Tag: long run

An Abbreviated Long Run

I start a new class in a little less than 2 weeks and unfortunately it falls on Wednesday nights. Boo! So last week NikeC and I moved gym nights to Thursdays. We were hoping that it might be a little less busy but instead it looked like everyone was trying to get in one last workout before the weekend. We weren’t able to warm up on the ARC Trainers so we tried the stationary bikes. We used the recumbent ones, so I was wondering how much of a workout it would be. I was sweating within 8 minutes- ok maybe a bit of a workout. 20 minute warm-up- 4 miles-done. Then it was onto the circuit room, which was busy. There was even 2 grunters in the circuit room, using the machines in very odd ways. For the most part, everyone was using the room right, woo hoo! After a good work out there, we moved onto to the ab room. I admit I have zero skill there and always do my crunches wrong, so I hung out on the ab roller. It’s kind of fun and I could totally feel my abs (sore!) the next day. I also posted my very first throwback Thursday pic- and got the hashtag wrong. #fail But anyways, I finally found a pic of my very first race-I worked this Saturday, so I was able to go in later on Friday. I was super excited about this because I wanted to get my 10 miler done in the morning, that way I could have a lazy weekend of a rest day and a 6 miler. I slept until a little after 7 before getting up. I was feeling off but told myself I was just trying to be lazy. After getting ready, I knew it was a little more than that, so I ended up crawling back in bed. Now if you knew me really well, you would know that I have a few idiosyncrasies, or neurotic tendencies as my mother likes to call them. One of those is to only get in bed after a shower, even if it’s 3 in the morning and I am dead tired, I take a shower first. Even the few times I have come home sick from work, I take a shower first. My mother tells me I am going to be single forever. 🙂 I say it’s a holdover from all those Taco Bell years and coming home smelling like a burrito. The fact that I crawled into bed full of sunblock; I probably should have skipped the run. But after a little more sleep, I dragged myself out the door. I was under fueled and under hydrated, so I brought along some Gatorade and made sure to keep it slow. For once I had zero trouble following through with a longer warm up. 🙂 It was warmer than I would have liked for 9 in the morning, but it was not a horrible run. All in all, 10K done and I was still glad I made myself get out the door.

And the Garmin had issues tracking again.

Even though my long run failed, I still treated Saturday as a rest day. My left leg has been a little more sore than usual, so rest sounded good. Plus after getting off work and running the usual errands, I decided to go see Guardians of the Galaxy. Have I mentioned I am serious nerd for the Marvel movies? seriously that Disneyland Avengers Half would awesome but I would need to sell a kidney for it. 🙂 Anyhow, the movie was really good and I indulged in too much popcorn. Yummy. And I still had Sunday for that 10 miler. Well, that was the plan…

Anyone have any odd idiosyncrasies out there?

Anyone else seen Guardians? Thoughts?

How was your weekend?

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?

Baby Steps (out of my comfort zone)

Happy Friday!! Wow, this was a long week. But let’s catch up. I stepped out of my comfort zone in very little ways this week, but that still counts right?

First up, Wednesday, I hit the gym after work with NikeC with the intention of doing the circuit room. I have only done it one other time and that was about 2 years ago. Machines and I don’t get a long so well. I did a short 2.5 miles on the treadmill to warm up. I actually kind of liked the treadmill, either that or I was nervous about the circuit room. I had hydrated a little too well before hitting the gym that night so before moving to the circuit room I had to use the restroom. Why is this special? I had never used the restroom or been in the locker rooms before. I’ve belonged to the gym for 5 years. I did mention I was a germophobe right?

From the website source — From the website
source

After surviving that, we moved onto the circuit room. Where some people were using it wrong. Ok, I admit I don’t use it but come on, I can count from 1 to 20. Once that was straightened out, we got to working out. #bloggerfail- I don’t remember the names of machines nor did I take pictures. She went first and demonstrated. Other than the first machine, I think I did ok. You sat in the first machine in kind of V shape and the pushed yourself back. (see- blogger fail) Also a fail because I couldn’t move it at all- I look over and NikeC had it at 90 lbs, yeah umm no. She’s a bad ass and I am not. Backed it down to 40 and I was good. I also felt really challenged on the stupid steps in between each machine. Who forgets how to jump?! I was born in the 80’s, when did I lose my Jazzercise skills! After the circuit we moved on to the leg room. Those hip abduction things could be a good thing for running but felt really awkward. I could do pretty much nothing in the ab room, apparently my butt’s too big for my back to lie flat. 🙂 So that will be a challenge for another night, haha. Overall, we were there an hour and a half. Now if I can just make it a weekly thing.

Since I work Saturday again this week, I had another short day on Thursday. It was opposite this time, so I worked in the morning and left early. Knowing this on Wednesday I decided to try to do my long run on Thursday. Only problem was I didn’t know where. I thought about running on the beach but was warned away by a text about a bunch of leash less crazy dogs. (It’s a leash free beach) I am crazy dog bait, so I passed on that. I headed to nearby park in work town that says it has 2.3 miles of paved trails. Yeah, I could only find about half a mile. Any other day I would have just run around and figured it out but I had 12 miles to hit so I wanted a general idea of where I was going. I headed to the lake to get in some laps, planning for 6 miles before heading back to home town to finish off the second 6.

It was warmer than work town but still mid 80’s so I felt good. I’ve decided to always walk the playground section of the path. It gives me a little breather and as an added bonus, I don’t run over any wandering children. 🙂 I have to admit I look forward to that little break, it’s about .10 of a mile, but feels great. After 3 miles I needed water but I had also over hydrated that day as well. Was I really going to have to use another restroom? This one in a public park? Yes…it was only slightly sketchy. No mirrors and lots of padlocks, classy.

After surviving that I pushed on. It was warm but I felt good, so continued on to 7 miles. Woo hoo! I stopped to stretch before heading back to my car. This is where I became an obnoxious runner. A woman and her daughter were driving by and they stopped near my car. She asked how far I had walked. I said “run” probably not in the best tone. I’m sorry!! Blame it on the heat or the tiredness or something. And since I do walk the playground now, she could have only seen me walking. There is nothing wrong with walking. In fact, I think I am more consistent with scheduled walking breaks. See example above. 🙂

After driving back home, drinking some Nuun and snacking on some Honey Stinger bites, I headed out to the newer path with my mom. Again she was going to walk and I was going to run. Since I had already done 7, all I needed was 5 so I planned on running the same route as Monday. Same as Monday, I walked most of the first mile with my mom, so I was perfectly fine seeing a 13 minute first mile. I figured I would pick up the pace, ha! Never happened. Maybe it was penance for my earlier snarkiness. I didn’t schedule any walk breaks but maybe I should have. Miles 2 and 3 clocked in at 11:00, hey at least I was consistent. Finally got back down to 10 flat for mile 4 but I also knew 5 wasn’t happening. I cut out the one cul de sac loop and just headed back to the car. 4.5 miles later and I was done. Yuck. I don’t know if it was because the temp had jumped again or if I was just tired. Either way I was still feeling pretty good for hitting 11.5 miles. Even if that last missed .5 bugs me a little. 🙂 Apparently my Diet Coke is still spiked. 🙂

Today I have yet to hit my measly 10 minutes of exercise but I still have a few hours. I really should because I ate way too much today. I was freakin’ starving! I was a little concerned I would be sore at work today but I was actually pretty good, tall boots and all. And bonus, I’m heading into the weekend having already completed my long run! Now I just have work to get through tomorrow and an anniversary party for a friend tomorrow night. And sleep, I need sleep. And to maybe read a book.

How was your week?

Anyone racing this weekend?

Am I the only one who has had an #obnoxiousrunner moment?

A long week and a rough run

Quick recap of the week so far-

Monday– 2.5 miles
Tuesday– Kettle bell workout
Wednesday– 4.5 painful miles
Thursday –Rest- Business mixer-exercising my lack of skill at small talk (and another power nap)
Friday-11 slow miles
Saturday– 4 mile recovery walk- with the puppy!

How can a 30 minute workout DVD cause so much pain? I followed through like planned and completed the kettle bell workout on Tuesday. I felt pretty good when I was done, but the next morning I was super stiff. It was awkward just getting out of bed. My thighs and hamstrings were so sore. I also wore taller wedge heels than usual all day at work Wednesday. My run let me know just angry my legs were with me. My hamstrings were pissed. That lovely achilles issue from February’s race made a reappearance as well. I decided to run that new route from last week again and I hoped my legs would warm up. Yeah, not so much. I took quite a few walk breaks and even stopped to stretch out twice. Even though it felt miserable, I went a slightly different route to get 4.5 miles in. Overall the pace was good for an easy run; my legs were just super cranky. I didn’t feel injured just super sore.

Luckily, thanks to a business mixer, I had a great reason for Thursday to be a rest day. The mixer was at an Inn that I admit I never knew existed before but it’s actually super cute. It’s in a 100 year old house with pretty grounds. We were lucky enough to get a tour. Which was doubly good because it was less time that I had to think of decent small talk. Parking was tight so we parked at church and were driven to the Inn by trolley. That was fun, I hadn’t been on a trolley since high school. However my legs were still sore and climbing on it in heels and a dress was a little problematic. 🙂

I volunteered to work on Saturday for someone so that meant I was able to go in later on Friday. For some reason I was not feeling the idea of my long run this weekend. I needed to get in 10-11 miles but the idea of running that on Saturday or Sunday just seemed unlikely. I don’t know why. Since I was going in late Friday I figured I would run it Friday morning. When I went to sleep Thursday night I was looking forward to my run the next morning. After another night of less than stellar sleep and some stomach issues, I ended up trying to sleep for an extra hour before heading out for 6 miles. I started out slow making sure I wasn’t going to be sick again but I never got into gear. I felt like I was crawling and I walked way too much. It was also hot! I checked the weather before I left and it said 59. It lied. It was off by at least 20. Sweat and sunblock were dripping in my eyes. It was the kind of run that makes you wonder why you do it, ugh. Friday happens to be scale day, so just for kicks I re-weighed myself after my run. I lost 3 lbs. on a 6 mile run, oops. I even ran with more water than usual. Never trusting that app again.

So what does a crazy person do when they have a horrible, no good run that falls short of their mileage goal? They go to work, make it home by 7, change and get back out there. This time I used the same method I did last Sunday and met up with my mom and the puppy every mile or so. My overall pace was even slower than the craptastic run but I was ok with that this time. 5 more miles done to bring the total to 11. Long, slow run done before the weekend, sweet!

Today, I covered a different location than usual so I had a shorter commute. Awesome! I met my mother for lunch at a local burger place. I was planning on taking it easy today, so I indulged with a tri tip sandwich, so yummy. After a trip to Target and another power nap (I picked up some Epsom salt at Target I will be trying soon) I ended up heading out for a walk with my mom and the puppy. My mom wanted to check out the newer-to-me path. She really liked it and so did Zoey. Zoey was very intrigued by the horses across the street at one point. It was a good 4 miles, the pace has really picked up with the puppy. We were just under 15:00 per mile tonight. And that includes her stops to shove her nose in whatever plant smells interesting. I still don’t think she will ever be a runner though.

Work is done, all my errands are done, so other than some lovely chores tomorrow -can we still call them chores as adults?- I am hoping to have a relaxing day. I should complete the yoga DVD again but we’ll see how it goes. I have stuck to my plan so far and only taken 2 rest days since June 1st. But does a DVD really count?

How was your Saturday?

Anyone race today? Or racing tomorrow?

Triple Digits

After my post on Friday, I did feel inspired enough to complete a measly ten minutes of exercise. What could it hurt? I decided 5 minutes of punches sounded like a good start. It didn’t occur to my addled brain that that meant that I also had to hold a squat for 5 minutes. I thought I was going to fall over. But I held it. Then I had to take a break before moving on, ha!

Saturday was a work day for me, so I started my day that way. I’ve mentioned before that I work in a different town than normal on Saturdays and the building is bigger than ours. I wear a Nike+ Fuelband everyday but it’s mostly out of habit, I’ve become a little disenchanted with it. I also rarely hit my goal unless I run and even then it’s rare. However on Saturday, I think it was a little confused. It registered that I had surpassed my goal by 11:30 AM, and had exceeded 10,000 steps… at 11:30. Ok, the building is bigger and I worked standing up but come on, that’s a little fast!

Took a break here, mile 4.5- top of the hill

After work I headed home to find that my home town was a lovely 96º. Yippee! I ran some errands and waited for it to cool. I waited mostly in vain and was losing some of my new enthusiasm, so I headed out for a run at 4:30. A long run. It was 88º. Because of the heat, I did not care about my pace. I just wanted the distance and the time on my feet. I had layered on sunscreen and had a huge bottle of water. I took it slow and walked when I needed too. I took a breather at the halfway point as well. It actually wasn’t bad, if only there were less damn hills. I normally do one hill 3 times and another 4 but I dropped one of each, so it shortened my route a bit. All in all 8.63 miles in 1:37. Yeah, I was slow, I walked a lot, but I felt good. And yes, I was the only idgit out there.Today hit 105º, woo hoo! I got out of the heat for a few hours by finally going to the movies. The Fault in Our Stars was awesome and I managed to avoid crying. There was definitely water in my eyes, but no tears fell. For a YA novel, the theater was filled with adults. 🙂 And I may have eaten too much popcorn. 🙂 But it was yummy. Afterwards, my mother joined me on the crazy train and we went for a walk. My weather app said 102º but it did not feel that warm. Normally I run ahead and double back to her but today we mostly just walked. It was a good walk, just shy of 4.5 miles.

I would say that this was a pretty good week for the challenge that I set myself. I actually had a lot of opportunities to use an excuse last week. Between a later day at work, a raging migraine, the heat and just being female, I was so close to chucking it. But for once I didn’t. Now if I can only keep it going. It’s gonna be a long summer. 🙂

How was your weekend?

How was your weather?