Running week of 4/27

[Crankin]

I *finally* ran after 10 days (well, one run/walk). Went out after doing some work and it starting raining before I essentially got down my driveway. It was 65 or so and windy. I am too wimpy to run in the rain, unless it's really warm, so I headed inside, got in the car and went to the gym. I had to go there anyway, because I am considering not rejoining and going somewhere else, and I needed to talk to the membership person.
I had a good 3.1 mile run, mostly at a 10 min. mile pace. It was definitely the longest I have run at that pace. Nothing hurt, either.
This afternoon I went and got a bottle belt, because it is now hot enough for me to need water when I run. I got a 2 bottle one, since I doubt I will ever be running more than 5-6 miles. The guy at the running store started talking to me about tri's since I said I was mostly a cyclist, so I was like whoa, no way, I would drown on the swim. Then he laughed and said he would, too.

[limewave]

Urlea--love the hair! So much fun.

I did two runs this week.
A 4-miler that took an hour and a 3-miler that took almost took an hour.

It felt so good to be "running" but was really sore afterwards. Probably time to just walk.

I brought DD with me, it was her first official run. I'm thinking about starting a mileage log so that she can have a "life-time mileage" record. JK. But it would be cool to have that. She ran an entire mile in two half-mile segments.

[Urlea]

Wow you ladies have been doing great with your running this week! That's encouraging.

Lime What a cutie!! And to run a whole mile with such a tiny stride, that's amazing.

Crankin It's smart to carry water with you even on the runs under an hr. in that kind of heat. Can always pour it over your head if you don't feel like drinking it. That always makes me feel faster.

Indi Good luck tomorrow! I'm sure you'll do great with the encouragement of the spectators & not having to mentally keep track of a route.

Oak I'm with you on the smells of spring & manure. Last fall I did a 7miler out on the country where I grew up and a lot of my route had the barn musk. At least the smell of the fields & wild flowers between farms made up for it!

This morning was the last long run before the marathon. 10miles. We ran a good portion of the route we will be covering during the race. Some of it goes through the historic downtown which I love & 8th St. which has huge oaks lining the road in almost an archway.

Overall the run was really comfortable @ a 10:35 pace. Unless something goes wrong I'm pretty confident I will be able to hold that for 26.2 if not faster. My legs were feeling fatigued because of PRing my 7miler on Thursday & cycling 70mi. this week. Will definitely need to make myself taper hard next wk. to make sure my legs are fresh come race-day.

Since Maggy (my running buddy) was sick & decided to go with the later morning group I found myself paired with two other women.Thankfully. I hadn't printed off directions & they were definitely needed, so having them as navigators was a huge blessing.

Anyway, I realized towards the end of the run that out of all the ladies I have run with Maggy is the best for me. The pace, the encouragement & the conversation is wonderful. We plan to run together for as much of the marathon & as we can, given that our paces are in tune with one another during the race. I'm looking forward to it!!

Wishing you pleasant runs this weekend & perhaps even a running buddy.

[indigoiis]

I'm inspired and look forward to your marathon report!

[Crankin]

Good luck, Indi. I am planning on doing a run for the local hospital's cancer center in June. It's a 5K, so no real training involved, other than what I am already doing. My riding friend does fundraising for the hospital, so I promised her.
I ran again today. Usually, I would not run 2 days in a row, but for some reason, I did not feel like getting on my bike. I don't feel that great, allergies, etc and my reasoning was if I am running and feel bad, at least I can walk home..
My stupid Garmin didn't pick up the satellites until I had gone about 1.25 miles. So, I don't have any real stats, except that based on my last run on this route, I went further, so I think I ran 3.75-4 miles, at around a 10:30-11:00 pace. Then I got a good half a mile cool down, up the hill. I drank the water from both of my 10 Oz. bottles. I really didn't think I needed a 4 bottle belt! It's only 79 out, but I just sweat like crazy. I started thinking I must look like a real geek: big, clunky Garmin 105 on one wrist, Road ID on the other, water bottle belt with I Pod attached .

[OakLeaf]

I usually set my Garmin down with a clear view of the sky while I'm warming up. It will take forever to find the satellites if I'm moving, even a little.

My 705 corrupted the track for my ride this morning. which I really wanted in my training log since it was my first real hill ride this year. Don't know why it did that, but I did a hard reset and hopefully it was just a glitch.

Good luck Indigo! Stop lights take LOTS out of your average pace. Plus you'll just run faster in the atmosphere of a race. Have fun!

[Crankin]

Yes, I always put my Garmin outside on the roof of my DH's SUV to get going, so it is ready when I go out. It just wouldn't do it. It asked all of those questions like, "Have you moved hundreds of miles away?" So finally, I just went, with it on, because I was afraid my husband might ask me to help him plant the 71 day lilies and hostas he was planting!

[indigoiis]

I am hooked.
I ran 29:33 and felt like I could have done much faster - I was running conservatively because I am not 100% in touch with my running body yet. It's actually more like a reunion - I ran track and cc as a teen and young adult and then spent 20 years partying until I got into cycling a few years ago. Cycling has taught me a lot... it helped with the race today.

I think, because I cycle, it helped with:
-finding space - I had no problem "taking" my place in the crowd.
-rhythm
-understanding the need to "spin"
-drafting. I drafted several times.
-breathing

With running though, you are making contact with that pavement instead of your tires. That impact comes right up through to your brain.

Anyhow, I was fresh at the end and felt really good and so now I am hooked. I am doing an 8K next Saturday (like you Crankin, I promised a friend) in Westport MA. And then (gulp) I signed up for the Amica half marathon on October 18th. That gives me plenty of time to train and also to do all the biking I need to do this summer (two centuries to train for.) But I really like using my body this way... I feel really fit this year and it's helping me to eat right and take care of myself. Yay!

Anyhow I plan on being on the running thread more as I have no one to run with around here (out in the boonies) and so will look forward to your inspirational stories!