Easy, HARD, Easier and Fairly Easy

Since the last time I posted, I achieved my goal of running a 1/2 marathon after exactly 4 months of training! I finished in about the time I expected, 3:31. It would have been under 3:30 if I didn't decide to stop at a porta potty that I ended up NOT using because it was disgusting and if the water stations were more prepared so runners didn't have to wait. Otherwise, the run was great, but hard-the hardest physical challenge I have endured-even harder than childbirth. When I ran across the finish line, it was a little anti-climatic because I had no one cheering for me at the finish line. However, soon after I crossed my husband called on my cell phone. He and the kids watched the race on live streaming from home and watched the whole thing. That was cool! I did get teary eyed when I crossed the finish line, thinking I did it!

Now what? The Monday before the race, I did a short 2 mile "easy" run on the suggestion of my friend to build up my confidence after a yucky long run the Saturday before. The rest of the week, I rested!

The week after the race, I also did very little. I took Monday and Tuesday off and went to the gym on Wed and Friday. Swimming and stationary bikes were my workouts. On Saturday, I signed up for the Race for the Cure 5K that would be the next day. I felt good and wanted to build confidence after the 1/2 marathon the week before. It wouldn't say that the run was easy, but definitely easier and it was not competitive so I took my time and enjoyed it.

Today, two weeks later I woke up and ran 4 miles. Thank goodness the heat wave is over and had a comfortable run. Today, I did not track my pace or time, just ran. It felt good. Not sure if I will attempt another 1/2 marathon but I know I will keep running. I like the idea of training, because it motivated me on days I didn't want to run but it is nice to take it easy and not overdo it.

I want to thank my roomies Jamee and Andrea for pushing me to do this, I would have never considered this on my own. And thanks to my friends and family who really supported me and cheered me on. To Al, you are the best husband and motivator of all and thanks for bringing me water on my long runs-you are the best and I love you!

Stay tuned, my next goal is a triathlon in the spring....

Do shoes make a difference?

Yes, apparently they do! When I first starting running in April, I went to Dick's sporting goods to get my "gear" which included Nike shoes with the Ipod tracker. The sales guy did tell me not to get the Nike shoes just because of the Ipod. However, the shoes seemed comfy so I went with them. 2 weeks later I went to a running store to get inserts because I didn't feel like the shoes were providing enough arch support. The guy there told me that my shoes were actually a little small and next time I should go up a size.

In mid-June, I felt is was time to get new shoes. For some reason-probably because I had a coupon-I went back to Dick's. In retrospect, the shoes I picked were a terrible choice especially because the girl who helped me told me she loved them but doesn't run! I was in somewhat a hurry so they felt comfortable and I bought them. These are the ones I have been doing my heavy training AND probably contributed to my planter facitis or sore heel.

Friday, I finally made time to go to a shoe store that specializes in running shoes. The guy immediately told me that I was wearing the wrong shoes. He had me walk for him and picked some different shoes that actually felt comfortable and supported my foot. I bought them.

While I was there, he introduced me to a drink, crytomax. I have been sticking to water because I am not into sports drinks but I thought I would try it since he said all the runners who work there swear by it. He instructed me to drink half the mix with a bottle of water before my run and then bring some along. I figured I would try it if it would possibly improve my run.

I am not sure if was the shoes or the drink or what but I had a great long run yesterday. I ran the whole way, the whole 11 miles! Alan and the kids met me the halfway point with water refills and then I was on my way. The only bad thing was I *thought* I was running faster and harder than I was but clearly the Ipod was off because it said I did 15 miles at 9-10 minute paces. When I clocked the route using my car, it was only 10 miles, but still did it in a good time. One more long run on Friday before the race 2 weeks from today!
If you are in Chicago, come down and cheer us on. Our time will be wearing cool grey shirts with pink writing   with Jill's quote on the back of the shirt. Check out her site and make a donation if you feel inclined!
https://www.kintera.org/site/c.jtJVJ8MSI...

Setting goals

In three weeks, I will be in Chicago for the big race. I am getting nervous but a little reassured with my good long run today. My time was good and I may not need to take the shuttle during the race to catch up to the runners! I read in the race info that if you are lagging too far behind, they will give you a ride to a closer point on the course so they can reopen street. I hope I can avoid this:).

Yesterday was a weird day, I don't believe in coincidences so at 2:13(Jill and my son's birthday), I looked at my odometer in my van and noted that it took exactly 13.1 miles from the zoo parking lot to our driveway and noticed for the first time that the last three numbers of my license plate is 131. Obviously, I have the race on my brain but it was weird nevertheless.

I cannot believe that 3 months ago, I took on this seemingly enormous physical challenge in memory of my dear friend, Jill. At the time it seemed almost impossible that I could run 13.1 miles, however today I ran almost 12. I guess motivation and determination can allow you to attain any goal.

My goal is to finish the race and while  raising at least $1310 for Jill's Triple Negative Breast Cancer fund to help find a cure for this underresearched and aggressive disease with no cure. If you would like to help, please click here:
https://www.kintera.org/site/lookup.asp?c=jjLVL8PSIuG&b=6125601 and indicate me in the "gift note" so I can properly acknowledge your generous contribution.

Getting close

Just got back from a 10 day trip with the family to the east coast. I did a pretty good job of sticking to the training schedule, even did an 11 mile long run(with plenty of walk breaks), a few 3 milers and a 10k. We were at the beach so it wasn't so hot, which was great! I am now getting a bit nervous for the big run in less than a month. I definitely need to pick up my speed in order to finish in the 3 1/2 time limit. It is doable since that is really 15 minute miles but doesn't give much wiggle room for walk/water breaks. I realized yesterday the best way to increase my speed is to do intervals on the treadmill. Since I have been staying away from treadmill and only running outside, this will be a shift but will also help with the training since it is now getting so hot in the late morning when I do most of my running since I have the kids home.
Today, I am headed to the running store to buy more comfy shoes...

Updates

Yikes, it has been a while since I have blogged. This does not mean that I haven't been keeping up with my training, just that I have been busy enough that I haven't found time to write.
Let's see, I have been running every other day 3-4 miles with a long run once a week. My long run last Friday was 8.5 of running and .5 miles of cool down walking. This week, I am going for 10m. As I think of my training schedule, I have about 6 weeks until the big RUN!

On June 5th, I ran Hospital Hill which is a challenging race for a 5k, 10k and 1/2. I did the 10k which was the halfway point of my training. I ran the whole thing but it was a bit humbling that I came in with some 1:30 pace 1/2 marathoners. They did have a 15 head start, but still.

The week before HH, my friend who convinced me to begin my training surprised me with a visit. When we went for a run, she was literally running circles around me. While I am no longer worried about not finishing the 1/2 marathon, I know the girls will be waiting a long time at the finish line for me!

I have a pain in my heel that really hurts, especially in the morning when I get up at 5:00am to take our new puppy for a walk. It improves during the day, but while I know I should probably take it easy I also know that I can't talk a break from running at this stage of the game. Oh well no pain, no gain.

I am sure there is more, but that is all for now. I am working on figuring out how to solicit donations for the 1/2 marathon. This morning I decided my goal will be $1310 and the $ will go to the Jill Landau Triple Negative Breast Cancer Fund. 

61 miles this month!

My Nike IPOD tracks the history of the runs I have done using my tracker and today I looked at the total mileage since April 2 and it is 61 miles! I have done a few runs without it but WOW!
Maybe my goal should be around 100 miles for a month?

Mother's Day 5k

Today, I completed my 1st 5k race in about 10 years. My friend Brian (who runs marathons) insisted that I line up in the 8-9 minute mile wave rather than wait for the 10 minute or more mile waves. That was not the best idea, since I was next to a woman who ran the Nashville marathon a few weeks ago and this was just a "warm up" for her.
Anyways, I was left behind by most of the women and girls I was lined up with but I did get in my stride and did fine in the race but when I hit the 1st mile marker my time was 13:02. The good news is I ran the whole thing, but not as fast as I had hoped. As a funny side note my inexperience showed when I didn't realize I was supposed to take the disposable chip that was attached to my number tag and tie it on my shoe until I saw everyone in line with it on their shoe. Luckily, I tied it on just in time for the race to begin.
It was so fun to have my husband and kids on the side and at the finish cheering me on. My sweet daughter even made me a sign that said "Go Mommy"!
I looked up the results tonight and I finished in 43:28 minutes. I was 1309 out of 2705, not too bad for my first race:)
After the run, we drove the route of my next hurdle the Hospital Hill 10k on June 5th. Wow, it is really hilly. I need to do more hilly practice runs. Stay tuned for my long run on Thursday this week-8 miles, whoo-hoo!
Happy Mother's day!

Long and slow, short and fast!

On Monday, I scheduled my "long" run which was a 7 mile one. This was on the heels of a relaxing weekend get away with spa time, lots of food and drink. I wanted to try out the trails at Corporate Woods since I am doing a 5 k race there this Sunday. I found what I thought was a comfortable pace and just loved the winding trails and not being completely sure where I was headed. A good run, without any stopping, but it took me almost an hour and 45 minutes! In fact, my average mile was 15 minutes-yuck!

Now today, I planned a shorter 4 mile run. It was also a day to practice intervals and I set a goal of wanting to complete 3 miles in under 40 minutes in preparation for the 5k race on Sunday. Well, I actually completed the 3.1 in 37 minutes, a personal best. I even had a 10 minute mile, whoo-hoo! I know that for the BIG race I cannot keep such a pace but it felt good to be able to run as fast as I did. I finished 4.5 miles in 50 minutes which can use some improvement but the intervals in the first part of my run made a huge difference.

I love to sleep in on the weekends and even more so with Sunday being Mother's day but instead I will be at the race by 7:20am perhaps I can take an afternoon nap?

The lake, cars, and dogs oh my...

So we went to the lake for a weekend getaway and even though we were on a vacay, I felt that I needed to keep up my training. Alan did not want to go with me for a run, so I planned to do a short 3 mile run in the area where we were staying. The road did not have an area to run, a narrow two one lane on each side winding road, not the safest area. But I figured if I just stayed close to the edge facing traffic, I would be ok. The road was fine but very hilly I tried to veer off to side streets to stay off the main road, but they all dead ended and then I had to run back up the hill. Needless to say, my pace was not so great. Cars were whipping around the road and I wasn't feeling so safe, but I kept going. But the last straw was when I ran by a house where the pit bull was barking like crazy, I crossed the road and another big black dog ( not a Lucy dog) came charging at me. At that point, I turned around and walked away so I would not startle the dogs any more. I am a dog lover, but I was not sure about these dogs so I got out of there. I finished close to my 3 miles by the time I got back to the house we were staying but it was not my best time or effort. Tomorrow, I plan to do 7 miles and hope it is not eventful.

She's like the wind or running against the wind

Today, I had planned a "short" run, meaning a 5k. I was talking to a few people and read an article from Runner's World and decided I should try running intervals on my short runs. I know that intervals are probably better on the treadmill, but it was nice enough outside so I figured I would make up my own intervals. I ran fast from one light pole to the next then ran at a slower pace for two light poles and then another faster run for one light pole. Wow! It felt great and I know I was working harder than normal. The intervals worked good until I reached the part of the run heading south. Whew, it was SO windy I could barely run, let alone run fast. I did the best I could but I the wind was very strong. Finally, I decided to make a left and finish up the run heading East and then I could walk back to my car in the south direction against the wind.
Despite the windy day, I finished just under 40 minutes, which was great for my and Lance came on again to congratulate me on my best time for a mile. I will definitely do intervals on my shorter runs for now one. We are heading out of town this weekend and I am hoping to get my husband to run with me on Saturday, I'll let you know howPublish Post that goes.

Eventful week

Let's see, since my last post I became a Dr.(defended my dissertation last Wednesday), took my first limo ride and had an amazing dinner at the American restaurant and traveled to surprise my college roommate for her birthday. Needless to say, my focus was not really on running this past week, but I did squeeze in a 4 mile run on  Friday. I found it pretty easy to run the four miles without any walking, whoo-hoo! I had actually planned run on Thursday, but it was pouring rain and I did not feel like going to the gym. I much rather run outside in drizzle then  run around a track inside for multiple laps, I mean if I am running 4 miles that means I would have to run around in a circle 40 times! That would get old, but I need to get over it because what do I do once winter comes???

I thought I might run with my college roommate on Sunday but the combo of her running an 8K on Saturday and too much wine the night before did not motivate us much. So today it was time for a run. I had talked to A about whether I should continue to work on distance or work on speed. She suggested speed, but I did anything but work on speed today. While I did run a hilly 5 mile course today, it was VERY slow. I think the weekend took a toll on my body and the hills were a little much for me. The important thing is that I did run the entire  5 miles and did not quit early. I am beginning to feel it in my knees tonight. I think I need to take an advil.

During my visit, I found out about some important "running" things and one non running thing. I won't go into detail, but I learned about glide, bathroom situations while running, and the now infamous taiwan basket.
I had decided that it is a good idea to participate in a 5K before my 10K at the beginning of June. There is a mother's day 5 k run that donates their proceeds to American Heart Association, which is one of my charities.   When I told my husband that I wanted to sign up, I mentioned that I would miss out on our traditional breakfast in bed on Mother's day. He instantly replied, can't we just do that on Saturday morning instead? God I love this man!

Lance Armstrong says congratulations

Today I planned to do my "long" run for the week. The training guide says to do shorter runs every other day and then a longer run on the weekend. Since we were out of town over the weekend, I picked today as my long run day while my kids were in school. I figured I should shoot for a 10k(6.2 miles). On the way to my son's school, I mapped out my course that should have been about 6.5 miles. I thought I would try to run most of the way and when I got to the 10k mark, I would walk the rest as a cool down. I also dropped off a vitamin water bottle about 6 miles into the course to replenish.
I took my son to school and began my run from the school parking lot. Even though I went to the bathroom, I felt like I had to go again so I planned to stop at the local rec center which is about the halfway mark and along my planned route. I was able to run there at a good pace, paused my IPOD and restarted after my stop. I continued running and was able to run the ENTIRE 10K! At the end of my 10k, Lance Armstrong's voice came over my IPOD congratulating me on my best mile time of 13 minutes. I know I maintained my pace around 13 minutes each mile, which I had been more around 14-15 minute miles.
Now, either my car is off on its mileage tracker or something because I had about another 1/2 until I got to my water(I was really hoping it was still there and it was!). I ended up running an extra .8 of a mile for an even 7 miles. Wow!
However, I still had about 1.5 miles back to my car at the school. So that was my cool down with a slow jog/walk. So all in all, I did 8.5 miles today. 4.6 more miles and it would have been the 1/2 marathon. I have a ways to go, but I am definitely on my way towards my goal! Thanks to everyone for their cheers and support! Even Lance....

The long and short of it

On Sunday, after a busy weekend with family in town, 2 birthday parties for my daughter I was pretty tired. So in the afternoon I told my husband that I would only go for a 5 mile run/walk and would be back in about an hour. It was also in the high 80's in the late afternoon so I wasn't sure how the run would go, but I knew I needed to do a "long" run to keep up my training schedule. I set my ipod for a 5 mile workout and was on my way. I ran quite a bit and took walk breaks as needed. My ipod told me I was done with my workout, but guess what? I still had over a mile to go before I made it back home! I had to get home, right? And I didn't really want to call my husband to pick me up so I kept plugging away. That excursion ended up being 6.6 miles! I think my next long run should be 7 miles.

Today, I had planned a "short" run of 3 miles. I only had about 45 minutes to run so I could get home, showered and to where I needed to be on time. I am proud to say that I ran the entire 3 mile route-even though my ipod stopped tracking for about .5 miles and didn't record the entire workout. My miles averaged 13 minutes, which is slow but not for me. And I had time to shower and get ready for my class.

I am really happy that I am training for the 1/2 marathon in August but have the shorter term goal of the 10k in June. I think if I just started running for the sake of running, I would be much more laid back about the training. But I know I want to finish both of the races I have signed up for and reach my goals.
Plus, it feels great!

3 mile day

Today, the plan was to run 3 miles outside our gym so I could take advantage of the babysitting services since my son is still on break. I "clocked" the mileage of the perimeter of the campus and it was 3 miles-perfect. I got my son settled, got my water bottle filled and was set to go. I set my Iphone for a 5k program and *thought* I was ready to go. However, there was a snafu. My iphone could not locate the sensor in my shoe, which meant that it could not track my mileage or give me the friendly updates (see previous post). Well, I figured since I knew the mileage of the route I would just go ahead without using that tool.

The run was ok, I took mini walk breaks to drink some water but for the most part I ran and it took me 40 minutes. I tricked myself into running more by saying "just until that tree" or "keep running until the street" which I actually ran past those points. This is why I like running outside vs the treadmill. On the treadmill, I can't use those as motivators-just time.

Proud that I am keeping on the training schedule and yesterday, on my off day, I was thinking about my next run. I think I am hooked!

1st "long" run and the Nike Ipod sensor

The training guides say to do one long run a week, usually on Sundays. I decided to try the long run today. I suggested to my husband that I run to a neighboring park and he meet me with the kids and their bikes. I mapquested the park and found it was over 4 miles but thought that I could extend it to 5 miles since I would be taking the trails instead of the street directions.

When I got my training gear, I discovered this cool gadget called the Nike Ipod sensor. I wanted a pedometer to track my mileage and the guy at Dick's suggested I try this Ipod sensor. Certain Nike shoes have this hole carved out inside the shoe where you can put the sensor and it synches with my Iphone to track miles, calories burned and time. It is SO cool! My favorite part is that while I am listening to my tunes, it will interrupt each mile to let me know my time and distance. It is very motivating! I can also download my results and it will make a chart of my progress. I will post one of those another day, once I figure it out.

Anyways, back to the run. I decided I would just run as much as I could and walk when I needed to but my goal was to the park. I set my Iphone for 5 miles and was on my way. I started off listening to a podcast of 2 gomers that Jamee suggested but I decided I needed music to get me going. So I was jacking around trying to get my music and accidentially turned off the nike sensor app at .66 miles. I was walking while I reset for the 5 miles and started running again to the music. I was running slowly, but running. I did not feel like I needed to stop to walk very often, one time because I was passing a dog and owner and didn't want to startle the dog. The next time, 2 "kids" in their 20's passed me and I felt a little silly. The third time was to text my husband that I was at the entrance of the park! I then followed the trail into the park and was almost at the 5 mile mark. I couldn't believe it! I kept going until the family arrived and I was at 5.5 miles. That added to the previous .66 miles added up to almost 6.2 miles-which is a 10k. Wow!

My legs are pretty soar, but the good news is I didn't feel like I was going to pass out when I was done with the run. I even walked around the "loop" with the kids while they rode their bikes-which is about .5 miles. I am pleased with my progress, now I just have to double this for the 1/2 marathon. But I am more confident about the 10k in June. Tomorrow is a rest day.

Hospital Hill 10k in June

Last night I signed up for a popular race in town which takes place June 5th. I don't feel that I would be ready for the 1/2 by then but I do think I can attempt the 10k (only 6.2 miles). This will be a perfect half way point to my training since it is 2 months away and 2 months from the big run in August.

You can get a hotel room right at the starting point so I think the family will spend the night and then I can wake up and basically go to the starting line. That will be great!

My legs are definitely feeling tight from the run yesterday. I love the feeling because I know I was working hard.

On the run

So my two college roommates have been running for a while now. They each asked me to run with them in a 1/2 marathon to raise money for our friend's foundation(I will talk more about that in another post). My immediate reaction was "NO, I do not run". However, Andrea did suggest that I could always walk if I couldn't run the whole 13.1 miles. Hmmmm....

I am just finishing up my Ed.D program and will have some "free" time and I have been wanting to get back in shape...ok, now I am into the idea of joining the gang to honor our wonderful friend Jill. I have 4 months to train and I *think* I can do it! I picked up a training book by Galloway, checked out some online resources, and went to the sports store to get new running shoes(with the nike ipod chip in it), a heart monitor, Iphone armband and a water bottle belt.

So today, I started my first official training run. I had planned on run/walking 4 miles this morning. I started off pretty well and was comfortable with my running and walking breaks. It was misting a little but I thought it felt good and refreshing. As I came up the hill upon my 3rd mile, it started raining, no hailing and leaves were flying in my face so hard I could not keep my eyes open. A kind woman pulled over and asked me if I wanted a ride. I declined but decided it was time to call my husband to pick me up. I took cover under a tree and called him. I started running again towards home and as he approached, we both noticed many broken tree limbs in the road. I was sopping wet!

The news tonight reported that there was a microburst in the exact area I was. I guess next run, I better check the weather first before I head out. Sunday, I plan to try for 4 miles again.