THE MARATHON
FOLLOW ME AS I TRAIN FOR MY FIRST MARATHON!!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
THE DAY AFTER
Post Race Bliss
Too tired to go and party, our old ailing joints forced us back to the hotel. I cracked open my dark chocolate bar and opened some red wine as Danette and I toasted to our journey! What a special day to share with such a special friend!
THE WALL!
We are at the start line, 6am. Time to get out of the car and run!
The Snicker's Bar Marathon in Albany, GA humbled this athlete as it painfully brought me to my knees. I know now why that at most marathons every finisher gets a medal, it is so well deserved. I respect every mile of the 26.2 mile course as it can chew up and spit out the best of athletes on any given day.
My first goal was to get to the start line healthy, which I did, but at the sacrifice of not hitting some of the longer runs. Better to be 10% undertrained, then 1% overtrained at the start line I was once told. Well, no problems there I thought! Cross training with swimming and cycling in no way replacec the impact and use of those much needed running muscles. But, I was there at the start, mentally and physically ready to race.
I was mentally and physically drained after the race. I gave absolutely 120% and left everything on the course. I fell to my knees in true dramatic fashion and thought I was going to pass out. After closing my eyes and regaining some composure, a gentleman assisted me to the side and offered me a bottle of cool, yellow gatorade. I sat there waiting for my friend to finish, watching all the runners come thru the chute, vowing I would never do THIS again. THIS was too hard, too much! The gatorade could onl quench my thirst and not my broken spirit.
Pre-Race
Thursday, March 3, 2011
CEREMONIAL HAIRCUT, SNIP SNIP
The actual haircut and evenness didn't matter to me. It was that my friend cut my hair, wished me well on my marathon journey, and gave me endearing marathon advice, "Weinacker, my coach said that if you didn't piss on yourself during the race, you didn't run hard enough." Well, thank you Emily for that candid information. Thankfully, the weather forecast is predicted at a 70% chance of rain.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
2 DAYS TO GO!
With 2 days to go, I'm busy getting prepared. Just think, after tomorrow, only one more day to go! Wow, how deep a thought I just thunk! I think that sometimes running long distances has made me less smart, maybe it is the circles that I continually run in, maybe it is the lack of oxygen during sprint intervals, or maybe, just maybe, it is the endorphine high you get from running. It is a natural drug, better than anything you can even get by prescription. After many of my training runs I was like a deer in headlights, so completely enveloped by this heavenly feeling that I was completely at peace on Earth. I remember a few times when my friends would have to repeat a question twice because I was so much "in the zone". I'm excited about reaching this place in 2 days, and am hopeful to hit it at mile 20, which by some is known as "the wall." I am not scared of this wall, and have given it very little attention. But, at mile 20, I will change my attitude, scale the wall, jam up my I-pod, and that Great Wall will inevitably come crashing down.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
I AM A KENYAN!!
I am feeling tapered and today's marathon pace seemed slow, which is always a confidence booster. I constantly had to monitor my Garmin to settle myself back into marathon pace. You don't win medals for training a friend once told me. How true.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
THE FINAL COUNTDOWN!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
It's GO TIME!!!!
I'm anxious, eager, excited, and nervous. 17 days to go. I have not run in 2 weeks! And, magically, my foot is feeling better. It is so thought provoking that with rest and time, things heal. I consider myself a very patient person when dealing with Alzheimer's patients at work, but when it comes to resting and recovering from an injury, I just plain stink at it. I want to go, go, go!! And, I'm happy to report, that GO TIME will commence this Friday, officially at 8:30 with my friend Danette at the Clemson Track. I have zero expectations! I will just run, free spirited and able bodied! I will be like an animal that has been released back into the wild after years of captivity. I'm sure I will be tentative at first, then am hopeful to feel the ground under my feet like old times and get right back into the groove again. I had roughly 12 hours of training last week with ride and swim workouts combined for my BIG week. Now, I officially start tapering, just volume, not intensity.
2/16 Who is one of the most hardcore determined athletes I know? It has to be Ian Davidson. Ian is a National Mtn Bike Champion and XTERRA WORLD Triathlon Champ! Today, was a spirit booster as Ian joined me for a high cadence spin. This was not your usual spin, we went back and forth from the waste treatment plant to the Clemson Golf course, roughly a .5 mile flat track piece of road for a solid hour at 120rpm's. The foul odor of the treatment plant coupled with the repetitive nature of going back and forth on the same road, did not take away from beautiful lake Hartwell or the companionship during the workout.
Ian was swimming after, so I joined him at the pool, splitting a lane with him. When you swim with a Champion, you just naturally go faster. Even though we split a lane, I would sometimes not notice when he passed me because of such a smooth stroke. This is something that I noticed very quickly because usually when I swim with friends I feel a tidal wave as we pass each other. At one point, I actually thought he had moved to a different lane and picked my head up out of the water to look for him. No, he was still in the same lane, just cruising along.
Ian had my best interest at hand after hearing that I may try to run later on in the day when I most likely should take a couple of more days off before running again. He had a better idea. So, he said "I'm going to do 30min of pool running." Of course, I wanted to join him. So, back and forth we went in the warm water pool, running upright, pumping our arms. It was an odd feeling for sure. The resistance of the water was wonderful! I hardly noticed my foot as it striked the bottom of the pool. Maybe it was because my feet were so on fire from the rough texture of the bottom of the pool, but it didn't matter. I was running upright, working those ever so important running muscles. During the pool run, Ian shared some stories of past. One being of him running 30 miles with no water, no music, and no running buddy!
Today was definitely a day of learning. I can see why Ian Davidson is a champion. He does things that most athletes would never do. He takes it to the next level with his mental discipline. He's also got heart. Thanks Ian!
2/18 Today was my first test run back at the Clemson Track after 2 solid weeks of not running. I was so excited, like a fat kid about to enter a candy shop. I was anxious as my feet stepped onto the red mondo track surface. It felt good to be back. Today's temperatures were predicted to be record setting, hitting mid 70's. I was ready, Ipod on, training partner D. at my side. I had zero expectations. I did not even bother to wear my Garmin watch. I would look deep inside myself and run how I felt.
I started out fast, running in big circles on the very outside of the track, thru grass, thru long jump and triple jump sand pits, letting my feet lead me. My foot ached, not acute stabbing pain, just a simple ache as my left foot hit the ground with each step. The first mile was painfully hard as my foot plodded along and all doubts of uncertainty danced in my head. I tried to shove the doubts out of my head, focusing on the AC/DC rock music blasting in my ears. Eventually, I remembered, this is the warm-up. You always feel like crap in a warm-up as your muscles and bones awaken with the sunrise.
A few miles in, and Danette and I were rolling. The endorphin release helped to bandaid and swaddle my foot as we continued to run in circles, round and round. I'm sure I ran too fast for a first day back, but I didn't care. I was savoring the moment, the very breath of life, the ability to be present that day and have the freedom to move unencumbered and able-bodied.
After 45min. of tempo, I stopped. I walked daintily around the track, trying not to put too much pressure on my foot. I was not scared that it would hurt, but scared that my dream of running a marathon would be over if it did. I walked back to Danette's car and this is where I did something I have never done in 26 years of living. I took drugs. Danette offered me 2 ibuprofen. And, even though I'm a nurse and hand out hundreds of pills almost every day, the thought of taking a NSAID was shameful. I felt like I was not only taking a shortcut, but also putting an artificial poison into my body. My liver would probably shut down I thought, as I popped in the one rust colored tablet and chewed away. No thanks D, I'll just take one for now. I do not know how to swallow pills and the bitterness of the medication stuck to my teeth for some time after. However, this bitterness did not last long and was tempered by the pure sweetness of the run and that I'm back. I will be ready for Albany.
DISTANCE: I don't know and it doesn't matter, approx. 5.5 miles
2/20 LONG RUN @ MARATHON PACE! Today would be the longest run I've completed in almost three weeks. It is so important that I start building confidence in these longer runs because the marathon is approaching quickly. Time is of the essence!! My training partner Danette was not feeling groovy and had to bail, but I was fortunate to have my friend Scott out on the track. Now, Scott tells me he does not enjoy running in circles, but because this is his second time running with me in circles, either he really enjoys my company or he likes making circles. Since I was anti-social and played my Ipod the entire time, I think the latter is true. It's official, Scott likes running in circles even if he won't admit it!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
STUCK BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE
Wow, 26 days to go....and here I sit icing my foot. Now, I truly understand why my first goal is to simply make it to the marathon starting line healthy. I am not deterred, my run fitness is very good, the best it has ever been. I am still swimming and cycling thankfully, and am hopeful that with a couple more days of rest, I will be as good as new. I will run the marathon, hurt or not. I am stubborn, yes, and stupid. I will run, pain or not, because I have worked so hard for this goal for the last 15 weeks. "Pain is weakness leaving the body!"....ok, probably not but I will attempt to turn every negative into a positive. My glass is always overflowing.
At Church tonight, I learned that God is faithful. God gives no bad gifts. The passing of Zach at 32 years old from cancer did not deter him. He said that cancer was a gift. Taught him to be a better husband and father. I am thankful that I have come this far in my training, it is a daily gift. The pain in my foot serves as a reminder that sometimes we need to slow down, smell the roses, to thank God for each day, each step, each breath. So, God, I thank you for today and the pain in my foot.
God gives no bad gifts.
2/7 So, this is the "BIG WEEK". Last hard week of training before I begin to taper. Ahh...sweet music to the ears....taper...:) That means 2 things, quality training and less volume and that the marathon is fast approaching. I was not able to do any type of running today because my foot is still injured. Thankfully, however, I was able to swim. My plan this week is to really hit the training hard, whether running or not and begin the taper as scheduled next week. This is the "peaking" week. It is mind over matter. Maintain the aerobic base which I have built and stay optimistic.
Swim distance: 40 laps in pool
2/8 So, continuing with the plan to keep moving, I swam 40 laps in the morning and did a 2 hour bike ride in the afternoon. But, by far the most insightful thing I did today was go to an open house service provided by Go Tri Sports. Once a month, Steadman Hawkin's docs and Pro Axis PT's see runners who are having problems. I was lucky enough to find out about this and get a time slot. There I met Brad Eggebraaten, PT and saw one of the doctors. Hmmm.....opinion, need an x-ray and possible taping would help. I'm collapsing considerably to the inside when i run or walk for that matter. Taping would provide structurally support. The Go Tri staff also tinkered with my shoes. Even just running 20ft up and down the sidewalk was painful. One time they had to prod me to run a little further. Go figure, i'm the person who usually doesn't want to stop. Brad suggested I come to his Patewood office and he would teach me how to tape my foot the next day.
2/9 Pro Axis Therapy is a huge place with 17 therapists, all PT's! WOW, I felt like I was in an airport terminal being shuttled around with the many elevators, 2 receptionists and large examining table set-up. Brad taught me how to tape my foot for structural support and had me walk around and jog. After taping, he still thought I was pronating, or collapsing inward a good bit and fashioned some tear-drop, quarter sized wedge piece to put in my shoes. Most importantly, we talked about risk vs. reward. I know I cannot run right now because my foot hurts to walk and I would be digging a hole. The risk is, run now and not get to start line but have fitness. Or, cross train now, and be at the start line later, and be hopeful to have maintained running fitness. I am going with the latter. In addition, the swimming will keep my HR up more consistently then the biking with the coasting and stopping at times when riding. So, my main focus will be pool based. I am working daily on staying positive and counting my many blessings. I am thankful for so many friends who have offered to help.
2/10 SWIM TIME! 10 x 100 yard sprints completed with two friends. 1:30avg pace. Awesome workout! And, my friend Todd brought an underwater camera so we got to play and take pics and record our swimming. Got to love gadgets you can take under water. Look for some silly pics soon!
DISTANCE: 42 laps
2/11 BIKE TIME! So, to keep the momentum going I did 2 hours of high cadence spinning. No slogging around in a big gear, just high RPM's to keep from having too much pressure exerted on the top of my foot with each down stroke. Great tempo work and a little bit of sunshine made this a great workout.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
FEEL THE RHYTHM, KNOW THE PACE!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Chicken Soup for the Runner's Soul
1/25 TEMPO DAY. Goal: 1 easy, 5 @ 7:50 pace. Danette, Mom, and I were so blessed to get to the track early for our workout. A cold rain was forecasted for that morning. I was eager to run outside and get this in before the rain washed away our fun. We succeeded and only a few drops fell delicately on us as we ended our final few laps. I felt really great today. After running an all out race, a 7:50 pace seems relatively easy. It is still obviously 'tempo' because my HR was up, but a very doable workout. My sniffles are almost completely gone and I'm looking forward to getting rid of my rudolph nose!
DISTANCE: 6 miles
Avg. Pace: 7:42
Avg. HR: 166bpm
1/27 SPRINT! I'm not going to lie, this is one of my favorite workouts, running 1 lap repeats. I feel like an Olympian as I speed around the track, my left foot almost striking the silver inside rail as I run a tight circle. It is pure speed today. I lead with Danette stepping quickly on my heels as we complete 10 quarters. I'm a mad woman, running on perceived exertion, enjoying every step. I attempt to pace wisely but am not a slave to my watch. I find myself becoming sad as the quarters come to an end. Such a quick little workout that mentally boosts my confidence. I am immortal, solid as a rock. I am woman, hear me roar :)
Avg. 400M pace: 131.4
Avg. HR: High
1/29 LONG RUN! Yes, this was suppose to be 20 miles. But, after speaking with a few people about my training plan and the three 20 milers listed and knowing the amount of recovery my body physically needs after a long run, I made an executive decision to run 18 miles. I will keep the 3 week out 20 miler because this is my heaviest week and will be a peaking week before I begin my taper.
So, the run. It was 3 X 6 +15 -4 X 2 + 14 LAPS in a circle around the Clemson Track. Does this radical math equation make the run more interesting somehow? I think not. But, the run was very good none-the-less because of the immense amount of support I received from friends and family. My dear friend Emily came with her dog and boyfriend, Scott :). He ran the first 8 miles with me. My training partner Danette completed a solid 15 miles, and Todd paced me on the last 6 miles which was a blessing. AND, Q, my mom, the neighbor, Todd's wife and baby Will, were all present. PRESENCE IS HUGE! And, each individual supported me to the fullest, even 10wk old baby Will who brings new life and fresh lungs to the track because he is indeed, God's Will.
I felt great on the 18miler, much more even and steady paced then the previous 18 miler 2 weeks ago. I used my new IPOD shuffle blasting some tunes and getting into "the zone", drowning out the world. Even the little ear buds that would not stay squished in my ears only provided a little frustration. I was even able to go to work after for 2nd shift, something I would not have been physically and mentally able to do after the last long run.
I am thankful and blessed beyond measure. Thankful for great friends and family. Running is truly chicken soup for the soul.
DISTANCE: 18 miles
AVG. PACE: 8:36
AVG HR: 149
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
REDEMPTION IS MINE! G-VEGAS TIME!!
I also will proudly wear my HEADSTRONG team kit which I am AWESOMELY excited about!! There is nothing like race day, pulling up your race kit, pinning on your number, and priming your watch as you approach the start line with nervous excitement.
1/19 TEMPO RUN- After completing an 18 miler, aka 72 laps of crazy circles at the track on Sunday, Danette and I showed up at the track again for our tempo day. Still sore from Sunday, we put aside our watches, paces, and heartrate monitors and opted instead to have a FUN DAY! It is important to have an occasional fun day so you don't get burned out. The rigorous demands of training for a marathon can drill the best athlete into a hole. Sure, I could have forged thru and held the paces, but a fun day was good not only physically, but also good for the psyche as well. What a great day of running however fast we wanted and as long as we wanted. Post day 1 mile swim also helped us loosen up. We will be ready for the 5k race on Saturday.
DISTANCE: 5 miles
Sunday, January 9, 2011
ACHILLES HEAL!
WEEK 11 has arrived. I thought I would take a short moment to explain the title of my blog "weinackersachillesheal". I have had one friend, and only one, who has had the fortitude to say "Weinacker, you spelled 'heal' wrong." Thanks John Millon for being that friend who tells you when you have that little green piece of spinach so delicately wedged between your front teeth. Either I only have one good friend, or no one else can properly use the homonyms "heal" and "heel" correctly, or no one has noticed....or most likely, no one cares! But, I do. Because when I started this blog I was so frustrated with my right Achilles heel and the chronic pain I was having when I ran, I chose to express it in my blog name. I wanted my heel to "heal," so I in desperate vain typed my blogger site address very emphatically to be "weinackerachillesheal"......as I do so now, pressing each key very hard. I'm sorry computer keyboard to take my frustrations out on you for you are such a dear little keyboard to me, polished and smooth and worthy of my admiration. :). AND, thankfully my Achilles has not been a huge problem. I will have to change my blogger site to weinackersrighttopfootheal before too long I suppose. So, week 11 has arrived and along with it the forecast of snow. Enough of a "significant event" is predicted that all South Carolinians are tractoring it to the store buying cases of bread, milk, sweet tea and fried chicken. The weather will determine which days I run, when and if the roads are driveable.......I'm ready for week 11, bring on the challenges (small ones please :)
1/10/10 Challenge 1 is here...a big one, 8 inches of snow. Here is my snow-punk face. I also stole Santa's boots off a prop in the restaurant to use for the next few days. I go from green tempo shoes to Santa's clod hoppers. I would like to see anyone run a marathon in these things!
1/12: Goal: 1 easy, 10 at marathon pace. Danette and I were eager to get back out and start running after two days of being snowed in at our respective homes. I was the first to arrive at the track. I eagerly opened the door to greet my friend the track with two open feet. As I stepped thru the snow and ice onto the track I suddenly realized that the track, my marathon friend, a pivotal training partner, had been reincarnated as an ice-skating rink. The track was completely useless unless Danette and I donned our skates. Danette arrived shortly after, and we hemmed and we hawed and attempted to come up with a secondary plan. Well, it just so happened to be, at that very moment, the Clemson University Div. I track team was running a workout on their warm indoor, beautifully crafted track. Did I mention it was warm in there? I asked a very nice track athlete if he thought his coach would mind if two very quite, very meek girls, would mind if they tiptoed on the very outskirts of the track when they were practicing. He basically said his coach was a X&#^# and I should not bother to ask. Well, we tried!
So, new game plan. Danette and I would leave our safe track, our friend, and run on the ROAD, something I had not done since Dec. 5th or there abouts when I ran the Clemson Downs 5k. My last time out on the free road was quickly nipped in the butt over a month ago when my poor, osteopenic foot could not handle the harsh pounding of the concrete and I was destined to be a swimmer forever! Ok, enough side melodrama, but running on the road scares me! Danette and I would rather run 60-80 laps in a circle then risk injury by unlevel terrain or pounding on our joints. But, we are after all, running a marathon on the road, aren't we? So, out onto the streets of Clemson we did venture!
The run quickly turned into a cold adventure. We literally ran in the streets because the sidewalks were covered with snow and ice pushed to the side by large plow trucks. It was frigid, with gusting winds creating a mind boggling coldness. We were crazy runners, on a fervent missions, dancing around the terrain as if booby traps were under our feet. We were forced to continually stop and delicately tap around chunks of snow and black ice interupting any type of pace we were gunning for. We were insane for running out there and got some terribly awful great looks.
Running on the road was scary and served as a great reminder as to why Danette and I are running safely on the track for each workout. It is our comfort zone, it is our pacifier. I could feel the very pounding of each step to the smallest bones of my body. We were like caged animals, once tamed to the demands of society, then released into the wild once again. We didn't know how to act, what to do. We ran wild eyed into the streets of Clemson. Luckily, instinct kicked in and we dominated with a kick*** run. Free at last! I say, free at last! as we breathed in the scenery with each step and we didn't have to run in circles like a dog chasing after its own tail! After our wild scamper, I'm ready to head back to the track where it is safe. I'm just saying, I miss my old friend who is always so forgiving on my body and my mind. It's dangerous out there!
DISTANCE: 8 miles
Avg. HR: 144bpm
1/14 SPRINT DAY! I've never done this workout before.....warm-up, 4 X 1200m repeats, cool down. The goal was to run the repeats at a consistent 5:10 split for each one. Well the first one was slow, a 5:16....totally unacceptable. And, in true Weinacker fashion, the last 3 1200M repeats were respectively, 4:55, 5:00, and 4:50. This is not something I'm proud of. If I can critique myself for just one moment, the goal is to run 5:10's, no more, no less. It is important to 'feel' the pace. In the marathon my goal is to run an even pace throughout the entire race. This is why I have already decided to position myself with the 3:40 pace team that is offered at Albany. I recognize that I am a new runner and with time I will become more in tune with feeling the paces. Great day of self discipline on a finally defrosted Clemson track. The warmest thing on the track was the Miami University track team that was warming up for an indoor meet. I know they had to be cold coming up from Florida!
1/16 LONG RUN- Goal: 18 miles at 8:53 pace. This was a very entertaining run because I borrowed an IPOD Shuffle from work and got to listen to the top 100 songs of the year. Yes, I'm very easily amused because I NEVER run with music and so this was a nice distraction as I ran in circles for 72 laps at the Clemson Track. The best part of the run was pacing with fellow runners Danette and Todd for 4 miles. Then, with just a few miles to go, miles 15-18 for mej, when I was really starting to feel all those little aches and pains, my good friend Danette, sacrificing her own pace jumped up the front and paced me home for the last 12 laps. Such a blessing! Running a marathon is mental, at least 90%. Everything starts to hurt when you go farther and farther. It is how you deal with this that really determines the champion. I went into this run with not much sleep because of on-call responsibilities at work. Right before the run I told family that their loved one had passed, made funeral arrangements, and notified the coroner and doctor of the resident's death. I may not sleep before the marathon because I am so excited, I may have to adapt and be flexible as obstacles are thrown at me. Today, Danette and I forged ahead and killed the 18 mile run.
AVG. PACE: 8:32
AVG. HR: 152bpm
Monday, January 3, 2011
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO WEEK 10 OF TRAINING!! I'm ready. I'm feverishly optimistic and excited each day that I will achieve my marathon goal. I'm on a 16 week training plan, so according to records, haha, I should have 6 weeks to go since I'm starting week 10.......WRONG! I assumed that if I started training on Nov. 1st and had 16 weeks of training, I would end up racing on March 5th right on target. Well, if I do this complex math again using a trig calculator, my fingers and toes to count, and an Abacus......there are somehow magically 18 weeks between Nov. 1st and Marathon go time of March 5th~ So, in hindsight, it may have been a blessing that I swam for 2 weeks because of a right foot injury because not only did I allow for it to "heal" (all relative), but I did not get behind in training. Maintaining such a high volume of training for 2 extra weeks places additional stress on my bones and joints. So, I am thankful to have taken 2 weeks off to heal so I can accomplish the last 8 weeks of training with success!
1/4 LONG RUN: GOAL- 15 miles @ 8:43. Very chilly start in the 20's, but warming up nicely. I was a little nervous about the run today as the mileage increases. I know I can do it, but I'm eagerly excited with some angst as this thought in the back of my head creeps up....but will your body hold up? I did a quick potty break behind the bleachers and off I went with my good friend Danette around the track. We would be running 60 circles, 400meter ticks, round and round, enough to make anybody go crazy. I think we will have a huge advantage going into the marathon with our mental discipline having accomplished this daunting task. During the race we will have scenery and people and will not go in circles! AND, misery loves company, and companionship with other marathoners will surely make the miles much more pleasureable.
The winds were light and I felt great until mile 10/11 where the usual aches start to kick in. Just fatigue, no acute injuries. I forced myself to keep upright and forged ahead! My Garmin watch lost signal at mile 12.8 so I had to estimate a pace and appropriation of laps for the last 2.2 miles. My pace was much better today. A solid 8:35 for the first 12.8 miles and an overall average of 8:23 for the entire run, give or take a couple of seconds. I really worked hard on having consistent splits throughout the run, none of this go out fast, bonk, then race at the end to average a good overall split.
The best part of the run was sharing 800m laps with Danette. We would pace for 2 laps then switch off. The miles really ticked by much faster when we did our rotation. What a wonderful day of sharing the work load and enjoying the eventual sunshine that cast its beautiful rays on both Danette and I. And, three cheers for my mom who did intervals. I couldn't be prouder!
DISTANCE: 15 miles
Avg. Pace: 8:23 (completely run by accident my marathon pace)
Avg. HR 149bpm
1/7 TEMPO- GOAL: 1 easy, 4 @ 7:50, 1 easy. As usual, frigid morning temps in the 30's. Not to brag, but I'm getting quite adept at layering and doning proper attire for these early morning runs. I wish I wasn't so good actually because that would mean it would be warmer! HA! I felt great after warming up for a couple of miles. It seemed like such a short run after running 15 a few days ago. I worked really had about pacing properly and running the "pace" given. I actually ran the last 2 of 4 miles slower than the first two with a lower heart rate....something I usually don't do. I ran Boston today, spot on! My mom did her first 4.5 mile run (mostly) training today as well. And, my good friend Danette had a spot on tempo day too. Very thankful for such great company! Check out my go-green tempo shoes pictured left!
DISTANCE: 6 miles
Avg. Pace: 7:42 (tempo portion)
Avg. HR 163bpm
1/9 SPRINT DAY: Complete 6 X 800m repeats @ 3:23 pace. Today was the absolute coldest conditions I have ever run in. It takes a little more to be a champion a teammate once said. Today, I was a champion or an absolute idiot as I arrived at the track at 7:15am to run solo repeats. I had 5 layers on, gloves, thick wool cap, and my mom's iphone in hand to provide a musical distraction from the elements. My face almost froze off and my hands became so stiff even with the gloves that my dexterity to try and open my car door after the warm-up was next to impossible. I desperately searched for warmer gloves and opted for some biking gloves that looked thicker.
Back to the track I went after giving myself a quick pep talk. I decided I would run 4 repeats since it was COLD and I would just run them faster. I also was going to be meeting some friends at 8:30 for hot yoga and did not want to be late.
The repeats went by fast. I wanted to throw up. I didn't. It is January and I recognize that it will be cold. It may be cold on marathon day too.
COMPLETED: 4 x 800m repeats at 3:12 pace
Max HR: 189
Saturday, December 25, 2010
DECEMBER 2010
12/27 GOAL: TEMPO, 1 mile easy, 6 miles @ 8:05, 1 mile easy. Frigid weather temps and running in circles for 32 laps is only possible when you run with friends. Temps were in the low 30's, but with the wind gusts, it felt like low 20's....according to the Super Doppler which is always accurate :O. Looking forward to running a half marathon in circles on Wed. at the track! Foot holding up!
DISTANCE: 8
Avg. TEMPO PACE: 7:42
12/29 GOAL: 13 @ 8:38 pace. I was fortunate to have my mom and Danette join me on a run this morning.....but the best part, was when my friend John showed up in his nice work attire and ran a lap with me. John has been sidelined with some medical problems and today was the day where the doctor gave him two big toes up to get moving again. I was lucky enough to be running with my mom's i-phone and able to capture him in sweet motion. I truly have the best friends in the world that are prodding me, encouraging me, and carrying me all the way to Albany and beyond. I am certain this is not the last you will see of John. Maybe he will join me in Albany?
DISTANCE: 13 miles
Avg. Pace: 8:23 (which is my marathon pace for Albany...completely run by accident when the lap paces avgeraged out)
Avg. HR 152
1/1/11 HAPPY NEW YEAR! The goal for today was to run 12 Quarter lap sprints at the track @ a 1:39 pace. I had two friends at my side, D and Todd. I had been looking forward to this workout for 10 weeks. SERIOUSLY!! I even was able to wear my lighter track shoes and test them out and had no problems with my foot. I was running on clouds and flying after wearing my heavy clunker training shoes for so long. I will slowly try to incorporate the use of these shoes more into the training program for tempo and track workouts. These will be my marathon shoes.....they are bright green and crazy! Perfect :). What a great way to start the new year. Friends, feeling good, and of course, running in circles!!
DISTANCE: 6 miles
Avg. Quarter Pace: 131.6 (min.)