This is Spring Break week and we are having a wonderful time with my parents and grandmother who are visiting from Nebraska.
Although I wanted to hang out with my family instead, I forced myself out for the 3 mile run that I skipped yesterday. My miles were 10:03, 9:46, and 9:26 for a 3 mile run in 29:17. I was supposed to do an easy run, but it was chilly and I wanted to be doing other things, so I pushed it a bit to get it overwith ASAP.
I wore my new shoes again today and noticed that my legs got sore about half way through the run. I wonder if my problem was not overuse of muscles, but underuse of shoes. Perhaps I got injured from doing a long run in my new shoes a couple of weeks ago. I think I'll lay off the new shoes until after my 3 running events in April/May. I thought the new shoes would help me train and run better in those events, but now it seems they are a liability. Perhaps they'll be better once broken-in, but now is not the time to test that theory.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Half marathon in 2:25:40
I've have tight and very sore calf muscles, IT bands, and hips this week, so I skipped my scheduled slow 2 miler on Friday to allow more recovery days for my long run. I wasn't even convinced my long run was going to be particularly long, today. I was scheduled for 12, but was hoping for just 8 injury-free miles.
Today's run was totally different than last week's. Last week, I felt great and was much faster than expected. Today, I felt beat-up and was hyper-aware of my sore muscles throughout the run. When I over-use them, my calves and IT bands have a habit of balling up. It can be a chronic problem as they don't recover easily because they are continuously contracting, even when at rest. Sometimes it gets so bad that I can't run. I was sending relaxation vibes to my muscles so they didn't get any worse. Also, to play it safe, I stopped to walk every time I felt them tighten enough to impact my stride.
At half past 5 miles, I caught a burning sensation in my hip/IT band/hip flexor area. The relaxation vibes didn't knock it down immediately, so I slowed to a walk and pondered the fate of the run. I was about 3 miles from home and Ken was with the kids at baseball practice, so I figured I was going to get in 8 miles, even if I had to walk the last three. The burning subsided after walking about 3 minutes, so I resumed running and walking according to the directions of my muscles.
Last week, at the end of a fast 11 miles, I was feeling great and could have run 2 more miles at a 10 minute pace easily. Today I struggled a lot with the last 2 miles, just like I did in my 2008 half marathon during which I alternated ~60 meter tempos with ~60 meters barely jogging. It was brutal then as it was today. I knew alternating very fast and very slow is not a productive way to run, nor is it wise for someone with a light injury, so the last mile I quit running fast and walked less frequently. I was just tried to hold on to what was likely going to be an unofficial half marathon PR (personal record) for me.
Today's 13.1 mile distance was measured by my Garmin and clocked at 2:25:40. In 2008, I did that distance in an official 2:29:10, but I stopped at the porta-potty twice on the course. Today my splits were 11:21, 11:05, 11:13, 10:21, 11:26, 11:44, 11:09, 10:57, 12:11, 11:27, 10:51, 10:45, and 10:18 with no stops.
I'm not sure it was wise to do a really long run this weekend, but I had the time and was dressed well for the sunny run with the temperature in the upper 30's F. It wasn't an easy run, but I think I learned quite a bit.
I learned to listen to my muscles when they are tired and to walk at the first sign of tightening.
I learned that during a walk break, I gain significant energy, attitude adjustment, and back flexibility by putting my arms in a tight swimmer's spike above my head and then pressing my shoulder blades together as I slowly bring them down to my side. I guess loosening my shoulders and chest muscles helps me run in better form. I must run hunched over too much and it puts a strain on my back.
I learned I tend to forget the GU nourishment when I run and I need to be more intentional about it. I didn't take a GU until mile 11 today. Ooops.
I learned I can go easier on my sore muscles by not intentionally pushing off and just letting momentum carry me along. I'm not very fast with that method, but when running beat-up and sore, it seems to be a good strategy for being able to run further before fatigue.
I learned that geese can be damn aggressive and dangerous. Just after mile 7, I got dive-bombed by a goose. He/she was purposely aiming for my head. It surprised me and I actually screamed (not typical behavior for me). I bailed off the trail and came to an abrupt stop just past where he/she landed. The goose was on the ground now but still showing me how huge it was with the full wing span and was hissing with a wide open beak. What was that all about? My first thought as I took off running again was that the adrenaline boost was going to have a negative impact on the rest of my run.
Some teenagers were walking toward me on the path and certainly had heard, if not seen my goose encounter. I warned them of the danger, but their smiles responded with "what a pitiful old wimpy lady." A few minutes later, I heard a scream and slowed to watch them from the other side of the pond. The first one was brave and tried to run past it. She was rewarded with a startling ground chase. As I ran on, the other teenager was strategizing how to navigate the fowl roadblock. Perhaps they learned something today, too.
Today's run was totally different than last week's. Last week, I felt great and was much faster than expected. Today, I felt beat-up and was hyper-aware of my sore muscles throughout the run. When I over-use them, my calves and IT bands have a habit of balling up. It can be a chronic problem as they don't recover easily because they are continuously contracting, even when at rest. Sometimes it gets so bad that I can't run. I was sending relaxation vibes to my muscles so they didn't get any worse. Also, to play it safe, I stopped to walk every time I felt them tighten enough to impact my stride.
At half past 5 miles, I caught a burning sensation in my hip/IT band/hip flexor area. The relaxation vibes didn't knock it down immediately, so I slowed to a walk and pondered the fate of the run. I was about 3 miles from home and Ken was with the kids at baseball practice, so I figured I was going to get in 8 miles, even if I had to walk the last three. The burning subsided after walking about 3 minutes, so I resumed running and walking according to the directions of my muscles.
Last week, at the end of a fast 11 miles, I was feeling great and could have run 2 more miles at a 10 minute pace easily. Today I struggled a lot with the last 2 miles, just like I did in my 2008 half marathon during which I alternated ~60 meter tempos with ~60 meters barely jogging. It was brutal then as it was today. I knew alternating very fast and very slow is not a productive way to run, nor is it wise for someone with a light injury, so the last mile I quit running fast and walked less frequently. I was just tried to hold on to what was likely going to be an unofficial half marathon PR (personal record) for me.
Today's 13.1 mile distance was measured by my Garmin and clocked at 2:25:40. In 2008, I did that distance in an official 2:29:10, but I stopped at the porta-potty twice on the course. Today my splits were 11:21, 11:05, 11:13, 10:21, 11:26, 11:44, 11:09, 10:57, 12:11, 11:27, 10:51, 10:45, and 10:18 with no stops.
I'm not sure it was wise to do a really long run this weekend, but I had the time and was dressed well for the sunny run with the temperature in the upper 30's F. It wasn't an easy run, but I think I learned quite a bit.
I learned to listen to my muscles when they are tired and to walk at the first sign of tightening.
I learned that during a walk break, I gain significant energy, attitude adjustment, and back flexibility by putting my arms in a tight swimmer's spike above my head and then pressing my shoulder blades together as I slowly bring them down to my side. I guess loosening my shoulders and chest muscles helps me run in better form. I must run hunched over too much and it puts a strain on my back.
I learned I tend to forget the GU nourishment when I run and I need to be more intentional about it. I didn't take a GU until mile 11 today. Ooops.
I learned I can go easier on my sore muscles by not intentionally pushing off and just letting momentum carry me along. I'm not very fast with that method, but when running beat-up and sore, it seems to be a good strategy for being able to run further before fatigue.
I learned that geese can be damn aggressive and dangerous. Just after mile 7, I got dive-bombed by a goose. He/she was purposely aiming for my head. It surprised me and I actually screamed (not typical behavior for me). I bailed off the trail and came to an abrupt stop just past where he/she landed. The goose was on the ground now but still showing me how huge it was with the full wing span and was hissing with a wide open beak. What was that all about? My first thought as I took off running again was that the adrenaline boost was going to have a negative impact on the rest of my run.
Some teenagers were walking toward me on the path and certainly had heard, if not seen my goose encounter. I warned them of the danger, but their smiles responded with "what a pitiful old wimpy lady." A few minutes later, I heard a scream and slowed to watch them from the other side of the pond. The first one was brave and tried to run past it. She was rewarded with a startling ground chase. As I ran on, the other teenager was strategizing how to navigate the fowl roadblock. Perhaps they learned something today, too.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Clean carpet on which to stretch sore muscles
Yesterday I put in an easy 3 miles, trying to work out my sore muscles from my great long run on Sunday. My miles were 10:47, 11:02, and 11:25 for a total of 34:52. I walked some of every mile and even stopped to stretch a bit on the clock.
Today I was still feeling some calf and IT band soreness. I debated postponing my scheduled run because another day of recovery would be smart. Also, I simply wasn't in the mood for a 6 mile run with 4 of it at tempo. However, in the end, the weather forecast forced my hand, or my legs, I guess. Tomorrow the high will be 20 degrees F cooler with a wind chill even more intimidating. So I decided to take advantage of the relatively good weather and run this evening.
My run was pretty good, especially considering my attitude going in to it. I ran 6 miles in 1:03:04 with splits at 11:38, 10:13, 9:55, 9:45, 9:35, and 11:51. I successfully completed the scheduled 4 mile tempo run with a mile warm up and cool down. I walked several times in the first and last miles and a couple of times during the 4 mile tempo when I felt my back and hips tightening enough to alter my stride. Chris Russell kept me company with his Run Run Live podcast.
Now my calves are very sore and getting worse by the hour. So, I'm going to stretch a bit and relax on my professionally cleaned carpet. I have the most wonderful husband in the world! He surprised me today by getting the carpet cleaned. The dirty and stained carpet has been driving me crazy. Now I can go Zen.
Today I was still feeling some calf and IT band soreness. I debated postponing my scheduled run because another day of recovery would be smart. Also, I simply wasn't in the mood for a 6 mile run with 4 of it at tempo. However, in the end, the weather forecast forced my hand, or my legs, I guess. Tomorrow the high will be 20 degrees F cooler with a wind chill even more intimidating. So I decided to take advantage of the relatively good weather and run this evening.
My run was pretty good, especially considering my attitude going in to it. I ran 6 miles in 1:03:04 with splits at 11:38, 10:13, 9:55, 9:45, 9:35, and 11:51. I successfully completed the scheduled 4 mile tempo run with a mile warm up and cool down. I walked several times in the first and last miles and a couple of times during the 4 mile tempo when I felt my back and hips tightening enough to alter my stride. Chris Russell kept me company with his Run Run Live podcast.
Now my calves are very sore and getting worse by the hour. So, I'm going to stretch a bit and relax on my professionally cleaned carpet. I have the most wonderful husband in the world! He surprised me today by getting the carpet cleaned. The dirty and stained carpet has been driving me crazy. Now I can go Zen.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Glasses
First pair of eye glasses: age 44. Not priceless. $20 and not yet convinced they are worth it.
I finally took the optometrist's advice and bought some +1.00 reading glasses at Walgreen's. So naturally, I had to try them out this evening. I found the typeface was larger and with more crisp edges, but reading with the glasses made me a little nauseous.
I read my mystery novel for about 30 minutes, half with glasses and half without. I wonder if glasses take some time to get used to, like Val's contacts. Or maybe I should give it another 6 months or a year before I try reading with glasses again.
Although I had time to run tonight, I chose to give my legs and hips a break. Instead, I walked about 35 minutes; probably just under 2 miles. The weather will be getting worse this week, so I hope I can stay on target with the training.
I finally took the optometrist's advice and bought some +1.00 reading glasses at Walgreen's. So naturally, I had to try them out this evening. I found the typeface was larger and with more crisp edges, but reading with the glasses made me a little nauseous.
I read my mystery novel for about 30 minutes, half with glasses and half without. I wonder if glasses take some time to get used to, like Val's contacts. Or maybe I should give it another 6 months or a year before I try reading with glasses again.
Although I had time to run tonight, I chose to give my legs and hips a break. Instead, I walked about 35 minutes; probably just under 2 miles. The weather will be getting worse this week, so I hope I can stay on target with the training.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
11 miles in 1:59:21!
What an encouraging long run today! I ran 11 miles in 1:59:21! I'm sore and tight, but I could have run another 2.1 miles to make the run a full half marathon (13.1 miles). I would have done so, too, if it weren't for Val's softball team family meeting tonight. That's okay. I was scheduled to run 11 and I did it in very good form.
I did some walking, but not on a regular schedule. I walked a little each mile, but never a full minute. I walked up most of the hills to save my legs and energy, though. I also consumed 2 strawberry banana GU gels along the way. I took one at mile 6-ish and one at mile 9-ish. According to my Garmin, my average mile pace was 10:50 today. That's incredible for me! The mile splits were 11:11, 10:53, 10:51, 10:28, 10:26, 10:21, 11:22, 10:39, 11:16, 11:08 and 10:37.
In the middle of the run, when my pace sped up a bit, I found myself chugging along on momentum and it felt like I was expending less energy than usual to get further. That was a really great feeling and I knew it would help me get through this long run. The weather helped, too. It was mostly cloudy and about 60 degrees F while I was out there. I listened to the Slow Runners Club while running and zenrunner and eddiemarathon helped distract me from the run and made the time fly.
Today must have been THE day for great long runs. Steverunner ran a full marathon (26.2 miles) for his long run today. Like me, he has been struggling with his training, so I'm sure it was a great pick-me-up run for him, too. Congrats, Steve!
I did some walking, but not on a regular schedule. I walked a little each mile, but never a full minute. I walked up most of the hills to save my legs and energy, though. I also consumed 2 strawberry banana GU gels along the way. I took one at mile 6-ish and one at mile 9-ish. According to my Garmin, my average mile pace was 10:50 today. That's incredible for me! The mile splits were 11:11, 10:53, 10:51, 10:28, 10:26, 10:21, 11:22, 10:39, 11:16, 11:08 and 10:37.
In the middle of the run, when my pace sped up a bit, I found myself chugging along on momentum and it felt like I was expending less energy than usual to get further. That was a really great feeling and I knew it would help me get through this long run. The weather helped, too. It was mostly cloudy and about 60 degrees F while I was out there. I listened to the Slow Runners Club while running and zenrunner and eddiemarathon helped distract me from the run and made the time fly.
Today must have been THE day for great long runs. Steverunner ran a full marathon (26.2 miles) for his long run today. Like me, he has been struggling with his training, so I'm sure it was a great pick-me-up run for him, too. Congrats, Steve!
Friday, March 18, 2011
More than a little crazy
I've gone crazy! I just realized that I'm running 3 events in 3 weeks this Spring. Since I rarely run more than 2 or 3 in a year, this is certainly out of character!
On April 30th, I'll be running the Boston Poco Loco with steverunner, eddiemarathon and zenrunner from Slow Runners Club, runswim2 (renowned for punny blog comments), and several other runners, podcasters, and bloggers. Two teams will run ~6 miles up either side of the Charles river where we'll meet and webcast a live halftime show. Then we'll run back (~6 miles) to our cars and head out for a celebration party/dinner at a local pub near Harvard Square. I'll look for Car Talk's Tappet Brothers while I'm there!
One week later, on May 7, I'll be limping through the Capital City Half Marathon in Columbus. Way back in December, I thought this sounded like a good idea since I had to train to run 13 miles for the Poco Loco anyway. Now I'm wondering if I was more than a little crazy in my thinking (or lack thereof).
A mere week after the half marathon is my annual Komen Columbus Race for the Cure 5K. For 6 or 7 consecutive years, I've run the Race for the Cure in honor of my friend Cathy Cooper who lost her battle with breast cancer. Last year I also ran as a survivor myself. Join our team (Kick it with Kelly) or contribute to the cause by donating in our team's name. Ken and Jason will be leading the 5K Kick it with Kelly walking group. Valerie and I will be running in the 5K chip-timed group. Ken's sister, Michelle was asking about coming too (actually, she reminded me to sign up!), so I expect her to join the team in the next day or so. Thanks for kicking my butt to get registered, Michelle! Please join us in this wonderful, inspirational event.
So, yes, I'm participating in running events three weeks in a row! I know I'm breaking so many running rules with this schedule. Oh well, as with pirates, the rules for runners are really more like guidelines anyway. I'm sure the injury gremlins will take pity and allow me my excesses just this once.
As for my training for all these events . . . well, it's going okay. So far, I've put in 12 miles this week: 3 on Monday, 7 on Wednesday, and 2 today (10:15 and 10:11). I hope to run 10 or 11 more miles on Sunday.
On April 30th, I'll be running the Boston Poco Loco with steverunner, eddiemarathon and zenrunner from Slow Runners Club, runswim2 (renowned for punny blog comments), and several other runners, podcasters, and bloggers. Two teams will run ~6 miles up either side of the Charles river where we'll meet and webcast a live halftime show. Then we'll run back (~6 miles) to our cars and head out for a celebration party/dinner at a local pub near Harvard Square. I'll look for Car Talk's Tappet Brothers while I'm there!
One week later, on May 7, I'll be limping through the Capital City Half Marathon in Columbus. Way back in December, I thought this sounded like a good idea since I had to train to run 13 miles for the Poco Loco anyway. Now I'm wondering if I was more than a little crazy in my thinking (or lack thereof).
A mere week after the half marathon is my annual Komen Columbus Race for the Cure 5K. For 6 or 7 consecutive years, I've run the Race for the Cure in honor of my friend Cathy Cooper who lost her battle with breast cancer. Last year I also ran as a survivor myself. Join our team (Kick it with Kelly) or contribute to the cause by donating in our team's name. Ken and Jason will be leading the 5K Kick it with Kelly walking group. Valerie and I will be running in the 5K chip-timed group. Ken's sister, Michelle was asking about coming too (actually, she reminded me to sign up!), so I expect her to join the team in the next day or so. Thanks for kicking my butt to get registered, Michelle! Please join us in this wonderful, inspirational event.
So, yes, I'm participating in running events three weeks in a row! I know I'm breaking so many running rules with this schedule. Oh well, as with pirates, the rules for runners are really more like guidelines anyway. I'm sure the injury gremlins will take pity and allow me my excesses just this once.
As for my training for all these events . . . well, it's going okay. So far, I've put in 12 miles this week: 3 on Monday, 7 on Wednesday, and 2 today (10:15 and 10:11). I hope to run 10 or 11 more miles on Sunday.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Spring, shoes, and scheduling classes
Spring is here! OK, not yet, but it sure felt like it today. It was lower 50s and sunny so I ran outside in my neighborhood wearing shorts, a t-shirt, and sunglasses. I also wore my new running shoes. I'm an Adidas person - I love my Adidas Adizero Tempo, but the new version of that shoe is too deep in the forefoot and toe and I couldn't buy it. So I picked up the Adidas Supernova Glide at my local running store. I've only run in them once, but so far, so good. I may go online and look for some old tempos for races, though, because they are a "faster" shoe and I've really loved them.
I ran exactly what I had scheduled today: 7 miles, alternating slow and fast miles. Although my Garmin reports that I ran 7 miles in 1:12:41, it's a little misleading because I was off the clock several times after completing the mile loop (talked to Ken when he got home, ditto for Jason, got more water, etc.). My mile splits are accurate, however: 10:34, 8:56, 11:38, 8:53, 11:45, 9:01, and 11:40. I was really pushing hard on the fast miles and needed significant recovery time. During the slow miles, I walked several times during the mile to facilitate recovery and to be ready for the next fast burst.
I spent about 30 minutes stretching after the run. My lower back and glute were tight on the right side before I ran, so I did a little stretching before the run and between miles, too.
I'm also having some issues with blisters on a toe and the bottom of my foot, but these were issues prior to trying the new shoes. I've been putting Vaseline between my toes (thanks for the tip, Jim!) and that seems to keep it from causing pain or breaking. I'm also trying to be shoeless Kelly around the house so my toe gets lots of air. The blister still fills up whenever I run, though.
Tonight we need to determine Val's classes for 8th grade. This is important because beginning next year, some of her classes will apply toward high school credits and will be on her transcript. I can't believe that's starting already! Unfortunately, scheduling is pretty much up to the child and parents. The school provides guidance at a big parent meeting for an hour this evening and with handouts, but I wish it was more hands-on and individually focused. The handouts didn't even mention that most colleges require 3 years of foreign language - this was an aside comment the principal made during the presentation. I'm glad I was paying attention! Val hadn't planned to take foreign language.
I got some good news at the parent meeting, though. Val won't have to take physical education (PE) in 8th grade or high school because she will have at least 2 seasons of a high school sport or marching band.
I ran exactly what I had scheduled today: 7 miles, alternating slow and fast miles. Although my Garmin reports that I ran 7 miles in 1:12:41, it's a little misleading because I was off the clock several times after completing the mile loop (talked to Ken when he got home, ditto for Jason, got more water, etc.). My mile splits are accurate, however: 10:34, 8:56, 11:38, 8:53, 11:45, 9:01, and 11:40. I was really pushing hard on the fast miles and needed significant recovery time. During the slow miles, I walked several times during the mile to facilitate recovery and to be ready for the next fast burst.
I spent about 30 minutes stretching after the run. My lower back and glute were tight on the right side before I ran, so I did a little stretching before the run and between miles, too.
I'm also having some issues with blisters on a toe and the bottom of my foot, but these were issues prior to trying the new shoes. I've been putting Vaseline between my toes (thanks for the tip, Jim!) and that seems to keep it from causing pain or breaking. I'm also trying to be shoeless Kelly around the house so my toe gets lots of air. The blister still fills up whenever I run, though.
Tonight we need to determine Val's classes for 8th grade. This is important because beginning next year, some of her classes will apply toward high school credits and will be on her transcript. I can't believe that's starting already! Unfortunately, scheduling is pretty much up to the child and parents. The school provides guidance at a big parent meeting for an hour this evening and with handouts, but I wish it was more hands-on and individually focused. The handouts didn't even mention that most colleges require 3 years of foreign language - this was an aside comment the principal made during the presentation. I'm glad I was paying attention! Val hadn't planned to take foreign language.
I got some good news at the parent meeting, though. Val won't have to take physical education (PE) in 8th grade or high school because she will have at least 2 seasons of a high school sport or marching band.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Short run on a nice day
Today I had a short run planned and I knew I was up for it. I came home after work and, thanks to daylight savings time, had plenty of time to change, run 3 miles (33:18), shower, and eat - all before dark. I may even get this post done before night falls. How about that? I never thought I'd be so happy to lose an hour.
Unlike this weekend, I didn't have too much of an inner fight to get out on the road today. My mile splits were 11:26, 10:31, and 10:20, which illustrates how I felt while out there, too. I started a little tight but loosened up and got moving better as I went along.
I'm not sure what caused the difference in motivation and attitude between this weekend and today. Perhaps it's a mental thing about putting in a long run. I was supposed to run 10 miles this weekend. I think my dread multiplies by 2 for every mile that's scheduled longer than 4 miles, though I don't know why. I didn't have any trouble with 6 miles last night and could have easily run several more.
Send positive motivation vibes to me on Wednesday. I'm scheduled for 7 miles with 3 of of them as speed work. I'm hoping for terrific weather and lots of time on my hands. Yea, right. Dream big.
Unlike this weekend, I didn't have too much of an inner fight to get out on the road today. My mile splits were 11:26, 10:31, and 10:20, which illustrates how I felt while out there, too. I started a little tight but loosened up and got moving better as I went along.
I'm not sure what caused the difference in motivation and attitude between this weekend and today. Perhaps it's a mental thing about putting in a long run. I was supposed to run 10 miles this weekend. I think my dread multiplies by 2 for every mile that's scheduled longer than 4 miles, though I don't know why. I didn't have any trouble with 6 miles last night and could have easily run several more.
Send positive motivation vibes to me on Wednesday. I'm scheduled for 7 miles with 3 of of them as speed work. I'm hoping for terrific weather and lots of time on my hands. Yea, right. Dream big.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
The dark place
While the kids had a great weekend in sports (see previous post), I did not. I went to a dark place in my training.
Today, I was minutes away from vowing to quit running forever. It was a dark place.
It was a tough week for training. I put in 4 miles on Monday and 3 miles on Wednesday and both were fine runs. However, 15 minutes after my Wednesday run, I had a chest cough, with no warning I was getting sick at all. The cold persisted despite meds and fighting it with all my might.
On Friday I planned to run 10 miles, but didn't get out of work early enough to do it . . . and I was tired and unmotivated.
On Saturday, I was going to run the mileage at Bowling Green, but we got a late start and by the time we got there it was 4pm and cold and blustery (very windy). I took a nap in the hotel before heading to the swim meet at 5:30pm.
On Sunday, we were going to leave Bowling Green early so I was going to run at home instead. We left later than planned because Val was having fun with her friends and we wanted to encourage her. When we got home at 4:30pm, I was tired, unmotivated, and added GI issues to my cold symptoms. Again, I took a nap.
When I got up an hour later, I was dejected. And angry at myself. And tired. I knew I had lots of reasons to skip the run today - very little sleep in the hotel last night, chest cold, and GI issues - but I also knew that what was really stopping me from running was my lack of motivation. It was those demons of inactivity dragging me down.
I seriously considered hanging up the towel forever. I thought I should just quit running. Afterall, I'm not like the other runners I know. I struggle with motivation more often than I look forward to a run. I don't ramp up endurance very quickly. I weigh too much. I'm slow. I only run 3-4 times a week on a good week. And I'm way behind where I should be in training for the half marathon. I'll be significantly slower than my 2:29 in 2008.
All of those facts were staring me in the face and it seemed hopeless. I considered being a No Show at the half marathon on May 7 and even dropping out of the Poco Loco. Although the Poco Loco is supposed to be an easy, fun run for all involved, I'm just not sure I can run 6+ miles out and 6+ miles back.
While it was starting to get dark outside, I went through a dark place of runner gloom. I couldn't believe that I was only going to get 7 miles in this week. And then I decided, with much termoil, that running 3 miles today was better than not running at all. I knew I could physically do it, if I could just mentally kick my butt out the door.
So I did. I got out there and ran. I think what finally got me out the door was the realization that I was going to feel like crap all evening and all day tomorrow if I didn't get out and at least try to run now.
The run went suprisingly well, albeit slow. I ran 6 miles in 1:09 before my GI issues forced me inside again. I think my legs and wind would have allowed me to run 4 more, though. I was feeling really good and was enjoying the run.
Now I feel 80% better than I did all weekend. This is always the story, you know. It's always the same. I always feel much better after I get out there. Heck, I even feel much better WHEN I am out there. Yet, it's often a challenge to take that first step. And this weekend, it was much more than a challenge. The struggle was worth it, though. I won.
Today, I was minutes away from vowing to quit running forever. It was a dark place.
It was a tough week for training. I put in 4 miles on Monday and 3 miles on Wednesday and both were fine runs. However, 15 minutes after my Wednesday run, I had a chest cough, with no warning I was getting sick at all. The cold persisted despite meds and fighting it with all my might.
On Friday I planned to run 10 miles, but didn't get out of work early enough to do it . . . and I was tired and unmotivated.
On Saturday, I was going to run the mileage at Bowling Green, but we got a late start and by the time we got there it was 4pm and cold and blustery (very windy). I took a nap in the hotel before heading to the swim meet at 5:30pm.
On Sunday, we were going to leave Bowling Green early so I was going to run at home instead. We left later than planned because Val was having fun with her friends and we wanted to encourage her. When we got home at 4:30pm, I was tired, unmotivated, and added GI issues to my cold symptoms. Again, I took a nap.
When I got up an hour later, I was dejected. And angry at myself. And tired. I knew I had lots of reasons to skip the run today - very little sleep in the hotel last night, chest cold, and GI issues - but I also knew that what was really stopping me from running was my lack of motivation. It was those demons of inactivity dragging me down.
I seriously considered hanging up the towel forever. I thought I should just quit running. Afterall, I'm not like the other runners I know. I struggle with motivation more often than I look forward to a run. I don't ramp up endurance very quickly. I weigh too much. I'm slow. I only run 3-4 times a week on a good week. And I'm way behind where I should be in training for the half marathon. I'll be significantly slower than my 2:29 in 2008.
All of those facts were staring me in the face and it seemed hopeless. I considered being a No Show at the half marathon on May 7 and even dropping out of the Poco Loco. Although the Poco Loco is supposed to be an easy, fun run for all involved, I'm just not sure I can run 6+ miles out and 6+ miles back.
While it was starting to get dark outside, I went through a dark place of runner gloom. I couldn't believe that I was only going to get 7 miles in this week. And then I decided, with much termoil, that running 3 miles today was better than not running at all. I knew I could physically do it, if I could just mentally kick my butt out the door.
So I did. I got out there and ran. I think what finally got me out the door was the realization that I was going to feel like crap all evening and all day tomorrow if I didn't get out and at least try to run now.
The run went suprisingly well, albeit slow. I ran 6 miles in 1:09 before my GI issues forced me inside again. I think my legs and wind would have allowed me to run 4 more, though. I was feeling really good and was enjoying the run.
Now I feel 80% better than I did all weekend. This is always the story, you know. It's always the same. I always feel much better after I get out there. Heck, I even feel much better WHEN I am out there. Yet, it's often a challenge to take that first step. And this weekend, it was much more than a challenge. The struggle was worth it, though. I won.
Yea for Val and Jason!
Val made the cut for her Jr. High Softball Team this week. After the first day of try-outs, she was confident she'd make the team, but it was a good ego boost on both Wednesday and Thursday when she found she had made the cuts.
Val wasn't going to try-out for softball if she was swimming at State Jr Olympics this weekend. She could not have missed practices to attend tryouts, and of course she would not volate the tapering requirements for the week of the meet. Since OSSC decided to put all 4 fastest girls on one team, they couldn't take 2 relays in her age group because the B team was just short of qualifying. Although Val was very upset, perhaps it was meant to be because she's now on the softball team. We picked up new cleats for her this weekend and now she's ready to hit the field with gusto.
This weekend, Jason swam a great 50 backstroke in his State Jr. Olympics medley relay. He hung in there with all those state qualifiers and was in the top half of the heat when he got to the wall. His team came in 4th in their heat. Ohio State Swim Club's (OSSC) 9/10 boys are really amazing this year. They qualified 3 relays: the A relay came in 2nd (behind a team that set the JO record), the B relay came in 13th, and Jason's C relay was 22nd. Jason's C relay beat 2 other teams' A relays. There were 27 relays overall.
Val's friends did well in the meet, too. Kelsey was 2nd in the 50 breast and 1st in the 100 breast as an 11-year-old in the 11/12 division. Miaya was 8th in the 50 back. Miranda was 3rd in the 100 fly. If Val had qualified to swim at State, she would have bested 3 swimmers in the 100 breast and 6 in the 50 breast (comparing her Regional time to their State times). The competition was pretty tight on the 50 breast, the difference between 6th place and 19th place was just .6 seconds. That's crazy!
Overall, OSSC placed 8th out of 41 teams.
Val wasn't going to try-out for softball if she was swimming at State Jr Olympics this weekend. She could not have missed practices to attend tryouts, and of course she would not volate the tapering requirements for the week of the meet. Since OSSC decided to put all 4 fastest girls on one team, they couldn't take 2 relays in her age group because the B team was just short of qualifying. Although Val was very upset, perhaps it was meant to be because she's now on the softball team. We picked up new cleats for her this weekend and now she's ready to hit the field with gusto.
This weekend, Jason swam a great 50 backstroke in his State Jr. Olympics medley relay. He hung in there with all those state qualifiers and was in the top half of the heat when he got to the wall. His team came in 4th in their heat. Ohio State Swim Club's (OSSC) 9/10 boys are really amazing this year. They qualified 3 relays: the A relay came in 2nd (behind a team that set the JO record), the B relay came in 13th, and Jason's C relay was 22nd. Jason's C relay beat 2 other teams' A relays. There were 27 relays overall.
Val's friends did well in the meet, too. Kelsey was 2nd in the 50 breast and 1st in the 100 breast as an 11-year-old in the 11/12 division. Miaya was 8th in the 50 back. Miranda was 3rd in the 100 fly. If Val had qualified to swim at State, she would have bested 3 swimmers in the 100 breast and 6 in the 50 breast (comparing her Regional time to their State times). The competition was pretty tight on the 50 breast, the difference between 6th place and 19th place was just .6 seconds. That's crazy!
Overall, OSSC placed 8th out of 41 teams.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Just an update
My run was rushed again today. I got out of work late and hurried over to RPAC. I ran 3 miles in 29:56. Since I knew it was a short workout, I ran the whole thing in a fairly consistent pace (no walking). Afterward I had to postpone the shower to hustle to pick up Jason from swim team practice.
Valerie is in softball tryouts this week. If she was swimming at the Ohio Junior Olympics, she would not have tried out for softball this year because swim practice would have been mandatory this week. Val seems to be doing well and is having fun at tryouts. She made the first cut today. Another cut takes place on Friday.
We're headed to Bowling Green this weekend so Jason can swim backstroke with his medley relay at the Ohio Junior Olympics. His relay is faster than 4 other relays which is great news because it's tough to be seeded last place. I hope Jason has a good experience at State JOs.
I'm not sure when I'll get my long run in this week. It was scheduled for Saturday, but we'll be driving to Bowling Green in the morning and will be there through the day on Sunday. I'll have to take a look at my schedule and move things around. Maybe I can run on Friday.
Valerie is in softball tryouts this week. If she was swimming at the Ohio Junior Olympics, she would not have tried out for softball this year because swim practice would have been mandatory this week. Val seems to be doing well and is having fun at tryouts. She made the first cut today. Another cut takes place on Friday.
We're headed to Bowling Green this weekend so Jason can swim backstroke with his medley relay at the Ohio Junior Olympics. His relay is faster than 4 other relays which is great news because it's tough to be seeded last place. I hope Jason has a good experience at State JOs.
I'm not sure when I'll get my long run in this week. It was scheduled for Saturday, but we'll be driving to Bowling Green in the morning and will be there through the day on Sunday. I'll have to take a look at my schedule and move things around. Maybe I can run on Friday.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Ants and our first iPod
After work today, I ran 4 miles in 39 minutes exactly. Seriously. I know that sounds nearly impossible, but I clicked the watch to stop and 39:00 was the actual time displayed. I ran inside on the RPAC track because I was in a hurry. I worked late and had to pick up Jason after swim team practice, which gave me less than an hour to get changed, find a locker, and run. I guess that's one way to force myself to do a speedy workout.
I spent all evening working on my daughter's new iPod touch - an early birthday gift and congratulations gift for her hard work and dedication to qualifying for State Junior Olympics in swimming. She's thrilled.
Val's room has those [insert bad words here] pavement ants again. They are getting in through the brick. The kicker is that we pay a service to stop such things from happening and Ken is not a happy camper about it tonight. To rub salt in the wound, Val won't sleep in her room, so she's sleeping with me tonight and Ken is on the couch or in Val's room or in a basement bedroom. I guess that's some serious incentive for getting the service out here ASAP to get rid of these ants. This happened about 4 years ago and was terrible. I can't believe they are back!
I spent all evening working on my daughter's new iPod touch - an early birthday gift and congratulations gift for her hard work and dedication to qualifying for State Junior Olympics in swimming. She's thrilled.
Val's room has those [insert bad words here] pavement ants again. They are getting in through the brick. The kicker is that we pay a service to stop such things from happening and Ken is not a happy camper about it tonight. To rub salt in the wound, Val won't sleep in her room, so she's sleeping with me tonight and Ken is on the couch or in Val's room or in a basement bedroom. I guess that's some serious incentive for getting the service out here ASAP to get rid of these ants. This happened about 4 years ago and was terrible. I can't believe they are back!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Slow 9 in the rain
I ran my long run in the rain today. It was about 50 degrees and misting when I went out and it got cooler and more rainy as I went along. I was dressed perfectly though:
My long run today was 9 miles; the same mileage as last week. However, I was 6 minutes slower today as I finished in 1:43:55. I was outside in the rain instead of inside on the flat track, so perhaps that's one reason for the slow down. I also didn't follow a run-walk-run ratio, I just walked whenever I decided I should walk. My splits were 11:18, 11:10, 11:19, 11:20, 11:31, 11:19, 12:11, 11:35, and 12:04.
The good news is my back didn't hurt much today. Last night, Ken helped stretch my legs and rubbed my back and I'm sure that's why my back didn't tense as much today. My legs are really tired, though - and my IT bands and hip flexors are tight.
Tonight Ken and I are kid-less as both kids surprised us by getting invited for sleepovers. Weird. That never happens spontaneously! So I'm signing off now so Ken and I can decide what to do with our surprise freedom. Should we go out and have a wild night on the town or stay in and have a quiet romantic evening at home? Either would be great, as we rarely get just "us" time.
Have a great weekend! I will!
- sleeveless dri-fit shirt
- shell-only Marmot jacket with zipper vents under the arms
- a ball cap to keep the rain off my face
- light leggings that fell just below the knee with shorts over them
- my fabulous Vasque trail running shoes
My long run today was 9 miles; the same mileage as last week. However, I was 6 minutes slower today as I finished in 1:43:55. I was outside in the rain instead of inside on the flat track, so perhaps that's one reason for the slow down. I also didn't follow a run-walk-run ratio, I just walked whenever I decided I should walk. My splits were 11:18, 11:10, 11:19, 11:20, 11:31, 11:19, 12:11, 11:35, and 12:04.
The good news is my back didn't hurt much today. Last night, Ken helped stretch my legs and rubbed my back and I'm sure that's why my back didn't tense as much today. My legs are really tired, though - and my IT bands and hip flexors are tight.
Tonight Ken and I are kid-less as both kids surprised us by getting invited for sleepovers. Weird. That never happens spontaneously! So I'm signing off now so Ken and I can decide what to do with our surprise freedom. Should we go out and have a wild night on the town or stay in and have a quiet romantic evening at home? Either would be great, as we rarely get just "us" time.
Have a great weekend! I will!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Homework miles
I was able to run outside today; another beautiful day in central Ohio. I was scheduled to do a short, easy run (2 miles, but I did 3). I ran a 5K in 32:52 with splits at 11:02, 10:28, and 10:27.
It wasn't as easy going as it should have been, but I was out there getting in the miles and smarter runners than me assert that is what matters most. I'm going with that. These were ungraded homework miles.
It wasn't as easy going as it should have been, but I was out there getting in the miles and smarter runners than me assert that is what matters most. I'm going with that. These were ungraded homework miles.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Regional championship swim meet
It's been a busy few days for our family. We had a 3 day Regional Championship swim meet Fri-Sun this weekend. I officiated every session and the kids swam very, very well.
Val got 1st in the medley relay (her team had a JO qualifying time), 1st in the 100 breaststroke (won by 11.7 seconds!), 2nd in the freestyle relay, 3rd in the 50 breaststroke (only .6 seconds off the JO time), 6th in the individual medley (all strokes), 8th in the 100 freestyle, 9th in the 50 freestyle, and 10th in the 50 butterfly.
Jason got 3rd in the 50 backstroke (dropped lots of time in this event!), 3rd in the freestyle relay, 4th in 100 backstroke, 4th in the 50 freestyle, 10th in 50 breaststroke, 10th in 50 butterfly, 11th in the Individual Medley (all strokes), and 12th in the 50 freestyle.
Both kids swam events in the mornings and then made it to finals all three evenings. The days were long, but rewarding.
We were 95% sure Val would be going to the state meet the weekend of March 11 since both OSU medley relays in her age group qualified. However, when the coaches moved the 4 fastest girls to one relay, the second team wasn't fast enough to go to the state meet. Val was devastated since she is 12 and next year ages up to the 13/14 group with new time standards.
Despite the tough news Val received, we are going to the state meet. Jason's amazing time in his 50 backstroke made him the top backstroke choice for the 9/10 boys B medley relay that qualified for state JOs. Two boys who are ranked in the top 10 in the state were able to make up for the 1.33 seconds Jason is shy of a state cut. Therefore, a second relay for 9/10 boys qualified and Jason is now a member of that team.
Because of the swim meet and then yesterday's retirement party for a staff member, I didn't run for 4 days. Today I put in 6 miles in 1:04:26 outside in beautiful weather. My miles were 11:15, 10:23, 10:21, 10:43, 10:34, and 11:02. I was scheduled to do 6 miles with 4 of them tempo at a 10:19 pace, so I fell a bit short of the schedule in pace, even though I did the mileage.
Val got 1st in the medley relay (her team had a JO qualifying time), 1st in the 100 breaststroke (won by 11.7 seconds!), 2nd in the freestyle relay, 3rd in the 50 breaststroke (only .6 seconds off the JO time), 6th in the individual medley (all strokes), 8th in the 100 freestyle, 9th in the 50 freestyle, and 10th in the 50 butterfly.
Jason got 3rd in the 50 backstroke (dropped lots of time in this event!), 3rd in the freestyle relay, 4th in 100 backstroke, 4th in the 50 freestyle, 10th in 50 breaststroke, 10th in 50 butterfly, 11th in the Individual Medley (all strokes), and 12th in the 50 freestyle.
Both kids swam events in the mornings and then made it to finals all three evenings. The days were long, but rewarding.
We were 95% sure Val would be going to the state meet the weekend of March 11 since both OSU medley relays in her age group qualified. However, when the coaches moved the 4 fastest girls to one relay, the second team wasn't fast enough to go to the state meet. Val was devastated since she is 12 and next year ages up to the 13/14 group with new time standards.
Despite the tough news Val received, we are going to the state meet. Jason's amazing time in his 50 backstroke made him the top backstroke choice for the 9/10 boys B medley relay that qualified for state JOs. Two boys who are ranked in the top 10 in the state were able to make up for the 1.33 seconds Jason is shy of a state cut. Therefore, a second relay for 9/10 boys qualified and Jason is now a member of that team.
Because of the swim meet and then yesterday's retirement party for a staff member, I didn't run for 4 days. Today I put in 6 miles in 1:04:26 outside in beautiful weather. My miles were 11:15, 10:23, 10:21, 10:43, 10:34, and 11:02. I was scheduled to do 6 miles with 4 of them tempo at a 10:19 pace, so I fell a bit short of the schedule in pace, even though I did the mileage.
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