Spooky running - It's October!

[GLC1968]

I wanted to start a new thread for October for two reasons.

1) I've never started the running thread before! :p
2) I'm running every day in the month of October, so it seemed fitting to keep them all in one place. You all should see me check in every single day this month!

Today I did an easy paced 2 miles at 8 am. It was only about 75F and it felt awesome! Looking forward to tomorrow's big run for the week.

Run 1 of 31 complete.

[Veronica]

I'll be cheering you on!

My joints just can't seem to handle multiple days of running in a row. Maybe if I could do yoga every day it would work...

Veronica

[oxysback]

I'll chime in, too! I ran consecutive days earlier this week and my knees almost didn't forgive me. This morning I ran a 5k distance at a pace of 13:24. I know that's REALLY slow for the rest of you, but it's a personal best for me!

GLC, it's 55f right now. Was there a heat wave in your neighborhood this morning? LOL!

[skhill]

GLC, good luck on running every day!

When I woke up this morning, it was all of 40F, and the weather channel was giving a wind chill temp of 36. BRRRRR! The good thing is we weren't struggling with heat and humidity during the 10k. But man it was cold and windy. About 2.5 miles in, I could finally feel all my toes (VFFs aren't very warm!), then by the 5 mile marker, they were going numb again. Definitely should have dressed warmer, but my winter running gear was boxed up. It's all out now... Ended up around 59:00 for the race, not very good but then I haven't been running much lately, and no speedwork since July. At least I ran the whole way, and kept a pretty steady pace. And I found a couple of crab apple trees on the course ready to be picked...

[GLC1968]

Ellen - I'm in FL this weekend! I WISH I was running in 50-degree weather, actually.

Congrats on the PR, that's great!

On the running every day thing - we'll see how it goes. There is NO WAY I could have done this even 6 months ago, but I've been consistent enough in my training now that I think it'll be fine. Some runs will be only a mile or two - others will be 13.1 (like in two weeks!). I'm hoping that by doing this, come November, I'll have built up a really good running habit and it'll all feel a lot easier to me.

[Bike Chick]

Good luck, GLC! I don't think I could do that. I need at least a day in between but I have old legs!

Congrats to you Oxy on the PR. Feels great, doesn't it?

I woke up to 43 degrees this morning. Fall is definitely here but it was a perfect morning for my 11 mile run. It felt great and I feel ready for my half-marathon the end of the month.

Oh, and I got a pedicure Thursday and when she took the old polish off, I found I had 2 black big toenails. Eeek!

[Crankin]

I also ran for the first of October. It's a gray, drizzly day and the 50 mile ride I was supposed to lead up to Hollis, NH, well, I cancelled it. It was pouring this morning.
I ran 5K, and ran almost the whole way. Took 3 maybe one minute walk breaks, but I did run up one small hill that almost always makes me want to walk. It's right at the inside curve on a somewhat busy country road, and I was too lazy to cross the street. But, no cars came and I flew up that. I did manage to run up the big hill, but I must have been going like 3 mph. Made myself stretch, too when I got back. Some days I just know I will feel OK running. As per my running program, I have no idea how fast I went or how long it took. Didn't even look at the time.

[Jolt]

I was supposed to go on a 10-mile hike today, but it was cancelled because of rain--bummer, since I had been looking forward to that all week and then was left without anything to do today. Ended up doing a "long" (for me, not for a lot of you) run of just over an hour, in a light rain at about 62 degrees--not sure of the mileage and have no way to figure it out since a good part of it was on trails for which I don't have a map that shows the distance and www.mapmyrun.com isn't any help there either. The road part was a total of 3.4 miles; time-wise I'd say that was about half of it but I probably was going slower on some of the trails. So, I probably did somewhere around 6 miles. I ran 1.7 miles to the farm that has some of my favorite local trails, ran a loop that took me just under 20 minutes, and headed back the same way, taking an out-and-back detour on a trail that I saw coming off the main road on the way out, then going home the way I came. Surprisingly, I ran literally the whole way (with one stop in the restroom before leaving the farm), including the long hill on the way to the farm. That hill had to be almost a mile of pretty much continuous climbing; I'm shocked that I managed to run the whole thing and then keep going! I felt pretty good the whole run--maybe the rain helped b/c it kept me from getting too warm, or maybe it was the cup of tea I drank just before I went out. Who knows?

[Trekhawk]

I'll be cheering you on!

My joints just can't seem to handle multiple days of running in a row. Maybe if I could do yoga every day it would work...

Veronica

It is the same for me. I can handle about 4 days max in a row. It is getting warmer here so it will be interesting to see how I fair in the hotter weather. I started running trails this winter and have enjoyed it but I hate the heat.

[oxysback]

Ellen - I'm in FL this weekend! I WISH I was running in 50-degree weather, actually.


Ahhh, that explains it!

[skhill]

On this morning's run, I went exploring on a street I hadn't been on before. New Street is the name, more of an alley really, and more than 200 years old and still called "New." And that's where I got chased by a miniature poodle. Any one of my cats could have beaten-up that dog, but it still tried to bite me. The dog's owner came and retrieved him and apologized, but still...

Exactly 5 miles, in 50 minutes, just taking it easy and enjoying the morning. And I too wish it were 50 F here; it's way too early in the fall for this 40F nonsense in KY.

[GLC1968]

Did my 12 mile training run yesterday morning. I was up at 6, to the trail by 7 and running by 7:10 and there was barely enough light. Weird! It was significantly cooler at that hour, so the run was mostly pleasant. Did it in 2:25 with very little effort, so I'm certain that I'll make my goal for the HM. The second half of the run started to get a little hot, but I couldn't take my time as I had a plane to catch!

So yes, longest run of my life and I follow it with a quick shower and a dash to the airport so that I can sit on multiple airplanes for 8+ hours. Thank Zoot for their Rx Recovery tights - I'm feeling WAY better today than I would have been otherwise!

Run 2 of 31 complete.

(I'll report on today's run after I do it this evening...)

[emily_in_nc]

I'm running 3 mornings a week (normally MWF) on the beach here in Belize. I'd taken a break from running before our move here, since our gym at work closed so I couldn't use the treadmills there, and it was too hot in NC to run outside, so I basically started from scratch here. Some days it's still quite hot and sunny, so I really drag, but this morning it was cool (for Belize! 74F to be exact!) and overcast, and had just barely stopped sprinkling when we headed out. I did my longest run so far here, around 5K. As the weather gets a bit cooler with the passing months, I'd love to work up to 5 mile runs.

[jessmarimba]

After I saw how expensive the Rock 'n' Roll half had gotten, I signed up to run an Xterra trail half next weekend. Guess I won't find out if I can do a half in under 2 hours, but it'll be fun (and $100 cheaper).

Now I just have to hope my legs recover from standing all day Saturday (serving beer at the Great American Beer Festival!) and hiking a 14er Sunday, then sprinting back down to tree line since nature was calling. I can't walk down stairs today :)

Here goes nothin'!

[GLC1968]

2 miles on the treadmill last night. I really didn't want to, but I made myself. I've committed to this and I WILL do it!

Run 3 of 31 complete.

[katluvr]

Way to go GLC!
I leave for a 7 day cruise on Sunday. My goal is to run at least 3 times. (I know they have a track or something, even a TM.) Thing is this is my first one since my 20's. I get horrible motion sickness, but hear this boat is so big you won't notice--I hope! I'll report back and let you know if I made or even surpassed my goal.

K

[GLC1968]

katluvr - I get motion sickness really easily, too! Cruises scare me! I hope it goes well for you.


Last night I barely had time to run. I was packing for this trip, doing laundry, cooking a big dinner so that my H would have lots of leftovers and generally stressing about leaving AGAIN. It was the perfect night to blow off my run, but seeing as how we are only 4 days into October, I just couldn't justify it.

So I ran for 1 mile (and walked for half of one) on the treadmill. I did it completely barefoot for 2 reasons. 1) I wanted a bit of a challenge since I only had 15 minutes or so to exercise and 2) I'd already packed my running shoes! :p

Run 4 of 31 complete.

[Crankin]

I did 2.2 miles on the TM yesterday, mostly running, some hill walking.

Today, I had a dumb meeting in the AM, obliterating my day for a long ride. So, I came home ran 2.4 miles outside and off I go, to see clients.

[GLC1968]

Just got back from my first of 5 runs at altitude. 2.55 miles in Boulder, CO. It was great! Great route, great weather and I love having time to get out for exercise after flying - it kind of resets me back to normal.

Looking forward to a longer run tomorrow.

Run 5 of 31 complete.

[Blueberry]

Did my first "run" in years today. Went after a gym (elliptical) session, so I would have solid cardio for the day, as I knew I would not last long running. Went around my block (.3 - .4 miles). Ran most of it - walked the parts that were very rough pavement and/or couldn't see well (which was about a 60/40 run/walk split). Felt "heavy" - but concentrating on good running form. At least it's a start - however pitiful:o:o Please don't laugh!

[emily_in_nc]

No laughing, blueberry! Running is not easy -- to me it's much harder than cycling. I know there are people who are natural runners (like my husband), but it is difficult for me. Every quarter mile early on was a struggle and an accomplishment. All the books say to do walk/running for quite awhile before graduating to all running. It takes times for your joints, tendons, ligaments, etc. to adjust. It *does* get easier, but at least for me, not *that* much easier! Probably because as you get better, you either push yourself to go faster or longer (or both), so you kinda end up at the same effort level most of the time, or at least I do. :D

I did a nice beach run here this am that DH estimates was in the 3.2 to 3.4 mile range. It was very humid after early morning rain, and the sun was coming out on the way back, so it was definitely a challenge for me, but at least my body didn't hurt. Here, I mostly struggle with the heat and humidity, but the temps should be cooling down a bit as time goes on. It's already better than when we got here in late August. :)

[oxysback]

5K this afternoon. Nothing like a good downpour to make you pick up your pace a bit!

[GLC1968]

Good job, Blueberry!

Today I did 4.1 miles (again, at altitude). Gorgeous weather, gorgeous scenery, interesting people to watch...

Run 6 of 31 complete.

[indysteel]

Great job, Blueberry and what Emily said!

I went on my first run since June, i.e., since my doc started to suspect Graves' Disease. I went with friends during our lunch break, something I've never done before. My boss is out this week, so we're not in court. It didn't matter that I was drenched in sweat. The run went fine, all things considered. If I had been alone, I likely would have walked more, so I guess it was a good thing. It was about 74 degrees, which is warmer than I like for running. I'm looking forward to cooler temps. Anyway, I think we only did about 2 miles, but that's 2 miles more than I've been doing.

[Jolt]

Today was a "long" run (about an hour and twenty minutes, with occasional walking breaks) in some new territory--there is a nature preserve a couple towns over that has somewhere around 14 miles of trails that I decided to check out today. Obviously I didn't do all 14 miles, and because there was no map I don't know what distance I did but it was a good run. I was just glad I was able to find my way back to the car without getting turned around, given that I was relying on memory and my sense of direction (and looking for my tracks going in the opposite direction a couple of times where I wasn't sure--one disadvantage of minimal shoes: one often doesn't leave clear footprints unless in mud or a soft sandy patch, fortunately there were a decent number of the latter on these trails).

[GLC1968]

Just got back from another quick run. Did 2.1 miles on a bike path/MUP near my hotel in Denver. Tried to take it really easy in prep for tomorrows long run. At least the weather was gorgeous! Tomorrow promises to be cold and rainy. Yipee.

Run 7 of 31 complete.

[Jolt]

GLC, good luck with the long run in the yucky weather tomorrow! Although, sometimes cool rainy weather isn't so bad to run in--keeps you from getting too hot. It is supposed to get up into the 80s here this weekend (after having been in the 50s and 60s) so I intend to do my run early in the morning tomorrow before it heats up. Sunday might be a run on the beach where I have the opportunity to cool off when I need to.

[emily_in_nc]

Another of the same beach runs as Wed. -- 3.2ish miles. Am really starting to love running on the beach! :D

[Jolt]

Another of the same beach runs as Wed. -- 3.2ish miles. Am really starting to love running on the beach! :D

I agree...beach runs are great! Especially on those hot days where it feels SO good to jump in the ocean and cool off...it is warm here this weekend so I may do one of those runs tomorrow. Of course, where you are it is probably always hot so the beach is probably your best bet most days. How cool is the water there--is it refreshing to jump in after running, or does it feel like bath water?

[jessmarimba]

GLC, I hope you postponed that long run. Or you're at least waiting til this afternoon!

I just finished a trail half marathon. The weather was awwwwwfffffulllll. Race report is in the "Clothing Opinion" thread. I have no idea how I did, but those might be the most miserable conditions I've ever run in. Not to mention the 25 mph max on the interstate this morning in the middle of a BLIZZARD!!! I'm doing nothing for the rest of the day but staying warm.

[emily_in_nc]

I agree...beach runs are great! Especially on those hot days where it feels SO good to jump in the ocean and cool off...it is warm here this weekend so I may do one of those runs tomorrow. Of course, where you are it is probably always hot so the beach is probably your best bet most days. How cool is the water there--is it refreshing to jump in after running, or does it feel like bath water?

Bath water this time of year. We jump in the pool instead, which is really refreshing. When the pool gets too chilly this winter, we'll change over to the sea. Nice to have the alternatives! :D

[skhill]

Ran this morning for the first time since I crashed my bike on Thursday, and it felt great to be back out there. The bruised hip and knee were sore for the first .5 mile or so, but then everything felt good. And I was a lot less stiff after the run than I was when I woke up!

A slow 4.5 miles, wearing shorts, tank top, and mittens; at 55F my hands stay cold but the rest is warm.

[Jolt]

As planned, I did a beach run today--15 minutes of easy running from my starting point to the jetty, then a quick dip to cool off, then wind sprints (with walking in between) back to the start and another dunk. I was surprised at how many people were down there today...the first beach I attempted to go to (the nicest on in Wells, that isn't all built up) had NO parking, nor did the second one, but finally the third place did (smaller and less well known). Lots of red-white-and-blue plates on the cars down there today--why couldn't they go to the Cape instead of coming here and making a traffic and parking nightmare? (no offense to anyone from MA; after all that's where I came from, but I was just frustrated with the crowds given that it's after Labor Day and I was expecting things to be quieter down there than they were!!!)

[rubysoho]

Life got in the way this past month for cycling/biking and today I finally got out for a run. Only did a mile but at least it was something! :rolleyes:

[skhill]

Today's run included hill repeats-- but not the normal kind. Going down steep hills, I'm slow and awkward. So I worked on running downhill. Not sure I'm any faster, but I do feel more confident. But I was getting some weird looks, as I was doing this on a downtown street that's so steep I avoid it on bike or car.

[emily_in_nc]

I wrenched my back Sunday night and am on the injured reserve for awhile...no running or riding. Sigh... :(

[limewave]

Emily . . . injured list? That's a bummer.

I was supposed to do super hard intervals on the bike for 90 minutes. Well, my legs were toast and I realized after just 15 minutes there was no way that was going to happen. So I ran an easy 3 miles instead and then took an ice bath and ate peanut butter banana oatmeal. :)

I'm hoping my legs do a little better tomorrow. I have a scheduled tempo run of 6.5 miles and a rest day off the bike.

[skhill]

This has not been my week. Last Thursday I crashed my bike, and today was a hard fall while running. Tried to side-step an open gate, tripped, and went down. Scrapes on my left shin and face, a black eye, and road-rash scabs on my right elbow got prematurely removed. Ouch. Kinda wish I'd been wearing my bike helmet.

Thankfully, this happened less than a mile from home; I walked a bit, then ran some too on the way home. Maybe it's time I learned how to swim, as you can't fall in the water....

[Jolt]

Bummer, skhill! Taking a digger on a run is not pleasant...been there, done that!! Today was my long run, road/trail combination that included that long hill--ran the entire thing and was proud of myself for managing that. I must say I feel kind of pathetic calling an hour/probably about 6 miles a "long" run, but that's what it is for me right now.

[emily_in_nc]

Ouch skhill! Hope you'll be feeling better soon. That sounds painful.

I'm sitting with an ice pack on the right side of my lower back. Have started alternating with heat and doing some very gentle stretching, but it's going to be awhile before I can either ride or run. I have never done this to my back before, but as my DH says, "you're 50 now, get used to it". He periodically throws out his back but always recovers eventually and gets back to running and cycling, so that gives me hope. Still, it's a REAL drag not to be able to do anything right now, beyond short and gentle walks. :mad: :(

[OakLeaf]

Ouch!! Quick healing to all the injured.

Tapering for the half on Sunday ... trying to work out a mildly pinched nerve in my back. :( I wish I felt more excited about the race.

[GLC1968]

Finally got to run again after 4 days off due to a cold (and one day of scheduling difficulties). So much for my 'run every day in October' goal! I'm still shooting to run every day for the remainder of the month but mostly because I'm enjoying it.

I had heard/read that once you got to about 20 mpw, that running got easier. That's proving very true for me.

Anyway, last night was 4.4 miles. Easy pace. Enjoyable run. I spent almost the entire run trying to decide what to wear for my half on Sunday and I'm still not decided! :rolleyes:

[indysteel]

I hope everyone who is injured/sick start feeling better, soon.

Oak, good luck at your half. I hope you work out the pinched nerve in advance of it!

[rubysoho]

Ran last night even though there was a tornando warning and took a route closer to two miles. It felt so much better than my first run on Monday after taking about a month break.

There was a huge crowd by the middleschool I pass and it turned out that they were having their halloween/homecoming parade. It was fun running to the sound of the marching band and then later to the sound of the high school rock band (that was traveling on the back of a pickup truck). I got home just as the rain started to hit. I bet all those people at the parade had to clear out pretty quickly as well.

[OakLeaf]

1:52:49 . Not much to report, but I'll probably do a little writeup for my own learning experience. My goal was 1:55 and I felt like cr*p for a good part of the race, so I'm just delighted. And starting to get really sore. :rolleyes:

[yellow]

Still out here running around a bit. I've been working through some non-running related musculoskeletal failures but for the most part have been able to keep running. I did what I consider to be my last big hurrah for the year over the weekend (yesterday; an "adventure" run around the Portneuf range in Idaho, a 38-mile loop, at a time when guys are driving around on ATVs with rifles) and am ready for some cross training and contemplation. I am really looking forward to ski season! I plan to ramp up the running again in January-February, when I will start training for my big 2012 event, which is the trans-Rockies run in August. It is a 6-day stage race that you do as a team. I am hoping that I have not taken a bigger hunk of the pie than I can eat. :rolleyes:

You are all taking on some pretty amazing running goals. Remember, you all represent a very small segment of the female population! Reading about so many accomplishments and lessons learned makes me hopeful that we can teach our daughters to be fit and stay healthy. Keep it up, ladies!

[limewave]

DH and I are participating in a Halloween Trail Run this weekend. Costumes are strongly encouraged. DH is so completely preoccupied with work that I can't talk to him about anything right now. So annoying.

Anywho, I'm trying to come up with easy, inexpensive costume ideas that DH will go along with.

I saw a picture of someone running wearing a Pacman costume. I was thinking about being Lady Pacman (I can easily cut and paint cardboard) and DH could be a Pacman Ghost! I think this is brilliant. I hope DH will go along with it. The race is only a 5k so I'm not too worried about wearing an encumbering outfit.

[GLC1968]

Ms Pac Man would be hilarious, Limewave!

Yesterday was my first ever half marathon. It went better than I anticipated. I finished it in 2:15 which is 15 minutes faster than I was anticipating and 10 sec/mile faster than my stretch goal of 10:30 min/mile! My legs are trashed today though which is definitely a new thing for me as I've never gotten this sore from a tri before. I think that means I need to run harder in my training. ;)

I've got 8 weeks until my next one so I'm trying to decide what my plan will be between now and then. All I know is that today is about REST. :)

[Blueberry]

Congrats, GLC!!

Quick question for you: what training program did you use when you first started running?

[GLC1968]

Blueberry - You mean when I first started running at all, right? I used a 'conservative' couch to 5K plan from Beginner Triathlete and I dropped off the first 4 weeks of walking only and started with week 5. Let me see if I can paste it here (this may not work):

Phase I Warm up phase Month 1 All Walking (Times in minutes per day)

Week M T W TH F S S TOTAL
1 Off 10 Off 15 Off 10 15 50
2 Off 10 Off 15 Off 20 15 60
3 Off 15 Off 20 Off 15 20 70
4 Off 20 20 Off 20 Off 20 80
Grand total: 260



Phase II Month 2 Mostly Walking (Times in minutes per day) Walk/Run

Week M T W TH F S S TOTAL
1 Off 28/2 Off 28/2 Off Off 28/2 84/6
2 Off 26/4 Off 26/4 Off Off 26/4 78/12
3 Off 24/6 Off 24/6 Off Off 26/4 74/16
4 Off 24/6 Off 24/6 Off Off 24/6 72/18
Grand total: 308/52



Phase III Month 3 Mostly Walking (Times in minutes per day) Walk/Run

Week M T W TH F S S TOTAL
1 Off 22/8 Off 22/8 Off Off 22/8 66/24
2 Off 20/10 Off 20/10 Off Off 20/10 60/30
3 Off 18/12 Off 18/12 Off Off 20/10 56/34
4 Off 18/12 Off 18/12 Off Off 18/12 54/36
Grand total: 236/124



Phase IV Month 4 Mostly Walking (Times in minutes per day) Walk/Run

Week M T W TH F S S TOTAL
1 Off 16/14 Off 16/14 Off Off 16/14 48/42
2 Off 14/16 Off 14/16 Off Off 14/16 42/48
3 Off 12/18 Off 12/18 Off Off 14/16 38/52
4 Off 12/18 Off 12/18 Off Off 12/18 36/54
Grand total: 164/196



Phase V Month 5 Mostly Running (Times in minutes per day) Walk/Run

Week M T W TH F S S TOTAL
1 Off 10/20 Off 10/20 Off Off 10/20 30/60
2 Off 8/22 Off 8/22 Off Off 8/22 24/66
3 Off 6/24 Off 6/24 Off Off 8/22 20/70
4 Off 6/24 Off 6/24 Off Off 6/24 18/77
Grand total: 92/268



Phase VI Month 6 Mostly Running (Times in minutes per day) Walk/Run

Week M T W TH F S S TOTAL
1 Off 6/24 Off 6/24 Off Off 6/24 18/72
2 Off 4/26 Off 4/26 Off Off 4/26 12/78
3 Off 2/28 Off 2/28 Off Off 4/26 8/82
4 Off 2/28 Off 2/28 Off Off 2/28 6/84
Grand total: 44/316



Phase VII Month 7 All Running (Times in minutes per day) Run

Week M T W TH F S S TOTAL
1 Off 20 Off 20 Off Off 20 60
2 Off 25 Off 25 Off Off 20 70
3 Off 25 Off 25 Off Off 30 80
4 Off 30 Off 30 Off Off 30 90
Grand total: 300

I have this in excel that I can email to you if you send me a PM. The days with a mixture are walk/run (not run/walk!). On those days, I would usually mix it up so I was doing a type of interval workout to break up boredom since most of those workouts were on the treadmill. So a 22/8 would be 5 walk, 2 run, 4 walk, 2 run, 4 walk, 2 run, 4 walk, 2 run, 5 walk.

[katluvr]

Wow! Great runs and race results.
Oak...I would LOVE to get under 2 hours for a 1/2 marathon (that just may be my goal this year!)

So I ran 4 times while on my 7 day cruise. The track was awesome and I could see the VERY blue water inbetween the rescue boats. Thank goodness I was on such a large ship so it was only 7.5 laps to equal a 5k--I did that 3 days, last day I ran I was so tired from all the LATE night activities that I am not used to so only ran 2 miles. So 11 miles in 1 week while on a ship, best I could do!

2 weeks away from a "just for fun" & "no expectations of time" 1/2 marathon I am signed up for. So I need to get some longer runs in the next few weeks!

K

[emily_in_nc]

Congrat GLC! Really excellent job!

I ran today after a week off with a sore back. I cut back to approx. 2.5 miles (beach run). It was pretty hot and steamy, but I was greeted by a delicious headwind when I turned around to run back to our place. So different than with cycling where headwinds are dreaded; they feel great in the heat when running!

[jessmarimba]

Did a 45 minute trail run today. Saw a beautiful young buck only 10 feet off the trail - he just stood and watched, so I slowly walked past him. He was still there on my way back.

It was my first run in my brand new Brooks Pure Grip shoes, and I love them. Definitely a shoe to consider if you have a low-volume foot and wear them with socks, or wear them barefoot if your feet are larger :) They are a quasi-minimal shoe with a 4mm drop.

I'll review them later, but all in all it was a fantastic run. Why is it that the days that seem so dreary always seem to be the greatest runs?

[Crankin]

I haven't been running for a week, but yesterday, I did my 2.5 mile hill run, with a minimum of pain. I've had a calf issue when riding, which I felt on the run, not sure what it's from, so I came home from the run and put my compression socks on.
Hope to run a bit more as I am getting used to my new bike.

[OakLeaf]

Nice job GLC!

FWIW, with my limited experience, I'm finding that my first race at any distance has been kind of a throwaway in terms of time - strictly a learning experience on what the distance is about. I know for a fact I was in MUCH better shape two years ago the last time I ran a half marathon; running this one nearly 8 minutes faster was all about experience (and the choice to not try to have so much fun at the expense of speed ;)).

Yellow ... speaking of amazing goals!! :eek::eek:

I just walked a couple-three miles easy yesterday, and I'm trying to decide whether to walk or jog today. I definitely need some recovery days, but I really want to push on through into marathon training. I still have to pick my next race, but my time on Sunday brought me a lot of confidence for a good marathon time. Fingers crossed...

[Blueberry]

Did the 27/3 workout of a Couch to 5k plan (a total of about 35 minutes). Was going to run 2 minutes, but wanted to do a third. Run intervals were hard, but not miserable. Feeling it in my calves definitely.

Got back just before the rain. A sticky, steamy workout. Thankfully, cooler weather is coming with the rain.

[jessmarimba]

Weekly bar run today. It turned into a tempo run, since the girl who is staying with me isn't as slow as she leads me to believe.

Which is cool, I could use the extra work!

Just signed up to run the Richmond half marathon. Hopefully I can redeem myself after that trail race here :)

(Also hopefully, the decrease in altitude ought to push me to my goal pace - I'd LOVE to finish in 2 hours but would be content with under 2:05. Since I finished the half during the full in 2:09, I should be able to go faster, right?)

[VeganBikeChick]

Ugh...

Just started "officially" running a month ago. New to the sport, never been an athlete, out of shape, yadda yadda.

Was able to fully run a 5k last week. Haven't been able to do so again. It's so frustrating! I can tell that my aerobic capacity is MUCH better, but it's like there's a signal in my brain telling my legs they can't run another step. So I walk for a song, then start running again.

Any advice on overcoming mind blocks?

[jessmarimba]

When I first started running, I started with a run-walk program and found it to be much easier on me mentally. When I got to about a 5k distance, I was running 5 min, walking 30 seconds. Then I ran a race and didn't walk because no one else was and I realised I could do it.

Other than that I'd say just set goals. You can't run another step? Run one more block, then walk. You'll teach yourself to read physical vs mental limits that way.

[emily_in_nc]

VeganBikeChick,

You've only been running a month and already ran a 5K? You have nothing to feel bad about! That's really quick to get up to that distance. Don't think you can do it again? Well, just scale back a bit, do the run/walk thing until it comes. Yes, it is mind over matter to some degree, but it also takes a body time to build strength and endurance used for running, which are not the same as for cycling. It's not just about aerobic capacity.

I am only running a 5K distance even now, and I've been "running"/jogging, whatever, for over 2 years, so you have nothing to feel bad about. Depending on the weather, my mood, and how much exercise I've been getting (or not getting), sometimes even that 5K distance can feel like a marathon, and I have to play mind games to get myself to the end, like imagining that my deceased father is waiting there for me at the end.

All that said, I did my 5K beach run this morning for the first time since I wrenched my back 1.5 weeks ago, and it felt just fine. However, klutz that I am, I tripped on a root on the path and fell, skidding with both palms on the sand, which was a bit of an owie, but I didn't see to do any other damage and was able to finish just fine. :)

[VeganBikeChick]

Thank you so much, Emily. Your words are very inspirational and I appreciate your perspective!!

Yay to you for persevering (!!), and owie about your hands - crossing fingers that you heal quickly.

[emily_in_nc]

Thank you so much, Emily. Your words are very inspirational and I appreciate your perspective!!

Yay to you for persevering (!!), and owie about your hands - crossing fingers that you heal quickly.

Awww, thanks! Glad my words could make you feel a bit better about your efforts. I think you're doing just fine - excellent, in fact!

My hands are just fine today, thanks. At least I took my tumble on sand, not on pavement! :p

[Crankin]

I have found it harder to break any barriers in running than in any other sport I do. I chalk it up to the fact my body just doesn't like it. So, whatever I do, I am now happy with. Hey, I still sweat if I run 2.5 miles or 4 miles, no matter how slowly I run.
I ran one 5K race and I would prefer never to have that experience again, despite the fact I have run 5K distance many many times when I am just out there. My time of 34 minutes wasn't even that bad for a 95 degree day and just having come back from my tour in Spain 4 days earlier. I hated the race so much, I told my friend, who was running the event, at the finish line, "I hate you."

[OakLeaf]

VeganBikeChick, you're doing fine for just starting out. Anyone always does more in a race than in training - there's just a little switch that goes off somewhere in our heads! Just increase your run intervals and decrease the walk breaks, little by little, you'll be where you want to be.

Emily, ouch!! Hope your hands aren't too badly scraped.



Yesterday it was about 41° and raining, not hard, but a steady light rain, and it just felt so good to get out and run for the first time since Sunday! Normally I'm such a wuss about weather. Still, I just did three miles easy - not enough for my shoes to get soaked. I've run in soaked shoes and that is a whole 'nother puddle of misery. :p

I'll probably do another little jog today then ride tomorrow, when it's supposed to be sunny. I really want to carry this energy forward into a BQ, but I'm dithering over what my next marathon will be - where and when I'll have my best chance. I've pretty much eliminated Grandma's just because I really don't want to wait until June, and I think Disney is too soon at this point. Champaign Illinois is still in the running. Anyone run Myrtle Beach?

[Blueberry]

So I'm going to try to follow the quicker Beginner Triathlete plan....we'll see. I'll back up if I need to - but it's sort of what fit with what I was wanting to do.

Did workout 2 of week 2 today - but probably ran closer to 4 minutes. Managed an "interval" of 2:39 running. On grass. Breathing is hard - but everything else felt good. Perfect fall day with crunchy leaves.

Sore calves again.

[Jolt]

"Long" run today, road/trail combo, just over an hour (not sure of distance because of the trails). Sunny and high 50s--very nice running weather although the trails were pretty wet from the rain yesterday morning/Wednesday.

[skhill]

Today was supposed to be a long run-- but about 1.5 miles in, I splashed through a puddle in the shadows. It was only 35F, cold for dry VFFs even with socks, but with a wet one... So I turned around, headed for home, planning on changing shoes and running more. Somehow it didn't happen. So just 3 miles today.

[rubysoho]

just got back from a forty-five minute trail run/walk (mostly run, yay!). I took my dog and this was our best run together so far (she can be a spaz and instead of my run being zen time it is just frustrating). I think it helped that we were on a wooded trail so the path focused her some. The water table is still pretty high so I am going to start a thread on some shoe options. I either need something water proof or a solution to cut the smell my shoes are begining to have. (ewww!)

Anyway, I am so happy the cold weather has cut back on the spider webs and the trails aren't so overgrown. I looooooove running on these trails. :D

[jessmarimba]

Woke up this morning and felt kinda blah. Met my group, decided to play it by ear (theoretically, my taper schedule should be 12-10-8 or 6). Started running and felt ok enough, so I went for 12. Rationale being, if I didn't do it today, I probably wouldn't feel like it later.

Got it done a little slower than I'd hoped for, but I feel like crap. I've been in bed all day. I think it's just a cold but the soreness from the run isn't helping my mood! If I could do my run today fast enough to finish a half in 2:10, surely dropping 5,000 feet in altitude and not feeling sick can wipe a few minutes off my time, right?

[Blueberry]

Beautiful weather! Love it!!

Did Week 2, Workout 3: except ran more than I was supposed to - 6 minutes of running. Not getting easier - 1 minute of running has me completely out of breath and with a rocketing heart rate. I'm sure it will get easier.

I hold at this level for a while it looks like (2 weeks) - I am loving running with the crunching leaves!!

[OakLeaf]

I just did five today. I was planning on running longer, but I'm pretty bummed out today, plus my ride yesterday showed me that I'm not 100% recovered from the half marathon yet. So just a jog to the top of the fifth hill and back - it was a beautiful day (my laundry actually dried completely!) and it felt good to get out.

[indysteel]

Did three miles today. This was only my second run since getting my thyroid back to some semblance of normal. I felt pretty good. I took a few breathers but I didn't feel as out of breath as I felt last spring when my thyroid was hyperactive. With cooler weather, I'm hoping to get back onto the swing of it.

[VeganBikeChick]

Did my first 4 miler today. 2 walk breaks, but pretty awesome for only having done this a little over a month.

Now I'm looking into heart rate monitors (should probably be in another thread) but does anyone have suggestions? Don't need GPS, just for recreational use. Have been looking at the Suunto M4.

[Blueberry]

I would look at the Garmin FR60 - it has a lot of features (and no GPS). Works well for bikes too.

[limewave]

DH and I did a Haunted Trail Adv. Saturday night that was a cross between a trail run 5k and an Adventure Race. The race took place at nightfall in the woods on the lighted ski trails. Although, "lighted" trails is a little deceptiive, without snow on the ground to reflect the light, it was much darker than I anticipated--flashlights were not allowed.

There were over 300 participants for this first time event, just about everyone had on costumes. Mostly everyone was in teams of 2 people. And about half of the participants were under 17! Yay!

Everyone got a map of the ski trails. There were 6 checkpoints on the map that you had to find and then have your "pass card" punched (to prove you were actually there). You chose your own route and you could get the checkpoints in any order.

The trails were haunted along the way with werewolves, a guy with a chainsaw, people hiding in the dark that would crawl out and your legs. They did a good job. The checkpoints were "haunted destinations." One was a graveyard with dead people crawling out of open graves, a witches lair, a butcher house . . . it sounds creepy and it was in a way just b/c you're in the woods in the dark, but the even twas a fundraiser for a junior high program--so it wasn't over-the-top.

DH and I did really awesome, we took an uncoventional route and, DH knowing some shortcuts, was able to save us a chunk of time. Although, the shortcut was not part of the lighted trails so it was slow going. We were by ourselves for the first 5 minutes or so and it was really quiet running through the woods. Then suddenly a guy, dressed all in black with red glowing eyes jumped out of a tree and grabbed DH. That was the scariest part. We knew SOMETHING was coming, but we did not expect that at all!

We got to the last checkpoint and I double-checked our pass card and realized that one of the punches did not go all the way through our pass card!!!! And it was the station that was on top of the highest ski hill!!!! We took off in a sprint . . . but DH got turned around and didn't check the map. We ended up going in the opposite direction.

After all of that, we ran the course twice. If we hadn't of made that silly mistake, we would have won the race. I don't think either one of us was "out-to-win," we were just there to have fun. And it was a blast!

The after party was great too. For $25 we got a long sleeve t-shirt, water bottle, glow sticks/necklaces, Pizza, brownies, and Oktoberfest beer from a local brewery. There were bonfires and scary movies playing outside.

It was a lot of fun. I think Zoom-Zoom should do this race next year with her DH ;) You could wear a zombie costume!

Here's little video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grJf1pvH6yc) from the race on youtube.

[jessmarimba]

Ooh that sounds awesome!! I might have to suggest the idea to a friend who's a race organizer.

[Susan Otcenas]

1hr20min trail run yesterday in Forest Park. My longest trail run in, oh, a year. It was great fun. A perfect fall day in Portland, Oregon. But hoo boy, am I a hurtin' unit today!

[jessmarimba]

1hr20min trail run yesterday in Forest Park. My longest trail run in, oh, a year. It was great fun. A perfect fall day in Portland, Oregon. But hoo boy, am I a hurtin' unit today!

Hey I ran there once! It's so gorgeous :) And easy to overdo it if you're just enjoying the scenery!

[katluvr]

Well since I have a 1/2 marathon in 2 weeks I thought it was best to get in some miles yesterday (Sunday). I have not ran more than 5 miles and mostly been doing between 3 & 4 miles. Nor have I run consitently. So I did a SLOW and easy 8 miler yesterday. Weather was 60's, sunny, beautiful fall day in Florida. I was slow! But I wanted to just get the miles in. This 1/2 marathon is definitely not at "race" for me, but just a fun event.

After that I did HOURS of yard work trimming my tropical jungle (aka the back yard). I am tired and sore today from everything.

Hope to get in a 10 miler this week. Again slow & easy...just need some miles under my belt before I tackle 13.1. I am sure there will be some hills for me to deal with, too!

Did I say it felt great to be running again?!

K

[solobiker]

I started running again back in June after about 6 months off due to various injuries. I have slowly been increasing my time. On Sunday I ran for 60 minutes which is awesome for me:D I still have quite a bit of trouble with my hamstrings. I have for over 10 years. They love to tighten up during all of my runs. They get so tight that I can't even straighten my legs out:eek:

Today I decided to start some intervals. I was only able to do 5 intervals of 30 seconds on 30 seconds off (slow run) in the middle of my 3 mile run. I did not stop at all so it was a little challenging for me. Trying to get ready for the cross-country ski seaon!!:)

[rubysoho]

worked on base miles yesterday. Easy, slow run with my dog. She is starting to get the hang of this running thing all of the sudden and is excited/asking to go with me when I am getting ready to go out for my run. She seems to have figured out which shoes are for work, cycling and which are for trails/hiking/running.

[OakLeaf]

I went out yesterday for the second rain run in a week. Just three miles, so not enough to soak my shoes, but enough to get them wet and soak my clothes. What's got into me?!

[katluvr]

Just returned from a 4 mile run. I was tired and sore from Sunday's run and yard work, so wanted to take it easy. My Garmin was all over the place pace wise, I think it was acting up. So not sure if my time & pace were accurate. Trying to just run how I "feel" and how fast my legs feel like they want to go.

GLC, you have inspired me to think about running everyday in Nov. I don't have a cause to run for--other than myself and trying to get back to regular activity.

K

[skhill]

This morning, there was the most odd sight-- the moon, hanging low on the horizon, looked just like the Death Star. Missed the rare sight of the northern lights this far south last night, but the moon was just as cool...

I barely ran at all last week, between the weather and chaos in my life. Even though it's only Tuesday, I've already racked up more miles this week than last.

[Jolt]

Half-@$$ed fartlek run this morning...felt like I had lead shoes on!! Probably doesn't help that I got hardly any sleep last night because of stuff that happened at work (I was on call).

[VeganBikeChick]

Tried a tempo run on the treadmill yesterday - a 5.0 mile pace up from the 4.5 I usually do. Only did 2 miles and just about killed myself. After a month and a half, running is still not as easy as people make it out to be!!! Perseverance, perseverance....

[GLC1968]

GLC, you have inspired me to think about running everyday in Nov. I don't have a cause to run for--other than myself and trying to get back to regular activity.


Awesome!

I've actually blown it for October (but still raising money if anyone wants to support me!!) because I got sick, but I may try again in November just for my own sense of accomplishment.

I did manage to run a tempo 3 miles on Saturday followed by 5+ miles from home on Sunday. I was supposed to meet Susan for that trail run she did, but I had too much to do in the AM (as usual) and was late. :( My run sucked big time, too. For whatever reason, it was really slow and it hurt a lot (pounding-wise...not muscle-wise). Oh well, they can't all be good runs, right?

Looking forward to a better one tonight.

[skhill]

Windy today, and I really do not enjoy running on a day like this. But there's a good chance it'll be raining all day tomorrow, so I ran anyway, just laps around the neighborhood park. Haven't done that recently; didn't recognize any of the other three runners doing the same route.

After a summer spent falling in love with his bike, my brother has decided to try to start running!! He's looked at some couch to 5k things, and he's planning on not exactly following them, but using those general priciples. I gave him some unsolicited advice-- get some good shoes. Even offered to take him over to the LRS. And that's the last of the unsolicited advice!

[emily_in_nc]

Had a crazy 3+ mile run today on the beach with some Hurricane Rina action...just the outer bands made it here, but we had seriously high tide, which made for soaked shoes and a lot of detours from our usual beach path, which was washed out or under water in place. My most fun detour was up a slanted coconut palm trunk waiting for waves washing under it to recede so I could jump off and run quickly to higher ground!

All the excitement certainly made the run go by quickly today! :D

[solobiker]

Nice short 3 mile run today. Had to take it a little slower then usual becuase we had a heavy wet snow storm last night so there was quite a bit of downed tree limbs. Beautiful temps....in the mid 40s:D

[Selkie]

I've successfully transitioned to running three days a week (9 miles). This week, due to meetings at work, ended up having to run two days in a row (I usually take one day off between runs). No problems with my ankle tendons. :)

This Sunday will be my first really cold weather run of the season (should be in the 30s). I'm going to start adding distance to my Sunday run - short term goal is to run 10 miles a week. That will be two 3 milers and one 4 miler a week.

[skhill]

Anyone else find it hard to get out the door and running when it's cold? Of course, scurrying around trying to find a hat and mittens doesn't help... Had to shorten today's run, it took so long to get started, so went 3.5 miles, the last mile uphill into the wind. Should have checked the weather channel before going, and planned the route accordingly. But it's a beautiful fall day now that the rain has ended...

[luckylilmama]

Waited all day yesterday for the rain to clear, then took DS to my mom's house and went out from there. It's in the country, so it was beautiful. My original plan was to run for 6 miles, but I decided to go for 7. Got rained on miles 5-6, but I think it helped take my mind off the pain!

[rubysoho]

because I worked last weekend I left work early today. Came home and after napping (omg, I never nap! I guess I needed it after a couple hectic weeks) I decided I would head out for a two mile run. It wasn't the best feeling run but I am glad I did it. The weather is supposed to turn nasty tomorrow and I have to work this weekend too so most likely won't get a ride or run in. I can't wait until Thursday. That will be my first day off in about a month! :eek: All this work is getting in the way of my playtime. :rolleyes:

[Veronica]

I had a great run last Saturday - 8.5 miles at a nice sustainable pace. Monday I woke up with my hip feeling like someone was jabbing me with a knitting needle! Hip bursitis - so much fun. :rolleyes: I missed my runs on Monday and Thursday and my trainer workout on Tuesday. I NEVER skip my workouts with Shawna! It's finally back to normal today, leaving me three days to get my monthly mileage goal.

Veronica

[OakLeaf]

Ugh V., glad it seems to have resolved quickly! Any idea what brought it on?

I did not-quite-14 today, first long run since the half. Really felt good in the cooler weather - physically anyway, and mentally at least I feel better than I did when I started! I set out to do not-quite-12, but there's an intersection that ALWAYS confuses me, as many times as I've run it :rolleyes: [see why I need the mapping GPS on the bike?]. By the time I figured out I hadn't turned the way I meant to, I actually do know the roads well enough that I had a few options, so I chose a figure-8 route that would've let me do pretty close to the mileage I'd planned. When I got to the last turnoff I was feeling good enough to do the extra two. :)

[Veronica]

No idea what caused it - rest, ice, Advil and compression tights have been my friend.

I'm sad - I accidentally washed my Thumps two weeks ago and Oakley doesn't make them anymore. They were really cool because they didn't actually sit inside your ear, so I could hear the music and my environment. And I felt really cool wearing shades on my treadmill runs at the gym. :p

I got a cheap knockoff pair from Amazon that I will try out tomorrow.

Veronica

[OakLeaf]

Oh, don't you know all the cool kids are wearing Kicker (http://www.kicker.com/home_personal) now anyway. ;)

[solobiker]

Got in a nice 5 mile run this morning. I was planning on 6 but my hamstrings were tightening up too much to continue.:( The temperature was a nice 35 degrees. A very beautiful morning.:D

[Blueberry]

Did week 3 workout 2 last night. My first treadmill installment on the C25K plan (it was 42 and raining....). 7.5 minutes of running (and but for the calf, could have done more - the run parts were feeling good for once).

Still having a lot of calf soreness problems. After a 3 minute run interval, I almost had to stop walking. Made a point of stretching well after the workout. I'm hoping that helps.

My HR strap also caused blisters (ruptured). Wearing a bra today is gonna be fun....

[OakLeaf]

Ouch!

I've got a piece of masking tape over the battery door of my HR strap. It stays put as long as the battery lasts and it does a good job preventing chafing.

[rubysoho]

blueberry, do you think the cramping could be from some sort of deficiency? I remember reading somewhere that cramping in calves came from low levels of either calcium, magnesium or b12. I can't remember which.

Sorry about the blisters! That is no fun.

[Blueberry]

The HR strap (old style Garmin) got me in the left side just outside of being below the boob. I wonder if I didn't have the little tab in all the way (or whether it rubbed when I was stretching).

Calf Pain: I don't think it's a nutritional deficiency. I'm hoping it's just a combination of the fact that I've been running 3 weeks and I'm doing this program in barefoot shoes (though I have been walking in them for 2 years and doing gym workouts in them). No foot pain with them (new!), so I really don't want to go get fitted for a traditional running shoe. It feels like the calf is too full and tight - it's not really a cramp per se. Both are affected, but the right is much worse. Very odd, and not something I've encountered biking (but have had walking fast up hill).

[rubysoho]

oh ok. I think I know the calf cramping that you are talking about. Although when my calf was cramping it ended up hurting for two weeks after the run (first run in toe shoes, never had a problem sense but I am training slowly).

[GLC1968]

Blueberry - keep working through the calf pain...it will subside eventually. I would say it took me 8 or 9 months before I had no pain at all. Every single time I increased my run distance by even the slightest amount, the pain would flare up. Best thing was to 1) make sure you stretch well afterward and 2) compression calf sleeves. I bought a pair of medical grade ones with half feet at Walgreens that were easier and quicker to get on than my full recovery tights, so that I'd be more apt to wear them. They really helped! (put them on AFTER the run for a few hours or so)

So running...

I did 4 miles on Thursday (can't remember if I reported that here or not), a 5K trail run dressed as a zombie on Saturday (no, I did not get any 'survivors'...the fast zombies got them all!) and then 8 miles yesterday. The 8 miles was pretty much with soaked feet the whole way (rain), but my smart wool socks saved me. ;)

[Blueberry]

I think I'm on the injured reserve until further notice:(:(

See the Weird Ankle Pain thread for deets - this is very odd.

[emily_in_nc]

Forgot to post, but I did a beach run Halloween morning, my longest so far. I think it was about 3.5 miles, but that's just a guesstimate. I always run an out and back, and I'd plateaued at running to a certain fence (which DH estimated as a 5K round trip) before this. I was feeling so good Mon. am, and the weather was cooler and overcast, perfect for running, that I went to the next milestone, a dive shop. I'll stick with that distance for awhile, then find the next milestone.

The neat thing is, even though I doubt running will ever be "easy" for me, it is definitely getting easier. I wasn't fighting in my head the entire time not to stop. I actually felt better on the way back than the way out. :D