Running to the end of January

[katluvr]

I felt like it was time for a new running thread. Not sure it is a great title, but will get us through the month (I think)
Headed out for 5 (actually it was 5.25) miles today. It is a mild January day in Florida (finally). So it was a bit "warm" compared to what we have been experiencing. That being said I felt a bit slow and my legs were heavy. But actually avg. my usual 10:30 min mile pace.
It was a beautiful day. Sorry for those of you still facing snow and very cold weather. I really am, I don't think I could ever get out in that weather!
K

[GLC1968]

I didn't want to face our rainy weather yesterday. Actually, for me, the bigger issue is the dark. I don't mind the rain so much, but the dark really limits where I can run. Anyway, I did 3.1 miles on the treadmill instead. It was the longest 3.1 miles in history! I have no idea why I struggled so much last night but when my Garmin clicked over to 3.1, it was all I could do to make myself cool down and not just shut the sucker off immediately and book it upstairs!

[limewave]

I'm trying to get psyched up about a snow shoe race this weekend. The last snow shoe race I did, a few years back, was the most painful running race I've ever done.

[skhill]

...with our forecast for the next few days, snowshoes might be useful!

Yesterday I did a tempo run for the first time in 2011-- one mile warming up then 3 miles averaging 8:40, in a cold rain. Didn't mean to go that fast (I think the treadmill time is throwing off my sense of pace). Today, my legs felt dead, but it was the best running weather of the week, so I ran anyways. It was a easy 6 miles, and I got a scare when the firefighters started hustling to get the trucks out right as I was passing the station.

Late last week, our local half marathon in early April got canceled :(. Then yesterday, a different charity took over the planning, and it's back on! :). Still don't know if I'll run it or not-- it's just a few weeks before my marathon. If I don't run, I might volunteer.

[emily_in_nc]

I did 3 miles on the treadmill today at our work fitness center. I had a tight schedule to be done in time for a noon phone call, so that was all the time I could manage, grab a quick shower, and get back to my desk. I was really glad to get that much done, though. Worked up a sweat and got a good workout in just 40 minutes, including cool-down and a little stretching.

[OakLeaf]

Intervals Saturday, woohoo! :D Just 8 x 1 minute sprints, as much as I had in me. I'm still taping my fingers together so they don't jostle, and I haven't quite dared put the HR strap back on, but I think I'm pretty close to 100% as far as running is concerned - I've just lost a lot of fitness, since I was already kind of taking a break and ready to get back to work when I crashed. Then 5.25 Monday and 4.5 today. Plus walking and yoga. I'm planning to get on the commuter bike for a couple of miles tomorrow. It's coming back. :)

Daytona 5K is a week from Saturday. I'm still going to count it as more or less of a "goal" event, even though I obviously have no chance at the PR I'd hoped for before my wreck. :( There's a little 5K just down the street from me this Saturday that I might run as a tune-up.

[kacie tri-ing]

I've been fighting an injury, so not much here--except, I did run the Disney Half Marathon....and I don't know my time (around 2) because I put the instructions on my shoe instead of the timing chip. Awesome. I did dress as Minnie though :D Posted pics on the ol' blog. I figured if I wasn't allowed to run super far or super fast, I would be super cute!!!

[OakLeaf]

Aw, bummer about your chip! I hate those D-tags. :p

Love the pics!

I did about 4.7 today, including re-calibrating my footpod. The calibration factor went down by nearly 5% from the last calibration, which I pretty much knew it would. I'm hoping it's just that I'm still running a little heavy because of my injury (even though I don't feel the pull in my abs any more, I can still feel in yoga class that I've got a ways to go yet with spinal flexibility), but I wanted to re-calibrate it now so it would be more accurate for the upcoming 5Ks. I'll probably do it again in a couple of weeks.

[Veronica]

Three mile run at 4:30 this morning - gorgeous full moon.

Veronica

[GLC1968]

4.15 miles at lunch today. AWESOME run even though it was raining. Everything felt good. I think I could have run for 8 if I'd had the time. ;)


You know, six months ago if someone told me that I'd ever use the word 'AWESOME' to describe a run, I'd have told them they were smoking something. Amazing how things can change when you set your mind to it, huh?

[OakLeaf]

Awesome runs are ... awesome! :D

I did a little local 5K this morning. Not even two miles from my house, and a tune-up for next weekend. It was a benefit for the animal shelter - they didn't allow dogs in the 5K, but they had a shorter dog dash, a dog walk, and a fun dog show, so there were plenty of excited canines. :)

26:26, which I'm fine with considering that (1) I hadn't been able to train for it at all and (2) I really didn't give it everything I had, since in light of my fitness I wanted to make sure I'm fully recovered for next Saturday. I had a decent kick for the last kilometer, which makes me happy. Second in AG, first hardware of the year.

The best part was that I rode my commuter bike to the start! First time back on the bike. My hand and wrist hurt a little working the brake and grip shifter, but it didn't feel like I was re-injuring anything, and it felt soooo good to be back on two wheels. :) From there to the farmers' market (compost pail had to stew in my pannier during the race :cool: - I don't compost here in town, there are enough raccoon problems already, but there's a lovely organic farm that collects customers' compost, and I get free salad greens with every six pails of compost!) - produce shopping, and home. Yay!

[7rider]

Oh, how quickly the running leaves you.

Since the Celtic Solstice on December 18th, I've done 3 runs - 2 on a treadmill, and one outside. That's it.

So today, my friend Pam and I went to do an outside run. She's been doing nearly every run for 6 miles lately. Me...I barely ride my bike that far lately. :rolleyes: She's training for a 10K in April and wants to run enough that it''s "easy" for her. She wants me to do the same, yet I keep waffling on registering. I know if I have an event for which to train, I'd be much better about all this.

But it was 16 degrees this morning. A wee-bit chilly.

We were aiming for a 4-miler today. My legs are still sore from yesterday's Training Club workout (that thing kicks my butt every time). She had just come from the gym - all warmed up and chipper and rarin' to go. I wanted to trip her. ;) I plodded along glumly behind her like a lame dog. We - or rather I - lasted 2 miles.

"Do you want to go on to the park?" she asked. "Or turn here and go up the hill to the house? I'm okay either way." Oh...I'm good for stopping right now and sending you up the hill for the truck, I thought. But offered "Let's just go up the hill. When I get back into this, we'll do more. You were already at the gym this morning."

Lame-oh. :rolleyes:

[skhill]

Love the idea of trading compostables for greens! And congrats on the hardware, Oakleaf! BTW, did any of the dogs get loose and chase runners? (I've seen in happen-- a very excited dacshound at the finish line).

Last night, I was planning on running outside this morning, even if it was only a couple miles and even if I had to wear my hiking boots. But when it was 2 F when I woke up instead of the 12 F that was predicted, some good sense kicked in... So, another 6 miles on the treadmill at the Y. I wanted to keep going, but it was getting crowded and someone was waiting for a treadmill to get free. And I was hungry. Maybe tomorrow I'll get outside....

[Veronica]

A fantastic five miles for me this morning. I'm knocking on that ten minute door - 10:05 average pace. The first mile was a 9:54 and the last mile was a 9:57.

Veronica

[katluvr]

I just love reading everyone's posts here!
I ran 10 yesterday. It was a really good run. I felt good, my long runs take me down along the waterfront & I love where I live. It was prefect running weather, 50's and mly overcast most of run. I was just doing an easy pace, just working on endurance. When I completed 8 I could feel a blister starting base of big toe, but finished the 10. Feet were sore afterwards, need new shoes. I stood in cold pool afterwards to "ice my legs", brrrrr!
Then even though I tried not to over eat afterwards yesterday my weight is up today. Just cant get the weight off, or it is slow or frustrating....but that is for another thread!
K

[indigoiis]

I ran five yesterday and had to go to the bathroom the whole way, resulting in a slow pace, and a lot of discomfort. Today I had a long run so I made sure to visit the bathroom beforehand. :) I ran 12 today and it was really cold - I felt like I was breathing in listerine fumes. I kept up a good pace though and it was a beautiful route with some challenging hills. After two days this week on the treadmill at work, I was happy to get in four on the road on Thursday and then these two runs on the weekend. I hate the treadmill!

[GLC1968]

I too hate the treadmill, so I made sure I ran today outside. Unfortunately, my body had other ideas. Severe GI issues - I barely made it to the bathroom but it forced me to cut my 5 mile run to 3. Oh well, they can't all be awesome runs, right?

[indigoiis]

I hate that running makes me want to go to the bathroom. I wonder how much is psychological for me (the fear that I'll feel like I have to go = having to go???)

this was never a problem when I was an out-of-shape smoker/partier. LOL.

[Jolt]

I hate that running makes me want to go to the bathroom. I wonder how much is psychological for me (the fear that I'll feel like I have to go = having to go???)

this was never a problem when I was an out-of-shape smoker/partier. LOL.

It does suck when running gives you the runs! It really is a crappy thing to have happen...:p Best to have a place on your route for a pit stop, if this is a regular problem.

[GLC1968]

Yeah, I actually did have a good pit stop place yesterday (not always the case!), but by the time I finished, it was too dark to continue running without a light. That's what I get for cutting it so close to the end of daylight begin with...


At least when I'm running regularly, I'm regular. :p

[OakLeaf]

It's only an issue for me when I go over 18 or so, and not all the time ... but when it is, I'm REALLY glad that I run in the country, and that there are always woods or cornfields available. :eek:

[skhill]

One advantage of ending up doing a long run on the treadmill at the gym is that there's always a restroom nearby. A very small advantage...

Sunday I had a very pleasant, if slow and slippery, 6 miles outside. Whoopee!! But this morning I was slipping around in the fresh snow just walking my dog down to the corner to do his business, so it was back to the treadmill. It was my longest treadmill run yet, at 10 miles, and my VFFs have given me a blister on my heal.

[Jolt]

It's only an issue for me when I go over 18 or so, and not all the time ... but when it is, I'm REALLY glad that I run in the country, and that there are always woods or cornfields available. :eek:

That is definitely an advantage with trail running as opposed to running on the roads...if you need a pit stop, just go off trail, dig a hole, do your thing and bury it.

[Jolt]

I did the usual Monday night 5k, in 8 degree temps. No wind though, so it felt pretty good. I'm sure my time wasn't fast (didn't even bother timing tonight) but I didn't slide on any of the ice either so I am happy with that. We still had a pretty good group despite the cold...no cold-weather wimps here!

[emily_in_nc]

That is definitely an advantage with trail running as opposed to running on the roads...if you need a pit stop, just go off trail, dig a hole, do your thing and bury it.

Do you carry a shovel on your runs? :D

[colby]

I've been running my Tues-Thurs-Sun routine for a few weeks now, save for the time I was in LA last week when I didn't ride and only ran every day. When I left home there was 6"+ snow on the ground and it was 25, when I arrived in LA it was 70s - and 70s every morning by 10am. Most days I'd wait until 4:30ish when the sun started to set and get 45-60 minutes in, a couple days I did mornings in the sun and kind of regretted it, it punished my intervals.

Back home and into the 20s to low 40s, I am much much happier. I think I will spend a week in LA for warm weather acclimation before my Ironman races. ;) I did sign up for the LA Triathlon next year, it's just before IMFL and should be an interesting experience. I am going to use it to practice traveling with my bike, riding an unfamiliar course, and acclimating to the weather.

Anyway, back to running tomorrow, today was some bike intervals. Mile repeats I think, probably 3-4 of them, with 1/2 mile inbetween. My HRM battery is dying so I'll have to replace before I go - it's losing contact with the chest strap and fading in and out.

[skhill]

I was going to do some intervals this morning, but the track was covered in slush. Yuck. So I did some city intervals-- one block fast, one slow. Of course, there were slushy areas on the sidewalks, too, so fast was a relative term! 5 miles in all...

I'm so sick of winter...

[limewave]

5 slow miles for me yesterday. Thankfully it was a balmy 24 degrees and much easier to breathe than that below 0 arctic air.

Anyone else have cold-weather asthma?

[indigoiis]

Do you carry a shovel on your runs? :D

AND one must always note what hunting laws are in effect... but since I always wear bright colors anyway, I won't get shot while rest-stopping. Of course, I will always be noticed. While rest-stopping. D'Oh!

[GLC1968]

AND one must always note what hunting laws are in effect... but since I always wear bright colors anyway, I won't get shot while rest-stopping. Of course, I will always be noticed. While rest-stopping. D'Oh!


I actually thought about this on the run I cut short. I was wearing hi-vis yellow that day (a super grey day) and thought that taking a squat behind a tree wouldn't hide me very well!


Today I did 4.2 miles at lunch. Weather was nice and I actually felt the sun on my face a few times! I tried to push the pace a little to get more of a cardio workout in. Lately, my runs have been getting too easy on the heart and lungs. I got caught at 5 of 7 traffic lights though, so it still took me longer than I would have liked!

[limewave]

A slow four miles this morning. I hope I can make 8 miles on Sunday.

[emily_in_nc]

Forgot to post - 3.5 on the treadmill on Wednesday. Did some hill intervals. Felt pretty strong and no pains!

[OakLeaf]

It was a perfect morning for racing (a little humid, but you'll have that in Florida :rolleyes:). 42°F with a crescent moon and Venus in the sky at the start, next to no wind. The economy meant that there were far fewer campers than usual for the 24-hour sportscar race. Bad for the Speedway, but good for us runners, since we didn't get the usual blast of campfire smoke as we rounded NASCAR Turn 3. Interestingly though, the field of runners was larger than past years, over 1,000.

Somehow I managed to set a new PR by over 40 seconds, at 24:25. Must be good grip on the new pavement. :D

Tough competition this year, though, 5/44 in age group, and at least one runner who perennially kicks my butt was a no show this year. The woman who won the 50-54 age group ran a 20:55. :eek:

[katluvr]

Awesome Oak!!
Yes the 45-49 age group is TOUGH, but I think the 50+ is just as bad since all the fast 40something year olds get out like us slow 40-somethings!
At work, missed running today, it did look like a fab morning to run here in FL.

K

[skhill]

That's awesome, Oak!

And there's some runners in their early 50's who are scary fast around here. Maybe I'll speed up over the next 10-15 years....

[indigoiis]

Awesome, Oak! It must have been weird running on that track!

so, this week we had another snowstorm, so of course it messed up our usual training. Wednesday we ran on the road - 4 mile "tempo" run (just really a wake-up get moving run) and Thursday I did 3 miles on the treadmill at work, and like, six minutes (it took a LONG time for me to figure the machine out) on the stairmaster. Friday was off (I shoveled a lot this week so nothing was really "off").

But TODAY, I am so psyched. I did five miles really fast, with hills and all. I just pushed it hard. I figure, the only way to get past the discomfort of being out of breath is to occasionally be out of breath. It was hard, but it was good because I didn't die. I didn't even pass out. I just breathed really, really loudly. Five miles in 43:44 which i say yay for me. It ain't going to win any races any time soon, but it satisfied my soul.

[skhill]

Finally, I was able to do my long run outside this morning. It was a beautiful morning for a run, 30 F and only traces of snow left on the ground. My route took me across town to my old high school; it's like running back through time, going into my old stomping grounds like that...

Anyway, I went 12.25 miles, and the hardest part was making the turn that would get that last mile. Now it's off to enjoy a warm afternoon with a bike ride!

[indigoiis]

Ran 10 very scenic today. Warmish out (35?) and sunny - looked like Vermont, felt like Florida (I get hot easily, especially when overdressed.) :cool:

[GLC1968]

Great job, Oak!

I did 6.1 miles today. My longest run EVER...but not for long! ;)

[Veronica]

You are so fast Oak!

I did 6.35 on Sunday. It was a bit epic in the beginning. :rolleyes: Details are in my blog.


Veronica

[limewave]

Great job Oak!!!

Welp, I was supposed to run 8 miles yesterday. But a mile from home I accidentally hit "stop" on my garmin and didn't realize it. When I got home, it said I had only ran 7 miles. WT-hay? Out I went for another mile. When I finished the extra mile and looked at my garmin which was still stalled at 7, I realized my mistake. 9 miles for me.

[limewave]

Okay. So I looked at the wrong week on the calendar. I was only supposed to run 7. Does that mean I only need to do 3 tonight instead of the scheduled 5?
:rolleyes:

[Veronica]

Okay. So I looked at the wrong week on the calendar. I was only supposed to run 7. Does that mean I only need to do 3 tonight instead of the scheduled 5?
:rolleyes:


Only you can decide. :p

3.3 miles for me today. I really don't like running two days in a row, but lazy days in the beginning of the month meant I really had step it up towards the end to get the mileage I wanted.

Yoga this morning helped loosen me up a little bit.

Veronica