Grrrrr. My knee is acting up again. I took Sunday and Monday off to rest it. OK, well, I actually did some working out yesterday...but no legs. I just hit the weight room to do arms. I am banking on something Coach Joe B said, which is, if you increase the strength in your arms you will be a faster runner (because your legs speed up to accomodate your arm speed). I am definitely icing tonight after the workout.
Tonight is speedwork. More precisely, Yasso 800s. I didn't even know what these were until I read about them in this month's Runner's World. Basically, they involve 10 x 800 (two laps around the track) at the time you want to finish your marathon. So, if you want to be slow, like me, (my goal is to finish in less than 5 hours this time, so 4:59) you would do each 800 at 4 minutes and 59 seconds. I have never done this type of training before, and I always seemed to be out of town when we did track work in the last marathon group. We'll see how it goes. But already in my mind I am being negative, because there was a reason in high school that I ran on the cross country team and not the track team.
I also have another question. I have been reading a lot about getting your VO2 Max measured. I know of one place in
Cincinnati that does it, but it seems REALLY expensive. Has anyone got it done? Is it worth it?
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
In the Big Scheme of Things...
Saturday was our group run at 10 miles. Our route was an 8 mile loop, ending at the store and then you could add on 2, 3, 4, or 5 miles depending on which marathon you were running.
I started out just fine, with the group I have been running with (I am HORRIBLE at keeping pace, so I now make sure I am running with the same four people...they keep me on track). I actually felt like I had more energy than usual. We ran all the way down to the area by CrossRoads, and when I turned back to start making it into Norwood I DIED. I felt like someone took a powerful magic ray and just ZAPPED all of the energy out of me...you know, like in the cartoons. I stopped for my first water break, hoping I was just in need of some liquid or something. Mind you, I was only at 3.25 miles at this point. My hair was already soaking wet (did I mention that I don't usually sweat?). The water did help a little, but then I just felt zapped again. It didn't help that by this time most of the group had split up even further. This always happens at water stops, because some people take longer than others. But usually we all catch up with each other after a little bit. So I was running solo for what seemed like forever. It was funny too, because we ran this route a few weeks ago (but backwards) and it just flew by. I passed a guy that can usually kick my butt, who was walking. I passed some more people walking. It was awful, but I was glad to see that I wasn't the only one dying. It made me feel less like it was just a mental block or something.
Second water stop, two miles to go. The longest two miles of my life. The endless debate started in my head 'can I stop at 8? No, you have to do 10. But I am sooooo tired. Too bad, you signed up for this...are you going to stop in the marathon when you are tired?' I passed another walking girl. I saw the woman ahead of me stop to walk. I now looked like I had taken a shower. I made a deal with myself: 'if you RUN the rest of the way back to the store...no walking, you can stop at 8.' So I did it. I figured in the big scheme of things 2 miles was not going to make a difference when I felt like I did.
When I went up to get my keys, I saw that a lot of other people in my general pace group were stopping too. And on the way to my car I saw the woman who was in front of me in the last two miles. She told me she just didn't think she could go any more, and she wanted to do 5 more miles. I said "No way. I'm quitting. I wanted to do two more but it is just way too humid out here." I still feel like a quitter, even through all of my rationalization :)
I started out just fine, with the group I have been running with (I am HORRIBLE at keeping pace, so I now make sure I am running with the same four people...they keep me on track). I actually felt like I had more energy than usual. We ran all the way down to the area by CrossRoads, and when I turned back to start making it into Norwood I DIED. I felt like someone took a powerful magic ray and just ZAPPED all of the energy out of me...you know, like in the cartoons. I stopped for my first water break, hoping I was just in need of some liquid or something. Mind you, I was only at 3.25 miles at this point. My hair was already soaking wet (did I mention that I don't usually sweat?). The water did help a little, but then I just felt zapped again. It didn't help that by this time most of the group had split up even further. This always happens at water stops, because some people take longer than others. But usually we all catch up with each other after a little bit. So I was running solo for what seemed like forever. It was funny too, because we ran this route a few weeks ago (but backwards) and it just flew by. I passed a guy that can usually kick my butt, who was walking. I passed some more people walking. It was awful, but I was glad to see that I wasn't the only one dying. It made me feel less like it was just a mental block or something.
Second water stop, two miles to go. The longest two miles of my life. The endless debate started in my head 'can I stop at 8? No, you have to do 10. But I am sooooo tired. Too bad, you signed up for this...are you going to stop in the marathon when you are tired?' I passed another walking girl. I saw the woman ahead of me stop to walk. I now looked like I had taken a shower. I made a deal with myself: 'if you RUN the rest of the way back to the store...no walking, you can stop at 8.' So I did it. I figured in the big scheme of things 2 miles was not going to make a difference when I felt like I did.
When I went up to get my keys, I saw that a lot of other people in my general pace group were stopping too. And on the way to my car I saw the woman who was in front of me in the last two miles. She told me she just didn't think she could go any more, and she wanted to do 5 more miles. I said "No way. I'm quitting. I wanted to do two more but it is just way too humid out here." I still feel like a quitter, even through all of my rationalization :)
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Bad Breath Answers!
OK. Check out this link.
In summary: Bad breath IS caused by burning carbohydrates...which makes your body burn fat, turning it into fuel called ketones.
It is also caused by dehydration.
And NO, I don't care what the article says...I am NOT going to chew parsley to temporarily help. I think I will just be disgusting and have bad breath/gross mouth taste until after my run.
In summary: Bad breath IS caused by burning carbohydrates...which makes your body burn fat, turning it into fuel called ketones.
It is also caused by dehydration.
And NO, I don't care what the article says...I am NOT going to chew parsley to temporarily help. I think I will just be disgusting and have bad breath/gross mouth taste until after my run.
Lazy Girl
So, I didn't really work out last night, unless you count drinking a bunch of beers and running to first base once working out. I don't.
I could say that I at least tried to run in the morning, but I didn't. I didn't even set my alarm for early to make an attempt. I just can't do those morning runs. So I guess all my London good intentions have officially gone down the drain now.
Oh well, enough of me chastising myself...I am definitely hitting the gym tonight and working out my arms on the weight machines.
But, I found something interesting out. I always have this really horrible taste in my mouth when I am running, and afterwards my breath REALLY stinks. Bill said he was either watching something on TV, or read something (I do listen, I swear) where they said that the bad breath was due (at least partially) to burning fat. It was an article (or show segment) about bad breath, and they were saying that people on low carb diets often have bad breath because they are burning fat. Now I guess that would be an okay reason to have bad breath. Or, at least okay to have it while you are running and have no access to brushing your teeth. Anyway, I will have to look more into that.
Saturday (doesn't it feel like a Friday?) is an easy ten miles. Whoo hoo!
I could say that I at least tried to run in the morning, but I didn't. I didn't even set my alarm for early to make an attempt. I just can't do those morning runs. So I guess all my London good intentions have officially gone down the drain now.
Oh well, enough of me chastising myself...I am definitely hitting the gym tonight and working out my arms on the weight machines.
But, I found something interesting out. I always have this really horrible taste in my mouth when I am running, and afterwards my breath REALLY stinks. Bill said he was either watching something on TV, or read something (I do listen, I swear) where they said that the bad breath was due (at least partially) to burning fat. It was an article (or show segment) about bad breath, and they were saying that people on low carb diets often have bad breath because they are burning fat. Now I guess that would be an okay reason to have bad breath. Or, at least okay to have it while you are running and have no access to brushing your teeth. Anyway, I will have to look more into that.
Saturday (doesn't it feel like a Friday?) is an easy ten miles. Whoo hoo!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Repeat, Repeat
So last night we did the whole Grandin/Rookwood area repeat thing. I was really really hoping that we would meet at Game Day Sports Café and run up to Mt. Adams to do hill repeats, so when I looked on the schedule on Monday night I was really dreading practice. It's just that the hills when we start from O'Bryonville tend to be up and down and up and down and up and down, while in Mt. Adams it is just up and down.
Either I forgot what it was like, or we took a slightly different route than normal, because it really wasn't that bad. Besides that, I was in the slow group, so we only actually did three repeats.
I also have selective memory, because I say this every time (in my head at least) in the middle of the workout: hill repeats aren't so bad! To me, they are never as long as they seem. And I tend to look up the hill in front of me and get completely overwhelmed and then only a few seconds later, realize I am already halfway up.
Sure, there is a lot of huffing and puffing, but then at the end you get to run DOWN the hill. Plus, you know you did a hard workout. AND my repeats actually got faster each time (ok, only by like 2 seconds, but that is still faster).
I also think there is just a little bit of me that is actually psycho. I mean, seriously...who LIKES hills? And as slowly as I go up the hill, I seem to always pass people on them in the races. They are like my secret weapons. Last year when I ran the Race For the Cure I DIED and I swear it's because the course was so flat! I guess that doesn't bode well for Chicago. (I do secretly cringe every time someone tells me I will love the course so much more than the Pig because it is so flat!)
Anyway, after the hills we ran Millionaire's Mile (through Grandin, etc.) as our cool-down. Seeing all of those beautiful houses actually really helps the time go by quickly.
All in all, it was another great run!
Either I forgot what it was like, or we took a slightly different route than normal, because it really wasn't that bad. Besides that, I was in the slow group, so we only actually did three repeats.
I also have selective memory, because I say this every time (in my head at least) in the middle of the workout: hill repeats aren't so bad! To me, they are never as long as they seem. And I tend to look up the hill in front of me and get completely overwhelmed and then only a few seconds later, realize I am already halfway up.
Sure, there is a lot of huffing and puffing, but then at the end you get to run DOWN the hill. Plus, you know you did a hard workout. AND my repeats actually got faster each time (ok, only by like 2 seconds, but that is still faster).
I also think there is just a little bit of me that is actually psycho. I mean, seriously...who LIKES hills? And as slowly as I go up the hill, I seem to always pass people on them in the races. They are like my secret weapons. Last year when I ran the Race For the Cure I DIED and I swear it's because the course was so flat! I guess that doesn't bode well for Chicago. (I do secretly cringe every time someone tells me I will love the course so much more than the Pig because it is so flat!)
Anyway, after the hills we ran Millionaire's Mile (through Grandin, etc.) as our cool-down. Seeing all of those beautiful houses actually really helps the time go by quickly.
All in all, it was another great run!
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Short Runs
OK. Last night I went on another 3 mile run around my neighborhood with my husband. I was really trying hard not to be annoyed when he would pass me up so far that he would have to come to a complete stop to wait for me as I chugged up the hill. Or as he doubled back to catch up with me like he had boundless energy as I was huffing and puffing. And really really tried when he told me that if we sprinted the last quarter of a mile we could make a nine minute mile. That is when I broke my niceness rule and said "you go ahead. I just want to finish." Don't get me wrong. I like running with him. It is just difficult when I feel like I am dying and just want to get it all over with to have someone who doesn't even run as much as I do run loops around me. My fatal flaw? Competitiveness.
He realized he was annoying me and asked me later on our walk with Benvy, our dog. I said basically I cannot STAND 3 mile runs. I feel like I am dying on them. Which he didn't understand. Because logically, how can I go out and run 12 miles no problem, but a 3-miler kills me? I have no idea. I really really hate the three mile runs on Mondays and Wednesdays. I told him I would pick 12 miles over 3 any day. I don't get it either.
I have heard other marathoners feel the same way, so I know I am not too crazy.
It doesn't make sense, I know.
He realized he was annoying me and asked me later on our walk with Benvy, our dog. I said basically I cannot STAND 3 mile runs. I feel like I am dying on them. Which he didn't understand. Because logically, how can I go out and run 12 miles no problem, but a 3-miler kills me? I have no idea. I really really hate the three mile runs on Mondays and Wednesdays. I told him I would pick 12 miles over 3 any day. I don't get it either.
I have heard other marathoners feel the same way, so I know I am not too crazy.
It doesn't make sense, I know.
Monday, July 23, 2007
I Totally Renege
I know. I know. I go on and on about how I hate running in Glendale. And how I hate doing loops. But I actually had a really really nice, enjoyable run this weekend. DESPITE the fact that I ended up running up and down one street 4 times in order to get all of my mileage in.
Since I was on the upper end of mileage for the group this weekend I did:
1. a 6.6 mile loop around Glendale (the most BORING part was a street that wrapped around by UPS that seemed to go on forever)
2. a 2.4 mile loop around by the Grande Finale which seemed extremely short
3. a 2.5 mile loop in the neighborhoods of Glendale, by where the Black Squirrel 5k is usually run
4. a 1.2 mile loop along the RR tracks (again!) to get me close to the 13-14 miles I needed to run.
I should have probably done another 1.2 miles to actually get me up to 13.9 instead of 12.7, but really, I could not run that whole RR track thing another time without going insane.
I think the weather makes all the difference. I was beating myself up in my past runs because I was doing between a 11-14 minute mile throughout the runs and walking up some of the hills. I felt totally out of shape and angry with myself. I guess it truly must be the heat/humidity though. Saturday I did 10 minute miles the entire way. That's more like it! It was beautiful out, and not the normal 85+ and humid. So my confidence is restored.
Even better, after the run I rewarded myself by going to pick up the new Harry Potter which I had on reserve so I could read it at the pool all day. Because I am a big believer in the theory that you have to reward yourself. :)
Tonight is an easy 3-mile run, which means my husband will be running with me. (Which also means I have to pick up the pace a bit). Oh well, I need to do speedwork.
Since I was on the upper end of mileage for the group this weekend I did:
1. a 6.6 mile loop around Glendale (the most BORING part was a street that wrapped around by UPS that seemed to go on forever)
2. a 2.4 mile loop around by the Grande Finale which seemed extremely short
3. a 2.5 mile loop in the neighborhoods of Glendale, by where the Black Squirrel 5k is usually run
4. a 1.2 mile loop along the RR tracks (again!) to get me close to the 13-14 miles I needed to run.
I should have probably done another 1.2 miles to actually get me up to 13.9 instead of 12.7, but really, I could not run that whole RR track thing another time without going insane.
I think the weather makes all the difference. I was beating myself up in my past runs because I was doing between a 11-14 minute mile throughout the runs and walking up some of the hills. I felt totally out of shape and angry with myself. I guess it truly must be the heat/humidity though. Saturday I did 10 minute miles the entire way. That's more like it! It was beautiful out, and not the normal 85+ and humid. So my confidence is restored.
Even better, after the run I rewarded myself by going to pick up the new Harry Potter which I had on reserve so I could read it at the pool all day. Because I am a big believer in the theory that you have to reward yourself. :)
Tonight is an easy 3-mile run, which means my husband will be running with me. (Which also means I have to pick up the pace a bit). Oh well, I need to do speedwork.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Gen-Y Shortcomings
So, a lot of Gen-Yers, including me, have this little problem with staying focused unless we are continually stimulated. That is why I HATE doing loops in a run. I remember in the Flying Pig Marathon group, the 15 mile run was three 5 mile loops. Luckily, I missed that practice because of injury. I think I would have gone absolutely crazy. It looks like our run tomorrow also incorporates loops. Yuck.
It just makes me realize again how much of running is mental. I will just have to make sure my ipod is loaded up with lots of great songs, so that I can get into a sort of trance-state as I listen to my music.
Also, it is weird to go from the Flying Pig Marathon group to the Fall Marathon group. It is a lot different, because we are all running different marathons...therefore the training schedule is different for all of us. For example, in the Pig group, our Saturday would say 11-12 miles, which meant that I was always running 11 miles. But tomorrow, we will have some people running 6 miles, some running 9, some running 11, and some running 13. Since Chicago is a fairly early fall marathon I will be running 13-14. So I always have to mentally psych myself up, and tell myself that even though I am one of the slowest runners in the group, I still have to do the most mileage.
I will say though, that the Saturday runs are definitely the most rewarding. I can ride all day on the high I get from running those long distances. And I think its kind of funny if I go out that night and my friends ask "how much did you run this morning" and I'm like "oh, like 11 miles..." which in the scheme of marathon training really doesn't seem like a lot, until I listen to myself saying it. I also don't feel guilty about a Saturday nap, then. And of course, I feel like I can eat whatever I want all day.
I guess that is the pay-off for waking up so early on the weekend.
It just makes me realize again how much of running is mental. I will just have to make sure my ipod is loaded up with lots of great songs, so that I can get into a sort of trance-state as I listen to my music.
Also, it is weird to go from the Flying Pig Marathon group to the Fall Marathon group. It is a lot different, because we are all running different marathons...therefore the training schedule is different for all of us. For example, in the Pig group, our Saturday would say 11-12 miles, which meant that I was always running 11 miles. But tomorrow, we will have some people running 6 miles, some running 9, some running 11, and some running 13. Since Chicago is a fairly early fall marathon I will be running 13-14. So I always have to mentally psych myself up, and tell myself that even though I am one of the slowest runners in the group, I still have to do the most mileage.
I will say though, that the Saturday runs are definitely the most rewarding. I can ride all day on the high I get from running those long distances. And I think its kind of funny if I go out that night and my friends ask "how much did you run this morning" and I'm like "oh, like 11 miles..." which in the scheme of marathon training really doesn't seem like a lot, until I listen to myself saying it. I also don't feel guilty about a Saturday nap, then. And of course, I feel like I can eat whatever I want all day.
I guess that is the pay-off for waking up so early on the weekend.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Sweaty Girl
It has been sooooo humid lately!
I went for my negative split run last night (and actually for real did a negative split...in fact, I had two minutes left over) and when I came back I was so sweaty. I actually had a film of sweat all over me, and I was only out for 40 minutes! (I don't really sweat very much ever. I could run 9 miles usually and not sweat). It was gross.
But even grosser (is that a word?) is that I had a softball game afterwards. I basically just keep my running clothes on and pull my t-shirt over. Well, I change my shoes of course too. But I was being finicky about my pigtails and decided to redo them. I could have wrung them out. Nasty. I do not like all of this sweat. It was even worse on the field.
I am so done with this humidity. It is really throwing my times off. I just have to keep telling myself that I am running slower because of all this heat and humidity. Apparantly other people are feeling it too, because Coach Joe F sent out an email telling us not to get discouraged if we felt slow, because the heat and humidity are so bad that they are bound to slow us down.
By the way, I just looked at the humidity for yesterday...it got up to 93%. Gross.
I went for my negative split run last night (and actually for real did a negative split...in fact, I had two minutes left over) and when I came back I was so sweaty. I actually had a film of sweat all over me, and I was only out for 40 minutes! (I don't really sweat very much ever. I could run 9 miles usually and not sweat). It was gross.
But even grosser (is that a word?) is that I had a softball game afterwards. I basically just keep my running clothes on and pull my t-shirt over. Well, I change my shoes of course too. But I was being finicky about my pigtails and decided to redo them. I could have wrung them out. Nasty. I do not like all of this sweat. It was even worse on the field.
I am so done with this humidity. It is really throwing my times off. I just have to keep telling myself that I am running slower because of all this heat and humidity. Apparantly other people are feeling it too, because Coach Joe F sent out an email telling us not to get discouraged if we felt slow, because the heat and humidity are so bad that they are bound to slow us down.
By the way, I just looked at the humidity for yesterday...it got up to 93%. Gross.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Catch-up
So I DID have to work late last night. But as I was feeling sorry for myself, looking out the window I noticed it was lightning. So I'm thinking the run was called off yesterday. So, now I will be playing catch-up like I always do.
I don't know why, but it stresses me out when I can't stay on schedule...even when I make up my runs. I feel like I am a hamster on a wheel and get all stressed about it.
Maybe this is because I take the little calendar/schedule they give us at the running group and write down my actual work out on it after I complete one. So when I have blank days it stresses me out, even though we have planned rest days IN the schedule.
I think it is just a personality thing. I am very very very much of a Type A personality. (By the way, I am NOT exaggerating...I scored a 327 on the Jenkins Activity Survey Anyway, I really just have to get a grip on the fact that I will not be able to follow the calendar to the t, because my life is super busy.
That being said, I am going to try and make up my run tonight before my softball game. Maybe not as strenuous as the schedule suggested because last time I did that, I ended up with a sore butt! (Which I contributed to running and then squatting through 4 innings while I played catcher). Last night called for a negative split: 30 minutes out and 10-20% more effort on the way back. I stink at negative splits so I WILL have to try this tonight...but maybe with 20 minutes out instead.
I don't know why, but it stresses me out when I can't stay on schedule...even when I make up my runs. I feel like I am a hamster on a wheel and get all stressed about it.
Maybe this is because I take the little calendar/schedule they give us at the running group and write down my actual work out on it after I complete one. So when I have blank days it stresses me out, even though we have planned rest days IN the schedule.
I think it is just a personality thing. I am very very very much of a Type A personality. (By the way, I am NOT exaggerating...I scored a 327 on the Jenkins Activity Survey Anyway, I really just have to get a grip on the fact that I will not be able to follow the calendar to the t, because my life is super busy.
That being said, I am going to try and make up my run tonight before my softball game. Maybe not as strenuous as the schedule suggested because last time I did that, I ended up with a sore butt! (Which I contributed to running and then squatting through 4 innings while I played catcher). Last night called for a negative split: 30 minutes out and 10-20% more effort on the way back. I stink at negative splits so I WILL have to try this tonight...but maybe with 20 minutes out instead.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Hurrah! and Ptttt!
So...the bad first. Last night Bill and I went for a three-mile run. My schedule says that I should do a three mile run on Sunday and have a rest day on Monday, but since I went to a bachelorette party on Saturday and was up all night I decided to switch things up. Anyway, we were probably not even a mile into our run and my left calf started straining. It felt really really tight. No big deal, I stopped to stretch it out...this happens a lot when I run and then I stretch and am fine. Nope. Not yesterday. So we walked the rest of the way home. I felt bad for cutting our workout short, but I had no idea how long we were running tonight, only that we were doing a negative split so I didn't want to push it. We went home and took our dog on a walk and that seemed to help losen it up. So I'm hoping it will be okay tonight.
Another pttt is that I may have to work late tonight and therefore may not even be doing a group run. I hope that is not the case.
However I am excited because I finally got some new CDs in the mail. I am excited to have new music to run to. I was getting sick of my old playlist. I got Amy Winehouse's Back to Black, Lily Allen's Alright Still... and Mika's Life in Cartoon Motion. I am most excited about the Lily Allen CD. I guess I am being musically affected by my stay in London :)
Another pttt is that I may have to work late tonight and therefore may not even be doing a group run. I hope that is not the case.
However I am excited because I finally got some new CDs in the mail. I am excited to have new music to run to. I was getting sick of my old playlist. I got Amy Winehouse's Back to Black, Lily Allen's Alright Still... and Mika's Life in Cartoon Motion. I am most excited about the Lily Allen CD. I guess I am being musically affected by my stay in London :)
Monday, July 16, 2007
Evil Shorts
This Saturday I realized why I like running in a skirt so much. We had an 11-miler, and since I've been so spotty at doing the laundry lately, I had to settle for some running shorts instead of my usual running skirt. BIG MISTAKE.
I knew I was in trouble when I felt the swish swish swish of my shorts between my thighs in the first three miles. By mile 5 I was really hurting. I stopped for water somewhere around mile 7 and checked out the damage. At that point I had all of these little like, holes on both of my inner thighs. They were really burning. I was like 'well I just have to suck it up and forget about it'. Which was fine. I mean, it actually worked (mind over matter)...for awhile. Then, because it was so hot, I decided to run through a sprinkler that someone had trickling over the sidewalk. Whoops. Total mistake. I kind of forgot that putting water on chafing marks will only make them burn more.
The ironic thing was that I made sure that I wore a lot of Body Glide since I have had the same problem with my navel ring on my past two long runs. I guess I didn't think about wearing it on my thighs because the skirt has never given me that problem.
I also hate the shorts because unlike all of my other running pants and skirts they were low rise. So when my shirt rode up, (like it always does) it revealed my concave waist going into my convex belly. Yes, in other words a little pot belly. Gross.
Other than that the run was good. Now I just have to deal with the (now) red gashes on my inner thighs. I should buy stock in Neosporin during the running season.
I knew I was in trouble when I felt the swish swish swish of my shorts between my thighs in the first three miles. By mile 5 I was really hurting. I stopped for water somewhere around mile 7 and checked out the damage. At that point I had all of these little like, holes on both of my inner thighs. They were really burning. I was like 'well I just have to suck it up and forget about it'. Which was fine. I mean, it actually worked (mind over matter)...for awhile. Then, because it was so hot, I decided to run through a sprinkler that someone had trickling over the sidewalk. Whoops. Total mistake. I kind of forgot that putting water on chafing marks will only make them burn more.
The ironic thing was that I made sure that I wore a lot of Body Glide since I have had the same problem with my navel ring on my past two long runs. I guess I didn't think about wearing it on my thighs because the skirt has never given me that problem.
I also hate the shorts because unlike all of my other running pants and skirts they were low rise. So when my shirt rode up, (like it always does) it revealed my concave waist going into my convex belly. Yes, in other words a little pot belly. Gross.
Other than that the run was good. Now I just have to deal with the (now) red gashes on my inner thighs. I should buy stock in Neosporin during the running season.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Bananas and Alligators
So, I am rediscovering some running quirks that I used to experience in high school cross country. I am going to attribute it to the heat, since I have not yet had these things happen since high school.
The first is this gross taste I get in my mouth every time I've gone for a run this summer. When I was in high school I thought it was from bananas because our coach told us that we should eat a banana before every race if we were looking to eat something, because they digest easily. Well, I have NOT eaten bananas before any run since then, because they digest too easily (sorry. I know that is gross and too much information). It is this really really gross taste I get in my mouth. Maybe I need to drink more water or something. I know that I get bad breath after runs (my husband has told me), so maybe this does happen in the winter but I just don't notice it for some reason. At any rate it is gross.
The next is the alligator. This also was a term that our cross country coach told us about. The alligator usually gets you in the side during a run. My alligator has been getting me right in front of my left shoulder...you know, in that little triangle spot right under the ball and socket joint? Anyway, its this cramp that seems unbearable for awhile but eventually goes away. I wish that there was a good way to get rid of it sooner. I have heard all kinds of things, like: run with your hands on your head...it gets your breath in more easily which helps because the cramp is from not getting enough air. Or, grab the muscle and pinch and twist it hard. Neither of these work for me. The alligator has been a frequent visitor to me on recent runs.
I am going to drink lots of water today and hope that that solves the problems. It is sort of my solution I try for everything...sort of like when you call the tech guys with a computer problem and they tell you to restart your computer. Hopefully that will help.
The first is this gross taste I get in my mouth every time I've gone for a run this summer. When I was in high school I thought it was from bananas because our coach told us that we should eat a banana before every race if we were looking to eat something, because they digest easily. Well, I have NOT eaten bananas before any run since then, because they digest too easily (sorry. I know that is gross and too much information). It is this really really gross taste I get in my mouth. Maybe I need to drink more water or something. I know that I get bad breath after runs (my husband has told me), so maybe this does happen in the winter but I just don't notice it for some reason. At any rate it is gross.
The next is the alligator. This also was a term that our cross country coach told us about. The alligator usually gets you in the side during a run. My alligator has been getting me right in front of my left shoulder...you know, in that little triangle spot right under the ball and socket joint? Anyway, its this cramp that seems unbearable for awhile but eventually goes away. I wish that there was a good way to get rid of it sooner. I have heard all kinds of things, like: run with your hands on your head...it gets your breath in more easily which helps because the cramp is from not getting enough air. Or, grab the muscle and pinch and twist it hard. Neither of these work for me. The alligator has been a frequent visitor to me on recent runs.
I am going to drink lots of water today and hope that that solves the problems. It is sort of my solution I try for everything...sort of like when you call the tech guys with a computer problem and they tell you to restart your computer. Hopefully that will help.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
OK, Not So Bad
So I just checked out on mapmyrun.com where I went wrong last night with my directions. It looks like I ran 6.37 miles instead of the 6.7 I was supposed to. That is not so bad. Sometimes when I get lost I knock about 1-2 miles off of my run. So now I don't feel tooooo bad :)
Oops! I Did It Again!
Sorry. Lame title I know. And I am NOT a Britney fan, just in case you were wondering.
Last night we had options for our run...4.5 miles, 5.6 miles or 6.7 miles. Coach Joe F very diligently passed out the routes before we left as he always does. But let me tell you...I am the WORST with directions. I don't care if you give me turn by turn directions or a map. For some reason my brain doesn't work that way.
Which is why I ended up doing who knows how many miles instead of the 6.7 I planned on. Whoops. I noticed everyone running towards me on our route last night instead of away from me. I turned around and the people I was running with were gone. Apparantly I was running on Victoria AVENUE instead of turning on Victoria LANE like I was supposed to. So I went as far as it looked like people were running and then turned around and ran back. In the meantime I passed Coach Joe F who looked at me puzzled and I yelled "I know! I messed up!" When I did turn around I figured I should explain to one of our mentors who was running. Except I said "I'm stupid. I can't read directions." To which he replied "Oh, OK. This is the 6.7 option." Then I started to think, 'oh great. He thinks I literally CAN"T READ directions.'He even waited for me at the top of the hill to point out that I had to turn right. I felt stupid now for two reasons.
Oh well, I think I ran the whole thing at a 10 minute mile pace...which a little slower than what I was supposed to do (10% faster than your race pace). I just have to get used to this heat!!!
Last night we had options for our run...4.5 miles, 5.6 miles or 6.7 miles. Coach Joe F very diligently passed out the routes before we left as he always does. But let me tell you...I am the WORST with directions. I don't care if you give me turn by turn directions or a map. For some reason my brain doesn't work that way.
Which is why I ended up doing who knows how many miles instead of the 6.7 I planned on. Whoops. I noticed everyone running towards me on our route last night instead of away from me. I turned around and the people I was running with were gone. Apparantly I was running on Victoria AVENUE instead of turning on Victoria LANE like I was supposed to. So I went as far as it looked like people were running and then turned around and ran back. In the meantime I passed Coach Joe F who looked at me puzzled and I yelled "I know! I messed up!" When I did turn around I figured I should explain to one of our mentors who was running. Except I said "I'm stupid. I can't read directions." To which he replied "Oh, OK. This is the 6.7 option." Then I started to think, 'oh great. He thinks I literally CAN"T READ directions.'He even waited for me at the top of the hill to point out that I had to turn right. I felt stupid now for two reasons.
Oh well, I think I ran the whole thing at a 10 minute mile pace...which a little slower than what I was supposed to do (10% faster than your race pace). I just have to get used to this heat!!!
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Feeling Hot Hot Hot
So I realized WHY we are running so many miles so quickly. Last time we had an entire extra month of training. Duh.
So, on Saturday I went to Roncker's for the running group. I was excited because we were doing my favorite route, the out and back from the store to the Celestial, which includes all of my favorite Mt. Adams hills. I am not being sarcastic...I do love this route. I know that everyone else dreads running in Eden Park, but I actually like it.
It was already very very hot. I was not worried though because I knew I could do the Hyde Park Blast course in blistering heat and humidity.
Well, I guess four miles is different than seven. I was feeling really good...until I hit about 5 miles. Then I was DRAINED. It was like the heat just was sucking out all of my energy. I knew it wasn't muscle fatigue or anything like that because I felt fine when I was running in the shade. But then I would get to a sunny patch and ZAP...forget it! I didn't even want to look at my watch at the end. (Especially since I walked for some of it).
But, I didn't do as badly as I thought I would...I ended up with an 11 minute mile pace. Not great, but definitely not as bad as I thought.
Tonight is a pace run, which I think means that we will do another distance run at marathon pace.
So, on Saturday I went to Roncker's for the running group. I was excited because we were doing my favorite route, the out and back from the store to the Celestial, which includes all of my favorite Mt. Adams hills. I am not being sarcastic...I do love this route. I know that everyone else dreads running in Eden Park, but I actually like it.
It was already very very hot. I was not worried though because I knew I could do the Hyde Park Blast course in blistering heat and humidity.
Well, I guess four miles is different than seven. I was feeling really good...until I hit about 5 miles. Then I was DRAINED. It was like the heat just was sucking out all of my energy. I knew it wasn't muscle fatigue or anything like that because I felt fine when I was running in the shade. But then I would get to a sunny patch and ZAP...forget it! I didn't even want to look at my watch at the end. (Especially since I walked for some of it).
But, I didn't do as badly as I thought I would...I ended up with an 11 minute mile pace. Not great, but definitely not as bad as I thought.
Tonight is a pace run, which I think means that we will do another distance run at marathon pace.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Ha ha ha!
Just got the email for tomorrow's practice. 7-8 miles. I guess there will be no slacking on my part like I had hoped. :)
Back in the Groove
So, I start it all again tomorrow (marathon training group). I was kind of getting used to sleeping in on Saturdays, but hey, getting up to run is good for me. I just wonder how much mileage we are going to start with...the website says that you should be able to run 6-7 miles or approximately one hour, easily. Last time, I assumed that this meant that we would start with 6-7 miles. But we actually did a 3 or 4 mile run (your choice). Not to already sound lazy, but I hope that is what we do again.
Oh and I am going to try and nip a really bad running habit of mine in the butt (bud? butt?) this time around. I have this tendency to drive through McDonald's on the way home from practice and get the sausage and egg mcmuffin meal (with no egg). If I don't do that I stop at Bigg's and get a donut. Not the healthiest options. I am going to try and stick to cereal and fruit like I have every day. Maybe bring a banana in the car to curb the temptation. We'll see how long that lasts.
The other thing that will be different is that we will have a new coach. Coach Joe is going to check in every now and then but for the most part Coach Joe (ha ha...a different Coach Joe. Coach Joe F.) will be taking over. He was also one of the coaches last time and I like him a lot too.
I am also looking forward to seeing who came back for a second. You know, who exactly are the gluttons for pain? Just kidding. I think doing one marathon makes you a glutton for pain. :) It was such a good group that I hope most of them come back.
So I am looking forward to it, but I would have liked another Saturday to sleep in. I guess I will have to do that on Sundays now.
Oh and I am going to try and nip a really bad running habit of mine in the butt (bud? butt?) this time around. I have this tendency to drive through McDonald's on the way home from practice and get the sausage and egg mcmuffin meal (with no egg). If I don't do that I stop at Bigg's and get a donut. Not the healthiest options. I am going to try and stick to cereal and fruit like I have every day. Maybe bring a banana in the car to curb the temptation. We'll see how long that lasts.
The other thing that will be different is that we will have a new coach. Coach Joe is going to check in every now and then but for the most part Coach Joe (ha ha...a different Coach Joe. Coach Joe F.) will be taking over. He was also one of the coaches last time and I like him a lot too.
I am also looking forward to seeing who came back for a second. You know, who exactly are the gluttons for pain? Just kidding. I think doing one marathon makes you a glutton for pain. :) It was such a good group that I hope most of them come back.
So I am looking forward to it, but I would have liked another Saturday to sleep in. I guess I will have to do that on Sundays now.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
100! 100! 100!
So this is my 100th post. Hurrah! I was going to do something cool, like list the 100 reasons I love running. But I think that would take forever. And honestly I don't know that I could come up with 100 of them. Don't get me wrong, I love running, but 100 is a lot so I would end up having to name little stupid things like "my shoes are orange which is cool" or something like that, to round out the list. So maybe I will list the top ten reasons I love running. (Just multiply each of them by 10).
10. Runners' lingo. Talking about things like Shot Bloks, and chafing, and IT Bands and lactic acid and all of that stuff makes me feel like I am in a special club of cool athletes. :)
9. The sense of humor about running...like all the funny signs I saw during the marathon, or the shirt I saw on cafepress that said "26.2" on the front and "got toenails?" on the back.
8. Gaining muscle weight, losing fat weight and toning up.
7. Putting my shuffle to good use and finding music in my music library that I didn't even know I had.
6. Getting to know my body better. I used to be Miss Injury when I ran in high school. Now I know the difference between when I have just worked my muscles too hard and can still work out and when I've really injured myself and need to take it easy.
5. The running community. Who knew there were so many runners out there who all go through the same/similar things?
4. Bob Roncker's Running Spot. I know! I know! I sound like a commercial. But it really is a cool place and truly where runners can just hang out. Sometimes I feel like its one of my three homes (my real home, my work and the Running Spot). And seriously, I would NOT have run a marathon if I wasn't in that training program.
3. I feel sooooo good after a run. Especially a long one. In my training every time we ran more mileage I felt more and more accomplished.
2. Running clears my head. It is meditative and makes me feel good even after I had a bad day.
1. I can say I ran 26.2 miles, and I am just crazy enough to do it again.
Yes there are more reasons. And I'm sure I missed a ton. But those are the important ones I can think of right now. :)
10. Runners' lingo. Talking about things like Shot Bloks, and chafing, and IT Bands and lactic acid and all of that stuff makes me feel like I am in a special club of cool athletes. :)
9. The sense of humor about running...like all the funny signs I saw during the marathon, or the shirt I saw on cafepress that said "26.2" on the front and "got toenails?" on the back.
8. Gaining muscle weight, losing fat weight and toning up.
7. Putting my shuffle to good use and finding music in my music library that I didn't even know I had.
6. Getting to know my body better. I used to be Miss Injury when I ran in high school. Now I know the difference between when I have just worked my muscles too hard and can still work out and when I've really injured myself and need to take it easy.
5. The running community. Who knew there were so many runners out there who all go through the same/similar things?
4. Bob Roncker's Running Spot. I know! I know! I sound like a commercial. But it really is a cool place and truly where runners can just hang out. Sometimes I feel like its one of my three homes (my real home, my work and the Running Spot). And seriously, I would NOT have run a marathon if I wasn't in that training program.
3. I feel sooooo good after a run. Especially a long one. In my training every time we ran more mileage I felt more and more accomplished.
2. Running clears my head. It is meditative and makes me feel good even after I had a bad day.
1. I can say I ran 26.2 miles, and I am just crazy enough to do it again.
Yes there are more reasons. And I'm sure I missed a ton. But those are the important ones I can think of right now. :)
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Gym....oooooh, a Gym!
Sorry. Simpsons reference. I am a total nerd.
Last night I hit the gym for some weight lifting. I can already tell the difference after three weeks of weights. I am debating whether or not to continue this as I train for the next marathon. I mean, I will definitely continue doing my arms, back, chest and abs, but I don't know about the legs. Coach Joe says it kind of depends. He doesn't necessarily think it is a good idea because if you are lifting on your non-running days your legs don't really get a rest day. That is enough for me to say I will quit weight training during marathon season. It makes sense. But he also said that plenty of people do it and don't have a problem. I mean, I am not trying to be psycho body-building girl or anything...I just can see how it can really help.
That being said, I can't even do two of the machines for legs because they irritate my knees. I guess I have answered my own question.
One thing I love about the weight room...I always feel like a total weakling because my settings on my upper body are so low. And there are usually only men in the weight room, so most times I have to take the peg and move it up like 100 pounds or something ridiculous and then I have to watch the guy after me take the peg out and move it waaaaay down after me. BUT, the settings on my legs are so high. They usually make the men look like weaklings. Ha ha ha ha ha. I'm like "yeah! Take that!" in my head. Except for last night when this older (like 70 something) slender man was doing abductions while I was doing adductions. When we switched I saw he was on 130 while I can only do 100. I sort of felt like when all the people with strollers and all of the old skinny people pass me in a race. ;)
Oh well! That is more incentive to keep in shape forever!
UPDATED 7/5/07: to include new youtube link
Last night I hit the gym for some weight lifting. I can already tell the difference after three weeks of weights. I am debating whether or not to continue this as I train for the next marathon. I mean, I will definitely continue doing my arms, back, chest and abs, but I don't know about the legs. Coach Joe says it kind of depends. He doesn't necessarily think it is a good idea because if you are lifting on your non-running days your legs don't really get a rest day. That is enough for me to say I will quit weight training during marathon season. It makes sense. But he also said that plenty of people do it and don't have a problem. I mean, I am not trying to be psycho body-building girl or anything...I just can see how it can really help.
That being said, I can't even do two of the machines for legs because they irritate my knees. I guess I have answered my own question.
One thing I love about the weight room...I always feel like a total weakling because my settings on my upper body are so low. And there are usually only men in the weight room, so most times I have to take the peg and move it up like 100 pounds or something ridiculous and then I have to watch the guy after me take the peg out and move it waaaaay down after me. BUT, the settings on my legs are so high. They usually make the men look like weaklings. Ha ha ha ha ha. I'm like "yeah! Take that!" in my head. Except for last night when this older (like 70 something) slender man was doing abductions while I was doing adductions. When we switched I saw he was on 130 while I can only do 100. I sort of felt like when all the people with strollers and all of the old skinny people pass me in a race. ;)
Oh well! That is more incentive to keep in shape forever!
UPDATED 7/5/07: to include new youtube link
Monday, July 2, 2007
Fun Run
So the Hyde Park Blast was a lot of fun, and everyone did really well. The weather was sooooo much better than last year. But it was funny because I didn't remember there being so many up hills when we ran the course on Tuesday! I guess that's because Bill and I were talking the whole way and I missed them. Saturday I had my headphones on. :)
Bill and I separated from each other early on, when he tried to say something to me and I took my headphones out and he figured "she's into her music, not into talking, I'm going to do my own thing". Which was fine, because I was definitely not feeling it. I mean I didn't feel crappy like I do sometimes in a race (where I am like "ugh, when is it going to be over, my legs are sooooo heavy!"). But I definitely didn't feel great either. So, after the first half mile I decided just to have fun instead. So I didn't do badly...I finished at 36:35, which means a 9:09 pace. Eh, that's exactly what I ran the Thanksgiving Day 10k at, so not too hot. Not too bad either though, and I actually had a lot of fun.
My friends did great though. ESPECIALLY Bill! He came in at a 34:33, which is an 8:39 pace! This was his first race. And following tradition, we went to Dairy Queen for ice cream since he got a PR :) It was fun cheering on all of the Landorians.
Afterwards we all went to my friend Anne's for tons of food and mimosas. Mmmmmmm.
Bill and I separated from each other early on, when he tried to say something to me and I took my headphones out and he figured "she's into her music, not into talking, I'm going to do my own thing". Which was fine, because I was definitely not feeling it. I mean I didn't feel crappy like I do sometimes in a race (where I am like "ugh, when is it going to be over, my legs are sooooo heavy!"). But I definitely didn't feel great either. So, after the first half mile I decided just to have fun instead. So I didn't do badly...I finished at 36:35, which means a 9:09 pace. Eh, that's exactly what I ran the Thanksgiving Day 10k at, so not too hot. Not too bad either though, and I actually had a lot of fun.
My friends did great though. ESPECIALLY Bill! He came in at a 34:33, which is an 8:39 pace! This was his first race. And following tradition, we went to Dairy Queen for ice cream since he got a PR :) It was fun cheering on all of the Landorians.
Afterwards we all went to my friend Anne's for tons of food and mimosas. Mmmmmmm.
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