I slayed my workout today.
16 miles. Average (not including 2 breaks) pace 9min. 11sec.- I'm on target to break 4 hours.
The workout was "pace" so I was supposed to start a bit slower than goal pace and speed up to it roughly half way through the run. ALL summer I have been trying to break 8 minute miles and today I did it. For mile 13 I clocked 8:01, then shattered 8 minutes in the last 3 miles-
It does get easier, you do get stronger, you do get better but it is not effortless.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
8/25 rest, really?
Today I am tortured by the necessity to rest-
It took everything I had not to put my tennis shoes on, not to find some casual "non-running" activity, not to run, not to play. All I want to do today is break my own rules. I know I'll regret it tomorrow. Goal is to be in bed by 9, hmm- clearly 10 must do (it's 8:26). Will be shattered if I don't make a morning long run tomorrow- I hate my rules.
It took everything I had not to put my tennis shoes on, not to find some casual "non-running" activity, not to run, not to play. All I want to do today is break my own rules. I know I'll regret it tomorrow. Goal is to be in bed by 9, hmm- clearly 10 must do (it's 8:26). Will be shattered if I don't make a morning long run tomorrow- I hate my rules.
8/23 8 magic miles
The magic part of this run was that I averaged 8.15 from my house to Koala char and back... Maybe it's only 7 miles- but I still feel ecstatic about the success of today's tempo run.
I may have pushed too much because I felt sort of funny all night- Dinner plans and a late sleep made it crucial to squeeze my tempo in between work and a 6:30 appetizer time but I did it and it felt like I did it well.
I may have pushed too much because I felt sort of funny all night- Dinner plans and a late sleep made it crucial to squeeze my tempo in between work and a 6:30 appetizer time but I did it and it felt like I did it well.
8/22 5k
25.45
The lake loop of course. Breaking personal bests all the time. Despite unforgiving circumstances. Slept late- wanted to get up at dawn, I'm so hopeless.
The lake loop of course. Breaking personal bests all the time. Despite unforgiving circumstances. Slept late- wanted to get up at dawn, I'm so hopeless.
8/21 climbing
Climbing is by far my favorite mode of cross training (um, obviously other than tennis). It feels like one of the most bizzare sports just because when you think of traveling from one point to another that is the most unlikely, counter-intuitive things to do.
As cross training I like it because it is completely mentally engaging and feels antithetical of running as far as how you manipulate your relationship to gravity. Oh- and I also like how stunningly beautiful it is. I like being on the warm rocks. I like how scary and exciting it is. I also like how much of a reality check it is for body weight. Wish I was a little more independent with it... I suppose I also like the enjoyably forced social aspect.
As cross training I like it because it is completely mentally engaging and feels antithetical of running as far as how you manipulate your relationship to gravity. Oh- and I also like how stunningly beautiful it is. I like being on the warm rocks. I like how scary and exciting it is. I also like how much of a reality check it is for body weight. Wish I was a little more independent with it... I suppose I also like the enjoyably forced social aspect.
8/11 long run
Don't bother reading this if you have read other entries about my long runs on Spicer road-
It's the same
Twenty-two miles is a long way to run...
Spicer road, as usual. Wanted to be running much earlier in the day than I actually made it, as usual. I left at noon. It was 85 out. Sometimes I wonder how I even have the self discipline to do this.
I had a few goals for today:
2- Last week I clocked an embarrassing 11/mi. This week's average was 10.14/mi. Better. Not at all what I want but better is a good place to be.
3- I just read an article that said you burn roughly 2,300 calories on a 20 mile run, pretty impressive. Gu packets are about 100 cal a pop. The article said that if you try and dramatically decrease the caloric intake on a long run, you are training your body mentally to keep going when you think it can't go any further. It was interesting as an experiment because it was so hard but comforting because there is so much going on anyway it is a relief to blame the whole bundle on lack of calories.
Today's run was about embracing pain to travel through pain. There was a good deal of pain. I haven't exactly put my finger on it but I think if I go into a hard workout with the acknowledgment that it will hurt but it won't last forever and the more I can endure the pain now, during training, the better the race will turn out. Pain (physical pain from running) is an interesting thing. The best way I have ever heard it described is compared with the check engine light on your car- the pain turns on to let your body know that it cannot possibly continue this type of activity forever. That idea (along with some other really classy cliches) help me to keep perspective on the idea that I am getting stronger and becoming better each time I go.
I am eternally embarrassed by my camelback, gu and the way I look at the end of a long run when I am sprinting on the damn. I am thankful that the fisherman and sun-bathing beauties can't see me there. I think I would probably be so exhausted that if somebody actually tried to say something I wouldn't even know how to respond. Maybe I'd cry. At that point in my run I don't even know if I would be able to compose myself in a conversation of any kind.
It's the same
Twenty-two miles is a long way to run...
Spicer road, as usual. Wanted to be running much earlier in the day than I actually made it, as usual. I left at noon. It was 85 out. Sometimes I wonder how I even have the self discipline to do this.
I had a few goals for today:
- run the whole time
- beat last week's pathetic time
- ingest dramatically less calories during the run- which made me lose 4 pounds despite drinking over 100 oz of water.
2- Last week I clocked an embarrassing 11/mi. This week's average was 10.14/mi. Better. Not at all what I want but better is a good place to be.
3- I just read an article that said you burn roughly 2,300 calories on a 20 mile run, pretty impressive. Gu packets are about 100 cal a pop. The article said that if you try and dramatically decrease the caloric intake on a long run, you are training your body mentally to keep going when you think it can't go any further. It was interesting as an experiment because it was so hard but comforting because there is so much going on anyway it is a relief to blame the whole bundle on lack of calories.
Today's run was about embracing pain to travel through pain. There was a good deal of pain. I haven't exactly put my finger on it but I think if I go into a hard workout with the acknowledgment that it will hurt but it won't last forever and the more I can endure the pain now, during training, the better the race will turn out. Pain (physical pain from running) is an interesting thing. The best way I have ever heard it described is compared with the check engine light on your car- the pain turns on to let your body know that it cannot possibly continue this type of activity forever. That idea (along with some other really classy cliches) help me to keep perspective on the idea that I am getting stronger and becoming better each time I go.
I am eternally embarrassed by my camelback, gu and the way I look at the end of a long run when I am sprinting on the damn. I am thankful that the fisherman and sun-bathing beauties can't see me there. I think I would probably be so exhausted that if somebody actually tried to say something I wouldn't even know how to respond. Maybe I'd cry. At that point in my run I don't even know if I would be able to compose myself in a conversation of any kind.
Monday, August 17, 2009
8/17 Monday Rest
Everything in life is better when I have the marathon on my mind - especially rest. Today is my rest day and in training I take rest very seriously. Every Monday I am tempted to play tennis or do a short workout then once I talk some sense into myself I am delighted to have one full day of full rest. Not only does a full rest day help the success of my long run on Tuesdays but I really need it, every week.
Still reeling from music festival, I have piles of laundry containing garments I don't even recognize as my own. I have a pile of thank you notes to write and lots of donations to tally. I have 12 hours of sleep to enjoy and just finished a healthy dinner (with an extra piece of garlic bread). I have had extra water today and want to wake up early for an extra beneficial run tomorrow.
5 and a half weeks to go.
Still reeling from music festival, I have piles of laundry containing garments I don't even recognize as my own. I have a pile of thank you notes to write and lots of donations to tally. I have 12 hours of sleep to enjoy and just finished a healthy dinner (with an extra piece of garlic bread). I have had extra water today and want to wake up early for an extra beneficial run tomorrow.
5 and a half weeks to go.
Rock Lake Surprise
Usually on the trails, especially this one, I am the only human being for miles. Most often I am comforted to see fellow trail travelers (of any kind - I am not biased at all) because though accidents don't happen often, just the right precarious situation could be really scary way out in the middle of nowhere with nobody around. These fears are particularly present during my evening trail runs because the sunset adds an entirely new potential danger.
When I run I usually let my mind wander unless there is something specific that I want to mull over. I have my shuffle in and all I worry about is the next few steps. Usually about 3 miles into a run I am very relaxed and my body has settled into its rhythm and I am focused on pace and strength and the joy of my warm, fast-traveling blood and breath. This is usually my favorite part of the run. Nothing hurts yet. Between miles 3 and 12 the run feels great. Early in the run I have the energy to sing (yes, embarrassingly out loud to music other people cannot hear) to a favorite song on my i-pod. This was the case tonight. Weezer's song "garage" came on pretty loudly and I was descending to the Stanislaus River.
When I got to the river I thought about the siren scene in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou and how hilarious it would be to find people bathing or swimming in the river. Then I thought to myself how infrequently I even see anybody out there. Yes, still singing to none other than Weezer, loudly. Chester and I cross the river and there they were. Not the sirens, two backpackers trying to enjoy serenity in the great outdoors. I was so embarrassed I couldn't do anything but laugh. I paused my music and apologized, profusely and promised that when I ran back through, I would not be singing so invasively loudly. Luckily, they were laughing too.
That was my Rock Lake surprise. Company.
Through all of the embarrassment, I was so glad they were there because they might be alarmed if I didn't come back through. Or so I'd like to hope.
When I run I usually let my mind wander unless there is something specific that I want to mull over. I have my shuffle in and all I worry about is the next few steps. Usually about 3 miles into a run I am very relaxed and my body has settled into its rhythm and I am focused on pace and strength and the joy of my warm, fast-traveling blood and breath. This is usually my favorite part of the run. Nothing hurts yet. Between miles 3 and 12 the run feels great. Early in the run I have the energy to sing (yes, embarrassingly out loud to music other people cannot hear) to a favorite song on my i-pod. This was the case tonight. Weezer's song "garage" came on pretty loudly and I was descending to the Stanislaus River.
When I got to the river I thought about the siren scene in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou and how hilarious it would be to find people bathing or swimming in the river. Then I thought to myself how infrequently I even see anybody out there. Yes, still singing to none other than Weezer, loudly. Chester and I cross the river and there they were. Not the sirens, two backpackers trying to enjoy serenity in the great outdoors. I was so embarrassed I couldn't do anything but laugh. I paused my music and apologized, profusely and promised that when I ran back through, I would not be singing so invasively loudly. Luckily, they were laughing too.
That was my Rock Lake surprise. Company.
Through all of the embarrassment, I was so glad they were there because they might be alarmed if I didn't come back through. Or so I'd like to hope.
Friday, August 14, 2009
8/14 Temo Rock Lake
I got in trouble with my dad tonight. I said I would be back in about 2 hrs and after 2 and a half went by, any parent (or caring comrade for that matter) would worry. Luckily I was fine- running knife in place, running dog un-startled. We showed up very hungry.
I won't run that course (or another that is out in the middle of no f___ing nowhere again at dusk. Save those for the morning. A night search of those trails would be grueling. I am lucky to have people who care...
Thanks for reading
I won't run that course (or another that is out in the middle of no f___ing nowhere again at dusk. Save those for the morning. A night search of those trails would be grueling. I am lucky to have people who care...
Thanks for reading
8/11 long run- a valley in my training
So they - "they" talk about peeks and valleys in training. I am in a big f---- ing valley. I am having a really hard time sticking to proper eating and what's worse, I'm not looking forward to my runs. This morning, I laid in bed for an hour and a half thinking about all kinds of things... procrastinating getting up because it's a long run day.
Maybe it's because last week was so hard. Maybe it's because I am sick of eating gu. None of it sounds good: the pain of 4 hours of my young life spent running, the beads of salt that cover my body, the way I want my very swanky / lightweight camelback as far from my body after mile 16 as possible and the way I have to bribe myself with treats of massage and sunbathing just to make it make sense to spend half of a weekend being a complete massicist.
The run was fine all and all- I averaged a better time than last week
20 miles
from hwy 4 to Spicer Dam and back
Several walk breaks- not thrilled, but satisfied.
Maybe it's because last week was so hard. Maybe it's because I am sick of eating gu. None of it sounds good: the pain of 4 hours of my young life spent running, the beads of salt that cover my body, the way I want my very swanky / lightweight camelback as far from my body after mile 16 as possible and the way I have to bribe myself with treats of massage and sunbathing just to make it make sense to spend half of a weekend being a complete massicist.
The run was fine all and all- I averaged a better time than last week
20 miles
from hwy 4 to Spicer Dam and back
Several walk breaks- not thrilled, but satisfied.
Monday, August 10, 2009
8/10
Music Festival is over.
I had such a wonderful time at every show (almost every show) met lots of new people and enjoyed being involved in a much more proactive way this year. Everybody should be involved even to buy tickets and go to the shows. Not only is the music itself earth shatteringly good but the ability to be so engulfed, and meet the musicians, then do favorite Alpine activities during the day is quite special.
The two weeks which took so much thought and preparation and poof. 50 weeks until next year.
I now have an opportunity to get my training back on track. I weigh 138, my resting morning heart rate was 52 today.
8lbs to go before race day and this week's training will be rigorous. I should stretch all day today. I am certain I can finish the race but I want more.
I had such a wonderful time at every show (almost every show) met lots of new people and enjoyed being involved in a much more proactive way this year. Everybody should be involved even to buy tickets and go to the shows. Not only is the music itself earth shatteringly good but the ability to be so engulfed, and meet the musicians, then do favorite Alpine activities during the day is quite special.
The two weeks which took so much thought and preparation and poof. 50 weeks until next year.
I now have an opportunity to get my training back on track. I weigh 138, my resting morning heart rate was 52 today.
8lbs to go before race day and this week's training will be rigorous. I should stretch all day today. I am certain I can finish the race but I want more.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
8/7 Ben & Jerrys
So I was supposed to do a 5k race this afternoon before the concert- Sometimes I think it's more important for your well being to eat a half pint of double fudge brownie, and take a nap.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
8/7 Duck Lake
Morning run- Conquering the world...
Though this was also not my strongest run, it was good. Today was very cold. At 7 am it was 36 degrees f actually. Lake Alpine was steaming because the water was so much warmer than the air. I had a ridiculous outfit on... Runner's tights (which should maybe be illegal for me to wear) with capri sweat kelley-green pants on top, a hat, fold-over mitten/fingerless gloves and 1/4 zip wool top. Jacquie will maybe never let me live it down.
45 min. 5 sec. I don't think this loop is actually 6 miles... 5 would make more sense... Must borrow lance's GPS. Stunningly beautiful- glad I went
Though this was also not my strongest run, it was good. Today was very cold. At 7 am it was 36 degrees f actually. Lake Alpine was steaming because the water was so much warmer than the air. I had a ridiculous outfit on... Runner's tights (which should maybe be illegal for me to wear) with capri sweat kelley-green pants on top, a hat, fold-over mitten/fingerless gloves and 1/4 zip wool top. Jacquie will maybe never let me live it down.
45 min. 5 sec. I don't think this loop is actually 6 miles... 5 would make more sense... Must borrow lance's GPS. Stunningly beautiful- glad I went
8/4 self deprecation - 4 hours of it
20 miles- bad diet, poor sleep pattern, lots of time to self deprecate.
This was one of my worst runs this year. I don't know how I survived. I was making great time in the beginning but then got gued out and had terrible nausea, above average perfuse perspiration and excessive guilt. Thoughts running through my mind after mile 10 when I started to take walk breaks include but are not limited to "why am I such a massochist, I am a lush, why don't I ever make the right decision and leave a party at 9pm for once in my life, how can I make it stop hurtingg, I can never run a full in under 4 hours. I should give up now"
The wheles fell off.
After walking up the most intense hill from the Stanisslauss River in mile 14 I realized I was being rediculous. I put my big kid pants on, wiped my eyes and started to run again. Everything hurt. I was tired. I was sore. I survived. In order to continue I had to completely ignore my times. It was aweful. It's so hard to let go of time when you work so hard for each second.
Average time 11:35- Yikes. That time would put me across the finish line at 5hrs and 1 min. Only an hour behind!!!!!!
Maybe next week will be better.
This was one of my worst runs this year. I don't know how I survived. I was making great time in the beginning but then got gued out and had terrible nausea, above average perfuse perspiration and excessive guilt. Thoughts running through my mind after mile 10 when I started to take walk breaks include but are not limited to "why am I such a massochist, I am a lush, why don't I ever make the right decision and leave a party at 9pm for once in my life, how can I make it stop hurtingg, I can never run a full in under 4 hours. I should give up now"
The wheles fell off.
After walking up the most intense hill from the Stanisslauss River in mile 14 I realized I was being rediculous. I put my big kid pants on, wiped my eyes and started to run again. Everything hurt. I was tired. I was sore. I survived. In order to continue I had to completely ignore my times. It was aweful. It's so hard to let go of time when you work so hard for each second.
Average time 11:35- Yikes. That time would put me across the finish line at 5hrs and 1 min. Only an hour behind!!!!!!
Maybe next week will be better.
Racing Flats or stability shoes?
Next time I go to Reno I am buying those stupid shorts with pockets for my gu and racing flats.
I also kind of want some new earphones...
I train in Stability shoes because they recommend that for big girls like me those are the best- they don't break down as quickly as cushioned shoes and provide enough support to keep your feet and body in good shape; by 'good shape' I mean no premature wear and tear.
I hate them. I much prefer cushioned shoes because the stability shoes feel unforgiving. That feeling is prevalent enough with all other aspects of endurance running I don't want to think of my shoes like that. I would much rather have something that helps my short term performance. Is it wrong to want to forget the long term 'right' thing in order to satiate instant gratification? Faster, softer, happier.
I also kind of want some new earphones...
I train in Stability shoes because they recommend that for big girls like me those are the best- they don't break down as quickly as cushioned shoes and provide enough support to keep your feet and body in good shape; by 'good shape' I mean no premature wear and tear.
I hate them. I much prefer cushioned shoes because the stability shoes feel unforgiving. That feeling is prevalent enough with all other aspects of endurance running I don't want to think of my shoes like that. I would much rather have something that helps my short term performance. Is it wrong to want to forget the long term 'right' thing in order to satiate instant gratification? Faster, softer, happier.
8/2 Osbourne Ridge and Immigrant to Slick Rock
8.5 miles 1hr 45min social
It is good just to go out. With the Music Festival in full swing I have been enjoying many late nights, lots of wine and full speed ALL the time. I am shattered - entirely worn out. I hope I don't get sick...
That said- it is wonderful to go out in the mornings. So hard to get out of bed but the sun shines differently on morning runs then it continues to be brighter through the day, no matter how little sleep I've had. The air is always fresh the smoke doesn't get bad until mid-day and when Music Festivalians and other board members ask how training is going, I can reply that I actually accomplished a workout that day which fills me with a sense of accomplishment.
A few details to work out before the race- Better earphones and where on earth to put the gu- I'm so gross!
It is good just to go out. With the Music Festival in full swing I have been enjoying many late nights, lots of wine and full speed ALL the time. I am shattered - entirely worn out. I hope I don't get sick...
That said- it is wonderful to go out in the mornings. So hard to get out of bed but the sun shines differently on morning runs then it continues to be brighter through the day, no matter how little sleep I've had. The air is always fresh the smoke doesn't get bad until mid-day and when Music Festivalians and other board members ask how training is going, I can reply that I actually accomplished a workout that day which fills me with a sense of accomplishment.
A few details to work out before the race- Better earphones and where on earth to put the gu- I'm so gross!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Backpacking
33 miles- 3 Days, 2 nights. Worlds of fun.
This was such a wonderful trip. We started in Nobel Canyon from Catallac Corner and went up to the PCT (south) then to Highlands, down Highlands Creek to Sword Lake. We saw beautiful wildflowers, lots of animals and covered a great deal of ground.
A 40 lb pack makes a big difference in milage. Biggest lesson- be light and really fit for the race. Calorie counting becomes more regimented after Music Festival...
This was such a wonderful trip. We started in Nobel Canyon from Catallac Corner and went up to the PCT (south) then to Highlands, down Highlands Creek to Sword Lake. We saw beautiful wildflowers, lots of animals and covered a great deal of ground.
A 40 lb pack makes a big difference in milage. Biggest lesson- be light and really fit for the race. Calorie counting becomes more regimented after Music Festival...
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