Running into '10

[colby]

I did about 2 miles today with the dog. I got a Polar RS800CX Multi (just means it comes with the HRM, GPS, and software, really) for xmas from my husband and it was my inaugural run with it all on. I did a 45 minute ride last night with it on, too, but there's no point to wearing the GPS on the trainer.

It was cool to see the route on the map (and how it is downhill at the start and uphill or flat the rest of the way, basically ) and line the speed up with the heart rate chart. Since I had my dog, it was quite comical to actually SEE where she stopped to do her business along the route. The GPS unit is comfortable (it's separate from the wrist unit, which will be quite useful on longer rides and runs and races to extend the lifetime of the most important part, the HRM).

Oops, ETA, this is week 1 of Ironman training. Not really "training" this week, but getting used to daily workouts, sometimes more than one per day, again.

[Grog]

Oops, ETA, this is week 1 of Ironman training. Not really "training" this week, but getting used to daily workouts, sometimes more than one per day, again.

GO COLBY!!!!

[Urlea]

Didn't run today, but I always love reading about yours! Enjoying my rest day after yesterday's run, body feels surprisingly good.

Syndirelah Yes! I'm training for my first 100 mile ultra which will be in August 2010. For the most part I'm a silly excited about it, but sometimes I feel overwhelmed w/ the training ahead. I just keep telling myself that I only have to run 10 miles 10 times & that helps! I'm also hoping to do another HIM in June, the cross training really helps my running and I love tris too.

GLC Welcome! I hope this new plan works well for you & that you're able to get back to running w/o pain. As the other ladies have said, it's not about the distance, it's about running.

[colby]

Thanks, ladies. You are the best.

[Bike Chick]

Wow, Colby and Urlea! I hope you keep posting here while you are training. When are the IM and UM?

Syn, thanks for your help. This will be my first half so I wouldn't know a good race from a bad one. My hubby went to college there too so he will be running down memory lane as well.

[katluvr]

Last night was a 4 mile run w/ the 2 mid miles @ tempo.
First mile --warm up was a bit sluggish. I really worried about hitting and sustaining 9:50 - 10 min miles. But I DID. Problem is I find my self running toooo fast, then drift down toooooo slow and then overshoot again. I really tried to "feel" what that pace was when I was at my target pace. Overall I did avg 9:50 for those 2 miles.
I DID walk about 1 min after that. I just need to do that to get my HR down and actually my breathing back in control. Last mile was where it needed to be pace wise, but was faster than warm up mile.

Question.... length of stride.
So a 10 min mile is pretty much "running" for me, meaning a bit past comfort zone. I am 4'10" and have about a 25- 26 incn(I think more like 25) inseam. So I have short legs and therefore a short stride.
On my long run on Sunday my SO (who biked around and checked on me) noted that even for my short legs she thought my stride was too short. I do know it feels comfortable. I did note that when I speed up last night for my tempo pace that my stride lengthened. But when I am in "long" distance mode I keep it short.
SO recommended "bounding" drills. Anyone have any thoughts/recommendations?

Urlea--I WISH I loved running like you did. Of course I don't think I am a "natural" at anything. Biking and running just don't come easy. (Except for doing it very slow and for a long time). You amaze me to just go out and run in those extreme conditions and seem to love every minute of it. Maybe after the marathon training I can focus more on just enjoying it. (But often without a goal I don't even find myself running). You do inspire me!

Colby--An IM?! WOW! And you just finished a marathon. You may have said but when is the IM? I really want to get swimming again adn try a sprint AGAIN. I can't imagine swimming 2 miles. OMG! I will enjoy your training updates.

Synderilah--I hope you don't have to do your long run on dreadmill again this weekend! I'll be doing my firstt 20 miler!

Everyone else--have a great run today (if you are running)!
Not sure of my cross training plans today. Friday I plan to head out to the "hill" (bridge/overpass) and run other that a few times.

Happy New Year!

[Urlea]

Bikechick I'm sure you'll hear plenty about my training in the coming months, you ladies help keep me sane!

Kat In answer to your stride question I have nothing scientific to contribute, but I also have short legs. I'm a 5'4" freak of nature w/ a 27in inseam, the height is all in my torso. That said, unless I am trying to haul during a 5k or finishing with a sprint my gait/stride is always relatively short & that is what my body responds well to.

It seems to shave off some of the impact since I'm not leaping from step to step. It also means that when I slip on muddy trail or ice with one foot my other one is there quickly to keep me from falling. HTH!