Running week of 11/29 - 12/6

[katluvr]

WOW! Inever started the weekly running thread! But here it goes....
"Long" run was Sunday. It was supposed to be only 10 this week, but I added a mile as I missed a run and tyring to keep total mileage up.

I got a bit of a late start...see on Sat. it was football and tailgating. So not only was I tried, but had just a few too many beers (Yep, same story different week!).

But I did 11 miles, avg 10:49 min per mile pace. So I was pleased. Stood in the pool post run (feels so good). But was very tired rest of teh day and it was time to decorate house before company and the annual X-mas party coming up this weekend.

I am set to run 7 miles after work today. I think it will be very slow and mentally tough. I am tired and sooooo busy!

Happy running week!

[zoom-zoom]

Trying to hit 30mpw through Christmas. I know the week after that is going to be pretty much a loss, as we are heading to Vegas for 4 days on the 27th (for our 13th anniversary). I want to reach the 1800 mile mark for '09. I just finished my lowest running mileage month of the year in Nov. (100.5). I blame my new bike! ;)

Yesterday I ran 7...felt really stiff and my calves were tight all last night. Very odd. I wonder if starting to use new muscles on my bike is having an effect on my running muscles...?

Kat, kudos on your 11 and good luck on today's 7.

[roadie gal]

I got in another run outdoors yesterday. Any day now it's going to start snowing for real, so I'm going for each "real" run that I can.

I did 51 minutes (@5 miles?) on the local streets, with some hills. It felt pretty good.

My aim is to keep running 5-8 miles/run about twice a week during the winter. We'll see what I do since I bought a cross country ski pass and I also want to ski 3-4x per week.

[Jolt]

I did my 30-minute run in the neighborhood and found some new places, but it was kind of a crappy run b/c of some outer left knee pain (ugh). Seems to be a vastus lateralis trigger point yet again...time to dig out the roller! Doing too much sitting around really seems to disagree with me...I was a total bum over Thanksgiving and also have been at the computer a lot with school stuff etc. Those times tend to be when I get into problems.

[skhill]

Arggh-- the weather channel didn't have local info this morning! So I had to make a guess as to when the rain would get here, and I guessed wrong. My intended 7 miles became 3 when the chilly sprinkle turned into a cold downpour... But that last mile was pretty damn fast!

[katluvr]

Well......... (long one)
I had switched my schedule 4 mlier and 7 miler aroudn d/t long meeting at work. So yesterday was supposed to be the 7 miler...but I am so darn tired and I have in-laws and sister coming in (1st arriveo n Thrusday) and a X-mas party to decorated and prepare for AND clean house! So I stayed in last night to get things done! WHEW!!!
So I got up early this AM to get my 7 miler in. (NOt sure when I can do the make up 4 miler...so I may be 4 miles short this week).
I was pretty slow to start..but I kept telling myself it was OK and maybe slow 7 miler was good. About mile 3 I picked up and I was pretty much RUNNING the last mile to get er done! So 1:18 ish...not bad. Bit over an 11 min mile avg. (Did I mention it was humid, we are expecting that rain adn those storms. So starting to get muggy!)
Then a few comments were made to me on my run today and not sure what to think of them. Since I started running at 6 and although there are street lights, there are dark patches. So I run w/ my head lamp. (Love it!). So 2 guys were running adn one sad "nice light". So was he being a #@% or was he serious? Hmmmmm I wonder. :rolleyes: Of course they were wearing grey and no lights at all. Peopel drive like bats out of heck in that neighbor hood.
Then I was nearing the end and this woman was walking toward me. She was a bit fluffy, but she looked like she was out to do some serious walking. As I ran by she said "I'm impressed". So what did she mean. :confused:Was she impressed that a short, stocky, non-running looking type was running? Or was she impressedin general that I was running? Or that I was fast? (NOT!).

Happy running to all!
K

[Veronica]

Don't read into the comments. These are people you don't know, you have no idea what they mean and should you really care what some stranger thinks?

Veronica

[OakLeaf]

Been climbing the walls with moving stress and the residuals from the quad injury (thankfully it's nearly 100% now). Missed a lot of running.

Finally got out this morning for an 11-miler, with 1375 feet of climbing. I was thinking on my way up a 21% grade, how my whole attitude toward hills has mellowed this summer, both on the bici and running. Hills just are, and whether I'm attacking or taking it slow, they don't defeat me.

For some reason I just couldn't get myself out for a run in yesterday's sunshine, even knowing that I'd be running in cold rain this morning. :rolleyes: And because of deer season, I took a more open, less scenic route than I normally would (even with my hi-viz on).

This was my last long run in the hills for a while, so I was savoring the climbs. I sure will miss them.

[indigoiis]

I haven't run since last Thursday. Stuff keeps getting in the way. :(

The good news is, they say it's good to take a week off now and again. And on Friday, Saturday and Sunday last week I was outside from 8-5 each day doing a farm event, so standing (not running, tho.) But that's been it. Then Aunt Flo is visiting. Then my boss has me working through lunch.

I'll make it happen. Meantime, awesome runs to you all! Oak, 11 miles with hills - for a regular run or are you marathon training?

[OakLeaf]

Oak, 11 miles with hills - for a regular run or are you marathon training?

I am training for a marathon in May, but the hills are just where I live (in the summertime). There's flatland to the west of me, but too far to drive for a regular run. Because I'm up on a ridge, and I like to run on roads that are even less traveled than the ones we ride on, running from home is even a little bit hillier than cycling around here.

It was definitely a consideration, since I'll be training in the flats all winter, I didn't want to sign up for a spring marathon that was too hilly! Cincinnati and Pittsburgh got ruled out just because of the hills. :(

[colby]

(note to self, write a race report)

Haven't done much running this week. I walked with the dog. Done lots of yoga. Got a massage. Shuffle up and down stairs. ;) I want to go to the pool and/or bike. Or maybe take a nap. Yeah.... a nap.

It may be a survival tactic, but I have to assume all comments from complete strangers are positive. I have to remind myself that I think on a different scale than many people do. For some people, running to the corner is impressive. Running one day a week is impressive. Running at all is impressive. You might have been "in the zone" and looked good, even if you weren't moving super fast. Looking good looks good even on slow people. :)

[colby]

(note to self, write a race report)

So, you all know I went into this with a 4 hour goal, and you already know that I didn't make my goal, but it was an exciting and fun race nonetheless. We usually do the weekend in Seattle, even though we're not really tourists and don't really want to shop. It's just a way to get away, focus on the race, and enjoy some time alone. My husband and I headed to Seattle on Friday morning, took the train down to our hotel, and went to the race expo before going off to a movie.

I checked in, got my bib/chip, and told my husband we can't buy the finisher shirts until I actually finish (he rolls his eyes EVERY time I tell him that). I was pleasantly surprised to see they added a size XS tshirt (they are unisex, but the difference is nice). We went back into the super expo to get the Free Stuff and race shirt, which was turquoise... they knew I was coming. ;) It's a nice asics wicking tshirt. In the expo, I realized I forgot my race belt (again) so I bought a SPI belt - way cool! It holds about 6 or 7 gels (or a flask, or other misc items like keys and cards), the elastic is pretty soft, and mine has colored polka dots on it (fast polka dots) to go with my rainbow toe socks (fast rainbow toe socks). I almost bought a polar rs800cx heart monitor, but had to go back and convince my husband (read: myself) it was a good deal and a worthy purchase (in the end he forgot and I was busy, and I will now have to pay full price rather than race expo discount :p). Looked at shoes, of course none in my size/shape. Found the awesome One More Mile people I posted about and bought two shirts (about running with my dog, and passing boys, awesome) and a sticker for my friend who isn't a runner either ("In my dreams, I am a Kenyan"). Outside the expo there is a sign making station where my husband sat down with gaggles of children and made me a sign. They pre-print one sign with logos like "more cowbell" and standard race stuff and the other side you get to write on, they provide colored pens and tables. For Ironman I'm not allowed to see the sign, but since it's "just a marathon" he let me see. It said "4:00 - go colbinator!" and "more cowbell" on the other side. A girl behind him made a sign that said "GO MOM! GOOD GOB!" (she crossed off the G and made it a J later, but I think "GOOD GOB" might mean more to Mom). A little boy in front of him made a sign that said "mom is beautiful." Apparently marathons bring out the best in your children. We dropped all of that stuff off and went to decompress with dinner and a movie (Planet 51 - cute).

Last weekend we were also in Seattle and I picked something up (actually, we ALL picked something up) that I'd been fighting off ferociously, but it was lingering. I was in denial that this would affect my race. ;) Saturday, I had lunch with a couple of friends and we had pizza for dinner (well, fancy pizza, with real ingredients and not the greasy icky stuff). I found a bagel and cream cheese for breakfast the next morning, and went to bed early. I slept amazingly well considering all the ants in my pants. Also, the race doesn't start until 8:15, which is AWESOME. I was still hopeful about my crud.

The weather on Sunday was perfect. 50, overcast. I didn't need my insulating layer, my tri shorts would be fine (though I pined for my cw-x, I didn't want to pay for another pair just to rub the seams out of them again), and more spectators were sure to show up. I ate my bagel a little more than an hour before the race, drank plenty of water, then went to line up behind the 4 hour pacer. We counted down to the start... 8:15 rolled around, "runners ready...", airhorn, we were off!!! :D

As the starting horn went off, we got stretched out, and I had to catch the 4 hour pacer. I chased that woman and the 4 hour pacer pack for a long long time. It felt really good. My heart rate was high up hill, normal on flats. YES, this IS possible!! :D I chased her down 5th avenue, I chased her onto the I-90 express lanes, I chased her across the bridge, I chased her back. I chased her up hill, I chased her down hill. On the return trip, there's a slight uphill to the end of the express lanes as we head down Lake Washington Blvd. toward Seward Park. It was then that I knew something was starting to give. My head started to feel cloudy, and pressure started to increase. I checked my heart rate, which seemed to be stuck, not decreasing like it had been. I knew I would have to back off. I let her get ahead of me, I let her get out of sight, but I kept chugging along. I started walking aid stations (which are placed every 2 miles, with a couple of GU stops) but running solidly between them. This marathon felt so much better than any other I had ran, even though I ran the first 11 or so miles at 9 minute pace.

I hit the half marathon point at around 2:05. This is faster than I've ran almost any half marathon, including those that did NOT have another half to run. ;) I think the only mistake I may have made was to tell my husband out loud at mile 16 "I feel like crap" - I tried to undo it the MINUTE the words came out of my mouth by repeating to myself that I would still make my A goal, I would still be happy, and this race still feels awesome, and that I feel awesome. It did help. Mile 9/16 were the points where I saw my cheering crew, which I believe everyone who did the Seattle Marathon would recognize... they were the ones playing cowbells and had "don't fear the reaper" playing on their stereo. They yelled for me, they made me smile. Go support crew!!

Those middle miles of the marathon are solitary miles. Around mile 18 I saw a good friend I expected to see, but she had an awesome "Go Colby! You rock!" sign, her 2 year old son playing cowbell, and a friend I didn't expect to see also cheering. I love those guys. I'd say mile 15 to mile 20 are probably the hardest - you're not able to convince yourself you're almost there, you know that big freaking hill is still in front of you, and it's just a grind. Those are the miles you train for. I knew the 4 hour pacer was too far ahead now, but I was hoping to stretch for 4:20 and definitely make 4:30. My husband caught up to me at mile 19 or so and asked if I was okay since I was "moving slower" and I said "I'm not moving slower, I'm fine, I can still make 4:20". That helped, mentally - to have to face "what the hell am I doing? I can still bust ***!" I allowed myself to walk up big hills - and even then only for 100 steps at a time - and aid stations. And, I made it the whole freaking way doing that. I have never ran a whole marathon. There's a big hill you cross as you go over to Capitol Hill, then you go down Interlaken, a very beautiful tree-lined area that is one of the reasons I love Seattle. It's not flat, but you wouldn't know it. Saw my cheering squad at mile 22 or 23 again, they were united, and I'd see them again at the finish.

I made it to mile 23 at right around 3:58 but the guy said 4:00 and that lit a fire under me. If it really was 4:00, I ran the next mile in 8 minutes, because I was at mile 24 at 4:08. Right around mile 23 or 24 you can see the Space Needle, which is right at the finish. Mile 25 I didn't catch, and I did still walk the aid station and drink some gatorade with water (I cannot drink it straight). Mile 26 came at the end of a stupid hill on Mercer street (whose idea was it to put a hill at mile 26 of a freaking marathon?). I hauled it that last .2 miles and passed people who were so out of gas they looked like they might fall over. I did it. The clock said 4:34 or something and I didn't care. It had a 4, then a 3, and then some change, and that's all I wanted. That was my A goal. I had adjusted my goals, I had RAN my first marathon, I had succeeded. I repeated to myself in my head the sound of Mike Reilly telling me "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN." ;)

I got my medal, my legs started to stiffen, I stretched, I got my space blanket, I felt sweaty, I took my picture with my friend (who was all energized to go running, and in fact went running after she went home - some day she WILL be there next to me in her running clothes, even if she just runs the half), I went in and ate a couple bananas, a snickers marathon bar, and drank a ton of water. I also found out I had an extra gel in my hand, which means I didn't eat soon enough at least one point in the race - probably toward the start.

My devoted husband got me some lunch from PF Chang's down the street, I iced everything, showered, relaxed, and we walked (yes, walked) to Lake Union for dinner with the family. The waitress brought me two glasses of water so she didn't have to fill them so often. ;)

If I don't carry the camelbak, walking the aid stations gets enough water in me, but running them does not. Always remember to eat and drink, especially in the beginning of the race. Pacers are good, but they go the SAME PACE uphill and downhill. That means if you know a flat or downhill comes after an uphill, don't sweat it - you'll catch back up. Drinking gatorade in the off aid stations is fine, but make sure to dilute or chase with some water or it grosses me out. Yes, I had to pee around mile 19. It happens.

I considered a marathon in early March. I can't do one later than that with Ironman at the end of June. I just don't know if I want to do that or just shift gears and come back awesome-r next year - what I learned now allows me to turn it into focus for Ironman's marathon (which I hope to run at least 20 miles of, if not the whole thing - last year I made it to 15).

Thanks for reading, distant TE cheering squad. :)

[kacie tri-ing]

Way to go!! :D:D:DI have never done one of the pacing groups, but they seem pretty cool! I feel like you would meet people doing that.

Was that your first stand alone marathon? I think you did a fantastic job, and I hope you are thrilled! Let us know what you are thinking about the march marathon! How are you feeling today? I remember feeling so hungry I could hardly stand it the week afterwards!

Great job! Take time to bask in your glory!!

[colby]

Way to go!! :D:D:DI have never done one of the pacing groups, but they seem pretty cool! I feel like you would meet people doing that.

Was that your first stand alone marathon? I think you did a fantastic job, and I hope you are thrilled! Let us know what you are thinking about the march marathon! How are you feeling today? I remember feeling so hungry I could hardly stand it the week afterwards!

Great job! Take time to bask in your glory!!

This is my third - my first was in 2006, my first real year running (or anything-ing, and probably 25+ lbs ago). Last year I didn't run one because of injury (only ran the half).

2006:
25-29 Female AG: 161/189
Total: 5:19:21
First half: 2:29:41
Second half: 2:51:24

2007:
25-29 Female AG: 112/169
Total: 04:55:40.8
First half: 02:15:16.4
Second half: 02:40:24.4

2008 half (recovering from injury, so I took it way slow):
25-29 Female AG: 608/840
Total: 2:32:29

2009:
30-34 Female AG: 79/137
Total: 4:34:53
First half: 2:05:26
Second half: 2:30:29

The pace group did make it feel like you were running with others, even if you weren't really chatting it up with anyone. This is the first time I've done the pace group (this is the first time I felt like I could commit to a pace group), I think it was a good thing, as long as you are comfortable with your ability to let go if you need to (or go faster if the group moves too slow).

It's funny you mention food. Today I had a feeling I haven't had in a few days: full. I didn't realize I haven't felt full in days until I finally felt full. ;) It was a short-lived experience, but I definitely laughed at myself. I am not tracking calories this week, just eating whatever whenever. I earned it. :p

Congratulations, I am now... basically average at running. ;)

[zoom-zoom]

Colby, you have made such amazing progress with each marathon. How was your training different from race-to-race? I have run 3 and the difference from my fastest to slowest was only about 3 minutes...regardless of training. My training for my most recent one was better than the first 2, but I lost my PR in the port-a-john (first time ever that I've needed to use one. I tried to hit the toilets one last time before the start, but the lines were too long...by 7 miles in I had to pee like a racehorse!). That kinda stunk! :p

Kudos on a great job, especially while fighting off some bug. If you are anything like me you will get sick with a cold any day now. ;)

[colby]

Colby, you have made such amazing progress with each marathon. How was your training different from race-to-race? I have run 3 and the difference from my fastest to slowest was only about 3 minutes...regardless of training. My training for my most recent one was better than the first 2, but I lost my PR in the port-a-john (first time ever that I've needed to use one. I tried to hit the toilets one last time before the start, but the lines were too long...by 7 miles in I had to pee like a racehorse!). That kinda stunk! :p

Kudos on a great job, especially while fighting off some bug. If you are anything like me you will get sick with a cold any day now. ;)

That's a really good question. I have dropped weight/increased muscle mass, which helps certainly. I have built up significant endurance base/capacity just by doing it year after year (and triathlons all summer). I have done different training plans each time, so I don't think that really contributed much. I think if I had to boil it down, I have more or less learned how to run and how to like running (note that I didn't say "love" running) ;)

I have tried that "not pee before the race" thing and it only works for a triathlon because you get to pee in the water. Every time I don't pee before the race and it's a running race, I have to pee really bad no earlier than 30 minutes in, and usually can't take it anymore around an hour or so in. That's okay for a 10k, but for anything longer... always always wait in the line. ;)

[katluvr]

Colby...thanks for the race report. I really needed to hear all you had to share. You have done great on improving your time! I hear you on the weight loss/increase muscle mass. I did not go into my training at teh weight I wanted and I NEVER seem to be alble to lose weight when in full training. Of course right now I am just in a bad eating place anyways!

Congrats again!

As for running. Today was to be a rest day. But I needed to make up 4 miles. But instead go up clean last minute stuff and vacuumed house to be ready for in-laws arriving today at 10. This darn company/party weekend is really putting cramp in training. Plus late meting last night.

I thought the rain was going to be this AM. Now it looks like the rain is tomorrow--when I am supposed to run! grumble-grumble.

P.S. I'll post my rant about Biggest Loser and the marathon in that other thread.

K

[indigoiis]

Yay Colby! You are an inspiration!

[OakLeaf]

Congrats again Colby! What a job you've done over the years. And just think how much quicker your next one will be when you aren't sick. :)

I'm starting to have the opposite problem of you all though :o I've been slacking off Yoga and Pilates this summer and have been having bladder control problems on the longer runs. Time to crack the whip on the core/pelvic strength.

I know hydration and electrolyte balance are part of that equation too, though, and I wish I knew how to get that sorted. It's something I've struggled with for decades - constantly seesawing between mild hyponatremia and dehydration, and in the meantime worrying about too much salt with my slightly high blood pressure and strong family history of heart disease, and also learning this summer that I have to supplement with fairly large amounts of magnesium. :( Does anyone know if there's a way to figure that out? At this point I'd be willing to pay for testing if I even knew of an exercise physiology lab that could do it.

[kacie tri-ing]

Colby! Thanks for those times! That is really amazing. It is great to see that kind of progress.

How are your hip injuries right now? I have some issues in my hip too, and I am managing to keep them at bay, but it makes me nervous!

Are you doing the same race each year (I assume so, but I wasn't sure).

That is really incredible progress! I am super impressed!

What have you done to loose the weight?

I like you "feeling full" story :D

[Deborajen]

Thanks for the race report, Colby. And you are not average at running - you ROCK!! I think I remember reading that only 2% of the world's population can run a mile - that makes you elite right there. But just counting runners - What percent of the world's runners can run a marathon? Well under 50%, I'd be willing to bet - plus what percent of marathon runners can beat your time? You did great - be proud of yourself!

And I'm inspired - I didn't blow off last night's run even though it had to be on the treadmill. Did a little over a half an hour worth of speed intervals. It helped being able to watch "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" on t.v. while I was at it. Sometimes a little goofiness in the background really keeps the "boringness" down.

[zoom-zoom]

I'm starting to have the opposite problem of you all though :o I've been slacking off Yoga and Pilates this summer and have been having bladder control problems on the longer runs. Time to crack the whip on the core/pelvic strength.

I know hydration and electrolyte balance are part of that equation too, though, and I wish I knew how to get that sorted. It's something I've struggled with for decades - constantly seesawing between mild hyponatremia and dehydration, and in the meantime worrying about too much salt with my slightly high blood pressure and strong family history of heart disease, and also learning this summer that I have to supplement with fairly large amounts of magnesium. :( Does anyone know if there's a way to figure that out? At this point I'd be willing to pay for testing if I even knew of an exercise physiology lab that could do it.

I'll let you in on a little trick I learned when I first started running...if you wear a tampon during every run your bladder leakage issues can be greatly minimized. Works for me! :D

With your hydration issues do you run into cramping? This has been my biggest challenge during marathons and the factor that has really negatively impacted me most. Training and hydration don't seem to make much difference...I hit the 16 mile mark and my calves start to tighten. By 21 or so I have to start walking at intervals to keep full-on cramps at bay. Doesn't seem to matter how easy I take the first half of the race or how many electrolyte pills I pop or sports drink I ingest, the cramps are coming.

As a result I am sticking to nothing longer than a 25k next year. Not marathon training leaves me more time for the bike and maybe a century ride or two, anyhow.

As for the cramping issues, my mom and brother are both really prone to toe/foot/leg cramps, so it makes me wonder if there is some weird genetic thing at play, here.

[Jolt]

Half-hour barefoot run in the neighborhood this afternoon, taking advantage of the 60-degree weather!

[indigoiis]

Oak, I wish I knew the secret to proper hydration and nutrition -- have you seen a nutritionist? I know that when I went on WIC (a program for low income families) when my daughter was young and we were bringing home very little bacon - they sent me to a nutritionist to talk about ways to maximize on proper nutrition without it hurting too much wallet-wise. That nutritionist had a huge influence on me and I learned a LOT. And she asked me very simple profile questions and was able to give me some very direct answers. At the time I was nursing and losing about 2 lbs a week while my daughter gained. She helped me keep weight on while making sure everyone got what they needed.

I hope you will go see a nutritionist. They are awesome.


Re: the tampon thing - how does that help keep you from peeing? :p I am trying to figure that one out.


I FINALLY ran today after my week off. I am reading Born to Run and I just had to get out on my feet today. 3.5 miles, 36 minutes. More tomorrow, maybe the VFFs as the weather is supposed to be fine.

Indy

[zoom-zoom]

Re: the tampon thing - how does that help keep you from peeing? :p I am trying to figure that one out.

It forces your PC muscles to remain engaged...kind of like doing kegels for the entire run. Regular core work is good for bladder issues, too...gets more than just abs and back muscles strengthened (says the woman who hasn't done so much as a crunch in months).

[zoom-zoom]

Colby, I just noticed your custom title...I supermegaheart Firefly (especially Captain Tightpants. Love my weekly doses of Nathan Fillion on Castle)! :cool:

[colby]

Colby! Thanks for those times! That is really amazing. It is great to see that kind of progress.

How are your hip injuries right now? I have some issues in my hip too, and I am managing to keep them at bay, but it makes me nervous!

Are you doing the same race each year (I assume so, but I wasn't sure).

That is really incredible progress! I am super impressed!

What have you done to loose the weight?

I like you "feeling full" story :D

I would not say my hip is perfect and they are not symmetrical, but I am leaps and bounds over where I was a year ago - it's actually quite amazing. I have to pay more attention to my right hip flexors, glutes, and my low back/core, and the whole system on the right stresses more easily than my left, but I did not feel sore anywhere I shouldn't after my marathon. I think cycling helped - it being a more symmetrical sport - on a well fitted bike. I also think that keeping up the glute/hip flexors/hamstrings/core/back exercises really helps, too. If I feel myself slipping, I am sure to stretch and strengthen. It is possible to recover and learn to love your asymmetries ;)

It is the same race, same course. I only do one marathon a year (this is the first time I considered two), and Ironman the last two years. :)

Losing weight has been a long journey for me. I saw my mother in law do a triathlon about ... 4 years ago? 5 years ago? and I thought "there's no reason I couldn't do this." There were women of all shapes and sizes there, it was very inspirational. At that point, I started walking/running, I committed to the next year's triathlon, but because I was running I ran the local 12k, then a half marathon ("just to see"), then debated doing a marathon after I did my triathlon. I committed to that, ran my first marathon (2006). The weight basically came with the commitment to myself to keep going, keep training, keep setting goals. Through triathlon, I was able to keep myself entertained with all three sports and not get too burnt out (or injured) on any of them - until my hip injury, for which I put lots of PT time in during a gap between August and December of last year.

Now, weight loss is much harder. All of last year I was pretty much stuck at the same weight, though slowly trimming down. This year, I have only dropped 10 lbs in the last 9 months, still trimming down. After being so heavy and unhealthy, I have trouble telling myself it's okay to eat so much, even if it's the right amount for my activity level, which leads to starving my metabolism, and I don't lose weight. I know it's a backward problem to have, but the fear of being unhealthy is pretty strong... like that one cookie is going to add that 75 lbs and inability to run to the corner back on overnight. ;) I seem to lose weight well when I just do the 30-45 minutes a day and eat my 1500 calories or whatever... but when I step it up, not so much. I really just hope to maintain.

Anyway, I really appreciate everyone's kind thoughts and comments about my race, even though it wasn't the one I wanted, it is still a gift. :D

[colby]

Colby, I just noticed your custom title...I supermegaheart Firefly (especially Captain Tightpants. Love my weekly doses of Nathan Fillion on Castle)! :cool:

I kind of dismissed Firefly when it was first on then when I saw Serenity we went back and watched them all with new appreciation. ;) The look on his face when he says "I am a leaf on the wind" in Serenity is so perfect, even if what happens next isn't. :p It has become one of my favorite mantras, and I love revisiting the series.

[zoom-zoom]

I kind of dismissed Firefly when it was first on then when I saw Serenity we went back and watched them all with new appreciation. ;) The look on his face when he says "I am a leaf on the wind" in Serenity is so perfect, even if what happens next isn't. :p It has become one of my favorite mantras, and I love revisiting the series.

I saw Serenity first (I know...what's up with that?!) and was sorta...meh, whatevs. Then my brother bought us the series and I was hooked from the first episode.

A friend of mine just got this shirt (http://www.thinkgeek.com/tshirts-apparel/unisex/popculture/baf9/?cpg=froogle)...cracks me up!

[katluvr]

Indi...you will LOVE Born to Run. I need to read it again.
Dont' think I'll be trying barefoot during the next 11 weeks...but maybe when my marathon is done.
So I did it...I got up at 5, was out on the road to run before 5:30. Did my 4 miles in exactly 45 mins---so a smidge faster than I normally do this route. It was misting--but I was determined even if it rained.

So here it is the BIG annual X-mas party and having family in weekend--PLUS rain. But I'll do my long run tomorrow (pre-party) come rain or rain (it is definitely going to rain!) I really want to take a nap tomorrow...between run and party, but so much to do!!!:eek:

Colby your race report was VERY valueable to me. To know how you felt in training and then your race experience...good learning for me.

Happy Friday all!:)

[kacie tri-ing]

DH and i just finished Born to Run, and I LOVED it. What a great book. I had read Chi Running, but I really liked this one better. I like how much journalism was in it, rather than just feeling like it was one guy's opinion. I am intrigued by the VFF, and I might start playing around with them some.

I got two 4 mile runs in. I am still embracing my last few weeks of "off season" until I start my Ironman base training in January. I have two 5K's planned for this month, and hopefully they will be nice and quick :-) One more run planned this week.

Colby-I totally understand the weight thing. I droped some weight when I started all of this, but it creeped back, even with increased training. I just joined weight watchers, and it really helps me keep track of myself.

I also loved reading about the nutritionist. I would love to see one, just to see what she would have to say.

Have great runs!

OH--I am finishing up the book "The perfect mile" about the race for the 4 minute mile, and it is a fascinating book. Great history/running read, and it has been a blast to read!

[Becky]

I've been experimenting with some barefoot running on the treadmill lately. I'm amazed that I have a lot less hip and knee pain when I'm barefoot! I can't explain what I'm doing differently compared to shod running, but it's been enough to convince me to buy a pair of VFFs when they come back in stock.

[spindizzy]

Way to go! You took time off of both your splits. That's quite an accomplishment. Readjusting your goals during a race - that's a feat of mental strength.

Congratulations on a run well run!!

[indigoiis]

Ran 6 hilly miles in the VFFs today. Yay!

[zoom-zoom]

Just got back from a dreary, chilly 10 miler. Some stretches were a little hairy...there is a light coating of ice under a dusting of snow. Not enough for Yaktrax or screw shoes, but a little slick underfoot. Did better running on the gravel shoulder during those bits.

I'm not really ready for 3-4 months of this. On the bright side, by this time last year we'd already had several feet of snow and there was no gravel shoulder to run on. :p

[Urlea]

Hey Ladies,

Glad to read that you are still getting out there & running during this busy time of the year, great inspiration!

The weather this week took quite the dip, it is no longer fall. With cooler temps & about 2" of snow it is definitely winter. Since posting usually takes me a while and the trail runs I get in are so pretty I have been video blogging.

You can check out two of my runs this week here...

http://www.youtube.com/user/shootruntri

Enjoy!

[Bike Chick]

Ran the 5k at the Memphis St. Jude Marathon yesterday. Hubby did the half. Was 22 degrees at the start......brrrrrrrrrrrrrr. This was my first run since October because of a stress fracture but I'd paid my money months ago and said what the heck--I wanted to experience it even if I had to walk. Had a blast! It was a lot of fun and I didn't walk.

[zoom-zoom]

Ran the 5k at the Memphis St. Jude Marathon yesterday. Hubby did the half. Was 22 degrees at the start......brrrrrrrrrrrrrr. This was my first run since October because of a stress fracture but I'd paid my money months ago and said what the heck--I wanted to experience it even if I had to walk. Had a blast! It was a lot of fun and I didn't walk.

Nice job! Glad to hear your stress fracture has healed. That can take a long while and be very frustrating.

[skhill]

My Sat. run was so much fun... The snow had started falling sometime between my dog's trip to the backyard and when I headed out, and it was beautiful. The first couple miles, I was thinking of giving up and going home, but then I warmed up a bit (and turned out of the wind!) and really started enjoying the morning. I ended up going 10 miles, and felt great!

[colby]

Ran the 5k at the Memphis St. Jude Marathon yesterday. Hubby did the half. Was 22 degrees at the start......brrrrrrrrrrrrrr. This was my first run since October because of a stress fracture but I'd paid my money months ago and said what the heck--I wanted to experience it even if I had to walk. Had a blast! It was a lot of fun and I didn't walk.

Brr!! I imagine that crossing the finish line was a major mental victory for you. Congrats! ;)

Walked the dog about 4 miles today, it was about 20 degrees with a 10 degree wind chill. She loved every minute of it - she's been kind of restless, only able to walk since having a tumor removed from her left elbow area almost 2 weeks ago. She gets her staples out on Monday and can run again. I owed her a walk today after not really doing anything this week (lots and LOTS of yoga). Next week I'll probably do some short runs or mix run/walk.

[Jolt]

I haven't run in a few days, but today I did a nice 2-hour hike in about three inches of snow on Mt. Wachusett. It's too cold for VFFs, but I experimented with my footwear today and it was quite successful. I wore the Teva Proton water shoes with some heavy wool socks, short gaiters (to keep the snow out and also keep the hems of my pants out of the snow and mud) and Stabilicers Sport for traction. The arrangement worked nicely and my feet surprisingly didn't seem to get wet even when I stepped briefly in muck a few times. However, that setup won't cut it in much colder/wetter conditions (or at least I don't think I would be comfortable with it) so I am thinking about what I can use for minimal hiking footwear when it's colder. On trips that require snowshoes/crampons I'll just have to wear my winter boots, but for regular hikes in the cold/small amounts of snow it is nice to not wear such heavy things. Mukluks might be nice...

[OakLeaf]

I hadn't run in a few days either - finally got out this morning for intervals, dodging the black ice. It was only about 31° here - I don't even want to think about 22°! Brrr! Good job getting out there BC, glad you had fun. :)

One of my riding buddies posted something from Dr. Gabe Mirkin advocating very short intervals (30 sec sprints x 8-12). Anyone have any thoughts on this? One minute intervals are the shortest ones I have programmed into my watch right now, so that's what I did today x 9. I have a hard time believing that anything shorter than that does any good - I actually don't always believe I'm really getting a benefit from the one-minute intervals. But that's what the guy said...

[Bike Chick]

Yes, 22 degrees was pretty cold before the race. There were piles of discarded clothes along the street after the start but once the race started, I warmed up in a hurry. I'd never been in a race this big before. It was an awesome experience. I'm signing up for a half marathon in May! Let the training begin!

[katluvr]

Saturday LONG run.
So it was 13 miles scheduled this weekend and I picked Sat. AM d/t my X-mas party occurring that night.
Of course I woke up to rain. It was chilly (60's) for FL, but not anything like what some of you ran in! My partner tried to talk me out of it or give me an "out". You can run on Sunday. Or run to 2 short runs, or, or...
But I got dressed and headed out between showers. First 4 miles I felt a bit over dressed, it had quite raining but I knew if it rained I would want my long sleeves. I was not very "fast"--but gave myself permission to take it slow.
About mile 7 or so it was a fine misty rain, then it got heavier and colder. But I just kept plugging along. I was still not feeling very sprinty...but had picked up my pace some. Finally it quite raining, but go windy. Mile 10 I was "done" just tired and not having fun. I had a head wind the last 3 miles home and it was all I could do. I really mentally had to kept pushing. Then I start thinking...I will have twice as much to do, so mentally that my have not been good.
So I completed my 13.1 miles (yes, had to do the full 1/2 marathon distance). Done in 2 hrs 25 min. (My goal was 2:20 - 2:24).
I really had a tough run. Many possible factors I won't go into here. But in my head I know that my 4:30 goal is a stretch. So with this run, taking all things in consideration my "back up" goal is about 4:40 - 4:50 time range. And I am "ok" with that.

I DID stand in pool to cool my legs.
I was whipped and laid down to "nap" after I ate lunch.
I go my B-day present early...some Xensch (??or is spelt w/ a Z??) compression sleeves for my calves...I really needed them.

Needless to say between party and company I blew off my 4 miler on Sunday. So last week I did NOT meet my total mileage of the plan. But I am not going to beat myself up about it. This week, I just will do all the miles!

Today my calves are a little tight and I feel my quads. Nothing bad. Official rest day today and back at it tomorrow.

Good week of running all!

[zoom-zoom]

I go my B-day present early...some Xensch (??or is spelt w/ a Z??) compression sleeves for my calves...I really needed them.

Happy early birthday! I know a lot of runners who swear by these...quite a few wear them during runs. I may pick up a pair for Spring.

Don't sweat the hard run. Not every run can be awesome...quite a few really suck. Those sucky runs help make the great ones all the more fabulous. :)

[colby]

Keep up the long runs, katluvr, you're doing great. I always set multiple goals so that I have something to shoot for, but something that shows accomplishment as well. Sounds like that's 4:45 and 4:30 for you. Your first goal is to FINISH, which you will do. Every race is a victory for one reason or another. Stay positive and focus on that 4:30 goal. ;)

I am getting back on the gym bus this week with my gym buddies, and hope to slip some running in on the treadmill OR when it gets warmer outside toward the end of the week. Wind chill of -3 is not for me. :eek: Just not ready for it - it's one thing in January or February when you've had time to gradually adjust to the cold, but it's December, so I haven't.

[Jolt]

Walk/run today on the trails, about an hour. Tomorrow doesn't sound like very good weather, so it might be an inside workout day.

[indigoiis]

I commuted to and from the bus yesterday on my mb (11.5 miles), chasing the DH, with some serious hills, so I counted that as my Monday X training. Oh, and Pilates class last night. ;)

I did 2.5 easy run today at lunch; it felt really good today. I was thinking I was doing a 3 mile route and I was cruising and could have gone longer but I ran out of route on my loop, so I went in. Mapping it later I realized I cut it short by .5 miles. Oh well. Great run in my NB trainers, about 40 degrees and sunny with a light breeze; I wore yoga pants, a wicking long sleeved with a cotton t on top.

[zoom-zoom]

7 miles...maybe my last run for a few days. We're to have 6-12" of snow accompanied by up to 40mph winds. I will run in just about anything and don't mind deep snow (can be fun for a few miles), but snow with high winds...nuh uh. They're predicting some pretty widespread power outages, too, which may mean no riding on the trainer, either. I won't ride if I can't shower and if we lose power we lose our pump...no running water.

Why do we live in Michigan, again? :rolleyes:

[Jones]

The Palm Springs Half Marathon is 10 weeks away. I was suppose to start my training program yesterday but it poured down rain, my power went out and my dd's xmas show was last night so I was afraid to run because I couldn't blow dry my hair and my hair is a problem. So day one of training and I am already a day behind.:rolleyes:
Today I really wanted to run in the AM (I work nights) so I set my clock and when the alarm sounded I rolled over and re-set it. This of course caused me to get up late. I had to go to a charity luncheon (the food was good) I ate a ton and dessert and a really tall Bloody Mary but when I got home I ran my required 30 min. Day 1 conquered.

[katluvr]

Jones, good job! Sometimes the hardest part is getting started!

So last evening after work was my 5 miler. I ran w/ my new compression sleeves thinking it may help since I am tiredd. I think just tired from the busy Thanksgiving weekend, followed by getting ready for company and party and this past weekend being busy. So it wasn't a fun 5 miles. Not srue if the compressions sleeves helped. At first I thought they would be hot since it is back to in the 70's and very muggy/humid here.

So I had to get up and do 8 miles today. Hard to do that mid week. I set alarm for 5 so I could be out by 5:30 and get to work at a descent time (although I blocked my calendar at work and not one really cares when I come in as long as I dont' have a meeting.) But it was dark and I was tired. So reset alarm for 6. That way most of my run would be in the "light". It was a slow start, I had a few moments of getting my rhythm and speed up. Overall I planned and knew it would be slow. Just need to get my running mojo back! At least I ran along the water front a bit and it was nice. My quads are really starting to get tight. Usually that only happens when I run fast. I am NOT running fast. I think the warm muggy conditions are playing a bit into my sluggishness. It is not hot, but not cool and crisp that adds a spring to my running step.

Friday I plan to really do an easy 4 miler. Slow with lots of walking. Just get the miles in but relax with it. I have 5 miler on Sat. and then the BIG run of 16 miles on Sunday. YIKES:eek: that is the most I have ever done (once I complete it!)

Well I am off to Disney tomorrow (joy of living in FL so close) to redeem my free B-day. So I'll go and be a kid again (one needs to do that once the years start ticking by sooooo fast!)

So has anyone noticed we are still on last weeks post? Guess we might as well wait until next week to start a new one!

[indigoiis]

Day 3 of Hal's Intermed. 1/2 training... slated to do 5x400 @ 5 k pace. So, I went out back in the snow and without lights did 6 x back paddock running alternately fast and snow. You can't really run full out back there, there are holes from frost heaves and sticks down and pretty lumpy trail, plus the snow, plus I couldn't see that well without lights. But it was beautiful to run as the snow fell, and it was a good workout. Then I went in and got my 2 corgis and old brown dog and took them for a walk/run, about a mile and a half. So I am pleased with today's training. Especially because then I had to sit on a bus for 2 hours stuck in traffic on I-95 North. I wish I could have ridden my bike in!