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
Showing posts with label runner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label runner. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Flirting w/ higher mileage
When I am not actively training for a marathon, the stress of hitting certain miles each run, going to bed early and eating to fuel my runs melts away during the month following the race. It’s not that I let myself go or anything, I am still pretty disciplined (that being part of the point of this very blog; to stay accountable to daily activity) compared to how I lived prior to becoming a runner. It is just that my running tends to get a little “fuzzy.”
After each of my three marathons, my weekly running mile tended to settle in the mid 20s. This was good enough in between marathons but I still felt like I was starting over whenever I started training for the next marathon. During the last few miles of marathons 2 and 3, I’ve started to fade and I think this has more to do with my running base going in to the training phase rather than the training phase itself. Over the summer, fully settling in to 20 mile weeks, I resolved to make a change – I want my next marathon to be strong, from start to finish and the way to get there is through building a better running base.
During August and September, I made an effort to run more miles and I was comfortable running weekly mileage in the 30s; however, my efforts weren’t really focusing. I was still running fuzzy. This Fall, I have made decided effort to gain some focus without being too rigid.
During the month of October, each week I tried to hit 40 miles by Sunday. I was hitting this mileage consistently for the month and my legs were holding up well against the increased mileage. Throughout this month, I’ve been aiming for a weekly mileage of 45 miles. Due to life outside of running, I haven’t been able to hit it as consistently as I was hitting 40 in October but I have running very strong at this higher mileage all month long.
I really couldn’t be more pleased with my running at the moment and it has even had tremendous impact in other ways I didn’t intend. For one, my weight has dropped (almost 5 pounds below what I was over the summer) and seems to be continuing on this downward trend. I have much better muscle tone in my legs, especially in my quads and glutes.
Best of all, my pace has increased (see Breakthrough) at all my paces and even on my training runs. "Just Run" has me running consistently at a 10 minute mile pace. Awesome!
Another change I’ve made, in addition to the higher mileage, is incorporating pushups during the day. My goal, each day, is to get in 100 pushups from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. My core is strong than it ever has been before and on “good” days I can see a “one-pack” starting to peak out.
Things are going well (I really hope I didn’t just jinx it!)
Run Strong!
Daily Dozen:
Cross-training (recumbent bike) and Strength Training @ lunch hour
3.7 miles after work with Jenn (planned)
After each of my three marathons, my weekly running mile tended to settle in the mid 20s. This was good enough in between marathons but I still felt like I was starting over whenever I started training for the next marathon. During the last few miles of marathons 2 and 3, I’ve started to fade and I think this has more to do with my running base going in to the training phase rather than the training phase itself. Over the summer, fully settling in to 20 mile weeks, I resolved to make a change – I want my next marathon to be strong, from start to finish and the way to get there is through building a better running base.
During August and September, I made an effort to run more miles and I was comfortable running weekly mileage in the 30s; however, my efforts weren’t really focusing. I was still running fuzzy. This Fall, I have made decided effort to gain some focus without being too rigid.
During the month of October, each week I tried to hit 40 miles by Sunday. I was hitting this mileage consistently for the month and my legs were holding up well against the increased mileage. Throughout this month, I’ve been aiming for a weekly mileage of 45 miles. Due to life outside of running, I haven’t been able to hit it as consistently as I was hitting 40 in October but I have running very strong at this higher mileage all month long.
I really couldn’t be more pleased with my running at the moment and it has even had tremendous impact in other ways I didn’t intend. For one, my weight has dropped (almost 5 pounds below what I was over the summer) and seems to be continuing on this downward trend. I have much better muscle tone in my legs, especially in my quads and glutes.
Best of all, my pace has increased (see Breakthrough) at all my paces and even on my training runs. "Just Run" has me running consistently at a 10 minute mile pace. Awesome!
Another change I’ve made, in addition to the higher mileage, is incorporating pushups during the day. My goal, each day, is to get in 100 pushups from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. My core is strong than it ever has been before and on “good” days I can see a “one-pack” starting to peak out.
Things are going well (I really hope I didn’t just jinx it!)
Run Strong!
Daily Dozen:
Cross-training (recumbent bike) and Strength Training @ lunch hour
3.7 miles after work with Jenn (planned)
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 31, 2009
Part III – Why I Run? Vanity.
I continue to run because it continues to be easy and in part that is the truth. However, I left out the other reason I continue to run. My motivation for continuing to run – day in and day out, why I want to a life-long runner, and want to be the woman who runs through pregnancy and kids in jog strollers and gray hair – is vanity.
As a disclaimer: I am not the runner who brags incessantly about my running and racing but I am exceedingly proud of my running. I may not bring up running in every conversation but if it does come up, I have a hard time turning off the desire to going on and on about the races I have coming up, the races I’ve done, the races I dream of running, my times, and my training.
I love being the girl in the office who runs marathons and runs to work on a weekly basis. It makes me very proud that “runner” is a label people use to describe me. I may not walk up to people and introduce myself, “Hi, I’m Becki. I’m a runner and I run marathons” but that doesn’t mean I don’t relish it when other people introduce me that way.
Part of the reason I wake up and hit the pavement before the sun comes up every morning is because there is a chance someone might ask me, “did you run today” and I hate saying “no.” The reason I run today is so that I am able to run through the milestones I mentioned earlier – pregnancy, kids, gray hair. I want to be the little old lady who’s winning age group awards for the 71-79 category.
This makes it sound like I run for other people, and that is obviously part of my truth; however, I also run for my own selfish reasons.
Running makes me feel good. It makes me feel accomplished and satisfied. Running makes me look better and more confident. I weight less, smaller sizes fit me, I eat better but can allow myself to eat worse, and I can run faster and farther than I could when I started. All of this is a result of running and I hate to think of it going away if I stop.
I’m running scared but I am running.
In some ways I hate admitting this last reason for running because I continue running for all of the “right” reasons – I love the feeling of gliding along the bike path before the sun comes up, I am proud to have trained for, started and finished 3 marathons, I feel powerful and strong after a good, hard workout, and the self-esteem boost at seeing my times improve; these are all unbeatable and not for vain reasons.
However, it is important to me to realize that I can turn these “ugly” motivators in to a beautiful run. I may start out thinking of what other people think but after the first mile or so I am running under my own power, for my own reasons. Vanity may get me out of bed but the love running is what keeps me going.
As a disclaimer: I am not the runner who brags incessantly about my running and racing but I am exceedingly proud of my running. I may not bring up running in every conversation but if it does come up, I have a hard time turning off the desire to going on and on about the races I have coming up, the races I’ve done, the races I dream of running, my times, and my training.
I love being the girl in the office who runs marathons and runs to work on a weekly basis. It makes me very proud that “runner” is a label people use to describe me. I may not walk up to people and introduce myself, “Hi, I’m Becki. I’m a runner and I run marathons” but that doesn’t mean I don’t relish it when other people introduce me that way.
Part of the reason I wake up and hit the pavement before the sun comes up every morning is because there is a chance someone might ask me, “did you run today” and I hate saying “no.” The reason I run today is so that I am able to run through the milestones I mentioned earlier – pregnancy, kids, gray hair. I want to be the little old lady who’s winning age group awards for the 71-79 category.
This makes it sound like I run for other people, and that is obviously part of my truth; however, I also run for my own selfish reasons.
Running makes me feel good. It makes me feel accomplished and satisfied. Running makes me look better and more confident. I weight less, smaller sizes fit me, I eat better but can allow myself to eat worse, and I can run faster and farther than I could when I started. All of this is a result of running and I hate to think of it going away if I stop.
I’m running scared but I am running.
In some ways I hate admitting this last reason for running because I continue running for all of the “right” reasons – I love the feeling of gliding along the bike path before the sun comes up, I am proud to have trained for, started and finished 3 marathons, I feel powerful and strong after a good, hard workout, and the self-esteem boost at seeing my times improve; these are all unbeatable and not for vain reasons.
However, it is important to me to realize that I can turn these “ugly” motivators in to a beautiful run. I may start out thinking of what other people think but after the first mile or so I am running under my own power, for my own reasons. Vanity may get me out of bed but the love running is what keeps me going.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Part II – Why I Run? Because I Can.
It may have been my Dad and other influences as a child that provided an introduction to running; however, the reason I actually started running is because of how easy it was to start.
For years, I had been bemoaning the fact that I didn’t have a hobby. I didn’t collect anything or do anything through which I was able to feel comfortable defining myself. I am reader and I enjoy movies and I love being active but I wasn’t passionate about any of these things. When I’m not reading a book, I’m not finding out about the next good book or following an author’s every action. I am a fan of movies and certain actors but again, I don’t have the interest to keep tabs on the industry.
I didn’t have a passion in life, something that was mine, something through which I could explain parts of me. But, I wanted one.
When the idea to run a marathon to celebrate my 26th birthday entered my head, the reason I followed through with that crazy idea was because running was something I could already do. It was easy. I could run at the time and all I had to do was run longer.
This isn’t to say that I think running is easy; however, it is an incredibly easy sport to start. All I needed was comfortable shoes and clothes and I could go out and run. I read books. I read magazines. I read and consulted online forums. As I increased my running I was able to increase my knowledge of running. I didn’t need a coach. I didn’t need any fancy equipment. I didn’t need a team. I just needed me and the singular aspect of long-distance running appeals to me.
Of course, I made mistakes and learned loads of things (and continue to do both) but I had all the resources at my fingertips to correct what was wrong and continue running.
I am passionate about running. I read about it and write about it when I’m not actually running. I continue to run because it continues to be easy.
Daily Dozen:
4.61 miles @ easy pace
For years, I had been bemoaning the fact that I didn’t have a hobby. I didn’t collect anything or do anything through which I was able to feel comfortable defining myself. I am reader and I enjoy movies and I love being active but I wasn’t passionate about any of these things. When I’m not reading a book, I’m not finding out about the next good book or following an author’s every action. I am a fan of movies and certain actors but again, I don’t have the interest to keep tabs on the industry.
I didn’t have a passion in life, something that was mine, something through which I could explain parts of me. But, I wanted one.
When the idea to run a marathon to celebrate my 26th birthday entered my head, the reason I followed through with that crazy idea was because running was something I could already do. It was easy. I could run at the time and all I had to do was run longer.
This isn’t to say that I think running is easy; however, it is an incredibly easy sport to start. All I needed was comfortable shoes and clothes and I could go out and run. I read books. I read magazines. I read and consulted online forums. As I increased my running I was able to increase my knowledge of running. I didn’t need a coach. I didn’t need any fancy equipment. I didn’t need a team. I just needed me and the singular aspect of long-distance running appeals to me.
Of course, I made mistakes and learned loads of things (and continue to do both) but I had all the resources at my fingertips to correct what was wrong and continue running.
I am passionate about running. I read about it and write about it when I’m not actually running. I continue to run because it continues to be easy.
Daily Dozen:
4.61 miles @ easy pace
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Why I Run: An Answer in Three Parts
I’ve recently been trying to answer the following two questions: Why did I start running? and Why do I continue running? To me, the answer to these two questions is the same. The reasons I started running are the same reasons I continue to run. Instead of these two separate questions, I choose to answer the single question, Why I Run.
Part I – Why I Run? My Dad.
The first part of this answer starts when I was a little kid.
Sure, I ran around as a kid. I ran on the playground. I ran on the T-ball field and I ran on the soccer field. This isn’t to say I was a runner but rather that all little kids run. On top of this, all little kids enjoy running. Watch a little kid’s face as he or she chases after you. Running is fun. Yet, it wasn’t something I was conscious of as something people “do.”
For me, the notion of running as something a person “does” wasn’t planted on the playground or the sports field. It started at home and on the surrounding streets.
I remember, distinctly remember, my Dad going out for runs on occasion. He would suit up in his sweatshirts and head out the door. He would come back sweaty and tired. I don’t remember a time when I actually saw him running but I remember the before and after.
Now, I can’t even tell you if he went out for runs with any sort of regularity but I was drawn to the idea of just going out for a run. I was fascinated that this was something that people did, “went out for runs.” My Dad planted the seed of running.
Later, or perhaps at the same time, I don’t know, I encountered running again through a woman in the neighborhood. This woman was the mother of some kids in the neighborhood and I remember she started running after she and the father separated. I must have been in 5th or 6th grade, waiting with all of the other kids in the neighborhood at the bus stop, and I started noticing her slipping out of her house and starting her runs before the school bus came to pick us kids up. If the timing was right, I’d often notice her again as we rode by in the school bus, always amazed at how far down the road she had run.
Did she run everyday? In my memory she did but I can’t be sure. Was the separation or divorce the cause? I have linked the two in my mind. I do remember that she continued to run. I would still see her running out of the neighborhood when I was in middle school and even in high school. I don’t even know how far she ran. Was it always the same mileage, the same route? Was she training for something? I don’t know the answers and I never even thought to ask these questions. It didn’t matter. It doesn’t matter now.
What does matter is that once again, I was fascinated. Runners, with their consistency and habit and simplicity, intrigue me. To this day, I feel the same inexplicable envy and fascination seeing people out for their runs that I felt seeing my Dad go out to run or the woman from my neighborhood running down the street.
As a kid, observing these adults running struck something in me that I have trouble explaining. Whatever it was wasn’t strong, it took me many, many years before running would become a habit for me and something through which I define myself. However, it was lasting.
Daily Dozen
40 minutes recumbent bike @ lunch hour
Part I – Why I Run? My Dad.
The first part of this answer starts when I was a little kid.
Sure, I ran around as a kid. I ran on the playground. I ran on the T-ball field and I ran on the soccer field. This isn’t to say I was a runner but rather that all little kids run. On top of this, all little kids enjoy running. Watch a little kid’s face as he or she chases after you. Running is fun. Yet, it wasn’t something I was conscious of as something people “do.”
For me, the notion of running as something a person “does” wasn’t planted on the playground or the sports field. It started at home and on the surrounding streets.
I remember, distinctly remember, my Dad going out for runs on occasion. He would suit up in his sweatshirts and head out the door. He would come back sweaty and tired. I don’t remember a time when I actually saw him running but I remember the before and after.
Now, I can’t even tell you if he went out for runs with any sort of regularity but I was drawn to the idea of just going out for a run. I was fascinated that this was something that people did, “went out for runs.” My Dad planted the seed of running.
Later, or perhaps at the same time, I don’t know, I encountered running again through a woman in the neighborhood. This woman was the mother of some kids in the neighborhood and I remember she started running after she and the father separated. I must have been in 5th or 6th grade, waiting with all of the other kids in the neighborhood at the bus stop, and I started noticing her slipping out of her house and starting her runs before the school bus came to pick us kids up. If the timing was right, I’d often notice her again as we rode by in the school bus, always amazed at how far down the road she had run.
Did she run everyday? In my memory she did but I can’t be sure. Was the separation or divorce the cause? I have linked the two in my mind. I do remember that she continued to run. I would still see her running out of the neighborhood when I was in middle school and even in high school. I don’t even know how far she ran. Was it always the same mileage, the same route? Was she training for something? I don’t know the answers and I never even thought to ask these questions. It didn’t matter. It doesn’t matter now.
What does matter is that once again, I was fascinated. Runners, with their consistency and habit and simplicity, intrigue me. To this day, I feel the same inexplicable envy and fascination seeing people out for their runs that I felt seeing my Dad go out to run or the woman from my neighborhood running down the street.
As a kid, observing these adults running struck something in me that I have trouble explaining. Whatever it was wasn’t strong, it took me many, many years before running would become a habit for me and something through which I define myself. However, it was lasting.
Daily Dozen
40 minutes recumbent bike @ lunch hour
Monday, June 8, 2009
A Tale of Two Runners
Runner A has just completed a third marathon, besting her previous personal record by 15 minutes. However, Runner A has run very little in the two weeks following the marathon and has no plans to run a step for at least another week (if not longer). She has been enjoying the sleeping-in aspect of no longer running in the morning before work and getting in a good amount of strength training during her lunch break at work. Runner A isn't sure when she'll start training for another marathon.
In contrast, Runner B is nursing a slight injury and can't wait to jump right back in to running. In fact, she found a training plan that looks fun and has been eyeing fall marathons. Runner B cannot wait to get out of the gym workouts she's been stuck doing and back out into the early morning calm of empty roads and paths. Happy and proud in the fact that she accomplishes things on a daily basis earlier than most people are awake.
I am both runners (obviously). Yes, I have gone on record saying I would (gladly) be taking a break from training and just taking my running as it came to me. No pressures, no plans. Yes, I was on several websites this morning drooling over marathons, reading reviews and day dreaming about getting my marathon PR closer to 4 hours.
How easily I am persuaded to change my running plans? I can't help it! I know how much fun I've had training for and running races and when I see one that looks like fun I want to be a part of it. I don't see it as a bad thing. I'm excitable! I'm enthusiastic!
These are the good things about Runner B. However, I know I could learn from Runner A. After all, there is such a thing as burn out. If I want to continue my ambitions of being a lifelong runner, a runner who runs through pregnancy, kids, middle-age, old-age, I've got to recognize that in order to run forever I've got to pace myself.
While I sit the next week out, I'll have to see about bringing Runner A and B together and finding out how to make the two compromise.
Today's Daily Dozen:
Strenght Training (BROCC) @ lunch hour
In contrast, Runner B is nursing a slight injury and can't wait to jump right back in to running. In fact, she found a training plan that looks fun and has been eyeing fall marathons. Runner B cannot wait to get out of the gym workouts she's been stuck doing and back out into the early morning calm of empty roads and paths. Happy and proud in the fact that she accomplishes things on a daily basis earlier than most people are awake.
I am both runners (obviously). Yes, I have gone on record saying I would (gladly) be taking a break from training and just taking my running as it came to me. No pressures, no plans. Yes, I was on several websites this morning drooling over marathons, reading reviews and day dreaming about getting my marathon PR closer to 4 hours.
How easily I am persuaded to change my running plans? I can't help it! I know how much fun I've had training for and running races and when I see one that looks like fun I want to be a part of it. I don't see it as a bad thing. I'm excitable! I'm enthusiastic!
These are the good things about Runner B. However, I know I could learn from Runner A. After all, there is such a thing as burn out. If I want to continue my ambitions of being a lifelong runner, a runner who runs through pregnancy, kids, middle-age, old-age, I've got to recognize that in order to run forever I've got to pace myself.
While I sit the next week out, I'll have to see about bringing Runner A and B together and finding out how to make the two compromise.
Today's Daily Dozen:
Strenght Training (BROCC) @ lunch hour
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Running Milestone
As I started my run this morning, I realized this run would mark a special milestone in my “running life.” Ever since I got the crazy, out-of-nowhere, idea to run a marathon to celebrate my 26th birthday, I’ve been keeping track of my running mileage in an Excel spreadsheet of my own design.
Every day for the past two-and-a-half years, I have dutifully kept track of my step count, daily mileage and whether or not I ran that day. What began as a simple spreadsheet where I entered my step count, distance and the number of miles I ran that day has morphed in to a wonderfully complex series of worksheets where I track everything from my running miles, shoe mileage, time and pace, daily steps and mileage and training schedule. There are line graphs and bar charts and calculations for my yearly average pace and length per run among several other things.
As of Sunday, after the 10 mile race, I had racked up a total of 2,999 running miles since I started my running life in August of 2005 and this morning’s five-miler would send the odometer over 3,000 miles.
Amazing! To cover 3,000 miles I would have to run from my apartment to my parents’ house in VT and back again almost 3 times! Or, I would have to run from DC to Eureka, California and then run a marathon or three while I was there! Or, I would have to run around Lake Tahoe, 41.5 times!
As I hit the one-mile mark this morning, there was a tiny moment of triumph but then, I just kept running. I kept running because that’s what I do as a long-distance runner. I hit one distance, take a moment or two to reflect and then start to wonder about going a little farther. Three thousand is nice but what about 6,000…10,000…30,000 miles?
I’ll let you know in 22 years how I felt running 30,000 miles…and then I’ll keep running.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
5 mile morning run
Every day for the past two-and-a-half years, I have dutifully kept track of my step count, daily mileage and whether or not I ran that day. What began as a simple spreadsheet where I entered my step count, distance and the number of miles I ran that day has morphed in to a wonderfully complex series of worksheets where I track everything from my running miles, shoe mileage, time and pace, daily steps and mileage and training schedule. There are line graphs and bar charts and calculations for my yearly average pace and length per run among several other things.
As of Sunday, after the 10 mile race, I had racked up a total of 2,999 running miles since I started my running life in August of 2005 and this morning’s five-miler would send the odometer over 3,000 miles.
Amazing! To cover 3,000 miles I would have to run from my apartment to my parents’ house in VT and back again almost 3 times! Or, I would have to run from DC to Eureka, California and then run a marathon or three while I was there! Or, I would have to run around Lake Tahoe, 41.5 times!
As I hit the one-mile mark this morning, there was a tiny moment of triumph but then, I just kept running. I kept running because that’s what I do as a long-distance runner. I hit one distance, take a moment or two to reflect and then start to wonder about going a little farther. Three thousand is nice but what about 6,000…10,000…30,000 miles?
I’ll let you know in 22 years how I felt running 30,000 miles…and then I’ll keep running.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
5 mile morning run
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Sore Muscles
Sore Muscles. I’ve been thinking about them quite a bit lately. Mostly because my quads have been sore over the last few days as a result of my 18 miler on Sunday and every time I stood up or attempted stairs or bent over to tie my shoe I was reminded, “oh yeah, sore muscles.”
Here’s the catch, though. I actually like sore muscles.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like sore muscles in the same way I like cupcakes or a good book. I don’t enjoy sore muscles but I do like them.
I like sore muscles because every time I did any of those things mentioned above, I was reminded of the achievement of good long run. Granted, the excessive soreness of two days is a sign that my legs may not have been ready for 18 miles that day but I also take it as a sign that I need to recovery because my legs worked really hard and I should be proud.
My legs carried me through a really strong 18 miles and didn’t complain. They just want to remind me how hard they worked and that they may deserve a little break. My quads are not so subtly raising their voice, saying, “We’re a little broken, busted and torn but give us some time to rejuvenate and we’ll be back and better than ever.”
Sore muscles are all those microscopic tears in my muscles repairing themselves to make me stronger the next time I run 18 miles.
Counter-intuitively, sore muscles make me feel strong and powerful. I’m carrying around a reminder of all the hard work I’ve done that will pay off for me at the finish line of my next marathon and that reminder makes me feel good.
On the other hand, sore muscles also serve as a reminder that I should have taken it a little slower during the run, stretched better after the run and taken the time to jump in an ice bath once I got home. Oops!
Today’s Daily Dozen:
5 mile morning run – first one since Sunday’s long run, felt good
Strength Training (BROCCL) @ lunch
Here’s the catch, though. I actually like sore muscles.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like sore muscles in the same way I like cupcakes or a good book. I don’t enjoy sore muscles but I do like them.
I like sore muscles because every time I did any of those things mentioned above, I was reminded of the achievement of good long run. Granted, the excessive soreness of two days is a sign that my legs may not have been ready for 18 miles that day but I also take it as a sign that I need to recovery because my legs worked really hard and I should be proud.
My legs carried me through a really strong 18 miles and didn’t complain. They just want to remind me how hard they worked and that they may deserve a little break. My quads are not so subtly raising their voice, saying, “We’re a little broken, busted and torn but give us some time to rejuvenate and we’ll be back and better than ever.”
Sore muscles are all those microscopic tears in my muscles repairing themselves to make me stronger the next time I run 18 miles.
Counter-intuitively, sore muscles make me feel strong and powerful. I’m carrying around a reminder of all the hard work I’ve done that will pay off for me at the finish line of my next marathon and that reminder makes me feel good.
On the other hand, sore muscles also serve as a reminder that I should have taken it a little slower during the run, stretched better after the run and taken the time to jump in an ice bath once I got home. Oops!
Today’s Daily Dozen:
5 mile morning run – first one since Sunday’s long run, felt good
Strength Training (BROCCL) @ lunch
Friday, February 27, 2009
Jealousy
Most days, I like to jump off the Metro a stop early and walk the half mile home. It is a nice walk and the past few evenings have been nice and relatively warmer. I’ve seen quite a few runners on the sidewalks of Clarendon as I walk home and I’m always hit with a moment of jealous mixed with a little guilt that I’m not out there running too.
I’ll admit it; I am often jealous of other runners when I see them out running while I drive or walk by them. However, the thought struck me as so funny last night. Why in the world am I jealous? I had such a great, effortless run that morning. What in the world do I need to be jealous of these runners for? Plus, I had just gotten done extolling the joys of running in the morning and here I am lusting after the afternoon runs these people are taking.
Yet, these runners looked so happy in their shorts, missing the hats and gloves and other winter paraphernalia ubiquitous among the morning runners. They bounced past, cheeks and thighs red from the cold or the effort, determination in their eyes, some a bit breathless, others making it appear effortless and I was jealous. My inner 5 year old eye’s were welling up, about to spill and the tantrum was forming in the throat of my inner-toddler, “I waaannnnna run tooooo! Why can’t I run?” *Pout, pout, pout*
The jealousy doesn’t usually last too long and it rarely motivates me to go for a run (mostly because I’ve already run that day). Not a moment after a runner passed me last night; I shook my head and smiled at my own silly thoughts. “I’ve already run my run today, no point wishing I was running some else’s,” I told myself and I think I’ve almost got myself convinced.
Today’s Daily Dozen
Rest/Recovery
Cleaning and Cooking for a Party – that counts!
I’ll admit it; I am often jealous of other runners when I see them out running while I drive or walk by them. However, the thought struck me as so funny last night. Why in the world am I jealous? I had such a great, effortless run that morning. What in the world do I need to be jealous of these runners for? Plus, I had just gotten done extolling the joys of running in the morning and here I am lusting after the afternoon runs these people are taking.
Yet, these runners looked so happy in their shorts, missing the hats and gloves and other winter paraphernalia ubiquitous among the morning runners. They bounced past, cheeks and thighs red from the cold or the effort, determination in their eyes, some a bit breathless, others making it appear effortless and I was jealous. My inner 5 year old eye’s were welling up, about to spill and the tantrum was forming in the throat of my inner-toddler, “I waaannnnna run tooooo! Why can’t I run?” *Pout, pout, pout*
The jealousy doesn’t usually last too long and it rarely motivates me to go for a run (mostly because I’ve already run that day). Not a moment after a runner passed me last night; I shook my head and smiled at my own silly thoughts. “I’ve already run my run today, no point wishing I was running some else’s,” I told myself and I think I’ve almost got myself convinced.
Today’s Daily Dozen
Rest/Recovery
Cleaning and Cooking for a Party – that counts!
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
Monday, February 23, 2009
Stories
I found out a few weeks ago that two former co-workers/current friends have decided to run a marathon for charity.
They’ve chosen to run the Mayor’s Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska so I cannot be there to support them but I am excited to support them through the journey of training for a marathon. Neither one is a runner; although both have been athletic in the past, so I think that they will be able to do it physically. Their success will be riding on their mental ability to maintain consistency during their training and slog through the long, slow miles of their long runs.
It has been fun to share running tips and advice with them and I hope to get a chance to run a training run or two with them. Their enthusiasm and nervous excitement about running the marathon has served to amp up enthusiasm for my own running.
During my long run on Saturday, thinking about what was in store for them, I started to reminisce about my own beginnings. I remembered those early mornings on the treadmill before work, running up to 10 miles at a time, before I found the courage to run all my runs outside (well after my first marathon…and even second). I thought about the excitement that quickly turned to anxiety after I signed up for the marathon and realized that there was no turning back.
Also, I thought about my own marathon experience. I distinctly remember that stomach wrenching feeling within the first mile when I run through a turn on the course, looked behind me and didn’t see a single runner. For the briefest second I thought I was absolute dead last. My stomach nearly dropped out of feet before I realized how preposterous a thought it was and finally a swarm of runners came around the corner.
As I was coming up on the halfway mark in the marathon, I saw my in-laws and my FIL ran along side me with his video camera, asking me how I was doing. On tape, a bit breathlessly I say, “I’m feeling good” but in my mind I was thinking “Good…really? Did I just say ‘good.’ Wow, I guess I really am feeling good. Am I supposed to still feel good? Oh god, am I doing this right?” A minute later, a mini-roar goes up and I see Mike and two friends cheering from the sideline. The image of Mike trying to both cheer AND take pictures was comical. I did; however, feel like a rock star!
During Saturday’s long run, my body started to get tired sooner than it usually doesn’t, probably because I am still recovering from a lingering cold bug and I decided to take a short walk break to eat the Fig Newtons I had brought along with me. As I munched my fruit and cake, I smiled at the memory of the magical banana my Mom had waiting for me at Mile 22 of the marathon; a banana so magical, the mere thought of it pulled me through miles 20 and 21 and gave me the renewed energy (physically and mentally) to get through the final four miles.
I wonder if my friends will have similar experiences. What running stories will they have to tell?
One thing is for sure, just like me, crossing the finish line at the end of their first marathon will be an experience they will not soon forget. It is hard to describe and it just sounds trite when I try to explain the joy, the near-tears, the amazement, the astonishment, the fear, the exhaustion that shot through my body all at once. I thought about this on my long run and I know I had a goofy grin on my face.
As I slowly tromped along the bike path thinking about these things, I realized there seemed to be more runners out and about than usual for a cold, February morning. There were lone runners, tall and lean, gliding along almost gazelle-like, and groups of runners with their waist belt hydration systems that I assume are training for a big race together. I saw small groups of runners, in twos and threes, out for a morning running, chatting away the miles as I imagine they’ve done on nice Saturday mornings for years and years.
I wonder, how many of those runners have their own first marathon stories to share and how many of them are in the process of making them right there on the bike path as we pass?
Today’s Daily Dozen
Skipped XT today because my quads are still sore from Saturday’s long run
They’ve chosen to run the Mayor’s Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska so I cannot be there to support them but I am excited to support them through the journey of training for a marathon. Neither one is a runner; although both have been athletic in the past, so I think that they will be able to do it physically. Their success will be riding on their mental ability to maintain consistency during their training and slog through the long, slow miles of their long runs.
It has been fun to share running tips and advice with them and I hope to get a chance to run a training run or two with them. Their enthusiasm and nervous excitement about running the marathon has served to amp up enthusiasm for my own running.
During my long run on Saturday, thinking about what was in store for them, I started to reminisce about my own beginnings. I remembered those early mornings on the treadmill before work, running up to 10 miles at a time, before I found the courage to run all my runs outside (well after my first marathon…and even second). I thought about the excitement that quickly turned to anxiety after I signed up for the marathon and realized that there was no turning back.
Also, I thought about my own marathon experience. I distinctly remember that stomach wrenching feeling within the first mile when I run through a turn on the course, looked behind me and didn’t see a single runner. For the briefest second I thought I was absolute dead last. My stomach nearly dropped out of feet before I realized how preposterous a thought it was and finally a swarm of runners came around the corner.
As I was coming up on the halfway mark in the marathon, I saw my in-laws and my FIL ran along side me with his video camera, asking me how I was doing. On tape, a bit breathlessly I say, “I’m feeling good” but in my mind I was thinking “Good…really? Did I just say ‘good.’ Wow, I guess I really am feeling good. Am I supposed to still feel good? Oh god, am I doing this right?” A minute later, a mini-roar goes up and I see Mike and two friends cheering from the sideline. The image of Mike trying to both cheer AND take pictures was comical. I did; however, feel like a rock star!
During Saturday’s long run, my body started to get tired sooner than it usually doesn’t, probably because I am still recovering from a lingering cold bug and I decided to take a short walk break to eat the Fig Newtons I had brought along with me. As I munched my fruit and cake, I smiled at the memory of the magical banana my Mom had waiting for me at Mile 22 of the marathon; a banana so magical, the mere thought of it pulled me through miles 20 and 21 and gave me the renewed energy (physically and mentally) to get through the final four miles.
I wonder if my friends will have similar experiences. What running stories will they have to tell?
One thing is for sure, just like me, crossing the finish line at the end of their first marathon will be an experience they will not soon forget. It is hard to describe and it just sounds trite when I try to explain the joy, the near-tears, the amazement, the astonishment, the fear, the exhaustion that shot through my body all at once. I thought about this on my long run and I know I had a goofy grin on my face.
As I slowly tromped along the bike path thinking about these things, I realized there seemed to be more runners out and about than usual for a cold, February morning. There were lone runners, tall and lean, gliding along almost gazelle-like, and groups of runners with their waist belt hydration systems that I assume are training for a big race together. I saw small groups of runners, in twos and threes, out for a morning running, chatting away the miles as I imagine they’ve done on nice Saturday mornings for years and years.
I wonder, how many of those runners have their own first marathon stories to share and how many of them are in the process of making them right there on the bike path as we pass?
Today’s Daily Dozen
Skipped XT today because my quads are still sore from Saturday’s long run
Monday, February 9, 2009
"Old Route"
This weekend’s long run went so well! If I’m honest, I ran it faster than I should have but it felt wonderful to be out there Saturday morning.
I fell asleep Friday night, thinking about the different routes I could take and how to get in 10 miles. Just before I nodded off, I thought, “why not take the old route?”
My “old route” is the along the Custis Bike Trail to the W&OD south toward Alexandria and the airport. It is 10 miles from my usual starting spot to National Airport along the bike trails and I ran this out-and-back route for varying lengths every weekend as I trained for my first marathon. It was comforting during that initial training to become so familiar with the route that I knew exactly what mile I was at and how long it would take me to get home. It was the equivalent of running the “back of my hand” and I credit it with getting me through some tough and anxious moments during my training.
In fact, it wasn’t until the weekend AFTER my first marathon that I made the novel decision to turn east on the bike path and run toward Rosslyn.
Two years later and I’m still exploring the area’s running routes, rarely running that “old route” because it was so familiar. I’ve found a perfect 8 miler that incorporates Roosevelt Island and a hilly but invigorating route that takes me through Arlington National Cemetery. I’ve run to other neighborhoods – Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax. I’ve run home from work and discovered that I love to run commute. I’ve run trails and run to trails to meet up with Mike for a hike. I’ve run in DC as the early morning sun baths the monuments, memorials and museums of our nation’s capitol in soft, peaceful light – the calm before the storm of tourists who descend each weekend.
I’ve run all of these places and hardly given a thought to my old route, the one that got me to the starting line of my first marathon. It hardly seemed fair and as I got ready to run my 10-miler Saturday morning, I decided to give that old route another chance.
I know each turn and hill along the route. I know that the overpass means 1 mile down (or 1 mile to go), the straightaway allows for a speedier end to mile 2, the tennis courts mark 3 miles, mile 4 is hillier with rolling ups and down and the 5 mile turn around spot is just after I pass under that nice stone bridge. Then, I know that all I have to do is follow these spots, tick them off one by one and I’ll be home in no time.
I was relieved that all of this familiarity was still there Saturday morning, almost 2 years since I ran the same route for that last 10 mile long run before my first marathon. And I felt great!
Even as I told myself to slow down and take it easy, the “old route” had energized me more than I expected and I was running fast. I averaged 10:00 miles throughout the run when I should have been closer to 10:30, and I even ran the final mile in 9:05!
I’m still not going to running my old route as regularly and faithfully as I used to, and I am already planning a new 12 mile route for my long run in two weeks, but I know that the “old” and the “familiar” aren’t always a bad thing. In fact, they can sometimes be just the thing to reenergize my runs.
I fell asleep Friday night, thinking about the different routes I could take and how to get in 10 miles. Just before I nodded off, I thought, “why not take the old route?”
My “old route” is the along the Custis Bike Trail to the W&OD south toward Alexandria and the airport. It is 10 miles from my usual starting spot to National Airport along the bike trails and I ran this out-and-back route for varying lengths every weekend as I trained for my first marathon. It was comforting during that initial training to become so familiar with the route that I knew exactly what mile I was at and how long it would take me to get home. It was the equivalent of running the “back of my hand” and I credit it with getting me through some tough and anxious moments during my training.
In fact, it wasn’t until the weekend AFTER my first marathon that I made the novel decision to turn east on the bike path and run toward Rosslyn.
Two years later and I’m still exploring the area’s running routes, rarely running that “old route” because it was so familiar. I’ve found a perfect 8 miler that incorporates Roosevelt Island and a hilly but invigorating route that takes me through Arlington National Cemetery. I’ve run to other neighborhoods – Alexandria, Falls Church, and Fairfax. I’ve run home from work and discovered that I love to run commute. I’ve run trails and run to trails to meet up with Mike for a hike. I’ve run in DC as the early morning sun baths the monuments, memorials and museums of our nation’s capitol in soft, peaceful light – the calm before the storm of tourists who descend each weekend.
I’ve run all of these places and hardly given a thought to my old route, the one that got me to the starting line of my first marathon. It hardly seemed fair and as I got ready to run my 10-miler Saturday morning, I decided to give that old route another chance.
I know each turn and hill along the route. I know that the overpass means 1 mile down (or 1 mile to go), the straightaway allows for a speedier end to mile 2, the tennis courts mark 3 miles, mile 4 is hillier with rolling ups and down and the 5 mile turn around spot is just after I pass under that nice stone bridge. Then, I know that all I have to do is follow these spots, tick them off one by one and I’ll be home in no time.
I was relieved that all of this familiarity was still there Saturday morning, almost 2 years since I ran the same route for that last 10 mile long run before my first marathon. And I felt great!
Even as I told myself to slow down and take it easy, the “old route” had energized me more than I expected and I was running fast. I averaged 10:00 miles throughout the run when I should have been closer to 10:30, and I even ran the final mile in 9:05!
I’m still not going to running my old route as regularly and faithfully as I used to, and I am already planning a new 12 mile route for my long run in two weeks, but I know that the “old” and the “familiar” aren’t always a bad thing. In fact, they can sometimes be just the thing to reenergize my runs.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Be Prepared
One of the things I’ve noticed about non-runners and runners who run almost exclusively on the treadmill in comparison to runners who run almost exclusively outside is the perception of what constitutes bad weather.
Fifty degrees and slightly overcast is perfect running weather. Rain usually isn’t an issue. Even cold and snow can be a good thing. However, to non-runners or runners who view the temperature controlled environment of a treadmill, these conditions are believed to be ideal.
This contradiction hit me as I was cooling down and walking home after my run this morning. I ran 3.5 miles in a light, wet snow that was hardly sticking to the ground but when it did it was mostly slush. Whenever I run in snow like this I imagine that this is what it must be like to run inside a snow globe because the wet snow resembles glitter as it falls past street lights along the bike path. The idea always makes me smile.
However, it struck me that most people wouldn’t see my run this morning as a “good” one. Most people would hear early morning run in wet snow and assume it took some massive feat of willpower that brought out to the streets this morning. Non-runners and treadmill runners may think the act of running in this morning’s conditions is impressive, or insane, or some combination of the two.
I started thinking that with the right gear I can run in just about any weather and enjoy it. To steal from the Boy Scouts, “be prepared” is my motto for enjoying running all year round.
In fact, braving the elements in running and discovering that not only can I “brave” them but can have a good run in spite, and even sometimes because, of them has given me the necessary mindset to seek out other activities in less than ideal situations. Hiking during the winter just required some additional layers. Skiing? Running tights and waterproof pants worked great this time, whereas I remember being very good last time. Inauguration in temperatures in the twenties? No problem!
Last year, I might have shied away from these things during the winter because I was afraid of the cold but I have nothing to fear from the cold. Or even the heat for that matter. As long as I have the right tools and equipment, temperature and weather do not make a run good or bad.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
3.5 miles run
Core workout @ lunch hour
Fifty degrees and slightly overcast is perfect running weather. Rain usually isn’t an issue. Even cold and snow can be a good thing. However, to non-runners or runners who view the temperature controlled environment of a treadmill, these conditions are believed to be ideal.
This contradiction hit me as I was cooling down and walking home after my run this morning. I ran 3.5 miles in a light, wet snow that was hardly sticking to the ground but when it did it was mostly slush. Whenever I run in snow like this I imagine that this is what it must be like to run inside a snow globe because the wet snow resembles glitter as it falls past street lights along the bike path. The idea always makes me smile.
However, it struck me that most people wouldn’t see my run this morning as a “good” one. Most people would hear early morning run in wet snow and assume it took some massive feat of willpower that brought out to the streets this morning. Non-runners and treadmill runners may think the act of running in this morning’s conditions is impressive, or insane, or some combination of the two.
I started thinking that with the right gear I can run in just about any weather and enjoy it. To steal from the Boy Scouts, “be prepared” is my motto for enjoying running all year round.
In fact, braving the elements in running and discovering that not only can I “brave” them but can have a good run in spite, and even sometimes because, of them has given me the necessary mindset to seek out other activities in less than ideal situations. Hiking during the winter just required some additional layers. Skiing? Running tights and waterproof pants worked great this time, whereas I remember being very good last time. Inauguration in temperatures in the twenties? No problem!
Last year, I might have shied away from these things during the winter because I was afraid of the cold but I have nothing to fear from the cold. Or even the heat for that matter. As long as I have the right tools and equipment, temperature and weather do not make a run good or bad.
Today’s Daily Dozen:
3.5 miles run
Core workout @ lunch hour
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Bad Run
What a relief, I had a bad run.
Since I started running two months ago, after recovery from a foot injury, I've been waiting for a bad run, that one bad run where everything goes wrong and you've got to convince yourself not walk – not for an obvious reason like pain but rather because something mentally is telling you, you can't run.
I woke up early on Saturday morning, ready to face my step-back long run of 5 miles, thinking, "Five miles, not a problem, I can pop that off in under an hour." Since there was still an hour until sunrise, I decided to wait out that hour and leave when it was light outside.
I putzed around and slowly gathered my stuff together, finally got dressed about an hour after waking up and took off for the five-miler. However, within 10 steps of starting to run, I realized something was wrong. I felt sluggish and just as quickly realized the problem; I had forgotten to eat my banana or even drink a glass of water this morning. I was running on yesterday's energy tank!
I toyed with the idea of turning around, going back home, getting a banana and proper hydration but I knew that as soon as I got home it would have been hard to convince myself to come back out. If this was to be the bad run, I might as well suck it up and get it over with so I could stop wondering when it would hit.
The two hills in the first mile of my normal five mile route were a struggle, much more than usual and they sent my heart rate way up. As I gasped for air and felt my heart try to jump out through my ears, I started getting scared. What if I can't make it? I know this is the bad run but what if it becomes the run to end all runs. Forget having to walk for part of it, what if I can't…just can't…finish the run.
As I tried to recover from the hills, I told myself, all I need to do is make it to that straight away by that pretty house that marks 2 miles. I was running on fear as opposed to actual, real energy so I didn't dare look at my watch to see my distance or my pace; I just focused on the next landmark.
As I hit that stretch of the trail that meant I was 2 miles in to the run, I started telling myself, "all I have to do is make it to the tennis courts, that's the 5k mark, just get to the tennis courts." I turned it in to a chant, repeating it over and over in my head, "ten-nis-courts-ten-nis-
As I ran under the overpass and saw the tennis court emerge along the trail, I heard my watch beep off the three mile mark but I put it out of my mind. At this point, numbers didn't matter, distance and pace were irrelevant. All that mattered was that I was still 2 miles from home and the only way I was going to make it home was by the power of my own two feet. If I walked, it meant that the bad run would just last longer so I had to run if I wanted it to end.
The bad run was the monster chasing me and if I just ran fast enough and stayed ahead of it, I might make it to safety.
After the tennis courts, I focused on mile 4. This mile was tough because it is along a straight section of the bike path, with few turns or landmarks to focus on but I knew that the intersection at the end of it would get me to that soccer field, in that park, where I ran that race last summer…and the turn on to Fairfax Drive. Once I hit Fairfax drive, I knew I could make it home no matter what so I just had to grit my teeth, focus on the intersection and put mile 4 and the bad run that much closer to being behind me.
I focused on the things I knew. There are those rocks we had an impromptu PB&J picnic at that one time. There is that house we looked at last summer; I don't remember it being that shade of green. Is that the intersection up ahead in the distance? Oh, I smell McDonald's French fries, yup, that's the intersection, just dig a little deeper and get there!!
Before I knew it, I was turning off the bike path and on to Fairfax drive. I had just over ¾ of a mile to go and I was going to make it. I ran to the metro station, turned right and then left down the small road across from the mall. Next I just had to get to that yoga studio and then after that the construction site. Once I get to the construction site, the park next to our apartment building is just a block away. That park, by that church, where they sometimes hand out soup to the homeless, if I got there, it would be a complete 5 miles and I would have a 2 block walk to home.
All these things are running through my head as I slug out that last mile, not daring to look at my watch and hoping that I hit all the traffic lights right because if I have to stop for a signal, I'm afraid I won't start up again.
And then, I am at the park and I hit the stop button my watch. The watch reads 5.02 miles in 50:29! Impossible! I can't believe it! That is way too fast for a long run, especially one that felt so belaboring. When I check out my paces, my last mile was actually in the 9:20s. My bad run, where every step was coerced, ends up being a speed workout?
The long run should have been a long slow run but fear can be a powerful motivator when it is chasing you down a bike path at 7:30 in the morning. Bad run – DONE!
Today's Daily Dozen:
1 hour interval walk on the treadmill, 60 pushups interspersed (15 at a time)
Core workout @ lunch hour
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Rainy Run
My footsteps sound different as they hit the wet pavement this morning. The cars are louder as I run along the portion of the bike path that is under an overpass. In fact, the sound of the cars zooming down the dark, drenched highway is near deafening and I can no longer hear my own footsteps or the keys jingling in my pocket. The Garmin beeps an alert for the first mile split but it was lost in the din.
As I began my three mile run this morning, running through a steady rain, I started thinking about how running in the rain is a different experience. It is different on a sensory level because of how it sounds, feels, and looks. The sound of this morning's run is just what I noticed first. There are fewer people out on the trails this morning because of the rain and in fact, I got so comfortable with the solitude that when I did hear someone say, "On your left!" I practically jumped off the path from fright. The voice was so out of place amid the raindrops hitting the pavement, cars swooshing by and my wet footsteps as I unsuccessfully navigate the puddles, splashing through them.
As I am writing this, I am also wondering about all the sounds that were missing from this morning's run compared to a normal (read: drier) run. No dogs were barking or birds tweeting, welcoming the coming sun. Without people, there were no bike tires whizzing passed or almost-whispered conversations that I only catch bits of as I slide passed, "Well, I told her, there was no way I was going…"
After I go back home, it wasn't until then that I realized I was soaked but not in the usual way. Normally, when I come home I am wet from sweating and so, wet from the inside out. However, on a rainy day, it is the opposite. My entire outer layer was soaked, especially the front thighs of my running tights and I had no idea until I got home. I was more or less oblivious to the feel of the rain while I was running and didn't notice it until I was inside, out of the rain.
Also, running in the rain, while I don't seem to notice the wetness of the rain, really gets me jazzed to be out running. Something about facing the rain and still going out for a run, makes me feel powerful. It makes me feel like there isn't a thing out there that could stop me and as a result, some of my best runs are runs in the rain. This morning I took off for the first mile to warm up and felt great. By the time I realized I was on mile two, I decided to let loose and pushed the pace, it felt great. I was zooming down the bike path. I ran fast this morning, much faster than I normally would on an easy day.
The look of a rainy day run is unusual, especially when I wear my glasses, and I like it. My run this morning was viewed through rain-speckled glasses. The streetlights and car headlights reflected and refracted in the drops on my glasses and every five minutes or so, I would have to use my gloves like a windshield wiper to be able to see. Towards the end of the run my glasses even started to fog up on me. I can only imagine what I look like to the people in the passing cars.
Needless to say, my run this morning was invigorating and exhilarating. It was a break from the routine and forces me to hear, feel and see my run and route differently. I ran well and I ran fast because it was an old experience made new.
Today's Daily Dozen:
3.01 miles run in the rain, 29:25
Walking on treadmill w/ inclines @ lunch hour, very light
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Race Anticipation
There is a certain amount of anticipation and excitement that precedes and follows a race registration. I have found this to be especially true for races in the DC Metro area because they are so high profile. Last year, the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler filled up its online registration numbers in 4 hours! Ten thousand runners signed up within four hours of the online registration opening. Incredible!
At 7:50 this morning, I logged on to the race's website and completed my registration for the 2009 race and I'm looking forward to running it with a friend, Katie. I run alone 99% of the time and it is usually early morning so I feel like I have the trails and roads to myself. I could go anywhere and discover anything while I'm out on my daily adventures. I love the solitude and treasure being alone with my thoughts.
However, I tend to get lonely during races. Being in a crowd of thousands of runners without someone to run with makes me lonely but being on a nearly deserted bike trail is soothing. I look forward to running races with someone else but I have so few people in my life who run so those races are always something I look forward to with a sense of eagerness.
One of my favorite races was a 5K I did last December in Dover, DE with my in-laws. My MIL had run a 44 minute 5K the previous summer and was looking to break her time so my FIL and I paced her through it. It was so much to run the race with them and I was so excited for her when she crossed the finish line in 38 minutes!! It was my first 5K and that 38 minute PR stood for several months. I am prouder of those 38 minutes than I am of my current "actual" PR of 26 minutes.
Katie is aiming for a 90 minute 10 miler in April and I hope to be able to pace her to her goal. (Fingers crossed that my pace really has increased and that I won't actually be holding her back!)
Circuit Training in the gym
- Warm up walking briskly for 3 minutes.
- Walk easy at a slight incline for 12 minutes
- Perform one set of lunges - 15 on each leg
- 15-20 push ups (full or modified on your knees)
- Walk at a comfortably hard effort level & high incline for 3 minutes
- Perform one set of Overhead Press & Squat - 15 repetitions
- Perform one set of 20 Lateral Step-Up with Kick on each leg
- Walk at a comfortably hard effort level & high incline for 3 minute
- Perform One Arm Row (or Lat Pull/Row Machine) 8-12 reps
- Perform one set of Running Planks* - 15 on each side
- Run 15 minutes at a comfortably hard effort level
Monday, December 8, 2008
Run on a Cold, Winter Morning
I was practically gliding over the streets this morning. My stride felt effortless, breathing was steady and strong, and feet were light and quick. About halfway through this morning's run, I realized that I should be more thankful for rest days because when I actually rest when I'm scheduled to rest, my run the following day is usually a good one. (Obvious, yes…Does that mean I always remember it, no).
As I ran through the dark streets of my neighborhood, I was thankful to be able to run once again. I missed being outside before the sun came up, silently slipping through neighborhoods, exploring under the cover darkness. There is a whole different world going on before the sun illuminates the world. I share the trails and streets not only with a (very) few runners, cyclists and dog walkers but also with the people who deliver the newspapers papers, the street cleaners and the men making bread deliveries to the restaurants.
I feel almost conspiratorial because I'm one of a few people who are experiencing this time of day in this way. The day is still asleep and so are most of the people. Those who are awake are mostly on their way to work. How many of them are exhilarated with what they are doing at that exact moment?
I'm running with a secret and as much I love to run, I'm not so sure I want to share these mornings with too many other runners. Everyone else can stick to the treadmills and gyms on their lunch hour or evening runs. I want to keep the morning run for my own. More people try to join this clandestine running movement during the spring and summer when the weather is warmer and the sun comes up earlier but as fall turns to winter they rarely stick around.
They're missing the cold, raw winter mornings when running fast isn't just a desire but a necessity for generating warmth. Do they know how satisfying it is to run, not because of perfect conditions, but in spite of them?
Today's Daily Dozen:
Run - 3.05 miles (5 min. run/1 min. walk x 7 intervals)
1 hour walk @ lunch hour
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Perfect Strangers
Now that I am starting my runs an hour later in the morning, I no longer catch the trash truck emptying park trash cans and I sort of miss it. I remember the first morning I ran by the park, it was pitch-black and from the other side of the block, I see huge truck headlights drive through the parking lot and right into the park, right up on the grass. The headlights stopped for a short time, 30 seconds at most, I heard some men talking briefly, and then the truck took off...towards the sidewalk I was running on. The truck bumped back on to the street and it took off in the other direction.
Needless to say, I was confused and a might concerned. That morning's run went by quick as all sorts of visions, conspiracy theories and strange explanations went through my mind When I saw them again the next morning, the conspiracy theories grew until I caught a better look at the truck and realized it was a county sanitation truck. I felt a little goofy but I got a good laugh out of it and every time I happened to time my morning run right and caught them in the park, I couldn't help but smile.
I used to see the same runners every morning, particularly an older gentleman in a white singlet and white hat. We would nod good morning as we passed one another - him finishing his
run, me just starting mine. There were the two women out walking, chatting away as they huffed and puffed up and down the hills. I miss the cyclist who would shade his bike lamp with his hand when we he saw me coming, making the rest of the cyclists seem rude for not making the same consideration.
As I began my run this morning, 3 min. run/1 min. walk x 9 intervals, I thought about this cast of regulars that had become a part of my routine. I'm curious, are they still going about their routines now that it is getting colder? Are they making progress - getting faster, going longer, losing weight? Have they noticed my absense from the trails in the past two months? Do they wonder what happened to me?
As I passed runners, dog-walkers and cyclists this morning, I speculated about which ones would become a regular part of my new running routine. Which of these strangers will I come to
depend on seeing each morning?
Today's Daily Dozen:
3.37 mile run
Core Workout @ lunch hour
Needless to say, I was confused and a might concerned. That morning's run went by quick as all sorts of visions, conspiracy theories and strange explanations went through my mind When I saw them again the next morning, the conspiracy theories grew until I caught a better look at the truck and realized it was a county sanitation truck. I felt a little goofy but I got a good laugh out of it and every time I happened to time my morning run right and caught them in the park, I couldn't help but smile.
I used to see the same runners every morning, particularly an older gentleman in a white singlet and white hat. We would nod good morning as we passed one another - him finishing his
run, me just starting mine. There were the two women out walking, chatting away as they huffed and puffed up and down the hills. I miss the cyclist who would shade his bike lamp with his hand when we he saw me coming, making the rest of the cyclists seem rude for not making the same consideration.
As I began my run this morning, 3 min. run/1 min. walk x 9 intervals, I thought about this cast of regulars that had become a part of my routine. I'm curious, are they still going about their routines now that it is getting colder? Are they making progress - getting faster, going longer, losing weight? Have they noticed my absense from the trails in the past two months? Do they wonder what happened to me?
As I passed runners, dog-walkers and cyclists this morning, I speculated about which ones would become a regular part of my new running routine. Which of these strangers will I come to
depend on seeing each morning?
Today's Daily Dozen:
3.37 mile run
Core Workout @ lunch hour
Monday, December 1, 2008
Once (Again) A Runner
I was a bit apprehensive as I pulled on my running tights and vest this morning. Is it possible for someone to forget how to run?
As I headed out the door into the cold, dark morning, I was struck by the fact that the last time I headed out for a run before work, I was in shorts and a T-shirt and now, two months later, I'm in tights, a short sleeve short, a long sleeve shrit, a puffy vest, beanie and gloves. The last time I headed out for an early morning run I did 9 miles with ease and here I was, nervous about 30 minutes!
I told myself to put aside those negative thoughts and set my Garmin to an Interval workout - 2 minutes of running, 1 minute of rest, 10 times. I walked the familiar route to my usual starting point for a 3-miler and the routine of it comforted me. Of course I would be able to do this run, I've done it a million times before.
And then, I ran. Two minutes on, 1 minute off. I ran. I walked. I repeated. The running felt harder than I remember it; my breathing was heavier and my legs didn't feel as light but my foot, or any other body part, never protested.
As I got in to the rhythm of running and walking, it struck me that 2 months ago I was working at a previous job and woke up to run an hour earlier than I did this morning. This morning the traffic was louder, there were more people out and about, and it didn't seem as still and calm at 6 o'clock than I remember it at 5 o'clock in the morning.
Then, the run was over. 10 run/walk intervals went by quickly and I felt relief as I cooled-down on the walk home. My apprehension and nerves seemed a little silly but I am happy to be a runner again.
Today's Daily Dozen:
2.75 miles - run/walk
Strength Training workout @ lunch hour
As I headed out the door into the cold, dark morning, I was struck by the fact that the last time I headed out for a run before work, I was in shorts and a T-shirt and now, two months later, I'm in tights, a short sleeve short, a long sleeve shrit, a puffy vest, beanie and gloves. The last time I headed out for an early morning run I did 9 miles with ease and here I was, nervous about 30 minutes!
I told myself to put aside those negative thoughts and set my Garmin to an Interval workout - 2 minutes of running, 1 minute of rest, 10 times. I walked the familiar route to my usual starting point for a 3-miler and the routine of it comforted me. Of course I would be able to do this run, I've done it a million times before.
And then, I ran. Two minutes on, 1 minute off. I ran. I walked. I repeated. The running felt harder than I remember it; my breathing was heavier and my legs didn't feel as light but my foot, or any other body part, never protested.
As I got in to the rhythm of running and walking, it struck me that 2 months ago I was working at a previous job and woke up to run an hour earlier than I did this morning. This morning the traffic was louder, there were more people out and about, and it didn't seem as still and calm at 6 o'clock than I remember it at 5 o'clock in the morning.
Then, the run was over. 10 run/walk intervals went by quickly and I felt relief as I cooled-down on the walk home. My apprehension and nerves seemed a little silly but I am happy to be a runner again.
Today's Daily Dozen:
2.75 miles - run/walk
Strength Training workout @ lunch hour
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