Tag: Training

Oops, I Did it Again

After getting back to running long(er) on Sunday, I wanted to take it a little easy on Monday. I was feeling a little sore so I figured 3 laps of the lake path would do. My mom met up with me and we did the usual warm up walk, which yes I included in my mileage for the day, before separating. In good news, the bridge is now fixed! I thought they were taking the bumpy boards out and replacing them with smooth ones, but they put back newer bumpy boards. Except now I don’t know where these bumps are so I used that as a reason to walk the bridge. It’s super short anyways so it’s not like it hurt my pace any. I also tested out the new inserts I had purchased on Saturday. They were a little awkward, I felt like my shoes were super loose in the heel area. Even after 3.5 miles, I felt like my right foot kind of liked them but my left foot hated them.

I’ve decided to use my Garmin to track pace and my Nike app for overall mileage. When it comes to races, I turn the Garmin off after the finish line anyways. Why I count my warm up for both, I have no idea, maybe I am just weird. 🙂 After finishing my 3.5 miles, I stopped my Garmin. I looked around for my mom but couldn’t see her so I jogged/ walked back the opposite way figuring I would meet up with her shortly. I hit the back parking lot and the end of the cement bridge and still no sign of her, what the frak? I waited for 5 minutes, expecting to see her coming my way but nope. I then turned back towards the other parking lot, starting to get a little nervous. Once there, I finally saw her coming the opposite way. Apparently she randomly decided to walk some of the neighborhood streets and got a little lost- not cool. 😦With running 8 on Sunday and then a few on Monday, I took Tuesday as a rest day for my legs. I think they appreciated it. 🙂 Wednesday I decided to take my new shoes for a speed work spin. I planned on a baby progression run. Mile 1 warm up, mile 2 in the low 10’s, 3 in mid-9’s and mile 4 in the high 8’s, followed by a cool down. Full disclosure- this is an out and back course with a slight incline for miles 1-2 and decline with 3-4. This time I met up my mom and the puppy. Mile 1 went according to plan. Mile 2 felt comfortably hard which I had anticipated. What I did not anticipate was my time at mile 2-9:17. Oops? I wasn’t sure I could tighten it any more to bring miles 3 and 4 faster than that, I didn’t think I had it in me, but I decided to try. Mile 3 got a little harder, I took a tiny 10 second walk break. – Clocked in at 9:07, but I was starting to get tired and winded which made me cranky. I know it’s been ~~months~~ a while since I’ve done speed work but come on. Mile 4 started with another tiny walk break- .05 of a mile- then I pushed hard. I was slowed by intersections so I changed up my route slightly to run the back of the path into the river trail which gave me 1/2 a mile without intersections or driveways. I focused on speed and just kept running. I took a tiny 10 second walk break towards the end before running through and when my watch buzzed 4, I was so happy to hit stop. I was breathing so hard I was panting, I actually did the whole bent-at-the-waist, hands on my knees gasping for air pose. Then I checked my watch hoping for around 8:30- holy crap I just did what?!!! Faster than last week, too! If I hadn’t taken those 2 little breaks, I would have been in the 7’s!!!!! I then walk/ jogged back up the path until I found my mom and the puppy, stopping to stretch along the way. Total miles for the day 4.7.

It's all the shoes, or maybe my clearance Abercrombie shorts — It’s all the shoes, or maybe my clearance Abercrombie shorts

I was never a runner in high school, in fact I managed to get out of PE most of my high school years. I had it freshman year, and dance sophomore year, got off campus early junior year, and had athletic PE senior- which outside of tennis season amounted to nothing. Not to say I wasn’t athletic, I played softball and tennis year round but running was not my thing. We had to do those stupid Presidential fitness tests every year and part of that was the mile. My fastest mile ever was 7:37, which I remember because it reminded me of a plane. I half-assed that mile, and now I wish I had tried a little harder. Who knows where I would be now, hopefully not panting like a dog at the end of 8:05 mile, haha.

Did you ever have to do those fitness tests? I still can’t do a pull up…or was is a chin-up?

Ever been happily surprised by a run?

What are your plans this weekend?

Happy Friday!!!

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?

Busting Out

Saturday’s fair trip took the place of running. I dug out my Fuelband and wore it just for the fair that afternoon. Just under 10,000 steps. Which means it was actually over 10,000 because the Fuelband hasn’t worked properly in months. Granted that wasn’t anywhere near enough to negate the funnel cake or the pretzel I ate but it only comes once a year right? Totally worth it.

Sunday, I was a little tired, so I headed out for my run in early afternoon. I did this run the same way I had the previous two. Letting my feet do whatever they wanted to do, and every now and again they were reined in by my stomach. Apparently my head was still not invited to the party. I set out to do 5 or 6 miles. Also on the plan was to meet up with my mom and the puppy for the first mile and then mile 4. Other those 2 miles which I knew would be mostly walked, I had wanted to keep miles 2, 3, 5+ around a 10:15 pace. That seemed like a good pace for an easy run for me. Well, that’s what my head wanted to do. Miles 1 and 2 went mostly according to plan. Mile 3, umm oops. Mile 4 brought a big hill and puppy time, so it was back to the plan. Except I would have thought it would have been a little slower than that- closer to 14:00. Mile 5- again, oops. So not 10:15. Maybe I should ignore my head more often? I shut off the Garmin at 5 miles and walked another ½ mile to my house.

Every time I walk up my driveway, I tell myself that it is the perfect place for hill repeats if I could just force myself to follow through. I totally get the point of hill repeats but they are just so damn scary sounding.

Monday was well, Monday and let’s leave it at that . 🙂 Since I usually leave work and head somewhere else to run, it is inevitable that when I get there I have the urge to pee. So annoying, and of course, there are often no available bathrooms. So I generally run the next 4-5 miles trying to ignore it. Great training for a half right? Haha! I planned on running tonight after work and at 3:30 I realized that I had already consumed 154 ounces of liquid. Ummm, oops? So I stopped drinking after that to see if it changed anything. I headed to the river path for a few miles. Even though I was running solo, I chose to treat the run like I was starting with my mother. I walked the concrete part of the path before hitting the asphalt and running.

It felt so much hotter than 80. They were quite a few people out today. As I was running up the hill, it felt harder than it should. As I was huffing and puffing and probably turning a lovely shade of red, I noticed about 3 people running towards me. 3 turned into 5 high school boys. A hundred yards later, oh look here comes the cross country boys team, complete with coach and assistant. Please don’t notice my poor form or the fact that a 9:30 mile is kicking my butt while you all fly by me. At least it wasn’t the girls team, that would just be perfect. Did I mention I felt like busted can of biscuits when I put on my running clothes tonight? Thanks “recovery” week. Few hundred yards later, oh look- I spoke too soon. Here comes the girls cross country team. And yes, I now feel giant, thank you very much.

I kept running until I hit the turn around point. My pace felt pretty good going back down but harder than I would have liked. I ran under a little tree, little not big, and my Garmin went cuckoo. My slow pace alert kept buzzing- 15:14, 14:45, 13:25, and on. WTF! I know it wasn’t right but it was pissing me off. For once, I really did need the Nike app as a back up. My pace was pretty good (for me) but I was tiring, so I called it at 4 and just walked the rest of the way back to the car. Which turned out to be good choice because I could the trail from the street and there were 2 roaming, off leash dogs. Safe!! My splits on Nike were pretty good actually. The Garmin had mile 3 about 35 seconds behind, but mile 4 was pretty close. How does that work?

My shin is still a little sore from last week’s half so I am thinking of trying to go other day now for a while. I even wore compression sock under my boots while walking around the fair on Saturday.

Speaking of the fair, I can hear Lady Antebellum through my windows right now. Last night was the only concert that I kind of really wanted to go to but couldn’t make it work with work right now. 😦 I was hoping I could some of it but it was the first concert that I couldn’t make out. All I heard was bass and drums, come on Florida Georgia Line, help a girl out!

How has your week gone so far?

Any good concerts on your horizon? Or even bad ones?