This morning I went out for my long run and made to sure to remember my bodyglide and ipod. However, I forgot my Garmin. Where is my head these days?! I was only about 5 mins from home but I didn't want to wait any longer, its going to be pretty warm today. I knew that from where I was to the Kaiser Permanente building was about 3.7 miles, and I had planned on doing 7 miles, so I figured I would just run to that intersection and back and look up the exact distance on Google Maps.
I had planned on doing an 11:30 pace but I had no way of telling my pace as I ran. My natural running pace is around 9:30-10, so I purposely ran slower than that, but that was all I could do. On the way back I passed a pair of women who were also out running and one of them said I had a cute outfit :) I was wearing my light purple running tank top and skirt. They were both wearing long black pants. They must have been so hot! I was getting pretty warm even though it was probably only around 70*.
I made it back to the car in about 81 1/2 minutes. I looked up the distance online and it was 7.4 miles down and back. I added .1 miles for the extra distance added weaving around people/trees, and going through cross walks and behind cars waiting at stop lights (I don't like to stop unless I absolutely have to). So 7.5 miles in 81:30, a 10:52 average. A little faster than planned, but I don't feel tired or sore so I am happy with it.
It was actually nice not having my Garmin, I wasn't worried about my pace or how far I had gone. I was just running and having fun. It was a gorgeous morning, sunny with a light breeze. A few rolling hills. Overall a great run!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Goals
Lately I have been re-evaluating where I am in my running and where I want to be. I have made progress this year, but with training for fall races starting, I want to make sure I get as much as I can out of my training and running before race season ends. I've been toying around with a few goals but I think I am more likely to stay focused on them if I write them down for everyone to see.
Goal #1: Run a sub-2 hour half-marathon.
- My current PR is 2:19.45 (May), and since then I have gotten faster. According to McMillan's running calculator, I need to do my 400 repeats at 7.8-8.2mph in order to acheive this pace. I started doing speedwork 2-3 months ago, and I am up to 7.6mph for my 400s, so I think I can do this. I am hoping for a sub-2:10 half at Portland in October, and to get my sub-2 at a spring half TBD.
Goal #2: Run a half-marathon with no walking.
- My current race strategy is to take 1-2 minute walk breaks at 3.5, 7, and 10 miles so I can eat my Power Bar. I think physically I can run all 13 miles without walking (I have run 9 miles+ without walking during training), but mentally I use those walk breaks as a crutch. I don't have a goal race for this yet. Maybe Rock n Roll Portland in May, I am running it with my husband and it would be nice to not have to walk.
Goal #3: Run 2 half-marathons in 2 days.
- This WILL include walking. Where I live, during July 4th weekend there is a "Firecracker Triple" - 3 half-marathons in 3 days over the holiday weekend. I have wanted to do something like that ever since I found out about it. And, bonus! It would qualify me for the 4th level of Half Fanatics. In June, I walked a half-marathon with my mom, and the next day I ran 8 miles and felt fine. So I think I will be fine with the mileage, as long as I take it slow and include lots of walking. I have my eye on 2 races over Labor Day weekend. If I can get in a few back-to-back long runs before then I think I will try it.
Goal #4: Run a marathon.
- Last fall I registered for the Eugene Marathon as my first marathon. I was supposed to start training at the end of December/start of January, but I ended up moving across the county, buying a house, getting a promotion, etc. and it was not the right time. I did the half instead and had a great time. But, I am still drawn to complete a full 26.2. I don't know when this will be. I think after I complete goals 1-3.
It looks like I have my work cut out for me! I like to always have a race to focus on so I think it will be good. Keep me on track.
Anyone else having any running goals they are working towards?
Goal #1: Run a sub-2 hour half-marathon.
- My current PR is 2:19.45 (May), and since then I have gotten faster. According to McMillan's running calculator, I need to do my 400 repeats at 7.8-8.2mph in order to acheive this pace. I started doing speedwork 2-3 months ago, and I am up to 7.6mph for my 400s, so I think I can do this. I am hoping for a sub-2:10 half at Portland in October, and to get my sub-2 at a spring half TBD.
Goal #2: Run a half-marathon with no walking.
- My current race strategy is to take 1-2 minute walk breaks at 3.5, 7, and 10 miles so I can eat my Power Bar. I think physically I can run all 13 miles without walking (I have run 9 miles+ without walking during training), but mentally I use those walk breaks as a crutch. I don't have a goal race for this yet. Maybe Rock n Roll Portland in May, I am running it with my husband and it would be nice to not have to walk.
Goal #3: Run 2 half-marathons in 2 days.
- This WILL include walking. Where I live, during July 4th weekend there is a "Firecracker Triple" - 3 half-marathons in 3 days over the holiday weekend. I have wanted to do something like that ever since I found out about it. And, bonus! It would qualify me for the 4th level of Half Fanatics. In June, I walked a half-marathon with my mom, and the next day I ran 8 miles and felt fine. So I think I will be fine with the mileage, as long as I take it slow and include lots of walking. I have my eye on 2 races over Labor Day weekend. If I can get in a few back-to-back long runs before then I think I will try it.
Goal #4: Run a marathon.
- Last fall I registered for the Eugene Marathon as my first marathon. I was supposed to start training at the end of December/start of January, but I ended up moving across the county, buying a house, getting a promotion, etc. and it was not the right time. I did the half instead and had a great time. But, I am still drawn to complete a full 26.2. I don't know when this will be. I think after I complete goals 1-3.
It looks like I have my work cut out for me! I like to always have a race to focus on so I think it will be good. Keep me on track.
Anyone else having any running goals they are working towards?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Scatterbrained
I got off work early today and decided to do my 4-mile run outside instead of on the treadmill, since the weather was so nice. My mind must have been somewhere else when I left the house though! I forgot my ipod and my water bottle, and I forgot to put on bodyglide and sunscreen. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm surprised I remembered to tie my shoes!
The run went ok, despite the mild dehydration, minor sunburn, and chafing between my legs. My average pace was 10:06, not too bad considering it was in the high 70s and I did 2 hours of Zumba and African Dance last night. I would LOVE to run my next half at around a 10 minute average. I think I have a little work ahead of me!
I am still working off all the fun from my birthday weekend :) I think in another week I will be back to where I was. Definitely worth it though!
The run went ok, despite the mild dehydration, minor sunburn, and chafing between my legs. My average pace was 10:06, not too bad considering it was in the high 70s and I did 2 hours of Zumba and African Dance last night. I would LOVE to run my next half at around a 10 minute average. I think I have a little work ahead of me!
I am still working off all the fun from my birthday weekend :) I think in another week I will be back to where I was. Definitely worth it though!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Things you can only do on your birthday
Order a cinnamon roll that's half your size.
Shop till you drop.
Eat 7 servings of frozen yogurt with every chocolate topping possible.
Force your husband to watch less-than-great movies solely for the special effects.
Get one of each mini dessert at Whole Foods to make your own dessert buffet.
Best birthday in a while I would have to say!
Friday, July 15, 2011
Hello Running, I've Missed You
Today I was finally able to run again. Whoo-hoo! I was going stir crazy after almost 5 days of no running. It is the longest I have gone since December.
As a reward, I made donut muffins. I had them once at Sweet Tomatoes and quickly became obsessed. I couldn't rationalize spending $8.95 just to eat muffins though, so I looked up a recipe online.
They turned out pretty well.
Yum! Now the hard part, stopping myself from eating 6 in one sitting. Not sure how well this is going to go...
As a reward, I made donut muffins. I had them once at Sweet Tomatoes and quickly became obsessed. I couldn't rationalize spending $8.95 just to eat muffins though, so I looked up a recipe online.
They turned out pretty well.
Yum! Now the hard part, stopping myself from eating 6 in one sitting. Not sure how well this is going to go...
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Getting Dirty
Short version: Today I ran the hardest half-marathon ever*!
*of the 6 halfs I have done
Long version: I have been toying with the idea of joining Half Fanatics, and the criteria for the second level of membership is to do 6 half-marathons in 6 months. I have already done 3 in 3 months, so I am trying to keep the streak going.
I found the Fueled by Fine Wine Half-Marathon on Racecenter.com (a Northwest race website). I had a free Sunday so I decided why not. I signed up last weekend, and then I read comments from last year's race.
the most challenging
hills were more challenging than anticipated
You won’t run your best time
Hmm...
I figured a PR was out the window, so I didn't taper this week or do my usual carbo loading routine. That was nice because usually races totally interrupt my workout schedules and I end up gaining weight from eating more before and after the race.
The race was TOUGH. About a third of the runners started walking after the first mile. Basically the entire course you are running uphill or downhill. Usually I love running downhill because I can make up time, but these downhills were STEEP, and often gravel or dirt/vineyard paths, I was too afraid to really let loose. I turned my ankle at least 4 times but surprisingly no injuries! There were a few hills when I looked up and either no one was running at all, or only 1 or 2 people were running, out of 30-50 people in front of me. So I felt better about walking. I think I could have run more than I did, but I kept reminding myself that this was not my "A" race, and I didn't want to hurt myself or end up so sore that I had to take a few days off this week.
The good thing is, I am definitely getting faster. On the few flat stretches there were, I was able to hold a pace over a minute faster per mile than my average at Eugene. So my next good (flat) half, I could probably cut a few minutes off. Yay!
I got so dirty during the race too, I have never done a race on dirt like that before. My entire body was covered in a thin layer of dirt.
Overall I feel ok about the race. I do not think I will do it again, even though its only 20 minutes from our house. The after party was a huge wine tasting event, and our goodie bags had tons of free wine tasting cards and wine discounts, but I don't like wine. I may have liked it better if I liked wine. Most people there were just excited to drink the wine after.
Anyone else done a really hard and/or dirty race? What were your thoughts?
Ready to go! Hubby hung out with me before the race until he had to leave for work. Luckily the race was on his way to work!
Start/finish line. We started and ended in sand. It was weird.
This is the hill the race started on. They wasted no time.
So happy to be done!
I love the medal!
A better finishing pic once I had a mirror to work with.
These shoes were white this morning!
Back of my legs.
Yes this is after I took my socks off. Don't let my paleness blind you. Now I have awesome sock, wristband, and ipod armband tan lines.
Even my neck was dirty! Gross!
*of the 6 halfs I have done
Long version: I have been toying with the idea of joining Half Fanatics, and the criteria for the second level of membership is to do 6 half-marathons in 6 months. I have already done 3 in 3 months, so I am trying to keep the streak going.
I found the Fueled by Fine Wine Half-Marathon on Racecenter.com (a Northwest race website). I had a free Sunday so I decided why not. I signed up last weekend, and then I read comments from last year's race.
the most challenging
hills were more challenging than anticipated
You won’t run your best time
Hmm...
I figured a PR was out the window, so I didn't taper this week or do my usual carbo loading routine. That was nice because usually races totally interrupt my workout schedules and I end up gaining weight from eating more before and after the race.
The race was TOUGH. About a third of the runners started walking after the first mile. Basically the entire course you are running uphill or downhill. Usually I love running downhill because I can make up time, but these downhills were STEEP, and often gravel or dirt/vineyard paths, I was too afraid to really let loose. I turned my ankle at least 4 times but surprisingly no injuries! There were a few hills when I looked up and either no one was running at all, or only 1 or 2 people were running, out of 30-50 people in front of me. So I felt better about walking. I think I could have run more than I did, but I kept reminding myself that this was not my "A" race, and I didn't want to hurt myself or end up so sore that I had to take a few days off this week.
The good thing is, I am definitely getting faster. On the few flat stretches there were, I was able to hold a pace over a minute faster per mile than my average at Eugene. So my next good (flat) half, I could probably cut a few minutes off. Yay!
I got so dirty during the race too, I have never done a race on dirt like that before. My entire body was covered in a thin layer of dirt.
Overall I feel ok about the race. I do not think I will do it again, even though its only 20 minutes from our house. The after party was a huge wine tasting event, and our goodie bags had tons of free wine tasting cards and wine discounts, but I don't like wine. I may have liked it better if I liked wine. Most people there were just excited to drink the wine after.
Anyone else done a really hard and/or dirty race? What were your thoughts?
Ready to go! Hubby hung out with me before the race until he had to leave for work. Luckily the race was on his way to work!
Start/finish line. We started and ended in sand. It was weird.
This is the hill the race started on. They wasted no time.
So happy to be done!
I love the medal!
A better finishing pic once I had a mirror to work with.
These shoes were white this morning!
Back of my legs.
Yes this is after I took my socks off. Don't let my paleness blind you. Now I have awesome sock, wristband, and ipod armband tan lines.
Even my neck was dirty! Gross!
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Weekly Training Recap
Sunday - Rest
Monday - Ran 7 miles
Tuesday - Ran 4 miles, 60 minutes Zumba
Wednesday - 60 minutes walking hill repeats
Thursday - Ran 4 miles, 60 minutes Zumba
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 30 minutes Abs class, 60 minutes Zumba
This week was C-R-A-Z-Y to say the least. We were way behind at work and I ended up working 10 hour days all week. And of course this was the week that I had to go to the DMV, ship packages at the Post Office, go to the dry cleaners, take the dog to the groomer, take the car in for service, and clean the house before hubby got home today. Whew! The weekend is already half over and I feel like it hasn't even started yet. Sadly a few workouts had to go by the wayside to make room for work and errands.
I would write more but this is the first chance I have had to hang out with my hubby in 3 weeks! And I guess he takes presidence over blogging :)
Monday - Ran 7 miles
Tuesday - Ran 4 miles, 60 minutes Zumba
Wednesday - 60 minutes walking hill repeats
Thursday - Ran 4 miles, 60 minutes Zumba
Friday - Rest
Saturday - 30 minutes Abs class, 60 minutes Zumba
This week was C-R-A-Z-Y to say the least. We were way behind at work and I ended up working 10 hour days all week. And of course this was the week that I had to go to the DMV, ship packages at the Post Office, go to the dry cleaners, take the dog to the groomer, take the car in for service, and clean the house before hubby got home today. Whew! The weekend is already half over and I feel like it hasn't even started yet. Sadly a few workouts had to go by the wayside to make room for work and errands.
I would write more but this is the first chance I have had to hang out with my hubby in 3 weeks! And I guess he takes presidence over blogging :)
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Weekly Training Recap
Sunday - Rest
Monday - Ran 10 miles
Tuesday - Biked 12 miles, 60 minutes Zumba
Wednesday - Ran 4 miles
Thursday - Biked 12 miles, 60 minutes Zumba
Friday - Ran 4 miles, 30 minutes butt class
Saturday - 30 minutes Abs class, 60 minutes Zumba
Despite cutting back on my biking, I was exhausted by the end of this week! I was counting the minutes till Zumba was done on Saturday. I think I need to start eating more to keep my energy up, but I finally started losing weight again after a month-long plateau and I would still like to lose another 8 lbs. We'll see how this next week goes.
Only 6 more days until my husband comes home! This trip seems to be going by a lot more slowly than the last one. Good thing I have working out to keep me busy, otherwise I would be going crazy.
Today is my rest day and I am going to visit my best friend from college. I can't wait! I haven't seen her for about 6 months so it will good to catch up.
Hope everyone has a Happy Fourth of July!
Monday - Ran 10 miles
Tuesday - Biked 12 miles, 60 minutes Zumba
Wednesday - Ran 4 miles
Thursday - Biked 12 miles, 60 minutes Zumba
Friday - Ran 4 miles, 30 minutes butt class
Saturday - 30 minutes Abs class, 60 minutes Zumba
Despite cutting back on my biking, I was exhausted by the end of this week! I was counting the minutes till Zumba was done on Saturday. I think I need to start eating more to keep my energy up, but I finally started losing weight again after a month-long plateau and I would still like to lose another 8 lbs. We'll see how this next week goes.
Only 6 more days until my husband comes home! This trip seems to be going by a lot more slowly than the last one. Good thing I have working out to keep me busy, otherwise I would be going crazy.
Today is my rest day and I am going to visit my best friend from college. I can't wait! I haven't seen her for about 6 months so it will good to catch up.
Hope everyone has a Happy Fourth of July!
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