My "official" training for my spring marathon started this week with a 7-miler on Sunday. I made Bill and Liam stay at home so I could go at it on my own and it was kind of nice to run again without worrying about a stroller or how bundled up Liam had to be or how fast I had to run/if he was asleep or not to get him between feedings. And it was so nice out too! 40 and sunny! Needless to say, with all of this, I had a pretty good run.
Ok. Let's not be modest. I felt AWESOME. Especially when I learned that I had done the whole thing in 1:09, which means that I had a sub-ten pace (my first in a LONG time). And I ran the whole way. None of this run-walk business!
So then Tuesday I wheeled out the BOB again for a three miler with Liam. The goal was to do the whole lower loop twice without walking. And the earlier the better because the temps were supposed to go from a high of 37 degrees at 8 am to a low of 15 degrees by 3pm. Yuck. I realized why those temps were dropping so fast on the run: the wind was CRAZY. It didn't help that I underestimated the mileage and needed an extra .3 at the end of my loops...so I had to run up a crazy hill from the park at 72nd street to get to street level at Central Park West...INto the wind. Difficult normally, but worse with a stroller.
But this whole getting back into a schedule thing was making me feel like "Ok. I can do this marathon thing. It's not going to be fun, but I can totally do it."
But then it got cold. Like, too cold to run with a baby outside. So I figured, I'll just run after Liam's morning feeding, which is usually like 6:30. I'll get the mileage in sans-stroller before Bill gets to work. I should know by now, this NEVER works. I am NOT a morning person and it is even worse when I am not getting enough sleep anyways. And then it is even WORSE when I wake up with a scratchy throat and feel like all I want to do is SLEEEEEEEEEP. So guess what I did?
So I decided not to beat myself up and do some cardio weight DVDs. I was not exactly looking forward to this (getting me to exercise lately is like convincing me to get dental work done) but I sucked it up and put in the DVD when Liam was in a happy, sort of sleepy, chill mood. I put him in his crib, knowing that he usually just drifts off into a nice little nap. Hahahahaha. 20 minutes into the DVD he was screaming bloody murder. I decided to make it to the next segment, seeing if he could calm himself down...
Nope! So, I made it 25 minutes into a 45 minute workout. And honestly, I just didn't have the energy or desire to try this again yesterday or today.
So once again, I am going into my long run completely underprepared for the mileage I am going to undertake. Hmph.
On a happy note, I got into the Brooklyn Half Marathon (race two of the Grand Prix) before it sold out...which was amazingly, like, in two days. This was because of my most wonderful running friend, Gina who sent an urgent email telling us on February 7th that the registration was open but they were already saying it would sell out by the 8th (it did). I got the email, got online and signed up. WHEW! I did all this so fast that I didn't even look to see when it was! (May 21st). Luckily, I will be here. And will be running it with Gina :)
Showing posts with label Marathon Training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marathon Training. Show all posts
Friday, February 11, 2011
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Spring Has Sprung
Last night Bill and I went for our short recovery run in Riverside Park. I really haven't been in Riverside Park in awhile (except to walk our dog) and it was BEAUTIFUL. There were all of these pink trees in bloom (three different kinds...I don't know what they are but they are really pretty). It was still light out, and it seemed like everyone was out! I told Bill that it is pretty funny because in Cincinnati on a sunny Saturday, at Sawyer Point (the park downtown by the riverside) if there were that many people out everyone would say the park was crowded! I guess I just can't get over how many more people live in New York. I mean, it was a Tuesday night!
I guess I shouldn't be surprised, because every Saturday or Sunday in Central Park there are so many runners that it looks like there is a race every week. I guess too that parks are much more important here because they are like an oasis in the middle of the city.
Anyway, I digress.
My little, easy 20 minute run was HARD. It's not like my legs are sore or anything, they are just TIRED. It is an effort to move them to run. Bill was more sore from his run, which I think makes sense since he ran his farthest distance ever this weekend. I don't know. I have never had my legs feel this tired. I was thinking it might be all the walking I do here as opposed to Cincinnati, but I have been walking that much since the beginning of this marathon training. I am also a bit stressed out at work, so maybe that is contributing.
Tonight is supposed to be a 40 minute run. I don't know. I might move that to tomorrow. My legs are just soooooo tired.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised, because every Saturday or Sunday in Central Park there are so many runners that it looks like there is a race every week. I guess too that parks are much more important here because they are like an oasis in the middle of the city.
Anyway, I digress.
My little, easy 20 minute run was HARD. It's not like my legs are sore or anything, they are just TIRED. It is an effort to move them to run. Bill was more sore from his run, which I think makes sense since he ran his farthest distance ever this weekend. I don't know. I have never had my legs feel this tired. I was thinking it might be all the walking I do here as opposed to Cincinnati, but I have been walking that much since the beginning of this marathon training. I am also a bit stressed out at work, so maybe that is contributing.
Tonight is supposed to be a 40 minute run. I don't know. I might move that to tomorrow. My legs are just soooooo tired.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Final 14
Yesterday I had my last truly long run before the marathon. It worked out well too, because this was the week both Bill and I had to run the same mileage at the same pace. So we ran together in Central Park, trying to incorporate some extra hills just for good measure.
It is amazing to me how much concentration it actually takes to run at your "goal pace". Mine is a ten-minute mile and I really had to think about what I was doing. It is crazy though because I was dead on. When we hit one mile we were at 9:50, at 4 we were at 40:09, at 5.4 we were at 54:00 and at 10 we were at 1:40. We finished our 14 miles at 2:20.30...30 seconds off! I think I should be a paceleader (just kidding of course).
I learned though, that by taking it out at my goal pace (ok, I was a smidge faster, but then I slowed it down quickly) instead of the faster pace that I usually take, and keeping that pace, I actually have energy to go through my entire race. Usually I hit mile 5 and am exhausted. I know this is not rocket science to most people, but I am one of those people who has to actually DO something before I fully believe it.
Both Bill and I were so sore last night, we were pitiful. I was actually a little worried. I mean I was exhausted after 14, and I am supposed to do almost twice as much as that in two weeks. It kind of freaked me out. But I feel fine today, so I guess it's ok.
I'm already preparing for my next marathon by going to a meeting tonight for Team in Training. I am going to take a month off of running (well, at least running every day) in June to get some serious cross training and weight training in. But I am going to try and keep up this "two marathons a year" thing as long as I can.
It is amazing to me how much concentration it actually takes to run at your "goal pace". Mine is a ten-minute mile and I really had to think about what I was doing. It is crazy though because I was dead on. When we hit one mile we were at 9:50, at 4 we were at 40:09, at 5.4 we were at 54:00 and at 10 we were at 1:40. We finished our 14 miles at 2:20.30...30 seconds off! I think I should be a paceleader (just kidding of course).
I learned though, that by taking it out at my goal pace (ok, I was a smidge faster, but then I slowed it down quickly) instead of the faster pace that I usually take, and keeping that pace, I actually have energy to go through my entire race. Usually I hit mile 5 and am exhausted. I know this is not rocket science to most people, but I am one of those people who has to actually DO something before I fully believe it.
Both Bill and I were so sore last night, we were pitiful. I was actually a little worried. I mean I was exhausted after 14, and I am supposed to do almost twice as much as that in two weeks. It kind of freaked me out. But I feel fine today, so I guess it's ok.
I'm already preparing for my next marathon by going to a meeting tonight for Team in Training. I am going to take a month off of running (well, at least running every day) in June to get some serious cross training and weight training in. But I am going to try and keep up this "two marathons a year" thing as long as I can.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Happy New Year from New York!
Yes, I am finally moved (though not completely unpacked) and just starting to think about my running plans for the year. Of course I am starting my training for the Flying Pig THIS weekend.
I haven't decided if I want to do my long run (which will consist of a 6.2 mile loop around Central Park) on Saturday or Sunday. I guess it depends on how my unpacking goes.
I have also decided to run (or at least try out running) with the Resevoir Dogs. This is mainly because I think their name is cool, but also because their office is pretty much close to where I live. BUT I am NOT running until this weekend. I may regret this later, but for now it seems like a good idea. I have found out though, that my legs will most likely be screaming at me because of this. Why? Because after booking it up the hill to the post office (and walking the dog, and exploring the neighborhood, etc. etc.) my legs are SORE. This is depressing, but I have to keep reminding myself that New Yorkers do a LOT more walking than normal people. I just need time to get used to it. Hopefully that means that my burrito baby (coined after what happens to your stomach right after you eat a burrito at Chipotle) will melt away. Luckily our kitchen is FINALLY unpacked so I do not have to eat fast food another night. That should help too ;)
Also my husband and our friends have all decided to run the half marathon! Hurrah! I think some of them even signed up for the Roncker training program. Yippee! I know they will have lots of fun. I made Bill a deal: I help him with training things I've learned about running and he forces me to eat like a runner should. Pretty soon we'll be amongst the fittest people in New York (yeah right).
I haven't decided if I want to do my long run (which will consist of a 6.2 mile loop around Central Park) on Saturday or Sunday. I guess it depends on how my unpacking goes.
I have also decided to run (or at least try out running) with the Resevoir Dogs. This is mainly because I think their name is cool, but also because their office is pretty much close to where I live. BUT I am NOT running until this weekend. I may regret this later, but for now it seems like a good idea. I have found out though, that my legs will most likely be screaming at me because of this. Why? Because after booking it up the hill to the post office (and walking the dog, and exploring the neighborhood, etc. etc.) my legs are SORE. This is depressing, but I have to keep reminding myself that New Yorkers do a LOT more walking than normal people. I just need time to get used to it. Hopefully that means that my burrito baby (coined after what happens to your stomach right after you eat a burrito at Chipotle) will melt away. Luckily our kitchen is FINALLY unpacked so I do not have to eat fast food another night. That should help too ;)
Also my husband and our friends have all decided to run the half marathon! Hurrah! I think some of them even signed up for the Roncker training program. Yippee! I know they will have lots of fun. I made Bill a deal: I help him with training things I've learned about running and he forces me to eat like a runner should. Pretty soon we'll be amongst the fittest people in New York (yeah right).
Friday, October 12, 2007
To Run or Not to Run
After much deliberation I have decided not to run. :(
See, a bunch of people in my running group are doing Columbus next week to make up for Chicago. I really really want to. I mean, I KNOW I could have kept the pace if I had water and it wasn't so darned HOT. I would probably have done a 4:45 and that would be a 30 minute improvement from my first marathon.
HOWEVER, I want to continue this whole 2 marathons a year thing. I figure with my knee already a little sketchy (if it still hurts by December I have to talk about surgery), it might not be a good idea. Besides, I got to finish the race, so its not like I didn't do 26.2 miles. Even if 8 of those miles were walking. So I don't know if my body would be up to it.
It makes me kind of sad and kind of angry though, because I want that time so badly.
I am trying to be smart about it all though.
I am definitely planning on the Pig this May! Let's hope that their 10 year anniversary is better than Chicago's 30th!
I have been having nightmares about the marathon every night. The whole thing just keeps replaying in my head. It has been EVERY NIGHT SINCE THE MARATHON. Yuck. I would like to just get back to a normal sleep/dream cycle. I'm hoping that just getting back into running this weekend will help that all go away.
Tomorrow I am running with my marathon group again. My mini-group is going to be there too, and we are going to go out to breakfast afterwards to exchange stories. I am looking forward to it! But it's funny, now that the marathon is over an 8 mile workout actually seems like a lot :)
See, a bunch of people in my running group are doing Columbus next week to make up for Chicago. I really really want to. I mean, I KNOW I could have kept the pace if I had water and it wasn't so darned HOT. I would probably have done a 4:45 and that would be a 30 minute improvement from my first marathon.
HOWEVER, I want to continue this whole 2 marathons a year thing. I figure with my knee already a little sketchy (if it still hurts by December I have to talk about surgery), it might not be a good idea. Besides, I got to finish the race, so its not like I didn't do 26.2 miles. Even if 8 of those miles were walking. So I don't know if my body would be up to it.
It makes me kind of sad and kind of angry though, because I want that time so badly.
I am trying to be smart about it all though.
I am definitely planning on the Pig this May! Let's hope that their 10 year anniversary is better than Chicago's 30th!
I have been having nightmares about the marathon every night. The whole thing just keeps replaying in my head. It has been EVERY NIGHT SINCE THE MARATHON. Yuck. I would like to just get back to a normal sleep/dream cycle. I'm hoping that just getting back into running this weekend will help that all go away.
Tomorrow I am running with my marathon group again. My mini-group is going to be there too, and we are going to go out to breakfast afterwards to exchange stories. I am looking forward to it! But it's funny, now that the marathon is over an 8 mile workout actually seems like a lot :)
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Final Group Run
Last night we had our last group run. It was sort of melancholy.
Plus, I was stupid. We had a happy hour at our work right before. I was smart by only drinking one drink. But I was stupid because I stuffed myself with stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped asparagus, rich cheeses, and roast beef on toast with creamy horseradish. Very good at the time. And I thought, well it is only four miles. I should be fine. Ha ha! It is still running. And that is some rich food.
So BESIDES that, it was a good run.
My mini-group of four was a little slaphappy, making corny jokes and talking about Chicago as we ran. Four miles really felt like nothing. It felt like a really good way to stretch out my legs. Very enjoyable. It almost made me want to run four miles every day after the marathon. But I know how that goes from past experience. I HATE three-milers. I think I was just feeling euphoric. And a little sad.
I asked my mini-group 'so is this it? I mean, since everyone is running in different marathons I guess there is no official "end"?' We guessed so. :(
We made plans to meet up before the race though. I hope we all end up doing that! I would be great to run with all of that moral support! Plus, I want my family to meet my running friends!
It's getting exciting! I'm thinking about packing tonight!
Plus, I was stupid. We had a happy hour at our work right before. I was smart by only drinking one drink. But I was stupid because I stuffed myself with stuffed mushrooms, bacon wrapped asparagus, rich cheeses, and roast beef on toast with creamy horseradish. Very good at the time. And I thought, well it is only four miles. I should be fine. Ha ha! It is still running. And that is some rich food.
So BESIDES that, it was a good run.
My mini-group of four was a little slaphappy, making corny jokes and talking about Chicago as we ran. Four miles really felt like nothing. It felt like a really good way to stretch out my legs. Very enjoyable. It almost made me want to run four miles every day after the marathon. But I know how that goes from past experience. I HATE three-milers. I think I was just feeling euphoric. And a little sad.
I asked my mini-group 'so is this it? I mean, since everyone is running in different marathons I guess there is no official "end"?' We guessed so. :(
We made plans to meet up before the race though. I hope we all end up doing that! I would be great to run with all of that moral support! Plus, I want my family to meet my running friends!
It's getting exciting! I'm thinking about packing tonight!
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Rain Out?
I hope that last night's practice was rained out (well, lightninged out...we don't stop for rain!). All of this is for selfish reasons of course. I had to go to my bookclub meeting, so I opted to do my run on Monday. If it was rained out I won't feel as badly about skipping :)
The latest news for me though is that my physical therapy worked! I had a follow-up with my orthopaedic doctor yesterday. He said that my right quadricep had increased to the size and tone of my left quadricep (amazing!). He was impressed with my improvement. The only downside is that if I still have even slight pain in 3 months I'm supposed to schedule an MRI, because that means the muscle is torn and they would have to do surgery. Yeck. I do NOT want knee surgery. He seemed optimistic though that this was not the case.
I am getting very excited for Chicago. My sister (who lives there) even planned out a route for my family and emailed it to me and my husband Bill. She figured it out using Google Earth and the pacing that I gave her. She even has figured out what time they can move to the next spot, what transportation and transportation station to use, etc. She is smart. I guess that's why she has a degree in engineering. :)
I decided that I am going to run with one of the New Balance Pace Teams . I am also trying to talk my running buddies (Lindsey, Sarah and Eric) into doing this as well so that we can run together. That would be fun AND those girls (and guy) have kept me going a lot of times when I really really wanted to stop. The only bad thing is that I wish they had a pace group between 4:30 and 4:45 (I KNOW that would be stupid, because what would it be? 4:38?). I was hoping to run an 11 minute mile the entire time, but after my 3:29 20 miler I am thinking I could do a 10:30 pace the entire way. I say this because my first 20 miler pretty much mirrored what I did for the Flying Pig...yes, even the walking at the end and the really slow miles at the end where I should have been walking. I know I can handle the 10:52 pace (which would put me at 4:45) but I don't know about doing a 10:18 (which would put me at 4:30). And yes, yes, I KNOW that I can run ahead of the slower group (which is what the site tells you to do if you are inbetween). However, I am one of those people who get overly excited at the actual race. I take them out WAY too fast, check myself, say "No, I'm really feeling great. For real. I can do this for 25 more miles." and then absolutely die at the end.
So I think the pace group will be good for me for that reason. I guess if I am feeling super spry (ha ha) I can always pump it up for the last two miles of the race. And besides, there's always next time to do the 10:18 pace. (You KNOW this won't be my last marathon if I have anything to do about it!)
The latest news for me though is that my physical therapy worked! I had a follow-up with my orthopaedic doctor yesterday. He said that my right quadricep had increased to the size and tone of my left quadricep (amazing!). He was impressed with my improvement. The only downside is that if I still have even slight pain in 3 months I'm supposed to schedule an MRI, because that means the muscle is torn and they would have to do surgery. Yeck. I do NOT want knee surgery. He seemed optimistic though that this was not the case.
I am getting very excited for Chicago. My sister (who lives there) even planned out a route for my family and emailed it to me and my husband Bill. She figured it out using Google Earth and the pacing that I gave her. She even has figured out what time they can move to the next spot, what transportation and transportation station to use, etc. She is smart. I guess that's why she has a degree in engineering. :)
I decided that I am going to run with one of the New Balance Pace Teams . I am also trying to talk my running buddies (Lindsey, Sarah and Eric) into doing this as well so that we can run together. That would be fun AND those girls (and guy) have kept me going a lot of times when I really really wanted to stop. The only bad thing is that I wish they had a pace group between 4:30 and 4:45 (I KNOW that would be stupid, because what would it be? 4:38?). I was hoping to run an 11 minute mile the entire time, but after my 3:29 20 miler I am thinking I could do a 10:30 pace the entire way. I say this because my first 20 miler pretty much mirrored what I did for the Flying Pig...yes, even the walking at the end and the really slow miles at the end where I should have been walking. I know I can handle the 10:52 pace (which would put me at 4:45) but I don't know about doing a 10:18 (which would put me at 4:30). And yes, yes, I KNOW that I can run ahead of the slower group (which is what the site tells you to do if you are inbetween). However, I am one of those people who get overly excited at the actual race. I take them out WAY too fast, check myself, say "No, I'm really feeling great. For real. I can do this for 25 more miles." and then absolutely die at the end.
So I think the pace group will be good for me for that reason. I guess if I am feeling super spry (ha ha) I can always pump it up for the last two miles of the race. And besides, there's always next time to do the 10:18 pace. (You KNOW this won't be my last marathon if I have anything to do about it!)
Monday, September 24, 2007
Less than Two Weeks to Go!
By this time in two weeks I will already have finished my marathon! This time my training has absolutely flown by. I don’t know if it is because I have already gone through this before, or if it was because my training period was shorter, or if it was just because I have been having a lot more fun with it. Anyway, I am so pumped and ready.
The only thing that I do worry about is the flat course. Flat courses seem 10x as long to me. My 5k in Mason a few weeks ago seemed like eternity. Imagine that for 26.2 miles!
However, Coach Joe F has been really good about having us train on the flat parts of Cincinnati (yes, there are flat parts). Even if it means running on Eastern every Saturday, I guess this is a good thing. I am definitely more used to running flat than I was in May.
This Saturday we did 12 miles. It wasn’t too bad except for feeling a little weird about running on the highway. It was only a little bit on 50 (a quarter of a mile?) and the shoulder was superwide, and there was hardly any traffic, but even so…
It didn’t seem like the run was that long. I think it’s actually because we were running a lot of the same territory we ran the week before with our 20, but almost half. It was nice mentally to start at CrossRoads and cover that same beginning territory (the week before we had started at the Running Spot…about 3 miles from where we were at CrossRoads). So already, I felt like I didn’t have as far to go. Plus, there was no Eden Park.
Don’t get me wrong, there WERE hills. Hills, like all the way from the bottom of Linwood to the top. (Why are these hills always at the END of our mileage)?
I also got a chance to try out my new Triks skirt. It is EXTREMELY lightweight. It almost made me feel like I wasn’t wearing anything. (This could also be because it has spankies instead of the little shorts underneath that I am accustomed to.) It took awhile to get used to, but I think I ended up liking it better than my Pearl Izumi skirt. I will definitely be taking this one to Chicago!
I am bummed because I am missing my group runs this week, so I will have to be super vigilant about running on my own. (I stink at this).
Today is also the day I start eating like a runner should. Which is too bad, since I’m having lunch for work at Palomino’s. ☹
The only thing that I do worry about is the flat course. Flat courses seem 10x as long to me. My 5k in Mason a few weeks ago seemed like eternity. Imagine that for 26.2 miles!
However, Coach Joe F has been really good about having us train on the flat parts of Cincinnati (yes, there are flat parts). Even if it means running on Eastern every Saturday, I guess this is a good thing. I am definitely more used to running flat than I was in May.
This Saturday we did 12 miles. It wasn’t too bad except for feeling a little weird about running on the highway. It was only a little bit on 50 (a quarter of a mile?) and the shoulder was superwide, and there was hardly any traffic, but even so…
It didn’t seem like the run was that long. I think it’s actually because we were running a lot of the same territory we ran the week before with our 20, but almost half. It was nice mentally to start at CrossRoads and cover that same beginning territory (the week before we had started at the Running Spot…about 3 miles from where we were at CrossRoads). So already, I felt like I didn’t have as far to go. Plus, there was no Eden Park.
Don’t get me wrong, there WERE hills. Hills, like all the way from the bottom of Linwood to the top. (Why are these hills always at the END of our mileage)?
I also got a chance to try out my new Triks skirt. It is EXTREMELY lightweight. It almost made me feel like I wasn’t wearing anything. (This could also be because it has spankies instead of the little shorts underneath that I am accustomed to.) It took awhile to get used to, but I think I ended up liking it better than my Pearl Izumi skirt. I will definitely be taking this one to Chicago!
I am bummed because I am missing my group runs this week, so I will have to be super vigilant about running on my own. (I stink at this).
Today is also the day I start eating like a runner should. Which is too bad, since I’m having lunch for work at Palomino’s. ☹
Friday, September 21, 2007
TAPER!
Yeah! Tomorrow is my first taper run! 12 miles. I looked at the route though, and I must say, I am getting pretty tired of running on Eastern. But, at the same time, Eastern doesn't seem to be such a mental block for me anymore.
This is also when I need to be REALLY careful about what I eat (I say, as I wolf down a huge slice of the cheesecake someone brought into work to share). I think my body is still adjusting to the 20 I did last Saturday. I am constantly hungry and eating all the time at my desk. Earlier this week my body was REALLY screwed up when I woke up at midnight with a growling stomach. I couldn't get back to sleep until I ate some trail mix. Taper is when my body is still really hungry, but I'm not actually doing as much mileage, so I probably shouldn't eat like I just ran a 20. Don't get me wrong, 12 miles is nothing to sneeze at in the big scheme of things, but wolfing down an entire stack of pancakes with an order of cheesey hashbrowns after my run probably shouldn't be in the cards. This is also easier said than done since this weekend is Oktoberfest and with my hedonistic friends I KNOW that I will be overindulging. Also tonight I have a class reunion. The invite said "heavy appetizers" and "wine", both of which I love for a meal.
I am going to try and follow the taper meal plan from my Runner's World book I got for joining the Roncker group. The fun part is the last week where you fat load. Well, it sounds fun, but when they say fat they don't mean french fries and donuts. They mean lean fats. Not saturated fats. Also, it said that during that last week you will feel extremely lethargic, but that's okay, because you will actually use the energy during the run. I am curious to see how this plan goes, since I am notorious for not being able to follow a diet.
This is also when I need to be REALLY careful about what I eat (I say, as I wolf down a huge slice of the cheesecake someone brought into work to share). I think my body is still adjusting to the 20 I did last Saturday. I am constantly hungry and eating all the time at my desk. Earlier this week my body was REALLY screwed up when I woke up at midnight with a growling stomach. I couldn't get back to sleep until I ate some trail mix. Taper is when my body is still really hungry, but I'm not actually doing as much mileage, so I probably shouldn't eat like I just ran a 20. Don't get me wrong, 12 miles is nothing to sneeze at in the big scheme of things, but wolfing down an entire stack of pancakes with an order of cheesey hashbrowns after my run probably shouldn't be in the cards. This is also easier said than done since this weekend is Oktoberfest and with my hedonistic friends I KNOW that I will be overindulging. Also tonight I have a class reunion. The invite said "heavy appetizers" and "wine", both of which I love for a meal.
I am going to try and follow the taper meal plan from my Runner's World book I got for joining the Roncker group. The fun part is the last week where you fat load. Well, it sounds fun, but when they say fat they don't mean french fries and donuts. They mean lean fats. Not saturated fats. Also, it said that during that last week you will feel extremely lethargic, but that's okay, because you will actually use the energy during the run. I am curious to see how this plan goes, since I am notorious for not being able to follow a diet.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Easy Day
Tomorrow I have an easy day and I am so glad, because tonight is our company outing and I want to make sure I can stay out late. I just have to make sure that I watch what I eat so that I don't have problems like last time. Looks like we are hitting Eastern again for a nice 12 miles. I almost feel like, 'what's the point?'. Just kidding. But 12 miles does seem really really light. Especially since we usually do a 10 or 12 mile loop and then add on from there.
What I'm most excited about (runningwise) this weekend though, is the Race for the Cure. It will be a good, fun way to do a recovery run. Plus, the course is completely flat. Last year, my friend Jen and I ran it and it was a lot of fun. Plus, it was just a very very inspirational race. I had just read Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy for my bookclub, so felt like I had a better understanding of what breast cancer survivors go through. It was really moving when at the beginning of the race, they had all of the survivors march in. There were so many of them!
Plus, I coerced all of my non-running friends to run again. Of course, this includes big plans for IHOP afterwards.
Which is good, because my tapeworm is back and I am eating like crazy. This does not bode well for my parents, who are having a cookout this weekend, but IHOP can be sure it will sure be making money on me.
This time though, its weird, because I am so hungry all the time, but I can't eat that much. I mean, like I will eat a burger and be so full that I can't finish my fries. But then, less than an hour later I am starving like I haven't eaten in an entire day. So I've been grazing like crazy.
Bill thinks its because my metabolism is fast but my stomach is small. Well, and of course all the calories I am now burning on my long runs. At any rate, I am not complaining because I LOVE to eat.
What I'm most excited about (runningwise) this weekend though, is the Race for the Cure. It will be a good, fun way to do a recovery run. Plus, the course is completely flat. Last year, my friend Jen and I ran it and it was a lot of fun. Plus, it was just a very very inspirational race. I had just read Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy for my bookclub, so felt like I had a better understanding of what breast cancer survivors go through. It was really moving when at the beginning of the race, they had all of the survivors march in. There were so many of them!
Plus, I coerced all of my non-running friends to run again. Of course, this includes big plans for IHOP afterwards.
Which is good, because my tapeworm is back and I am eating like crazy. This does not bode well for my parents, who are having a cookout this weekend, but IHOP can be sure it will sure be making money on me.
This time though, its weird, because I am so hungry all the time, but I can't eat that much. I mean, like I will eat a burger and be so full that I can't finish my fries. But then, less than an hour later I am starving like I haven't eaten in an entire day. So I've been grazing like crazy.
Bill thinks its because my metabolism is fast but my stomach is small. Well, and of course all the calories I am now burning on my long runs. At any rate, I am not complaining because I LOVE to eat.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
New List
I think I need to create a new list: Things I Know I CAN'T Eat Before Runs.
I'm sure a lot of it had to do with the heat. Last night we started at CrossRoads and ran our two usual miles to the Norwood track for Yasso 800s. The sun was just BEATING down. It reminded me of some of the scenes in Apocalypse Now. It was gross. Not to mention that it was 95 degrees out even though it was 6:30. I wasn't too worried because I know that the last time we did Yasso 800s it was also very hot.
Ugh. Wrong. It was awful. My stomach was not happy, and it was really impeding my performance. I started blaming my lunch (which was very good at the time). The culprit: Ranch dressing.Again. To be fair, I didn't know it would affect me if it was just the dressing on my sandwich. Last time I thought it was the entire salad that did it. Plus, this time I had about 5 and a half hours in between when I ate and when I ran.
Anyway, we got to the second repeat and my stomach contents started jumping up my throat. The third was worse. Plus, I felt like I really wanted to burp, but couldn't. It was awful.
This time my group was doing 6 repeats. This was not boding well for me.
It was sooooooo HOT.
I decided to take my shirt off and run in my sports bra and skirt. I usually don't do this because I am so self-conscious about my pooch. Yeah. I was too hot to care. And it DID make a huge difference.
By the end, things were getting a little better. At least I was able to pace really well. I can really feel what my pace should be now, and when I am off of it. I think that is great. I guess it just takes practice.
Apparantly the last repeat we decided to pick it up. I wasn't aware of this because of course, I had my headphones on. I kept thinking 'this seems awfully fast'. Then we passed our starting point and one of the guys shouted out "4:47!" OK. I didn't feel so bad. I was doing the rest of them at 5 minutes. :)
I'm sure a lot of it had to do with the heat. Last night we started at CrossRoads and ran our two usual miles to the Norwood track for Yasso 800s. The sun was just BEATING down. It reminded me of some of the scenes in Apocalypse Now. It was gross. Not to mention that it was 95 degrees out even though it was 6:30. I wasn't too worried because I know that the last time we did Yasso 800s it was also very hot.
Ugh. Wrong. It was awful. My stomach was not happy, and it was really impeding my performance. I started blaming my lunch (which was very good at the time). The culprit: Ranch dressing.Again. To be fair, I didn't know it would affect me if it was just the dressing on my sandwich. Last time I thought it was the entire salad that did it. Plus, this time I had about 5 and a half hours in between when I ate and when I ran.
Anyway, we got to the second repeat and my stomach contents started jumping up my throat. The third was worse. Plus, I felt like I really wanted to burp, but couldn't. It was awful.
This time my group was doing 6 repeats. This was not boding well for me.
It was sooooooo HOT.
I decided to take my shirt off and run in my sports bra and skirt. I usually don't do this because I am so self-conscious about my pooch. Yeah. I was too hot to care. And it DID make a huge difference.
By the end, things were getting a little better. At least I was able to pace really well. I can really feel what my pace should be now, and when I am off of it. I think that is great. I guess it just takes practice.
Apparantly the last repeat we decided to pick it up. I wasn't aware of this because of course, I had my headphones on. I kept thinking 'this seems awfully fast'. Then we passed our starting point and one of the guys shouted out "4:47!" OK. I didn't feel so bad. I was doing the rest of them at 5 minutes. :)
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Despite Eastern...
OK. So we all know how much I hate running on eastern. So I was not exactly ecstatic when for my 18 mile run this weekend 10 of those miles were on Eastern. Luckily, it was not very hot (since there is basically not a lot of shade). The next 8 miles of the run was around the Lunken Airport bike trail. I don’t know which one is worse!
Despite all of this, I was feeling pretty good when I woke up. I met up with my fellow Chicago group (there are about 5 of us in the group that are running Chicago and we are all around the same pace.) Saturday we were light, because of vacations…there were only 3 of us. Anyway, I felt like we were kind of taking it out a little fast. Especially since I REALLY have to get into a groove on Eastern since it is sooooooo BORING. I was a little worried.
Our first mile was 10:16. Our next was 10:11. This was not boding well because we all try to keep our splits between 10:30 and 11:00.
We got back on track with the next one, with a 10:23. I was starting to feel really great. Our first five we finished at 51:00.
After turning around at Montgomery Inn, I felt super powerful. Maybe it was the disgusting Gu that I gagged down.
I broke away from the group. I knew that I would probably poop out in the last few miles, but I wanted to test it. I figured, maybe I CAN run a 10-10:15 minute mile pace the whole time. No better time to test it in a long run. My splits were getting super fast (for me). 10:00. 9:50!!!
Then they started to drop back. I was back to my normal 10:22s and 10:39s. Even a 10:50.
BUT the slowest split I had was 12:00 (that was my 18th mile). So, I KNOW that I can’t really take all of my mileage at 10:00, because I would die at the end. But I do know that if I’m feeling good, its ok to do a few miles at sub 10:30. That made me feel pretty good about my training!
Despite all of this, I was feeling pretty good when I woke up. I met up with my fellow Chicago group (there are about 5 of us in the group that are running Chicago and we are all around the same pace.) Saturday we were light, because of vacations…there were only 3 of us. Anyway, I felt like we were kind of taking it out a little fast. Especially since I REALLY have to get into a groove on Eastern since it is sooooooo BORING. I was a little worried.
Our first mile was 10:16. Our next was 10:11. This was not boding well because we all try to keep our splits between 10:30 and 11:00.
We got back on track with the next one, with a 10:23. I was starting to feel really great. Our first five we finished at 51:00.
After turning around at Montgomery Inn, I felt super powerful. Maybe it was the disgusting Gu that I gagged down.
I broke away from the group. I knew that I would probably poop out in the last few miles, but I wanted to test it. I figured, maybe I CAN run a 10-10:15 minute mile pace the whole time. No better time to test it in a long run. My splits were getting super fast (for me). 10:00. 9:50!!!
Then they started to drop back. I was back to my normal 10:22s and 10:39s. Even a 10:50.
BUT the slowest split I had was 12:00 (that was my 18th mile). So, I KNOW that I can’t really take all of my mileage at 10:00, because I would die at the end. But I do know that if I’m feeling good, its ok to do a few miles at sub 10:30. That made me feel pretty good about my training!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Partying Friday = Yuck
I don't know if I am just getting used to the heat, or if it really wasn't as bad as it usually is...but my run on Saturday was not all that bad heatwise. However, I will NOT party on Friday night before a long run any more.
My friend was celebrating her birthday and I really really tried to party in moderation. I only had two beers at the baseball game we went to. I drank lots of water at the bar afterwards (yeah, the Hofbrauhaus is a LOT less fun if you don't drink). I think it was the greasy food that did me in. For dinner I had a hot dog and an entire basket of waffle fries with nacho cheese. After the first couple, they didn't even taste that great, but that didn't stop me from finishing off the whole basket. Plus, any peanuts I had during the game. And afterwards we ended up staying at the bar until 1:30 instead of the midnight time I had planned.
So four hours of sleep later, I was not feeling so hot.
The first 8 miles were torture. I made sure I hydrated at every single water fountain. My stomach did NOT feel good. Then, I got my second wind and completed the first 10 mile loop with no problem except for being super tired. I didn't really want to do six more miles.
But I sucked it up. I think at this point, I was one of maybe 5 runners who were still running. All the fast people were almost done, some people only did 10, and the turnout was pretty low Saturday anyway, because a lot of people went down to Louisville to watch the Iron Man.
So I had a solo run. It was really really difficult to make myself do the whole six miles, because there was a turnaround along the way for 12 and 14. But I did it. I knew I would be mad at myself if I didn't. And I was not going to let partying on Friday be my excuse.
But I am NOT eating crappy food anymore on Fridays. Or, I guess, not getting home until 2am.
Lesson learned.
My friend was celebrating her birthday and I really really tried to party in moderation. I only had two beers at the baseball game we went to. I drank lots of water at the bar afterwards (yeah, the Hofbrauhaus is a LOT less fun if you don't drink). I think it was the greasy food that did me in. For dinner I had a hot dog and an entire basket of waffle fries with nacho cheese. After the first couple, they didn't even taste that great, but that didn't stop me from finishing off the whole basket. Plus, any peanuts I had during the game. And afterwards we ended up staying at the bar until 1:30 instead of the midnight time I had planned.
So four hours of sleep later, I was not feeling so hot.
The first 8 miles were torture. I made sure I hydrated at every single water fountain. My stomach did NOT feel good. Then, I got my second wind and completed the first 10 mile loop with no problem except for being super tired. I didn't really want to do six more miles.
But I sucked it up. I think at this point, I was one of maybe 5 runners who were still running. All the fast people were almost done, some people only did 10, and the turnout was pretty low Saturday anyway, because a lot of people went down to Louisville to watch the Iron Man.
So I had a solo run. It was really really difficult to make myself do the whole six miles, because there was a turnaround along the way for 12 and 14. But I did it. I knew I would be mad at myself if I didn't. And I was not going to let partying on Friday be my excuse.
But I am NOT eating crappy food anymore on Fridays. Or, I guess, not getting home until 2am.
Lesson learned.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Seriously!
It is never a good thing when your coach's email to you is titled "Luck Runs Out". Yes, he was speaking of the weather, which I often do in my blog. It is supposed to be 91 degrees on Saturday with tons of humidity. It is also a 17 mile run for me. Yuck. I will start hydrating NOW.
I must say, I am getting used to running in this heat. But I do hate all of the sweat. It is really really gross.
Anyway, on a completely different subject...Sometimes I have to laugh at people when I am running with the group because I think we overwhelm onlookers. I mean, I guess it is kind of funny. You're walking out of Dewey's Pizza to your car on Oakley Square and ZAM a big rush of 100+ runners comes by. Or, you're on a little side street in your car, trying to turn right and ZOW an endless line of runners. Everyone always looks like they are just waiting for the camera crew from Candid Camera to come out from around the corner.
It was really crazy this one time when we were running in Oakley Square and I saw 4 people I knew! One was my swimteam coach from high school who I didn't even know still lived in Cincinnati. Another was my friend Carrie, who now lives in London. When I visited with her a few months ago I asked her if it was really her that I saw. She said it was, and she was totally taken aback, like 'where did all of these people come from?'
But the worst was last week when we were doing fartleks in International Friendship Park. We had to pass by everyone eating at Montgomery Inn. Everyone was staring at us as we passed by, and it was worse because we had to do two loops, so we passed them four times. But instead of feeling like I wanted to laugh, I just felt like I wanted their steak dinners. :)
I must say, I am getting used to running in this heat. But I do hate all of the sweat. It is really really gross.
Anyway, on a completely different subject...Sometimes I have to laugh at people when I am running with the group because I think we overwhelm onlookers. I mean, I guess it is kind of funny. You're walking out of Dewey's Pizza to your car on Oakley Square and ZAM a big rush of 100+ runners comes by. Or, you're on a little side street in your car, trying to turn right and ZOW an endless line of runners. Everyone always looks like they are just waiting for the camera crew from Candid Camera to come out from around the corner.
It was really crazy this one time when we were running in Oakley Square and I saw 4 people I knew! One was my swimteam coach from high school who I didn't even know still lived in Cincinnati. Another was my friend Carrie, who now lives in London. When I visited with her a few months ago I asked her if it was really her that I saw. She said it was, and she was totally taken aback, like 'where did all of these people come from?'
But the worst was last week when we were doing fartleks in International Friendship Park. We had to pass by everyone eating at Montgomery Inn. Everyone was staring at us as we passed by, and it was worse because we had to do two loops, so we passed them four times. But instead of feeling like I wanted to laugh, I just felt like I wanted their steak dinners. :)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Yassos Thwarted
So we were supposed to have a Yasso 800 workout last night. We ran the 2 mile warmup to the track but when we got there we had to have a change of plans. There was a soccer game and I guess tons of fans, so it would be a little strange if we did our workout on the track. Joe F proceeded to tell us our workout of 6 miles which really really confused me. I get lost even when I have directions, so I knew this wouldn't be any good. Plus, it seemed like a whole lot more than 6 miles and it was grossly humid out.
So I was glad when my group, led by Coach Cathy, decided to modify the plan. We just took the two miles back to where we started, turned right, ran out for 10 minutes and then ran back (since we were doing ten minute miles). She asked if we wanted to make it a fartlek workout which we responded resoundingly NO!!!
It was a pretty good run. I like running in a little pack. I know, I know, this is the whole purpose of joining the running group. It's just that before I was always going a little faster than the people I was supposed to be running with (and would tire out)and a little slower than the people in front of me. So I would end up running in between the two groups by myself. Which is really really hard to keep a pace. Besides, Coach Cathy cracks me up which makes running even MORE enjoyable.
All in all, it was a good run. It took my stress from the day away and put me in a good mood, which is, after all, what running is supposed to do. :)
So I was glad when my group, led by Coach Cathy, decided to modify the plan. We just took the two miles back to where we started, turned right, ran out for 10 minutes and then ran back (since we were doing ten minute miles). She asked if we wanted to make it a fartlek workout which we responded resoundingly NO!!!
It was a pretty good run. I like running in a little pack. I know, I know, this is the whole purpose of joining the running group. It's just that before I was always going a little faster than the people I was supposed to be running with (and would tire out)and a little slower than the people in front of me. So I would end up running in between the two groups by myself. Which is really really hard to keep a pace. Besides, Coach Cathy cracks me up which makes running even MORE enjoyable.
All in all, it was a good run. It took my stress from the day away and put me in a good mood, which is, after all, what running is supposed to do. :)
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Fartleks Stink!
Yuck! I know that I normally end of liking speedwork after worrying about it all day but that is NOT true for fartleks!
But I had to laugh yesterday. Because as we are all gathered in GameDay’s lobby, Coach Joe F was explaining how we were going to divide up into groups. He was like “Group A will be a 9 minute mile or faster, Group B will be middle of the pack, and Group C will be the really really slow people.” Everyone laughed. Someone shouted out “You need to go to sensitivity training!” This of course led to a barrage of jokes about how slow we all were, as we were doing our 10 minute warmup in our groups.
Our coach asked us when we saw the water truck, if we wanted to stop and get water. Yes, yes, yes of course! I felt like we had been going at a pretty good pace. After we stopped for water we started up again. Then, I could tell the actual Fartleks had started, because we definitely picked up the pace. I was huffing and puffing for what seemed like forever, but figured probably only a few seconds had actually passed. This WAS hard! Half of our group had fallen behind.
And then about 5 minutes later she shouts out “OK, you guys ready for the first Fartlek?” WHAT? We weren’t doing them already?!! So I picked up speed for what seemed like 5 minutes but was only 1. It killed me. I was like “forget this” and dropped back to my REAL marathon pace. I did the fartleks by myself, using the interval function on my watch for awhile, but then I just lost count so just ran my normal pace. It was too confusing. I was also confused because we actually passed the group that was in front of us (I guess the slow runners, but not the really slow runners like my group or the really really slow runners like the people behind me. JUST KIDDING!!!).
It was only later, at the happy hour, that I heard that 1. The group in front of us started off too fast and then died when they got to the first set of Fartleks which is why we passed them. 2. I WASN’T crazy. The girls behind me also thought we had started the speedwork when we didn’t. We all agreed that the speed was just too fast.
Most people I talked to didn’t end up doing the Fartleks after a few of them, and just ran at a normal pace. I guess all that really matters is that we did at least SOME speedwork.
But I had to laugh yesterday. Because as we are all gathered in GameDay’s lobby, Coach Joe F was explaining how we were going to divide up into groups. He was like “Group A will be a 9 minute mile or faster, Group B will be middle of the pack, and Group C will be the really really slow people.” Everyone laughed. Someone shouted out “You need to go to sensitivity training!” This of course led to a barrage of jokes about how slow we all were, as we were doing our 10 minute warmup in our groups.
Our coach asked us when we saw the water truck, if we wanted to stop and get water. Yes, yes, yes of course! I felt like we had been going at a pretty good pace. After we stopped for water we started up again. Then, I could tell the actual Fartleks had started, because we definitely picked up the pace. I was huffing and puffing for what seemed like forever, but figured probably only a few seconds had actually passed. This WAS hard! Half of our group had fallen behind.
And then about 5 minutes later she shouts out “OK, you guys ready for the first Fartlek?” WHAT? We weren’t doing them already?!! So I picked up speed for what seemed like 5 minutes but was only 1. It killed me. I was like “forget this” and dropped back to my REAL marathon pace. I did the fartleks by myself, using the interval function on my watch for awhile, but then I just lost count so just ran my normal pace. It was too confusing. I was also confused because we actually passed the group that was in front of us (I guess the slow runners, but not the really slow runners like my group or the really really slow runners like the people behind me. JUST KIDDING!!!).
It was only later, at the happy hour, that I heard that 1. The group in front of us started off too fast and then died when they got to the first set of Fartleks which is why we passed them. 2. I WASN’T crazy. The girls behind me also thought we had started the speedwork when we didn’t. We all agreed that the speed was just too fast.
Most people I talked to didn’t end up doing the Fartleks after a few of them, and just ran at a normal pace. I guess all that really matters is that we did at least SOME speedwork.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Bad Mood Run
So, if I am in a bad mood one of two things happens with my running. Either I have a great run and forget about everything bad or I have a horrible run and am in an even worse mood. So, as I was packing up last night to go home from work my mom IMs me and asks if I want to come over since my husband was out of town (I totally get my energy from being around other people...even if they aren't talking to me, with me, in the same room as me). I took her up of the offer, since chances were that since I had a REALLY horrible day I would not have a good run.
I grabbed my dog, headed over and indulged on almost a whole medium pizza with two kinds of olives. :)
Tonight is Fartlek training, which I have not done before. Now, now, let's not be inmature. Fart means speed, which I found out on my trip to Germany when I was on a lake cruise in the Fleet-Fahrt. :)
Anyway, our training tonight consists of:
10 minutes warmup
1 minute on, 1 minute off
2 on, 2 off
3 on, 3 off
2 on, 2 off
1 on, 30 seconds off
2 on, 1 off
3 on, 90 seconds off
2 on, 1 off
1 on, 1 off
2 on, 2 off
3 on, 3 off
2 on, 2 off
1 on, 1 off
the "on"s being 10k pace (which is 9 minutes for me) and the "off"s being marathon pace (which is 11 minutes for me). It sounds very hard. I hope I do okay. I heard the humidity is down today which is very very promising.
Monday, August 6, 2007
Out of Commission
So, I don’t know if I should have run Saturday or not. The thing is, I was feeling pain in my legs on Friday. So much so, that I had to ask my friends/husband during lunch ‘should I run tomorrow if my legs hurt like they do today?’…which is actually a sign to me that no, I should not run. I have been having a lot of pain in my shins and knees, right where the bone is. I have had issues with vitamin D deficiency before (which causes bone pain) so I was thinking that might be why.
So, against my better judgement, I went running on Saturday. I made it about a half of a mile when my lower leg started feeling really tight. So I stopped to stretch it out. Then I picked up running. It hurt more. I decided to make it across the bridge into Ohio before I stopped to stretch again. Now the pain was shooting up into my knee and right above my knee. I started walking. It felt better so I thought I could run again. Ran for about 2 minutes through really bad pain. Walked. Ran. Nope. More pain. Walked and felt fine.
This is when I ran into Coach Joe B and told him my predicament. His solution was to walk (since I felt okay when I walked) and then when I saw people turning back from the first group, to turn back as well. Also, I need to see someone from the clinic, which is on Saturday, at the latest. Pttt.
Walking sucks. Especially by yourself and especially on Eastern and especially when you want to run.
But I just called to get a referral for a sports medicine specialist. I really want to run this marathon and I KNOW that running injured is a bad idea but I can already tell that it is going to drive me absolutely crazy if I cannot run for more than like 2 days. I am already going nuts just thinking about it!
Oh, and the reason I think it was good that I went running? Because if I hadn't, I probably would have ignored the problem. Having a coach tell you to see someone about your problem actually makes you think that you should do it.
So, against my better judgement, I went running on Saturday. I made it about a half of a mile when my lower leg started feeling really tight. So I stopped to stretch it out. Then I picked up running. It hurt more. I decided to make it across the bridge into Ohio before I stopped to stretch again. Now the pain was shooting up into my knee and right above my knee. I started walking. It felt better so I thought I could run again. Ran for about 2 minutes through really bad pain. Walked. Ran. Nope. More pain. Walked and felt fine.
This is when I ran into Coach Joe B and told him my predicament. His solution was to walk (since I felt okay when I walked) and then when I saw people turning back from the first group, to turn back as well. Also, I need to see someone from the clinic, which is on Saturday, at the latest. Pttt.
Walking sucks. Especially by yourself and especially on Eastern and especially when you want to run.
But I just called to get a referral for a sports medicine specialist. I really want to run this marathon and I KNOW that running injured is a bad idea but I can already tell that it is going to drive me absolutely crazy if I cannot run for more than like 2 days. I am already going nuts just thinking about it!
Oh, and the reason I think it was good that I went running? Because if I hadn't, I probably would have ignored the problem. Having a coach tell you to see someone about your problem actually makes you think that you should do it.
Friday, August 3, 2007
Upping the Mileage
This marathon training has gone so fast! I don't remember upping my mileage this much this quickly...but maybe that is because I was just so amazed I was running double digit mileage at the time.
Tomorrow is 15-16 miles for me. It starts at Newport on the Levee and is described as a "pretty flat run". I know exactly what that means: Eastern Avenue. Oh how I love Eastern avenue (see hereand here). I am obviously being sarcastic. That just means I have to get mentally pumped up tonight. AND load up my ipod with really great music. At least I can be guilt free when I go out with my friends tomorrow night to gorge on bad food. :)
I didn't get to run or workout at all last night because I ended up working really late. This is doubly bad because there is nothing open downtown for takeaways and I always end up eating really bad food, and then not being able work it off. It also sucks because running gets rid of all the cortisol I work up inside after a stressful day...and of course days where you have to work late are the most stressful. Oh well, I am going to try and get some good sleep tonight so I can have a kick-butt run tomorrow!
Tomorrow is 15-16 miles for me. It starts at Newport on the Levee and is described as a "pretty flat run". I know exactly what that means: Eastern Avenue. Oh how I love Eastern avenue (see hereand here). I am obviously being sarcastic. That just means I have to get mentally pumped up tonight. AND load up my ipod with really great music. At least I can be guilt free when I go out with my friends tomorrow night to gorge on bad food. :)
I didn't get to run or workout at all last night because I ended up working really late. This is doubly bad because there is nothing open downtown for takeaways and I always end up eating really bad food, and then not being able work it off. It also sucks because running gets rid of all the cortisol I work up inside after a stressful day...and of course days where you have to work late are the most stressful. Oh well, I am going to try and get some good sleep tonight so I can have a kick-butt run tomorrow!
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Pace! Pace! Pace!
OK. I LOVED the Yasso 800s! Why is it that I always like the things I am supposed to hate?
Anyway, this is why I loved them...I have trouble keeping a steady pace. I think a lot of this is a mental, internal struggle I have with myself. You see, I keep thinking, well, I run a 10k at a 9 minute pace, why is my marathon pace so much SLOWER? I know this is stupid. And then that gets reinforced when the guy that I used to keep pace with in the Thanksgiving Day 10k program is still doing a 10 minute or so pace in the marathon group. I think I just finally realized that, well, I do an 11 minute marathon pace. That doesn't mean that I can't improve that, but that's where I need to start. Maybe now I can work on improvement instead of always trying to 'catch up' with myself. Anyway, I diverge...in the Yasso 800s you HAVE to keep the same pace constantly. My group actually only did 3. We did each 800 at 5 minutes with 90 seconds walking in between. Running on the track was nice because it seemed a lot cooler, it was that nice bouncy consistency instead of the uneven road, and it was on one level, which was great for my knee.
And of course, the coach for my group was AWESOME at keeping us on pace. On the last one we started to speed up because the B group was passing us in their lanes next to us and I think, you know, you just get caught up in the speed. I do it all the time in races. She kept yelling "PACE! PACE! PACE!" to remind us to keep on track. It actually worked.
I also found out after our 800s that the people I was pacing with were all running the Chicago Marathon! Hurrah! Now I know their names and can actually seek them out to run with in our group runs. This is the first marathon for all of them. It also is kind of cool that we are all training for the same marathon.
On the way back (we had a 2 mile run to the track and back from the track), I stayed with our coach, so that I could get used to running a consistent pace. It made SUCH a difference!
Tackling the Yasso 800s and liking them also makes me a little less worried about next week's Fartlek Session.
Anyway, this is why I loved them...I have trouble keeping a steady pace. I think a lot of this is a mental, internal struggle I have with myself. You see, I keep thinking, well, I run a 10k at a 9 minute pace, why is my marathon pace so much SLOWER? I know this is stupid. And then that gets reinforced when the guy that I used to keep pace with in the Thanksgiving Day 10k program is still doing a 10 minute or so pace in the marathon group. I think I just finally realized that, well, I do an 11 minute marathon pace. That doesn't mean that I can't improve that, but that's where I need to start. Maybe now I can work on improvement instead of always trying to 'catch up' with myself. Anyway, I diverge...in the Yasso 800s you HAVE to keep the same pace constantly. My group actually only did 3. We did each 800 at 5 minutes with 90 seconds walking in between. Running on the track was nice because it seemed a lot cooler, it was that nice bouncy consistency instead of the uneven road, and it was on one level, which was great for my knee.
And of course, the coach for my group was AWESOME at keeping us on pace. On the last one we started to speed up because the B group was passing us in their lanes next to us and I think, you know, you just get caught up in the speed. I do it all the time in races. She kept yelling "PACE! PACE! PACE!" to remind us to keep on track. It actually worked.
I also found out after our 800s that the people I was pacing with were all running the Chicago Marathon! Hurrah! Now I know their names and can actually seek them out to run with in our group runs. This is the first marathon for all of them. It also is kind of cool that we are all training for the same marathon.
On the way back (we had a 2 mile run to the track and back from the track), I stayed with our coach, so that I could get used to running a consistent pace. It made SUCH a difference!
Tackling the Yasso 800s and liking them also makes me a little less worried about next week's Fartlek Session.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
