Trotting for Turkey (November Running)

[VeganBikeChick]

Thanks for all the encouragement! Just put in my yes.

[jessmarimba]

Running doesn't feel "fun" to me until 5 miles becomes easy. Fortunately I know now that once I reach that point, it becomes a lot less sucky, but the first couple times i started from scratch I found running to be miserable for a long time.

I still prefer company to do more than 8. For me, people are a better distraction than an ipod or anything else.

(Got back out on the bike today for the first time since I raced a couple months ago. Ugh. Unfortunately my biking probably feels like running to you. Baby steps...)

[emily_in_nc]

Running doesn't feel "fun" to me until 5 miles becomes easy. Fortunately I know now that once I reach that point, it becomes a lot less sucky, but the first couple times i started from scratch I found running to be miserable for a long time.

Good point, Jess. I think I am at the point now where I need to increase my distance, even though 3.5-ish (my usual training run MWF) is still somewhat difficult. It wouldn't be *that* much harder to do 4, and maybe eventually 5. I don't know that it will ever be *easy*, but the easiest it's going to get is during the cool season here (Jan-Mar), so if I can't do it then, I probably never will.

I know what my NY's resolution will be this year!

[7rider]

Thanks, all. It's good to know that I'm not alone and that my feelings aren't that unusual. I keep hoping that a 3-mile run will get "easy" (will if ever???). I figure if I hit that milestone, things may start clicking. Or something. I'm just not commited enough to run EVERY day. Training for this event has me solidly in a 3-days/week schedule, but with bike commuting, weekend rides, yoga, my strength work, oh, and a full time job, there are only so many hours - and so much energy - to dedicate to sport. And I don't even have any kids. I don't know how ironman athletes train and keep a home standing. I get tired just thinking about it.

It's great to read about all of your challenges - and accomplishments! You folks are inspiring. Keep up the excellent work.

Thanks!

[Bike Chick]

Great job, Emily, and congrats to your hubby. We run about the same pace so I know how good it feels to get a PR. I looked at your pictures and it's absolutely beautiful down there.

[Veronica]

Drizmal - I have a hard time getting out the door to exercise once we enter drizmal season. That's what I call it when it's sunny just over the hills, but we're socked in with river fog - for DAYS on end.

Anyway... managed to get out the door this morning for 3 miles with Thom. He did intervals, I just ran. My head and neck still hurt from my stupid fall on Saturday.

Veronica

[emily_in_nc]

Great job, Emily, and congrats to your hubby. We run about the same pace so I know how good it feels to get a PR. I looked at your pictures and it's absolutely beautiful down there.

Thanks Bike Chick! It really is.

7rider, my DH only runs 3x a week and still won the race and finds running "easy", so it's not necessary to run daily to do well at it. In fact, I think it's probably safer not to -- less risk of injuries if you do different workouts throughout the week. I cycle, do yoga/lates and light weight-training as well, so a 3x a week running schedule works well for me -- and not on consecutive days.

[katluvr]

About runs feeling easy...just when they do you try to amp up the speed. So, yes, eventually they feel easier, but like I said then you try to get a new PR!

Speaking of upping my speed, did my first run of my new plan to get faster. So it was a tempo run and I my goal was 9:30 - 9:50 pace for 1 mile, 1/2 mile recovery and then another mile at tempo pace. And I CAN run 9:30. Not real steady w/ my pace, thank goodness for my garmin, but I can do it. What I really need to run is 9 or sub 9, but I'll get there. At least I think I can. Overall 4 miles w/ warm up and cool down.

Next week I need to do the full 2 miles at tempo pace... hope I can hang in there!

K

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for all the encouragement! Just put in my yes.

Yay, VBC! Proud of you...