Last week of March runs

[Crankin]

I'm starting this thread again?
It is freezing here in MA today, about 33 with wind. A perfect day for yoga and running inside. I wasn't sure how I would feel after all my riding this past week, but I got on the treadmill and went. I started slower, but I ended up running 3 miles, with about a 10:45 average pace. This included a 4 minute warm up and a 2 min. walk in the middle. I felt really good, too.
When I went to yoga afterwards, I felt a little bonky. I usually bring a snack, but forgot, because I just sweat like crazy when I run and use up a lot of energy. But, the stretching was good.
Too bad my left knee is hurting pretty badly now. I can't really localize a spot, either. I iced it, and hope it will be gone tomorrow, a day off. I think it may be the combo of cycling plus running.

[emily_in_nc]

I haven't run in two weeks! :( I wanted to hit the treadmill today at the gym but got too busy at work and worked through my lunch break, then left late. Sigh...oh well, right now I'm alternating between Pilates, yoga, riding (just one day a week so far but will be increasing once the weather is consistently warmer), hiking, and lifting, so I am staying fit. But I do miss the running and plan to get back to it - planning on a Wed. run now, since I have yoga tomorrow and don't have time to do them both in the same day. Glad you're keeping it up, crankin! :)

[solobiker]

I hear ya Emily about being busy. I did find time today to hop on my spin bike for about 45 min with Coach Troy. I wanted to run today but I was still pretty dizzy...have been off and on for about 6-7 years. This past week it seems to have gotten worse. Drs can't figure it out. I hope to get in a run on Wednesday. Crankin, keep up the good work and rest your knee. Could it be IT band issues?

[yellow]

OK, ladies, I'm sending those of you that are having a rough go of it some of my leftover positive running energy. I have extra right now...take it and run with it!

:)

[Urlea]

I'm hoping to find open/dry enough paths to run tomorrow. My easy run day w/ only 3miles so it should be doable.

Had plenty of cross-training after my bike & swim when filling sandbags at the Fargo Dome today. :p Eclectic- The river is definitely rising! Everyone is doing what they can. Most of the roads I usually take to get to my gym have levees built on them now. Made getting there a bit tricky.

Will be sand-bagging again tomorrow more than likely. Anyone wanna help? ;) At least DH and I are in a 3rd story apt.

[Crankin]

My knee really hurt last night, but it feels better this morning. I pulled out a knee brace thing I got when I moved to this house and wore it over night. It seemed the combination of cycling, walking upstairs in a house with 4 floors, walking/running on a hill, and cycling had gotten to me before.
It might be IT band. I did a lot roller stuff this morning and re-iced it, even though it's better. No cardio today! I lifted weights at home, stretched, etc. I have to plan my work outs differently this week, because I have a weekend course this weekend, Friday night until 10 and all day Sat. and Sun. :mad:. So, one weekend day will be a day off and I am hoping that I can squeeze in a run or short ride Sat. when i get home.

[roadie gal]

6 miles on the treadmill yesterday while watching it snow outside. My calf is a little sore today, but the abdominal strain area isn't hurting. **crossed fingers that it stays that way**

[eclectic]

Sounds like a tough beginning of the week for a lot of us!

Crankin' glad to hear the knee is feeling better - take care of it!

emily - that doesn't sound like you but it sounds like you are still doing a lot of variety

Yellow - thanks for the positive energy! I will take it

Urlea - sand bag filling is a LOT of work! (actually I have never done it but I have hauled and emptied full wet ones and THAT is a lot of work)

Glad to hear that you should stay high and dry, if it floods there isn't much to stop it in that country. There is tons of flooding in this part of the state but so far where I am it is dry (and I live 1/2 block from the river) we have good ***** built up and dams upstream so hopefully I will be good to go.

Apparently HWY 83 between here and Bismarck has water on it (now w/ snow over the top) Not pretty. We aren't used to this in this part of the state
Hope you can find some clear land to run on!

Roadie_gal - It is somewhat comforting to know we aren't the only ones getting snow.

Well so much for my transitioning to outside :( We are in the midst of another blizzard. So far we only have about 8 inches of snow but any hope of clear walks, streets and trails is long gone for awhile.

I was scheduled to do my long run today and the Y is closed. School was dismissed at 11 am as per request of the police department. So hopefully I will be able to do it tomorrow.

I have an older treadmill here at home but it is so NOT going to happen! I left all my shoes etc at school anyway as I was planning on going after work.

I suuuppose I could get on the bike and trainer and it wouldn't kill me. We'll see :rolleyes:

Oh Yeah! I have some of Yellow's positive energy! THANKS yellow :D

[Urlea]

Made a mistake when looking at my training program last night, turns out my run today was for 5miles not 3. Thankfully I noticed before I headed out.

Woke up this morning definitely feeling stiff & kinda sore from filling sandbags the other day. but the run actually helped loosen up some of that. Other than the wind it was a decent 5miles & the route I put together was dry. :D Can't complain.

Will be leaving in about an hr. to go sandbag again. The crest is supposed to rise the most over the next two days so the city is getting short on time. Maybe I'll have abs when this is all over. ;)

Eclectic- Glad to hear you are staying dry. Hope it stays that way!

[eclectic]

Urlea - are you getting the storm that just left us?

[OakLeaf]

Stay dry both of you!

Hope your knee feels better Crankin - and that things get better for you Solo and Emily.

I did HR intervals yesterday, just playing, really, to see how it would go. 6 x 1:30 in zone 5, with walking recovery until my HR dropped to 140 (mid-zone 2). I thought the recoveries would get longer as the workout went on, and they did, but only by a little. Maybe I needed to do more intervals for that effect to really show. The first three were in the :50 range, then 1:00, 1:04, 1:04.

I'm just a little bit sore today. I guess the extra :30 makes a big difference. I think I'll scrap the 1:00 interval workouts, but not sure whether I'll stay with this HR thing or go with the pace intervals someone linked to last week.

[Susan Otcenas]

Officially started my half marathon program today. One day a week is designated a tempo run or speed work, so I've decided to do those on the treadmill to maintain the right pacing.

This morning's workout called for a 1 mile warm-up, which I did at 5.5mph, 3 miles at 5.8mph, followed by a 1 mile cool down at 5.5. I added an additional 1/2 mile walk at the end for a total of 5.5 miles in 65 minutes. The 5.8mph tempo, which is 30 seconds/mile slower than my recent 5K race pace, felt very comfortable.

Urlea - CNN was on the TV during my run, and it was dominated by coverage of the flooding in ND. Looks like the entire city has come out to sand bag in earnest. I was thinking about you; I hope everything works out for the best for you there. Let us know how it's going.

Susan

[kelownagirl]

Just as my running was starting to get good again, I hurt my piriformis. Argh. 7-10 days off running. I sometimes think am NEVER gonna get it back.

[Crankin]

My knee is fine! I rode today, with no problems. Icing and Advil helped a lot, along with wearing my support thing. I'm a little worried about what caused it, though. The only different thing is the running. I am debating whether to run tomorrow or wait until Friday.

[emily_in_nc]

I finally got a run in! Slipped down to the gym despite a very busy day at work and got 3.5 miles in on the treadmill. I actually felt really good, which surprised me since I tossed and turned all night last night and have been very busy and stressed at work and even at home lately. It was nice to run again!

kelownagirl, so sorry about your injury. Ugh! Injuries suck. I'm so happy to be injury free again...

[Jolt]

45-minute trail run today since it was a nice day. Working on getting myself back into proper shape for hiking since the season is coming up; I definitely have the itch to get out there!

[yellow]

Sending more of my good running energy out to those who need it! And healing energy, too.

I did my final run for this week today (before the 25k on Saturday). I almost didn't go out as it's doing that rain/snow thing. But I did, and the trail wasn't even that muddy and as I got higher up the canyon the rain/snow turned into big, lovely snowflakes. It was so peaceful. Once again I heard myself say, out loud, that I am so lucky to have these wonderful trails right in my 'hood. Also amazing is that I usually have them to myself...just a little above a valley that is home to about a million people.

I know I stand with a small group when I say this, but I will really, really miss winter running. I'm not looking forward to 100F. At all.

[eclectic]

Sending (((((healing energy)))))) also out to all w/ aches, pains and injuries. Hang in there Kelowna girl and take it easy coming back - Patience my dear, Patience

Yellow - I do envy you your wonderful place to run

Susan- that is AWESOME on the tempo run!

Jolt - I wanna go hiking too!

Oak - good job on getting out and trying the speedwork

Well today it was 8 miles on the track (64 laps to be exact :eek:) I decided to stick w/ the Gallaway run/walk to see if it will help my calves. I did a 2:30run to 1:00 walk ratio. I guess it works! I did my last 8 miles at a 12 min mile pace and I did the run/walk at a 12 min pace. The difference was I could walk down the stairs w/o difficulty when I was done and {keeping fingers crossed} my calves don't hurt at all. AND I did it all sans drugs (aleve) this time too as I forgot to take it last night and today.

doing the walk/run helps alleviate boredom too. . . . well somewhat anyway. Good thing there were a lot of people there to watch. AND I could watch it snow outside :mad:

We are dry here - I think one of the few areas of the state who still are. We have dams in Canada and lots of dikes to protect us so as long as there isn't an ice jam . . . .

Thinking of you Urlea - Prayers were said in church tonight and there already has been a call out to the churches to organize teams to go out around the state to help w/ the flood cleanup.

[kacie tri-ing]

UH Piriformus! I was happier when I never even knew it existed :mad: I am sorry you are hurt!

I got in a tough 10 miles of trails on sunday and 8 miles on trails yesterday. I saw a turkey yesterday :eek: I could not help it, and I yelled, "Hey Turkey!" hehehehe fortunately, it was raining, so no one was around when I greeted the turkey!

I am pretty tired still from the emotional exhaustion of the surgury and such :-(

I am trying to really focus on my HIM next weekend, but my focus seems to be wandering some! I am just trying so hard to get through work and taking care of DH...BUT I also know I have to focus some on the race if I am going to be successful!

One more run this week on sunday! Then I am totally tapered next week!

[Urlea]

Thanks for thinking of us/praying for us ladies!! Much appreciated.

I spent roughly 5hrs. sandbagging after I biked 20mi. on the trainer & swam .5 yesterday. It took me 20 minutes to realize where the bus had dropped me off to help sandbag. I was shocked and humbled when I finally recognized that it was the route I run every weekend, the path is now under at least 8ft of water.

Got home from that to see a semi w/ loaded sandbags and volunteers lining up a little over a block away. We live on a drainage ditch that is getting very close to housing. They have started digging earthen levees along the ditch by our apt. Looks like I will be bringing the bicycles upstairs tonight.

Didn't make my Thursday morning group run today. I'm not sure it was happening anyway. With so many roads closed it's hard to find places to run, not to mention how sore everyone is from bagging.

I'm tired, my muscles are really worn out, but DH & I are going to volunteer again today. With the fresh snow (Yes, eclectic that storm did hit us and drop 5in) it's making things harder on everyone. The cold takes it out of you. We only have until Saturday to get this done so we just have to keep going.

Hopefully that wasn't to much of a downer. We aren't depressed or even so much stressed in this part of the country. I think the main feeling is rallying as a community to stay afloat even though we are tired and sore. :)

Run for me as I can't ladies!!

[kacie tri-ing]

5 hours of sandbagging :eek: That sounds exhausting!

[Crankin]

I ran 3.1 miles outside today; I tried to stay in a comfortable, but not too easy zone, which appears for me, at least, to be a 10:45 pace. I did stop after 2 miles, to take my jacket off, because even though it was 46 when I left, and I was wearing a lighter weight Nike jacket, I was sweating. The first 1.5 miles felt hard, dead legs, but then I was OK. I ran far enough, so I could get a good mile cool down, walking up the big hill, although I ran part of it. Overall, even with my warm up and cool down, my overall pace for the 4.9 miles (including the warm up and cool down) was 11:30.
I am getting bored with my 2-3 variations of routes from my house. As soon as the mud disappears, I am going to try trail running. I have a fairly flat trail that is 4.2 miles out and back that will be perfect. I also have to decide what I am going to try and go for next; increase distance, but keep the speed the same,or increase speed to a 10 minute mile on a more consistent basis.
I left later than intended and only had an hour to eat lunch and get shower, get ready for my husband to drive me to the train for class. I didn't stretch at all, except in the shower, where I was able to to do some hamstring and quad stretches and back stretches. After class we went out to dinner and after 2.5 glasses of sangria and Argentinian food, I feel like a whale.
Tomorrow I am going to ride and do yoga. I think I will probably get a run in Saturday, before my class from 9-6 :(.

[kelownagirl]

Sandbagging sounds like s good workout Urlea! Hope the water recedes quickly...

Had a massage and I think I'm fixed! REALLY hoping that I can run on Monday or Tuesday. (please).

[salsabike]

Thanks for thinking of us/praying for us ladies!! Much appreciated.

I spent roughly 5hrs. sandbagging after I biked 20mi. on the trainer & swam .5 yesterday. It took me 20 minutes to realize where the bus had dropped me off to help sandbag. I was shocked and humbled when I finally recognized that it was the route I run every weekend, the path is now under at least 8ft of water.

Got home from that to see a semi w/ loaded sandbags and volunteers lining up a little over a block away. We live on a drainage ditch that is getting very close to housing. They have started digging earthen levees along the ditch by our apt. Looks like I will be bringing the bicycles upstairs tonight.

Didn't make my Thursday morning group run today. I'm not sure it was happening anyway. With so many roads closed it's hard to find places to run, not to mention how sore everyone is from bagging.

I'm tired, my muscles are really worn out, but DH & I are going to volunteer again today. With the fresh snow (Yes, eclectic that storm did hit us and drop 5in) it's making things harder on everyone. The cold takes it out of you. We only have until Saturday to get this done so we just have to keep going.

Hopefully that wasn't to much of a downer. We aren't depressed or even so much stressed in this part of the country. I think the main feeling is rallying as a community to stay afloat even though we are tired and sore. :)

Run for me as I can't ladies!!

Urlea, want you to know you guys are on my mind. Wish we could help somehow.

[kelownagirl]

Just heard more areas being evacuated - hope you are safe Urlea!

[Jolt]

Another trail run today, to get it in before the rain started and turned the trails to mud. Now I have a sore foot. A couple weeks ago I bruised something on the ball of my right foot when I stumbled and ended up stepping pretty hard on a rock in the process of trying to stay upright (I did succeed in doing so); it was improving and I was continuing to run on it without much of a problem but I think I aggravated it today stepping on stuff. Probably a good idea to take a few days off and let that heal rather than risk making things worse--how annoying! I need to stop being such a klutz...

Crankin, I highly recommend trail running! Roads get so boring. Plus, on the trails you don't get honked at (a pet peeve of mine). Just remember to watch your step, and try not to stomp on rocks while wearing shoes with no padding!

[Crankin]

No honking here in Concord... part of my run is on a sidewalk, but there are so many runners and cyclists here, we are just part of the scenery!
Yesterday, as I was at the intersection of Strawberry Hill Rd. and Barrett's Mill, waiting to cross the street and get on the sidewalk, a cyclist almost ran me over! I saw him, but now I will be extra careful on my bike at this spot.
Yes, I am a little nervous about my klutzyness and tripping on rocks on the trail, but the thought of softer stuff beneath my feet and nice scenery outweighs it. I guess it will have to wait until next week, though, after the rain moves through.
Hope everyone in ND is well..

[Urlea]

So far DH & I have not been evacuated. We have moved out of our apt. and up to his parent's place which is in more need of being monitored. They raised the crest prediction for the river another 1-2ft which means the 6hrs. of sandbagging we did yesterday to raise it a foot will need to be done again today to raise it another. I'm exhausted. But so is everyone else.

Obviously I'm missing all of my training the later half of this week which really messes with my routine, but my gym is in a bad spot for the flood. I'm just hoping I will have a pool to swim at next week. We'll see what happens.

On a positive note, I took my L/S shirt off yesterday to realize that my biceps look ripped. They may feel like noodles right now, but they look badass.

Anyway, thanks for the prayers & thoughts ladies, we need them!

Have a good Friday!

[Susan Otcenas]

Urlea - We're all thinking about you and hoping for the best. Take good care of yourself. (BTW, I love your "bright side" attitude when mentioning your badass biceps! :D Sure is a tough way to get 'em, though. :( )

My program called for an easy 2 miles this morning, but I went out and ran a relaxed 30 minutes instead. Hauling myself out of bed in the a.m. is so difficult, I needed a bigger payback than 2 miles!

I've signed up for the "1st annual" Fort Vancouver 10K this Sunday. When my 13 week program ended, I was supposed to run a 10K, but that weekend coincided with the Shamrock 5K run. So this weekend's 10K race will give me some "closure" on that program. My half-marathon program calls for 6 miles this Sunday anyway; I'll just be doing it at a faster pace than prescribed (I hope.)

Hope everyone has great runs this weekend!

Susan

[eclectic]

Urlea - I am very glad you came on and checked in - things aren't looking too good in your neck of the woods - I wish we were closer so we could be of more help - The Twin Cities are closer than we are :(

They are starting to talk about possible flooding here now too. The temps are low right now so no thawing is going on (it was almost -10F at my house this morning :mad: and every day of this makes it more likely the temps could shoot into the 60's or 70's, that is where we will run into problems. If it stays in the 40's we should be fine.

Jolt - I hope your foot heals quickly

Crankin' you sound like you are doing well in the running department. Have fun running on the trails - I need to check out the dikes here, (if the snow melts before next winter) that is the best place we can trail run, we have quite a few miles of them winding throughout the city

Susan - Good luck w/ your 10k! will be watching for your race report

I didn't get my recovery run in yesterday, my schedule is off because of the storm. Intervals are scheduled for tomorrow and I should be able to get those in (on the TM of course :mad:

[kacie tri-ing]

Way to go with those biceps! Keep safe!

[roadie gal]

Urlea, thinking good thoughts for you. You may be missing your training, but you're certainly getting exercise!

I ran 30 minutes on the hill program on the treadmill and then went for a half hour swim. It was too nice to pass on the swim. It's supposed to be very windy here for the next 2 days.

[Crankin]

I got in a 2.2 mile run up and down my hill at 5:30 AM this morning. I forgot how nice it is to be out at this time of the morning. It was already 41 out, the birds were chirping, and the only thing I saw was a deer running across the road.
I got to wear all my geeky commuter accessories, even though not one other person I have seen walking or running in this town wears any reflective gear. It's a serious problem.
I didn't wear my Garmin, so I have no idea of my pace. It's the first time I ran the whole way up the hill, though.
Off to class. Rest tomorrow, last day of this class for another month.

[Urlea]

Hey Ladies,

Things are looking good here. I am missing my long run today, but am thinking I might try to talk DH into going for a walk with me. We are still camped out at his parent's place keeping an eye on the sandbag dikes here. So far so good! :D

Hope you are having great long runs this Saturday! I am excited to hear about them.

[eclectic]

Urlea- glad to hear things are finally looking up for all of you

Crankin' Nice out @ 5:30 am? :eek: I assume you were running in the dark (another :eek: ) But good for you on getting out there and getting it done!

For me it was another day on the Y track. :( The streets are somewhat better but I don't know if I will ever want to run on the street. Sidewalks are still bad.

I am still doing a modified program. It was supposed to be long intervals today.
I walked .75 mi @ a 14 min pace then did a 2:1 ratio run/walk for another .75.
For the intervals I did a 3:1 on the run leg I was doing about a 10:30 to 10:00pace! that is a definate improvement for me.
On the cool down laps I was able to comfortably run my 12 min mile pace.

Even w/ the walking I did I was able to do all 7 miles at less than a 12 min mile! I had to check the math about 4 times to make sure that is what I had done!

The run felt like agony at the start but I stopped after the warmup laps and stretched then the rest went better.

[yellow]

Well, I did my 25k race today. It was a gorgeous morning (after lots of snow this week and a prediction for more tomorrow) out on Antelope Island, which is an island in the Great Salt Lake. Here I am before the race:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/tasdan/Just%20for%20Fun/Running/P1010389.jpg


And here's the start...the arrow is pointing at me and my skinny-looking arms (I don't think they are really that skinny...)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/tasdan/Just%20for%20Fun/Running/P1010395.jpg


And here's the "pack" running through the big flat; we ran up into those li'l mountains in the background:

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/tasdan/Just%20for%20Fun/Running/P1010399.jpg


And here's a view of the mountains from the island.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c1/tasdan/Just%20for%20Fun/Running/P1010401.jpg

I have no idea how I placed. I had some bad calf cramping (spaced on taking my normal once-an-hour endurolyte) so had a slow half hour towards the end but otherwise just put one foot in front of the other; I'm happy with how it all went. I think my time was 2:27 or thereabouts. This was 100% trail (some of it pretty sketchy) but it only (!) had about 2400' of climbing. Hubby missed my finish as he was off riding his bike, so no finish pictures.

OK, now to focus on the 50k in May. What the he11 I was thinking....

[Urlea]

Yellow- What a beautiful race!! I am so jealous you have terrain like that to run on. I'm sure it's challenging with the elevation, but you did wonderful. Congrats! :D

Electic- Glad things got easier towards the end of your run today. Sometimes you just have to get past that first hump and everything starts working as it should. :)

[salsabike]

Gorgeous pics, Yellow. Looks like you had a good day.

And Urlea, glad to hear your voice. Sounds like maybe-maybe it's crested. I so hope things ease up.

[kacie tri-ing]

What awesome pictures! I am jealous!

8 mile run last night....one more longer bike ride, and then I am all taper! AHHH!

So glad that you are safe in ND!

[Susan Otcenas]

This morning, I ran the Fort Vancouver 10K, so named because the route took us through the historic Fort site just east of downtown Vancouver, WA.

This is the 1st time they've run this event, and I'd say they need a little more practice. ;) We were all milling around the finish area, saying to each other "where's the start??". As the race clock ticked down to less than 5 minutes to go, the gal who was leading some stretching exercises was still merrily chirping away on the loudspeaker... The clock got down to less than a minute and someone comes on the loudspeaker and says "OK everybody, we've got 15 seconds to get all of you onto the OTHER side of the finish line arch!". Um, Ok then! We all herd ourselves into the chute and eveyone bunches up for position. That was OK, though - it's a small event with just 165 finishers in the 10K distance.

The first 3 miles were an out and back along the waterfront. At the turn around, I got a chance to see how many people were still behind me, and it didn't seem like very many! :( I tried not to let that de-motivate me. I was glad I checked the course map ahead of time, because the organizers did not put out mile markers on the course. I was roughly on track with the pace I wanted when we got past the 3 mile point.

I definitely started to tire around 40-45 minutes in. I was wishing for some water, but to this point there'd not been an aid station, which surprised me. My right calf started to feel tired. Yesterday after my bike ride, I had a charlie horse in my right calf, which is very unusual for me. But fortunately, I did not cramp up today. (I really need to be more diligent about stretching...)

Eventually, we met up with the 5K course (and an aid station for water!), which at this point only had walkers left on it. Having people in front of me to work towards catching and passing, was a good thing. It kept my mind off me being tired.

With just 2/10ths mile to go, I picked up the pace, knowing I had kept just a little bit in reserve. I crossed the line at 1:03:11 for a 10:10 pace overall. I was a teeny bit disappointed that I'd not managed to hold a 10:00 pace overall, but that just gives me something else to work towards, eh?

The results have already been posted. I was 58th of 82 women, and 13th of 20 in my age group. 5 months ago I was 30 pounds heavier and could barely run a minute without needing a break. For me, this result represent a huge accomplishment. I feel pretty good about that. :)

One last thing - just as I was approaching the finish line, a gal who had already finished came back to encourage and run with a friend of hers who was right behind me. The gal behind me said something to her friend along the lines of "This was so difficult - there's no way I'm going to attempt that half marathon!". Which was funny, because *I* was thinking "Ya know, this wasn't bad! Another loop around would almost be a half marathon. I can see myself doing that!".

Susan

[eclectic]

Yellow - Thanks for posting the pictures! You are very lucky to be able to do trail runs - I would love that. And great job on "Gittin' 'er done!"

Susan - thanks to you too for posting your race report. WOW you have come a long way in not too long a time. And to finish w/ reserve and good attitude :D

Urlea - hopefully things have settled down there and all will be safe and the old Red won't rear her ugly head and surprise anyone. Are you able to get back into your training routine again?

kacie - it is coming up fast! soon you will be having a race report :D

Today was spin class day. I was actually looking forward to going.
I was scheduled to do a 2mi back to back run so thought no time like the present to do a brick.
I did the 2 miles on a 2:1 ratio and was able to do about an 11:30 mile - which is faster again than I have been doing BUT what was exciting was that I was able to do it the day after a longer run!

My calves don't feel as bad so I think maybe the walk/run is working and I am not losing any speed so it is all good.

I am down 6 lbs so that is probably helping some too. Now only about 20 more to go (10 to fit back into my wetsuit :rolleyes:

[emily_in_nc]

Yellow and Susan, congratulations on your events today! I am impressed and envious that you both can run that far. Good for you! :)

I did a trail run today on our woodland trail. It was absolutely gorgeous here in NC -- blue skies (finally -- we've had a very rainy month), breezy, low humidity, low 70s. I haven't gotten in many trail runs this year so took it very easy and only did 32 minutes of running, plus 5 of walking. I don't know the exact mileage, but the running part was probably about 2.5 miles, considering how slow I am on rolling trails (plenty of roots too). Bad weather, injuries, and winter laziness have definitely taken their toll on my endurance, but I am glad I got out!

Editing to add: My DH took a couple photos of me running today - maybe the first pics I've ever had of me running, so here is one of them:

http://emilys7.uuuq.com/Misc/Erunning2.jpg

[Urlea]

Great reports this weekend ladies and thanks for the pictures!! :D

Susan Congrats on an awesome race! That is an exciting accomplishment. Celebrating with you! 10 seconds of your goal pace isn't bad at all, don't beat yourself up about that. Glad you finished strong knowing that your upcoming 1/2 is going to be doable. You can definitely do it!

As for me, thought I would give you a visual since we are sharing photos this week. This is the path I run on that goes throughout the neighborhood...

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn187/RLphotoND/pathfloodtwit.jpg

The picture on the right I took today when DH & I got home. Needless to say I wont be running on that for a while, but some of the sidewalks are getting cleared by residents so I'm hopeful that will be an alternative.

The gym I go to is right across from the river so I'm skeptical if it will even be open tomorrow as most of the city is shut down until the middle of the wk. Their sister gym isn't far from here so I can at least get back to my routine & get a ride done on the trainer there. No pool though.

I'll let you know what happens, really anxious to get back to a routine. I had a 6wk stretch there of not missing a single training session and then this flood happened. Boo!

[kelownagirl]

More pictures of Fargo...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/gregness/sets/72157615998628529/

[OakLeaf]

Yellow, great job, and such a beautiful place to run!

Susan, way to go!

Urlea, glad you're getting a bit of a break - sending lots of levee-holding thoughts and prayers! My sister forwarded me some pictures her friends in Solen had taken - looks pretty much the same as yours. Everyone's okay and property damage is minimal at this point - just hoping their (only) bridge is undamaged, they're not really sure.

Emily, that looks like home.


Well, I'd been totally unmotivated all week, hadn't been for a run since Monday. Our club ride this morning got rained out - which we desperately need the rain, but it was disappointing because Mr. SR500 was planning to join us. Hopefully he'll get his bike out some time this week now that he hauled it all the way down here!

But anyway after the lightning let up, I took the opportunity to get in a long run - 12 miles, out on pavement/sidewalk and back on the beach. Man, my legs are tired. I don't know if it's just that I'm out of shape from slacking off, or the first few miles of beach being pretty soft, or if I've just finally found a distance that challenges me. The latter would make sense, since it's about the same amount of time as the club rides - two hours' hard cardio and then I'm fried. I need to carry more water than the 24 oz. capacity of my belt - I've been putting off ordering that Nathan pack but I think I'll just do that.

[Susan Otcenas]

emily - I'm so envious of 70 degrees and sunshine! We won't see that for a while yet. Looks like you're having fun.

urlea - Wow. Thanks for posting the photos. It's hard to fathom so much water... I've heard the water is expected to stay high for a while. I'm sure it will be a relief to be able to get back to a regular routine.

yellow - 25K with 2400 feet? You rock! How do you fuel yourself for that kind of effort?! I hope you were able to get a nice massage for those sore calves. :D

Other than a slightly sore right calf, I'm surprisingly un-achy from this morning's effort. I imagine I'll be a little sore tomorrow, though. I'm off to go stretch some more.

Hope everyone is looking forward to the start of a new running week! I sure am. :)

Susan

[OakLeaf]

Okay, here's the weird thing. I mentioned I'd been struggling with a glute strain for a couple of weeks?

I started my run yesterday really focusing on adjusting my stride so as not to aggravate it, without limping. It was definitely noticeable during the run but didn't get any worse as the miles went on.

So this morning, I wake up sore in the TFLs, a little sore in the hammies and solei... and the glute strain is GONE. No tenderness, no ropiness to the muscle, even when I press deeply (and I have to press pretty deeply before I even get to the muscle in there :rolleyes:).

Weird. In a good way of course!