Tag: Running

Rising Moon and a Windy Run

After Friday’s race I was pumped to keep running. In fact I had hoped to run another 7 miles that day, before dinner and fireworks, to round out to 10 total. I wanted this to be my last long run before my half in 3 days. An unplanned 2 hour nap changed that, I didn’t even make it to the fireworks. 😦 While waiting for the awards to start after the race, there was very little shade and I think it affected me more than usual. When Saturday rolled around; after getting in the shopping trip that was postponed last week, I just did not want to run. Same for Sunday. So, I didn’t. I chose to treat the weekend as some needed rest. I haven’t decided if that violates the whole #noexcuses thing or if a little rest is a good thing. Instead of running, I read 4 books. That counts for something right?

After that restful few days, I was ready to run on Monday. Work wasn’t too busy, so I was able to get out of there fairly quickly. I then headed back to home town to run the path I have been running lately. My mom decided to join me, so I met up with her at the trail head. I kind of like when she does that, it forces me to take the first mile a little slower, which is a good thing because I rarely ever warm up enough. Especially on race days- bad runner! Slower is also better when it’s 90+ outside. 🙂

When I broke away from her, I felt like I settled into a good pace. At least on the way up. Coming down, I was looking forward to thelittle bit of help that a downhill brings but then there was the wind. Every single time I run this newer path the wind is ridiculous coming back down. Last week it was so bad and so loud, I could barely hear the music coming from my headphones. It wasn’t as bad on Monday, but I felt like I was running through sludge. Once I made it off the hill and around the corner, it eased up a bit. And I was rushed by 2 dogs on the trail portion again. Seriously?! Why am I dog bait? Overall, though at the end, my pace was pretty good.

The gym didn’t work out tonight so I hit the lake path to get in some miles. My left foot was a little sore the first lap around, so I wasn’t sure how many I was going to finish. I seem to have split personality feet. My right foot has a higher arch and loves heels but hates flats. My left foot has a lower arch, hates heels and loves flats. How does that work out? I haven’t found an insert that would help my left foot yet. Those things are pricey!

Luckily my foot loosened up around 2 miles in. I finished a few more laps to hit 5 miles before turning of my Garmin. I then alternated walking withbutt kicks and high knees for the mile back to my car. I felt a little silly. I was also staring at the serious lack of water in the lake. I’m kind of afraid to ask where the geese went.

Tomorrow I want to get in a few quick miles before a rest day on Friday. Then Saturday is race day!! 13 miles on sand, I can do this right? There are 5 stretches of soft sand that have me concerned. One, it slows me down, two, it weighs me down. But I get to run it with NikeC, so I am sure that it will be a blast. Plus, I am kind of excited about running a race on my actual birthday.

How has your week gone so far? We’re more than halfway through!

Anyone use inserts? Either in running shoes or regular shoes?

Wild Run 5K recap

I hope everyone had a good 4^th of July!

Wild Run 5K brought a couple of firsts for me. One was a rare opportunity due to the race size and something I never thought would happen. What I am most proud of was that I ran a smart race from start to finish-negative splits and all.

Choosing the Wild Run 5k, I knew it was going to be a smaller race and I was a little leery considering the past experiences that I had with races put on by this gym. However, I was pleasantly surprised-for the most part. Packet pick up was a breeze on Thursday. Parking was in the zoo parking lot so super simple. Previous races by this gym had a spray painted starting line, a megaphone start, and an orange cone finish line. So I was impressed to see tents set up, an emcee leading a warm up and a designated start. Granted it was pop-up tent but still a huge improvement. There were about 100 runners for the 10k and 5K combined. A little smaller than even I was previously thinking. The only glitch I saw prior to the race was the start time. I had confirmed that the start time for the 5K was 8:10 but the schedule on the board said 8:30. Umm? Turns out 8:10 was correct.

It was go time and we were off. After looking at the map the previous night, I saw that the first ½ mile of the race had a hill and the last ¾ of a mile were on the lake path that I run. Everything in between was a mystery but for the most part was pretty flat. I started off in the middle of the pack like I always do. We ran through the parking lot to the lot of the baseball field nearby and then up the street. We were still running in a pack when we hit the hill. It wasn’t the elevation, less 100 ft., but it was short and vertical. I walked near the top. .3 miles in and I was walking, waah. It was short, about 20 seconds and then I was running again. I pulled away from the pack and there were only a couple people in front of me. I figured that wouldn’t last long so I may as well enjoy it. After that small hill, it was flat, yay! My watch buzzed at mile 1 -9:37. Ouch, I knew I wasn’t in top shape speed wise, but I was hoping for better than that. I knew I could pick it up so I that is what I tried to do. I kept a guy pushing stroller in my sights. He seemed super comfortable at that pace so I knew I probably couldn’t catch him so I tried to always be able to see him.

I heard someone coming up behind me and that gave me the incentive to run faster. They fell back and I kept going. Rounding a corner I found the only water station but I didn’t need it. I managed to pass a guy in blue shirt here. I just kept watching stroller guy. We went right and there were some rolling hills. The elevation was almost negligible it was just that there was like 6 of them in a row. Stroller guy got farther away. No! So I picked it up again. Mile 2-9:00. A little more street and we were back to the lake path. I knew the path well so I was hoping to pick it up but I wasn’t going to look at my watch again. This was also where I started to realize that no one had passed me yet, I also hadn’t seen another woman since the start of the race. As I was coming up on one of the bridges on the trail, a biker rode past me and then the 10K leader thundered past. I got hung up right before the bridge, 2 women and 4 dogs were in the path. I had to walk the little bridge until I got around them. Then I had like .3 of a mile to go. My goal was to finish strong and not let anyone pass me. Usually I am dragging and breathing hard by the end of a 5K but I felt like I had the energy for a final kick, so I kicked. Mile 3- 8:30.

Finish time -27:48

Hot damn, that’s a new PR! Not by much, but it still counts. Here’s where it got really interesting. I was the first female 5K finisher. What?! Seriously? How is that possible? Another woman finished about a minute behind me. She looked hardcore, how did I pull this off? I was super excited and a little bit in shock. I realize that it’s because it was such a small race but it’s still a huge pick me up after I had a few rough races.

Post finish- not sure what I am doing here

While waiting for the awards ceremony, we got to cheer on the other runners coming in. There were people finishing for the 10K, 5K and 1 mile. The kids running were so adorable. But hands down the coolest finisher was an 85 year old woman with a walker. She completed the 1 mile course. Talk about awesome.

This is also where they kind of fell apart. They were having computer issues so the awards were delayed; so delayed that quite a few people went home. When they finally started announcing, there were so few people there. The awards were for 1-3 male and female for each race. When they announced my name they also announced my time as 24:48. Ha! I wish!

Even with it’s little issues, it was a good race and a fun morning. Well outside of one thing. For whatever reasons, my iPhone had a little glitch. I ran the entire 5K with one song playing repeatedly. 27 minutes of Wrecking Ball over and over and over. I deserve props for not chucking my phone. I came pretty close. 🙂

How was your weekend?

Did you have good 4th?

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
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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?

On the Brightside

Happy Tuesday! Congrats on surviving Monday! At least that’s how it felt to me. 🙂

Even though I had used my one rest day on Thursday for the mixer, Sunday was less of a real workout and more of catching up on things. I worked up quite a sweat cleaning my car. I don’t know if that’s more indicative of how hard I worked or how dirty it really was. I spent over an hour on just the inside. It is now so very clean. Well, the windows are still streaky but that’s because I have zero talent at washing car windows. Seriously, it’s bad. This may be a cop-out but I called that my workout for the day. 🙂

All were in my car, I think I have a problem

Other than that little blip, I’ve been doing really good with my no excuses plan so far. I have had plenty of reasons to skip a workout but I wouldn’t let myself. First the two weeks of little to no sleep; that at least finally getting a little better. No lie, there have been more than a few naps. Then it’s like since I made a comment that I may as well get used to my stomach never being perfect, it decided to pick a fight with me. And it is still fighting with me, so yeah, June’s been a little rough. But I’ve kept trucking. And running, even if they haven’t been the best workouts. I am currently on track for one of my best month’s mileage wise, knock on wood. Pace, however has taken a big hit. So, I am trying to think optimistically and call this a base reinforcing month.

I came to this lovely epiphany while running yesterday. My mother wanted to try the new path again without Zoey and asked if I would run it while she walked it. We figured we would pass each other a time or two. I needed to do 5 miles but again my stomach was hating me so I was wondering if I could even complete 2. I walked most of the first mile with my mom before attempting to pick up the pace. I focused on my breathing and tried to keep a steady pace and just kept going. I made it to the top of the street, turned around and headed back. I passed my mother but we just waved and kept moving. I felt a little rough but at the same time this felt like the best run I have had all month. I knew I wouldn’t hit 5 unless I deviated from the path, so I went right onto one street and looped back around into the housing complex before then turning off onto the trail section for the last bit. I finished up my 5 just as my mom was completing her walk. There were some rough moments but I just kept breathing and this turned into the best run of June so far.

While running, I was thinking about my stupid stomach and how this time last year I would have just said screw it and not run, even if that meant a month off. And yes, that’s happened before. But, realistically, these flares happen, so better to deal with it than ignore it. So with that being said, I have decided that my last ~~few~~ month of runs haven’t been that bad, all complaining aside. This flare will pass and I will reintroduce speed work into my work outs. I actually kind of miss it. 🙂 And if that doesn’t work, I have an appointment to see my gastro doc in August. I’m not sure where this sudden shiny outlook is coming from, normally I’m rain clouds and cynicism. Who spiked my Diet Coke?!

After yesterday’s great run, I kind of really wanted to run today. However I had made dinner plans to catch up with a friend I hadn’t seen in a while. Since the schedule was gonna be tight, I decided to make today my rest day. I also used that as a reason to finally get the blood work that I have been putting off. So far, no bruising, woo hoo! Dinner was good and I got the perfect fortune in my cookie-

It’s almost Hump day! Almost at the half way point now!

Ever get any good fortunes?
How about a running epiphany?

A Little Truth

Since I joined the blogging world almost a year ago, I’ve that there are some thematic posts out there. Like What I Ate Wednesday, which I don’t understand. I mean I get the premise behind it but most everyone posts in the morning. So is it really “What I’ve been eating lately and I saved up the pics for Wednesday”? I will probably never do this post because I pretty much eat the same thing every dang day thanks to my lovely slow stomach and there’s no need to bore anyone else with that. I’m bored with that. I do post pics of pizza though, because, well, pizza rocks. 🙂

Another theme is confessions. I feel I’m pretty open and honest about things anyways. I’ve always said own your faults. Plus I’m pretty boring… and weird. 🙂 I won’t go as far to say that I am a stick in the mud but I am very set in my ways. My mother can’t stand it. But all that leads to this-

I have 2 little facts about me to share tonight-

I have never driven farther than 45 minutes for a race, at least not one I was running in. I did drive NikeC to Huntington Beach for Surf City a a few years ago. Does that count?
I have never booked a hotel room. I can’t even remember the last time I stayed in one. I am over 30.

Why do these matter? Other than I never get out apparently? This is happening –

13.1 Here I come! source — 13.1 Here I come!
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Ok so, this race is not super far away so hypothetically I could have driven down super early on race morning. My mother even offered to drive so I could sleep on the way. However, I am too neurotic for that. What if there was traffic? So, instead we are making a weekend of it. I am trying to talk ML into it but no luck yet.

Now, naive little me thought that I didn’t have to worry about the hotel part until later. But I was bored some night last week, so I played around online. Why are there so many booking websites? I couldn’t remember which one I was using half the time. I think I may have mentioned before that I have germophobe tendencies, so I was trying to find what looked to be the nicest hotel that wouldn’t break the bank. The first 5 I checked were all booked. Umm, what? Crap, I better get on this. After lots of searching and talking to people who “kind of” know the area, I chose one and booked. Fingers crossed it doesn’t scar me for life. I am still trying to figure out how to do Rock N Roll- Las Vegas this year. That would definitely need a hotel. Whoever said running was cheap was crazy.

A bonus for this race? It’s primarily flat. Holy crap, I may have a shot at finally breaking 2 hours! I don’t see that happening in 3 weeks with all the dune sand; not that it won’t be fun. 🙂 The Ventura Marathon actually has a few perks that I think are cool. They have the option to defer to 2015 if needed and offer race day pick up for a fee. I haven’t seen deferment in a smaller race. I felt a little more confident registering early. I am usually a last minute registrant. Now I am torn between wanting it to be September now and wanting time to slow down. How is it almost July?!

Happy hump day!

What did you think of my little truths? How weird am I?

Any interesting facts you want to share?