The Charles River run didn't happen...I overslept that morning but did manage to squeeze in two workouts in the teeny weeny hotel gym. Bummed as we don't have a reason to go back to Boston any time soon so not sure when I'll be able to make that storied run.
Even though I regularly tell Shannon not to force make-up runs, I did a make-up run today. I needed to put that 6-miler. I won't lie; I fear not putting in enough long runs and then dying on the race course.
Today's run was ugly, long, painful, lonely and more importantly, done!
Breakdown of the miles:
Mile 1 / both shins are tight and revolting with each stride
Mile 2 / feet are heavy and ankles twisted awkwardly a few times
Mile 3 / "Jesus, why is this so freakin' hard?"
Mile 4 / "Jesus, I can't feel my left butt cheek. Serious? My butt is numb?"
Mile 5 / fastest mile of the day; worked hard to keep pace up (13.5 minute / mile)
Mile 6 / losing it towards the end; forgot what letter came before "q" in the alphabet
Am proud that I ran (okay, at least jogged) up all the hills and stuck with it even after I lost my mind and feeling in my buttocks.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Taking on the Charles
Two back-to-back days on the treadmill and I'm pooped out.
Had to run harder and faster than I wanted to yesterday because I was behind schedule and had a bus to catch.
What's great is that it seems my body is starting to accept the harder workouts! I have learned to breathe better which has helped with the endurance, I think.
We've been in pre-training and training for months and months now but it's only hitting now that we have a race coming up. We're up to 6 miles for this weekend's long run...gulp.
Anxious and excited about the long run, especially since I've always wanted to be one of those runners trotting along the Charles. Actually, more excited than anxious!!
Had to run harder and faster than I wanted to yesterday because I was behind schedule and had a bus to catch.
What's great is that it seems my body is starting to accept the harder workouts! I have learned to breathe better which has helped with the endurance, I think.
We've been in pre-training and training for months and months now but it's only hitting now that we have a race coming up. We're up to 6 miles for this weekend's long run...gulp.
Anxious and excited about the long run, especially since I've always wanted to be one of those runners trotting along the Charles. Actually, more excited than anxious!!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
No face-plants
Shannon and I hit the gym today for our longest run yet, 5 miles.
We both did well. We learned that you should not turn to talk to your running partner while the treadmill is going because you could possibly lose your balance and do a face-plant on the treadmill. Luckily, Shannon has lightening-fast reflexes and righted herself before skidding off.
Shannon started off at a 12 minute / mile pace and I thought...wow, really? That's where I usually end up but we're starting with that?
As usual, I found running with Shannon to be super helpful in pushing me. I did the first half of the mileage at the faster 12 minute / mile pace and felt relatively relaxed.
I felt comfortable enough to push myself to do negative splits so did the next mile and a half at a 11:30 minute / mile and the last mile at a 10:54 minute / mile pace. I was also motivated to go faster just so we can finish up. 5 miles is a lot!
I am surprised that I was able to hold my "fast" pace for 5 miles. Thanks, Shannon, for setting the pace!
We both did well. We learned that you should not turn to talk to your running partner while the treadmill is going because you could possibly lose your balance and do a face-plant on the treadmill. Luckily, Shannon has lightening-fast reflexes and righted herself before skidding off.
Shannon started off at a 12 minute / mile pace and I thought...wow, really? That's where I usually end up but we're starting with that?
As usual, I found running with Shannon to be super helpful in pushing me. I did the first half of the mileage at the faster 12 minute / mile pace and felt relatively relaxed.
I felt comfortable enough to push myself to do negative splits so did the next mile and a half at a 11:30 minute / mile and the last mile at a 10:54 minute / mile pace. I was also motivated to go faster just so we can finish up. 5 miles is a lot!
I am surprised that I was able to hold my "fast" pace for 5 miles. Thanks, Shannon, for setting the pace!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Small victories
Shannon and I were counting our blessings and applauding the small victories won over the last few months of training.
We persevered and have improved. We haven't worked consistently but we continue to work.
Something is different this training season. I feel like I've turned a point...cannot really articulate it yet but it feels like I'm no longer doing something totally against my nature. For the last few years / training seasons, I felt like I was in a constant fight state. Fought getting out for a run, fought to do more than my body was ready for, fought to enjoy the process.
Today, I went for a run in the glorious morning weather and I felt different. I tightened up the laces and ran. Not fast, not in perfect form, not easy but it was exactly what I wanted to be doing. No more fight.
I feel muscles forming. I feel proud of how fast (13.5 minute miles, y'all!) I can go. I feel like a runner.
A lot of small victories won over the last six years have gotten me here physically and mentally.
Oh yes, GO CELTICS! The Truth deserves it all!
We persevered and have improved. We haven't worked consistently but we continue to work.
Something is different this training season. I feel like I've turned a point...cannot really articulate it yet but it feels like I'm no longer doing something totally against my nature. For the last few years / training seasons, I felt like I was in a constant fight state. Fought getting out for a run, fought to do more than my body was ready for, fought to enjoy the process.
Today, I went for a run in the glorious morning weather and I felt different. I tightened up the laces and ran. Not fast, not in perfect form, not easy but it was exactly what I wanted to be doing. No more fight.
I feel muscles forming. I feel proud of how fast (13.5 minute miles, y'all!) I can go. I feel like a runner.
A lot of small victories won over the last six years have gotten me here physically and mentally.
Oh yes, GO CELTICS! The Truth deserves it all!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Will work for McNuggets
I'll come clean. Today, I had planned on making up a 3-mile run.
Instead, I scarfed down 8 chicken McNuggets and salt with fries on the side and a giant scope of Polly Ann Oreo Banana ice cream.
I feel a bit guilty, especially as my laptop perches on my tummy shelf. I'd feel more guilty if not for my superhuman (okay, super-me) workouts on Friday and Saturday.
Friday
Team building day! We went rafting on a Level 3 river. The workout didn't just come from the paddling but also from the having to swim the raft to land. The raft kept deflating and it got to the point where we couldn't paddle / bail out water fast enough. We jumped out; each of us tucking a piece of the deflating raft under an arm and "swimming" with the other arm.
Did I mention that I only know how to doggy-paddle and didn't have a tie for my glasses? I struggled to doggy-paddle, kick, hold onto the raft and keep my glasses on all at once. I was exhausted when it was over but what a great experience!
Saturday
I ran from Dennis' place to Mom & Dad's. At 8:30am, it was already a nice 70 degrees with bright, clear skies. With NPR along for company, I started off on the 4-miler ready for the relatively flat route.
Within the first 5-minutes, I knew it was going to be a decent run. My feet felt light; there were few issues with the shins. I took a few stretch breaks at stoplights to make sure I didn't tighten up.
At around 3 miles, I realized that I could finish the run before my NPR segment (54 minutes) completes. I felt really good so picked up the pace. I loved the feeling -- fast, able and working hard!
I finished the run in 54 minutes, a 13:30 minute / mile pace! On the road! WOOT!
Instead, I scarfed down 8 chicken McNuggets and salt with fries on the side and a giant scope of Polly Ann Oreo Banana ice cream.
I feel a bit guilty, especially as my laptop perches on my tummy shelf. I'd feel more guilty if not for my superhuman (okay, super-me) workouts on Friday and Saturday.
Friday
Team building day! We went rafting on a Level 3 river. The workout didn't just come from the paddling but also from the having to swim the raft to land. The raft kept deflating and it got to the point where we couldn't paddle / bail out water fast enough. We jumped out; each of us tucking a piece of the deflating raft under an arm and "swimming" with the other arm.
Did I mention that I only know how to doggy-paddle and didn't have a tie for my glasses? I struggled to doggy-paddle, kick, hold onto the raft and keep my glasses on all at once. I was exhausted when it was over but what a great experience!
Saturday
I ran from Dennis' place to Mom & Dad's. At 8:30am, it was already a nice 70 degrees with bright, clear skies. With NPR along for company, I started off on the 4-miler ready for the relatively flat route.
Within the first 5-minutes, I knew it was going to be a decent run. My feet felt light; there were few issues with the shins. I took a few stretch breaks at stoplights to make sure I didn't tighten up.
At around 3 miles, I realized that I could finish the run before my NPR segment (54 minutes) completes. I felt really good so picked up the pace. I loved the feeling -- fast, able and working hard!
I finished the run in 54 minutes, a 13:30 minute / mile pace! On the road! WOOT!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Sweaty butt
A tip for other runners: do not wear dark running pants that show off every drip of sweat...especially down your back and around your buttocks.
After 3+ miles on the treadmill, my backside looked like I sat down on a puddle or peed all over myself. Nice image, huh?
I didn't do an aggressive ladder exercise today. Instead, I kept up an average faster pace for longer durations.
It was a hard run, as evidenced by my sweaty butt, and there was a sense of ease towards the end that is very motivating. Am feeling rewarded for the hard work put in thus far!
After 3+ miles on the treadmill, my backside looked like I sat down on a puddle or peed all over myself. Nice image, huh?
I didn't do an aggressive ladder exercise today. Instead, I kept up an average faster pace for longer durations.
It was a hard run, as evidenced by my sweaty butt, and there was a sense of ease towards the end that is very motivating. Am feeling rewarded for the hard work put in thus far!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Ugly 4
It was an ugly 4-miler.
I extended the usual Inner Sunset route. I was thumping, hard and slow, through the first 3 miles. Both shins were hurting today, with sporadic acute pain in the right shin. This is what happens when I take 3 days off in a row to lounge and just be lazy. BAD.
The great news is that mile 4 was awesome. That last stretch break made a difference and I was booking it home. I didn't aim for a negative split but I did it today.
Mile 4 was solid. I was still heavy on the feet but my breathing took pace, my shins eased up and I was running. Felt awesome.
It was also great to run at 8:30pm and see the sun just setting. I heart these long, summer days!
I extended the usual Inner Sunset route. I was thumping, hard and slow, through the first 3 miles. Both shins were hurting today, with sporadic acute pain in the right shin. This is what happens when I take 3 days off in a row to lounge and just be lazy. BAD.
The great news is that mile 4 was awesome. That last stretch break made a difference and I was booking it home. I didn't aim for a negative split but I did it today.
Mile 4 was solid. I was still heavy on the feet but my breathing took pace, my shins eased up and I was running. Felt awesome.
It was also great to run at 8:30pm and see the sun just setting. I heart these long, summer days!
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
1,249 days to go
Didn't win a lottery spot for the 2008 NYC Marathon. If I get denied a spot 3 years in a row, I'm guaranteed a spot in the 2011 race. So...worse case scenario, I'm training for the 2011 NYC Marathon! WOOT!
I want to go back and finish the marathon. I like training for the halves but want to finish the historic NYC 26.2. Life goal. How awesome is it that within the next 3 years I have another chance of fulfilling a life goal?! Say it with me people, WOOT!
On the shorter term, I did another 3-mile treadmill run today. It was harder than Monday's run. I didn't get enough food in me prior to the workout. Really struggled with fatigue the last mile.
No shin pain today. Wondering if it's the quarter mile warm-up or total rest day before runs or both that has helped with the heavy tightness. Need to figure it out and repeat, repeat, repeat.
I want to go back and finish the marathon. I like training for the halves but want to finish the historic NYC 26.2. Life goal. How awesome is it that within the next 3 years I have another chance of fulfilling a life goal?! Say it with me people, WOOT!
On the shorter term, I did another 3-mile treadmill run today. It was harder than Monday's run. I didn't get enough food in me prior to the workout. Really struggled with fatigue the last mile.
No shin pain today. Wondering if it's the quarter mile warm-up or total rest day before runs or both that has helped with the heavy tightness. Need to figure it out and repeat, repeat, repeat.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Snorting
Runner's high. Right.
I had a kickass run on the treadmill today, logging a 3-miler. It's a bump up from the 2-mile weekday runs; it means that we're going to start picking up the training pace now.
I took a quarter mile to warm up and another quarter to cool down. In between, I ramped up to a 11:30 minute / mile and it felt just lovely! My back pain and calf issues didn't hamper today's 3-mile run.
I was flinging sweat every which way. Arms and legs pumping, lungs burning, time crawling. It was extremely exhilarating to let all my work frustrations out on treadmill. It was a good, hard run.
Shortly thereafter, I fell asleep on the bus ride home. I woke myself up with my own snoring / snorting.
The run didn't give me a high, just a blissful deep nap!
I had a kickass run on the treadmill today, logging a 3-miler. It's a bump up from the 2-mile weekday runs; it means that we're going to start picking up the training pace now.
I took a quarter mile to warm up and another quarter to cool down. In between, I ramped up to a 11:30 minute / mile and it felt just lovely! My back pain and calf issues didn't hamper today's 3-mile run.
I was flinging sweat every which way. Arms and legs pumping, lungs burning, time crawling. It was extremely exhilarating to let all my work frustrations out on treadmill. It was a good, hard run.
Shortly thereafter, I fell asleep on the bus ride home. I woke myself up with my own snoring / snorting.
The run didn't give me a high, just a blissful deep nap!
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