Hello blog world, I have an announcement to make. To me, it's a milestone.
Tuesday, I ran a sub-30min 5k. That's right. All miles were under a 10 min/mi pace. Now, for you speedsters out there, this post is wimpy and in no means celebrates my success as a runner. To you I say, you are clearly reading the wrong blog!
For me, it was a milestone. I ran cross country, oh, ELEVEN years ago, and used to pump out 21-24 min 5ks like it was my job. Wait, it was. I digress...
But Tuesday afternoon, gnats be damned, I did a fabulous mile repeat session and actually blasted my speed work. Needless to say, I was a little tired, but just fine overall.
Today I need to tackle 3.5 miles and some strength training. I am still wrestling with how to best pair my running with weight sessions. I think as I become a stronger runner, the idea of running 4 mi of hills or speed work, then doing weights, won't seem so daunting. I am trying to diligently keep to my cross training and resistance workouts, since that might be the thing that makes me a better runner in the end. Until then, I'll muscle through. (No pun intended. Okay, maybe a small one perhaps.)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
New wheels...
On an unrelated note - I finally bought a bike! I haven't owned a bike in a very long time - so it is nice to know I have some outdoor cross training options now. Hooray! I think tomorrow I'll do just that - bike and enjoy the fall weather. Lovely!
Biking words-o-wisdom so far:
-It's hard to look sexy in a helmet, unless your name rhymes with Schmance Sharmstrong
-Your tush will inevitably hurt after a day of riding until you get used to it.
-You might contemplate padded bike shorts due to the previously mentioned tush pain.
-It is true that you never really forget how to ride a bike!
Go figure!
Biking words-o-wisdom so far:
-It's hard to look sexy in a helmet, unless your name rhymes with Schmance Sharmstrong
-Your tush will inevitably hurt after a day of riding until you get used to it.
-You might contemplate padded bike shorts due to the previously mentioned tush pain.
-It is true that you never really forget how to ride a bike!
Go figure!
Who wears short shorts???
This past weekend's long run was 6 mi. When I woke up at 6am Sun morning, it was 39 degrees. What to wear for a 39 degree long run? Must. Resist. Instincts. When it's anything under 50 I am tempted to put on long pants, a vest, a layer underneath...and then sweat profusely cursing my mileage as it creeps by. Running outfit fail. Big time.
So, I wisely set aside my instincts (scarf! hat! ear warmer!!!)... and simply put on a pair of running leggings, a lightweight drifit long-sleeve, and my rain/wind breaker. Of course my favorite drifit hat (the regular one, not the sub-zero temp one) was added to the mix.
...and I was off! 6 miles was really a lovely distance this past weekend. It was crisp, fall was definitely in the air, and my pace was remarkably quicker for the slow runner that I am. (I ran mostly 10:30 miles, when I normally run 11:15 on long days, go figure) Then I saw him. Short-shorts man.
Yes, short shorts, nothing else. It's 41 degrees outside. He was in shorts shorter than I saw some teeny-boppers wearing this past summer, and nothing else. Sprinting along. I felt ri-di-cu-lous. I just had to laugh out loud. Short shorts man probably woke up, thought, 39? Oh, that's balmy! Shorts it is! I drink coffee, ponder fleece, and then back away slowly. Hehe. Perhaps this is all part of becoming a runner. When you run fast, you get warm, and you don't need layers to keep you warm. Ahhh...the logic finally sets in.
So, 6 miles was dominated, and I am looking forward to my 7 miler next weekend! Until then - I have 2 speed work sessions to get in. I think I would rather run in short shorts than do speed work, but I do recognize how it can help my training. So - send speedy thoughts my way!
I have to figure out a good way to post photos. I have TONS of food pics and recipes, but no easy way to upload them since I blog from various computers here and there. Hmmm... still thinking.
Since I am hardly the most popular blog on the interwebs, I think it will suffice to say pics can wait another few days.
So, I wisely set aside my instincts (scarf! hat! ear warmer!!!)... and simply put on a pair of running leggings, a lightweight drifit long-sleeve, and my rain/wind breaker. Of course my favorite drifit hat (the regular one, not the sub-zero temp one) was added to the mix.
...and I was off! 6 miles was really a lovely distance this past weekend. It was crisp, fall was definitely in the air, and my pace was remarkably quicker for the slow runner that I am. (I ran mostly 10:30 miles, when I normally run 11:15 on long days, go figure) Then I saw him. Short-shorts man.
Yes, short shorts, nothing else. It's 41 degrees outside. He was in shorts shorter than I saw some teeny-boppers wearing this past summer, and nothing else. Sprinting along. I felt ri-di-cu-lous. I just had to laugh out loud. Short shorts man probably woke up, thought, 39? Oh, that's balmy! Shorts it is! I drink coffee, ponder fleece, and then back away slowly. Hehe. Perhaps this is all part of becoming a runner. When you run fast, you get warm, and you don't need layers to keep you warm. Ahhh...the logic finally sets in.
So, 6 miles was dominated, and I am looking forward to my 7 miler next weekend! Until then - I have 2 speed work sessions to get in. I think I would rather run in short shorts than do speed work, but I do recognize how it can help my training. So - send speedy thoughts my way!
I have to figure out a good way to post photos. I have TONS of food pics and recipes, but no easy way to upload them since I blog from various computers here and there. Hmmm... still thinking.
Since I am hardly the most popular blog on the interwebs, I think it will suffice to say pics can wait another few days.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Back in it baby!
I have finally found the swing of my training schedule! After a rather hellish weekend (which included 6.5 hrs of organic chemistry lab and lab-prep, ugh), I was a shell of a human being, completely drained.
Sat night I dined, I rested, and Sun am came bright and early! The usual 7am alarm to eat my banana and toast, and I obliged. I also added a 1/2T of nut butter and a swirl of honey - nom nom nom!
Sunday was the first chilly fall run of my training season. The thermometer read 55 degrees - hmmm...what to wear for a 55 degree run? It's not quite break-out-the-hat-and-gloves weather, but it also isn't shorts and a tank weather either. It was also cloudy and threatening light showers, so I went with running capris (thank you lululumon!), sportsbra, long-sleeved drifit shirt, and an awesome wind/rain breaker my mom gifted me this past summer.
I had 5.5 miles on the schedule - so I had to shed my top layer about mile 3, but all in all, it was a good run. I stayed at my projected slow long-run pace of 11:15/mile - and got it done in under an hour. Afterwards, I warmed up with some coffee I put in the car (Thank you Thermos for keeping it warm!), and a vegan coconut muffin (recipe to come). I felt human, lovely, and part of the running community again. Toenails be damned!
Little sore today, but Mondays are yoga for me, and I plan on stretching out all the sore spots that tensed up after yesterday's run.
Next week - 6-7 miles scheduled for the long run, and our 10k race is in 3 weeks! Hooray!
Sat night I dined, I rested, and Sun am came bright and early! The usual 7am alarm to eat my banana and toast, and I obliged. I also added a 1/2T of nut butter and a swirl of honey - nom nom nom!
Sunday was the first chilly fall run of my training season. The thermometer read 55 degrees - hmmm...what to wear for a 55 degree run? It's not quite break-out-the-hat-and-gloves weather, but it also isn't shorts and a tank weather either. It was also cloudy and threatening light showers, so I went with running capris (thank you lululumon!), sportsbra, long-sleeved drifit shirt, and an awesome wind/rain breaker my mom gifted me this past summer.
I had 5.5 miles on the schedule - so I had to shed my top layer about mile 3, but all in all, it was a good run. I stayed at my projected slow long-run pace of 11:15/mile - and got it done in under an hour. Afterwards, I warmed up with some coffee I put in the car (Thank you Thermos for keeping it warm!), and a vegan coconut muffin (recipe to come). I felt human, lovely, and part of the running community again. Toenails be damned!
Little sore today, but Mondays are yoga for me, and I plan on stretching out all the sore spots that tensed up after yesterday's run.
Next week - 6-7 miles scheduled for the long run, and our 10k race is in 3 weeks! Hooray!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Running fuel!!!!
Just a quick note - with fall around the corner. I always eat oats for breakfast on my planned running days. Today, I doctored mine up with a half cup of pumpkin - not only was it delish in a very fall way, but I managed to sneak in another 3g of fiber and a whole heck of a lot of beta carotene. Add some pumpkin to your next batch of oats, or pizza dough, or chilli - it will add bulk and taste without added sugars or preservatives!
Still on the wagon! Or...er...running along side the wagon?
After several failed attempts at 3-4 milers last week (I blame it on improper fueling, too much coffee, not enough water, and general laziness), I awoke Sunday to a massive thunderstorm.
After training for my first 13.1 and running three quarters of the training on a treadmill, I vowed to do most of my running outdoors, rain or shine. I really feel that for newbies, running outside makes you the most prepared for race day.
So, I asked for a running rain jacket for my birthday - check! No more excuses for the rain! I have a vest and gloves for cold days, a hat with a cool ponytail hole for even colder days, and plenty of other running acoutrements.
Sadly, I do not have a block-lightning-from-striking-me-dead-hat. (Do they make those?)
After several reports of golfers and those outdoors during thunderstorms being hit my Thomas Eddison's nemesis, I decided to call off my outdoor run and head for the treadmill.
My husband was planning a 7 miler, and I had 4 planned. Given how slow I run, I knew we would finish right around the same time! (Embarrassing, I know...) I actually had a lovely run. I really focused on breathing and my stride, and managed to keep my heart rate down in the reasonable zone (160's) until I hit mile 3, then it jumped up.
A redeeming run is really one of the best things out there. It makes up for so many crummy runs when your legs feel like lead. This treadmill run, while not outside, was still a good thing, and exactly what I needed.
The good news? A St. Louis Rock 'N Roll Marathon is now on the books for 10/23/11. Who has two thumbs and is contemplating signing herself up? ---> This girl <------
After training for my first 13.1 and running three quarters of the training on a treadmill, I vowed to do most of my running outdoors, rain or shine. I really feel that for newbies, running outside makes you the most prepared for race day.
So, I asked for a running rain jacket for my birthday - check! No more excuses for the rain! I have a vest and gloves for cold days, a hat with a cool ponytail hole for even colder days, and plenty of other running acoutrements.
Sadly, I do not have a block-lightning-from-striking-me-dead-hat. (Do they make those?)
After several reports of golfers and those outdoors during thunderstorms being hit my Thomas Eddison's nemesis, I decided to call off my outdoor run and head for the treadmill.
My husband was planning a 7 miler, and I had 4 planned. Given how slow I run, I knew we would finish right around the same time! (Embarrassing, I know...) I actually had a lovely run. I really focused on breathing and my stride, and managed to keep my heart rate down in the reasonable zone (160's) until I hit mile 3, then it jumped up.
A redeeming run is really one of the best things out there. It makes up for so many crummy runs when your legs feel like lead. This treadmill run, while not outside, was still a good thing, and exactly what I needed.
The good news? A St. Louis Rock 'N Roll Marathon is now on the books for 10/23/11. Who has two thumbs and is contemplating signing herself up? ---> This girl <------
Friday, September 10, 2010
Yes, I know, I run like a girl...
I just cannot get a good blogging schedule down these days. Work has been a little crazy as we transition to a new boss, consolidate jobs, create new to-do lists, etc....so somehow this lil' ol' blog just falls by the wayside. *tear*
Enter September. Enter fall, all things pumpkin/harvest squash flavored/spiced. Enter an actual training plan that involves running....and.....what else? My toenails are ACTUALLY GROWING BACK! I joked with my husband the other day that we should have a "Welcome Back" party for my toenails. All my friends had to put up with the craziness after the first 13.1 race, so I figured we should all celebrate. Gross.....toenail party. Ugh! : )
Well, the most exciting thing I have done thus far is get involved with an awesome nonprofit called Girls On the Run (GOTR). You can find out more at this link http://www.girlsontherun.org. It's a pretty amazing organization, and I am proud to be able to help inspire girls to engage in a healthy and fit lifestyle that involves gobs of positive energy!
I sit at a desk and in meetings 90% of my day, so when I get the chance to get out and run with girls, it is simply amazing. I've worked with many other organizations focusing on our female youth, but none that has quite the energy and effervescent quality that GOTR has. I am so looking forward to helping these ladies reach their 5k goal as I strive towards my second 13.1 in December.
So, I am back on the running bandwagon. Ran 2 mi yesterday, plus 45 min of cross training. Today is a 3 mile tempo run, and a 4 miler faces me on Sunday. It is a little rainy and cool today, reminding me that fall is just around the corner. I think I'll take to running in the cooler temps quite well. I hated running in the hotter weather of this past spring.
Enjoy your weekend! I'll be revisiting my posts from the spring that showed my fear of the dreaded 3, 4, 5mi distances.... What happened in the end? Oh, that's right. I ran thirteen miles...and a tenth. So, I'll try not to be such a scardeycat as I face this second round of training.
Enter September. Enter fall, all things pumpkin/harvest squash flavored/spiced. Enter an actual training plan that involves running....and.....what else? My toenails are ACTUALLY GROWING BACK! I joked with my husband the other day that we should have a "Welcome Back" party for my toenails. All my friends had to put up with the craziness after the first 13.1 race, so I figured we should all celebrate. Gross.....toenail party. Ugh! : )
Well, the most exciting thing I have done thus far is get involved with an awesome nonprofit called Girls On the Run (GOTR). You can find out more at this link http://www.girlsontherun.org. It's a pretty amazing organization, and I am proud to be able to help inspire girls to engage in a healthy and fit lifestyle that involves gobs of positive energy!
I sit at a desk and in meetings 90% of my day, so when I get the chance to get out and run with girls, it is simply amazing. I've worked with many other organizations focusing on our female youth, but none that has quite the energy and effervescent quality that GOTR has. I am so looking forward to helping these ladies reach their 5k goal as I strive towards my second 13.1 in December.
So, I am back on the running bandwagon. Ran 2 mi yesterday, plus 45 min of cross training. Today is a 3 mile tempo run, and a 4 miler faces me on Sunday. It is a little rainy and cool today, reminding me that fall is just around the corner. I think I'll take to running in the cooler temps quite well. I hated running in the hotter weather of this past spring.
Enjoy your weekend! I'll be revisiting my posts from the spring that showed my fear of the dreaded 3, 4, 5mi distances.... What happened in the end? Oh, that's right. I ran thirteen miles...and a tenth. So, I'll try not to be such a scardeycat as I face this second round of training.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)