First 20 mile run ever today...and my oh my...it was SLOW. Steady, relentless, barely uphill and flat for 18 miles...but done, by golly it's done.
I decided that the slight uphill route was better than running it as a slight downhill, as it mimics the basic pattern of the bulk of the marathon I will be running. It's funny how each and every mile seems to be its own special torture, but I ran a faster 2nd half than first half and pretty even splits across the board. My watch stops auto-magically when I stop, so I need to turn that feature off on the next run and work on walk breaks instead of complete stops. It's amazing how much that time adds up, and I won't have the liberty of a stopped clock on race day. My moving pace today was about 0:25 off of goal pace, and my real pace (if you add in all of the stop breaks) was about 1:25 off of goal pace. According to what I have read, this is consistent with the recommended pacing for long runs.
My hydration belt was a pain in my behind today both literally and figuratively. I loosened it before the run and wore a slick pair of shorts...it kept bouncing and at about 8 miles or so I gave up and chucked it into AMA's pannier. The run got a lot more fun after that!
I seemed to handle the whole nutrition/hydration thing just about right. There was no epic bonk, and my stomach seemed to hold up okay. I took one gu every four miles. I battled some pretty intense nausea after my run, and really thought that I was going to lose the meager contents of my stomach when the train started moving. Luckily, I didn't. I waited until I got home and showered before I ate. Mac & Cheese, a Pear and String Cheese went down before the nap. I will experiment with eating something more substantial, sooner, after the next long run. Part of this was a logistic issue (long transit home, cold weather), and therefore can be remedied next time.
I tried to drink every mile until 12, with extra to get the gu's down. I thought I had hydrated plenty, as I actually needed one bathroom stop, but I was still pretty dehydrated when I got home. The bathroom stop(s) were at about mile 8 and mile 12. The one at mile 8 was aborted because I saw the gentleman who came out of the porta-potty on the right, and decided that the one of the left was a better call. However, the one on the left had a clogged urinal, the lid was down on the toilet, and the single roll of toilet paper was not on the roll, rather it was sitting next to the toilet. I picked it up to tear off a piece to lift the lid and found the bottom side to be thickly smeared with a brown substance the consistency of play dough. I was done before I began. Luckily, mile 12 presented with a rather lovely bridge with low visibility to runners on the path and the great outdoors in general!
Socially and emotionally I had a bit of a rough go of it. When AMA is there, I always feel like I should be doing more to impress him. I get frustrated that I'm not pounding out miles that are 1:30 to 2:00 faster and feel like he's going to judge me for it. I worry that I am boring him. I worry that I'm not worth HIS time and HIS effort and HIS energy. This is my problem...not his. He really doesn't seem to mind as much as I think he should. This is good practice for me for the race. I will not be anywhere near the top of my AG, which is arguably one of the most competitive AGs, in one of the most athletic cities in the USA. I can't compete with anyone other than myself, and can't do more than my best effort. Truth be told, my best effort doesn't come from being embarrassed, ashamed or stressed out by my best performance. It comes out of trusting the work that I have put in, and knowing that the success, for the first marathon, is merely finishing it.
Poor AMA, as a testament to his love for me, froze his proverbials off the entire time. Nary a complaint was uttered, and I didn't realize how cold it was for him until after I had finished my run and we were headed for the train to get home. No wonder he wasn't talkative this ride! I on the other hand was really digging the cloudy, mid 40's weather...truly perfect for running, AND we managed to make it home before it started drizzling.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
The Rub: This Time with Feeling
I don't, generally speaking, experience chafing. Sure, part of my bra has rubbed a bit on the longer runs. And then there was the time when my shirt crept up on a long run and put a pretty raw patch through my early 2000's era tramp stamp. But, by and large, this is not something I think of all that often. Frequent enough to be empathetic, but not sever or often enough to be something that rules my every waking thought. Until last week.
It was gloriously warm. Achingly warm. Holey underwear batman I might actually need to wear shorts warm. And that, my dear readers, is when the trouble began. After a few indoor runs and a bad case of the "out of laundry soap, too lazy to buy mores", I found myself with only one pair of clean shorts. A skimpy, skin tight pair that looked pretty amazing 10 pounds ago and I now can only wear in public because runners have no shame. Or skin....
I got back from a not-great-but-not-lousy cutback mileage week run and hopped into the shower. OH MY GOODNESS. The good news is that evidently I shriek "Owie" like a three year old when experiencing first shower post run chafing pain instead of a torrent of 4 letter words. At some point it occured to me that my neighbors might mistake the "oh, oh, oh" echoing from the shower for joy instead of the one man pain extravaganza. Because I am singularly bad-ass when facing raw flesh, I managed to get the area soaped and rinsed well.
I jumped out of the shower and look a look for myself. Sure enough, slightly smaller than a quarter (and feeling larger than life), was a ragged raw hole where my skin should have been.
Hello, first chafed wedgie. I hate you. You will be funny later.
It was gloriously warm. Achingly warm. Holey underwear batman I might actually need to wear shorts warm. And that, my dear readers, is when the trouble began. After a few indoor runs and a bad case of the "out of laundry soap, too lazy to buy mores", I found myself with only one pair of clean shorts. A skimpy, skin tight pair that looked pretty amazing 10 pounds ago and I now can only wear in public because runners have no shame. Or skin....
I got back from a not-great-but-not-lousy cutback mileage week run and hopped into the shower. OH MY GOODNESS. The good news is that evidently I shriek "Owie" like a three year old when experiencing first shower post run chafing pain instead of a torrent of 4 letter words. At some point it occured to me that my neighbors might mistake the "oh, oh, oh" echoing from the shower for joy instead of the one man pain extravaganza. Because I am singularly bad-ass when facing raw flesh, I managed to get the area soaped and rinsed well.
I jumped out of the shower and look a look for myself. Sure enough, slightly smaller than a quarter (and feeling larger than life), was a ragged raw hole where my skin should have been.
Hello, first chafed wedgie. I hate you. You will be funny later.
Monday, March 24, 2014
I Make Poor Choices and My Kidneys Love It!
Last Tuesday we had bad weather. It was cold, it was wet, it was dark, and I got home from work late. Never fear, Treadmill is here! Only, I was just ensconcing myself in the comforts of the mill when someone else came into our apartment's wee gym. Oh, and the other treadmill had an out of order sign on it. Damn and blast! It was right at 5, and there are about 5 (what I would call) regular treadmill users and 10-15 runners in our building.
Given the weather AND the fact that it was Tuesday (why does everyone work out on Tuesdays...no one Zeros on Tuesday), I thought it best not to monopolize the treadmill for an hour or more. It's not that I'm a nice person....its that I saw a bag full of dog poo left outside of someone's door not 2 mornings previous...and we don't live in a walk up.
So I promised the girl that I would bust out a half hour and get out of her way. I did, indeed, bust out a serious half hour and was SUPER DUPER proud of my pace. Unfortunately I still only got a bit more than half of my planned run in.
Then Wednesday rolled around. Glorious, Glorious Wednesday. I decided that since work sucked, life sucked, and the previous night's run sucked (in terms of distance), I would "make up" my missed mileage. I have been told by EVERY SOURCE ON THE INTERNETS THAT I HAVE EVER READ that this is a poor choice. But then, I make poor choices and choose to accept the consequences of my actions. It didn't seem like an outrageous number of miles (Thanks to the new long run distances!).
So, safely and firmly grounded in poor choice numero uno...I decided to launch myself into poor choice numero dos. I did not take my hydration belt even though a) it was warmer than it has been lately and b) I always carry both nutrition and hydration on runs of more than 8 miles. Throwing all logic to the wind, in an effort to just "get out and get this bad boy started", I left the house and started my run.
It felt good...then crappy...then "the tough runs are the ones that make you stronger", then worse, then "I am having trouble running in a straight line...huh". I completed my run, bobbing and weaving to the spot where I exit the bike path. Conveniently, it's only about a third of a mile from my apartment. It was a long third of a mile. I felt hung over, only I haven't had any alcohol in weeks. I felt like death. Getting up the stairs (yeah, because dehydrated girls are too dumb to use the elevator), was an act of sheer will.
I stumbled into the apartment, looked at AMA and said something like "I need your help. Don't yell at me. I need food and water now". I stumbled to the couch with shoes still on. AMA, smarter than I am, realized that unlike my usual poor choice, the deficit was water more than food. Unfortunately I guzzled down a solid 20 ounces before he could slow me down. Then my tummy hurt. We slowed the pace and continued to give me fluids. An hour or so later I finally started using the bathroom again. I was going to be fine and no medical intervention (the penultimate threat at this house) was not going to be required.
Enter Thursday. Crazy day at the office, normal routines busted up, drank about half of what I normally do. I'm a Nalgene in the morning, something with lunch, and a Nalgene in the afternoon kind of girl. Usually my Nalgenes have some sort of tea in them, but super diluted and probably at a tea leaf to water ratio that would make an Englishman cry. Thursday though...The morning Nalgene was mostly drunk by the time I got home that night. I threw on my running gear and got 1.65 miles down the bike path. 1.65 miles and I stopped. I felt...wrong. Head pounding, tunnel visioned, felt like mile 5 million. It was beautiful outside. The sun was shining and it was warm enough that there were loads of people on the path. And I quit. I have never, ever quit a run that early, and rarely cut runs short. Now twice in one week I was running less than I was supposed to. I just couldn't do it though. I literally walked back home, without the ability to even run back from whence I came. I went home...and I cried.
AMA told me it was dehydration and I was ordered to drink and take the rest of the night off AND to adhere to my usual zero on Friday schedule. I did both of these things. Then, apprehensively, I did the long run on Saturday. It was tough...but I did it. A new personal distance record of 18.3 miles. The pace was an atrocious 30 seconds slower than my 16 miler...but well within what the charts say the range for my long runs should be.
It was an ugly week...but I did it. And I would like to think that the doing it is what really matters. I ended up being about 5 miles short for the week, but that's okay. There was no way that I was going to try to "make up miles".
Maybe I can stop making poor choices. Maybe I can start supporting myself as much or more than I try to support my runs. And maybe, just maybe, I could try being proud of what I have done instead of being disappointed in what I have not. After all...not to long ago I could barely even fathom doing a 40 mile week, let alone the idea of being disappointed in one!
Sunday, March 16, 2014
Gone to the Dogs
I had a great run today...even with the .77 mile long overshoot on a long run day. Nothing hurt too bad, was dressed perfectly for the weather, life was good. I tried a new route which was an amalgamation of three training routes (an 8 mile out and back, and a strange little loopy thing made up of two popular parks)--liked it a lot, especially since the familiarity of the routes and finite "chunks" made it easier to manage. This was my longest outdoor run to date! I was really pleased with how friendly everyone was. I don't know if it was the cold or the sun, but I got a lot more smiles in return than I normally do.
The one thing that bugged me was some of the animal treatment that I saw on various paths today.
The first case was a youngish woman that was running with a smooth/short coated, medium sized dog. Nothing wrong there...except...that the dog was wearing a pinch collar. My understanding is that these are sometimes employed by owners of dogs with longer hair and used to correct stubborn behavior in dogs. Generally speaking, I don't like the principle, although perhaps I can respect that there may be those who disagree. As it pertains to running though, I find myself to be quite concerned. It seems to me that if one is going to take the responsibility for correcting a dog's behavior, the time to do this is not on a run. There are several reasons for this:
1) Runners tend to focus on their runs--perhaps not the best time to also try to deliver consistent animal training.
2) If a runner does not believe they can sufficiently control their animal without the use of corrective implements, my guess is that the animal may be a danger to self or others. A tired runner is not in a good position to ensure the safety of themselves, their animal, or other human beings.
3) In the event that something happened to the runner, pinch collar presents another potential danger to the dog. I hate the idea of the leash getting caught in something! There are many things that could go wrong on a run. I get the need for a leash, but also assume that any risk to a runner is also a potential threat to an animal.
4) What if the animal cannot maintain pace for some reason? I would certainly hate to see an injured or unwell animal be forced to keep up simply to avoid the pain of the collar.
The other icky animal incident I witnessed involved a man running with a small breed dog (likely a smooth coat chihuahua, although not a show animal). I was surprised to see him running with the animal, and can think of better breeds that one might choose if running with the dog was a priority. The man looked like he had settled into a fairly regular pace. I passed him, then he passed me about a mile later at a decent clip. I am concerned that chihuahuas weren't designed to do multiple mile trips at 8:00 miles---their legs are only 4" long!
Finally, I saw an owner running with an older, large mixed-breed dog. I don't know a lot about large breeds, but I do have a bit of background. The animal clearly had severe hip dysplasia--back legs close together with a strange bunny hopping gait. It was lagging behind its owner, who didn't appear to be taking note of the dog's obvious infirmity. Instead, the owner would yank the leash forward every few feet, causing the dog to lurch forward.
It's not really my place to step in and intervene with the choices of others running along the bike path. Still, I have to wonder about the choices people make. I ask simply that folks think about their choices. If you enjoy running with your animal, try to make sure that it can enjoy running with you--that your speed and distance goals are compatible with the abilities of your companion---that you acknowledge that the abilities of your companion may change over time---that you are able to manage the behavior of your companion using auditory or visual cues--that you be humane.
The one thing that bugged me was some of the animal treatment that I saw on various paths today.
The first case was a youngish woman that was running with a smooth/short coated, medium sized dog. Nothing wrong there...except...that the dog was wearing a pinch collar. My understanding is that these are sometimes employed by owners of dogs with longer hair and used to correct stubborn behavior in dogs. Generally speaking, I don't like the principle, although perhaps I can respect that there may be those who disagree. As it pertains to running though, I find myself to be quite concerned. It seems to me that if one is going to take the responsibility for correcting a dog's behavior, the time to do this is not on a run. There are several reasons for this:
1) Runners tend to focus on their runs--perhaps not the best time to also try to deliver consistent animal training.
2) If a runner does not believe they can sufficiently control their animal without the use of corrective implements, my guess is that the animal may be a danger to self or others. A tired runner is not in a good position to ensure the safety of themselves, their animal, or other human beings.
3) In the event that something happened to the runner, pinch collar presents another potential danger to the dog. I hate the idea of the leash getting caught in something! There are many things that could go wrong on a run. I get the need for a leash, but also assume that any risk to a runner is also a potential threat to an animal.
4) What if the animal cannot maintain pace for some reason? I would certainly hate to see an injured or unwell animal be forced to keep up simply to avoid the pain of the collar.
The other icky animal incident I witnessed involved a man running with a small breed dog (likely a smooth coat chihuahua, although not a show animal). I was surprised to see him running with the animal, and can think of better breeds that one might choose if running with the dog was a priority. The man looked like he had settled into a fairly regular pace. I passed him, then he passed me about a mile later at a decent clip. I am concerned that chihuahuas weren't designed to do multiple mile trips at 8:00 miles---their legs are only 4" long!
Finally, I saw an owner running with an older, large mixed-breed dog. I don't know a lot about large breeds, but I do have a bit of background. The animal clearly had severe hip dysplasia--back legs close together with a strange bunny hopping gait. It was lagging behind its owner, who didn't appear to be taking note of the dog's obvious infirmity. Instead, the owner would yank the leash forward every few feet, causing the dog to lurch forward.
It's not really my place to step in and intervene with the choices of others running along the bike path. Still, I have to wonder about the choices people make. I ask simply that folks think about their choices. If you enjoy running with your animal, try to make sure that it can enjoy running with you--that your speed and distance goals are compatible with the abilities of your companion---that you acknowledge that the abilities of your companion may change over time---that you are able to manage the behavior of your companion using auditory or visual cues--that you be humane.
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Fall Down Go Boom!
I had a solid week of running. Pace continued to be upbeat for most of the week, although I had one day that was about 50 seconds slow. Body wanted recovery, so I did the required volume, but scaled the pace back a bit. It seemed to work, because the next day I was back in good form.
The weekend was perfect, with high 40's/low 50's for running on Saturday, and mid-to-low-60's for biking on Sunday. Saturday's run was odd...it started out rough with cramping low in both calves. I promised myself that I just needed to do the miles...if the pace was even two minutes slow, I would be proud of myself for finishing. What do you know, evidently it worked, because my splits the rest of the time were fan-freakin-tastic.
The bike ride started out beautifully, and I hope that the forth comming whine fest doesn't detract from that. AMA and I had a fine tail wind and clipped through almost 13 miles without a care in the world. It was sunny and felt grand. Muscles were relaxing, and once we got through the glut of people on the bikepath between Cherry Creek and REI it was smooth sailing. Knowing that Denverites are like puppies rolling in the grass on the first fine, spring like day, we opted to "go north". Heading up the South Platte River Trail is one of our favorite Sunday rides. We made it out to one of AMA's favorite suspension bridges, where he was able to get a few "product shots" of his bike that will hopefully show up in his blog later this week.
On the way back, we hit the spot that's always windy, and is even more brutal on a windy day. I had gone ahead of AMA (usually I ride behind, but sometimes I get over enthusiastic and pass for a bit). AMA generously attributes the fall to the wind. I think I am incompetent, wasn't paying attention, and found myself about to careen over the edge of the embankment. Either way, I dropped my front wheel off of the bike path, over compensated in an effort not to fall down said embankment (complete with rocks and shrubbery at its base), and fell over sideways.
I'm pretty sure it would have looked funny if I was, oh, watching it on youtube and it had circus music playing as I fell. Mostly it just hurt. I sat in the middle of the bikepath stunned for a minute, trying to similtaneously be brave, pissed off, and super-first aid lady. Okay...what hurts. I know you are supposed to start at the head and work your way down, but I went for the "Identify your injuries from hurts most to least" method. It is too a method! So...Left knee-check. Both hands-check. Side of left elbow-check (WTF, how did I get the side of my left elbow AND both palms?). Left hip---YOWZA that hurts. Left palm/wrist-internal, not road rash, something else. At some point in this proccess AMA showed up. He must have been the one who stood up my bike. He hugged me and asked if I was okay. I tried not to cry....I'm supposed to be awesome, not a baby. Shit roadrash hurts. He asked if I was cold. Stupid adrenaline was making me shake like a leaf. I poured some of my remaining water over the road rashy spots.
The Good
I got lucky, nothing was bleeding bad enough to make an ewww-y gooey mess. Most everything will scab, but nothing too awful. I was lucky that that particular stretch of bikepath doesn't contain a lot of debris...it was really pretty clean as far as road rash goes. Nothing broken. Maybe a sprain on the wrist and shoulder is kind of jacked up but nothing some TLC at home won't fix. The hip hurts, but I'm hoping the NatureMade saddle bags went to good use in protecting me from anything worse than an epic skin bruise (1 hour and it was already turning purple)
The Bad
AMA wanted me to ride out front so that he could keep an eye on me. I went sprinting off, or as "sprinting" the internal balance between adrenalin, tired legs, and head wind could manage. Didn't mean to, but it was a bit up tempo all things considered. Poor AMA was left trying to keep up with me without the benefit of adrenalin---then he had HIS go boom on a patch of ice. I felt like a jerk. for pushing it and should have forced myself to be more moderate.
The...There.
We made it home. I got washed up. Did a final non-medical-person-medical-assessment and pronounced myself "banged up". Took some ibuprofen, gorged on a bunch of random food and went promptly to bed. I feel better. We'll see how it all shakes out tomorrow, but I'm glad it's a zero day.
The Silver Lining
Girls with roadrash on their hands, a tetchy shoulder and questionable wrist get out of planks and push ups for a while!
Oh, and most importantly...it was gorgeous....the girl got to go outside...and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat!
The weekend was perfect, with high 40's/low 50's for running on Saturday, and mid-to-low-60's for biking on Sunday. Saturday's run was odd...it started out rough with cramping low in both calves. I promised myself that I just needed to do the miles...if the pace was even two minutes slow, I would be proud of myself for finishing. What do you know, evidently it worked, because my splits the rest of the time were fan-freakin-tastic.
The bike ride started out beautifully, and I hope that the forth comming whine fest doesn't detract from that. AMA and I had a fine tail wind and clipped through almost 13 miles without a care in the world. It was sunny and felt grand. Muscles were relaxing, and once we got through the glut of people on the bikepath between Cherry Creek and REI it was smooth sailing. Knowing that Denverites are like puppies rolling in the grass on the first fine, spring like day, we opted to "go north". Heading up the South Platte River Trail is one of our favorite Sunday rides. We made it out to one of AMA's favorite suspension bridges, where he was able to get a few "product shots" of his bike that will hopefully show up in his blog later this week.
On the way back, we hit the spot that's always windy, and is even more brutal on a windy day. I had gone ahead of AMA (usually I ride behind, but sometimes I get over enthusiastic and pass for a bit). AMA generously attributes the fall to the wind. I think I am incompetent, wasn't paying attention, and found myself about to careen over the edge of the embankment. Either way, I dropped my front wheel off of the bike path, over compensated in an effort not to fall down said embankment (complete with rocks and shrubbery at its base), and fell over sideways.
I'm pretty sure it would have looked funny if I was, oh, watching it on youtube and it had circus music playing as I fell. Mostly it just hurt. I sat in the middle of the bikepath stunned for a minute, trying to similtaneously be brave, pissed off, and super-first aid lady. Okay...what hurts. I know you are supposed to start at the head and work your way down, but I went for the "Identify your injuries from hurts most to least" method. It is too a method! So...Left knee-check. Both hands-check. Side of left elbow-check (WTF, how did I get the side of my left elbow AND both palms?). Left hip---YOWZA that hurts. Left palm/wrist-internal, not road rash, something else. At some point in this proccess AMA showed up. He must have been the one who stood up my bike. He hugged me and asked if I was okay. I tried not to cry....I'm supposed to be awesome, not a baby. Shit roadrash hurts. He asked if I was cold. Stupid adrenaline was making me shake like a leaf. I poured some of my remaining water over the road rashy spots.
The Good
I got lucky, nothing was bleeding bad enough to make an ewww-y gooey mess. Most everything will scab, but nothing too awful. I was lucky that that particular stretch of bikepath doesn't contain a lot of debris...it was really pretty clean as far as road rash goes. Nothing broken. Maybe a sprain on the wrist and shoulder is kind of jacked up but nothing some TLC at home won't fix. The hip hurts, but I'm hoping the NatureMade saddle bags went to good use in protecting me from anything worse than an epic skin bruise (1 hour and it was already turning purple)
The Bad
AMA wanted me to ride out front so that he could keep an eye on me. I went sprinting off, or as "sprinting" the internal balance between adrenalin, tired legs, and head wind could manage. Didn't mean to, but it was a bit up tempo all things considered. Poor AMA was left trying to keep up with me without the benefit of adrenalin---then he had HIS go boom on a patch of ice. I felt like a jerk. for pushing it and should have forced myself to be more moderate.
The...There.
We made it home. I got washed up. Did a final non-medical-person-medical-assessment and pronounced myself "banged up". Took some ibuprofen, gorged on a bunch of random food and went promptly to bed. I feel better. We'll see how it all shakes out tomorrow, but I'm glad it's a zero day.
The Silver Lining
Girls with roadrash on their hands, a tetchy shoulder and questionable wrist get out of planks and push ups for a while!
Oh, and most importantly...it was gorgeous....the girl got to go outside...and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat!
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Leaf on the Wind
I'm a wimp...there are other words I use in my head, but that one is probably the most appropriate for me to use in mixed company. Yesterday's long run happened inside. The weather forecast was being all wonky, and while I am okay with running in the cold OR in the wet, both is not acceptable. My ego (and my relationship) couldn't take a failed run when I had my longest-to-date long run planned for the day.
So, onto the treadmill it was! I planned to run early because I was aware that my sloth-like pace was going to hog up a lot of time. Given that our apartment gym has only one properly functioning treadmill, I didn't want to cheese off my fellow building dwellers.
The idea of 17 miles on the treadmill presented some large psychological barriers. First and foremost, our gym is small, ugly, and presents very little in the way of distraction. This is fine for an 8 mile mid week run, but not so fine for a long slow distance run. Chief among my #firstworldproblems issues with the spaces are the color and lighting. The walls are a vivid orange that reminds me of the powder they sprinkle on the carpet when a primary school student pukes in class. Second, florescent lights irritate me. I'm that guy who refuses to turn on the lights in my office because I'd rather have daylight than that weird flickery ugly green light. Blame AMA, he's a photographer and has made me a light snob.
What I am about to tell you may loose whatever running streed credibility that I might have been earning, but I don't care. AMA came to the rescue with the iPad and a movie! Hehe!!! I promised myself I would take the opportunity to make this a slower run, and the movie totally made this possible. I set the treadmill to more-slothly-than-usual and left it there for the whole run.
I got to watch Serenity, which is one of my favorite movies. It served to keep my mind actively engaged through the begining and middle miles, which are mentally the toughest for me. I was highly entertained the whole time, don't know what it did for mental toughness, but it did a lot for my confidence as I sailed through barriers I normally face and the negative self talk I associate with them. The movie itself has lots of great one liners which served to motivate me through the run. I may toy with taking excerpts of them and integrating them into my future run mixes.
By the time it was over, I was ready to focus on the remaining miles. The remaining miles were less than one of my middle distance mid-week runs and felt totally manageable. Even more awesome, I was tired when I was done, but felt like I might have been able to do more.
We'll see what kind of awesomeness I can conjure in a couple of weeks when I bump it up to 19 miles!
So, onto the treadmill it was! I planned to run early because I was aware that my sloth-like pace was going to hog up a lot of time. Given that our apartment gym has only one properly functioning treadmill, I didn't want to cheese off my fellow building dwellers.
The idea of 17 miles on the treadmill presented some large psychological barriers. First and foremost, our gym is small, ugly, and presents very little in the way of distraction. This is fine for an 8 mile mid week run, but not so fine for a long slow distance run. Chief among my #firstworldproblems issues with the spaces are the color and lighting. The walls are a vivid orange that reminds me of the powder they sprinkle on the carpet when a primary school student pukes in class. Second, florescent lights irritate me. I'm that guy who refuses to turn on the lights in my office because I'd rather have daylight than that weird flickery ugly green light. Blame AMA, he's a photographer and has made me a light snob.
What I am about to tell you may loose whatever running streed credibility that I might have been earning, but I don't care. AMA came to the rescue with the iPad and a movie! Hehe!!! I promised myself I would take the opportunity to make this a slower run, and the movie totally made this possible. I set the treadmill to more-slothly-than-usual and left it there for the whole run.
I got to watch Serenity, which is one of my favorite movies. It served to keep my mind actively engaged through the begining and middle miles, which are mentally the toughest for me. I was highly entertained the whole time, don't know what it did for mental toughness, but it did a lot for my confidence as I sailed through barriers I normally face and the negative self talk I associate with them. The movie itself has lots of great one liners which served to motivate me through the run. I may toy with taking excerpts of them and integrating them into my future run mixes.
By the time it was over, I was ready to focus on the remaining miles. The remaining miles were less than one of my middle distance mid-week runs and felt totally manageable. Even more awesome, I was tired when I was done, but felt like I might have been able to do more.
We'll see what kind of awesomeness I can conjure in a couple of weeks when I bump it up to 19 miles!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Winning Friends, Influencing People
This week has been characterized by a weird running schedule, mostly induced by the fact that I have developed a loathing for the treadmill. This inspired me to take advantage of Monday's nice weather, subbing a zero day for the beginning of my weekly training cycle.
New 10K record on Monday! Okay, I guess those cutback weeks work, because I always feel so awesome the week afterward. It was chillier than it looked because the wind picked up and was COLD. Still, I kicked some serious butt, and when it looked like I could beat the old record, I tacked on a bit extra to hit the 10K mark. Not the short run I had planned for my zero day, but still awesome!
Tuesday found me on the treadmill as I had expected. I ran intervals to keep it interesting, and a warped .2 fast, .3 slow, .3 fast, .2 slow pattern made the time fly by. Another 6.8 miles down and I was HAPPY afterward. Running really does make bad days better.
So, Monday and Tuesday laid the foundation for Wednesday's run. It was nice outside, with long pants and my new long sleeve technical shirt I felt great. More suprisingly, my legs felt good. I went with it, and crushed some more mileage...8.5 to be exact. At the outset I wasn't sure I could handle it, but it just kind of worked. I like it when that happens.
On the way back from my run (I love out and backs for medium length runs), I pass over a couple of bridges. I think one of them hates me. It's the same bridge that I tripped on during my long run a couple of weekends ago. I tripped on it again....in the exact same spot...with the exact same foot. Only this time, I rolled my ankle enough to actually fall. I also dropped an F-Bomb with the raucous enthusiasm that is only made possible by the sincerest of frustration coupled with headphones blaring far to loudly. I also might have been just about to pass a couple who was out on a cute, hand holding walk. I might have shouted said profanity within less than 24 inches of the fine couple's ears. I went down, clutching my ankle, apologizing profusely and (with headphones still blaring & breathing hard) trying to simultaneously die of embarrassment and assess for actual damage. The couple and I each moved on after it was clear that the ankle was going to be okay. I babied it a bit, but could definitely run on it....the voices in my head (you know, the nice, warm, fuzzy, sympathetic ones), told me to run it off and quit being a wuss.
The run resumed and I was okay. I have to chuckle....as I ran back under the bridge, a witness to the event, an older gentleman , face chiseled by wind and sun and work and play, looked at me with a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a nod. Yes, I fell down and went boom. Yes, there was nothing ladylike about my frustration. But my city cares, it understands that people are messy, and it loves them anyway.
Oh...and I beat the 10K record that I set on Monday.
New 10K record on Monday! Okay, I guess those cutback weeks work, because I always feel so awesome the week afterward. It was chillier than it looked because the wind picked up and was COLD. Still, I kicked some serious butt, and when it looked like I could beat the old record, I tacked on a bit extra to hit the 10K mark. Not the short run I had planned for my zero day, but still awesome!
Tuesday found me on the treadmill as I had expected. I ran intervals to keep it interesting, and a warped .2 fast, .3 slow, .3 fast, .2 slow pattern made the time fly by. Another 6.8 miles down and I was HAPPY afterward. Running really does make bad days better.
So, Monday and Tuesday laid the foundation for Wednesday's run. It was nice outside, with long pants and my new long sleeve technical shirt I felt great. More suprisingly, my legs felt good. I went with it, and crushed some more mileage...8.5 to be exact. At the outset I wasn't sure I could handle it, but it just kind of worked. I like it when that happens.
On the way back from my run (I love out and backs for medium length runs), I pass over a couple of bridges. I think one of them hates me. It's the same bridge that I tripped on during my long run a couple of weekends ago. I tripped on it again....in the exact same spot...with the exact same foot. Only this time, I rolled my ankle enough to actually fall. I also dropped an F-Bomb with the raucous enthusiasm that is only made possible by the sincerest of frustration coupled with headphones blaring far to loudly. I also might have been just about to pass a couple who was out on a cute, hand holding walk. I might have shouted said profanity within less than 24 inches of the fine couple's ears. I went down, clutching my ankle, apologizing profusely and (with headphones still blaring & breathing hard) trying to simultaneously die of embarrassment and assess for actual damage. The couple and I each moved on after it was clear that the ankle was going to be okay. I babied it a bit, but could definitely run on it....the voices in my head (you know, the nice, warm, fuzzy, sympathetic ones), told me to run it off and quit being a wuss.
The run resumed and I was okay. I have to chuckle....as I ran back under the bridge, a witness to the event, an older gentleman , face chiseled by wind and sun and work and play, looked at me with a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a nod. Yes, I fell down and went boom. Yes, there was nothing ladylike about my frustration. But my city cares, it understands that people are messy, and it loves them anyway.
Oh...and I beat the 10K record that I set on Monday.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Redun-dunce-y Department
Blah. February and October are my two least favorite months of the year. Oddly, they include two holidays, which I should like, but geez-louise life seems to converge in some sort of cosmic cluster during these months. Whether it is some strange phenomenon of weather changing or self fulfilling prophecy, they do, in fact, suck.
This month has been particularly trying. Emotionally, professionally, familial-ly (if that is a word). There are two things that seem to be okay. First, AMA is awesome and puts up with my twice a year crazies AMAzingly well. Second, training is scooting along. Perhaps not perfectly (see last week for details), but pretty darn well.
This week was a cut-back week, designed to give my body a bit of a break. As previously stated, I really want to avoid the epically bad runs of March/April last year by giving my body some recovery every 4th week or so.
Yesterday's 11 miler was solid. I like running out and backs, and I'd rather run uphill at the start so that I can finish up on a net down. I know that many races do the exact opposite, but my race in May does it, so I can get away with it for now. I needed some love after a crap life week, so I ran one of my favorite routes "Westline".
The wind was BEASTLY on the way out, especially when I hit the short nasty hill (I have a love/hate relationship with this hill. I love hating it, and I love doing it anyway). I kept telling myself it would be worth it, and better on the way back...and yes, yes it was. I was running a minute faster per mile on the way back, and maniacally gleeful for that whole 2 mile stretch. The trip home was good too, although I definately didn't keep up the insanely good pace. I also finished it feeling like I could have gone farther, which is nice--it probably means that I did something right.
A moderately paced 5 miler this morning. Again, for some reason Sunday is the ONLY morning I will tolerate a pre-breakfast run. It was early, but it came with a reward that made it worth getting through the miles on the treadmill (it was cold this morning, and too before dawn). AMA took me to my FAVORITE breakfast place that serves some of the world's finest french toast. I also had an egg, because, you know, protein and stuff. They also serve awesome coffee, so I went ahead and had a cup or 5.
Next week has some heavy mileage, and I may have to switch my zero-Monday for a zero-Tuesday since they are predicting snow and cold on Tuesday. I don't like giving up my zero days, but a long haul on a treadmill is entirely unappealing. I'm starting to get into "real" mileage now, so the more that I can do outside, the better.
Here comes the sun...fingers crossed that a bike ride is in my future and it is outside, not on the trainer!
This month has been particularly trying. Emotionally, professionally, familial-ly (if that is a word). There are two things that seem to be okay. First, AMA is awesome and puts up with my twice a year crazies AMAzingly well. Second, training is scooting along. Perhaps not perfectly (see last week for details), but pretty darn well.
This week was a cut-back week, designed to give my body a bit of a break. As previously stated, I really want to avoid the epically bad runs of March/April last year by giving my body some recovery every 4th week or so.
Yesterday's 11 miler was solid. I like running out and backs, and I'd rather run uphill at the start so that I can finish up on a net down. I know that many races do the exact opposite, but my race in May does it, so I can get away with it for now. I needed some love after a crap life week, so I ran one of my favorite routes "Westline".
The wind was BEASTLY on the way out, especially when I hit the short nasty hill (I have a love/hate relationship with this hill. I love hating it, and I love doing it anyway). I kept telling myself it would be worth it, and better on the way back...and yes, yes it was. I was running a minute faster per mile on the way back, and maniacally gleeful for that whole 2 mile stretch. The trip home was good too, although I definately didn't keep up the insanely good pace. I also finished it feeling like I could have gone farther, which is nice--it probably means that I did something right.
A moderately paced 5 miler this morning. Again, for some reason Sunday is the ONLY morning I will tolerate a pre-breakfast run. It was early, but it came with a reward that made it worth getting through the miles on the treadmill (it was cold this morning, and too before dawn). AMA took me to my FAVORITE breakfast place that serves some of the world's finest french toast. I also had an egg, because, you know, protein and stuff. They also serve awesome coffee, so I went ahead and had a cup or 5.
Next week has some heavy mileage, and I may have to switch my zero-Monday for a zero-Tuesday since they are predicting snow and cold on Tuesday. I don't like giving up my zero days, but a long haul on a treadmill is entirely unappealing. I'm starting to get into "real" mileage now, so the more that I can do outside, the better.
Here comes the sun...fingers crossed that a bike ride is in my future and it is outside, not on the trainer!
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Candy is dandy but...
Okay, candy really is dandy. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have a whole hearted obsession with things whose primary ingredient is sugar. Afterall, we are talking about the girl who ate an entire box of pink peeps the DAY after Valentines day. The girl who just had a brownie for dinner (hey, at least I'm honest).
But, and here's the but...my fiance got me something even sweeter today! Okay, not so much a thing as an activity. I had my first "real" long run of the season and one of my favorites because it happens to be mostly downhill. We took the train down south and then I got to run back home, all on glorious, car free bike path. So, what makes the fiance's activities so noble?
For starters, as I may have mentioned, AMA does not run...not even when chased...not even when being chased by a pack of rabid hyenas who spend the night previous feasting on hard boiled eggs and bock beer. So, AMA chose to provide SAG (support and grub) duties via bicycle. Now, I can't think of anything more boring than bicycling at approximately the same rate that my slow behind runs. Not only that, but he did it perfectly. He created the perfect barrier between me and the lightning quick roadies who went zippig past me...he rode behind me so as not to pressure me to run faster, but never did he run into me or make me feel like I was holidng him up. He was there to provide immediate support whenever I needed, and also jumped ahead to produce lavish spreads at the side of the road. Seriously people, stopping at his "stations" every couple of miles was like a visit to a runners clothing emporium and gastropub. The clothing menu: wicking t-shirt, long sleeved wicking ultra warm layer, fleece jacket, go-lite hat and mountain hardware globes. The drink menu: Gatorade, Coconut Water (only pink ones for this girl!), or water. The food menu: Luna Bars, Brownie, Honey Stinger Chews, Salted Caramel Gu.
The run went really well and I feel spoiled!
I love this man.
The end!
But, and here's the but...my fiance got me something even sweeter today! Okay, not so much a thing as an activity. I had my first "real" long run of the season and one of my favorites because it happens to be mostly downhill. We took the train down south and then I got to run back home, all on glorious, car free bike path. So, what makes the fiance's activities so noble?
For starters, as I may have mentioned, AMA does not run...not even when chased...not even when being chased by a pack of rabid hyenas who spend the night previous feasting on hard boiled eggs and bock beer. So, AMA chose to provide SAG (support and grub) duties via bicycle. Now, I can't think of anything more boring than bicycling at approximately the same rate that my slow behind runs. Not only that, but he did it perfectly. He created the perfect barrier between me and the lightning quick roadies who went zippig past me...he rode behind me so as not to pressure me to run faster, but never did he run into me or make me feel like I was holidng him up. He was there to provide immediate support whenever I needed, and also jumped ahead to produce lavish spreads at the side of the road. Seriously people, stopping at his "stations" every couple of miles was like a visit to a runners clothing emporium and gastropub. The clothing menu: wicking t-shirt, long sleeved wicking ultra warm layer, fleece jacket, go-lite hat and mountain hardware globes. The drink menu: Gatorade, Coconut Water (only pink ones for this girl!), or water. The food menu: Luna Bars, Brownie, Honey Stinger Chews, Salted Caramel Gu.
The run went really well and I feel spoiled!
I love this man.
The end!
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Neutral Week
Big week for me...my butt and my mileage. I'm still struggling with eating like a normal, healthy, well balanced person. This week has been an exercise in healthy eating punctuated with ravenous chocolate and bread (not together, ewww!), binges. I think as the mileage increases, I need to find a way to increase the calories...even when it looks like A LOT of food in one place. Volume on the plate will (hopefully) keep it out of my pants.
Pace times this week were SLOW, part of that was due to design-- I've been reading more about really training easy during easy and hard during hard...I have trouble wrapping my head around that, I like medium-hard all the time. It literally breaks my heart to see slow times.
Did the long run today. The bad was that the splits were crazy positive and the pace, well, stunk. I was working REALLY hard at some points, just to keep my pace within 30 seconds of what I thought I should be capable of. Still, see the great tug of war in my brain about "easy" mileage. The GOOD, was that I got in a 14 mile run, which is the longest run I've done since late February of last year. YAY!!! Kind of makes me think that I might actually have a shot at running a marathon some day.
Weather was nice on the run today, if a bit windy. It was in the 40's and sunny, so it felt pretty good. There was still a fair amount of ice in places on the path I use, and I wonder if that doesn't affect my pace.
It was nice, too, that someone stopped at the stoplight when I did to cross the street for the last two miles of my run. I don't know what the ettiquette is...I said hi and stood there until the light changed. I took off and she HAMMERED it to pass me. I thought she was just a far superior runner, but she ended up settling into a pace that pushed me, but didn't drop me. Hopefully she doesn't think that I'm a jerk, but I just kind of held on about 10 seconds back, usign her to get me home. There was a huge spike in my pace those last two miles, and I had less of that "I'm going to die now" feeling.
Perhaps I need to find someone to run with. I don't even need someone to talk (though that would be good too!), I just need that extra mental boost!
Pace times this week were SLOW, part of that was due to design-- I've been reading more about really training easy during easy and hard during hard...I have trouble wrapping my head around that, I like medium-hard all the time. It literally breaks my heart to see slow times.
Did the long run today. The bad was that the splits were crazy positive and the pace, well, stunk. I was working REALLY hard at some points, just to keep my pace within 30 seconds of what I thought I should be capable of. Still, see the great tug of war in my brain about "easy" mileage. The GOOD, was that I got in a 14 mile run, which is the longest run I've done since late February of last year. YAY!!! Kind of makes me think that I might actually have a shot at running a marathon some day.
Weather was nice on the run today, if a bit windy. It was in the 40's and sunny, so it felt pretty good. There was still a fair amount of ice in places on the path I use, and I wonder if that doesn't affect my pace.
It was nice, too, that someone stopped at the stoplight when I did to cross the street for the last two miles of my run. I don't know what the ettiquette is...I said hi and stood there until the light changed. I took off and she HAMMERED it to pass me. I thought she was just a far superior runner, but she ended up settling into a pace that pushed me, but didn't drop me. Hopefully she doesn't think that I'm a jerk, but I just kind of held on about 10 seconds back, usign her to get me home. There was a huge spike in my pace those last two miles, and I had less of that "I'm going to die now" feeling.
Perhaps I need to find someone to run with. I don't even need someone to talk (though that would be good too!), I just need that extra mental boost!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Following the Plan
So...I have a problem with moderation. My mother says that the only time I got C's was when the teacher averaged the number of A's and F's I'd received that term. Oddly enough, then, one of my goals for this training season is to set achievable goals and achieve them without feeling the need to exceed them....and potentially hurt myself in the process.
WIthout a trainer I'm kind of doing this whole half marathon/marathon training year by the seat of my pants. I know that I can do the half marathon distance...I did it just two weekends ago. I'd like to improve my times and beat the pants off of last year's time when the local May 1/2 marathon comes up. Next, I'd like to go on to do a full marathon in the fall. I think this is a reasonable goal, and I should have the fitness foundation to do it safely at that point.
With these goals in mind, I'm looking to get more out of my runs this year than merely putting in the mileage. I'm putting up some better numbers, but everything has been moderate-hard intensity, and the best available literature tells me that A)I'm probably setting myself up for injury and B)I'm probably not making the gains that I could be making.
Enter the need for more intentional workouts. The first couple I tried bombed terribly. I would like to think I am a better runner than I am, and my "planned" runs crushed me like a bug. Today was the first interval run that I managed to do exactly according to plan. I did a nice warm up, followed by 5 intervals at a 3:1 fast/slow ratio, then completed my miles. It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that my overall pace was a few seconds slower than my "usual" pace, but my fast segments beat the pants off of my usual pace. I was definately proud of this, and will be interested to see what kinds of gains might come from consistant interval training. I was more proud of the fact that I was able to complete the workout according to plan--well mostly, I bumped the pace a tiny bit to hit an even mile number at the end, but had the energy to complete the workout strong and not dead.
The intervals also had the bonus of breaking up the monotony of the treadmill. I have gone from being a strictly treadmill girl to someone who would really rather be outside. Character building, however, was last weekend. AMA wasn't going to be thrilled about me running in single digits after the water bottle fiasco of last Saturday. So, today's planned training run worked out well. With bad weather forecast for the rest of the week, I'm really just hoping that my long run doesn't have to be on the treadmill too. In the mean time...hurrah for intervals!
WIthout a trainer I'm kind of doing this whole half marathon/marathon training year by the seat of my pants. I know that I can do the half marathon distance...I did it just two weekends ago. I'd like to improve my times and beat the pants off of last year's time when the local May 1/2 marathon comes up. Next, I'd like to go on to do a full marathon in the fall. I think this is a reasonable goal, and I should have the fitness foundation to do it safely at that point.
With these goals in mind, I'm looking to get more out of my runs this year than merely putting in the mileage. I'm putting up some better numbers, but everything has been moderate-hard intensity, and the best available literature tells me that A)I'm probably setting myself up for injury and B)I'm probably not making the gains that I could be making.
Enter the need for more intentional workouts. The first couple I tried bombed terribly. I would like to think I am a better runner than I am, and my "planned" runs crushed me like a bug. Today was the first interval run that I managed to do exactly according to plan. I did a nice warm up, followed by 5 intervals at a 3:1 fast/slow ratio, then completed my miles. It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that my overall pace was a few seconds slower than my "usual" pace, but my fast segments beat the pants off of my usual pace. I was definately proud of this, and will be interested to see what kinds of gains might come from consistant interval training. I was more proud of the fact that I was able to complete the workout according to plan--well mostly, I bumped the pace a tiny bit to hit an even mile number at the end, but had the energy to complete the workout strong and not dead.
The intervals also had the bonus of breaking up the monotony of the treadmill. I have gone from being a strictly treadmill girl to someone who would really rather be outside. Character building, however, was last weekend. AMA wasn't going to be thrilled about me running in single digits after the water bottle fiasco of last Saturday. So, today's planned training run worked out well. With bad weather forecast for the rest of the week, I'm really just hoping that my long run doesn't have to be on the treadmill too. In the mean time...hurrah for intervals!
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Hy-brrrrr-bole!
I froze my ass off today. This is hyperbole because a) it was only 1/2 of said ass AND b)it didn't technically come off. Still, it was a near thing. But hear me out, it was not my usual "I make poor choices!" kind of adventure, rather I merely forgot basic high school chemistry for a moment.
Today's story begins with a princess who lives in the far away land of Colorado (It's my story, I get to be the princess). She lived in a well appointed castle (of 585 sq feet), and loved nothing more than to go for runs. One day, it was very cold, but the princess was determined to go out, knowing that she had strained the kingdoms resources buying the very best gear the local wizards (REI and SportsAuthority) had to offer.
She carefully put on layer upon layer of finery including: YakTrax, Ghost 5s, wicking underthingies, running tights, running pants, insulated running shirt, fleece, gloves, balaklava, hat, sunglasses, garmin, ipod, hydration belt with 1 bottle water and 1 bottle coconut water, 1 lara bar and a phone. Oh she loves the magic of the tinkers, tailors and alchemists who make all sorts runs possible!
She knew that she was very well prepared for an 11 mile run in 27 degree weather. As a matter of fact, she got to take off the YakTrax because the trails were 50% clear. She was just VERY careful when running under bridges and in the places people don't think shoveling is necessary. She even got to take off the balaclava for 5 or 6 miles because the wind was at her back.
It was a hard run, but the princess paid attention to the philosophers of the craft of which she is merely among the novitiate. She slowed her pace and adjusted her expectations. Suffering is only in your mind, the wise said. Physical and Mental Toughness have to be earned the hard way, her tutors proclaimed. And so, the princess ran on....albeit at a pace more plodding than graceful.
Still, there was some joy to it all. There were no bicyclists on the path (commuters, but no roadies), and there was a kind-hearted camaraderie with other runners. People all smiled at the princess as if to say "We are an insane, but honorable brotherhood, come join us as we drink of our pain and feast on our successes".
The princess was startled when she thought she had run afoul of one of the citizens in the kingdom who, appeared to have a severe and persistent lack of quality mental health care and need to address his condition with the tinctures and postions offered by less than savory local apothecaries. She chided herself for her narcissism when she realized that shouting and aggressive shovel (!?!) weilding was not directed at her, but rather at another citizen who appeared to be in similar straights as the first.
The princess moved on, and checked in with Prince when she reached 4.86 miles. She indicated that she would continue forth down the frigid path and go head towards the Bazaar where a great many wonderous non-compostable, non-reusable things are found all wrapped up in shining little packages.
Feeling better, having worked heavily on her attitude, the princess reached her turn-around and headed back to the castle. The path was the same, slippery, cold path, but she noticed that the run always seems nicer when heading into the final stretches. She couldn't run very fast, but her spirits began to rise with the rosy-warm promise of a shower just minutes away.
Upon returning to the castle, the princess checked in with the prince, and he helped her strip off the layers of clothing which ranged from frigid to sweaty. The princess made a startling discovery! While she had heeded the words of the running sages, she had completely forgotten the teachings of the chemists. Her bottle containing only water had burst open at the top and had slowly leaked water down the back of her pants for quite some time....leaving 1 entire buttock completely soaked through and well on its way to frostbite AND solidly frozen water in and around the spout of the bottle! Thank goodness she was wearing synthetic, wicking fibers--surely cotton would have lead to the most dire peril!
Prince Charming, haven taken wilderness first responder courses, promptly drew a warm (105 degree) bath for the Princess. She cried out as she thawed out, but it appeared that the damage was minimal. 45 minutes later, warm and pink from her bath, the Princess feasted on huge quantities of delicious, locally sourced, whole foods.
Then, she went to bed. Happily ever after TBD, but prospects look good!
She carefully put on layer upon layer of finery including: YakTrax, Ghost 5s, wicking underthingies, running tights, running pants, insulated running shirt, fleece, gloves, balaklava, hat, sunglasses, garmin, ipod, hydration belt with 1 bottle water and 1 bottle coconut water, 1 lara bar and a phone. Oh she loves the magic of the tinkers, tailors and alchemists who make all sorts runs possible!
She knew that she was very well prepared for an 11 mile run in 27 degree weather. As a matter of fact, she got to take off the YakTrax because the trails were 50% clear. She was just VERY careful when running under bridges and in the places people don't think shoveling is necessary. She even got to take off the balaclava for 5 or 6 miles because the wind was at her back.
It was a hard run, but the princess paid attention to the philosophers of the craft of which she is merely among the novitiate. She slowed her pace and adjusted her expectations. Suffering is only in your mind, the wise said. Physical and Mental Toughness have to be earned the hard way, her tutors proclaimed. And so, the princess ran on....albeit at a pace more plodding than graceful.
Still, there was some joy to it all. There were no bicyclists on the path (commuters, but no roadies), and there was a kind-hearted camaraderie with other runners. People all smiled at the princess as if to say "We are an insane, but honorable brotherhood, come join us as we drink of our pain and feast on our successes".
The princess was startled when she thought she had run afoul of one of the citizens in the kingdom who, appeared to have a severe and persistent lack of quality mental health care and need to address his condition with the tinctures and postions offered by less than savory local apothecaries. She chided herself for her narcissism when she realized that shouting and aggressive shovel (!?!) weilding was not directed at her, but rather at another citizen who appeared to be in similar straights as the first.
The princess moved on, and checked in with Prince when she reached 4.86 miles. She indicated that she would continue forth down the frigid path and go head towards the Bazaar where a great many wonderous non-compostable, non-reusable things are found all wrapped up in shining little packages.
Feeling better, having worked heavily on her attitude, the princess reached her turn-around and headed back to the castle. The path was the same, slippery, cold path, but she noticed that the run always seems nicer when heading into the final stretches. She couldn't run very fast, but her spirits began to rise with the rosy-warm promise of a shower just minutes away.
Upon returning to the castle, the princess checked in with the prince, and he helped her strip off the layers of clothing which ranged from frigid to sweaty. The princess made a startling discovery! While she had heeded the words of the running sages, she had completely forgotten the teachings of the chemists. Her bottle containing only water had burst open at the top and had slowly leaked water down the back of her pants for quite some time....leaving 1 entire buttock completely soaked through and well on its way to frostbite AND solidly frozen water in and around the spout of the bottle! Thank goodness she was wearing synthetic, wicking fibers--surely cotton would have lead to the most dire peril!
Prince Charming, haven taken wilderness first responder courses, promptly drew a warm (105 degree) bath for the Princess. She cried out as she thawed out, but it appeared that the damage was minimal. 45 minutes later, warm and pink from her bath, the Princess feasted on huge quantities of delicious, locally sourced, whole foods.
Then, she went to bed. Happily ever after TBD, but prospects look good!
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
I dislike, therefore I run
Today I had a bad day at work. No one died, things just stunk. An icky, irritating, everyone is in a foul mood and the poop kept piling on. The good news is that I had a run scheduled for when I got home. Not a big run, not a fancy run, not a hard-hitting, record setting run. Just a run. A goal to complete with a beginning and an end.
Setting records and doing races is one kind of awesome but so are runs like today. But it's kind of like love. Big races and records are like new relationships and milestones. Fireworks and elation. Runs like today are like enduring love, a warm glow that suffuses ones existence with meaning and calm.
I loved my run today. I actually thought about running a few more miles once it was done, but I want to be careful about not over doing it. My knee has felt good for two whole runs, my butt has behaved for a few days, and I want it to stay that way.
I went ahead and did a bit more than half hour on the bike trainer today after my run. It felt...sweaty. I'm still getting used to the bike trainer becase low gears feel hard, and I don't really have any sense of how "fast" I'm going. Still, the saddle time is good for me, and it raises my awareness about my truly crappy posture. I look forward to getting in more training "rides" while the weather is bad, and I am hoping that it will improve my performance when it comes to hitting the trails with AMA this summer.
Setting records and doing races is one kind of awesome but so are runs like today. But it's kind of like love. Big races and records are like new relationships and milestones. Fireworks and elation. Runs like today are like enduring love, a warm glow that suffuses ones existence with meaning and calm.
I loved my run today. I actually thought about running a few more miles once it was done, but I want to be careful about not over doing it. My knee has felt good for two whole runs, my butt has behaved for a few days, and I want it to stay that way.
I went ahead and did a bit more than half hour on the bike trainer today after my run. It felt...sweaty. I'm still getting used to the bike trainer becase low gears feel hard, and I don't really have any sense of how "fast" I'm going. Still, the saddle time is good for me, and it raises my awareness about my truly crappy posture. I look forward to getting in more training "rides" while the weather is bad, and I am hoping that it will improve my performance when it comes to hitting the trails with AMA this summer.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
The Rub
I wish that this was a post about an awesome massage...but no-o. This my friends, is my very first experience with chaffing. See I figured after a year of running, I was just somehow magically exempt from the chaffing thing. Sure, I've gained a couple of pounds (okay, a lot of pounds), but my build doesn't really lend itself to that sort of problem. Nor was it new gear. Running bra I've worn until it's not anywhere near its original color. Running skirt that's seen its fair share of wear. Socks that are worn at least 2x a week. Nope, none of these things.
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Instead it was my trusty Nathan (Speed 2, I think) hydration belt. The one that AMA calls my "utility belt" and makes me feel like one part geek and one part super hero. I didn't notice it during the run, or even in the shower afterwards. But there, the next morning, like an itchy comet across my lower back was the beauty pictured on the left.
There is a first time for everything, and, perhaps a last. I think that my shirt snuck up in back a bit. I also worry that it bounces, but the only fix for that is going to be finding a smaller hydration belt.
But good news I'll share tonight....I did my first ride on the bike trainer last night. 'Cause zero days, I know how to do those!
Instead it was my trusty Nathan (Speed 2, I think) hydration belt. The one that AMA calls my "utility belt" and makes me feel like one part geek and one part super hero. I didn't notice it during the run, or even in the shower afterwards. But there, the next morning, like an itchy comet across my lower back was the beauty pictured on the left. There is a first time for everything, and, perhaps a last. I think that my shirt snuck up in back a bit. I also worry that it bounces, but the only fix for that is going to be finding a smaller hydration belt.
But good news I'll share tonight....I did my first ride on the bike trainer last night. 'Cause zero days, I know how to do those!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
14 days, 14 things
Soo, evidently it's been two weeks since my last post. I have been remiss in posting lately, so here it goes, 14 inane ramblings for 14 post free days.
- Week 9 started strong, but got shortened by a busted knee. I'm willing to push it when it's musclar, but when tendons and joints hurt in a way that affects my walking gait, I call it quits. I actually skipped my scheduled run on 1/16 because I was definately working on an injury. Did a shorter run on the 17th that I was pleased with, but it affected my overally mileage for the week.
- Week 9 also had a scheduled 11 mile run, which I did rather successfully. I was pleased with my pacing, even though it was a touch slower than the previous week.
- Week 10 was scheduled to be a cut back week, which it was (in a way). I hit my mileage targets, but not at all in the way I had planned. Extra mileage in the long and recovery runs made up for a missed mid-week run. Bad, bad, bad. Two weeks in a row I have missed runs and I feel bad about it.
- Part of the wonky schedule had to do with travel. I was on a business trip Tuesday-Friday, which completely screwed up my routines.
- Tuesday's run I did in the morning before my flight.
- Wednesday's run also happened in the morning. The weather was unexpectedly cold at my destination, so no outside run for me...Got to do it in a hotel with an unfamiliar treadmill.
- Totally missed Thursday's run. I was going to do it in the afternoon when it was supposed to be warm outside, but a last minute meeting meant that I didn't get back to the hotel until after 7:30. Oh, and also had a couple of drinks--I don't run after drinking.
- Got home safe and sound on Friday.
- Slept from 8:00 p.m. on Friday to 7:00 a.m. on Saturday. 11 hours of cozy sleeping bliss set the stage for an awesome run.
- Feeling guilty about missing a run on Thursday, I decided to see what my body would do after 2 days off, albeit at sealevel.
- 13.24 miles and a PR training run later (by about a minute, with 4 times as much elevation gain as my previous PR), I figured it out...my body loved me!
- Went for a 5 mile run this morning. A bit stiff and sore at the outset. Knee a little cranky, periformis also acting up a bit. By mile 3.5 or so I was actually feeling pretty good. Miscalculated my laps and did 5.88 miles.
- Went for bike ride after lunch. Thinking I'd do an easy 12-15 miles until...
- HA! #$%^(! weather channel. Sometime between the run and the bike, the wind picked up and was blowing at 31mph with gusts up to 44. Did a hard 11.67 miles and came home!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Love, True Love....
...is what brings us together, today. Or, should I say, kept us together today. AMA was kind enough to join me on today's run around the park. It was a recovery day for me, with a planned 3.5 mile run, and AMA is trying to do about a 5K every other day. By walking to the park together, me departing to run 2 and a smidge laps, AMA walking one, and us walking back together, we were both able to meet our daily fitness needs.
What's love got to do with it you might ask? Weeeeellll...for starters it was cold. It felt okay to me who was running, but poor AMA kind of froze to death. ANDDDD it was my genious plan to do said adventure on solely a cup of coffee. I don't know why, but I've been digging the recovery runs on an empty stomach lately. Unfortunately this didn't work out so well for AMA, who was darn near bonking by the time we got breakfast at 9:15. For those playing at home, 9:15 is about 2 hours late for us. Oh, and did I mention that the poor man had to use the bathroom the whole time, but it was too cold for him to use the port-o-lets at the park AND he didn't want to deviate from the schedule because I wasn't carrying a phone? Seriously folks, that man must love me, because I can't think of any other reason why someone would endure all of that.
My run went well....a solid 3.5 miles. A bit fast, especially since it was a "recovery" day and I was kind of, sort of, okay really blowing that whole idea by going 30-60 seconds faster than I should have been. It just felt so darn good! AMA survived and we had a tasty, tasty breakfast of bagels after run and bathroom visit (thanks local grocery store!) was complete.
My bum really hurt this morning, but a good bit of stretching before the run made it bearable. I'm really going to have to make a habit out of stretching and strengthening exercises if I don't want it to turn into a full blown injury. I know better, it's just a matter of staying on top of it.
As of right now, next week is looking like it should be some fairly moderate (though still chilly) temperatures and moderate winds. Hopefully the weather will hold in the afternoons so that I can get some more outside runs completed. Next week is a 34 mile week, which represents a fairly significant chunk of mileage for me. I only exceeded that once in training last year. This year's plan is more mileage intensive, but the long runs planned are geared toward the half marathon distance, instead of the marathon distance I thought I would do last year. Here's to a week covered in awesomesauce!
What's love got to do with it you might ask? Weeeeellll...for starters it was cold. It felt okay to me who was running, but poor AMA kind of froze to death. ANDDDD it was my genious plan to do said adventure on solely a cup of coffee. I don't know why, but I've been digging the recovery runs on an empty stomach lately. Unfortunately this didn't work out so well for AMA, who was darn near bonking by the time we got breakfast at 9:15. For those playing at home, 9:15 is about 2 hours late for us. Oh, and did I mention that the poor man had to use the bathroom the whole time, but it was too cold for him to use the port-o-lets at the park AND he didn't want to deviate from the schedule because I wasn't carrying a phone? Seriously folks, that man must love me, because I can't think of any other reason why someone would endure all of that.
My run went well....a solid 3.5 miles. A bit fast, especially since it was a "recovery" day and I was kind of, sort of, okay really blowing that whole idea by going 30-60 seconds faster than I should have been. It just felt so darn good! AMA survived and we had a tasty, tasty breakfast of bagels after run and bathroom visit (thanks local grocery store!) was complete.
My bum really hurt this morning, but a good bit of stretching before the run made it bearable. I'm really going to have to make a habit out of stretching and strengthening exercises if I don't want it to turn into a full blown injury. I know better, it's just a matter of staying on top of it.
As of right now, next week is looking like it should be some fairly moderate (though still chilly) temperatures and moderate winds. Hopefully the weather will hold in the afternoons so that I can get some more outside runs completed. Next week is a 34 mile week, which represents a fairly significant chunk of mileage for me. I only exceeded that once in training last year. This year's plan is more mileage intensive, but the long runs planned are geared toward the half marathon distance, instead of the marathon distance I thought I would do last year. Here's to a week covered in awesomesauce!
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Get What You Want (a Seredipitously, Quietly Good Day)
Today was a long run day. I got the following things that I wanted or wished for the run. Please note this isn't the kind of list that includes enormous things like winning the lottery, rather the quiet and amazing gifts that make me think that the universe loves me and wants me to be happy.
- Epic oatmeal was epic. Irish Oats, 1/2 a carrot, 1/4 c. cranberries, 1 T. raisins, 1 T. Ground Flax, 1 T almonds, some powdered ginger and some cinnamon. Got smart this morning and threw everything but the oats in the food processor. Stroke of genius that. Delicious and required 0 knife wielding prior to coffee.
- Weather.com said it was colder than it really was, but I outsmarted it and stuck my hand outside to verify the temperature. It was AMAZINGLY nice outside. 3/4 tights, silk long sleeved base layer, old wicking race shirt and I was good to go. Nice not to have hat or gloves today. New shoes are still awesome...socks, well socks were on their good behavior today. That is all I ask of them....that they be seen and not heard. Good socks.
- I ran up the W line today, which is one of my favorite runs. Body felt pretty awesome. I pushed the pace to hard, but it felt soooo darn good to run. First mile was off the charts fast for a long run, and I had a bit of a time getting my hydration belt to settle in where I wanted it. Finally, got smart and put it on the pants layer, not the shirt layer---ahhh soooo much better. Funny how you have to relearn some things. I think I knew that once.
- I got to pass some people early in the run. Mostly because the fast people all appeared to be running in the opposite direction. Don't care. I'm not really all that competitive, but it's good for my ego not to be passed all of the time, and to (on rare occasion) be the one doing the passing.
- Did I mention the weather was awesome? Sunny, breezy, and cool enough to not be sweltering!
- I stopped more than I normally do, but I gave myself permission to enjoy this run (a big ole step in the right direction) -stopping to drink and (a couple of times early in the run) stopping to catch my breath when I was lured into pushing the pace to hard. This meant about 4 minutes of stops total in the run, but I'm not really racing for time at this point. I also do better actually stopping rather than walking. It sounds silly, but I had bad luck last year with walking. When I walked, I just wanted to keep walking. When I actually stopped, I found it easier to start running again, even if the stop is only for a few seconds.
- I also felt good enough on my run that I got to do one of my favoritest things while running...SMILE AT PEOPLE. Not a pained grimace of harrowing "I must make pace" self talk, but a genuine, goofy, filled with child-like glee grin. I love it for a couple of reasons. A) I often get one back, B)It does this magic pace enhancing thing where I actually feel better about the run, and C)it feels like my announcement to the world that I have agency and can do what I want.
- After my run, in a moment of absolute clarity, I realized that Mick Jagger said you can't always get what you want, not that you can never get what you want....and today my friends I got it after my run. Yup, I realized that I could rehydrate and eat my lara bar WHILE in the shower. Food+Warmth+Water=One happy girl!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
The Tempo of Our Lives
There is a rhythm to everything if you listen hard enough, or learn to listen with your eyes. I like the rhythm of my life. I like the predictability of going to work, and knowing that there is a run waiting for me at the end of the day.
After the great poo debacle of Tuesday night, I wasn't feeling completely up to snuff on Wednesday. I felt tired and my tummy was still threatening revolt at the slightest provocation. I doubled up on Immodium and went for a run anyway...'cause, you know, healthy limit setting and self care and, er, stuff.
Pace was okay Wednesday, but good considering a) I was less than 24 hours from intestinal revolt and b) it was warmer outside, but still really flippin' icy. I did about 3.5 miles, which were on a weird route because I had to "run" (like what I did there?) an errand on the way.
AMA and I had dinner after my run and shower, then AMA opted to go walk a couple of miles on the treadmill. I figured that I would join him. Then I felt like kicking my own ass a bit to "prove" that I was fine. I was really proud that I got a pretty awesome treadmill time. While certainly not my best 5K, it may well have been my best treadmill 5k!
I slept like a baby last night and felt more human today. Feeling better at lunch time, I FINALLY got to revel in the glory that is Produce Day. I love Produce Day, the glorious every other Tuesday that results in organic, local deliciousness delivered to my doorstep. Obviously, the whole being sick thing put the kibosh on anything containing fiber. Today's lunch, therefore, was a glorious medley of all things green and white and orange and tasty.
Side Bar: When I was sick, I scoured the house for things that I could eat that were low-bulk, easy to digest foods. Turns out, my apartment is filled with nothing but whole-this, bean that and brown the other. Apparently, I subsist on a diet of shredded trees and chocolate.
Today, I got through a day of work, then went for my run. I actually did quite well, but I'm not putting up any crazy big numbers this week the way that I did last week. I told you the epic run of every day's a record would come to an end and that I would deal with it gracefully and without any shred of disappointment (sarcasm font).
I'm very excited about this weekend's long run. It's my first 10 mile run of this training cycle and it appears, according to the weather.com gods, like it will be nice enough to run outside! YEAH!!!! I am very enthused about this and am debating routes in my head. I may head out west just so I can hit my beloved hill...the one that makes me want to die on the way up and then do the Rocky Dance at the top. Yeah...wonder why this girl wasn't one of the cool kids.
After the great poo debacle of Tuesday night, I wasn't feeling completely up to snuff on Wednesday. I felt tired and my tummy was still threatening revolt at the slightest provocation. I doubled up on Immodium and went for a run anyway...'cause, you know, healthy limit setting and self care and, er, stuff.
Pace was okay Wednesday, but good considering a) I was less than 24 hours from intestinal revolt and b) it was warmer outside, but still really flippin' icy. I did about 3.5 miles, which were on a weird route because I had to "run" (like what I did there?) an errand on the way.
AMA and I had dinner after my run and shower, then AMA opted to go walk a couple of miles on the treadmill. I figured that I would join him. Then I felt like kicking my own ass a bit to "prove" that I was fine. I was really proud that I got a pretty awesome treadmill time. While certainly not my best 5K, it may well have been my best treadmill 5k!
I slept like a baby last night and felt more human today. Feeling better at lunch time, I FINALLY got to revel in the glory that is Produce Day. I love Produce Day, the glorious every other Tuesday that results in organic, local deliciousness delivered to my doorstep. Obviously, the whole being sick thing put the kibosh on anything containing fiber. Today's lunch, therefore, was a glorious medley of all things green and white and orange and tasty.
Side Bar: When I was sick, I scoured the house for things that I could eat that were low-bulk, easy to digest foods. Turns out, my apartment is filled with nothing but whole-this, bean that and brown the other. Apparently, I subsist on a diet of shredded trees and chocolate.
Today, I got through a day of work, then went for my run. I actually did quite well, but I'm not putting up any crazy big numbers this week the way that I did last week. I told you the epic run of every day's a record would come to an end and that I would deal with it gracefully and without any shred of disappointment (sarcasm font).
I'm very excited about this weekend's long run. It's my first 10 mile run of this training cycle and it appears, according to the weather.com gods, like it will be nice enough to run outside! YEAH!!!! I am very enthused about this and am debating routes in my head. I may head out west just so I can hit my beloved hill...the one that makes me want to die on the way up and then do the Rocky Dance at the top. Yeah...wonder why this girl wasn't one of the cool kids.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Poo: A Scatalogical Post
I made it. 15 or 20 seconds behind my expected pace last night, but I made it home without having to embarass myself or others.
A crappy (methaphorically speaking) day at work yesterday left me emotionally drained. I ate pretty well during the day, but binged on some leftover cookies at the end of the work day. When I started running, my stomach hurt and I felt nauseous. "This sucks" I thought, "shouldn't have eaten so much sugar right before a run-I know better". I really didn't want to keep running, but decided that running while uncomfortable was good training. After all, anything can happen on race day....AND if training was easy everyone would do it...AND I didn't want to be a (insert pejorative, gender based, adjective and/or noun here).
So, I hauled my stomach achy, whiney posterior the 3.5 ish miles to the turn around. I stopped once for a few seconds, thinking I was going to hurl, but survived without sullying the bike path. I was somewhat disappointed as I was pretty sure that it would make me feel better.
I paused again at the turn around suprisingly felt better for about a mile. Then...the pain shifted. I was running on a technically tricky section of bike path covered in snow that had melted but was now freezing into sheets of ice that I wouldn't see. I started crop dusting with abandon...I hope that all of the folks that I passed had headphones turned up REALLY LOUD...and that they all had anosmia. Then came the moment when I decided that if I had to crap my pants, I would...at least it would be warm, though I would regret going in my new cold weather running pants.
Just after 7.1 miles, I stopped running, no longer able to stand up straight, let alone continue running. I destroyed the bathroom, showered, destroyed the bathroom, destroyed the bathroom, observed that the candle just made the bathroom smell like cinnamon scented poo, and destroyed the bathroom again. I spend the rest of bed...consuming water, coconut water, and immodium. AMA is wonderful to me, but I really just needed to stop going to the bathroom long enough to sleep the worst of it. I woke up later and managed to cram some more food down myself a few times, figuring that calories are still important after a middle distance run--so I at some "binding" foods when I woke up every couple of hours.
The next morning...down 2 pounds on the scale, so I'm going to work on hammering fluids as much as possible today. I still hold out hope that today's 3 mile run will happen, but no promises. It's definitely happening on the treadmill if it does!
A crappy (methaphorically speaking) day at work yesterday left me emotionally drained. I ate pretty well during the day, but binged on some leftover cookies at the end of the work day. When I started running, my stomach hurt and I felt nauseous. "This sucks" I thought, "shouldn't have eaten so much sugar right before a run-I know better". I really didn't want to keep running, but decided that running while uncomfortable was good training. After all, anything can happen on race day....AND if training was easy everyone would do it...AND I didn't want to be a (insert pejorative, gender based, adjective and/or noun here).
So, I hauled my stomach achy, whiney posterior the 3.5 ish miles to the turn around. I stopped once for a few seconds, thinking I was going to hurl, but survived without sullying the bike path. I was somewhat disappointed as I was pretty sure that it would make me feel better.
I paused again at the turn around suprisingly felt better for about a mile. Then...the pain shifted. I was running on a technically tricky section of bike path covered in snow that had melted but was now freezing into sheets of ice that I wouldn't see. I started crop dusting with abandon...I hope that all of the folks that I passed had headphones turned up REALLY LOUD...and that they all had anosmia. Then came the moment when I decided that if I had to crap my pants, I would...at least it would be warm, though I would regret going in my new cold weather running pants.
Just after 7.1 miles, I stopped running, no longer able to stand up straight, let alone continue running. I destroyed the bathroom, showered, destroyed the bathroom, destroyed the bathroom, observed that the candle just made the bathroom smell like cinnamon scented poo, and destroyed the bathroom again. I spend the rest of bed...consuming water, coconut water, and immodium. AMA is wonderful to me, but I really just needed to stop going to the bathroom long enough to sleep the worst of it. I woke up later and managed to cram some more food down myself a few times, figuring that calories are still important after a middle distance run--so I at some "binding" foods when I woke up every couple of hours.
The next morning...down 2 pounds on the scale, so I'm going to work on hammering fluids as much as possible today. I still hold out hope that today's 3 mile run will happen, but no promises. It's definitely happening on the treadmill if it does!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
That's all you can eat.
Okay, so every once in a while I look up and remember that runners can't really "eat anything they want and not gain weight". Every once in a while, like, oh, I don't know...this morning maybe? Some how I have managed to put on a smashing 5 pounds this holiday season. Not muscle mind you..not temporary PMS water weight bloat...but an actual lardy 5 lbs. I don't like it, and it is unsettling.
To celebrate this monumental occasion (my ass being the monument), I snarfed down a ginormous order of thai sweet chili fries, a cinnamon crunch bagel, two pieces of cheese, some peppermint sticks and two small bowls of raisin bran...all between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. last night. After all, one should not celebrate the start of a healthy eating plan with carrot sticks.
It takes me FOREVER to build good habits and about 3 seconds to destroy them...in success and failure I have only two settings- ON and OFF. So, it's time to go back ON the Whole-Foods-Balanced-Nutrition bandwagon and OFF the See-Delicious-Crap-Eat-Delicious-Crap diet. Today, so far, so good.
AMA teases me about my "Epic Oatmeal" but it is one of the few things in my food life that has remained consistent. It goes something like this--1/3 c. irish oats, 3/4 c. water, 1/2 piece or 1/4 c. fruit/veggie 1, 1/2 piece or 1/4 c. fruit/veggie 2, random spices. Nuke 5 minutes (the fruits/veggies prevent boil over...it's a feature). Cool slightly and add 1/4 c. milk. consume with 16 oz water and 12ish oz coffee with 1/4 c. milk. Done.
I really wish that I could find a way to make lunch and dinner as easy as breakfast. Breakfast has all of the things I like including A)Automated-no thinking required, B)Variety-it's not the exact same thing every day, C)Consistency-nutritious, fairly calorically consistent, D)Delicious. I just wish that my other meals could be so easy. Other meals are harder because of scheduling difficulties, emotional eating tendencies, and (at least with dinner) trying to come up with meals that meet the needs of two VERY different sets of eating preferences.
I don't really intend for this to be much of a food blog, but food and fitness seem to be tied together. Unfortunately, I have a history of REALLY unhealthy eating patterns, so tracking my food intake can't work as cleanly as tracking my workouts. Still, I'd love to get to a point where I am eating healthy, whole foods, in quantities that meet my nutritional & caloric needs, at appropriate intervals, that are delicious, satisfying, and can be enjoyed with others. It's good to have a goal.
Oh, and for the running bit of things. Put in my slightly more than 3 mile recovery run today on the treadmill according to schedule. Perhaps this was the first "boring" run that I have ever experienced. It was slow, the music was mediocre, and the scenery was the inside of a small apartment gym. Still, I'm glad that I put in the miles, and proud of myself for doing the miles slow. This year I am really fascinated by doing real "training" runs instead of just putting in the miles. I can't wait until my weekly mileage plateaus so that I can really work on hill and speed work. Right now, I'm just building a base, and I probably can't keep setting training PR's every week the way that I have been.
To celebrate this monumental occasion (my ass being the monument), I snarfed down a ginormous order of thai sweet chili fries, a cinnamon crunch bagel, two pieces of cheese, some peppermint sticks and two small bowls of raisin bran...all between 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. last night. After all, one should not celebrate the start of a healthy eating plan with carrot sticks.
It takes me FOREVER to build good habits and about 3 seconds to destroy them...in success and failure I have only two settings- ON and OFF. So, it's time to go back ON the Whole-Foods-Balanced-Nutrition bandwagon and OFF the See-Delicious-Crap-Eat-Delicious-Crap diet. Today, so far, so good.
AMA teases me about my "Epic Oatmeal" but it is one of the few things in my food life that has remained consistent. It goes something like this--1/3 c. irish oats, 3/4 c. water, 1/2 piece or 1/4 c. fruit/veggie 1, 1/2 piece or 1/4 c. fruit/veggie 2, random spices. Nuke 5 minutes (the fruits/veggies prevent boil over...it's a feature). Cool slightly and add 1/4 c. milk. consume with 16 oz water and 12ish oz coffee with 1/4 c. milk. Done.
I really wish that I could find a way to make lunch and dinner as easy as breakfast. Breakfast has all of the things I like including A)Automated-no thinking required, B)Variety-it's not the exact same thing every day, C)Consistency-nutritious, fairly calorically consistent, D)Delicious. I just wish that my other meals could be so easy. Other meals are harder because of scheduling difficulties, emotional eating tendencies, and (at least with dinner) trying to come up with meals that meet the needs of two VERY different sets of eating preferences.
I don't really intend for this to be much of a food blog, but food and fitness seem to be tied together. Unfortunately, I have a history of REALLY unhealthy eating patterns, so tracking my food intake can't work as cleanly as tracking my workouts. Still, I'd love to get to a point where I am eating healthy, whole foods, in quantities that meet my nutritional & caloric needs, at appropriate intervals, that are delicious, satisfying, and can be enjoyed with others. It's good to have a goal.
Oh, and for the running bit of things. Put in my slightly more than 3 mile recovery run today on the treadmill according to schedule. Perhaps this was the first "boring" run that I have ever experienced. It was slow, the music was mediocre, and the scenery was the inside of a small apartment gym. Still, I'm glad that I put in the miles, and proud of myself for doing the miles slow. This year I am really fascinated by doing real "training" runs instead of just putting in the miles. I can't wait until my weekly mileage plateaus so that I can really work on hill and speed work. Right now, I'm just building a base, and I probably can't keep setting training PR's every week the way that I have been.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Tunes and Treadmills
Today's 9 mile run happened on the treadmill. I didn't feel like being a rock star and running while with was snowing and blowing today. Long run in the slippery cold didn't sound like much fun, so I opted for the inside instead.
I rocked it nice and slow today, as per the instructions of my training plan. I really felt like I could have pushed it harder today, but AMA told me that this was a good thing and I should stick with that instead of the "I'm gonna die now" feeling that I usually experience.
There are two main podcasts that I use for runs--Podrunner and Jog Tunes. I like the podrunner podcasts when I am focused on doing harder runs because it keeps me focused on my cadence. I like Jog Tunes for easier paced and longer runs because the music has words, which serves to keep me entertained. At some point, when I have more discretionary resources, I will make big ole donations to these folks, as runs wouldn't be the same without them. Also, I learn new things about myself...like apparently I like running to raggae.
AMA came down to walk while I ran on the treadmill today. It was nice to have the company. His fitness goals are different than mine, but it is awesome that he is willing to spend time doing things with me. THe nice thing about the treadmills is that we can each do our own thing. He's more of a hiking steep climbs kind of person than a running kind of person. Luckily, the fitness center can accomodate. The stationary bike sucks though, so he doesn't have that as an option.
I'm seriously considering a bike trainer so that we have a cross training option other than walking/running/weight lifting. We'll have to see if we can afford something that our downstairs neighbor won't hate us for!
I rocked it nice and slow today, as per the instructions of my training plan. I really felt like I could have pushed it harder today, but AMA told me that this was a good thing and I should stick with that instead of the "I'm gonna die now" feeling that I usually experience.
There are two main podcasts that I use for runs--Podrunner and Jog Tunes. I like the podrunner podcasts when I am focused on doing harder runs because it keeps me focused on my cadence. I like Jog Tunes for easier paced and longer runs because the music has words, which serves to keep me entertained. At some point, when I have more discretionary resources, I will make big ole donations to these folks, as runs wouldn't be the same without them. Also, I learn new things about myself...like apparently I like running to raggae.
AMA came down to walk while I ran on the treadmill today. It was nice to have the company. His fitness goals are different than mine, but it is awesome that he is willing to spend time doing things with me. THe nice thing about the treadmills is that we can each do our own thing. He's more of a hiking steep climbs kind of person than a running kind of person. Luckily, the fitness center can accomodate. The stationary bike sucks though, so he doesn't have that as an option.
I'm seriously considering a bike trainer so that we have a cross training option other than walking/running/weight lifting. We'll have to see if we can afford something that our downstairs neighbor won't hate us for!
Thursday, January 2, 2014
And another one bites the dust!
Another run, another new record...today for a 10K (okay a smidge over, but garmin doesn't celebrate every pr for every random distance run once). What impressed me the most was that it would have been faster if the fast sections hadn't been so darn slippery! The bike path was mostly clear, except for the parts that the fences prevent the sun from reaching during the warm part of the day. Okay, it was a good feeling run today, and I was glad that I did it.
Also, theorhetically, I did some math and there's another 100 miles or so on my old shoes. The new ones are so very nice...still I was pleased to get a solid run in on the old ones today. The only thing that I don't like about my garmin is that there doesn't seem to be a quick and dirty way to track shoe mileage on the online platform. Not sure if I haven't found it or if it doesn't exist. Still, I would love to see a little box on the detail edit section with a drop down menu for pairs of shoes that are in the current rotation.
Although only peripherally related to running, I must say that my new pair of under armour compression tights (from the awesome day of purchases at sports authority), are quite smashing indeed. They are both comfy and becomming. Now if only I could find a way to work them into my normal wardrobe...!
Finally, I just found out that I would be traveling at the end of the month for work. This is an expected occurrence and happens just frequently enough to throw me off a bit. I got lucky though...it turns out that my hotel is only 1 mile away from what is purported to be one heck of a paved rails to trails path. Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!
Also, theorhetically, I did some math and there's another 100 miles or so on my old shoes. The new ones are so very nice...still I was pleased to get a solid run in on the old ones today. The only thing that I don't like about my garmin is that there doesn't seem to be a quick and dirty way to track shoe mileage on the online platform. Not sure if I haven't found it or if it doesn't exist. Still, I would love to see a little box on the detail edit section with a drop down menu for pairs of shoes that are in the current rotation.
Although only peripherally related to running, I must say that my new pair of under armour compression tights (from the awesome day of purchases at sports authority), are quite smashing indeed. They are both comfy and becomming. Now if only I could find a way to work them into my normal wardrobe...!
Finally, I just found out that I would be traveling at the end of the month for work. This is an expected occurrence and happens just frequently enough to throw me off a bit. I got lucky though...it turns out that my hotel is only 1 mile away from what is purported to be one heck of a paved rails to trails path. Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
And a Happy New Year!
Happy, Happy, Happy 2014! This morning started out with all kinds of running awesomeness--a new PR and new weather!
First, the weather. As I have raved for days, I now possess running tights. This means that I was ITCHING to get out the door this morning, and actually glad that it was cold enough that I would be able to give a new pair of bad boys a test run. (terrible pun, I know, couldn't resist) New Adidas running tights are pretty awesome. The fit is fantastic and they met my one big requirement for gear--I didn't notice them while I was running.
It was flurry-ing when I walked out, but I wasn't going to let a little precipitation get me down on the first day of the new year...and it was a good run. Okay, actually I kind of felt like 1 part "real runner" and 1 part "bad ass" for running outside today. I know that I am neither and lots of people do things far more epic all the time, but the important part was that, for a little while, this Midwestern, sedentary girl felt like a brownie sundae smothered with piping hot fudge flavored awesomesauce.
It started to snow a bit more during my run, but that was okay, because it made me feel more awesome. Also, I apparently had my own cheering squad this morning. The usually busy bike path was pretty empty. I only saw 2 commuter bicyclists and 1 other runner. The gentlemen who usually hand out on the grassy sections above the bike path were under the bridges today to stay warm and dry. They were kind enough to share some enthusiasm with shouts of "Happy New Year" and "You Can Do It!". Good weather does not inspire such enthusiasm from random strangers.
The new PR was totally unexpected as well. I beat the pants off of my old 5 K record--I think it was 40 seconds! I intentionally ran a fast route this morning, it's pretty flat with a slight incline on the way out and a decline on the way back...still I wasn't expecting anything that awesome!
Oh, yeah, and I'm pretty enthused about the running shoes I got for Christmas. I think there is magic in them!
First, the weather. As I have raved for days, I now possess running tights. This means that I was ITCHING to get out the door this morning, and actually glad that it was cold enough that I would be able to give a new pair of bad boys a test run. (terrible pun, I know, couldn't resist) New Adidas running tights are pretty awesome. The fit is fantastic and they met my one big requirement for gear--I didn't notice them while I was running.
It was flurry-ing when I walked out, but I wasn't going to let a little precipitation get me down on the first day of the new year...and it was a good run. Okay, actually I kind of felt like 1 part "real runner" and 1 part "bad ass" for running outside today. I know that I am neither and lots of people do things far more epic all the time, but the important part was that, for a little while, this Midwestern, sedentary girl felt like a brownie sundae smothered with piping hot fudge flavored awesomesauce.
It started to snow a bit more during my run, but that was okay, because it made me feel more awesome. Also, I apparently had my own cheering squad this morning. The usually busy bike path was pretty empty. I only saw 2 commuter bicyclists and 1 other runner. The gentlemen who usually hand out on the grassy sections above the bike path were under the bridges today to stay warm and dry. They were kind enough to share some enthusiasm with shouts of "Happy New Year" and "You Can Do It!". Good weather does not inspire such enthusiasm from random strangers.
The new PR was totally unexpected as well. I beat the pants off of my old 5 K record--I think it was 40 seconds! I intentionally ran a fast route this morning, it's pretty flat with a slight incline on the way out and a decline on the way back...still I wasn't expecting anything that awesome!
Oh, yeah, and I'm pretty enthused about the running shoes I got for Christmas. I think there is magic in them!
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