Oy Vey! Last Sunday's run was TERRIBLE! (I started to write this blog entry on 5/30--this is referring to my long run on May 24th)
I was soooooo incredibly grumpy when I started out, and usually, once I get moving, those feelings quickly dissapear.
Not so much the case this time.
I muddled through about 9 miles of running, and ended up walking another 4.5. My hip was giving me some trouble again, I had terrible stomach issues, and I just didn't seem to have the energy that I needed to get through. I've definitely been slacking on my hip stretching/ strengthening exercises.
So--I chalked it up to a bad week: not enough attention to my hip, not enough attention to hydration, not enough sleep, and a little PMS thrown in the mix. I plodded through it though, and at least got some decent mileage in--though probably not quality mileage.
I have begun paying more attention to my hip--doing the exercises the physical therapist gave me and also I'm trying to pay more attention to the speed I'm running. I got a little gung-ho last week on my daily runs and started too fast a couple of times. It was time to step back and take a look at some minor adjustments that needed to be made.
I reread some info from Jeff Galloway and Hal Higdon, to make sure I'm on track. And I've been touching base with some friends who have been long time runners! Thanks Carol! Thanks Aaron! Sometimes I know I tend to get a little overly zealous and need to just take a step back and focus.
4 weeks to the marathon! I can hardly believe it! My final 20 miler is coming up this weekend. I'm a little nervous after last week's disaster, but I am also confident that I've been training properly and preparing. We'll see how it goes. I'll keep you posted.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Recovery Week
Firstly, I am ECSTATIC to tell you that Cory's grandma is doing quite well. We're all taking it day by day. She's an amazing gal, that's for sure!
Thank goodness for those recovery weeks!
It was a nice, easy week of workouts. I threw in a couple of long walks--I forgot how much I love a long stroll--especially when the weather is sunny and warm! There's something very calming about it.
Had an excellent 8 mile run Sunday evening--that was the hardest workout of the week. The sun had disappeared behind the clouds, but the temperature was perfect! I started with my long sleeves on, and quickly had to shed them! Alki is so beautiful!!!!! Though as the weather turns to Summer, I like being down there with the crowds less and less. It sometimes reminds me of the atmosphere down Wenatchee Ave during Fri/Sat night of the Apple Blossom Festival! Argh! There's lots of "hey baby, stop running and come to our BBQ. Yeah...ya know ya wanna".
Riiiiiiiiiight.
Today marks the start of another intense training week. 6 miles tonight, 7 tomorrow, and 5 on Friday. Rest Saturday. 15 on Sunday. The following week's long run will be my 2nd 20-miler. Then after that, the taper weeks begin leading up to the marathon!
I can't believe the marathon is 6 weeks away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm getting really excited--it still seems a bit unreal!
I posted a link to an article on the Runner's World website about the best foods for runners! It's a good read. (Though I think these foods could apply to non-runners just as well!) There's also tons of other great posts right now.
Enjoy! More to come soon!
Thank goodness for those recovery weeks!
It was a nice, easy week of workouts. I threw in a couple of long walks--I forgot how much I love a long stroll--especially when the weather is sunny and warm! There's something very calming about it.
Had an excellent 8 mile run Sunday evening--that was the hardest workout of the week. The sun had disappeared behind the clouds, but the temperature was perfect! I started with my long sleeves on, and quickly had to shed them! Alki is so beautiful!!!!! Though as the weather turns to Summer, I like being down there with the crowds less and less. It sometimes reminds me of the atmosphere down Wenatchee Ave during Fri/Sat night of the Apple Blossom Festival! Argh! There's lots of "hey baby, stop running and come to our BBQ. Yeah...ya know ya wanna".
Riiiiiiiiiight.
Today marks the start of another intense training week. 6 miles tonight, 7 tomorrow, and 5 on Friday. Rest Saturday. 15 on Sunday. The following week's long run will be my 2nd 20-miler. Then after that, the taper weeks begin leading up to the marathon!
I can't believe the marathon is 6 weeks away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm getting really excited--it still seems a bit unreal!
I posted a link to an article on the Runner's World website about the best foods for runners! It's a good read. (Though I think these foods could apply to non-runners just as well!) There's also tons of other great posts right now.
Enjoy! More to come soon!
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Wenatchee Loop Trail 20 MILES!!!!
I ran TWENTY miles on Sunday.
My legs, lungs, and heart carried me through!
Mostly--my MIND carried me through.
20 miles of paved trail winding along the Columbia River along the West side of Wenatchee.
I ran from the South end Foot Bridge, North to the Odebashen Bridge (5 miles) and back, twice. The weather was good.
Windy in spots.
Though I had to fight the wind resistance some, the temperature was perfect.
Mentally I stayed very focused--I guess occupied is the better descriptor.
I was able to keep thoughts focused on things other than how far I had to go!
I find that if I can do that I am better prepared for the length of time I'll be out there!
There were a couple of lonely stretches--particularly once I would reach Confluence Park. Running from Confluence to the Odebashen Bridge was very desserted both times I passed through. With the sound of the wind rustling in the trees, and the desserted path ahead, it was kind of eerie and desolate feeling. I was happy when I made the loop back to Confluence where Cory and his Mom (Josie) were waiting for my water stop!
My legs (quads) started to hurt around mile 18--though I don't want them to hurt--my threshold is building. They used to bother me much earlier. And it's less intense now, too.
The last half mile was the most difficult. I think I hit what people describe as "the wall", where my glycogen stores were mostly depleted.
I just had to keep telling myself "One foot in front of the other. One foot in front of the other".
I ran the entire way this time.
I finished in 3:33:02 (10:39/mile avg)
I had a wonderful post-workout meal at my Mom and Step-dad's place. It was the perfect recovery meal. All kinds of roasted peppers, tortillas, bean and corn salad, cucumber/radish salsa, fresh fruit. It was an excellent Mother's Day meal. Josie and my Grandpa Bowman joined Cory, my Mom, Ben, and I. Did I mention the Rhubarb cobbler? Did I mention Ben is an amazing cook? Did I mention how much I eat every time I go home? :-)
I was pretty pooped the rest of the day. I fought off taking a nap, but slept like a baby Sunday night.
This week is a recovery/ taper week.
The last couple of days have been difficult. Cory and I found ourselves in Wenatchee again Tuesday and Wednesday (yesterday) due to his Grandma Beuna's failing health. I will post more later. Please keep the Calhoun family in your thoughts as they are going through a difficult time.
My legs, lungs, and heart carried me through!
Mostly--my MIND carried me through.
20 miles of paved trail winding along the Columbia River along the West side of Wenatchee.
I ran from the South end Foot Bridge, North to the Odebashen Bridge (5 miles) and back, twice. The weather was good.
Windy in spots.
Though I had to fight the wind resistance some, the temperature was perfect.
Mentally I stayed very focused--I guess occupied is the better descriptor.
I was able to keep thoughts focused on things other than how far I had to go!
I find that if I can do that I am better prepared for the length of time I'll be out there!
There were a couple of lonely stretches--particularly once I would reach Confluence Park. Running from Confluence to the Odebashen Bridge was very desserted both times I passed through. With the sound of the wind rustling in the trees, and the desserted path ahead, it was kind of eerie and desolate feeling. I was happy when I made the loop back to Confluence where Cory and his Mom (Josie) were waiting for my water stop!
My legs (quads) started to hurt around mile 18--though I don't want them to hurt--my threshold is building. They used to bother me much earlier. And it's less intense now, too.
The last half mile was the most difficult. I think I hit what people describe as "the wall", where my glycogen stores were mostly depleted.
I just had to keep telling myself "One foot in front of the other. One foot in front of the other".
I ran the entire way this time.
I finished in 3:33:02 (10:39/mile avg)
I had a wonderful post-workout meal at my Mom and Step-dad's place. It was the perfect recovery meal. All kinds of roasted peppers, tortillas, bean and corn salad, cucumber/radish salsa, fresh fruit. It was an excellent Mother's Day meal. Josie and my Grandpa Bowman joined Cory, my Mom, Ben, and I. Did I mention the Rhubarb cobbler? Did I mention Ben is an amazing cook? Did I mention how much I eat every time I go home? :-)
I was pretty pooped the rest of the day. I fought off taking a nap, but slept like a baby Sunday night.
This week is a recovery/ taper week.
The last couple of days have been difficult. Cory and I found ourselves in Wenatchee again Tuesday and Wednesday (yesterday) due to his Grandma Beuna's failing health. I will post more later. Please keep the Calhoun family in your thoughts as they are going through a difficult time.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Euphoria
Sunday May 4th, 2008: 18 mile run
Duration: 3 hours, 11 min, 21 sec. (10:37 per mile)
Beautiful Sunshine; 65 degrees; nice breeze
The usual crowd of Sunday divers at Seacrest Park
The Water Taxi is back in service
3-block row of fragrant pink-blossomed trees along Harbor Ave.
Puppies everywhere
Loads of people strolling along Elliot Bay
Beach Volleyball!
Beach front BBQ's
The tantalizing aromas wafting from beach-front restaurants
People-watching residents of Alki Beach Way
Encounters with friendly runners
The smell of Puget Sound
Disgusting Power Bar Energy Gel--will not be trying that again!
Seeing Cory--about every 2 miles
Father teaching his daughter to ride w/out training wheels
Pungent, nose-wrinkling sewage
Reaching the half way point
Running the second half faster than the first
Passing a mile's length of backed up traffic along Harbor Ave.
Finishing with aching quads, but with energy to spare
Strong legs
Strong lungs
Strong heart
All working together...pumping...turning.....breathing
One foot in front of the other
One mile at a time
Refueling over an amazing dinner with an old friend
3 glasses of wine
jam-session with Michael
Sweet, sweet sleep!
Duration: 3 hours, 11 min, 21 sec. (10:37 per mile)
Beautiful Sunshine; 65 degrees; nice breeze
The usual crowd of Sunday divers at Seacrest Park
The Water Taxi is back in service
3-block row of fragrant pink-blossomed trees along Harbor Ave.
Puppies everywhere
Loads of people strolling along Elliot Bay
Beach Volleyball!
Beach front BBQ's
The tantalizing aromas wafting from beach-front restaurants
People-watching residents of Alki Beach Way
Encounters with friendly runners
The smell of Puget Sound
Disgusting Power Bar Energy Gel--will not be trying that again!
Seeing Cory--about every 2 miles
Father teaching his daughter to ride w/out training wheels
Pungent, nose-wrinkling sewage
Reaching the half way point
Running the second half faster than the first
Passing a mile's length of backed up traffic along Harbor Ave.
Finishing with aching quads, but with energy to spare
Strong legs
Strong lungs
Strong heart
All working together...pumping...turning.....breathing
One foot in front of the other
One mile at a time
Refueling over an amazing dinner with an old friend
3 glasses of wine
jam-session with Michael
Sweet, sweet sleep!
Friday, May 2, 2008
1 Hour Lunches/ Weekday Runs
Started my new job this week! I love having an hour for lunch! So far so good--just in that transitional stage right now and soaking in tons of information!
Didn't run on Tuesday--I got my workout in helping a friend clean out her apartment during a move! Wednesday was my first day of work--my new schedule is 8 am to 5 pm--and since I'm taking the bus now, it'd mean having to get up at 4:30 am to make it to work on time and keep up with the morning workouts, so I'm probably going to change back to evenings--we'll see. I might do both.
Wednesday I made it to the gym around 8 pm--did an hour on the treadmill--easy pace, then 20 min. tempo run, then 20 min easy pace.
Thursday (yesterday) was 70 minutes. I did a little over 7 miles. I ran from my place, South on Fauntleroy Way SW down to Beach Drive--curving around to head back North along the waterm then East on Alki. It was BEAUTIFUL yesterday--perfect running weather!
Tonight will be an easy 4-5 mile run--not sure if I'll hit the streets or the gym. Cory and I have a big weekend coming up so we're staying in tonight!
Saturday is a rest day--though if the weather is nice I'll probably get a good walk in.
Sunday is 18 miles. This run is bound to be better than that 1st 18 miler I did! (knock on wood).
Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!
Didn't run on Tuesday--I got my workout in helping a friend clean out her apartment during a move! Wednesday was my first day of work--my new schedule is 8 am to 5 pm--and since I'm taking the bus now, it'd mean having to get up at 4:30 am to make it to work on time and keep up with the morning workouts, so I'm probably going to change back to evenings--we'll see. I might do both.
Wednesday I made it to the gym around 8 pm--did an hour on the treadmill--easy pace, then 20 min. tempo run, then 20 min easy pace.
Thursday (yesterday) was 70 minutes. I did a little over 7 miles. I ran from my place, South on Fauntleroy Way SW down to Beach Drive--curving around to head back North along the waterm then East on Alki. It was BEAUTIFUL yesterday--perfect running weather!
Tonight will be an easy 4-5 mile run--not sure if I'll hit the streets or the gym. Cory and I have a big weekend coming up so we're staying in tonight!
Saturday is a rest day--though if the weather is nice I'll probably get a good walk in.
Sunday is 18 miles. This run is bound to be better than that 1st 18 miler I did! (knock on wood).
Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!
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