I'm starting to fall behind in blogging here, so this is my little smack to myself to get back on the wagon. I'm still working with my running coach - diligently showing up to my Wednesday night sessions, and started making appearances at the group long-distance runs on early Sunday morning (as in, 6 AM early, and that's unfathomable for a night-owl such as myself). There are some very fun moments that occur during these training jaunts, like being told that I'm fast, even though in my mind I still move like a sloth. Or feeling exhilarated after an 8 mile run, and itching to cover more ground beyond that mark. But the rain and subsequent mosquitoes have put a temporary damper on that. I've been bitten 6 times in the last week by those f*$@!!&& bugs, so now I can't wear my beloved shorts. Bugger.
I'm thinking of running 10 miles this coming Sunday regardless. Maybe the solution to these bug woes is to find a pair of lightweight running pants. Also, a lightweight Hazmat suit, since I also just found out last night on the news that there may be rabid kittens in the neighborhood I go to for my Sunday runs.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Slow Goin'
I'm only in week 2 of the coach's half-marathon training program, and it already feels like I've been through the wringer repeatedly. I guess adjusting to a new schedule and routine is rougher than I thought it'd be (I started a new job this week, too). It doesn't help that I'm not, by nature, an energetic person. Actually, I'm a lot closer to a lazy sloth than a peppy kangaroo or speedy cheetah. Left to my own devices I'm sure I'd spend half of the day in bed, and the rest eating in front of the refrigerator. So getting myself going takes an unbearably long amount of time.
Thank goodness it is Saturday today - I get to putz around, relax, eat my red velvet cake, and all that jazz.
Oh, and while I'm here, I'm gonna post my wish list. In no particular order:
-Foam rollers would be really nice
-And so would a Garmin Forerunner
-A copy of Vegan with a Vengeance (I saw this in the bookstore months ago, and while I'd never be vegan, this is a funny cookbook.)
-And a copy of the Engine 2 Diet
-And another kettlebell, of course
Thank goodness it is Saturday today - I get to putz around, relax, eat my red velvet cake, and all that jazz.
Oh, and while I'm here, I'm gonna post my wish list. In no particular order:
-Foam rollers would be really nice
-And so would a Garmin Forerunner
-A copy of Vegan with a Vengeance (I saw this in the bookstore months ago, and while I'd never be vegan, this is a funny cookbook.)
-And a copy of the Engine 2 Diet
-And another kettlebell, of course
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Updates & Whatnot
I finally caved in and got a new pair of running shoes yesterday. Quite happy to report that I got another pair of Sauconys (that brand and my feet seem to have a great relationship), and that I also got that plus a pair of socks for less than $90.
The new shoes
Anyways, my training the last few days have been difficult and slow-going, or at least it feels like it. I ran on Sunday morning, where it was already in the upper 80s by the time I got out of the house, and went slooooowwww. Yesterday was plyometrics and strength, which I covered at a local park. What seemed vaguely fun last Wednesday turned into an absolute chore last night, especially the squat jumps. I'm still feeling the "burn" from those, as they'd say.
And my running coach and I have figured out a time goal for my half-marathon: 1:45. It's doable, but it's also scary thinking about it. I really do want to run a much faster pace, however. I'll just have to buckle down and just do it.
The new shoes
Anyways, my training the last few days have been difficult and slow-going, or at least it feels like it. I ran on Sunday morning, where it was already in the upper 80s by the time I got out of the house, and went slooooowwww. Yesterday was plyometrics and strength, which I covered at a local park. What seemed vaguely fun last Wednesday turned into an absolute chore last night, especially the squat jumps. I'm still feeling the "burn" from those, as they'd say.
And my running coach and I have figured out a time goal for my half-marathon: 1:45. It's doable, but it's also scary thinking about it. I really do want to run a much faster pace, however. I'll just have to buckle down and just do it.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Speedwork Time!
Tonight was the first session with my running coach, and as I drove up to the park where it was held, I actually got a bit nervous. I hadn't done much running up hills in my thus-far-short running journey, and was pondering what would exactly happen at the meeting.
But I got there and was pleased to find out that things started with a 1.5 mile warm up run. OK - that's fine and manageable for me. I can handle it. Then the fun started with plyometrics! We bounded up and down on the grass, ran with butt kicks, knees up, skipped, hopped on one leg then the other, and then for the finale - squat jumps. *thud* I hate those. A LOT!!! I'll do 'em, but it doesn't mean I have to like them one bit!
The excitement, however, really ramped up with this circuit, which consisted of:
-Sprinting up a hill as fast as you can
-At the top, do 10 pushups
-Run/walk/jog to the bottom of the hill, then do 20 sit-ups
Repeat a minimum of 6 times, aim for optimum of 10 times.
I could only complete 7 circuits. And to my credit (because I'm all about giving myself credit), I did the full-on, military-style pushups for each installment. No on-the-knees ones for me. The sit-ups really did me in. I could barely lift myself by the last circuit. I also hate, hate, HATE, sit-ups. But I'm not feeling totally beat up, so things are going better than I'd anticipated.
The running coach commented that my form is good and efficient, but that I have to work on increasing my stride. Got it - the plyo better work its magic in this area, then.
Now I have a craving for cupcakes. Too bad I don't have any bake mix in the house to give into this!
But I got there and was pleased to find out that things started with a 1.5 mile warm up run. OK - that's fine and manageable for me. I can handle it. Then the fun started with plyometrics! We bounded up and down on the grass, ran with butt kicks, knees up, skipped, hopped on one leg then the other, and then for the finale - squat jumps. *thud* I hate those. A LOT!!! I'll do 'em, but it doesn't mean I have to like them one bit!
The excitement, however, really ramped up with this circuit, which consisted of:
-Sprinting up a hill as fast as you can
-At the top, do 10 pushups
-Run/walk/jog to the bottom of the hill, then do 20 sit-ups
Repeat a minimum of 6 times, aim for optimum of 10 times.
I could only complete 7 circuits. And to my credit (because I'm all about giving myself credit), I did the full-on, military-style pushups for each installment. No on-the-knees ones for me. The sit-ups really did me in. I could barely lift myself by the last circuit. I also hate, hate, HATE, sit-ups. But I'm not feeling totally beat up, so things are going better than I'd anticipated.
The running coach commented that my form is good and efficient, but that I have to work on increasing my stride. Got it - the plyo better work its magic in this area, then.
Now I have a craving for cupcakes. Too bad I don't have any bake mix in the house to give into this!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Today's activity
Walk 10 minutes
Run 20 minutes
-Run pace: 9:30/minute
Soooo glad that I ran this morning, because the skies look ugly and stormy right now. Lightning is not a runner's friend.
While I'm glad and thankful that I pulled off a 9:30/mile pace this morning, still can't help but feel a teeny bit disappointed. I want to run a 9:00/mile pace again so badly!!!
Also forgot to update Thursday's running activity. I managed to meet up with my running club on Thursday evening, and do an additional 4 miles. It felt much better than that morning's run - much more relaxed, even though I was actually going at a faster pace. Go figure. I think it was because the sun was setting, I had Gatorade, and was conversing with people. Even though I didn't join the club to meet folks, it's true - it really boosts you to be around others. You feel motivated, and competitive.
Random observation of the day:
Anne Burrell and Guy Fieri resemble one another because of their hair. And Anne Burrell has a touch of the Rachel Ray presentation on her show, you know, where they both get all throaty and over-the-top at odd times ("Fresh basil!!! - YUM-O!!!!!!!!!!." And yeah, fresh basil's great, but it's not worthy of that level of enthusiasm, sheesh.)
Continuing on my Food Network theme, Tyler Florence has got to be the most boring food personality EVER. (For some reason, FN has been my morning TV viewing of choice the past week.) I can never remember what he's made on his shows, and I can't really recall him, period. Sometimes, it's better to be hated and disliked than to be considered a "whatshisface." At least you make your mark.
Walk 10 minutes
Run 20 minutes
-Run pace: 9:30/minute
Soooo glad that I ran this morning, because the skies look ugly and stormy right now. Lightning is not a runner's friend.
While I'm glad and thankful that I pulled off a 9:30/mile pace this morning, still can't help but feel a teeny bit disappointed. I want to run a 9:00/mile pace again so badly!!!
Also forgot to update Thursday's running activity. I managed to meet up with my running club on Thursday evening, and do an additional 4 miles. It felt much better than that morning's run - much more relaxed, even though I was actually going at a faster pace. Go figure. I think it was because the sun was setting, I had Gatorade, and was conversing with people. Even though I didn't join the club to meet folks, it's true - it really boosts you to be around others. You feel motivated, and competitive.
Random observation of the day:
Anne Burrell and Guy Fieri resemble one another because of their hair. And Anne Burrell has a touch of the Rachel Ray presentation on her show, you know, where they both get all throaty and over-the-top at odd times ("Fresh basil!!! - YUM-O!!!!!!!!!!." And yeah, fresh basil's great, but it's not worthy of that level of enthusiasm, sheesh.)
Continuing on my Food Network theme, Tyler Florence has got to be the most boring food personality EVER. (For some reason, FN has been my morning TV viewing of choice the past week.) I can never remember what he's made on his shows, and I can't really recall him, period. Sometimes, it's better to be hated and disliked than to be considered a "whatshisface." At least you make your mark.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Today's run:
10:05/mile pace
2.33 miles
I actually intended to run 4 miles today, but it got cut short due to my lack of preparation. I didn't eat enough breakfast this morning, had too much coffee, and I felt it. It was not a "golden" feeling that I've had throughout certain runs. To be honest, I had to be my own cheerleader the whole time, and at the halfway point, I was too tired to continue. When I got back home, I was really, really sweaty - at least I worked it. ;)
Depending on how weather conditions are later i.e., no thunderstorms, I may go to my running meetup tonight. That'll definitely help to bump up my mileage this week.
10:05/mile pace
2.33 miles
I actually intended to run 4 miles today, but it got cut short due to my lack of preparation. I didn't eat enough breakfast this morning, had too much coffee, and I felt it. It was not a "golden" feeling that I've had throughout certain runs. To be honest, I had to be my own cheerleader the whole time, and at the halfway point, I was too tired to continue. When I got back home, I was really, really sweaty - at least I worked it. ;)
Depending on how weather conditions are later i.e., no thunderstorms, I may go to my running meetup tonight. That'll definitely help to bump up my mileage this week.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Decisions, Decisions
I made up my mind on the running coach thing, and I got her. I'll start working with her officially on June 10th - that's when our first speedwork session takes place. I'm so excited!
On other fronts, I have more decisions to make, specifically in the job area. I got an offer for a position a few moments ago, and am on the fence now about accepting it. Funny thing is, a few months ago, I would've accepted it without any hesitation and now, I'm not so sure. And I hate it when I'm unsure, because I'm usually so decisive about my life! It has to do with my personal life and things that I anticipate happening in the next 6 months, and I won't bore you with the details. Still, I'm going to have to have a few discussions with hubby about it.
My training today:
Ran 3.28 miles, 10:24/mile
However, I walked the first 5 minutes, jogged for another 5 minutes, then finally started to get into a groove afterward. I'm quite sure I was running faster than 10 minutes/mile (it sure felt like it in the heat), but I started timing myself at the warm-up, not at the onset of the actual run.
Tonight is bellydance class, too - can't wait! I'm gonna shimmy my heart out.
On other fronts, I have more decisions to make, specifically in the job area. I got an offer for a position a few moments ago, and am on the fence now about accepting it. Funny thing is, a few months ago, I would've accepted it without any hesitation and now, I'm not so sure. And I hate it when I'm unsure, because I'm usually so decisive about my life! It has to do with my personal life and things that I anticipate happening in the next 6 months, and I won't bore you with the details. Still, I'm going to have to have a few discussions with hubby about it.
My training today:
Ran 3.28 miles, 10:24/mile
However, I walked the first 5 minutes, jogged for another 5 minutes, then finally started to get into a groove afterward. I'm quite sure I was running faster than 10 minutes/mile (it sure felt like it in the heat), but I started timing myself at the warm-up, not at the onset of the actual run.
Tonight is bellydance class, too - can't wait! I'm gonna shimmy my heart out.