Leaping through Feb - 29 days of Running!

[Selkie]

I'm boring---started the new month with a 4.7 mile run on the winding, rolling hilly trail at work. Felt great.

It was warmer than usual---around 43ish---so I wore capris instead of full tights.

New treadmill arrived yesterday!! :) It has a built-in fan and speakers for your iPOD (the latter of which I do not possess). Hopefully, the weather will hold and treadmill runs will be by choice, not necessity [no snow, no ice, please].

[Melalvai]

Hopefully, the weather will hold and treadmill runs will be by choice, not necessity [no snow, no ice, please].
I kind of like running in snow, ice, rain. I mean you have to run differently, more like a penguin. But from what I understand it's actually good training for your form.

[katluvr]

30 minutes on treadmill. (Mine, too, has speakers & a fan...nice!)
The abrasion on my knee is still very sore, but I walked 5 min, warmed up with easy run and then 3 intervals at faster pace X 0.25 miles, then quick cool down (as I have limited time this AM). At least I DID something!

K

[OakLeaf]

8.5 for me today.

And I'm very glad I don't have to run on ice. I've never had any balance for that stuff, even though I spent all but three of my first 45 years in places with icy winters. Last year a friend of mine tore his rotator cuff really badly slipping on ice. No thank you.


Also (courtesy Women's Adventure FB page):

[skhill]

Just 6.5 miles this morning. I had planned on getting up extra-early and doing my long run (10 miles planned) a day early, as it's supposed to rain all day Sat. But it didn't happen. Just as well; one knee was feeling not-quite-right. It doesn't hurt, or ache, it's just a bit off.

The one "interesting" event of the run was almost getting hit by a car driven by a guy who sure looks like my city councilman. It was at an intersection. I had the green light, and was in the crosswalk, while he was stopped on the cross street. Well, not really stopped. His head was down (looked like he was checking a phone) and he slowly rolled forward into the crosswalk. I wish local politicians would remember that runners and cyclists vote!

[indysteel]

Oak, that picture is hysterical.

So, I've gotten three three-mile runs in this week with a minimal amount of hamstring pain. I received my Trigger Point Performance roller and massage ball in the mail, too. I'm underwhelmed by the roller, but I like the massage ball. The roller just doesn't work the trigger points like I had hoped. Nevertheless, when I consistently use the massage ball, it keeps the worst of the pain at bay. I hope I've figured out a way forward.

[7rider]

3.25 miles outside today (with the Superfeet, now that I"m breaking them in). Was dark when I started, but was bright by the time I finished. Didn't feel like I needed a headlight at any point, and the few cars that did go by gave me wide berth as I was plainly visible in my road construction workers day-glow reflective vest. Our neighborhood doesn't have sidewalks so I'm on the street.

[emily_in_nc]

4 mile beach run this morning. First run in a week since we've been traveling. It was spitting rain, extremely windy and dark. Running into the wind on the "out" leg was tough, but I felt great on the way back with a tailwind. This is the coolest temperature I've had for a run in a couple of months. Thank you Mother Nature! :)

[Selkie]

I ran at work on Thursday morning--4.75 miles. The minute I stepped outside, it started to drizzle and as the run progressed, the rain got steadier (still light, not a downpour). Last 1.5 miles, it tapered back to drizzle and stopped in time for my post-run stretch. I wore a hat w/a visor and it wasn't too cold (high 40s/low 50s), so once I got past the mental UGH, it was actually a good run.

I love that picture Oak posted!

[skhill]

Seems like it's raining every Saturday lately. Blech. So it was back to the treadmill this morning, for 8 miles. I'm going to have to move my long run to another day, this is getting silly...

[OakLeaf]

18 today. Hoo-eee. I think I know why my one friend runs at least five marathons a month ... it keeps him from ever having to build up mileage for the next one. :p

[Selkie]

The rain stopped early enough that DH and I could do our Sunday long run at the usual time. The pavement was wet but thankfully, no ice (it was about 37 degrees). Saw more people out running today than we usually do at sunrise.

Felt very good/strong today.

[indysteel]

18 today. Hoo-eee. I think I know why my one friend runs at least five marathons a month ... it keeps him from ever having to build up mileage for the next one. :p

You have a friend who runs at least five marathons a month?!!! Wow!

[limewave]

I totally bailed on my 9-miler I was supposed to do yesterday :( Not sure what to do now. Try and make it up? Replace a shorter run this week with the 9-miler? Double-up on two workouts this week? Forget about and move on? I don't know!!!!!!

[Veronica]

My philosophy is usually forget about it and move on. Life just sometimes gets in the way.

Did 4 miles in San Francisco yesterday morning. The Embarcadero is very quiet at 5 AM on a Sunday.

We did our usual intervals this morning.

Veronica

[7rider]

My philosophy is usually forget about it and move on. Life just sometimes gets in the way.



This.

But then, since I'm such a newb, I just try to focus on the weekly total, and not on any one run. Sunday, I was "supposed" to do a 6.5 miler. But, unlike Selkie (cough, cough ;)) I looked out at the cold, damp dreary morning, and I popped a DVD (http://www.amazon.com/Being-Caribou-Leanne-Allison/dp/B000VVX2PS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328542058&sr=8-1)in the t.v. and jogged (can't honestly say I ran) for 65 minutes on the dread-mill while watching the boob tube. Ended up with 4.8. I'll try to make some of it up later in the week. But if I don't, I will try not to beat myself up about it.

[limewave]

I think I shall forget about it and move on . . .

And tonight is The Bachelor! Normally I would take a rest day today, but since I rested yesterday I think I will ride the trainer while indulging in my guilty pleasure. Keep it at an easy spin with little to no resistance. I don't want to tire myself out for tomorrows Sufferfest session.

[Selkie]

You have incredible mental strength to log all that time on the dreadmill, 7.

After a longer-than-usual morning swim, I ran 5 miles. It was cold (high 20s) but sunny. Since I did not go into work today, I ran the super-rolling hill course that starts from our house. I was feeling tired but not hurting. One of those runs where you know you are doing good, building endurance.

Treated myself to a huge bowl of cereal, greek yogurt, and a nap with one of my golden retrievers. A little bit of heaven, a day worth savoring. The afternoon ended up being gloriously sunny and springlike (mid-50s). :-)

[skhill]

Don't know what happened on this morning's run, but I did 6.2 miles at a 8:45 pace. That's faster than all but one 10k I've raced. It didn't feel all that fast; faster than a usual easy run, but it's not like I was intentionally doing a tempo run or anything. I did that yesterday, and had a horrible time keeping up the speed. Go figure.

[Wahine]

Try as I might to squeeze some running into my schedule lately, it's been tough. At the beginning of the month, I convinced myself that surely, I should be able to get in 30 min 5 days per week. So yesterday, in an effort to stick with the plan, squeeze a workout in around my currently crazy work schedule and get an errand done at the same time, I ran a bill over to the water company. In my head I created a nice loop of about 3 miles. With 50 min left in my lunch hour that would give me plenty of time to do the run and eat without being rushed.

It wasn't until it was too late that I realized my run was going to be much longer than I had anticipated. :o It turned out to be about 5.5 miles. I had to run really hard for the last 2 miles to get back to the office on time for my afternoon appointments. :eek: I haven't run that far for a while. I haven't run that fast for more than 2 min in AGES.

Amazingly, I can still walk this morning.:D:D

[limewave]

A 6 mile trail run for me today. So weird to be running on the trails. Just a few spots had packed snow/ice.

[OakLeaf]

Mile repeats x 4 today. They're getting easier. :eek:

I'm either going to have to add another one or shorten up the recovery interval (from a half mile which usually takes me around 7 minutes at an initial walk to let my heart rate drop quickly, then a very very slow jog - maybe make it a fixed 6 minutes to start with). Probably the latter will accomplish more - what do you all think?

[katluvr]

So yesterday I was off and after dropping the fur-kids off at vet I went out for about 5 miles. It was cloudy, humid (not as bad as summer) and about 70. Drizzle did not begin til I was almost home. Overall felt good, not at fast as I would like for that distance. But at least I ran.

Later in the day I mapped out a biking/running TP to meet my 2 up coming goals.

This AM I was supposed to get on TM. I just can't seem to get out of bed earlier than needed to go to work. If I do get up I need time to be more awake and energize to feel like running. This is NOT going to work. I need to re-program myself to get up earlier and to jump in gear and run. Not sure what is wrong with me!

K

[skhill]

Woke up this morning to find .5 inch of snow on the ground, and more falling. Beautiful. I was looking forward to finally running in the snow. But it's been so warm that it was melting as soon as it hit pavement, and there were puddles everywhere. In less than a half mile, my shoes and socks were soaked. Ended up doing just a quick mile, then going home, putting on another layer and dry socks and boots, and taking my dog for a longer walk that she normally gets in the morning. It's all good.

[Selkie]

skhill, that's looking on the bright side of things. I wonder if a pair of Brooks Ghost shoes (the ones w/the goretex) would have helped keep your feet dry?

Today, I repeated my Monday run and felt much more energetic. I didn't swim as long/far today and didn't run yesterday. While it was cloudy, it felt warmer (high 30s) with a nice, crisp east wind.

We're supposed to get sloppy rain/snow mix later today.

For my 49th, my husband got me an iPod Nano (yes, I said I'd never own one but now that I do, I'm glad I "compromised" my Luddite standards! --- right now, I'm downloading some of my CDs!!). It has a workout feature that I'm looking forward to trying. Also got a nice Patagonia gift card :-)

[emily_in_nc]

Woke up to overcast skies today, thank the gods, and a temp of *only* 74.5, so decided to go for my longest beach run of 2012 today -- 4.6 miles. I had managed this distance once in December before I caught the cold and cough from hell, and have just now finally worked back up to it. On sunny, hot mornings, I will probably still cut back to 3-4 miles, but whenever we do get the rare overcast and slightly cooler morning, it's good to take advantage!

It wasn't pretty (i.e., I was slow and had to blow my runny nose a lot -- not from a cold, just exercise-induced rhinitis), but I did it! :cool:

[Bike Chick]

I haven't been posting much or even checking in for that matter but I've been running. I did 10 miles last weekend and it felt pretty good. I have a half marathon this weekend that our local club puts on every year and the high is supposed to be in the 20's. Brrrrrrr! Where did that 50 degree weather go? I would love to just stay indoors but would be risking appearing like a big wussy girl. I guess I'll just bundle up and suck it up. How cold is too cold for you?

[OakLeaf]

Brrrr.

Too cold for me is relative. If I'm acclimated to 80°, 50 might be too cold for me - especially if I can wait a few hours and get 60. ;) I haven't had to run in anything below freezing for many years, but I've done 35° recently and been fine. I do have to watch my hands though, because I seem to have a touch of Raynaud's.

I'm lucky that I don't have to worry about cold right now, anyway. I did my 11-mile boardwalk loop. I went later in the day than I usually do, so there were a lot of other runners out, which was kind of nice to see. I saw a couple of baby mourning doves on the ground in the park. :)

I'm doing the Level II Chi Running workshop this Sunday. So excited!

[katluvr]

What is too cold?

Well I am doing an 1/2 marathon on this Sunday. As a reminder I am a Florida gal.
The lows that AM are supposed to be mid to high 30's and highs low 50s.
So the 50s and sunny for a 1/2 marathon are OK. But the cold start AND the fact you have to be out there in the environment for 1 or 1.5 hours (at a minimum) before...brrrr. My feet/toes are ALWAYS numb before I start. AND I have learned to wear layers and "check gear". But that temp for a race start is too cold for this Florida chic!! I would prefer a 40-50 start and 60 for a high!!!

K

[Bike Chick]

A 40-50 start with a warm up to 60 degrees would be heaven. The weather man has thrown 20 mph nnw winds into the mix and the forecast is for a wind chill of 10degrees. It should make for an interesting day to say the least. I don't think it will be a day for PR's and will more likely be a day for finishing. I will give you all a full report afterward.

I guess I've been bitten by the marathon bug. It's such an awesome feeling to cross the finish line and I want to experience it again. I've signed up for the Chicago marathon! Can't wait.

[limewave]

7.5 miles for me yesterday. It was just too sunny to not run. And I even took the day off because I had to do a training session for my other job that I was supposedly done with . . . Anywho, it left me with 2 extra hours or so in the afternoon. I probably should have done laundry or something. Oh well!

[skhill]

How cold is too cold... If it's dry, I'm ok down to about 25F; that's as low as I can take it in my VFFs and I really don't like running in anything else these days. For racing, 35F is as low as I care to go-- the issue is the wait at the start line.

Today was a very nice 6.25 miles. Not that I'm any kind of expert on good running form, but I passed a 20ish young woman with the most awful form. Overstriding, bad heel-striking, hunched-over upper body. Part of me wanted to say something to her about it, but of course I didn't.

I'm trying to psych myself up for tomorrow's long run. If the weather forecast plays out, there's no way I'm doing 10 miles outside (low 20s, with an inch or so of slushy accumulation overnight). But 10 miles on the treadmill, yuck. I'm going to have to find a way to move my long run to a weekday, this string of bad weather on Saturday is nuts...

[7rider]

What is too cold?


I've run in 18 F (-7.7C), but I have to say...I didn't enjoy it. Now that I have a treadmill, I'm much less apt to run in the cold. No need for hero points here. ;) If it's dry and light, 30 F (0 C) - maybe down to 25 if I have a partner to nag me. Errrr...encourage me. I suppose I'd race in anything short of crazy stuff.

I finally got the final follow-up results of my gait analysis. Had it done in October (while I was recuperating from a bad back spasm). Got a whole bunch of exercises to do - which I did religiously...for a little while. Now...not so much, but I still do them. Had a follow-up in January and got a DVD with videos. Here are a few screen grabs. Sorry if their a little hard to see.

On the left is me in October, wearing motion control shoes. On the right is me in January, wearing stability shoes. Also, the January session is post-ChiRunning clinic, so I'm trying to remember to incorporate a lot of the ChiRunning form into my efforts.

Landing mid-foot, as opposed to heel-first:
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z85/7rider/Gait-analysis-landing.jpg

Bouncing on the left with significant hip drop. Not so bad in January.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z85/7rider/Gait-analysis-back.jpg
But, we can't be sure if the hip drop caused the back pain, or if I was dropping my hip to protect my back ... sort of after the injury.

Sort of the sum-up:
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z85/7rider/Gait-analysis-kick.jpg
Better lean, better stride.

Now, to continue with my strength work and flexibility work and continue working on cadence and form. So much to think about! :eek:

Did a nice 4 yesterday. Tomorrow's supposed to be 7 according to my training plan. It may have to be late Sunday, if the weather turns snotty (see that "if it's dry" comment above!). Seven on the treadmill might be too much to bear.

[yellow]

limewave, you can do laundry when it's dark or stormy or something. I'd have chosen a run in the sun, too!

Frustrating week of running for me. Trails are in really bad shape right now (mud fest/ice skating rinks) because it has been warm enough to melt the snow a little bit, just enough to create mud bogs, but not warm enough to dry things out. So I'm having to run on pavement most of the time :mad: and my body doesn't like that. I'm going out to the island (Antelope Island, in the Great Salt Lake) to do my long run this weekend since the trails are sandier and better drained. And I really like running out there. It's very peaceful, although I got bluff-charged by some bison last time I was out there. :eek:

[limewave]

7--thanks for sharing your analysis. That's cool!

[emily_in_nc]

It was quite warm and sunny this morning by 7 am, so I just did a 5K beach run. Better than nuthin'!

7rider, I enjoyed your gait analysis photos too. I would love to get that done one day, but it's kinda unlikely living in Belize. :D

[Susan Otcenas]

Hey gang,

I've been too depressed to hang out on the running thread for a while. I'm *still* rehabbing my left IT band but I'm slowly starting to see some progress. I can now put ALL my weight on the foam roller, where before I could barely stand roll it with my opposite leg on the floor and supporting my weight.

My coach has also slowly been increasing my run intervals. Tomorrow is R6:00 W1:00 x 7 plus 20:00 of w/u & c/d walking. It's been really frustrating and I still can't ride my bike more than 60 minutes without pain.

It's a good thing I have a coach. She's forcing me to be patient. Left to my own devices, I'd be doing stupid things like running and riding through the pain and just making it worse. :o

Stupid IT band.

Susan

[Bike Chick]

7, thanks for sharing your analysis. How interesting.
Sue, Hope the ITB keeps healing. That's such a nasty, nagging injury.

The half marathon is this morning and it's 15 degrees with 0 degree wind chill (20 mph winds). DH and I are sitting here saying how stupid this is but I know we will both do it. I said I will give it the 15 minute test. If it's still miserable after 15 minutes, I'm turning around and going back. I agree with 7rider--no need for hero points.

[Selkie]

Got out for my longest run in years yesterday - 5.4 miles. It was on the windy, hilly trail at work. During my before-work swim, I acknowledged how lazy I'd become with my kick and really focused on it. As a result, my legs were dead for the first and final miles of the run (on the upside, I cut a good four minutes off of my usual swim time! lol). Temp-wise, it was in the high 30s and it was still sunny outside. Saw my deer family resting in their "nest"/home, which was a treat.

I anticipate having to run on the t'mill tomorrow since it's probably going to be icy. Almost certainly skipping the 5K -- even if it the pavement were dry, the wind chills are going to be brutal.

[Veronica]

Did you know? - I'm a runner! :D Somewhere along the line I morphed and I now find myself running up hills that I have mountain biked and thought were freakin' hard on the bike. Yeah, me, running up hills, with my none runner's build.

6.69 miles off road today on some mountain bike trails. It was early, so we didn't see any bikers.

Veronica

[skhill]

There's a hill in my neighborhood I avoid on the bike, but run up without a thought a couple times a week-- weird how that works...

Today's planned 10 miles turned into 7. That was enough treadmill for today. But I did spend about another 10 minutes with the weights, since I was there. Maybe next Saturday will finally be nice outside!

[Selkie]

Sunday morning -- brutally cold & windy, with a light dusting of snow. First run on the new treadmill. Loved the fan and the iPOD speakers. Five miles---it was a grind. I'll run outside tomorrow, even if it's cold (they keep the trail at work safe -- salt away the ice and clear the snow).

[katluvr]

Ok, so maybe this is not cold for you that live in northern states but I had a VERY cold 1/2 marathon. It was in the 20's at the start (LOW 30's at finish). And as you know of large events like this you get bused in and stand around for some time. I was frozen before the start. I NEVER took off my stocking hat or gloves, my hands we numb and non functional! I had on 2 shirts and capri running pants (butt & legs ware fine). Toes were numb at the start and thawed out by mile 2. It was a beautiful day and great course (fans) except for the bridges out the first 3 miles and then again on the last 3 miles. Nice run on the beach (packed sand). I felt pretty good the first half (except I was cold). The last 3 miles with the bridges leaving the beach and the COLD wind that was really gusting by then left me mentally exhausted and did I say COLD?! With poor training AND these no so great weather conditions I managed a 2 hr & 23 min 1/2 marathon (My PR is 2:10). I was on target for 2:20, but those bridges, wind and cold did me in the last 3 miles, I slowed GREATLY. But I finished. Took a while to thaw out. Not sure how you folks up north do this!! I was probably under dressed.
I will alway say this race is excellently put on & has cheering people the whole way!!!
K

[emily_in_nc]

Congratulations katluvr! That sounded like a very hard effort. I would never have made it to the start in those temps. I hate cold weather! Good going!

[skhill]

Awesom, katluvr! I wouldn't even consider doing a race in those temps. Don't even run outside when it's that cold these days.

In fact, I'm such a cold-wimp now that it was back to the treadmill today, even though it was 20F and dry outside. Oh well. Just 4 miles-- but they fixed the issue with my favorite treadmill. It used to creep forward, more when the speed was turned up. Today, it stayed completely still.

[emily_in_nc]

Four mile beach run today. It was sunny, but a cold front had come through, so the humidity was lower, and it was "only" 75 degrees, so not too bad.

[OakLeaf]

Wow, lots to work on from yesterday's Chi Running workshop. I honestly think I don't normally overstride as much as I was doing when they videotaped me :o - but the bending at the waist thing, that's definitely something I need to work on. And I got some guidance on improving my pelvic rotation and better using my core muscles to drive everything, too.

I think they'll email me a copy of my video, but since I don't have an "after" picture to share, I'm going to keep it to myself for now. :p But 7, yours was really cool - thanks for sharing!

Kat ... brrrrrr. A friend of mine from Ohio did the full and although I'm sure he's better acclimated to the cold, he also didn't pack ANY of his warm clothes since the forecast changed so quickly. :eek: He came through it okay, though. And you did terrific!

Susan - glad you're making progress and that you have a coach to keep you honest. Hang in there, it'll heal.

So ... today was a perfect day for running and I was tempted to go long, but I didn't quite feel ready physically, plus I wanted to really focus on what I learned yesterday, more than just grinding out miles. So I did the same 11-mile loop as I did on Thursday, but really trying to focus on those two things. I was feeling it, too. Good run.

[indysteel]

Oak, I'm impressed that "not going long" translates for you to 11 miles! You rock!

[Susan Otcenas]

Oak, I'm impressed that "not going long" translates for you to 11 miles! You rock!

+1!

My coach continues to add some run time to my intervals. Today was 10:00 w/u, 7x(7:00r, 1:00w), 5:00 c/d. Total run time = 49 minutes. Walk = 22 minutes (mostly the warm up and cool down). I don't have an IT pain when I run, thank goodness.

Spent an hour at the PTs office this morning. I'm having ART done and this morning he did some Graston as well. I"ve never had Graston before, and I'd heard it was pretty painful. Maybe I have a high tolerance for pain, but on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being most painful) I found it to be a 2.

Susan

[7rider]

+1!


+2.
As someone who, for the second weekend straight, failed to do her "long run" (6-7 miles), and went short (3-4), I'm already starting to stress about an upcoming 10-mile race on April 1. I've never run that far. Ever. I've never gone beyond 7.

So a "short" 11-mile run is just beyond comprehension for me right now. :eek:

Susan..glad the ITB is simmering down.

[Blueberry]

Spent an hour at the PTs office this morning. I'm having ART done and this morning he did some Graston as well. I"ve never had Graston before, and I'd heard it was pretty painful. Maybe I have a high tolerance for pain, but on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being most painful) I found it to be a 2.

I think it's therapist and patient dependent. My DH had it done and said it was terrible (and he has a very high tolerance for pain). He had bruising from it. I had it done, and thought it felt good (sort of like a really hard massage). I'd be at about a 2 for it to (on the IT band) - and no pain when it was done on my ankle. Now....the PT digging her elbow into my calf to break up adhesions. Yeah - that was painful.

[Selkie]

It was wonderful to be outside on Monday, even though it was cold! Ran 5.4 miles, hilly trail at work, felt fairly good despite being a bit tired. Ice/snow in the grassy areas but the the trail was dry. Had to dodge around some tree debris, victims of the weekend's strong winds.

The sun and fresh air are good for the soul.

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan..glad the ITB is simmering down.

Thanks. Me too! But its such a slow process. My first "big" race of the season (Pacific Crest Half Ironman) is 18 weeks away. Coach wants me totally healthy with no less than 12 weeks to go. Honestly, I'm skeptical that I'll be there in 6 weeks. Which worries me. :(

[katluvr]

I was surprisingly sore...quads today. Of course Monday after the race was spend with hours in the car. Moved like an old lady after the ride home. Today just quads sore...walking down the stairs at work was a joy! (Not!).

I did just 30 mins on TM this am walking (yes, just walking) but increasing incline for the HR. Just felt I needed to take it easy. Hoping (seriously hoping) to get a run in after work tomorrow.

Thanks for all the kudos from the group. Always feels great to report a race or milestone here and get the feedback!

As for Oak and her "keeping it short" run of 11...seriously, not my idea of short! But just another amazing TE lady!

K

[OakLeaf]

Ha, well some of you I'm sure recall it wasn't all that long ago I posted how I wasn't really interested in anything longer than 10K. Some people on SOME internet forum egged me on. :p I might not consider 11 miles "not long" if I weren't 9-1/2 weeks out from my next marathon...

[skhill]

It felt so good to be off the treadmill and back outside this morning! Started out way faster than I meant to go, and felt so good that I never slowed down much. And so for the second week in a row, I did an almost-10k "easy" run in a time close to my PR. It's giving me reason to be optimistic about breaking 2hrs in the upcoming half-marathon (if the weather will cooperate and I get in enough long runs, that is)!

Rain predicted for tonight/tomorrow morning, so it'll be back to the treadmill most likely. Or it might be an extra rest day. We'll see.

[limewave]

My running legs have found me once again. The Great Lake Michigan was calling to me this morning and had to, did not have a choice, make the run from my house out to the lakeshore and back. For a total of 12 miles. That's a very long run for me right now. But it felt like nothing but good medicine for the soul.

Ahhhhh, I can breathe again.

[emily_in_nc]

Another 4 mile beach run today. It was actually overcast, so I could have gone farther, I think, but my hip has been talking to me off and on ever since, so I am glad I didn't!

[Selkie]

Beach run, oh Emily, you have the life!

Ran 5.4 miles at work yesterday before heading out to another location for an afternoon-long meeting. Got to wear capris instead of tights, since it was in the 40s.

I think the run contributed to my good attitude in having to schlep all that way (DC-area traffic is hellish). Even was able to maintain a semblance of zen-itude on my commute home (20+ miles longer than my usual commute, heavy traffic, crazy drivers, metro construction "surprises" like disappearing lanes....).

[7rider]

Ugh. 4.1 brutal miles this morning.
I could just not get a rhythm going. I probably walked more than I ran.
Ditched a vest just 1-mile into it into our mailbox before continuing my loop.
I think I was over-dressed for the run, anyway. Yeah. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

[katluvr]

"Ugh" is right for today's run (and last night's).

So I am NOT an evening runner (and lately not an early morning runner, either!). Running after work for me is hard. I am normally tired (lately I'm more tired than norm I think.) BUT I made myself go out for 3 miles, just 3 little miles, no speed expectation, just 3 miles. My quads are still sore from the cold 1/2 marathon, my right more than my left. Although I did the run (slowly) I did think how will I ever fit in those speed and tempo runs if I am always just plodding along when I run after work?

Today is may day off since I work part of weekend. I thought 5 miles would be my "long run" of this week. Not much more energy today. It was a slow yet not easy run. I even altered my route some to be along the water front more...it didn't work.

I have been in this running slump for a while now. Every now and then I have a "good" run. Mostly I find myself skipping runs, not able to do any speed work or even just ramp up my speed a bit. Ugh. Not sure of the remedy. March 15 is the day I register for Pikes Peak Ascent, that is also the start of my training plan (normally using marathon distances). I need my weight down, my energy up and a good base before I start this plan...what to do? what to do?

Thanks for letting me have a place to vent!

K

[skhill]

Hey katluvr, it's ok. That half was a monster, and you're surely still recovering from it. Don't forget, you've been taking on some huge running challenges, and succeeding!

Today was back to the treadmill for 4 miles. Rain outside this time, heavier than I felt like dealing with. That's now 13 miles this week on the treadmill, out of about 19 overall. Yuck.

[7rider]

I was sitting on my yoga mat before class this evening, looking down at my arms and it occurred to me why I was so ... bleh .. on this morning's run.
A needle mark in my right elbow reminded me that I gave blood yesterday at noon. I was running down a pint. :o

[Susan Otcenas]

I have been in this running slump for a while now. Every now and then I have a "good" run. Mostly I find myself skipping runs, not able to do any speed work or even just ramp up my speed a bit. Ugh. Not sure of the remedy.

Maybe you need a break. Take a week or so off from running entirely. Do something different, something you've been wanting to do but haven't had time for. Go on a hike? Go dancing? Swim? Try Zumba? Something that will mix things up a bit, and get you moving in a different way.

When I came home from PBP, I took the entire month of September off. Put absolutely no pressure on myself to do anything I didn't want to do. I rode for pleasure 2-3 times. Ran once or twice. Did the Muddy Buddy relay with a friend. But nothing was timed, paced, etc. When October started, I felt refreshed and ready to "train" again.

[OakLeaf]

+1. You've been keeping up a pretty punishing schedule. This seems like a good time for you to take a break, too. Plenty of time before Pike's Peak. Sometimes less is more.


Speaking of ugh ... first 20-miler of this cycle, first one in a year and a half. It was hot so I took it really easy, but I'm still pretty beat up from it. Bit by bit...

[katluvr]

Thanks ya'll! Yup this weekend no long runs, just a 5k trail run planned. And I find trail runs fun & refreshing.
20 miles, Oak...yikes! 4 miles on treadmill, also yikes!

K

[limewave]

It looks like May around here. I think I'm going to try and get a trail run in today as well. Nothing long and I don't plan to push at all. My legs are toast after Wednesdays 12miler and then yesterday I spun out for 2 hours on the trainer. And THEN DH calls me up letting me know he's going to be home unusually early and would I like to go on a road ride? That opportunity happens about twice a year, so of course I went--for a total of 3.5 hours on the bike yesterday! That is a lot for me. My normal ride time, year around, is 1-1.5 hours at a time.

Anywho . . . . . .

[skhill]

I was sitting on my yoga mat before class this evening, looking down at my arms and it occurred to me why I was so ... bleh .. on this morning's run.
A needle mark in my right elbow reminded me that I gave blood yesterday at noon. I was running down a pint. :o

...and that's why I've pretty much stopped giving blood. They keep calling me, even though I've told them I won't be in until the first week of April, after the HM. I often don't make it through the screening anyway, due to having a healthy bp and pulse. Why don't they harass the sedentary instead?

My body has apparantly decided that 8:45/ mile is the only pace it wants to run at. That was fine for today's 4 miles, but I'm going to have to slow it down somehow for tomorrow's long run...

[emily_in_nc]

Very hot and sunny this morning even at 7 am. Squeaked out a 5K on the beach, but it was torturous. Absolutely drenched afterwards, but the pool sure felt good!

[yellow]

kat, hang in there. I think most of us have been in the same place (with running or biking or something else). Nothin' wrong with taking a little break.

It's looking like spring here, too. In fact, this winter has felt like one very long spring to me. As a consequence, the trails are a freakin' mud (and ice) fest. Back out to the island for me this weekend since that is the only trail system that seems to drain. Hubby and I did venture on to the trails in the foothills of the mountains this week and while it wasn't the stick-to-your-shoes kind of mud, it was still incredibly demoralizing. Those trails need a couple more weeks of drying, I think. I'm sure we'll get more rain just as the drying happens. :p

Happy running!

[Selkie]

Wonderful running weather this morning: sunny, brisk, bracing wind! Warm enough for capris again. Ran 5.4 miles (becoming my regular mileage for running at work).

We might get some snow or a mix this Sunday. I'm hoping the storm takes a more southerly track and misses DC-proper. Every time I watch the forecast, the damn storm changes its track!

[skhill]

The same storm is supposed to be visiting us here in KY. Current snow predictions right here are anything from a dusting to 8 inches...

But today's beautiful. Finally, I got do do a long run outside!!!! 10.3 miles; the first 8 were easy and the last 2 were tough. If those 2 miles hadn't been predominately uphill, I'm sure it would have been a lot easier. And bringing along something to eat would have helped too...

[OakLeaf]

I'm not running today. There, I said it.

Yesterday's spirited ride did a great job of reviving my legs after my long run Thursday, but I still had a little bit of soreness when I went into today's very strenuous yoga class, and on top of 12 miles on the commuter to and from the farmers' market and the yoga studio, now I am just wrung. out.

Speedwork tomorrow morning. Accountability post. I'm not quite sure yet what workout, but probably one of the ones that was in this month's Running Times - some good ideas there. :)

[7rider]

...and that's why I've pretty much stopped giving blood. ...

Normally, I give platelets which is not as "draining" as whole blood. But I have low platelet counts and can only give twice a year. They're scraping the bottom of the donor barrel with me, but they still need me. Consequently, and because I did some competing last year, I rarely gave whole blood. I figure tho that this was probably the only time I could give as I should be back in counts by my April 1st event.

However, I think today I'm still not back since my Wednesday donation. I did 6.6 today - my longest single run ever I think (I once did 5 & 2 during a Duathlon training day with a bike ride in the middle). I either am still feeling the effects of my donation or I have to come to the realization that I can't run or will never be in shape. I was pooped. Run/walk/run/walk/jog/shuffle. That was pretty much the sum of it.

Well, as with my skiing: it's never pretty, but I get it done! :)

[Selkie]

Sometimes when it starts to feel lousy, you have to remind yourself that you are doing yourself good (building endurance, strength, mental toughness, etc.). The unpleasantness is worth it in the long run. Well, as long as you let yourself recover properly from an effort where you push it and don't end up with an injury.

I've seen you, Seven, and you are in great shape. And you are a runner. The good thing about being a runner is that success is measured in the simple act of running and not giving up. Who cares if you can never run a 6 minute mile? You just do your best and celebrate the fact that you are going longer distances, staying injury free, and improving your form.

My husband is inspiring. He's a chunky 50 year old whose been running for years. He does not look like a runner, but he's completed several marathons and half--marathons. He's slow, his form is all his own, but he keeps getting out there and enjoying it. This morning, he ran in Rock Creek Park at sunrise and enjoyed every minute.

[katluvr]

Selkie, your husband sounds like me! I always feel like an impostor (sp?) because am am short, stout, could lose a few pounds, etc. But I enjoy (most of the time) running and love the longer distances because endurance not speed is my friend. But in my head I am and hope to be a slender, lanky runner! Ha!

K

[katluvr]

Got up at 5 to drive approx 45 to start of trail run to be there when gates opened as parking is a prime (ugh). It was worth it. Weather was overcast and VERY humid so not the best running weather. Took it nice and easy running with my SO. Nice event, good way to start the day!

So I notice when running on trails i probably hit more mid foot that heel, especially when I'm running a bit slower or thru more technical parts of the course. I am thinking of buying a minimalist trail shoe. I know I don't do trail runs much but thinking I may try to do more. So recommendations on a minimalist shoe? I most likely will stick to between 3 - 5 miles right now. And does one wear socks with these shoes? I don't want to go the 5-fingers route but just more of a minimalist shoe.

Thanks!
K

[OakLeaf]

Well, when I went to bed I was thinking about 1-minute bridge repeats with 3 minute intervals. But I woke up with a really stiff back, plus I have a full day ahead and the bridge is almost three miles away. So, back to my old 1 minute sprints x 10 with 1 minute rest. It felt decent and at least I got a little speedwork in like I promised. :)

[Selkie]

Kat -- I think there's an advantage to having a lower center of gravity! Endurance, not speed, has always been my friend, too (there are advantages to being stubborn---we don't give up).

Got out earlier for our sunrise Sunday run (DST starts in a couple weeks, doesn't it?). Cloudy, chilly but not uncomfortably cold. I decided to go 5.5 miles and felt pretty good. Trigger points in my right calf need attention, as I was getting a little bit tenderness in the back of my ankle. Treated them with the stick and my tp-therapy roller when I got home.

Lots of birdies singing. Spring is in the air but a wintry mix is in the forecast.

[indysteel]

Had a decent 3.5 mile run yesterday at my usual pace. Unless and until my hamstring totally stops hurting, I'm not going to increase my mileage or pace. It is hurting less and less though, so I'm encourage. Unfortunately, today I feel like poo. We've been playing around with the dosage for my anti-thyroid medicine, and while in some ways I think I'm at a good spot with it, in some other ways, I'm not sure. My heart rate seems to be spiking rather easily today with any degree of movement. Resting, it's fine (55-60 bpm), but if I move, it quickly goes over 100.

I ended up having a meltdown this morning about it. I hate, hate, hate feeling like something other than myself. I wish I could test my relevant thyroid levels like a diabetic can check for blood sugar. Instead, I sort of have to wing it until I get blood drawn again, and there's a lag when you correct your dosage. As "luck" would have it, I actually am scheduled for blood work this week, so I'll see where my levels are.

Anyway, I just wanted to vent. Thanks for reading!

[Veronica]

No running for me for awhile. I stumbled getting out of bed Tuesday, twisted my ankle and pulled a muscle, or something in my foot... rested the rest of the week and tried to go for a short run yesterday... two tenths of a mile and I had to quit, every step hurt. Now it's worse than it was on Tuesday, 'cause the bunion on that foot is acting up too. I'd like to just hack off my right leg and turn it in for a new one. Everything that goes wrong with me, happens to that leg/foot.

I've had that stupid bunion since I was twenty. Why does it have to bother me now? If it had bothered me like the left one did when I was twenty, I could have dealt with them both then. And genetics... did you really have to give me my paternal grandmother's legs and feet? You knew they were a mess. You could just as easily have given me my maternal grandmother's beautiful slender legs...

I guess I may have to use that gym membership and start swimming again.

Veronica

[indysteel]

What a bummer, V. I hope you heal soon!!!

[OakLeaf]

Aw, V and indy, hope you both feel better soon.

Boy are my obliques sore. Some of it is probably from yoga yesterday, but I've really been trying to work on my posture too. As most of you know, the ideal in Chi Running is not to use any muscles except your abs. I'd like to think last weekend's workshop is helping me get a little closer to that...

[GLC1968]

V and Indy - I hope you both are recovered soon!

I haven't been posting much because my runs have basically been only my 'long' weekend run. I've been missing my mid-week runs due to other commitments.

Yesterday I was supposed to do 6 miles but I cut it to 3.5 because I just had too many things to do. It was also getting dark and I had to get home to let the chickens back into their coop. As it was, I had to chase them out of the goat shed anyway...

I did manage 5.5 miles last weekend and it felt easy AND I was not even a little sore the next day, so I'm OK with my current condition. I need to get on the ball in terms of the shorter runs during the week before my weekend runs start to get longer!

[7rider]

I'd like to just hack off my right leg and turn it in for a new one. Everything that goes wrong with me, happens to that leg/foot.


If you make that work, let me know. I have many parts I'd like to replace! ;)
Hope you heal up soon.
I also have most of my issues on one side. Whenever I throw out my back, I tweak the right side. My chiropractor says that's not unusual.

I planned to run 7 with a friend of mine today, but ended up doing 5.6 - well, closer to 6, if you factor in the walk back up the hill from the park to her house. It's the first time in ages we've gone running together. It was nice to have someone to run with - and who runs at my pace. But after a week of activity, I was content to suggest cutting the run shorter than planned. I was pooped. Week went like this:
Monday: Bike commute - 15 miles
Tuesday: Treadmill run - 3.75 miles
Wednesday: Donate blood. Bike commute - 15 miles
Thursday: Street run - 4.1 miles, Yoga
Friday: Downhill skiing for about 4 hours
Saturday: Street run - 6.6 miles
Sunday: Bike ride - 25.2 miles (hills! Ack. What are those?? DH and I have been diligently avoiding those for some time.)
Monday: Street run - 5.6 miles.
I think tomorrow is going to be Sit-On-my-Butt day (well, stretch, maybe).

[Selkie]

After swimming for 75 minutes, I celebrated the Holiday with a five-mile run on my favorite route. Trigger points were calm, so no problems. My legs were tired, so it was one of those mental toughness/endurance building efforts. There was a cold headwind heading out, so I was getting overheated on the way back. Came home and had a Jethro Bodine-sized bowl of cereal mixed with Greek yogurt. Then a nice nap with one of my goldens.

No running tomorrow. I'll get in two 4-to-5 milers this week at work (Wednesday and either Thursday or Friday). My goal is to run six miles on Sunday, which will be my longest run in years.

[skhill]

It's been back to the treadmill again this week-- 4 miles Monday, and 5 today. One day it's way too cold outside, the next it's warm and windy and raining... who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Today I had a bowl of grits instead of the usual oatmeal before hitting the treadmill, and my tummy did not approve. One benefit of using the treadmill is that there is always a restroom nearby...

[yellow]

Our April weather continues. We even had a 60 degree day this week. So wrong.

Anyhoo, the trails are a muddy mess due to rain about every 3rd day so I've been spending more time running on the road during the week (which I do not like). After running through parts of the neighborhood that I don't normally visit I have serious house and yard envy.

Off to Zion this weekend to do some running in the red rock country. Hubby is doing awesome with his training for his first 25k in March and is really looking forward to having his butt kicked on the run I have planned for Saturday. :p

[OakLeaf]

Tempo run on Thursday - wound up with just four miles at marathon pace plus warm-up and cooldown, just because it's been a really stressful week. This morning, Kacie did a great job of putting my piddly 20-miler into perspective. :cool:

[7rider]

Blowin' like mad out there.
DH was working.
I felt the unyielding pull of the couch.
Managed to get shorts and a t-shirt on and get on the treadmill.
7.2 miles (longest run EVER), 90 minutes (okay...some walking), and watched Mamma Mia! on DVD. Oy.
Whatever doesn't kill me....makes me stronger.

[Bike Chick]

Yesterday was a beautiful day here even though it was still a bit chilly with a high of 40 degrees. DH and I decided to go to the lake and get our runs in on the bike paths there for a change in scenery. It was really nice. I'm pushing myself in my runs now with a goal of not taking walk breaks. I think stopping to walk is mostly mental for me due to boredom or habit. It's how I've run since the beginning. I allow myself to stop in the middle of the run--no matter how far that may be--and it seems to be working and my times are much faster. I actually got a 3.5 mile run in with an average pace of 10:33. That's great for me.

[Veronica]

Stupid foot! I ran 3.5 miles yesterday and it felt okay at the time. But my foot is bothering me again this morning. Not as bad as last weekend after .2 miles... but enough that I know I should give it few more days. That means for the first time in 16 months I won't make my monthly mileage goal. That sucks. :(

Better now than in a few weeks when I start training for my HIM.

Veronica

[Selkie]

You're making great progress, 7. No doubt, you'll be ready for the Cherry Blossom!

Hope your foot is better soon, V.

I ran Wednesday and Thursday at work---5.4 each run. My hamstrings were complaining on the hills, so on the really steep ones, I incorporated a side step uphill move that I learned in the Chi Running workshop. Made a huge difference and gave my hamstrings a break!

Today I ran 6 miles, the longest run in years. Felt really good for most of the run, but the last half mile was straight into a strong, cold headwind. Not fun!

I'm thinking about seeing if I can get into the Army 10 miler this year. This is one race that I never got around to doing back in my marathon/half-marathon days. Registration fills up extremely quickly, so even if I want to do it, there's a good chance that I won't be able to get in. Maybe I'll give it a shot and leave it to fate.

[skhill]

Woke up Sat. morning with an aching left quad-- and I have no idea what caused it. So I decided to take it easy, no long run, just put in an hour on the treadmill (the weather was icky, yet again). 6.5 miles, in just under an hour. Thankfully, the quad feels much better today, except for when I was going uphill into the wind on the bike on the way to church. But now I really need to get in a 12-miler this week, if I'm to feel ready for my upcoming half.

A friend ran the disney princess half this morning; her time was very slow (for her) and I'm hoping she didn't get hurt. I'm not into all things disney, but that does sound like a fun race...

[katluvr]

Yes, it's quite an accomplishment lately for me to run and enjoy it. Of course it helps that I was off this AM and sat on couch enjoying coffee and not having to rush out the door. That being said I sat around a bit too long as we are having spring/pre-summer (gorgeous!) weather today. I headed out to do the 4 mile loop with no expectations. I did wear my garmin, but did not have a pace set or time focus (well, kinda did). I also put on my "pretty" running top. Do any of you have one of those? You know the kind? I spent too much money on, it is strappy and cute and has a built in bra the actually make me look like I have boobs! It kinda vain, but I thought if I "looked good" I would "feel good" and "look like a runner". Maybe it worked. It was a warm run, but I felt good. I let my body speed up when it wanted and slow down with it wanted.

K

[indysteel]

Yay! I had two good runs this weekend. I still can't run more than 4 miles at a time without my hamstring complaining, but I'll take it. I adjusted my anti-thyroid meds downward again this past week. It may or may not be coincidental, but I felt less aerobically challenged during my weekend runs. My meds were making me slightly hyper and that, it turns out, could have been the cause for my erratic heart rate.

The only thing that worries me is that I really just want to run. I haven't felt a huge urge to ride any of my bikes in a long while. Perhaps with warmer weather returning, I'll change my mind.

[7rider]

I also put on my "pretty" running top. Do any of you have one of those? You know the kind? I spent too much money on, it is strappy and cute and has a built in bra the actually make me look like I have boobs! It kinda vain, but I thought if I "looked good" I would "feel good" and "look like a runner". Maybe it worked.

Great to hear...but nope on the clothes thing. :p
A friend and running partner of mine is forever chastising me for wearing big, baggy exercise clothes. She says I constantly buy (and wear) things that don't fit me properly and are too big. I think she thinks I have esteem issues. I think I have recurring Big Catholic Guilt, having been taught in my formative years by dour nuns. :rolleyes:;)
I'll spare y'all the little pity party I threw myself this morning in my attempt at a run. Suffice to say, DH spent all weekend keeping his head low. Probably a wise move on his part as I've been one foul woman all weekend. And the return of my partner, Insomnia, did little for my overall well being. :mad:

[skhill]

Wrapped up Febuary with a fast 3.5 miles on the treadmill (thunderstorms, this time). Other than the day I got soaked with wet snow, it's the shortest run of the month. But it was enough to take me to 130 miles for the month, most since last July.

[indysteel]

But it was enough to take me to 130 miles for the month, most since last July.

Wow, that's great! Congrats!

[limewave]

5 easy miles yesterday. Good run.

[7rider]

Also wrapped up the month with 3.5 on the treadmill.
But not fast. ;)
And I got only 50 miles for the month - which is actually pretty good for me.

It was a morning of options.
Last night, I was unsure what the morning would bring, so in the spare room, I lay out tights and a long sleeved top, in case it was in the 30s. Knickers and a lighter LS top, in case it was in the 40s, as they predicted (but I didn't believe the weather apps). And finally, shorts and a t-shirt in case the rain they said would come at 9, came earlier.

I woke up to 38 (blech...too warm for my tights, too cold for my knickers...It's no-man's land as far as I'm concerned), but dry. I check my doppler radar apps. Whoa! :eek: Rain all around - even through our streets are dry. But not just green and blue, but yellows and reds, indicating HEAVY rain. Rain + 30's for temps = yuck. I opt for the shorts and head for the 'mill. I finish 45 minutes and come back upstairs to the aroma of fresh coffee (thanks, hon!) and...what?? Dry roads still??? Grrrrr....

Shoulda, coulda, woulda.......:rolleyes:

[emily_in_nc]

After a week off while traveling, I have done runs of 3.1, 3.5, and now 4 miles in the past week. It's gotten really hot here again (winter is over, such as it was), and the sun is coming up earlier, so I have found that if I run on the (unpaved) road rather than the beach, I get more shade. The trade-off is less scenery and breeze, and parts of the road are rocky and not so kind underfoot -- but anything is better than running in full sunshine.

I'd like to stick with the 4 mile distance for awhile, then hopefully increase a bit more if the heat doesn't kill me. :confused: