This morning was the first time this year I was able to run in shorts and a T-shirt and I decided to extend my planned 3 mile run in to a 5 miler so I could enjoy the beautiful morning weather as long as possible. Even though my pace was slow and my legs were feeling the 14-milers from Saturday, it was a perfect morning run. For the most part, I had the bike path to myself and it was hard not to imagine that I had to whole morning, the whole world to myself.
I’ve written before about how much I savor my early morning runs – finishing before the sun has a chance to rise, before most people even bother to hit the snooze button – and it is a run like this morning’s run that reaffirm that for me.
I wish I could say, “everyone should be a morning runner” and mean it, but I don’t. If everyone started running at 4:30 in the morning, the sense of secrecy I feel as I pass the three or four other runners I see that early would disappear. The sense of accomplishment I feel as I get in to work knowing that my official start to the day was hours ago would still be there but the feeling that that accomplishment is mine to relish privately would be diminished.
So, I say, everyone keep running after work. Fill the bike paths and sidewalks to capacity. Through your actions, spread the word that running is awesome. Just don’t decide to become early morning runners. (I have a feeling that I’m not in danger of this happening any time soon.)
Daily Dozen:
5 miles @ easy pace
Walk – hills on the treadmill & Strength Training – push-ups, lunges @ lunch hour
Showing posts with label morning. Show all posts
Showing posts with label morning. Show all posts
Monday, April 11, 2011
Friday, January 8, 2010
Snow Run
Yesterday, I was asked, “what motivates you to get up and run so early in the morning day after day.” At the time, I really didn’t have a good answer. “I don’t know, I just enjoy it,” was the only thing I could think to say as I shrugged my shoulders and smiled.
On most days, that really is the truth. I’m not really sure why I get up at 4 in the morning, roll out of a cozy, comfortable bed and head out for a run on dark, cold winter mornings and humid, sticky summer mornings alike. I just do it – me and Nike think alike it seems.
However, this morning as I crunched the fresh snow underfoot I found another reason why I get up early to run before work, while most people are still asleep. Being the first one to make tracks in the snow is one of life’s small gifts. It means nothing, the person following in my footsteps won’t even know who made those footprints, and yet it will make me giddy every time. Like seeing a rainbow or rain on a sunny day, it just makes me smile.
This is why I got up early this morning – to be the first person to make tracks in the fresh snow.
On most days, that really is the truth. I’m not really sure why I get up at 4 in the morning, roll out of a cozy, comfortable bed and head out for a run on dark, cold winter mornings and humid, sticky summer mornings alike. I just do it – me and Nike think alike it seems.
However, this morning as I crunched the fresh snow underfoot I found another reason why I get up early to run before work, while most people are still asleep. Being the first one to make tracks in the snow is one of life’s small gifts. It means nothing, the person following in my footsteps won’t even know who made those footprints, and yet it will make me giddy every time. Like seeing a rainbow or rain on a sunny day, it just makes me smile.
This is why I got up early this morning – to be the first person to make tracks in the fresh snow.
Less than a half mile later, I found another reason why I get up early to run; because I’m not the only one out there. I don’t mean this from a competitive stand point but rather from a place of camaraderie and community. I like being part of group that gets up each and every day to go out and run regardless of the weather and conditions.
Running in snow like this – fresh, soft, crunchy…perfect – is a rare treat for a DC area runner and I took full advantage of it on my run in to work this morning. I’ve run as it was snowing and I’ve run after it snowed but to run on such pure snow is a treat. The air was cold but clear. There was little of the wind that has plagued my running lately. I took my time, fully enjoying the experience and even stopping to snap some pictures. I love being a runner in DC and I think the city looks amazing after a snow fall.
The Washington Monument
On the National Mall
On the National Mall
Perfect.
Daily Dozen:
10 mile run-commute to work
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
A Nice Welcome Back
After taking last week off, I’m back to running. I am off two minds looking back on my self-imposed / snow-imposed hiatus. On the one hand, it felt good to stay up a little later than my usual 8 o’clock bedtime and even better to sleep in 2 hours more than usual. However, I also let myself eat many more cookies than I usually do and by the middle of the week I was feeling sluggish and unhealthy.
I’ve run every morning since Saturday but it wasn’t until this morning that I felt like I was finally back in the groove. The first run post-hiatus went better than I expected, especially since it was raining cats and dogs during the run. I did a five mile run and with the unusually warm temperatures, the rain actually felt nice instead of burdensome. The bike trails were still snow covered before it started raining so I was running through puddles of slush/snow mix. By the end of the five miles, I was happy to be inside some place warm and dry but still thrilled to have completed a run finally.
Sunday was a gorgeous winter morning. Cold but refreshingly crisp (instead of biting), the snow glistened in the snow and ice glistened in the snow as it slowly melted. Birds were out chirping and there were plenty of runners out on the trails, many of whom looking to equally glad to be out running on such a beautiful morning. The bike path had been significantly cleared from the previous day’s warmer temperature and rain so dodging ice was less of an issue than the day before. I only slipped once; the bridges were still covered in snow, slush and ice.
The schedule has a long run of 15 miles for Sunday but I told myself to just go out and run until it felt like it was time to come home. I ended up running a very satisfying 9.5 miles.
Monday I ran an easy 5.3 miles in the early morning hours before work and it made me realize how much I missed my predawn runs. I went out at an easy and relaxed pace – like a little, running monk, Ommmmmm.
I am surprised at how easy it was to get back in to my routine and that none of the runs have been a struggle but it wasn’t until today that I felt like I was really back from a break. This morning’s 10 miles were perfect. I felt like I was gliding along the path this morning instead of pounding away at the pavement. It was effortless and energizing. I didn’t see anyone else on the bike path for close to an hour so it was just me floating along this morning, enjoying the solitude, the dark, the (relative) quiet. Running felt awesome – I felt quick, the hills hardly gave me any issues, I felt like the Energizer Bunny, as trite as that is, it is true! It turns out my pace wasn’t anything surprising (I was secretly hoping it would be even though I wasn’t pushing the pace at all) – a steady 10 minute mile but it felt so easy.
It is good to be back!
Daily Dozen:
10 miles run @ early morning
(planned) Strength Training @ lunch hour(planned) 3 miles run/walk after work w/ Jenn
I’ve run every morning since Saturday but it wasn’t until this morning that I felt like I was finally back in the groove. The first run post-hiatus went better than I expected, especially since it was raining cats and dogs during the run. I did a five mile run and with the unusually warm temperatures, the rain actually felt nice instead of burdensome. The bike trails were still snow covered before it started raining so I was running through puddles of slush/snow mix. By the end of the five miles, I was happy to be inside some place warm and dry but still thrilled to have completed a run finally.
Sunday was a gorgeous winter morning. Cold but refreshingly crisp (instead of biting), the snow glistened in the snow and ice glistened in the snow as it slowly melted. Birds were out chirping and there were plenty of runners out on the trails, many of whom looking to equally glad to be out running on such a beautiful morning. The bike path had been significantly cleared from the previous day’s warmer temperature and rain so dodging ice was less of an issue than the day before. I only slipped once; the bridges were still covered in snow, slush and ice.
The schedule has a long run of 15 miles for Sunday but I told myself to just go out and run until it felt like it was time to come home. I ended up running a very satisfying 9.5 miles.
Monday I ran an easy 5.3 miles in the early morning hours before work and it made me realize how much I missed my predawn runs. I went out at an easy and relaxed pace – like a little, running monk, Ommmmmm.
I am surprised at how easy it was to get back in to my routine and that none of the runs have been a struggle but it wasn’t until today that I felt like I was really back from a break. This morning’s 10 miles were perfect. I felt like I was gliding along the path this morning instead of pounding away at the pavement. It was effortless and energizing. I didn’t see anyone else on the bike path for close to an hour so it was just me floating along this morning, enjoying the solitude, the dark, the (relative) quiet. Running felt awesome – I felt quick, the hills hardly gave me any issues, I felt like the Energizer Bunny, as trite as that is, it is true! It turns out my pace wasn’t anything surprising (I was secretly hoping it would be even though I wasn’t pushing the pace at all) – a steady 10 minute mile but it felt so easy.
It is good to be back!
Daily Dozen:
10 miles run @ early morning
(planned) Strength Training @ lunch hour(planned) 3 miles run/walk after work w/ Jenn
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Rainy Run
This morning I woke up to a surprise – rain; steady rain, not a light mist or drizzle, real rain! Rain will drive some runners to the treadmill, or worse back to bed, but not this runner. This runner loves to run in the rain.
There is this wonderful metamorphosis that happens between the start and finish of a rain run and it never ceases to make me giddy to go through it.
Stepping out for a run when it is raining is a tremendous act of willpower. People run to get out of the rain; watch any city street or store parking lot while it is raining and everyone is running for cover. I am fighting those instincts when I purposefully step out in to the rain and that first step is a deliberate act of defiance. I will not give in to the urge to find someplace safe and dry and hunker down until this rain passes. However, there is still that first moment when my shoulders scrunch up to my ears and my eyes squint under the brim of my hat, which I pull down further on to my head. I know it is raining but I still want to fight it.
Then that moment passes and I take off on my run.
An autumn rain can be confusing because it isn’t quite as cold as I expect it to be but then again, it isn’t exactly warm like a late summer sprinkle. Although I’ve purposefully defied the rain by stepping in to and remaining in it to run, I still gingerly avoid the puddles. I jump over them. Shuffle from one side of the trail to the other around them. Rain is falling steadily from above and yet I still try to avoid it from below for as long as I can. Why?
Who knows? Who cares? Leaping over the puddles is fun and it quickly becomes a game. Can I make it over this one or should I run around? How high can I jump this time? “Weeeeee” is the sound going through my head as I sail over them and by the time I hit the turn around point, 2.5 miles out, I am thoroughly and completely soaked through and through, including the beginnings some very wet socks.
Up to this point, about three miles, I manage to keep my feet relatively dry. I navigate the puddles and the rain is steady but not hard. That all changes as I run up the twisty-turny hill around mile 3. It starts to pour as I run up the hill. Harder and harder it rains as I work harder and harder to get up this hill and by the time I make it to the top, every inch of me is not only wet but soaking, dripping wet. My socks are squishing inside my very wet shoes.
As I approach the next big puddle, assessing it for depth, length and circumference I realized that my efforts are futile. I may as well accept my wet fate and run through the puddle.
Once you give up on one puddle and run through it, the change is instantaneous and the next thing you know, you’re splashing through all of the rest. Two more miles of running, splashing, splishing, sploshing, and kicking up water. No, giving up isn’t correct. It is better described as giving in.
I gave in to the rain this morning and had a great time.
I finish my run with pools of water gathering in my rain shell (it stood no chance against this steady rain) and forming in my shoes. Peeling off my wet clothes as soon as I get in the house, I am truly happy to have been a part of this rainy morning.
Plus it feels pretty bad-ass to be out in the rain running an easy 5-miler. I bet all the people in their cars that I passed along the way thought I was absolutely batty.
Daily Dozen:
5 easy miles in the rain
There is this wonderful metamorphosis that happens between the start and finish of a rain run and it never ceases to make me giddy to go through it.
Stepping out for a run when it is raining is a tremendous act of willpower. People run to get out of the rain; watch any city street or store parking lot while it is raining and everyone is running for cover. I am fighting those instincts when I purposefully step out in to the rain and that first step is a deliberate act of defiance. I will not give in to the urge to find someplace safe and dry and hunker down until this rain passes. However, there is still that first moment when my shoulders scrunch up to my ears and my eyes squint under the brim of my hat, which I pull down further on to my head. I know it is raining but I still want to fight it.
Then that moment passes and I take off on my run.
An autumn rain can be confusing because it isn’t quite as cold as I expect it to be but then again, it isn’t exactly warm like a late summer sprinkle. Although I’ve purposefully defied the rain by stepping in to and remaining in it to run, I still gingerly avoid the puddles. I jump over them. Shuffle from one side of the trail to the other around them. Rain is falling steadily from above and yet I still try to avoid it from below for as long as I can. Why?
Who knows? Who cares? Leaping over the puddles is fun and it quickly becomes a game. Can I make it over this one or should I run around? How high can I jump this time? “Weeeeee” is the sound going through my head as I sail over them and by the time I hit the turn around point, 2.5 miles out, I am thoroughly and completely soaked through and through, including the beginnings some very wet socks.
Up to this point, about three miles, I manage to keep my feet relatively dry. I navigate the puddles and the rain is steady but not hard. That all changes as I run up the twisty-turny hill around mile 3. It starts to pour as I run up the hill. Harder and harder it rains as I work harder and harder to get up this hill and by the time I make it to the top, every inch of me is not only wet but soaking, dripping wet. My socks are squishing inside my very wet shoes.
As I approach the next big puddle, assessing it for depth, length and circumference I realized that my efforts are futile. I may as well accept my wet fate and run through the puddle.
Once you give up on one puddle and run through it, the change is instantaneous and the next thing you know, you’re splashing through all of the rest. Two more miles of running, splashing, splishing, sploshing, and kicking up water. No, giving up isn’t correct. It is better described as giving in.
I gave in to the rain this morning and had a great time.
I finish my run with pools of water gathering in my rain shell (it stood no chance against this steady rain) and forming in my shoes. Peeling off my wet clothes as soon as I get in the house, I am truly happy to have been a part of this rainy morning.
Plus it feels pretty bad-ass to be out in the rain running an easy 5-miler. I bet all the people in their cars that I passed along the way thought I was absolutely batty.
Daily Dozen:
5 easy miles in the rain
Monday, October 19, 2009
These Runs Are Real
Five miles in the cold, early morning – this is my bread and butter run. This run is my base, my confidence boost I cherry-pick each week, knowing I can easily complete the distance. I let myself just run it at the pace that felt right, leaves crunching under my feet, past the quiet, dark houses. It was just me a few other runs and some cyclists. We were the only ones in on the secret.
These runs can feel a bit surreal at times. I get home, stretch, grab some water or strawberry milk if I’m starting to get hungry, and then jump in the shower. By the time I’m walking to work an hour later – when the sun has come up and the neighborhood is collectively on its way to work – it can feel like the cold, dark morning run wasn’t really a part of the morning, it feels like something that happened a long time ago, something a dreamed.
As I cram myself on to the train, make my way in to the city and get to my desk, there is no evidence that I even ran this morning. The sweat has been washed off and the tangles brushed out my hair. My running clothes are drying in the hamper, my shoes put away neatly and my Garmin is recharging in its dock. All of those things are at home and here I am part of the morning commute in to the city without any proof that this morning’s run was real.
The only reminder that I didn’t make it all up is the wonderful tired feeling in my legs as I walk up the stairs in the metro station or get up to make a copy at work. I love that feeling – not soreness or pain or fatigue, just the feeling you get when you know you’ve had a good run. My legs feel tired but ready for more. It is the little love note I leave to myself to make sure I remember the run was real.
Daily Dozen:
5.07 miles easy (10:03 pace)
Core work @ lunch hour (planned)
These runs can feel a bit surreal at times. I get home, stretch, grab some water or strawberry milk if I’m starting to get hungry, and then jump in the shower. By the time I’m walking to work an hour later – when the sun has come up and the neighborhood is collectively on its way to work – it can feel like the cold, dark morning run wasn’t really a part of the morning, it feels like something that happened a long time ago, something a dreamed.
As I cram myself on to the train, make my way in to the city and get to my desk, there is no evidence that I even ran this morning. The sweat has been washed off and the tangles brushed out my hair. My running clothes are drying in the hamper, my shoes put away neatly and my Garmin is recharging in its dock. All of those things are at home and here I am part of the morning commute in to the city without any proof that this morning’s run was real.
The only reminder that I didn’t make it all up is the wonderful tired feeling in my legs as I walk up the stairs in the metro station or get up to make a copy at work. I love that feeling – not soreness or pain or fatigue, just the feeling you get when you know you’ve had a good run. My legs feel tired but ready for more. It is the little love note I leave to myself to make sure I remember the run was real.
Daily Dozen:
5.07 miles easy (10:03 pace)
Core work @ lunch hour (planned)
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Fun Runs
I am bouncing back from the cold I was fighting and the break from running it forced me to take. Actually, I am more than simply bouncing back…I have had so much fun the past three days.
Monday, since I had the day off of work I slept in for a little bit, took my time getting ready for my run and didn’t leave the house until after 9:30. I was aiming for 12 miles that morning and decided to add a little twist to the run – push ups!
I set my Garmin to beep every 30 minutes of the run at which point, I would stop running and do 10 push ups followed by 10 reverse crunches and then 10 more push ups. Over the course of the run I would take a mini strength training break 4 times and do 80 push ups. I was excited to be doing something a little different on my long run.
The plan worked great and was so much fun. I looked forward to the push ups and it broke up the long run nicely. I had something to look forward to. I wanted to see how far I could get in those 30 minutes before I had to stop. The last two stops, on the way back, I could only manage 5 push ups in the second set but I felt strong and tough.
Ok, and a little silly doing push ups as people walked, ran and biked past me but it was silly and buff blended together. It really had me pumped and I definitely ended the run with a smile on my face. Since I’m not training for anything at the moment, I’ve decided to break up all my long runs in a similar fashion – keep the running fresh and build some strength in the process.
Tuesday morning before work I ran 8 miles and I loved every minute of it. There is something about running that far, that long before work that makes me happy for the rest of the day. It was a crisp and cool, almost cold, morning and the lower temperatures felt good. It is the first time I’ve been able to see my breath as I walked to the trail. The summer heat was behind me for good; welcome fall and winter
Running in the heat and humidity of summer feels wrong when I compare it to how natural it feels to glide along the bike trails on a fall morning. It just feels right. Tuesday morning, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be on that morning; like all the pieces were in place and as long as I kept going they would remain in place forever and ever.
As I hit the final mile of the run, I cam upon a group of women – four or five of them – running along the path. They were going just about my pace and I probably should have just tucked in behind them and finished my run at the intended effort – easy; and, that is exactly what I did for about a minute and a half. Then, I just couldn’t take it.
The desire to pass them; to show them just how smooth and effortless and easy it was for me to pick up the pace, pass them and then keep going, even when they were well out of sight, it was too much for me and I gave in. I picked up my pace, swung around them – Ah, running fast felt great – and kept going until I got home.
Today was a planned short recovery run – only 3 miles. I did manage to hold down the pace, taking it nice and slow but I couldn’t help myself and extended the run just a little. I didn’t want it to end so quickly.
As I took my time this morning, I thought about the past couple days of running and how lucky I am to have found something I enjoy this much. I thought about my future running plans – the base building months ahead of me and how I’m hoping it will put me in a good place to start training for a marathon in April, the possibilities for a race next fall (maybe finally doing Richmond or *eek* an ultra?), my hope to make 2011 the Year of Maryland marathons – Frederick and Baltimore in one year, and maybe just maybe one day running a sub-4 marathon…and then a faster marathon to qualify for Boston, could I do it in 3:40.
But those things are long range goals, plans, hopes, dreams. I kept running and reminded myself of my new mantra – Just Run. Well, if the future is too far away and too complicated, what about tomorrow? What can I do tomorrow to ensure running remains fun?
Answer: Hills!
Daily Dozen:
3.9 miles @ recovery pace
Core work @ lunch break
Monday, since I had the day off of work I slept in for a little bit, took my time getting ready for my run and didn’t leave the house until after 9:30. I was aiming for 12 miles that morning and decided to add a little twist to the run – push ups!
I set my Garmin to beep every 30 minutes of the run at which point, I would stop running and do 10 push ups followed by 10 reverse crunches and then 10 more push ups. Over the course of the run I would take a mini strength training break 4 times and do 80 push ups. I was excited to be doing something a little different on my long run.
The plan worked great and was so much fun. I looked forward to the push ups and it broke up the long run nicely. I had something to look forward to. I wanted to see how far I could get in those 30 minutes before I had to stop. The last two stops, on the way back, I could only manage 5 push ups in the second set but I felt strong and tough.
Ok, and a little silly doing push ups as people walked, ran and biked past me but it was silly and buff blended together. It really had me pumped and I definitely ended the run with a smile on my face. Since I’m not training for anything at the moment, I’ve decided to break up all my long runs in a similar fashion – keep the running fresh and build some strength in the process.
Tuesday morning before work I ran 8 miles and I loved every minute of it. There is something about running that far, that long before work that makes me happy for the rest of the day. It was a crisp and cool, almost cold, morning and the lower temperatures felt good. It is the first time I’ve been able to see my breath as I walked to the trail. The summer heat was behind me for good; welcome fall and winter
Running in the heat and humidity of summer feels wrong when I compare it to how natural it feels to glide along the bike trails on a fall morning. It just feels right. Tuesday morning, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be on that morning; like all the pieces were in place and as long as I kept going they would remain in place forever and ever.
As I hit the final mile of the run, I cam upon a group of women – four or five of them – running along the path. They were going just about my pace and I probably should have just tucked in behind them and finished my run at the intended effort – easy; and, that is exactly what I did for about a minute and a half. Then, I just couldn’t take it.
The desire to pass them; to show them just how smooth and effortless and easy it was for me to pick up the pace, pass them and then keep going, even when they were well out of sight, it was too much for me and I gave in. I picked up my pace, swung around them – Ah, running fast felt great – and kept going until I got home.
Today was a planned short recovery run – only 3 miles. I did manage to hold down the pace, taking it nice and slow but I couldn’t help myself and extended the run just a little. I didn’t want it to end so quickly.
As I took my time this morning, I thought about the past couple days of running and how lucky I am to have found something I enjoy this much. I thought about my future running plans – the base building months ahead of me and how I’m hoping it will put me in a good place to start training for a marathon in April, the possibilities for a race next fall (maybe finally doing Richmond or *eek* an ultra?), my hope to make 2011 the Year of Maryland marathons – Frederick and Baltimore in one year, and maybe just maybe one day running a sub-4 marathon…and then a faster marathon to qualify for Boston, could I do it in 3:40.
But those things are long range goals, plans, hopes, dreams. I kept running and reminded myself of my new mantra – Just Run. Well, if the future is too far away and too complicated, what about tomorrow? What can I do tomorrow to ensure running remains fun?
Answer: Hills!
Daily Dozen:
3.9 miles @ recovery pace
Core work @ lunch break
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
I Love Fall
I know Fall technically started last week but the weather didn't get the notice until today.
Last week, I was still coming home from my morning runs and thinking how deceptively humid it was outside. I would read 65 degrees on the thermometer but once I started running I would realize that little needle had no concept of humidity.
This morning I headed out into a chill, 50 degrees and wonderfully crisp. Somehow the chill in the air made the morning seem brighter and clearer even thought the sun was still an hour and a half from rising.
I couldn't help but have a good run. I headed out for my hilly route and attacked each hill. Sometimes the attacks were focused efforts - eyes on the top, arms pumping back and forth like pistons, legs pounding up the hill relentlessly. Other times, I would relax in to hill, strong and tough but still gliding effortlessly. I would get to the top of the hill and breeze over it, sometimes not even realizing it was over. Still, other hills I attacked ferociously, just digging in with maxing effort, eating it up and spitting it out raw!
It felt good. It was over too quickly. I wanted more but still felt satisfied.
Mmmm - I love Fall.
Last week, I was still coming home from my morning runs and thinking how deceptively humid it was outside. I would read 65 degrees on the thermometer but once I started running I would realize that little needle had no concept of humidity.
This morning I headed out into a chill, 50 degrees and wonderfully crisp. Somehow the chill in the air made the morning seem brighter and clearer even thought the sun was still an hour and a half from rising.
I couldn't help but have a good run. I headed out for my hilly route and attacked each hill. Sometimes the attacks were focused efforts - eyes on the top, arms pumping back and forth like pistons, legs pounding up the hill relentlessly. Other times, I would relax in to hill, strong and tough but still gliding effortlessly. I would get to the top of the hill and breeze over it, sometimes not even realizing it was over. Still, other hills I attacked ferociously, just digging in with maxing effort, eating it up and spitting it out raw!
It felt good. It was over too quickly. I wanted more but still felt satisfied.
Mmmm - I love Fall.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Restorative Run
Yesterday’s recovery day didn’t have the effect I was hoping it would have on my energy level and outlook. I was wiped out after four days of hard workouts – hike on Saturday, long run on Saturday at a faster pace than I should have let myself run it, run on Monday and a medium-long run with hills on Tuesday. Tuesday’s pace was off, I was feeling a bit run down and I knew I had to take a break. However, after a day of relative rest on Wednesday, I woke up this morning tired and stiff and not really looking forward to running.
I stumbled out of bed and putzed around getting ready to run but was reluctant to actually head out the door. My legs didn’t have any spring and I wasn’t looking forward to the mental game of willing them to just keep moving forward for the planned 5 miles. That’s close to an hour of trying to talk my legs out of stopping, convincing myself to keep going rather than give in to the desire to walk home and crawl back in bed. It’s a daunting way to start a run.
However, I did push myself out the door and told myself to just go. And go. And go. I just kept telling myself to run, just run. After all if the “just run” philosophy was going to work for me on my good days, it had to also work for me on my bad days. This morning my body was telling me to take it easy so I did.
I told myself not to be concerned about my time or my pace or even my mileage. I had a route to cover and I would cover it….no matter how long it took me…so I just relaxed and went along for the ride.
Of course, I finished the route – 5.14 miles later – and I was grateful to be finished with the run but then I got a pleasant surprise. I took a look at my average pace over the course of the run – 11:00 minute miles. I was expecting slower so that felt good. Even better, my mile splits got faster and faster – 11:28, 11:02, 10:57, 10:42, 10:29. I hadn’t pushed the pace, I hadn’t worried about it or told myself that as a three-time marathoner I should be better than this slogging pace, I had just run how my body told me to run and it had worked for me.
Now, I feel good today. I started this morning with a tired outlook and after the run and seeing my results, I feel empowered and optimistic and accomplished. No one handed me the run this morning, I worked for it by just relaxing and letting it happen. I love that about running. As much as an effortless run feels good, these restorative runs are why I keep coming back. I affected a change.
It’s good to put those feelings and changes – empowerment, optimism and accomplishment – out into the world.
Daily Dozen:
5.14 miles run this morning
Strength training @ lunch hour (planned)
I stumbled out of bed and putzed around getting ready to run but was reluctant to actually head out the door. My legs didn’t have any spring and I wasn’t looking forward to the mental game of willing them to just keep moving forward for the planned 5 miles. That’s close to an hour of trying to talk my legs out of stopping, convincing myself to keep going rather than give in to the desire to walk home and crawl back in bed. It’s a daunting way to start a run.
However, I did push myself out the door and told myself to just go. And go. And go. I just kept telling myself to run, just run. After all if the “just run” philosophy was going to work for me on my good days, it had to also work for me on my bad days. This morning my body was telling me to take it easy so I did.
I told myself not to be concerned about my time or my pace or even my mileage. I had a route to cover and I would cover it….no matter how long it took me…so I just relaxed and went along for the ride.
Of course, I finished the route – 5.14 miles later – and I was grateful to be finished with the run but then I got a pleasant surprise. I took a look at my average pace over the course of the run – 11:00 minute miles. I was expecting slower so that felt good. Even better, my mile splits got faster and faster – 11:28, 11:02, 10:57, 10:42, 10:29. I hadn’t pushed the pace, I hadn’t worried about it or told myself that as a three-time marathoner I should be better than this slogging pace, I had just run how my body told me to run and it had worked for me.
Now, I feel good today. I started this morning with a tired outlook and after the run and seeing my results, I feel empowered and optimistic and accomplished. No one handed me the run this morning, I worked for it by just relaxing and letting it happen. I love that about running. As much as an effortless run feels good, these restorative runs are why I keep coming back. I affected a change.
It’s good to put those feelings and changes – empowerment, optimism and accomplishment – out into the world.
Daily Dozen:
5.14 miles run this morning
Strength training @ lunch hour (planned)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Go to your Happy Pace
“Just run at your happy pace. Find your happy pace. Don’t worry about pushing the pace or slowing down, just run. Just run.”
That is what I was telling myself on my run this morning…and it felt great. I am so in love with running right now, it is amazing. I almost don’t want to go on and on about how wonderful running has been for me because I don’t want to jinx anything (but it beats having to go on and on about injuries and recovering from injuries).
My alarm went off this morning at 4:35 and I was tired. It took me longer than usual to shake the sleep away while I was getting ready; I kept stalling, reluctant to walk out the door. I guess I was afraid I would have a bad run but I wouldn’t say the feeling was that defined. I was just hesitant for some reason.
However, I did eventually leave and walked the few blocks to the bike path. It was cooler than it has been recently, around 50 degrees according to the thermometer (I was actually shivering this morning…yay! Fall is here; hopefully to stay). The cool temps woke me up and something changed. Once I took my first steps running, I was no longer hesitant. My attitude and outlook was optimistic. My running felt great – strong and smooth. As I headed toward my hilly route, I just let myself go.
Run at your happy pace, whatever that is.
I ran strong and fast, zooming down the bike path, working without pushing. I didn’t scare off the pace. I didn’t force myself to slow down or tell myself to hold back. I found a perfect balance – pumping up the hills, coasting down the other side and reveling in the flat sections. There wasn’t a moment of hesitation or doubt anywhere in the run.
I wanted to keep going, running on and on in to the coming morning but then I was at the end and it was time to start the rest of the day. It was a dream run and like a dream I’m having trouble coming up with an explanation. It just all felt – right – this morning.
Daily Dozen:
6.79 miles @ my happy pace (which it turns out is a 10:09 average)
That is what I was telling myself on my run this morning…and it felt great. I am so in love with running right now, it is amazing. I almost don’t want to go on and on about how wonderful running has been for me because I don’t want to jinx anything (but it beats having to go on and on about injuries and recovering from injuries).
My alarm went off this morning at 4:35 and I was tired. It took me longer than usual to shake the sleep away while I was getting ready; I kept stalling, reluctant to walk out the door. I guess I was afraid I would have a bad run but I wouldn’t say the feeling was that defined. I was just hesitant for some reason.
However, I did eventually leave and walked the few blocks to the bike path. It was cooler than it has been recently, around 50 degrees according to the thermometer (I was actually shivering this morning…yay! Fall is here; hopefully to stay). The cool temps woke me up and something changed. Once I took my first steps running, I was no longer hesitant. My attitude and outlook was optimistic. My running felt great – strong and smooth. As I headed toward my hilly route, I just let myself go.
Run at your happy pace, whatever that is.
I ran strong and fast, zooming down the bike path, working without pushing. I didn’t scare off the pace. I didn’t force myself to slow down or tell myself to hold back. I found a perfect balance – pumping up the hills, coasting down the other side and reveling in the flat sections. There wasn’t a moment of hesitation or doubt anywhere in the run.
I wanted to keep going, running on and on in to the coming morning but then I was at the end and it was time to start the rest of the day. It was a dream run and like a dream I’m having trouble coming up with an explanation. It just all felt – right – this morning.
Daily Dozen:
6.79 miles @ my happy pace (which it turns out is a 10:09 average)
Monday, August 31, 2009
More Runners
After taking a break from running this weekend, it was good to be back to it this morning. The morning was cool without a hint of humidity and my pace felt right – easy but still working. It was just what I needed to round out my mini-hiatus.
I felt guilty skipping my run this weekend but I know it was the right call.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the number of runners I’ve seen lately out on the bike paths early in the morning. The few times a year I run in the evenings there are runners galore; however, that wasn’t the case in the mornings, especially pre-dawn. Usually, I see a few older guys and once in a while a speedy younger guy and maybe a walker or two; however, lately I’ve been seeing quite a few runners of all speeds and breeds.
I’ve quite a few more women out running, along with the guys, and that always puts a smile on my face. I’m not sure I could pinpoint exactly why but I experience a moment of pride when I see more ladies out there, pounding the pavement. I’ve even come across a running group – 10-15 women strong. Wow!
Usually, there is a surge in the number of runners out on the trails when the Marine Corps Marathon (October) or the National Marathon (March) start to get closer but it is too early for pending races to explain the increase.
Perhaps it is the heat and humidity, or rather people wanting to escape the sun in the afternoon and evenings after work. If this is the case, I wonder if I’ll start to see fewer and fewer runners on the trails in the morning now that cooler weather is here. I hope not. I am enjoying the company.
Daily Dozen
5 miles easy in the morning
Strength training in the gym (planned) @ lunch hour
I felt guilty skipping my run this weekend but I know it was the right call.
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the number of runners I’ve seen lately out on the bike paths early in the morning. The few times a year I run in the evenings there are runners galore; however, that wasn’t the case in the mornings, especially pre-dawn. Usually, I see a few older guys and once in a while a speedy younger guy and maybe a walker or two; however, lately I’ve been seeing quite a few runners of all speeds and breeds.
I’ve quite a few more women out running, along with the guys, and that always puts a smile on my face. I’m not sure I could pinpoint exactly why but I experience a moment of pride when I see more ladies out there, pounding the pavement. I’ve even come across a running group – 10-15 women strong. Wow!
Usually, there is a surge in the number of runners out on the trails when the Marine Corps Marathon (October) or the National Marathon (March) start to get closer but it is too early for pending races to explain the increase.
Perhaps it is the heat and humidity, or rather people wanting to escape the sun in the afternoon and evenings after work. If this is the case, I wonder if I’ll start to see fewer and fewer runners on the trails in the morning now that cooler weather is here. I hope not. I am enjoying the company.
Daily Dozen
5 miles easy in the morning
Strength training in the gym (planned) @ lunch hour
Friday, July 17, 2009
Run Commute
This morning I ran to work. I commuted on the power of my own to two feet. I’ve run home from work on multiple occasions but this is the first time I attempted to commute the other way.
The Short Story: I woke up. I ran from home to work. I made it.
The Story with more Details: My first impression of becoming a run commuter is that it is all about logistics. Before I stepped out of the door this morning, I had to consider how to get from home to work with everything I would need for the day – shower stuff (towel, soap, etc.), work clothes including shoes, and lunch. Shower stuff and clothes for work I brought to work the previous day and I decided to pack my lunch in my Camelbak (without the bladder) and carry it with me on the run.
My second impression is that was humid this morning. I was drenched in sweat by the time I got to work and there is no way I could commute this way without having a shower available at work. I might have to start carrying a water bottle with me as well throughout the summer, which may look a little weird since I have a Camelbak as well. I made it to work just fine without water during the run but it would have been nice.
The run itself went well. My legs felt a little tired this morning, which was a bummer because I was looking forward to a really good run on my first run commute, but it was a good run nonetheless. I love the route I ran – east on the Custis Bike Trail, scoot through Rosslyn over to the Iwo Jima Memorial and around Arlington National Cemetary, across the Memorial Bridge to DC the Lincoln Memorial getting closer, in front of Lincoln overlooking the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool, up the north side of the Mall past the Vietnam Memorial, the Constitutional Gardens, the World War II Memorial, the Ellipse and White House, past the American History, Natural History and National Archives buildings, finally leaving the Mall and scooting over Pennsylvania Avenue on to Chinatown and finally work.
Regardless of how many times I run in DC it always strikes me as an amazing experience to run through so much history on a regular basis. My commute reminded me how lucky I am.
I had allotted myself 2 hours to get to work but the 7.6 miles only took me 1 hour 20 minutes. I had plenty of time to drop my pack at my desk, go down to the gym to stretch jump in the shower to get cleaned up and then get dressed for work. Even with all of that, I was still 30 minutes early to work.
Maybe I’ll let myself sleep in a bit longer next week. Or, maybe I’ll just take a longer route!
My intention is to run commute once a week, usually Fridays. I love the idea of it – the self-sufficiency and “fringe-element” aspects. I love the anticipation and preparation that has to go in to pulling it off. I’m looking forward to next week.
Daily Dozen:
7.6 miles run commute to work
The Short Story: I woke up. I ran from home to work. I made it.
The Story with more Details: My first impression of becoming a run commuter is that it is all about logistics. Before I stepped out of the door this morning, I had to consider how to get from home to work with everything I would need for the day – shower stuff (towel, soap, etc.), work clothes including shoes, and lunch. Shower stuff and clothes for work I brought to work the previous day and I decided to pack my lunch in my Camelbak (without the bladder) and carry it with me on the run.
My second impression is that was humid this morning. I was drenched in sweat by the time I got to work and there is no way I could commute this way without having a shower available at work. I might have to start carrying a water bottle with me as well throughout the summer, which may look a little weird since I have a Camelbak as well. I made it to work just fine without water during the run but it would have been nice.
The run itself went well. My legs felt a little tired this morning, which was a bummer because I was looking forward to a really good run on my first run commute, but it was a good run nonetheless. I love the route I ran – east on the Custis Bike Trail, scoot through Rosslyn over to the Iwo Jima Memorial and around Arlington National Cemetary, across the Memorial Bridge to DC the Lincoln Memorial getting closer, in front of Lincoln overlooking the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool, up the north side of the Mall past the Vietnam Memorial, the Constitutional Gardens, the World War II Memorial, the Ellipse and White House, past the American History, Natural History and National Archives buildings, finally leaving the Mall and scooting over Pennsylvania Avenue on to Chinatown and finally work.
Regardless of how many times I run in DC it always strikes me as an amazing experience to run through so much history on a regular basis. My commute reminded me how lucky I am.
I had allotted myself 2 hours to get to work but the 7.6 miles only took me 1 hour 20 minutes. I had plenty of time to drop my pack at my desk, go down to the gym to stretch jump in the shower to get cleaned up and then get dressed for work. Even with all of that, I was still 30 minutes early to work.
Maybe I’ll let myself sleep in a bit longer next week. Or, maybe I’ll just take a longer route!
My intention is to run commute once a week, usually Fridays. I love the idea of it – the self-sufficiency and “fringe-element” aspects. I love the anticipation and preparation that has to go in to pulling it off. I’m looking forward to next week.
Daily Dozen:
7.6 miles run commute to work
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Born to Run
This morning I ran a hilly out-and-back, round-trip 5 miles at a fast pace (being sure to charge up the hills - no slacking off). It was a great run. My legs felt light and easy. I was focused and determined to tackle the hills with strength and power.
I was exhausted by the end of it but in a good way - in that heart pounding, grasping for air, muscles burning kind of way. In short, I felt proud.
After taking a few weeks off from running after the Vermont City marathon, and slowly adding miles to my weekly total, my running has been exhilarating and strong. I'm enjoying my runs in ways I never have before - thrilled to be outside and running
I recently finished reading the book, Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. I feel very inspired by the book and it has shown in my running. The book is about a tribe of Mexican Indians called the Tarahumara who are known for their running endurance. Reading about this cultures love of running made me realize that not only should I enjoy how I feel after a run but also I should be having fun while running. This isn't something I've strived for, as contradictory as that sounds.
I hit the bike paths each more thinking, OK, Becki 5 miles to go today, if I get it done, I can be proud to have started the day in such a positive way. The reward was the result not the run.
Reading Born To Run made me realize how misguided that thinking could be - why run if you don't enjoy the act of running, the author seemed be asking me. Why don't you have smile on your face while you cruise the paths of Arlington? Why is it that the smile only appears once you've stopped running?
The author had additional reasons to write about the Tarahumara but this is the thing that struck a chord for me - enjoy the run. I like how simple that is. Just enjoy the run – back straight, eyes scanning the horizon, hips forward, arms pumping like pistons, feet barely skimming the ground, kicking toward my butt as my knees circle forward all with a smile on my face. Enjoy the run. I've taken this sentiment to heart the past few runs and it seems to suit me well.
This morning's run was so much fun that I was disappointed to see it end, I wanted to keep running. That’s how I should feel at the end of all my runs – happy, exhausted and craving more.
Today's Daily Dozen:
5 hilly miles @ tempo
I was exhausted by the end of it but in a good way - in that heart pounding, grasping for air, muscles burning kind of way. In short, I felt proud.
After taking a few weeks off from running after the Vermont City marathon, and slowly adding miles to my weekly total, my running has been exhilarating and strong. I'm enjoying my runs in ways I never have before - thrilled to be outside and running
I recently finished reading the book, Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. I feel very inspired by the book and it has shown in my running. The book is about a tribe of Mexican Indians called the Tarahumara who are known for their running endurance. Reading about this cultures love of running made me realize that not only should I enjoy how I feel after a run but also I should be having fun while running. This isn't something I've strived for, as contradictory as that sounds.
I hit the bike paths each more thinking, OK, Becki 5 miles to go today, if I get it done, I can be proud to have started the day in such a positive way. The reward was the result not the run.
Reading Born To Run made me realize how misguided that thinking could be - why run if you don't enjoy the act of running, the author seemed be asking me. Why don't you have smile on your face while you cruise the paths of Arlington? Why is it that the smile only appears once you've stopped running?
The author had additional reasons to write about the Tarahumara but this is the thing that struck a chord for me - enjoy the run. I like how simple that is. Just enjoy the run – back straight, eyes scanning the horizon, hips forward, arms pumping like pistons, feet barely skimming the ground, kicking toward my butt as my knees circle forward all with a smile on my face. Enjoy the run. I've taken this sentiment to heart the past few runs and it seems to suit me well.
This morning's run was so much fun that I was disappointed to see it end, I wanted to keep running. That’s how I should feel at the end of all my runs – happy, exhausted and craving more.
Today's Daily Dozen:
5 hilly miles @ tempo
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Still Reveling in Yesterday’s Run
I’m finally feeling like my old self this week, in terms of running. I’m running pain-free and my legs no longer feel like they have anchors tied to them. One of the ideas on recovering from races is that a runner should take expect to “take off” a day for each mile raced and in this case, almost an entire month after a marathon. Generally, this doesn’t mean no running of any kind for 26 days but rather, no speedwork or hard running of any kind. For this marathon, it proved absolutely true.
Yesterday morning, just as the sun was coming up, finally felt like I was ready to get to running and I set out for a hilly four mile run. I wanted to get in some quality running and really attack the hills, give ‘em no mercy. Boy, it felt great! I pounded up each hill, big or small, which made me feel like I was gliding along the flat sections.
I love how the hills get my heart pounding; “push push push” I repeat internally as my legs start to tire but I’m so close to the top. I can see it. Eyes on the prize. Just a little further. Just a little harder. Come on, you can do it! Get to the top.
And then I’m there. I’ve made it to the top of the hill. My breathing is heavy, my heart is pumping in overdrive, my legs are achy and I close my eyes for a moment and let out a sigh of relief. “Whew! I did it!,” I say to myself as I slow my pace.
The best hills are ones that flatten out on the top and don’t dump me immediately in to a downhill. I have time to bring my running back to a steady, sane pace – legs, heart, breathing all settling back down. There is a sense of relief and accomplishment that helps me relax in to recovery.
Only to do it again on the next hill – attack, relax, repeat.
Yesterday’s hill run was one of those runs I was disappointed to end. I wanted those four miles to keep going. I needed just one more hill and then I’d be ready to quit but knowing full well that one more hill would only make me crave another and then another. It was a great run.
Daily Dozen:
Slept in – Rest Day!
Possible some light bike work @ lunch hour
Yesterday morning, just as the sun was coming up, finally felt like I was ready to get to running and I set out for a hilly four mile run. I wanted to get in some quality running and really attack the hills, give ‘em no mercy. Boy, it felt great! I pounded up each hill, big or small, which made me feel like I was gliding along the flat sections.
I love how the hills get my heart pounding; “push push push” I repeat internally as my legs start to tire but I’m so close to the top. I can see it. Eyes on the prize. Just a little further. Just a little harder. Come on, you can do it! Get to the top.
And then I’m there. I’ve made it to the top of the hill. My breathing is heavy, my heart is pumping in overdrive, my legs are achy and I close my eyes for a moment and let out a sigh of relief. “Whew! I did it!,” I say to myself as I slow my pace.
The best hills are ones that flatten out on the top and don’t dump me immediately in to a downhill. I have time to bring my running back to a steady, sane pace – legs, heart, breathing all settling back down. There is a sense of relief and accomplishment that helps me relax in to recovery.
Only to do it again on the next hill – attack, relax, repeat.
Yesterday’s hill run was one of those runs I was disappointed to end. I wanted those four miles to keep going. I needed just one more hill and then I’d be ready to quit but knowing full well that one more hill would only make me crave another and then another. It was a great run.
Daily Dozen:
Slept in – Rest Day!
Possible some light bike work @ lunch hour
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Running is a Roller Coaster
Often during my morning runs, I compose blog posts as I run along the bike paths and roads. More often than not only small snippets of these mental compositions actual making in what I eventually type up but it keeps my mind occupied on something while still allowing me to focus on running.
Yesterday’s mental post was about how strong I felt, about how I had finished my final high mileage week and I was feeling very strong – mentally and physically. Yesterday morning, I was ready to declare to the world, “I am runner, hear me ROAR.”
This morning I was hoping to carry that confidence over to strong 8-miler that, if I was feeling good, would include a few middle miles at marathon pace. That was not the case. My legs were tired and I had to constantly refocus on ensuring I was picking up my feet enough and avoid shuffling along, scuffing my shoes. I was more than a little demoralized.
Training for a marathon can be an emotional roller coaster for me. The highs are tremendous. I feel so confident and strong during and after a good run that it makes me forget all previous days of heavy legs or aches and pains. I forget that there have been days that I simply had to give up on runs. I forget that barely six months ago I was building back up from scratch, looking forward to running for 30 minutes straight. Yesterday’s run made me remember all of other runs as if they were as smooth and refreshing as this one.
But there will always be lows. This morning was a low. After less than a half mile, I didn’t feel like continuing and I wasn’t able to shake the feeling. My legs were tired and heavy. They felt like they were on the verge of rebelling. Even the slight inclines were enough to start me huffing and puffing. I decided to vary my route and run by some houses my husband and I have had our eye on in the hopes that the new streets and neighborhoods would be enough to stimulate the run.
While I finished the 8 miles, I couldn’t help but feel disappointment in how fleeting yesterday’s strength and confidence happened to be. Where did they go? Will I get them back? Is tomorrow morning’s run gonna suck as well?
Before I sink to for in to my feelings of “woe is me and my running,” I’ve got to remind myself, tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity for strength. I lost somewhere out on the roads this morning but maybe I’ll find it again on tomorrow’s run. I’ll keep an eye out.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
8 mile morning run
Yesterday’s mental post was about how strong I felt, about how I had finished my final high mileage week and I was feeling very strong – mentally and physically. Yesterday morning, I was ready to declare to the world, “I am runner, hear me ROAR.”
This morning I was hoping to carry that confidence over to strong 8-miler that, if I was feeling good, would include a few middle miles at marathon pace. That was not the case. My legs were tired and I had to constantly refocus on ensuring I was picking up my feet enough and avoid shuffling along, scuffing my shoes. I was more than a little demoralized.
Training for a marathon can be an emotional roller coaster for me. The highs are tremendous. I feel so confident and strong during and after a good run that it makes me forget all previous days of heavy legs or aches and pains. I forget that there have been days that I simply had to give up on runs. I forget that barely six months ago I was building back up from scratch, looking forward to running for 30 minutes straight. Yesterday’s run made me remember all of other runs as if they were as smooth and refreshing as this one.
But there will always be lows. This morning was a low. After less than a half mile, I didn’t feel like continuing and I wasn’t able to shake the feeling. My legs were tired and heavy. They felt like they were on the verge of rebelling. Even the slight inclines were enough to start me huffing and puffing. I decided to vary my route and run by some houses my husband and I have had our eye on in the hopes that the new streets and neighborhoods would be enough to stimulate the run.
While I finished the 8 miles, I couldn’t help but feel disappointment in how fleeting yesterday’s strength and confidence happened to be. Where did they go? Will I get them back? Is tomorrow morning’s run gonna suck as well?
Before I sink to for in to my feelings of “woe is me and my running,” I’ve got to remind myself, tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity for strength. I lost somewhere out on the roads this morning but maybe I’ll find it again on tomorrow’s run. I’ll keep an eye out.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
8 mile morning run
Thursday, April 2, 2009
“Be careful. There’s a gym right around the corner.”
Each week by Thursday, I’m usually exhausted and looking forward to the rest day schedule on Fridays. Today is no exception.
As I started my run this morning, one of my first thought was, “I sure am glad I don’t have to do this tomorrow. I’m tired!” and as I tried to find a groove, my second thought was, “Ugh, I don’t want to do this. Running sucks. Maybe I should cut this run short.”
The first few minutes of short 3-milers and long, slow 19-milers have begun the same way and this 9-miler was no exception, with me analyzing the route I planned to run and trying to figure out ways to cut it short. Yet, I rarely follow through on the adjusted plans.
As I settled in to my pace, feeling every bit as tired as I did moments ago when running “sucked” I had to wonder if thinking out ways to cut a run short, adding up known distances and figuring out how I need to adjust my plans– if I take this path and jump off on to that street its 2 miles and then I’m only 1.5 miles from home if I stay on this road so that would make this a 3.5-miler – is really just my mind’s way of distracting itself. I never follow through with my, sometimes, elaborate escape routes, meaning I almost always cover the distance I had scheduled and yet I still tend to run through scenarios as I am warming up.
Often, I am thinking up ways to cut a run short until I find something else to distract me. This morning it was a women who called out as I passed, “Be careful. There’s a gym right around that corner.” I half nodded to her and sort of smiled but more or less kept going before her words hit me – “Be careful. There’s a gym right around that corner.”
What? What could that possibly mean? Why do I have to be careful around a gym? Granted, it is a boxing gym (not a “gym” gym) and I guess there are more overly-testeroned men who frequent that gym. I just never thought to be concerned about something like that. Is that woman crazy? Is she right? Have I been carelessly running past this gym at least once a week, without a concern in the world, never realize the immanent danger I was in? What would I do if a crazed boxer started chasing me? I’d run as fast as I could to that 24 hour CVS or that restaurant that always has cleaning crews inside when I run by in the morning. I’d start screaming. Yeah, yeah. Shouting is good. Really loud…
And just like that, I forgot all about planning evasive maneuvers to get around doing 9 miles this morning.
For the rest of the run my mind continued to wonder. I planned more ways to get away from the zombie boxers that were after me (yes, they eventually turned in to zombies that were chasing me) and moved on to what I planned for the coming weekends, the race on Sunday and meeting up with Kate on Saturday, what I needed to get done at work today, and various other bits and bobs that popped in to head. Before I knew it, I finished the run, even more exhausted than when I started but proud that I had completed the 9 miles and I realized two things,
1. Silly girl! Of course you finished the run. You always finish the run.
2. I’m still glad tomorrow is a rest day.
Ok, three things,
3. I still don’t know what that is supposed to mean, “Be careful. There’s a gym right around the corner”?! Lady, do you live in fear of gyms during the early morning hour? Is there something I don’t know? Regardless, good lookin’ out. You never can be too careful! Thanks!
Today’s daily dozen:
9 mile morning run
XT, 30 minutes on recumbent bike at a leisurely pace @ lunch hour
As I started my run this morning, one of my first thought was, “I sure am glad I don’t have to do this tomorrow. I’m tired!” and as I tried to find a groove, my second thought was, “Ugh, I don’t want to do this. Running sucks. Maybe I should cut this run short.”
The first few minutes of short 3-milers and long, slow 19-milers have begun the same way and this 9-miler was no exception, with me analyzing the route I planned to run and trying to figure out ways to cut it short. Yet, I rarely follow through on the adjusted plans.
As I settled in to my pace, feeling every bit as tired as I did moments ago when running “sucked” I had to wonder if thinking out ways to cut a run short, adding up known distances and figuring out how I need to adjust my plans– if I take this path and jump off on to that street its 2 miles and then I’m only 1.5 miles from home if I stay on this road so that would make this a 3.5-miler – is really just my mind’s way of distracting itself. I never follow through with my, sometimes, elaborate escape routes, meaning I almost always cover the distance I had scheduled and yet I still tend to run through scenarios as I am warming up.
Often, I am thinking up ways to cut a run short until I find something else to distract me. This morning it was a women who called out as I passed, “Be careful. There’s a gym right around that corner.” I half nodded to her and sort of smiled but more or less kept going before her words hit me – “Be careful. There’s a gym right around that corner.”
What? What could that possibly mean? Why do I have to be careful around a gym? Granted, it is a boxing gym (not a “gym” gym) and I guess there are more overly-testeroned men who frequent that gym. I just never thought to be concerned about something like that. Is that woman crazy? Is she right? Have I been carelessly running past this gym at least once a week, without a concern in the world, never realize the immanent danger I was in? What would I do if a crazed boxer started chasing me? I’d run as fast as I could to that 24 hour CVS or that restaurant that always has cleaning crews inside when I run by in the morning. I’d start screaming. Yeah, yeah. Shouting is good. Really loud…
And just like that, I forgot all about planning evasive maneuvers to get around doing 9 miles this morning.
For the rest of the run my mind continued to wonder. I planned more ways to get away from the zombie boxers that were after me (yes, they eventually turned in to zombies that were chasing me) and moved on to what I planned for the coming weekends, the race on Sunday and meeting up with Kate on Saturday, what I needed to get done at work today, and various other bits and bobs that popped in to head. Before I knew it, I finished the run, even more exhausted than when I started but proud that I had completed the 9 miles and I realized two things,
1. Silly girl! Of course you finished the run. You always finish the run.
2. I’m still glad tomorrow is a rest day.
Ok, three things,
3. I still don’t know what that is supposed to mean, “Be careful. There’s a gym right around the corner”?! Lady, do you live in fear of gyms during the early morning hour? Is there something I don’t know? Regardless, good lookin’ out. You never can be too careful! Thanks!
Today’s daily dozen:
9 mile morning run
XT, 30 minutes on recumbent bike at a leisurely pace @ lunch hour
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hesitation
I’ve been hesitant to write about my running. It’s been going so well lately but I feel like I am teetering on the edge of overtraining/injury and if I pay too much attention to it, I’ll fall in to that pit of despair.
My foot has felt fine for the past week, not a twinge since it flared up two weeks ago. My right shin has been giving me some trouble (just your normal, run-of-the-mill shin splints, I’m sure) but once I warm up it no longer hurts and it has been noticeably less irritate each day.
I’m so afraid of jinxing myself that each morning I run, I think about what I want to write about that day but I don’t end up doing it for fear of saying out loud, “Wow, things are awesome!,” which is exactly how I was feeling before my foot started hurting last fall and I was out of commission for two months. Fear does funny things.
This morning I had a scheduled 8 mile run that went so spectacularly well and I’ve felt so great all day, I can’t help writing about it. I’m so proud of my run this morning.
I took it slow to warm up over the first mile and then I let myself run faster. I was looking for a comfortable but fast pace that I could hold over 7 miles (as opposed to last Wednesday’s 8-miler that I ran two miles to fatigue, 2 miles to recover and 2 miles to fatigue again, in the middle of a one mile warm-up and one mile cool down). Last week’s hard 2 mile intervals were in the 8:30 pace range and I was looking to get in the 10:00 pace this morning.
To my surprise, I was close to 9:30 on the first fast mile and I kept hitting this range over and over again as I ticked off the miles. I felt so solid at this pace. It was wonderful. I was cruising up hills and flying down the other side. I was stealthily gliding along the dark morning as the sun came up slowly over the horizon and I was there to challenge it to a foot race.
Consistently hitting under 10 minute miles is quite an achievement for me. When I started running, I could barely reach 12 minute miles when I was on the treadmill and I was hitting a consistent 12:00 pace throughout training for my first marathon two years ago. Now look at me; I’m in the single digit pace range!
Just like the final mile of the half marathon I ran over the weekend, I wanted to see how much I really had left in my legs after so many miles at a fast pace and gave it everything I had for mile 8. Approximately halfway through that final mile, I began struggling to maintain focus and started repeating, “Just keep it going. Just keep it going.,” to myself, over and over again. I completed that final mile in 8 minutes 40 seconds. Woooh, I’m so relieved!
I finished off the run with a slow half mile cool down.
I’m still hoping I haven’t jinxed myself or my running but for now I’m shouting it from every proverbial mountaintop – BECKI LOVES TO RUN (and running appears to love Becki *fingers crossed*).
Today's Daily Dozen
8.5 miles - 7 at Marathon Pace (or faster)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Morning Runner
“This is easy” I thought as I silently slipped through the early morning darkness this morning. I am finally feeling rested and recovered after two weeks of sluggishness due to my body fighting a cold virus. It felt great.
The sun is rising earlier these days and it is beginning to get lighter and lighter by the time I finish my runs. I don’t know if it is just my imagination but there seem to be more people on the streets, walking to work or wherever they are headed. I run passed them and wonder, “How many started their day off with some exercise?”
When I have a good run in the morning, a good rest of the day follows.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I know two people who are going to be training to run a marathon and both of them are evening exercisers/gym-goers/runners. I admire them for being able to get motivated after a long day at work when there are so many things vying for their time. If I am forced to skip a morning run, there isn’t a great chance that I’ll make it up in the evening.
I find too many excuses not to run after work; in the mornings, running is the only reason I’m awake.
As I ran along this morning, I thought about all the reasons I’m not an afternoon/evening runner:
The sun is rising earlier these days and it is beginning to get lighter and lighter by the time I finish my runs. I don’t know if it is just my imagination but there seem to be more people on the streets, walking to work or wherever they are headed. I run passed them and wonder, “How many started their day off with some exercise?”
When I have a good run in the morning, a good rest of the day follows.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I know two people who are going to be training to run a marathon and both of them are evening exercisers/gym-goers/runners. I admire them for being able to get motivated after a long day at work when there are so many things vying for their time. If I am forced to skip a morning run, there isn’t a great chance that I’ll make it up in the evening.
I find too many excuses not to run after work; in the mornings, running is the only reason I’m awake.
As I ran along this morning, I thought about all the reasons I’m not an afternoon/evening runner:
- After work, any time spent running is time NOT spent with Mike
- It’s warmer after work – in the summer that makes all the difference but in the winter, the difference is negligible.
- I enjoy the quiet emptiness of an otherwise busy city on an early morning.
- I’d be awake anyway, I might as well run.
I often think about the timing of when I decided to start running. It wasn’t long after I switched positions at my old company. My commuting time was cut in half and my start time was pushed back by an hour. Waking up two hours before work to go to the gym meant setting the alarm for 6 o’clock as opposed to 3:30 (I may be an early riser…but not that early!!)
If I hadn’t switched jobs, I probably wouldn’t be a runner.
Today’s Daily Dozen
3.07 miles run
30 minute walk @ lunch break
Friday, January 2, 2009
Hills for a change
As I bundled up this morning, hoping I had on enough layers to keep out the cold air and chilling wind, I decided I wanted a challenge this morning. It was to be my first run of the New Year and I decided to take a lollipop loop route (basically a loop with an out and back so it looks like a lollipop when it is mapped out) that hits most of the big, long hills in my area.
I love running hills and I think it is one of my strengths when it comes to running. At last year’s inaugural Marine Corp. Historic Half in Fredericksburg, MD, I ran my fastest half-marathon time on a route that reduced many people to walkers by the end. There were two or three notable inclines and a handful of smaller, rolling sections of the course and from much of the feedback I saw on the race’s website and from the Runner’s World forums, most people weren’t thrilled about the hilly course.
I thought the course was great and very sincerely hope the race committee does not change it. There is no better feeling than finally coming to the top of a hill after battling your way up, legs screaming, breathing heavy. Suddenly, you can feel your heart beating and for a second you think it might just beat its way right out of your throat and run off down the sidewalk without you but it doesn’t. Slowly, your legs are renewed and your lungs and heart rate slow as you slide back in to a groove. It is invigorating and powerful.
Also, it is one of the best ways to combine running with strength training.
I took off in to the chilly and dark morning and letting my legs carry me up and down the hills of the bike path as it leads to Rosslyn and the Potomac River beyond. My pace was slower, over 11:00 miles, but that doesn’t matter when you are facing a hill, only the effort to get to the top can conquer a hill, not a faster pace.
After turning around just outside Rosslyn, I jumped off the bike trail and ran along Wilson Boulevard. Normally, I hate running on city streets, stopping at stop lights, dodging people, suspicious of every car, eyeing every driver to make sure they don’t have intentions of running me down as I cross a street. However, these frustrations don’t exist in the early morning and I quietly slip by closed stores, dark office buildings and the rare pedestrian or worker whose presence emphasizes the earliness and solitude of my morning run.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
5.29 mile run (28 min. run/1 minute walk x 2 intervals), some aggravation in my right hamstring during and soreness in my quads afterwards
I love running hills and I think it is one of my strengths when it comes to running. At last year’s inaugural Marine Corp. Historic Half in Fredericksburg, MD, I ran my fastest half-marathon time on a route that reduced many people to walkers by the end. There were two or three notable inclines and a handful of smaller, rolling sections of the course and from much of the feedback I saw on the race’s website and from the Runner’s World forums, most people weren’t thrilled about the hilly course.
I thought the course was great and very sincerely hope the race committee does not change it. There is no better feeling than finally coming to the top of a hill after battling your way up, legs screaming, breathing heavy. Suddenly, you can feel your heart beating and for a second you think it might just beat its way right out of your throat and run off down the sidewalk without you but it doesn’t. Slowly, your legs are renewed and your lungs and heart rate slow as you slide back in to a groove. It is invigorating and powerful.
Also, it is one of the best ways to combine running with strength training.
I took off in to the chilly and dark morning and letting my legs carry me up and down the hills of the bike path as it leads to Rosslyn and the Potomac River beyond. My pace was slower, over 11:00 miles, but that doesn’t matter when you are facing a hill, only the effort to get to the top can conquer a hill, not a faster pace.
After turning around just outside Rosslyn, I jumped off the bike trail and ran along Wilson Boulevard. Normally, I hate running on city streets, stopping at stop lights, dodging people, suspicious of every car, eyeing every driver to make sure they don’t have intentions of running me down as I cross a street. However, these frustrations don’t exist in the early morning and I quietly slip by closed stores, dark office buildings and the rare pedestrian or worker whose presence emphasizes the earliness and solitude of my morning run.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
5.29 mile run (28 min. run/1 minute walk x 2 intervals), some aggravation in my right hamstring during and soreness in my quads afterwards
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