So yesterday was my long run. I was nervous about this run all week and psyched myself out as usual, but it went very well.
After my 7 miler last week, I was really not looking forward to logging 8 miles and then being in pain for several days. There were three very large differences for this run though. The first being that I had purchased compression sleeves for my calves and was trying them out for the first time. I was a little skeptical, but these things are wicked awesome! I hardly felt any pain in my shins and calves and my knee held up quite nicely. I am still very sore, and sitting on a plane for 3+ hours today didn't help, but I'm much better off than after last weeks long run.
The second difference was that I was trying out carb gel (Gu) for the first time instead of choking down sport beans like I usually do. I was a little worried that my tummy wouldn't handle the gel, but all was well (nine nine busta rhyme)! The texture was a little strange the first time, but once you get used to it, it's not so bad. I have no idea if the gels helped (I took one at mile 2 and again at mile 6), but I felt energetic until the last 1/2 mile or so.
The third, and probably the most important, difference was that I had company for this run. The kiddos were with my mother-in-law Saturday night so the hubby joined me Sunday morning for my 8 mile run. In one regard this was very irritating. I mean, seriously, I have been "training" since July 7th to run longer distances and still feel like I'm going to die towards the end every weekend. This man hasn't run in years and just plodded along beside me carrying on a conversation and pushing me when I needed it. It's frustrating, but it was much appreciated. I'm not saying he didn't feel it, he was very sore yesterday evening, but during the run he never even batted an eyelash. I sure do love that man.
I can see you hanging on the edge of your seat so I'll get down to the stats for this run.
8 miles; 1:56:08; 14'31" average
If you remember correctly, and I know you do, I averaged 15'22" on my 7 miler last week. I know I'm not supposed to pay attention to pace on my long runs, but it feels good to know that I was running much stronger this go round and the distance was 1 mile longer.
I started off this run with a 3:1 interval. After 2 miles I told the hubby that I was sick of hearing the interval timer beep in my ear and I was just going to turn it off. He told me that I would probably run longer that way, but I wasn't so sure. I'll be damned if he wasn't right! By the end of the run I had run four 1/2 mile distances without stopping to walk, and my walking intervals were much shorter as well. This no doubt helped my average a great deal.
At one point during the run a man pulled up beside us and asked how we did at the Tulsa Run this weekend. We didn't participate in the Tulsa Run, but I loved that he asked because it at least meant that I looked like a runner instead of some fat girl hobbling down the trail. We chatted with him while we ran back to the car for a water break, and at one point I looked down to see that we were doing a 10'34" mile. Whoa nelly! Way too fast for me, okay? Maybe I need to run in groups more often?
While this LR was wildly successful and gave me the confidence I needed, I'm hurting for sure tonight. I'm due for 4 miles tomorrow and will be running in 40 degree weather here in Boston. I'm hoping that I wake up with less soreness tomorrow. I'm also hoping that I can find somewhere to run outside around the hotel so I don't have to spend an hour on a treadmill (YIKES).
For the first time, I'm beginning to think I might actually be able to do this. Only 26 more days!
MIND OVER MATTER
Monday, October 28, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Time management
I was scheduled for 4 miles yesterday, but only had time for 2. Before July 7th (my running birthday) I would not have even bothered with the 2 miles, but the new me thinks that 2 miles is better than zero! What amazed me about this run is how awful only 2 miles can feel. After racking up 7 miles on Saturday, I thought this little 2 miler would be a breeze. I was dead wrong. My legs were like heavy concrete blocks and my shins were SCREAMING the whole time.
Stats: 2 miles, 28:10, 13'54" average
I'm getting really sick and tired of my legs hurting for the majority of every run. There is just no possible way that it's supposed to feel like this. The soreness in my knee is one thing, but stabbing pain in both of my shins on every run is entirely another. I'm going to continue stretching and use my grid roller after every run in hopes that this miraculously goes away. Otherwise the mental aspect of running will have to serve me well if I'm going to make it 8 miles this weekend.
MIND OVER MATTER
Stats: 2 miles, 28:10, 13'54" average
I'm getting really sick and tired of my legs hurting for the majority of every run. There is just no possible way that it's supposed to feel like this. The soreness in my knee is one thing, but stabbing pain in both of my shins on every run is entirely another. I'm going to continue stretching and use my grid roller after every run in hopes that this miraculously goes away. Otherwise the mental aspect of running will have to serve me well if I'm going to make it 8 miles this weekend.
MIND OVER MATTER
Monday, October 21, 2013
I am a tortoise, and proud of it!
I have two runs to update y'all on.
Friday I logged 4 miles in the rain! Well technically only 2 of those 4 miles was in the rain, but still. I ran right after work on Riverside. I parked my car at 41st as usual and decided to take off southbound for a change (big mistake). I knew it was supposed to rain, but I was determined to get my run in anyway. I ran south for 2 miles before turning around, and I was kicking myself for doing this on the way back to the car. I was having a miserable time around the 1 mile mark; my legs were heavy, my knee was hurting, and I was wondering how I could possibly be more miserable. Well I got my answer when I hit 2 miles and turned around to head northbound. Mother nature is a biatch! It began to rain a little and the wind picked up out of the north around 15 mph. Another 1/2 mile later it was raining sheets and I was drenched from head to toe. It was 50 degrees, but it felt like 20 with my wet clothes and the wind. I was cursing myself for not sticking closer to the car. Now I had no choice but to finish the run in the rain while freezing my tush off. This proved to be a good thing however; had I stuck closer to the car, I never would've finished my mileage in that weather. I was pretty proud of the fact that I kept on going, but really I had no choice. The stats for this run aren't particularly earth shattering; 4 miles, 58:07, 14'27" average. The takeaway from this run is that I can get my mileage in no matter what the weather holds. Yes I was miserable, but I did it.........
Sunday I was faced with my long run after only putting in one short run since my 6 miler last Wednesday. I decided to skip one of my short runs this week so I could get back on schedule with my long runs on the weekend. The sun is going down far too early for me to get those long runs in after a full work day. My legs were feeling sluggish all day so I was playing the mind game with myself before I even got started on this 7 mile run. I got all my stretching in and took off on the trail southbound into the wind. Oh my goodness it was windy! I hate running in the wind, it just sucks. It was nice to turn around and go northbound though; it felt like the wind was literally pushing me forward. At the 2 mile mark I stopped back by the car for some water and I just wanted to quit right there. My breathing was fine, but my legs were not cooperating. The pain in my shins was borderline unbearable and got only marginally better when I took walking breaks. I did not quit! I got some water and headed back out on the trail, continuing northbound. I ran a little over 1 mile in that direction and then turned around to head back to the car for some more water. When I reached the car this time I had less than 3 miles to go. I realized that my legs were feeling better and I just might be able to do this. Maybe I just needed to get warmed up? I took off again, this time southbound so I could finish with the wind at my back. This 2.5 mile stretch wasn't bad, save for the fact that around mile 6 my feet were super sore. First time that has happened to me on a run. Guess the increased mileage really does affect the body. I am finding all sorts of new things when I increase my mileage. Such as the fact that my neck and back were killing me last night (guess I was super tense the entire time). Aches and pains aside, I finished, albeit very slowly. My average pace for this run was 15'22" for a total time of 1:47:56, and I'm okay with that. My last 3 miles were super slow and took a toll on my average, but I never would've finished if I hadn't slowed down.
My goal for the half marathon is to finish in 3 hours and 15 minutes. That will require a 14'53" average over 13.1 miles. Judging by my 7 mile performance yesterday, I might not hit the 3:15 mark. But then again, who knows. There are still 34 days of training before November 24th.
I saw a quote this morning that was perfect:
"Acknowledge all of your small victories. They will eventually add up to something great." - Kara Goucher
The small victory here is that I ran 7 miles. I didn't do it quickly, but I did it. Enough said!
MIND OVER MATTER
Friday I logged 4 miles in the rain! Well technically only 2 of those 4 miles was in the rain, but still. I ran right after work on Riverside. I parked my car at 41st as usual and decided to take off southbound for a change (big mistake). I knew it was supposed to rain, but I was determined to get my run in anyway. I ran south for 2 miles before turning around, and I was kicking myself for doing this on the way back to the car. I was having a miserable time around the 1 mile mark; my legs were heavy, my knee was hurting, and I was wondering how I could possibly be more miserable. Well I got my answer when I hit 2 miles and turned around to head northbound. Mother nature is a biatch! It began to rain a little and the wind picked up out of the north around 15 mph. Another 1/2 mile later it was raining sheets and I was drenched from head to toe. It was 50 degrees, but it felt like 20 with my wet clothes and the wind. I was cursing myself for not sticking closer to the car. Now I had no choice but to finish the run in the rain while freezing my tush off. This proved to be a good thing however; had I stuck closer to the car, I never would've finished my mileage in that weather. I was pretty proud of the fact that I kept on going, but really I had no choice. The stats for this run aren't particularly earth shattering; 4 miles, 58:07, 14'27" average. The takeaway from this run is that I can get my mileage in no matter what the weather holds. Yes I was miserable, but I did it.........
Sunday I was faced with my long run after only putting in one short run since my 6 miler last Wednesday. I decided to skip one of my short runs this week so I could get back on schedule with my long runs on the weekend. The sun is going down far too early for me to get those long runs in after a full work day. My legs were feeling sluggish all day so I was playing the mind game with myself before I even got started on this 7 mile run. I got all my stretching in and took off on the trail southbound into the wind. Oh my goodness it was windy! I hate running in the wind, it just sucks. It was nice to turn around and go northbound though; it felt like the wind was literally pushing me forward. At the 2 mile mark I stopped back by the car for some water and I just wanted to quit right there. My breathing was fine, but my legs were not cooperating. The pain in my shins was borderline unbearable and got only marginally better when I took walking breaks. I did not quit! I got some water and headed back out on the trail, continuing northbound. I ran a little over 1 mile in that direction and then turned around to head back to the car for some more water. When I reached the car this time I had less than 3 miles to go. I realized that my legs were feeling better and I just might be able to do this. Maybe I just needed to get warmed up? I took off again, this time southbound so I could finish with the wind at my back. This 2.5 mile stretch wasn't bad, save for the fact that around mile 6 my feet were super sore. First time that has happened to me on a run. Guess the increased mileage really does affect the body. I am finding all sorts of new things when I increase my mileage. Such as the fact that my neck and back were killing me last night (guess I was super tense the entire time). Aches and pains aside, I finished, albeit very slowly. My average pace for this run was 15'22" for a total time of 1:47:56, and I'm okay with that. My last 3 miles were super slow and took a toll on my average, but I never would've finished if I hadn't slowed down.
My goal for the half marathon is to finish in 3 hours and 15 minutes. That will require a 14'53" average over 13.1 miles. Judging by my 7 mile performance yesterday, I might not hit the 3:15 mark. But then again, who knows. There are still 34 days of training before November 24th.
I saw a quote this morning that was perfect:
"Acknowledge all of your small victories. They will eventually add up to something great." - Kara Goucher
The small victory here is that I ran 7 miles. I didn't do it quickly, but I did it. Enough said!
MIND OVER MATTER
Thursday, October 17, 2013
No rest for the weary....
Last night was night #2 of horrible sleep, and it's taking its toll. I also think the rhino virus has set up camp in my body. LOVELY!
Now on to more important items, last night’s 6 miler……
I completed the run in 1 hour 27 minutes and 49 seconds at an average pace of 14’27”
Pretty darn good considering I didn’t know if I was going to be able to do it at all. I also set a PR for my fastest mile at 12’46” (watch out y’all, I’m a speed demon)! This PR came during the first mile and my pace slowed down quite a bit from there, which is obvious from my slower overall average. I chose 4:1 run/walk intervals for this run and I think I will stick with those numbers (5 minutes just seemed like a bit much on my last 4 miler).
In general, this run felt pretty good. Once I hit the 4.5 mile mark, I knew I was going to finish. There is nothing like knowing that you’re going to complete something that you set out to do, no matter how much it sucks. Around mile 5, I started to have this funky pain in my left shin. It didn’t really HURT, it just felt strange. I slowed down a bit and it went away, hopefully to never return. My knee hurts this morning, but it’s a bearable pain and is probably just sore. I’m hoping and praying that my knee holds out until the race in November. I’ve been taking glucosamine twice a day like a geriatric lately so that should help.
I also hit a mini milestone during this run. Since July 7th, I have logged 104.5 miles! I don’t care how fast you’re going, 100+ miles is better than zero…………..
Now I just have to make it through this workday without passing out or falling over while walking on my sore legs.
MIND OVER MATTER
Now on to more important items, last night’s 6 miler……
I completed the run in 1 hour 27 minutes and 49 seconds at an average pace of 14’27”
Pretty darn good considering I didn’t know if I was going to be able to do it at all. I also set a PR for my fastest mile at 12’46” (watch out y’all, I’m a speed demon)! This PR came during the first mile and my pace slowed down quite a bit from there, which is obvious from my slower overall average. I chose 4:1 run/walk intervals for this run and I think I will stick with those numbers (5 minutes just seemed like a bit much on my last 4 miler).
In general, this run felt pretty good. Once I hit the 4.5 mile mark, I knew I was going to finish. There is nothing like knowing that you’re going to complete something that you set out to do, no matter how much it sucks. Around mile 5, I started to have this funky pain in my left shin. It didn’t really HURT, it just felt strange. I slowed down a bit and it went away, hopefully to never return. My knee hurts this morning, but it’s a bearable pain and is probably just sore. I’m hoping and praying that my knee holds out until the race in November. I’ve been taking glucosamine twice a day like a geriatric lately so that should help.
I also hit a mini milestone during this run. Since July 7th, I have logged 104.5 miles! I don’t care how fast you’re going, 100+ miles is better than zero…………..
Now I just have to make it through this workday without passing out or falling over while walking on my sore legs.
MIND OVER MATTER
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
LR and the mind game
Today is my long run (LR) day. Why I scheduled this on a weeknight I do not know. It just happened. I am moving towards doing my LR on Sundays so I'm going to skip one of my 4 milers this week. Today's required mileage is 6 miles. HA! I'm such a funny girl.....
I am feeling quite 'BLAH' today, and it's not even time for breakfast yet. Woke up with a headache and my give a damn is seriously busted. I'm going to need an attitude adjustment to get through the rest of this day and the 6 mile run. All I gotta do is get my gear on and lace those shoes up; after that, it all falls into place. Getting to that point is the hard part. I'm already telling myself how hard it's going to be to run 6 miles. My inner voice is saying "this is gonna suck", "your knee is going to hurt", "you'll be sore for days", "why in Sam Hill do you do this to yourself", "you're not even losing weight, you're just making yourself miserable"! Yeah, my inner voice isn't very nice sometimes.
I'm getting very irritated at the fact that I'm always tired. I'm also extremely done with food in general right now. I get so sick of planning and shopping and cooking (or the lack thereof). I need a live-in chef that will do all of this for me AND tell me what to eat. Since that's not going to happen anytime soon, I will just have to settle for trying to eat my fruits and vegetables, or effing v's (F&Vs) as my Mom used to call them, and getting in plenty of good carbs. And apparently surviving on 1,500 calories a day and training for a half marathon is not a good idea (OOPS). Who knew? I'm trying to lose weight here, why would I want to pack on the carbs and calories!!! This is probably why the scale isn't budging and why I'm so tired all the time. It's so frustrating when you sabotage yourself without even knowing it.
I am going to turn this thing around today and start to use positive self talk leading up to my long run this evening (yes, I just said 'positive self talk'; no, I have not been watching Dr. Phil - thought it up all by myself):
"I can do this!"
"6 miles is nothing!"
"Who cares if I'm not losing weight, it'll happen when it happens!"
"Who cares if there's constantly dishes in the sink and laundry to be put away!"
"Who cares if the kids whine all the time and do crazy things because they're attention starved!" (Okay, I actually do care about this one, but taking 3 days each week for myself is not that big of a deal, especially when it's to go workout)
"Who cares if you're running slow, you're RUNNING!"
To keep the positivity going, I shall leave you with this quote that was passed on to me by a friend. It made me smile and I think it's VERY true!
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't mattter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run" - John Bingham
MIND OVER MATTER
I am feeling quite 'BLAH' today, and it's not even time for breakfast yet. Woke up with a headache and my give a damn is seriously busted. I'm going to need an attitude adjustment to get through the rest of this day and the 6 mile run. All I gotta do is get my gear on and lace those shoes up; after that, it all falls into place. Getting to that point is the hard part. I'm already telling myself how hard it's going to be to run 6 miles. My inner voice is saying "this is gonna suck", "your knee is going to hurt", "you'll be sore for days", "why in Sam Hill do you do this to yourself", "you're not even losing weight, you're just making yourself miserable"! Yeah, my inner voice isn't very nice sometimes.
I'm getting very irritated at the fact that I'm always tired. I'm also extremely done with food in general right now. I get so sick of planning and shopping and cooking (or the lack thereof). I need a live-in chef that will do all of this for me AND tell me what to eat. Since that's not going to happen anytime soon, I will just have to settle for trying to eat my fruits and vegetables, or effing v's (F&Vs) as my Mom used to call them, and getting in plenty of good carbs. And apparently surviving on 1,500 calories a day and training for a half marathon is not a good idea (OOPS). Who knew? I'm trying to lose weight here, why would I want to pack on the carbs and calories!!! This is probably why the scale isn't budging and why I'm so tired all the time. It's so frustrating when you sabotage yourself without even knowing it.
I am going to turn this thing around today and start to use positive self talk leading up to my long run this evening (yes, I just said 'positive self talk'; no, I have not been watching Dr. Phil - thought it up all by myself):
"I can do this!"
"6 miles is nothing!"
"Who cares if I'm not losing weight, it'll happen when it happens!"
"Who cares if there's constantly dishes in the sink and laundry to be put away!"
"Who cares if the kids whine all the time and do crazy things because they're attention starved!" (Okay, I actually do care about this one, but taking 3 days each week for myself is not that big of a deal, especially when it's to go workout)
"Who cares if you're running slow, you're RUNNING!"
To keep the positivity going, I shall leave you with this quote that was passed on to me by a friend. It made me smile and I think it's VERY true!
"If you run, you are a runner. It doesn't matter how fast or how far. It doesn't mattter if today is your first day or if you've been running for twenty years. There is no test to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run" - John Bingham
MIND OVER MATTER
Monday, October 14, 2013
Officially crazy I am!!!
Purple Stride Oklahoma was this weekend and it was awesome! Thank you to all of my friends who were a part of this event either by donating or participating.
I completed the entire 5k without walking and it was amazing to show myself that I could do it. I beat my previous PR by 12 seconds with a time of 42:32 and an average pace of 13'40" (that is lightning fast for me)! I really wanted to PR this race and run the whole thing because it's for Pancreatic Cancer awareness and that disease is the shits! It took my Mom way too young and I will do anything to raise awareness and research funds. The whole day was a success and a little emotional for me, but it was good.
I'm supposed to run 6 miles tonight but it's raining and my Grandma invited us over for meatloaf. UGH! I hate making choices in life. I really really really need to run tonight to stay on schedule, but I haven't gotten around to getting my gym membership to run inside. I don't mind running in the rain as long as it's warm, but it's a bit chilly outside so that's pretty much out of the question. I'm just going to adjust my calendar and make it work.
I have to make it work because I just did something REALLY stupid. I actually signed up and paid for the half marathon that I've been talking about. Suddenly this is all VERY real. There are only 40 days left until this fat girl will be standing at the starting line with nothing between her and the finish line except 13.1 extremely long hard miles. I am literally sick to my stomach just thinking about it. The farthest I have run so far in my training is 5 miles and I just feel so unprepared. I realize a lot can happen in 40 days; I mean, look how far I've come in the last 40 days. I just don't see how it will possible for me to do this. I know I can, I know I will, but my psyche just can't get on-board right now. I need a serious kick in the arse.
It might be a little late, but I'm going to start getting serious about cross-training and nutrition. That second one is such a pain. Life would be so much easier if I didn't have to eat and plan to eat and shop to eat and on and on and on......
MIND OVER MATTER
I completed the entire 5k without walking and it was amazing to show myself that I could do it. I beat my previous PR by 12 seconds with a time of 42:32 and an average pace of 13'40" (that is lightning fast for me)! I really wanted to PR this race and run the whole thing because it's for Pancreatic Cancer awareness and that disease is the shits! It took my Mom way too young and I will do anything to raise awareness and research funds. The whole day was a success and a little emotional for me, but it was good.
I'm supposed to run 6 miles tonight but it's raining and my Grandma invited us over for meatloaf. UGH! I hate making choices in life. I really really really need to run tonight to stay on schedule, but I haven't gotten around to getting my gym membership to run inside. I don't mind running in the rain as long as it's warm, but it's a bit chilly outside so that's pretty much out of the question. I'm just going to adjust my calendar and make it work.
I have to make it work because I just did something REALLY stupid. I actually signed up and paid for the half marathon that I've been talking about. Suddenly this is all VERY real. There are only 40 days left until this fat girl will be standing at the starting line with nothing between her and the finish line except 13.1 extremely long hard miles. I am literally sick to my stomach just thinking about it. The farthest I have run so far in my training is 5 miles and I just feel so unprepared. I realize a lot can happen in 40 days; I mean, look how far I've come in the last 40 days. I just don't see how it will possible for me to do this. I know I can, I know I will, but my psyche just can't get on-board right now. I need a serious kick in the arse.
It might be a little late, but I'm going to start getting serious about cross-training and nutrition. That second one is such a pain. Life would be so much easier if I didn't have to eat and plan to eat and shop to eat and on and on and on......
MIND OVER MATTER
Thursday, October 10, 2013
What the what!?!?!?
Oh my goodness my 4 miles yesterday were BRUTAL.
I ran on Riverside again, which is usually great. Yesterday, though, the very thing that typically acts as motivation was downright discouraging. Normally, when I see other runners on the trail, I get motivated......"look at us all, we're running, we're awesome!". Yesterday, the only runners I saw were the ones coming around to pass me like I was standig still. I got schooled by an old man in a sweatband wearing Richard Simmons shorts. It was just embarassing!!!
Statistics-wise, this wasn't a terrible outing: 4 miles, total time = 59:29, average pace = 14'28"
The bottom line is that this whole run was miserable. My legs were heavy, my shins hurt, my calves were screaming, and I struggled to run/walk a 5/1 interval the ENTIRE TIME! The only good thing about this run was that I lapped everyone on the couch and I found out that my new running pants and spi belt rock..........that's about it.
It's obviously a rest day, but I want to run tonight (what the what?!?!). I'm not physically capable of doing so because I'm in Houston for work and won't be home until 11:00 pm. While I was running last night, I repeated phrases like "never again", and "why do I do this to myself?". So why in the world do I want to run today? All I can say is that I'm hooked and will continue to torture myself for some reason unbeknownst to me.
Let's hope the MIND OVER MATTER mantra continues to work, because I'm going to need it.
I ran on Riverside again, which is usually great. Yesterday, though, the very thing that typically acts as motivation was downright discouraging. Normally, when I see other runners on the trail, I get motivated......"look at us all, we're running, we're awesome!". Yesterday, the only runners I saw were the ones coming around to pass me like I was standig still. I got schooled by an old man in a sweatband wearing Richard Simmons shorts. It was just embarassing!!!
Statistics-wise, this wasn't a terrible outing: 4 miles, total time = 59:29, average pace = 14'28"
The bottom line is that this whole run was miserable. My legs were heavy, my shins hurt, my calves were screaming, and I struggled to run/walk a 5/1 interval the ENTIRE TIME! The only good thing about this run was that I lapped everyone on the couch and I found out that my new running pants and spi belt rock..........that's about it.
It's obviously a rest day, but I want to run tonight (what the what?!?!). I'm not physically capable of doing so because I'm in Houston for work and won't be home until 11:00 pm. While I was running last night, I repeated phrases like "never again", and "why do I do this to myself?". So why in the world do I want to run today? All I can say is that I'm hooked and will continue to torture myself for some reason unbeknownst to me.
Let's hope the MIND OVER MATTER mantra continues to work, because I'm going to need it.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Fleet Feet Rocks!
So I went into Fleet Feet today to buy some running pants and a spi belt. Running around in all cotton while holding my phone and car keys in my hands just isn't cutting it for me anymore. That was fine for 2 miles, but not for 5+ miles.
Anyway, I secretly hate going to these running specialty stores for anything because I really don't feel like a runner. I'm always afraid that someone is looking at me like "what is that fat girl doing in here?"! I was also concerned that they wouldn't have any running pants that would fit me.
I was wrong on both accounts!
Not only did they have pants that fit me, but I didn't even come close to fitting in the biggest size they carried. WOO HOO!!!
The lady that helped me while I was in the store and recommended the spi belt to me was wicked awesome. She asked me about my training program and I didn't want to, but I told her about how I am running AND walking. I figured I would get that look.......you know the one......."you're not a runner, you're a wolf in sheep's clothing"! Instead, she told me about how she did an ironman (WOW) and for the running portion she did a marathon by running for 5 minutes and walking for 2 minutes. She said it was the only way she could get through it without her back bothering her.
See, I am a runner!
Anyway, I secretly hate going to these running specialty stores for anything because I really don't feel like a runner. I'm always afraid that someone is looking at me like "what is that fat girl doing in here?"! I was also concerned that they wouldn't have any running pants that would fit me.
I was wrong on both accounts!
Not only did they have pants that fit me, but I didn't even come close to fitting in the biggest size they carried. WOO HOO!!!
The lady that helped me while I was in the store and recommended the spi belt to me was wicked awesome. She asked me about my training program and I didn't want to, but I told her about how I am running AND walking. I figured I would get that look.......you know the one......."you're not a runner, you're a wolf in sheep's clothing"! Instead, she told me about how she did an ironman (WOW) and for the running portion she did a marathon by running for 5 minutes and walking for 2 minutes. She said it was the only way she could get through it without her back bothering her.
See, I am a runner!
Love/Hate Relationship.....
My run last night was a perfect example of my love/hate relationship with running. My shins and calves were sore for the first mile, but everything loosened up after that and felt pretty good. But by mile 3 (with 2 to go), I didn't know how I was going to finish. I was running with lead feet and legs of stone. Oh my goodness the pain! How am I ever going to do 13.1 miles when I feel this awful during a 5 mile training run? It just doesn't seem possible........
For this run I think I finally found my ideal run/walk interval of 7-1/2 minutes to 2-1/2 minutes. With this interval, I don't have to do a bunch of math in my head, however rudimentary it may be. I can see that within a ten minute timeframe I am running 75% of the time and walking 25% of the time. Doesn't take a genuis to figure that out, but that's what I like about it.
So a quick recap of the last (and only other) time I ran 5 miles: Total time = 1:16:42 / Avg pace = 15'20".........
Last night I did the exact same route and distance 4 minutes faster! My time last night was 1:12:26 at an average pace of 14'28"!!!
I'm sure it seems odd for ANYONE to be excited about a 14 minute mile average on any run. But this is pretty quick for me. You also have to take into account that I'm walking 25% of this "run" at or above a 20 minute mile. The other 75% of running is usually between 12 and 13-1/2 minute miles. The walking clearly drags my average down, so don't think I'm out there running at almost 15 minute miles all the time, because I'm not. I don't know why I just explained all that, I'm only in competition with myself. And last night, I won!
All that being said, I am hurtin' for certain today. I haven't been sleeping well for the past few nights and I'm concerned that it has something to do with overtraining (something I read on the internet so it must be true.....HA)! My legs are super sore and I'm starting to have trouble with my left knee again. Soreness in my legs I can handle, but knee issues are a different story. Up until about two weeks ago when I started to increase my mileage, my knee was giving me ZERO problems. Now I can "feel" it everyday and it's starting to worry me.
Is 13.1 miles even possible for me?
MIND OVER MATTER
For this run I think I finally found my ideal run/walk interval of 7-1/2 minutes to 2-1/2 minutes. With this interval, I don't have to do a bunch of math in my head, however rudimentary it may be. I can see that within a ten minute timeframe I am running 75% of the time and walking 25% of the time. Doesn't take a genuis to figure that out, but that's what I like about it.
So a quick recap of the last (and only other) time I ran 5 miles: Total time = 1:16:42 / Avg pace = 15'20".........
Last night I did the exact same route and distance 4 minutes faster! My time last night was 1:12:26 at an average pace of 14'28"!!!
I'm sure it seems odd for ANYONE to be excited about a 14 minute mile average on any run. But this is pretty quick for me. You also have to take into account that I'm walking 25% of this "run" at or above a 20 minute mile. The other 75% of running is usually between 12 and 13-1/2 minute miles. The walking clearly drags my average down, so don't think I'm out there running at almost 15 minute miles all the time, because I'm not. I don't know why I just explained all that, I'm only in competition with myself. And last night, I won!
All that being said, I am hurtin' for certain today. I haven't been sleeping well for the past few nights and I'm concerned that it has something to do with overtraining (something I read on the internet so it must be true.....HA)! My legs are super sore and I'm starting to have trouble with my left knee again. Soreness in my legs I can handle, but knee issues are a different story. Up until about two weeks ago when I started to increase my mileage, my knee was giving me ZERO problems. Now I can "feel" it everyday and it's starting to worry me.
Is 13.1 miles even possible for me?
MIND OVER MATTER
Monday, October 7, 2013
Weekend Run / 12'00" Pace?
Put in 4 miles on Saturday, even though I absolutely did not want to. I fought with myself for 30 minutes before sucking it up and heading out the door. I decided I didn't want to have to blog about how I was a lazy bum over the weekend and didn't get my mileage in, so I ran instead!
I drove to Riverside to get out of the rut that I've been in with running the same ole routes. It really did help.
My total run time was 56:27 at an average pace of 14'06" (last time I ran 4 miles my average was 14'09".....yay for small victories)
I checked my pace about 1/2 a mile in and was shocked to see that I was running below a 12 minute average. This has NEVER happened before and I'm not sure what came over me. For a few seconds I thought there might be something wrong with my app even. Fat girls do NOT run this fast......what the heck is going on? The really weird part is that I didn't FEEL like I was running any faster than my usual snails pace.
I purposefully slowed down because I didn't want to expend all my energy up front. I'm so glad I did because around the 3 mile mark I didn't know how I was going to finish! Makes me wonder how in the world I'm ever going to be able to make it 13.1 miles. All I know is that somehow, I will make it.
Slated for 5 miles this evening.
MIND OVER MATTER
I drove to Riverside to get out of the rut that I've been in with running the same ole routes. It really did help.
My total run time was 56:27 at an average pace of 14'06" (last time I ran 4 miles my average was 14'09".....yay for small victories)
I checked my pace about 1/2 a mile in and was shocked to see that I was running below a 12 minute average. This has NEVER happened before and I'm not sure what came over me. For a few seconds I thought there might be something wrong with my app even. Fat girls do NOT run this fast......what the heck is going on? The really weird part is that I didn't FEEL like I was running any faster than my usual snails pace.
I purposefully slowed down because I didn't want to expend all my energy up front. I'm so glad I did because around the 3 mile mark I didn't know how I was going to finish! Makes me wonder how in the world I'm ever going to be able to make it 13.1 miles. All I know is that somehow, I will make it.
Slated for 5 miles this evening.
MIND OVER MATTER
Friday, October 4, 2013
My experience with Runners World forums
Allow me to rant for a bit here................
Creating this blog has been a very good thing for me. I publicly state what I am going to do, and then I do it. Prior to this blog, it would have been easy to just stop at 1 mile and say "screw it, I don't feel like it". But the thought of even 5 people reading this thing and seeing that I'm supposed to run X miles that day is enough to get me moving. Even if nobody EVER reads this blog, it's out there and it's possible for someone to read it some day, so it's just a little extra motivation for me.
So running is going well and I decided to check out the forums at Runners World to see what that community is all about. I like the blogging community, so forums might be pretty cool as well. OH EM GEE was I wrong!!!
Rather than copy and paste the 10 blog posts I had already made to that point, I decided to just put my blog link on the "beginners" forum so people could "get to know me" and read my story thus far. I figured moving forward they would know where I'm at in my training without having to re-post stuff into the forum. BIG MISTAKE! Apparently I committed a cardinal sin and they called me a "troll" and said I was just trying to direct traffic to my blog. HA! I don't care about blog traffic.........you think I get paid or something? Good gracious!
So long story short, I will not be going back to the Runners World "community", because it is not a community at all. A few people came to my defense, but at the end of the day I just don't have the time or patience to deal with all that negativity and downright rude behaviour. To those of you that do frequent the Runners World forums, especially the "beginners" forum, you might want to check your people here. Not a very warm welcome and I was turned off by it so bad that I lasted all of two whole days. I posted the same thing in two other forums on Runners World and got ZERO negativity.
I will keep on keepin' on, just wanted to share this with anyone who might be thinking about joining any type of forum. Lesson learned, DO NOT post your blog on your first go-round. Take the time to painstakingly copy and paste everything on your blog until all those nasty rude people are caught up. Then MAYBE they will welcome you and not treat you like complete SHAT. No promises though..................
Creating this blog has been a very good thing for me. I publicly state what I am going to do, and then I do it. Prior to this blog, it would have been easy to just stop at 1 mile and say "screw it, I don't feel like it". But the thought of even 5 people reading this thing and seeing that I'm supposed to run X miles that day is enough to get me moving. Even if nobody EVER reads this blog, it's out there and it's possible for someone to read it some day, so it's just a little extra motivation for me.
So running is going well and I decided to check out the forums at Runners World to see what that community is all about. I like the blogging community, so forums might be pretty cool as well. OH EM GEE was I wrong!!!
Rather than copy and paste the 10 blog posts I had already made to that point, I decided to just put my blog link on the "beginners" forum so people could "get to know me" and read my story thus far. I figured moving forward they would know where I'm at in my training without having to re-post stuff into the forum. BIG MISTAKE! Apparently I committed a cardinal sin and they called me a "troll" and said I was just trying to direct traffic to my blog. HA! I don't care about blog traffic.........you think I get paid or something? Good gracious!
So long story short, I will not be going back to the Runners World "community", because it is not a community at all. A few people came to my defense, but at the end of the day I just don't have the time or patience to deal with all that negativity and downright rude behaviour. To those of you that do frequent the Runners World forums, especially the "beginners" forum, you might want to check your people here. Not a very warm welcome and I was turned off by it so bad that I lasted all of two whole days. I posted the same thing in two other forums on Runners World and got ZERO negativity.
I will keep on keepin' on, just wanted to share this with anyone who might be thinking about joining any type of forum. Lesson learned, DO NOT post your blog on your first go-round. Take the time to painstakingly copy and paste everything on your blog until all those nasty rude people are caught up. Then MAYBE they will welcome you and not treat you like complete SHAT. No promises though..................
Gaunlet Conquered! But........
So yesterday I publicly stated that I was going to run for 2 miles without stopping. That would be 0.9 miles further than I have run without stopping during this training. I'm not sure what possessed me to do such a thing, but I did it nonetheless. And it helped! During my run I kept thinking "you can't stop, you told everyone you were going to do this, now do this!"
I am happy to report that I ran the 2 miles without stopping! As soon as Nike+ girl said "2 miles completed", I let out a sigh of relief and started to walk. Something happened during that walk though; 30 seconds in I thought "why are you walking......move your legs and RUN!"
I had just run 2 miles of a 3 mile run without walking, why not just keep running and see how far I could go? So after 1 minute of walking, I began to run again. I made it to the 3 mile mark before cooling down with a walk.
Mentally this felt really good. Physically this was a nightmare. My average pace of 14'35" was faster than normal, which isn't surprising. What surprised me is that it wasn't drastically different than when I run for 10+ minutes and walk for 2-3 minutes. This, coupled with the fact that I felt like my legs were going to fall smooth off, tells me something. I need to stick with the run/walk thingy-ma-jig until I get stronger. The last time I ran 3 miles was 9/25/2013, where I ran 17 minutes and walked 3 minutes until I finished. My average for this run was 14'53", and let me tell you, it felt way easier than last night where I decided I was Lolo Jones and ran all but 1 minute of my 3 mile run. Running the whole thing (less one minute) only took 18 seconds off my average and I felt like poop when I was done. I think I will be sticking with the run/walk method from now on to save my legs, especially for long runs. It was nice to prove to myself that I could do it though.
It's funny how you learn something from each run. Did I prove to myself that I could run 2 miles straight without walking? YES! Do I want to do it again anytime soon? NO!
MIND OVER MATTER
I am happy to report that I ran the 2 miles without stopping! As soon as Nike+ girl said "2 miles completed", I let out a sigh of relief and started to walk. Something happened during that walk though; 30 seconds in I thought "why are you walking......move your legs and RUN!"
I had just run 2 miles of a 3 mile run without walking, why not just keep running and see how far I could go? So after 1 minute of walking, I began to run again. I made it to the 3 mile mark before cooling down with a walk.
Mentally this felt really good. Physically this was a nightmare. My average pace of 14'35" was faster than normal, which isn't surprising. What surprised me is that it wasn't drastically different than when I run for 10+ minutes and walk for 2-3 minutes. This, coupled with the fact that I felt like my legs were going to fall smooth off, tells me something. I need to stick with the run/walk thingy-ma-jig until I get stronger. The last time I ran 3 miles was 9/25/2013, where I ran 17 minutes and walked 3 minutes until I finished. My average for this run was 14'53", and let me tell you, it felt way easier than last night where I decided I was Lolo Jones and ran all but 1 minute of my 3 mile run. Running the whole thing (less one minute) only took 18 seconds off my average and I felt like poop when I was done. I think I will be sticking with the run/walk method from now on to save my legs, especially for long runs. It was nice to prove to myself that I could do it though.
It's funny how you learn something from each run. Did I prove to myself that I could run 2 miles straight without walking? YES! Do I want to do it again anytime soon? NO!
MIND OVER MATTER
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Throwing Down the Gaunlet
So I realize that to some people, running 2 miles may seem like a walk in the park. Well not to this fat girl!!!
I need to start pushing myself. Up to this point, I have not run more than 1.1 miles straight without walking. Today I am giving myself the challenge to run 2 miles before I take a walking break. I'm only scheduled to run for 3 miles total, so I feel like this is a good training run to do this with. On my longer runs (long for me anyway) of 5, 6, and eventually 10 miles, it will be wise for me to alternate running/walking so I don't make myself miserable.
Thank you to everyone who has kept up with this blog so far. It is a good way to hold myself accountable. Knowing that I put this goal on here will help push me tonight so that I can come back tomorrow and not have to tell you that I wussed out. Your comments keep me pushing so keep them coming.
MIND OVER MATTER
I need to start pushing myself. Up to this point, I have not run more than 1.1 miles straight without walking. Today I am giving myself the challenge to run 2 miles before I take a walking break. I'm only scheduled to run for 3 miles total, so I feel like this is a good training run to do this with. On my longer runs (long for me anyway) of 5, 6, and eventually 10 miles, it will be wise for me to alternate running/walking so I don't make myself miserable.
Thank you to everyone who has kept up with this blog so far. It is a good way to hold myself accountable. Knowing that I put this goal on here will help push me tonight so that I can come back tomorrow and not have to tell you that I wussed out. Your comments keep me pushing so keep them coming.
MIND OVER MATTER
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
New schedule and some stats.......
So I've got a revamped training schedule now. I decided to look at my mileage so far and adjust my mileage moving forward. I also pulled some stats together just to see how far I've come. It helps to look back and compare where you are now to where you started. I know you're just dying to know what I found out, so here ya go......
July:
Total Runs = 9
Total Mileage = 15.28 miles
Overall Average Pace = 17'17" per mile
August:
Total Runs = 12
Total Mileage = 26.86 miles
Overall Average Pace = 15'45" per mile
September:
Total Runs = 11
Total Mileage = 31.64 miles
Overall Average Pace = 14'58" per mile
I'm going to look back at this post periodically to keep myself motivated. Even when I have a crappy day and only manage 1.5 miles when I'm supposed to do 3, I know that I'm improving. As I said before, I'm in competition only with myself. Looks like I'm winning!
MIND OVER MATTER
July:
Total Runs = 9
Total Mileage = 15.28 miles
Overall Average Pace = 17'17" per mile
August:
Total Runs = 12
Total Mileage = 26.86 miles
Overall Average Pace = 15'45" per mile
September:
Total Runs = 11
Total Mileage = 31.64 miles
Overall Average Pace = 14'58" per mile
I'm going to look back at this post periodically to keep myself motivated. Even when I have a crappy day and only manage 1.5 miles when I'm supposed to do 3, I know that I'm improving. As I said before, I'm in competition only with myself. Looks like I'm winning!
MIND OVER MATTER
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
I ran 5 miles last night!!! 5 MILES Y'ALL.................
It wasn't pretty and it wasn't fast, but I made it. I decided to reduce my running time to 10 minutes before taking a walking break for 3 minutes. This made the run way more manageable (and enjoyable). I'm glad I can do that and still feel accomplished. There is still a small piece of me that thinks it doesn't count if I walk, or that I have to run for 30 minutes straight to even qualify myself as a runner. I know that's ridiculous...............but that's how I feel sometimes. Someday I will be able to run a 5k without walking, but today aint that day! I just have to stick to it and gradually increase my running time.
I know you're just dying to know the stats for my 5 mile run; total time of 1 hour 16 minutes 42 seconds, pace of 15'20", total running time = 60 minutes, total walking time = 16 minutes and 42 seconds. Nothing record breaking here, but not too shabby considering that 3 months ago I was on the couch and never would have dreamt about running 5 miles. The best thing about it is that I'm only in competition with myself, so my pace doesn't really matter, as long as I finish!
I shall leave you now with my thoughts and reflections from this run:
Mile 0.5: My back actually feels pretty good, this might not be so bad......
Mile 1.0: For the love of all things holy my shins and calves are killing me!
Nike+ app says 3.5 miles to go
Mile 1.5: What?!?!?! 3.5 miles? This is so not doable for me. What was I thinking?
Mile 2.0: In another 2 miles, I will only have 1 mile left.....pssshhhhh, that's nothing!
Mile 3.0: I can't feel my legs anymore and my feet are numb. Is that a good thing?
Mile 4.0: Holy crap I'm actually going to make it!
Mile 4.5: Is that guy shadow boxing up there? Oh my, now he's sprinting! And stopping to shadow box again......interesting
Mile 5.0: I did it!!! Where in sam hill is my water?!?!?!?!
MIND OVER MATTER
It wasn't pretty and it wasn't fast, but I made it. I decided to reduce my running time to 10 minutes before taking a walking break for 3 minutes. This made the run way more manageable (and enjoyable). I'm glad I can do that and still feel accomplished. There is still a small piece of me that thinks it doesn't count if I walk, or that I have to run for 30 minutes straight to even qualify myself as a runner. I know that's ridiculous...............but that's how I feel sometimes. Someday I will be able to run a 5k without walking, but today aint that day! I just have to stick to it and gradually increase my running time.
I know you're just dying to know the stats for my 5 mile run; total time of 1 hour 16 minutes 42 seconds, pace of 15'20", total running time = 60 minutes, total walking time = 16 minutes and 42 seconds. Nothing record breaking here, but not too shabby considering that 3 months ago I was on the couch and never would have dreamt about running 5 miles. The best thing about it is that I'm only in competition with myself, so my pace doesn't really matter, as long as I finish!
I shall leave you now with my thoughts and reflections from this run:
Mile 0.5: My back actually feels pretty good, this might not be so bad......
Mile 1.0: For the love of all things holy my shins and calves are killing me!
Nike+ app says 3.5 miles to go
Mile 1.5: What?!?!?! 3.5 miles? This is so not doable for me. What was I thinking?
Mile 2.0: In another 2 miles, I will only have 1 mile left.....pssshhhhh, that's nothing!
Mile 3.0: I can't feel my legs anymore and my feet are numb. Is that a good thing?
Mile 4.0: Holy crap I'm actually going to make it!
Mile 4.5: Is that guy shadow boxing up there? Oh my, now he's sprinting! And stopping to shadow box again......interesting
Mile 5.0: I did it!!! Where in sam hill is my water?!?!?!?!
MIND OVER MATTER
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