I went to the podiatrist on Wednesday to figure out what's going on with my feet (particularly my left foot). Turns out that I over-pronate, which causes a bone to go out of alignment and aggravate a tendon. This then causes inflammation and pain. Yeah, my left foot (inner ankle area) has been swollen for a couple of months and I was trying to ignore it.
So, the solution is to get custom orthotics. He made casts of my feet and the orthotics should arrive in a couple of weeks. Then there will be a breaking-in period. It is possible that I won't be able to get enough training in to be ready for NYC.
Twin Cities marathon is definitely off the table, though I may end up doing the 10 miler there if I can weasel my way in. (The 10 miler is closed for registration but I may be able to work something out.) If I can't get into the 10 miler, then I'll probably at least do the 10K that's the day before the marathon. I'm planning to go to Minneapolis regardless of my racing status. There's fun to be had and friends to see!
While I'm waiting for the orthotics to arrive, I need to get rid of the inflammation and pain in my foot. The doctor put me on a steroid to help reduce the swelling, and I've had a couple of Phoresor treatments. Phoresor is a device that uses low-intensity electrical current to drive medication into the swollen area. I had treatments on Wednesday and Friday and my foot feels so much better. It's nice to be free of the chronic pain and swelling. One more treatment to go, on Tuesday. And I'll be done with the steroids on Monday.
The podiatrist told me to take it easy for the next couple of weeks, while we get rid of the swelling and wait for the orthotics. I asked him if that means no running. I get the sense that he would prefer it if I don't run, but he's a runner himself so he understands I want to run. He said I can run as long as it doesn't hurt and I should ice it after running. And long runs would probably not be a good idea. He looked at me like I was psycho when I told him that today was supposed to be my 20 mile training run for Twin Cities. I assured him that I would not be running 20 miles today nor will I be running the Twin Cities marathon. :)
I did 3.25 miles on Thursday and 7.13 miles today. My feet feel pretty good. I am having some twinges in the left foot, but no new swelling so that's good. I iced after running today like a good girl. I'm hoping I'll still be able to run the Romeo2Richmond half marathon on Sunday, 9/19 but we'll see. I'm not going to do anything stupid!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
I feel quitty, oh so quitty!
On Saturday, I did something I've never done before as a runner. I quit a race without finishing.
I was running the Milford Labor Day 30K with my running buddy Joanne. We were doing Galloway-style intervals (run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute) and it was working pretty well. But my feet started hurting, as they do, and then once we got to around 14 miles I just lost it. I cried, I yelled, I totally lost my shit. It was ridiculous. Joanne tried valiantly to get me back to sanity, but it wasn't to be.
I ended up calling David and asking him to come pick me up. He headed in my direction, but I ran into my brother and his wife before David arrived and they drove me back to the start/finish area. In the end, I completed 15.3 miles out of 18.6. Joanne went on to a great finish, despite my abandonment of her after I freaked out.
I will not run either marathon this fall if my feet are going to hurt like this. I have an appointment with a podiatrist tomorrow so we'll see what happens.
I was running the Milford Labor Day 30K with my running buddy Joanne. We were doing Galloway-style intervals (run 4 minutes, walk 1 minute) and it was working pretty well. But my feet started hurting, as they do, and then once we got to around 14 miles I just lost it. I cried, I yelled, I totally lost my shit. It was ridiculous. Joanne tried valiantly to get me back to sanity, but it wasn't to be.
I ended up calling David and asking him to come pick me up. He headed in my direction, but I ran into my brother and his wife before David arrived and they drove me back to the start/finish area. In the end, I completed 15.3 miles out of 18.6. Joanne went on to a great finish, despite my abandonment of her after I freaked out.
I will not run either marathon this fall if my feet are going to hurt like this. I have an appointment with a podiatrist tomorrow so we'll see what happens.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Crim 10 Mile Race Report
Today I ran the Crim 10 Mile Race in Flint, MI. This is a big race, with 10,000 runners and walkers.
Flint is about an hour from where I live, so David and I decided to stay at a hotel last night so we wouldn't have to get up obnoxiously early. Last night was excellent. We checked into the hotel around 5:30 or so, then walked a mile to the expo to pick up my packet. There were Special Olympics races taking place downtown, which was very cool. Then we went out for dinner (flatbread pizza - yum!) and then headed back to the hotel to relax.
I slept like crap, as I so often do the night before a race. I woke up approximately one million times. When it was finally time to get up for real, I ate my traditional pre-race oatmeal and then David and I headed over to the local YMCA where we were meeting up in the parking lot with the YPOM running club. Our new club singlets arrived yesterday, just in time for the 40 or so club members who were running the Crim to look mighty stylin' on the race course. YPOM is a force to be reckoned with! :)
I was really nervous about this race. It's notoriously hilly, though some club members told me the Solstice Run 10 miler that I ran earlier this year was hillier. After completing the Crim today, I respectfully disagree. I found the Crim to have more challenging hills and my performance was certainly a lot slower than the Solstice.
I don't remember a lot of specifics about what happened during the race. It was full sun today - not a cloud in the sky - and felt quite hot on the course, so I appreciated all the spectators who set up misting hoses and sprinklers in front of their homes. It was nice to get some relief, because the course didn't have a whole lot of shady areas. There were a lot of cute dogs on the sidelines, but I managed to refrain from stopping to pet any of them. I was sorely tempted, though! Love those dogs!
The Crim has been in existence for a long time. Runners who have done it for 30 years or more get a special shirt. During the race I came across a man who was running his 33rd Crim. That's so impressive and I hope I can have that much running longevity. It's a well-organized race and they have water stops at every mile because historically it's ridiculously humid, though it wasn't too humid this year.
I had a fairly bad attitude during my run so I admit that I kind of gave up in the last few miles when I realized that I wasn't going to hit my time goal. I'm so disappointed in myself. All I keep thinking about is those damn marathons and how I don't enjoy marathon training. Still haven't made any final decisions. I want to get back to enjoying running more and feeling less like it's an endless slog of misery.
Next week is the 30K so I will get through that and then reassess my racing future!
Flint is about an hour from where I live, so David and I decided to stay at a hotel last night so we wouldn't have to get up obnoxiously early. Last night was excellent. We checked into the hotel around 5:30 or so, then walked a mile to the expo to pick up my packet. There were Special Olympics races taking place downtown, which was very cool. Then we went out for dinner (flatbread pizza - yum!) and then headed back to the hotel to relax.
I slept like crap, as I so often do the night before a race. I woke up approximately one million times. When it was finally time to get up for real, I ate my traditional pre-race oatmeal and then David and I headed over to the local YMCA where we were meeting up in the parking lot with the YPOM running club. Our new club singlets arrived yesterday, just in time for the 40 or so club members who were running the Crim to look mighty stylin' on the race course. YPOM is a force to be reckoned with! :)
I was really nervous about this race. It's notoriously hilly, though some club members told me the Solstice Run 10 miler that I ran earlier this year was hillier. After completing the Crim today, I respectfully disagree. I found the Crim to have more challenging hills and my performance was certainly a lot slower than the Solstice.
I don't remember a lot of specifics about what happened during the race. It was full sun today - not a cloud in the sky - and felt quite hot on the course, so I appreciated all the spectators who set up misting hoses and sprinklers in front of their homes. It was nice to get some relief, because the course didn't have a whole lot of shady areas. There were a lot of cute dogs on the sidelines, but I managed to refrain from stopping to pet any of them. I was sorely tempted, though! Love those dogs!
The Crim has been in existence for a long time. Runners who have done it for 30 years or more get a special shirt. During the race I came across a man who was running his 33rd Crim. That's so impressive and I hope I can have that much running longevity. It's a well-organized race and they have water stops at every mile because historically it's ridiculously humid, though it wasn't too humid this year.
I had a fairly bad attitude during my run so I admit that I kind of gave up in the last few miles when I realized that I wasn't going to hit my time goal. I'm so disappointed in myself. All I keep thinking about is those damn marathons and how I don't enjoy marathon training. Still haven't made any final decisions. I want to get back to enjoying running more and feeling less like it's an endless slog of misery.
Next week is the 30K so I will get through that and then reassess my racing future!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Thursday guilt
My attitude is only slightly better than it was earlier this week after the craptastic long run. Ran on Tuesday and felt fine. Didn't run on Wednesday. Also slept in again this morning, so the guilt really started getting to me. I took my running clothes to work and changed into them before I left the office today, so I would have fewer excuses when I got home.
I managed to push myself out the door tonight against my will and had a lovely run. The weather is gorgeous here, about 75 degrees and sunny at 6:30pm. I feel excellent now (physically) but am still fearful of what will happen next time I attempt a long run.
Maybe I'll feel better after I have a successful 10 miler at the Crim this weekend. We'll see.
I managed to push myself out the door tonight against my will and had a lovely run. The weather is gorgeous here, about 75 degrees and sunny at 6:30pm. I feel excellent now (physically) but am still fearful of what will happen next time I attempt a long run.
Maybe I'll feel better after I have a successful 10 miler at the Crim this weekend. We'll see.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Long run whining
I met up with the running club at a local park for my long run today. My running buddy Jo and I were planning on 18 miles, though I ended up at 17 because after two loops I was tired and done.
On the plus side, I didn't have any digestive issues today. Jo gave me a package of Shot Bloks and those seemed to agree with me very well. Goodbye Gu, hello Shot Bloks! I'll need to go buy some of those this week.
On the negative side, I had a crappy run today. The first loop was good. We went out a bit faster than we should have, but were feeling good. The second loop is where I fell apart. My legs felt fine (and the bunion isn't bothering me, woo hoo!) but my feet get so sore and my attitude just went to hell. I walked a lot of the second loop and I'm pretty disgusted with myself. I spent most of the time having a mental conversation with myself where I decided that I'm not going to run either one of these damn marathons. I'll thought, I'll do the 30K with Megan and Jo over Labor Day weekend and then I'm done. Half marathons only for the future.
Later Jo told me that crappy training runs mean good races and assured me I will be fine for the marathons. I'm going to see how the 30K goes. Right now I'm in a better mental place after soaking my feet in an ice bath, but who knows how I'll feel after the 30K. Maybe I'm not cut out to be a marathon runner. I don't know. My legs feel absolutely fine, my breathing was fine. It's just that my feet ache so much on long runs and I've tried several types of shoes and it's always the same. I am so grateful that the bunion isn't bothering me, but the aching makes it really less than fun to do these distances.
So for now, I haven't given up on doing Twin Cities and NYC but I'm sorta depressed about the whole thing. I decided I need a good hilly challenge to give me something worth whining about, so I just registered for the Crim 10 mile race that takes place next Saturday. I was planning a cut-back week with a 10-mile long run anyway, and the Crim will be a good way to do it because about 40 members of the running club will be there running so it will be fun. As fun as a hilly hilly hilly race can be, anyway. If nothing else, it will be good prep for the hilly hilly hilly 30K the following weekend. :)
On the plus side, I didn't have any digestive issues today. Jo gave me a package of Shot Bloks and those seemed to agree with me very well. Goodbye Gu, hello Shot Bloks! I'll need to go buy some of those this week.
On the negative side, I had a crappy run today. The first loop was good. We went out a bit faster than we should have, but were feeling good. The second loop is where I fell apart. My legs felt fine (and the bunion isn't bothering me, woo hoo!) but my feet get so sore and my attitude just went to hell. I walked a lot of the second loop and I'm pretty disgusted with myself. I spent most of the time having a mental conversation with myself where I decided that I'm not going to run either one of these damn marathons. I'll thought, I'll do the 30K with Megan and Jo over Labor Day weekend and then I'm done. Half marathons only for the future.
Later Jo told me that crappy training runs mean good races and assured me I will be fine for the marathons. I'm going to see how the 30K goes. Right now I'm in a better mental place after soaking my feet in an ice bath, but who knows how I'll feel after the 30K. Maybe I'm not cut out to be a marathon runner. I don't know. My legs feel absolutely fine, my breathing was fine. It's just that my feet ache so much on long runs and I've tried several types of shoes and it's always the same. I am so grateful that the bunion isn't bothering me, but the aching makes it really less than fun to do these distances.
So for now, I haven't given up on doing Twin Cities and NYC but I'm sorta depressed about the whole thing. I decided I need a good hilly challenge to give me something worth whining about, so I just registered for the Crim 10 mile race that takes place next Saturday. I was planning a cut-back week with a 10-mile long run anyway, and the Crim will be a good way to do it because about 40 members of the running club will be there running so it will be fun. As fun as a hilly hilly hilly race can be, anyway. If nothing else, it will be good prep for the hilly hilly hilly 30K the following weekend. :)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Blah
Lazypants McSlug (that would be me) blew off her run today. Odds are good I won't run again until Sunday's 18 miler. Well, at least I'll have fresh legs for the long run!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Woo hoo Wednesday!
Planned: 4 miles
Actual: 4.01 miles
I was really sleepy this morning and I didn't feel like getting up to run. But I did it anyway, and even managed to achieve negative splits. Just barely - the last mile was 1 second faster than mile 3 - but I did it. My overall pace was much faster than yesterday. Considering it was a much shorter run, I would expect that to be the case but it doesn't always work out that way for me!
Seven miles on the agenda for tomorrow, which means a very early wake-up call. Guess I'll be recording Top Chef tonight instead of staying up to watch.
Actual: 4.01 miles
I was really sleepy this morning and I didn't feel like getting up to run. But I did it anyway, and even managed to achieve negative splits. Just barely - the last mile was 1 second faster than mile 3 - but I did it. My overall pace was much faster than yesterday. Considering it was a much shorter run, I would expect that to be the case but it doesn't always work out that way for me!
Seven miles on the agenda for tomorrow, which means a very early wake-up call. Guess I'll be recording Top Chef tonight instead of staying up to watch.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Happy Tuesday!
Planned: 7 miles
Actual: 7.02 miles (yes, that .02 makes a difference!)
What a gorgeous morning! We finally had a break in the nasty, hot, humid weather so it was in the 50s and delightfully NOT humid when I went out to run this morning. It was great not to be sweating before I even started running.
My legs felt pretty good, especially considering the 17-mile adventure was just two days ago. And it was nice not to have intestinal cramping, too. :)
For the past few weeks I've been thinking that the hot weather is what was making me so slow. Turns out, that's not it. I'm just slow! I felt like I was cruising right along this morning, so it was disheartening to notice my poky slow pace every time I looked at my watch. Must work on that!
Actual: 7.02 miles (yes, that .02 makes a difference!)
What a gorgeous morning! We finally had a break in the nasty, hot, humid weather so it was in the 50s and delightfully NOT humid when I went out to run this morning. It was great not to be sweating before I even started running.
My legs felt pretty good, especially considering the 17-mile adventure was just two days ago. And it was nice not to have intestinal cramping, too. :)
For the past few weeks I've been thinking that the hot weather is what was making me so slow. Turns out, that's not it. I'm just slow! I felt like I was cruising right along this morning, so it was disheartening to notice my poky slow pace every time I looked at my watch. Must work on that!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Ugly long run
Today my running buddy Joanne and I headed out for 17 miles. We accomplished it. It was not pretty, but we did it. I'm going to keep the ugly details to myself. We'll just say "digestive issues" and leave it at that. Joanne and I have agreed that our remaining long runs will be in places that have more bathrooms and more places to refill our water. Woooeeee, it was hot and humid today.
But we did it, we did it, we did it! We will be ready for our fall marathons!
But we did it, we did it, we did it! We will be ready for our fall marathons!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Victory!
This morning I woke up once again to a disgustingly hot and humid early-morning temperature. My schedule called for six miles, but I was already telling myself that maybe I could just do four because it was so yucky out. Plus I'm lazy.
Once I started running, I was feeling okay. Repulsively sweaty, but otherwise okay. Got barked at by a big, scary dog who had nothing but an invisible electric fence between him and my throat. Fortunately he just pawed at the ground where his invisible fence was and he didn't come after me.
Then I saw a cute black lab and also a couple of golden retrievers. Given the opportunity, they may have sniffed me but I didn't fear for my life like I did with big meanie. Anyway, I enjoyed the dogs and in the course of running along, I managed to convince myself that I could and would complete the six miles I was supposed to do. Certainly I could cut it short, but who would I be cheating? Only myself. So I did six miles.
Victory over laziness. Woo hoo!
Once I started running, I was feeling okay. Repulsively sweaty, but otherwise okay. Got barked at by a big, scary dog who had nothing but an invisible electric fence between him and my throat. Fortunately he just pawed at the ground where his invisible fence was and he didn't come after me.
Then I saw a cute black lab and also a couple of golden retrievers. Given the opportunity, they may have sniffed me but I didn't fear for my life like I did with big meanie. Anyway, I enjoyed the dogs and in the course of running along, I managed to convince myself that I could and would complete the six miles I was supposed to do. Certainly I could cut it short, but who would I be cheating? Only myself. So I did six miles.
Victory over laziness. Woo hoo!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Still running
Planned: 4 miles
Actual: 4.15 miles
Nothing interesting to report from today's run. Didn't even see anybody out with their dogs, which is usually a benefit of running early in the morning. I love dogs.
Once again it's gross and humid outside. When I'm already sweating when I wake up (no air conditioning at my house), it really doesn't make me want to get up and run. But guilt rules the day again! Glad my guilt complex serves a good purpose sometimes.
Actual: 4.15 miles
Nothing interesting to report from today's run. Didn't even see anybody out with their dogs, which is usually a benefit of running early in the morning. I love dogs.
Once again it's gross and humid outside. When I'm already sweating when I wake up (no air conditioning at my house), it really doesn't make me want to get up and run. But guilt rules the day again! Glad my guilt complex serves a good purpose sometimes.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A good running day
Today was a good day! I woke up at 5:15 knowing I was supposed to run seven miles today. I didn't want to do it, because it was already hot and humid before the sun came up. However, I told one of my running buddies over the weekend that I was going to follow my training schedule this week and that she should bug me about it. So as much as I didn't want to get up and run, I knew Jo would ask me if I'd gotten my run in and I'd feel guilty. That got me up and out there, and I did it.
It was hard to run in the heat and humidity so I was pretty slow, but I got it done. I felt great afterward despite being tired and disgustingly sweaty. And then later in the day Jo sent me a message on FB asking if I'd run and I was happy to be able to say I've been following the schedule.
But the even better part of the day was when I received a text from my friend Megan asking which airport was the best one for someone who might be booking a flight to Detroit to run a 30K. I've been pestering Megan for what feels like months to come to Detroit and run the Labor Day 30K with me, because it will be excellent training for both of us for the Twin Cities Marathon. I do believe I finally wore her down. Woo hoo!
I'm really looking forward to seeing her and running a race with her again. It's been nearly a year since we ran the Dick Beardsley half marathon together. That half was a week after the 30K last year, so I'm pretty sure I must have given her an earful about what a miserable, hilly festival of suck the 30K is. We shall not let it defeat us!
It was hard to run in the heat and humidity so I was pretty slow, but I got it done. I felt great afterward despite being tired and disgustingly sweaty. And then later in the day Jo sent me a message on FB asking if I'd run and I was happy to be able to say I've been following the schedule.
But the even better part of the day was when I received a text from my friend Megan asking which airport was the best one for someone who might be booking a flight to Detroit to run a 30K. I've been pestering Megan for what feels like months to come to Detroit and run the Labor Day 30K with me, because it will be excellent training for both of us for the Twin Cities Marathon. I do believe I finally wore her down. Woo hoo!
I'm really looking forward to seeing her and running a race with her again. It's been nearly a year since we ran the Dick Beardsley half marathon together. That half was a week after the 30K last year, so I'm pretty sure I must have given her an earful about what a miserable, hilly festival of suck the 30K is. We shall not let it defeat us!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Not my best week
I've been a real slacker this week. After last week's excellent 16 miler, I didn't run on Sunday or Monday. I ran on Tuesday, but only 3.5 miles. Then I didn't run on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. What is happening to me!?!?
I had plans to meet some friends for a long run this morning, so I was committed and that was one run that wouldn't get skipped. I was out late last night with friends, and had a great time, but that isn't so smart when the alarm is going off at 5:30am. So I showed up for the run today with trepidation, a lot of yawning, a poor attitude, and legs that haven't run much lately. What a surprise, when I go into a run expecting it to be difficult, it turns out to be really difficult.
I'm very grateful for my running buddies Joanne and Anna, who helped me get through 12 miles today. I'll be sure not to skip so much running during the week and next weekend Joanne and I will kick butt on the 17-miler we have planned. Onward and upward!
I had plans to meet some friends for a long run this morning, so I was committed and that was one run that wouldn't get skipped. I was out late last night with friends, and had a great time, but that isn't so smart when the alarm is going off at 5:30am. So I showed up for the run today with trepidation, a lot of yawning, a poor attitude, and legs that haven't run much lately. What a surprise, when I go into a run expecting it to be difficult, it turns out to be really difficult.
I'm very grateful for my running buddies Joanne and Anna, who helped me get through 12 miles today. I'll be sure not to skip so much running during the week and next weekend Joanne and I will kick butt on the 17-miler we have planned. Onward and upward!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
July wrap-up
At the beginning of July, I mentioned that I set a goal of running 120 miles for the month. I'm pleased to report that I achieved that goal, finishing with 124.07.
If I do my planned training for August, then I will beat July's total by 20 miles or so. It's marathon ramp-up time!
If I do my planned training for August, then I will beat July's total by 20 miles or so. It's marathon ramp-up time!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
The race report that wasn't
Today I was registered for the Legend 5 mile race. It's a trail race; I did it last year and it was pretty fun. But it's a couple of hours from home. So a few weeks ago I decided to skip the Legend and do the Heart of the Hills 10K instead. I did that one last year and it was hard and I got beaten by someone who was about 80 years old, so I wanted a do-over.
But I didn't run either one of those races today. Instead, I went out to good old Stony Creek Metro Park (site of many of my training runs last year) and ran 16 miles with my running buddy Jo. And I had a great time. I don't regret skipping those races at all. If I hadn't done this long run with Jo, then I wouldn't have run long this weekend. I'm going to a pub crawl tonight and I know there's no way I'm going to get up early tomorrow. And if I don't get up early, long runs don't happen.
Overall, the 16 mile run was much better for my training than either of the races would have been. I enjoy running with Jo and she wanted someone to do the long run with her, so I was happy to oblige. Looking forward to many more kick-ass long runs. I'm starting to feel more confident about my ability to finish those marathons in the fall.
But I didn't run either one of those races today. Instead, I went out to good old Stony Creek Metro Park (site of many of my training runs last year) and ran 16 miles with my running buddy Jo. And I had a great time. I don't regret skipping those races at all. If I hadn't done this long run with Jo, then I wouldn't have run long this weekend. I'm going to a pub crawl tonight and I know there's no way I'm going to get up early tomorrow. And if I don't get up early, long runs don't happen.
Overall, the 16 mile run was much better for my training than either of the races would have been. I enjoy running with Jo and she wanted someone to do the long run with her, so I was happy to oblige. Looking forward to many more kick-ass long runs. I'm starting to feel more confident about my ability to finish those marathons in the fall.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Taking it easy
Today is tempo run day, but I didn't do a tempo run. My left hamstring was bugging me during my last two runs, so I took a rest day yesterday and decided to run easy today. Seems to have worked because my hamstring felt fine during this morning's run. We'll see what happens when I do some more serious running this weekend.
That's all I've got for now!
That's all I've got for now!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Long run fun
Planned: 12 miles
Actual: 12.1 miles
The schedule called for 10-11 miles today, but I was feeling all ambitious and decided to aim for 12. My friend Black Bear contacted me earlier this week to see if I wanted to go for a run, so we agreed to meet at a local park at 7am this morning. I'm calling her Black Bear because I wanted to link to her blog (which she needs to update more often, hint hint) and I don't think she uses her real name on her blog. So she will be BB for the rest of this post!
BB was not up for 12 today, so we agreed that she'd do one loop of the path with me (about 8 1/4 miles) and then I'd be on my own for the rest of the 12. BB runs quite a bit faster than me (she is aiming for a BQ at her next marathon, so yeah, way faster than me), but she agreed to run pokey-pace style with me. Yay!
While I was driving to the park, it was pouring buckets of rain. Awesome, just what I dream of. But lo and behold, the rain stopped as I arrived at the park. Though as BB pointed out, it still felt like we were trying to breathe through a straw. Mighty humid today. This park is somewhat hilly and I am somewhat lazy, so my legs were protesting a bit. But we completed our loop without incident, only a couple of short walk breaks and one longer break for me to hit the potty, ahem.
We observed that there are a few groups of runners who frequent this particular park who are distinctly unfriendly and will not say hello or acknowledge us as they run past us in the other direction. Too bad, I like friendly runners and the idea that there is actually a running community.
After BB left, I kind of fell apart. Before she left I was whining a bit about perhaps cutting the rest of my run short but she told me I could do 12. And she was right, I could, but it's funny how much lazier I get when I'm not running with someone else. More walk breaks, slower pace, more mental games to get myself through it. I added the extra 0.1 just because I wanted to exceed my plan so I could feel better about myself. But I finished and I'm glad I stuck it out. My feet felt fairly sore and I'd better get used to it!
Actual: 12.1 miles
The schedule called for 10-11 miles today, but I was feeling all ambitious and decided to aim for 12. My friend Black Bear contacted me earlier this week to see if I wanted to go for a run, so we agreed to meet at a local park at 7am this morning. I'm calling her Black Bear because I wanted to link to her blog (which she needs to update more often, hint hint) and I don't think she uses her real name on her blog. So she will be BB for the rest of this post!
BB was not up for 12 today, so we agreed that she'd do one loop of the path with me (about 8 1/4 miles) and then I'd be on my own for the rest of the 12. BB runs quite a bit faster than me (she is aiming for a BQ at her next marathon, so yeah, way faster than me), but she agreed to run pokey-pace style with me. Yay!
While I was driving to the park, it was pouring buckets of rain. Awesome, just what I dream of. But lo and behold, the rain stopped as I arrived at the park. Though as BB pointed out, it still felt like we were trying to breathe through a straw. Mighty humid today. This park is somewhat hilly and I am somewhat lazy, so my legs were protesting a bit. But we completed our loop without incident, only a couple of short walk breaks and one longer break for me to hit the potty, ahem.
We observed that there are a few groups of runners who frequent this particular park who are distinctly unfriendly and will not say hello or acknowledge us as they run past us in the other direction. Too bad, I like friendly runners and the idea that there is actually a running community.
After BB left, I kind of fell apart. Before she left I was whining a bit about perhaps cutting the rest of my run short but she told me I could do 12. And she was right, I could, but it's funny how much lazier I get when I'm not running with someone else. More walk breaks, slower pace, more mental games to get myself through it. I added the extra 0.1 just because I wanted to exceed my plan so I could feel better about myself. But I finished and I'm glad I stuck it out. My feet felt fairly sore and I'd better get used to it!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Negative splits
Planned: 4 miles
Actual: 4.07 miles
Majorly humid day today, but at least it's overcast so I could run without the sun pounding down on me. I went out for a short run today since I have a long run planned with a friend tomorrow morning. I planned to take it really easy since it was 11am and hot, but I was feeling pretty good so I found myself picking up the pace a bit as I went along. For one of the few times in my running history, I actually achieved negative splits today. And I finished the run feeling great. Love it!
Actual: 4.07 miles
Majorly humid day today, but at least it's overcast so I could run without the sun pounding down on me. I went out for a short run today since I have a long run planned with a friend tomorrow morning. I planned to take it really easy since it was 11am and hot, but I was feeling pretty good so I found myself picking up the pace a bit as I went along. For one of the few times in my running history, I actually achieved negative splits today. And I finished the run feeling great. Love it!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Another tempo run
Planned: 5 miles
Actual: 5.1 miles
This morning's schedule called for another tempo run. I'm pleased to say that even though I didn't feel like it at first, I got out there and did it. Sitting here now, five minutes after finishing, I feel totally invigorated even though my legs are tired. I could get addicted to this feeling.
Today's run was a mile longer than last week's tempo run. My pace was 10 seconds/mile slower than last week, but still a lot faster than the McMillan Running Calculator says my tempo runs should be. I would worry about that a little, except that I know I have a lot more potential for speed than my race times indicate so I think it's okay that I'm going faster than McMillan says. I walk faster than the time the calculator tells me to use for my long run pace!
I'll be very interested to see how my next race goes after I spend some more time doing quality workouts.
Actual: 5.1 miles
This morning's schedule called for another tempo run. I'm pleased to say that even though I didn't feel like it at first, I got out there and did it. Sitting here now, five minutes after finishing, I feel totally invigorated even though my legs are tired. I could get addicted to this feeling.
Today's run was a mile longer than last week's tempo run. My pace was 10 seconds/mile slower than last week, but still a lot faster than the McMillan Running Calculator says my tempo runs should be. I would worry about that a little, except that I know I have a lot more potential for speed than my race times indicate so I think it's okay that I'm going faster than McMillan says. I walk faster than the time the calculator tells me to use for my long run pace!
I'll be very interested to see how my next race goes after I spend some more time doing quality workouts.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Much better!
Planned: 4 miles
Actual: 4.5 miles
Today's run was a testament to the power of proper nutrition. I ate right yesterday, and didn't load up on things at the end of the day (peanut butter, broccoli) that wouldn't sit right. And voila, this morning's run was much better than yesterday's! I felt strong (once I woke up after the first half mile or so) and no stomach cramps. Ah, success!
How was your run today?
Actual: 4.5 miles
Today's run was a testament to the power of proper nutrition. I ate right yesterday, and didn't load up on things at the end of the day (peanut butter, broccoli) that wouldn't sit right. And voila, this morning's run was much better than yesterday's! I felt strong (once I woke up after the first half mile or so) and no stomach cramps. Ah, success!
How was your run today?
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