A Running Milestone

I've been doing intervals on the treadmill once a week for the last few weeks and not doing much outside running. Darn job...

I took off Wednesday and actually went for a run in the morning. I finally broke the ten minute barrier! My first mile was a 9:41; the second was a 9:45.

Today my friend Joyce came over to run with me before work. I've inspired her to do a tri next spring. We're doing the Salmon Duathlon together next weekend. Joyce is about 4 inches taller than me and even though she doesn't run much, her pace is faster. Not only are her legs longer, but she has a faster cadence. With her I had a 9:01 first mile and a 9:33 second!

I am so excited. It was only a two mile run, but still... Last April when I started I was doing 12:30 miles on a two mile run. :)

It was so much fun to have someone to run with. And I was surprised our pace was so fast, because we were talking.

I finally feel like a real runner. Which is good because I'm out of USAT's official Athena division (150 pounds). Barb's Race puts the cut off at 145 pounds. I'm at 147 pounds now and expect (hope) that a few more pounds will come off. My trainer thinks I'll level out at around 140 - 142. I don't expect I'll ever place in my age group, but it will be nice to make a decent showing and it's the run that holds me back.

What a happy way to start the day. :D

Veronica

Woohoo!!! :D

That is an awesome improvement Veronica.

Keep up the good work!!!

Just remember, it doesn't get easier, you just get faster. :)

Yay V! Nothing like a good run to clear the cobwebs!

V - Excellent news all around. :):):):):):)

Very inspiring! I really hate treadmill speedwork -- just started doing it for the first time about 4 weeks ago. It's hard! BUT, reading your report inspires me to continue. Thanks for posting! :D

My trainer had me start doing it. When she's there I set the sprint for 8.3 mph, the jog for 5 mph and the incline at 1. She toggles back and forth between the sprint and jog every 30 seconds.

When I'm by myself, no incline and I set the sprint for 8 mph and I switch every 30 seconds.

Veronica

Hmmmm. Maybe you should order some RUNERVALS from Coach Troy!!!!

I wanna be a runner again :( / :)

Wow, V, That's great news. I really noticed my mph jump last spring and just got more comfortable at a higher speed once I started working in intervals. They suck, but they really help! And it seemed to happen fairly quickly.

:D

bwa ha ha ha ha...how many pairs of shoes do you have now?!?!

Just one pair still. I can't seem to justify more than that. Heck, I bought some Brooks knickers about 6 weeks ago and just started wearing them this week. Not because it wasn't cold, but because I wasn't getting out in the morning.

Although the rainy season is coming and I do plan on running in the rain. :)

Veronica