Lamb or Lion? March running...

[skhill]

The first was a beautiful day, but I'll rate March as coming in like a pride of hungry, angry lions out for blood with the tornados of Feb 29 and Mar 2.

But this morning was beautiful for running, cool and sunny and a bit windy. Finally, I managed to get a long run outside. Meant to go 12 miles, but only went 10. As usual, I struggled to keep my speed down early, and payed for it later. But it was weird to be enjoying such a pretty morning, when there's so much destruction and suffering from yesterday's storms so close by...

[emily_in_nc]

4 miles on March 2. Hard, hot. But glad to get 4 in -- first time in a few weeks.

[Selkie]

Ended February by running three days in a row (Sun - Tues), which is my longest stretch in years. Held up fine, surprisingly, even my easily-irritated calf triggerpoints! On the 27th and 28th, I ran 5.4 miles at work. The run on the 28th was tough because it was later and I didn't get a chance to have breakfast because I had to go to a meeting first. On 1 March, I had an enjoyable 5.4 miler in nice spring morning temps (high 50s). Got to wear shorts, which was a treat! Today's long run was my longest yet - 6.25 miles. It was in the low 40s but the windchills were in the 30s. Felt good, especially the first four miles, and I got to see two really sweet dogs, one of whom ran with me for a little bit until his daddy called him back (he was off-leash, which is a mortal sin in the county in which I reside---no complaints from me because the dog was very well behaved).

[GLC1968]

I got in my first run in a couple of weeks on March 1st and it was pretty good. Did 3.5 miles after work before it started to get dark. AND, the rain held off until I was walking towards the car, so I was pleased.

Yesterday, I got bowled over by our dogs while I was holding a big bin of hay and standing in a very muddy spot. I fell, full weight of myself and the hay on my right foot while it was twisted underneath me due to the mud. Felt a snap, screamed in pain and then laid there in the mud wondering how I was going to wait 4 hours for my husband to get home. Luckily, after a few minutes, I found myself able to walk on it a little, so I finished my chores. It was clear that I could put weight on my heel, but not on the forefoot at all.

I managed to get a few other errands run including driving to pick up my husband. By mid afternoon, the swelling and pain was too much to bear, so we went to the emergency room. X-rays revealed that I broke my 4th metatarsal. No more running for me for awhile!

I'm going to make an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon and sports guy tomorrow morning and hopefully get a more detailed prognosis. Until then, I'm trying really hard not to imagine worst-case scenarios. I had a VERY busy spring planned in terms of races (1 sprint tri, 2 half marathons and 2 oly tri's between May and June!). I'm already not going to be doing the Shamrock run here in Portland on March 18th...but I'm hoping I can make some of those other races come May.

I HATE lying around when there is so much to do, too. Oh, and I can't drive either. Not sure how we are going to make this work! :( AAARGHHHHH!!! (frustration is high and it's only been 24 hours!)

[Crankin]

Sorry, GLC. Try to be patient.

[Blueberry]

Oh GLC - I'm so sorry:( That really, really sucks!!!! Keep us updated!

[OakLeaf]

Oh, man, GLC, that stinks. :( :( Heal up quick.


All week I've been ... not fighting, mostly giving in to ... deep fatigue, not sure why. Maybe the pollen - my new shots are taking care of a lot of the symptoms but obviously not all of them yet (they say it'll be next season before I'm completely built up), and maybe fatigue is one of the last to resolve. Anyway - three minute repeats x 5 on Tuesday, nine miles with a few bridge repeats yesterday, and that's all the running I've managed this week. A little yoga, a little cycling - hopefully I'll be able to get a good run in tomorrow.

[Veronica]

Oh, GLC, that's awful. :(

Veronica

[7rider]

Oh, GLC. That stinks (and I read your blog - and that doubly stinks!).
I hope you get a good prognosis and heal well. Maybe you can defer the Spring tri's and get into some later in the summer. Your grand comeback! :)


I achieved a distance record today (for me). 7.6 miles. I met up with a local running club that meets at 8 a.m. in a park. I actually hung with 4 others for 3.5 miles, but they were a wee bit faster than I wanted to be running (and since the path follows a creek bed, I was aware that we were doing this running down stream (that is...down hill) and I'd have to turn around and run UP the stream alone, as my goal was 8, and they were doing 9. Granted, it's not like it's a big hill, but you feel it when the legs are tired and you're going solo past your limits. And...after my run, I pulled the TT bike out of the back of the truck and rode (down and back up that same stream) 22 miles. That was a slow and easy ride. Just wanted to spin the legs and get used to a bike I haven't been on since October.

Ugh. Pooped.

[indysteel]

That sucks, GLC. Heal quickly.

Oak, I hope you feel less fatigued soon.

7rider, good job on your PR.

Yesterday was a scheduled rest day, having exercised the previous seven. Today, I was scheduled to run, but the TRX workout I did with my trainer on Friday did me in. I was just your average sore yesterday, but today I can barely walk. It mostly hurts at the top of my thighs. Sort of where they meat my hips. Clearly we overdid something (mountain climbers? reverse lunges?). We'll discuss next week. I want him to push me, but not such that I can 't do my other workouts.

[skhill]

GLC, how awful!

No run for me this morning-- we got our biggest snow of the winter (spring?) overnight, about 4 or 5 inches of wet, heavy stuff. But I got a good workout walking my dog through fresh, unbroken snow, then shoveling my sidewalk and an elderly neighbor's. If I make it to the gym for yoga tonight I might hop on the treadmill, but maybe not...

[limewave]

GLC--so sorry to hear that! Hope your appt. goes well and that you have a quick and complete recovery.

I had an 11-miler on the books. But I haven't been keeping up on my running and my DS was sick all weekend. Friday I ended up having a high fever and feeling HORRIBLE. But I was determined to get in a long run on Sunday in-spite-of or, more accurately, because of all that (I can't afford to keep missing workouts!!!).

About 1 mile in I felt so horrible I wanted to walk home. But I pressed on.

1.5 miles in, my legs felt like lead. I was going to walk home.

But I pressed one. 2 miles in, no improvement. I wanted to quit.

I finally told myself to shut the heck up, stop thinking about how crappy my run was going, and just RUN. Run, darnit! Don't look at the Garmin. Don't listen to my leaden legs. Just run.

Managed to get in all 11 miles. Once I stopped freaking out about how slow my pace was, I was able to settle into a groove and had a good time.

[emily_in_nc]

Good luck, GLC...what a bummer to have that happen at such a bad time with all your athletic goals!

I am pleased to report that I set a PR this morning - my longest run ever at 5.1 miles. I had done a couple of five-milers before (two on the treadmill, one outdoors), so I made sure to tack on just a little today to make it my longest. And I haven't run five miles for two years!

The difference between this morning's run and my usual runs here was that a "cold" front came through, so this morning was overcast, breezy, and cool (for here) at 72 degrees. Normally it's closer to 79-80 with full sunshine, and I now realize that that made more of a difference than I realized. I struggle to run 3-4 miles on the hot, sunny days.

We won't have too many days like today, but it was nice. For the first time in ages, I actually felt like I could have run farther. And I felt like a RUNNER.

Sweet! :D :cool:

[katluvr]

GLC--BUMMER! Hope it doesn't keep you down long!

Emily--Whoo Hoo! And you have always been a runner!

Race Report (late)
So Sunday I did a 15k. As you all know my training has be less than optimal. But the Gasparilla Distance Classic is a race I do every year and the 15k is a unique distance. We splurged and stayed in the host hotel. (Race was in Tampa, over the bridge from St. Pete where we live). So nice to not have to get up super early to drive, then park. We just "walked" a few blocks to the race. It was a WARM day. Low 70's at the start and HUMID. This race is out and back along Bayshore Drive...it is how it sounds, along the bay. So there is NO shade. I started a bit fast. It is a HUGE race, so many people so you keep picking your way around folks so I am ALWAYS passing. It is so tempting to keep passing. I knew I was not going to hold but I just couldn't slow. It got hot quick. 80's, sunny, no shade. Half way mark I was on track for a GOOD PR. BY mile 6 I am slowing. I tried to alternate pace each mile. By mile 7 I am trying to not overheat. They had water misters but the wind was blowing the mist away from the road where we were racing...darn it. I did manage a PR 1:38:08. My best time before this was 1:39:XX (probable closer to 1:40). So although I was on track for a 1:36 at half way, I still hung on to PR. The pictures of me look like I am miserable and actually dying! Even though the warmth was a bit much I think I still run better in heat the freezing temperatures!

I was a bit sore (quads) after race. Went out for 4 miler today. Quads still tight and left hamstring or maybe it is more my perifomis (sp?) since it runs down my leg, too. I plan to foam roll a few times today.

Bought new shoes (minimalist) at expo....more to come on those!

K

[emily_in_nc]

I did manage a PR 1:38:08. My best time before this was 1:39:XX (probable closer to 1:40). So although I was on track for a 1:36 at half way, I still hung on to PR. The pictures of me look like I am miserable and actually dying! Even though the warmth was a bit much I think I still run better in heat the freezing temperatures!

Congratulations on your PR!

I probably run better in the heat than I would in *freezing* temps, but there's a LOT of ground in between that. I think 50s-60s are optimal for running for me, and here we have 70s-80s (and humid). It's hard on the body and slows me way down.

[OakLeaf]

Nice job kat and Emily!

I did 11 yesterday ... really sore from yoga, so I was pretty slow and felt heavy, but I got it done. Family stuff the next couple of days, I'm going to have to put my next long run off until the weekend. Just praying nothing goes wrong the way it ALWAYS does. :rolleyes:

[skhill]

Good job, Emily and kat! There's a local 15k just added to the calendar, and a guaranteed PR at a new distance is tempting... Don't see many 15ks around here.

I wasn't sure if I'd be running outside or on the treadmill today, but then I took my dog out for her first pee of the morning. Despite wearing boots, she almost pulled me over when I hit some ice on the sidewalk. So the treadmill... 4 miles, at an 8:30 pace; 2 days off had me feeling turbocharged. I've never run that far at a pace under about 8:40 before. And tomorrow morning it may be warm enough to be running in shorts. That's spring in KY, I guess...

[emily_in_nc]

Tough run this morning! We had rain off and on for two days, turning the unpaved road into a muddy mess. Some of the puddles extended as ponds across the entire road. Normally I'd just run on the beach, but the tide was also extremely high this morning, and piles of sea grass washed in overnight, so in places where there is no seawall, there was very little beach, and what was there to run on was very soft sand you sink into.

Neither option -- road nor beach -- was good at all, but I gave them both the old college try. North on the road, going off-road around numerous ponds, then south on the beach, slogging through soft sand and seagrass. It was also hot (upper 70s) and mostly sunny again this morning, which made for more of a struggle than two days ago when we had the nice cold front and overcast skies.

This is a 4-mile route, but with all the twists and turns I had to take to get around obstacles, I am sure I did slightly over that. Just glad to finish today!

[limewave]

5 miles for me. Thought it would be horrible given the wind gusts, but it wasn't too bad. Had a nice tailwind on the second half. I like running.

[tangentgirl]

I feel like this is a good place for me to say woohoo! Started running again in January, decided to train for a 1/2 marathon, and so far, so good. So far, March has seen me run...

* 6.01 miles on 3/3
* 3.29 miles on 3/6
* 2.56 miles today, 3/7 - shorter distance, but more running, with a 2 minute run/1 minute walk

So..one week in with 10 miles and change, not bad for someone whose 2011 goal was not to run at all. :)

[emily_in_nc]

Good job, tangentgirl! :)

[katluvr]

A run was not on the agenda today, it should of be strength training. But I didn't even get that in. Yesterday I was hoping my sinus issues and sore throat was just allergies, but it was not....I have a spring cold! Bummer! How can the common cold cause so much havoc! I feel crummy, I am tried, yucky! I hope to get an easy walk in my new barefoot shoe today. Not sure if I can muck out the treadmill tomorrow AM before work or not, guess I'll see how I feel.

K

[GLC1968]

Great job Kat and Emily! And welcome to the fold, tangentgirl!

I'm just swinging by to say farewell. It's going to be 4 -6 months before I'm allowed to even try to run again, so I won't be torturing myself by visiting here too much. :(

Not only did I break that 4th metatarsal, but I damaged (sprained, torn, fractured, something...) my Lisfranc joint. The doc won't know for sure until he cuts me open. I have surgery next week and a very long road to recovery ahead of me. Some things I've read said that the joint may always be a problem for me, so I may be giving up running for good. We'll see though. For now I just know that I will not be doing much of anything this summer.

Luckily, I still love to bike and swim...so one day, I'll get to do those again at least! ;)

[Blueberry]

GLC - that REALLY sucks:( With all you guys have going on too - that's rough:(

Hang in there - and I absolutely don't blame you for not torturing yourself:)

[emily_in_nc]

Not only did I break that 4th metatarsal, but I damaged (sprained, torn, fractured, something...) my Lisfranc joint. The doc won't know for sure until he cuts me open. I have surgery next week and a very long road to recovery ahead of me. Some things I've read said that the joint may always be a problem for me, so I may be giving up running for good. We'll see though. For now I just know that I will not be doing much of anything this summer.


Crap, crap, crap! I was so hoping you hadn't done anything serious. I'm so sorry! Injuries s u c k! :mad: :(

Please keep us posted of your progress -- you can move to the health thread, no need to torture yourself in the running thread. I will be pulling for you!

Hope the surgery goes well.

[OakLeaf]

Oh man (((((GLC))))), that stinks. :( Best of luck with the surgery and hoping you heal quickly and completely.

[7rider]

I'm just swinging by to say farewell. It's going to be 4 -6 months before I'm allowed to even try to run again, so I won't be torturing myself by visiting here too much. :(


Bummed to hear that. Will miss your "company" and bummed about the injury. Good luck with surgery. I hope the joint isn't as bad as feared.

Well, look on the bright side....there are always AquaVelo races!

[Crankin]

GLC, I am really sorry about your injury.
But, it seems like you've already put your focus on your recovery. That's a job in itself! Good luck.
Hey, I keep reading this thread, even though I haven't run since November. I'm just starting to feel it might be OK, but I seriously have to get new shoes. I guess I don't love running that much that it bothers me to read this thread, because my running is very modest compared to most.

[7rider]

Had some "tummy troubles" after lunch yesterday, and didn't feel much like eating dinner. Did manage a bit of left over stir fry and a slice of toast. Woke up this morning thinking "ugh, I gotta get 4 in today", chugged a glass of water, ate the last 2 Clif Shot Blocks in a week-old opened pack (:rolleyes:) and head out the door. Got my satellites and then hid my Garmin from sight under my sleeve (love shirts with those thumb holes!) and ran by "feel."
And...it was a great run.
Ran up every hill in my torture-fest neighborhood. No walking. Didn't light the road on fire with my speed, but that is never my goal. I read about someone who would sing "Happy Birthday" aloud, to make sure he was keeping his HR and effort at a good level (if you can't speak, you're working too hard). So, I started to belt out "Happy Birthday" going up a hill - just as I passed a neighbor out at the end of his driveway, picking up his morning paper. He must have thought I lost my mind! :D

[emily_in_nc]

5 miles today. Much harder than when I did the same distance on Monday due to the temperature being 8 or so degrees warmer and much more sun out. Instead of finishing feeling like I could keep going indefinitely, I barely made it to the 5 mile mark without dropping to a walk several times. I am sure I was slower too.

But I did it, by golly!

Looking forward to my water belt arriving via a friend from the US at the end of the month. I am ready to be able to drink a little during the run AND pour some over my head as well!

[skhill]

This morning, my legs felt so absolutely dead when I started out. The first 3 miles were a slog-- didn't help that I kept hitting the traffic lights just as they turned red. But on the long, gentle, uninterrupted downhill things started feeling much better. Stopped at the cathedral (Episc) at mile 4.5 for morning prayer (my brother is organizing it this Lent, and moaning about the low turnout. A largely empty chapel is good, though, as it meant no one was sitting close by a stinky, sweaty runner). Then when I started running again after a 20 min. break, it was a slog yet again. Ended up going 6 miles, and I hope tomorrow's long run is more fun...

[Crankin]

I thought about putting this in the "beginning running isn't fun" thread, but to stay positive, here goes.
I went to the LRS this morning to buy new shoes. It's a very nice, very local store, not a chain. Found out that in the past year, they have developed shoes with a wide toe box, but supportive heels. So, my bunion issue and any problems with the stress fracture/shins can be avoided with the same shoe. The owner told me he didn't even sell the shoe I had been wearing, anymore (he sold it to me, though, about 1.5 yrs ago). I ended up with the Mizuno Wave Nirvana. The guy thought I would faint from the price, but after I said, "hey, bike shoes are more," he laughed. He did give me a small discount, which was nice.
Then I went home and bought a subscription to Active.com for the C25K program. I am forcing myself to go slowly. I did the first day, which seemed easy, in the 60 second intervals of running never felt terrible. Of course, most people don't do this on a 10% grade hill, but I tried to time the intervals so only 2 were on the uphill. I did the 30 minutes, and ran/walked 2.2 miles, which is interesting because it used to take me 40 minutes to do this same route, with a short warm up and running the rest of the way. That sounds slow, but remember, I see even very fast runners walk up the hill. The shoes were fine and my foot doesn't hurt.
So, I am not sure how this will play out. Running 3X a week will definitely interfere with my riding and the 2 core/weights classes I am taking. I may be able to double up on the days I take the classes, though, if I run right after the class, in the AM. I know I won't want to run on the days I get home @ 6-6:30. Or, I could actually do a brick, once a week, if I start up my short early morning rides again, soon.

[emily_in_nc]

Good job, Crankin! Sounds like you're going about your restarted running program in a cautious, measured way, which should help keep you from injuries. Great that the new shoes felt good the first time out, too! :)

[yellow]

Yay, taper! :D Did my last long run yesterday before the 3/24 50k. I am a wee bit undertrained at this point but not much I can do about it now. Looking forward to a couple of easier weeks.

[Crankin]

Did my second run/walk at 6 AM this morning. It's absolutely gorgeous out, and was already 42 when I left. I went the opposite way on the hill loop part of my street, so I had less intervals going up! DH set up his old GPS for me. Great, except I could not hear the thing beeping and I ended up having to keep my headlamp aimed at the damn thing, which took a great deal of the fun out of this. I know I have a little hearing loss in one ear, but this was not good. I tried to run faster on the run intervals, which paid off, as my pace for the runs was 9:30, a first for me.
Not sure what I am going to do with my schedule. Monday is usually my rest day, I'm going to have to double up on Thursdays, and after my long ride yesterday, I want to go out and ride as much as possible! I really don't want to drop my classes at the gym, as they are the reason I joined. And, I need the weights and balance work.

[7rider]

Got in 8.1 miles yesterday. Longest run ever. After that, HillSlugger tried to put the final nail in my coffin by having me chase her for 25 miles thru the park on our TT bikes.

Quads were a bit achy yesterday, and still talking to me this morning. :rolleyes:

I've got one more weekend to try to add distance to my runs, then the 25th is a shorter run (10k), and the Cherry Blossom 10-miler is on the 1st. I won't hit 10 miles before then, but I think if I can get close, I should have no problems with the 10. 20,000 other runners will be there to distract me from the pain. :p

[skhill]

Saturday's long run was on the short side-- 10 miles, yet again. My half is less than 3 weeks away, and I don't feel ready. But there's still time for a 13-14 mile training run.

(But 3 years ago, running 10 miles was inconcievable, for some perspective)

[emily_in_nc]

(But 3 years ago, running 10 miles was inconcievable, for some perspective)

I like hearing this, because for me running 10 miles now is inconceivable, so you give me hope that it might not be forever. :)

Four miles for me this morning. It was hot and humid (nothing new there), so in the last 1/2 mile when a brief rain shower passed through, I was thrilled. Ended on a happy note! :D

[OakLeaf]

I like hearing this, because for me running 10 miles now is inconceivable, so you give me hope that it might not be forever. :)

In that case I'll remind you again that less than five years ago I posted how I had no interest in running over 10K. :)




21.5 today - I wound up traveling last week and running short but hard three days in a row, which made it a little too easy to postpone my long run when the weekend weather was cr@ppy (intermittent downpours Saturday, steady 20 mph wind with 35 mph gusts yesterday). Anyway I finally got it done, and it felt pretty good. This is my third run over 20 miles in this cycle and each one has been a little bit quicker, so I'm back in "I think I can" mode. :)

[skhill]

Hooray for Spring! It was 60F at 6am today, so I was digging through warm-weather running gear trying to decide what to wear. Felt almost naked without mittens on! It was almost a pleasure to battle the wind. It was a wind-slowed 7 miles, and I enjoyed it tremendously.

And it was 2009 that I decided to take on the challenge of running our big 4th of July 10k, intending to never run that far again... How times change! Still haven't done a marathon, but I have a shot of winning my age group in our local 5ks...

[katluvr]

Finally running, again! Last real run was a week ago (last post). I came down with a nasty cold (stupid virus). I felt really yucky! Starting to feel like my old self again.

I did manage a bike ride on Sat. Nice & easy. Then Monday I did weight circuit with a few short 1 - 1:30 min runs for HR. Yesterday AM did run/walk on TM.

Today I did 3.4 miles. I kept it slow and easy. I went out later in AM so it was 70's and sunny. Luckily not much humidity to speak of yet. I might need to start getting out earlier soon! Then I changed my shoes to my "barefoot" Merrell Base Access and ran 10 minutes (following their plan). I kept my stride short and really could tell my feet were falling under me and not out in front. Definitely felt it in the calves to start with. I think my form was OK. Kept is slow and worked on form and feeling where and how my feet land. It is exciting to make the transition. My goal is to do most (if not all) my training in the up coming months (including long runs) in these shoes.

K

[emily_in_nc]

Four miles this morning. Hot, sunny, and humid. Sweated BUCKETS. I don't know that I'll be able to increase my distance much if at all until rainy season, unless we get another rare spring cold front. The difference between 5 degrees here, or sunny vs. cloudy, is HUGE in how far I can go without misery. Today was one of those runs I was just relieved to finish.

[tangentgirl]

Got a nice run in Monday around a lake where I was traveling for work. It has a five mile path all around it. Hooray for daylight savings!

Off for another five today. :D

[skhill]

I didn't have much time this morning, so it was just 3.5 miles. I was focusing on my form, focusing so hard that I tripped on an uneven bit of sidewalk. Thankfully, I landed on the grass-- and it's been so rainy that the ground is quite soft. Then I got up, and kept on running...

[7rider]

Did my first run-bike-run workout of the season with my tri club last night.
Was absolutely gorgeous out and they had a big turnout as a result (lots of newbs, too) - about 20 or so, I'd say.
It's a 2.1 mile run, 10.5 mile bike, and a second 2.1 mile run.
I hung at the back - as is my usual place - on the 1st run with this guy, Bill. He runs at my pace, so I was really happy he was there, running, since I had someone to talk to and someone to keep me motivated to run and not walk (yeah, it's only a 2.1 mile lap - I get bored easily running! :rolleyes:).
He bailed on T1 to use the rest room (sheesh!) and I went out on the bike by myself. By the 5th lap, I had passed 3 other women, so I started my run ahead of them. In typical fashion, however, they each passed me on Run2. I am so sucky at running. But at least I also ran the whole second run and didn't walk it - not even up that awful last hill.
So, my total time was 1:22:49 - which I initially thought was great, but then looking back at last year's times, was only so-so. But, it was about 2 minutes faster than when I did the whole workout for the first time last year (which was in May). So, I guess that's an improvement, right? And...I couldn't breathe until lap 3 on the bike because I wasn't warmed up and the Spring pollen is already getting to me. Lovely. Can't wait until Spring REALLY kicks in. It seems like all my life, I never had seasonal allergies. Now, every Spring, I die a little death working out. <<cough, cough, wheeze, wheeze>> Stinks to get old.

[Crankin]

Completed my first week of c25k today, after I came home from circuit training at 6 AM. Ugh on running after that, but I did it. DH came with me and he pushed me a little, even though he is not a runner! My splits on the runs that we're flat or downhill were between 8:30 and 9:46 and my runs uphill were at around 10.00. That's fast for me.
I have a hurting right hamstring, not from running, but from the class I took Tuesday and a fast hill ride yesterday. Rest tomorrow.

[katluvr]

Ok, so I didn't run today. I did get on bike on trainer this AM before work. I have a dinner for friend retiring after work so no run this PM. But.....I did register for Pikes Peak Ascent (now my 2nd year)!:eek: Whoo-hoo (or is it Woo-hoo?). Let the training begin! No more excuses!:D

[skhill]

After our non-winter, the pollen is in the air and my spring allergies have arrived a couple weeks early. BOO! It'll only last a couple weeks, but it makes me feel sluggish all the time. Still got out for my run this morning, 6.5 miles at a slower pace than I've mostly been running lately. But it was nice; the universities are on spring break and the public schools have the day off, so traffic was much lighter than usual. Amazing what a difference that makes...

And tomorrow's my first race of 2012-- a 3k. I'm still hopeful of a new PR, maybe the good weather will balance out the allergies.

[emily_in_nc]

This morning was tough! Sun was out, and wind was practically non-existent, so I planned just a short run (5K). On my way out, at about the 1.6-mile mark, some clouds hung out in front of the sun for awhile, making it feel about 10 degrees cooler, so I went farther than I expected, to the usual turnaround for my 5-mile route. However, on the way back, the sun came out brightly again, and I wilted. Had to walk about 1/4 mile of the route until I got to a shadier bit, so I ended up with 4.75 miles.

A bit nervous about how much harder this is going to get as the weeks go by and it heats up even more. :( I am hoping that the water belt my friend is bringing from the US in early April will help.

[oldwhatshername]

sometimes we just have to roll with the punches, since Mother Nature can't be controlled!

[emily_in_nc]

sometimes we just have to roll with the punches, since Mother Nature can't be controlled!

She can't?! :confused:

Damn! :D

[Crankin]

Started the second week of the Couch to 5K program. I really did not want to run on big hills, so I drove to the North Bridge parking area and ran from there into town and back. Seems silly, but it was a pretty run and much more motivating, with stuff to look at, including lots of cyclists in groups.
My hamstring is still hurting, though not as badly. I rested totally yesterday, been stretching, etc. Maybe I need a massage. I am pissed, because this did not start from running. One of the instructors in my training class is doing hundreds of explosive jumps up on the step (with 2 risers) and other jumping stuff, which is what caused it. I am going to have to modify this week.
Anyway, DH has decided to join me in this quest, which is fine.
My run splits (which are 90 seconds this week) were all between 8:36 and 9:45, except for the last one, which was 10:06. It was harder for me to run this fast for 90 seconds, but having DH there helps.
On another note, my hearing is getting worse. I can't hear the beeps on my Garmin, unless I have my hands at waist level. DH can hear it from a-ways off... when I am alone, I have to constantly look at the watch.

[skhill]

Well, no PR in today's 3k. Fourth in my age group, at 14:45. I'm remarkably consistent at the 3k: 3 times out, with times of 14:41, 14:45, and 14:49. But the odd thing is that my 5k PR is at a slightly faster pace... About half-way, I was dealing with a nasty stitch in my side, and slowed down and breathed in a pilates way, and it calmed down. So I was able to speed up again, and even had a kick coming to the finish line.

And best of all, I finished ahead of one woman who always (until now) finishes ahead of me.

[katluvr]

skhill, nice 3K!

I did 4 miles today. Still trying to get back into running. That nasty cold took a lot out of me. It's warm, legs heavy and I'm slow, but got the run done! Actually it was beautiful this AM. Then changed to my barefoot shoes and ran 10 minutes (part of the slow plan). So actually I ran more than 4 miles. Then went for a long walk (also in barefoot shoes).

Lovely day today!

K

[OakLeaf]

Been a so-so weekend with a houseguest, the races in town, stressing about moving. Mile repeats x 4 on Thursday - worked harder for them than I did the last time, which is a little worrisome, but got it done - an easy 5 on Friday - and 7.7 at a moderate pace this morning.

But I had a sort of breakthrough of a different kind. At the Chi Running workshop last month, they gave us hats, and I actually wore mine to the racetrack Thursday and yesterday. I think it was the first time I've publicly copped to being a "runner." I was pretty conscious of having chosen a not-necessarily-athletic (but not necessarily not athletic, either, since a lot of race fans are amateur racers themselves) venue to wear it. A few months ago I called myself "Velveteen Runner" under my avatar ... I might've had a stealth visit from the Real Runner Fairy. :)

[7rider]

Did the Sunday morning MUT run with my running club. Last weekend, I ended up alone, and walked some as I was bored and had no one to chase or inspire me. Today, anticipating being solo for much of it, brought my Sony Walkman (http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666364229) to keep me company.
Ended up having a really good run (and the Walkman is super-easy to turn on/off, so I could still engage my other club members in conversation when I saw them), pacing was good, ran the whole thing - no walking. Set a new distance record of 8.5 miles. That was my last long run before the Cherry Blossom 10-miler, and it's probably a good thing, as the distance is making my right knee talk - I'm pretty sure it's the ITB at its insertion point. I recognize the pain. Will be working on that with ice and massage for the next week. Without help on my form and technique (which will hopefully be coming soon as I sign up for a training program with the club), I may be reaching the current limit of my running abilities. Will need help to get over that next hurdle.

[tangentgirl]

St. Patty's Day 5k yesterday, in the rain! Plus 2.5 miles beforehand w/ my TNT group. Woohoo!

[skhill]

7, be careful out there on the MUT-- last week a drunk driver somehow ended up driving his mercedes down my local trail in broad daylight and hit and seriously injured a walker. And he was a former cop... I feel safer running on the streets (well, sidewalks).

Today was one of those rare really great runs. I was feeling so good that when I had done my 6 miles I went on for one more mile. In the end, went just over 7 miles, and the last mile was in 8:30. The week's off to a fine start!

[Crankin]

I had a crappy run this morning. I decided to go slower, but that wasn't what was bad. Hamstring which was better on Saturday hurt in a slightly different spot. Legs felt dead and I felt like I was tired after 8 hours of sleep. Some of this might be allergies, but it's discouraging.

[emily_in_nc]

My DH has an injury (piriformis, most likely), so I took his stopwatch on my solo run this morning. Did my usual four mile out and back. I knew I'd be slow but was happy to end up with a negative split, at least -- 22:01 on the way out, 20:45 on the way back (average pace of 10:42 min/mile). I think I sped up towards the end to get out of the sun and heat asap! :D

[Crankin]

Looked at the data from my run walk when I got home. I messed up on my intervals; like I mentioned earlier, I can't hear the fricking beep on the Garmin. So, I ended up doing 2 run intervals in a row and did one of them at the end longer than necessary. My splits weren't as bad as I thought (around 10:15), with the last one, going up the hill at 11:45.
Glad no running until Thursday.

[OakLeaf]

I did a workout out of last month's Running Times that they recommended for this point in a marathon buildup ... mile repeats x 8 at slightly faster than goal race pace (so, I did the repeats @ about 8:45), with one minute rest in between. Like a tempo run but with the short rests to break it up.

I was doing good too, up until I got to this intersection that's narrow and complicated and confusing when there's even one car, and today there were two trucks on opposite sides obviously communicating with each other, PLUS a guy on a bicycle with a surfboard on the fricken' sidewalk - the street I was turning onto has a sidewalk only on that side of the road and with the truck acting unpredictable, I couldn't go into the street. So I was looking everywhere except where I was going, tripped over something and went flying. :mad: Serves me right for getting cocky about how long it'd been since I last fell on a run. :rolleyes: And not that it was the guy's fault, but I was already out of this year's ration of patience for bicycles on the sidewalk.

So, just a little bit bruised and scraped - I was on repeat #6 and I managed to finish that one on pace and knock out the last two - but I didn't really notice the worst of it until I got home, which is I think I knocked my hip out a little bit. My regular post-run stretches now include the back stretches the PT gave me, so I think everything is back where it ought to be, but man is my SI joint sore. Feels like it did when the chiropractor adjusted it with the drop table. Have to be careful I don't let it stiffen up on me in the next few days. My neck feels just slightly tweaked, too. Grrrrrr.

But other than that - good workout, and one that gives me confidence for my race. :)

[katluvr]

So I am NOT an evening runner, nor do I run well after work but yesterday I needed to get a 5 miler in, so......I came home, changed, laced up the shoes and out the door I went. It was hot (like most of the places) and humidity is starting to rise. I knew it would not be an easy run, nor fast...but I DID IT!

This morning SO was off works we could do a bike ride. 20 miles around town. Windy. Hard for me. 3rd week of April we have a MS Bike ride...not sure I will be ready, but that discussion is for another forum!

K

[emily_in_nc]

Did my 4 mile out and back run this morning. HOT (80-81) and full sun already at 7:30 am -- sure wish I could get my lazy butt out of bed an hour earlier. I was 15 seconds slower than when I did this same run on Monday, but I was just glad to finish in the heat.

Oak, did I read this right: "a guy on a bicycle with a surfboard"?? :confused: Trying to get my mind around that one. Was he biking while carrying a surfboard? Or did you mean skateboard?

Sorry you fell -- that's never fun. :(

[OakLeaf]

Yep, surfboard, though not a super long one - I don't know the different kinds of boards, but it was a real surfboard, not a boogie board. It's not that uncommon a sight around here. Board under one arm, steering with the other, sometimes with the sleeves of the wetsuit flapping everywhere.

I'm feeling a lot better today, but still a little tweaked. I'll give it a couple of days of stretching before I call the chiropractor. D'oh. :o:rolleyes:

[emily_in_nc]

Yep, surfboard, though not a super long one - I don't know the different kinds of boards, but it was a real surfboard, not a boogie board. It's not that uncommon a sight around here. Board under one arm, steering with the other, sometimes with the sleeves of the wetsuit flapping everywhere.

Wow! Then again, considering the things I've seen locals carrying on bikes here (multiple 2x4s and other large construction items, for one), I shouldn't be surprised, I suppose! :cool:

Hope you feel much better soon.

[skhill]

It was 65F and humid at dawn today, and I thought for a moment that Kentucky had switched places with Belize. But that's comfortable compared to what you faced, Emily! I went 6 miles, and my calves were not happy. Might be because I've been wearing VFFs for walking my dog lately, and not just for running.

It's now 8.5 days until my HM, and I'm so not ready. Looks like I'll be at the starting line with my last 12+ mile run being sometime last summer :eek:. I'm going to try to do that long run sometime in the next 4 days, but life + weather is making it look unlikely...

[emily_in_nc]

It was 65F and humid at dawn today, and I thought for a moment that Kentucky had switched places with Belize. But that's comfortable compared to what you faced, Emily!

I would die for 65 degrees! My very best run in 2012 was a rare morning when it was overcast and "only" 72 degrees. Our temps lately are 79-80 at 7am and usually 81-82 by the time I finish my run. High humidity and sunshine are a given. Although I have noticed that on my "off" days for running, we have more overcast mornings, like today. That is bound to mean full-on sunshine for my run tomorrow. Lucky me! :mad:

Good luck in your HM. I bet you'll do better than you think!

[katluvr]

Belize and Florida sound similar. We have had early "summer' although it is still milder than real summer. I need to start getting up earlier and out before it really gets warm. But I am used to the horrid heat and humidity and plodding along slowly!

K

[Crankin]

Skipped my run today. Allergies horrible. Went to my training class this morning, though.
I am having trouble getting it all in. I hate having to do double workouts. Probably will run tomorrow, but I'd rather be on my bike.

[Crankin]

It was 62 this morning, at 6 AM, so I went out and did day 3, week 2 of C2K. Better than my crappy run on Monday, but the there's still a lot of pollen around. My splits went from 8:26-9:30 on the flats and downhills to between 10:20 and 11:30 on the 3 hills. I could really feel the allergy situation in my lungs when I ran up the hills, although those times aren't awful for 8-10% grades.
I'm still struggling where this is all going to fit in to my total program. I am trying to avoid running 2 days in a row, but I can't avoid at least one day where I do 2 things, especially if I want a rest day. I am probably going to end up taking a rest day tomorrow, which is weird for a Saturday, but I am presenting at my club's bike workshop all day and then going into Boston at night.
Later on today I am riding to my haircut appointment and then dashing across the street to meet Reesha :) for coffee (at the place where Marni used to manage). It will be a TE afternoon.

[emily_in_nc]

Those seem like really good times to me, crankin! My run is all flat to near-flat unpaved road (I had to give up on running on the beach since there's NO shade there), though parts of it are rocky and pot hole ridden, so I have to weave around here and there to avoid the worst of it. Since I've been using my DH's stopwatch, I've gotten slightly slower with each run...strange!

Today's 4-mile out and back, I averaged an 11:05 pace on each of the first two miles and a 10:30 pace on the last two miles, so at least I had a negative split, but still quite slow. Not sure why I care as I'm just doing this for fitness, not to race. Just my natural competitiveness, I guess!

It was hot (80-81), humid, and mostly sunny. Every once in a while the sun would duck behind a few clouds, but I was still dripping, wringing wet. The pool surely feels good after a run, I will say that! :D

[Susan Otcenas]

OK, no, not really. But I did have a moment where the thought crossed my mind that I might before I was done!

What was I doing? A Hadd's Protocol Test. Here are the instructions I received from my coach. (My results follow the instructions)

++++++++++++
20 min warm up, either at track or around the area, then, 4x 50m strides (i.e. the straightaway, about 20sec.) walk back recovery is good. Get the legs and arms moving!

Then, quickly - take off your warmups, have a drink, and get on with it. Do not let your HR go way down and get cooled down.

For each mile, you will write down
1)the actual time it took to run the mile,
2)the actual HR right at the end, and 3) your PE for each mile right as you finish.
Then rest 90 sec. - in place. No jogging.

Coach Linnea or someone can assist in data collection also by writing down time per lap and actual HR per lap.

Also load your Garmin file and mark the intervals w/ comments as you have them.

Hadd hr/pace test:

Run 1600m at a steady 140 HR(Stop 90 secs and write down actual time, actual HR and PE for the mile)

Run 1600m at a steady 150 HR (Stop 90 secs and write down time, HR and PE for the mile)

Run 1600m at a steady 160 HR (Stop 90 secs and write down time, HR and PE for the mile)

Run 1600m at a steady 170 HR (Stop 90 secs and write down time, HR and PE for the mile)

Run 1600m at a steady 180 HR (Stop 90 secs and write down time, HR and PE for the mile)

At all times, adjust the running pace to maintain a stable HR. On each new stage slowly edge the HR up (ie: it is ok if the HR takes the first 600-800m to reach target level), then simply maintain HR.

DO NOT start fast and have to slow to maintain target HR.

DO NOT try to ''build into'' the HR just in the last lap. It's ok if this is whole thing is hard to do the first couple of times we execute this workout. I don't expect the first time to be perfect !

PE Rating Scale Explained:
Session RPE scale:
0 = rest (in bed)
1 = really easy (rolling out of bed)
2 = easy
3 = moderate
4 = sort of hard
5 = hard
6
7 = really hard
8
9 = really, really hard
10 = I think this is my hardest ever effort

AFTER the work on the track, jog easily for ~ 10-15min to cool off and think about the workout.


++++++++++++++++++

And here are my results!

10:18 at 139bpm
9:30 at 147bpm
8:49 at 158bpm
8:08 at 167bpm
8:03 at 173bpm. I couldn't quite make it up to the 180 target HR on the last one. I can usually get up into the low 180s but not this morning.
(And note that the bpm above are averages. One expects them to be *below* the target because it takes the first minute or two to get your HR *up* to the target, which you then try not to exceed. So, by definition, the average will be below target.)

That last mile was really really hard. A "9.9" on the perceived exertion scale! ;) (Not quite ready to commit to "the hardest ever".). I wan't quite sure I'd make it all the way to the end of the mile without puking or getting dizzy, but I persevered.

And, that was the fastest mile I've ever run! Frankly, anything sub 9:00 is unbelievable for me, so to do 3 in a row of those, well, zowie!

And the best news of all - my IT band is definitely healing. I had no trouble or pain from it at all this morning. I'm not out of the woods, but I'm getting there. Slowly, but surely.

[OakLeaf]

Susan, did they pull blood samples after each interval? I'm curious - never had lactate testing done myself. Great workout regardless!

skhill, you're ready as you're going to be (and actually it sounds like you're plenty ready, you've done a 10-miler) - no sense getting your legs tired before your race! You'll do great.

[skhill]

In my head, I know I'm ready for the HM, I just don't feel particularly ready...

This morning I did a spur of the moment 5k. It's a gloriously beautiful morning, so why not? Won my age group, in 25:57 (it was a pretty small group, on a hilly course, with plenty of pollen in the air). There was one guy pushing a stroller who passed me on downhills, and then I passed him on uphills. The little guy was getting squirmy there in the last half-mile, so dad slowed down to check on him, and I was able to leave him behind for good. But running that fast with a non-running-specific stroller is pretty impressive.

[Susan Otcenas]

No. In fact, my coach wasn't even there.

She's a big fan off Hadd & right now all my training is HR based. The idea will be to see how these amount of work I can do at each HR will change over the course of the season.

[Crankin]

On to week 3 of the C25K plan.
This week it's 5 minutes warm up, then 2 sets of 90 sec run/90 sec walk, 3 min. run/3 minute walk, 5 minute cool down
We parked our car in Concord center and ran around the neighborhoods and shops, which was fun. Ran by the LBS, the train, several restaurants, and a playground.
Knowing that going from 90 seconds of running to 3 minutes would be hard for me, I decided not to go all out on the running intervals. My splits were around 9:30 for the 90 second runs and 10:15/10:30 for the 2 3 minute runs. I had to work to regulate my breathing on the second 3 minute run.
I have to run again tomorrow, as I had a rest day on Saturday. I think I will get up early and drive to flat ground again, so I can get a more realistic experience, without the huge climbs in my neighborhood. My end goal is to be able to finish a 5K with any sub 10:00 mile time I can get, even if it is 9:59.
Then I had half of a nice veggie burrito for lunch and bought 2 pairs of shoes for 50% off at Footstock. I guess it ended up being an expensive run.

[7rider]

So, so distressed.

Thought I was doing things right.
Easy pace training.
Not too many miles added each week.
Gait analysis to work on form.
Chi Running to teach some tips.
I guess I'm not implementing all that I've learned as well as I should??

Last week, I did an 8.5 mile training run. My right knee (ITB) started talking at the end of it. Spent a fair bit of time the past week with ice, ibuprofen, and aspircreme, and self massage. I knew it was still tender.

Today, I did the "Piece of Cake 10k" with my running club (it's their birthday, hence the cake theme). Cardiovascularly, I felt great. Didn't push the pace, felt I had a comfortable rhythm and stride going. I stayed right in the middle of the road, to avoid any issues with the crown and uneven striding. But about 3.4 miles into it, my knee started bothering me again. By mile 4.5 it was majorly hurting. By mile 5.5, it was walk/jog/DG-just get me to the finish line! So so distressed.

I have a 5k scheduled for Friday, and my big 10-mile run is next Sunday. I'm completely off doing ANYthing this week. Friday is questionable. I'm going to call my chiro for some PT this week.

Drat. Drat. Drat. Drat. Drat.....

[emily_in_nc]

Yikes, 7, so sorry to hear this! I rode a century with ITB pain back in 2004, and that ended up NOT being a good idea at all. Even though it was a flat century, I had to see a sports doc and PT and couldn't ride for a long time after that. Hope you didn't do more damage by continuing to run. I know it's hard to DNF, but when you're in that kind of pain, there's no dishonor in it. Hope you'll heal up soon, but you may have to seriously curtail your running for awhile.

No running for me next week as we're off on a little trip tomorrow morning through Friday. I'm glad, as I've had a slightly twingy knee the past couple runs and think it's best to give it a rest, though we will be walking, hiking, and possibly rent mountain bikes one day if any of them fit me (hoping to find a 24"-wheeled kids one if the adult ones are all too large!)

[OakLeaf]

Oh bummer 7. :( :( Hope you heal up quick.

The one thing I didn't see on your list was hip exercises? I know Chi Running holds that that's all unnecessary, but my inexpert opinion is that most people are going be able to get healthier quicker by targeting muscle imbalances directly.

Touch wood, I don't know much about ITB issues, but I know with my Achilles, doing my PT exercises brings pretty quick relief. I'm not sure why - maybe just activating the muscles properly in a structured exercise helps bring muscle memory to use them right when I run? maybe it helps bring everything into alignment so it heals while I rest? I don't know, I just know that it does.

Hang in there, and as Emily said, no shame in DNF/DNS if you're injured. I've read that elite athletes are the most likely to DNF, and it makes perfect sense - it takes discipline to take the long view. Take good care.

Me, I woke up just sore all over, partly residuals from my fall the other day, partly I don't know why, but knowing I had to run long today. I just took it really easy and got my 21.5 done, not too slow of a pace but definitely none too fast. :p One highlight was seeing the skydivers and aerobatics team at the nearby air show. We'd been to the show yesterday and saw them up close - I was lucky to get an unobstructed view from probably 10 miles away. Another highlight - helping a turtle cross the road. :) It hissed at me and didn't act particularly grateful, but I'm sure it's happier than it would've been if a truck had squashed it.

My neck feels a whole lot better after the chiropractor on Friday. She said there was a lot of swelling - the adjustment helped right away but it still felt awfully stiff - it was popping some for the first few miles this morning and then it started to feel normal, finally. I'll probably still keep my appointment tomorrow, just in case.

[7rider]

Thanks.

Oh, I finished. Sort of a mix of walk/trot/shuffle. I think i was 22/25 in my AG! The run was all contained within a park and I dont think the cars I saw moving were volunteers patrolling the course. They might have been, but I figured the only way to get back was via my 2 feet.

Oak, one thing my gait analysis focused on a lot was hip work and muscle imbalances. I did lots of hip work particularly as I had initially a pretty noticeable hip drop on my right side. I guess I'd been slacking off, not doing them regularly enough for the volume of running I'm now doing? Active warmups and stretching (even on my rest days) had become pretty routine for me, tho, before and after working out.

I feel like I've been betrayed.

Oak - I hope YOU get better soon. Too many injuries and aches and pains around here!

[Crankin]

Feel better, 7.
I had another bad morning, mostly my own fault. I set my Garmin and drove to flat ground to run. All I had to do was press start for my C25k week 3 run. Except something looked funky on the screen, it was dark, and I didn't have my reading glasses. I reset the thing to start over and off I went. The warm up was over, started the first interval and noticed it was 1:00, not 1:30.
Long story short, I had somehow punched in some random interval program, so I ended up doing 5-6 run walks of one minute. Times were ok, around 10:30 for the runs, except one.
Now in addition to being deaf, I am also blind.

[skhill]

A pretty routine 5.5 miles this morning, in a foggy spring morning. One notable occurance: while waiting for a stoplight to turn at a busy downtown intersection, a pair of middle-school aged boys pulled up beside me on their bikes. The younger one was wearing his helmet, the older one had his hanging from his handlebars. But when I gave him a gentle scolding, he put it on, and kept it on for at least as long as he was still in my sight :). It's always good to see kids biking to school, but sending out a couple that age at dawn on a very busy street with no lights on the bikes, I'm not so sure that's a good idea...

And the pollen count's so high I'm thinking of heading to the treadmill tomorrow... *Cough sneeze cough*

[yellow]

7, boy do I know how you feel. You work hard to take care of your body and *poof* it fails you. The disappointment can be overwhelming. Who knows, maybe this is something that's been brewing for a while or maybe you had something weird go on--something tight on one side, planet alignment screwy, early spring...you get the idea. Don't beat yourself up about it. The good thing is that this is fix-able. Hang in there. It sucks being injured.

---------

I did a 50k (actually about 51k) over the weekend. Running 33 miles on an island with no shade and on a day with record setting temperatures and no breeze is humbling, to say the least. I did everything right with fueling and hydration but still had a rough go the last 12 miles or so. My body was just not ready for the temperature (and, OK, I was a bit undertained but we won't go into that). I finished with a respectable time, all things considered (5:49, 4000' of climbing, not hard but not easy, either). I wore my calf compression sleeves on a whim and boy, am I glad I did (my calves were the only part of my legs that didn't cramp). On a sour note, I got really bloated from the endurolytes, enough so that it slowed me down significantly. My feet (especially my right foot) got swollen for some unknown reason in the middle of the race. I had leg cramps in places that I didn't know I had muscles. I wasn't the only one having problems; quite a few people dropped because of heat exhaustion and related ailments (cramps, mostly). BUT! I still finished, the trail was beautiful (I train out on this island a lot but I never tire of it), I enjoyed the scenery as I walked up the hills later in the race :p , the volunteers were awesome, the bison didn't charge, the racers were fun, and the beer I had after I finished was the best beer I've had in ages. I kept telling myself that I needed to treat it as a training run for my June 50 miler. What I learned from the day is that I need to find another 50k between now and then and my vacations and work and whatnot. And I need to go somewhere warmer and do some training (like, maybe Zion? OK, twist my arm :rolleyes: ).

[Susan Otcenas]

....the bison didn't charge....

I nominate this for Quote of The Day. :D

[OakLeaf]

I'd been putting off bridge repeats because the bridge is three miles from my house, and I really wasn't looking forward to a three-mile jog back after I was done. Finally figured what the heck, I rode my bike halfway, did a little extra loop to get a good two-mile warm-up, and had at it. It was weird to put on my running gear and get on the bike! :D

I saw a splash on my first or second repeat, looked down, and there was a dolphin playing around, swimming upside down. Then I saw a couple of manatees back for the season. The wildlife really let me enjoy a workout I hadn't been looking forward to. And I didn't have to worry about them charging me. :p

[yellow]

I nominate this for Quote of The Day. :D

Susan, no joke. This event also had a 100-miler and some people got charged in the middle of the night. Bison can run really, really fast :eek:

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan, no joke. This event also had a 100-miler and some people got charged in the middle of the night. Bison can run really, really fast :eek:

Oh, I believe you! It was just one of those phrases that makes the reader do a double-take. "Did I read that right??". :)

About 15-16 years ago, I did a solo bike tour that included riding through Yellowstone National Park. People in cars were remarkable laid back about the bison, but those of us on bikes were WAY more cautious!

[Crankin]

I took the Active.com site off of my computer and stopped logging my runs.
I feel too much pressure.
Going to finish the C25K on my own time frame, so it doesn't interfere with cycling. I did run today, as it's been raining on and off, and I made a good call. I would have been in the middle of a 40 mile group ride during the worst of it, and I'm glad I looked at forecast and thought "47 degrees plus rain does not equal fun on a bike."
I finished week 3 of the program, with a run-walk on rolling hills. The last 3 minute run interval almost killed me, but it's done.

[solobiker]

Got in a nice 3.5 mile run in after work. As usual my hamstrings tighten right up. Grrrr:( oh well. I have been running about 3x/week with my longer runs on weekends. I am heading to Fla soon to visit some family. I will have to see how I do in the humidity. Today here in CO the humidity is 16% and this past weekend I heard it was 6%.

[katluvr]

Oh I miss posting here :(!

I have been amiss from my running...busy work schedule and busy weekend with Indy car races in the middle of my little city!.

I did do a trail run this past Sunday...wasn't very fast but I did "ok". Been doing short little runs in my "barefoot" shoes as I am trying to build of time/mileage to make them my main running shoes.

Love the bison sighting as well as the dolphins and manatees. Last weekend on my bike ride we stopped along the water to see river otters--how cute are they?!

Hope to be posting a good 5-miler in the AM.

KY

[katluvr]

I ran today!
I could tell I had not run much as my legs were pretty rested. I have been busy at work and stay on my feet & walk up and down stairs, but my legs still felt good today. My goal was m 5+ mile loop and to do sort of a progression run. First mile at a bit of 11 min mile pace then increase by about 15 sec per mile. But I felt a bit more frisky and here are my times...overall I am pleased

Mile 1: 10:53
Mile 2: 1030 (ok so first 2 miles a bit quicker)
Mile 3: 10:09 (So I don't think I can get faster, but...)
Mile 4: 9:50 (Really? Sub 10--fast for me! Can I hold another 10 mmp?)
Mile 5: 9:52 (Woo Hoo!)
Then I walked and slow jogged to finish my my 5.34 miles in 55:14

I know this pace is not much for some of you, but 10 min miles or faster is darn fast for these little legs. Plus considering my lack of running lately and that we are in full spring/early summer weather. Waking up to temps in the low 70's, full sun and humidity creeping up. Today I work on my training plan as I think I am about 4 1/2 months (seems long but it is not) for Pikes Peak, thus marathon TP should begin!

K

[skhill]

It was a very hilly course for the half-marathon. Really, quite extremely hilly. I've biked in that area; it's where I hit 38.2 mph on a downhill once (and then slowed down because I was getting scared) so I knew about it. But I'd never run any sort of distance in terrain like that. Ouch. By the halfway point, I had joined most of my fellow runners in walking part of the uphills. Then eventually almost all of the uphills. And I swear the hills just got steeper as the miles went on.

Do to undertraining, pollen, and hills, my time was a whopping 2:26, right in the middle of my age group. But I finished-- and it was a beautiful morning for a run, and a beautiful place for a run (if it were just a bit flatter)...