Tag: Garmin

A Twitchy Slacker

The Slacker in me is a little confused right now. I decided to take it easy this week after the my painful race on Saturday. Was that really just a few days ago? Sunday was a puppy walk and Monday was an easy run. What I didn’t mention before is that after that somewhat stiff 4.5 mile run, I went for another puppy walk. Total miles for the day 7.5. Not exactly low key.

Tuesday I did take a rest day, which I won’t lie was pretty nice. By Wednesday I was itching to run. The weather outside looked marvelous and I couldn’t wait for work to be done for the day. I figured I could do an easy 3.5 miles in the 40ish minutes of daylight remaining. This time I was prepared with my belt and my Garmin. Just after starting my run I remembered what I had forgotten. Wednesday was a high wind advisory day. Holy crap, it turned a mild 58 into about 38. My ears were so cold!!!!

I felt like I was crawling. I was a little stiff and not loving that the route from work is pretty much all downhill and then uphill back. I didn’t make it to the the 1.75 mark before turning around because I realized that would put me halfway down the blind curve-hill so I turned around just before. Other than the wind, the weather was great and the views were awesome. I stopped a few times to take pictures. I stopped my Garmin around the 5k mark and walked the rest of the way back to my car. Checked my Garmin while stretching- 29:14. Big oops.

Like I said, a little confused. I felt slower than that. I made sure to stretch and foam roll really well last night. At least as well as I could. There’s something about the foam roller that makes me feel completely uncoordinated. 🙂 My leg feels mostly ok today. It doesn’t help that I have had a few meetings this week, so that has meant skirts and heels. And I haven’t taken my comfy boots to the repair shop yet. Even with a tall heel they felt like slippers.

Today was a rest day and tomorrow will be too. I admit to feeling lazy and its making me antsy. I know I need to rest a bit and it is annoying. Luckily or not, next week will be really busy at work as well, so I am thinking maybe another step back week. 😦 My training should still be on track even with that. My 2014 mileage goal is on track as well. I was over what I needed in January and I should be above in February as well. Now I just have to convince myself it’s not a bad thing to cut back next week.

Thanks for listening to my rambling twitchiness. I should be working on a paper but I am channeling my inner Slacker and marathoning Netflix instead. I’m on episode 4, I may have created a problem. 🙂

How have your week’s been?

Can you believe there are only 8 days left in February?!

Heart & Soles 2014 Race Recap

I was originally planning on running the Buzz 1/2 marathon today but scaled back to a 10K in SLO for a few reasons. Now, I am completely bummed because I just saw that Run Eat Repeat ran it and I could have tried to track her down, except I am slow, hehe.

Anyways, on to the race. After my great run on Wednesday, I was super pumped but I also knew I had pushed harder than planned, so I ended up taking Thursday and Friday as rest days. Friday was also a vacation day for me, so woo hoo! I made sure to spend some time stretching and working with my foam roller yesterday so this morning I felt pretty good and ready to go.

Heart and Soles is a series of races put on by the Cal Poly Triathlon team. It works as a fundraiser for them and the local food bank. The race takes place entirely on the college campus. They offer a 5K, 10K, and 15K and a kids race. I was a little concerned about hills as the campus is pretty much on the side of a big hill, but there weren’t any big ones thankfully. I really wanted to do the 15K but thought the 10K was a smarter choice. 😦 This turned out to be a good choice, because I would not have finished a 15K, at least not running. Maybe crawling.

The race had 9:00 AM start so I didn’t have to leave until after 7:30. My race photographer (thanks mom!) and I headed out. Getting there was easy, finding parking was a little trickier, luckily runners tend to move in herds! Check in was fairly quick, picked up the bib and goody bag and headed back to the car since it was a bit cold. While not required, a Valentine’s themed costume contest was suggested. My mother had fun laughing at some of them, including the pace bikers. The 2 males were dressed in diapers and wings…and that’s it. Just like Cupid. One thing about a college race, I felt old. I won’t deny stalking last years race results to make sure I wasn’t the oldest one. As it was I was running solo in a couples race. Luckily it was mostly other solos as well. 🙂

All 3 races started at the same time so the start line was a little congested. A guy stopped to play with his girlfriends iPod, I went left to avoid them, and 2 people behind me ran into me and I into the first couple. Oops! Maybe that was when the problem started or I just hadn’t noticed because I just started running. A quarter mile into the race, my left lower calf was so damn tight it was painful. I figured I would run it out around mile 1. No such luck. I actually considered turning around at the 5K mark. But I kept going. I was so happy to hit the first 10K turnaround. The course had two out and backs. I kept running but the pain was turning into my couples partner for the race. I told myself if the pain ever got above a 4 to take a walk break. The first came at just shy of 3 miles. Mile 4 was the roughest, not only did I take a walk break, I stopped completely and tried to stretch it out. The end of this out and back had a little loop on a dirt path and my leg felt better there. After that if I could run on dirt by the side of the road I did. While we were in the Ag section this was possible but once we were back in the center of the school, it was all roads and sidewalk. 😦

I felt like mile 6 had the steepest section of road but my Garmin disagrees. It was a little past mile 5.5 that my leg finally loosened up. Seriously? Now? But there was no way I was sprinting to the finish, I was just trying to maintain. I hadn’t really been paying attention to my time because I was more focused on breathing through the pain. All in all, I took 4 walk moments plus that stretch. I was so thankful to see that finish line. I was done. Apparently it showed too, because my mom said I looked gimpy coming up to the line.

Once I caught my breath, I let my mother know how close I was to texting her that I was chucking it and walking the damn thing. Then I checked my Garmin, 55:44. I’m sorry, what?!!? I flippin’ PR’d on what may or may not have been my worst feeling race?! I checked Nike to verify (Yeah I used both), and it agreed. I was a little shocked. Once I processed that, I was super stoked, still hurting but excited!! I was brought a little back down to earth by the first 15K finisher crossing the finish line 4 minutes later.

Other than my stupid leg, it was a good race. With all three races starting at the same time, I was concerned that it might be easy to be confused by the route. But they had people at every corner and turn around who made things very clear. The finish line was clearly marked as well. All in all, I would run it again, maybe the 15 next year?

I stretched as best as I could before leaving the campus. After changing and eating a yummy lunch, we did a little shopping around town. I kept my compression socks on and hoped that the walking would help ease the tightness. It helped a little but most of the evening has been spent RICE’ing. Tomorrow will probably be a day off as well, I have to see how it feels in the morning. I am not sure what set it off, if it was tennis practice yesterday or maybe the fact that I sat cross-legged on the floor for most of last night. I just want it to go away.

And as per usual, I was unable to leave SLO without purchasing some new running gear, now if only my legs weren’t so pale!

How is everyone’s weekend so far?

Who else raced?

A Long Not So Slow Run

The weather man was actually right and we had a very rainy Saturday. Not complaining because we need it but it did push my long run back until today. Saturday was spent building a cabinet for my mother for her garage. Every time my pops goes out of town, I get a “honey do” list. The cabinet was one of those MDF things you buy in pieces. Some very colorful language ensued, I hurt my ankle, pinched a finger and realized that wood glue peels off your fingers just like Elmer’s did back in grade school. 🙂 But it was built and muscled into place (weighed 200 lbs!), well mostly. One door is out of whack. 😦 That counts as a workout right?

I don’t know why I tell myself I am going to run in the morning, I never follow through. It is too cold and my bed is so cozy. After a little lie in this morning, a late breakfast (or early lunch) and some errands, I headed out for my run. The rain had held all day but I dressed for it just in case. Full pants, tank and and long sleeved layer on top. All topped with an ear warmer. I was also wearing the ankle compression socks. Ankle is a misnomer, they were more like crew, they went halfway up my leg. It reminded me of when I played tennis in high school. For some reason we thought we were cool wearing crew boys socks with our skirts. Ha!

I was a little overdressed in the beginning but I forced myself to keep everything on, I knew I would be cold eventually. Plus there was some more wind today than usual. I had plans to get the puppy and take her for a walk, so I was only going to run 8. The first 4 at a steady pace, last 4 at a much slower pace. I started out ok and the first 4 went as planned. Then it got a little tricky.

I was trying to take some pictures for the blog so occasionally I would stop and pause the Garmin and Nike and take a pic or 2. Start them back up and keep going. At the last shot I didn’t pause the Garmin so time kept running. Oops. Nike had paused fine and restarted fine. Half a mile later, I noticed they were .30 miles different. The Garmin was ahead but the pace on Nike seemed right so I just kept going. The last few miles seemed hard, harder than a 10:30 should have been, which is what I thought I was running. At the end, the Garmin showed 8.32 and Nike 8.02. I must have had my Wheaties this morning, mile 8 was 8:47. Say what?!

Thinking both devices had serious issues, I Google mapped it. It showed 8.46. Well crap. Since I know the time on the Nike was accurate for time actually ran, I took that time and randomly chose 8.2 miles. That is not the pace I was trying to maintain for a long slow run but I am stoked that I held it. I later logged into Nike and was able to see where the signal drop happened. I have never had a problem there before so I’m not sure what happened 😦

I then headed for the puppy and what I thought would be a nice stroll. Except she was ready to go and wanted to run the whole way, I had to hold her back at times. Plus she still randomly likes to just plop flat on the ground and I almost trip over her. Another 2.7 miles in 38 minutes. And I was done. And cold, the temperature had dropped a bit.

I later went to dinner with my mother. This time I was wearing the full length compression socks under my jeans for recovery. So far I like them but I am going to need a few more times wearing them to decide. I must say that I thought they would be tighter. Or at least feel snugger. But then I wear knee socks or derby socks almost every day during winter and spring so maybe I’m just used to it? Who knows.

First week of the reboot plan successfully completed and I feel pretty good. I am hoping to maintain that through next week finishing with a 10K on Saturday. 🙂 I was originally supposed to be running a half marathon but with my ankle being sore, I decided to try and be smart and not push it. My first half of the year is still set for March and I will run SLO in April.

How was everyone’s weekend?

I know I need to just use 1 device but it’s so hard! Anyone else use 2?

Tiny bit of business-

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Super Fun Run 5K- Recap

After Thursday’s recap, I took Friday as another rest day. Attempted Runner asked if I had thought about just doing the last 3ish that I needed to hit 80 on Friday. But I don’t generally like running the day before a race plus work turned into a longer day than planned. After work I had the very exciting Friday night plans of making a new playlist and picking out the clothes for today’s race. I probably should have done laundry. Then I tried to get to sleep earlier. That never seems to go according to plan. Instead it was spent tossing and turning.

The Super Fun Run is a small 5k /10k that raises money for the local Boys and Girls Club. I ran it last year with a few friends and it was my official 5k PR and the first time that I know of that I age group placed. I was 1st!!! So I was excited going into this race. I was torn between running the 5K or the 10K and I admit it was pride that made me choose the 5K.

My goals going in were-
A- beat official PR- 29:36
B- beat unofficial PR- 27:41 (during HOB 10K)
C- shot in the dark- sub 27

Apparently I can’t handle the cold. My alarm went off and after turning it off I checked the temp. Mid 20’s. Ugh, so I went with the pants. At the last minute I grabbed a headband to cover my ears. Even though the race was within in walking distance of my house, I still drove down. Why? It was freakin’ cold and I had to have somewhere to put the shirt and goody bag after bib pick up. I waited as long as I could in my car after getting my bib before heading to start line.

There were a few pre-race announcements, a count down and then it was go time. We ran across a baseball field and up a driveway before hitting pavement. From there it is an out and back course with a few turns to add mileage. Knowing the course and the small hill in the middle, I was aiming for a 3 mile sandwich- fast, medium, fast. My toes were so cold, I could not feel them. I felt like I was running awkwardly. I kept hoping they would warm up but they never did. 😦 3/4 of a mile in, I had a tightness in my chest and breathing sucked. It hurt to breath. A little past the mile 1 marker and halfway up the hill, I had to walk. Ugh!!! The downhill that followed was great, though.

Mile 1 was actually a great pace but I felt like I was in trouble. I kept pushing but had to take another walk break on the next incline. Meanwhile, 2 women come flying past on the return and I think crap! I wasn’t even halfway and they were already headed back. The turn around point was about 50 yards past the only water station so I grabbed some on the way back.

I cranked it up and flew down the downhill. However my lungs were so very angry and when I hit the return uphill there was no way I was running it. Another walk. After that it was mostly flat and I tried to push it but I just felt like I could not get enough air and that I was crawling. I didn’t even look at my Garmin the last 1.5 miles. My toes were still frozen, my chest hurt but my head was suddenly too hot. I ripped off my headband and kept going. I took 2 more walk breaks. I rounded the final corner and crossed the finish line. I stopped the Garmin at 27:56.

Now I realize that more than half the country and Canada are dealing with sub zero temperatures, crazy windchill and mountains of snow, so today’s 30 should have been no big deal. However, I would rather run in 115 weather than cold. I have no training with cold running. It is dark and cold when I leave for work, but then I get a nice warm car for the next 45 minutes. I am always cold, I have a space heater under my desk that I run every day at work. Seriously. This race kicked my ass. Overall I took 5 walk breaks and they weren’t just at the inclines.

I met my mom and Zoey after crossing the finish line. I drank some water and tried to catch my breath. She and the puppy left and I hung around to try and get some clue of the official standings. I couldn’t remember seeing that many people coming back before I hit the turn around, but I was kind of on my own planet.

Official Time- 27:54
8th finisher overall
3rd female finisher, 3rd female age group

I have no reason to feel down. I made my primary goal but missed B by 15 seconds. I am proud of what I accomplished but wish I could run the course again about 15 degrees warmer. It was 30 when we started and it was still 30 when I left the race. The website said that only 1st age group finishers received a medal so I ending up leaving early. I could not handle the cold anymore. And those 2 women who flew past me? They finished in 18 minutes. Hot damn! I wish I could be that fast!

I was supposed to run another 9 miles after the race to complete my long run for the week but I made it home and ended up sitting on the ground by the slider in the sun until I could feel my toes again. I’m so weird, I know. 🙂 My legs felt stiff all day so I decided to push my long run back to tomorrow.

The shirt this year was actually really cute and much better than last years. This was an actual dri-fit tee and last year’s was all cotton and not football themed at all. I did treat myself to some post race frozen yogurt- 9 hours later when I was warmer. 🙂

How was everyone’s Saturday?

Am I just a big baby when it comes to the cold?

Shopping and running, a few of my favorite things

I had planned to get my long run in on Saturday morning before heading out to do a little shopping for the day. My alarm went of at 6:35, my head hurt and it was still dark. My phone said that sunrise was at 7:07 so I rolled over hoping the headache would go away. A second alarm went off at 7:08 and my head was just pounding. Bloody hormones and that’s all I’m going say about that; so I chose to sleep more.

I made myself face the day a little before 9. I got ready and headed out for some retail therapy. The plan was for window shopping, I didn’t really need anything. It’s just fun to hit SLO and enjoy the weather and the shopping and the food. The weather was great and the food was yummy as usual. Shopping was actually very budget friendly. 🙂 I couldn’t even find anything to buy at Dick’s, it was sad!!! I did buy Kimi a new blanket, and what does she do? She sleeps in the bag instead!

Shopping ran later than planned, so I didn’t get out the door running until 4:30 so the long run was not an option. Want to know a good way to run a Tempo run? Try to beat the setting sun. Great motivation. My legs felt a little tired but it was a good run. Thanks to my persistent cough, I still had to take a few walk breaks. However, it actually turned into a progression run instead of a tempo. For once each mile was faster than the one before it. Sweet! I made it back to my driveway just as the sun was dropping behind the hill. It may not have been what was planned but a solid 4 miles to end the day.

This morning I was planning on running yesterday’s 10 miler. I had mapped out a route last night- from my driveway with lots of loops, finishing by running crosstown to the high school. I was aiming to only have to do 1.5-2 miles on the track. After that the plan was to meet up with my mom who was working on the tennis courts and she would give me a ride back. Since I have been rather tired this week, still kicking that stupid sickness from last week, I figured I would aim for an 11:00 minute pace. Get the distance in but take it easy.

I had a slightly later start than planned and then when I was trying to get out the door, I found out that my mom was heading to the courts sooner than planned. Wait, she’s my ride home!!! The first three miles of my run I was recalculating in my head. Do I keep my route the same and just hope it takes her that long or do I throw in more loops and head back home. That was when I noticed my time, mile 3 had me under 31 minutes. Well, that was faster than I was aiming for. So plan B, could I maintain that pace for all 10 miles? I am faster in races but never before held that in a long training run. It would only save me 10 minutes but that just might be enough.

Why do I live is such a hilly neighborhood? Why did I plan my route by running one of the hills 3 times? Granted it wasn’t the worst but still, I must be crazy. I slowed down in mile 6 because while trying to get my long sleeved top layer off, I skillfully tangled myself in it. 🙂 Just call me Graceful. After finishing all 3 loops, it was down to the bridge and across town. I hate running across the bridge, it’s a little too on display for me. Luckily its not huge. After the bridge, there’s a few shopping centers and traffic lights before the last small hill and then the high school. With the traffic lights, I was able to test out the auto pause feature on the Garmin. Pretty cool but I felt like it was a little slow on the restart. I made it to the track at 8.5 miles and finished out the 1.5. And I was done, whew! And thankfully, my mother had waited for me.

I have no idea what happened in mile 4, barely even remember it

After lunch and grocery shopping, I joined my mother in walking the puppy. It was supposed to be short, like a mile, so I was rocking my new Wave Rider’s and skinny jeans. Bad idea. It turned into 2.5 miles and the puppy decided that she wanted to move fast today; she was dragging us. Seriously, where was this dog last week? I do not recommend jogging in skinny jeans without a proper sports bra, just don’t do it. The shoes felt great though. 🙂 The evening was finished off by the whole family going to The Olive Garden for dinner, yummy.

Training wise, I didn’t do too bad this week. 29 miles out of a scheduled 34. 5 days running. I still can’t do 6. And some of the planned runs I am unable to fit in my schedule, so I am adapting it a bit. Next week only has 5 scheduled days with my long run on Saturday, That will have to be a 2-a-day, as my first race of 2014 is that morning!! It’s a 5K that I am looking forward to.

Plus I hope to have some exciting news to share soon!!! I am waiting on one last email to confirm, I always like to be doubly sure before sharing something important. I am so excited!!!

How was everyone’s weekend?

What’s the most awkward clothing you’ve ever run in?