Hot on the heels of my last upbeat blog entry, comes this entry.
A few weeks ago, I caught a cold, my first in a long time. It knocked me out for the weekend, but after that I felt fine. Mind you, I was still coughing and going through 1,000 tissues a day, but at least I didn't want to die anymore.
Well, as of today, I'm still sneezing, sniffling, and coughing. Ugh!!! In my head, I've had this cold for about 5 days. I took a look at my calendar and realized that this all started on March 2. Oopsy, I guess it's really hanging on!
I ran Monday and Tuesday and felt ok, but not 100%. The plan was to run an easy 6 miler today after work. I wasn't too enthused about it and was hoping my mood would change once I started.
I came home from work and changed into my running clothes. I turned on the Garmin and waited for the signal to pick up. I turned on my IPOD. I took off...
Fast forward (at a very slow, pathetic pace) three blocks. I have now switched to a walk. Fast forward another two blocks, I've stopped.
Now I'm considering my options. I could turn this into a run/walk and just log the miles. I could keep walking for a few miles and at least do something. I mean, it IS gorgeous outside!
Alas, I turned around and walked home. So, tonight's workout lasted a whopping 6 minutes and 3 seconds. Whoa, Nelly!
I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I took the trouble to put ON workout clothes, only to be gone for a few minutes.
But here's the thing, this happens. I don't know that I've ever punked out like this before, but I'm sure it's happened to someone, right? Please tell me I'm not wrong about this!
Rather than struggle through the 6 miles tonight, knowing I wasn't feeling well, I decided rest was better. Those of you who know what a stickler I am for a plan, know how hard it is for me to go OFF the plan. So, I must have been tired/sick, right?
Here's hoping I can still get in some quality runs this week! More importantly, I should probably continue to focus on rest, as this cold (potential sinus infection) doesn't seem to be going anywhere!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
7 weeks to go...
Marathon #7 is creeping closer and closer. I don't know where the time has gone, but I'm a bit surprised that it's nearly here! So far, training has gone pretty well.
I'm following a higher mileage plan this time around (Hal Higdon - Intermediate II). I wanted to do this for a few reasons. #1 - I wanted to change things up a little and not do the same exact plan. #2 - High mileage tends to be really difficult for me. The higher mileage weeks in previous plans were always the ones I had the most trouble completing.
When I do high mileage, I either burn out quickly or get so frustrated, that I walk more or slack on pace. So, THIS plan called for 3 - 50 mile weeks (including 3 - 20 milers) and I wanted to see if I could do it.
The most I've ever run in a week is 44 miles, and it was not what I would call easy or fun. Today, I hit a milestone - I ran 45 miles in one week! I know, for some of you runners, that is an "easy" week, but for me, it's an accomplishment of sorts.
I caught a cold last week, which meant I had to cut my mileage a bit short. So, I went into this week (still a little sick) hoping for the best. My plan called for 2x5 milers, 2x10 milers, and a 20 miler.
I took Monday off, because I was still feeling pretty crappy. I decided to see what I could do Tuesday, and ended up running an easy 10 miler. The weather is changing here, so I was excited to run Wednesday night as it was gorgeous. I had a good 5 mile run and felt great. I took Thursday off, in preparation for Friday's 20 miler.
By Friday, I was still sniffling, but not nearly as sick as the week before. Carrie and I had perfect weather for our 20, so we were pumped. The miles and time flew by and I ran it the fastest I've ever run 20 miles.
I debated running 5 Saturday morning, but I had a pretty busy day ahead, so I slept instead. Today, it was 54 degrees here! Unbelievable! So, I just HAD to get out there, no matter the mileage. I decided I'd just see how my legs felt and do whatever felt good. I ended up running a great 10 miler. It felt SO good to wear shorts and a t-shirt...ahhh!
My legs felt relaxed and the pace was perfect. The last 4 miles were a bit slower, as I was running into a fairly strong headwind. But, I enjoyed the entire run!
So, that brings me to 45 miles for the week. Here is why it's a big deal to me. It wasn't hard, I wasn't dragging my feet to go run today. My legs didn't feel like 150 pound weights attached to my hips.
Also, I'm not quite back to 100% yet. So, if I was able to do this while a little sick, I'm anxious to see what I can do when I'm healthy.
Do I think I can do 100 mile weeks? Um, no...I can say with some certainty that I won't have a desire to do that, ever!
Here's to hoping the rest of training goes well and leads to a PR at marathon #7!
I'm following a higher mileage plan this time around (Hal Higdon - Intermediate II). I wanted to do this for a few reasons. #1 - I wanted to change things up a little and not do the same exact plan. #2 - High mileage tends to be really difficult for me. The higher mileage weeks in previous plans were always the ones I had the most trouble completing.
When I do high mileage, I either burn out quickly or get so frustrated, that I walk more or slack on pace. So, THIS plan called for 3 - 50 mile weeks (including 3 - 20 milers) and I wanted to see if I could do it.
The most I've ever run in a week is 44 miles, and it was not what I would call easy or fun. Today, I hit a milestone - I ran 45 miles in one week! I know, for some of you runners, that is an "easy" week, but for me, it's an accomplishment of sorts.
I caught a cold last week, which meant I had to cut my mileage a bit short. So, I went into this week (still a little sick) hoping for the best. My plan called for 2x5 milers, 2x10 milers, and a 20 miler.
I took Monday off, because I was still feeling pretty crappy. I decided to see what I could do Tuesday, and ended up running an easy 10 miler. The weather is changing here, so I was excited to run Wednesday night as it was gorgeous. I had a good 5 mile run and felt great. I took Thursday off, in preparation for Friday's 20 miler.
By Friday, I was still sniffling, but not nearly as sick as the week before. Carrie and I had perfect weather for our 20, so we were pumped. The miles and time flew by and I ran it the fastest I've ever run 20 miles.
I debated running 5 Saturday morning, but I had a pretty busy day ahead, so I slept instead. Today, it was 54 degrees here! Unbelievable! So, I just HAD to get out there, no matter the mileage. I decided I'd just see how my legs felt and do whatever felt good. I ended up running a great 10 miler. It felt SO good to wear shorts and a t-shirt...ahhh!
My legs felt relaxed and the pace was perfect. The last 4 miles were a bit slower, as I was running into a fairly strong headwind. But, I enjoyed the entire run!
So, that brings me to 45 miles for the week. Here is why it's a big deal to me. It wasn't hard, I wasn't dragging my feet to go run today. My legs didn't feel like 150 pound weights attached to my hips.
Also, I'm not quite back to 100% yet. So, if I was able to do this while a little sick, I'm anxious to see what I can do when I'm healthy.
Do I think I can do 100 mile weeks? Um, no...I can say with some certainty that I won't have a desire to do that, ever!
Here's to hoping the rest of training goes well and leads to a PR at marathon #7!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
First race of 2010: Check!
Well, I've got my first race of the year checked off my list. The Freeze Fest 5K is a race put on by our local running club and it's always in February. Hence, the race's clever title! This was my third year running it and it is always a good time.
I'm following a higher mileage/more demanding marathon training plan right now and I'm about halfway through. While I'm doing ok with it, I can definitely feel the fatigue in my legs. Carrie and I ran 12 miles on Friday (the day before the 5K). This isn't ideal, but it's more important to me to get the long run in. Both of us were tired and just took the 12 miler nice and easy.
When I woke up on Saturday for the 5K, my legs were still telling me they weren't too pumped for a run, regardless that it was only 3 miles. I stretched and headed over to the race. Well...I was running a bit late, so I had to park at the other lodge, which was a little jaunt from the lodge where the race started. I did my "warm-up" jog/sprint to the lodge to get my bib and chip.
My goal for the 5K this year is to smash 24:00. My current PR is 24:25, so this should be achievable. I won't say I thought I'd break 24:00 on Saturday, but I did hope to have even a tiny PR. However, I'm also realistic and knew how my legs felt.
As the race started, I took off at a comfortable race pace and felt alright. I hit the first mile at 7:53 and was pleased. But, I wasn't feeling like I was going to be able to maintain that pace.
I was right. Mile 2 was 8:10, with mile 3 being 8:07. My final time was 25:34, an 8:14 pace. While this isn't a PR, it's also not my worst time or anything that truly disappoints me. I ran as hard as I could and this was the result. I can honestly say that this 5K hurt - which means I didn't go into it with the most rested legs. There are plenty more 5Ks this year and I plan to reach my goal at one of them!
The other cool thing about Saturday's race was the social atmosphere afterward. I ran into so many people I knew and it was fun to find out which marathons they're racing this year and what their plans are.
Again, one of the coolest things about running is the community of it. I have recently gotten to know a girl who is in my age group at a lot of races. She saw me at my gym (and at this race) and struck up a conversation about planning a run together. It turns out she's running the same Spring marathon as me! Very cool!
Then I ran into a high school girl I used to coach in basketball. She ran with her sister and her sister's friend. It was so cool to see her and talk to her about the race. Her sister is training for a half marathon and then a full and asked if she could run with me this summer. Um, YAH!
Running has a great way of bringing people together, no matter their pace or anything else. I remember growing up playing basketball. While I loved the game, I didn't like the cliques and the snottiness of a lot of the girls on the team. And, since it's a team sport, it's sort of important that everyone gets along.
Then I joined cross country my senior year. Oh. My. Gosh. I was completely shocked at the "team" atmosphere. I honestly had NO idea that THAT was what a team felt like. The varsity girls cheered for the junior varsity girls and vice versa. And we're talking genuine cheering here. I was never made to feel different since I was new to running and just joining the team my senior year. I felt encouraged at every practice and at every meet. Most importantly, we had FUN!
The good memories I have from that ONE year of cross country far outweigh any memories I have from playing basketball for 9 years. Isn't that interesting?
I'm following a higher mileage/more demanding marathon training plan right now and I'm about halfway through. While I'm doing ok with it, I can definitely feel the fatigue in my legs. Carrie and I ran 12 miles on Friday (the day before the 5K). This isn't ideal, but it's more important to me to get the long run in. Both of us were tired and just took the 12 miler nice and easy.
When I woke up on Saturday for the 5K, my legs were still telling me they weren't too pumped for a run, regardless that it was only 3 miles. I stretched and headed over to the race. Well...I was running a bit late, so I had to park at the other lodge, which was a little jaunt from the lodge where the race started. I did my "warm-up" jog/sprint to the lodge to get my bib and chip.
My goal for the 5K this year is to smash 24:00. My current PR is 24:25, so this should be achievable. I won't say I thought I'd break 24:00 on Saturday, but I did hope to have even a tiny PR. However, I'm also realistic and knew how my legs felt.
As the race started, I took off at a comfortable race pace and felt alright. I hit the first mile at 7:53 and was pleased. But, I wasn't feeling like I was going to be able to maintain that pace.
I was right. Mile 2 was 8:10, with mile 3 being 8:07. My final time was 25:34, an 8:14 pace. While this isn't a PR, it's also not my worst time or anything that truly disappoints me. I ran as hard as I could and this was the result. I can honestly say that this 5K hurt - which means I didn't go into it with the most rested legs. There are plenty more 5Ks this year and I plan to reach my goal at one of them!
The other cool thing about Saturday's race was the social atmosphere afterward. I ran into so many people I knew and it was fun to find out which marathons they're racing this year and what their plans are.
Again, one of the coolest things about running is the community of it. I have recently gotten to know a girl who is in my age group at a lot of races. She saw me at my gym (and at this race) and struck up a conversation about planning a run together. It turns out she's running the same Spring marathon as me! Very cool!
Then I ran into a high school girl I used to coach in basketball. She ran with her sister and her sister's friend. It was so cool to see her and talk to her about the race. Her sister is training for a half marathon and then a full and asked if she could run with me this summer. Um, YAH!
Running has a great way of bringing people together, no matter their pace or anything else. I remember growing up playing basketball. While I loved the game, I didn't like the cliques and the snottiness of a lot of the girls on the team. And, since it's a team sport, it's sort of important that everyone gets along.
Then I joined cross country my senior year. Oh. My. Gosh. I was completely shocked at the "team" atmosphere. I honestly had NO idea that THAT was what a team felt like. The varsity girls cheered for the junior varsity girls and vice versa. And we're talking genuine cheering here. I was never made to feel different since I was new to running and just joining the team my senior year. I felt encouraged at every practice and at every meet. Most importantly, we had FUN!
The good memories I have from that ONE year of cross country far outweigh any memories I have from playing basketball for 9 years. Isn't that interesting?
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