Training went really well this week. I really feel like my body is adjusting to the endurance of running. It is really amazing for me to think about how far I have come in 4 months. I never thought I would get to the point that I actually like running! Amazing!
This week the runs were 4, 5(6), 4 and 11. The first 4 miles went great, I really pushed myself to try and made a quicker pace. I thought I was going to break the 9 minute pace...no such luck. But it's OK, it still felt good.
The second run was supposed to be 5 miles, however, somehow I thought it was 6. So...I ran 6. I ended up running on the treadmill. I have mixed feelings about treadmills. I was able to run at a pretty good pace, but it is so monotonous, even with the TV going. I feel like I can just stop at anytime, and it feels so much longer.
The last two runs were a special treat. Rob actually ran with me! I guess I am now such a speed demon that we are running at the same speed now. I was surprised at how much of a difference it made. I was able to run the 4 miles at my fastest time ever. 9:09. It was nice to just have the distraction of another person there, and it helped me push myself. The run was very comfortable too.
Today we ran 11 miles. It went so well too! Rob and I ran together the whole run, we never stopped and ran a 10:30 pace. I felt like I had adequate energy. My body didn't feel overly tired. My muscles, lungs, and heart felt very strong and I felt I could have run longer. The only thing that held me back were my knees. They both started out achy even though I took ibuprofen before we left. The pain got worse about half way in, especially the left. After the run, I iced and used Tiger balm. I think knee pain may just be something I have to deal with. It's OK as long as I don't injure myself.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Ten
10 miles. A testament to the power of visualizations and mental strategies.
Last weeks runs, were 3, 5, 3, and ...10! I worked at making 2 mental "videos" to play while I ran to help me keep going. One video is of a training run that I had that felt really well and I felt strong. The other is a visualization of myself crossing the finish line the day of the marathon. I had to construct these videos in my mind with as much detail as possible and play them over and over until they become familiar. While I was running my 10-miler, I played these videos. I was surprised at how well it actually worked! It was still difficult, I was still tired, but it wasn't that bad. I felt renewed and was able to go faster with less effort with the mental strategies. My pace was about 45 seconds faster on this 10 mile run than it was on the 8 mile.
This week...11 miles...bring it on!
Last weeks runs, were 3, 5, 3, and ...10! I worked at making 2 mental "videos" to play while I ran to help me keep going. One video is of a training run that I had that felt really well and I felt strong. The other is a visualization of myself crossing the finish line the day of the marathon. I had to construct these videos in my mind with as much detail as possible and play them over and over until they become familiar. While I was running my 10-miler, I played these videos. I was surprised at how well it actually worked! It was still difficult, I was still tired, but it wasn't that bad. I felt renewed and was able to go faster with less effort with the mental strategies. My pace was about 45 seconds faster on this 10 mile run than it was on the 8 mile.
This week...11 miles...bring it on!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Roadrunner
This last week's training schedule was 3, 5, 3, and 8 miles. I ran tuesday, wednesday, thursday and saturday. The first two runs went well without any notable problems or issues. I ran my 3 mile run on tuesday my fastest time yet, not that it matters, but it makes me feel good. Thursday's 3 miler I really dragged. I ran in the evening and the weather was ok, but I felt really tired. Rob thinks it was because it was the third day in the row of running. Lets hope so.
Saturday was my 8 mile run. To be honest, I really had a hard time with it. For starters, I didn't get to go out in the morning like I had planned. I started the run at about 4 pm, in the blazing heat. The sun was hot and it was 96 degrees when I started. Secondly, I was mentally not at my peak and had a rough couple days leading up to the run. I had a hard time keeping my thoughts positive, and for the first time since training, I really struggled with negative thoughts. I have been tired and had discomfort in the past but I have never really wanted to stop until Saturday. I started doubting my ability to do this training, and wondered how I was going to do 10, 12, 18, and then 26 miles if this 8 mile run was so hard! I kept myself going. I told myself that this run was my test, and I needed to prove to myself that I was stronger than the conditions around me. That my mind was in charge, not my body. I know I need to focus on what I am doing while I am running and not worry about what is coming up, but it's hard sometimes to focus your mind. I know I have a long way to go to train myself mentally to do this. I finished the run, but it was slow, stumbling and clumsy. I think I even shuffled my feet at some points. I did finish, didn't stop or walk, and I survived. My knees however, were pretty sore near the end, and have been pretty sore since. Thank goodness for a day or recovery after a long run. I really need it.
The highlight of my run was seeing a roadrunner at about mile 4. I've never seen one so that was cool. Especially since I am road runner...hee hee. I have seen quite the variety of desert animals on my runs thus far. The trail I have been running on is called Skunk Creek Trail. It runs beside a dry creek bed. I've seen multitudes of cotton-tailed rabbits. They are always running across the running path and through the shrubbery. There are also many quails, and mourning doves. I've seen a few lizards, and I even once saw a coyote at night.
This week I have also been focusing on stretching. I've tried to make sure and stretch well after the runs. I like stretching, but usually I am in too much of a rush to concentrate on stretching well. So, I've tried to get a good all body stretching session at the completion of each run.
Saturday was my 8 mile run. To be honest, I really had a hard time with it. For starters, I didn't get to go out in the morning like I had planned. I started the run at about 4 pm, in the blazing heat. The sun was hot and it was 96 degrees when I started. Secondly, I was mentally not at my peak and had a rough couple days leading up to the run. I had a hard time keeping my thoughts positive, and for the first time since training, I really struggled with negative thoughts. I have been tired and had discomfort in the past but I have never really wanted to stop until Saturday. I started doubting my ability to do this training, and wondered how I was going to do 10, 12, 18, and then 26 miles if this 8 mile run was so hard! I kept myself going. I told myself that this run was my test, and I needed to prove to myself that I was stronger than the conditions around me. That my mind was in charge, not my body. I know I need to focus on what I am doing while I am running and not worry about what is coming up, but it's hard sometimes to focus your mind. I know I have a long way to go to train myself mentally to do this. I finished the run, but it was slow, stumbling and clumsy. I think I even shuffled my feet at some points. I did finish, didn't stop or walk, and I survived. My knees however, were pretty sore near the end, and have been pretty sore since. Thank goodness for a day or recovery after a long run. I really need it.
The highlight of my run was seeing a roadrunner at about mile 4. I've never seen one so that was cool. Especially since I am road runner...hee hee. I have seen quite the variety of desert animals on my runs thus far. The trail I have been running on is called Skunk Creek Trail. It runs beside a dry creek bed. I've seen multitudes of cotton-tailed rabbits. They are always running across the running path and through the shrubbery. There are also many quails, and mourning doves. I've seen a few lizards, and I even once saw a coyote at night.
This week I have also been focusing on stretching. I've tried to make sure and stretch well after the runs. I like stretching, but usually I am in too much of a rush to concentrate on stretching well. So, I've tried to get a good all body stretching session at the completion of each run.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Training...continued.
Training continues. It's going great! My mileage last week was 3, 4, 3, and 7. I tried to increase my pace on the shorter runs. I figure that if I can increase my heart rate and speed on the short runs, it will help with endurance on the longer runs. I have been able to decrease my time on each 3 mile run, even if only by a few seconds. I have also been trying to start my pace slower to warm up and make the second half of the run a little faster than the first half.
My most difficult run was the 4 mile. I got really tired and slowed down the second half. I also got a side ache the last mile that I had to push through. Yuck. What's up with those?
I ran the 7 mile with Rob on Saturday. It is the furthest I have ever run. I was excited to do it because I knew I could! I told myself that it didn't matter how fast I ran or how long it took, as long as I did it and didn't stop. Well, it went great! It felt a lot better than my 6 mile from the week before. I tried to push my pace to where I felt comfortable but not too winded or in pain. I fueled at about mile 5 with half a mini Clif bar, and I really think that helped me finish those last couple miles. I was able to run it at a whole minute faster pace than the 6 mile. I don't anticipate all the upcoming long runs to feel so good, but it doesn't matter! Right guys? It may hurt, I may get tired and want to stop, my knees and hips may ache, but it doesn't matter! I will run and not stop!
My most difficult run was the 4 mile. I got really tired and slowed down the second half. I also got a side ache the last mile that I had to push through. Yuck. What's up with those?
I ran the 7 mile with Rob on Saturday. It is the furthest I have ever run. I was excited to do it because I knew I could! I told myself that it didn't matter how fast I ran or how long it took, as long as I did it and didn't stop. Well, it went great! It felt a lot better than my 6 mile from the week before. I tried to push my pace to where I felt comfortable but not too winded or in pain. I fueled at about mile 5 with half a mini Clif bar, and I really think that helped me finish those last couple miles. I was able to run it at a whole minute faster pace than the 6 mile. I don't anticipate all the upcoming long runs to feel so good, but it doesn't matter! Right guys? It may hurt, I may get tired and want to stop, my knees and hips may ache, but it doesn't matter! I will run and not stop!
Monday, October 3, 2011
Marathon
OK, so I have decided to run a marathon. I have to put it out there so I am obligated now to actually follow through and do it, right? I am planning on running the P.F. Changs Rock and Roll Marathon in Phoenix on January 15, 2012.
So, why am I doing this? Good question. I've been exercising, running and doing weight watchers since mid-May. I've lost 20 pounds and really feel good about what I've been able to achieve. So, why not push myself a little harder and do something I've never thought I could do? A couple years ago Millie and Jacob ran the same marathon, and watching them and all the other runners was very inspiring. It was amazing to see all the different sizes and types of people who were able to push themselves to run 26 miles! If they can do it, so can I!
I've just started my official training September 19. So far, things are going well! This last week I ran 3, 4, 3, and 6 miles. My knees are starting to bother me a little bit, but I'm hoping they will adjust to the extra mileage and be ok. I'm a little nervous about the longer training runs coming, but I know I can do it. I am just going to run, and not stop. Pretty simple right? I can do that...:)
I'm not alone in this either! Millie is running it again, and Rob is going to be a first-timer with me. Katie and Brandon are also running the half marathon that day. It'll be fun having all these people going through the same thing to support each other. Well, wish me luck, I'll keep the blog updated on my progress!
So, why am I doing this? Good question. I've been exercising, running and doing weight watchers since mid-May. I've lost 20 pounds and really feel good about what I've been able to achieve. So, why not push myself a little harder and do something I've never thought I could do? A couple years ago Millie and Jacob ran the same marathon, and watching them and all the other runners was very inspiring. It was amazing to see all the different sizes and types of people who were able to push themselves to run 26 miles! If they can do it, so can I!
I've just started my official training September 19. So far, things are going well! This last week I ran 3, 4, 3, and 6 miles. My knees are starting to bother me a little bit, but I'm hoping they will adjust to the extra mileage and be ok. I'm a little nervous about the longer training runs coming, but I know I can do it. I am just going to run, and not stop. Pretty simple right? I can do that...:)
I'm not alone in this either! Millie is running it again, and Rob is going to be a first-timer with me. Katie and Brandon are also running the half marathon that day. It'll be fun having all these people going through the same thing to support each other. Well, wish me luck, I'll keep the blog updated on my progress!
First word
Well, I think it's official. Robi's first word. ....uh oh! She's said it a couple times, and it seems to be in context, like when she is standing and falls down, or when she drops a toy. It's only been a few times, but I am calling it. Robi has spoken. Yea!!! Now she just needs to learn how to walk and grow some teeth! It's OK, no hurry! She can stay a baby as long as she wants :)
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