Apparently watching TV at the gym isn't my strong suit. Last night after work I headed to the gym to get a couple quick miles in. Except that instead of just listening to my iPod as usual, I just happened to end up at a treadmill where ESPN was playing on the TV. I was happily running along going nowhere watching the ticker scroll by with all sorts of interesting sports news when all of a sudden ... I had to get off or risk barfing. It pretty much came out of nowhere, but all of a sudden, I felt really sick to my stomach.
I started walking for a minute to see if I could start running again, but it just wasn't in the cards. I only really had 45 minutes at the gym and wanted to use them wisely, so I went to check out the other cardio equipment. I thought maybe I'd do the elliptical, but they were all taken so instead I did the Arc trainer for all of 15 minutes. I still wasn't feeling that great, so I ended up using my last 10 minutes for stretching. Which is probably something I need to do more of anyway.
I was really bummed that I wasn't feeling so hot, especially because Drew and I had tickets to the Knicks/Raptors game last night, which ended up being a really exciting game! After eating some pretzels and drinking lots of soda, I finally was coming around and feeling back to normal.
All of that was probably a big sign that I need to get out of the gym and back outside! Even though it was 24 degrees outside this morning (with the windchill, felt like 13), I got up and went for a run. I finally got to test out my new Garmin, which was exciting. Although it did take a while for the satellites to find me. Or me to find the satellites. I'm not sure which way it works. Finally, after telling the Garmin that I was not indoors or hundreds of miles away from my last location, it started working!
It started working at just about the perfect moment, too ... right as I was walking into Central Park (I started walking instead of running in the hopes that the satellites would find me more easily if I was moving slower). I decided to run on the Bridle Path for a number of reasons. First, because this marathon I'm signed up for is partially on a bridle path, so I thought I should get used to it. Second, because I've never been sure how far it is since Gmap Pedometer is lacking the Bridle Path route in Central Park.
The funniest thing about today? Turns out I've been properly guessing the miles all along. Who needs this fancy technology? Either way, I think I liked the watch. I still need to upload the software to my computer and see all the fancy stuff it can tell me, but I liked it. I had set it to auto-lap after each mile, so it was nice to have that beep at me. I did notice, however, that it's not so great at auto-pausing when you're totally stopped. It takes it a while to catch up to the fact that you're stopped. Which isn't a problem unless you're running on streets (like from the Park to my apartment) and you get caught at a lot of lights. I'm wondering if I change the auto pause from stopped to a very slow pace if it'll catch on more quickly?
Either way, I've got a lot of tinkering around to do still before I can really say what I think. For now, I'm glad I have it and I'll leave it at that! The one very basic thing that I've forgotten the last two times I ran outside is my Road ID. I'm wondering if I shouldn't just strap it to my shoe so that I can't forget it! Something about not having it on my wrist makes me more nervous when I'm running. But I never remember until I'm already far enough away from home that I can't just go back and grab it.
Wednesday Gymnasium
Running: 2.0 miles in 21:30 (10:45/mile)
Arc Trainer: 15 minutes
Thursday Central Park Running
Time: 56:09+5:00 = 1:01:09
Distance: 5.06 + 0.50 = 5.56 miles
Pace: 10:59/mile
Showing posts with label Central Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Central Park. Show all posts
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
What To Look For
OK, so I'm done running now! Well, until Sunday, that is. Then I've got the longest run of my life ahead of me! This morning it was 41 degrees and I wore shorts and a thicker long-sleeved shirt. I was a little bit cool at first, but I warmed up really quickly. That makes me think that my outfit for the race will be just perfect. I just ran to the Park, did a quick run around the Lower Loop, and headed home. I didn't even bother wearing a watch. Just running to shake out the legs and any nervous energy I might have.
A couple people have asked what I'll be wearing so that they can try and look for me, so I thought I'd post some pictures. Before the race, in the corral, I'll look something like this:
Yes, that is a Hello Kitty hat. The clothes that are collected at the start are donated to the Bethesda Project and I'm hoping that it'll make it's way to a little girl and make her day! I also thought that it could be a conversation starter in the corral (OK, really, Drew said that, but I'm hoping he's right). Either way, it's actually pretty nice with fleece-lined ear flaps!
As far as the actual race goes, I'm hoping to be looking something like this (smile and all!):
Except I'll have a lot of Gu stuffed in my side pockets, which does nothing for the hips! And I'll have a bib on too. I've heard that they have your names on them, but I figured wearing a shirt with my name on it would be more clear and hopefully more people will cheer for me. I'm thinking that I might need the encouragement (especially towards the end).
I'm also including the information for runner tracking. You can click here to sign-up if you feel like stalking me while I run. My bib number and information is listed below (which I think you need to get the updates!).
We leave for Philadelphia early tomorrow morning. I'm excited to get there and pick up my number and just have everything all set! Hopefully I'll see some of you there!
Running
Distance: 2.90 miles
A couple people have asked what I'll be wearing so that they can try and look for me, so I thought I'd post some pictures. Before the race, in the corral, I'll look something like this:
Yes, that is a Hello Kitty hat. The clothes that are collected at the start are donated to the Bethesda Project and I'm hoping that it'll make it's way to a little girl and make her day! I also thought that it could be a conversation starter in the corral (OK, really, Drew said that, but I'm hoping he's right). Either way, it's actually pretty nice with fleece-lined ear flaps!
As far as the actual race goes, I'm hoping to be looking something like this (smile and all!):
Except I'll have a lot of Gu stuffed in my side pockets, which does nothing for the hips! And I'll have a bib on too. I've heard that they have your names on them, but I figured wearing a shirt with my name on it would be more clear and hopefully more people will cheer for me. I'm thinking that I might need the encouragement (especially towards the end).
I'm also including the information for runner tracking. You can click here to sign-up if you feel like stalking me while I run. My bib number and information is listed below (which I think you need to get the updates!).
We leave for Philadelphia early tomorrow morning. I'm excited to get there and pick up my number and just have everything all set! Hopefully I'll see some of you there!
Running
Distance: 2.90 miles
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Are You Excited?
That seems to be the question of the day. Everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited for this marathon. The quick answer is no. I think I'd be worried about my sanity if I was jumping up and down with excitement at the prospect of putting my body through the most physically taxing thing I've asked to do so far. The thing I'm most excited for is that in 5 days the waiting will be over!
Of course, on the flip side, I am excited to see what I'm capable of and how my training works out in the end. I know I've put in the miles, but was it enough to get me to the finish line in the time that I want? I'm hoping that the answer to that question is yes.
The funny thing about this marathon is that I'm not really nervous. Maybe it's the difference between triathlon and just running races, but I'm really not nervous about this. I know I'll get to the end one way or another and something about the fact that there aren't three sports involved makes it a lot easier to somehow just instinctively know that.
I decided this morning that there wasn't any point in getting up early to go running. If this week is about resting up, I might as well sleep in and go running after work since I'd be up then no matter what. So, I went running after work. I didn't wear a watch tonight. I just wanted to go for a nice relaxing run.
That's not exactly how it went. It had sprinkled right before I left so there were a lot of wet (slippery) leaves on the road in the Park, which made me nervous that I'd slip and fall. I also seem to be having some sort of phantom knee pain. I know it's fake and that it's a taper pain, but it's annoying nonetheless. But, I made it home safe and sound and without any lingering knee issues, so it probably did me some good to get out there and shake out my legs!
Running
Distance: 4.20 miles
Of course, on the flip side, I am excited to see what I'm capable of and how my training works out in the end. I know I've put in the miles, but was it enough to get me to the finish line in the time that I want? I'm hoping that the answer to that question is yes.
The funny thing about this marathon is that I'm not really nervous. Maybe it's the difference between triathlon and just running races, but I'm really not nervous about this. I know I'll get to the end one way or another and something about the fact that there aren't three sports involved makes it a lot easier to somehow just instinctively know that.
I decided this morning that there wasn't any point in getting up early to go running. If this week is about resting up, I might as well sleep in and go running after work since I'd be up then no matter what. So, I went running after work. I didn't wear a watch tonight. I just wanted to go for a nice relaxing run.
That's not exactly how it went. It had sprinkled right before I left so there were a lot of wet (slippery) leaves on the road in the Park, which made me nervous that I'd slip and fall. I also seem to be having some sort of phantom knee pain. I know it's fake and that it's a taper pain, but it's annoying nonetheless. But, I made it home safe and sound and without any lingering knee issues, so it probably did me some good to get out there and shake out my legs!
Running
Distance: 4.20 miles
Friday, November 12, 2010
Forgetting
I find it really interesting that it's taken all this time during marathon training for two things to happen:
1. To go for a run with Drew
2. To realize that running is hard
Those two things may or may not be related. And to be totally fair, the last time I did run with Drew was in August and technically I was marathon training, but those were the early days! I'm actually not even sure I was officially signed up the last time we went running together.
So, the two of us went for a 4 mile run last night, which was Drew's idea. I have a good 3-mile loop in the Park, plus running back and forth from our apartment makes it right around 4 miles. Drew works out a lot, but he doesn't actually run all that often from what I understand (I don't actually know. To be honest, I don't love the gym, as you may have gathered, and that is where he likes to do the vast majority of his working out).
We started out running from our apartment to the Park and then off on my little route. There were a couple times where Drew asked if he was running too fast for me, but I felt like we were going along at a pretty decent pace. I must have sighed one times too many because he kept asking if I was okay, which I really appreciated, but also sort-of made me feel like I was a bad runner. I have to tell you, this is not a feeling that you really want to have leading up to a marathon.
However, it really seemed like the tides turned when we were getting closer to finishing the Park portion of our run. I could tell that Drew was definitely getting tired (and maybe tired isn't the right word, but just tired of running). The funny thing to me was that I was just starting to feel warmed up and like I could actually pick up the pace by a good bit and he was slowing down. Then, of course, I started asking him if he was okay. I realize now that it might have made him feel like a bad runner. Oops.
It's taken me all this time to realize that running is hard work. I don't consider myself a runner. I don't even really consider myself particularly good at running (there will be an upcoming post on these things). It just really made me take a step back and realize that running even one mile is a lot. Running four miles is really a lot. Especially when you don't do it that often.
I am really glad that Drew suggested running last night. I had a great time. I mostly wanted to go running because I got a new tank for running that I'm going to use in Philly (stay tuned) and I wanted to test it out prior to the race. I'm glad to say that it works amazingly well and I fully plan on wearing it. The weather was 52 when we were running last night and I wore shorts, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and the new tank and was just about perfect. I didn't even wear a watch, because at this point there isn't anything I can do to help my marathon training. All those miles are in the bag. Now I'm just running to keep myself from going crazy waiting for race day!
Running
Distance: 4.20 miles
1. To go for a run with Drew
2. To realize that running is hard
Those two things may or may not be related. And to be totally fair, the last time I did run with Drew was in August and technically I was marathon training, but those were the early days! I'm actually not even sure I was officially signed up the last time we went running together.
So, the two of us went for a 4 mile run last night, which was Drew's idea. I have a good 3-mile loop in the Park, plus running back and forth from our apartment makes it right around 4 miles. Drew works out a lot, but he doesn't actually run all that often from what I understand (I don't actually know. To be honest, I don't love the gym, as you may have gathered, and that is where he likes to do the vast majority of his working out).
We started out running from our apartment to the Park and then off on my little route. There were a couple times where Drew asked if he was running too fast for me, but I felt like we were going along at a pretty decent pace. I must have sighed one times too many because he kept asking if I was okay, which I really appreciated, but also sort-of made me feel like I was a bad runner. I have to tell you, this is not a feeling that you really want to have leading up to a marathon.
However, it really seemed like the tides turned when we were getting closer to finishing the Park portion of our run. I could tell that Drew was definitely getting tired (and maybe tired isn't the right word, but just tired of running). The funny thing to me was that I was just starting to feel warmed up and like I could actually pick up the pace by a good bit and he was slowing down. Then, of course, I started asking him if he was okay. I realize now that it might have made him feel like a bad runner. Oops.
It's taken me all this time to realize that running is hard work. I don't consider myself a runner. I don't even really consider myself particularly good at running (there will be an upcoming post on these things). It just really made me take a step back and realize that running even one mile is a lot. Running four miles is really a lot. Especially when you don't do it that often.
I am really glad that Drew suggested running last night. I had a great time. I mostly wanted to go running because I got a new tank for running that I'm going to use in Philly (stay tuned) and I wanted to test it out prior to the race. I'm glad to say that it works amazingly well and I fully plan on wearing it. The weather was 52 when we were running last night and I wore shorts, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt and the new tank and was just about perfect. I didn't even wear a watch, because at this point there isn't anything I can do to help my marathon training. All those miles are in the bag. Now I'm just running to keep myself from going crazy waiting for race day!
Running
Distance: 4.20 miles
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Wishing For A Marathon
Sunday morning I defied all the odds and woke up really early and set out for my long run for the week. I had mapped out a 15 mile long route to do and then I would do a 5 mile race in Central Park. I figured getting cups of water at the end of the route was probably a good plan. I also knew that it would be best for me to finish the day with the race since I didn't think I'd really want to run too much after that.
The race started at 8:30, which meant that because I'm not the speediest runner, I wanted to get out the door around 5:30 in order to make sure I wouldn't feel too pressured to get to the race on time. I actually ended up starting a bit late, which of course made me nervous, but it worked out perfectly in the end.
The first part of my run was from our apartment to the Westside Path and then South to the bottom of the island. It was totally dark and pretty lonely out there while I was running. I saw about as many people as you could count on one hand that were exercising. There were some people who hadn't quite made it home from their Halloween celebrations, though! Really, the only company I had were the 4 rats I saw out and about. I learned that if you stomp your feet, they run away. That seems like a really important thing to know.
I have to say that normally when I run south I run to Chambers Street and then head back. Today I went further south and ran along the esplanade in Battery Park City. I'm not sure that was the right call since it was dark and I wasn't 100% sure where I was going or where to turn around, but it ended up being okay. I was a little bit nervous there since there were some Parks Department people patrolling the area, which made me wonder if it's a high crime area? I wouldn't have thought so, but the patrolling didn't do anything to make me feel more confident.
I knew that this run was pretty much the make it or break it day when it came down to nutrition for the marathon. I decided that I would do what I'm planning on doing for the marathon, which is to have water only and then take a Gu a miles 5, 10, 15 and 20. I skipped the last one, but had the 5, 10 and 15 mile Gus and I have to say that it worked perfectly. I pretty much stopped at every drinking fountain I saw and it worked out great.
The truth is that the whole run was great. The first 15 miles were awesome. I was sort-of wondering if part of that was due to the fact that it was dark and a little bit chilly and I knew I had to be done by a certain time for the race? Whatever it was, it was great. I ended up timing it almost perfectly because I snuck into my corral for the race at 8:28, for a race that was supposed to start at 8:30. I will say that NYRR is pretty darn good about starting on time, but they were running just a couple minutes late on Sunday. Which meant that I didn't cross the start line until 8:40. When I started running again, I wasn't overly enthused, but I pretty much just told myself to run to the next cup of water.
I got water at all the aid stations and walked for a few steps to drink my water instead of have it splash down the front of my shirt. That's pretty much my marathon plan as well. I knew that I was doing a pretty good job pacing myself in the race. I started out a bit slow and really, really picked it up towards the end. It was great to know that I could still have a tiny bit of a kick left after 20 miles!
All in all, I just kept thinking that I was wishing the marathon had been on Sunday instead of in three weeks. Although I think I'm ready to scale back on the running, I'm also now paranoid that maybe I peaked too early and wasted all my efforts in getting ready for the marathon.
Running #1
Time: 2:38:39
Distance: 15.00 miles
Pace: 10:34/mile
Running #2 (Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off Race)
Time: 52:22
Distance: 5.00 miles
Pace: 10:28/mile
The race started at 8:30, which meant that because I'm not the speediest runner, I wanted to get out the door around 5:30 in order to make sure I wouldn't feel too pressured to get to the race on time. I actually ended up starting a bit late, which of course made me nervous, but it worked out perfectly in the end.
The first part of my run was from our apartment to the Westside Path and then South to the bottom of the island. It was totally dark and pretty lonely out there while I was running. I saw about as many people as you could count on one hand that were exercising. There were some people who hadn't quite made it home from their Halloween celebrations, though! Really, the only company I had were the 4 rats I saw out and about. I learned that if you stomp your feet, they run away. That seems like a really important thing to know.
I have to say that normally when I run south I run to Chambers Street and then head back. Today I went further south and ran along the esplanade in Battery Park City. I'm not sure that was the right call since it was dark and I wasn't 100% sure where I was going or where to turn around, but it ended up being okay. I was a little bit nervous there since there were some Parks Department people patrolling the area, which made me wonder if it's a high crime area? I wouldn't have thought so, but the patrolling didn't do anything to make me feel more confident.
I knew that this run was pretty much the make it or break it day when it came down to nutrition for the marathon. I decided that I would do what I'm planning on doing for the marathon, which is to have water only and then take a Gu a miles 5, 10, 15 and 20. I skipped the last one, but had the 5, 10 and 15 mile Gus and I have to say that it worked perfectly. I pretty much stopped at every drinking fountain I saw and it worked out great.
The truth is that the whole run was great. The first 15 miles were awesome. I was sort-of wondering if part of that was due to the fact that it was dark and a little bit chilly and I knew I had to be done by a certain time for the race? Whatever it was, it was great. I ended up timing it almost perfectly because I snuck into my corral for the race at 8:28, for a race that was supposed to start at 8:30. I will say that NYRR is pretty darn good about starting on time, but they were running just a couple minutes late on Sunday. Which meant that I didn't cross the start line until 8:40. When I started running again, I wasn't overly enthused, but I pretty much just told myself to run to the next cup of water.
I got water at all the aid stations and walked for a few steps to drink my water instead of have it splash down the front of my shirt. That's pretty much my marathon plan as well. I knew that I was doing a pretty good job pacing myself in the race. I started out a bit slow and really, really picked it up towards the end. It was great to know that I could still have a tiny bit of a kick left after 20 miles!
All in all, I just kept thinking that I was wishing the marathon had been on Sunday instead of in three weeks. Although I think I'm ready to scale back on the running, I'm also now paranoid that maybe I peaked too early and wasted all my efforts in getting ready for the marathon.
Running #1
Time: 2:38:39
Distance: 15.00 miles
Pace: 10:34/mile
Running #2 (Poland Spring Marathon Kick-Off Race)
Time: 52:22
Distance: 5.00 miles
Pace: 10:28/mile
Friday, October 29, 2010
Two Out Of Three
This week has been a bit up and down. I've gotten two of the three 5-mile runs in that I had planned and that's how it's going to stay now, until the big 20 miler on Sunday. I ended up running on Wednesday and Thursday this week. I had planned a longer run for Wednesday, but ended up keeping it shorter and trying to follow the plan.
I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed recently, partly with the marathon, and I think I'm more ready than ever to get out there and do the race. I've already promised myself that once it's over, I'm going to take some time off from all of this endurance sports business. I think I just need to re-group and figure out what's next. I actually decided not to sign up for the NYC Triathlon for 2011. I figure there are a lot of other races out there that I'd like to do and I'll give those a shot first.
Wednesday my run was pretty simple. Run north in Central Park to the Harlem Hill and then run home. I was thinking originally that I'd do some hill repeats, but then I realized that the plan only had me running 5 miles instead of 8 for a reason and I should stick with that. Of course, now that it's Friday and I didn't run today, I'm a little upset I didn't just do the 8, but I'll take it and be happy with it.
Both Wednesday and Thursday were nice and warm here in New York (in the 70s). And it's really weird to be wearing shorts and a tank top while running at the end of October, but I'm not going to complain. Wednesday was especially humid, which I sort-of forgot how it feels to run in such humidity. I am, however, a bit grateful that the weather will cool off for my long run over the weekend. I'm now terribly nervous that the day of the Philly marathon will be the coldest one we've had yet, but that will probably only help with running!
Thursday I ended up running in the evening because I needed to run to NYRR to pick up my race number and D-Tag for Sunday's 5-mile race in the Park. It's really a marathon kick-off race for the NYC marathon, but I figure I can use it as my marathon kick-off race too! I always thought that it would be a good idea to do one more race before the marathon, so this works out well.
I knew that I didn't have the best run ever on Wednesday, so yesterday I decided not to time myself. All I know is that it took 59 minutes to run from our apartment to NYRR, pick up my race number, and run home. I don't really know how much time was spent at NYRR or at stop lights, so I'm just guessing on the time below. It was actually sort-of nice to not be checking my watch all the time and feel slow!
I'm really nervous about this weekend's last long run. I've got the first 15 miles all mapped out and then I'll do the race as the last 5 miles. Of course, that means I have to get up ridiculously early in order to run 15 miles before the race starts at 8:30, but it also means that I'll be done running 20 miles and home by 10 am! Not too shabby for a morning's work!
Running - Wednesday
Time: 1:03:15
Distance: 5.60 miles
Pace: 11:15/mile
Running - Thursday
Time: ~52:00
Distance: 5.00 miles
Pace: 10:24/mile
I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed recently, partly with the marathon, and I think I'm more ready than ever to get out there and do the race. I've already promised myself that once it's over, I'm going to take some time off from all of this endurance sports business. I think I just need to re-group and figure out what's next. I actually decided not to sign up for the NYC Triathlon for 2011. I figure there are a lot of other races out there that I'd like to do and I'll give those a shot first.
Wednesday my run was pretty simple. Run north in Central Park to the Harlem Hill and then run home. I was thinking originally that I'd do some hill repeats, but then I realized that the plan only had me running 5 miles instead of 8 for a reason and I should stick with that. Of course, now that it's Friday and I didn't run today, I'm a little upset I didn't just do the 8, but I'll take it and be happy with it.
Both Wednesday and Thursday were nice and warm here in New York (in the 70s). And it's really weird to be wearing shorts and a tank top while running at the end of October, but I'm not going to complain. Wednesday was especially humid, which I sort-of forgot how it feels to run in such humidity. I am, however, a bit grateful that the weather will cool off for my long run over the weekend. I'm now terribly nervous that the day of the Philly marathon will be the coldest one we've had yet, but that will probably only help with running!
Thursday I ended up running in the evening because I needed to run to NYRR to pick up my race number and D-Tag for Sunday's 5-mile race in the Park. It's really a marathon kick-off race for the NYC marathon, but I figure I can use it as my marathon kick-off race too! I always thought that it would be a good idea to do one more race before the marathon, so this works out well.
I knew that I didn't have the best run ever on Wednesday, so yesterday I decided not to time myself. All I know is that it took 59 minutes to run from our apartment to NYRR, pick up my race number, and run home. I don't really know how much time was spent at NYRR or at stop lights, so I'm just guessing on the time below. It was actually sort-of nice to not be checking my watch all the time and feel slow!
I'm really nervous about this weekend's last long run. I've got the first 15 miles all mapped out and then I'll do the race as the last 5 miles. Of course, that means I have to get up ridiculously early in order to run 15 miles before the race starts at 8:30, but it also means that I'll be done running 20 miles and home by 10 am! Not too shabby for a morning's work!
Running - Wednesday
Time: 1:03:15
Distance: 5.60 miles
Pace: 11:15/mile
Running - Thursday
Time: ~52:00
Distance: 5.00 miles
Pace: 10:24/mile
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
I Run Alone
I'm still trying to figure out the best plan for myself and running. You'd think by this late in the game that I would have figured out what was working and what wasn't, but I think I've finally figured out that four runs a week isn't ideal for me. Even though I skipped running in the cold dark rain yesterday morning I did bring stuff to go to the gym after work. Except I ended up having to work late, so I skipped the gym too.
I tried to make up a little bit this morning by doing 8 miles instead of the scheduled 5. I actually had a great run this morning. I ran to the Park, ran north to the Harlem Hill and did two repeats on the hill (from 102nd Street Transverse to the Adam Clayton Powell entrance to the Park). That meant that miles 2.80-5.20 were all up and down hill. Which looked pretty familiar. I'm thinking that I need to do this run again with some more hill repeats than I did today as preparation for the marathon.
While I was running today, I was noticing a lot of groups or pairs of people running together. I was thinking about how I almost always run alone. Even at the Terrier runs that I go to, I tend to run alone. I was trying to figure out how I feel about that. I never feel lonely while running, but I think that sometimes if I had someone else to push me more than I'd push myself it could be nice.
Truthfully, I don't even really know who I would run with even if I was dying to have a running buddy. Everyone I know that runs is oodles faster than I am (especially with this slower running I've been doing while marathon training). I think I decided this morning that I'm pretty okay with running by myself. That's how all the races are, so I guess it's good to train how you're going to race.
I had another Gu today (vanilla bean flavor again) while running. I had it about 52 minutes into my run while running downhill. I noticed that it definitely slowed me down to eat and run at the same time, but I was able to do both without stopping to walk. I did then stop at a drinking fountain shortly after I was done to wash it all down. I also noticed that if you're trying to get the end of the Gu packet you should not stick the whole thing in your mouth in an effort to get the last of it out. Turns out that makes me a bit gaggy.
I'm pleasantly surprised to report that this Gu trial went over well. I forgot to buy them before my last long run on Saturday, so this was only my second attempt. I didn't have any stomach issues, so that's another win. I don't necessarily think that I needed the Gu today, but I am glad to keep trying them out before attempting it with a long run. I'll be interested to see how it goes on my long run this weekend.
Running
Time: 1:23:27
Distance: 8.00 miles
Pace: 10:25/mile
I tried to make up a little bit this morning by doing 8 miles instead of the scheduled 5. I actually had a great run this morning. I ran to the Park, ran north to the Harlem Hill and did two repeats on the hill (from 102nd Street Transverse to the Adam Clayton Powell entrance to the Park). That meant that miles 2.80-5.20 were all up and down hill. Which looked pretty familiar. I'm thinking that I need to do this run again with some more hill repeats than I did today as preparation for the marathon.
While I was running today, I was noticing a lot of groups or pairs of people running together. I was thinking about how I almost always run alone. Even at the Terrier runs that I go to, I tend to run alone. I was trying to figure out how I feel about that. I never feel lonely while running, but I think that sometimes if I had someone else to push me more than I'd push myself it could be nice.
Truthfully, I don't even really know who I would run with even if I was dying to have a running buddy. Everyone I know that runs is oodles faster than I am (especially with this slower running I've been doing while marathon training). I think I decided this morning that I'm pretty okay with running by myself. That's how all the races are, so I guess it's good to train how you're going to race.
I had another Gu today (vanilla bean flavor again) while running. I had it about 52 minutes into my run while running downhill. I noticed that it definitely slowed me down to eat and run at the same time, but I was able to do both without stopping to walk. I did then stop at a drinking fountain shortly after I was done to wash it all down. I also noticed that if you're trying to get the end of the Gu packet you should not stick the whole thing in your mouth in an effort to get the last of it out. Turns out that makes me a bit gaggy.
I'm pleasantly surprised to report that this Gu trial went over well. I forgot to buy them before my last long run on Saturday, so this was only my second attempt. I didn't have any stomach issues, so that's another win. I don't necessarily think that I needed the Gu today, but I am glad to keep trying them out before attempting it with a long run. I'll be interested to see how it goes on my long run this weekend.
Running
Time: 1:23:27
Distance: 8.00 miles
Pace: 10:25/mile
Friday, October 15, 2010
Same Temperature, But Colder
Normally when I'm a bad blogger, it means I've also been a bad exerciser. Not so today! I'm actually doing really well with my mileage so far this week. Funny how that works when you actually stick to the plan. I keep looking back on my past weeks and feeling down on myself about lots of missed miles. But, let's get to the actual workouts...
Yesterday I was supposed to run 8 miles, but I wasn't quite sure I'd have enough time for that. The past few mornings have involved some version of the following events:
1. Alarm goes off
2. I press snooze
3. Alarm goes off
4. I press snooze
5. Drew wakes up and says, "You should get up!"
6. Alarm goes off
7. I press snooze
8. Drew pokes me and says "You need to go running!"
9. Alarm goes off
10. I press snooze
So, you know, I've been waiting until the last possible second to get out of bed and actually get some miles in before work. Hoping to do a better job on that next week, but in truth, I'm just bad at waking up.
Yesterday it was 50 when I was leaving and I threw on a long-sleeved shirt and capris. I wasn't really sure that I needed to be wearing capris, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I might want to wear them for the marathon, so I figured I should get in some practice runs. I headed to the Westside Path and had a nice run down and up the island.
The big news from yesterday is that I ate a Gu. And it didn't even give me any stomach issues like it has in the past. I had a free Gu from the swag from my Central Park Biathlon and wanted to try it on a shorter run so that if I did have any issues, I wouldn't be ruining a long run. The flavor I had was Vanilla Bean and I wasn't sure how it would taste. Tasted kind of like frosting and as soon as I ate the first bit, I wasn't really sure I wanted to be eating frosting while running. But then my tummy seemed okay with it, so maybe I actually do want to be eating frosting while running?
I'm hoping to give this another shot on this weekend's "long run", which is actually a step-back week, so long is only 13! I'm hopeful that the added calories will help me feel better (and maybe less thirsty?) at the end of these runs.
Today was also 50 and since I was a bit warm yesterday, I wore a slightly thinner long-sleeved shirt and capris again. Except that the wind today was a bit crazy and I was really glad to have on as many clothes as I did, especially while starting running and waiting to warm up! This morning I decided to go to the Park and was thinking I'd do the same run I did on Wednesday.
Except that when I got to the Reservoir, I realized that I haven't run on the Bridle Path in quite some time, so I decided to do a loop around there and then head back home. It rained like crazy last night and the puddles on the path were pretty huge. I felt like I added on an additional half mile just running back and forth around all the puddles!
When I was running today, I was thinking about marathon and those missed miles that I have. I can't go back and redo those weeks and I certainly don't think I can try to make up for them. So, I just decided that I'm going to try to take a new outlook on the situation and say that every mile I run from now on will make the marathon a tiny bit easier. We'll see how long this lasts.
Thursday Running, Westside Path
Time: 1:15:00
Distance: 7.10 miles
Pace: 10:35/mile
Friday Running, Central Park
Time: 54:40
Distance: 5.10 miles
Pace: 10:48/mile
I can't believe how close to the end I'm getting of the Wardrobe Challenge. I know that being busy with work and running have really helped time fly by.
Wednesday night (Day 24), I went out after work to the Ingrid Michaelson concert and felt obligated to take a photo to show you my after-work outfit. Purple long-sleeved shirt, black v-neck sweater, jeans, silver circle earrings and gray Converse:
Thursday, Day 25: Gray skirt, green turtleneck, gray tights, green and silver earrings. Worn with black flats (my right pinky toe is sore and the flats were the most comfortable shoes).
Friday, Day 26: Black pants, blue sweater, diamond earrings and two gold bangle bracelets. Worn with the high-heeled mary janes, of course!
Yesterday I was supposed to run 8 miles, but I wasn't quite sure I'd have enough time for that. The past few mornings have involved some version of the following events:
1. Alarm goes off
2. I press snooze
3. Alarm goes off
4. I press snooze
5. Drew wakes up and says, "You should get up!"
6. Alarm goes off
7. I press snooze
8. Drew pokes me and says "You need to go running!"
9. Alarm goes off
10. I press snooze
So, you know, I've been waiting until the last possible second to get out of bed and actually get some miles in before work. Hoping to do a better job on that next week, but in truth, I'm just bad at waking up.
Yesterday it was 50 when I was leaving and I threw on a long-sleeved shirt and capris. I wasn't really sure that I needed to be wearing capris, but I have a sneaking suspicion that I might want to wear them for the marathon, so I figured I should get in some practice runs. I headed to the Westside Path and had a nice run down and up the island.
The big news from yesterday is that I ate a Gu. And it didn't even give me any stomach issues like it has in the past. I had a free Gu from the swag from my Central Park Biathlon and wanted to try it on a shorter run so that if I did have any issues, I wouldn't be ruining a long run. The flavor I had was Vanilla Bean and I wasn't sure how it would taste. Tasted kind of like frosting and as soon as I ate the first bit, I wasn't really sure I wanted to be eating frosting while running. But then my tummy seemed okay with it, so maybe I actually do want to be eating frosting while running?
I'm hoping to give this another shot on this weekend's "long run", which is actually a step-back week, so long is only 13! I'm hopeful that the added calories will help me feel better (and maybe less thirsty?) at the end of these runs.
Today was also 50 and since I was a bit warm yesterday, I wore a slightly thinner long-sleeved shirt and capris again. Except that the wind today was a bit crazy and I was really glad to have on as many clothes as I did, especially while starting running and waiting to warm up! This morning I decided to go to the Park and was thinking I'd do the same run I did on Wednesday.
Except that when I got to the Reservoir, I realized that I haven't run on the Bridle Path in quite some time, so I decided to do a loop around there and then head back home. It rained like crazy last night and the puddles on the path were pretty huge. I felt like I added on an additional half mile just running back and forth around all the puddles!
When I was running today, I was thinking about marathon and those missed miles that I have. I can't go back and redo those weeks and I certainly don't think I can try to make up for them. So, I just decided that I'm going to try to take a new outlook on the situation and say that every mile I run from now on will make the marathon a tiny bit easier. We'll see how long this lasts.
Thursday Running, Westside Path
Time: 1:15:00
Distance: 7.10 miles
Pace: 10:35/mile
Friday Running, Central Park
Time: 54:40
Distance: 5.10 miles
Pace: 10:48/mile
I can't believe how close to the end I'm getting of the Wardrobe Challenge. I know that being busy with work and running have really helped time fly by.
Wednesday night (Day 24), I went out after work to the Ingrid Michaelson concert and felt obligated to take a photo to show you my after-work outfit. Purple long-sleeved shirt, black v-neck sweater, jeans, silver circle earrings and gray Converse:
Thursday, Day 25: Gray skirt, green turtleneck, gray tights, green and silver earrings. Worn with black flats (my right pinky toe is sore and the flats were the most comfortable shoes).
Friday, Day 26: Black pants, blue sweater, diamond earrings and two gold bangle bracelets. Worn with the high-heeled mary janes, of course!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Jingle Jangle Morning
This morning was a chilly one here in the Big Apple. I'm thinking that Fall might finally be here to stay, which is a bit of a bummer. Even though the summer was brutally hot, I really prefer that to fall and winter. Oh well. I dragged myself out of bed this morning to go running. In truth, I actually got up yesterday, put on running clothes and then got back into bed wearing all my running clothes, including socks and hat and went back to bed for another hour and a half. So, I guess that just proves that getting dressed isn't half the battle. Getting yourself out the door is!
I managed to get out the door today, so that seems like a good first step. I think I'll still be okay in the miles department. I was always sort-of planning on having a step-back week this week since Drew's parents and sister will be visiting starting tomorrow. On tap for today was 5 miles. I don't really have a good 5-mile route. Which is funny because there is a really good 5 mile route in the Park, but I've been including the mileage running to and from the Park and I can't quite get it to work out perfectly yet.
So, I ran to the Park and was wearing shorts and a long-sleeved shirt. I had been thinking of wearing a thin one, but when I realized that it was still pretty chilly, I decided on a thicker one that had a back pocket. I stuck my keys in there and they jingled along the whole time I was running. Which, I'm going to be honest, was sort-of annoying. And immediately this song got stuck in my head. While I really like the song, I could only think of the phrase "in the jingle jangle morning I'll come following you". It's a lot better when you can think of more words to repeat, I think.
There was actually a second jingle jangle incident this morning. I'm running down the west side of the road in the Park and I hear someone ringing and ringing a bike bell. I didn't really think anything of it because I was in the running lane. But, a guy comes up behind me on his bike and yells, "HEY!" and then proceeds to keep riding in the running lane. I know I'm a pretty big stickler on the rules and while that is the bike lane when cars are allowed in the Park, in the early morning and at night when there are no cars, it's for pedestrians! Of course, I felt obligated to yell after the biker and tell him the rules, which only makes me look crazy, I think.
I decided not to run all the way home since I knew that I'd already gone well over 5 miles and it was getting late and I don't do well with pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks, so I just walked home from the Park. Worked out pretty well overall, though!
Running
Time: 59:01
Distance: 5.65 miles
Pace: 10:26/mile
Still enjoying the Wardrobe Challenge. Pretty sure that both Monday and Tuesday's outfits are new ones (combos not yet worn), which seems impressive to me this late in the game.
Monday, Day 22: Black short-sleeved sweater, gray skirt. Worn with black flats (although I did bring heels to work, I never changed). I also wore the new necklace Drew got me in Germany, but again didn't take a close-up.
Tuesday, Day 23: Gray t-shirt and black pants. I wasn't actually planning on wearing this shirt again so soon, but I forgot that it was flu-shot day at work and it seemed best to be wearing short-sleeves. Only accessory today were glasses. And I'm standing in the other direction because Drew made fun of me recently for always having the same pose, so I switched it up!
Wednesday, Day 24: Purple long-sleeved shirt and black mini skirt. Worn with black fishnet stockings. I was going to wear different tights, but when I put them on they had a hole the size of my fist, which didn't seem ideal, so these got second prize. And, although they're not pictured, I am wearing my elephant hair earrings. I also brought the black v-neck sweater to wear over this as a "jacket" to work. I'm going out later and didn't actually want to have a jacket, so that's the reason for the layers.
I managed to get out the door today, so that seems like a good first step. I think I'll still be okay in the miles department. I was always sort-of planning on having a step-back week this week since Drew's parents and sister will be visiting starting tomorrow. On tap for today was 5 miles. I don't really have a good 5-mile route. Which is funny because there is a really good 5 mile route in the Park, but I've been including the mileage running to and from the Park and I can't quite get it to work out perfectly yet.
So, I ran to the Park and was wearing shorts and a long-sleeved shirt. I had been thinking of wearing a thin one, but when I realized that it was still pretty chilly, I decided on a thicker one that had a back pocket. I stuck my keys in there and they jingled along the whole time I was running. Which, I'm going to be honest, was sort-of annoying. And immediately this song got stuck in my head. While I really like the song, I could only think of the phrase "in the jingle jangle morning I'll come following you". It's a lot better when you can think of more words to repeat, I think.
There was actually a second jingle jangle incident this morning. I'm running down the west side of the road in the Park and I hear someone ringing and ringing a bike bell. I didn't really think anything of it because I was in the running lane. But, a guy comes up behind me on his bike and yells, "HEY!" and then proceeds to keep riding in the running lane. I know I'm a pretty big stickler on the rules and while that is the bike lane when cars are allowed in the Park, in the early morning and at night when there are no cars, it's for pedestrians! Of course, I felt obligated to yell after the biker and tell him the rules, which only makes me look crazy, I think.
I decided not to run all the way home since I knew that I'd already gone well over 5 miles and it was getting late and I don't do well with pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks, so I just walked home from the Park. Worked out pretty well overall, though!
Running
Time: 59:01
Distance: 5.65 miles
Pace: 10:26/mile
Still enjoying the Wardrobe Challenge. Pretty sure that both Monday and Tuesday's outfits are new ones (combos not yet worn), which seems impressive to me this late in the game.
Monday, Day 22: Black short-sleeved sweater, gray skirt. Worn with black flats (although I did bring heels to work, I never changed). I also wore the new necklace Drew got me in Germany, but again didn't take a close-up.
Tuesday, Day 23: Gray t-shirt and black pants. I wasn't actually planning on wearing this shirt again so soon, but I forgot that it was flu-shot day at work and it seemed best to be wearing short-sleeves. Only accessory today were glasses. And I'm standing in the other direction because Drew made fun of me recently for always having the same pose, so I switched it up!
Wednesday, Day 24: Purple long-sleeved shirt and black mini skirt. Worn with black fishnet stockings. I was going to wear different tights, but when I put them on they had a hole the size of my fist, which didn't seem ideal, so these got second prize. And, although they're not pictured, I am wearing my elephant hair earrings. I also brought the black v-neck sweater to wear over this as a "jacket" to work. I'm going out later and didn't actually want to have a jacket, so that's the reason for the layers.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Almost 23 Mile Weekend Recap
Saturday I knew I had to get a long run. A really good long run. And my longest long run yet. I had mapped out what I thought would be the perfect 19 mile run. It would take me across the George Washington Bridge, just into New Jersey, and then back home. I've been biking across the bridge several times, but never running and I figured that it couldn't be that hard to figure out how to get there.
So, I did my usual run up the Westside Path and when I got to the base of the bridge, instead of turning around and heading home, I kept going up the hills to the pedestrian bridge at 181st Street. The first hill wasn't so bad. The second hill, I made it up and practically doubled over trying to catch my breath. Holy cow. That's a steep climb. The only thing that made me feel good about this is the biker I was chasing up the hill, I caught on the second hill and the second hill the biker walked and I ran up! So, at least I've got that going for me.
After I got across the pedestrian bridge and was at the corner of 181st Street and Riverside Drive and I made a fatal error. I headed south right away towards the bridge, which was a really big mistake. I basically ended up getting lost and running along the side of the entrance to the freeway not on any sort of sidewalk, but under the bridge and under the road (sort-of) and all I can say is that I was scared.
I eventually saw a staircase that should have taken me where I wanted to go, so I started up the stairs and took a spill up the stairs. I wasn't too worried about this until I realized that I fell into a bunch of drug paraphernalia, which wasn't ideal. I made my way up the rest of the stairs only to discover that there was a wall at the top, which I couldn't get over. So, I made my way back down the stairs. I decided to turn off my watch because obviously I wasn't going anywhere and I wasn't running and in fact I was blinking back tears.
Finally, I made my way back to the sidewalks and regular roads, started my watch and started running again, and couldn't decide if I should just go home and be okay with a shorter run or if I should make my way back to the bridge and do the original run plus a little extra. I was bound and determined to figure out this whole bridge thing, so I made my way across the bridge and back.
Holy cow, it's windy on the bridge. But the views are pretty awesome. It was almost worth getting lost to see it. It reminded me of the first time I rode my bike up the bridge and got lost getting there. I would have thought that on foot (since I theoretically knew where I was going) it would have been a lot harder to get lost. Not so much. So, here's a word to the wise: if you're running on the Westside Path and get to the 181st Street pedestrian bridge, head East for a couple blocks before you head South. Your run will be much more enjoyable!
After getting back to New York from my very brief visit to New Jersey, I made my way back to the Westside Path, now that I had a much better idea of where I was going. And then I ran home. I had a pretty good nutrition plan for this run and it worked really well up to a point. Starting at around 35 minutes, I had a sip of Gatorade every 10 minutes. At one hour and two hours I ate 4 jelly beans each time followed by some water. I had my third set of jelly beans at 2:45:00 because it just seemed like a good time.
After that, I was pretty much parched. So, I'm still not doing something quite right because at some point on all these long runs, I basically feel like I cannot drink enough. The only problem? I have no idea what to do about it.
After about 3:15:00, I had pretty much had it. I was tired of running and tired of having my Fuel Belt around my hips and just wanted to be done. It was at this point where I think I hit my mental wall and I'm not really convinced that I came out ahead on this one. I just kept thinking that if I was tired now, how would I ever finish a marathon? I would still have so many miles left to go. So, I just did the best I could getting home. I definitely took several (quick) walking breaks. I would mostly count to 5 or 10 in my head while walking and then start running again. I also took my Fuel Belt off and wore it around my neck/shoulder. I got a lot of funny looks, but I didn't care.
When I got home, I just laid down on the ground for a while, before figuring out that my 19 mile run was a 19.75 mile run (plus a little extra not counted for getting lost). I've never felt so discouraged after a long run. The funny thing is that I actually did pretty well on the pacing. I think the problem really was getting lost. If I had just made it to the bridge and done the run as planned, I think (I hope) I would have felt a lot better in the end. The good news is that I've still got a couple more long runs to go before the race!
Today I needed to put that discouragement behind me. I was on-call at work from 12 to 4, but ended up not having to go in, so at 4:00 I changed into running clothes and headed out for a really short 3-mile run. I went to the Park, where I knew I couldn't get lost and where I've done this 3 mile run on several occasions. It seemed almost fool-proof. Plus, there were so many people to look at, it couldn't be boring! On my walk to the Park, one of the bike rental guys looked at me and said, "Running is overrated, you know." On some days, I couldn't agree more!
I also decided not to wear my watch or any other gadget. Of course, I had to look at the big CNN clock at Columbus Circle on the way into the Park and the way out of the Park and it turns out that I ran the 3 miles in 31 minutes. I'll take it. The most important thing was that I enjoyed the run and my legs felt good, so I must have still had something in them yesterday, too. Makes me feel a lot better overall.
Saturday Running
Time: 3:34:20
Distance: 19.75 miles
Pace: 10:51/mile
Distance: 3.00 miles
Pace: 10:20/mile
Wardrobe Challenge is still ongoing!
Friday, Day 19: Black pants and black short-sleeved sweater with glasses and a necklace from a sidewalk guy in Barcelona. Oh, and Drew says hello!
Saturday, Day 20: Jeans, gray short-sleeved t-shirt paired with silver headband and silver bangles. Wore gray Converse with this outfit.
Sunday, Day 21: I have to confess, I've been cheating a little bit. Drew is a huge San Francisco Giants fan (as a result of being a huge Will Clark fan as a kid) and the Giants are currently in the playoffs. I've been wearing various Giants gear, but up until today, it was all pretty much in the "pajama" category since until now, the games pretty much started at 10 pm. But, today's game started at 4:30 and so I'm wearing a Will Clark t-shirt with jeans. However, I did not wear this out of the house, so it's borderline debatable that it's a real outfit and if the Giants weren't playing, I probably wouldn't have really gotten dressed at all today, but I felt I needed to come clean on my cheating:
So, I did my usual run up the Westside Path and when I got to the base of the bridge, instead of turning around and heading home, I kept going up the hills to the pedestrian bridge at 181st Street. The first hill wasn't so bad. The second hill, I made it up and practically doubled over trying to catch my breath. Holy cow. That's a steep climb. The only thing that made me feel good about this is the biker I was chasing up the hill, I caught on the second hill and the second hill the biker walked and I ran up! So, at least I've got that going for me.
After I got across the pedestrian bridge and was at the corner of 181st Street and Riverside Drive and I made a fatal error. I headed south right away towards the bridge, which was a really big mistake. I basically ended up getting lost and running along the side of the entrance to the freeway not on any sort of sidewalk, but under the bridge and under the road (sort-of) and all I can say is that I was scared.
I eventually saw a staircase that should have taken me where I wanted to go, so I started up the stairs and took a spill up the stairs. I wasn't too worried about this until I realized that I fell into a bunch of drug paraphernalia, which wasn't ideal. I made my way up the rest of the stairs only to discover that there was a wall at the top, which I couldn't get over. So, I made my way back down the stairs. I decided to turn off my watch because obviously I wasn't going anywhere and I wasn't running and in fact I was blinking back tears.
Finally, I made my way back to the sidewalks and regular roads, started my watch and started running again, and couldn't decide if I should just go home and be okay with a shorter run or if I should make my way back to the bridge and do the original run plus a little extra. I was bound and determined to figure out this whole bridge thing, so I made my way across the bridge and back.
Holy cow, it's windy on the bridge. But the views are pretty awesome. It was almost worth getting lost to see it. It reminded me of the first time I rode my bike up the bridge and got lost getting there. I would have thought that on foot (since I theoretically knew where I was going) it would have been a lot harder to get lost. Not so much. So, here's a word to the wise: if you're running on the Westside Path and get to the 181st Street pedestrian bridge, head East for a couple blocks before you head South. Your run will be much more enjoyable!
After getting back to New York from my very brief visit to New Jersey, I made my way back to the Westside Path, now that I had a much better idea of where I was going. And then I ran home. I had a pretty good nutrition plan for this run and it worked really well up to a point. Starting at around 35 minutes, I had a sip of Gatorade every 10 minutes. At one hour and two hours I ate 4 jelly beans each time followed by some water. I had my third set of jelly beans at 2:45:00 because it just seemed like a good time.
After that, I was pretty much parched. So, I'm still not doing something quite right because at some point on all these long runs, I basically feel like I cannot drink enough. The only problem? I have no idea what to do about it.
After about 3:15:00, I had pretty much had it. I was tired of running and tired of having my Fuel Belt around my hips and just wanted to be done. It was at this point where I think I hit my mental wall and I'm not really convinced that I came out ahead on this one. I just kept thinking that if I was tired now, how would I ever finish a marathon? I would still have so many miles left to go. So, I just did the best I could getting home. I definitely took several (quick) walking breaks. I would mostly count to 5 or 10 in my head while walking and then start running again. I also took my Fuel Belt off and wore it around my neck/shoulder. I got a lot of funny looks, but I didn't care.
When I got home, I just laid down on the ground for a while, before figuring out that my 19 mile run was a 19.75 mile run (plus a little extra not counted for getting lost). I've never felt so discouraged after a long run. The funny thing is that I actually did pretty well on the pacing. I think the problem really was getting lost. If I had just made it to the bridge and done the run as planned, I think (I hope) I would have felt a lot better in the end. The good news is that I've still got a couple more long runs to go before the race!
Today I needed to put that discouragement behind me. I was on-call at work from 12 to 4, but ended up not having to go in, so at 4:00 I changed into running clothes and headed out for a really short 3-mile run. I went to the Park, where I knew I couldn't get lost and where I've done this 3 mile run on several occasions. It seemed almost fool-proof. Plus, there were so many people to look at, it couldn't be boring! On my walk to the Park, one of the bike rental guys looked at me and said, "Running is overrated, you know." On some days, I couldn't agree more!
I also decided not to wear my watch or any other gadget. Of course, I had to look at the big CNN clock at Columbus Circle on the way into the Park and the way out of the Park and it turns out that I ran the 3 miles in 31 minutes. I'll take it. The most important thing was that I enjoyed the run and my legs felt good, so I must have still had something in them yesterday, too. Makes me feel a lot better overall.
Saturday Running
Time: 3:34:20
Distance: 19.75 miles
Pace: 10:51/mile
Sunday Running
Time: 31:00Distance: 3.00 miles
Pace: 10:20/mile
Wardrobe Challenge is still ongoing!
Friday, Day 19: Black pants and black short-sleeved sweater with glasses and a necklace from a sidewalk guy in Barcelona. Oh, and Drew says hello!
Saturday, Day 20: Jeans, gray short-sleeved t-shirt paired with silver headband and silver bangles. Wore gray Converse with this outfit.
Sunday, Day 21: I have to confess, I've been cheating a little bit. Drew is a huge San Francisco Giants fan (as a result of being a huge Will Clark fan as a kid) and the Giants are currently in the playoffs. I've been wearing various Giants gear, but up until today, it was all pretty much in the "pajama" category since until now, the games pretty much started at 10 pm. But, today's game started at 4:30 and so I'm wearing a Will Clark t-shirt with jeans. However, I did not wear this out of the house, so it's borderline debatable that it's a real outfit and if the Giants weren't playing, I probably wouldn't have really gotten dressed at all today, but I felt I needed to come clean on my cheating:
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Central Park Biathlon
Yesterday I did nothing except work. Not overly happy about this, but I can't go back in time and get up earlier and go running before work, so I'm over it. I always knew that this time would be rough with work and I can't stretch myself too thin otherwise I'll never make it through with my sanity in check, so I'm doing the best I can for now.
Today Drew and I had signed up for the 26th Annual Central Park Biathlon. Just to be clear, I did not ski or shoot. I would have classified what I did as a duathlon, consisting of running and biking, but I didn't title this race, and I think it's a bit confusing. Unfortunately, I ended up having to do the race by myself since Drew had to be on a plane to D.C. this morning and couldn't do the race as well.
This morning was a bit cooler than it has been recently, so I wore tri shorts, a long-sleeved shirt and my Terrier bike vest to keep myself warm on the bike. As soon as I got on my bike to ride to the Park, I felt pretty cold, but knew I'd warm up as time went on. I got to the race site and racked my bike and then went to check in. Funnily enough, the person checking me was Krista! Both her and her husband were volunteering at the race. I only got to say a quick hello since there were other people waiting to get their race numbers also.
I put my number on my bike and on my race belt and still had plenty of time to kill before the race started, so I decided to go for a quick warm-up run. I decided that I'd run for 8 minutes out and then run back. It actually worked out perfectly, because right when I got back, the race director had just started giving out instructions about the race and the race course. He also mentioned that if anyone was seen using headphones, they'd be disqualified. This fact was also in the official rules listed on the website.
As we were lining up for the start, I saw my friend Lisa. We chatted for a couple minutes before the gun went off. It was definitely nice to see a friendly face. The race started pretty much on time, which was nice. The running course was from the Central Park Boathouse up to 96th Street and back again. Pretty uneventful.
Of course, I ended up seeing two people wearing headphones. Both people only had one earbud in their ears, but I don't really think that makes a difference. I told both people that they were breaking the rules and if they didn't take them out, they would be disqualified. Even if that meant that I had to tell an official myself. Maybe that's mean of me, but it was in the rules and the race director had told us about 10 minutes before that it was against the rules. I don't think I was out of line. Especially since everyone else was following the rules. I don't think they should get a free pass.
I had told Drew yesterday that my only goal was to finish this race in under two hours. Even with my normal slow pace, that was more than doable, so I wasn't in any sort of rush on the run. I was a little bit warm with the biking vest on while I was running, but I knew it'd be good to have on the bike.
When I got back to transition, I changed shoes and grabbed my bike and headed out. The course was to do two loops of the Park. I have to say, I would have been happier only doing one loop, but of course I did both. During the first loop, I had a near accident with a guy walking his dogs. I actually was a bit upset with both the guy (for not looking) and the volunteer who was standing next to him (for not saying anything). I know the volunteers have a hard job, but it was really close call!
The second loop wasn't quite as eventful. I was really glad the whole time that I was wearing the biking vest. Every time there was a big gust of wind, it was really nice to have on. There was a girl in front of me on a mountain bike and was wearing tennis shoes. I was bound and determined not to let her beat me in on the bike. Even though I only came in about 1 second before her, somehow that made me feel better. When I went into the second transition, I took off my bike vest for the second run.
When I was on the bike, I noticed that the run course was a bit longer than a mile. I even came home and checked Gmap Pedometer, and it also says that the run course was long, so I actually feel pretty awesome about my run times now. It turned out to be a good thing because as I was finishing, Lisa and her other Asphalt Green teammates were cheering for me, but they had mixed emotions about cheering for someone wearing Terrier gear, which I wasn't wearing when they were cheering for me! I have to say that it was really, really nice to have someone cheering for me at the finish!
After the race, I chatted with Lisa for a few minutes, grabbed half a bagel and an orange slice and headed home. I had to work again today, which was probably the only reason that I actually got dressed in real clothes today! Otherwise I would have been quite content to stay in pajamas. I also had been thinking that perhaps I would be able to get a few more running miles in before heading to work, but it wasn't in the cards for today. All I can say is that tomorrow is a new week and I'm going to start fresh then.
Running (pre-race)
Time: 15:54
Distance: 1.60 miles
Pace: 9:56/mile
Calories: 138
Maximum HR: 175 (83%)
Average HR: 163 (77%)
Biathlon
Run 1: 21:30
T1: 1:10
Bike: 51:05
T2: 2:26
Run 2: 21:34
Total Time:1:36:31
Calories: 894
Maximum HR: 191 (90%)
Average HR:170 (80%)
I measured the runs as 2.25 miles each and the bike as 12.18 miles. That gives me a total of 6.10 miles running for the day.
Saturday, Day 13: Wore jeans, black v-neck sweater and gray Converse. We thought that the cat needed a redeeming photo after her alien eyes from before, so she's making an appearance again. Not that you can see it, but I started out wearing a silver necklace and ended up changing it in the evening for dinner to a new one. I'll be wearing the new one again, so will take a photo later.
Sunday, Day 14: Wore jeans and green turtleneck with gray Converse. Jewelry consists of pearl stud earrings from my grandma. My grandma didn't have pierced ears, so I actually had the earrings changed from clip-ons to studs.
Today Drew and I had signed up for the 26th Annual Central Park Biathlon. Just to be clear, I did not ski or shoot. I would have classified what I did as a duathlon, consisting of running and biking, but I didn't title this race, and I think it's a bit confusing. Unfortunately, I ended up having to do the race by myself since Drew had to be on a plane to D.C. this morning and couldn't do the race as well.
This morning was a bit cooler than it has been recently, so I wore tri shorts, a long-sleeved shirt and my Terrier bike vest to keep myself warm on the bike. As soon as I got on my bike to ride to the Park, I felt pretty cold, but knew I'd warm up as time went on. I got to the race site and racked my bike and then went to check in. Funnily enough, the person checking me was Krista! Both her and her husband were volunteering at the race. I only got to say a quick hello since there were other people waiting to get their race numbers also.
I put my number on my bike and on my race belt and still had plenty of time to kill before the race started, so I decided to go for a quick warm-up run. I decided that I'd run for 8 minutes out and then run back. It actually worked out perfectly, because right when I got back, the race director had just started giving out instructions about the race and the race course. He also mentioned that if anyone was seen using headphones, they'd be disqualified. This fact was also in the official rules listed on the website.
As we were lining up for the start, I saw my friend Lisa. We chatted for a couple minutes before the gun went off. It was definitely nice to see a friendly face. The race started pretty much on time, which was nice. The running course was from the Central Park Boathouse up to 96th Street and back again. Pretty uneventful.
Of course, I ended up seeing two people wearing headphones. Both people only had one earbud in their ears, but I don't really think that makes a difference. I told both people that they were breaking the rules and if they didn't take them out, they would be disqualified. Even if that meant that I had to tell an official myself. Maybe that's mean of me, but it was in the rules and the race director had told us about 10 minutes before that it was against the rules. I don't think I was out of line. Especially since everyone else was following the rules. I don't think they should get a free pass.
I had told Drew yesterday that my only goal was to finish this race in under two hours. Even with my normal slow pace, that was more than doable, so I wasn't in any sort of rush on the run. I was a little bit warm with the biking vest on while I was running, but I knew it'd be good to have on the bike.
When I got back to transition, I changed shoes and grabbed my bike and headed out. The course was to do two loops of the Park. I have to say, I would have been happier only doing one loop, but of course I did both. During the first loop, I had a near accident with a guy walking his dogs. I actually was a bit upset with both the guy (for not looking) and the volunteer who was standing next to him (for not saying anything). I know the volunteers have a hard job, but it was really close call!
The second loop wasn't quite as eventful. I was really glad the whole time that I was wearing the biking vest. Every time there was a big gust of wind, it was really nice to have on. There was a girl in front of me on a mountain bike and was wearing tennis shoes. I was bound and determined not to let her beat me in on the bike. Even though I only came in about 1 second before her, somehow that made me feel better. When I went into the second transition, I took off my bike vest for the second run.
When I was on the bike, I noticed that the run course was a bit longer than a mile. I even came home and checked Gmap Pedometer, and it also says that the run course was long, so I actually feel pretty awesome about my run times now. It turned out to be a good thing because as I was finishing, Lisa and her other Asphalt Green teammates were cheering for me, but they had mixed emotions about cheering for someone wearing Terrier gear, which I wasn't wearing when they were cheering for me! I have to say that it was really, really nice to have someone cheering for me at the finish!
After the race, I chatted with Lisa for a few minutes, grabbed half a bagel and an orange slice and headed home. I had to work again today, which was probably the only reason that I actually got dressed in real clothes today! Otherwise I would have been quite content to stay in pajamas. I also had been thinking that perhaps I would be able to get a few more running miles in before heading to work, but it wasn't in the cards for today. All I can say is that tomorrow is a new week and I'm going to start fresh then.
Running (pre-race)
Time: 15:54
Distance: 1.60 miles
Pace: 9:56/mile
Calories: 138
Maximum HR: 175 (83%)
Average HR: 163 (77%)
Biathlon
Run 1: 21:30
T1: 1:10
Bike: 51:05
T2: 2:26
Run 2: 21:34
Total Time:1:36:31
Calories: 894
Maximum HR: 191 (90%)
Average HR:170 (80%)
I measured the runs as 2.25 miles each and the bike as 12.18 miles. That gives me a total of 6.10 miles running for the day.
Saturday, Day 13: Wore jeans, black v-neck sweater and gray Converse. We thought that the cat needed a redeeming photo after her alien eyes from before, so she's making an appearance again. Not that you can see it, but I started out wearing a silver necklace and ended up changing it in the evening for dinner to a new one. I'll be wearing the new one again, so will take a photo later.
Sunday, Day 14: Wore jeans and green turtleneck with gray Converse. Jewelry consists of pearl stud earrings from my grandma. My grandma didn't have pierced ears, so I actually had the earrings changed from clip-ons to studs.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
It Could Be Raining
This week is looking like rain, rain, and more rain here in the Big Apple. I have to say, rain is my least favorite weather. I think I didn't have this bad attitude until I moved to New York and had to walk to work. But there's just something about being wet all day long as a result of it that makes me a bit surly. It's also why I tend to wear skirts when it's raining (so my pants don't get all wet). I might complain about the cold, but it just doesn't seem like as big of a deal to me as rain.
Which is why it was crazy that I excitedly woke up at 5:18 this morning to get dressed and go running in the pouring rain. I will say, however, that I did drag my feet a tiny bit while getting ready to head outside. Not because I didn't want to go, but I didn't want to be standing around waiting for the workout to start. I pretty much wanted to get there and just go to the back of the line and if I missed a stride or two, it wouldn't be the end of the world!
That's exactly what happened. I arrived just a minute or two late, but I think I only missed one (at the most two) strides, so I still got a decent warm-up and didn't have to stand around in the rain. There was a very small group of Terriers this morning (not surprising), but the majority of the people who were there are part of the specific marathon program, so even though I'm not part of that group, I guess it shows that marathoners are probably the only people crazy enough to get up and out there!
Because we were such a small group today, Spencer had us all do the marathon plan workout instead of having just a few of us do the regular Terrier workout. The "beginner" marathon workout today was 4 x 1000 meters. I have to say I wasn't overly enthused about this, but I know the speed work stuff is good for me and it's a nice change from "regular" running, so the only thing to do was start running.
I ended up doing the intervals with another girl on the team and it was actually really nice to have someone there at my same pace. We chatted a little bit, but mostly it was nice because it gave me a reason not to drop my pace. I felt like I had to keep going and I definitely pushed myself a bit harder than I would have if I'd been doing it on my own.
The rain definitely let up as time went on and of course by the time I was heading home, it had stopped completely. I don't mind. I figure there could be rain the day of the marathon, so I might as well get out there and practice a little bit. After getting home I promptly took my orthotics out of my shoes and stuffed newspaper in my shoes so that they'd dry out quickly. I'm hopeful they'll be all ready for tomorrow morning!
Running (Run There / Strides / Run to the S)
Time: 24:11
Distance: 2.50 miles
Pace: 9:40/mile
Running (4 x 1000 meters)
Time: 21:00
Distance: 2.50 miles
Pace: 8:24/mile
Total Distance: 5.00 miles
So, since the threat of rain is still out there, although it wasn't actually raining on my way to work today, I wore the grey skirt and purple shirt. With purple heels. Yup. That's right. I actually think it works okay, too. Which might mean that after only 9 days of this challenge, I'm off my rocker a bit?
They really don't look all that purple though, so it's probably not quite as bad as you were imagining in your head!
I'm also wearing my elephant hair earrings. Drew got them for me in Namibia. The left one is what they look like from the front, but I took a picture of the back so that you could see it better. I have a matching necklace, but that just didn't work with the neckline of the shirt today.
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Which is why it was crazy that I excitedly woke up at 5:18 this morning to get dressed and go running in the pouring rain. I will say, however, that I did drag my feet a tiny bit while getting ready to head outside. Not because I didn't want to go, but I didn't want to be standing around waiting for the workout to start. I pretty much wanted to get there and just go to the back of the line and if I missed a stride or two, it wouldn't be the end of the world!
That's exactly what happened. I arrived just a minute or two late, but I think I only missed one (at the most two) strides, so I still got a decent warm-up and didn't have to stand around in the rain. There was a very small group of Terriers this morning (not surprising), but the majority of the people who were there are part of the specific marathon program, so even though I'm not part of that group, I guess it shows that marathoners are probably the only people crazy enough to get up and out there!
Because we were such a small group today, Spencer had us all do the marathon plan workout instead of having just a few of us do the regular Terrier workout. The "beginner" marathon workout today was 4 x 1000 meters. I have to say I wasn't overly enthused about this, but I know the speed work stuff is good for me and it's a nice change from "regular" running, so the only thing to do was start running.
I ended up doing the intervals with another girl on the team and it was actually really nice to have someone there at my same pace. We chatted a little bit, but mostly it was nice because it gave me a reason not to drop my pace. I felt like I had to keep going and I definitely pushed myself a bit harder than I would have if I'd been doing it on my own.
The rain definitely let up as time went on and of course by the time I was heading home, it had stopped completely. I don't mind. I figure there could be rain the day of the marathon, so I might as well get out there and practice a little bit. After getting home I promptly took my orthotics out of my shoes and stuffed newspaper in my shoes so that they'd dry out quickly. I'm hopeful they'll be all ready for tomorrow morning!
Running (Run There / Strides / Run to the S)
Time: 24:11
Distance: 2.50 miles
Pace: 9:40/mile
Running (4 x 1000 meters)
Time: 21:00
Distance: 2.50 miles
Pace: 8:24/mile
Total Distance: 5.00 miles
So, since the threat of rain is still out there, although it wasn't actually raining on my way to work today, I wore the grey skirt and purple shirt. With purple heels. Yup. That's right. I actually think it works okay, too. Which might mean that after only 9 days of this challenge, I'm off my rocker a bit?
They really don't look all that purple though, so it's probably not quite as bad as you were imagining in your head!
I'm also wearing my elephant hair earrings. Drew got them for me in Namibia. The left one is what they look like from the front, but I took a picture of the back so that you could see it better. I have a matching necklace, but that just didn't work with the neckline of the shirt today.
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Friday, September 24, 2010
I Think There Are Hills In Philly
This morning I really didn't feel like getting out of bed and going for a run, but Drew thought that it was a bad idea for me to stay in bed and kept pestering me, so finally I got up and at 'em. I'm actually really glad he did, though, because I seem to have gotten past my bad run and back onto the good run track.
I figured I should probably do some of those hill repeats that I skipped out on Wednesday. I mean, it looks like there are hills in Philadelphia, see:
I have to say that I'm pretty glad that the second half of the race looks relatively flat. I'm not sure why they want to kill our legs right from the get-go, though!
So, today, I ran from our apartment to Cat Hill and then did 6 Cat Hill repeats (each up and down is 0.50 miles), so it was 3 miles in total of hills. Oddly enough, I didn't even hate it. Although, it's funny because for the first 4, I was feeling great. By the 5th one, I could tell I was tired and I was so glad that time wasn't permitting me to do any more than 6 today!
My favorite part of doing these hill repeats is to see how many times I can pass walkers going up or down the hill while I'm running. Silly, I know, but I'll take whatever motivates me at this point. I know I need to throw in some more hill workouts in the upcoming weeks, but I'm glad I got this one under my belt. After the hill repeats, I ran home and after begging Drew to make a smoothie immediately, I hopped in the shower.
Normally the smoothie wouldn't be such a big deal, but in an effort to get in the longest run possible today, I skipped eating anything before going running. I know a lot of people out there don't eat before these shorter runs, but I tend to wake up hungry and while I felt okay during my run today, I think I would have felt better with a bite or two of something in my tummy. To each his own, right? I just know that being slightly more fueled makes me feel better.
Running
Time: 1:02:20
Distance: 6.00 miles
Pace: 10:23/mile
Today's Wardrobe Challenge is a repeat of the shirt I wore on Wednesday. But I only wore it for about 2 hours to go to the dentist, so I don't really think it was dirty. Although I plan on doing laundry this weekend, so don't worry too much about my cleanliness. Drew's in the pictures again. He made us take some funny ones and I couldn't figure out how to not cut his head off ...
I'm wearing the gray short-sleeved skirt and gray skirt. Today's jewelry was picked by Drew:
Those earrings are actually the first jewelry that Drew gave me and the bracelet is an Elephant Hair bracelet from his parents. (Although, it's not real hair, but I do have some earrings that are, I'll try to wear them soon). Today's shoes are really two pairs. Flats that I actually wore to work and then the heels are the shoes I'm wearing at work. Complicated business when you walk a mile to and from work each day!
I figured I should probably do some of those hill repeats that I skipped out on Wednesday. I mean, it looks like there are hills in Philadelphia, see:
I have to say that I'm pretty glad that the second half of the race looks relatively flat. I'm not sure why they want to kill our legs right from the get-go, though!
So, today, I ran from our apartment to Cat Hill and then did 6 Cat Hill repeats (each up and down is 0.50 miles), so it was 3 miles in total of hills. Oddly enough, I didn't even hate it. Although, it's funny because for the first 4, I was feeling great. By the 5th one, I could tell I was tired and I was so glad that time wasn't permitting me to do any more than 6 today!
My favorite part of doing these hill repeats is to see how many times I can pass walkers going up or down the hill while I'm running. Silly, I know, but I'll take whatever motivates me at this point. I know I need to throw in some more hill workouts in the upcoming weeks, but I'm glad I got this one under my belt. After the hill repeats, I ran home and after begging Drew to make a smoothie immediately, I hopped in the shower.
Normally the smoothie wouldn't be such a big deal, but in an effort to get in the longest run possible today, I skipped eating anything before going running. I know a lot of people out there don't eat before these shorter runs, but I tend to wake up hungry and while I felt okay during my run today, I think I would have felt better with a bite or two of something in my tummy. To each his own, right? I just know that being slightly more fueled makes me feel better.
Running
Time: 1:02:20
Distance: 6.00 miles
Pace: 10:23/mile
Today's Wardrobe Challenge is a repeat of the shirt I wore on Wednesday. But I only wore it for about 2 hours to go to the dentist, so I don't really think it was dirty. Although I plan on doing laundry this weekend, so don't worry too much about my cleanliness. Drew's in the pictures again. He made us take some funny ones and I couldn't figure out how to not cut his head off ...
I'm wearing the gray short-sleeved skirt and gray skirt. Today's jewelry was picked by Drew:
Those earrings are actually the first jewelry that Drew gave me and the bracelet is an Elephant Hair bracelet from his parents. (Although, it's not real hair, but I do have some earrings that are, I'll try to wear them soon). Today's shoes are really two pairs. Flats that I actually wore to work and then the heels are the shoes I'm wearing at work. Complicated business when you walk a mile to and from work each day!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Well, I Ran Further Than Them
This morning I wasn't feeling 100%, so I decided to take the day off work. I did end up going for a run, but it wasn't anything close to the 8 miles I was supposed to be doing. I have to say that part of the issue was that it's warmer in NYC today than it has been in the past few days and since I'm stuck wearing these long-sleeved shirts, that didn't help matters any. Nor did the fact that I went later than I normally would.
When I was running around the Lower Loop, I heard a lot of loud cheering. I noticed that there were tents set-up on Dead Road along the Mall, but I wasn't sure what was going on. I decided that I would do one loop and then cut across and maybe do some hill repeats. As I was cutting across on 72nd Street, I decided that I would check out these tents.
It turned out that it was Regis and Kelly doing their show in the Park. They were having a High-Heel-A-Thon, so I decided to stay and check it out. While I was waiting, I saw Tim Gunn doing some interviews for the show. I have to say, I was more excited to see him than to see Regis, Kelly or Kristin Chenowith. The High-Heel-A-Thon was a 150 yard dash. The winner was really really fast and actually dove to the finish. Here's a video if you want to watch. It was pretty fun, but it was all over in seconds!
After the race, I headed home and skipped the hill repeats. Even though my run wasn't as planned (and apparently, I am a sissy since I didn't even run 4 miles), it was still a better than nothing effort. I've actually been wondering if I would be happier running 3 days a week instead of 4, but I'm not making any decisions yet.
Running
Time: 30:23
Distance: 3.00 miles
Pace: 10:07/mile
As far as the Wardrobe Challenge goes, I spent the better part of the day in my workout clothes, while resting on the couch, so I figured I should take a photo:
I did end up showering and getting dressed since I had a dentist appointment this afternoon. I wore jeans, gray t-shirt and gray Converse to the dentist (shoes not pictured):
I'm a little worried about the Challenge because the next few days are supposed to be pretty warm, but I think I'll end up being okay. I'm really glad that I chose two short-sleeved shirts!
When I was running around the Lower Loop, I heard a lot of loud cheering. I noticed that there were tents set-up on Dead Road along the Mall, but I wasn't sure what was going on. I decided that I would do one loop and then cut across and maybe do some hill repeats. As I was cutting across on 72nd Street, I decided that I would check out these tents.
It turned out that it was Regis and Kelly doing their show in the Park. They were having a High-Heel-A-Thon, so I decided to stay and check it out. While I was waiting, I saw Tim Gunn doing some interviews for the show. I have to say, I was more excited to see him than to see Regis, Kelly or Kristin Chenowith. The High-Heel-A-Thon was a 150 yard dash. The winner was really really fast and actually dove to the finish. Here's a video if you want to watch. It was pretty fun, but it was all over in seconds!
After the race, I headed home and skipped the hill repeats. Even though my run wasn't as planned (and apparently, I am a sissy since I didn't even run 4 miles), it was still a better than nothing effort. I've actually been wondering if I would be happier running 3 days a week instead of 4, but I'm not making any decisions yet.
Running
Time: 30:23
Distance: 3.00 miles
Pace: 10:07/mile
As far as the Wardrobe Challenge goes, I spent the better part of the day in my workout clothes, while resting on the couch, so I figured I should take a photo:
I did end up showering and getting dressed since I had a dentist appointment this afternoon. I wore jeans, gray t-shirt and gray Converse to the dentist (shoes not pictured):
I'm a little worried about the Challenge because the next few days are supposed to be pretty warm, but I think I'll end up being okay. I'm really glad that I chose two short-sleeved shirts!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Even Sissies Can Do 4
This morning I managed to set my alarm for 5:05 PM instead of 5:05 AM. Even though Drew had a conference call that he took from bed at 5:00, he didn't talk a whole lot, so I manged to sleep until he hung up around 5:30. We both got up and Drew headed off to the gym and I went out for a run. I was a little late to meet the Terriers, but I was fine skipping the fartlek workout they had planned!
As we were walking out the door, Drew asked how far I had to go today. I told it was just 4 miles. His response? "Even sissies can do 4". With that in mind, I started my watch and set off on my run! (However, I'd like to note that he did not go running with me). I had to wear a long-sleeved shirt today because I keep having some arm chafing issues wearing short-sleeved shirts. This chafing isn't an issue on these shorter runs, but Saturday's 15 miles sort-of did my arms in and I'm trying to let them heal. The only thing I like about this arm chafing is that it must mean that I'm actually moving my arms like I'm supposed to be doing!
It is a little bit funny to be outside for such a short amount of time. I definitely saw a bunch of my teammates out there running and I have to say that it looked like they were working a lot harder than I was. I didn't really see them until I got down to the Lower Loop of the Park and once I saw them, I just kept telling myself over and over, "run like Spencer is watching" because I know I concentrate on my form more when he's around.
I happened to be reading Caitlin's blog about her marathon training and she mentioned that she didn't hit 30 mile weeks when she was training in January until very close the the marathon. I am so intrigued by this because I've already had two 30+ mile weeks, with six more to come (including this week). I think it's good to know that she finished her marathon with her plan, so I'm hopeful I'll have the same result with even more miles under my belt!
Running
Time: 44:18
Distance: 4.15 miles
Pace: 10:40/mile
And, here's today's outfit (Day 2):
I asked Drew if he wanted to be in the photo too, and he said yes. He said if he'd known, he would have dressed up a bit more. I'm wearing the black mini skirt, green turtleneck, black tights, black high-heeled Mary Janes and a belt. I'll admit, once I had been thinking about doing this challenge, I went out and bought the belt. But it was only $10. And I'll definitely wear it after the challenge. Technically, I didn't break any challenge rules of buying things, but I probably went against the spirit. Today's jewelry: same diamond earrings as yesterday. I'll work on that later this week, I promise!
As we were walking out the door, Drew asked how far I had to go today. I told it was just 4 miles. His response? "Even sissies can do 4". With that in mind, I started my watch and set off on my run! (However, I'd like to note that he did not go running with me). I had to wear a long-sleeved shirt today because I keep having some arm chafing issues wearing short-sleeved shirts. This chafing isn't an issue on these shorter runs, but Saturday's 15 miles sort-of did my arms in and I'm trying to let them heal. The only thing I like about this arm chafing is that it must mean that I'm actually moving my arms like I'm supposed to be doing!
It is a little bit funny to be outside for such a short amount of time. I definitely saw a bunch of my teammates out there running and I have to say that it looked like they were working a lot harder than I was. I didn't really see them until I got down to the Lower Loop of the Park and once I saw them, I just kept telling myself over and over, "run like Spencer is watching" because I know I concentrate on my form more when he's around.
I happened to be reading Caitlin's blog about her marathon training and she mentioned that she didn't hit 30 mile weeks when she was training in January until very close the the marathon. I am so intrigued by this because I've already had two 30+ mile weeks, with six more to come (including this week). I think it's good to know that she finished her marathon with her plan, so I'm hopeful I'll have the same result with even more miles under my belt!
Running
Time: 44:18
Distance: 4.15 miles
Pace: 10:40/mile
And, here's today's outfit (Day 2):
I asked Drew if he wanted to be in the photo too, and he said yes. He said if he'd known, he would have dressed up a bit more. I'm wearing the black mini skirt, green turtleneck, black tights, black high-heeled Mary Janes and a belt. I'll admit, once I had been thinking about doing this challenge, I went out and bought the belt. But it was only $10. And I'll definitely wear it after the challenge. Technically, I didn't break any challenge rules of buying things, but I probably went against the spirit. Today's jewelry: same diamond earrings as yesterday. I'll work on that later this week, I promise!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Not The Usual Way
I thought my proverb on today's tea bag was especially fitting for me. In case you can't read it, it says, "He who would leap high must take a long run". I'd also like to point out that the thing in the background is my coffee cup, that really only ever sees tea. Don't ask what those color swatches are. This is the most ridiculous coffee cup, but it's a really good size, and it was free, which is why I continue to use it!
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I was supposed to get up and go running this morning like usual, but I just didn't feel like it. Instead, I was thinking about last night when I was walking home from work and how I thought that it just seemed like a great night for running and that maybe I should go tonight instead of this morning. Which was really just a great way to rationalize sleeping in for a bit longer.
However, I was able to leave work at a decent time and came home, changed clothes and headed out for a run. Today I was supposed to be doing 7 miles. I've typically been running from home to the Park around the big loop and back again. That is a really good plan when it's early in the morning and there is no one on the sidewalk. That is a bad plan when it's 6:30 and the sidewalk is packed.
So, I decided not to make myself crazy from the get-go and I walked to the Park. I started running as soon as I got there. I decided to go against traffic and run north first, up the West Side of the Park. I always have a mental block about running this way, because somehow I always psych myself out about the backside of Harlem Hill (near Lasker Pool) and it being too steep or something. I was bound and determined not to let that happen today.
I wasn't in a big rush or anything, so I was just plodding along like usual. It was totally different to be out there at night instead of the morning and have the sun going down instead of coming up. When I got to the backside of the Harlem Hill, I kept repeating the same song lyric over and over again, basically telling myself that I couldn't give up. And you know what? I never stopped running!
After that, I just felt invincible. I ran the rest of the way downtown. I happened to see Coach Spencer while I was running. As soon as I saw him, I noticed that I became more conscious of my running form. After we passed, I kept telling myself to "run like Spencer was watching." It actually works!
When I passed the 72nd Street transverse, I was glad that I was almost done. I decided to see what I could do and see if I could pick up the pace a bit. I started running faster right around the time where the turn is and 6th Avenue sort-of comes into the Park (just above 65th Street). I hadn't looked at my watch at all, but I decided that I'd look at it then. I was at 1:00:30 and had gone 5.61 miles (10:47 pace).
I didn't know my mileage at the time, but I started running as fast as I possibly could that I thought was sustainable. Every time I passed a hash mark on the ground for speed work, I kept telling myself that I had 200 fewer meters to go and could I possibly go any faster? Turns out that I ran the last .69 miles in 6:11 (or 8:57 pace), which made me feel fantastic!
I finished running with a huge smile on my face and made a bee line to get myself some dinner. But I had a great run. I haven't been running at night in a long time and maybe that was the difference today. I made it up Harlem Hill with no complaints. I never took one walking/drinking break. I finished running faster than when I started. All in all, pretty happy with that!
Time: 1:06:41
Distance: 6.30 miles
Pace: 10:35/mile
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I was supposed to get up and go running this morning like usual, but I just didn't feel like it. Instead, I was thinking about last night when I was walking home from work and how I thought that it just seemed like a great night for running and that maybe I should go tonight instead of this morning. Which was really just a great way to rationalize sleeping in for a bit longer.
However, I was able to leave work at a decent time and came home, changed clothes and headed out for a run. Today I was supposed to be doing 7 miles. I've typically been running from home to the Park around the big loop and back again. That is a really good plan when it's early in the morning and there is no one on the sidewalk. That is a bad plan when it's 6:30 and the sidewalk is packed.
So, I decided not to make myself crazy from the get-go and I walked to the Park. I started running as soon as I got there. I decided to go against traffic and run north first, up the West Side of the Park. I always have a mental block about running this way, because somehow I always psych myself out about the backside of Harlem Hill (near Lasker Pool) and it being too steep or something. I was bound and determined not to let that happen today.
I wasn't in a big rush or anything, so I was just plodding along like usual. It was totally different to be out there at night instead of the morning and have the sun going down instead of coming up. When I got to the backside of the Harlem Hill, I kept repeating the same song lyric over and over again, basically telling myself that I couldn't give up. And you know what? I never stopped running!
After that, I just felt invincible. I ran the rest of the way downtown. I happened to see Coach Spencer while I was running. As soon as I saw him, I noticed that I became more conscious of my running form. After we passed, I kept telling myself to "run like Spencer was watching." It actually works!
When I passed the 72nd Street transverse, I was glad that I was almost done. I decided to see what I could do and see if I could pick up the pace a bit. I started running faster right around the time where the turn is and 6th Avenue sort-of comes into the Park (just above 65th Street). I hadn't looked at my watch at all, but I decided that I'd look at it then. I was at 1:00:30 and had gone 5.61 miles (10:47 pace).
I didn't know my mileage at the time, but I started running as fast as I possibly could that I thought was sustainable. Every time I passed a hash mark on the ground for speed work, I kept telling myself that I had 200 fewer meters to go and could I possibly go any faster? Turns out that I ran the last .69 miles in 6:11 (or 8:57 pace), which made me feel fantastic!
I finished running with a huge smile on my face and made a bee line to get myself some dinner. But I had a great run. I haven't been running at night in a long time and maybe that was the difference today. I made it up Harlem Hill with no complaints. I never took one walking/drinking break. I finished running faster than when I started. All in all, pretty happy with that!
Time: 1:06:41
Distance: 6.30 miles
Pace: 10:35/mile
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
That's Not What The Website Said
This morning was the usual Terrier run. I often check the website on Monday nights or Tuesday mornings before leaving the apartment to see what is in store for the day. Last night, the website said that the workout was 8 x 200 with 1:30 rest intervals. So, I run to the meeting spot today, we do our normal strides warm-up and run around to the S in order to start the speedwork.
And then Spencer tells us that our workout is actually 10 x 200 with a 200 recovery jog. Which is more than double the website version of the workout! We're supposed to do the first five slower than the last five. I have to say that I'm never really the biggest fan of speedwork. But I'm less of a fan when these recovery jogs are involved. Mainly because I'd like to know how fast I'm actually going without factoring in the recovery jogs into the time and I don't want to have 25 numbers to add up if I time them all separately. Plus, I don't even know if my Polar will let me save that many workouts at a time?
So, I sort-of did what I was supposed to. I just got tired of doing the recovery jogs and I figured I'd try to push myself more on the sprints if I knew I could have 1:30 rest instead. I ended up doing 6 x 200 with recovery jogs and then legs 7 - 10 were done as sprints with 1:30 rest instead of 200 recovery jog. I have to say, it's really probably not all that different time wise jogging or standing still, but it feels so much better to be standing still and trying to catch your breath.
I definitely pushed myself today, even though the times below don't really reflect that for the speedwork portion (because of the jogging). I could just tell it was a much harder effort than usual, especially towards the end of the workout. I came home and was a sweaty disaster, which Drew can vouch for. Even though it was a nice and cool 62 this morning, it was also somehow really hot for running. I'm not even really sure how that is possible! When I got in the shower, even though the water was really warm, it felt cool on my (very red) face, which was funny!
Run There
Time: 13:23
Distance: 1.30 miles
Pace: 10:17/mile
Run To S
Time: 10:59
Distance: 1.20 miles
Pace: 9:09/mile
Speedwork
Time: 19:51
Distance: 2.00 miles
Pace: 9:55/mile
Run Home
Time: 5:08
Distance: 0.50 miles
Pace: 10:08/mile
Total Mileage, Including Strides: 5.50 miles
And then Spencer tells us that our workout is actually 10 x 200 with a 200 recovery jog. Which is more than double the website version of the workout! We're supposed to do the first five slower than the last five. I have to say that I'm never really the biggest fan of speedwork. But I'm less of a fan when these recovery jogs are involved. Mainly because I'd like to know how fast I'm actually going without factoring in the recovery jogs into the time and I don't want to have 25 numbers to add up if I time them all separately. Plus, I don't even know if my Polar will let me save that many workouts at a time?
So, I sort-of did what I was supposed to. I just got tired of doing the recovery jogs and I figured I'd try to push myself more on the sprints if I knew I could have 1:30 rest instead. I ended up doing 6 x 200 with recovery jogs and then legs 7 - 10 were done as sprints with 1:30 rest instead of 200 recovery jog. I have to say, it's really probably not all that different time wise jogging or standing still, but it feels so much better to be standing still and trying to catch your breath.
I definitely pushed myself today, even though the times below don't really reflect that for the speedwork portion (because of the jogging). I could just tell it was a much harder effort than usual, especially towards the end of the workout. I came home and was a sweaty disaster, which Drew can vouch for. Even though it was a nice and cool 62 this morning, it was also somehow really hot for running. I'm not even really sure how that is possible! When I got in the shower, even though the water was really warm, it felt cool on my (very red) face, which was funny!
Run There
Time: 13:23
Distance: 1.30 miles
Pace: 10:17/mile
Run To S
Time: 10:59
Distance: 1.20 miles
Pace: 9:09/mile
Speedwork
Time: 19:51
Distance: 2.00 miles
Pace: 9:55/mile
Run Home
Time: 5:08
Distance: 0.50 miles
Pace: 10:08/mile
Total Mileage, Including Strides: 5.50 miles
Friday, September 10, 2010
Right Foot Forward
I took the day off yesterday. I know it might not have been the best thing for my marathon training to skip a day of running in what is already going to be a shorter distance week, but I think it was the best thing for me to do. Sometimes you just need a mental health day, you know? Not to mention the fact that this marathon is still 10 weeks away and I refuse to believe that this is going to screw things up so fantastically that I don't finish.
So, I did get a good night's sleep last night. I'll admit that my heart still wasn't 100% in the game this morning when I rolled out of bed to start running, but by the time I actually started running, I was feeling much better. Even though I didn't really want to, I went back to Central Park this morning. I knew I just needed to tackle it and even make myself do a lap course.
I didn't do anything too crazy. Not two full loops of the Park or anything. Instead, what I did was one loop of the Lower Loop of the Park and then one full loop. I saw the Terrier marathon group doing hill repeats on Cat Hill and it made me really glad that I wasn't doing all that fancy stuff for marathon training. It's enough to just get out there and run, I think.
I did notice as soon as I put my right foot in my shoe this morning that my big toe was still sore. I'd take a picture and show it to you if there was anything to show. Except it looks exactly like my left toe, which is the frustrating thing. I decided to put a band-aid on before I left for the run to see if that would help cushion my toe a little bit. Um, maybe a little bit. Not really all that much. I could definitely still feel it the whole time I was running. But, even after running, it still looks the same. Just like a toe with a callus on the bottom. Same as my other foot.
Running today was okay. Not stellar. Not bad. I'm glad that I took yesterday off. I know that I wouldn't have been feeling as motivated as I was today and it was definitely the right decision. I did end up taking two 1:00 walking breaks somewhere in the middle of all that running today. Not because I really needed to, but because I happened to be by drinking fountains and thought that I should stop and take a sip of water.
The worst part of today happened somewhere around the 7-mile marker. I looked at my watch and realized that 70-something minutes had elapsed and I was still pretty far from home and I wanted to just sit down and cry. Because I had forgotten that I was running more than 7 miles today. I totally forgot that I had already done the Lower Loop of the Park and that was going to make my total around 9 miles. When I realized that, getting home was a breeze. I think I actually sped up for the last 2 miles as a result. It was just so frustrating when I thought I was running 7 miles and at 70 minutes, I still had at least 20 more minutes of running to do. Oops.
The really funny thing I noticed today is that somehow when it's 62 degrees outside, people dress for winter running in this city! I was wearing shorts and a short-sleeved shirt and was really comfortable, but there were people in pants and jackets and long-sleeved shirts. Frankly, I'm surprised I didn't see people in hats and gloves. It seemed crazy to me that you'd need all that for 62 degrees when you're running! I noticed that some of the people I saw in the beginning wearing jackets ended up with them tied around their waists later on. Good to know that they didn't really need that stuff in this weather.
So, I'm currently at 16.15 miles this week and my target is supposed to be 30. Obviously, that's not going to happen. I actually can't guarantee that I'll get any more running in this weekend right now. I'm going to hope for the best, but if I don't add any more miles, I think I'm going to live with it. Maybe by next week my toe will be feeling better anyway!
Running
Time: 1:34:26
Distance: 8.95 miles
Pace: 10:33/mile
So, I did get a good night's sleep last night. I'll admit that my heart still wasn't 100% in the game this morning when I rolled out of bed to start running, but by the time I actually started running, I was feeling much better. Even though I didn't really want to, I went back to Central Park this morning. I knew I just needed to tackle it and even make myself do a lap course.
I didn't do anything too crazy. Not two full loops of the Park or anything. Instead, what I did was one loop of the Lower Loop of the Park and then one full loop. I saw the Terrier marathon group doing hill repeats on Cat Hill and it made me really glad that I wasn't doing all that fancy stuff for marathon training. It's enough to just get out there and run, I think.
I did notice as soon as I put my right foot in my shoe this morning that my big toe was still sore. I'd take a picture and show it to you if there was anything to show. Except it looks exactly like my left toe, which is the frustrating thing. I decided to put a band-aid on before I left for the run to see if that would help cushion my toe a little bit. Um, maybe a little bit. Not really all that much. I could definitely still feel it the whole time I was running. But, even after running, it still looks the same. Just like a toe with a callus on the bottom. Same as my other foot.
Running today was okay. Not stellar. Not bad. I'm glad that I took yesterday off. I know that I wouldn't have been feeling as motivated as I was today and it was definitely the right decision. I did end up taking two 1:00 walking breaks somewhere in the middle of all that running today. Not because I really needed to, but because I happened to be by drinking fountains and thought that I should stop and take a sip of water.
The worst part of today happened somewhere around the 7-mile marker. I looked at my watch and realized that 70-something minutes had elapsed and I was still pretty far from home and I wanted to just sit down and cry. Because I had forgotten that I was running more than 7 miles today. I totally forgot that I had already done the Lower Loop of the Park and that was going to make my total around 9 miles. When I realized that, getting home was a breeze. I think I actually sped up for the last 2 miles as a result. It was just so frustrating when I thought I was running 7 miles and at 70 minutes, I still had at least 20 more minutes of running to do. Oops.
The really funny thing I noticed today is that somehow when it's 62 degrees outside, people dress for winter running in this city! I was wearing shorts and a short-sleeved shirt and was really comfortable, but there were people in pants and jackets and long-sleeved shirts. Frankly, I'm surprised I didn't see people in hats and gloves. It seemed crazy to me that you'd need all that for 62 degrees when you're running! I noticed that some of the people I saw in the beginning wearing jackets ended up with them tied around their waists later on. Good to know that they didn't really need that stuff in this weather.
So, I'm currently at 16.15 miles this week and my target is supposed to be 30. Obviously, that's not going to happen. I actually can't guarantee that I'll get any more running in this weekend right now. I'm going to hope for the best, but if I don't add any more miles, I think I'm going to live with it. Maybe by next week my toe will be feeling better anyway!
Running
Time: 1:34:26
Distance: 8.95 miles
Pace: 10:33/mile
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Only Marathon Training
Can make you feel bad about running 7 miles. Why is that? Brie actually had a similar post about this recently, where she was supposed to be running 18 and managed 6.1. I was trying for 15 today and managed 7.2. Not even halfway there! In truth, I know I had several things working against me, but when I think about what they are, they just sound like big excuses as to why I didn't do the full miles today.
I'll go ahead and list off the big excuses anyway. This is my blog and even though they sound like excuses now, I think they'll be helpful later on in recognizing what I did wrong and why I was probably overly ambitious on this run this morning.
1. Didn't get enough sleep. I need to work on this in general. Working late, eating dinner when I get home, wanting to watch TV and read my book before bed doesn't add up to an early enough bedtime. Especially when my goal is to be running by 5 AM.
2. Ran in Central Park. Truthfully, I wanted to be up and at 'em pretty early and I figured the safest place to do that would be in the Park. After going there this morning, I'm not entirely sure that's the case. The lights were off in half of the Park and then they all turned off before it got light outside, so I'm not sure it really was the best place.
3. I ran 14 miles on Sunday and today is Wednesday. I tried to justify this by saying that I would normally be doing a longer run (read 7-8 miles) on Wednesdays anyway. What would be the big deal if I tacked on the same amount on the end of that? Turns out I might need a day or two more to recover all the way from 14 miles.
4. I should never run laps. Ever. Running might be a mental game, but I excel at telling myself not to keep doing it when possible. I know that I'm a bad lap runner. So why would I purposely set myself up to run laps this morning? I actually think I could have kept going, but I'm not sure it was in the best interest overall to get me to the finish line in Philadelphia.
So, obviously, today wasn't a winner. I ran to the Park, ran one loop and ran home. I keep telling myself over and over again that it's not a big deal. That even though I'll most likely come up short on miles this week, it's not the end of the world. It's one week. I think I made the right decision in heading home when I did. I was tired, my legs were tired and my toe hurt.
I'm slightly worried about this toe thing. I noticed it on Sunday on my long run, too. There isn't a blister or a start of a blister. There is actually a callus that doesn't seem to be doing its job and protecting my toe enough. It's my big toe on my right foot. I'm wondering if I wore a band-aid around my toe next time if that would be enough of a cushion? If not, maybe some moleskin?
Drew says I'm not allowed to wear my HR monitor for the next couple weeks, so that's annoying. He's convinced I'll get a permanent scar from where it's been chafing. I think I could live with that. I guess he's probably right and I probably already will have a mark, but it's harder to judge my pace without my heart rate. I knew that today was slow, which I was okay with, but it's good to have an idea of how slow!
Drew also says that I shouldn't beat myself up over this run. I know that's he's right and that if my goal for the week was 30 miles, I've still got 22.8 to go. I don't think I'll make it there. I think I'd be really happy if I got to 15 more this week. I'm just hoping that tomorrow will be better. That's really all I can do at this point.
Running
Time: 1:20:00
Distance: 7.20 miles
Pace: 11:05/mile
I'll go ahead and list off the big excuses anyway. This is my blog and even though they sound like excuses now, I think they'll be helpful later on in recognizing what I did wrong and why I was probably overly ambitious on this run this morning.
1. Didn't get enough sleep. I need to work on this in general. Working late, eating dinner when I get home, wanting to watch TV and read my book before bed doesn't add up to an early enough bedtime. Especially when my goal is to be running by 5 AM.
2. Ran in Central Park. Truthfully, I wanted to be up and at 'em pretty early and I figured the safest place to do that would be in the Park. After going there this morning, I'm not entirely sure that's the case. The lights were off in half of the Park and then they all turned off before it got light outside, so I'm not sure it really was the best place.
3. I ran 14 miles on Sunday and today is Wednesday. I tried to justify this by saying that I would normally be doing a longer run (read 7-8 miles) on Wednesdays anyway. What would be the big deal if I tacked on the same amount on the end of that? Turns out I might need a day or two more to recover all the way from 14 miles.
4. I should never run laps. Ever. Running might be a mental game, but I excel at telling myself not to keep doing it when possible. I know that I'm a bad lap runner. So why would I purposely set myself up to run laps this morning? I actually think I could have kept going, but I'm not sure it was in the best interest overall to get me to the finish line in Philadelphia.
So, obviously, today wasn't a winner. I ran to the Park, ran one loop and ran home. I keep telling myself over and over again that it's not a big deal. That even though I'll most likely come up short on miles this week, it's not the end of the world. It's one week. I think I made the right decision in heading home when I did. I was tired, my legs were tired and my toe hurt.
I'm slightly worried about this toe thing. I noticed it on Sunday on my long run, too. There isn't a blister or a start of a blister. There is actually a callus that doesn't seem to be doing its job and protecting my toe enough. It's my big toe on my right foot. I'm wondering if I wore a band-aid around my toe next time if that would be enough of a cushion? If not, maybe some moleskin?
Drew says I'm not allowed to wear my HR monitor for the next couple weeks, so that's annoying. He's convinced I'll get a permanent scar from where it's been chafing. I think I could live with that. I guess he's probably right and I probably already will have a mark, but it's harder to judge my pace without my heart rate. I knew that today was slow, which I was okay with, but it's good to have an idea of how slow!
Drew also says that I shouldn't beat myself up over this run. I know that's he's right and that if my goal for the week was 30 miles, I've still got 22.8 to go. I don't think I'll make it there. I think I'd be really happy if I got to 15 more this week. I'm just hoping that tomorrow will be better. That's really all I can do at this point.
Running
Time: 1:20:00
Distance: 7.20 miles
Pace: 11:05/mile
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Short and Fast
This morning I wasn't really in the mood to get up and out of bed to go for a four mile run. I really wanted to talk myself out of, but I knew I'd feel much better if I did the 4 miles prescribed by Hal Higdon for today. As a "treat", I did something I don't normally do and wore my iPod Shuffle. I figured that since the run was so short (relatively speaking) it wouldn't make much of a difference if I wore it.
Once I got outside, I really felt like seeing what my legs were capable of today, especially after already logging 13 miles this week. Even though I'm really really happy with my long run pace, I wanted to see if I've got any running mojo left.
As a side note, I used body glide yesterday and today to try to help with the heart rate monitor strap chafing issues I've been having. The skin is still getting red, but it doesn't rub it raw like it did before, so even though it doesn't look so great, at least it doesn't hurt while I'm running. I'll take that. I think the big test will be this weekend for my 14-miler. (Can I just say that it seems crazy to me that I'm actually going to attempt to run that far?).
I ran my 4 miles to the Park, up the West Side, cut across the Great Lawn and then headed back down the East Side towards home. Once I got to 72nd Street on the East Side, I knew I was doing pretty well, but I was hoping to have a speedy last mile. I figured the best way to do that was to throw in some intervals.
The easiest way for me to trick myself into doing intervals is to use the lamp posts in the Park. I would run the distance of 4 lamp posts, recover for one lamp post, run 4 more speedy, etc., until I reached the end of the Park. And then I tried to run as fast as possible while dodging people on the sidewalk home!
I had a rough idea that my route today was 4.0 miles before I left, so I was pretty happy with my time (which would have been just under 10 minute miles), but when I used Gmap Pedometer and discovered that it was really 4.2 miles, I was SUPER happy!
I have no illusions of running my marathon this quickly, but it's good to know that even when I'm tired and my legs are a little bit tired on their third consecutive day of running, something like this is still possible. Of course, now I've gone and ruined it and will be hoping for results like this in future weeks, too.
Running
Time: 39:03
Distance: 4.20 miles
Pace: 9:17/mile
Calories: 346
Maximum HR: 179 (84%)
Average HR: 165 (78%)
Once I got outside, I really felt like seeing what my legs were capable of today, especially after already logging 13 miles this week. Even though I'm really really happy with my long run pace, I wanted to see if I've got any running mojo left.
As a side note, I used body glide yesterday and today to try to help with the heart rate monitor strap chafing issues I've been having. The skin is still getting red, but it doesn't rub it raw like it did before, so even though it doesn't look so great, at least it doesn't hurt while I'm running. I'll take that. I think the big test will be this weekend for my 14-miler. (Can I just say that it seems crazy to me that I'm actually going to attempt to run that far?).
I ran my 4 miles to the Park, up the West Side, cut across the Great Lawn and then headed back down the East Side towards home. Once I got to 72nd Street on the East Side, I knew I was doing pretty well, but I was hoping to have a speedy last mile. I figured the best way to do that was to throw in some intervals.
The easiest way for me to trick myself into doing intervals is to use the lamp posts in the Park. I would run the distance of 4 lamp posts, recover for one lamp post, run 4 more speedy, etc., until I reached the end of the Park. And then I tried to run as fast as possible while dodging people on the sidewalk home!
I had a rough idea that my route today was 4.0 miles before I left, so I was pretty happy with my time (which would have been just under 10 minute miles), but when I used Gmap Pedometer and discovered that it was really 4.2 miles, I was SUPER happy!
I have no illusions of running my marathon this quickly, but it's good to know that even when I'm tired and my legs are a little bit tired on their third consecutive day of running, something like this is still possible. Of course, now I've gone and ruined it and will be hoping for results like this in future weeks, too.
Running
Time: 39:03
Distance: 4.20 miles
Pace: 9:17/mile
Calories: 346
Maximum HR: 179 (84%)
Average HR: 165 (78%)
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