic, gripping, wonderful) end of Harry Potter on my ipod! Nothing can stop me now! ... Except a little snot...
Saturday, April 5, 2008
We are the champions, my friends...
... which is what I was singing when I re-entered my house after my triumphant 7 mile run! That's right, I did it. I DID IT! 7 miles, and..... drumroll please.... NO WALKING! I ran the whole dang thing!
We ran outside - no snow, no rain. It was damp out from all the rain yesterday, but otherwise, excellent running conditions. I did great until about mile 5.5, when I hit a bit of a wall, but now I just know for next time that I'll need to give myself a little "snack" right around that point (oooh, weird exercise gel packs, can't wait!)
Not much more to report about it, other than I did it. But I think that's enough, right? !
We ran outside - no snow, no rain. It was damp out from all the rain yesterday, but otherwise, excellent running conditions. I did great until about mile 5.5, when I hit a bit of a wall, but now I just know for next time that I'll need to give myself a little "snack" right around that point (oooh, weird exercise gel packs, can't wait!)
Not much more to report about it, other than I did it. But I think that's enough, right? !
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Checking in, catching up...
Hello blogging world, sorry to have neglected you. Here's the training update:
Thursday, 3/27 - 3 miles, inside at the high school gym. They have an elevated walkway around the top of the gym, which community members can use during the day. You get the added bonus of watching gym class while you run. :-) I actually had a pretty crummy run. I couldn't seem to get my rhythm going, and it was really warm in there, so I don't think I'll be heading back there again. I suppose I was moving, so that was a plus, but in reality it wasn't much better than the treadmill.
Saturday, 3/29 - 5 miles! On the treadmill. I should have taken a lot of joy in completing this run - my first 5 miles, ever. But I think Thursday's run had me down, so while my 5 was a pretty good run, I just couldn't seem to muster enthusiasm or excitement over the achievement. Not like when I first ran 3 miles (ha! Seems so long ago!) when I ran around proclaiming it to the world with great joy. So I ran 2.5 miles, walked for a minute, and then ran the remaining distance. I think I needed the break mentally more than physically.
Tuesday, 4/1 - skipped :-S I really wasn't into it, and stayed up too late the night before, and hubby stayed up WAY LATE working on a business proposal, and I didn't want him to have to deal with AM kid stuff, and.... well, I basically made up a bunch of excuses and skipped. By Wednesday morning I was regretting it though. I may not love the running, but I like the feeling of using my body. Makes it feel like less of a useless lump.
Today! - 2 miles on treadmill. It was a shorter run today to prepare for Saturday's 7 miles (GULP!) which I'm desperate to do outside (although the report is currently calling for rain... better than snow I guess!). Anyway, I picked up the intensity today, and it was a pretty quick 2 miles. Glad to be back in the saddle again. It was good to miss a day and regret it, helps me to chase away the thoughts of skipping next time!
Stay tuned for the 7 mile adventure...
Thursday, 3/27 - 3 miles, inside at the high school gym. They have an elevated walkway around the top of the gym, which community members can use during the day. You get the added bonus of watching gym class while you run. :-) I actually had a pretty crummy run. I couldn't seem to get my rhythm going, and it was really warm in there, so I don't think I'll be heading back there again. I suppose I was moving, so that was a plus, but in reality it wasn't much better than the treadmill.
Saturday, 3/29 - 5 miles! On the treadmill. I should have taken a lot of joy in completing this run - my first 5 miles, ever. But I think Thursday's run had me down, so while my 5 was a pretty good run, I just couldn't seem to muster enthusiasm or excitement over the achievement. Not like when I first ran 3 miles (ha! Seems so long ago!) when I ran around proclaiming it to the world with great joy. So I ran 2.5 miles, walked for a minute, and then ran the remaining distance. I think I needed the break mentally more than physically.
Tuesday, 4/1 - skipped :-S I really wasn't into it, and stayed up too late the night before, and hubby stayed up WAY LATE working on a business proposal, and I didn't want him to have to deal with AM kid stuff, and.... well, I basically made up a bunch of excuses and skipped. By Wednesday morning I was regretting it though. I may not love the running, but I like the feeling of using my body. Makes it feel like less of a useless lump.
Today! - 2 miles on treadmill. It was a shorter run today to prepare for Saturday's 7 miles (GULP!) which I'm desperate to do outside (although the report is currently calling for rain... better than snow I guess!). Anyway, I picked up the intensity today, and it was a pretty quick 2 miles. Glad to be back in the saddle again. It was good to miss a day and regret it, helps me to chase away the thoughts of skipping next time!
Stay tuned for the 7 mile adventure...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
3 miles with no pauses
Most of my runs up until now have worked like this: run a mile, walk for 1 minute. Repeat until the mileage has been achieved. It was such a nice reward after each mile to get that one minute of relief, get my breath back, and then attack again, renewed. But for my run on Saturday (3 miles, done outside in the afternoon) and my run today (3 miles, on the treadmill this evening) I did the full distance with no pauses, no walking. Woo hoo! It wasn't even that difficult. I found my breath to be in control for almost the entire run, I really only had to pay attention to it that last mile. It give me confidence going into Saturday's 5-mile run that I'll be able to handle it, no problem. I only hope that the forecasted snow (!!!!!) does not occur, so that I can do it outside. That long on the treadmill is just too boring, no matter what I'm listening to.
Off to hit the shower...
Off to hit the shower...
Friday, March 21, 2008
2 miles - the Chi is with me...
Yesterday was just 2 miles, and I was back on the treadmill. Hopefully tomorrow's run (which is only 3 miles actually - gearing up for the big 5 miles next Saturday!) will be done outside.
I spent most of yesterday's run concentrating on my posture and form. I'm reading a book that a friend recommended called Chi Running, which I thought I would hate based on the title, but have actually found quite interesting. The short overview is that you should try to use your core muscles as much as possible rather than running just with your legs. Difficult to describe, interesting to attempt! ;-) I felt a difference in yesterday's run, so I'm continuing to read it and figure out exactly what it is I'm supposed to be doing!
I spent most of yesterday's run concentrating on my posture and form. I'm reading a book that a friend recommended called Chi Running, which I thought I would hate based on the title, but have actually found quite interesting. The short overview is that you should try to use your core muscles as much as possible rather than running just with your legs. Difficult to describe, interesting to attempt! ;-) I felt a difference in yesterday's run, so I'm continuing to read it and figure out exactly what it is I'm supposed to be doing!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
OUTSIDE!!! - 3 miles
I ran outside today! I'm so excited, it felt so good to be moving and breathing fresh air. And the best part? Average of 12 minute miles! I'm so relieved.
Of course, it's an 80% chance of snow tonight, with freezing rain as well, so who knows if I'll be outside again on Thursday, but at least I got a little taste of it. So much better than treadmill, I've got to say. Now I'm just looking forward to the end of snow and the end of mud season (which will follow the snow) so that I can get back on the trails. I don't like running on the road where there are so many people to see me!
Of course, it's an 80% chance of snow tonight, with freezing rain as well, so who knows if I'll be outside again on Thursday, but at least I got a little taste of it. So much better than treadmill, I've got to say. Now I'm just looking forward to the end of snow and the end of mud season (which will follow the snow) so that I can get back on the trails. I don't like running on the road where there are so many people to see me!
Monday, March 17, 2008
saturday - 4 miles
It is done. I have officially crossed the 4 mile mark. Hooray! It didn't feel quite as triumphant as the 3 mile mark. Wasn't quite as energizing either, as was evidenced by the nap I took on the playroom floor at about 2pm. :-)
I'm anxious to get outside to run, in part because the treadmill is getting a little monotonous, and also in part because I'm curious about my actual pace. Back when we were running outside this fall, I was doing about an 11 minute mile. Nothing fast, but that's not really what I'm going for here. According to my ipod (with the Nike+ tracker) I'm still running about the same pace as I was when we were outside, but the treadmill says I am running 14.5 minute miles! That sounds pretty darn slow to me. I'm looking forward to getting outside where I can run a course that I've tracked on the Gmap Pedometer at the same heart rate that I've been running at, and see what the equates to as far as pace. If I'm unlucky, I've actually been running slower. If I'm lucky, the treadmill is off and I've been running further than I thought, which would be so nice. I guess if I'm REALLY unlucky, the treadmill is off and I've been running much slower and much shorter distances. Sigh. Trying not to get my hopes up!
So yes, in order to run what the treadmill told me was 4 miles, I had to run for an HOUR. Plus warm up and cool down. That's a long time to stare at a brick wall. When I was leaving, one of the older men who was working out commented that I'd been on there a long time, and I definitely agreed with him. If you had told me this fall that I'd be spending an hour on the treadmill by choice, I'd have laughed in your face.
I'm anxious to get outside to run, in part because the treadmill is getting a little monotonous, and also in part because I'm curious about my actual pace. Back when we were running outside this fall, I was doing about an 11 minute mile. Nothing fast, but that's not really what I'm going for here. According to my ipod (with the Nike+ tracker) I'm still running about the same pace as I was when we were outside, but the treadmill says I am running 14.5 minute miles! That sounds pretty darn slow to me. I'm looking forward to getting outside where I can run a course that I've tracked on the Gmap Pedometer at the same heart rate that I've been running at, and see what the equates to as far as pace. If I'm unlucky, I've actually been running slower. If I'm lucky, the treadmill is off and I've been running further than I thought, which would be so nice. I guess if I'm REALLY unlucky, the treadmill is off and I've been running much slower and much shorter distances. Sigh. Trying not to get my hopes up!
So yes, in order to run what the treadmill told me was 4 miles, I had to run for an HOUR. Plus warm up and cool down. That's a long time to stare at a brick wall. When I was leaving, one of the older men who was working out commented that I'd been on there a long time, and I definitely agreed with him. If you had told me this fall that I'd be spending an hour on the treadmill by choice, I'd have laughed in your face.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday - "Just two miles"
That's what I said on Wednesday night when Nate asked me how long I had to run in the morning - "Just two miles". Ha! Never thought I'd be saying that. It was fine, I ran at a higher intensity, so it didn't exactly fly by, but it wasn't so bad.
Tomorrow will see the dawn of the 4 mile run. Gulp! I was considering an outside run, but I just checked the weather and there's an 80% chance of snow. Sigh. So it's off to the treadmill for me. I got a couple of new gear bits to bring with me - a replacement Nike + sensor (since my old one died about 10 miles ago...) and a super-duper little pouch to put the sensor in. I"m glad to have it back, I've missed having Lance Armstrong telling me what a good job I'm doing. :-)
Tomorrow will see the dawn of the 4 mile run. Gulp! I was considering an outside run, but I just checked the weather and there's an 80% chance of snow. Sigh. So it's off to the treadmill for me. I got a couple of new gear bits to bring with me - a replacement Nike + sensor (since my old one died about 10 miles ago...) and a super-duper little pouch to put the sensor in. I"m glad to have it back, I've missed having Lance Armstrong telling me what a good job I'm doing. :-)
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
3 miles - awesome run
I'm back! After a week of no running (and no cross training unless you count my boogie time on Friday night) I hit the treadmill this morning with a bit of trepidation. This whole daylight savings time switch has been really hard for me. I can't seem to get to bed before midnight, 12:30, and then 6:30 comes really really quickly. It just hurts to not only get up at that time, but to go EXERT.
But, mile 1 of today's run was one of the best I've ever had. I found myself thinking "how was one mile ever a challenge?" - that's how quickly and easily it flew by. Mile 2 was a definitely not as comfortable, but still not awful. Mile 3... well, about halfway through that my legs decided they were too tired and they'd rather stop, but I ignored that and powered through. So clearly endurance is needing some work! But it was great to feel so good for the first mile / two miles, especially since I've got a four mile run coming up on Saturday!
My friend who was in the hospital (Kristy) is back home, thank goodness. She is feeling better but has some life changes to adjust to - if you want to read about what's going on, you can go here. I'm just glad that it isn't something life-threatening - you hear spot on the brain, and your mind just runs wild with it.
But, mile 1 of today's run was one of the best I've ever had. I found myself thinking "how was one mile ever a challenge?" - that's how quickly and easily it flew by. Mile 2 was a definitely not as comfortable, but still not awful. Mile 3... well, about halfway through that my legs decided they were too tired and they'd rather stop, but I ignored that and powered through. So clearly endurance is needing some work! But it was great to feel so good for the first mile / two miles, especially since I've got a four mile run coming up on Saturday!
My friend who was in the hospital (Kristy) is back home, thank goodness. She is feeling better but has some life changes to adjust to - if you want to read about what's going on, you can go here. I'm just glad that it isn't something life-threatening - you hear spot on the brain, and your mind just runs wild with it.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
the good, the bad, and the ugly
the good - the library budget passed! Yay! That certainly makes my life much easier for the coming year. I'd hate to think how many bake sales it would have taken to keep the doors open...
the bad - I'm sick, so no running today. I'm very bummed, not only because I really don't like being sick, but also because I was really feeling in the groove. Today was supposed to be a 2 mile day at a higher intensity, and i was looking forward to feeling like 2 miles was a short run after my last two 3-mile runs. Hopefully I'll be back in business for Saturday's run. Also for my cross-training on Friday night - my sis-in-law is having a disco night for her birthday, so I've got to get my strength up so that I can boogie the night away!
the ugly - one of my dearest friends was admitted to the hospital yesterday after she had a seizure. The CAT scan has found something on her brain, and she's still in the hospital having tests done today. We should know more tomorrow. I'm wishing I had more energy today so that I could distract myself a little more - lying around on the couch staring at the ceiling just gives me a lot of time to worry about her.
More soon...
the bad - I'm sick, so no running today. I'm very bummed, not only because I really don't like being sick, but also because I was really feeling in the groove. Today was supposed to be a 2 mile day at a higher intensity, and i was looking forward to feeling like 2 miles was a short run after my last two 3-mile runs. Hopefully I'll be back in business for Saturday's run. Also for my cross-training on Friday night - my sis-in-law is having a disco night for her birthday, so I've got to get my strength up so that I can boogie the night away!
the ugly - one of my dearest friends was admitted to the hospital yesterday after she had a seizure. The CAT scan has found something on her brain, and she's still in the hospital having tests done today. We should know more tomorrow. I'm wishing I had more energy today so that I could distract myself a little more - lying around on the couch staring at the ceiling just gives me a lot of time to worry about her.
More soon...
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
3 miles and I stayed up too late
First of all, I didn't get my cross training in yesterday. It's Town Meeting time! Official Town Meeting day is today (Tuesday) but in my town, Tuesday is spent voting by Australian ballot on the measures that we discuss in a meeting on Monday night. I was at that meeting last night from 7pm - 10:30pm. Go Democracy, right??!!? I'm Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for our local library, and I had to appear at the meeting to speak on behalf of the library and basically beg the voters to approve our appropriation. We'll see what happens after the vote today. Anyway, I didn't get to go to pilates class because of the meeting, and I was too disorganized to find another time to work out during the day. Excuses, excuses.
BUT, after staying up until midnight (I had to unwind after the crazy long meeting) I got up at 6:30 and headed to the gym with C to run my three miles! Yeah, you know, it's old hat by now, I'm totally cool.... ;-) It felt pretty good. I can't say I'm LOVING it, but 3 miles isn't as awful as I imagined it to be. Talk to me at 4 miles. :-)
BUT, after staying up until midnight (I had to unwind after the crazy long meeting) I got up at 6:30 and headed to the gym with C to run my three miles! Yeah, you know, it's old hat by now, I'm totally cool.... ;-) It felt pretty good. I can't say I'm LOVING it, but 3 miles isn't as awful as I imagined it to be. Talk to me at 4 miles. :-)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
3 miles!!!
I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles! I ran 3 miles!
I feel like I can do anything. Well, anything except run another 10 miles. :-)
I feel like I can do anything. Well, anything except run another 10 miles. :-)
Thursday, February 28, 2008
1.8 miles - gotta get up earlier
Due to various complicated child-supervising schemes, which I will not bother to describe in detail, I had limited running time this morning and was not able to fit in my whole run. My own darn fault, I just like sleeping too much.
I also totally blew my "training diet" last night with a visit to our local diner. Mmmmm burger and fries, so yum yum yummy. I did manage to go without the shake, does that earn me any points? But I'm back in the saddle today, deciding right now what delicious and healthy meal to prepare for my dinner.
I also totally blew my "training diet" last night with a visit to our local diner. Mmmmm burger and fries, so yum yum yummy. I did manage to go without the shake, does that earn me any points? But I'm back in the saddle today, deciding right now what delicious and healthy meal to prepare for my dinner.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
2 miles and mid-day running is not my favorite
I skipped cross-training yesterday. Combination of hubby being away and a 3-hour library board meeting in the evening just made it too complicated. But, as I was preparing dinner, I got a little "time to go to the gym" urge. Saturday AM run to Monday evening cross-train is my longest stretch without a gym visit, and my body and mind were definitely feeling a little lost without the regular injection of pain and sweat. Seems I've formed myself a little habit here! Now if I could only drop the one that involves eating handfuls of chocolate chips while standing in front of the pantry...
Anyway, Grammie took Max to lunch today while I hit the gym for my 2 miles. As much as I DO NOT LIKE getting up early, I've realized that running mid-day is just not good for me. I get home, shower, and then suddenly my whole body is screaming that it is nap time. This would be fine if I could fit in a nap, but I can't. With the early AM running, my body is still in ramp-up mode, so I can deal. But if I run mid-day, as soon as 3pm hits it's all I can do to prop open my eyelids.
Thanks all for your rave reviews on the hair. :-)
Anyway, Grammie took Max to lunch today while I hit the gym for my 2 miles. As much as I DO NOT LIKE getting up early, I've realized that running mid-day is just not good for me. I get home, shower, and then suddenly my whole body is screaming that it is nap time. This would be fine if I could fit in a nap, but I can't. With the early AM running, my body is still in ramp-up mode, so I can deal. But if I run mid-day, as soon as 3pm hits it's all I can do to prop open my eyelids.
Thanks all for your rave reviews on the hair. :-)
Saturday, February 23, 2008
2 miles and strength training
... and boy am i tired. Most days that I run, I don't really feel it much the rest of the day. Once I get back from the gym and shower, I'm pretty much recovered from the experience. But today is another matter. I'm TIRED. Not sure what is different, I ran the same amount, and I didn't to a very intense lifting routine... maybe it's just a week's worth of blah hitting me on a Saturday morning.
Got my hair cut yesterday, I kinda like it. A little shorter than I was planning on, but it has some pizazz. I like pizazz.
Happy Saturday all!
Got my hair cut yesterday, I kinda like it. A little shorter than I was planning on, but it has some pizazz. I like pizazz.
Happy Saturday all!
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