Trotting for Turkey (November Running)

[Bike Chick]

BC - How is it going with the Newtons?

I have a pair of one of the stability trainers coming (the bright blue ones, can't remember the model name). Plan to slowly adjust to them.

So far, so good, Selkie! I've done one 2 mile run in them and have been walking in them alot. I plan to do my 5 mile run in them this week and I'll give you an update. I think I'm really going to like them and hope that I can run my marathon in January in them.

I hit a milestone today! 16 mile run! And I also found a running partner which really made the miles click by. A lady in my town is also training for a marathon and suggested we do our long runs together. Her pace is about a mile a minute faster than mine but we made it work.

[OakLeaf]

Well apparently I'm the kind of person who runs a half-marathon out of laziness and lack of motivation.

I've been really struggling lately, kind of similar issues to what Brandi posted about in her thread - yesterday I barely got off the couch, and this morning I just couldn't motivate to do the club ride even though they're starting an hour later for the winter (in addition to the time change). But I knew there was this little half in the afternoon ... and I pretty much needed to get a longer run in before we travel to see my dad ...

There were maybe 100 runners and we didn't get much for our registration fee. I wasn't expecting a T-shirt since I registered day of race, but the website promised six water stops and AG awards, and what we got was three water stops (the last one 4.5 miles from the finish), a course that was four-tenths of a mile short, and only awards for overall podiums. But what the heck, not much sense in a medal when there might've been three or four people in my AG. I don't care about the short course either since I really wasn't running for time, but there were at least a couple of people who said it was their first half, so that must've been a disappointment for them.

My husband promised me I'd feel better after I ran. He was right.

[Jolt]

Well, today's plan was for a long run on some trails in a wildlife-management area a few towns over that I had heard were supposed to be good. However, because I didn't have a map of said trails (and am not sure one exists) it didn't go so well. The trail from the first trailhead was too short and mostly not runnable due to being too steep on the way up. At the secoond trailhead, I found another too-short trail but it was pretty flat and runnable, then there was another trail that may have been longer but by that time I was running out of daylight so had to head home. I may go back there tomorrow and try that main trail even though it's an ATV trail which really isn't my favorite thing...I am still working on finding foot-only trails in the area that are long enough for a good hike/run and aren't too far away. There is the town's trail system and the loop on the farm/apple orchard, both of which are decent, but some variety is nice too. Actually, the good thing about going back to that wildlife management area tomorrow would be that there is no hunting allowed on Sundays here...I have a blaze orange vest and bandana which I wore today, but it still makes me slightly nervous that people could be out there shooting. I could tell somebody had gotten something today...there was definitely some blood on the trail in one area, and it was coagulated but not dried yet.

[Selkie]

So far, so good, Selkie! I've done one 2 mile run in them and have been walking in them alot. I plan to do my 5 mile run in them this week and I'll give you an update. I think I'm really going to like them and hope that I can run my marathon in January in them.

Thanks for the update. I put on my new Newtons this morning and quickly remembered why I loved them before.

I've been wearing my VFFs around the house, so depending on how I feel, I might try to run a mile in the Newtons some time this coming week.

[7rider]

I went out for a 3.25 mile training run today. I've started running with a metronome playing in 1 ear to train me to improve my cadence. We'll see how it goes.

Came across a neighbor friend who we haven't seen in ages. Asked him how he was doing. Said his wife - they had been together since 1964! - passed away suddenly and unexpectedly 5 weeks ago. Pulmonary embolism. He was on the phone with her when she collapsed. It was too late by the time he got to her. What a shock. His advice was to live each day to the fullest and tell those you love that you love them.

[Bike Chick]

Thanks for the update. I put on my new Newtons this morning and quickly remembered why I loved them before.

I've been wearing my VFFs around the house, so depending on how I feel, I might try to run a mile in the Newtons some time this coming week.

Let me know how it goes. So you have had Newtons in the past? How long did it take you to build the mileage in them? I'm afraid to run too far just yet. I can't risk an injury 6 weeks before a marathon.

[GLC1968]

Oak - I guess picking up a random half marathon will get you out and running, huh?

7rider - I'm sorry about your neighbor. That's really shocking and sad!


I ran 5 miles on the treadmill yesterday. It went really well because I was watching a DVD! By next weekend we'll have cable in our basement, too...so that'll help.

Today I did 10 miles outside. I ran my usual route but threw in 3 loops around the wetland preserve lake to extend it. Luckily, the rain held off, so I got to run the entire thing with dry feet.

[skhill]

Sunday I took my dog running for the first time. The wind was howling (and it still is) so I wasn't going to have a decent run anyway, so why not take Stella along. We did just one mile, with a piddle break and a squirrel break; Stella wanted to keep going but I was cussing the wind, so that was all. We'll try it again when the weather's better...

No run today, thanks to the wind. If it's raining tomorrow morning as hard as predicted, it'll be a treadmill day for the first time in months...

[Selkie]

Let me know how it goes. So you have had Newtons in the past? How long did it take you to build the mileage in them? I'm afraid to run too far just yet. I can't risk an injury 6 weeks before a marathon.

The first time I used Newtons, I just started wearing them. I was just getting back into running, so it was a natural progression because I was building mileage back up as I acclimated.

If I were you, I'd take it very very slow. Also, pay careful attention to stretching your calves and watching your ankles/achilles. You don't want to end up with ankle/achilles tendonitis, particularly right before a marathon.

[Bike Chick]

The first time I used Newtons, I just started wearing them. I was just getting back into running, so it was a natural progression because I was building mileage back up as I acclimated.

If I were you, I'd take it very very slow. Also, pay careful attention to stretching your calves and watching your ankles/achilles. You don't want to end up with ankle/achilles tendonitis, particularly right before a marathon.

Thanks, Selkie, for your advise. I did a 2 mile recovery run in them yesterday. I'm not quite sure how to run in them. I feel like I'm running on my tip-toes

[skhill]

Treadmill today. I'd forgotten how different it feels in the legs from the road! Just 3 miles, and I sure hope the weather is better tomorrow!

[katluvr]

Yes my running has been sporadic....but I was off today so set out for a run. Did my usual 4 mile loop and took it pretty slow. It is about 76 degrees here in FL and usually that is pretty nice, but the humidity is 90%. I was drenched when I finished my SLOW run.

Speaking of speed...I have felt a bit slow lately. I am sure if I look back most of my runs are a bit faster, but I don't feel that much faster. I still long for a sub 10 min mile avg, especially on my long runs. My PR for my 1/2 is 2:10. I I want to get closer or below 2 hours. And I keep reading about how at my age (I turn 48) most runners are slowing down. But I have only been running for 8 years...so have I really already peaked? I hope not. I would like to think that my lack of speed right now is that last year I did mostly LONG slow runs in the heat and endurance building runs and little speed work and the fact that I have gained 6 pounds since Aug. (post Pikes Peak eating & drinking).

So it is time for a "training plan" and some real speed work. Jan. is a 5K that last year I finally did under 30 min so I will work to beat that and Feb is a 1/2 that I hope to set a new PR...looking at the 2 hour mark

K