Running August 10-16

[leathela]

I've finalllllly been able to go back to running in the past 2 weeks--I had a hamstring injury and was strongly encouraged by my sports physician to not run for several months. I'm glad I took his advice, because my leg is feeling so much better now, and I've been able to run without pain. I missed it! (I'd also forgotten what it feels like to run without the sensation of my hamstring ripping in half).

Anyway, I'm taking it slowly right now and am running at a consistent pace; no speedwork and only moderate hills. Since getting back from my hiatus, my longest run to date has been 6 miles. I'm hoping to get back up to 8-10 soon, as I have a half-marathon in September that I'd really like to run in.

So far this week, I did a 4-mile run on Tuesday at a 7:49 pace, and a 5K on Wednesday at a 7:35 pace. I plan to run again on Saturday, probably a 5 miler. It's hard for me to run just three times a week, but I'm trying to avoid reinjury!

[skhill]

I'm going to be doing my 2nd ever race this Saturday-- this time it's 5k (the first was 10k). The logistics have me a bit concerned: it's an evening race, start time is right at sunset. I've been planning on getting there on my bike, but coming home I'll need my lights, and I'm not keen on leaving even a cheap headlight on my bike parked downtown. But I'm not keen on carrying it with me on the run either. Maybe I'll just get there on foot (or ride down and walk the bike home? Hmmm....)

Anyway, today was a pleasant and easy 3.8 miles, slowed down by dodging the swarms of school buses on the roads (school started yesterday, can you believe it?)

[OakLeaf]

Maybe your race has a gear check where you could leave your headlight (and keys, seat pack, phone etc)?

Leathela, that's pretty fast, for "taking it slowly"!

[Jolt]

Just got back from a just-under-30-minute road/grass run (would have been a bit longer if it weren't for a bit of GI upset). It's not hot today (thank goodness) but it is very humid still, so endurance wasn't quite up to par--it's amazing how much the weather affects running. It was different running on the roads since I haven't done much road running lately--a little easier to concentrate on form as opposed to dodging rocks, roots, muck etc.

[kacie tri-ing]

Good job with the self control Urlea! I think that you would rather really accomplish a race than wait for quitting a race. Why are you waiting on a 140.6, but looking for a 100miler? Do you have a future race planned?

[Urlea]

Good job with the self control Urlea! I think that you would rather really accomplish a race than wait for quitting a race. Why are you waiting on a 140.6, but looking for a 100miler? Do you have a future race planned?

Thanks Kacie, I know sticking with the original plan was the best thing to do and I'm excited to race the 50k!

The reason I'm waiting to do a IM140.6 is because #1 I don't have the extra $500+ to register for one at this time and #2 I've heard they sell out really fast especially since I'm a "general entry". Unless I just don't understand how that whole thing works, maybe one of you could explain it to me.

I wouldn't say I have a real plan for my race season next year, still tossing a few ideas around. I've got the problem of too many passions, I love triathlon, but I also really love the long run & it's difficult to do both in the same season.

As for my long run today, it was 92 degrees which was great heat training something my running buddy and I have wanted to get. I think I will need to pick up another hand water bottle for the 50k though. I was starting to get low on the bottle in my belt at about mile 4 in the heat and some of the aid stations at the race are as far as 6miles apart.

Other than that it was one of those days that my body wasn't the most keen on running so the pace wasn't the best & I wasn't the most comfortable, but I still wouldn't classify it as a bad run, it actually went by really fast.

The highlight of my run: walking home from the grocery store in my running gear toting a 9pk of Charmin mega-roll. I thought I would pick up a few necessities on the way home and the car would not start when I got done shopping. The good news is the grocery store is close to home so it wasn't a long walk. Must've been a pretty comical sight.

[leathela]

The highlight of my run: walking home from the grocery store in my running gear toting a 9pk of Charmin mega-roll. I thought I would pick up a few necessities on the way home and the car would not start when I got done shopping. The good news is the grocery store is close to home so it wasn't a long walk. Must've been a pretty comical sight.

haha I've definitely been in this situation before too! Sometimes it's just easier to buy what you need on the way back from your run, instead of going back out again. A comical sight, yes, but with a practical purpose behind it.

[KSH]

The reason I'm waiting to do a IM140.6 is because #1 I don't have the extra $500+ to register for one at this time and #2 I've heard they sell out really fast especially since I'm a "general entry". Unless I just don't understand how that whole thing works, maybe one of you could explain it to me.

General entry just means that you didn't place in your AG at a qualifying race to get entry to an IM. Or you are not pro/elite racer.

Some races sell out on site (which means you have to spend the $$$ to travel the year before and volunteer), but some you can purchase entry online.

There are a few races that don't sell out THAT quickly and will stay open for a month or even two. Of course, you still have to decide a year ahead of time what IM you want to do.

This is really for the IM branded races... there are plenty of 140.6 races around the US that don't require entry a year ahead of time, or $500 to play.

[Deborajen]

The highlight of my run: walking home from the grocery store in my running gear toting a 9pk of Charmin mega-roll. I thought I would pick up a few necessities on the way home and the car would not start when I got done shopping. The good news is the grocery store is close to home so it wasn't a long walk. Must've been a pretty comical sight.

I've walked back with a 10-lb. bag of kitty litter, but I think the toilet paper would be better! Around my neighborhood, walking with a bag of groceries usually gets a few "concerned" drivers asking if you need a ride. (Thanks, but no - I'm walking 'cause I want to!)

I did 3 miles yesterday evening. It was in the early 90's outside so I stayed in the shade as much as I could and drank as much water as I usually do going twice that far. I'm just not adjusting to the heat this year - even low 80's gets to me. So yesterday was a slow one - but it sure beat running on the treadmill. Sometimes I can handle the treadmill, but I just wasn't in the mood yesterday.

Deb