Sunday, March 4th
Sunday...the day of rest...Hah! No.
The first day in quite awhile I have had the chance to 'sleep in' a little and I wake up at 7:15...no alarm. Normally I force myself to go back to sleep, but today I took advantage of my awakened self and suited up for a morning run. I had to be back by 10:30 because of a scheduled riding lesson, but I figured I had plenty of time to get 6 miles in.
Left around 8am...Hwy was shut down because a tanker had exploded, which re-routed my drive - I got to southlake around 9am...an hour? really? It's like 10 miles away. Ridiculous.
With the later than expected arrival I had t change my 6 mile run to a 4.5 again because I wouldn't have had time to finish all six and get back to the house in time for the lesson. I was a little frustrated.
The run went fine. I made sure to run through every patch of deep sand there was. I think the sand will be my only half saving grace training wise since we lack the terrain here. I can definitely tell my legs are stronger. I do get tired, but at the same time, I recover quickly and can continue on with no problems.
Total Mileage: 4.57
Time: 52:30
Week Total: 13.5ish
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Day 108
Saturday, March 3rd
Did the same 4.5 mile loop at southlake. Felt good. No issues other than being a little tired from the day. Taught the 9th grade credit retrieval from 8-12, then did a riding lesson once I got home. After the lesson I was finally able to get out to Southlake, later than planned, as usual.
I've been a little concerned about how tired I am when I run, but after thinking about it, I run at the end of my day. I should be tired! haha. Hopefully after a 13 hour flight, I'll be plenty rested and ready for 8 hours of hell on a muddy trail...oh yeah, its supposed to rain the entire day next saturday. yay!
Total Mileage: 4.57
Time: 50:18..little bit quicker pace than normal..not on purpose
Week Total: 9ish miles
Did the same 4.5 mile loop at southlake. Felt good. No issues other than being a little tired from the day. Taught the 9th grade credit retrieval from 8-12, then did a riding lesson once I got home. After the lesson I was finally able to get out to Southlake, later than planned, as usual.
I've been a little concerned about how tired I am when I run, but after thinking about it, I run at the end of my day. I should be tired! haha. Hopefully after a 13 hour flight, I'll be plenty rested and ready for 8 hours of hell on a muddy trail...oh yeah, its supposed to rain the entire day next saturday. yay!
Total Mileage: 4.57
Time: 50:18..little bit quicker pace than normal..not on purpose
Week Total: 9ish miles
Day 106 and 107
Thursday and Friday, March 1st and 2nd
Like I had mentioned before, I had school obligations on both these days. I was able to run to the store on Thursday night and pick up a few random things I still needed packing wise. I should be able to get everything packed this weekend because goodness knows I probably won't have time Monday or Tuesday to do it.
Like I had mentioned before, I had school obligations on both these days. I was able to run to the store on Thursday night and pick up a few random things I still needed packing wise. I should be able to get everything packed this weekend because goodness knows I probably won't have time Monday or Tuesday to do it.
Day 105
Wednesday, February 29th
Leap Leap Leap
4.5 miles out at Southlake, as planned. I ran without my braces on my right knee! No troubles. I listened to a fantastic episode of Radiolab while running, which I think is what I'll do for the actual marathon. Time to download some new episodes!
Total Distance: 4.54
Time: 53:18
Week Total: 4.54
Leap Leap Leap
4.5 miles out at Southlake, as planned. I ran without my braces on my right knee! No troubles. I listened to a fantastic episode of Radiolab while running, which I think is what I'll do for the actual marathon. Time to download some new episodes!
Total Distance: 4.54
Time: 53:18
Week Total: 4.54
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Day 103 and 104
Monday, February 27 and Tuesday, February 28
Off Days
I recovered very nicely from the 13.2 on Sunday. No ITB issues, no patellar tendon issues. Everything feels really good..surprise, surprise.
I'm thinking of doing 4 miles on Wednesday..probably out in Southlake. Meeting on Thursday afternoon. Tennis tournament on Friday, all day. So after wednesday, it will be pretty uneventful on the training side of life.
I also had this written last week, and well, you can see that the week got a little out of hand.
Off Days
I recovered very nicely from the 13.2 on Sunday. No ITB issues, no patellar tendon issues. Everything feels really good..surprise, surprise.
I'm thinking of doing 4 miles on Wednesday..probably out in Southlake. Meeting on Thursday afternoon. Tennis tournament on Friday, all day. So after wednesday, it will be pretty uneventful on the training side of life.
I also had this written last week, and well, you can see that the week got a little out of hand.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Day 102
Sunday, February 26th
Long Run Day. Took the trek out to the grasslands again since I wanted to do 15 miles in the 'hardest' terrain North Texas offers, not that the terrain (elevation change wise)is difficult, but the footing(deep sandy loam) adds quite a bit of difficulty.
All-in-all, it was a horrible run. I did the blue loop. Missed the trail addition which adds 1.8 miles. Grasslands, you're on my shit-list. This is the SECOND time I've missed a trail addition and come up short on mileage. Why aren't the changes marked better???? angry. Anyways, I could definitely tell the difference in the weight I have to carry. I was pretty miserable for most of the run. Not a very encouraging way to end my long runs.
I also jacked up my timing. I know it took me WAY longer than it should have to finish 13.2 miles, but I don't have an exact time.
Completed Mileage: 13.2
Week Total: 28.07
Long Run Day. Took the trek out to the grasslands again since I wanted to do 15 miles in the 'hardest' terrain North Texas offers, not that the terrain (elevation change wise)is difficult, but the footing(deep sandy loam) adds quite a bit of difficulty.
All-in-all, it was a horrible run. I did the blue loop. Missed the trail addition which adds 1.8 miles. Grasslands, you're on my shit-list. This is the SECOND time I've missed a trail addition and come up short on mileage. Why aren't the changes marked better???? angry. Anyways, I could definitely tell the difference in the weight I have to carry. I was pretty miserable for most of the run. Not a very encouraging way to end my long runs.
I also jacked up my timing. I know it took me WAY longer than it should have to finish 13.2 miles, but I don't have an exact time.
Completed Mileage: 13.2
Week Total: 28.07
Day 101
Saturday, February 25
Bad day. Not running wise, but work wise. Yesterday afternoon, the High school I work at had 3 students involved in a serious car accident. One young lady, a 9th grader, passed away at the scene. We found out the driver, a 12th grader, passed away this morning. The last of the 3 is in critical but stable condition. Please keep our school in your thoughts. This coming week is going to be a really tough one.
I'm still planning on getting a run in tomorrow. My way of finding a happy place in the midst of the chaos which is about to ensue this week, I guess.
I went over to the Cowtown Marathon Running Expo this afternoon to look for a jacket again. I'm trying to get everything together so I can do the run tomorrow with the 'full weight' of all the stuff I have to carry. The Brooks LXR jacket was recommended, but I couldn't find it at the expo. I was getting really frustrated because I couldn't find anything that wasn't an insanely obnoxious color or way to big or whatever. On my way out, I passed back by the Fort Worth Running Company's booth and saw a New Balance jacket which looked promising. After talking with the people working there and asking about their opinions of the NB jacket vs Brooks, I finally decided to go ahead and get the New Balance jacket so I wouldn't have to drive around a search for the Brooks jacket anymore. Long story short, I got a wicked awesome jacket. It weighs 3.4 ounces. score.
Bad day. Not running wise, but work wise. Yesterday afternoon, the High school I work at had 3 students involved in a serious car accident. One young lady, a 9th grader, passed away at the scene. We found out the driver, a 12th grader, passed away this morning. The last of the 3 is in critical but stable condition. Please keep our school in your thoughts. This coming week is going to be a really tough one.
I'm still planning on getting a run in tomorrow. My way of finding a happy place in the midst of the chaos which is about to ensue this week, I guess.
I went over to the Cowtown Marathon Running Expo this afternoon to look for a jacket again. I'm trying to get everything together so I can do the run tomorrow with the 'full weight' of all the stuff I have to carry. The Brooks LXR jacket was recommended, but I couldn't find it at the expo. I was getting really frustrated because I couldn't find anything that wasn't an insanely obnoxious color or way to big or whatever. On my way out, I passed back by the Fort Worth Running Company's booth and saw a New Balance jacket which looked promising. After talking with the people working there and asking about their opinions of the NB jacket vs Brooks, I finally decided to go ahead and get the New Balance jacket so I wouldn't have to drive around a search for the Brooks jacket anymore. Long story short, I got a wicked awesome jacket. It weighs 3.4 ounces. score.
Day 100
The century post!
Friday, February 24th
I was able to get 3 miles done in between school and the second round of basketball playoffs. I pushed myself pretty hard since I was doing a shorter distance and ended up taking almost 2 minutes off my normal mile time.
Trinity and the downtown area are getting hyped up for the cowtown marathon this weekend. I ran over to Luke's to get a different hydration system to run with and also to look for a super lite jacket. I did get a new bag for water, but I'm a little concerned about how it will carry while I'm running. Guess I'll find out on Sunday.
I've also decided to not go over 15 miles this weekend. I've been reading a lot of articles on the proper way to taper during the last 2 weeks and every article has said to not do a really long runs after your 3rd to last week because of the risk of injury. I'm not to keen on more injuries, so I'll play it safe and stay under 15.
Mileage Completed: 3.49
Time: 34:44
Week Total: 14.87
Friday, February 24th
I was able to get 3 miles done in between school and the second round of basketball playoffs. I pushed myself pretty hard since I was doing a shorter distance and ended up taking almost 2 minutes off my normal mile time.
Trinity and the downtown area are getting hyped up for the cowtown marathon this weekend. I ran over to Luke's to get a different hydration system to run with and also to look for a super lite jacket. I did get a new bag for water, but I'm a little concerned about how it will carry while I'm running. Guess I'll find out on Sunday.
I've also decided to not go over 15 miles this weekend. I've been reading a lot of articles on the proper way to taper during the last 2 weeks and every article has said to not do a really long runs after your 3rd to last week because of the risk of injury. I'm not to keen on more injuries, so I'll play it safe and stay under 15.
Mileage Completed: 3.49
Time: 34:44
Week Total: 14.87
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Day 99 1/2
Just got my first pre-event email. Very exciting! What is not so exciting is reading about all the things I need to carry during the run, including 1.5-2 liters of water...yikes...wasn't planning on that. I've been doing long runs with water, but not nearly that much, which means I need to make some adjustments quickly! Looks like Saturday I'll be making my way up to REI, Lukes, or Backwoods to look at camelbaks.. :/ along with the other items which are mandatory to run with.
On the bright side, The race is giving the marathoners a HUGE amount of time to finish this race. 8 hours and 15 minutes! At my typical pace, if I could actually keep it up the entire time, I would get in around 5.5 hours. Hopefully, if I'm able to finish, I'll get in sub-seven. To finish is to win!
On the bright side, The race is giving the marathoners a HUGE amount of time to finish this race. 8 hours and 15 minutes! At my typical pace, if I could actually keep it up the entire time, I would get in around 5.5 hours. Hopefully, if I'm able to finish, I'll get in sub-seven. To finish is to win!
Day 99
Thursday, February 23
Today is an off day. I'm going to work the new horse when I get home. yay! Unexpected cheerleading practice this afternoon and another game tomorrow...puts some strain on my run time. I'll only have time to get a few miles in at Trinity, which, I guess, is a good thing because that's all I planned for anyways!
Happy Thursday! Wish it was Friday!
14 Days til I fly out! 16 til Colville!
Today is an off day. I'm going to work the new horse when I get home. yay! Unexpected cheerleading practice this afternoon and another game tomorrow...puts some strain on my run time. I'll only have time to get a few miles in at Trinity, which, I guess, is a good thing because that's all I planned for anyways!
Happy Thursday! Wish it was Friday!
14 Days til I fly out! 16 til Colville!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Day 98
Wednesday, February 22
Thank you, Texas, for giving us another uncharacteristically BEAUTIFUL February day! 75?? I'll take it, and love it!
Late start today, but I was able to get out to Southlake and get 5 in almost before dark. Those trails are pretty dangerous after dark, so I think I'll only go there if I'm sure I can get everything in well before sundown. No sense twisting an ankle 15 days out, which is what I've almost done out there twice now. Let me clarify on the dangerous part, it's not that they are particularly dangerous terrain wise, because they aren't, but because of the coloring of the dirt and the colors of the rocks and the fact that they are equestrian trails and have very uneven footing from hoof prints left in mud, once it becomes dark you really can't tell what is flat and what isn't anymore. You'll think you're about to hit dirt and instead you stumble over a red rock...bleh...
Anyways, I did get my 5 in. 5 on the dot. The six from yesterday definitely helped. My legs felt a whole lot better today. I've noticed when I have to stop and walk for a few yards it's not because I'm out of breath but more because I'm just tired, energy wise, which I know has everything to do with what I'm feeding myself. I really wish I could buckle down on my diet, as it would help me out tremendously. Keeping my diet in check will be a huge part of the next round of training.
It will still be a down right miracle if I finish this marathon on March 10th, but I'm sure as hell not going to give up without a fight.
Completed Mileage: 5
Time: 57:57
Week Total: 11.38
I'll be doing my long run on Sunday again, so I'm thinking about taking tomorrow off, running Friday, taking Saturday off and then getting 20 in on Sunday. I've been trying to keep my mileage below 30 per week, but this week will go beyond 30 if I actually get the 20 done on Sunday. The reason for me staying under 30 was solely for self preservation, so hopefully this decision of breaching the 30 mark isn't a bad one. I should end the week between 33-35, depending on the distance of Friday's run.
Thank you, Texas, for giving us another uncharacteristically BEAUTIFUL February day! 75?? I'll take it, and love it!
Late start today, but I was able to get out to Southlake and get 5 in almost before dark. Those trails are pretty dangerous after dark, so I think I'll only go there if I'm sure I can get everything in well before sundown. No sense twisting an ankle 15 days out, which is what I've almost done out there twice now. Let me clarify on the dangerous part, it's not that they are particularly dangerous terrain wise, because they aren't, but because of the coloring of the dirt and the colors of the rocks and the fact that they are equestrian trails and have very uneven footing from hoof prints left in mud, once it becomes dark you really can't tell what is flat and what isn't anymore. You'll think you're about to hit dirt and instead you stumble over a red rock...bleh...
Anyways, I did get my 5 in. 5 on the dot. The six from yesterday definitely helped. My legs felt a whole lot better today. I've noticed when I have to stop and walk for a few yards it's not because I'm out of breath but more because I'm just tired, energy wise, which I know has everything to do with what I'm feeding myself. I really wish I could buckle down on my diet, as it would help me out tremendously. Keeping my diet in check will be a huge part of the next round of training.
It will still be a down right miracle if I finish this marathon on March 10th, but I'm sure as hell not going to give up without a fight.
Completed Mileage: 5
Time: 57:57
Week Total: 11.38
I'll be doing my long run on Sunday again, so I'm thinking about taking tomorrow off, running Friday, taking Saturday off and then getting 20 in on Sunday. I've been trying to keep my mileage below 30 per week, but this week will go beyond 30 if I actually get the 20 done on Sunday. The reason for me staying under 30 was solely for self preservation, so hopefully this decision of breaching the 30 mark isn't a bad one. I should end the week between 33-35, depending on the distance of Friday's run.
Day 97
Tuesday, February 21
I normally give myself two days off after long runs, but today I felt pretty good and the weather was beautiful so I didn't want to waste a day. I was on a little bit of a time crunch because of needing to be back at school for another basketball playoff game, so I had only planned to do a loosen up run of 3 miles. Just something to work some soreness out of my quads.
I ended up doing a little over 6, so I was very happy with myself. I could tell I was a little tired still from Sunday, but overall I think it was a good decision to do the 6. I was a little slower than normal, but there was also a pretty nasty head wind for the first 2 miles. I swear I always end up running straight into the wind - I don't understand how I do it.
Scheduled Mileage: 3
Completed Mileage: 6.38
Time: 1:11:21
Week Total: 6.38
I normally give myself two days off after long runs, but today I felt pretty good and the weather was beautiful so I didn't want to waste a day. I was on a little bit of a time crunch because of needing to be back at school for another basketball playoff game, so I had only planned to do a loosen up run of 3 miles. Just something to work some soreness out of my quads.
I ended up doing a little over 6, so I was very happy with myself. I could tell I was a little tired still from Sunday, but overall I think it was a good decision to do the 6. I was a little slower than normal, but there was also a pretty nasty head wind for the first 2 miles. I swear I always end up running straight into the wind - I don't understand how I do it.
Scheduled Mileage: 3
Completed Mileage: 6.38
Time: 1:11:21
Week Total: 6.38
Day 96
Monday, February 20th
I took today off. Iced both knees. For the most part everything feels pretty good. Worked on the IT band a little, but it seems to have loosened up quite well. I'm really pleased with my recovery!
I'm looking to take the week fairly easy, then get 18-20 in on Sunday. If I could get 20, I would be ecstatic. We'll see though. After this weekend, I'll start tapering down.
I took today off. Iced both knees. For the most part everything feels pretty good. Worked on the IT band a little, but it seems to have loosened up quite well. I'm really pleased with my recovery!
I'm looking to take the week fairly easy, then get 18-20 in on Sunday. If I could get 20, I would be ecstatic. We'll see though. After this weekend, I'll start tapering down.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Day 95
Paybacks a....
Woke up bright and early this morning in Oakwood, Texas to help my old bosses hook up some horses to their new cart. We were able to drive 3 horses and I rode 1 around for fun before I needed to depart at noon so I could get my run in this afternoon.
My departure was about an hour late, making my arrival back into Fort Worth around 3:30. I was planning on doing 16-18 miles, but because of the late start I set a goal at 15.
Lucky for me, my family is very supportive of my training. My mom, who is a new nursing student, gave up 3 hours of her valuable study time to bike beside me for all 15 miles along the Trinity Trails in Fort Worth. It was a ton of fun having someone to talk to for the 3 hours, and I really suprised myself when I was able to maintain a full conversation with her and not be out of breath while running. Milestone? I think, yes!
All-in-all, I'm happy with today. Still a little unsure as to how I going to be able to add 10 miles to the tail end of that run in less than 3 weeks...guess that's where Will-Power and 'mind over matter' comes into play.
18 Days til I fly out...holy moly.
Total Mileage: 15.03
Time: 3:06:51
Week Total: 24
Woke up bright and early this morning in Oakwood, Texas to help my old bosses hook up some horses to their new cart. We were able to drive 3 horses and I rode 1 around for fun before I needed to depart at noon so I could get my run in this afternoon.
My departure was about an hour late, making my arrival back into Fort Worth around 3:30. I was planning on doing 16-18 miles, but because of the late start I set a goal at 15.
Lucky for me, my family is very supportive of my training. My mom, who is a new nursing student, gave up 3 hours of her valuable study time to bike beside me for all 15 miles along the Trinity Trails in Fort Worth. It was a ton of fun having someone to talk to for the 3 hours, and I really suprised myself when I was able to maintain a full conversation with her and not be out of breath while running. Milestone? I think, yes!
All-in-all, I'm happy with today. Still a little unsure as to how I going to be able to add 10 miles to the tail end of that run in less than 3 weeks...guess that's where Will-Power and 'mind over matter' comes into play.
18 Days til I fly out...holy moly.
Total Mileage: 15.03
Time: 3:06:51
Week Total: 24
Days, 92, 93, 94
I made a huge error and took all three of these days off. Thursday was on purpose. I thought my legs really need the day of recovery from the hills and sad run on Wednesday. Friday I left for a trip back to the Clydesdale farm I used to work at and Saturday torrential rain fall kept anything from happening. I did have every intention of doing my long run on Saturday, but I really didn't want to ruin my shoes this close to the race. Something about completely soaking shoes and not being able to wash them afterward...gross...I've ruined a pair in the past doing the same thing.
Pretty much, just all lame excuses. I'll pay for it, I know.
Pretty much, just all lame excuses. I'll pay for it, I know.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Day 91 - again!
I was hoping to get 6 or 7 miles in today, but ended up being much more tired than expected from my hills workout on Monday. With that being said, I pulled up with a dissappointing, and slow, 4 miles. Frustrating, but you can't win them all.
Mileage Completed: 4
Time: 51:09
Week Total: 9
Mileage Completed: 4
Time: 51:09
Week Total: 9
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Day 91 - Shoutout to my Lurkers
Wednesday, February 15th
3 WEEKS LEFT!!!
I just wanted to say thanks to my Lurkers and whoever else reads this. I don't know who you are, but I can see the different countries that pull up the blog and its so cool!!!! So, Thank you! Your unknown(and a couple known!) presence keeps me driven!
I'm heading out to Southlake today...finally a day without a basketball game! Hoping to get 6 or so miles in...even if it starts raining.
I've been hearing about NZ's (and AUS's) uncharacteristically wet summer, so I'm hoping that all my training in the mud will help me out if it decides to rain on race day.
3 WEEKS LEFT!!!
I just wanted to say thanks to my Lurkers and whoever else reads this. I don't know who you are, but I can see the different countries that pull up the blog and its so cool!!!! So, Thank you! Your unknown(and a couple known!) presence keeps me driven!
I'm heading out to Southlake today...finally a day without a basketball game! Hoping to get 6 or so miles in...even if it starts raining.
I've been hearing about NZ's (and AUS's) uncharacteristically wet summer, so I'm hoping that all my training in the mud will help me out if it decides to rain on race day.
Day 90
Tuesday, February 14th
I had to quite literally smash in a run between school and the departure for the basketball game, which was an hour earlier than I thought. I was wanting to get 6 in, but when I got out to the Trinity Trails I decided to do hills instead. I didn't end up to far off of my 6 miles though. I got 5 done, with the addition of lots of hill work..up and down and up and down the levee banks. My legs were angry!
Time wise was about the same as usual. I was a little impressed with myself because despite the obvious tiredness in my calves, my stamina was doing fine. I wasn't really out of breath and was able to recover fairly quickly. Yet another pleasant, encouraging surprise.
I'm going to try to run 3 days straight this week and see how my knees do. I changed to an every other day schedule a couple weeks ago but in order to get the runs in this week, I think I need to do a couple back-to-back days. Hopefully this doesn't backfire on me.
Mileage Completed: 5.3
Time: 1:03:07
I had to quite literally smash in a run between school and the departure for the basketball game, which was an hour earlier than I thought. I was wanting to get 6 in, but when I got out to the Trinity Trails I decided to do hills instead. I didn't end up to far off of my 6 miles though. I got 5 done, with the addition of lots of hill work..up and down and up and down the levee banks. My legs were angry!
Time wise was about the same as usual. I was a little impressed with myself because despite the obvious tiredness in my calves, my stamina was doing fine. I wasn't really out of breath and was able to recover fairly quickly. Yet another pleasant, encouraging surprise.
I'm going to try to run 3 days straight this week and see how my knees do. I changed to an every other day schedule a couple weeks ago but in order to get the runs in this week, I think I need to do a couple back-to-back days. Hopefully this doesn't backfire on me.
Mileage Completed: 5.3
Time: 1:03:07
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Day 89
Monday, February 13
Not sure if there is anything worse for a runner after a long run than sitting for hours..doing nothing..
I had Jury Duty today, and despite how good I really do feel after Saturday's run, sitting for this long really makes everything stiffen up.
I was planning on taking today off, and I did. I was released from my civil duties at 2:30 and went home and iced all the joints which needed it. I'm ready to bring on this weeks mileage.
I don't plan on increasing my long run by to much. Maybe just to 17 or 18 miles. At this point, it really will be a miracle if I finish the full marathon, but I don't want to risk injuring myself so close to the end. As much as I wish the training had gone uneventfully, it hasn't and I must make do with where I've gotten myself.
Don't get me wrong, I'm stubborn as hell, and it'll take a crippling injury for me to stop on March 10th.
I read another cool article in Runner World about injuries. It was written by a novice runner who thought his body was just 'not made for running' because of all the injuries he had sustained through his training..sounds familiar. After he talked to some advanced runners, he learned that all of those guys(and girls) have had the same injuries and all of their comments on those injuries were the same, "The Body will heal itself, so why stop training?" Just reading that sentence re-rejuvenated the drive within me. I can do this. And I will. Pain is only temporary.
Not sure if there is anything worse for a runner after a long run than sitting for hours..doing nothing..
I had Jury Duty today, and despite how good I really do feel after Saturday's run, sitting for this long really makes everything stiffen up.
I was planning on taking today off, and I did. I was released from my civil duties at 2:30 and went home and iced all the joints which needed it. I'm ready to bring on this weeks mileage.
I don't plan on increasing my long run by to much. Maybe just to 17 or 18 miles. At this point, it really will be a miracle if I finish the full marathon, but I don't want to risk injuring myself so close to the end. As much as I wish the training had gone uneventfully, it hasn't and I must make do with where I've gotten myself.
Don't get me wrong, I'm stubborn as hell, and it'll take a crippling injury for me to stop on March 10th.
I read another cool article in Runner World about injuries. It was written by a novice runner who thought his body was just 'not made for running' because of all the injuries he had sustained through his training..sounds familiar. After he talked to some advanced runners, he learned that all of those guys(and girls) have had the same injuries and all of their comments on those injuries were the same, "The Body will heal itself, so why stop training?" Just reading that sentence re-rejuvenated the drive within me. I can do this. And I will. Pain is only temporary.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Day 88
Sunday, February 11
Recovery day. I feel so much better than I thought I would. I want to give most of the credit to the ice bath. I'm very encouraged by the end product of this week. Gives me a little more hope than I had 3 days ago.
Recovery day. I feel so much better than I thought I would. I want to give most of the credit to the ice bath. I'm very encouraged by the end product of this week. Gives me a little more hope than I had 3 days ago.
Day 87
Saturday, February 11
I was supposed to be working a credit retrieval for the 9th grade biology kids today, but that sort of fell through...unknowingly...which wasted my morning hours. I wasn't very happy. None-the-less, I made the most of the morning by getting sub plans written for Monday, then headed out to College Station a couple hours earlier than planned.
This early arrival to CS allowed me to try for my long run as soon as I got into town. I was worried because I was going to be obligated to do most of the run on concrete or pavement, pretty much a death sentence to my already fragile knee, but I had to get it done.
Same nasty headwind as I had on Friday in Fort Worth. I thought it was going to give me some horrible splits, but for the most part I stay consistant and steady throughout the run.
I brought my 10 mile time(previously 1:56:30, from last weekend) down by another 2 minutes with a time of 1:54:--. I also decreased my half marathon time(2:35:-- at the New Years Double Half) by 3 minutes with a time of 2:32:--. Very encouraging!
At 13 1/2 miles I had to make a route decision, short way home or long way. I thought if I took the short way I'd come up short on my 15 miles and have to make some random loop, so I went the long way. This added an extra mile..oops..
Overall, everything went great. My legs hurt at the end, as expected. I took an ice bath as soon as I got back to the house, which worked wonders on my aching lower body. Recovery wise, I'm thinking everything should be good to go in a couple days.
Scheduled Mileage: 15
Completed Mileage: 16
Time: 3:07:24
Week Total: 26
I was supposed to be working a credit retrieval for the 9th grade biology kids today, but that sort of fell through...unknowingly...which wasted my morning hours. I wasn't very happy. None-the-less, I made the most of the morning by getting sub plans written for Monday, then headed out to College Station a couple hours earlier than planned.
This early arrival to CS allowed me to try for my long run as soon as I got into town. I was worried because I was going to be obligated to do most of the run on concrete or pavement, pretty much a death sentence to my already fragile knee, but I had to get it done.
Same nasty headwind as I had on Friday in Fort Worth. I thought it was going to give me some horrible splits, but for the most part I stay consistant and steady throughout the run.
I brought my 10 mile time(previously 1:56:30, from last weekend) down by another 2 minutes with a time of 1:54:--. I also decreased my half marathon time(2:35:-- at the New Years Double Half) by 3 minutes with a time of 2:32:--. Very encouraging!
At 13 1/2 miles I had to make a route decision, short way home or long way. I thought if I took the short way I'd come up short on my 15 miles and have to make some random loop, so I went the long way. This added an extra mile..oops..
Overall, everything went great. My legs hurt at the end, as expected. I took an ice bath as soon as I got back to the house, which worked wonders on my aching lower body. Recovery wise, I'm thinking everything should be good to go in a couple days.
Scheduled Mileage: 15
Completed Mileage: 16
Time: 3:07:24
Week Total: 26
Day 86
Friday, February 10
Work throwin' a kink into my training program..haha. Congrats to our Boys Basketball team for becoming district champs tonight.
I wasn't expecting to have to be in attendance for the game tonight, but was told late yesterday all of the cheerleaders, both Varsity and JV, where mandated to be at the games tonight, Monday and Tuesday.
Fortunately, the game was pretty late so I was able to get a short run in between the end of school and when we had to be back to catch the bus for the game. It wasn't a good run...I wouldn't even put it as okay. I was reminded how dependent I still am on my asthma medicine after forgetting to take it on what was a fairly chilly day. The day's weather also brought a strong headwind which was pretty brutal to run in to. I was looking for 5 miles, but without the medicine on board I was having more trouble, lung wise, than expected and decided 4 was enough.
I've also decided to try for a 15 mile run this weekend. Not sure when it's going to happen because I'm headed out of town tomorrow, but I'll figure it out.
Scheduled Mileage: 5
Completed Mileage: 4
Time: 44:13
Week Total: 10 out of 25
Work throwin' a kink into my training program..haha. Congrats to our Boys Basketball team for becoming district champs tonight.
I wasn't expecting to have to be in attendance for the game tonight, but was told late yesterday all of the cheerleaders, both Varsity and JV, where mandated to be at the games tonight, Monday and Tuesday.
Fortunately, the game was pretty late so I was able to get a short run in between the end of school and when we had to be back to catch the bus for the game. It wasn't a good run...I wouldn't even put it as okay. I was reminded how dependent I still am on my asthma medicine after forgetting to take it on what was a fairly chilly day. The day's weather also brought a strong headwind which was pretty brutal to run in to. I was looking for 5 miles, but without the medicine on board I was having more trouble, lung wise, than expected and decided 4 was enough.
I've also decided to try for a 15 mile run this weekend. Not sure when it's going to happen because I'm headed out of town tomorrow, but I'll figure it out.
Scheduled Mileage: 5
Completed Mileage: 4
Time: 44:13
Week Total: 10 out of 25
Day 85
Thursday, February 9th
Off Day...nothing exciting to report. Trying to decide how to get the long run in this weekend.
Off Day...nothing exciting to report. Trying to decide how to get the long run in this weekend.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Day 84
Wednesday, February 8
Went out to Trinity Park after school and planned on doing 3 or 4 miles. Just something light. I ended up doing 6...that's a cool feeling. Doubling a distance on 'accident' because I looked down at my GPS and was already 2.5 miles out(down and back route) and not even thinking twice about it - I honestly didn't think I'd ever get to a point where I didn't think about a 6 mile run as a 'short' or 'easy' run. weird.
Scheduled Mileage: 3-4
Completed Mileage: 6
Time: 1:08:53
Week Total: 6 out of 25-28?
Went out to Trinity Park after school and planned on doing 3 or 4 miles. Just something light. I ended up doing 6...that's a cool feeling. Doubling a distance on 'accident' because I looked down at my GPS and was already 2.5 miles out(down and back route) and not even thinking twice about it - I honestly didn't think I'd ever get to a point where I didn't think about a 6 mile run as a 'short' or 'easy' run. weird.
Scheduled Mileage: 3-4
Completed Mileage: 6
Time: 1:08:53
Week Total: 6 out of 25-28?
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Day 83 1/2
Another great quote from Kristin Armstrong.
'As runners we are pretty adept at changing our pace, alternating our route, and overcoming obstacles. We train ourselves, literally, to find some sort of comfort in the midst of our discomfort. Our training serves us well in every area of our lives. '
The second sentence really hits home for me because I first started running as a way of coping with events which were out of my control. The ability to find comfort in the midst of the discomfort. Simple yet Powerful words.
'As runners we are pretty adept at changing our pace, alternating our route, and overcoming obstacles. We train ourselves, literally, to find some sort of comfort in the midst of our discomfort. Our training serves us well in every area of our lives. '
The second sentence really hits home for me because I first started running as a way of coping with events which were out of my control. The ability to find comfort in the midst of the discomfort. Simple yet Powerful words.
Day 83
Tuesday, February 7th
Last personal training appointment today. Kinda happy about that because I'm a little bored with them. I'm also about to cancel my membership at the gym. The weather is getting nice and I'm really enjoying the runs on the trails..no need for the silly treadmill anymore. I'll probably give the month warning they ask for at the end of the week which will put my last day when I leave for the race. I may re-join at a different, cheaper gym later after my race. We'll see.
I haven't decided completely on my weeks mileage. I'd like to get 13 or 15 in for my long run this weekend, but I'll have to see how my knee feels after a short run tomorrow.
I'm inside the final month...can't believe how fast this has gone by! My students aren't going to know what to do with the board in my room after the count down is gone!
Last personal training appointment today. Kinda happy about that because I'm a little bored with them. I'm also about to cancel my membership at the gym. The weather is getting nice and I'm really enjoying the runs on the trails..no need for the silly treadmill anymore. I'll probably give the month warning they ask for at the end of the week which will put my last day when I leave for the race. I may re-join at a different, cheaper gym later after my race. We'll see.
I haven't decided completely on my weeks mileage. I'd like to get 13 or 15 in for my long run this weekend, but I'll have to see how my knee feels after a short run tomorrow.
I'm inside the final month...can't believe how fast this has gone by! My students aren't going to know what to do with the board in my room after the count down is gone!
Day 82
Monday, February 6th
Off Day. My ITB tightened up after yesterday's run...BOOO!!! I've been stretching and icing the crap out of it in the hopes I can get it worked out before Wednesday, which is my next scheduled run.
Off Day. My ITB tightened up after yesterday's run...BOOO!!! I've been stretching and icing the crap out of it in the hopes I can get it worked out before Wednesday, which is my next scheduled run.
Day 81
Sunday, February 5th
Normally I do my long runs starting in the morning, but today I had to finish the fence before the new horse showed up. So I spent the entire morning and early afternoon getting it done.
I didn't get to Southlake until almost 5pm...yikes! The run went really well, despite the last 3 miles being in the dark. I hope to not have the daylight issue again because I almost went to the ground tripping over something..haha. My friend, Erica, and I had JUST talked about trail running in the dark on Friday night. We joked about how fun it would be until someone trips and breaks a leg..not funny anymore!
Mileage Scheduled: 10
Mileage Completed: 10
Time: 1:56:30 ... 4 Minutes faster than my last 10 mile run!!!!
Week Total: 25 out of 25!!
Normally I do my long runs starting in the morning, but today I had to finish the fence before the new horse showed up. So I spent the entire morning and early afternoon getting it done.
I didn't get to Southlake until almost 5pm...yikes! The run went really well, despite the last 3 miles being in the dark. I hope to not have the daylight issue again because I almost went to the ground tripping over something..haha. My friend, Erica, and I had JUST talked about trail running in the dark on Friday night. We joked about how fun it would be until someone trips and breaks a leg..not funny anymore!
Mileage Scheduled: 10
Mileage Completed: 10
Time: 1:56:30 ... 4 Minutes faster than my last 10 mile run!!!!
Week Total: 25 out of 25!!
Day 80
Saturday, February 4th
Today was an off day from running. I did however build half a fence, cross training for my upper body was definitely taken care of!
Long run is scheduled for Sunday.
Today was an off day from running. I did however build half a fence, cross training for my upper body was definitely taken care of!
Long run is scheduled for Sunday.
Day 79
Friday, February 3
Today I had another personal training appointment. We focused on stretches and exercises to strengthen my inner calf, inner quad, and gluts to hopefully help with the tendonitis issues I'm having in my right knee. Pretty uneventful.
Today I had another personal training appointment. We focused on stretches and exercises to strengthen my inner calf, inner quad, and gluts to hopefully help with the tendonitis issues I'm having in my right knee. Pretty uneventful.
Day 78
Thursday, February 2
I went back up to the equestrian trails in Southlake and got 5 miles done before dark. The first mile was pretty painful, knee wise, but then I guess the nerves settled down and it was fine after that. I like the trails there. Its been really quiet every time I've gone out, maybe a couple horses coming into the camp ground area as I'm heading out on the trails, but I have yet to even see a horse on the trails.
Mileage Scheduled: 6
Mileage Completed: 5
Time: 1:01:09
Week Total: 15 out of 25
I went back up to the equestrian trails in Southlake and got 5 miles done before dark. The first mile was pretty painful, knee wise, but then I guess the nerves settled down and it was fine after that. I like the trails there. Its been really quiet every time I've gone out, maybe a couple horses coming into the camp ground area as I'm heading out on the trails, but I have yet to even see a horse on the trails.
Mileage Scheduled: 6
Mileage Completed: 5
Time: 1:01:09
Week Total: 15 out of 25
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Day 76 and 77
Tuesday, January 31st
Off Day
Wednesday, February 1st
What a BEAUTIFUL day!!! I was scheduled to have a Personal Training Appt, but the trainer forgot about the appointment. I was a little irritated, mostly because I lost the entire afternoon to driving to the gym, waiting on her, then driving back from the gym. I tried to hit the road for a few miles at dusk, but my knee was having none of it. I can completely tell the difference between the trails and the road. I wish I had done all my training on trails...probably wouldn't have had so many issues along the way. Live and learn.
After this training adventure is over, I'll definitely be taking a different approach for my next marathon idea. Having the initial start up process out of the way will be very helpful though. It's nice to think of 5 or 6 miles as being 'easy'. I can't believe those words even came out of my fingers just now. I would have laughed at those words 13 weeks ago.
Off Day
Wednesday, February 1st
What a BEAUTIFUL day!!! I was scheduled to have a Personal Training Appt, but the trainer forgot about the appointment. I was a little irritated, mostly because I lost the entire afternoon to driving to the gym, waiting on her, then driving back from the gym. I tried to hit the road for a few miles at dusk, but my knee was having none of it. I can completely tell the difference between the trails and the road. I wish I had done all my training on trails...probably wouldn't have had so many issues along the way. Live and learn.
After this training adventure is over, I'll definitely be taking a different approach for my next marathon idea. Having the initial start up process out of the way will be very helpful though. It's nice to think of 5 or 6 miles as being 'easy'. I can't believe those words even came out of my fingers just now. I would have laughed at those words 13 weeks ago.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Day 75
Monday, January 30
What a night. haha. I went out to the equestrian trails in Southlake which attach to Grapevine Lake and was hoping to get in a few miles before dark. My original plan was to run the Trinity Trails in Fort Worth, but I left my shoes at home, go figure.
Anyways, I got out to Southlake around 5 and promptly locked my keys in the car. Awesome. No worries though, I called home and asked my dad to bring up my extra set of keys and unlock my door while I was out running. I was planning on being out for about an hour, which would give more than enough time for someone to come up while I was out. Simple enough, right?...wrong. Long Story short, I learned very quickly to pay more attention to which key I take off my keyring.
I did 5 miles, not really on purpose, but it was a loop that I didn't realize how long it was. I'd say my knee was feeling about 50%. It would hurt, then it wouldn't, then it'd hurt really bad, then it'd be fine. Kind of like what my foot did after the Half in December. All things considered, I felt really good. Endurance and muscle wise, I wasn't tired or sore. I'm really wanting to do some long runs again...I miss it!
Scheduled Mileage: 4
Completed Mileage: 5
Week Total: 10 out of 24
What a night. haha. I went out to the equestrian trails in Southlake which attach to Grapevine Lake and was hoping to get in a few miles before dark. My original plan was to run the Trinity Trails in Fort Worth, but I left my shoes at home, go figure.
Anyways, I got out to Southlake around 5 and promptly locked my keys in the car. Awesome. No worries though, I called home and asked my dad to bring up my extra set of keys and unlock my door while I was out running. I was planning on being out for about an hour, which would give more than enough time for someone to come up while I was out. Simple enough, right?...wrong. Long Story short, I learned very quickly to pay more attention to which key I take off my keyring.
I did 5 miles, not really on purpose, but it was a loop that I didn't realize how long it was. I'd say my knee was feeling about 50%. It would hurt, then it wouldn't, then it'd hurt really bad, then it'd be fine. Kind of like what my foot did after the Half in December. All things considered, I felt really good. Endurance and muscle wise, I wasn't tired or sore. I'm really wanting to do some long runs again...I miss it!
Scheduled Mileage: 4
Completed Mileage: 5
Week Total: 10 out of 24
Monday, January 30, 2012
Day 74
Saturday, January 28
I'm a stubborn person. Once I figured out that the knee pain has nothing to do with impact vs non-impact, why am I keeping myself away from impact? Bring it on!
It rained pretty hard during the middle of the week, but New Zealand has had one of the wettest summers this year so I should be prepping myself for a nice 26.2 mile mud run, so I headed out to a little known trail on off Denton HWY (just into Flowermound) which hits the west coast of grapevine lake, when half the trail isn't flooded ;-).
I was really just going out to see if I could run, even if it was a short outing, I need to find the passion again because the last 2 weeks have been less than exciting.
I braced the crap out of my knee. Upper and lower. Kept it warm - normally I just run in shorts, but today I put tights on too. And, I crossed my fingers.
The first trail I took was flooded out within the first 50 yards. Frustration was high, and I almost left, but I spotted another trail that looked as though it was on a little higher ground, so I tried it out.
Muddy, muddy, muddy. But fun! I really enjoyed the mud. It felt like I was 10 again, slopping around out in the field. haha. I was impressed with my shoes, they really held up and kept my feet dry, despite the nasty conditions. It wasn't until the very end, when I splashed water all the way over the top of my shoe, that my foot finally got wet.
I got about 2 1/2 miles out before the river went over the trail and I couldn't get any farther. So, out and back, I got 5 miles in. I felt great throughout. The knee was a little sore, but the pain level didn't change from beginning to end, which was very encouraging. It was a much slower pace than I normally keep, but I was very happy to have finished the 5 miles.
I've been icing 3x a day and I've also decided to take a different approach to my distances since I only have 5 weeks left and seem to be prone to right knee injuries.
New plan of action is as follows:
1. Run every other day, rather than 3 in a row, 1 off, long run, XT, 1 off. This will give my joints/tendons/etc a day to rest and recover. I don't think I have been resting enough, plus the increase of mileage each week was apparently to much for my sad knees to handle.
My goal distance to be able to complete easily is 16 miles. Ideally, I should be completing a 20 mile run here in the next couple weeks, but it's not going to happen. I'm working toward survival now, not beauty.
So, starting today:
Completed: 5
Week Total: 5 out of 24
I'm a stubborn person. Once I figured out that the knee pain has nothing to do with impact vs non-impact, why am I keeping myself away from impact? Bring it on!
It rained pretty hard during the middle of the week, but New Zealand has had one of the wettest summers this year so I should be prepping myself for a nice 26.2 mile mud run, so I headed out to a little known trail on off Denton HWY (just into Flowermound) which hits the west coast of grapevine lake, when half the trail isn't flooded ;-).
I was really just going out to see if I could run, even if it was a short outing, I need to find the passion again because the last 2 weeks have been less than exciting.
I braced the crap out of my knee. Upper and lower. Kept it warm - normally I just run in shorts, but today I put tights on too. And, I crossed my fingers.
The first trail I took was flooded out within the first 50 yards. Frustration was high, and I almost left, but I spotted another trail that looked as though it was on a little higher ground, so I tried it out.
Muddy, muddy, muddy. But fun! I really enjoyed the mud. It felt like I was 10 again, slopping around out in the field. haha. I was impressed with my shoes, they really held up and kept my feet dry, despite the nasty conditions. It wasn't until the very end, when I splashed water all the way over the top of my shoe, that my foot finally got wet.
I got about 2 1/2 miles out before the river went over the trail and I couldn't get any farther. So, out and back, I got 5 miles in. I felt great throughout. The knee was a little sore, but the pain level didn't change from beginning to end, which was very encouraging. It was a much slower pace than I normally keep, but I was very happy to have finished the 5 miles.
I've been icing 3x a day and I've also decided to take a different approach to my distances since I only have 5 weeks left and seem to be prone to right knee injuries.
New plan of action is as follows:
1. Run every other day, rather than 3 in a row, 1 off, long run, XT, 1 off. This will give my joints/tendons/etc a day to rest and recover. I don't think I have been resting enough, plus the increase of mileage each week was apparently to much for my sad knees to handle.
My goal distance to be able to complete easily is 16 miles. Ideally, I should be completing a 20 mile run here in the next couple weeks, but it's not going to happen. I'm working toward survival now, not beauty.
So, starting today:
Completed: 5
Week Total: 5 out of 24
Day 73
Friday, January 27
I had an appointment with a personal training to do some weight training. I warmed up for 10 minutes on the elliptical and realized that my knee pain has nothing to do with impact, it's triggered by motion. The trainer also suggested using the 2nd knee band I have to help keep my patella from dropping to far down, which makes the top tendon have to work extra hard to pull it back up.
The weight training went well. I didn't do enough to get sore, but it was a good refresher on how to use all the different machines.
I had an appointment with a personal training to do some weight training. I warmed up for 10 minutes on the elliptical and realized that my knee pain has nothing to do with impact, it's triggered by motion. The trainer also suggested using the 2nd knee band I have to help keep my patella from dropping to far down, which makes the top tendon have to work extra hard to pull it back up.
The weight training went well. I didn't do enough to get sore, but it was a good refresher on how to use all the different machines.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Day 71 and 72
Wednesday and Thursday, January 25th and 26th, respectively.
I took both of these days off. Wednesday I visited a Chiropractor for the first time. I'm still pretty skeptical. We'll see what happens.
Thursday I had a basketball game with the cheerleaders, after getting home at 9pm, I was in no mood to go work out. And I was very, very tired. Lame excuses and ones I have ignored in the past, but I'm just a little depressed about all this right now. owell.
I took both of these days off. Wednesday I visited a Chiropractor for the first time. I'm still pretty skeptical. We'll see what happens.
Thursday I had a basketball game with the cheerleaders, after getting home at 9pm, I was in no mood to go work out. And I was very, very tired. Lame excuses and ones I have ignored in the past, but I'm just a little depressed about all this right now. owell.
Day 70
Tuesday, January 24
I'm starting to lose motivation and hope.
Did 7 miles in 30 minutes on the bike. Nothing exciting.
This is the completion of 2 weeks off from impact work and I haven't seen really any change. Though with both my ITB and my foot(post-half marathon) they hurt for awhile and then, one day, they just stopped hurting. I keep hoping that miracle day will come.
I'm starting to lose motivation and hope.
Did 7 miles in 30 minutes on the bike. Nothing exciting.
This is the completion of 2 weeks off from impact work and I haven't seen really any change. Though with both my ITB and my foot(post-half marathon) they hurt for awhile and then, one day, they just stopped hurting. I keep hoping that miracle day will come.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Day 69
Monday, January 23rd
No rest for the weary. Back to the gym for more non-impact work. I did a 2 mile/10 minute warm up on the stationary bike, then started laps in the pool. I only had about 30 minutes before the swim class kicked me out, but was about to get in about 700m.
I scored a chiro appt for Tuesday...I'm a little apprehensive about it, but I'm game to try anything once. Well, almost anything.
No rest for the weary. Back to the gym for more non-impact work. I did a 2 mile/10 minute warm up on the stationary bike, then started laps in the pool. I only had about 30 minutes before the swim class kicked me out, but was about to get in about 700m.
I scored a chiro appt for Tuesday...I'm a little apprehensive about it, but I'm game to try anything once. Well, almost anything.
Day 68
Sunday, January 22nd
A day of rest, recovery and a little bit of grieving. Training was put on hold to care for an incredibly sick horse at the farm. Sadly, as the sun set over the Sanctuary, Shamrock Sachet crossed the rainbow bridge at the ripe old age of 29. She was a great horse, living 23 out of 29 years here in Fort Worth. It's still a little surreal to not see her out in the field with the others, but such is life.
To the little bay mare with one sock, you will forever be remember.
Shamrock Sachet 'Shay'
1983-2012
A day of rest, recovery and a little bit of grieving. Training was put on hold to care for an incredibly sick horse at the farm. Sadly, as the sun set over the Sanctuary, Shamrock Sachet crossed the rainbow bridge at the ripe old age of 29. She was a great horse, living 23 out of 29 years here in Fort Worth. It's still a little surreal to not see her out in the field with the others, but such is life.
To the little bay mare with one sock, you will forever be remember.
Shamrock Sachet 'Shay'
1983-2012
Day 67
Saturday, January 21
Today I took a break from the pool and did 5 miles on the stationary bike and another 2 miles on the elliptical. I ended the non-impact workout with some core conditioning. This was not nearly as fulfilling as running the 16 miles that were scheduled would have been.
Today I took a break from the pool and did 5 miles on the stationary bike and another 2 miles on the elliptical. I ended the non-impact workout with some core conditioning. This was not nearly as fulfilling as running the 16 miles that were scheduled would have been.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Day 66
Another good Quote from runner's world. I get these every morning and actually really look forward to them.
'I constantly remind myself that resting takes confidence. Anyone can train like a mad man but to embrace rest and to allow all the hard training to come out takes mental strength.'
-Ryan Hall
It really is hard to remind myself resting is key in training. I've been so frustrated lately with the knee, and feel as though if I stop for even a day, I'm going to run out of time to get conditioned for this run.
When I got this quote, it really made me realize resting does take a huge amount of confidence in yourself. To be able to trust your fitness level enough to where you can take a break and let your body recover without losing months of training, is a concept I have yet to reach. I started this journey as a way to relax myself from the daily stresses of life and my job. Now I'm putting myself under more stress because I'm worried I won't be able to complete the race.
In the end, I really don't have anything to prove. If I finish or not, I'm still going to be in NEW ZEALAND!..and then Sydney!! I guess I feel as though I need to rep my state well while I'm away. But once again, here I am putting unneeded pressure on myself to do well when, in the long run, it doesn't really matter.
The running is for myself. This trip is for myself. This adventure and the experience is for myself.
Rest, Recover, Train. Beat it into my head. Rest, Recover, Train.
'I constantly remind myself that resting takes confidence. Anyone can train like a mad man but to embrace rest and to allow all the hard training to come out takes mental strength.'
-Ryan Hall
It really is hard to remind myself resting is key in training. I've been so frustrated lately with the knee, and feel as though if I stop for even a day, I'm going to run out of time to get conditioned for this run.
When I got this quote, it really made me realize resting does take a huge amount of confidence in yourself. To be able to trust your fitness level enough to where you can take a break and let your body recover without losing months of training, is a concept I have yet to reach. I started this journey as a way to relax myself from the daily stresses of life and my job. Now I'm putting myself under more stress because I'm worried I won't be able to complete the race.
In the end, I really don't have anything to prove. If I finish or not, I'm still going to be in NEW ZEALAND!..and then Sydney!! I guess I feel as though I need to rep my state well while I'm away. But once again, here I am putting unneeded pressure on myself to do well when, in the long run, it doesn't really matter.
The running is for myself. This trip is for myself. This adventure and the experience is for myself.
Rest, Recover, Train. Beat it into my head. Rest, Recover, Train.
Day 65
Thursday, January 19th
Pattern, check.
Key counter, check.
Swim like crazy to warm up, check.
950m before the swim class kicked me out..again. boooo
I was supposed to head out of town for this weekend, but decided to stay in so i could continue training...and take care of my neighbors horses while she is gone.
Pattern, check.
Key counter, check.
Swim like crazy to warm up, check.
950m before the swim class kicked me out..again. boooo
I was supposed to head out of town for this weekend, but decided to stay in so i could continue training...and take care of my neighbors horses while she is gone.
Day 64
Wednesday, January 18
Today I went in with a different mindset. If I can't run, then I going to work myself twice as hard to make up for it. Luckily, swimming is twice as hard to begin with, so this wouldn't be to difficult of a task.
I always have excuses in the pool. Not really excuses to not do the work, but things that delay me from starting the laps. The pool is cold...I hate cold...like hate it like I hate roaches. I also can't keep track of laps to save my life. This isn't just in the pool, but I loose track of laps running on a track too.
Today I went in with solutions to both my excuses.
Solution #1: On Tuesday, I didn't swim long enough or hard enough to get warm. Today, that was going to change. Instead of starting on a kick board, start freestyle and pound out 100m quick to get my body warm. Then settle into a pattern or 100m kickboard, 100m just arms, 100m free, repeat.
Solution #2: Part of solution 2 is found in solution #1. Finding a pattern to my swimming. I know I don't have enough stamina to just freestyle swim 1000m, but if change things up just a little every 100m, I can continue to swim longer. The only issue is I can't change my kick. It's freestyle or nothing because the 'frog' kick associated with the breaststroke will tear my knee apart.
The second part of this solution was to use my little locker key and use it as a lap counter on the tile outside the pool. Call me a 5 year old, but its literally the only way I can keep track of laps.
2 problems, solved. Though the pool is still cold when I get in. Not a fan.
Next problem...the swim class always kicks me out of the lap pool at 7:30...I've wanted to get 1000m in, but I keep getting kicked out! lame.
Completed 900m
Today I went in with a different mindset. If I can't run, then I going to work myself twice as hard to make up for it. Luckily, swimming is twice as hard to begin with, so this wouldn't be to difficult of a task.
I always have excuses in the pool. Not really excuses to not do the work, but things that delay me from starting the laps. The pool is cold...I hate cold...like hate it like I hate roaches. I also can't keep track of laps to save my life. This isn't just in the pool, but I loose track of laps running on a track too.
Today I went in with solutions to both my excuses.
Solution #1: On Tuesday, I didn't swim long enough or hard enough to get warm. Today, that was going to change. Instead of starting on a kick board, start freestyle and pound out 100m quick to get my body warm. Then settle into a pattern or 100m kickboard, 100m just arms, 100m free, repeat.
Solution #2: Part of solution 2 is found in solution #1. Finding a pattern to my swimming. I know I don't have enough stamina to just freestyle swim 1000m, but if change things up just a little every 100m, I can continue to swim longer. The only issue is I can't change my kick. It's freestyle or nothing because the 'frog' kick associated with the breaststroke will tear my knee apart.
The second part of this solution was to use my little locker key and use it as a lap counter on the tile outside the pool. Call me a 5 year old, but its literally the only way I can keep track of laps.
2 problems, solved. Though the pool is still cold when I get in. Not a fan.
Next problem...the swim class always kicks me out of the lap pool at 7:30...I've wanted to get 1000m in, but I keep getting kicked out! lame.
Completed 900m
Day 63
Back to the pool I go. I always try to remind myself that swimming is one of those sports which will kick you in the face if you don't maintain your condition, but it never actually sinks in until I feel like I'm dieing after 2 laps.
Needless to say, the first day back in the pool didn't go well. It's hard to go back to something I'm not good at, not saying I'm good at running, but I really suck at swimming.
I think completed about 500m. My knee was fairly unhappy about the entire ordeal, but I have to do something and this is the best thing I can do right now to keep my endurance where it needs to be.
Needless to say, the first day back in the pool didn't go well. It's hard to go back to something I'm not good at, not saying I'm good at running, but I really suck at swimming.
I think completed about 500m. My knee was fairly unhappy about the entire ordeal, but I have to do something and this is the best thing I can do right now to keep my endurance where it needs to be.
Day 62 ... SI joint Re-Alignment
Monday, January 16
I will be forever thankful for having an Athletic trainer as a cousin and cousin-in-law.
I met up with Jess today and she checked out my SI(sacroiliac) joint. Her original thoughts were correct and my left side was almost completely frozen. after some re-alignment, the joints were moving again and she gave me some exercises to help keep it in place. She also told me what not to do in order to help it stay in place. Apparently I was doing a couple of huge no-no's for people with screwy SI joints... Who Knew!? You live and learn, I guess.
I will be forever thankful for having an Athletic trainer as a cousin and cousin-in-law.
I met up with Jess today and she checked out my SI(sacroiliac) joint. Her original thoughts were correct and my left side was almost completely frozen. after some re-alignment, the joints were moving again and she gave me some exercises to help keep it in place. She also told me what not to do in order to help it stay in place. Apparently I was doing a couple of huge no-no's for people with screwy SI joints... Who Knew!? You live and learn, I guess.
Day 61
Sunday, January 16
I took Sunday off, mostly because I was in quite a bit of pain. I talked to my cousin about what could be causing me to constantly break down, little injury after little injury, it's getting more than frustrating to say the least.
She discussed the possibility of my SI joint being out of place and we scheduled a meet up for Monday to see if I could get it re-aligned if that was indeed the issue. If it is, then it could be one of the major contributors to what is causing my right side to continuously have problems.
I took Sunday off, mostly because I was in quite a bit of pain. I talked to my cousin about what could be causing me to constantly break down, little injury after little injury, it's getting more than frustrating to say the least.
She discussed the possibility of my SI joint being out of place and we scheduled a meet up for Monday to see if I could get it re-aligned if that was indeed the issue. If it is, then it could be one of the major contributors to what is causing my right side to continuously have problems.
Day 60
I haven't been good about posting again. This is what happens when I'm injured and angry, I don't like to admit that I'm injured and angry when there is 6 weeks left in my training.
Anyways, moving on.
Saturday, January 14th
This was supposed to be a long run of 15 miles. I was so excited for it...like more excited about a run than I think I have ever been. My knee had been giving me trouble, but I was hoping for a mind over matter day. Unfortunately, my knee had other ideas and as soon as I passed the 3 mile check point and my mom drove off to mile 7, it felt like some one had take a sledgehammer to the front of my knee.
Luckily, I hadn't veered to far away from the road and was able to climb through some brush and hop a fence to where the road was.
Long story short, I was ANGRY! Back to the pool until I can get the patellar tendon to chill out.
Scheduled: 15 miles
Completed 3.5
Week Total: 15.5 out of 30 ... :-(
Anyways, moving on.
Saturday, January 14th
This was supposed to be a long run of 15 miles. I was so excited for it...like more excited about a run than I think I have ever been. My knee had been giving me trouble, but I was hoping for a mind over matter day. Unfortunately, my knee had other ideas and as soon as I passed the 3 mile check point and my mom drove off to mile 7, it felt like some one had take a sledgehammer to the front of my knee.
Luckily, I hadn't veered to far away from the road and was able to climb through some brush and hop a fence to where the road was.
Long story short, I was ANGRY! Back to the pool until I can get the patellar tendon to chill out.
Scheduled: 15 miles
Completed 3.5
Week Total: 15.5 out of 30 ... :-(
Friday, January 13, 2012
Day 59
Friday, January 13th
Today is an off day. I'm hoping that with some Advil and ice my knee will loosen up by tomorrow. It felt alright this morning, but tightened up as I walked up the stairs to my classroom. Damn the stairs.
53 Days until I depart from DFW Airport! Seems like a lot of time, but the past 59 days have FLOWN by! It feels like I just decided to do this yesterday and now I'm more than half way there.
I have my hostel reservations made for New Zealand and finally got me entry in for the marathon this past week. Everything is starting to come together! Also, good news for me, the currency exchange made it quite a bit cheaper to enter than I thought. yay!
Today is an off day. I'm hoping that with some Advil and ice my knee will loosen up by tomorrow. It felt alright this morning, but tightened up as I walked up the stairs to my classroom. Damn the stairs.
53 Days until I depart from DFW Airport! Seems like a lot of time, but the past 59 days have FLOWN by! It feels like I just decided to do this yesterday and now I'm more than half way there.
I have my hostel reservations made for New Zealand and finally got me entry in for the marathon this past week. Everything is starting to come together! Also, good news for me, the currency exchange made it quite a bit cheaper to enter than I thought. yay!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Day 58
Thursday, January 12th
My knee hurts insanely bad today. We have a half day at work today, so I'm going to head home and put some heat on to loosen things up, and take some advil to see if it helps any. This pain is not ITB, which is encouraging! haha. I think this it's more Patellar Tendon related, so hopefully a little ice and maybe a days rest will do it some good.
*Update- I decided to hold off on the 4 miles. I feel as though it was a good decision because I'd rather give up 4 miles now and be able to do my long run on Saturday, which is more important at this point in time.
Technically, you shouldn't increase your mileage each week by more than 10%, which would be 2.4 miles more than last week. I was trying to accomplish a 7 mile increase, so skipping the 4 mile run will put me back at a 3 mile increase.
Scheduled: 4 miles
Finished: 0
Week Total: 11 out of 30
A little frustrating, as this is the first run I've missed since the original ITB injury happened.
My knee hurts insanely bad today. We have a half day at work today, so I'm going to head home and put some heat on to loosen things up, and take some advil to see if it helps any. This pain is not ITB, which is encouraging! haha. I think this it's more Patellar Tendon related, so hopefully a little ice and maybe a days rest will do it some good.
*Update- I decided to hold off on the 4 miles. I feel as though it was a good decision because I'd rather give up 4 miles now and be able to do my long run on Saturday, which is more important at this point in time.
Technically, you shouldn't increase your mileage each week by more than 10%, which would be 2.4 miles more than last week. I was trying to accomplish a 7 mile increase, so skipping the 4 mile run will put me back at a 3 mile increase.
Scheduled: 4 miles
Finished: 0
Week Total: 11 out of 30
A little frustrating, as this is the first run I've missed since the original ITB injury happened.
Day 57
Wednesday, January 11th
Today was probably the most unmotivated I have been since starting this adventure. It's harder to quit during a run when you are 3 miles from home, but when you run on a treadmill, the ability to turn it off and walk away is so tempting. At mile 1, I wanted to stop...and mile 3, I was hoping the thought of being half way through would help the urge to quit, but it didn't. At mile 5, I started bargaining with myself.
'Quitting now would be a waste of a run.' - Self #1
'But I feel awful.' -Self #2
'Just means you'll feel awful again tomorrow when you have to make it up.'-Self #1
'But my knee hurts, and I shouldn't run through the pain.' -self #2
'Get over yourself, and finish!' -self #1
This continued until I was done with all 7 miles. I felt like a schizophrenic.
I, also, ALMOST busted on my face...3 times. I ran on a different type of treadmill, which I am going to put the blame on as to why my knee hurts so bad. There was a definite vibration being put off and I could feel it through all of my joints. The run just hurt...way more than it should have.
All in all, terrible run. Good days and bad days, right? Making it through this run gives me a little insight to my will power and determination though. I was happy I didn't quit, even if the end result wasn't great.
Scheduled: 7 Mi
Finished: 7 Mi
Week Total: 11 out of 30
Time: 86:57
Avg Pace: 12:30 min/mi
Today was probably the most unmotivated I have been since starting this adventure. It's harder to quit during a run when you are 3 miles from home, but when you run on a treadmill, the ability to turn it off and walk away is so tempting. At mile 1, I wanted to stop...and mile 3, I was hoping the thought of being half way through would help the urge to quit, but it didn't. At mile 5, I started bargaining with myself.
'Quitting now would be a waste of a run.' - Self #1
'But I feel awful.' -Self #2
'Just means you'll feel awful again tomorrow when you have to make it up.'-Self #1
'But my knee hurts, and I shouldn't run through the pain.' -self #2
'Get over yourself, and finish!' -self #1
This continued until I was done with all 7 miles. I felt like a schizophrenic.
I, also, ALMOST busted on my face...3 times. I ran on a different type of treadmill, which I am going to put the blame on as to why my knee hurts so bad. There was a definite vibration being put off and I could feel it through all of my joints. The run just hurt...way more than it should have.
All in all, terrible run. Good days and bad days, right? Making it through this run gives me a little insight to my will power and determination though. I was happy I didn't quit, even if the end result wasn't great.
Scheduled: 7 Mi
Finished: 7 Mi
Week Total: 11 out of 30
Time: 86:57
Avg Pace: 12:30 min/mi
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day 56
Tuesday, January 10th
Today I was able to bound over to the gym right after school to get my run in, before having to go back for an Open House. I don't like going directly after school for a number of reasons, but mostly because it always way to crowded. I'm a fairly solitary person, I don't like people watching me while I work out...or stretch..or anything really. Sounds silly to say since I am 'watched' all day every day by my students.
The run went well. My calves were pretty tight and felt ridiculously swollen; I guess it was their way of telling me I did rest long enough after my long run. Owell. I had to pause the workout for about a minute to help them out with the circulation complaint...a little massage and they were good-ish to go.
Started the run at 5.0 mph, increased to 5.4 at mile 2, increased to 5.6 at mile 3, increased to 6.0 at 3 1/2, and ended with a 7 mpg for the last 2 tenths.
Scheduled Mileage: 4
Finished Mileage: 4
Week Total: 4 out of 30
Time: 46:03
Avg pace: 11:30 min/mi
Today I was able to bound over to the gym right after school to get my run in, before having to go back for an Open House. I don't like going directly after school for a number of reasons, but mostly because it always way to crowded. I'm a fairly solitary person, I don't like people watching me while I work out...or stretch..or anything really. Sounds silly to say since I am 'watched' all day every day by my students.
The run went well. My calves were pretty tight and felt ridiculously swollen; I guess it was their way of telling me I did rest long enough after my long run. Owell. I had to pause the workout for about a minute to help them out with the circulation complaint...a little massage and they were good-ish to go.
Started the run at 5.0 mph, increased to 5.4 at mile 2, increased to 5.6 at mile 3, increased to 6.0 at 3 1/2, and ended with a 7 mpg for the last 2 tenths.
Scheduled Mileage: 4
Finished Mileage: 4
Week Total: 4 out of 30
Time: 46:03
Avg pace: 11:30 min/mi
Monday, January 9, 2012
Day 55 .. +My Emapthy for the Horse post
Today is an off day and the start of a new week.
Run down for the week:
Tuesday: 4 mi
Wednesday: 7 mi
Thursday: 4 mi
Friday: Off
Saturday: 15 mi <-- Blue Loop at the Grasslands
Sunday: XT..or Off, depending on how my knee feels
Week Total: 30 miles :-D
Here is my post about my empathy for the horse. It was in the previous post, but I decided to put it here instead. It'll give some beef to the off-day post.
1. Walk the Hills. Up and Down. Steep Uphill wise, Running gets you to the top faster, but wastes way to much energy. Steep downhill wise, running is torture on your joints, especially if you are already dealing with a knee issue. This is common sense for most, but something the weekend warrior trail riders seem to have never learned. I've seen more than a few trotting and cantering their horses not only up the hills, but also down. Ouch. I feel for them. And, it's so dangerous.
2. Deep Sandy Loam...ugh. When you ask your horse to trot through that stuff, get off and try running through it. It's the devil. I see why the North Texas Trail Runners stick to compacted Mt Biking trails of Lake Grapevine. Sandy loam does have its pros along with its cons. Since I can't train on anything near the terrain NZ will throw at me, the deep Sand will help build some leg muscle. Short, no show socks are NOT a good idea to wear though. I spent way to much time trying to get sand out of my sock to keep it from blistering my feet.
3. Briars hurt on bare legs. Ouch.
4. Clothing fit vs Tack Fit. It has got to be the same. If I have trouble finding things which are comfortable to run in, I can see the annoyance a horse would get with an ill fitting saddle pad, a halter that may have a twisted buckle under a bridle, or even a breastplate which rubs even a little on the point of the shoulder. The clothes I can run 3 miles in are not the same as clothes which are comfortable to run 10+ in.
5. Stay out of the ditches. The strain on my ankles gave me some insight into what Mulligan probably felt on his pasterns and cornary bands during the 1000+ competitive and training miles of his life. Not only did it put my feet into weird positions, but it also made me change my entire gate in order to compensate for the narrowing of the trail. I decided quickly to pick the higher ground.
Most of this is common sense, but it does make me feel for the horses which are taken straight from the pasture, without a days worth of conditioning in them and are expected to speed through the trails because, well, they are a horse.
Run down for the week:
Tuesday: 4 mi
Wednesday: 7 mi
Thursday: 4 mi
Friday: Off
Saturday: 15 mi <-- Blue Loop at the Grasslands
Sunday: XT..or Off, depending on how my knee feels
Week Total: 30 miles :-D
Here is my post about my empathy for the horse. It was in the previous post, but I decided to put it here instead. It'll give some beef to the off-day post.
1. Walk the Hills. Up and Down. Steep Uphill wise, Running gets you to the top faster, but wastes way to much energy. Steep downhill wise, running is torture on your joints, especially if you are already dealing with a knee issue. This is common sense for most, but something the weekend warrior trail riders seem to have never learned. I've seen more than a few trotting and cantering their horses not only up the hills, but also down. Ouch. I feel for them. And, it's so dangerous.
2. Deep Sandy Loam...ugh. When you ask your horse to trot through that stuff, get off and try running through it. It's the devil. I see why the North Texas Trail Runners stick to compacted Mt Biking trails of Lake Grapevine. Sandy loam does have its pros along with its cons. Since I can't train on anything near the terrain NZ will throw at me, the deep Sand will help build some leg muscle. Short, no show socks are NOT a good idea to wear though. I spent way to much time trying to get sand out of my sock to keep it from blistering my feet.
3. Briars hurt on bare legs. Ouch.
4. Clothing fit vs Tack Fit. It has got to be the same. If I have trouble finding things which are comfortable to run in, I can see the annoyance a horse would get with an ill fitting saddle pad, a halter that may have a twisted buckle under a bridle, or even a breastplate which rubs even a little on the point of the shoulder. The clothes I can run 3 miles in are not the same as clothes which are comfortable to run 10+ in.
5. Stay out of the ditches. The strain on my ankles gave me some insight into what Mulligan probably felt on his pasterns and cornary bands during the 1000+ competitive and training miles of his life. Not only did it put my feet into weird positions, but it also made me change my entire gate in order to compensate for the narrowing of the trail. I decided quickly to pick the higher ground.
Most of this is common sense, but it does make me feel for the horses which are taken straight from the pasture, without a days worth of conditioning in them and are expected to speed through the trails because, well, they are a horse.
Day 54
Sunday, January 8th
1st true long run, not counting the Half, since my injury over Thanksgiving. I was a little nervous, but excited as well. This was also the 1st time I truly hit the trails.
I went out to the LBJ Grasslands in Decatur to do a 10 mile loop out of the trails. Over the years, I have probably logged close to 1000 miles out there, training and competing with the horses. Hitting the trails I had traversed so much on horseback was an enlightening experience afoot, one I may write more in depth about after I run all the trails, which will happen by the end of my training. For now, I will put down a couple things I noticed in the short 10 miles I was out there...My emapathy for the Horse, who carries us, without question, where ever we ask, never complaining despite what we make them do.
I had typed a bunch of stuff here, but it got way to long, so I'll post it in a different post.
My mom went out to meet me in a couple places where the road and trail crossed each other. I also took Sucha out for the first 4 miles, then she went with my mom for the middle of the run, and, finally, she helped me finish up the last couple miles after my 2nd check point. I got a little frustrated at the end of the loop because, despite every map saying the trail was 10.3 miles long, it was only 8.9 miles. FRUSTRATION! At first I was okay with it, but as we were driving away I decided I was to frustrated to end my run short, so I had my mom drop me on the road and drive a mile up so I could actually finish all 10 of my scheduled miles. Afterward I felt 100x better. :-)
Scheduled: 10 Miles
Finished: 10 Miles
Week Total: 23.5 out of 24
1st true long run, not counting the Half, since my injury over Thanksgiving. I was a little nervous, but excited as well. This was also the 1st time I truly hit the trails.
I went out to the LBJ Grasslands in Decatur to do a 10 mile loop out of the trails. Over the years, I have probably logged close to 1000 miles out there, training and competing with the horses. Hitting the trails I had traversed so much on horseback was an enlightening experience afoot, one I may write more in depth about after I run all the trails, which will happen by the end of my training. For now, I will put down a couple things I noticed in the short 10 miles I was out there...My emapathy for the Horse, who carries us, without question, where ever we ask, never complaining despite what we make them do.
I had typed a bunch of stuff here, but it got way to long, so I'll post it in a different post.
My mom went out to meet me in a couple places where the road and trail crossed each other. I also took Sucha out for the first 4 miles, then she went with my mom for the middle of the run, and, finally, she helped me finish up the last couple miles after my 2nd check point. I got a little frustrated at the end of the loop because, despite every map saying the trail was 10.3 miles long, it was only 8.9 miles. FRUSTRATION! At first I was okay with it, but as we were driving away I decided I was to frustrated to end my run short, so I had my mom drop me on the road and drive a mile up so I could actually finish all 10 of my scheduled miles. Afterward I felt 100x better. :-)
Scheduled: 10 Miles
Finished: 10 Miles
Week Total: 23.5 out of 24
Day 53
Today was an off day. Another Basketball game with the cheerleaders. After the game, I ran by Luke's Locker to get a water bottle belt and some compression sleeves for my lower legs. Two things to help with my looming long runs. Getting excited for 10 miles in the morning!
Day 52
Friday, January 6th
Had another basketball game today. I was frustrated with missing the 7 miles on Thursday so I decided against trying to get the run in between school and the game. I got to the gym at 10, started the run by 10:40 and had a goal of finishing the 7 miles by midnight. Give me a goal, that's all I need! Determination set in and at 30 seconds to midnight, 7 miles was in the books. It was a great run. 52 days ago I almost choked at the thought of running more than a 5 or 10k...now I'm looking at 7 and 8 mile runs as the 'easy' ones. I'm turning into one of those crazy people, but I'm okay with that! :-)
Scheduled: 4
Finished: 7
Week Total: 13.5 out of 24
Had another basketball game today. I was frustrated with missing the 7 miles on Thursday so I decided against trying to get the run in between school and the game. I got to the gym at 10, started the run by 10:40 and had a goal of finishing the 7 miles by midnight. Give me a goal, that's all I need! Determination set in and at 30 seconds to midnight, 7 miles was in the books. It was a great run. 52 days ago I almost choked at the thought of running more than a 5 or 10k...now I'm looking at 7 and 8 mile runs as the 'easy' ones. I'm turning into one of those crazy people, but I'm okay with that! :-)
Scheduled: 4
Finished: 7
Week Total: 13.5 out of 24
Day 51
Thursday, January 5th
On the schedule I had a 7 mile run. Unfortunately, I had basketball games all week. I tried to squeaze the run between school and the game, but I only got 3 1/2 miles in before I had to call it quits. That 3 1/3 was fantastic though! It was the first time I have been able to run straight through for all 3 1/2 miles. I was really excited. So excited that I pulled the emergency stop cord...oops.
Scheduled: 7
Finished: 3.5
Week Total: 6.5 out of 24
On the schedule I had a 7 mile run. Unfortunately, I had basketball games all week. I tried to squeaze the run between school and the game, but I only got 3 1/2 miles in before I had to call it quits. That 3 1/3 was fantastic though! It was the first time I have been able to run straight through for all 3 1/2 miles. I was really excited. So excited that I pulled the emergency stop cord...oops.
Scheduled: 7
Finished: 3.5
Week Total: 6.5 out of 24
Day 50
Wednesday, January 4th
Lets get this rolling again.
Day 50 of 126
4 days out from my half marathon. Did and easy 3 miles to get things moving again. I've decided on a pretty set pace of about 11 min/mile. I'm not looking for a speed record in March and the 11 min/mil is very agreeable with my body. I do increase speed throughout the runs, but on the long runs I stay at a steady 11:30 to 11:40 min/mi
This week was the one I really needed to see if I could continue with the milage needed for the 2nd half of my training. I've been really worried since having to take the month off. Though the half went well, I am still nervous about the small injuries I'm dealing with.
Scheduled: 3 mi
Finished: 3
Week Total: 3 out of 24
Lets get this rolling again.
Day 50 of 126
4 days out from my half marathon. Did and easy 3 miles to get things moving again. I've decided on a pretty set pace of about 11 min/mile. I'm not looking for a speed record in March and the 11 min/mil is very agreeable with my body. I do increase speed throughout the runs, but on the long runs I stay at a steady 11:30 to 11:40 min/mi
This week was the one I really needed to see if I could continue with the milage needed for the 2nd half of my training. I've been really worried since having to take the month off. Though the half went well, I am still nervous about the small injuries I'm dealing with.
Scheduled: 3 mi
Finished: 3
Week Total: 3 out of 24
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Little did I know...
The 50 states marathoner, was this guy... Who knew?!
Most Marathons Run In A Year: Texas Lawyer R. Laurence Macon Eyes Guinness Record
What a BEAST!!
Most Marathons Run In A Year: Texas Lawyer R. Laurence Macon Eyes Guinness Record
What a BEAST!!
New Years Double Half Marathon/5k
On New Years Eve and New Years Day, my mom and I did a half marathon and 5k, respectively. I was more than a little nervous going into the 1/2 due to the recent recovery from the ITB issues. It was a definite risk even attempting to run, but I felt as though it was very necessary in order to get back to where I needed to be training wise. And, I'm stubborn as hell; Since, I paid for race, I was going to run the damn race.
The end result was fantastic. I had, by far, the best run of my life. I was able to keep a consistent and steady pace throughout the entire race, averaging 11:37 min/mile - First 1/3: 11:49 min/mi 2nd 1/3: 11:30 min/mi Last 1/3: 11:38
I finished the race in 2:32:10, an hour and half faster than my very slow goal of 4 hours (since I was expecting to have some major ITB issues along the way). The average finish time was 2:24:25, so I wasn't very far off from that!
I had great conversations with a few people along the way. Met a gentleman, named Larry, who is a member of the 50 States club..as in, he has ran a marathon in all 50 states. How cool is that!? Definitely some very inspiring people out there.
I was so happy I went through with the run. The 5k was used to loosen up from the day before. My ITB is giving me some problems, even 4 days out, so I'm working with it again so I can get back to training.
New Zealand in 64 Days away!!! Not that I'm counting or anything... ;-)
The end result was fantastic. I had, by far, the best run of my life. I was able to keep a consistent and steady pace throughout the entire race, averaging 11:37 min/mile - First 1/3: 11:49 min/mi 2nd 1/3: 11:30 min/mi Last 1/3: 11:38
I finished the race in 2:32:10, an hour and half faster than my very slow goal of 4 hours (since I was expecting to have some major ITB issues along the way). The average finish time was 2:24:25, so I wasn't very far off from that!
I had great conversations with a few people along the way. Met a gentleman, named Larry, who is a member of the 50 States club..as in, he has ran a marathon in all 50 states. How cool is that!? Definitely some very inspiring people out there.
I was so happy I went through with the run. The 5k was used to loosen up from the day before. My ITB is giving me some problems, even 4 days out, so I'm working with it again so I can get back to training.
New Zealand in 64 Days away!!! Not that I'm counting or anything... ;-)
Oops...
So I kinda fell off the blog wagon there for awhile. Sorry about that. The break in blogging was filled with swimming/ITB rehab. I was able to get 5 good runs in before my half marathon this past Saturday. I'll make a new post about the half in a few minutes.
During my break/rehab for my ITB, I pretty much went through the 5 stages of grief...haha..I honestly didn't think it was going to get better, then, all of a sudden, it did. Yay!
During my break/rehab for my ITB, I pretty much went through the 5 stages of grief...haha..I honestly didn't think it was going to get better, then, all of a sudden, it did. Yay!
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