So glad I got my running in today. Though it was a squeeze to get to the show on time with my name tag on after a day of work and 2 runs, I am elated to be there. The music was fun, town is crawling with music fans and people enjoying the great outdoors. The show was a wild success- everybody was dancing, people stayed up late and were lavishing in the joyful moments of life.
I feel like I am doing the right thing...
Thursday, July 30, 2009
7/25 Tempo
I have been dying to run the deer creek trail since I moved back here in 2005.
It was steeper and much more technical than I remembered. The 25 minutes it takes to drive to the trialhead seems to be a huge inconvenience in a busy girl's day but it was, in fact, well worth all 45 minutes I spent in the car.
The reason I was so desperate to get onto that trail was that I have a wonderful memory of going to the Deer Creek swimming hole with one of my best friends as a teenager, who has since passed away at the tender age of 21. I remember a sunny granite swimming hole with bone chillingly cold water, sacked lunches and hours of exploration of granite shoots for flowing water. That day is still one of my fondest memories.
As a tempo run, not the best. The trail is very rocky, steep, narrow and technical. I of course had Chester who seemed much more agile on the trail than I felt. I walked many parts and enjoyed every moment. The sun was just up and its light was dancing on the water. The air was fresh and crisp. My day was new and I was starting it the right way.
I only clocked 4 miles in just over an hour. The time was thoroughly enjoyed and I'm sure wasn't a detriment to my training but I was hoping for a bit more of a tangibly progressive run. It is tempo day- "Kind of a big deal"
evening: The lake loop 3 miles, a 5 k in 26 min 32 sec.
Boston 5k time= 26 min 25 sec.
This was fast.... I really want to break 4 hours.
It was steeper and much more technical than I remembered. The 25 minutes it takes to drive to the trialhead seems to be a huge inconvenience in a busy girl's day but it was, in fact, well worth all 45 minutes I spent in the car.
The reason I was so desperate to get onto that trail was that I have a wonderful memory of going to the Deer Creek swimming hole with one of my best friends as a teenager, who has since passed away at the tender age of 21. I remember a sunny granite swimming hole with bone chillingly cold water, sacked lunches and hours of exploration of granite shoots for flowing water. That day is still one of my fondest memories.
As a tempo run, not the best. The trail is very rocky, steep, narrow and technical. I of course had Chester who seemed much more agile on the trail than I felt. I walked many parts and enjoyed every moment. The sun was just up and its light was dancing on the water. The air was fresh and crisp. My day was new and I was starting it the right way.
I only clocked 4 miles in just over an hour. The time was thoroughly enjoyed and I'm sure wasn't a detriment to my training but I was hoping for a bit more of a tangibly progressive run. It is tempo day- "Kind of a big deal"
evening: The lake loop 3 miles, a 5 k in 26 min 32 sec.
Boston 5k time= 26 min 25 sec.
This was fast.... I really want to break 4 hours.
7/23 Speedwork
Yikes- these workouts are SO hard. I did 8x800 meter sprints.
They (yes, again Runner's World) That if you average 10x800 meter sprints, yes that is 1/2 mile an f----ing long way to sprint than you can take your average minutes and seconds and that is roughly a good estimate for the hours and minutes you will finish the marathon. ie: average sprints = 4 min 10 sec. marathon goal time should be roughly 4 hours and 10 minutes.
I surprised myself.
I averaged 3 min 45 sec. My qualifying group fro Boston is 3 hours and 42 minutes.
I was worked after this workout, absolutely spent. They say this is how you should feel... there wasn't enough air to fill my lungs. Chester, my dad's 1.5 year old puppy was spent. My legs were jelly, my heart was beating in my neck. But then, during my cool-down Courtney Love's version of "Gold Dust Woman" came on my shuffle, and I was floating. I sang, and walked, and sweat, and was so lifted by such a unique version of a classicly wonderful song, I was carried away. It was perhaps my best moment of training yet. I am raising funds for this desperately wonderful and "at risk" music festival, daily thingking of the power of music what it means to us as beings, how we can continue to make the festival happen, and listening to one of my favorite versions of one of my favorite songs, high as a kite on endorphins, and proud of my small success and I felt overwhelmed with joy.
They (yes, again Runner's World) That if you average 10x800 meter sprints, yes that is 1/2 mile an f----ing long way to sprint than you can take your average minutes and seconds and that is roughly a good estimate for the hours and minutes you will finish the marathon. ie: average sprints = 4 min 10 sec. marathon goal time should be roughly 4 hours and 10 minutes.
I surprised myself.
I averaged 3 min 45 sec. My qualifying group fro Boston is 3 hours and 42 minutes.
I was worked after this workout, absolutely spent. They say this is how you should feel... there wasn't enough air to fill my lungs. Chester, my dad's 1.5 year old puppy was spent. My legs were jelly, my heart was beating in my neck. But then, during my cool-down Courtney Love's version of "Gold Dust Woman" came on my shuffle, and I was floating. I sang, and walked, and sweat, and was so lifted by such a unique version of a classicly wonderful song, I was carried away. It was perhaps my best moment of training yet. I am raising funds for this desperately wonderful and "at risk" music festival, daily thingking of the power of music what it means to us as beings, how we can continue to make the festival happen, and listening to one of my favorite versions of one of my favorite songs, high as a kite on endorphins, and proud of my small success and I felt overwhelmed with joy.
7/21 Long hot run
13 miles- Reno
Supposed to be running by sunrise today but I have some disorder- I can't go to sleep before midnight... Circumstances must be quite awry for me to fall asleep at a normal human time... I wanted so badly to get up and be running with the sunrise to get all of my scheduled milage and beat the heat... Neither happened. Though it was a moderate 96 in Reno when I finished my run (cooler than average) I was pouring sweat. I clocked my average at a pathetic 11:30 minute/mile... Not exactly what I am shooting for.
I read an article in Runner's World (yes, the magazine I am completely obsessed with and pretty much live by) that said you should completely disregard time in the heat- I don't know how seriously to take that but I did not in fact get heat stroke... and I made the rest of my appointments that day. Though I wanted 18 8 min miles I am satisfied I fit everything in.
If anyone ever finds themselves in Reno needing a safe long route with a pretty good view of the biggest little city with some desert-scape, I strongly recommend this bike route. Lance turned me onto it and it was incredibly safe, interesting enough and had a highlight of a swanky country club on the latter half of the course, where I refilled my water and fantasized about tennis and swimming.
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Sometsett-Town-Center-Idlewild-loop-14mi-1400ft
Supposed to be running by sunrise today but I have some disorder- I can't go to sleep before midnight... Circumstances must be quite awry for me to fall asleep at a normal human time... I wanted so badly to get up and be running with the sunrise to get all of my scheduled milage and beat the heat... Neither happened. Though it was a moderate 96 in Reno when I finished my run (cooler than average) I was pouring sweat. I clocked my average at a pathetic 11:30 minute/mile... Not exactly what I am shooting for.
I read an article in Runner's World (yes, the magazine I am completely obsessed with and pretty much live by) that said you should completely disregard time in the heat- I don't know how seriously to take that but I did not in fact get heat stroke... and I made the rest of my appointments that day. Though I wanted 18 8 min miles I am satisfied I fit everything in.
If anyone ever finds themselves in Reno needing a safe long route with a pretty good view of the biggest little city with some desert-scape, I strongly recommend this bike route. Lance turned me onto it and it was incredibly safe, interesting enough and had a highlight of a swanky country club on the latter half of the course, where I refilled my water and fantasized about tennis and swimming.
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Sometsett-Town-Center-Idlewild-loop-14mi-1400ft
Sunday, July 19, 2009
7/19 Osborne Ridge
6 miles- Hills/tempo
I love running in the morning. That trail has such dramatic hills making it such challenging terrain, it would be impossible for even the world's best athletes not to breathe hard.
I'm so glad I waited for running until today- It totally paid off because I felt rested, refreshed, and strong (as much as possible for a morning run anyway...)
I love running in the morning. That trail has such dramatic hills making it such challenging terrain, it would be impossible for even the world's best athletes not to breathe hard.
I'm so glad I waited for running until today- It totally paid off because I felt rested, refreshed, and strong (as much as possible for a morning run anyway...)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Exhausted
Despite the fact that I didn't go on my long run this week- I am shattered. I had 4 fillings in on Wednesday, took a beater on Thursday and though the tennis isn't "running" I skipped today's work-out to save my energy for tomorrow to end the week on a positive note. Sometimes you have to cut your losses and move on.
Thanks Libby for helping me make the call!!!
Thanks Libby for helping me make the call!!!
7/17 Tennis lesson
Like I said, I'm obsessed... Jim Triolo and my Dad taught a doubles clinic that rocked!
We did drills that helped us figure the game out and it was a tremendous help.
2mi
We did drills that helped us figure the game out and it was a tremendous help.
2mi
7/16 Bull Run Lake trail
4 miles- morning run
Whenever I can drag my sorry a__ out of bed for a morning run, I feel accomplished, even when I don't go that far. It has been a while since I was on this trail and enjoyed the vibrant green Stanislaus Meadow and the winding trail.
Though driving to a trail just beyond the borders of convenience takes extra planning, it's well worth it to be on a less traveled trail.
I fell today. I haven't ever fallen running outside. I did have one really embarrassing fall on a tred-mill at the women's gym I tried to block out. It was an incredibly humbling experience. There was an explosion of my fleece, sunglasses and i-pod parts.... Luckily Chester helped me pick up the pieces.
Whenever I can drag my sorry a__ out of bed for a morning run, I feel accomplished, even when I don't go that far. It has been a while since I was on this trail and enjoyed the vibrant green Stanislaus Meadow and the winding trail.
Though driving to a trail just beyond the borders of convenience takes extra planning, it's well worth it to be on a less traveled trail.
I fell today. I haven't ever fallen running outside. I did have one really embarrassing fall on a tred-mill at the women's gym I tried to block out. It was an incredibly humbling experience. There was an explosion of my fleece, sunglasses and i-pod parts.... Luckily Chester helped me pick up the pieces.
7/13 XT Tennis
I am intensely excited about learning to play tennis. Sometimes I feel guilty for logging a mile per tennis hour but the game can't hurt my training overall.
3 hours- 2 sets
Very fun
3 miles
3 hours- 2 sets
Very fun
3 miles
7/12 Slick Rock Rd.
I thoroughly enjoyed this run.
I played a set of tennis with Brigitte (who is a total stud) for about 2 hrs and still felt spry enough for this gorgeous run.
Sometimes we get stuck on the same trails, we are creatures of habit. I had driven part way down slick rock but never really traveled the trial without a vehicle and made it to the river, which I think is about a 6 mile round trip outing. It was my favorite time of day to run (dusk) and the light was rich and dynamic. I took Chester who is a great running buddy and escaped the mosquitoes without any bites. I made it down in 32 min and back in 35 which was a feat because it is quite a steep trail. My legs and glutes were sore for many days after.
Good milage this week 22.5, not perfect but pretty good.
I played a set of tennis with Brigitte (who is a total stud) for about 2 hrs and still felt spry enough for this gorgeous run.
Sometimes we get stuck on the same trails, we are creatures of habit. I had driven part way down slick rock but never really traveled the trial without a vehicle and made it to the river, which I think is about a 6 mile round trip outing. It was my favorite time of day to run (dusk) and the light was rich and dynamic. I took Chester who is a great running buddy and escaped the mosquitoes without any bites. I made it down in 32 min and back in 35 which was a feat because it is quite a steep trail. My legs and glutes were sore for many days after.
Good milage this week 22.5, not perfect but pretty good.
Friday, July 17, 2009
7/8 Location is everything
2 miles- recovery jog
I am at a trade show in Sacramento for the next day or so and today's workout is a recovery jog. Though usual temps in Sacramento this time of year are pretty uncomfortable, I was pleasantly surprised by a day in the mid 90's. Conditions were perfectly conducive for an evening run- my appointments all went according to schedule, I had some time before my dinner date and the temperature was just right. Usually, it's very difficult to get all of those components together and it takes some sacrificing to make sure that I get my run in.
From my hotel, I ran around the Arden Fair mall. I know, I bet you're jealous. I don't know Sacramento very well and get really spoiled here with the ability to walk out the door and be on 1 of 10 beautiful, scenic, private trails. Obviously this was not the case at Arden Fair. I ran the perimeter of the mall because I thought that would be better for a quick run than down Arden way. I hate running on busy roads, between the honkers and the lights, and the smell of exhaust and asphalt I just hate it...
The mall, was very different. People were happily leaving work or from their shopping experience, meandering back to their cars with a cell phone in one hand and acutriments of the city in the other. People smelled of parfume and department stores, while I sweat and swat and ran by them trying to pretend there was nothing odd about Running at a shopping mall.
20 min + abs (back at the hotel, not in the mall parking lot)
I am at a trade show in Sacramento for the next day or so and today's workout is a recovery jog. Though usual temps in Sacramento this time of year are pretty uncomfortable, I was pleasantly surprised by a day in the mid 90's. Conditions were perfectly conducive for an evening run- my appointments all went according to schedule, I had some time before my dinner date and the temperature was just right. Usually, it's very difficult to get all of those components together and it takes some sacrificing to make sure that I get my run in.
From my hotel, I ran around the Arden Fair mall. I know, I bet you're jealous. I don't know Sacramento very well and get really spoiled here with the ability to walk out the door and be on 1 of 10 beautiful, scenic, private trails. Obviously this was not the case at Arden Fair. I ran the perimeter of the mall because I thought that would be better for a quick run than down Arden way. I hate running on busy roads, between the honkers and the lights, and the smell of exhaust and asphalt I just hate it...
The mall, was very different. People were happily leaving work or from their shopping experience, meandering back to their cars with a cell phone in one hand and acutriments of the city in the other. People smelled of parfume and department stores, while I sweat and swat and ran by them trying to pretend there was nothing odd about Running at a shopping mall.
20 min + abs (back at the hotel, not in the mall parking lot)
7/7 Back on track + GU
Long run- 12.5 miles
They feel better and better every time I do them. I think that is the idea and reason I am on such a schedule. Each time I do my long runs on Spicer Road I have a general improvement in my time. Though I would obviously much rather be right there and ready (at my goal time, exceeding my expectations and desires) I am happy to see results. The difference of a few seconds per mile can really do a great deal to boost morale.
Total time 2hrs. 25min. 50 seconds (including warm up and cool down) - That is an 11min/mile pace putting me at the finish line for the big race at 4hrs, 48 min.
Looking at those numbers is where I get discouraged.
What I have to remember is:
PS- I never thought I would be one of those weirdos that ate a gel like substance to fuel an activity with such a prevailing feeling of masochism. I LOVE blueberry pomegranate gu blocks. I just ordered an entire case. Though those little packets of substance look like chemistry class gone wrong, the kick that they give and the ability to fuel without stopping is something I am quite taken by at the moment...
If anybody is interested I will tell you a really funny gu story about my first marathon...
They feel better and better every time I do them. I think that is the idea and reason I am on such a schedule. Each time I do my long runs on Spicer Road I have a general improvement in my time. Though I would obviously much rather be right there and ready (at my goal time, exceeding my expectations and desires) I am happy to see results. The difference of a few seconds per mile can really do a great deal to boost morale.
Total time 2hrs. 25min. 50 seconds (including warm up and cool down) - That is an 11min/mile pace putting me at the finish line for the big race at 4hrs, 48 min.
Looking at those numbers is where I get discouraged.
What I have to remember is:
- each run gets faster
- I am running on a pretty hilly course
- I am at altitude
PS- I never thought I would be one of those weirdos that ate a gel like substance to fuel an activity with such a prevailing feeling of masochism. I LOVE blueberry pomegranate gu blocks. I just ordered an entire case. Though those little packets of substance look like chemistry class gone wrong, the kick that they give and the ability to fuel without stopping is something I am quite taken by at the moment...
If anybody is interested I will tell you a really funny gu story about my first marathon...
Monday, July 6, 2009
7/6/09 THANK YOU
I am freshly back from the Dr. office for a check-up on my tonsillitis.
Result: much better but I still need to take my antibiotics - for another 10 DAYS:-( boo-hoo!
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who I saw this weekend and mentioned my race, fund-raising and blog. I REALLY appreciate the donations and discussions. I am in a bit of shock because I had no idea there was such interest. We are always our own worst critics but I want you to know that I am touched, so thank you.
Result: much better but I still need to take my antibiotics - for another 10 DAYS:-( boo-hoo!
I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who I saw this weekend and mentioned my race, fund-raising and blog. I REALLY appreciate the donations and discussions. I am in a bit of shock because I had no idea there was such interest. We are always our own worst critics but I want you to know that I am touched, so thank you.
7/3/09 Speedwork
They say this is one of the most beneficial work-outs you can do for your training. It hurts every time.
4 miles, 45min.
Warm up 1.5 miles- 22.05 minutes (my house past the school to the damn)
I then did some strength work on the damn
Sprinted the entire stretch of the damn at Bear Lake- It doesn't look big, but it is... Well I am guessing it is 200 meters... Anybody?
Patience..
4 miles, 45min.
Warm up 1.5 miles- 22.05 minutes (my house past the school to the damn)
I then did some strength work on the damn
Sprinted the entire stretch of the damn at Bear Lake- It doesn't look big, but it is... Well I am guessing it is 200 meters... Anybody?
- First sprint 32.8 seconds- walking break 1.55min
- Second sprint 34 sec even- walking jog break 7.04
- Third sprint ( 400 meters) 1.50.88 I know this distance because I have it measured on Quaking Aspen... Break 1.49 min
- Fourth sprint (800 meters) 3.38.04 This is not as fast as I want, but much better than I expected. The 800 is a magic distance because it is the most revealing for the marathon. They say that if you run 10 800 meter sprints and you average your min, sec times, that will be roughly the hours and minutes you can expect to finish your marathon in.
Patience..
7/1/09 Mt.Reba
Feeling much better-
6 miles, 1.5 hrs. Very steep
I love this run. It is such an a__ kicker... I run from home (lower Quacking Aspen) up through the village and up to Bloods Point. I am always ELATED when I can keep a jogging pace rather than slow to a walk. When I reach the top, I almost always stop and do some walking lunges to catch my breath as my lungs burn when I finally reach it.
The run along the ridge-top is always so scenic and by that point the endorphins are flowing so my mood and feeling of accomplishment is at a high. The wildflowers are exploding on that ridge-top right now. There is an abundance of color and variety which is a fun way to pass the run. I always walk up through the really rocky section of lunch run too- The climb just before the ski-area boundary sign is such an accumulating grade that it sneaks up on you. Very tricky... I start to run again at the split between Home Run and Lunch Run. Then I force myself to put my big kid pants on and run because that is the last climb of the entire loop. At Bear top, the view is very rewarding and the slow descent is not easy but a nice way to unwind after the climbing.
6 miles, 1.5 hrs. Very steep
I love this run. It is such an a__ kicker... I run from home (lower Quacking Aspen) up through the village and up to Bloods Point. I am always ELATED when I can keep a jogging pace rather than slow to a walk. When I reach the top, I almost always stop and do some walking lunges to catch my breath as my lungs burn when I finally reach it.
The run along the ridge-top is always so scenic and by that point the endorphins are flowing so my mood and feeling of accomplishment is at a high. The wildflowers are exploding on that ridge-top right now. There is an abundance of color and variety which is a fun way to pass the run. I always walk up through the really rocky section of lunch run too- The climb just before the ski-area boundary sign is such an accumulating grade that it sneaks up on you. Very tricky... I start to run again at the split between Home Run and Lunch Run. Then I force myself to put my big kid pants on and run because that is the last climb of the entire loop. At Bear top, the view is very rewarding and the slow descent is not easy but a nice way to unwind after the climbing.
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