Training for the Sarasota Half Marathon (3-15-10) begins Saturday, Nov 21st. I have read and reread "4 Hours To A 4 Hour Marathon" at least 4 times. I bought this book when I was attempting to begin to qualify for Boston last year. "Space Coast Marathon" was to be my 4:40, last year's "Sarasota Grouper" was to be my 4:20 and then this year's "Space Coast" I wanted to be REALLY optimistic and go for the 3:50:59 to run Boston 2010.
That never happened and I was so bummed. I've been optimistically hopeful about getting some miles in. I decided that if I could do 8 miles by Nov 21st, I would get back to training. Last Saturday I did the 7 miler and survived it! This Saturday is the 8 mile run that will signify my being back in training. I am thrilled, excited, hopeful and most of all...READY!
This book has training guides for finishing times anywhere from 4 hours up to 5 hours, depending on your level of running and your goals. I've tailored it down for a half marathon with 4 months to train. There's a tiny kernel of hope that when I get to week 6 (15 miler) I may be able to do it. If I can, I am going to continue on with the training and attempt the full. So, yes...I'll be really doing the full marathon training for the first 6 weeks. This gives me the opportunity to pull back and be satisfied with the half if need be. I'm following the 4 hour guide knowing full well I can switch to a slower guide at any time. Have I convinced you? LOL...
The reason I'm training this way is because, truth be told...the problems I'm having with my muscles are not new. I just didn't understand that the pain was not normal when I started running. Nov 2, 2007 was the first time I ever ran, and I got right into training for the full marathon to be run on Mar 2, 2008. I ran one marathon while having these problems...I can do it again, right????
That's right folks!!! 4 months into running and I completed a marathon. I see now what a feat that was. (do I sound all proud of myself???...LOL) At the time I had no clue. To many things. So it took me 5:33:38 to get to the finish line. Not w/o injuries. I ran through pains that I should have seen as a signal that something wasn't quite right, but I didn't know. Now I do know...armed with all these valuable lessons learned, I'm ready to take on my 2nd marathon. I'm wondering if, by ignoring the signals last year, if I damaged my body to the point that I couldn't run at all... Who knows? I'll find out this time by paying closer attention.
I will also be paying closer attention to nutrition this time. My husband and I are discussing the P90X program. So far it looks like the perfect program to go hand in hand with my training. My husband just had 2 back surgeries since May and he's ready to get back to cycling and the gym. He's feeling very unenergetic, tired and a little down. I think doing this program together will benefit both of us.
If any of you have done this P90X let me know how you like(d) it. I know a few people who are doing it and they LOVE it...they look fabulous too!!!
I just peeked at the schedule and I see I'm supposed to do 7 miles this Saturday, not 8. And 9 miles the 2nd week...and the training pace the first couple weeks for the 4 hour marry is 10:40 to 11:10. I think my pace for the 7 miler last Saturday was 10:15. I'm screwing it up already....LOL
So I'll do 7 again this weekend. =P
Showing posts with label half marathon training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label half marathon training. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
7 miles...Did I, Or Did I Not.......
I did!!!
Saturday morning I woke up with my husband around 7-sh. He was leaving for work and I poked my head out of the covers to kiss him goodbye. It was then that I realized it was freakin cold. It was like 65 degrees or something close to that freezing temp! Living in SW Florida is supposed to guarentee WARMness. But it does get chilly now and then during the winter months. You'd think having lived 36 years in Boston would make me "ok" with 65 degrees, but no. I hated to be cold there, I hate to be cold here.
I put a long sleeved t-shirt on under my 2008 Sarasota Grouper Marathon shirt and hit the street. I was hoping that by wearing this shirt, my body would remember that we've run major distances together in the past and maybe trick it into thinking 7 miles wasn't nuthin but a thang.
I had a bagel with peanut butter, orange juice and of course 2 cups of coffee before this run. Figured I'd be waiting for the sun to warm up before I ventured out anyway. I took some Aleve and some B-12. I wound up waiting until 9am. I had 3 glucose tabs in my zipper pocket, already halved and NOT in any protective cover (such as a baggie) so I could grab them easily while running. I had thought it over long and hard about water/gatorade stops and decided against it. I was only planning on running for 80 minutes or so and it wasn't 95 degrees out. I felt comfortable skipping hydration. I pass stores and a field that has a bubbler too, so opportunity would be there if need be.
I got about 1.5 miles out and was wishing I skipped the t-shirt. By the time I hit 2.5 miles I was pretty hot. I slowed to a fast walk, reached up under my top and ripped my t-shirt right down the middle. then I pulled it out through my sleeves. Right on Sumter Blvd....ha! I felt so much better! It felt as freeing as I imagine the bra burning 60's were for my parents' generation!!!
I was feeling pretty good after that. So good in fact, that when I glanced at Garmie I saw that I was at 4 miles. I meant to turn around at 3.5. I also noted I was out 41 minutes, pleased with that pace!! I turned around and continued on. I did some walking breaks...about 30 seconds maybe 3-4 times. By the time I saw the bridge (my visual that I've got 2 miles left to the end) I was really feeling the muscle fatigue. Disappointed, I peeked at Garmie and was SO SURPRISED to see I was actually at 6.32 miles!! By running half a mile further out, it shaved a whole mile off my brain! WOW! I love these kind of mind games I play with myself.
My hips and behind my knees were pestering me a little but if my calculations were correct, I could run into the middle school at the tennis court gate and finish mile 7 right at the bubbler! I tried to kick it up a notch but I could only hold at 9:45 pace. No worries! I got to the bubbler at 6.93 miles...HAHA!!!...so I ran past it (looking at it longingly) and kept going until I heard the beep signaling 7 miles. Then I turned around, walked to the bubbler and drank for about 5 full minutes. I had a mile and a half walk home from there. Perfect cool down!!
So I did 7 miles in 71:12. I think that was an average pace of 10:15...I'm am happy with that. This is the longest run I've done in 9-10 months!! It gives me such hope to do a half in March. I promised myself if I could get an 8 miler in by Nov 21st, I'd begin serious training for the Sarasota Half. I have been trying a few things with my diet, B-12 and glucose tabs. The muscle cramping/fatigue is still happening, but I can get through these longer runs now! I also do not run until the twitching/cramping slows to a dull roar. If I need a 2-3 day recovery, so be it. If I need to run 2-3 miles instead of 5-6...fine. I see that I need to be flexable if I want to continue running. We may never find out what the muscle problem is, I don't plan on hanging around, wasting away while we figure it out.
My brother-in-law's injuries are healed and we did an easy 2 mile trial run Friday night. It went very well. He felt that his cardio and endurance had slipped a bit by taking 2 weeks off, but I know he'll get that back very easily. He has plenty of time to catch up and get into training for that half. I was worried he'd stop running since he had to take 2 weeks off so early into starting but he's back! YAY!
Saturday morning I woke up with my husband around 7-sh. He was leaving for work and I poked my head out of the covers to kiss him goodbye. It was then that I realized it was freakin cold. It was like 65 degrees or something close to that freezing temp! Living in SW Florida is supposed to guarentee WARMness. But it does get chilly now and then during the winter months. You'd think having lived 36 years in Boston would make me "ok" with 65 degrees, but no. I hated to be cold there, I hate to be cold here.
I put a long sleeved t-shirt on under my 2008 Sarasota Grouper Marathon shirt and hit the street. I was hoping that by wearing this shirt, my body would remember that we've run major distances together in the past and maybe trick it into thinking 7 miles wasn't nuthin but a thang.
I had a bagel with peanut butter, orange juice and of course 2 cups of coffee before this run. Figured I'd be waiting for the sun to warm up before I ventured out anyway. I took some Aleve and some B-12. I wound up waiting until 9am. I had 3 glucose tabs in my zipper pocket, already halved and NOT in any protective cover (such as a baggie) so I could grab them easily while running. I had thought it over long and hard about water/gatorade stops and decided against it. I was only planning on running for 80 minutes or so and it wasn't 95 degrees out. I felt comfortable skipping hydration. I pass stores and a field that has a bubbler too, so opportunity would be there if need be.
I got about 1.5 miles out and was wishing I skipped the t-shirt. By the time I hit 2.5 miles I was pretty hot. I slowed to a fast walk, reached up under my top and ripped my t-shirt right down the middle. then I pulled it out through my sleeves. Right on Sumter Blvd....ha! I felt so much better! It felt as freeing as I imagine the bra burning 60's were for my parents' generation!!!
I was feeling pretty good after that. So good in fact, that when I glanced at Garmie I saw that I was at 4 miles. I meant to turn around at 3.5. I also noted I was out 41 minutes, pleased with that pace!! I turned around and continued on. I did some walking breaks...about 30 seconds maybe 3-4 times. By the time I saw the bridge (my visual that I've got 2 miles left to the end) I was really feeling the muscle fatigue. Disappointed, I peeked at Garmie and was SO SURPRISED to see I was actually at 6.32 miles!! By running half a mile further out, it shaved a whole mile off my brain! WOW! I love these kind of mind games I play with myself.
My hips and behind my knees were pestering me a little but if my calculations were correct, I could run into the middle school at the tennis court gate and finish mile 7 right at the bubbler! I tried to kick it up a notch but I could only hold at 9:45 pace. No worries! I got to the bubbler at 6.93 miles...HAHA!!!...so I ran past it (looking at it longingly) and kept going until I heard the beep signaling 7 miles. Then I turned around, walked to the bubbler and drank for about 5 full minutes. I had a mile and a half walk home from there. Perfect cool down!!
So I did 7 miles in 71:12. I think that was an average pace of 10:15...I'm am happy with that. This is the longest run I've done in 9-10 months!! It gives me such hope to do a half in March. I promised myself if I could get an 8 miler in by Nov 21st, I'd begin serious training for the Sarasota Half. I have been trying a few things with my diet, B-12 and glucose tabs. The muscle cramping/fatigue is still happening, but I can get through these longer runs now! I also do not run until the twitching/cramping slows to a dull roar. If I need a 2-3 day recovery, so be it. If I need to run 2-3 miles instead of 5-6...fine. I see that I need to be flexable if I want to continue running. We may never find out what the muscle problem is, I don't plan on hanging around, wasting away while we figure it out.
My brother-in-law's injuries are healed and we did an easy 2 mile trial run Friday night. It went very well. He felt that his cardio and endurance had slipped a bit by taking 2 weeks off, but I know he'll get that back very easily. He has plenty of time to catch up and get into training for that half. I was worried he'd stop running since he had to take 2 weeks off so early into starting but he's back! YAY!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Misc Updates...
I haven't been out running for almost 2 weeks. Blah. The first three days of neglect were fine because my grandson, Collin was born and he's worth missing some exercise. The other 7 days were not spent in a fun way.
Had a spinal tap gone wrong. That put me in bed for 5 days before I decided the doctor was correct in his assumption that I had a spinal leak and needed to go back to the hospital. After 15 hours in the emergency room, they patched the leak. Let's just say that wasn't a good time. Let's also just say I will never have another spinal tap fer nuthin'.
Today I left my house at 6am for 2 appointments up in Tampa (1.5 hours away) Got there, got lost IN THE HOSPITAL, cried to some unknown woman who was sweet enough to walk me to where I was supposed to be. (1.5 hours LATE). My tears must have scared the women at the desk because they got me in to see the doc anyway. It pays to be overwhelmed.
After that test I had to drive to a different area for the MRI series. Should have been 20 minutes. Took me over an hour. BUT...I made it there 20 minutes early! I hate driving in strange cities! Spent a relaxing 2 hours in the MRI machine. Ooohhh...good times. Even had headphones with music. Too bad the bangs from the machine drowned the ability to hear those songs. I think I fell asleep in there. In the end, I found my way home just fine, even if it did take 2 hours to get home. With no traffic. I found peace, solace if you will, in that car ride home. Just me 'n the tunes.
Doc says no strenuous activities until Wednesday. I might hit yoga tomorrow night. I also might try one other strenuous activity this evening...teehee! =)
Anyway...this could be MS or some other kind of central nervous system disorder. Maybe even an auto-immune disease. I vote for a vitamin deficiency! Sounds way easier to fix if you ask me. No matter what, I plan on continuing with my life just the way it is, only with drugs and alcohol if need be. Just kiddin....mebbeeee. I have a stash of stuff in my drawer for "just-in-case". Kiddin.
I was laying in bed last night thinking about "what on my body does not hurt"...I know, I know...seems like an odd thing to think about. But that's ME...looking for a positive. Guess what doesn't hurt. AT ALL. EVER. My glutes. It's true. I don't have a pain in the ass. Isn't that nice? Speaking of asses....I decided I want a heart shaped ass. Upside down heart shaped. Wouldn't that be cute? Not that you'd ever know. I'd never show anyone. Well...maybe I would if it was that cute, I dunno.
Had a spinal tap gone wrong. That put me in bed for 5 days before I decided the doctor was correct in his assumption that I had a spinal leak and needed to go back to the hospital. After 15 hours in the emergency room, they patched the leak. Let's just say that wasn't a good time. Let's also just say I will never have another spinal tap fer nuthin'.
Today I left my house at 6am for 2 appointments up in Tampa (1.5 hours away) Got there, got lost IN THE HOSPITAL, cried to some unknown woman who was sweet enough to walk me to where I was supposed to be. (1.5 hours LATE). My tears must have scared the women at the desk because they got me in to see the doc anyway. It pays to be overwhelmed.
After that test I had to drive to a different area for the MRI series. Should have been 20 minutes. Took me over an hour. BUT...I made it there 20 minutes early! I hate driving in strange cities! Spent a relaxing 2 hours in the MRI machine. Ooohhh...good times. Even had headphones with music. Too bad the bangs from the machine drowned the ability to hear those songs. I think I fell asleep in there. In the end, I found my way home just fine, even if it did take 2 hours to get home. With no traffic. I found peace, solace if you will, in that car ride home. Just me 'n the tunes.
Doc says no strenuous activities until Wednesday. I might hit yoga tomorrow night. I also might try one other strenuous activity this evening...teehee! =)
Anyway...this could be MS or some other kind of central nervous system disorder. Maybe even an auto-immune disease. I vote for a vitamin deficiency! Sounds way easier to fix if you ask me. No matter what, I plan on continuing with my life just the way it is, only with drugs and alcohol if need be. Just kiddin....mebbeeee. I have a stash of stuff in my drawer for "just-in-case". Kiddin.
I was laying in bed last night thinking about "what on my body does not hurt"...I know, I know...seems like an odd thing to think about. But that's ME...looking for a positive. Guess what doesn't hurt. AT ALL. EVER. My glutes. It's true. I don't have a pain in the ass. Isn't that nice? Speaking of asses....I decided I want a heart shaped ass. Upside down heart shaped. Wouldn't that be cute? Not that you'd ever know. I'd never show anyone. Well...maybe I would if it was that cute, I dunno.
I have a 6 mile run planned for Wednesday morning with Elizabeth. I'm really excited about hooking up with her because we're the same age, same pace and we're both WOMEN! Yes...it's true! Only she has more endurance than me right now. That's a good thing as it will keep me on my competitive toes! Elizabeth has a full marathon planned for December. Her first one! I really want to run that one with her. I'd kill to finish in 4:20...LOL...what??? I can dream, can't I?????
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, Monday...
Even though it's now TUESDAY! Monday's are a busy day. With my husband's new schedule it's a little less exciting too. He's pulling 15 hour days and I don't like it too much. By the time he walks in the door, he's all done. Nothing left... =(
I met Reg (my Canadian friend) at the gym for a 5 miler. He's convinced he can get me across the finish line in just under 2 hours! I know HE can run that, but I'm not sure I can. Maybe if my legs would start obeying my commands, I can. The numbness is making me crazy(ier)!
Anyway...we took off, talking away. I looked at my Garmin and saw 8:10 pace. WHAT??? And we'd already run our first mile! I immediately worried I'd use all my energy and not even finish 5 miles, but Reg kinda laughed and pulled me along. We had to keep slowing down, mostly because I was freaking out. I didn't run this speed when I was feeling good! I was thrilled and worried at the same time. All I could picture was Jim telling me to pace myself for the long haul, don't fly the first few miles, save some for the "bank" at the end of the run. My endurance training is fighting my speed training.
I've had this conflict from the start. Even in a 5K race, I prepare myself mentally to run 10 miles instead of a 5k. I've discussed this with Jim, he said I need to change my thinking for different mileage, but I am stuck in marathon training. I need new words for my brain. Jim is in massive marathon mode. He's trying to qualify for Boston, his marathon is in 2 weeks. I know he thinks he's running on the fence with his time...it's gonna be a close one but I know he can do it. He runs so effortlessly, very into the negative splits. His 2nd half will be faster so if he hits the halfway mark at the right time, he'll make it. I am confident he will. His marathon is 3 hours away, so I can't be there to see him cross the finish line. Kinda bummed about that. With my husband working such crazy hours, I won't even ask him to do a 6 hour round trip to watch my coach QB....LOL....
So back to my run with Reg. We noticed that if I looked at my Garmin and realized we were under a 9 minute pace, I'd need to walk 15-20 seconds. If I didn't look at all I could keep going. MIND OVER MATTER! This proves mentality plays a huge roll in my running. We have another 5 miler Wed. I'm going to give Reg my Garmin, he won't tell me what we're doing. Let's see if I can trick my mind....
Here are our stats:
Run time: 46:51
Distance: 5 miles
Avg pace: 9:22
Best pace: 5:43 (!!!!!!!)
See what I mean??? I have NEVER run 5 miles in 47 minutes. I am thrilled.
I met Reg (my Canadian friend) at the gym for a 5 miler. He's convinced he can get me across the finish line in just under 2 hours! I know HE can run that, but I'm not sure I can. Maybe if my legs would start obeying my commands, I can. The numbness is making me crazy(ier)!
Anyway...we took off, talking away. I looked at my Garmin and saw 8:10 pace. WHAT??? And we'd already run our first mile! I immediately worried I'd use all my energy and not even finish 5 miles, but Reg kinda laughed and pulled me along. We had to keep slowing down, mostly because I was freaking out. I didn't run this speed when I was feeling good! I was thrilled and worried at the same time. All I could picture was Jim telling me to pace myself for the long haul, don't fly the first few miles, save some for the "bank" at the end of the run. My endurance training is fighting my speed training.
I've had this conflict from the start. Even in a 5K race, I prepare myself mentally to run 10 miles instead of a 5k. I've discussed this with Jim, he said I need to change my thinking for different mileage, but I am stuck in marathon training. I need new words for my brain. Jim is in massive marathon mode. He's trying to qualify for Boston, his marathon is in 2 weeks. I know he thinks he's running on the fence with his time...it's gonna be a close one but I know he can do it. He runs so effortlessly, very into the negative splits. His 2nd half will be faster so if he hits the halfway mark at the right time, he'll make it. I am confident he will. His marathon is 3 hours away, so I can't be there to see him cross the finish line. Kinda bummed about that. With my husband working such crazy hours, I won't even ask him to do a 6 hour round trip to watch my coach QB....LOL....
So back to my run with Reg. We noticed that if I looked at my Garmin and realized we were under a 9 minute pace, I'd need to walk 15-20 seconds. If I didn't look at all I could keep going. MIND OVER MATTER! This proves mentality plays a huge roll in my running. We have another 5 miler Wed. I'm going to give Reg my Garmin, he won't tell me what we're doing. Let's see if I can trick my mind....
Here are our stats:
Run time: 46:51
Distance: 5 miles
Avg pace: 9:22
Best pace: 5:43 (!!!!!!!)
See what I mean??? I have NEVER run 5 miles in 47 minutes. I am thrilled.
Monday, October 13, 2008
More FCA Half Marathon Pics
Cindy!
Linda!
Kim!
Kim again!
Tess!
Michelle!
Josephine!
Jim!
Cindy and Kim!
Cindy and Kim again!
Frank, Tess, Joan, Josephine, Kim, Jim, Cindy, Michelle
I'm throwing those shorts away. I look like Fatty-Fat-McFatty-Pants.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Message From Coach Jim
Sunday, Oct. 12, 2008
Hello All!!!!!
We did it! WOW.
Hooooray!!!
To God be the glory.
Savor the soreness.R.I.C.E. (as in rest, ice, compression, elevation)Baths are good.Jetted baths are very good.Sleep heals.Finishing IS winning.We survived it. We can savor that we all overcame the elements! Blessed are the overcomers!
Highlights…
First of all: Abbey – Happy Birthday. You motivated all of us with your kind letter of encouragement. You were with us in spirit on your birthday. We miss you and hope you enjoy much success and continue running in Chi-town/Naperville.
Sherry – Thank you so much for the words of encouragement for your teammates in NP Endurance Project. Your determination to continue as an endurance athlete is awesome. Much success in your second consecutive Breast Cancer 3-Day (60 miles) in a couple weeks.
Jacki – Also Thank you for your positive thoughts and encouragement to all of us. You want to do your best in everything and we appreciate you.
Jada – Our teammate who’s quest in this began as a "I might like to do a triathlon some day." SO proud of you. Jada is endurance. HALF MARATHON FINISHER! Really, the legs will feel normal again. You kept the course and finished the race. YOU DID IT! Savor the soreness, let it remind you of your success. New challenges will come, but for now all of your teammates are so happy that you stayed in it all the way.
Cindy – You’re steady, persistent, determined, unwavering, and many more positive adjectives. It was awesome the way you battled through the training and finished the race! Having your husband Tony along during many of our training sessions was a great joy and added a lot of additional fun to our team of exercise enthusiasts.
Linda – Overcomer, not going to give up, get me to the church on time! (race started and finished at Hope church) The spirit of the modern-day runner, staying in shape, knowing the responsibilities will resume when "run break" is over, enjoying the music and enjoying the scenery along the way. Half marathon finisher!
Tess – Spectacular, Totally in your element, and thriving on the day. Total success in your goals. Your performance was awesome. You have some friends here that love to run and train with you. Your race was pure joy. Savor the ice!
Kim – Coach, motivator, artist, music-lover, host, jewelry maker, pasta-provider! Your spirit of the marathon is a driving force for this program. Your vision for creating the logo and doing the embroidery on our uniforms helped us feel like a team. Oh and did we mention you continue to improve as a runner? You are probably in the rarest percentage of runners – first completing an entire marathon, before completing a half marathon. Bring on the next challenge!
Michelle – Wow. You are a total athlete. Endurance training is something that rocks team-sport athletes and coaches out of bounds. You stayed in and scored. Never giving up is the point. You made that point. You persevered. You had never run anything beyond a 2-miler 12-weeks ago. Now you’re a half-marathon finisher.
Ed Morgan – Another steady, steady, steady performance. Overcoming the heat of the day and the quadriceps injury and the flu. Plus being our driver of the RV team headquarters. Thank you to Joan Morgan also a runner who has been a great source of encouragement and friendship. The pouring-rain lightning bolt-jolting training run and RV breakfast at the State Park is a most-memorable training run of this project. Ed you are meeting your goal of staying in training to complete the NY City marathon in a couple weeks. You are a total runner.
Frank – You made a tough and great decision to keep your eyes on the prize today. Your dedication and determination represents endurance. You are always on the go, and you provide so much motivation to us by the life you live. Fitness is a lifestyle and pleasure. You are awesome.
Josephine – Phenomenal. You are poetry in motion. Any distance, anywhere, anytime. You are an amazing athlete, and wonderful teammate. Your scintillating performance in winning the senior grandmaster provides us all with a feeling of victory! You should feel victorious for also, 12-weeks ago, having not run a race longer than 10k. Add 20k and Half marathon to that list… Now science will wonder, does a nice wine every night provide an additional benefit to some athletes? Works for you!
Bob – We have a new monster in our midst. Bob, there isn’t a sport you suck at. And by giving "running a try" is something that will serve you well for years to come. You were our team’s top finisher and you are purely gifted as a runner. It was sheer joy for all of us to watch your natural ability emerge through the 12-weeks of training. Let the legs rest. They can heal before your next challenge of the full marathon. Downtime is vital to gaining strength for endurance. You are a great friend, you lift the team and lead us.
Coach Bethany – With us all the way. Our guru, leader, no-nonsense coach. See Bethany. See Bethany Run. We are all better runners because of you. You motivate us with your leadership, grace and determination. And by example. Especially by example.
Jim – Thank you, everyone. You are so special a group. I am so happy with how well WE all did.
As an event, we all know that the half-marathon race would be improved if started an hour earlier, during the cooler part of the day. That one issue had an influence on performance, body temp, heart rate, hydration requirements, etc. Remember, the roads and trails will wait for you. Your body needs some down time. Let your next several runs be very light. Very easy. Enjoy your success.
Josephine, Frank – do great in Arizona on the Steps!
Ed, stay down and get well. You will do better in New York by giving yourself some additional recovery days right now.
Let’s remember to run from a position of strength. If you’re sore, the soreness will subside. When it does, ease back in with some very light running. Continue to regain strength.
Some of you will want to know right now about our NEXT GOAL???? We will likely resume a Full-marathon preparation a little over one-month from now, beginning early December. We’ll have time to condition ourselves for a full marathon. The target goal will be the Sarasota Marathon Grouper Run on February 15, 2009. We’ll have a 10-week group training phase to the Full. In the interim, let yourself enjoy a "month" of very easy cross-training and some occasional shorter-distance running. Some 5ks coming up. Don’t worry about holding onto the 13-mile long run base, we’ll build it back up and beyond starting in December. We did it! WOW. Hooooray!!!To God be the glory. Savor the soreness.R.I.C.E. (as in rest, ice, compression, elevation) Baths are good. Jetted baths are very good. Sleep heals. Finishing IS winning.
Your Coaches, Jim, Bethany and Kim
Hello All!!!!!
We did it! WOW.
Hooooray!!!
To God be the glory.
Savor the soreness.R.I.C.E. (as in rest, ice, compression, elevation)Baths are good.Jetted baths are very good.Sleep heals.Finishing IS winning.We survived it. We can savor that we all overcame the elements! Blessed are the overcomers!
Highlights…
First of all: Abbey – Happy Birthday. You motivated all of us with your kind letter of encouragement. You were with us in spirit on your birthday. We miss you and hope you enjoy much success and continue running in Chi-town/Naperville.
Sherry – Thank you so much for the words of encouragement for your teammates in NP Endurance Project. Your determination to continue as an endurance athlete is awesome. Much success in your second consecutive Breast Cancer 3-Day (60 miles) in a couple weeks.
Jacki – Also Thank you for your positive thoughts and encouragement to all of us. You want to do your best in everything and we appreciate you.
Jada – Our teammate who’s quest in this began as a "I might like to do a triathlon some day." SO proud of you. Jada is endurance. HALF MARATHON FINISHER! Really, the legs will feel normal again. You kept the course and finished the race. YOU DID IT! Savor the soreness, let it remind you of your success. New challenges will come, but for now all of your teammates are so happy that you stayed in it all the way.
Cindy – You’re steady, persistent, determined, unwavering, and many more positive adjectives. It was awesome the way you battled through the training and finished the race! Having your husband Tony along during many of our training sessions was a great joy and added a lot of additional fun to our team of exercise enthusiasts.
Linda – Overcomer, not going to give up, get me to the church on time! (race started and finished at Hope church) The spirit of the modern-day runner, staying in shape, knowing the responsibilities will resume when "run break" is over, enjoying the music and enjoying the scenery along the way. Half marathon finisher!
Tess – Spectacular, Totally in your element, and thriving on the day. Total success in your goals. Your performance was awesome. You have some friends here that love to run and train with you. Your race was pure joy. Savor the ice!
Kim – Coach, motivator, artist, music-lover, host, jewelry maker, pasta-provider! Your spirit of the marathon is a driving force for this program. Your vision for creating the logo and doing the embroidery on our uniforms helped us feel like a team. Oh and did we mention you continue to improve as a runner? You are probably in the rarest percentage of runners – first completing an entire marathon, before completing a half marathon. Bring on the next challenge!
Michelle – Wow. You are a total athlete. Endurance training is something that rocks team-sport athletes and coaches out of bounds. You stayed in and scored. Never giving up is the point. You made that point. You persevered. You had never run anything beyond a 2-miler 12-weeks ago. Now you’re a half-marathon finisher.
Ed Morgan – Another steady, steady, steady performance. Overcoming the heat of the day and the quadriceps injury and the flu. Plus being our driver of the RV team headquarters. Thank you to Joan Morgan also a runner who has been a great source of encouragement and friendship. The pouring-rain lightning bolt-jolting training run and RV breakfast at the State Park is a most-memorable training run of this project. Ed you are meeting your goal of staying in training to complete the NY City marathon in a couple weeks. You are a total runner.
Frank – You made a tough and great decision to keep your eyes on the prize today. Your dedication and determination represents endurance. You are always on the go, and you provide so much motivation to us by the life you live. Fitness is a lifestyle and pleasure. You are awesome.
Josephine – Phenomenal. You are poetry in motion. Any distance, anywhere, anytime. You are an amazing athlete, and wonderful teammate. Your scintillating performance in winning the senior grandmaster provides us all with a feeling of victory! You should feel victorious for also, 12-weeks ago, having not run a race longer than 10k. Add 20k and Half marathon to that list… Now science will wonder, does a nice wine every night provide an additional benefit to some athletes? Works for you!
Bob – We have a new monster in our midst. Bob, there isn’t a sport you suck at. And by giving "running a try" is something that will serve you well for years to come. You were our team’s top finisher and you are purely gifted as a runner. It was sheer joy for all of us to watch your natural ability emerge through the 12-weeks of training. Let the legs rest. They can heal before your next challenge of the full marathon. Downtime is vital to gaining strength for endurance. You are a great friend, you lift the team and lead us.
Coach Bethany – With us all the way. Our guru, leader, no-nonsense coach. See Bethany. See Bethany Run. We are all better runners because of you. You motivate us with your leadership, grace and determination. And by example. Especially by example.
Jim – Thank you, everyone. You are so special a group. I am so happy with how well WE all did.
As an event, we all know that the half-marathon race would be improved if started an hour earlier, during the cooler part of the day. That one issue had an influence on performance, body temp, heart rate, hydration requirements, etc. Remember, the roads and trails will wait for you. Your body needs some down time. Let your next several runs be very light. Very easy. Enjoy your success.
Josephine, Frank – do great in Arizona on the Steps!
Ed, stay down and get well. You will do better in New York by giving yourself some additional recovery days right now.
Let’s remember to run from a position of strength. If you’re sore, the soreness will subside. When it does, ease back in with some very light running. Continue to regain strength.
Some of you will want to know right now about our NEXT GOAL???? We will likely resume a Full-marathon preparation a little over one-month from now, beginning early December. We’ll have time to condition ourselves for a full marathon. The target goal will be the Sarasota Marathon Grouper Run on February 15, 2009. We’ll have a 10-week group training phase to the Full. In the interim, let yourself enjoy a "month" of very easy cross-training and some occasional shorter-distance running. Some 5ks coming up. Don’t worry about holding onto the 13-mile long run base, we’ll build it back up and beyond starting in December. We did it! WOW. Hooooray!!!To God be the glory. Savor the soreness.R.I.C.E. (as in rest, ice, compression, elevation) Baths are good. Jetted baths are very good. Sleep heals. Finishing IS winning.
Your Coaches, Jim, Bethany and Kim
Saturday, October 11, 2008
FCA Half Marathon Has Been Completed.....
A wise man gave today's race the perfect description in one word...BRUTAL. Oh my, was it a scorcher! The race started at 8am, well into the morning. Very hot and the humidity was so heavy. But I skipped the pasta party news...just kidding, I'll get to that later...
I thought I'd try something new for this race. I wanted to walk the miles and run the water stations. I know, good idea, huh??? Probably shoulda....LOL
Most of us met at the gym to ride up to Sarasota with Ed and Joan in their RV (Love-bus!) A few other drove up themselves and met us there. I wasn't nervous at all and just rested a little during the ride up. We all looked SO cool in our team shirts and black shorts. See for yourself!
From left to right...Linda, Kim, Tess, Josephine. In the back with the red headband is Ed, Bob, Jada, Frank peeking through, Jim and Michelle. Cindy is MIA, but her husband Tony is on the right in a blue shirt. More pictures to come........
So...into the HOT morning we went. We all started off strong. I stayed with Ed, Michelle, Josephine and Jim for about 4 miles. Jim said see-ya and took off. I started slipping back a bit at about the same time. Ed was not feeling well, he has an upper respiratory thing going on but was not to be stopped.
At about miles 5-6 I was running beside a guy named Richard. Turns out he grew up in my home town in Mass. Small world. I pulled ahead and passed the halfway point at 1:05. My knee started hurting. That band of muscle on the outside of my knee was starting to bother me. Between that and the heat I was worried. There was not one patch of shade anywhere. The heat from the pavement seeped through my Asics. Did I mention it was really, really hot???? Not a patch of shade anywhere the whole race.
At about mile 8 I saw Ed up ahead walking. I knew that wasn't good. I bolted to catch up to him, ignoring my knee. Ed told me he felt lousy and wanted to drop out. I told Ed my knee was KILLING me and we decided to walk together for awhile. My knee kept getting worse and Ed just didn't feel well but we ran/walked when we could. My knee was hurting worse every time I walked so I tried to just keep a slow pace. Ed was worried he was holding me back but I kept telling him I was hurting. Deciding he needed to be alone, I pulled ahead. Eventually I kept running, doing shorter walk breaks.
When I saw the mile marker for mile 13 up ahead, I took a deep breath and pushed the pain out of my head. I ran through the finish very strong but when I stopped running my leg felt like it was on fire. I looked back for Ed but I couldn't see him. When his wife Joan saw me coming in before Ed (so unheard of) she walked out to meet him. I knew he'd be bummed about being sick but we all know Ed is capable of an awesome time, and if he's behind me, he was sick.
1st in from the team was Bob at 1:48, then Jim at 2:00, then Josephine at 2:11, then Michelle at 2:12, then Tess at 2:22 (my estimated time for me....funny!!), then ME at 2:31. I have to update this later with Linda, Jada and Cindy's times. I missed them because I was crying in the bushes from my sore knee! It is hurting so bad right now.
All of us were a good 15 minutes behind in our finish. Jim said the heat and humidity was just so bad. Starting the race so late in the morning was not a good idea. We usually run at 6:30 at the latest. Everyone finished soaking wet.
We had a good time, being a part of the team was wonderful. I loved every minute of it. It was my first half marathon so I did PR. YAY!
Oh, and did I mention I got an award for 2nd place in my age division??? Yeah, I did. I am pleased.
I thought I'd try something new for this race. I wanted to walk the miles and run the water stations. I know, good idea, huh??? Probably shoulda....LOL
Most of us met at the gym to ride up to Sarasota with Ed and Joan in their RV (Love-bus!) A few other drove up themselves and met us there. I wasn't nervous at all and just rested a little during the ride up. We all looked SO cool in our team shirts and black shorts. See for yourself!
From left to right...Linda, Kim, Tess, Josephine. In the back with the red headband is Ed, Bob, Jada, Frank peeking through, Jim and Michelle. Cindy is MIA, but her husband Tony is on the right in a blue shirt. More pictures to come........
So...into the HOT morning we went. We all started off strong. I stayed with Ed, Michelle, Josephine and Jim for about 4 miles. Jim said see-ya and took off. I started slipping back a bit at about the same time. Ed was not feeling well, he has an upper respiratory thing going on but was not to be stopped.
At about miles 5-6 I was running beside a guy named Richard. Turns out he grew up in my home town in Mass. Small world. I pulled ahead and passed the halfway point at 1:05. My knee started hurting. That band of muscle on the outside of my knee was starting to bother me. Between that and the heat I was worried. There was not one patch of shade anywhere. The heat from the pavement seeped through my Asics. Did I mention it was really, really hot???? Not a patch of shade anywhere the whole race.
At about mile 8 I saw Ed up ahead walking. I knew that wasn't good. I bolted to catch up to him, ignoring my knee. Ed told me he felt lousy and wanted to drop out. I told Ed my knee was KILLING me and we decided to walk together for awhile. My knee kept getting worse and Ed just didn't feel well but we ran/walked when we could. My knee was hurting worse every time I walked so I tried to just keep a slow pace. Ed was worried he was holding me back but I kept telling him I was hurting. Deciding he needed to be alone, I pulled ahead. Eventually I kept running, doing shorter walk breaks.
When I saw the mile marker for mile 13 up ahead, I took a deep breath and pushed the pain out of my head. I ran through the finish very strong but when I stopped running my leg felt like it was on fire. I looked back for Ed but I couldn't see him. When his wife Joan saw me coming in before Ed (so unheard of) she walked out to meet him. I knew he'd be bummed about being sick but we all know Ed is capable of an awesome time, and if he's behind me, he was sick.
1st in from the team was Bob at 1:48, then Jim at 2:00, then Josephine at 2:11, then Michelle at 2:12, then Tess at 2:22 (my estimated time for me....funny!!), then ME at 2:31. I have to update this later with Linda, Jada and Cindy's times. I missed them because I was crying in the bushes from my sore knee! It is hurting so bad right now.
All of us were a good 15 minutes behind in our finish. Jim said the heat and humidity was just so bad. Starting the race so late in the morning was not a good idea. We usually run at 6:30 at the latest. Everyone finished soaking wet.
We had a good time, being a part of the team was wonderful. I loved every minute of it. It was my first half marathon so I did PR. YAY!
Oh, and did I mention I got an award for 2nd place in my age division??? Yeah, I did. I am pleased.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Day Before The FCA Half Marathon
I have been awake since 4:30 this morning. I'm so excited! I'm also a wreck because I have the team coming for dinner tonight and I still have a buncha things to do. This entire month has been unbelievably B-U-S-Y.
I couldn't have hand picked a nicer group of people to train with. Watching them build the endurance it takes to run distance was inspiring.
Frank and Josephine have been running for a few years but had not run distance. Frank does a stair stepping race, which I'd LOVE to see him do sometime. Josephine always wins the Grand Master place in every 5k. They were ready to take on the half marathon! They will do well tomorrow. Frank and Josephine are fellow Zoomers, our local running club. For those blogger friends who've been reading since the beginning, Josephine was "Blue Shoes". We met at the Lamarque 5K in January. I instantly loved her!
Ed has been running for over twenty years and is already a distance runner with a few marathons under his belt. He is also a fellow Zoomer. We run together and I know he's helped me shave my times. Ed came into the team rehabbing a quad injury. He likes to run with people and is running the New York Marathon Nov 2nd! He joined the team as an added bonus for his marathon training. Ed drives us all to the races and events in the "Love Machine". The family RV...LOL. Tess and I were just talking about how fun it is for all of us to pile into that RV and ride together to the events...we'll miss those fun rides!!! I have enjoyed running with Ed. He's a relaxed (but fast) runner and I've learned a lot from our runs.
Tess is also a marathoner. She has run 11 marathons already! Also a fellow Zoomer. She's aiming for a marathon every 3-4 months with one stipulation: each marathon will be in a different state! I tried talking her into Space Coast Nov 30TH with me but she already has a marathon lined up for December. Tess doesn't live too far from me and I hope we'll be running together through the fall. I'd love to tag along on a couple of her trips and run more marathons with Tess. Can you say "GIRLIE ROAD TRIP"???? lol
Bob and Michelle are our newlyweds! Bob is a swim champ and did track at one time. Michelle is our basketball champ. She played and coached basketball until she moved to Florida. I get the feeling she misses that and it would not surprise me if she goes back to it! Both of them are great runners and will also do well tomorrow. Bob will probably be the first to finish tomorrow, he's pretty quick! It's been fun watching them because Michelle is a "little competitive"...she gets this look on her face and I can just tell she wants to FLY....lol. And she does!
Cindy has been running for a little while. She rides her bike all over the place. I met Cindy at the gym before the Endurance Project got started and I knew she'd be an asset to the team. I was right! She's friendly, sweet and positive. I've enjoyed running with Cindy and getting to know her better. She also lives nearby and I hope to run with her too! I can't wait to see her cross that finish line!
Jada is new to running. She came to our team through Jim's personal training. He saw potential in Jada and thought she'd enjoy training for this half. We lovingly call her "Jetta" because someone wrote her name that way on a race bib....LOL. She'll never shake that nickname! Jada started out thinking she couldn't do it. Well I'm here to tell ya....YES SHE CAN! She's another member I've had fun getting to know. She got a new boyfriend and skipped a training session (oh is she gonna KILL me...LOL) But Jada can and will do very well in the half.
Linda is also a new runner. And in my age group...sighhhh. Linda is extremely busy and has had to do a lot of the training runs on her own. That in itself tells you how dedicated she is. She works full time and has a 3 year old cutie daughter who also keeps her pretty busy. How she's managed to get her runs in is key to her inner powers. We know Linda can finish the race. She knows she can do it too. She just better not beat me to that finish line!! I'll trip you sistaaa....LOL...(personal joke between me and Linda) I'm looking forward to seeing her finish too! (right BEHIND me....haha)
I think Coach Bethany was running in the womb. She's run many marathons, halfs, all kinds of races. She's done Boston. She's in my age group and I joke about how I'll celebrate when she's out of it (which will only be for a very short few months as we're only a few months apart in age.) But that's so irrelevant because she wins every race we ever run. I don't mean 1st in our age division. I mean 1st place woman overall. Every time. At Boca 5K when her name was called for 1st woman in, I whispered "ooooh, what a surprise" in a smart alecky way (but lovingly and proudly) and Jim laughed. He's her husband. He's used to her always winning, just like the rest of us...lol. Bethany, you're an asset to our gender!! It's been a pleasure running behind you. Really far behind you. Guess I should say I hardly ever saw you, that's how far behind you I've been...haha!!
Coach Jim put this whole project together. He's been my running coach since last Nov and taught me how to run. I've already gone on and on about how much I admire his coaching skills. Watching Jim coach everyone for the FCA Half was awesome. I saw how time after time people would tell him they didn't think they could do it. He'd reassure them and guide them as individuals, telling them what he saw in them that made him KNOW that they really did have it in them to finish this race. I saw them walk away with a renewed sense confidence and a smile. I know just how they felt. Jim has a coaching technique that makes you believe in yourself. You walk away realizing you are in control of yourself, you CAN do anything you set your mind to.
That leaves me. You all already know me. And to know me is to love me....LOL...anyway, when Jim first told me about the project I instantly wanted to join the team. When he ever told me I could help coach it, I went home and cried. My husband said "Does Jim know what he just did?" No, he doesn't. I have loved every single minute I've spent with the team. I have not missed one single Saturday, even when I was sick and couldn't run. I tried to bring a positive attitude and a gentle guidance to my team mates. It was a chance to give back a little of what I got from my own coach. I learned to run in a fun, relaxing way. To look around me and take in my environment. To "take the time to smell the flowers" when I run. I hope I did give that to my team mates. If even one person got that, I will run with a smile on my face forever.
I have mixed feelings about tomorrow. It's the day we all trained for. But it's also the end of our project. I will miss meeting every Saturday. I feel happy and sad all at once. Tonight's dinner party will be full of emotions. I'm looking forward to relaxing with everyone tonight. WE DID IT GUYS!!
I'll see you all at the finish line!!!!!
I couldn't have hand picked a nicer group of people to train with. Watching them build the endurance it takes to run distance was inspiring.
Frank and Josephine have been running for a few years but had not run distance. Frank does a stair stepping race, which I'd LOVE to see him do sometime. Josephine always wins the Grand Master place in every 5k. They were ready to take on the half marathon! They will do well tomorrow. Frank and Josephine are fellow Zoomers, our local running club. For those blogger friends who've been reading since the beginning, Josephine was "Blue Shoes". We met at the Lamarque 5K in January. I instantly loved her!
Ed has been running for over twenty years and is already a distance runner with a few marathons under his belt. He is also a fellow Zoomer. We run together and I know he's helped me shave my times. Ed came into the team rehabbing a quad injury. He likes to run with people and is running the New York Marathon Nov 2nd! He joined the team as an added bonus for his marathon training. Ed drives us all to the races and events in the "Love Machine". The family RV...LOL. Tess and I were just talking about how fun it is for all of us to pile into that RV and ride together to the events...we'll miss those fun rides!!! I have enjoyed running with Ed. He's a relaxed (but fast) runner and I've learned a lot from our runs.
Tess is also a marathoner. She has run 11 marathons already! Also a fellow Zoomer. She's aiming for a marathon every 3-4 months with one stipulation: each marathon will be in a different state! I tried talking her into Space Coast Nov 30TH with me but she already has a marathon lined up for December. Tess doesn't live too far from me and I hope we'll be running together through the fall. I'd love to tag along on a couple of her trips and run more marathons with Tess. Can you say "GIRLIE ROAD TRIP"???? lol
Bob and Michelle are our newlyweds! Bob is a swim champ and did track at one time. Michelle is our basketball champ. She played and coached basketball until she moved to Florida. I get the feeling she misses that and it would not surprise me if she goes back to it! Both of them are great runners and will also do well tomorrow. Bob will probably be the first to finish tomorrow, he's pretty quick! It's been fun watching them because Michelle is a "little competitive"...she gets this look on her face and I can just tell she wants to FLY....lol. And she does!
Cindy has been running for a little while. She rides her bike all over the place. I met Cindy at the gym before the Endurance Project got started and I knew she'd be an asset to the team. I was right! She's friendly, sweet and positive. I've enjoyed running with Cindy and getting to know her better. She also lives nearby and I hope to run with her too! I can't wait to see her cross that finish line!
Jada is new to running. She came to our team through Jim's personal training. He saw potential in Jada and thought she'd enjoy training for this half. We lovingly call her "Jetta" because someone wrote her name that way on a race bib....LOL. She'll never shake that nickname! Jada started out thinking she couldn't do it. Well I'm here to tell ya....YES SHE CAN! She's another member I've had fun getting to know. She got a new boyfriend and skipped a training session (oh is she gonna KILL me...LOL) But Jada can and will do very well in the half.
Linda is also a new runner. And in my age group...sighhhh. Linda is extremely busy and has had to do a lot of the training runs on her own. That in itself tells you how dedicated she is. She works full time and has a 3 year old cutie daughter who also keeps her pretty busy. How she's managed to get her runs in is key to her inner powers. We know Linda can finish the race. She knows she can do it too. She just better not beat me to that finish line!! I'll trip you sistaaa....LOL...(personal joke between me and Linda) I'm looking forward to seeing her finish too! (right BEHIND me....haha)
I think Coach Bethany was running in the womb. She's run many marathons, halfs, all kinds of races. She's done Boston. She's in my age group and I joke about how I'll celebrate when she's out of it (which will only be for a very short few months as we're only a few months apart in age.) But that's so irrelevant because she wins every race we ever run. I don't mean 1st in our age division. I mean 1st place woman overall. Every time. At Boca 5K when her name was called for 1st woman in, I whispered "ooooh, what a surprise" in a smart alecky way (but lovingly and proudly) and Jim laughed. He's her husband. He's used to her always winning, just like the rest of us...lol. Bethany, you're an asset to our gender!! It's been a pleasure running behind you. Really far behind you. Guess I should say I hardly ever saw you, that's how far behind you I've been...haha!!
Coach Jim put this whole project together. He's been my running coach since last Nov and taught me how to run. I've already gone on and on about how much I admire his coaching skills. Watching Jim coach everyone for the FCA Half was awesome. I saw how time after time people would tell him they didn't think they could do it. He'd reassure them and guide them as individuals, telling them what he saw in them that made him KNOW that they really did have it in them to finish this race. I saw them walk away with a renewed sense confidence and a smile. I know just how they felt. Jim has a coaching technique that makes you believe in yourself. You walk away realizing you are in control of yourself, you CAN do anything you set your mind to.
That leaves me. You all already know me. And to know me is to love me....LOL...anyway, when Jim first told me about the project I instantly wanted to join the team. When he ever told me I could help coach it, I went home and cried. My husband said "Does Jim know what he just did?" No, he doesn't. I have loved every single minute I've spent with the team. I have not missed one single Saturday, even when I was sick and couldn't run. I tried to bring a positive attitude and a gentle guidance to my team mates. It was a chance to give back a little of what I got from my own coach. I learned to run in a fun, relaxing way. To look around me and take in my environment. To "take the time to smell the flowers" when I run. I hope I did give that to my team mates. If even one person got that, I will run with a smile on my face forever.
I have mixed feelings about tomorrow. It's the day we all trained for. But it's also the end of our project. I will miss meeting every Saturday. I feel happy and sad all at once. Tonight's dinner party will be full of emotions. I'm looking forward to relaxing with everyone tonight. WE DID IT GUYS!!
I'll see you all at the finish line!!!!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Tapering
I've been reading some blogs lately and it seems everyone is on a taper. And they're COMPLAINING!! I'm sorry but I just don't get it. I love tapering. Sometimes I long for that taper feeling so badly, I throw in a taper in the middle of my training. I lay around doing nothing. Dishes in the sink?? I LAUGH at the dirty mess! Floors need a sweep?? What's the point?? I have a couple kids to do all that for me. (I have 4 kids but not all of them like to help Mommy) Gimme my iPod and a spot by the pool....sighhhhh....taperrrrrrrrr!
I just had a nice little taper last week. I had a big 5K race Oct 5th, I wanted to rest my weary legs. I tapered. You might be thinking a 5k is only 3.1 miles, no need to taper but try it. While you're at it, party up big time the night before and only get 5 hours sleep. Then go run a 5k. Yeah baby...that's some hard core training material. I should write a manual like Galloway.
I asked my coach what the big deal about a taper was. He's been running forever. He says people hate to taper because they feel like they need to keep training. They worry they'll lose everything they've accomplished. Well geez. I never thought o' that. Maybe that's why I'm a slow poke? Whatever. I run when and if I feel like it. I'm the captain of me and what I say goes. Sometimes the draw toward the pool or hot tub is just too strong...Run?...hot tub?...run?...poolside tanning?...hmmm...see what I mean??? Throw in a bag of chips and my choice is made.
The half marry is in 3 days. I ran my last run tonight with Tess and Mike. We did 4 miles nice and easy. We finished in 42 minutes and we felt fan-TAS-tic. I came home, had a sandwich and 2 beers and a soak in the hot tub. Now that's some serious training right there. Got it all in. Sighhhhhhh...except the chips. I ate all those last night.
All kidding aside, I originally said I wanted to finish this half in 1:57 but popped it down to 2:22:22 because I had some bumps during my training. I felt that I had no business trying to come in under 2 hours. BUT. Yep, there's a but. I have since changed my mind. I came up with a new finish time using my fantabulous mathmatical skills. (stop laughing Bobby) Anyway...I am going for 2:13. It's in between 1:57 and 2:22. Ooooohhhh...told ya I'm not just good-lookin'.
Rumor has it there may be a brewdawg with my name on it at the finish line.....that'll shave my finish time considerably.
I just had a nice little taper last week. I had a big 5K race Oct 5th, I wanted to rest my weary legs. I tapered. You might be thinking a 5k is only 3.1 miles, no need to taper but try it. While you're at it, party up big time the night before and only get 5 hours sleep. Then go run a 5k. Yeah baby...that's some hard core training material. I should write a manual like Galloway.
I asked my coach what the big deal about a taper was. He's been running forever. He says people hate to taper because they feel like they need to keep training. They worry they'll lose everything they've accomplished. Well geez. I never thought o' that. Maybe that's why I'm a slow poke? Whatever. I run when and if I feel like it. I'm the captain of me and what I say goes. Sometimes the draw toward the pool or hot tub is just too strong...Run?...hot tub?...run?...poolside tanning?...hmmm...see what I mean??? Throw in a bag of chips and my choice is made.
The half marry is in 3 days. I ran my last run tonight with Tess and Mike. We did 4 miles nice and easy. We finished in 42 minutes and we felt fan-TAS-tic. I came home, had a sandwich and 2 beers and a soak in the hot tub. Now that's some serious training right there. Got it all in. Sighhhhhhh...except the chips. I ate all those last night.
All kidding aside, I originally said I wanted to finish this half in 1:57 but popped it down to 2:22:22 because I had some bumps during my training. I felt that I had no business trying to come in under 2 hours. BUT. Yep, there's a but. I have since changed my mind. I came up with a new finish time using my fantabulous mathmatical skills. (stop laughing Bobby) Anyway...I am going for 2:13. It's in between 1:57 and 2:22. Ooooohhhh...told ya I'm not just good-lookin'.
Rumor has it there may be a brewdawg with my name on it at the finish line.....that'll shave my finish time considerably.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Boca Grande 5K
Most of the Endurance team took this weekend off, but there were a few of us die hards who showed up for the Boca 5k. I ran this race last January and LOVED it. It's out on the island and sooo beautiful. The weather was actually cooperative too. Not too hot and a little breezy.
Given my sore hips and right knee, I had not run for a whole week. I was pretty sure my finish time would be "less than thrilling", but I figured...what the hey! I'd run it and take whatever the outcome. So I proceeded to party hardy Saturday night and downed 5 (yeah 5) beers. I woke up a little tired but I figured it wouldn't matter.
Sherry (Stiffy Legs Blues) was going to be there with her husband Scott, and I knew a bunch of people who were going to run it too. The social part of these runs are just as much a draw as the race for me. I love these people. Mike is back from Maine and he was supposed to meet us there. He was a no-show, very disappointed! I saw Chuck, Sherry, Mary, Bill...too many people to name.
Jim, Bethany, Josephine, Frank, Cindy and myself were the only ones who came. Tess had been traveling and needed a good rest. She was missed but we understand the need for sleep!!! And we were jealous we didn't get any....LOL.
I saw the tattooed woman I seemed to stay with for the last 3-4 races. Her name is Amy and she's not in my age group...lol. I knew that but I thought she was 22, she's 32! I talked with her today and told her I wanted a picture of her tattoo. It takes up her entire back, it's beautiful. As soon as I get that I'll post it.
Boca Grande 5K is very well known for their fantastic door prize of a 2 night stay at the Anchor Inn. It's worth $800. and we all covet it. Specially me. But that was not to be. The only thing that made THAT ok, was Jim got it! I guess if I couldn't have it, I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather see get it than my coach. But I want it even as I write this. BLAH....lol
We lined up at the start, I skipped my warm up run. I figured I already had a strike against me by imbibing the 5 brewdogs the night before. I did make a new playlist on my iPod for 28 minutes. It's my new thing. I make a playlist in the time allotment that I'm wanting to finish in. I make sure the last 2 songs are "The Race Is On" by Sawyer Brown and "Destiny" by Jim Chaps. This way I know where I'm at since I hate to wear a watch...
The island is so very beautiful, I looked around while I was running, trying to take it all in. The dragonflies were not as abundant but there were a few. The smell in the air was fresh and crisp. I ran with Sherry for a little while before she pulled ahead and then turned for her 10k route. I went straight ahead for the 5k. I slowed at the water table, sipped a little and poured the rest of the water on my arms and legs. I was so busy looking around that I never saw any of the mile markers. I can kinda feel the distance without them but I kept forgetting to check for the markers. Next thing I knew I was at the 3 mile mark. And I felt good. Still strong. Had some energy in me. So I booked to the finish line. I realized my iPod was still playing which meant I was coming in under 28 minutes. Hmmmmmm....made me go faster. I flew down the chute with "Destiny" blaring in my ears. I couldn't believe I got in at 27:31. Just one second longer than my PR. So now I'm all pissy because had I skipped the beers and warmed up and stretched I might have had new PR. Live and Learn.
Guess what? I think I want to change my goal time back to sub 2 hours. Will I ever be satisfied?????
Given my sore hips and right knee, I had not run for a whole week. I was pretty sure my finish time would be "less than thrilling", but I figured...what the hey! I'd run it and take whatever the outcome. So I proceeded to party hardy Saturday night and downed 5 (yeah 5) beers. I woke up a little tired but I figured it wouldn't matter.
Sherry (Stiffy Legs Blues) was going to be there with her husband Scott, and I knew a bunch of people who were going to run it too. The social part of these runs are just as much a draw as the race for me. I love these people. Mike is back from Maine and he was supposed to meet us there. He was a no-show, very disappointed! I saw Chuck, Sherry, Mary, Bill...too many people to name.
Jim, Bethany, Josephine, Frank, Cindy and myself were the only ones who came. Tess had been traveling and needed a good rest. She was missed but we understand the need for sleep!!! And we were jealous we didn't get any....LOL.
I saw the tattooed woman I seemed to stay with for the last 3-4 races. Her name is Amy and she's not in my age group...lol. I knew that but I thought she was 22, she's 32! I talked with her today and told her I wanted a picture of her tattoo. It takes up her entire back, it's beautiful. As soon as I get that I'll post it.
Boca Grande 5K is very well known for their fantastic door prize of a 2 night stay at the Anchor Inn. It's worth $800. and we all covet it. Specially me. But that was not to be. The only thing that made THAT ok, was Jim got it! I guess if I couldn't have it, I couldn't think of anyone else I'd rather see get it than my coach. But I want it even as I write this. BLAH....lol
We lined up at the start, I skipped my warm up run. I figured I already had a strike against me by imbibing the 5 brewdogs the night before. I did make a new playlist on my iPod for 28 minutes. It's my new thing. I make a playlist in the time allotment that I'm wanting to finish in. I make sure the last 2 songs are "The Race Is On" by Sawyer Brown and "Destiny" by Jim Chaps. This way I know where I'm at since I hate to wear a watch...
The island is so very beautiful, I looked around while I was running, trying to take it all in. The dragonflies were not as abundant but there were a few. The smell in the air was fresh and crisp. I ran with Sherry for a little while before she pulled ahead and then turned for her 10k route. I went straight ahead for the 5k. I slowed at the water table, sipped a little and poured the rest of the water on my arms and legs. I was so busy looking around that I never saw any of the mile markers. I can kinda feel the distance without them but I kept forgetting to check for the markers. Next thing I knew I was at the 3 mile mark. And I felt good. Still strong. Had some energy in me. So I booked to the finish line. I realized my iPod was still playing which meant I was coming in under 28 minutes. Hmmmmmm....made me go faster. I flew down the chute with "Destiny" blaring in my ears. I couldn't believe I got in at 27:31. Just one second longer than my PR. So now I'm all pissy because had I skipped the beers and warmed up and stretched I might have had new PR. Live and Learn.
Guess what? I think I want to change my goal time back to sub 2 hours. Will I ever be satisfied?????
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Nine Days To The FCA Half Marathon
Our goal is in sight! The FCA HALF Marathon is next weekend. I am so proud of our team for staying with the project. We're about to see the benefit of all those miles of training! It wasn't always easy running in this Florida heat. All of us have had life step in and take over here and there, interrupting our training but we persevered and will see it to the end.
We do have 2 team members who had to drop out, sadly. Abbey moved away to Chicago, she is already deeply missed. It's just not the same without her. Sherry has an injury that's kept her from training for a few weeks now, but I really think she'll get back into it to run a different half later this year. Sherry is very involved in Breast Cancer Awareness and is a captain for the 3 day, 60 miles walk-a-thon coming up. We all wish her well with the walk and healing her injury soon!
We have another member who thinks she may postpone running a half for now, we'll find out what her decision will be by the weekend. Jim has a good pep talk for those little moments of doubt so she may still be in.
That leaves Jim, Bethany, Kim, Michelle, Bob, Ed, Tess, Cindy, Linda, Frank, Josephine and Jada...with Jacki on the fence. (come on girl...you can do it!!!)
We're all meeting for dinner the night before the race. To make it easier for those who work days, I'll have everyone's packets who signed the permission form for me to pick them up. This race is on a Saturday with packet pick up on Friday only. Lucky for me both of my employers have been highly supportive of my running and I have the day off from two of my jobs. (thank you Kellee and John...xoxoxoxo) I'm the boss of my third job and I hereby give myself the day off from Kim's In Stitches also. But one more call out and I'll fire myself!! (just kiddin')
This week is a rest week with a couple short runs. Worked out for me since I've been so busy anyway. I did my core exercise class and 2 yoga classes this week. Got my ass kicked in the first 2 classes, but Wednesday's yoga class was a nice gentle relaxing stretcher. The pain in my hips and knee is pretty much gone now, so I'll try a 3-4 miler Friday morning to see how it goes. I have decided to treat this half like I did the full...to finish happy and strong, never mind the original time goal. Which was 1:57:59. My new goal time is 2:22:22. I should be capable of that one.
This weekend's last training for the team has been changed to Sunday's 5k on Boca Grande. We'll do a 1 mile warm up, run the 5k and finish off with a gentle 1 mile cool down. The week before the big race is to be announced by Jim, but I'll stick my neck out and assume it's a very restful week planned. Probably 1 or 2 short runs with some mild cross training only. We need our bodies to be rested, infused with nutrition and ready to bang out those 13.1 miles!
We do have 2 team members who had to drop out, sadly. Abbey moved away to Chicago, she is already deeply missed. It's just not the same without her. Sherry has an injury that's kept her from training for a few weeks now, but I really think she'll get back into it to run a different half later this year. Sherry is very involved in Breast Cancer Awareness and is a captain for the 3 day, 60 miles walk-a-thon coming up. We all wish her well with the walk and healing her injury soon!
We have another member who thinks she may postpone running a half for now, we'll find out what her decision will be by the weekend. Jim has a good pep talk for those little moments of doubt so she may still be in.
That leaves Jim, Bethany, Kim, Michelle, Bob, Ed, Tess, Cindy, Linda, Frank, Josephine and Jada...with Jacki on the fence. (come on girl...you can do it!!!)
We're all meeting for dinner the night before the race. To make it easier for those who work days, I'll have everyone's packets who signed the permission form for me to pick them up. This race is on a Saturday with packet pick up on Friday only. Lucky for me both of my employers have been highly supportive of my running and I have the day off from two of my jobs. (thank you Kellee and John...xoxoxoxo) I'm the boss of my third job and I hereby give myself the day off from Kim's In Stitches also. But one more call out and I'll fire myself!! (just kiddin')
This week is a rest week with a couple short runs. Worked out for me since I've been so busy anyway. I did my core exercise class and 2 yoga classes this week. Got my ass kicked in the first 2 classes, but Wednesday's yoga class was a nice gentle relaxing stretcher. The pain in my hips and knee is pretty much gone now, so I'll try a 3-4 miler Friday morning to see how it goes. I have decided to treat this half like I did the full...to finish happy and strong, never mind the original time goal. Which was 1:57:59. My new goal time is 2:22:22. I should be capable of that one.
This weekend's last training for the team has been changed to Sunday's 5k on Boca Grande. We'll do a 1 mile warm up, run the 5k and finish off with a gentle 1 mile cool down. The week before the big race is to be announced by Jim, but I'll stick my neck out and assume it's a very restful week planned. Probably 1 or 2 short runs with some mild cross training only. We need our bodies to be rested, infused with nutrition and ready to bang out those 13.1 miles!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Aches And Pains
I am soooo frustrated these last few weeks. I finally got over that pancreatic flare up that set me back 2 weeks and now I'm having some funky hip pain. I seem to do fine with any distance under 5 miles, then all H-E-double hockey-sticks breaks out. I was pretty sure I just over did it when I banged out a 9.5 mile run coming off that 2 week hiatus. Pretty dumb thing to do after not running for a while, but then I don't always think. That's what makes me SPECIAL. That and the twitch I'm getting in my left eye. Sexy, I know....
The Endurance team met last Saturday for an 11 miler. I was curious to see how my achy breaky hips would hold out. I decided to go out veryyyy slow, about 13 minute pace. It was hard to stay down because I was feeling so good but I was in for the distance...hopefully painfree. Jim started off with the lightfoots and backtracked back to me and Cindy now and then to check on us. He had to cue me a couple times to slow down so that was good. I'll admit it sucked watching Ed and Michelle up ahead trotting along like I wished I was. It was also difficult watching Jim take off and run a 6 minute pace to catch back up to them. I could feel the draw to take off and follow them, but I didn't.
By mile 5 or so I felt that familiar pang in my right knee. My hips had been achy from the beginning but not getting worse so I didn't stop from that. The knee is a different story. I saw what Ed went through with his IT band injury last spring, I know for a fact I don't want that kind of trouble, especially 2 weeks away from the half marry.
I cut across and found Michelle and Ed headed for Sabel Trace so I sped up to catch up to them. Probably shouldn't have done that because then my knee was killing me. I had to walk the last mile or so back to the gym. I'm usually ok with having to do that, but this time it did plant a worry in my head. If I can't do an 11 mile training run at a leisure pace, how am I gonna finish the half marathon?? Never mind that I was hoping to finish it in 2 hours. I pretty much gave up my time 3 weeks ago, I decided my first half will be for enjoyment and to just finish. The second one will be different. Well, my heart and my head argue about that all the time. The facts are facts though...que sera, sera....
Saturday was a rest day for sure. Sunday my daughter Kerri gave me 2 Aleive and WOW...I felt fantastic! That tells me it's inflammation. This morning I ran 4 miles with Ed. I was exhausted and had to go slow but not too much pain. Ed was very good to me, he even stayed with me instead of taking off. Ed told me sometimes the first year of running can bring out the areas that may need extra care, like knees and hips. Makes sense, I am still a relatively new runner. Only been at it for 10 months. I plan on hitting up Jim for some cross training exercises to strenghthen my hips and knees. I know he's going to tell me to rest up first...of course...lol
Right now I'm feeling pretty good physically, mentally I'm going a little crazy.
So here's some fun news....less than 2 weeks to the FCA Half Marathon! YAY TEAM! It looks like all of us are ready except for one injured and one doubting herself. Jada, or as we who love her call her....JETTA...someone wrote her name on a race bib that way and we tease her mercilessly....teehee...anyway, Jada has been MIA for a couple weeks but we know she can finish the half. We have a pre-race pasta dinner planned the night before the race. It gives everyone a chance to relax and talk about what to expect for the race. And eat like maniacs. Except for Ed, who eats really light the day before a race. What he doesn't know is I'm making him a cheesecake. He can't resist THAT....teehee.....it'll be a good time with good people. I'm looking forward to it almost as much as the race!!!!
The Endurance team met last Saturday for an 11 miler. I was curious to see how my achy breaky hips would hold out. I decided to go out veryyyy slow, about 13 minute pace. It was hard to stay down because I was feeling so good but I was in for the distance...hopefully painfree. Jim started off with the lightfoots and backtracked back to me and Cindy now and then to check on us. He had to cue me a couple times to slow down so that was good. I'll admit it sucked watching Ed and Michelle up ahead trotting along like I wished I was. It was also difficult watching Jim take off and run a 6 minute pace to catch back up to them. I could feel the draw to take off and follow them, but I didn't.
By mile 5 or so I felt that familiar pang in my right knee. My hips had been achy from the beginning but not getting worse so I didn't stop from that. The knee is a different story. I saw what Ed went through with his IT band injury last spring, I know for a fact I don't want that kind of trouble, especially 2 weeks away from the half marry.
I cut across and found Michelle and Ed headed for Sabel Trace so I sped up to catch up to them. Probably shouldn't have done that because then my knee was killing me. I had to walk the last mile or so back to the gym. I'm usually ok with having to do that, but this time it did plant a worry in my head. If I can't do an 11 mile training run at a leisure pace, how am I gonna finish the half marathon?? Never mind that I was hoping to finish it in 2 hours. I pretty much gave up my time 3 weeks ago, I decided my first half will be for enjoyment and to just finish. The second one will be different. Well, my heart and my head argue about that all the time. The facts are facts though...que sera, sera....
Saturday was a rest day for sure. Sunday my daughter Kerri gave me 2 Aleive and WOW...I felt fantastic! That tells me it's inflammation. This morning I ran 4 miles with Ed. I was exhausted and had to go slow but not too much pain. Ed was very good to me, he even stayed with me instead of taking off. Ed told me sometimes the first year of running can bring out the areas that may need extra care, like knees and hips. Makes sense, I am still a relatively new runner. Only been at it for 10 months. I plan on hitting up Jim for some cross training exercises to strenghthen my hips and knees. I know he's going to tell me to rest up first...of course...lol
Right now I'm feeling pretty good physically, mentally I'm going a little crazy.
So here's some fun news....less than 2 weeks to the FCA Half Marathon! YAY TEAM! It looks like all of us are ready except for one injured and one doubting herself. Jada, or as we who love her call her....JETTA...someone wrote her name on a race bib that way and we tease her mercilessly....teehee...anyway, Jada has been MIA for a couple weeks but we know she can finish the half. We have a pre-race pasta dinner planned the night before the race. It gives everyone a chance to relax and talk about what to expect for the race. And eat like maniacs. Except for Ed, who eats really light the day before a race. What he doesn't know is I'm making him a cheesecake. He can't resist THAT....teehee.....it'll be a good time with good people. I'm looking forward to it almost as much as the race!!!!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Endurance Project Week 10 (wow)
I cannot believe we're past week TEN! This project is going by so quickly. Emotionally, I have very mixed feelings. I'm sooooo excited for race day, but sad that out Saturday meetings are coming to an end. I have not missed one meeting, but I'll admit the Saturdays after working until midnight the night before were a bit tough to get out of bed for.
Yesterday's meeting was our long run. Jim had a 12 miler planned with the route printed up for us to see. It was perfect...familiar, scenic, quiet back roads. The loop brought us back to point A for a water break every 3-4 miles. Most of the team went to a 5k race and Bethany had a track meet with her PC Track team so it was just four of us, Jim, Tess, Michelle and me.
I do the Galloway method on runs longer than 5 miles. I was taught this method from day one, I love it because I can run long distances and still feel strong. I understand this method may not be for everyone, and that's ok but it is for me! I do not enjoy getting to mile 6 or 7 and wanting to quit because I'm so tired. The Galloway lets me enjoy running distance. If I'm not enjoying it, I won't do it. Pretty simple for me.
That being said, I got to mile 9-ish and felt terrible. My knees started feeling tight at about mile 7, kinda creaky. I never felt that before. By mile 8 my legs were VERY fatigued. Almost like I was hitting a wall. It was so strange. I thought maybe it was from not running for 2 weeks (I was sick) so I tried to run through it. I casually mentioned it to Jim and he said exactly what I figured he'd say: do a cool down walk back to the gym and stretch. I did just that and I'm glad I did because I was hurting. My knees and hips are so very sore, even this morning. I'm not really sure what happened. All I know is, I was fine up until mile 7. Very strange.
I guess I can share a little known fact that does effect my running. I wasn't talking about it too much because it's hard to pretend it isn't happening if the whole world knows about it. Maybe someone out there has the same issue and can realize they are not alone, which is how I feel sometimes. Anyway, a while back I had some serious medical issues and I was taking Excederine for the pain. Took too much and completely burned my entire GI tract. My pancreas was (is) a wreck from it. It will take a long time to finish healing. It flares up now and then and is pretty painful, tiring and nauseating. Keeps me from running sometimes. It's hard to train for speed or a marathon when it's bothering me. Makes for an inconsistant training schedule. The last 2 weeks had my body in down mode. Couldn't run the Myakka 10k (huge disappointment) but just being there to see my teammates run it was wonderful. I got about 2 miles into a run Tues morning and had to stop. That's all the running I had in for 2 weeks before Saturday's planned 12 miler.
During the down time I realized I'm just lucky I can run at all and I shouldn't be worried about my finish times for the half or the whole marathons I have planned. It sounded right to me while I couldn't run, but now I'm back to wanting it all again. Haha! Can't keep a good (or crazy) woman down I guess.
I was hoping to join Ed Monday morning for his long run. He's planning at 14 miler, I would have to stop at 7am to get the kids up for school but I might have gotten 6-8 miles in first. Now I think I'd better wait. Depends on how I feel by morning!
Yesterday's meeting was our long run. Jim had a 12 miler planned with the route printed up for us to see. It was perfect...familiar, scenic, quiet back roads. The loop brought us back to point A for a water break every 3-4 miles. Most of the team went to a 5k race and Bethany had a track meet with her PC Track team so it was just four of us, Jim, Tess, Michelle and me.
I do the Galloway method on runs longer than 5 miles. I was taught this method from day one, I love it because I can run long distances and still feel strong. I understand this method may not be for everyone, and that's ok but it is for me! I do not enjoy getting to mile 6 or 7 and wanting to quit because I'm so tired. The Galloway lets me enjoy running distance. If I'm not enjoying it, I won't do it. Pretty simple for me.
That being said, I got to mile 9-ish and felt terrible. My knees started feeling tight at about mile 7, kinda creaky. I never felt that before. By mile 8 my legs were VERY fatigued. Almost like I was hitting a wall. It was so strange. I thought maybe it was from not running for 2 weeks (I was sick) so I tried to run through it. I casually mentioned it to Jim and he said exactly what I figured he'd say: do a cool down walk back to the gym and stretch. I did just that and I'm glad I did because I was hurting. My knees and hips are so very sore, even this morning. I'm not really sure what happened. All I know is, I was fine up until mile 7. Very strange.
I guess I can share a little known fact that does effect my running. I wasn't talking about it too much because it's hard to pretend it isn't happening if the whole world knows about it. Maybe someone out there has the same issue and can realize they are not alone, which is how I feel sometimes. Anyway, a while back I had some serious medical issues and I was taking Excederine for the pain. Took too much and completely burned my entire GI tract. My pancreas was (is) a wreck from it. It will take a long time to finish healing. It flares up now and then and is pretty painful, tiring and nauseating. Keeps me from running sometimes. It's hard to train for speed or a marathon when it's bothering me. Makes for an inconsistant training schedule. The last 2 weeks had my body in down mode. Couldn't run the Myakka 10k (huge disappointment) but just being there to see my teammates run it was wonderful. I got about 2 miles into a run Tues morning and had to stop. That's all the running I had in for 2 weeks before Saturday's planned 12 miler.
During the down time I realized I'm just lucky I can run at all and I shouldn't be worried about my finish times for the half or the whole marathons I have planned. It sounded right to me while I couldn't run, but now I'm back to wanting it all again. Haha! Can't keep a good (or crazy) woman down I guess.
I was hoping to join Ed Monday morning for his long run. He's planning at 14 miler, I would have to stop at 7am to get the kids up for school but I might have gotten 6-8 miles in first. Now I think I'd better wait. Depends on how I feel by morning!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Endurance Team Message
Hi TEAM!! Here's our weekly message from Coach Jim...
First of all a huge congratulations to the members of our Project that went to the Myakka River Run this past Saturday. There were some excellent performances, ribbons, and awards for some of our teammates. AWESOME. Most importantly, all who ran finished, and some LINDA and TESS extended the mileage on a cool-down run to fulfill a very good "long run" training day. There was some excellent pacing teamwork with Ed, Michelle and Josephine.
We will stay healthy. We are ready. Some of us may think we/you haven't trained enough, or you're not ready. Banish the thought. Remember your primary goal... TO FINISH. Coach Kim knows about believing even if you think you may not have trained enough. (yes, I do!)
The week ahead:Mostly Strength Training / stretching during the week. Actual running miles stay about 10 total over two-to-three days... Mon-Thurs. If you'd like, trade out some "road miles" for non-impact cardio on the elliptical machine or in the pool. We want to be strong for the "long run" on Saturday, Sept. 20....
This Saturday, the 20th is an important workout. Originally we thought we'd travel to away for a trail run, but the plans have been modified and this Saturday, We are "staying local" and running the neighborhood streets of North Port.... Our plan is for anywhere between 10-11 miler.... NOT VERY FAST. We are going to have an earlier start time.... 6:30, And we will be done with the run, or the miles by 8 a.m. finishing with a cooling stretch and beverage in the Teen Activity Center at the YMCA. Meet in our familiar spot in front of the Y ready to start our run at 6:30-- we can beat the heat and humidity. The running route will be set up to pass the YMCA as a "water/Gatorade" station... See you there.
Your proud coaches,
Jim, Bethany and Kim
I'd just like to add that everyone is doing EXCEPTIONALLY well. Your dedication to your training shows at every meeting. You may not even realize it, but all of you are showing huge improvements in your endurance and self confidence. In moments of self doubt, stay positive. You CAN do this. You know you can finish this race. Your coaches know it too! I feel so proud of our team.
Kim
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Little Bit Behind In Training
Well, I read the book "4 Months To A 4 Hour Marathon" about 2 months ago. Promptly put it down and never thought about it again. I peeked at the training schedule last week and thought maybe I could hop into week 6 and hope for the best. That was before I twisted my foot Sunday. I hate to admit this, but I was reluctant to do this training before I hurt myself for 2 reasons....I run if/when I feel like it, so it's hard to be on a schedule, and I had NO IDEA what a 400 meter run was. Finally remembered to ask my coach. He had to draw it for me, I'm just that dumb.
Honestly, the only time I start to obsess about timing or speed is when a 5k is coming up. I'm running my first 10K on Saturday but I don't feel the need for speed in that for some reason. Only the 5K races. I thoroughly enjoy a long leisurely run with no limits on miles or pace. That being said...I want to run the half marathon in Oct in under 2 hours VERY BADLY. Call it inner conflict....I'm a woman. I know I won't be fast if I don't train for speed, but it only bugs me before a 5k or when I talk about Boston. Then it becomes a problem in my head. I wish I knew someone else who felt this way too. Maybe there's someone like me out there. Am I not a serious runner???
Today I was supposed to do 16x400's, but when I told my coach I was going to do that this morning he said not to be stupid. I twisted my ankle. He's right, so I skipped it. I did my yoga class....I love yoga! Anyway, I'm so off the schedule, I think I may as well try the 400's tomorrow. If it hurts, I will stop.
I think I'm ready for another shot at the trail run. I want to try it with my running shoes instead of my trails. I also want to do it without a watch, just a sweet run. The last trail run was not too enjoyable but I think it was because I was very uncomfortable in those Nike Trails and I was behind the fast runners. I do get competitive, it will take over if I let it. Once I stopped for water and wasn't trying to keep up with them, it wasn't so bad. Only trouble was, before I could settle into it with my new attitude, the sky opened up and the thunder and lightening made us have to stop. I will try it again soon.
My next race is Saturday, a 10k. It's my first so I'll be ok with whatever time I get. As long as it's under 1 hour.....LOL...told ya I was conflicted!!!! Sighhhhh......
Honestly, the only time I start to obsess about timing or speed is when a 5k is coming up. I'm running my first 10K on Saturday but I don't feel the need for speed in that for some reason. Only the 5K races. I thoroughly enjoy a long leisurely run with no limits on miles or pace. That being said...I want to run the half marathon in Oct in under 2 hours VERY BADLY. Call it inner conflict....I'm a woman. I know I won't be fast if I don't train for speed, but it only bugs me before a 5k or when I talk about Boston. Then it becomes a problem in my head. I wish I knew someone else who felt this way too. Maybe there's someone like me out there. Am I not a serious runner???
Today I was supposed to do 16x400's, but when I told my coach I was going to do that this morning he said not to be stupid. I twisted my ankle. He's right, so I skipped it. I did my yoga class....I love yoga! Anyway, I'm so off the schedule, I think I may as well try the 400's tomorrow. If it hurts, I will stop.
I think I'm ready for another shot at the trail run. I want to try it with my running shoes instead of my trails. I also want to do it without a watch, just a sweet run. The last trail run was not too enjoyable but I think it was because I was very uncomfortable in those Nike Trails and I was behind the fast runners. I do get competitive, it will take over if I let it. Once I stopped for water and wasn't trying to keep up with them, it wasn't so bad. Only trouble was, before I could settle into it with my new attitude, the sky opened up and the thunder and lightening made us have to stop. I will try it again soon.
My next race is Saturday, a 10k. It's my first so I'll be ok with whatever time I get. As long as it's under 1 hour.....LOL...told ya I was conflicted!!!! Sighhhhh......
Monday, September 8, 2008
Sunday's Long Run
Ed and I have been doing our long runs on Sundays, as long as the Endurance Team Saturdays are under 6 miles. After our team finished our meeting this weekend, Ed invited people to join our Sunday run. I kind of laughed when they found out we meet at 5:30 am. It's so very hot here, if you don't get out nice and early you won't get far. Running in 96 degrees sucks the life out of you fairly quickly.
A few people half-heartedly said they might show up, Jo and Frank were conflicted because they like to stay up on Saturday evenings, getting up at 4am was not too tempting for them. Jim, my coach, talked with Ed and said he was up for it. Ed and I figured we'd meet at the regular time and see who showed up.
Just Jim showed up...LOL...we were not surprised, the three of us did wait a few minutes just in case Jo and Frank came along. I had gone out earlier and hung a cooler with Gatorade and water from a fence post at about the 3.5 mile spot. I thought we'd do a few loops at my fave route, but we took a few turns here and there.
At the first round coming up on the water stop, about 3.8 miles out, I went a little quick since I was ready for a water break. Ed yelled that I was going too fast, I turned to say something while still running...stepped off the sidewalk and fell on my hands and knees. I twisted my right foot on the way down. It wasn't just my pride that was hurt. My foot was killing me, blood was running down my leg and I felt a little something in my left hip. The grass was still damp, I had dirt all over my hands and legs. This little spill stopped the run for a few minutes. I popped my sneaker off and WOW did my foot hurt. I was MAD. I wanted to run this! The guys tried to get me to go back home, but NO WAY. I put my sneaker back on and did a little run. It was tender but I've run with a hip flexor injury. Not that two wrongs make a right, but I was back in the run. It was a little tough convincing my coach I was fine. Jim is very conservative with injuries, he does not play with an injury. Ed wanted to get me home too but I promised I'd stop if I needed to.
We continued on, the sun was coming up at this point. Bright red and orange. I could hear the crickets and I even ate a bug. Scrumptious. The guys decided to run in the street, I stayed on the sidewalk. They were talking but I couldn't hear them so I put my iPod on. I felt myself kind of close off, listening to my music, looking around at the neighborhoods and forgetting I was on a long run. Just going. I love these runs for those reasons. I was very relaxed at this point because I was with two friends who were setting the pace and the route, letting me just go.
We went by Jim's water station and sucked down some orange Gatorade. He had planted a little drink station of his own and he's a good sharer. I was concerned with having to share germs, but he had a couple extra bottles....lol...(I wasn't really too worried about germs...I have 4 kids!) Besides, he seems pretty clean. Haha!!
We went through a gated community where there were lawn sprinklers. I was hot and still had a bloody knee, so I beelined for the water. I rinsed off my knee and got cooled off a bit. Soooo refreshing! I was ready for the last 3 miles or so. The sun was high in the sky by now. There's something to be said for running into the daybreak. I love it. LOVE IT!
The guys are way more experienced and they made it look so effortless. I was behind them, seeing them just go. By mile 11 I was ready to lay down in the grass. I walked a bit, watching the guys run on ahead. They came back around for me, expecting me to be further away than I was. I wasn't too far back. I ran the last part off and on. I was extremely satisfied at 11 miles. If I'd been alone, I'd have walked the rest of the way home and been very content. Jim ran ahead for the cooler, thank heaven. I sooo needed a drink. Ed and I met him at the corner where I announced I was finished running. All done for me. When my body says we're done, I listen. Besides, my freaking foot was throbbing.
They guys ran on toward my house, I walked/limped the rest of the way. I took my sneaker off in the driveway. Big mistake. I couldn't even stand on my foot. Jim told me to stay off it, ice and elevate it. I did that, but after I soaked in the jaccuzzi for 2 hours. THEN I did what he said. It just plain hurt. UGH!
Today is much better. I had an exercise class tonight, I put my sneakers on and was very pleasantly surprised to find my foot felt way better with it on than my sandals. I just might sleep with my right sneaker on tonight.
We'll see......
A few people half-heartedly said they might show up, Jo and Frank were conflicted because they like to stay up on Saturday evenings, getting up at 4am was not too tempting for them. Jim, my coach, talked with Ed and said he was up for it. Ed and I figured we'd meet at the regular time and see who showed up.
Just Jim showed up...LOL...we were not surprised, the three of us did wait a few minutes just in case Jo and Frank came along. I had gone out earlier and hung a cooler with Gatorade and water from a fence post at about the 3.5 mile spot. I thought we'd do a few loops at my fave route, but we took a few turns here and there.
At the first round coming up on the water stop, about 3.8 miles out, I went a little quick since I was ready for a water break. Ed yelled that I was going too fast, I turned to say something while still running...stepped off the sidewalk and fell on my hands and knees. I twisted my right foot on the way down. It wasn't just my pride that was hurt. My foot was killing me, blood was running down my leg and I felt a little something in my left hip. The grass was still damp, I had dirt all over my hands and legs. This little spill stopped the run for a few minutes. I popped my sneaker off and WOW did my foot hurt. I was MAD. I wanted to run this! The guys tried to get me to go back home, but NO WAY. I put my sneaker back on and did a little run. It was tender but I've run with a hip flexor injury. Not that two wrongs make a right, but I was back in the run. It was a little tough convincing my coach I was fine. Jim is very conservative with injuries, he does not play with an injury. Ed wanted to get me home too but I promised I'd stop if I needed to.
We continued on, the sun was coming up at this point. Bright red and orange. I could hear the crickets and I even ate a bug. Scrumptious. The guys decided to run in the street, I stayed on the sidewalk. They were talking but I couldn't hear them so I put my iPod on. I felt myself kind of close off, listening to my music, looking around at the neighborhoods and forgetting I was on a long run. Just going. I love these runs for those reasons. I was very relaxed at this point because I was with two friends who were setting the pace and the route, letting me just go.
We went by Jim's water station and sucked down some orange Gatorade. He had planted a little drink station of his own and he's a good sharer. I was concerned with having to share germs, but he had a couple extra bottles....lol...(I wasn't really too worried about germs...I have 4 kids!) Besides, he seems pretty clean. Haha!!
We went through a gated community where there were lawn sprinklers. I was hot and still had a bloody knee, so I beelined for the water. I rinsed off my knee and got cooled off a bit. Soooo refreshing! I was ready for the last 3 miles or so. The sun was high in the sky by now. There's something to be said for running into the daybreak. I love it. LOVE IT!
The guys are way more experienced and they made it look so effortless. I was behind them, seeing them just go. By mile 11 I was ready to lay down in the grass. I walked a bit, watching the guys run on ahead. They came back around for me, expecting me to be further away than I was. I wasn't too far back. I ran the last part off and on. I was extremely satisfied at 11 miles. If I'd been alone, I'd have walked the rest of the way home and been very content. Jim ran ahead for the cooler, thank heaven. I sooo needed a drink. Ed and I met him at the corner where I announced I was finished running. All done for me. When my body says we're done, I listen. Besides, my freaking foot was throbbing.
They guys ran on toward my house, I walked/limped the rest of the way. I took my sneaker off in the driveway. Big mistake. I couldn't even stand on my foot. Jim told me to stay off it, ice and elevate it. I did that, but after I soaked in the jaccuzzi for 2 hours. THEN I did what he said. It just plain hurt. UGH!
Today is much better. I had an exercise class tonight, I put my sneakers on and was very pleasantly surprised to find my foot felt way better with it on than my sandals. I just might sleep with my right sneaker on tonight.
We'll see......
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A Word From The Endurance Coaches (Week 7 Update)
Hello NP Endurance Project Teammates!!!
WOW. What a surreal experience for our training run at Oscar Scherer State Park this past Saturday morning. We were able to experience a complete gamut of "conditions." We began in the quiet stillness of the morning, marveling at the beauty of the trails, colors of wildflowers, scent of lemongrass, rich greens of the native fauna, precocious scrub jays and the kind footing of Florida forrest. We finished, soaked in relentless rain, remnants of Fay, lightning flashing, thunder pealing, our feet slogging through ankle-deep puddles, drenched, exhilarated!
SPECIAL THANKS to Joan and Ed Morgan, who prepared a memorable breakfast of iron-skillet on the camp stove pancakes, turkey bacon, sausage, syrup, fruit and a variety of juices and hot coffee.
All right, a great training run completed on our way to preparing for the Oct. 11 Half Marathon. Here’s what’s ahead for the rest of the week. We want to be fresh, NOT over-trained or tired for this Saturday’s event, the John Z MDA Run/Walk for Jerry’s Kids. The race location is Olde World Restaurant. We want to be there at 6:30 a.m. or so -- race starts at 7:30. We advise the front-end time to complete registration, get race packets, get settled, warm-up, and so on. Upon completion of the race, we’ll be planning on doing the course at a slower pace than what we raced at. These post-race miles on the fatigued legs will help build our endurance for the 13.1 miles Half Marathon. (This will count as the "long run" day of the week.) To get from here (Wednesday) to Saturday, you may want to do only one more day of light running (4 miles no later than Thursday.) You’ll run hard this coming Saturday—better to come into Saturday more rested rather than over-trained.
Do some abdominal, lower-back, obliques and arms strength-training and some stretching for your legs. Come into Saturday morning rested up and ready. Remember your individual goals for this project—we still have your goal cards as a reminder. We all want to keep our sights set on accomplishing our goal for the Half-Marathon.
Your coaches, Jim, Bethany and Kim
WOW. What a surreal experience for our training run at Oscar Scherer State Park this past Saturday morning. We were able to experience a complete gamut of "conditions." We began in the quiet stillness of the morning, marveling at the beauty of the trails, colors of wildflowers, scent of lemongrass, rich greens of the native fauna, precocious scrub jays and the kind footing of Florida forrest. We finished, soaked in relentless rain, remnants of Fay, lightning flashing, thunder pealing, our feet slogging through ankle-deep puddles, drenched, exhilarated!
SPECIAL THANKS to Joan and Ed Morgan, who prepared a memorable breakfast of iron-skillet on the camp stove pancakes, turkey bacon, sausage, syrup, fruit and a variety of juices and hot coffee.
All right, a great training run completed on our way to preparing for the Oct. 11 Half Marathon. Here’s what’s ahead for the rest of the week. We want to be fresh, NOT over-trained or tired for this Saturday’s event, the John Z MDA Run/Walk for Jerry’s Kids. The race location is Olde World Restaurant. We want to be there at 6:30 a.m. or so -- race starts at 7:30. We advise the front-end time to complete registration, get race packets, get settled, warm-up, and so on. Upon completion of the race, we’ll be planning on doing the course at a slower pace than what we raced at. These post-race miles on the fatigued legs will help build our endurance for the 13.1 miles Half Marathon. (This will count as the "long run" day of the week.) To get from here (Wednesday) to Saturday, you may want to do only one more day of light running (4 miles no later than Thursday.) You’ll run hard this coming Saturday—better to come into Saturday more rested rather than over-trained.
Do some abdominal, lower-back, obliques and arms strength-training and some stretching for your legs. Come into Saturday morning rested up and ready. Remember your individual goals for this project—we still have your goal cards as a reminder. We all want to keep our sights set on accomplishing our goal for the Half-Marathon.
Your coaches, Jim, Bethany and Kim
Monday, August 25, 2008
NP Endurance Project Week 7
This Saturday we had a 10 mile/90 minute run planned. At a state park. On a trail. I was against it the whole time but I'd never undermine my coach. Secretly I was hoping someone else would complain enough to get the run changed to a road run, but no. So I went, quietly but reluctantly. One bright spot was I had the chance to try out my Nike Trails. I hate them. My right toes were tingly and cramped, almost like the right shoe was too small. I was wishing I had my Vibrams with me.
But WAIT!! I digress!! We all met at the state park where Joan and Ed were camping. They very sweetly were holding an "after run" breakfast. Joan had that under control, coffee makers ready to brew and the pancakes, sausage and bacon making all of us wishing we were done so we could just hang out and chow.
Once all of us arrived we did some stretching and got ready to go. We were off! It felt like I expected, having run a few feet here and there on grassy terrain. My legs were tired pretty quickly. Ed kept me going though. I was ready for a water stop but Bethany, Bob, Michelle and Josephine were just going full out. Ed and I were right behind them, which felt pretty good. I knew I needed some water, I've been experimenting with hydrating for a couple weeks. I've had to really cut my pre-hydration intake before a run. I'm trying to take in more AS I run instead of before. It helps alot, but I do need to make sure I drink during the run more often. Too bad I hate to run carrying a bottle. Ed, being my running partner, understands this and is very accommodating. Ed is also a very competitive runner. I tried to kinda duck out for a water stop without interupting his run but that was not to be. He refused to let me go by myself since we were on trails I didn't know. I knew I'd be fine if I stayed on the trail but Ed came with me for the detour. I was glad for that, to be honest. (hugs Ed)
We got back on the trail and decided to just go our own way since we couldn't see our team members. We came up on Jim, Cindy and Jada. They had also taken a different path at some point. They were doing exceptionally well. Nice and easy. Just OOZING of endurance. I found myself thinking back to my earlier training days. When I was learning how to enjoy a long run. Time was not a huge issue yet. I thought it was at the time, but now I feel more pressure to be faster. The 3 of them were smiling and talking, having a great time. I felt happy because I knew they were having a great run.
Ed and I ran on, I needed another water stop. I didn't bother arguing with Ed about him going on this time. I knew he wouldn't leave me. We yelled for Joan to let her know we were stopping for water and to say hello. Joan and Tony (Cindy's husband) were waiting for all of us at their campsite. As we were getting back onto the trail, Josephine came running across the road. She got separated from the original group too. Josephine stayed with Ed and I and we got back into it.
By mile 6 or so, I was telling Ed I wanted to go hang out with Joan and curl up with a cup of coffee. He kinda laughed. Then I said I wished it would rain. It was so hot, some rain would be so cool. Be careful what you wish for. The sky opened up and we got some rain. And some thunder. Oh...and some lightening. All at the same time, may I add. Within 15 minutes we were running in 6 inch deep puddles. I was nervous running in deep puddles with lightening. All we could do was pick up the pace. There was a huge crack of thunder and lightening lit up the whole wide world!!! I was screaming so I never heard Josephine screaming too. (she never heard me either) The 3 of us just took off. We ran the last mile faster than the first! And talk about getting DRENCHED!!
All of us were back at the campsite withing 15 minutes of each other. We had a lovely breakfast together and talked about the run. The "camper" is more like a condo, all of us fit in there! Joan and Ed had towels for everyone too. Bethany found there was a shower right across the road. A few of us had showers and changed into dry clothes, myself included. It was heaven!
So...I got a couple of revelations on this trail run.
1. I don't like my Nike trails
2. I run better when I'm enjoying myself
3. Maybe trail running isn't so bad
#3 is a little shocking. I was SO ready to hate the trails, that I think I convinced myself of that before I actually ran a full trail run. I need to admit that I ran 7 miles and was not sore at all the next day. I was a little tired, but overall...it was a beautiful run. There were wildflowers everywhere. The scrubjays were flying beside us. The parks people were mowing the path so the grass smelled wonderful. A few times I wished I could just lay down in the grass. But this is Florida. The red ants are brutal. So I could not lie down. There were butterflies, dragonflies and I think I ate a few bugs. Ed says they were protein but I'd rather have a cheeseburger. Extra cheese too. And a handful o'chips. Throw in a Bud Light and I'll be your best friend....LOL.
So we all had a great run. I love this team and I'm so happy to be a part of this project. The half marathon is 5 weeks away and I know we'll all do so well. All of us want the best for each other. I don't think I could have hand picked a nicer group of people to train with.
But WAIT!! I digress!! We all met at the state park where Joan and Ed were camping. They very sweetly were holding an "after run" breakfast. Joan had that under control, coffee makers ready to brew and the pancakes, sausage and bacon making all of us wishing we were done so we could just hang out and chow.
Once all of us arrived we did some stretching and got ready to go. We were off! It felt like I expected, having run a few feet here and there on grassy terrain. My legs were tired pretty quickly. Ed kept me going though. I was ready for a water stop but Bethany, Bob, Michelle and Josephine were just going full out. Ed and I were right behind them, which felt pretty good. I knew I needed some water, I've been experimenting with hydrating for a couple weeks. I've had to really cut my pre-hydration intake before a run. I'm trying to take in more AS I run instead of before. It helps alot, but I do need to make sure I drink during the run more often. Too bad I hate to run carrying a bottle. Ed, being my running partner, understands this and is very accommodating. Ed is also a very competitive runner. I tried to kinda duck out for a water stop without interupting his run but that was not to be. He refused to let me go by myself since we were on trails I didn't know. I knew I'd be fine if I stayed on the trail but Ed came with me for the detour. I was glad for that, to be honest. (hugs Ed)
We got back on the trail and decided to just go our own way since we couldn't see our team members. We came up on Jim, Cindy and Jada. They had also taken a different path at some point. They were doing exceptionally well. Nice and easy. Just OOZING of endurance. I found myself thinking back to my earlier training days. When I was learning how to enjoy a long run. Time was not a huge issue yet. I thought it was at the time, but now I feel more pressure to be faster. The 3 of them were smiling and talking, having a great time. I felt happy because I knew they were having a great run.
Ed and I ran on, I needed another water stop. I didn't bother arguing with Ed about him going on this time. I knew he wouldn't leave me. We yelled for Joan to let her know we were stopping for water and to say hello. Joan and Tony (Cindy's husband) were waiting for all of us at their campsite. As we were getting back onto the trail, Josephine came running across the road. She got separated from the original group too. Josephine stayed with Ed and I and we got back into it.
By mile 6 or so, I was telling Ed I wanted to go hang out with Joan and curl up with a cup of coffee. He kinda laughed. Then I said I wished it would rain. It was so hot, some rain would be so cool. Be careful what you wish for. The sky opened up and we got some rain. And some thunder. Oh...and some lightening. All at the same time, may I add. Within 15 minutes we were running in 6 inch deep puddles. I was nervous running in deep puddles with lightening. All we could do was pick up the pace. There was a huge crack of thunder and lightening lit up the whole wide world!!! I was screaming so I never heard Josephine screaming too. (she never heard me either) The 3 of us just took off. We ran the last mile faster than the first! And talk about getting DRENCHED!!
All of us were back at the campsite withing 15 minutes of each other. We had a lovely breakfast together and talked about the run. The "camper" is more like a condo, all of us fit in there! Joan and Ed had towels for everyone too. Bethany found there was a shower right across the road. A few of us had showers and changed into dry clothes, myself included. It was heaven!
So...I got a couple of revelations on this trail run.
1. I don't like my Nike trails
2. I run better when I'm enjoying myself
3. Maybe trail running isn't so bad
#3 is a little shocking. I was SO ready to hate the trails, that I think I convinced myself of that before I actually ran a full trail run. I need to admit that I ran 7 miles and was not sore at all the next day. I was a little tired, but overall...it was a beautiful run. There were wildflowers everywhere. The scrubjays were flying beside us. The parks people were mowing the path so the grass smelled wonderful. A few times I wished I could just lay down in the grass. But this is Florida. The red ants are brutal. So I could not lie down. There were butterflies, dragonflies and I think I ate a few bugs. Ed says they were protein but I'd rather have a cheeseburger. Extra cheese too. And a handful o'chips. Throw in a Bud Light and I'll be your best friend....LOL.
So we all had a great run. I love this team and I'm so happy to be a part of this project. The half marathon is 5 weeks away and I know we'll all do so well. All of us want the best for each other. I don't think I could have hand picked a nicer group of people to train with.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Personal Training Update
I've been so immersed in the NP Endurance Project, that I keep forgetting to post my own personal stuff. That, and I'm really busy lately. My embroidery business has had a little peak season. I spent a few hours in the shop last night (7.5 hours actually).
I was supposed to run with Ed this morning at 6:30. My husband tried to wake me at 5:30 but I was soooo tired. I remember hearing the PITA snickering about me having to call Ed to cancel. (for those who don't know...PITA stands for Pain In The Ass) Anyway...I mumbled that I had EVERY intention of running with Ed. It was a 3 miler...we have an 8 mile trail run planned for Saturday with the team so we were going easy this morning. Bobby said ok as he kissed me goodbye. I think I had him convinced I was running, but as soon as his car left the driveway I grabbed the phone. I can't remember the conversation but I know I got the key point across. Which was....I'm astayin' in my bed. And I did. Until about 9:45am. I never, ever do that. It's a huge waste of a day. But I kinda liked it this morning. I did get up at 7:15 to get the kidlings off to school and hopped right back in bed at 8:30 when I got back home. Ahhhhhhh....lovin' it!
So Ed and I ran Sunday. We did a 10 miler. I cannot for the life of me figure out my Garmin. Ed has the Deeeluxe model so I don't really bother when I run with him. I've been running for so long (ok, only been running 9 months) I never wore a watch when I was learning to run. My coach is very into listening to your body. Learning the Galloway without a watch worked so well for me that I can tell what my pace is pretty acurately. I never trusted myself before, but since I've been running with Ed I can call out the pace and I'm usually right on the dime. Kind of thrilling. Except at mile 9 the other day I said to Ed that it felt like a 9 minute pace. He laughed and said we were at an 11....LOL...I guess I was tired. Kinda like when the weatherman says it 82 degrees but feels like 103. Yeah! Just like that!!
I ran 3 miles yesterday after yoga. I was by myself. I had some new music on my iPod. Shattered by OAR is my new fave! The one and only good thing about running alone is....I can sing and no one cares! I did have a nice run. It was pretty hot...Aug in SW Florida is like that. At about a quarter of a mile to the end the sky opened up and it POURED. It felt fantastic! I loved it. The sounds of the rain, the smell of the earth and the coolness from the breeze is sooooo beautiful. I became one with nature that day. Like a butterfly. Anyway....I did it in 27:59. It's not a killer pace, but really invigorating. When I got back to the gym I complained to Carla that my heart rate monitor didn't work on my Garmin. (I can't figure out how to get the average pace either). But Carla said...and I quote...."Is your chest strap on correctly?" Ummmmm.....so I said...and I quote again...."I'm not wearing the chest strap, Carla." UGH! I'm an idiot. As my boss says...."Beauty and no brains." I'm sure she was just kidding.....hmmmmmmmm
Saturday's trail run should be interesting. I hate running across a patch of grass. An entire 8 miles of trail should basically suck for me. But wait! The true WOMAN in me is a little excited because I just bought a new pair of sneaks. Nike trails. They're cute and I bought them by accident. I liked the pink and navy colors. They felt cushiony when I ran around the store in them so I took them home like a drunk man takes home the barfly. Oooooh...PRETTY! Only they were still pretty in the morning....teehee! I found out when I went to a class Jim was teaching and he said something about my trail sneakers. Oh. I guess I'm still learning!!!
I was supposed to run with Ed this morning at 6:30. My husband tried to wake me at 5:30 but I was soooo tired. I remember hearing the PITA snickering about me having to call Ed to cancel. (for those who don't know...PITA stands for Pain In The Ass) Anyway...I mumbled that I had EVERY intention of running with Ed. It was a 3 miler...we have an 8 mile trail run planned for Saturday with the team so we were going easy this morning. Bobby said ok as he kissed me goodbye. I think I had him convinced I was running, but as soon as his car left the driveway I grabbed the phone. I can't remember the conversation but I know I got the key point across. Which was....I'm astayin' in my bed. And I did. Until about 9:45am. I never, ever do that. It's a huge waste of a day. But I kinda liked it this morning. I did get up at 7:15 to get the kidlings off to school and hopped right back in bed at 8:30 when I got back home. Ahhhhhhh....lovin' it!
So Ed and I ran Sunday. We did a 10 miler. I cannot for the life of me figure out my Garmin. Ed has the Deeeluxe model so I don't really bother when I run with him. I've been running for so long (ok, only been running 9 months) I never wore a watch when I was learning to run. My coach is very into listening to your body. Learning the Galloway without a watch worked so well for me that I can tell what my pace is pretty acurately. I never trusted myself before, but since I've been running with Ed I can call out the pace and I'm usually right on the dime. Kind of thrilling. Except at mile 9 the other day I said to Ed that it felt like a 9 minute pace. He laughed and said we were at an 11....LOL...I guess I was tired. Kinda like when the weatherman says it 82 degrees but feels like 103. Yeah! Just like that!!
I ran 3 miles yesterday after yoga. I was by myself. I had some new music on my iPod. Shattered by OAR is my new fave! The one and only good thing about running alone is....I can sing and no one cares! I did have a nice run. It was pretty hot...Aug in SW Florida is like that. At about a quarter of a mile to the end the sky opened up and it POURED. It felt fantastic! I loved it. The sounds of the rain, the smell of the earth and the coolness from the breeze is sooooo beautiful. I became one with nature that day. Like a butterfly. Anyway....I did it in 27:59. It's not a killer pace, but really invigorating. When I got back to the gym I complained to Carla that my heart rate monitor didn't work on my Garmin. (I can't figure out how to get the average pace either). But Carla said...and I quote...."Is your chest strap on correctly?" Ummmmm.....so I said...and I quote again...."I'm not wearing the chest strap, Carla." UGH! I'm an idiot. As my boss says...."Beauty and no brains." I'm sure she was just kidding.....hmmmmmmmm
Saturday's trail run should be interesting. I hate running across a patch of grass. An entire 8 miles of trail should basically suck for me. But wait! The true WOMAN in me is a little excited because I just bought a new pair of sneaks. Nike trails. They're cute and I bought them by accident. I liked the pink and navy colors. They felt cushiony when I ran around the store in them so I took them home like a drunk man takes home the barfly. Oooooh...PRETTY! Only they were still pretty in the morning....teehee! I found out when I went to a class Jim was teaching and he said something about my trail sneakers. Oh. I guess I'm still learning!!!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
NP Endurance Project...
I'm going to start this post with Jim's weekly update. It's a little long, figured I'd give my blogger friends the option of skipping it in favor of my more humorous update to be posted soon after this one....LOL
A Word From Coach Jim
Hello Team!
First of all GREAT weekend for all of us that went to the race at Punta Gorda, some of the highlights: Sherry set a tremendous personal record and Jacki also. Great improvements. Bethany was the overall female winner, Josephine the grandmaster winner, and medals for Tess, Kim, Cindy, Frank, Ed and Jim.
Some points about our Big Run... The Saturday, October 11th FCA Half Marathon in Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch. (http://www.runfca.com/)Each of us should register on our own via Active.com. Active.com will want you to register with a username and password. We will be providing the race organizers with our list of YMCA North Port Endurance Project team members so that we’ll all be entitled to any team discount. We should register as soon as possible to avoid any potential increase in the $45. listed fee. So please plan on registering asap for the FCA run.
Keep the following information in mind… On Friday, Oct 10th, our Endurance Team will be having a pasta dinner party at Kim's house in North Port. This gives all of us a chance to go over race strategies, questions or concerns. This will be a great opportunity to calm any jitters and have a relaxing evening before the BIG DAY! Time TBA (Does anyone have a "cutoff time" for eating the night before a long run. Let us know...) Kim will make the pasta, sauce and a punch bowl. (non-alcholic). We can decide who can bring what when we get a little closer to the date. (bread, desserts, salad etc) We are working on having one person (Kim) pick up all the race packets at once. We can give them out at the pasta party. For those who cannot make the party, let one of us know and we'll be sure to get you your packet before the race.
For those who have not yet had their race day shirts embroidered, you can drop one off at the desk at the YMCA anytime. Please put your name in the bag so we can get your shirt back to you.
Our week ahead training mirrors this past week. We want to hold onto the progress we’ve made thus far and protect ourselves from injury. Allow time to rest and eat some good vegetables. Strength training target the core muscles, safely exercise your abs, obliques, lower back and glutes. Have two good days of cardio training equaling 30 min. one day and 45 min. the next. Plan on a weekend run of approx six to seven miles.
Some of you may be running the “Hurricane Run 5k” on Sat. Aug. 16. Bethany and Jim, and Josephine and Frank will be out of town for this. The plan for the following Saturday (Aug. 23) is for a group run on the beautiful trails of Oscar Scherer State Park. Our goal is an hour to an hour and a half run on Sat. Aug. 23. This is our own event-- and Ed and Joan Morgan will be providing the optional post run breakfast at their RV. (They‘ll be camping overnight and ready for our training run Sat. morning.) We will start that run as early as we can so that we can enjoy the run, the breakfast, nature and still have ourselves back to North Port by mid morning. We’ll figure out who’ll drive, etc. sometime the week of Aug. 18...
Please register at Active.com for the Oct. 11 FCA marathon asap.
Endurance Team Coaches
A Word From Coach Jim
Hello Team!
First of all GREAT weekend for all of us that went to the race at Punta Gorda, some of the highlights: Sherry set a tremendous personal record and Jacki also. Great improvements. Bethany was the overall female winner, Josephine the grandmaster winner, and medals for Tess, Kim, Cindy, Frank, Ed and Jim.
Some points about our Big Run... The Saturday, October 11th FCA Half Marathon in Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch. (http://www.runfca.com/)Each of us should register on our own via Active.com. Active.com will want you to register with a username and password. We will be providing the race organizers with our list of YMCA North Port Endurance Project team members so that we’ll all be entitled to any team discount. We should register as soon as possible to avoid any potential increase in the $45. listed fee. So please plan on registering asap for the FCA run.
Keep the following information in mind… On Friday, Oct 10th, our Endurance Team will be having a pasta dinner party at Kim's house in North Port. This gives all of us a chance to go over race strategies, questions or concerns. This will be a great opportunity to calm any jitters and have a relaxing evening before the BIG DAY! Time TBA (Does anyone have a "cutoff time" for eating the night before a long run. Let us know...) Kim will make the pasta, sauce and a punch bowl. (non-alcholic). We can decide who can bring what when we get a little closer to the date. (bread, desserts, salad etc) We are working on having one person (Kim) pick up all the race packets at once. We can give them out at the pasta party. For those who cannot make the party, let one of us know and we'll be sure to get you your packet before the race.
For those who have not yet had their race day shirts embroidered, you can drop one off at the desk at the YMCA anytime. Please put your name in the bag so we can get your shirt back to you.
Our week ahead training mirrors this past week. We want to hold onto the progress we’ve made thus far and protect ourselves from injury. Allow time to rest and eat some good vegetables. Strength training target the core muscles, safely exercise your abs, obliques, lower back and glutes. Have two good days of cardio training equaling 30 min. one day and 45 min. the next. Plan on a weekend run of approx six to seven miles.
Some of you may be running the “Hurricane Run 5k” on Sat. Aug. 16. Bethany and Jim, and Josephine and Frank will be out of town for this. The plan for the following Saturday (Aug. 23) is for a group run on the beautiful trails of Oscar Scherer State Park. Our goal is an hour to an hour and a half run on Sat. Aug. 23. This is our own event-- and Ed and Joan Morgan will be providing the optional post run breakfast at their RV. (They‘ll be camping overnight and ready for our training run Sat. morning.) We will start that run as early as we can so that we can enjoy the run, the breakfast, nature and still have ourselves back to North Port by mid morning. We’ll figure out who’ll drive, etc. sometime the week of Aug. 18...
Please register at Active.com for the Oct. 11 FCA marathon asap.
Endurance Team Coaches
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