A Fool and her running - week of April 7

[OakLeaf]

I guess if I want to post today's run I have to start the thread. :rolleyes:

I was planning on 20, but my legs felt like absolute LEAD after the last two days. I'd read something a couple of weeks ago that there's only marginal benefit once you pass three hours... and I was running that slow that I was well past that mark when I decided to call it quits at 18.

I figure there's a benefit to going ahead and doing my long run when my legs are fatigued, right? Right? :o:p

[WindingRoad]

Lordy Oak yer makin' me tired just thinking about it. I was struggling with 10 yesterday. I wanted to quit so many times but my BF wouldn't let me. He kept giving me the pep talk. I feel awful today. My quads and hamstrings are sore as heck. I thought I go out for some easy errands on the bike well I ran into a freaking severe thunderstorm on the way home :eek: so there went the easy part. I found myself hitting 18 MPH on my commuter hybrid with 2 gallons of milk and groceries. UGH, really didn't need that one the ole quads right now. Hopefully tomorrows weather will cooperate. ;)

[Grog]

I had a lovely 30-km run yesterday. The weather turned out a lot better than forecast, and I was joined by a girlfriend I hadn't seen in over 10 years for the middle 9 km of it.

(One of the benefits of Facebook: I wouldn't have known she was in town without it. It's strange though to meet a friend you haven't seen in so long, pick up the conversation as if you had last met just days ago, and then split up after just an hour to go on with your life... until the next random meeting.)

I'm pretty amazed not to be hurting any more than that after those long runs. Granted, my feet were really sore, but other than being pretty tired I'm feeling okay. This is the first time I do such high mileage, so this comes as a surprise to me. But I suspect that's partly because I'm not doing a lot of runs doing the week, and that gets me vaguely worried. Anyway, I'll just keep on running and stop worrying. :)

I love this thread.

[indigoiis]

Wow Oak, 20? Yikes! Like Winding, I had a tough ten on Sunday (but got through it) and I think 18 is awesome. Also, according to Hal Higdon, it's not the mileage, its the quality of the time spent running. So YEHAW!

I ran 5.25 this morning and figured out a way to keep up with DH - get him up at 5 and out the door half asleep. ;)

[WindingRoad]

I have a 15K race this coming Saturday. I'm a little worried cuz I'm still kinda sore from Sunday's 10 miler. I'm taking an extra day off today. The 40 MPH wind gusts are also an incentive to stay inside today. Going to run tomorrow, hopefully about 5 or 6. Keeping fingers crossed that my body feels more recuperated tomorrow. I wonder if I'm getting dehydrated because it has very suddenly warmed up here? Gonna get a glass of water now. :)

Good luck everybody, stay strong!

[rocknrollgirl]

Hill repeats for me at.....drumroll please.....4:20 am this morning!:eek:

I had to leave some recovery time for today's hill workout on the bike.

Now I am tired.

[OakLeaf]

:eek::eek::eek: R&R. Hill repeats are NOT what I think of when someone says 4:20! :p

[rocknrollgirl]

I know...usually it is SLEEPING!

[Bike Chick]

I know...usually it is SLEEPING!

Exactly! I was up early yesterday too and got my 5 miler in before work. It's nice to get it out of the way but I sure pooped out early last night.

[skhill]

my running mojo's taking a little break.... from putting on my shoes to turning the last corner on the way home, it was a struggle all the way today. Maybe it's the heat, maybe it's not having a big race to prepare for right now, maybe it's the strong wind this week, maybe it's turning 39....

Still, I got in 5.5 miles, at about a 9:30 pace. Tomorrow will be a rest day, and then there's a 5k in my neighborhood on Sat. And hopefully a little rest (and the cold front that's on the way) will bring the mojo back...

[katluvr]

It was the 4 mile loop this AM. Day off (have to work this weekend), so I took it easy this AM, had a little coffee, some time w/ the cats and Today Show. Headed out about 8:30 ish. I am slow. I am not even TRYING to speed up. Just logging some miles. So bit over an 11 min mile pace (yep, slow!). It is starting to warm up so that will affect my speed. But I'll worry about getting fastest later.
It IS a gorgous spring day! After this winter I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO loving this.

K

[Susan Otcenas]

I've come to realize that, no matter the day or the distance, my body is only capable of running precisely the distance on my training plan, after which I couldn't possibly run another step. :o

8 miles this morning. On the heels of a tough 80 minute stationary trainer workout last night, those were 8 hard miles.

[colby]

Between traveling, and coming down with some degree of something (probably thanks to the travel), I'm just trying to log workouts at approximate relative intensity rather than stressing about pace and heart rate.

Saturday (I know, last week, but I we're already on to this week ;)) was a check-up 5 miles (warm up, 1 mile flat, split HR/perceived exertion, repeat for 5, cool down) I did at 9 minute pace.

Yesterday was hill repeats. Warm up, 8x60s hard uphill w/jog downhill, cool down. Wasn't feeling 100% so what felt like 100% exertion wasn't 100% of normal heart rate. Got to run with my dog though. She loves hill repeats. We don't run in the sun (not that it's sunny or warm lately), we don't run hard for 5+ minutes at a time, we easy jog down the hill, it's on the side of a hill that deer and other creatures frequent so it smells great, and it's off the normal route. And, it's win-win, because it effectively works for 2 real days of dog exercise - she's still sleeping it off today. ;)

Tomorrow - 5x800m flat but hard repeats with walk rest interval. Might have to split it up to exercise the dog, she can probably last 1-2 repeats but not 5.

I think this weekend will be a long run - 16 miles? We might be going snowboarding so I'll probably do my long run Saturday and some portion of my ride Sunday evening depending on how difficult the snow is.

[rocknrollgirl]

We are having a bit of a heat wave here, so I got up at 4:15 again today to run to avoid the heat, out the door aound 4:25. Here is what I learned today:

1. my "hood" is very quiet at 4:30

2. the birds are not awake at 4:30

3. blowing pollen shows up in the beam of your headlamp

4. if i am going to run for an hour in the am, I need fuel:eek:

5. It takes about 40 mins for my "digestive system" to wake up:eek::eek:

6. let the DH know when I am expected home, he was pulling down the street to come look for me. He is very sweet.

I did 6.6 miles 58 mins, so right around 9 mm pace. It was already 70 degrees so i am so glad that I got it done.

Ok, time to morph from runner girl to teacher woman...off I go....circulatory and respiratory systems on tap today...woo hoo!

[katluvr]

RRgirl...
I dread those days in the summer in FL where I have to be up before dawn to run or bike and even then it is humid and swealtering. I am savioring our still "cool" mornings 70's up intil mid morning.

I am w/ you on the digestive track...takes a LONG time to wake up so super early morning runs are often without fuel!

Can't believe the "heat wave" you folks are having!

K

[OakLeaf]

Just five for me today. Should've been mile repeats, but my Achilles were still killing me from the motorcycle ride on Tuesday :( Plus I was feeling sore from three hard days and totally botched recovery, and really low about the upcoming move... so magic 8-ball said skip the speedwork and keep it short.

I feel lots better now, anyway. :)

[yellow]

Well 39 miles for me last week...walking. :p Probably quite a bit less this week since I've been given the OK to do some easy non-twisting stretching and what I'm calling "beginning" core stabilizing exercises. I've been been doing that instead of a second walk most days this week.

I am looking forward to branching out. I am enjoying walking but walking that much takes a really loooooong time (although I feel better when I am moving). I can't really walk fast enough to get my heart rate up, so I am feeling a bit terrified about the deconditioning of my heart and lungs. :eek: I get to start PT next week, so we'll see what the therapist says. Maybe some swimming with a buoy or something like that.

[Red Rock]

Good job Yellow! Thirty-nine miles is a lot. I hope that you will have some diversity in your exercise soon. Best wishes in your continued recovery too.

Well, I actually went out for a run today. I did a timed mile and came out with a 14:01. I was plesantly surprized. I mixed in walk breaks and I did not overdo anything. It was nice to get out and move. The afternoon temps were in the 80's! I was actually warm instead of being slightly cold.

Now I have a bench mark to deal with. That helps a lot just knowing how slow I am going. Strangly enough, I have been wearing my Chacos around a lot, not real shoes. When I put on the shoes, I actually had to think about my stride. When I did, I think I ran better.

I also pulled out my Galloway book to see what I should be doing. So I think I will just follow that program. Perhaps, I might actually be able to run a 5K sometime this year.

Happy trails:)
Red Rock

[Red Rock]

Went out again today. I did my mile plus some. There was a personal trainer there and someone said come on over. I had just completed two laps. So I figured why not?

He had a set up of four exercises and everyone cycled through twice. The first one was two jumps, one higher and one lower (do that 5X), then the next was a series of "bridges" that you had to walkover with your hands keeping your abs tight (do that 2x), then do 25 kettlebell squats, then finally walk around on hands in circle two times. All this is one circuit. I died after the first circuit. I guess I am in terrible shape. There are some parts of my body that work well and others that need lots of help.

After this I tried to do my last two laps and really could not. My legs were mush. Thank you kettlebell. My upper arms are also mush. I would really like to participate, but between time and money, I do not know if it will work out.

I just could not get coordinated to do jumps in any sort. What happened? A sign of getting older? I guess I need to work on that somehow.

Red Rock:)

Doing all of this ab work was like double duty since I had maxed myself out earlier in the day (AM). So my core was really worked.

[colby]

Still not 100%, so I divided my 5x800 repeats yesterday into 10x400 repeats and took my dog. She did really well, since we walk inbetween intervals. By my heart rate I'm definitely not 100%, but I feel closer today, and hopefully will be even closer tomorrow.

We "enjoyed" the only 45 minutes of the day where it was sideways hail/sleet/snowing (about 40-45 degrees). Before that it was just cloudy and windy, after that it was sunny and windy, then went back to cloudy and windy, but the only hail/sleet/snow was while we were out running. :p :p :p I sure do love the feel of my FiveFingers when I run in the rain/wet, though - my feet get wet (and if it's cold, my toes do get cold) but there's no scary rubbing or sliding or anything. Really neat. I only run (walk... stand... work... commute... everything except bike) in FiveFingers anymore. When it gets a little warmer, I'll probably trade regular everyday wear off with the Keens, which my feet are also happy in, and use my FiveFingers sprints for short-distance triathlons (I think I might need the room of the KSOs for Ironman, and I have more time to put them on).

Also did my prescribed core strength workout, which I thought was a little tame (I also think I need to use heavier weights for deadlifts and rows, even if they are one-legged), so I topped it off with 100 stability ball crunches with 8lb weights in each hand on my chest. Surprisingly not feeling that as much as I expected to today. Guess I should do them every day. ;) I think this core workout is more back/glutes/some abs core than straight up back/abs core. Necessary, but my glutes are actually pretty strong from all that PT I did for my hip, so I kind of feel like I'm cheating. I might try standing on the stability disc for some of them next time to help engage my core more.

After I get over this sickness (probably Monday), I'm going to start on a many meals a day diet rather than the 3 squares and snacks. I think I play catch up too much and need to eat on the clock for a couple of weeks to give my metabolism something new to chew on. If it works, I'll stick with it. If not, I'll adapt.

This weekend is actually only 14 miles, plus at the end a small batch of plyometrics (skipping, hopping, some other stuff). I'll probably run tomorrow so I can squeeze in a swim, then bike Sunday after snowboarding - the weather is so crappy I can't count on riding outside anyway.

39 miles of walking is definitely impressive. And, Red Rock, that workout sounds interesting! Got more than the mile you bargained for ;)

[skhill]

Did a 5k race at my local high school this morning, and it was great. 26:41 (I was hoping for sub-27 min.) and that was good enough for 3rd in my division (woohoo!). It's the first time I've broken into a top 3-- and so what if it was a modest sized field, only about 350 total runners. I'm so glad I stuck around for the awards for once!

I've raced 6 times now (2 5ks, 2 10ks, a 3k, and a half marathon) and had a pr every time. The string's sure to end one of these days, but it's great while it lasts....

[Red Rock]

Congrats skhill. That is wonderful that you have a new PR, not only that some bling for after the race too. Enjoy your day.

Red Rock

[OakLeaf]

Way to go skhill! Great job.

[indigoiis]

congrats skhill!
I ran 7.5 today... I was or am supposed to do a 15K according to Hal Higdon but tomorrow I am having people come over, so I thought I would take advantage of having to drive my kid down to Westerly today (for her ACT test) and run at Watch Hill. I couldn't get it up to 9.5 because I just don't know those roads that well. But I had fun and it was boooooooooooooootiful.

[WindingRoad]

I'm getting to the point of I am READY to do this thing! Kinda looking forward to getting it over with b/c these long runs are seriously cutting into my time. I guess I just need to get faster, LOL. Did another 10 miler today and it was MUCH easier than last weekend. Sans mental meltdowns this time, always a good thing. It was a very hilly run and I didn't fall apart so I think I'm ready for my HM. Last year the longest run I did before the Mini was 8, this year I've already done two 10 milers and one 11 (GPS was screwy and thought I was doing 10). I hope I can run a little faster than last year :)

[Bike Chick]

Congrats, SKHill. That's awesome.

Was supposed to do another 10 miler yesterday but ended up at urgent care instead with the allergy/sinus crud. I have drugs now and hope to be running again by Tuesday. I'm 2 weeks ahead on my training schedule so I hope being sidelined a few days doesn't set me back too bad.

[OakLeaf]

Aw, BC, that stinks (except for not being able to smell ;)).

Are you irrigating? That's enormously helpful to me, and a lot of us here. Can't remember whether I'd seen you on the neti pot threads or not.

[Bike Chick]

Yes, I am....neti pot twice a day and spray to boot. I thought I had it licked until yesterday when I woke up and felt like I'd been hit by a truck. Ick! I'm better today but still wiped out.

Didn't know there was a neti pot thread but I'm gonna check it out.

[limewave]

Usually my thought on long runs is to not worry about the pace, just do the mileage. I often end up telling myself to slow down the first few miles.

Today I decided to just go for it and attempt my race pace. So what if I blow-up at 8 miles? It's just a training run.

I ended up doing 13.5 miles at 9:50 m/mile pace--30 seconds per mile faster than my race pace goal!!!!!

:D

[kacie tri-ing]

Awesome running!!

I got three runs in this week--one six with tempo work, one six slow, and one eight with speed work at the end.

Nice PR!

[indigoiis]

The weather was perfect for a commuting run to the bus. 5.6 miles and not too smelly on the bus! LOL.

[colby]

Nice PR, skhill! Awesome!

I missed this weekend's run, sigh... I slept for a good 12+ hours, which means my body probably needed it. I was afraid after that to go out and encourage The Crud to develop. I did get my long ride and a short run in, though. (I, too, use an irrigator, and have been doing so twice a day - I don't know how I'd survive without it, especially when the sinus crud is in town)

I definitely feel better this week after the nap-tastic weekend. Yesterday's ride and today's run felt MUCH better compared to last week. Today was hill repeats, and I went significantly farther in the same amount of time each repeat without feeling like death was following me. ;)

I don't usually get sick, but we traveled back to back AND I stopped my multivitamin and antioxidant because I ran out. So much for the multivitamin not being necessary - I'll have to figure out what it is in there that I'm not getting in my diet. Back on the multivitamin and antioxidant this week. I swear the antioxidant is like a free hour of sleep, it's weird.

[Bike Chick]

Glad you are doing better, Colby. The sinus crud is nasty and I woke up Saturday feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. I couldn't get off the couch much less run 10 miles. I'm better and did my 5 mile run last night after being off a week. It felt pretty good but I am so ready to be done with this training...........Uggggghhhhhh. Like Winding said, it's grueling and the long runs are really cutting into my bike time. I'm already behind everyone else on the bike. I hope I can catch up quickly.

[OakLeaf]

Carrying over into a second week again eh? :cool:

Hope you sinus sufferers feel better soon. :( There's not much that makes me feel sicker than a sinus infection.

I went out for five on Monday @9:20, iced my Achilles afterward, prophylactically, even though they felt fine - so far so good. Going to try another short one this afternoon. I'd like to go a little longer, but time prohibits - maybe I'll get 7-8 anyway.

[katluvr]

So the plan was to run yesterday and bike today. But yesterday it was time to deal w/ the backyard. We have a very tropical landscaping...so it was more like a jungle. Between the frost damage, the weeds and all the new growth...but I digress.

4 miles this AM (before I went back to the jungle). It was very breezy (actually windy). Some head wind, but it was better than when wind was behind my back (= hot!). Beautiful AM!

So 45+ min. Consistent. (consistenly slow). But I am back out there...even if spordically!

[Susan Otcenas]

I set a new personal distance record this morning - 14 miles! Coach told me to run 11 minute miles (=154 minutes) in my Zone 2 heart rate and I finished at 155 minutes. Close enough.

I feel especially good about it because I rode 186 miles on Saturday and wasn't sure I'd be 100% recovered for this distance, but I managed to do it.

I about fell off my chair when I saw 14 miles on my training plan. Nothing that I'm training for (HIM in June, half mary in October) is longer than 13. So, I sent her an email and asked her what my long runs look like between now and the HIM. Two 14 milers and two 15 milers between now and then. :eek: No big deal to you marathoners, but to me these distances are ginormous. I try to take them one step at a time, but when I headed out the door at 4:30 this morning, the sheer length of the thing ahead of me was really overwhelming.

I suppose a marathon is one of those things that should be on my bucket list, but truthfully I just don't think I want to do one.

[Veronica]

I suppose a marathon is one of those things that should be on my bucket list, but truthfully I just don't think I want to do one.

I don't want to do a marathon either, except maybe as part of an IM. Did I miss you write up about your 300K? :)

So, I'm planning something crazy tomorrow. I'm going for a two hour run.

I know that lots of you do this all the time, but the most I have run at one shot is about 80 minutes. I don't actually expect to run the whole two hours, but I plan on staying out there that long.

Today was an easy 3 miler after work.

Veronica

[Susan Otcenas]

I don't want to do a marathon either, except maybe as part of an IM. Did I miss you write up about your 300K? :)


Yeah, Jeff keeps egging me on about doing an IM next year. If I do one, it will *also* be my first marathon. 'cuz I'm just not gonna run one a la carte. ;)

Nope, you didn't miss a write-up. I haven't gotten around to doing one yet. Lazy....

[OakLeaf]

Woohoo Susan!

..... 186 miles? Yikes. :eek:

And no one says you have to do a marathon if you don't want to. I probably wouldn't be if I had anything better to do. :rolleyes: (And you will also recall two years ago, when seven miles was a ginormous distance to me.)

Speaking of seven miles, I did a little over eight today. Still being careful of my Achilles, but they seem pretty much all right - at least no worse than they were before last week's escapade. Definitely icing them after every run between now and May 16.

I managed to get a big bump on my shin being totally stupid... I went into a little park where there are sidewalks, but kids have also cut some trails. The park's only a couple of city blocks, so I just figured to take one of the trails to get off the concrete. When the trail just ended in a pile of beer bottles :mad: I figured that rather than turn around, if I just pushed my way through the palmettos and vines I'd be back on the sidewalk in 20 feet or so... :rolleyes: Did I mention I can get lost on a football field? It's a good thing the park wasn't any bigger, but that oak branch I smacked my leg on could've been a little smaller. :o

[Susan Otcenas]

So, I'm planning something crazy tomorrow. I'm going for a two hour run.


You go girl! I'm sure you have it dialed, but just in case - make sure you carry enough nutrition. I always carry more than I think I need, just in case. This morning I carried 6 Gu. Used 4. Sometimes I get really really hungry on long rides, other times, not so much. Regardless, I always carry alot!

[hammertime]

6 miles again tonight. this is good for me. last year i barely did the 6 mile loop around my house. this year, heck it's all I do... 3x a week, I like it:D

i seem to be more patient this year with my running. seems i'm enjoying it more. that's how it goes... some years i like biking more, some years running. i'm ready for a change via biking... i'm tired of some of the biking folks i ride with. they eat way too much and ride too little, LOL!!... hoping something new and some new biking friends come my way....

until then, i can always run... run on the weeknights, ride on the weekends:p

[Bike Chick]

I set a new personal distance record this morning - 14 miles! Coach told me to run 11 minute miles (=154 minutes) in my Zone 2 heart rate and I finished at 155 minutes. Close enough.

I feel especially good about it because I rode 186 miles on Saturday and wasn't sure I'd be 100% recovered for this distance, but I managed to do it.


Wow, Susan! That's awesome. 186 miles on the bike then 14 running??? That's impressive. Don't see any reason why you shouldn't be training for an IM but will agree with you about the marathon. The training for the half is enough for me. I get bored doing the same thing day after day.

Oak, sounds like you are nursing that Achilles tendon along and getting to run. You were worried about that a week ago. I hope it continues to heal and now your leg is hurt too??? Did you crack the same shin that's connected to the bad Achilles tendon or did you mess up your good leg? Sure hope not. From the sound of it, your shin should be a nice purple color by tomorrow.

[WindingRoad]

Did one of my first hard training rides of the season yesterday AND I ran 6 miles afterwards!!! That's a PR for me! :D:D:D Made me super tired today, I still commuted but I was weak. Gonna do it all again tomorrow though, ;)

[skhill]

Did about 5 miles this morning, and I was dragging all the way... The first mile on this route has the steepest climbs in my neighborhood, and there was a pretty good headwind, and I took it too fast (as usual). By the end of that mile, I had a nasty stitch in my side that never went away entirely. It's been a while since that's happened...

So, does anyone have a foolproof way to make a stitch go away? I tried slowing down, walking, stretching, coughing, turning a cartwheel (hey, it was worth trying), but no luck.

[TsPoet]

Did one of my first hard training rides of the season yesterday AND I ran 6 miles afterwards!!! That's a PR for me! :D:D:D Made me super tired today, I still commuted but I was weak. Gonna do it all again tomorrow though, ;)

Wow.
Interested to hear how tomorrow goes!

[limewave]

Just wrapped up a 5 mile progressive run.

My legs are tender since my 13 mile tempo run last Sunday. For some reason I had the urge to do a long set of squats, lunges, and leg lifts on Tuesday. Then I did a 45 min. interval Spinerval ride yesterday. As soon as I was done with that DH called, he'd dropped the kids off at G & G and wanted to know if I would go on a road ride with him. Phew!

I am cashed. I can hardly stand up, or sit down, or go up or down stairs.

[Susan Otcenas]

Wow, Susan! That's awesome. 186 miles on the bike then 14 running??? That's impressive. Don't see any reason why you shouldn't be training for an IM but will agree with you about the marathon. The training for the half is enough for me. I get bored doing the same thing day after day.



Jeff says my coach is secretly training me for an IM, and just isn't telling me. ;)

In truth though, she doesn't actually want me to ride those distances. But that's too d@mn bad. Cycling is my passion, and I'm perfectly happy to give up the ideal triathlon "training plan" in return for having more fun!

[Susan Otcenas]

Did one of my first hard training rides of the season yesterday AND I ran 6 miles afterwards!!! That's a PR for me! :D:D:D

WooHoo!! Those kinds of days make you feel like a rock star, eh?

[TsPoet]

Jeff says my coach is secretly training me for an IM, and just isn't telling me. ;)



Ok, I give - I've googled "run IM" and "bike IM" and Google just assumes I've left the ' out of I'm -
what da heck is an IM?

[Veronica]

Ironman

2.4 mile swim
112 mile bike
26.2 mile run.

[Bike Chick]

In truth though, she doesn't actually want me to ride those distances. But that's too d@mn bad. Cycling is my passion, and I'm perfectly happy to give up the ideal triathlon "training plan" in return for having more fun!

I understand completely! I'm training for this HM and it's killing me not being on the bike. All our biking buddies are doing 50-60 mile rides already and I'm falling behind. My training plan calls for a 3 mi. run or cross on Wednesdays and I opt for the bike instead of a run. Probably not the best for my training but it is the best for my mental health;)

I ran 5 miles this evening after work and am feeling stronger. I came back with my first blister tonight. Ewwww! and this achilles tendon is threatening to become a problem. Oh.......I realized this evening that I haven't used ibuprofen for two weeks--before or after the run. That's progress in my book.

[Red Rock]

Well, I went out today and had a very good run. I went on the trails near town, so I was on dirt and sand the whole way. It was very nice and peaceful. There was almost no traffic and lots of sunshine. If I go out more, I will have to start wearing sunblock. Of course between 12-2 PM the sun is at its apex, so its not the smartest thing to do. The best part was that I was warm. So I think that makes up for it at least.

I did approx. four miles round trip. I walked the first and the last to rest and warm up. The middle two I ran and walked. I stayed within my heart rate zone (thanks to new HRM). It is so nice to have feedback while exercising:D. I balanced my walk breaks by my heart rate, not time. Everything has been good since. I came home showered, ate, and rolled/streched afterwards.

Now the goal is to bike tomarrow.

Red Rock

I will have to post some pics of the lovely desert for everyone.

[colby]

My side stitch removal technique is to breathe in DEEPLY through the nose and breathe out ALL THE WAY through the mouth, expelling ALL of the breath. If it's truly a side stitch, doing that a couple of times and relaxing does wonders.

I also get similar pain that's caused by my hip flexors being tight, which usually is a "deeper" feeling than a side stitch that covers more muscle area, and often for me happens on both sides at once. For that I usually have to stretch, or grin and bear it and it eventually goes away.

[colby]

Nice work everyone. :)

A lot of people run their first marathons as a part of their first (or only) Ironman. If it's a "bucket list" thing, you might as well knock two out at once? ;)

Today I did intervals, 2 minutes on 2 minutes off, and strength workout. This weekend is probably 14 miles. Weather's supposed to be warm, so I'll have to get out earlier than usual.

I had a massage today, he referred to my FiveFingers as "a good addition" and I'm learning about how to modify my stretching to help the muscles I'm using differently that he's releasing. Soreness isn't very acute anymore, but my quads, hamstrings, adductors, glutes, and calves all have to work differently and need to be stretched more as they adapt and work. I am so happy to be FREE of tight shins! <3

[skhill]

Anyone racing this weekend?

Today was my first long run since the HM, 3 weeks ago-- 10 miles, at a 9:30 pace. And it felt great. It was a beautiful morning for a run, since we finally got some rain overnight. Some of the pollen got washed out of the air, and the temperature dropped to something more normal for this time of the year. I went past the back of the police stables, and there were 2 big police horses frolicking in the pasture. How cool...

[rocknrollgirl]

I am. Tomorrow. Road duathlon. It is only 5 mins from my house which is just loverly. Usually I am schlepping all over creation to race. I am using it as a training workout to see how hard I can go before I blow up.:eek:

I let you know how I make out with that plan.:D

[Bike Chick]

Good luck on the duathlon tomorrow, Rock N Roll!

I was the same here this morning, SKHill. It rained last night washing some of the pollen out of the air and it really cooled off. Great morning for a run. I got 9 in-----don't think I had another 4 miles left in me but I'm gonna have to find them before May 1:D:D:D

The River to River Relay was today and they had glorious weather for it. They were really worried because it has been unseasonably warm. Don't know if anyone has ever heard of this race but it's a classic in our area. http://rrr.olm.net/. It's a very hilly race from the Mississippi River to the Ohio River. Each team member runs a 5K three times. They opened it up to 250 teams this year and the registration closed almost as soon as it opened. It's a very hard one to get into. I hope to do it someday.

[Red Rock]

I have not run since I last posted, as my body said "I need a break". So I did. I went cycling instead. Friday 10 miles (road), Today approx. 15 miles maybe more (mountain). So I am thinking Sunday as rest day (work core), then Monday run again.

I have been going out for about 1.5 hour trips. I seem to be handling them ok on the bike, its the running that is killing me right now. Perhaps I just need to give my body time to adjust and build "running" muscles. Then hopefully it will be better.

How long does it take to build running legs? Of course there is variation in the plans, but generally speaking?

Thanks,
Red Rock

[OakLeaf]

Good luck tomorrow R&R!

I've been packing up the house for two days and on the road for the next two... gotta run tomorrow.

[Crankin]

I fell off the running wagon. :)
Seriously, it's been raining since Thursday night. Friday I did hill walking intervals on the treadmill. But yesterday, I knew I had to ratchet it up, since there may be no riding today, either. I did a 5 minute warm up, then interspersed my 3 functional training circuits (weights, ball, core) with 2 15 minute intervals on the treadmill. These intervals consisted of 2-3 two minute runs, interspersed with hill walking at 4-6% grade, at 4.2 mph. The running was very slow, about a 10:45 pace. Since my hip/back was already aching, I figured, what the heck? It actually felt better for quite awhile afterwards. I even did the 10 minute stretching program on my dvd... pain is a little more localized now and feels like all I need to do is stretch and roll it out.
Met a fellow student in Newton, to discuss a final case study we are doing. There were tons of runners out, in the cold, pouring rain. Since I was very close to Heartbreak Hill, I wondered if they were doing their last run before the marathon. But, they didn't look like marathoners; running in cotton t shirts in 38 degree rain. I guess marathon fever has taken over.

[Grog]

I am pretty upset. My (first) marathon is in 29 days and my feet hurt.

Now that's now where I want to be hurting right now.

The good news is: nothing else hurts. After long runs (since hitting more than 25km regularly), I have had sore feet for 3-5 hours and the next morning it would be totally gone.

But last week they started hurting about 10 km in my 35 km long run. I decided to keep going to see if it was merely discomfort or really pain, and by the time I hit the halfway point I was in quite a bit of pain. I ran through it (how stupid is that) and back home.

My feet hurt seriously for 2 days after that and mildly for the rest of the week. I didn't run but cycled more than usual, which also felt good and fun. Today I was scheduled to run 20km (rest week) but there was no way I was going to do that. I woke up and my feet were not hurting (or very little), so I took off for a gentle walk-run, 2min run 1min walk sort of thing. I made it 5 km and I decided to walk home. I'm not in a lot of pain, but nothing is improving.

My husband (resident in pathology but also a trained kinesiologist) has home-diagnosed soft-tissue injury of the ligament that holds my smaller toes on the left foot to my ankle (or something like that). I am pretty confident there is nothing broken, but I'd be curious to hear about the experience of people who have had stress fractures. How did it feel?

My shoes are only 400 km in. I was planning to replace them when I hit 500 in a couple of weeks, so I had time to break them in before the race. When those shoes wear out normally I feel some knee pain, but I've had none of that.

I've been getting massage every 3rd week and last time was just before the dreadful 35 km run. I'm feeling looser than normal (in a good way).

Now I'm thinking about keeping the volume down for a bit longer, and maybe getting OTC orthotics. But I'm also worried about the upcoming marathon. I don't think I need to run another super-long-run, but I also don't want to lose the fitness.

HELP!

[TsPoet]

But last week they started hurting about 10 km in my 35 km long run. I decided to keep going to see if it was merely discomfort or really pain, and by the time I hit the halfway point I was in quite a bit of pain. I ran through it (how stupid is that) and back home.

I am pretty confident there is nothing broken, but I'd be curious to hear about the experience of people who have had stress fractures. How did it feel?

.

HELP!

You don't describe where the foot hurts, but your etiology sounds just like mine as far as how it started and generally how it feels and what makes the feet hurt and what doesn't. So, I will post or PM you Wednesday night if I find anything out.
Good luck with your training! At least I'm training for a 5K, not as seriously training as you!

[Grog]

You don't describe where the foot hurts, but your etiology sounds just like mine as far as how it started and generally how it feels and what makes the feet hurt and what doesn't. So, I will post or PM you Wednesday night if I find anything out.
Good luck with your training! At least I'm training for a 5K, not as seriously training as you!

Good point! And thanks for the kind words.

My two feet feel a bit banged up in the arch area, but that's the part that goes away fast.

The left foot is feeling very tender on the outside, from the ankle bone towards the small toe. Pain is only mildly increased by pulling up my toes (not really right now actually).

I'm starting to wonder if my hammer toe has anything to do with it.

[TsPoet]

I'm starting to wonder if my hammer toe has anything to do with it.

OMG! - I have been wondering if my hammer toe had anything to do with it :eek:
I have several hammer toes, but the pinky toe on my right foot is the bad one, followed by the pinky toe on the left foot.

I'll make a point of asking the doc about the hammer toe/running/outside pain thing. Sounds like you and i have similar feet.

[Veronica]

Ahhh... hammertoe. Mine are genetic. Growing up, I seriously thought everyone's two little toes curled under. What do you mean, they are suppose to be straight? :D

Veronica

[Grog]

Ahhh... hammertoe. Mine are genetic. Growing up, I seriously thought everyone's two little toes curled under. What do you mean, they are suppose to be straight? :D


Your parents had them too?

[Veronica]

Grandmother. I don't know if my dad had them. I think it may have skipped him.

2 of my 3 sisters also have them. They have been that way all my life.

Veronica

[Grog]

All right, I got Superfeet (Berry) insoles for my running shoes. I've been wearing the shoes for a couple of hours and I do feel quite a difference. I don't know that it will do much for my left-foot pain, but it does ease the pain of my arches.

I'll try to make an appointment with a physio for later this week. Will keep you posted as well!

[Susan Otcenas]

Ahhh... hammertoe. Mine are genetic. Growing up, I seriously thought everyone's two little toes curled under. What do you mean, they are suppose to be straight? :D

Veronica

My pinkies both lay sideways and curl under my fourth toes. They don't give me any trouble though, with one exception. It used to be that if I walked for a very long time, I'd get blisters on the soft part of my pinky toe, where the fourth toe stepped on it. Hasn't happened in ages though. I think all the running I do has toughened up the toes. Side benefit of all these miles??

Grog - you might ask your doctor about aqua running for the last few weeks. A gal in my office had a fibula stress fracture last year and ended up doing alot of her ironman run training in the pool. It was very effective and allowed the injury to heal.

Susan

[OakLeaf]

Heal up quick Grog.

I did not-quite-15 today. Not all that long for a "long run," but it was my first run back in the hills, :eek: my longest run in my new shoes, and my longest run since injuring my Achilles. It's a beautiful day, and it sure is nicer to run someplace that's not BORING.

Did my cold-water bath (no ice required here!), now my fingertips are numb (even though I didn't put my hands in the cold water at all. :o

So I guess I'll have to do a "real" long run of 20+ next week and then a three-week taper, sounds okay.

[colby]

Epic April Running Thread Check-In for this weekend, I did nearly 14 miles in about 2:20 on Sunday at my "mostly comfortable but not lollygagging forever heart rate". The first 3 miles I did at "dog pace" (as in, run 9-10 minute miles then stop and pee, stop and poo, stop and sniff/pretend-to-pee every so often, then decide you've had enough running and be drug or require coaxing for the last mile - she hates heat+sun), the last 11 were averaging 9:30 miles except walking and eating every 30 minutes for 1-2 minutes. Weather was warm, in the 70s, perfect when the sun was behind the clouds. Did a different route than usual for the 11 miles, nice to do something different, but not much sun protection. (Neutrogena SPF 70 to the rescue!)

After that, I did 4 sets of marching, skipping, hopping, butt taps, running and walked the rest of the way home.

Soreness: the usual "barefoot" spots in my lower calves which are fine 24 hours later, a little bit of shin tenderness, and my hip flexors (though I think the hip flexors are sore from the 3:30 bike/2 mile run brick I did the day before, not the 14 miles of running).

Blisters: A little super minor blistering (as in, not there after sleeping on it) on the outside of my foot but NONE between my toes or under my callous. I need to do a little more foot care, but getting rid of most of my big callous under my right big toe has helped - it's an occasional hot spot, not a sore spot or blister zone anymore. Hooray!

Went to the chiro today. It was the best chiro visit I have had in literally 2-3 years. He did some maintenance adjustments but no major issues in my pelvis, low back, hip, knees, ankles, shoulders, etc. And all that after my brick and then long run... hooray again! I should have pushed my visit out a couple of weeks but I wanted a fact check on what I thought was a body in really good condition. It was kind of surreal being told my training load was "just right" when we're talking about 15 hours a week here, but I guess my body has finally begrudgingly accepted that we ARE doing another Ironman in 68 days. ;)

Last week my massage guy said the FiveFingers were "a positive addition" to my training regimen. They have made a significant difference in my recurring hip and pelvis issues and shin splint problems. At this point I am fairly confident I will try to run Ironman in them. I am honestly more afraid to go back to shoes and hurt myself.

[Grog]

Colby, you inspire me to pick up barefoot running. After my marathon I will try that. I might go for a pair of Nike Free though.

Thanks for the good suggestions. I would like to say that I'll try pool swimming but I really, really dislike going to the pool. But it might happen.

Now, after all the complaining the other morning I went to my favourite running shop (Forerunners Vancouver, I love you). I discussed the situation with one of the friendly and above all helpful store attendants, and he did suggest that Superfeet might help a little, although seeing a physio and increasing foot strength would also be a good idea. (I'll discuss the physio with my massage therapist. I need to find a golf ball to the foot strength thing.)

He made me try all the different Superfeet insoles and I ended up picking the "berry" one. I wore them at home the rest of the evening and I swear it made a different. Then tonight I went for a 20-minute walk and, lo and behold, my arches feel A LOT better. My left foot is a little sore still, but it's absolutely tolerable and running generally felt really good.

I also bought a new pair of runners (more of the same, Asics Gel Cumulus) that I'll progressively start wearing next week.

I'm still not sure I'll do a 38-km run next weekend though. I'll maintain the short runs for a few days and see what happens.

Being able to run tonight makes me appreciate how much I love this sport. It just makes me feel strong and free and clears my thoughts.

[WindingRoad]

Had a wierd kind of run week: lots of tests not much time AND I'm kicking up the bike miles. So, I ran Tuesday and Sunday but I did do a 10 miler on Sunday. I hope to be much better this week. I am aiming to do a 12 miler this weekend and that will be my longest run before the HM May 8th. I did a short 3 mile recovery run tonight, obviously I'm still pretty sore. I think tomorrow I'll aim for 5 - 6 depending how good I feel.

Oak - sorry to hear about your archilles issues, I just went through a bout of that about a month ago. I took about 3 days off and iced massaged it a couple of times a day and things improved. Sounds like you are on the rebound so that is good ;)

Keep up the awesome work everyone!

[colby]

Colby, you inspire me to pick up barefoot running. After my marathon I will try that. I might go for a pair of Nike Free though.

The Wired test of the Nike Free liked them quite a bit, and they have tested the FiveFingers too. They also don't look like gorilla feet. ;) Of course, I'd wait until your marathon and then recovery. :)

The USA Triathlon magazine had an interesting strength builder for barefoot running. They suggested that you stand on one foot barefoot as long as you can, up to 30 seconds, so that your toes don't leave the ground (especially your big toe). Then, the other foot. Then, do the same thing with your eyes closed. If you do this several times a day, it mimics the barefoot posture without having to do it all at once or take to the streets.

[Jolt]

I've been running more but not posting lately. Time to be more consistent with the running now that it's not winter anymore--I can tell that I have gotten a bit out of condition from not doing as much for a while. In other words, SLOW (not that I ever was a speed demon anyway). Today's run was a short one--just over two miles on trails, took 25 minutes (12-minute miles, and this was running the whole time with NO walking breaks). Yesterday I was out for about an hour but did stop and walk a few times. Is it normal to have such a hard time getting better than 10-minute miles?

[Grog]

Ha!

I had a short but fast-ish run today, and it felt so, so good.

My left foot is a little sore, but not much.

I've spent my time waiting for the bus on one foot. :) I always forget how hard it is with my eyes closed, no way I can hold 30 seconds!! I might get back there eventually. Thanks for the advice.

[rocknrollgirl]

I've been running more but not posting lately. Time to be more consistent with the running now that it's not winter anymore--I can tell that I have gotten a bit out of condition from not doing as much for a while. In other words, SLOW (not that I ever was a speed demon anyway). Today's run was a short one--just over two miles on trails, took 25 minutes (12-minute miles, and this was running the whole time with NO walking breaks). Yesterday I was out for about an hour but did stop and walk a few times. Is it normal to have such a hard time getting better than 10-minute miles?

I can only speak for myself and I am by no means an expeert, but it took me a couple of seasons of consistent running and focused training to get under the 10 min mark. I was probably running 10+ mm when I first started a few years ago, now my "normal" pace is sub 9.

I never did any track work, but I did do tempo runs and intervals. It does work, and I think being consistent in your running is very important. I doubt that I will ever run the big mileage as some of the women on this board, but I have gotten faster and much, much stronger.

You can do it!!!!!!

[WindingRoad]

So I tried an ice bath for the first time last night cuz I was just feeling creeky and not really recuperating completely between runs. I have been doing some longer runs over the last couple of weeks. I've been drinking plenty, eating good, doing recovery drinks but still sore. I thought the ice thing might help so I did it and today all my aches are gone. That was amazing, it sucked for the first 4 minutes but after that my legs went numb so it wasn't so bad. I sat in it for 15 minutes and today I'm definitely better. Now I know why marathoners do that, it really works. Woot Woot! :D:D:D:D:D

[skhill]

It was a beautiful morning for a run here in Central KY. I got in my 5 miles, at a 9 min/mile pace, and it didn't feel like I was going that fast at all. My route took me through the part of downtown that's getting a facelift, both of sidewalks and streets, so it was a bit of an urban obstacle course. Fun!

But then when I was almost home, some idiot threw a can of pepsi at me from his car, yelling obscenities. His aim wasn't too good, thankfully. But why are some people so awful?? I don't get it... what's so threatening about a fit, healthy woman out for a run on a spring morning, to draw that kind of response?

[OakLeaf]

Six for me today. I'm still kinda sore from Monday. Which brings up a question for you experienced marathoners...

I've got one more long run to go before I start my taper. I'm newly back in the hill country, and 1100 feet of climbing in 15 miles was definitely more than my quads were ready for. (But for some reason, I was running a bit quicker than I'd done my flatland long runs, too, not trying to, but wound up with a sub-11 minute pace as opposed to my usual long run training pace of 11:30-11:40. So that might be contributing to the soreness, too... also a few days off due to moving which I'm almost always sore after a layoff.)

So far I've run 20+ six times, the last time being on March 29 when I did 26.3. The last three weeks, I did 18, then no long run because of the Achilles problem, then the hilly 15 on Monday.

So. I really think I ought to get one more 20-miler. The marathon isn't completely flat, but it doesn't have these kinds of hills either. (Which is exactly why I decided not to do Cincinnati Flying Pig or Pittsburgh, either one of which is probably a nicer race to run, but just too dang hilly after doing all my mileage-building in the flatlands.) Do I do my last long run in the hills and try to keep the pace down a little? Or drive to the next town and use the MUP which is almost entirely flat?

[Bike Chick]

But then when I was almost home, some idiot threw a can of pepsi at me from his car, yelling obscenities. His aim wasn't too good, thankfully. But why are some people so awful?? I don't get it... what's so threatening about a fit, healthy woman out for a run on a spring morning, to draw that kind of response?

How awful! I don't know why and I'm with you. There's a young man in our neighborhood that rides a Harley that DH and I have had issues with. He spits as he passes us and flung a cigarette at me last week. It's hard to understand, isn't it?

[Crankin]

That's disgusting. Can you get the license plate number?

Nothing to do with running, but after my hard ride on Wednesday, I tried the "cool" bath. I say cool, because I could never do icy. I sat in the tub as it filled with lukewarm-coolish water and gradually brought the temperature down until it was pretty cool, indeed. Also used Epson salts.
It worked wonders. Just a bit tight in the quads today. Normally, I would have been barely able to go up stairs.

[Grog]

But then when I was almost home, some idiot threw a can of pepsi at me from his car, yelling obscenities. His aim wasn't too good, thankfully. But why are some people so awful?? I don't get it... what's so threatening about a fit, healthy woman out for a run on a spring morning, to draw that kind of response?

This is disgusting. I'm really sorry some idiot ruined your run. :(

[colby]

So far I've run 20+ six times, the last time being on March 29 when I did 26.3. The last three weeks, I did 18, then no long run because of the Achilles problem, then the hilly 15 on Monday.

So. I really think I ought to get one more 20-miler. The marathon isn't completely flat, but it doesn't have these kinds of hills either. (Which is exactly why I decided not to do Cincinnati Flying Pig or Pittsburgh, either one of which is probably a nicer race to run, but just too dang hilly after doing all my mileage-building in the flatlands.) Do I do my last long run in the hills and try to keep the pace down a little? Or drive to the next town and use the MUP which is almost entirely flat?

Another long run is probably more about maintenance than it is about building up to your race, BUT you do still have some opportunity to build muscle (up to a few weeks beforehand). If you're confident you can go the distance, it probably doesn't matter significantly to your race which route you choose.

I can see both sides. With the # of long runs you've done, you're obviously well prepared for the marathon and this is the period at the end of the sentence. You don't want to overdo it and hurt yourself. Ideally you'd be able to do your long run on the course, but this is a rare commodity.

Advantage to hilly course would be confidence-building - you know your marathon is LESS hilly, so if you conquer a hilly course you know you can make the less hilly course even if it's longer. Disadvantage is that you'll feel more slow and/or sore.

Advantage to MUP would be faster pace and less likely to injure yourself - maintaining the strength you've built and just putting the period on the end of your training sentence. Disadvantage is that it's not quite as strenuous as your race will be, but race is different than training anyway.

Sometimes in racing my marathon I wished I'd trained on a more hilly course - but maybe for one of every 2-3 long runs, not every long run. If you feel like one uber hilly long run was enough to quench your curiosity for how hills will feel, hit up the MUP. If you really want to go out with a bang - this is after all your last super long run - do the hills. Either way, I think you'll be ready. :)

[colby]

skhill, that's terrible! What a jerk. :mad:

This week was something of a recovery week for me. I had a 40 minute run on Tuesday and then just 4 hill repeats today, half the normal number, basically another 40 minutes.

Saturday is a brick workout, Sunday an Olympic-distance race simulation (will likely be pool/gym as it is supposed to rain AND the water's not warm enough). Next week, baselining the LTHR. I hope to do it outside on my real bike/roads and not on the trainer/treadmill like last month since I was traveling. May 2 (week from Sunday) I'm running Bloomsday, the local 12k, and I hope to get down to 1:05 and toward 1:00... 1:07 is a 9:00 mile and 1:00 is an 8:00 mile. Last year I did 1:10, a 9:28 mile. I'm stoked, but the 4 hour bike ride the day before always makes it harder. Maybe I'll do my long bike ride on Friday and take Saturday off. Hmm....

First week of May steps up to 16-18 miles on the weekend (from 12-14).

66 days to Ironman. Recently entered the "yes, I can do this again" phase from the "ah, that's really far out, no big deal" phase. After starting brick workouts, I feel good about my decision to continue training in VFFs and do still plan to race in them. Really crossing my fingers that it's not HOT, but I'm going to start training with endurolytes to see how my stomach takes them just so I can adapt. If it's hot I know I won't survive without electrolyte replacement and gatorade is yuck.

[Grog]

Colby, I just love reading about your workouts! It's so impressive.

I have no doubt you can do this (again).

[colby]

Colby, I just love reading about your workouts! It's so impressive.

I have no doubt you can do this (again).

Thanks. :o Sometimes it feels a little like insane rambling, but even that part of it is satisfying. It helps me move on to the next step after writing my thoughts about the previous step down. ;)

[Bike Chick]

5 miles last night and it felt pretty good.

Thanks for the advice, Rock 'n Roll. I'm running 11-12 mm now and don't think I'll ever get faster. It's encouraging to know that I will.

[WindingRoad]

Thought I'd try something different last night and quickly discovered not all MUPs are created equal. This 'new' one is much harder than the 'old' one, strange. My shins quickly explained this to me and I stopped after 4 miles cuz I am not going to risk shin splints with only 2 more weeks of 'real' training before the Mini. Decided to just go out again today on my trusted 'old' path and run again there. I am planning 12 miles for my long run this weekend, and this will be the last long one before the Mini Marathon. Immediately after the Mini is over I'm going to step up my cycling training for RAIN in July.

Bike Chick didn't you say you were doing the Mini or am I thinking of someone else?

[limewave]

I did my first group ride last night, 40 miles. We averaged 21 (you know that means we were usually riding at 23 mph). I was whipped.

And it showed on my run today. I was supposed to do 6.5 at my RP and that sure didn't happen. But I did do all 6.5 miles. The first half looked good and I managed to finish the second half. I'll call it good.

[OakLeaf]

Colby, thanks for the advice and the vote of confidence. You are going to rock that IM! :) I still haven't decided which way I'll go on Monday, but I'm leaning toward the hills - I was able to map out a route with "only" 1400 feet of climbing over 20 miles instead of the 1800 I thought I was going to have to do.

I've been experimenting with Endurolytes too, considering I was getting foot cramps in the last couple of miles of the half I did in October in 45° weather, and this one will almost certainly be closer to 70°. Foot cramps at mile 11 of a half was no big deal... at mile 11 of 26.2, not so much. :cool: I've been able to master getting a mouthful of water from my hydration pack and shoving a capsule or two between my lips - hope it won't be too hard doing the same thing with water from the aid stations. Definitely water first, then pill - they're so light that I was in terror of inhaling them when I tried it the "normal" way. No way could I mix the powder strong and deal with the taste, and I don't want to have to carry all my water, either, so pills it is.

Today was mile repeats x 3 ... after two days of yardwork in lieu of workouts, ahead of today's rain. Luckily I only got sprinkled on a tiny bit during my run, it didn't seem super-humid, and I kept the pace in spite of not doing much speedwork lately. That's a confidence builder, too. :)

[Bike Chick]

Bike Chick didn't you say you were doing the Mini or am I thinking of someone else?

Yes, Winding, I'm doing the half-marathon next weekend, same as you. Today was supposed to be a 10 mile run before my taper and I was rained out. It stormed all day here. I'm going to try to get it in tomorrow morning instead but that means I will be running 4 days in a row. I hope I don't wear myself out before the HM.

[rocknrollgirl]

7 miles for me this morning. The longest run yet this season!!! I went out at 5 am, we have a family thing today and I needed to go early. Rainy 50 degrees. I felt good until the last 1/2 mile and then everything tightened up. But we did a hard 50 mile ride yesterday so considering that I went in to the run with tired legs, I am happy with the result. Held a 9:30 pace.

[Crankin]

Ran 3 miles at 5:30 AM. Nothing is hurting, so far, so good. I didn't wear my Garmin, but I was going *really* slow.
We shall see.

[Grog]

I am leaving right now for a 38 km adventure.

I hope to survive to tell the tale, although I'm pretty sure I won't write it with my feet!!

[OakLeaf]

Good luck Grog - have fun!

[WindingRoad]

This weather is annoying. I'm in the same boat as you tomorrow. :rolleyes: I was planning either saturday or sunday I figured I'd get lucky and get a run window, didn't happen. Today was my Mom's birthday so that pretty much took care of running today too. Oh well, tomorrow is another day right?!?!:) I'm excited about the HM but I honestly am going to be glad when it's over. These long runs take a lot of time (for me anyways). I'm not fast like some of the girls here. I'm definitely the tortoise, slow and steady. :D



Yes, Winding, I'm doing the half-marathon next weekend, same as you. Today was supposed to be a 10 mile run before my taper and I was rained out. It stormed all day here. I'm going to try to get it in tomorrow morning instead but that means I will be running 4 days in a row. I hope I don't wear myself out before the HM.