Running through May Flowers

[katluvr]

Although I have not been posting, I have been running and thought it was time for a "May" running thread. I do "compose" my TE posts during my runs, just don't seem to sit down at the computer after I run. And today I wanted to post about my first adventure run. But first, my recent runs...

So I am 98 days away from Pikes Peak Ascent. I ran a 10 miler on some "hilly" terrain (last Saturday) and my 11 miler within 5 days of each other (did that on Weds). Plus it is hot. And I don't think I was feeling my best. My 11 miler was not stellar! Had a bad day on treadmill trying to walk/jog/slog thru high inclines. Needless to say I am getting worried. But today I am looking forward to next week and attacking my training once again.

So last night I did my first adventure race. I am a road runner. Not many trails around here. Lots of senic road running. In the spring I did my first trail race and loved it. So since Pikes Peak is on a trail AND will have some challenges I signed up for this Adventure run series. Last night was the first. Now it is 90+ degrees, our humidity was in the 90's...seriously it was muggier than I have ever felt it this time of year. Luckily race was at 6:45 PM, was a tiny bit cooler and we had a breeze (although warm) coming off the water. The race was 3.6 miles. We started on the beach, so it started off on uneven shifting sand. Plus it was busy so we had a few bottle necks that ended up with slowing or walking as we exited off the beach. In a few other area that twisted and turned I ended up walking because I could not get by. After some time out on the grass they threw a few mounds of dirt & rubble for us run over, then it was the "crawl under the net" in the playground sand, followed by "the tires" and then a hurdle. After that fun series we were running in ankle deep water. Well, we were supposed to run but I got stuck behind the group walking! I mean it is an adventure RUN! After that bit of water we then moved into a very narrow trail thru the mangroves in ankle deep muck...mud! But smelly and gross and they kept walking SLOWLY. OMG:eek: I needed to get out of there. (Looking back I can only laugh). Then we ran somemore out and about, weaving along the path they laid out. Then up and down zig-zagging along the berm and FINALLY a run back to the finish line on the beach.

So I can't say I loved it every minute. It was HOT. It was tough at times. My tummy was not feeling good (I am NOT an evening runner). But I really did have fun. And I DID IT! So 3.6 miles in 42:24. Not horrible considering all the walking I had to do.

So next month I plan to get out front a little more, and figure out eating for the day to help my tummy be better.

Considering I can't stand to get my feet dirty, I am happy to report after hosing off my shoes and then taking my shoes and socks off...my feet were clean! No mud between the toes! Yippy!!:D

K

[indysteel]

That sounds like quite the run Katluvr! I am not enjoying our own heat and humidity right now. It's going to be a struggle for me to get used to it.

I ran an organized 5k this morning. It was at Camp Atterbury, a local Army base and was a benefit for the USO. My boss and his wife were there, as well a few friends who live nearby. I had a good run, despite feeling kind of ick in the humidity. It wasn't even that hot, but it sure felt that way. It was a fun time. There's a 5-miler coming up at the base, too. I might give that a shot, although I'm not sure I could run the whole thing.

[Dogmama]

I ran my very first 10 miler yesterday. I decided to do modified sprints - 3.5 minutes fast & 5 minutes of regular jogging. I must have been crazy. But I finished with an average pace of 10.38, which is really good for me. I quit "sprinting" about 3/4 of the way through & just ran.

Today I am hammered. My allergies hit me full force when I got home, so I know that is a large part of it. But I feel good that I actually ran 10 miles. :D

[skhill]

Katluvr, that sounds like quite the adventure! and I too usually have a bad tummy if I run in the evening. What's helped for me is eating my usual breakfast for dinner when doing an evening race. Thats a bowl of (generic) shredded wheat, with milk and maybe some fruit. Tummy's still not exactly happy, but its a lot better...

Had a time crunch this morning, so just did a quick 3 miles before heading out to church. A really quick 3 miles, just 25 minutes and change, in a chilly drizzle. The effects of last week's blood donation are finally wearing off, hooray!

[limewave]

Kat--that sounds like so much fun! What a neat race series to have! So cool.

My 25k:
Yesterday I had my 25k. It's a big event, approx. 22,000 runners. It was cool and rainy. But I'm totally okay with that. I'd rather have that than hot and humid, or last years weather which was FREEZING cold, rainy, with strong wind gusts.

During my last minute race prep my Garmin would not power on!!! I made a last-minute decision to ditch my dry spot under and overhang to run back to my car and leave the Garmin. I knew if I ran with it dead on my wrist, it would drive me insane.

I felt panic not having anything to monitor my splits. But that's what the pace groups are for, right? I really, really wanted to try and finish under 9 minute miles. I lined up right in front of the 9-minute mile pace group. Literally right in front of the guy holding the sign.

And then we were off! I love running with a lot of people. It was a nice group and I never felt over-crowded like I did at the Chicago Marathon. My philosophy for the race was, as long as I kept passing people, I was probably doing okay on pace.

The entire run I felt like I was running a race.

"D'uh" you say.

Well, a long race like that I usually get into a groove and just run it at a comfortable pace. But this time I felt like I was racing! I felt like I do when I run a 10k all-out. I told myself if I ate enough GU packets and drank enough Endura, I should be able to keep that pace up indefinitely--it's all about fuel. Right? :cool:

I felt really good up until the last mile. But I pushed on. I crossed the finish line at 2:15:00. With my poor math skills, I couldn't figure out what pace I ran. Is a 25k 15 miles? 15.2 miles? I don't know!

Thankfully the results were up by the time I drove home. My "chip" time was 2:13! With a pace of 8:35 min/mile :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

BTW: 25k = 15.534 miles. Now I know. And no wonder that "last mile" after the 14 mile marker went on FOREVER.

[indysteel]

OMG, Limewave. What a fantastic result, especially considering that you rode a hard race just a week before! I'm so impressed.

[Dogmama]

Thankfully the results were up by the time I drove home. My "chip" time was 2:13! With a pace of 8:35 min/mile :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

BTW: 25k = 15.534 miles. Now I know. And no wonder that "last mile" after the 14 mile marker went on FOREVER.

Wow! Congratulations!

[colby]

Way to go, limewave! That's an awesome result. No surprise, considering all your hard work. :D

I was on a cruise this weekend (a vegas/booze cruise, sigh, not my thing) and ran a couple hours on a treadmill on a moving boat, so my equilibrium is still a little off. ;)

[kacie tri-ing]

Lime!!! Amazing!!!!!!!!!

I ran 2 miles yesterday :D Nice and easy. Felt all 140.6 miles in my legs. Actually I felt ok, but my feet did NOT want to be in my shoes. I will ease back in before I really get back to it.

[Susan]

Did my first run in a while yesterday. I had some strange foot pain on the top of my right foot towards the middle and 4th toe when I stretch my toes downwards or touch the ground. But inconsistently, sometimes everything was ok, sometimes really hurting.

I didn't run in a while because I feared to make it worse. Yesterday, after everything seemed fine again, I ran my usual 5k without troubles. Today I'm hurting again. :mad:

It's strange, I can't remember anything happening to my foot, I don't see any swelling or feel anything wrong when I touch the spot with my hands, sometimes it seems to be ok, and then some hours later it hurts when I just walk. I missed running so much and now it seems that I have to stop even longer :(

[skhill]

Found a new least favorite running surface-- wet cobblestones. Yuck. There's something worse than wet brick sidewalks. Hate to even think of riding on wet cobblestones...

But it was a great run anyway. I felt great, and the weather wasn't terrible. Did almost 9 miles, at a 9:00/mile pace.

[Ambikes]

I haven't been posting because I've been running :D

I have been keeping up with the thread regularly, though. I find that it really motivates me.

I finished the hardest week of my marathon training a week ago, and I'm well into the taper now. I wish I felt a little better, though. I was doing fine up until the past couple of weeks, but my body is just plumb worn out right now! My crappy IT band and my joints are just cranky. I got a massage hoping it would help. Definitely did not. I am hoping that the week and a half of taper I have left combined with lots of stretching and maybe some cross training on the bike will help. If not, I'm pretty sure that I can still finish as long as I run a slower pace and walk if I need to. This is my first marathon, so I am trying not to worry about pace in any case.

Anyways, I still can't believe that I'm going to run a marathon in 10 days. I'm looking forward to scratching this one off the bucket list.

[colby]

10 days is a long time. Keep your legs loose, don't stop running entirely, but take care of your body for a bit. Cycling does help me loosen my legs after running, swimming is always nice, too, if you're into that. ;)

Intervals yesterday, 10x400s. Supposed to be warm this weekend, I'll probably experiment with electrolytes to see if I can make my body a little happier.

[sgf726]

Traveling on business this week, just a couple of short 3 mile runs Tuesday and today. The good news was today's run was pain-free. No soreness or tightness in my left hamstring. I think I am finally recovered from the marathon. My coach said it would take a month and it did.

I'm in Shanghai right now and learned that just because you have walk signal not everyone stops, cars stop but moped and bikes keep going, and just because your on the sidewalk it doesn't mean that you can't be run over by a moped :) I guess bikes and mopeds are allowed on the sidewalks - go figure.

[limewave]

Thanks guys! I completely surprised myself during the 25k.

Now I have a bad case of the post-race blues. It doesn't help that this week has been unusually insane and the forecast isn't any better for next week. I haven't been running or biking and I've totally been eating my stress.

This is a bit of a confession, I need to face the reality. Not that I need to hit the ground running into another training schedule, but I don't need to go off the deep end in the other direction either.

Hoping to get out for an easy trail run today with periodically walking, a little jogging, and taking lots of deep, soothing breaths.

[Veronica]

I've totally been eating my stress.

This is a bit of a confession, I need to face the reality. Not that I need to hit the ground running into another training schedule, but I don't need to go off the deep end in the other direction either.

Hoping to get out for an easy trail run today with periodically walking, a little jogging, and taking lots of deep, soothing breaths.

I totally get the stress eating. I just keep reminding myself that's how I gained 15 pounds in the school year 1999 - 2000 and I don't want to go there again. I wish I had pictures of myself at 180 pounds, but that was before Thom really got into photography.

Take care of yourself!

Veronica

[OakLeaf]

Way to go Lime! You rock. Give yourself a break on the recovery. It's early yet and you need to recharge. Maybe give yourself a date by which you'll set a new running goal, and let yourself chill until then.

Ambikes, you'll do great! There are lots of others here with more experience than me, but I got all kinds of mystery aches and pains during both my marathon tapers last year. The first time it caught me out because I was expecting it during the race, not before, the way motor racers start hearing all kinds of weird noises from their machines. :p The second time I was a little more mentally prepared - coddled the ouchies but didn't worry about them.

Kat, what fun! These obstacle/adventure races have really taken off in the last couple of years. I'm signed up for a Warrior Dash in two weeks, just as a lark - trying to figure out what to wear. :p

Thinking about Columbus marathon again ... just thinking about it so far ... really haven't been running much, but now that TOSRV's over I need a new goal.

[indysteel]

Thanks guys! I completely surprised myself during the 25k.

Now I have a bad case of the post-race blues. It doesn't help that this week has been unusually insane and the forecast isn't any better for next week. I haven't been running or biking and I've totally been eating my stress.

This is a bit of a confession, I need to face the reality. Not that I need to hit the ground running into another training schedule, but I don't need to go off the deep end in the other direction either.

Hoping to get out for an easy trail run today with periodically walking, a little jogging, and taking lots of deep, soothing breaths.

Do you practice yoga, Lime? Granted, I don't train like you do, but when I've feeling burnt out from training or from life, it's my go-to activity.

[yellow]

Lime, FWIW, I ALWAYS get post-event blues. Always (and it always surprises me). I think it comes with the territory: train hard and then bam! you're done. That's it. Mission accomplished. That's the problem with goals. :p

Give yourself a break. It'll turn back around. :)

[skhill]

Yesterday's longer-than-intended bike ride did a number on my legs. So this morning's intended 15 miles turned into a sluggish 8. But I'm not training for anything in particular right now, other than our big July 4th 10k, so no big deal...

Oak, my yoga teacher just did a warrior dash, and now she's hooked. Being a total non-runnner, she found that simply running that far was the hardest obstacle of the event!

[yellow]

I am really tired of running in the rain. UNCLE!!! This is the desert.

Just sayin'! :mad:

[colby]

I did 18(+, GPS checked out for a bit) this weekend, but I split it with 100+ miles on the bike in two bricks in two days (well, plus a bit, my ride came up short so I added miles after running). The "at least" distances are: 42mi ride, 11mi run; 45mi ride, 7mi run, 13mi ride. I expect to be hungry tomorrow. ;)

Next weekend I will be doing a long bike (either hilly and 60+ miles or varying and 100+ miles) and probably a half marathon (and perhaps later more miles). It'll be the last big weekend.

[skhill]

Colby, I'm in awe! What a weekend!

Ended up back on the treadmill this morning-- the storms that spawned the tornados in the midwest Sunday evening were rolling through here at dawn. Nasty stuff. Did 5 miles, and managed to carry on a lengthy conversation with the woman on the next treadmill while both were set at 7mph. It's hard to believe that going that fast can feel so easy!

[Ambikes]

Thanks for the advice/support colby and Oak! (And impressive workouts this weekend colby.) I am glad to hear that I'm not alone in my achy taper. I was expecting to feel better since I'm running less mileage...not so much. The biggest issue has been the IT band, which I've been rolling and stretching at least 3x/day. I've also been keeping active with some easy running and biking. It was a beautiful weekend to spend time outside here :) I wish the weather forecast for Calgary next weekend was a nice :(

[kacie tri-ing]

I did 18(+, GPS checked out for a bit) this weekend, but I split it with 100+ miles on the bike in two bricks in two days (well, plus a bit, my ride came up short so I added miles after running). The "at least" distances are: 42mi ride, 11mi run; 45mi ride, 7mi run, 13mi ride. I expect to be hungry tomorrow. ;)

Next weekend I will be doing a long bike (either hilly and 60+ miles or varying and 100+ miles) and probably a half marathon (and perhaps later more miles). It'll be the last big weekend.

And then the taper! Time for round 4??? Putting the last bit of Hay in the Barn!

My DH and I are talking about doing that race next summer!


My legs are slowly coming back! I ran an awkward 2, a sore 6, and then a comfortable 5 today! Yippie! Getting back to somewhat normal! Just in time for a Georgia summer :p:p

[katluvr]

So it was treadmill and 3 miles at Pikes Peak incline. So for this 3 mile section it was 2.3 miles at 12% then down to 3% for 0.6 miles. (lowest incline of the whole peak). I walked at 3 mph and I did run (very slowly) for 1 minute intervals with the 12% incline with 2 - 3 min walk recovery. 3 mph is a do able walk but you still just want to reduce the incline! But I did it. Gym was hot, treadmill boring, incline hard. But I DID IT. Under 90 days OMG!:eek:
Tomorrow is easy outside run and then Thursday is 12 miles.

Good job everyone. My training schedule is still not as hard or as many miles as many of you.

K

[limewave]

Starting to get my mojo back. 11 miles this morning. Starting to contemplate new goals for the fall . . . . .

[Veronica]

Starting to get my mojo back. 11 miles this morning. Starting to contemplate new goals for the fall . . . . .

Good for you! So, what are you thinking? :)

Veronica

[sgf726]

3.5 miles for me yesterday easy endurance run at about a 9:15 pace. Decided to end my run on the trails in back of my house, forgot with all the rain last week how wet it would be, the trail and river had merged almost thought I was going to have to swim too.

[colby]

And then the taper! Time for round 4??? Putting the last bit of Hay in the Barn!

My DH and I are talking about doing that race next summer!


My legs are slowly coming back! I ran an awkward 2, a sore 6, and then a comfortable 5 today! Yippie! Getting back to somewhat normal! Just in time for a Georgia summer :p:p

Yeah, this weekend is the last weekend I can push, after this it's all maintenance and nerves. Mostly nerves. ;)

It's beautiful up here. The bike is not flat, the water can be very cold (currently low 50s, in 2008 it was this cold on race day, last year barely over 60), the run is actually pretty flat except the turnaround. I make it sound so romantic, but I mean it with love. :cool:

[jessmarimba]

So I run more than I bike, or at least I have until recently, but I rarely feel compelled to post here. But I recently ran my first race in about a year (trailish 10k) and it was great. Muddy and crowded, but great. However...I need to learn to smile for the camera. If you guys want to see some terrible, terrible faces, check out the official race photos here: http://www2.brightroom.com/79409/3130 (http://www2.brightroom.com/79409/3130)

Just something else to work on if I do sign up for a fall marathon. I can't order pictures that look like those! :D

[skhill]

The mulberries are starting to ripen, so I'm constantly in foraging mode, looking for free fruit. Even while racing... At today's 5k, there were several trees by the start line, but not much ripe fruit yet. Still, I had a few berries while waiting for the start. First 2 miles of the race didn't go through any scrubby areas, but the last mile hit the jackpot. Lots of scrubby areas, lots of trees, some of them looking like they had some ripe fruit. Not that I got a great look as I was trying to keep up my pace, tho. Ended up finishing the race in 24:20, my second fastest 5k. No age group awards, tho, so I don't know how I placed. But it was a beautiful morning for a race!

Now it's time to hop on the bike and go foraging!

[Bike Chick]

I've signed up for the Rock-N-Roll St. Louis in October and started half-marathon training yesterday. Yes, I know it's early but I need something to make me run past 3 miles. Besides, that will give me time to spare in case of injury (:eek::eek:) or illness.

[katluvr]

Did 5 miles on the bridge, my version of hill repeats. Up 5 times. It is summer in Florida. I have 2 1/2 months of training in this heat. My thought has been the heat & humidity will make me tough, since I can't train at altitude. Not sure if it will work, but it is making my runs very tough! This weekend is 14 miles. Since I normally do half marathons, and have only trained for one marathon, I am facing challenging distances.
K

[limewave]

I've signed up for the Rock-N-Roll St. Louis in October and started half-marathon training yesterday. Yes, I know it's early but I need something to make me run past 3 miles. Besides, that will give me time to spare in case of injury (:eek::eek:) or illness.

Cool! I want to hear how you like this one. I have a friend in St. Louis and signing up for a marathon there would be a great excuse to visit :)

Since my plans to run the Chicago marathon were squashed by a friends wedding plans, I've been looking for a replacement. I've really restricted my options because of a bike race I'm doing the first week of November. I finally decided on \/\/\/\/\/\/\/ Old Boy's Oktoberfest Marathon (http://oktoberfestmarathon.com/)!

I've done their 1/2 Marathon twice. It's a nice course and finishers get a medal and a beer mug! And I'm setting the bar really, really high on this one. I'm officially unveiling my goal. Please cue the drums again!
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
A finish time of 3:45!!!!! That's about a 8:34/mile pace. About the same pace as I did for my 25k recently.

Now I'm a little scared!

[jessmarimba]

You'll be great!

I was about to sign up for a half marathon in 3 weeks or so, and then I tried to run yesterday and had to hobble home after 2 blocks. My IT band is throwing a fit. I can't even walk down stairs. And seeing as how I felt great after my last run, this is really not cool. Hoping it goes away as quickly and soundlessly as it came...

(I am hoping I tweaked it somehow when I was pulling carpet/moving furniture/sanding floors/painting over the weekend)

[colby]

Lime, I'm excited for your marathon! :D Nothing like putting your goal out there to give you a little motivation. ;)

I ran a half marathon last weekend, not my best, 2:05... but last year (when I ran a 1:56) was basically optimal conditions. A pretty good picture: http://images.partypics.com/events/2648/26488057/00103/0002.jpg (I love how everyone appears to be running death around me, this is mile 12) - and the rest of the pictures under bib 2567 (I guess they don't want to make it easy for you to find their pictures) http://orders.racephotonetwork.com/QPPlus/SearchBibNumber.aspx?_AccountNumber=468&EventID=963513

After that, I biked for a couple hours, and the next day biked for another few hours. It's officially June, the final countdown. I have a super hugungous load at work right now so this Ironman is not going to be easy, but they never are.

[jessmarimba]

You're flying! I'd be dragging my feet by then, for sure :) Great pic!

[skhill]

Just signed up for our 4th of July 10k. Somehow, it's the local race I care the most about. It'll be my third time, and there's an longshot goal in my mind: a 7:47/mile pace, for a total time of 48:21. It's possible, but it won't be easy. Why that random time? Well, 2009 it was my first ever race of any distance, and my pace was 9:47/mile; 2010 dropped it down to 8:47/mile. The more realistic goal is to go under 50 minutes....

Today was supposed to be an easy, slow run, but there were a couple others circling the park, and I kept on speeding up to catch them and pass them. Ended up being not so slow. Cool thing-- I've now logged 502 miles in my VFFs, and they're holding up great!

[indysteel]

Just signed up for our 4th of July 10k. Somehow, it's the local race I care the most about. It'll be my third time, and there's an longshot goal in my mind: a 7:47/mile pace, for a total time of 48:21. It's possible, but it won't be easy. Why that random time? Well, 2009 it was my first ever race of any distance, and my pace was 9:47/mile; 2010 dropped it down to 8:47/mile. The more realistic goal is to go under 50 minutes....

Good luck! You sure are speedy!

I ran yesterday for the first time in a couple of weeks. I can ride a bike in heat and humidity no problem. Running is proving to be a very different story. Yesterday wasn't even terribly hot (78 degrees I think), but it was humid. I just couldn't get my breathing under control. I did intervals, because that's about all I could handle. Does this get better with acclimation or is it just me?

[Red Rock]

It has been something like a year since I posted on this thread but my body decided to change on me without my approval (thyroid). So I have had to readjust. So it has taken about a year to do that.

The good news is that I am still exercising (sp?). Instead of running on the track for fun, I have since moved to the trails for their peace and quiet and good exercise that they give. I have been doing a local trail that is near me. So far I have been doing an out and back situation with treking poles and a hydration pack with all of the goodies. Living in the Desert, I don't leave my house without water and electrolytes. Anyway, my range is 4.5 miles and this morning I did a PB. I knocked off like two minutes off all of my times (thanks Garmin ;)). It helped that I had come across someone and she ran ahead of me and we were taking. She was the carrot and I walked very fast to keep up with her.

May 16 data: Avg pace: 16:38; current lap: 1:14:41;best pace: 14:16.
June 4 data: avg pace: 16:09; current lap: 1:13:35; best pace: 13:17.

Ok, I am wrong on my time, I am about 1.5 minutes faster. Still that's not too shabby. I also noticed that I hit the 30 minute mark at 1.85 of a mile. My goal is to be at two miles by a half an hour, so i'm getting close.

Thank you for inspiring me through all of your ups and downs both physical and mental. I am in medical nomans land right now. So no meds or anything, just deal with it until things change. I'm just glad I'm out there doing something and enjoying it.:D

Thank you TE Sisters!

Red Rock

[Ambikes]

Thanks for the advice/support colby and Oak! (And impressive workouts this weekend colby.) I am glad to hear that I'm not alone in my achy taper. I was expecting to feel better since I'm running less mileage...not so much. The biggest issue has been the IT band, which I've been rolling and stretching at least 3x/day. I've also been keeping active with some easy running and biking. It was a beautiful weekend to spend time outside here :) I wish the weather forecast for Calgary next weekend was a nice :(

Resurrecting this old thread for an update.

Well, the weather for the Calgary marathon was beautiful. I wore my Garmin watch so that I could pace myself right from the beginning. I was taking in both Gatorade and Gu gels like a champ. I FELT GREAT. Right up until the one big downhill on the course at about 31k. That one hill lasted about 2k and my quads were trashed by the time I got to the bottom of it. The last 9k were the most difficult I have ever run both mentally and physically.

But I finished. I still even met my goal time, although I will admit that my goal was pretty darn slow (5 hours). My SO was waiting at the finish line for me with flowers. It was a good day, although I'm not sure whether I want to do it ever again.

I haven't really run since, other than a couple of recovery runs right after the marathon and a soccer league I played in over the summer. For the first 6 weeks or so, my IT band/knee were giving me some issues. After that, I had some stuff going on in my personal life that just got in the way.

I'm back now, and I have a 10k race planned for September 24 (it was originally supposed to be a half, but I decided that I didn't have it in me to train for the half properly).