Running with the reindeer...December runs!

[katluvr]

So tomorrow is my birthday but I have to work do I did my birthday run today. According to the training plan I was set to run 10 miles with the mid 2 miles at race pace. So since I want do do close to a 2 hour half marathon I had to run about 9:10 for those 2 miles. I was pretty close to it the first mile, but had to take a walk break before the 2nd race pace mile that was more like 9:30. Overall it was a good run considering I started out VERY slow with heavy legs. I did allow myself to take it easy the 2nd half of my run and take walk breaks at each mile, my last mile I did pick up the pace again. Not bad for turning 48. I know many of you run faster and long and may have a few years on me....and I think you are all awesome and you keep me going! 3 years ago I was training to PR by running a 1/2 in 2:10, which I did. Then I had to run 10 min miles --that felt hard (and still not really easy for me), now I am having to hit 9 min miles (can't imagine running that for 13 miles!)...so I guess I am still pushing and improving (or at least trying to)!

Oh, and I stood in my nice cool pool after the run...boy did that feel good!
K

[emily_in_nc]

katluvr -- Happy Birthday! And awesome run. I think you're doing amazing!

I did just a pinch over 4 miles today on the beach. Nice overcast, breezy morning, 70-72 degrees. I felt really quite good, and as I got to my turnaround point from just a couple of months ago still feeling great (and going farther), I reflected on how much easier it really has become. Yes, running is still hard, harder than cycling for sure, but I've improved so much since September. Looking forward to even more improvement in the new year!

[indysteel]

Happy birthday, katluvr!!!!!

[Crankin]

Sigh... everyone seems to progress with their running, except me.
I ran on Monday for the first time in 5-6 weeks, because of diffuse pain in my foot. I was fine on the run and for the whole day, next morning, until I went to the gym. Some of the stuff in my strength and core class is hurting the foot more than running. I modify everything, don't do full jump ups or jumping jacks, and it set the foot right back where it was. Since I really need the stuff in this class more than I need to run (I do plenty of aerobic stuff), guess which has to go.
I guess it might be time to visit the podiatrist, but even if this is a real stress fracture, there's nothing I can do about it. I can't stop walking, and I've already modified the shoes I wear. Yesterday I went for a 4 mile hike and the climbing part was a bit painful on the foot.

[skhill]

Happy Birthday, katluvr!!

[uk elephant]

Happy birthday katluvr!

I got out for another run this morning. Same time and distance as on Wednesday, but considering the rolling terraing, sheep poo to dodge and having to stop to go through 5 gates along the way I must have run quicker. All in all a good warm up for the real half marathon training which starts on Monday night.

[emily_in_nc]

Sigh... everyone seems to progress with their running, except me.
I ran on Monday for the first time in 5-6 weeks, because of diffuse pain in my foot. I was fine on the run and for the whole day, next morning, until I went to the gym. Some of the stuff in my strength and core class is hurting the foot more than running. I modify everything, don't do full jump ups or jumping jacks, and it set the foot right back where it was. Since I really need the stuff in this class more than I need to run (I do plenty of aerobic stuff), guess which has to go.
I guess it might be time to visit the podiatrist, but even if this is a real stress fracture, there's nothing I can do about it. I can't stop walking, and I've already modified the shoes I wear. Yesterday I went for a 4 mile hike and the climbing part was a bit painful on the foot.

Bummer, sorry Crankin! Sorry about the foot pain. Since you get plenty of cardio otherwise, there's no reason to push yourself to run if it hurts. I wouldn't. I also know that if I lived in a hilly, cold area like you do, I wouldn't have progressed in my running the way I have managed to here in Belize these past few months. Running on packed sand trails with only the slightest rolling undulations, in temperate weather, is a far cry from running hills with multiple layers on, both physically and mentally. If I lived where you do, I'd probably stick to hiking, which I also love. Hiking is non-existent here (on the island, there is some on the mainland), so I've had to adjust to my environment.

Hope you heal up quickly!

[Crankin]

I'm definitely done, or at least giving it a rest until spring. It's been so warm on the weekends, I haven't done much hiking, as I am still cycling outside. And, I do not want this to interfere with my x country skiing or snow shoeing. The way it feels today, my heavy hiking boots and snow shoes would definitely not feel so good. But riding was fine. I am wondering if using SPD cleats in spin class is making it worse. It seems to flare up a bit after spin. I have Speedplay Xs and Frogs on my bikes, and those don't bother it at all.
I don't mind running in cold weather at all. But once the roads get icy, I don't do much of it outside, as there are very few sidewalks here. Hence, most of the running I do is in the late fall and early spring.

[OakLeaf]

Aw, bummer Crankin. Enjoy your hiking and heal quick.

Happy birthday kat!

I took one look at the thermometer this morning and blew it off, even though I probably won't get another chance to run until Monday. Seventeen degrees is just too cold for me, especially since my warm gloves are already in transit. I've had frostbite four times and that's plenty for me. Wish I could've got some kind of a workout in, though.