Today was our last long run before the race. It's really hard to believe that we've been at it for almost 16 weeks of training. All in all, it has been a great training season with the exception of a hotter/more humid than normal summer. I can honestly say that I cannot wait to run this Fall and have it actually feel cold when we start. Sorry, Liz ... I know you would prefer 90 degrees year round! : )
Today was a unique run ... we were doing an out and back course from Tex & Shirley's. Why haven't we been doing this all summer long!? Probably because we would all be about 10 pounds heavier!
I felt good and had that feeling that I can only liken to a race-horse. Just a little antsy and really wanting to go. I probably went out too fast for the first 4 miles, but everything felt good and I was in a good groove early on. Even at 2 miles, I felt like I was in a good rhythm. We turned around, I took my gu chomps and we headed back with pancakes on the brain.
Definitely finding it a little harder to keep up with the "fasties", so I did slow up a little. But, my big surprise was that my average pace was 10 minutes a mile! I don't think I've ever run at that pace for that long of a distance, so at least I know I can do it, and feel OK. I definitely feel more comfortable at a slower pace, but it's always good to know that you can push it.
My big thing for race day. Don't push it too hard in the beginning. I really want to get to at least mile 8 to see how I feel. If I'm still feeling good, then I think I'll definitely try for a bit faster. Like my husband said, it may not be 100% comfortable, but I guess it's that whole pain makes you stronger kind of statement. We'll see! A nice, slow, chatty run always feels good to me.
Distance/Time:
8.04 miles / 1:20:32 ~ 10:00/mile pace
Fuel:
Pre-run: Sandwich thin with PB and 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup of coffee, water
During: 1/2 pack Gu Chomps, water, sip of Gatorade at turnaround
Afterward ... 1/2 of a yummy "spanish" omelet and whole wheat toast
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
15 miles!
I was an anything higher than 13.1 mile virgin and well, I lost that on Saturday.
My original plan called for 13 miles on Saturday, but there were several people who were going up to 15 and I wanted to see if I could do it and I did it. This is also great preparation for the 3-Day walk, too. 15 miles done ... whoo-hoo!
It was actually a very good run, with the exception of the last mile or so. Someone told me that your body wouldn't know how to react once you went past 13 (or whatever mileage is your highest) and that was true. I could feel myself slowing down and really had to think about what I was doing so I wouldn't get sloppy. But, I did it and felt pretty good. I was surprised at how quickly the miles went by. We got to mile 7, then to 10, and it hit me that I was really going to be able to do 15.
My Garmin froze at 11.66 miles, so that stunk, because I'm a little OCD about using the Garmin for miles/pace, etc. My time kept going, but no pace and no distance. Chip had the same problem, but he was able to restart his so that made me happy.
Now, it's taper time and in 2 weeks, race day. Wow.
Distance / Time:
15.00 miles
2:36:20 ~ 10:25 / M
Fuel:
Pre run - 1/2 cup coffee, water, sandwich thin with PB and 1/2 banana
During - Gu chomps, 1/2 of a mini Luna bar, water, gatorade at stops.
My original plan called for 13 miles on Saturday, but there were several people who were going up to 15 and I wanted to see if I could do it and I did it. This is also great preparation for the 3-Day walk, too. 15 miles done ... whoo-hoo!
It was actually a very good run, with the exception of the last mile or so. Someone told me that your body wouldn't know how to react once you went past 13 (or whatever mileage is your highest) and that was true. I could feel myself slowing down and really had to think about what I was doing so I wouldn't get sloppy. But, I did it and felt pretty good. I was surprised at how quickly the miles went by. We got to mile 7, then to 10, and it hit me that I was really going to be able to do 15.
My Garmin froze at 11.66 miles, so that stunk, because I'm a little OCD about using the Garmin for miles/pace, etc. My time kept going, but no pace and no distance. Chip had the same problem, but he was able to restart his so that made me happy.
Now, it's taper time and in 2 weeks, race day. Wow.
Distance / Time:
15.00 miles
2:36:20 ~ 10:25 / M
Fuel:
Pre run - 1/2 cup coffee, water, sandwich thin with PB and 1/2 banana
During - Gu chomps, 1/2 of a mini Luna bar, water, gatorade at stops.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Good runner, bad blogger
I keep forgetting to update this, but I really am getting in my miles.
Saturday called for 12, but I had talked to Liz about doing 13, so that's what I did.
All in all, it was a good run and I felt strong throughout. The last 3 miles seemed long, but manageable. It was overcast and humid.
The first half was actually pretty easy. I made it into Spencer Love, did the parking lot, stopped at the bathroom, and noticed I was the first of the 13 milers coming through. I still don't know how that happened, but it did.
When I made it back into GMP, Liz let me know to do an extra loop of the Visitor's Center because our mileage was a little off and I ran with her friend Laura. It was nice to have the company. She was only doing 12, so I did the loop by myself and met her back at the cooler. We had a sip of gatorade and headed on home.
By then, I was ready for the run to be over, but I just tried to focus on staying strong, not getting sloppy, and keeping a decent pace.
I was pretty proud of how I finished up.
Time/Distance
13.1 miles. I didn't mean to run the extra 1., but I was glad I did.
2:15 ~ 10:18/mile
Fuel
Pre-run: Sandwich thin with PB and half a banana, water, 1/2 cup of coffee
During: 1/2 pack of Gu Chomps, mini Luna bar, water, gatorade at stop.
I ran in the Brooks Ravena's and I like them ... I had done a few runs and one walk in them, and so far so good. I'm debating about buying another pair to break those in for the race and the Komen walk instead of my old Brooks. I also ran in my Moving Comfort skirt and that did great as well. It was about my 3rd run in that, but my first long run.
Saturday called for 12, but I had talked to Liz about doing 13, so that's what I did.
All in all, it was a good run and I felt strong throughout. The last 3 miles seemed long, but manageable. It was overcast and humid.
The first half was actually pretty easy. I made it into Spencer Love, did the parking lot, stopped at the bathroom, and noticed I was the first of the 13 milers coming through. I still don't know how that happened, but it did.
When I made it back into GMP, Liz let me know to do an extra loop of the Visitor's Center because our mileage was a little off and I ran with her friend Laura. It was nice to have the company. She was only doing 12, so I did the loop by myself and met her back at the cooler. We had a sip of gatorade and headed on home.
By then, I was ready for the run to be over, but I just tried to focus on staying strong, not getting sloppy, and keeping a decent pace.
I was pretty proud of how I finished up.
Time/Distance
13.1 miles. I didn't mean to run the extra 1., but I was glad I did.
2:15 ~ 10:18/mile
Fuel
Pre-run: Sandwich thin with PB and half a banana, water, 1/2 cup of coffee
During: 1/2 pack of Gu Chomps, mini Luna bar, water, gatorade at stop.
I ran in the Brooks Ravena's and I like them ... I had done a few runs and one walk in them, and so far so good. I'm debating about buying another pair to break those in for the race and the Komen walk instead of my old Brooks. I also ran in my Moving Comfort skirt and that did great as well. It was about my 3rd run in that, but my first long run.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesday 6 miler
I have to stop hitting snooze in the morning.
Waking up at 5:07 when I need to leave at 5:15 is hard, even when I have everything laid out and ready to go.
Anyway ... today was actually a good run for me. I felt good, held a good pace, and forgot that we were supposed to be adding some pacing drills in when I got home. Oops. We'll try better on Thursday.
Distance/ Time
6.05 Miles
1:02:58 ~ 10:24 / M
Fuel:
Pre-run: Whole wheat sandwich thin with PB and 1/2 banana, water
During: 2 Gu chomps and water
Shoes:
New Brooks Ravena's
Waking up at 5:07 when I need to leave at 5:15 is hard, even when I have everything laid out and ready to go.
Anyway ... today was actually a good run for me. I felt good, held a good pace, and forgot that we were supposed to be adding some pacing drills in when I got home. Oops. We'll try better on Thursday.
Distance/ Time
6.05 Miles
1:02:58 ~ 10:24 / M
Fuel:
Pre-run: Whole wheat sandwich thin with PB and 1/2 banana, water
During: 2 Gu chomps and water
Shoes:
New Brooks Ravena's
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Saturday, August 7
11 miles on the schedule today and we lucked out with the weather. Plus, we lucked out with low humidity, so it was just about perfect.
We started out with a pretty large group, probably 8-9 of us all running together. I soon realized that I wasn't going to be able to hang with them throughout the entire run. Or if I did, I wouldn't be feeling great at the end of the run. So, I was slightly behind the group which was mentally frustrating even though I knew it was for my own best interest.
I felt good throughout the run, and felt like I was pushing it a bit, but OK.
I Gu'ed around mile 4, ate a mini Luna bar around mile 8, and drank a small cup of Gatorade at some point near the park ... mile 6?
I definitely could have kept going today for a couple more miles, but of course as soon as Garmin hit 11 miles, I stopped!
The details:
11.00 miles
1:52:17 ~ 10:12 / mile.
So, this was the fastest I've run all week. I think it's supposed to be the opposite, but I'll take it. I felt so much better today in the low humidity than the pea soup that we had on Thursday.
Fuel:
Pre-run: 1/2 cup coffee, sandwich thin with peanut butter and half banana, water
During: 1/2 pack Gu Chomps, mini Luna bar, water, G2
So, here's to half marathon distance next week ... bring it!
We started out with a pretty large group, probably 8-9 of us all running together. I soon realized that I wasn't going to be able to hang with them throughout the entire run. Or if I did, I wouldn't be feeling great at the end of the run. So, I was slightly behind the group which was mentally frustrating even though I knew it was for my own best interest.
I felt good throughout the run, and felt like I was pushing it a bit, but OK.
I Gu'ed around mile 4, ate a mini Luna bar around mile 8, and drank a small cup of Gatorade at some point near the park ... mile 6?
I definitely could have kept going today for a couple more miles, but of course as soon as Garmin hit 11 miles, I stopped!
The details:
11.00 miles
1:52:17 ~ 10:12 / mile.
So, this was the fastest I've run all week. I think it's supposed to be the opposite, but I'll take it. I felt so much better today in the low humidity than the pea soup that we had on Thursday.
Fuel:
Pre-run: 1/2 cup coffee, sandwich thin with peanut butter and half banana, water
During: 1/2 pack Gu Chomps, mini Luna bar, water, G2
So, here's to half marathon distance next week ... bring it!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
This week ...
I met some of the group for two 5:30 AM runs this week, on Tuesday and Thursday. Both were fine ... it was warm, but maybe we're getting "used" to it.
Nothing out of the ordinary to report on either one.
Tuesday
5 miles
52:26 ~10:29 / mile
Thursday
5 miles
53:11 ~10:38 / mile
I woke up at 5:12 and somehow amazingly made it on time. I'm still impressed with myself.
Saturday
I knew it was going to be hot, but I was still surprised to walk out my door around 6:00 AM and it was already noticeably warm.
We had 10 miles ahead of us and I was a little wary about tummy issues again, but I'm happy to report that everything was great this run.
We did a route with some new parts and some familiar. We did 3 miles on the Hamilton Lakes trail and that was a nice change. We had a couple of people to fall and that is always unnerving that you may be next. I think the rocks and roots just jump out at you.
Heading back on Holden wasn't as hot as I had anticipated and Chip was a great leader and good motivator when we were on that long, gradual hill. I would also like to applaud his ability to move sticks out of the way all while running.
I was Garmin-less this run due to dead batteries, but all in all, I think I ended up a little over 10 miles and around 1:45 time. Not too shabby as it put me right at a 10:30 pace. So, go me. I wasn't sure if I could hang with the "fast" group, but it's nice when someone else (hi Liz) believes that you can.
Saturday
10 miles + a little over, I think.
1:45 ~ 10:30/mile
Nothing out of the ordinary to report on either one.
Tuesday
5 miles
52:26 ~10:29 / mile
Thursday
5 miles
53:11 ~10:38 / mile
I woke up at 5:12 and somehow amazingly made it on time. I'm still impressed with myself.
Saturday
I knew it was going to be hot, but I was still surprised to walk out my door around 6:00 AM and it was already noticeably warm.
We had 10 miles ahead of us and I was a little wary about tummy issues again, but I'm happy to report that everything was great this run.
We did a route with some new parts and some familiar. We did 3 miles on the Hamilton Lakes trail and that was a nice change. We had a couple of people to fall and that is always unnerving that you may be next. I think the rocks and roots just jump out at you.
Heading back on Holden wasn't as hot as I had anticipated and Chip was a great leader and good motivator when we were on that long, gradual hill. I would also like to applaud his ability to move sticks out of the way all while running.
I was Garmin-less this run due to dead batteries, but all in all, I think I ended up a little over 10 miles and around 1:45 time. Not too shabby as it put me right at a 10:30 pace. So, go me. I wasn't sure if I could hang with the "fast" group, but it's nice when someone else (hi Liz) believes that you can.
Saturday
10 miles + a little over, I think.
1:45 ~ 10:30/mile
Monday, July 19, 2010
Thursday and Saturday
Several of us met at 5:30 on Thursday so we could try to finish early (or on time) so we could get started with the rest of our day.
Hot and humid, but all in all, a good run.
Thursday
5.11 miles
53:09 ~ 10:24/mile
Maria wasn't able to run her long run on Saturday, so I offered to go with her on Sunday. Charlie had his 1st marathon training run on Saturday and since he's volunteered or I demanded that I have my group runs intact until Labor Day, I thought it would be nice for him to go with his group.
We contacted another Jane to go with us on Sunday, but she opted to run solo, so it was just the two of us. We decided to do the same route that the group had done on Saturday and by 6:15, we were off.
I felt good all the way into Bur-Mil. Of course, I had my usual moans and groans about certain long, gradual hills and what not, but we were doing well and had settled in. By the time we were to turn around (at mile 5), I was having some tummy issues and luckily, we discovered that there were some port a jons set up for a bike race taking place later that day. Thank you, mountain bikers!
After that little rest, my legs felt like they weighed a ton. It seemed to take forever to get back in a groove again, and then we got to our favorite hills. Ugh. I had to walk some of the hills and that always frustrates me.
Once I got over the last hill and back on the road headed toward GMP, I felt OK. It was getting warm and by now, I felt like every other runner we passed was bounding and looked way too fresh. I wanted to say, "I'm running 10 miles today and we're almost through. I have an excuse why I look this way!"
I was excited to see that we were going to end up hitting 10 miles while still on Grease Alley and by some unknown power, we hit 10 right before the hill. Hallelujah! We also ran into Liz right before this, so at least we were still running and not walking!
It was nice to have a bit of a cool-down walk because we usually don't take the time to do it. I felt OK during this run (with the exception of the humidity and walking the hills), but it took it out of me for the rest of the day. I was done. I did manage to get in some good stretching and I'm happy to report that the first 10 miler of training is done. I'm hoping for no humidity and no hills for our next, but somehow I don't think that will happen. : )
Saturday
10.00 Miles
1:50:00 ~11:00 / mile
Hot and humid, but all in all, a good run.
Thursday
5.11 miles
53:09 ~ 10:24/mile
We contacted another Jane to go with us on Sunday, but she opted to run solo, so it was just the two of us. We decided to do the same route that the group had done on Saturday and by 6:15, we were off.
I felt good all the way into Bur-Mil. Of course, I had my usual moans and groans about certain long, gradual hills and what not, but we were doing well and had settled in. By the time we were to turn around (at mile 5), I was having some tummy issues and luckily, we discovered that there were some port a jons set up for a bike race taking place later that day. Thank you, mountain bikers!
After that little rest, my legs felt like they weighed a ton. It seemed to take forever to get back in a groove again, and then we got to our favorite hills. Ugh. I had to walk some of the hills and that always frustrates me.
Once I got over the last hill and back on the road headed toward GMP, I felt OK. It was getting warm and by now, I felt like every other runner we passed was bounding and looked way too fresh. I wanted to say, "I'm running 10 miles today and we're almost through. I have an excuse why I look this way!"
I was excited to see that we were going to end up hitting 10 miles while still on Grease Alley and by some unknown power, we hit 10 right before the hill. Hallelujah! We also ran into Liz right before this, so at least we were still running and not walking!
It was nice to have a bit of a cool-down walk because we usually don't take the time to do it. I felt OK during this run (with the exception of the humidity and walking the hills), but it took it out of me for the rest of the day. I was done. I did manage to get in some good stretching and I'm happy to report that the first 10 miler of training is done. I'm hoping for no humidity and no hills for our next, but somehow I don't think that will happen. : )
Saturday
10.00 Miles
1:50:00 ~11:00 / mile
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday
We had our first 5 mile mid-week run today. Whoo hoo, we made it. Hot, humid, and a little hilly. It's hard to believe we are about half way through our training. In some ways, it feels like we just started.
My legs felt a little heavy today. I did end up going on a run on Sunday to get in the miles that I missed on Sunday. Maybe back-to-back Saturday/Sunday runs wasn't my smartest idea, but I just felt like I needed a good run to make up for such a crappy run on Saturday.
So here's the stats ...
5.02 Miles
51:33 ~ 10:16 / mile
My legs felt a little heavy today. I did end up going on a run on Sunday to get in the miles that I missed on Sunday. Maybe back-to-back Saturday/Sunday runs wasn't my smartest idea, but I just felt like I needed a good run to make up for such a crappy run on Saturday.
So here's the stats ...
5.02 Miles
51:33 ~ 10:16 / mile
Saturday, July 10, 2010
This week
I had a good run on Tuesday. We were kind of in a pack, with the "fast girls" behind us. Maybe we all felt a little bit of pressure to go faster, but no one passed us and we didn't die. ha.
Tues. July 6
4.54 Miles
46:15 ~ 10:11 / mile
I overslept on Thursday so I missed our group run at 5:45. I had good intentions of fitting it in later that day, but it just felt like work exploded around me. So, I set out on Saturday for our 9 mile run after not running since Tuesday. That was probably my first mistake.
My asthma has also been flaring up the past couple of days and I actually had to take my inhaler during the day (and I never have to do that.) I guess mentally I was worried about the run and if I would have an issue with my breathing.
I took my inhaler and packed it for the run just in case. We started our run and hopped on a trail at the beginning. It was nice to do the trail, but my legs always feel so heavy for a while afterwards. We decided to keep going on the greenway to avoid hills in the park. I felt ok on the way out, but once we turned around I just felt like I lost steam. I gu'ed, but just never felt like I got my oomph back, so I walked for a bit and a few longer walk breaks than I wanted to.
I ended up feeling OK, but just not feeling as good as I wanted or how I usually feel.
Saturday, July 10
9.61 Miles
1:47:29 ~11:11 / mile
Just realized that I haven't been writing about my fuel during runs and I've been on a PB sandwich kick, either on sandwich thins or regular bread and sometimes I'll add 1/2 banana, especially for longer runs or if I'm not taking the last banana in the house. I just can't do that to my girls.
Tues. July 6
4.54 Miles
46:15 ~ 10:11 / mile
I overslept on Thursday so I missed our group run at 5:45. I had good intentions of fitting it in later that day, but it just felt like work exploded around me. So, I set out on Saturday for our 9 mile run after not running since Tuesday. That was probably my first mistake.
My asthma has also been flaring up the past couple of days and I actually had to take my inhaler during the day (and I never have to do that.) I guess mentally I was worried about the run and if I would have an issue with my breathing.
I took my inhaler and packed it for the run just in case. We started our run and hopped on a trail at the beginning. It was nice to do the trail, but my legs always feel so heavy for a while afterwards. We decided to keep going on the greenway to avoid hills in the park. I felt ok on the way out, but once we turned around I just felt like I lost steam. I gu'ed, but just never felt like I got my oomph back, so I walked for a bit and a few longer walk breaks than I wanted to.
I ended up feeling OK, but just not feeling as good as I wanted or how I usually feel.
Saturday, July 10
9.61 Miles
1:47:29 ~11:11 / mile
Just realized that I haven't been writing about my fuel during runs and I've been on a PB sandwich kick, either on sandwich thins or regular bread and sometimes I'll add 1/2 banana, especially for longer runs or if I'm not taking the last banana in the house. I just can't do that to my girls.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Friday and Sunday
I missed my regular Thursday run and ran our long 9-mile run on Friday morning in glorious cool weather temps.
DW had mapped out a good path for us and it was nice to have a group to run with on Friday, since several of us had early morning plans on Saturday.
Friday, July 2
9.57 miles 1:42:03 ~ 10:39 / mile
Since I had missed Thursday, I still wanted to get that run in so Charlie and I went out with the girls on Sunday morning. Luckily, I didn't have to push the 75 pounds worth of baby + stroller, but I definitely missed our cool temperatures of Friday.
Sunday, July 4
4.00 Miles
40:54 ~ 10:13 / mile
Not too much to report ... the only thing that felt weird was a bit of a tweak in my ankle on the Friday run near the end. We did hop on a trail for about a mile, so maybe I did something then. I didn't feel anything on Sunday, so hopefully it was just an isolated incedent.
DW had mapped out a good path for us and it was nice to have a group to run with on Friday, since several of us had early morning plans on Saturday.
Friday, July 2
9.57 miles 1:42:03 ~ 10:39 / mile
Since I had missed Thursday, I still wanted to get that run in so Charlie and I went out with the girls on Sunday morning. Luckily, I didn't have to push the 75 pounds worth of baby + stroller, but I definitely missed our cool temperatures of Friday.
Sunday, July 4
4.00 Miles
40:54 ~ 10:13 / mile
Not too much to report ... the only thing that felt weird was a bit of a tweak in my ankle on the Friday run near the end. We did hop on a trail for about a mile, so maybe I did something then. I didn't feel anything on Sunday, so hopefully it was just an isolated incedent.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
I promise to get better
So annoyed with myself about forgetting to post, because then I can't remember anything about the runs anyway.
Last week was 4.5 on Tuesday and Thursday, and 3 on Saturday so relatively easy in terms of mileage for last week.
We ran in the park on Saturday and it had been quite a while, but those hills sure haven't changed.
The details or lack thereof:
Tuesday, June 22
4.6 miles
48:04 ~ 10:26 / mile
Thursday, June 24
4.6 miles
48:04 ~ 10:26 / mile * turned off Garmin on accident, but we ran the same course and it felt like the same speed.
Saturday, June 26
3.12 miles
32:55 ~ 10:33/mile
Tuesday, June 29
4.57 miles
46:19 ~ 10:08 / mile * Haven't run close to a 10 minute mile in a long time so this actually was an accomplishment for me. I slowed up a little towards the end, but it actually felt pretty good.
Last week was 4.5 on Tuesday and Thursday, and 3 on Saturday so relatively easy in terms of mileage for last week.
We ran in the park on Saturday and it had been quite a while, but those hills sure haven't changed.
The details or lack thereof:
Tuesday, June 22
4.6 miles
48:04 ~ 10:26 / mile
Thursday, June 24
4.6 miles
48:04 ~ 10:26 / mile * turned off Garmin on accident, but we ran the same course and it felt like the same speed.
Saturday, June 26
3.12 miles
32:55 ~ 10:33/mile
Tuesday, June 29
4.57 miles
46:19 ~ 10:08 / mile * Haven't run close to a 10 minute mile in a long time so this actually was an accomplishment for me. I slowed up a little towards the end, but it actually felt pretty good.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Whoops, I did it again
Forgot to post all week, that's what.
This week I ran Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I need to get that Wednesday run it, but it's just been hard to fit it in with everything else going on. I also really want it for the extra miles.
Tuesday's run felt a little harder, but I also realized that I was going much faster than my normal. My legs just felt heavy during part of the run. Not sure if that is from not running since the Saturday before. I probably should be adding some sort of cross training in on Monday.
Tuesday
4.06 Miles
39:46 ~9:47 / mile
Thursday, we slowed down a bit and it felt more "normal." Wish I had more to add, but when we start at 5:45 AM, I'm usually lucky to have my eyes open.
4.08 Miles
41:38 ~10:12 / mile
Saturday, our plan called for 8 and we were doing the Bruegger to Bruegger course that I've heard Liz and a few others talk about. We started with a loop around the neighborhood behind Breugger's since the total loop is only 7 miles. Once we were done with that, we started out on our regular run. It was pretty hill which I expected, but you never realize how big some of those hills are when you're driving them.
I felt pretty good most of the way, but once we got to Hobbs and it was uphill, that took a lot out of me. I was fine for a while, but turning into the neighborhood and seeing more hills did me in. I walked up two of the big ones and ran again. I think sometimes you just have to and it's OK. Not what I want to do on race day, but I'm not going to beat myself up about a training run.
Time wise, I felt OK. Finished with under an 11 minute mile pace, so for 8 miles + heat + hills, I'll take it.
8.08 Miles
1:28:17 ~ 10:55 / mile
This week I ran Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. I need to get that Wednesday run it, but it's just been hard to fit it in with everything else going on. I also really want it for the extra miles.
Tuesday's run felt a little harder, but I also realized that I was going much faster than my normal. My legs just felt heavy during part of the run. Not sure if that is from not running since the Saturday before. I probably should be adding some sort of cross training in on Monday.
Tuesday
4.06 Miles
39:46 ~9:47 / mile
Thursday, we slowed down a bit and it felt more "normal." Wish I had more to add, but when we start at 5:45 AM, I'm usually lucky to have my eyes open.
4.08 Miles
41:38 ~10:12 / mile
Saturday, our plan called for 8 and we were doing the Bruegger to Bruegger course that I've heard Liz and a few others talk about. We started with a loop around the neighborhood behind Breugger's since the total loop is only 7 miles. Once we were done with that, we started out on our regular run. It was pretty hill which I expected, but you never realize how big some of those hills are when you're driving them.
I felt pretty good most of the way, but once we got to Hobbs and it was uphill, that took a lot out of me. I was fine for a while, but turning into the neighborhood and seeing more hills did me in. I walked up two of the big ones and ran again. I think sometimes you just have to and it's OK. Not what I want to do on race day, but I'm not going to beat myself up about a training run.
Time wise, I felt OK. Finished with under an 11 minute mile pace, so for 8 miles + heat + hills, I'll take it.
8.08 Miles
1:28:17 ~ 10:55 / mile
Saturday, June 12, 2010
The past 2 weeks
Whoops ... it has been two weeks since my last confession, I mean running post.
So, I'll try to remember what I've done the last two weeks.
The week of June 1: Two 3.5 milers on Tuesday and Thursday and I honestly don't remember much about them. Saturday was 7 miles and it was HOT. And, then a little bit hotter. We ran through sprinklers on the side of the road hot. Did I mention it was hot? I also turned off Garmin mid-run and forgot to turn it back on, so that was a bummer.
The week of June 7: Two 4 milers on Tuesday and Thursday on the new greenway that runs in between Battleground/Lawndale. A nice change of scenery and nice to have a new place to add on a few miles.
Saturday long run called for 8 miles. Maria and I had to go early so we started at 6AM and I'm so glad that we got in some of the course early. I felt good ... we were a little slower than other long runs, but that's OK. I felt good with just a little tenderness on my knees at the finish.
Total distance was 8.03 miles, time was 1:30:06 and the average pace was 11:14.
So, I'll try to remember what I've done the last two weeks.
The week of June 1: Two 3.5 milers on Tuesday and Thursday and I honestly don't remember much about them. Saturday was 7 miles and it was HOT. And, then a little bit hotter. We ran through sprinklers on the side of the road hot. Did I mention it was hot? I also turned off Garmin mid-run and forgot to turn it back on, so that was a bummer.
The week of June 7: Two 4 milers on Tuesday and Thursday on the new greenway that runs in between Battleground/Lawndale. A nice change of scenery and nice to have a new place to add on a few miles.
Saturday long run called for 8 miles. Maria and I had to go early so we started at 6AM and I'm so glad that we got in some of the course early. I felt good ... we were a little slower than other long runs, but that's OK. I felt good with just a little tenderness on my knees at the finish.
Total distance was 8.03 miles, time was 1:30:06 and the average pace was 11:14.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Thursday and Saturday
I met the group on Thursday morning for a 3.5 mile run. We ran near the park and it was a nice little run. The shorter distances are almost harder because by the time you get in your groove, you're almost done. I will say that the Grease Alley hill doesn't get any easier, no matter how many times I run it.
Distance: 3.52 miles
Time: 37:04 ~ 10:31 / mile
Fuel: Pre run, a banana I think!
Saturday, we had our long run and I had 7 miles on my plan. We did the Latham greenway course which is a nice change of scenery. Used to run this a lot when I trained for my very first 10K so it always brings back memories.
Several of the Janes met up for drinks and Sex and the City 2 last night so some of us were a little more tired than usual. We were worried it was going to rain last night, but we started with a few clouds and the sun popped out by the end.
I felt good on this run, but I did slow up when we turned around. Maria and I were running a little faster on the start and we needed to slow down a little.
Distance: 7 miles
Time: 1:14:04 ~ 10:34/mile
Fuel: Pre-run oatmeal & 1/2 banana; during: Gu chomps
Distance: 3.52 miles
Time: 37:04 ~ 10:31 / mile
Fuel: Pre run, a banana I think!
Saturday, we had our long run and I had 7 miles on my plan. We did the Latham greenway course which is a nice change of scenery. Used to run this a lot when I trained for my very first 10K so it always brings back memories.
Several of the Janes met up for drinks and Sex and the City 2 last night so some of us were a little more tired than usual. We were worried it was going to rain last night, but we started with a few clouds and the sun popped out by the end.
I felt good on this run, but I did slow up when we turned around. Maria and I were running a little faster on the start and we needed to slow down a little.
Distance: 7 miles
Time: 1:14:04 ~ 10:34/mile
Fuel: Pre-run oatmeal & 1/2 banana; during: Gu chomps
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Tuesday & Wednesday May 25-26
Well, I was going to run at 5:45 on Tuesday, but this crappy sinus infection was driving me crazy so I opted for sleep instead. I did walk 2 miles pushing the stroller later on that day. Pushing two heavy girls, I might add.
On Wednesday, my Zpack had kicked in so I met the group for the 5:45 AM Wednesday run. We did a little over 2.5 and that was good with me.
Distance: 2.70
Time: 29:37 ~ 10:58/mile
Fuel: banana
On Wednesday, my Zpack had kicked in so I met the group for the 5:45 AM Wednesday run. We did a little over 2.5 and that was good with me.
Distance: 2.70
Time: 29:37 ~ 10:58/mile
Fuel: banana
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Saturday, May 22
We met today at 7:30 to do our first official run for the VB training program. I was scheduled for 6.5 as were several of us, so there was a nice group running together. The entire class was doing some portion of the same course so it was nice to have 15 or so people out there.
We had a prettty cool start and overcast skies, so that is always nice. We started off and got into a good groove at a good pace pretty early. About 2 miles in, I could tell that this I didn't feel as good as I usually do. My allergies started acting up yesterday and I could feel it today. My head hurt and just felt kind of phlegmy. Yuck.
I had to slow down a bit from my "pack" and even walked for a bit. As much as I didn't want to walk, I just felt like I had to. Liz did make this course extra hilly for us (hi Liz!), so I was struggling a bit after repeating those same hills for the 2nd time. But, I did it and I finished and it was OK. A little rain this afternoon and 2 advil seems to have helped the sinus pressure.
I had estimated my pace to be around 11:00 and I was a bit faster at around 10:40. I was surprised that even adding a little walk break didn't slow my time up dramatically.
Distance: 6.59 miles
Time: 01:10:23 ~10:40 / mile
Fuel: Pre run: oatmeal with 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup of coffee. During: 4 Gu chomps and water.
We had a prettty cool start and overcast skies, so that is always nice. We started off and got into a good groove at a good pace pretty early. About 2 miles in, I could tell that this I didn't feel as good as I usually do. My allergies started acting up yesterday and I could feel it today. My head hurt and just felt kind of phlegmy. Yuck.
I had to slow down a bit from my "pack" and even walked for a bit. As much as I didn't want to walk, I just felt like I had to. Liz did make this course extra hilly for us (hi Liz!), so I was struggling a bit after repeating those same hills for the 2nd time. But, I did it and I finished and it was OK. A little rain this afternoon and 2 advil seems to have helped the sinus pressure.
I had estimated my pace to be around 11:00 and I was a bit faster at around 10:40. I was surprised that even adding a little walk break didn't slow my time up dramatically.
Distance: 6.59 miles
Time: 01:10:23 ~10:40 / mile
Fuel: Pre run: oatmeal with 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup of coffee. During: 4 Gu chomps and water.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Thursday, May 20
Met the group to run today this morning. Felt pretty good, but I did end up walking up the hill on Benjamin with another Jane. And I didn't mind.
Looking forward to our long run (6.5 miles) on Saturday. Why is that it's almost more enjoyable to do a long run than a short run?
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 36:14 ~ 10:21 / mile
Fuel: Pre run 1/2 banana
Looking forward to our long run (6.5 miles) on Saturday. Why is that it's almost more enjoyable to do a long run than a short run?
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 36:14 ~ 10:21 / mile
Fuel: Pre run 1/2 banana
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Tuesday, May 18
Oh, it's been a long time since my last running confession, I mean post.
So our official VB training plans arrived via email yesterday, so today was the "first" official day of training. It's hard to believe that this is the start of a 16-week journey.
It had rained yesterday, but we lucked out with no rain this morning, but just a little bit cooler than we are used to. I only complained for about 5 minutes that I was cool in my long sleeve shirt.
Distance: 3.09 miles
Time: 32:52 ~10:38/mile
Fuel: 1/2 banana pre run
So our official VB training plans arrived via email yesterday, so today was the "first" official day of training. It's hard to believe that this is the start of a 16-week journey.
It had rained yesterday, but we lucked out with no rain this morning, but just a little bit cooler than we are used to. I only complained for about 5 minutes that I was cool in my long sleeve shirt.
Distance: 3.09 miles
Time: 32:52 ~10:38/mile
Fuel: 1/2 banana pre run
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Why I Run
This is my lovely edited blog post that I wrote for the News & Record. I had asked one of my friends to do her editing magic and this version is much cleaner so I thought it should at least be printed somewhere. Unfortunately, I had to turn in my first edition to the paper in order to stay on deadline. I'm still excited to see the other version show up in print, or at least virtual print. My friend, Elizabeth who edited told me I should expand this and call it Why I Run. So here goes. And a link to the one on the News & Record here.
I've been running off and on since college, but my first running memory is going to watch my mother win her age group at a 10K in Nashville, Tn. I got back into running five years ago, taking a year off during my pregnancy with twin daughters. Now I run to keep up with two 14-month-olds, to set a good example for them, and to help me stay sane on those days when Mommy doesn't get a "time out." The Virginia Beach Rock n' Roll Half Marathon is my fourth half marathon.
After having twin daughters, I wasn't sure if I could run once around the track, let alone run a 5K. That's how I felt when I originally signed up for the Janes on the Run Women's Running Network in January. It was the perfect way to get back into running with a step-by-step plan, along with the support of a running coach and other "Janes." Fast forward to September, and I've now completed one 5K, one 10K, and two half marathons since then. Oh, and let's not forget more than 400 training miles along the way.
Before Janes, I wasa solo runner. Occasionally, I might have gone out with my husband, but we didn't run at the same pace, so I would set out alone, pull down my running cap, listen to favorite songs on my iPod, and just go. I can remember seeing groups of runners talking, laughing, and having a good time. I would roll my eyes — who talks and runs?
Now I am one of those runners, and I can't imagine running without the camaraderie of my friends. My running partners are also working Moms with supportive husbands and busy schedules. Emily is a former cheerleader, and Maria is the best sourdough bread maker I know. I couldn't have chosen the more perfect two if I had tried. I'm still not sure what I bring to the mix — maybe it was my Garmin so I could keep up with our pace. We established a routine early on, meeting twice a week at 5:45 a.m., along with other Janes so we could beat the heat and run before our crazy schedules got in the way. Husbands handled breakfast for the kids, and we ran our weekly training runs, talking about whatever would come to mind. We would meet again on Saturdays with all the Janes for our long runs, enjoying each others’ company, cheering each other on when we needed motivation, laughing over stories of our children, grumbling under our breath up hills, and then collectively breathing a sigh of relief when we were on the downside.
At first, 16 weeks of training seemed a lifetime, but as the big day approached, the time seemed to have flown. I had never felt this prepared for a race before, and I owe it to maintaining a consistent training schedule thanks to my running buddies and the Janes. Short runs, long runs, hill workouts, a little trail running, a week of tapering, and I was finally ready for the big day. The day of the half marathon was nice with a bit of a breeze and what a great feeling to start the race with my friends. We posed for a few photos, adjusted our gear, and we were off. While we didn't cross the finish line together, we had come together as mothers, as friends, and as runners.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tues. Sept 1 and Thurs. Sept 3
Now I can finally say, VA Beach is almost here! 3 days to go!
The past 16 weeks have been full of memorable runs, some not so memorable runs, great conversation, a couple of blisters, lots of stretching, a few aches and pains, lots of Gu chomps, dirty running hats, squishy shoes, Target $9.99 tanks, my new love of Nike tempo track shorts and so much more!
Our last two runs were 4 miles (Tues) and 2 miles (Thurs.). The 2 miles today didn't even feel like a run - I was just starting to wake up and we were done.
It's exciting and kind of sad that it is all coming to a close this weekend. I'm excited to run (and actually run the whole way) a half marathon this Sunday and do it with all of the Janes. I'm sad because it's going to be over. I think we are all pretty determined to keep running - maybe not quite as organized, but still a couple of times a week. I have loved the camaraderie that I've gained, plus I feel like I'm a better runner from all of this training.
I was thinking today ... how many times have I run up and down the Grease Alley Hill? 16 weeks x 2 times per run x 2 times per week (minimum) = 64. That's it? We were laughing today, because that hill never really gets much easier!
Off for now ... the next post will be from VA Beach!
The past 16 weeks have been full of memorable runs, some not so memorable runs, great conversation, a couple of blisters, lots of stretching, a few aches and pains, lots of Gu chomps, dirty running hats, squishy shoes, Target $9.99 tanks, my new love of Nike tempo track shorts and so much more!
Our last two runs were 4 miles (Tues) and 2 miles (Thurs.). The 2 miles today didn't even feel like a run - I was just starting to wake up and we were done.
It's exciting and kind of sad that it is all coming to a close this weekend. I'm excited to run (and actually run the whole way) a half marathon this Sunday and do it with all of the Janes. I'm sad because it's going to be over. I think we are all pretty determined to keep running - maybe not quite as organized, but still a couple of times a week. I have loved the camaraderie that I've gained, plus I feel like I'm a better runner from all of this training.
I was thinking today ... how many times have I run up and down the Grease Alley Hill? 16 weeks x 2 times per run x 2 times per week (minimum) = 64. That's it? We were laughing today, because that hill never really gets much easier!
Off for now ... the next post will be from VA Beach!
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