Category: Run!

Return to Long and a Goofy Garmin

Thank you all for your encouraging comments on my last post. I felt a little odd posting it. I wasn’t sure how well “re-embracing the Slacker” would go over. It does sound a little backwards 🙂

Friday was one of those days that started ok and went south real fast. So fast and south that it made me question how well I was doing my job. By the time I got off work all I wanted to do was eat a pizza. Like, the whole thing. I had had tentative plans to hit the track for some speed work with a friend but those fell through. Part of me wanted to use that as added justification for the pizza. The other part of me wanted to run. In the end I met up with my mother at the river path. We walked the first 3 miles while I ranted. Well as much as I could without going into too many details. By the end of mile 3, my feet were itching to run. So I decided to run the last mile. I felt really good on that mile; I felt like I was running out my irritation and doubt. So good in fact, I am pretty sure I threw down my fastest mile- 8:15. Sweet! I can’t find the proof to back that up though, apparently my Garmin doesn’t track single mile records?! My fastest unofficial 5k is 26:35 so I double checked the times on those miles, and yep, this was still faster. 🙂

The only bummer was that while running I determined that my white Wave Riders are pretty much done for. 300 miles and done. Poor, pitiful shoes. I have already been breaking in their replacements but it’s still sad to say goodbye to these. Normally I would try to get a few more miles out of a shoe but since I should be in a support shoe but choose to run in a neutral shoe, I have been trying to pay more attention to how the shoe wears down. On Saturday, I did some shopping and I did purchase some fancy insoles to try and see if that would help get some extra miles out of them. The verdict is still out on that one. I also purchased another belt to try out. I have a fitletic belt and a Flipbelt, but I am always open to possibilities. Sunday, I finally followed through on a longer run. I made it to the track for 8 miles. I have missed the track. I didn’t feel up to speed work and figured a long, slow run would be more beneficial anyways. My Garmin apparently had other plans. It took awhile to find the signal and by the time it did, it was almost 2/10 of mile behind. By the end of my run, it had dropped even more distance. I could not figure out was going on. Luckily, I am a little neurotic and still run with the Nike app too. It tracked well enough. Warming up was hard on the track. I had to force myself to walk 3 laps, which is huge compared to the 200 meter warmup I used to do. After that I just tried to keep an easy pace. I ran miles 2, 3, 4 and took .1 walk breaks in miles 5 and 6. After that it was all running until I hit 8. The weather was kind of weird for the run, overcast and kind of muggy but not too hot. At one point, I thought I smelled rain in the air but nothing ever happened. Boo, that would have felt great.

I stayed in lane 7 the entire time, my Garmin disagrees.

I also got to see a prodigy in the making. This family came to the track to have the little boy ride his big wheel. He was having some problems steering. However the scene stealer was his towheaded, little sister. They brought her a tricycle but she didn’t need it. She ran laps around the track, barefoot. He father was cutting across the grass trying to catch her. She was all of 3 years old and so cute. She thought it was all a great game to her. If she keeps running, I’m betting she’s gonna be fast. 🙂

After stretching out some, I tried messing around with a self timer app that I downloaded. Haha, umm no. I was either out of the shot or looked like I was tripping instead of running. I also determined that the new belt is a no-go. While the pouch didn’t move or bounce, the belt refused to stay put. Granted I wear my belts super low. So low, a woman in the SLO half grabbed my shoulder at mile 2 to tell me it was falling off. Nah, that’s normal. I could do without the bubble butt effect but it works for me. This Nike belt will not, so it’s going back.

Do you see how low that is? — Do you see how low that Flipbelt is?

My run felt good. It was a little harder than I would have liked but considering I had to talk myself into getting out there, I was ok with that. I tried to rationalize another weekend of shorter runs but even with my revived Slacker-ness, I knew that was a bad idea. But I admit I was glad when I was done. Then it was time for a quick shower before heading out to dinner with the family. Olive Garden, yummy.

Ever run into any running phenoms?

Any suggestions for a wacky Garmin?

How do you carry your gear?

Goodbye July- Recap

July didn’t exactly go according to plan. It started great but that didn’t hold for very long. So with that being said, bring on the recap-

Races-

Wild Run 5K– 27:47 New PR- Sweet

Rock’n Around the Pier 13.1– 2:20:21- Mother of Ouch

After my rough half, I was feeling a little disenchanted with running. I like to think that everyone has those moments. Right? I played with the idea of taking a whole week off after the half because I was so irritated with myself. That resolve lasted 2 days; I was running again by Tuesday. I decided to let my feet do whatever they wanted to do and the rest of me was just along for the ride. That was supposed to last for a week but I let it linger all July. Why? Because I loved running again. If I am honest, I have been a little disappointed in how I’ve been running since April and that all came to a head in that half. I probably could have done a little better but I just gave up. Not a good reason.

I figured that this month was going to be my lowest mileage month of the year so far and I was ok with that. Running and I were getting reacquainted. I met up with my mom for a bunch of runs, and I discovered the wonder of the warm up. #littlelatetothegame I did my yoga DVD and tried a Barre DVD. I walked around the fair and ate fair food. I tested out a new pair of Wave Riders and met up with NikeC for gym nights. And I ran. With no real plans or goals, just to run. And it was awesome. I hit some average paces that I haven’t seen in months. I somehow also pulled this off-

I know that part of June and July’s issues were my current GI issues. I would like to say July was better than June but it wasn’t. I went home sick from work once and managed to wear pants only 2 out 31 days. I hate pants. Going forward into August, I will get this figured out. My appointment is now just weeks away, and the doctor is going to hear a lot from me. 🙂

How I uses to reward myself after speed work... oh and brown hair — How I used to reward myself after speed work… oh and brown hair

Running free was great for July but for August, I do need to get back into training. Long runs need to come back and I would like speed work to come back into play. I’m throwing out the other training plans. I loosely followed a Nike one for SLO and a Higdon one for Pier. All they succeeded in doing was stress me out. I hit my current PR of 2:05:57 last year by doing my own thing. I am a Slacker who is slightly dedicated and I should listen to myself a little more. When I set the goal to break 2 hours this year, I let the doubts creep in. Lot’s of thinking that other people were faster and with all these plans floating around, maybe I should follow those instead. It worked for them right? Except I am not them and should not measure myself by others (but it’s so hard not to!). I am a little odd, a little nerdy, my brain works in weird and random ways, a little lazy and a little rebellious. I am a Slacker who doesn’t like being told to run or that Monday should be 5 at goal pace with a Thursday 6 mile tempo, and extra stretching and strengthening on Tuesdays.

Now that my tantrum is over, it’s time to embrace my inner Slacker. I have another half in 5 weeks and a goal 10K (gulp-NikeC!!) in 8. Time to see what going off book can do. Fingers crossed, wish me luck!

Thank you for listening to my rambling, slightly whiny words here…If you made it this far. 🙂

How was your July? Are you ready for August?

Do you use other training plans or make your own?

A Couple of Hot Ones

Man, were they hotter than planned.

The plan for Monday was an easy 4 after work at the lake path. My mother texted that she was going to meet me and she actually beat me there. Once I got my act together (you know shoes on) we headed out. It felt warm- 91ish- but not too bad, so I did not take my water, which for 4 miles is not abnormal. The lake path is a flat loop, so 4 miles is a little under 3.5 laps. I figured if I was feeling good, I would run 4.5 miles and then cool down. The benefit of the loops was that if I regretted my water decision I could just get it from my car on the next loop. Less than ¼ mile into the first loop, we were derailed.

Ok, time for a little off-roading. Once back on the trail, my mother wanted to know what the 5k course from the Wild Run was like. So we changed route and went off the trail up the street, turning my planned flat, loops into streets with slight rolling hills. I gave her the rest of the directions and pulled ahead around the .70 mile mark. Half a mile later and I was regretting the water decision. Oh and I forgot to put on my visor. After a couple of turns, I was on a street with a little bit more shade but had the bulk of the rolling hills. I think I walked twice. Once I was back on the lake path, I was doubting I was even going to hit 3 miles. I was so hot. I ran around the path until the broken bridge and stopped for a moment to take a pic. I could see my mother on the back side of the lake path and figured it would be easier to run back the way I came rather than trying to catch her. Plus I didn’t think I had another lap in me. But for some reason, I still didn’t grab my water. I told myself I would run to 3.5 miles or when I met with her, whichever came first. Yeah, when I finally met up with her I was at 3.8 so of course I had to finish out 4, turn around and then walk back to the car. My water had never tasted so amazing. Also after the first warm up mile, my pace was too fast for the warmth and lack of water. Stupid slacker.

Tuesday, I was aiming for 5 at the river path. Once again the temp did not drop. It was 96 when I started out. My mother met me again and brought a frozen bottle of water. I also asked her to bring me a hat; see, I was thinking this time. We set off for the warm up, and I walked a little more than planned but that was ok. Even once running, I kept it nice and easy. When I passed her on the way down, she hollered at me to drink water. I know! Running down I passed 2 skateboarders carrying their helmets. Umm, that’s not how it works boys. I do have to give one props for having a camelbak, at least he was thinking smart about something. It was hot and muggy and I had woken with a migraine in the morning so my planned 5 turned into 4 but I was perfectly fine with that. I was also feeling good about the average pace of 10:15 for the 3 solid miles that I ran. In that temp? I’ll take it!

Tonight was gym night with NikeC! I felt a little more competent with the weight machines. I am also trying to incorporate some the barre moves into the circuit. I hate those stupid step up things but noticed that the handle is at the perfect height for some of the barre exercises. This time I showed my gym ineptness on the ARC Trainer. I almost face planted into the control panel at one point. That would have been an interesting bruise to explain. That machine is harder than it looks but then I have also fallen off a treadmill. There were no grunters tonight but it was busier than usual. I feel awkward doing squats in public, and this hip abduction machines. Luckily they face the wall. 🙂

Hit any unexpected roadblocks recently? Literal or figuratively?

Anyone else have issues with the machines at the gym?

Feeling Like a Slacker

Wouldn’t it be nice if weekends were 3 days long? That would be awesome. I would totally work 4 10’s. I say that now, but wouldn’t that make it harder to run? This weekend actually turned into 3 days for me but it wasn’t a good thing. Friday actually turned out to the be roughest I’ve felt in the last 2 months. I only made it about an hour and a half at work before heading home. I hate leaving sick or calling in, there’s a reason I have almost 150 hours of sick time accumulated. I particularly felt guilty because someone had to drive out to cover me. 😦 I tried calling my Gastro but they can’t see me any sooner and I am “managing” ok. Ugh!!!!! I slept for most of the day.

Kind of nerdy and maybe slightly narcissistic.

This ending up effecting my weekend. 😦 I had plans for an 8 mile run and a 4 mile over the weekend. Plus a little shopping and good food on Saturday. Instead, Saturday was spent doing laundry (so much running stuff!) and catching up on scrap booking my bib numbers. I felt like I needed to do something, so I headed to the gym for the treadmill; easier to quit if I felt sick. The treadmill sorely tested my new found appreciation for the warmup. It was sooo boring. I made it about .6 of a mile before picking it up.

I used this as a reason to break in the new pair of Wave Riders that I picked up in May. So much color! My feet really wanted to move, every now and again I would run into the front of the treadmill. Oops. But I was trying to be smart and ran a .9/ .1 interval. .9 of a mile at 6.00 and the .1 was a walk at 4.00. I felt ok, so I decided to do 6 miles. The only problem came in when I was nearing an hour. With the first warmup mile around 13 and each following mile at 10:30, I was running into the machine cut off. The last half mile was a race with the cool down setting on the treadmill. It would automatically lower it and I would raise it back up, this time to 6.5 just to get it done. Finally done, 6 miles in 1 hour and 5 minutes. Not bad for an off day and I made it through the whole thing! Plus the shoes were awesome. I like that this pair seems to have shorter laces than my white/purple Wave Riders– those laces were ridiculously long and I was just too lazy to change them. Slacker!

As of right now, I have still not made it out the door for a run. It’s hot and I am tired but I am telling myself to get off my butt. I have a feeling that I may end up completing the yoga DVD instead. It’s been a week or two and I should get back into it. Or maybe when the temps fall below 96, I will feel inspired to get in some miles this evening. My next half is only 6 weeks away and it’s not going to run itself. Plus I still need to finish yesterdays scrapbook project. My new computer and my printer don’t like to get along.

Congrats to everyone who ran San Francisco this morning, I am sure you rocked it!

How was your weekend?

What do you do with your bibs?

Told Me So

Is it Friday yet? I am actually counting the hours this week. I’ve been a little cranky this week, I think stress has gotten to me, I noticed yesterday that even my jaw aches. Ugh.

Need A Little Motivation? — Via Pinterest –link

Anywho, moving on! Yesterday, NikeC and I got back to the gym. I wasn’t feeling like running much, so we just walked a slow mile on the treadmills to warmup before heading to the circuit room. It’s only been 2 weeks since I was last there but I felt so weak! I felt like I was starting from scratch again. We managed to make it all the way around the room this time around. 4 people came in and used random machines and then left. One lady glared at us while I was using one of the leg machines. Hey, we were going in numerical order! My gym is pretty low-key and I have never seen anyone monitor the circuit room even though there is a sign on the wall. I also had the privilege of hearing my first gym grunter. I have seen all the stereotype memes, gifs, and commercials but didn’t think they actually existed. The free weights section of the gym has always seemed more like a coffee date than anything else, more talk than working out. This very buff guy comes into the circuit room and goes to one of the arm machines (I really have to figure out what they are called) and cranks the weight up. He then proceeds to do his reps, grunting and talking to himself. And he was grunting loudly. But who am I to talk? I can’t even use doors properly. As I was leaving the gym, the door only opened about 45 degrees. I wasn’t paying enough attention and slammed into it, loudly. Just call me grace.

photo 3 (2) — A post run mother- daughter selfie

Ever since my rough race a few weeks ago, I have been running a little differently. I’ve been starting out with no real goal in mind other than just to run. I have also been taking my time with my first mile, i.e my warmup. I have mentioned before that warming up is a weakness of mine. That just takes too much time for this Slacker, cue the eye rolling and head shaking. I also hated seeing that warmup bring down my overall pace. Ego much? Most of my last few runs, I have met up with my mother more often than usual. This usually meant that my first mile is slower while we walk and chat. A month ago, seeing that first mile in the high 12 to high 13 range would have irritated me to no end. The last couple of weeks I noticed something- my pace is consistently back under 10:00 a mile after that first slower mile. This was true even today when it was 93º at the beginning of my run and 91º when done; I also took a few walk breaks in the shady section. Well, don’t I feel ~~silly~~ stupid. Granted it’s only been a few weeks but I think it’s safe to say that I have learned my lesson. The Slacker can learn.

We have had a brief cool off, but the temps are going back to triple digits this weekend. My long run will probably not be that speedy, despite everything previously mentioned. 🙂 But that’s ok, too.

What does your weekend look like? Anyone racing?

Anyone else shortcut their warmup? Or is it just me?