Running Down a Dream: Week of 8/22 - 8/28

[OakLeaf]

It's a beautiful day - I did 9 x 1 minute intervals after my aerobics class.

Thinking I might increase the number of intervals next time (both on these and on the mile repeats). How do you decide when you're ready to do that?

[colby]

It's a beautiful day - I did 9 x 1 minute intervals after my aerobics class.

Thinking I might increase the number of intervals next time (both on these and on the mile repeats). How do you decide when you're ready to do that?

Aside from the ol' "do them until you think you can't do anymore, then do 1 more", I either increase the quantity or speed so that I'm tired by the end. I'm not really sure how you know, honestly. I'm about to shift gears back into running (minus the whole cycling trip in October) so I might be finding out soon

[Jolt]

Finally a good run today! It was about 58 degrees with drizzle and I ran around town, going down random side streets with a general idea of the direction they would take me but not knowing for sure what I would encounter. I stayed out for about an hour, running almost the whole time (did have a couple of short walk breaks after tough hills and also had the occasional brief stop to get my bearings). Felt a little muscle fatigue setting in by the end but still was able to kick it up for the last quarter mile. Much better than I've been doing lately---not sure if it was due to the much cooler weather, the mental stimulation of some new territory, or the cup of green tea I drank shortly before heading out. Not sure what my mileage or speed was, but it did feel good. Now it's time to do push-ups!

[skhill]

There's a hint of fall in the air at last! It was 60 this morning when I headed out the door. Today was a tempo run: supposed to be a 1 mile warm up, 4 miles at 9:04/mile, then 1 mile cool down. But the 4 fast miles were a lot faster than that. The first was 8:28, then I tried to slow down and the 2nd was 8:25, slowed down again and went 8:19, slowed way down and ended up with an 8:14. Seriously. I kept trying to go slower and ended up going faster... Maybe when I try to slow down I relax a little, and that makes me go faster?

[Crankin]

Since it's still pouring here, I experimented with the treadmill again (see the should I start running thread). I added in another running interval, same slow, pathetic speed of 5.6, but i increased the time of 3 out of the 4 intervals to 1:30 or 2:00. The rest was walking at 4.0, with inclines between 3 and 5%. I can't stand more than 30 minutes total on the TM, though. No hip/back pain so far.
I guess the key is to start (again) very, very slowly.

[WindingRoad]

Well I have tried 3X this week to get up at 5 am then go run. I have had two experiences of my upstairs neighbors waking me up at about 3:30 one morning and 4 another morning Then when my alarm goes off I am dead to the world. So freakin' frustrating! So help me God I am at least gonna get a commute in tomorrow! This is my first week of professional school and I am struggling with getting my exercise routing worked in with my academic schedule which is pretty rigorous. For some reason I've been timid about riding and running in the new city. I feel like such a putz but I can't deny I'm still not in my comfort zone yet. It's been a crazy last 4 weeks. I moved halfway across the US, uprooted my entire life, but I have to get my running schedule back before my nerves go on overload! If any of you have any 'confidence' building techniques for me, feel free to share.

[Veronica]

My "Get A Fast 10K" plan is on hold since my oh so cute new shoes give me horrendous blisters the first day of school. Even after I wore them around the house a few times. I guess walking up and down my hallway does not compare to the many miles I walk at school every day.

Oh and it's 103 degrees at my house right now. It was 78 at 4:45 this morning when I went to meet my trainer.

Veronica

[OakLeaf]

If any of you have any 'confidence' building techniques for me, feel free to share.

MapMyRun. Plan your route beforehand. Write out a cue sheet (or draw a map) and stick it in your pocket.

Girls do you think it's possible to do a half marathon with 11 weeks of training?

I sure hope so since I'm trying to do a full on 11 weeks (including taper). What was your longest recent run, and how long ago?