Scaring up some good runs: October

[OakLeaf]

Trepidation is my middle name these days.

I did my first speedwork in almost six months yesterday ... just 6 x 1 minute sprints with 1 minute recovery. I left something in reserve both in terms of intensity and in the number of repeats, since it was my first time back. It didn't seem to aggravate anything and it felt good to really breathe again.

I've also been continuing to push the distance now that it's cool enough to go a little longer without water. I'm up to a 9 mile long run, which that loop is fairly flat, but for some reason, it really felt like more of a milestone to me than the shorter hillier loop. I think I'll consolidate for a couple of weeks before I try carrying water, but I'm going to have to try it sooner than later.

I'm also keeping up with the water running - I just got a waterproof iPod, since it's obvious I can't keep up a decent cadence in the stupid pool for any amount of time without some external motivation. My posture just feels so much better every time I get back running on land after I've done the pool.

Trepidation, yeppers. But I'm starting to feel some hope, too. I'm almost afraid to.



ETA: Oh, and guess what else?! I just got back from shoe shopping ... which is often a nightmare for me ... Nike Air Pegasus (men's) has a nice square toe box, comes in 4E and the heels aren't too wide for my woman's heels! Happy dance! Happy feet!

[indysteel]

Oak, it sure sounds like you're making excellent progress. Nine miles is awesome! I'm so thrilled for you that you're feeling better!

I know speed is relative and that I'm not sure my left hamstring will tolerate a true sprint, but when you say "sprint" for your speed intervals, how fast are we talking here?

[OakLeaf]

As you say, speed is relative. Yesterday some of them were into a 25 mph wind and up a slight grade, and the rest were in the opposite direction, which made more than 1 mm difference in the pace all by itself.

When I do the one-minute sprints, when I'm healthy, I give it everything I can for that minute. This spring that would've been in the 5:50 - 6:15 range. Yesterday it was in the 6:35 - 8:15 range. I probably had a *little* bit more in me, but like I said, I didn't want to go all the way out until I knew it wasn't going to hurt me.

[indysteel]

Thanks for that info, Oak. It gives me some perspective.

[Tri Girl]

Ran 7.5 miles tonight in just under 2 hours. I'm so dadgum slow on the trails, but it's the only place I truly love to run lately. On the road I can run 11's easy, but on the trail I struggle to maintain 14-16 min/miles. I have to watch my feet so carefully because I'm a walking human disaster.
I have my first 50K run this weekend in Palo Duro Canyon and I'm super stoked about it. I don't care about time, but am thinking it will take me 8 hours (don't remind me that some of the 50 milers will be done by then).
I'm just out there to get the finish and soak up some time in the canyon. For me it's all about being out there no matter how long it takes.

[solobiker]

Ran 7.5 miles tonight in just under 2 hours. I'm so dadgum slow on the trails, but it's the only place I truly love to run lately. On the road I can run 11's easy, but on the trail I struggle to maintain 14-16 min/miles. I have to watch my feet so carefully because I'm a walking human disaster.
I have my first 50K run this weekend in Palo Duro Canyon and I'm super stoked about it. I don't care about time, but am thinking it will take me 8 hours (don't remind me that some of the 50 milers will be done by then).
I'm just out there to get the finish and soak up some time in the canyon. For me it's all about being out there no matter how long it takes.

I love your attitude!!! And I hear you about having to watch your feet....I always tell people my middle name is not Grace. Good luck and most of all have fun!! :-)

[skhill]

While I was running this morning, it occurred to me that it was Oct. 2008 when I first started trying to run. It took more than a month of plugging away about 3 times a week before I could make it a whole mile without stopping. I'm so glad I kept at it!

This morning's run was just over 7 miles in one hour. It's time for the annual "now what mittens/ hats do I need at xdegrees?" Should have gone with warmer mittens and lighter hat this time...