I have got to stop tripping over my feet...it's not like they're that big... =)
Ran 3 miles tonight. First mile was good, hit the turn at 10:35. Then at about 1.1 miles I tripped over nothing (air? imaginary rodents? who knows...) and fell. However, at least I'm getting better at falling...I tucked and rolled, and only slightly scraped a knee. I got up almost immediately and kept going, and managed to finish the run without stopping for a break.
Final time, including tail over teakettle - 32:57.
It was a nice run, still light out but not too bright, and every few yards a different flowering tree to see - and smell. I love spring. =)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Training Run 4-29-08
Ran 2 miles at the new gym (www.springfieldathletic.com) - we got a bargain price on a year's membership through the Dayton Public TV auction. They have a big cardio room with 5 TV's all playing different things, and they sell headphones that plug into the machines so you can hear the TV. I might buy one later, for my long runs...if I can manage to not trip over the cord.
The gym also has weights, aerobics, and racquetball, as well as a massage therapist and a nail studio. I talked to the nail girl for a few minutes, she seems very nice and the prices are OK. It's almost pedicure season. =)
Anyway, 2 miles in 24:10 and some good healthy sweat. Tuesdays and Thursdays there is a stretching and toning class in the aerobics room, so maybe I can get organized enough to do my run before the class starts at 7:15 and then get in some good flexibility work. There's Pilates on Monday nights and Zumba on Saturday mornings, too. Allison wants to take Zumba with me. =)
The gym also has weights, aerobics, and racquetball, as well as a massage therapist and a nail studio. I talked to the nail girl for a few minutes, she seems very nice and the prices are OK. It's almost pedicure season. =)
Anyway, 2 miles in 24:10 and some good healthy sweat. Tuesdays and Thursdays there is a stretching and toning class in the aerobics room, so maybe I can get organized enough to do my run before the class starts at 7:15 and then get in some good flexibility work. There's Pilates on Monday nights and Zumba on Saturday mornings, too. Allison wants to take Zumba with me. =)
Training Run 4-26-08
3 miles, my 2 mile course and then 2 x the old half-mile loop. Hard to believe that less than a year ago I could barely run 1/2 mile without stopping.
Time 34:28, or around an 11 1/2 minute mile. OK.
Thinking about running a 4 mile race as my long run next Saturday...it's in the evening and there are margaritas involved. Check out www.cincodemayofour.com for info. Maybe I can convince Holly to make it a girls' night out...
Time 34:28, or around an 11 1/2 minute mile. OK.
Thinking about running a 4 mile race as my long run next Saturday...it's in the evening and there are margaritas involved. Check out www.cincodemayofour.com for info. Maybe I can convince Holly to make it a girls' night out...
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Training Runs 4/22-4/24/08
So far so good on the marathon training.
Tuesday I ran 2 miles at a 10-minute mile pace.
Wednesday I was scheduled to run 3 miles, but after the first mile started to have stomach issues. I ran, then walked, between light poles and still finished the 3 miles in 38:23. Not bad considering there was about a mile of walking in there...just frustrating.
Today I ran 2 miles in 21:58.
This is the first time I have run 3 days in a row =)
It felt good but I need to remember to stay hydrated on the days I know I am running...especially as it gets warmer and more humid outside.
Rest tomorrow, and 3 miles on Saturday.
Tuesday I ran 2 miles at a 10-minute mile pace.
Wednesday I was scheduled to run 3 miles, but after the first mile started to have stomach issues. I ran, then walked, between light poles and still finished the 3 miles in 38:23. Not bad considering there was about a mile of walking in there...just frustrating.
Today I ran 2 miles in 21:58.
This is the first time I have run 3 days in a row =)
It felt good but I need to remember to stay hydrated on the days I know I am running...especially as it gets warmer and more humid outside.
Rest tomorrow, and 3 miles on Saturday.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Race Report 4-12-08
OK, OK, I'm a week late. It's been a long week.
Race day went well. The kids ran in the Mascot Chase (.3 mile, grouped by age) and both got medals. They had fun, and they even beat some of the mascots across the finish line.
I lined up with the 11 minute milers. I thought I might be able to line up with the 10 minute group, but figured it would be better to catch them later than wind up running out of steam and getting passed by everyone. They played the national anthem (and some people sang)...and I remember thinking "Wow, we're a real sporting event!"
Then we heard the starting gun and John Bingham saying "They're off"...and nothing moved. After a few seconds we trudged forward, and then stopped. It was almost surreal. Finally after about a minute we started walking steadily, and over two minutes after the first runners started, we finally crossed the starting mat. And I remembered to start my watch. =)
Miles 1-5 flew by, especially the first one, where I found myself passing one guy just as he was saying to the person next to him "yeah, I'm going to try to keep to a 9 or 10 minute pace"...and thought WHOA, I need to slow down. I pulled up, and rejoined most of the people I'd lined up with originally. =)
At about mile 6 (I think) I began to realize that a multigrain bagel may not have been the best choice for a pre-race breakfast.Fortunately this race had port-a-potties, so at mile 7 (I think) I stopped in the port-a-potty to take care of business and clean up. (I HATE runners' diarrhea....)
Once I wasn't distracted by that situation, I discovered I'd hit the meat of my race, the part that all the training was for. Miles 8-10 were the toughest of the whole race...the ones where the only reason I was running was because the people around me were and so it seemed like the thing to do, but if I'd been alone I'm sure I would have stopped, or at least walked for a while.
Then I reached mile 10, and realized that although I was tired it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, and there were only 3 miles to go. All around me I saw people taking more and more frequent walking breaks, and yet I still felt able to run continuously. All the training on hills paid off as we came back into the heart of downtown Columbus, and while lots of people had to slow down or stop going uphill (especially since we were running into the wind at that point) I could just lower my head and keep going.
As we neared the finish line, other racers who had already finished and were walking back to parking garages were calling out "You're almost there" and we started to be able to hear the noise from the grandstand. When I passed the 13 mile marker and turned for home I dug down and found just a little bit of a finishing kick...saw Alex and raised my arms so he could get a picture of me...and then headed for the line as I could see the clock hit 2:30.
Could still walk as I hit the finishing corrals with Gatorade, bagels, fruit and Donato's Pizza (!). Wasn't in the mood for food, but drank a Gatorade because I knew I needed it and took a bagel and a banana for later.
Clock time: 2:31:48
Chip time: 2:29:21 (yes!!! under 2 1/2 hours!!!)
Place: nowhere near last (there were still people on the course as WE were walking back to the parking garage!)
Official results at www.columbusdistanceclassic.com
Race photos at www.runphotos.com (I'm bib number 3162)
It was FUN (even with the port-a-potty stop). Not easy, but easier than I expected it to be. I want to do it again. =)
My next goal: start training Tuesday 4/22 for the Columbus Marathon on 10/19/08. Found another trusty Hal Higdon training program...I've been very satisfied with my race preparation so far with his programs, and they're simple enough that even I can figure them out. They're also forgiving if I miss a day or two.
Goal time: 5 hours would be nice, under 5 would be phenomenal. I figure my good feelings from the half mean that there's enough endurance in the tank to push a little bit harder speed-wise. I figure I've been training at or near race pace (11-12 minute pace) so if I train just a little bit faster, over the course of the next 6 months I should be able to build up enough strength and get used to the faster pace enough to improve it in a race.
Especially since I stuck to my training program (except for taking a week off for a cold) and blew my race goal time out of the water (even with the port-a-potty). I was figuring on about 2:40, but 2:30 would have been fine.
I'll let you read it one more time...2:29:21...WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Race day went well. The kids ran in the Mascot Chase (.3 mile, grouped by age) and both got medals. They had fun, and they even beat some of the mascots across the finish line.
I lined up with the 11 minute milers. I thought I might be able to line up with the 10 minute group, but figured it would be better to catch them later than wind up running out of steam and getting passed by everyone. They played the national anthem (and some people sang)...and I remember thinking "Wow, we're a real sporting event!"
Then we heard the starting gun and John Bingham saying "They're off"...and nothing moved. After a few seconds we trudged forward, and then stopped. It was almost surreal. Finally after about a minute we started walking steadily, and over two minutes after the first runners started, we finally crossed the starting mat. And I remembered to start my watch. =)
Miles 1-5 flew by, especially the first one, where I found myself passing one guy just as he was saying to the person next to him "yeah, I'm going to try to keep to a 9 or 10 minute pace"...and thought WHOA, I need to slow down. I pulled up, and rejoined most of the people I'd lined up with originally. =)
At about mile 6 (I think) I began to realize that a multigrain bagel may not have been the best choice for a pre-race breakfast.Fortunately this race had port-a-potties, so at mile 7 (I think) I stopped in the port-a-potty to take care of business and clean up. (I HATE runners' diarrhea....)
Once I wasn't distracted by that situation, I discovered I'd hit the meat of my race, the part that all the training was for. Miles 8-10 were the toughest of the whole race...the ones where the only reason I was running was because the people around me were and so it seemed like the thing to do, but if I'd been alone I'm sure I would have stopped, or at least walked for a while.
Then I reached mile 10, and realized that although I was tired it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, and there were only 3 miles to go. All around me I saw people taking more and more frequent walking breaks, and yet I still felt able to run continuously. All the training on hills paid off as we came back into the heart of downtown Columbus, and while lots of people had to slow down or stop going uphill (especially since we were running into the wind at that point) I could just lower my head and keep going.
As we neared the finish line, other racers who had already finished and were walking back to parking garages were calling out "You're almost there" and we started to be able to hear the noise from the grandstand. When I passed the 13 mile marker and turned for home I dug down and found just a little bit of a finishing kick...saw Alex and raised my arms so he could get a picture of me...and then headed for the line as I could see the clock hit 2:30.
Could still walk as I hit the finishing corrals with Gatorade, bagels, fruit and Donato's Pizza (!). Wasn't in the mood for food, but drank a Gatorade because I knew I needed it and took a bagel and a banana for later.
Clock time: 2:31:48
Chip time: 2:29:21 (yes!!! under 2 1/2 hours!!!)
Place: nowhere near last (there were still people on the course as WE were walking back to the parking garage!)
Official results at www.columbusdistanceclassic.com
Race photos at www.runphotos.com (I'm bib number 3162)
It was FUN (even with the port-a-potty stop). Not easy, but easier than I expected it to be. I want to do it again. =)
My next goal: start training Tuesday 4/22 for the Columbus Marathon on 10/19/08. Found another trusty Hal Higdon training program...I've been very satisfied with my race preparation so far with his programs, and they're simple enough that even I can figure them out. They're also forgiving if I miss a day or two.
Goal time: 5 hours would be nice, under 5 would be phenomenal. I figure my good feelings from the half mean that there's enough endurance in the tank to push a little bit harder speed-wise. I figure I've been training at or near race pace (11-12 minute pace) so if I train just a little bit faster, over the course of the next 6 months I should be able to build up enough strength and get used to the faster pace enough to improve it in a race.
Especially since I stuck to my training program (except for taking a week off for a cold) and blew my race goal time out of the water (even with the port-a-potty). I was figuring on about 2:40, but 2:30 would have been fine.
I'll let you read it one more time...2:29:21...WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Training Run 4-10-08
Last training run before the race.
Only 2 miles, and I felt good tonight. My knees were a little sore when I started running, but I read an article today on Runners' World (www.runnersworld.com) that said that the "bonk" phenomenon is definitely mental as well as physical, so I didn't worry about it too much. I just tried to keep a steady pace, keep my posture and form good, and keep going.
2 miles, 21:28. =)
We're going to the pre-race expo tomorrow night to pick up my race packet (with bib number and timing chip). I will have lots of questions about the timing chip...I've never used one before.
The weather is still unknown...but when I looked today it said that the rain is supposed to hold off until Saturday afternoon. Hopefully I will be able to run fast enough to keep warm. Also, there will be an area where I can check some belongings, so I'll be able to bring a change of clothes and stash my sweatshirt.
34 hours till race time...I can do it!! =)
Only 2 miles, and I felt good tonight. My knees were a little sore when I started running, but I read an article today on Runners' World (www.runnersworld.com) that said that the "bonk" phenomenon is definitely mental as well as physical, so I didn't worry about it too much. I just tried to keep a steady pace, keep my posture and form good, and keep going.
2 miles, 21:28. =)
We're going to the pre-race expo tomorrow night to pick up my race packet (with bib number and timing chip). I will have lots of questions about the timing chip...I've never used one before.
The weather is still unknown...but when I looked today it said that the rain is supposed to hold off until Saturday afternoon. Hopefully I will be able to run fast enough to keep warm. Also, there will be an area where I can check some belongings, so I'll be able to bring a change of clothes and stash my sweatshirt.
34 hours till race time...I can do it!! =)
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Training Run 4-8-08
Today's 4 miles were a mixed bag.
Pros: new shoes, running in daylight, spring weather.
Cons: not enough water, forgot my vitamins, spring weather.
Overall, the cons slightly outweighed the pros, as the spring weather was almost too warm (over 70) and extremely humid. I had a breeze in my face both out and back, but it was just enough to make me feel like I was swimming upstream yet not enough to cool me down.
I ended up taking more walking breaks than I have in a long time...partly due to lack of mental focus, I think. Result was the slowest 4-mile time I've run in a while...48:44. However, I guess that a 12:11 mile is still only slightly off my hoped-for "race pace" of 11:00, and I do remember that I get a significant adrenaline boost during the actual race experience.
Still, I'm starting to feel jittery...what if Saturday is like today, only 3 times? Could be a long morning.
And yet, when I multiply 48.75 by 3, and then add another 12, that only gets me to about a 2:40 time for the race. Not horrible.
I also know part of the reason I died in the second half of my run today was that I went out way too fast in the first mile...excited to be running in new shoes, I guess, and excited for race week and a relatively light workout...and as a result got to the 1-mile mark at about 10:40...waaaay faster than I wanted to go, and definitely too fast to maintain.
Oh well...I guess I just need to remind myself that I am a Penguin...
"I'm slow...I know...get over it." =)
Pros: new shoes, running in daylight, spring weather.
Cons: not enough water, forgot my vitamins, spring weather.
Overall, the cons slightly outweighed the pros, as the spring weather was almost too warm (over 70) and extremely humid. I had a breeze in my face both out and back, but it was just enough to make me feel like I was swimming upstream yet not enough to cool me down.
I ended up taking more walking breaks than I have in a long time...partly due to lack of mental focus, I think. Result was the slowest 4-mile time I've run in a while...48:44. However, I guess that a 12:11 mile is still only slightly off my hoped-for "race pace" of 11:00, and I do remember that I get a significant adrenaline boost during the actual race experience.
I guess it's still good that I was actually able to get out and run 4 miles two days after running 10 miles...probably means there was still more in the tank last Sunday, so I can have confidence I WILL finish on Saturday.
Still, I'm starting to feel jittery...what if Saturday is like today, only 3 times? Could be a long morning.
And yet, when I multiply 48.75 by 3, and then add another 12, that only gets me to about a 2:40 time for the race. Not horrible.
I also know part of the reason I died in the second half of my run today was that I went out way too fast in the first mile...excited to be running in new shoes, I guess, and excited for race week and a relatively light workout...and as a result got to the 1-mile mark at about 10:40...waaaay faster than I wanted to go, and definitely too fast to maintain.
Oh well...I guess I just need to remind myself that I am a Penguin...
"I'm slow...I know...get over it." =)
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Run with Holly 4-6-08
Spring is officially here...and you know this when a T-shirt and capri sweats is too warm. Holly wore a tank top, I should have too. And I couldn't find my shorts. =(
Still, drove out to Holly's for our final long run of the training program. I can't believe we've made it all the way through...I only had to take one week off for being sick, and I've run at least twice a week otherwise through the whole program.
10 HOT miles through hilly South Vienna, and we finished up and walked at 1:55:00. So, a little over an 11-minute mile. The whole time I was really glad I have new shoes coming tomorrow...my ankles and knees were bothering me almost the whole time. It made for a long run. Got back to Holly's and inhaled a bottle of water, then stopped at Steak N' Shake on the way home for a strawberry fruit and frozen yogurt shake (refuel AND reward).
6 days to race day...
Still, drove out to Holly's for our final long run of the training program. I can't believe we've made it all the way through...I only had to take one week off for being sick, and I've run at least twice a week otherwise through the whole program.
10 HOT miles through hilly South Vienna, and we finished up and walked at 1:55:00. So, a little over an 11-minute mile. The whole time I was really glad I have new shoes coming tomorrow...my ankles and knees were bothering me almost the whole time. It made for a long run. Got back to Holly's and inhaled a bottle of water, then stopped at Steak N' Shake on the way home for a strawberry fruit and frozen yogurt shake (refuel AND reward).
6 days to race day...
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Training Run 4-2-08
Here goes again...
Raining tonight, so I went to the gym. Ran 2 miles on the treadmill and my ankles were really hurting. I need new shoes. I realized I've been running for 9 months in the same shoes, probably reached around 400 miles. No wonder there's no cushioning left.
So, I got off the treadmill and did 1/2 hour on the bike...pushed the intensity up a couple times, especially at the end to simulate powering through the end of a run. Ended up doing 6.7 miles in 30 minutes.
Not too bad for a workout, but frustrating with a race coming up. Still, I feel good overall, and I'm going online to go shoe shopping now. With express shipping they'll get here Monday. =)
Raining tonight, so I went to the gym. Ran 2 miles on the treadmill and my ankles were really hurting. I need new shoes. I realized I've been running for 9 months in the same shoes, probably reached around 400 miles. No wonder there's no cushioning left.
So, I got off the treadmill and did 1/2 hour on the bike...pushed the intensity up a couple times, especially at the end to simulate powering through the end of a run. Ended up doing 6.7 miles in 30 minutes.
Not too bad for a workout, but frustrating with a race coming up. Still, I feel good overall, and I'm going online to go shoe shopping now. With express shipping they'll get here Monday. =)
Training Run 4-2-08
The training run that wasn't...
I was going to run home from a church meeting, but discovered about 1/2 mile into it that I was losing sidewalks downtown...no problem, I thought, and adjusted my route...
But what sidewalks there were have a lot of gravel and loose material on them (read: they're falling apart)...and I slipped and fell at about 3/4 mile. Hit hard enough on my left knee to nearly rip off my scab from my fall with Holly. Lots of blood.
Fortunately I had my cell phone with me, called Alex and had him come pick me up. Mopped myself up at home and had a little bit of a food binge...disappointment at not running. The steamed Chinese dumplings and chocolate cookie tasted good though. =)
Run with Holly, 3-31-08
New route, down Limestone to Cliff Park, through the park then up Plum Street to Mike & Rosy's Deli (www.mikeandrosysdeli.com - best cream of mushroom soup in the world!), then around and up the hill through Wittenberg (www.wittenberg.edu) and the historic homes on Fountain Blvd, then finally home. It was long but fun, and the weather was great.
I've claimed Alex's old Ocean Pacific T-shirt as a running shirt...he was about 11 when he wore it, and it fits me. =)
9 miles in 1:35:38...less than an 11-minute mile!!
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