Running Into Fall (but, not falling!)

[michelem]

So, we finally had some fall weather this weekend - yahoo! :) Supposed to get close to 90 again this week, but at least it was nice and cool this morning -- over 20 degrees cooler than last weekend. :D

If you read yesterday's post from last week's thread, you'll see I was having leg pain. It was highly recommended that I ice, but I HATE ICE!!! So, I went against the recommendation and took a hot bath. AAAAHHHH . . . That along with the Advil I took yesterday afternoon and I was pain free this morning, so I went ahead and drove over to the start of today's 16.25 mile run. When I got there 5 minutes before start, nobody else was there. I waited 20 minutes and then decided to set out on my own. I didn't see another runner the whole morning! Turns out today was the Sacramento Cowtown Marathon and the group was either racing or volunteering. Oh well!

I felt MUCH stronger on this route than I did the first time a month ago. My time was about the same, but I had to take two potty stops this time. I really need to figure something out about that. I pooped 3 times in the hour before I left this morning (even had to run back in the house after I partially backed the car out of the driveway). I got to the starting point and tried the two open places -- gas station and donut shop -- and both did not have public restrooms. :( So, I ended up running about a mile down the road to the Starbucks and using theirs. After that, no facilities for about 8 miles (rural backroads). Thankfully, when I reached the firestation at my designated turnaround point, the firefighters were kind enough to let me use their restroom -- diarrhea -- UGH!!! :( Made it back to the parking lot and home without incident, thank goodness.

The exciting thing is that I felt much stronger on this run and it didn't seem as far. I still had to walk portions of two very steep inclines at the end, but that is less than I walked last time. Also, I DID NOT FALL!!! :D

The cool weather (50's and foggy heading out and clear 60's when I got back), made it so much more pleasant as well.

My plan called for an 18 miler today, but with all the hills I think the 16.25 was enough. I felt strong at the finish, like I could have gone farther, but why push my luck? My leg still feels good this afternoon.

Hope everyone else gets off to a great start of the week as well! I look forward to hearing your reports/stories. :p

[Jolt]

Well, I did NOT get the week off to a good start running wise...after taking three weeks off because of an IT band problem (and doing stretches/foam roller most days), I decided to do a trail run today after church. After a little more than fifteen minutes, the darned thing started hurting again!! Not cool...I will probably end up going and getting it checked out and try to get some suggestions for how to treat it and have the treatment actually be effective. This not being able to run/go on long hikes has not done anything good for my mood lately...

[kacie tri-ing]

Ahhh....I love weekends....I really really do.

I usually do tons of work for the next week on the weekend....but not this weekend. This weekend was all about running and biking.


Saturday I went with my running partner to run in a new place. It is a soft surface 5 K look that follows a river. Since I live in the middle of atlanta, I do not get to run in nature beyond city parks during the week!

It was beautiful! We ran 10K, and I felt great. My training partner did not feel great. I think it was too much mexican food friday night :eek: That meant that I ended up cheering her on for the last 5K. I love running with someone though. When I have a bad day, she is there for me...and sometimes she has too much queso, and I am there for her!

Then, I cheered my DH on in his road race...then we drove so I could cheer him on the next morning in a crit....

Then...DH returned the favor by being my support on my 11 mile brutal trail run. The trails are really tough, and I tend to get lost, so he somehow zip around to deliver water, support, and directions while I learn my way around the local mountain trails (he knows them by heart!).

It was really tough. I was lucky to maintain an 11 minute mile on those trails. There were some really good moments though. I finally felt a little bit more in control on the trails, wheras I often feel like I am in a constant state of trying not to fall:eek:

I have to mix up some of my training this week, but I am going to get it all in! I have to fly to a conference in memphis this weekend, but you know my running shoes are coming with me!


I do believe that running on soft surfaces is so much better for you. I ran quite a bit this weekend, but I was not hobbling much at all this morning. I just wish it was close enough to do during the week!

Everyone have a great week!:)

[Jolt]

Going to the orthopod Friday morning to get checked out and hopefully be able to go to a PT and figure out what the biomechanical issue is that caused the problem in the first place. Looks like I won't be running for a while--probably lots of swimming for a few weeks!

[Aggie_Ama]

I did 4 glorious miles yesterday morning at the local trail. Even though that meant 5 laps around the path it was fun. A little hot (yes still 90 here) but nice. I really needed to clear my head and it worked, I wanted to go longer but I needed to get home to get ready for my friend's memorial service. I was sad to stop running been a long time since I felt that way!

[colby]

TAPER WEEK! I will force myself not to run. (although I was told 2 miles would be OK one day this week...). I swam today, and am planning on swimming Wed. and Fri. (easy and slow).

Chicago Marathon on Sunday, my first full! Im so excited/nervous/lots of other things.

Any marathoners out there: advice???

Take it easy, and do what you trained to do. :) A little running this week is fine to keep your muscles moving, and keeping yourself busy is a good idea so you don't get the heebie jeebies thinking about all the woulda coulda shouldas.

You'll do great! You've put in the time, this is just the exclamation point at the end of the sentence.

[teigyr]

Yes, fall running weather! Love hearing about all the trail runs everyone is doing... perfect time to watch the leaves change.

TAPER WEEK! I will force myself not to run. (although I was told 2 miles would be OK one day this week...). I swam today, and am planning on swimming Wed. and Fri. (easy and slow).

Chicago Marathon on Sunday, my first full! Im so excited/nervous/lots of other things.

Any marathoners out there: advice???

You will have so much fun!!! I second what Colby said. This is your reward for all your training :D

I'd say don't go out too fast...my strategy (of course being sick changed it all up) was to stay at a low HR until mile 18-19. Look around as you run, notice all the entertainment and people out cheering, and just enjoy the experience. As a race official said last Sunday, "you only get one first marathon AND it will be a PR no matter what your time is. Enjoy this one."

I can't wait to hear how your race goes!

[jesvetmed]

I finally got a run in today! :D
4.0 miles avg 10.05 min/mile. I walked a bit, jogged and then "ran" for several intervals... my run is a quick jog, really!

This was the first run since my injury during the 60 mile walk. It felt good while doing it -- excellent, really! Sunshine on a crispy fall day! Couldn't be better.

But I've had Ibuprofen for lunch and dinner now. That's ok.. good trade off. Taking it slow and hope to be up to running 2-3x week in a couple of weeks.

[Aggie_Ama]

Ahhhh finally I felt motivated enough to go run. I have been working on landscaping this week and just worn out but yesterday I put on the shoes and went. Made it 4 laps or 3.2 miles and was pretty happy with that. My legs are a bit sore today but I will live.

Sadly I had to watch Star Flight (not one but two!!) fly over. We had a big wreck at the next intersection from the park on our highway. I didn't see the wreck but I have never seen two Star Flight come out. I don't see anything in the paper so it must not have been a fatality, that provides comfort. I hate running by the fire station (park is next door) and seeing the guys scrambling to leave. I prefer them jogging the trail or playing basketball, that means no one needs them right then. ;)

[michelem]

Wow! It sounds like everyone but Jolt is having a great week running-wise. Jolt, how are you holding up? Have you seen a PT yet?

This week, my PT worked on releasing my diaphragm. OUCH!!! The left side released right away, but two sessions and the right is still pretty "stuck." I saw her Tues./Thurs. and each night went to the gym and attempted speedwork (intervals Tuesday and tempo last night). Both nights I got pretty bad side stitches (on the right side, of course), right in the area she worked on. So, I ended up walking more than I would have liked. :(

I'm hopeful for my long run on Sunday though: cooler weather and I don't get side stitches when running at the slower pace my long runs require.

Keep up the good work everyone, and keep enjoying this lovely fall weather! :D

[kacie tri-ing]

I had a rough run wednesday and Thursday. My deep lower back on the right side is killing me. I emailed the massage therapist to get and appointment and some advice in the meantime.

It actually hurts more when i step lightly on that leg. I ran six on a trail yesterday, and though it did not feel delightful, it did not feel as bad as walking! That was followed with plenty of ice and some IB profen.

My foot fell asleep while I was running yesterday. I do not take that as a good sign:mad:

I have to fly to a conference this weekend, and if there is a pool I might do a little swimming instead of running this weekend!

I have a twelve mile run as my long run, so maybe I should let myself recover some and do that monday on trails when I get back from the conference.

This whole marathon training is very emotional! Some days I feel wonderful. I feel like I could run forever, and I feel like I could do it next weekend and be fine. Other days something really hurts and I am terrified of being too injured to keep training. Anyone else feel this way during training? Maybe I am over reacting

[colby]

This whole marathon training is very emotional! Some days I feel wonderful. I feel like I could run forever, and I feel like I could do it next weekend and be fine. Other days something really hurts and I am terrified of being too injured to keep training. Anyone else feel this way during training? Maybe I am over reacting

Yes, don't worry, it's normal. :) You probably are overreacting, but it happens to all of us, just part of the process. There are ups and downs, the important thing to remember during the downs is that... there are ups! ;) Hang in there.

[teigyr]

It happened to me too. There were times I'd go for a short run and think it should be easy and things would hurt. I'd think that there is no way I could ever be crazy enough to think I could run a marathon! I think I over-analyzed and put too much expectation out there.

I am going for (I think) a five-ish mile run today. I am supposed to take it easy this week, I read I should aim for about 1/4 of my pre-marathon training distances as a weekly goal. Um...10 miles then? So I am doing two runs of 2.5 miles and one of 5 miles this week. Hopefully, DH and I will get out on the bikes maybe too. Am already scoping out races for next spring :D

[Aggie_Ama]

I went for a 22 minute (so probably about 2 mile) run around the neighborhood. Running the streets is no fun, they are hilly and well hilly. Wahhh. But at least it was fast on the downhills. :D

I need to do yard work in the morning so no time to bike, I think I will hit the trail for a good long run maybe a recent personal best?

[michelem]

kacie tri-ing, I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing pain. Swimming sounds like a good idea for this weekend. I would caution against doing your long run before you get your back checked out. I'd hate to see you do more damage. :( Hopefully it's something that can be alleviated by stretching (for example, tight hamstrings can cause lower back pain). Keep an eye on your temperature too -- if you get a fever it may be indicative of a kidney infection, which would likely present itself as lower back pain.

teigyr, Are you all recovered from your nasty cold? Here's to feeling lots better! :)

Aggie_Ama, Have fun on your trail run this weekend.

As for me, I am just hoping this crazy wind dies down soon! We're due for continued high winds tomorrow (yesterday we had gusts up to 38mph . . . haven't yet seen today's report, but it was super windy again today). So, I guess this means I need to finally take my car in for an oil change tomorrow morning since I won't be out running or cycling. What fun. :rolleyes: There is NO WAY I am doing 20 miles on the treadmill, so the wind better die down by Sunday! :eek:

[Jolt]

Wow! It sounds like everyone but Jolt is having a great week running-wise. Jolt, how are you holding up? Have you seen a PT yet?

This week, my PT worked on releasing my diaphragm. OUCH!!! The left side released right away, but two sessions and the right is still pretty "stuck." I saw her Tues./Thurs. and each night went to the gym and attempted speedwork (intervals Tuesday and tempo last night). Both nights I got pretty bad side stitches (on the right side, of course), right in the area she worked on. So, I ended up walking more than I would have liked. :(

I'm hopeful for my long run on Sunday though: cooler weather and I don't get side stitches when running at the slower pace my long runs require.

Keep up the good work everyone, and keep enjoying this lovely fall weather! :D

Thanks for asking. I went to the sports medicine doc yesterday and he said it is indeed a classic case of IT band syndrome and gave me a referral for PT. I have an appointment in about a week and a half with the PT (they were booked for a few days and plus I have a crazy schedule) and am hoping once I get that started it won't be ridiculously long before I can get running and hiking again. I've been just sticking to swimming and will continue to do so until I go to the PT; it's decent exercise but it stinks having to drive to the Y and then being indoors to work out when I should be outside. Interestingly enough, flutter kick causes a few twinges but breaststroke kick seems not to bother it at all so I've been using a pull buoy for freestyle and doing a fair amount of breaststroke. This is really a rotten time of year to be injured (not that there's any good time...)! Hope nobody else is dealing with this problem right now!

[kelownagirl]

Hi all!

I've had a bit of a slow week (only ran 3k on Tuesday) but I'm doing my Zen Run 10K 'race' for the World Wide Festival of Races (http://www.worldwidefestivalofraces.com/) today. Here's my bib number. :)


I just made up my own 10K route down on the flats today. It's sunny but cold. 5C right now. Will have to wear tights and a jacket for sure.

[teigyr]

Syndirelah, good luck and have fun!!! And please don't forget to let us know how it went :D

michelem, I'm still coughing. I ran a total of ten miles this week - Runners World said to do 1/4 mile weekly training the first week after a marathon so I figured 1/4 of 40 would be easy. It's strange but I am now faster. I don't know why. My legs never did hurt after the marathon. I don't know why. Perhaps we will discover Nyquil is an effective training tool.

Jes and Jolt, I hope both of you can get back to doing what you want to do. Jes, it sounded promising for you? And Jolt, at least it WILL get better. I can really understand the impatience though.

Oh, 20 miles on a treadmill? :eek::eek::eek:

[colby]

20 miles on a treadmill, nooooooo! ;) Hopefully the weather cleared up!

I actually got to run today! Yay. I went just about 3 miles, 4 minutes running, 4 minutes walking, so about 35-40 minutes (a little extra walking). It felt weird when I got back, but I don't feel bad now. My PT is letting me run 3 times a week, 4 minutes on/4 minutes off then 5 minutes/3 minutes, etc, 4 repeats (I did 4 run/walk repeats with a walk warmup). Trying to focus on engaging my glutes when I was walking, but that's too much when I'm running, so I just try to stay "even" and have good form.

On the road again... hopefully I get to stick with it. My regular exercises have been reduced to only a few that are less dependent on isolation and more on integration, especially in my glutes.

[tattiefritter]

I'm trying to shake a cold at the minute. I got soaked to the skin on my trail race on the 4th of October which brought it on I think. The Trail Race was cut short due to the weather conditions, the Mountain Rescue team on hand wouldn't let the full higher level 15K course be run so it was changed to a low level 11K course instead. The English Lake District is well known as a precipitation magnet but a months worth of rain fell in one day, it was torrential! I have blogged it in more detail but suffice to say I have never, ever been that wet running!

I also ran my first Cross Country race on Saturday, it was hard work but really good fun. It was much more fun than running on the road but not sure it did my cold any good! I've blogged about it but the Very Red Shoes are now properly muddy:


http://lh6.ggpht.com/Julbags/SPHEemQ2ZYI/AAAAAAAAAQA/0zlBSroeAcg/s400/Muddy%20Walsh%

[Aggie_Ama]

Something randomly fun I noticed last night will doing 2.4 miles on the walking trail- the lights are on a circuit. One lamp popped on, then about 20-30 seconds the next one and down the line they went until the entire path was lit. I don't know why but it was amusing to watch them turn on one by one.

I ended up running 4 days but never built above 3.2 miles. I need to get over the hump since it is only about a month to the Turkey Trot and those 5 long hilly miles. Maybe a change of scenery would help? I might try a different trail that is on the way home from work tomorrow.

[michelem]

I realize I should start a new week's thread for this, but I just don't feel like it -- so there! :p

Running on the treadmill SUCKS. High winds continued through the weekend. Less than the previous two days (gusts to 38 on Thursday, 44 on Friday, 35 on Saturday, and 30 on Sunday), but still too much for running or cycling. So, I FINALLY mustered up the wherewithall to go to the gym for my long run last night. Got in a PATHETIC 18.7 miles before the gym closed at 9pm. Pathetic because I was so slow and felt like such *&!# The treadmill maxes out at 1hr. 40 min. I got in 10 miles during the first go-round and only 8.7 the second. I was HURTING. Why does it hurt so much more to run on the treadmill??? I threw hills in there and everything so I wouldn't just be pounding out the same ol' same ol' the whole way, but that didn't seem to help. I did take a potty break after the first 10 miles, which necessitated going down and back up stairs. So, I didn't get in my full 20 miles, but it sure felt like longer! Granted I didn't eat much during the day because I didn't want to have "intestinal distress" while running (normally I run first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, and even then I end up in the porta-potties at least once). So, maybe part of the pain came from not enough fuel. Who knows? All I know is that I sure hope I don't have to do a long run on the treadmill again any time soon!

Lookin forward to someone else starting the new week's thread this week. ;)

[colby]

Running on the treadmill SUCKS. High winds continued through the weekend. Less than the previous two days (gusts to 38 on Thursday, 44 on Friday, 35 on Saturday, and 30 on Sunday), but still too much for running or cycling. So, I FINALLY mustered up the wherewithall to go to the gym for my long run last night. Got in a PATHETIC 18.7 miles before the gym closed at 9pm. Pathetic because I was so slow and felt like such *&!# The treadmill maxes out at 1hr. 40 min. I got in 10 miles during the first go-round and only 8.7 the second. I was HURTING. Why does it hurt so much more to run on the treadmill??? I threw hills in there and everything so I wouldn't just be pounding out the same ol' same ol' the whole way, but that didn't seem to help. I did take a potty break after the first 10 miles, which necessitated going down and back up stairs. So, I didn't get in my full 20 miles, but it sure felt like longer! Granted I didn't eat much during the day because I didn't want to have "intestinal distress" while running (normally I run first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, and even then I end up in the porta-potties at least once). So, maybe part of the pain came from not enough fuel. Who knows? All I know is that I sure hope I don't have to do a long run on the treadmill again any time soon!

Now that's dedication. :cool:

Running on the treadmill always feels so different. I always feel slow, even though people claim you can run faster on the treadmill than on the road (maybe those are people who mostly run on a treadmill?). I just don't seem to get a good rhythm going.

So, I'd say 18.7 is darn close enough!!

[Aggie_Ama]

Yuck to treadmill running! I think the longest I have held out was 1 hr 15 minutes. 18.7 close enough!

[Jolt]

Yuck to treadmill running! I think the longest I have held out was 1 hr 15 minutes. 18.7 close enough!

Yuck is right...who wants to run indoors and stay in one place next to a bunch of random people? That's the main thing that is bugging me about swimming laps in the indoor pool--it's inside, no change of scenery, and sometimes one has to share a lane (although usually this pool isn't that crowded). However, it's past outdoor swimming season unfortunately... When I go to PT next week, I'll ask if they think biking will be OK to do until I get this IT band problem sorted out--I'm not sure if that would make things worse so have been staying off the bike too.

[emily_in_nc]

Wow, although I actually like treadmill running since I don't like running outside when it's hot and humid (too often here in the southeast), 18.7 miles is simply way beyond what I could tolerate. Amazing! :eek:

Of course, my longest ride ever is 5.25 miles, so 18.7 miles is out of my wildest imaginings, anywhere, anyway! :D

I did a nice 2.5 miles outside today -- gorgeous sunshiney day and only 70-72 degress when I was running - lovely! Also 3.5 on the treadmill on Friday. I am one of those who is faster on the treadmill since I'm such a hill slug.

[kacie tri-ing]

Hello....

So I did a little swimming over the weekend....still in pain:mad:

I went to see the massage therapist yesterday, and now I am sore. I am going to the chiropractor in a few minutes.

I was going a little stir crazy without my running, so I hopped on my bike for the past couple of days...but I am still going stir crazy.

I think this is the only state of mind that I could read about a really long treadmill run and feel jealousy!!

Wish me luck :-)

[Aggie_Ama]

I think this is the only state of mind that I could read about a really long treadmill run and feel jealousy!!



Next appointment- a mental health professional! :p:D

Seriously, hope you get on the mend.

[kacie tri-ing]

I know! I feel a little crazy!

I went to the chiropractor (a good friend of DH). He told me that my hip joint was pretty much locked in place (instead of moving), and it was completely messing up my flexibility and range. So he did some stuff, and before I left, my legs were equally flexible again. I am still icing and stretching, but he seemed pretty confident that I would be able to run again in a couple of days. In the meantime I am icing, stretching, icing, stretching, and seeking mental health professionals!

[Aggie_Ama]

There should probably be a new thread but I am not one to find a catchy title. Last night was my first cool weather run, a cold front blew in about an hour before a got off of work and two hours before the run.

It was around 60 and windy last night, enough to chill me at the start. Those 20-35 mph winds sure made it interesting but I did manage to up the ante to 5 laps or 4 miles. I was a bit slow but not too bad considering the elements. This follows a speedy time for 2.4 miles on Monday so maybe the legs were a bit tired to. Man I forgot how nice running is in the cooler weather! :)

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, I was noticing the decline in posts... looks like half of us are racing (and doing GREAT!) and the other half maybe are in a similar rut to mine.

The solution to my rut is pretty obvious (which is why I haven't posted). Run more (especially now that the temperature and light conditions aren't so conducive to cycling), change up my workouts, drive someplace to run more often instead of running the same old out-and-back from home, sign up for a race even if it's only the same 5K at the end of January I ran last year.

I've been running only 1-2x a week, not getting any faster or stronger (no duh when it's only happening that often), running intervals only when I drive in to the trail which is only every 2-3 weeks, getting bored with my route.

I think I'm still dealing with some residual depression from this summer. Motivation has been tough. Maybe if I put my HR strap and sports bra on AWAY from the mirror so I wouldn't have to look at the hole in my breast every time I get dressed :( - when I'm teaching aerobics I'm kind of particular about getting my nipples to line up, which is really tough now with the scar tissue and the difference in volume, but when I'm running by myself it doesn't matter.

Anyway enough with the pity party - I'll just have to decide whether to ride my bike into town tonight to teach the beginner aerobics class, or drive and go for a run before the class.

[Kimmyt]

I've been sick, so definitely seen a decline in activity. :( A case of strep caught me last Friday and now that it's moved on a secondary infection (sinus thing of sorts) is wreaking havoc on my nasal passages. Nothing more fun than bloody snot!

I am running though, and still battling my weird hip thing. I'm signed up to do a 5K in costume this weekend, and very excited about a mud obstacle course 10K in early November.

On top of all that, my job is in danger, so I've been spending my days writing an application to keep my own job. Yay! Maybe the stress is why I'm sick. Either way, I've been making sure to work out, hoping to get back into a good healthy pattern.

Hoping today to run during lunchtime. It should be crisp and nice out!

[limewave]

Sounds like I'm not the only one struggling with motivation.

I've been lucky if I run 2x a week, down from 4x. DH got home really early from work yesterday. We snuck out and did a 60 minute trail run before picking DD up from daycare. It was great to have someone to go with. He runs a lot faster, but we start and end together.

I have no idea how far I went. But I felt pretty good for being pg. It was a beautiful fall day. Lots of leaves falling and changing colors.

[michelem]

Aggie_Ama,

Thanks for continuing this thread. I wanted to post, but didn't feel like starting up a new thread again. We need someone more creative to head that up so we have some nifty new titles! Any volunteers? :p

Anyway, did my long 18 miler last Friday morning as we left for a church retreat for the weekend later that day. It kind of sucked because I was on the pot 3x between the hours of 5am and 7:15am (wanted to be out of the house at 7am - hah!) and then another three times while out running. I don't understand as I didn't eat or drink anything before heading out. Grrrr . . . Of course, I didn't go again the rest of the weekend. Only when I'm heading out for and on a run. :mad:

Sunday evening after we got back from our trip I threw an extra 8-miler in there. I hadn't done this old favorite trail run for at least a month and I had a lot of fun doing it. I really felt how much I've improved since doing it last. Not sure if I improved on time, although I sure felt like I went faster. The "hills" hardly felt like anything anymore. Had to do one potty stop and had to wait for a 2 minute stoplight going and coming, so that's why I don't really know how fast I went. :confused: Oh well, it was fun. :D

Tuesday night I did speed intervals. I'm still not able to sustain at my target speed for the amount of time called for, but I am able to sustain it for longer than when I first started doing them 4 weeks ago. I'd never done speedwork before that. It's hard! Especially 'cause I pretty much loathe the treadmill. :rolleyes:

The temp is supposed to be back up in the 80's today, so I'm not sure if I'll do my 10 mile tempo run outside or if I'll drag my butt to the gym again. I really want to do outdoors, so we'll see . . .

Four Bridges Half Marathon is this coming Sunday morning! It's still supposed to be in the 80's before dropping back down in the 70's on Monday. Let's hope the cooling trend comes a day early! :p


OakLeaf, Please don't be so hard on yourself. Be kind to YOU, okay? :o

Kimmyt, I hope you feel better soon. And good luck with the job thing. Yikes! :eek:

limewave, That is so nice that you and your hubby can run together. My hubby is allergic to running, except when playing basketball or football. He's become allergic to cycling as well (he only does it under extreme coersion, to please me). Oh well! I think I'll keep him anyway. :p

[michelem]

Ended up doing my 8-miler again last night instead of the 10 mile marathon pace run I was scheduled to do. With the 1/2 coming up on Sunday, I figured I should keep it shorter. I realize now that I am unable to gauge my pace when running outdoors. On the treadmill, I have no choice -- just set the pace and go. I THINK I did about a 9 min. mile rather than my target of 8:40. But, who knows? The only way I gauge how fast I go is by looking at the clock before I head out the door and looking at it again when I get back and then subtracting the amount of time I think it takes to wait at stoplights, stop for the potty, or get in and out the door. Not very accurate! :rolleyes:

It was warm -- mid-80's -- and I didn't bring any fluids. Good thing is that I didn't have to stop for the potty this time -- YAY! :D

I have a lyrical dance class tonight, which is pretty low-key (not as strenuous as my ballet classes). Other than that, no exercise today or tomorrow, besides stretching.

I'm starting to eat very low-residue today and will continue 'til after the race. I REALLY REALLY hope I don't have to do any potty stops during the race! :eek:

[Aggie_Ama]

Michele- I am curious what type of area you complete your training in. I am considering training for a half marathon in the spring but I would probably do this alone which means local trails. Mine has a potty and it only .8 miles. One is 5 miles and a potty is only at either end. :eek: I have never run more than 7 miles at once so pottying hasn't become a big deal yet.

[jesvetmed]

I got another run in yesterday -- it was just so beautiful here! At one point the wind was blowing, the sun was in my face, and the leaves were falling down all around me. I felt like an idiot, but i had my arms spread and my head up to the sky! Didn't last long, as I was afraid I would fall flat on my face. You have to understand -- when it is this nice in October in the Pacific NW, we get a little giddy!

So working back up after the long layoff -- even with stops for the dog to swim in the creek out and back, and a couple walking periods, I had 4.2 miles in 42 minutes. My ipod actually said 9:59 min/mile. OK.. I'll take that for now! And today my leg only gently aches. Things are improving.

Sounds like my motivation problem is the same as everyone's. Today is gray, and I've not done anything physical. Sunshine sure does make it easier to get moving!

Oakleaf: I think I've managed to totally miss what it was you went through medically, but my gosh -- if it's as major as it sounds, you are doing amazing! Don't worry so much about physical imperfections! Others notice so little about details like that compared to what we think! And if your class is noticing your "nipple alignment", you are not working them out hard enough! ;)

Hang tough, everyone!

[michelem]

Aggie_Ama,

I am VERY fortunate in that I live near some great trails and rural roads as well. Here are links to some of my routes:

http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=241737

http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=245643

http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=254920

It's fun to look at them with the satellite view. :)

My 16 mile route has a drinking fountain and one bathroom at the fire station at the halfway point. They were nice enough to let me use it last time. My 18mile route has drinking fountatins and bathrooms at around the 6 mile and 11 mile points and another bathroom (no drinking water) at around 15 miles. My 8 mile out-and-back has a port-a-potty at around the 3 mile mark and I pass it again on the way home.

You may want to use the search function at the usatf website and see if anyone has mapped some good routes in your area.

Good luck! :D

[yellow]

I've been fortunate enough to have several really beautiful fall runs. Lots of "adventure" runs as well. Today I tried to find some elusive travertine pools up in some canyon but wasn't successful (according to my Garmin I was very close to them but I obviously missed the trail). Tomorrow a friend and I will try to navigate from one big ridge to another, with several smaller ridges and unmarked trails in between. The beauty is that you don't know ahead of time how far you'll actually go (you have an idea, but no specifics). Today I expected about 6 and ended up with 9. It sure was purty.

Ama, if you run in the middle of nowheresville, you don't need to worry about a potty. :p But ALWAYS carry TP!!!!
(below...not a potty anywhere...)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/tasdan/Just%20for%20Fun/Running/DryCreektotopandoutBlackMtn-Shoreli.jpg

[OakLeaf]

Yellow - oh how beautiful!

Michele - good luck tomorrow!

Jes - does your iPod have GPS, or is it an iPhone? What app are you using? The other thing, actually it was physically very minor, just emotional hell, and it was me, not the doctors, who decided to put a stop to it. PM sent to fill you in a bit - thanks for caring :)

[kacie tri-ing]

Hello!

After most of two weeks off of running dealing with hip pain, I ran a half marathon this morning! I felt great! I actually walked the first 1.5 miles just to warm up my hip....it was early and cold. Then I was planning on alternating running/walking, but I felt so good that I could not stop:D

Feeling great afterwards, but I am going to be cautious and take care of myself all day!

I hope you all have wonderful weekend running!


Oh! We got back to our condo and one of our neighbors said,"it is beautiful out, you should both go out on your bikes today!" I just smiled, and DH said,"well, she just finished a half marathon, so i think she's set for the day." hehehehe

Enjoy!

[emily_in_nc]

My runs are very small compared to most of you, but for me, they're excellent. This morning I did a 3-mile trail run (in 33 minutes, a great time for me) and felt great. The temp was 55 and sunny, and I found that shorts and a thin, long-sleeve base layer top were plenty to wear -- I'm having to retrain my thinking after being used to bundling up so much more for cool-weather cycling. I heat up so much when running, and of course am not creating the wind that I do when riding, so cooler temps = much better runs!