Thursday, February 21, 2008
Stretchy Stretchy
As per Dagan's request, here's an image of an inspiring runner.
The gentleman above is Steve Prefontaine. Arguably the best distance runner in American history.
I like him, because his body was a little bulky and muscular for a long distance runner, and he had kind of a gamey-legged stride.
And he beat everybody and had a giant ego.
Time: 5:30pm
Temp: an even 32 degrees
Distance: 4 miles or so
Duration: 40 minutes
Wore: Sugoi, tank top, sports bra, thigh socks, fleece pants, tiny little foot socks and patience
Felt good. Felt amazing to think that this distance is my low key easy distance now. Had a stitch for a little bit. Made a new friend of a middle-aged man who runs at just about my pace. Looked like he could have been one of my uncles. Left leg a little tired at the end without the chance for a second wind that comes with longer runs.
Came home, quick carb replacement w/juice, and then stretching and sourced abdominal training. Important to stay connected as a whole body human being. Agile and integrated and whatnot. Wouldn't want to lose track of myself from the waist up. ;)
Monday, February 18, 2008
Every little run is a blessing...
Except when it it's a 7 mile run! Then it's just a big ole miracle!
And I even had a good time in the process.
Temp: 61 degrees
Distance: 7 miles - I wonder how far that is in dog miles...
Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Wore: Sugoi, sports bra, fleece pants
Start time: 1:15pm or so
Took an ice bath and ooooohhh lalalalala!! She stings. And then she tingles. My legs feel like they have little sprinkles inside them, and yes, I'm typing with a runner's high.
The things I did differently and well were:
1. Loading up on carbohydrates the night before and the morning of. Juice, fruit, etc.
2. Getting plenty of sleep
3. Taking a sports gel with me - which tasted like liquid sweet nasty and blossomed in my belly like some misbegotten child. But still, half a squirt sure helped with pickup in my legs. A must have for longer runs from now on.
4. Reloaded with a smoothie with banana, soy milk, protein powder, yoghurt, and juice after ward
5. Ice bath for 15 minutes
6. Real food after the ice bath - tuna with apples, raisins, mayo, whole grain mustard
then off to life.
And I even had a good time in the process.
Temp: 61 degrees
Distance: 7 miles - I wonder how far that is in dog miles...
Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Wore: Sugoi, sports bra, fleece pants
Start time: 1:15pm or so
Took an ice bath and ooooohhh lalalalala!! She stings. And then she tingles. My legs feel like they have little sprinkles inside them, and yes, I'm typing with a runner's high.
The things I did differently and well were:
1. Loading up on carbohydrates the night before and the morning of. Juice, fruit, etc.
2. Getting plenty of sleep
3. Taking a sports gel with me - which tasted like liquid sweet nasty and blossomed in my belly like some misbegotten child. But still, half a squirt sure helped with pickup in my legs. A must have for longer runs from now on.
4. Reloaded with a smoothie with banana, soy milk, protein powder, yoghurt, and juice after ward
5. Ice bath for 15 minutes
6. Real food after the ice bath - tuna with apples, raisins, mayo, whole grain mustard
then off to life.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Focus. Focus. Focus.
Previous Run:
February 16th,
10:05 am
Wore: Sugoi. sports bra, thigh socks, cotton/spandex shorts, wicking tank, sweatshirt
Temp: 23 degrees
Distance: 3ish miles
Grrr...the plan on Saturday was for 7 miles. Ran with Dagan, and couldn't get my mind right. Distracted. We ran in the park and ended up running alongside the Cherry Blossom (or some kind of blossom) 10 mile Fun Run that was taking place at the same time.
Perhaps at a later point in my running life, 10 miles will seem like a thing to do for fun - like making crepes, going to the beach. But right now, the whole thing seems like an oxymoron twisting in on itself.
From the beginning, my legs felt heavy. My left knee was tight. I was feeling woozy (yes, that's a technical term), and I realized pretty quickly that my long run is not the occasion to catch up with a good friend who just so happens to run too. Multi-tasking usually results in not being able to really focus on anything, so I wasn't having fun on the run, and I wasn't really having fun with my friend.
After a few miles, my body refused to fall into its natural groove. I was having a hard time tuning out the Fun Runners with the race staff yelling, "C'mon!!! You can do it!!. Plus, my friend's steady stream of wittcisms kept pulling me away from finding my Machine Moment. Plus, I was feeling a little light-headed and found myself alternating between running and walking to get it together again. That's when I realized I had to make a choice.
I decided to bench the run. Instead, we went out for brunch at Cheryl's Global Soul. The poached eggs over salmon hash with hollandaise is highly recommended.
This wasn't my best running moment by far, but I do think I learned a few things:
1. Get enough sleep. I can no longer indulge in my 4-5 hours a night tendencies and expect to have the juice to keep going on long runs.
2. Run with people with similar goals and skill levels. People say this all the time, but it's true. Running with someone who's about at my pace and also focused on completing a marathon is a completely different experience from running with someone who is way way faster than I am and just out for a casual run. If your vibe doesn't fit with your partner's, the whole thing just starts to suck for all involved.
3. Be driven, but don't knock yourself out if something doesn't quite go the way you planned along the way. I was pretty disappointed at first after stopping the run, but I realized that I probably needed the rest, had to look at my nutrition schedule, work on my mental training, and accept that most of my training would have to be solo, if I wanted to be able to finish my marathon. I also think I made a mistake trying to push my speed on Thursday. No need to force it.
So I woke up today, and spent some time reading from the Marathon Rookie E-book to get a sense of what I could change. Then I mapped some runs on FavoritRun.com.
I'm not missing any more long runs.
February 16th,
10:05 am
Wore: Sugoi. sports bra, thigh socks, cotton/spandex shorts, wicking tank, sweatshirt
Temp: 23 degrees
Distance: 3ish miles
Grrr...the plan on Saturday was for 7 miles. Ran with Dagan, and couldn't get my mind right. Distracted. We ran in the park and ended up running alongside the Cherry Blossom (or some kind of blossom) 10 mile Fun Run that was taking place at the same time.
Perhaps at a later point in my running life, 10 miles will seem like a thing to do for fun - like making crepes, going to the beach. But right now, the whole thing seems like an oxymoron twisting in on itself.
From the beginning, my legs felt heavy. My left knee was tight. I was feeling woozy (yes, that's a technical term), and I realized pretty quickly that my long run is not the occasion to catch up with a good friend who just so happens to run too. Multi-tasking usually results in not being able to really focus on anything, so I wasn't having fun on the run, and I wasn't really having fun with my friend.
After a few miles, my body refused to fall into its natural groove. I was having a hard time tuning out the Fun Runners with the race staff yelling, "C'mon!!! You can do it!!. Plus, my friend's steady stream of wittcisms kept pulling me away from finding my Machine Moment. Plus, I was feeling a little light-headed and found myself alternating between running and walking to get it together again. That's when I realized I had to make a choice.
I decided to bench the run. Instead, we went out for brunch at Cheryl's Global Soul. The poached eggs over salmon hash with hollandaise is highly recommended.
This wasn't my best running moment by far, but I do think I learned a few things:
1. Get enough sleep. I can no longer indulge in my 4-5 hours a night tendencies and expect to have the juice to keep going on long runs.
2. Run with people with similar goals and skill levels. People say this all the time, but it's true. Running with someone who's about at my pace and also focused on completing a marathon is a completely different experience from running with someone who is way way faster than I am and just out for a casual run. If your vibe doesn't fit with your partner's, the whole thing just starts to suck for all involved.
3. Be driven, but don't knock yourself out if something doesn't quite go the way you planned along the way. I was pretty disappointed at first after stopping the run, but I realized that I probably needed the rest, had to look at my nutrition schedule, work on my mental training, and accept that most of my training would have to be solo, if I wanted to be able to finish my marathon. I also think I made a mistake trying to push my speed on Thursday. No need to force it.
So I woke up today, and spent some time reading from the Marathon Rookie E-book to get a sense of what I could change. Then I mapped some runs on FavoritRun.com.
I'm not missing any more long runs.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The Ice Bath Cometh
Time: 7:00pm
Wore: Sugoi, sports bra, white cropped pants, grey wool knee socks
Temp: 39 degrees
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 25 minutes
I just took my first ice bath today, and it was...like...
YEEEOOOOOWWWWEEEEE!!!!! MOTHER%#@&ER!!!
No, really. You have to understand that it was a truly troublesome experience to sit myself down in that tub, and stay. To say that it was bracing to my nethers would be an understatement, but the real trial - and I did not expect this - was the burning sensation in my poor little toes. I finally had to find a position where my thighs and legs were submerged up to the ankles, but the tops of my feet were out of the water. Sort of holding them up in the air braced against the tub. Challenging to say the least.
However, I do think I've hit upon a new strategy for surviving this particular form of recuperative torture. It involves blaring "Mr. Roboto" by Styx on my Mac while I sing it at the top of my lungs and periodically do the robot with my unsubmerged upper body.
Oh, and cuss words. Lots and lots of cuss words. I'm proud to say that I impressed even myself in my vocabulary, inventiveness, and stylistic flow. Pure vituperative genius.
Hey, whatever works - I managed to stay in for 12 minutes 34 seconds, before enough was enough.
Needed the bath, because I decided to speed up my pace on my run today. Really kicked it out on the first mile and finished in 8:55. Proud of that. The full run (2.5 miles) lasted about 24 minutes. That puts me at about a 10 minute mile pace.
Since I was running at night, I ran on the (punishing concrete) sidewalks on the outer loop of Prospect Park. When I finished, my left knee was complaining, and I didn't want to skimp on recovery. So I went off and took the plunge.
Also, I mapped my run from yesterday, and it comes out to 4.75 miles instead of 4 miles, so I thought the bath would be good protection against over-training.
All is good.
All is good.
All is good.
PS - Got a fellowship today and made a new friend.
PPS - Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy Birthday, Alicia.
Wore: Sugoi, sports bra, white cropped pants, grey wool knee socks
Temp: 39 degrees
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time: 25 minutes
I just took my first ice bath today, and it was...like...
YEEEOOOOOWWWWEEEEE!!!!! MOTHER%#@&ER!!!
No, really. You have to understand that it was a truly troublesome experience to sit myself down in that tub, and stay. To say that it was bracing to my nethers would be an understatement, but the real trial - and I did not expect this - was the burning sensation in my poor little toes. I finally had to find a position where my thighs and legs were submerged up to the ankles, but the tops of my feet were out of the water. Sort of holding them up in the air braced against the tub. Challenging to say the least.
However, I do think I've hit upon a new strategy for surviving this particular form of recuperative torture. It involves blaring "Mr. Roboto" by Styx on my Mac while I sing it at the top of my lungs and periodically do the robot with my unsubmerged upper body.
Oh, and cuss words. Lots and lots of cuss words. I'm proud to say that I impressed even myself in my vocabulary, inventiveness, and stylistic flow. Pure vituperative genius.
Hey, whatever works - I managed to stay in for 12 minutes 34 seconds, before enough was enough.
Needed the bath, because I decided to speed up my pace on my run today. Really kicked it out on the first mile and finished in 8:55. Proud of that. The full run (2.5 miles) lasted about 24 minutes. That puts me at about a 10 minute mile pace.
Since I was running at night, I ran on the (punishing concrete) sidewalks on the outer loop of Prospect Park. When I finished, my left knee was complaining, and I didn't want to skimp on recovery. So I went off and took the plunge.
Also, I mapped my run from yesterday, and it comes out to 4.75 miles instead of 4 miles, so I thought the bath would be good protection against over-training.
All is good.
All is good.
All is good.
PS - Got a fellowship today and made a new friend.
PPS - Happy Valentine's Day, and Happy Birthday, Alicia.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
3:15 pm
Distance - 4 miles
Temp - 54 degrees, finishing Temp 45 degrees and rainy
Wore: Thigh socks, sugoi, sports bra, light exercise pants,
Not a bad run today, considering...loaded up on simple carbs before heading out - maple syrup, honey, lemon juice, and water. My legs definitely felt better during most of the run. I'm absolutely going to have to pay attention to the amount of carbohydrate calories I consume before even these short and mid-range runs. I'll have to start practicing eating while I run. The main problem is that I burn through carbs so fast. They're what I need right now, but I'll have to keep up a steady stream to keep going for a long time. Maybe I can rig something with one of those beer can hats with the straw that leads down to your mouth. Except I can fill it with sports gel and gatorade. Genius really, but best not to get ahead of ourselves. In the meantime, I have to be very careful to alter my life(style) and body to the ways of the "slow and steady wins the race"-type runner. Everything about me is different now. I want carbs and sugary stuff all the time. My beloved proteins are simply not as attractive as they once were. I miss my muscle-builder's appetite.
Today, I learned two things:
1. I'm really built for sprinting. A quick burst across the Serengeti, a single arcing leap lands me atop the fleeing muntjak. I down my prey, and bask with my cubs in the setting African sun as we chew the last morsels of that hapless herbivore's tiny life. I definitely felt better when I picked up my pace, even if it meant I couldn't hold onto it for very long. I always want to speed up. Always.
2. Running in the rain sucks. Especially the puddles. And the wet socks with puddle-squish mushing between your toes. And getting splashed by passing cars. I'm going to have to invest in some impervious-to-the-weather-type gear. Running really is turning out to be all about the toys.
Lets see how 3 miles goes tomorrow.
Also, I found a great first marathon blog today. Check it out.
3:15 pm
Distance - 4 miles
Temp - 54 degrees, finishing Temp 45 degrees and rainy
Wore: Thigh socks, sugoi, sports bra, light exercise pants,
Not a bad run today, considering...loaded up on simple carbs before heading out - maple syrup, honey, lemon juice, and water. My legs definitely felt better during most of the run. I'm absolutely going to have to pay attention to the amount of carbohydrate calories I consume before even these short and mid-range runs. I'll have to start practicing eating while I run. The main problem is that I burn through carbs so fast. They're what I need right now, but I'll have to keep up a steady stream to keep going for a long time. Maybe I can rig something with one of those beer can hats with the straw that leads down to your mouth. Except I can fill it with sports gel and gatorade. Genius really, but best not to get ahead of ourselves. In the meantime, I have to be very careful to alter my life(style) and body to the ways of the "slow and steady wins the race"-type runner. Everything about me is different now. I want carbs and sugary stuff all the time. My beloved proteins are simply not as attractive as they once were. I miss my muscle-builder's appetite.
Today, I learned two things:
1. I'm really built for sprinting. A quick burst across the Serengeti, a single arcing leap lands me atop the fleeing muntjak. I down my prey, and bask with my cubs in the setting African sun as we chew the last morsels of that hapless herbivore's tiny life. I definitely felt better when I picked up my pace, even if it meant I couldn't hold onto it for very long. I always want to speed up. Always.
2. Running in the rain sucks. Especially the puddles. And the wet socks with puddle-squish mushing between your toes. And getting splashed by passing cars. I'm going to have to invest in some impervious-to-the-weather-type gear. Running really is turning out to be all about the toys.
Lets see how 3 miles goes tomorrow.
Also, I found a great first marathon blog today. Check it out.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Run: Monday, February 11, 2008 -
2:55pm
distance - 3.35 miles, temp: 21 degrees,
wore: sugoi, sports bra, thigh socks, terry exercise pants. foot socks, hat, hoodie, sometimes a grimace, sometimes a smile
Struggled today. None of the soreness left over from last week, but still...What is it about the first run of the week? Felt heavy in my legs, and kept fatiguing - was able to wake my body up by sprinting short distances, and then walking. Felt fine up until about 21 minutes in, and then tanked. Possibly not enough calories in me? Possibly going too fast? Possibly the weather? Most likely a combination of the bunch. I think I went into the run over-confident, and then neglected to focus on the mental aspect before heading out for the run. Once I fatigued, I had a hard time finding a mindset to key into to keep going. Glad I went, though. There's something about the hard runs, that remind me that this is a challenge, and any progress I'm making is earned. I am better, stronger, etc. than when I started, and it will get better and better. I just can't assume something will be no sweat until it actually becomes no sweat. I also have to be reminded that I will be able to finish the marathon on race day, as long as I keep up with the program, but...a lot of it will take place in my brain. Run like the wind, baybee.
Also, must start remembering to weigh myself before and after runs and measure bodyfat, and water, etc. I'm supposed to do this to see how fluid I lose to perspiration and then try to get back to my pre-run weight within 2 hours. It's just been so many years since I've even owned a scale, I have the habit of thinking of it as a funny little toy, instead of a piece of fitness equipment...
Run: Monday, February 11, 2008 -
2:55pm
distance - 3.35 miles, temp: 21 degrees,
wore: sugoi, sports bra, thigh socks, terry exercise pants. foot socks, hat, hoodie, sometimes a grimace, sometimes a smile
Struggled today. None of the soreness left over from last week, but still...What is it about the first run of the week? Felt heavy in my legs, and kept fatiguing - was able to wake my body up by sprinting short distances, and then walking. Felt fine up until about 21 minutes in, and then tanked. Possibly not enough calories in me? Possibly going too fast? Possibly the weather? Most likely a combination of the bunch. I think I went into the run over-confident, and then neglected to focus on the mental aspect before heading out for the run. Once I fatigued, I had a hard time finding a mindset to key into to keep going. Glad I went, though. There's something about the hard runs, that remind me that this is a challenge, and any progress I'm making is earned. I am better, stronger, etc. than when I started, and it will get better and better. I just can't assume something will be no sweat until it actually becomes no sweat. I also have to be reminded that I will be able to finish the marathon on race day, as long as I keep up with the program, but...a lot of it will take place in my brain. Run like the wind, baybee.
Also, must start remembering to weigh myself before and after runs and measure bodyfat, and water, etc. I'm supposed to do this to see how fluid I lose to perspiration and then try to get back to my pre-run weight within 2 hours. It's just been so many years since I've even owned a scale, I have the habit of thinking of it as a funny little toy, instead of a piece of fitness equipment...
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Sunday, February 10th, 2008 -
(Ran Saturday, February 9th, 2008 - )
Time: 2:00pm
Weather: about 35 degrees w/periodic drizzle -
Wore Sugoi, thigh socks, fleece sweat pants, ankle socks, sports bra, tank top -
Distance: 6 miles
Run Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
I ran six miles yesterday.
Wait, let me rephrase that.
I RAN 6 MILES YESTERDAY!!!!
On top of that, I was able to run for over an hour without stopping!!! If you had asked me just a few months ago if I was capable of that, I would have told you no - and then maybe hit you upside the head for asking. Just a gentle tap, but still.
Because six miles is a long way. And I never used to run.
My friend, Dynishal and I did two laps around the park - a full loop, and a modified loop. The second lap felt much better than the first. As always, the first lap involved about 30 minutes of struggle as my body sorted itself out - left ankle, left outer knee, back, etc. Breath got a little choppy taking the big hill on the first lap, and had to shorten my stride to get in back in line. The second lap started with a bit of a pause as I sorted out that right behind the knee cramp that I've now decided involves all three muscles that attach into the pes anserine. That cramp comes later and later in my runs as my cardiovascular and muscular respiration capacities improve. It passed early in the second lap, and we were sailing. At the end,I felt a little nausea and a bit of a side stitch, but they both worked themselves out, and I really felt light and good in my legs. Springy. My lungs really opened up in the second lap, and I realized that they have their warm-up period as well. I reached a Machine Moment in the second lap as well, where my legs seemed to be moving with metronomic regularity - my whole body unified in the act of running - effortless. Breath coming just right and on rhythm. Everything unconscious. It really does feel like flying.
Running with Dynishal is great. We're the same height, run at the same pace, we both take this seriously, and we're not too chatty. There's something about entering the focus zone with someone at your side...like a shared energy. Everything becomes more clear and easy. Like they're doing part of the work of running as well. I'm really glad to be training for this marathon with her. After yesterday, finishing a six mile run after two weeks off, and being unsure whether I could make a whole six miles - it's amazing to realize that I really felt like I could have kept going for at least another mile. I finished this session knowing that I can complete my 7 mile run next week, and that we can complete a 26.2 mile marathon with only having run 20 miles by that date. It all made perfect sense.
The only downside is that this whole low appetite thing meant I was running without quite enough food, and I was feeling light-headed by the end of the run. It was strange, because I really felt like I could have kept running. I'll have to start now with taking a little energy like sports gel, and maybe some water. I forgot to weigh myself before and after the run, so must get in the habit of that as well.
I can't wait to run tomorrow. Only three miles, so I can start to work a bit on my speed. Lucky day.
(Ran Saturday, February 9th, 2008 - )
Time: 2:00pm
Weather: about 35 degrees w/periodic drizzle -
Wore Sugoi, thigh socks, fleece sweat pants, ankle socks, sports bra, tank top -
Distance: 6 miles
Run Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
I ran six miles yesterday.
Wait, let me rephrase that.
I RAN 6 MILES YESTERDAY!!!!
On top of that, I was able to run for over an hour without stopping!!! If you had asked me just a few months ago if I was capable of that, I would have told you no - and then maybe hit you upside the head for asking. Just a gentle tap, but still.
Because six miles is a long way. And I never used to run.
My friend, Dynishal and I did two laps around the park - a full loop, and a modified loop. The second lap felt much better than the first. As always, the first lap involved about 30 minutes of struggle as my body sorted itself out - left ankle, left outer knee, back, etc. Breath got a little choppy taking the big hill on the first lap, and had to shorten my stride to get in back in line. The second lap started with a bit of a pause as I sorted out that right behind the knee cramp that I've now decided involves all three muscles that attach into the pes anserine. That cramp comes later and later in my runs as my cardiovascular and muscular respiration capacities improve. It passed early in the second lap, and we were sailing. At the end,I felt a little nausea and a bit of a side stitch, but they both worked themselves out, and I really felt light and good in my legs. Springy. My lungs really opened up in the second lap, and I realized that they have their warm-up period as well. I reached a Machine Moment in the second lap as well, where my legs seemed to be moving with metronomic regularity - my whole body unified in the act of running - effortless. Breath coming just right and on rhythm. Everything unconscious. It really does feel like flying.
Running with Dynishal is great. We're the same height, run at the same pace, we both take this seriously, and we're not too chatty. There's something about entering the focus zone with someone at your side...like a shared energy. Everything becomes more clear and easy. Like they're doing part of the work of running as well. I'm really glad to be training for this marathon with her. After yesterday, finishing a six mile run after two weeks off, and being unsure whether I could make a whole six miles - it's amazing to realize that I really felt like I could have kept going for at least another mile. I finished this session knowing that I can complete my 7 mile run next week, and that we can complete a 26.2 mile marathon with only having run 20 miles by that date. It all made perfect sense.
The only downside is that this whole low appetite thing meant I was running without quite enough food, and I was feeling light-headed by the end of the run. It was strange, because I really felt like I could have kept running. I'll have to start now with taking a little energy like sports gel, and maybe some water. I forgot to weigh myself before and after the run, so must get in the habit of that as well.
I can't wait to run tomorrow. Only three miles, so I can start to work a bit on my speed. Lucky day.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Saturday, February 9th, 2008
Running is ruining my appetite. I'm having a hard time getting enough calories. Just tried to have breakfast with a friend this morning, and could barely touch my food. Weird. And this isn't the first time. Sometimes, I only eat one real meal in a day. It's not the same as when I was lifting more. Then I was constantly starving and could eat like a Mack truck. I vastly preferred that situation. I'll have to figure something out...maybe go back to weight training on some of my off days, or something. Maybe I should adopt a more bacon-centric lifestyle. Yes. Let's bring bacon t the center.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Friday, February 8, 2008 –
35 degrees –
wore: Sugoi, tank top, sports bra, thigh socks, loose knit stretch pants –
44 minutes – to the park, around the park, and back –
must check distance, but about 3.6(?) miles
FINALLY!! My prophecy of being shocked shitless by my progress has come true. I must admit I was a little spooked by my last run – so difficult and much less endurance. Today, however, truly amazed me. I started out running with the usual beginning difficulty, but soon was able to get my mind right. When the crampy feeling came, I simply asked myself how I felt. I felt fine in my legs, I felt fine in my breathing, so the only place that was troubling me was my tummy. I told myself that the feeling had always passed before, and before long, it did. Soon enough, and I looked at my watch and had gone 11 minutes, then 15 minutes. I had told myself I only had to do 30 minutes today, which was my longest continual run, so in my mind, I was halfway done. Then I looked up, and it was 27 minutes, then 30…at which point I told myself everything else was gravy. The only time I really slowed was on a hill very late in the run, but after I crested that, my energy came right back, and I was running better than I had the whole run. The whole time I was training, I kept looking at the beautiful trees ahead and thinking, “I get to run to that right now. I am so fortunate to get to run to that right now.” I was at about 40 minutes as I came out of the park. Feeling amazing and like I didn’t need to stop at all. In fact, If I hadn’t had someplace to be, I would have kept going. I felt at that moment, that I truly was a runner.
As I was running back home, I experienced for the first time what I call a MACHINE MOMENT – when everytying was pumping like a metronome, my mind was totally focused and clear, and all was right and unified in my world. I suddenly realized that this is what the Kenyans must feel like.
I got home at 44 minutes.. I can’t wait to run again.
35 degrees –
wore: Sugoi, tank top, sports bra, thigh socks, loose knit stretch pants –
44 minutes – to the park, around the park, and back –
must check distance, but about 3.6(?) miles
FINALLY!! My prophecy of being shocked shitless by my progress has come true. I must admit I was a little spooked by my last run – so difficult and much less endurance. Today, however, truly amazed me. I started out running with the usual beginning difficulty, but soon was able to get my mind right. When the crampy feeling came, I simply asked myself how I felt. I felt fine in my legs, I felt fine in my breathing, so the only place that was troubling me was my tummy. I told myself that the feeling had always passed before, and before long, it did. Soon enough, and I looked at my watch and had gone 11 minutes, then 15 minutes. I had told myself I only had to do 30 minutes today, which was my longest continual run, so in my mind, I was halfway done. Then I looked up, and it was 27 minutes, then 30…at which point I told myself everything else was gravy. The only time I really slowed was on a hill very late in the run, but after I crested that, my energy came right back, and I was running better than I had the whole run. The whole time I was training, I kept looking at the beautiful trees ahead and thinking, “I get to run to that right now. I am so fortunate to get to run to that right now.” I was at about 40 minutes as I came out of the park. Feeling amazing and like I didn’t need to stop at all. In fact, If I hadn’t had someplace to be, I would have kept going. I felt at that moment, that I truly was a runner.
As I was running back home, I experienced for the first time what I call a MACHINE MOMENT – when everytying was pumping like a metronome, my mind was totally focused and clear, and all was right and unified in my world. I suddenly realized that this is what the Kenyans must feel like.
I got home at 44 minutes.. I can’t wait to run again.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
February 6, 2008 - 3:15pm -
66 degrees -
wore: tank top, spors bra, white workout capris -
Distance 3.2 miles -
post-run weight 121 lbs.
I am about to do my first real run in over two weeks, and my first mileage run ever. I am scared shitless. As in terrified. As in, I'm being totally honest here in saying how shitlessly terrified I am. I know that, logically, this distance will be nothing to me in another couple of weeks or so. In fact, I may have already run something close to it in previous training. I'm still scared. But I have to go out today. I have to. I just have to. I am staring at my running clothes and the new socks I've picked out for luck. It's the warmest weather I've run in, and I'm trying to figure out how to dress so I don't overheat. I'm not equipped for heat and rain...all this is so new to me. The 20 degree rule says that if it's 66 degrees outside, then my body thinks it's 86 degrees.
Exciting, though. Exciting.
After the run:
Okay, so that was not my studliest excursion, but I did it. With lots of walking and stops and starts, I did it. With every step, I reminded myself that I was making myself stronger, my heart stronger, my legs, my soul. I listened to my body and respected the time off I took. Most importantly - I went out and did it.
Back in the saddle, Baybee!
I started out with a mild headache, which abated in less than a mile. Things were stop and go for a while, and then went to that smooth sailing feeling where it seems like you can just run forever. Then the cramps set in - stomach, back, and the back of the right knee that likes to kick in every now and again. That one seems to be the distal attachment of semi-tendinosus - just proximal to the pes anserine attachment. And the top of the media gastrocnemius. Gotta look into remedying that.
I will definitely be focusing in these next few weeks on getting to a very comfortable place with my shorter runs - I can't believe I'm going to be attempting that 5 mile run on Saturday, even with the time off. I can do it, though. I know I can.
Must add that the extent of my de-trainng had as much to do with mental training as physical training. I could feel myself struggling to remember those little tricks that keep me going. I could feel those techniques coming back to me out of the haze. Gotta give a quick re-read to the Marathon Rookie book and check on some motivation and mental imagery sites.
66 degrees -
wore: tank top, spors bra, white workout capris -
Distance 3.2 miles -
post-run weight 121 lbs.
I am about to do my first real run in over two weeks, and my first mileage run ever. I am scared shitless. As in terrified. As in, I'm being totally honest here in saying how shitlessly terrified I am. I know that, logically, this distance will be nothing to me in another couple of weeks or so. In fact, I may have already run something close to it in previous training. I'm still scared. But I have to go out today. I have to. I just have to. I am staring at my running clothes and the new socks I've picked out for luck. It's the warmest weather I've run in, and I'm trying to figure out how to dress so I don't overheat. I'm not equipped for heat and rain...all this is so new to me. The 20 degree rule says that if it's 66 degrees outside, then my body thinks it's 86 degrees.
Exciting, though. Exciting.
After the run:
Okay, so that was not my studliest excursion, but I did it. With lots of walking and stops and starts, I did it. With every step, I reminded myself that I was making myself stronger, my heart stronger, my legs, my soul. I listened to my body and respected the time off I took. Most importantly - I went out and did it.
Back in the saddle, Baybee!
I started out with a mild headache, which abated in less than a mile. Things were stop and go for a while, and then went to that smooth sailing feeling where it seems like you can just run forever. Then the cramps set in - stomach, back, and the back of the right knee that likes to kick in every now and again. That one seems to be the distal attachment of semi-tendinosus - just proximal to the pes anserine attachment. And the top of the media gastrocnemius. Gotta look into remedying that.
I will definitely be focusing in these next few weeks on getting to a very comfortable place with my shorter runs - I can't believe I'm going to be attempting that 5 mile run on Saturday, even with the time off. I can do it, though. I know I can.
Must add that the extent of my de-trainng had as much to do with mental training as physical training. I could feel myself struggling to remember those little tricks that keep me going. I could feel those techniques coming back to me out of the haze. Gotta give a quick re-read to the Marathon Rookie book and check on some motivation and mental imagery sites.
February 5, 2008 -
Quick 7 minute blast.
About 5pm
Felt good to get my feet pumping again. My schedule has been really pulled tight by being sick and having to strew my computer's out all over the living room table. Now that I and my technology are both back in commission, it's catch-up time on all fronts. Didn't have time today for a full run, but wanted to go out anyway to remember that my legs worked. Felt great. Amazing really.
Quick 7 minute blast.
About 5pm
Felt good to get my feet pumping again. My schedule has been really pulled tight by being sick and having to strew my computer's out all over the living room table. Now that I and my technology are both back in commission, it's catch-up time on all fronts. Didn't have time today for a full run, but wanted to go out anyway to remember that my legs worked. Felt great. Amazing really.
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