Cutback Week next week (and I need it!)
Monday: 5 mi
Tuesday: 6 mi
Wednesday: 7 x 800 prob. 5.5-6 miles
Thursday: 6 mi pace (Nikko has a vet appt on Friday, so i am switching days)
Saturday: 12 miles
Total: 34.5 miles
Saturday, February 27, 2010
20-miler on my treadmill
Well i did it this morning....20 miles on my treadmill. Aaron, Nikko and I went for a walk last night and the sidewalks were a mess. Aaron almost fell just walking! The ones that were shoveled had a slight layer of new snow on them with ice underneath. Plus, there were mounds of snow on all the intersections. I decided that I was going to have to run on the TM. I woke up this morning, and we had about 3 more inches! I am not a trail runner. I am a baby when it comes to bad weather, so to the TM I went! I ordered a movie on PPV...The Box. I watched it for about an hour and I had to stop, it was so bad! I then found some stuff on TV and kept myself occupied. I even watched 90210! I ate a bag of sweedish fish, drank about 28 oz of water and 15 oz of G2. I was sweating so badly I am afraid to weigh myself right now. I had to have lost about 2 lbs of water weight! Aaron came in from snow blowing (for the 3rd time in two days), found the camera and snapped some pics (since he thought I was crazy). At the end, I decided I need to document this feat with a picture! See below (the first pic is actually 171 minutes...the timer starts over after 100 minutes! My new set-up in the basement is great! It is so nice to watch tv and not have to turn my head!
Cutback Week next week (and I need it!)
Monday: 5 mi
Tuesday: 6 mi
Wednesday: 7 x 800 prob. 5.5-6 miles
Thursday: 6 mi pace (Nikko has a vet appt on Friday, so i am switching days)
Saturday: 12 miles
Total: 34.5 miles
Cutback Week next week (and I need it!)
Monday: 5 mi
Tuesday: 6 mi
Wednesday: 7 x 800 prob. 5.5-6 miles
Thursday: 6 mi pace (Nikko has a vet appt on Friday, so i am switching days)
Saturday: 12 miles
Total: 34.5 miles
Friday, February 26, 2010
Sick of this Weather
For as great as the weather was last week, it is that bad this week! I have run 30 miles on the treadmill so far, and I have no clue how I am going to run my 20-miler tomorrow morning outside. We got about a foot of snow and the sidewalks and roads are terrible. I am SO ANNOYED! 20-milers are the most important part of training (in my opinion). My plan as of right now is to go for a walk tonight and see how the sidewalks are on part of my running route. My fear is that all of the intersections are going to be mountains of snow. I will try to decide if waiting til Sunday would be a better option (although I don't think it will). If not, then off to the movie store to pick up some DVDs for 3 hours on the treadmill! UHHH!!! Update tomorrow!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
19 miler update
Well, running 19 miles definitely takes a toll on my body. The verdict is....major chafing and some bruised toes! I am annoyed because I used Body Glide and I still chafed underneath my sports bra. I didn't even realize it until I took a shower, which if you ever chafed there, you know the pain I felt! So now, I am using neosporin in hopes that it clears up before some of my longer runs this week. As for the toes, this is usual for me. I have yet to lose a toe nail, but they often get bruised despite buying my shoes a half size larger.
The rest of my body was more tired than sore this morning, and now, I feel pretty much back to normal. This is important because I ran that long run kinda fast, so I need to pay attention to my recovery time. The fact that I have no lingering soreness is a good sign of my fitness! It is a relief! Normally, I take an ice bath after a hard long run, but not in February!
And, I must say...I am dreading this week. No matter how many times I run 20-milers, they still scare me. I keep telling myself "3 more hard weeks." It's hard to believe, but with the cutback weeks and taper, that is all that is left. The foam roller will be my best friend in the meantime!
The rest of my body was more tired than sore this morning, and now, I feel pretty much back to normal. This is important because I ran that long run kinda fast, so I need to pay attention to my recovery time. The fact that I have no lingering soreness is a good sign of my fitness! It is a relief! Normally, I take an ice bath after a hard long run, but not in February!
And, I must say...I am dreading this week. No matter how many times I run 20-milers, they still scare me. I keep telling myself "3 more hard weeks." It's hard to believe, but with the cutback weeks and taper, that is all that is left. The foam roller will be my best friend in the meantime!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Confidence Booster
It was 33 degrees this morning and it felt tropical! Finally, some decent running weather has happened in the last few days. I made it outside three times this week, and I must say, I feel pretty good about my running. In most areas of my life, I am a pretty confident person. That is not always the case in running. I think because I spend so much time running alone, so many thoughts are always going through my head (negative usually). I always think of the people who are better than me, or how everyone will be disappointed in me if I run a bad race. I tend to focus on every little pain I might feel and wonder if it's going to develop into an injury. If I look at my Garmin, and my pace is slow, I get pissed at myself and condemn myself to a bad race at Boston. I am just so sick of the mind games I play with myself. Finally, I feel awesome about my last two runs!
Yesterday, I did 9 miles at marathon pace. I am aiming for 8:20 and I did them in 8:23. This is pretty good for me. I always have a hard time hitting pace outside. Of course, I could so this same workout on the treadmill at 8:00 pace no problem, but since my race isn't on a treadmill, I never really count it the same way. To run 9 miles outside just about on pace is a great accomplishment for me! In past training cycles, I usually give up on pace runs as the mileage increases, or I do them on the treadmill (what I consider the easy way out for me). While I might have been slightly off, 8:23 is pretty darn close! I don't like to make excuses because come marathon day, anything could happen, but I ran a little bit by the river and it was WINDY! One mile was way off pace, so I am glad I hit 8:23!
That brings us to the 19 I ran this morning. The purpose of the pace run the day before the long run is to run long on tired legs. This way, come marathon day, your legs will be rested and feel really fresh. I woke up this morning, and I just did not want to run. Aaron really helped by telling me to bag the run. He told me that noone is making me do this, so if I don't want to, then don't do it. Uhh...Thanks Aaron! Way to be supportive.
Well, I was definitely running the 19 miles whether I felt like it or not. I never give up on a run. I felt like crap at first. My legs were a little tired from yesterday, and my lower back was hurting (had this problem last cycle...not good!). I felt slightly nauseous which was my own fault since I ate a banana before my run. They sometimes don't sit well in my stomach before a run, but I wanted the potassium. After a few miles, I settled into pace and felt okay. My back bothered me until the very end of the run.
I took a GU around mile 12. This is the first GU I had since the horrific NJ Marathon experience. I have been using PowerBar Gel, but when I went to get some at Dick's, they only had the 2x caffeine ones, and I like to save those for actual races, so I can feel the kick. I decided it was time to try some GU again, so I took a vanilla one and had no issues! I knew all along that my vomiting episode at NJ wasn't GUs fault, but I just use PB Gel in case. I also at 7 big sweedish fish for a total of 200 calories. I am now very careful not to let my body get depleted. I also stopped at a Turkey Hill to buy a water to refill my handheld. I probably drank around 32 oz on the run.
I ran pretty consistent miles, but I must say, the last mile really sucked. I was in pain! I could barely lift my legs up the curbs at intersections. My lower back hurt on both sides and my toes were hurting. Stupid me, shaved off a callus this week because Aaron made fun of my big toe, and I felt it today. They are there for a reason! I was about .8 away from my house and I ran by my mother-in-law's house, and I must admit, I almost stopped and asked her to drive me home! I then told myself to suck it up and get back on pace. I kept telling myself that it was mind over matter. So of course, I did it!
Now for my pace.......9:03! 19 miles at 9:03! That is a big accomplishment for me. Keep in mind that this is after my 9 at MP last night! I did all of this in the span of 18 hours. This gives me a lot of confidence going into my peak weeks.
Here is Week 11 (Peak Week 1 of 3)
Monday: 5 miles (recovery)
Tuesday: 10 miles
Wednesday: 45 tempo (probably 6ish)
Friday: 10 (not pace)
Saturday: 20
Total: 51 miles
Yesterday, I did 9 miles at marathon pace. I am aiming for 8:20 and I did them in 8:23. This is pretty good for me. I always have a hard time hitting pace outside. Of course, I could so this same workout on the treadmill at 8:00 pace no problem, but since my race isn't on a treadmill, I never really count it the same way. To run 9 miles outside just about on pace is a great accomplishment for me! In past training cycles, I usually give up on pace runs as the mileage increases, or I do them on the treadmill (what I consider the easy way out for me). While I might have been slightly off, 8:23 is pretty darn close! I don't like to make excuses because come marathon day, anything could happen, but I ran a little bit by the river and it was WINDY! One mile was way off pace, so I am glad I hit 8:23!
That brings us to the 19 I ran this morning. The purpose of the pace run the day before the long run is to run long on tired legs. This way, come marathon day, your legs will be rested and feel really fresh. I woke up this morning, and I just did not want to run. Aaron really helped by telling me to bag the run. He told me that noone is making me do this, so if I don't want to, then don't do it. Uhh...Thanks Aaron! Way to be supportive.
Well, I was definitely running the 19 miles whether I felt like it or not. I never give up on a run. I felt like crap at first. My legs were a little tired from yesterday, and my lower back was hurting (had this problem last cycle...not good!). I felt slightly nauseous which was my own fault since I ate a banana before my run. They sometimes don't sit well in my stomach before a run, but I wanted the potassium. After a few miles, I settled into pace and felt okay. My back bothered me until the very end of the run.
I took a GU around mile 12. This is the first GU I had since the horrific NJ Marathon experience. I have been using PowerBar Gel, but when I went to get some at Dick's, they only had the 2x caffeine ones, and I like to save those for actual races, so I can feel the kick. I decided it was time to try some GU again, so I took a vanilla one and had no issues! I knew all along that my vomiting episode at NJ wasn't GUs fault, but I just use PB Gel in case. I also at 7 big sweedish fish for a total of 200 calories. I am now very careful not to let my body get depleted. I also stopped at a Turkey Hill to buy a water to refill my handheld. I probably drank around 32 oz on the run.
I ran pretty consistent miles, but I must say, the last mile really sucked. I was in pain! I could barely lift my legs up the curbs at intersections. My lower back hurt on both sides and my toes were hurting. Stupid me, shaved off a callus this week because Aaron made fun of my big toe, and I felt it today. They are there for a reason! I was about .8 away from my house and I ran by my mother-in-law's house, and I must admit, I almost stopped and asked her to drive me home! I then told myself to suck it up and get back on pace. I kept telling myself that it was mind over matter. So of course, I did it!
Now for my pace.......9:03! 19 miles at 9:03! That is a big accomplishment for me. Keep in mind that this is after my 9 at MP last night! I did all of this in the span of 18 hours. This gives me a lot of confidence going into my peak weeks.
Here is Week 11 (Peak Week 1 of 3)
Monday: 5 miles (recovery)
Tuesday: 10 miles
Wednesday: 45 tempo (probably 6ish)
Friday: 10 (not pace)
Saturday: 20
Total: 51 miles
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Naked Run
Here is a pic of me after my 12-miler. Of course, Nikko was at my side. It was about 20 degrees, so I had on cold gear, tec shirt, fleece on top and cold gear and wind pants on the bottom! You can alse see a sneak peak at the basement. Aaron doesn't want me to post pictures until all the finishing touches are completed, but you can see a glimpse of it!
As for the title....Get your heads out of the gutter! I ran without my Garmin today. Definitely not by choice though. I went to fire it up, and it started flashing "low battery." Was i annoyed! I had it charging since last night. I am not sure if I just didn't have it in the charger correctly, or if it is really dying. It was so weird to run without it. I ran my West Pittston route, and I think I was pretty close to 12 miles. I tried to remember where exactly to turn around at the 6 mile mark, but I may have been slightly off. In fact, I hope I ran longer, because if not, my time really sucked. It took be about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Granted, I was jumping around snow piles and icy spots, but that is SLOW for me! Oh well, it was kind of nice not to stress about pace. I capped off a 39 mile week, and now the REALLY hard stuff starts!
My knees bothered me a little bit today too. First, I felt my left IT band, then towards the end of the run, my right IT band started to hurt. I am not sure if it is in my head or not. I am analyzing every little thing my body feels. I am just so worried about getting injured this close to Boston. I have a tough week of running ahead of me, so if it continues to hurt, off to the chiropractor for ART I go!
Aaron wants to go skiing tomorrow, and I really don't want to. Again, I am afraid of getting hurt. It is so easy to tweak a knee while skiing, I just don't want to take the chance. It would be one thing, if we could just go and ski leisurely, but with Aaron, that definitely won't happen. He is a free-style skier, and loves to drag me along with him, despite my lack of skills. I can hold my own, but I am no match for him! I guess we will see.
Here is my week 10 schedule:
Monday: 4 miles (last week of 4s)
Tuesday: 9 miles
Wednesday: 6 x hill (probably 4.5-5 miles)
Friday: 9 miles pace
Saturday: 19 (Yikes!)
Total: 46 miles
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Week 9
Monday: 4 miles
Tuesday: 9 miles outside at 8:48 pace
Wednesday: 6 x 800 at 8.7 speed 1% incline on the treadmill 2:30 recovery in between for a total of 5 miles
Friday: 9 mile pace
Saturday: 12 miles (Cutback week!)
Total: 39 miles
I am almost afraid to say it, but training has been going really well. I have been running very strongly and my paces are quicker than last cycle without any more effort. I find myself being paranoid about every little pain. The thought of an injury scares me half to death! Lately, I have noticed my lower back getting sore. This happened last training cycle and I spent a week limping around because my back hurt so badly. This cycle, I have not been seeing a chiropractor, and I am hoping that I don't need to start. I guess I just need to keep an eye on it.
Running 8/9 miles after work is a pain in the butt! I don't mind 6 or 7 milers, but for 8 or 9 (soon to be 10), it is hard to get everything done that needs to get done. I have been using my crockpot and cooking dinner before I leave for work, and that has been helping. We have been so busy with this basement and moving things from upstairs to downstairs, that I haven't had much free time.
We hired movers to move my treadmill, and they wouldn't touch it! THey measured our stairs and said it would have to be taken apart to fit down the stairs, but they didn't want to be the ones to take it apart. I am kinda glad because it is my most prized possession and I don't want people just screwing around with it! I have been thinking about getting it serviced soon anyway, since I never have, and it has tons of miles on it. Aaron seems to think he can take it apart, so I guess we will see.
After this week, I am halfway finished with training! Unfortunately, it is the most difficult part of training! I really only have 6 more weeks until the taper and I am counting down the weeks! I wasn't thrilled to start training, so the last nine weeks have flown by and my attitude is much better. I am still not sure what my goal is going to be at Boston because I really don't know if I can PR. I can't believe I ran a 3:37 at Steamtown and I don't want to be disappointed if I don't do better. I want to enjoy the experience and take it all in.
That's all for today...I am off to enjoy my day off and have fun in the snow with Nikko!
Tuesday: 9 miles outside at 8:48 pace
Wednesday: 6 x 800 at 8.7 speed 1% incline on the treadmill 2:30 recovery in between for a total of 5 miles
Friday: 9 mile pace
Saturday: 12 miles (Cutback week!)
Total: 39 miles
I am almost afraid to say it, but training has been going really well. I have been running very strongly and my paces are quicker than last cycle without any more effort. I find myself being paranoid about every little pain. The thought of an injury scares me half to death! Lately, I have noticed my lower back getting sore. This happened last training cycle and I spent a week limping around because my back hurt so badly. This cycle, I have not been seeing a chiropractor, and I am hoping that I don't need to start. I guess I just need to keep an eye on it.
Running 8/9 miles after work is a pain in the butt! I don't mind 6 or 7 milers, but for 8 or 9 (soon to be 10), it is hard to get everything done that needs to get done. I have been using my crockpot and cooking dinner before I leave for work, and that has been helping. We have been so busy with this basement and moving things from upstairs to downstairs, that I haven't had much free time.
We hired movers to move my treadmill, and they wouldn't touch it! THey measured our stairs and said it would have to be taken apart to fit down the stairs, but they didn't want to be the ones to take it apart. I am kinda glad because it is my most prized possession and I don't want people just screwing around with it! I have been thinking about getting it serviced soon anyway, since I never have, and it has tons of miles on it. Aaron seems to think he can take it apart, so I guess we will see.
After this week, I am halfway finished with training! Unfortunately, it is the most difficult part of training! I really only have 6 more weeks until the taper and I am counting down the weeks! I wasn't thrilled to start training, so the last nine weeks have flown by and my attitude is much better. I am still not sure what my goal is going to be at Boston because I really don't know if I can PR. I can't believe I ran a 3:37 at Steamtown and I don't want to be disappointed if I don't do better. I want to enjoy the experience and take it all in.
That's all for today...I am off to enjoy my day off and have fun in the snow with Nikko!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
