Is it Fall yet? Sept. running...

[emily_in_nc]

FINALLY! Our hot, hot, hot, dry and sunny Aug-Sept weather has finally broken, and we're back to rainy season, which had gone missing for awhile. This means a lot more rain, but it also means cooler temperatures! I got out on my first beach run in over 2 months today -- just 2.2 miles, and my knees and hips definitely felt old and cranky, but it's a start. Hopefully this weather will keep up for awhile, and I'll be able to get back to more regular running. I really need it.

[OakLeaf]

So today I ran a little over 7 miles at a sub-10 minute pace. It's about the flattest route I get from home - less than 400 feet total elevation gain - but still, I felt light on my feet and pretty good. I give some credit to the half-hour's worth of uninformed, gentle and tentative water running I did yesterday - I really felt the difference in my posture starting out, and tried to hold it the whole way. Just from that if nothing else, I'd really like to stick with water running. I posted a separate query - but if anyone knows anything at all about water running, I'd really like any advice or comments or observations or anything you have!

It was actually the second time I've done this route since I started trying to build up again, but this is the first time since my injuries started compounding that I've run far enough for anything to chafe. Weird thing to be happy about, but I just grinned when the place under the label of my shorts stung in the shower.

Oh, and my entry into the Boston Marathon was accepted. Now all I have to do is get healthy enough to train......

[surgtech1956]

I ran 3 miles today - I am soooooooooooo slow - 14:00-15:00 miles. A couple of my work friends and myself are going to run a 5K race on October 6th. I'm a little nervous because I'm so slow.

[emily_in_nc]

I ran 3 miles today - I am soooooooooooo slow - 14:00-15:00 miles. A couple of my work friends and myself are going to run a 5K race on October 6th. I'm a little nervous because I'm so slow.

Nothing wrong with being slow -- some will be walking or walking part of it, so you won't be last, in all probability, unless it's a really small 5K. A friend of mine just did her first 5K in Texas and was quite slow, but she had a blast. Look at it this way, if your first 5K is slow, your next one will be a PR (Personal Record) for sure!

From another slow one...

[surgtech1956]

Thanks Emily.

[skhill]

I've largely taken the week off from running. Didn't mean to, but the weather has been icky, either unseasonably cold or rain most mornings. And I think the down week has done me a ton of good. I was more eager to set out on my long run this morning than in quite a while. It wasn't all that long a long run, just 8 miles, but that's ok.

Next week, back to it. I'd like to at least come close to my 5k pr before the year is out, and that means some intentional speedwork.

[Tri Girl]

I ran 3 miles today - I am soooooooooooo slow - 14:00-15:00 miles. A couple of my work friends and myself are going to run a 5K race on October 6th. I'm a little nervous because I'm so slow.

Go get it!! Who cares about pace. You're still lapping everyone on the couch! I have slowed down significantly over the last few years. I have taken in stride (mostly ). Just enjoy being out there and having fun!!!

[Tri Girl]

ran 7 miles in the rain on the trails today. The trees protected me from the wet stuff, and I had fun on a couple of the open sections slipping down the muddy-red clay.
I ran with 5 friends and was dropped within the first half mile, but I really don't mind. I truly enjoy being out on the trail in the quiet, not having to keep up a conversation, hearing the raindrops pitter-patter and getting lost in my own thoughts. Not to mention stopping to take as many pictures as I want and not worrying about others thinking I'm nuts (which I am). It was turtle-city out there today (I must have passed a dozen in the 7 miles). Here are a few of my favorite photos from today.

Me leaping over logs
a trail-colored turtle I almost stepped on (sorry buddy)
and a field of yellow wildflowers by the lake.
It may not be the prettiest place I've ever lived, but there is definite beauty all around.







Sorry I always post pictures. I can't help it. I love taking them, but I will quit posting them if it's annoying.

[Crankin]

I ran today for the first time since about June 1st.
It's been raining on and off all weekend, but I did manage to get a ride in yesterday. Today, it rained in the AM, then cleared, but looked like more was coming. I went out without Garmin, etc., but I did a total of 3 miles, with the following intervals: warm up for 5 minutes, run 2 min., walk 1 min X3, run 3min, walk 1 min X3, run 4 min, walk 1 min X1, then run 2 min., walk 1 min. X3, followed by another 2 minutes of running and then cooling down. I counted in head for the time, which distracted me, and made me forget when I had to run up the hill. Have no idea how fast I went and i don't care.
I made sure to do some good stretching and use the foam roller when I got back. My hip is sore anyway, so it's about the same now. And about 5 minutes after I got back, the skies opened up again. Of course now, it's sunny.

[jessmarimba]

I'm replying to this thread instead of starting an October one because my race was in September...

Finished the Maine Marathon the other day. It was mid-fifties and raining the entire time (although apparently less of a downpour than last year). That is one spectacularly well-run race. Highly recommend it. Plus the swag bag was awesome. Lots of food, medicine samples (the box of band-aids was definitely appreciated on my poor raw feet after running in wet socks for 4.5 hours!), and a can of baked beans from a local company.

I was sore afterwards but not nearly as bad as I was expecting. Immediately after the race I had to walk up a hill to the gym (YAY HOT SHOWERS) and then down the staircase to the locker room - that was tough. But after the shower I wore compression tights and socks (and my nice warm cozy ibex dress) so by Monday I was walking much better (except down stairs). By Tuesday I was able to hike a mountain in Acadia National Park - 1 mile trail to top, 900+ feet of climbing, and a few thousand stone steps. Camped in Acadia for a few days after the race and I loved it. And wow, was it nice to have fresh seafood after living in Colorado for 3 years! Trying to decide what the next adventure will be. For once, I don't feel like quitting running!

[OakLeaf]

Very nice jess!

[Tri Girl]

Great job, Jess!!! Congrats on finishing your mary in the rain. I did a marathon last year in the rain the whole time. Started cramping from the cold around mile 13 and had to walk the second half- it was the most miserable marathon I've ever done- and yet somehow made me feel stronger when I finished.
Do you have any pictures from the race or from your camping in Acadia? I've heard it's so beautiful up there.