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.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)