After yesterday's post about how wonderful it is to see how much your body can handle, I had quite the rude awakening. This morning, my morning off, I decided to not set my alarm and wake up naturally because the forecast was predicting a high of 86 for today and (comparably) that's pretty comfy.
I woke up at 8:30 and was out the door running by 9. Everything went well until I actually started running; I hit a brick wall only a few minutes into my run and was never able to regain any comfort.
On the surface, I blame the horrible (and very, very abbreviated: only 1.7 miles) run on my forgetfullness. I usually grab half a banana before a 4-5 mile run and, because I was so worried about sunscreen, eating a snack completely flew out of my mind.
But I think the cause of the suckiness is actually deeper. My eating habits have been terrible lately; either I eat way too much junk or not enough healthy...I have no clue what happened to my happy medium, but I'm guessing the balance disappeared when I had to stop running regularly and I have yet to gain it back since I don't really have a firm running schedule in place yet. Dehydration also takes some of the blame because there is no way I could get cramps as bad as I did just because I forgot to eat half a banana...no way in heck.
So, I learned my lesson. In a runner's world, food and drink are excruciatingly important, especially when the summer weather hits. Things could have been much worse, but thankfully I pushed aside my ego and stopped.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Heat, heat go away. Don't come back another day.
I'm a person that completely loves summer. But when it goes from 60 degrees to 95+ degrees in one day, I am not a happy camper...especially upon discovering that, in fact, our air conditioner is not working (thankfully it's up and running now, knock on wood).
Up until the crazy heat started, my running was going well. I PRed at a pretty difficult 10k that usually kicks by butt and finished strongly in a 7.40 pace. Go me. But yesterday's run, my first in the real summer heat, was brutal.
At 6:45 in the morning, it was already 75 degrees and 82 percent humidity. But I was in the mood for a run so I got dressed and headed out the door, feeling optimistic and still a bit sleepy headed. And while I'm glad I went out for a run, I was completely dragging. My 4 mile run quickly transformed into a 3 mile jog that was difficult for me to just finish. I was sweating like a man, cursing the sun for beating down on me, and wondering I wasn't in bed like any other sane person would be before a long day at work.
When I got back into my non-air conditioned house, it looked as if I had jumped into a pool; that is how sweaty I was. I didn't realize my body could produce that much liquid. But as much as I am complaining about it, and as much as I hated it, runs like that are why I run. Sure, everyone loves a perfect run but it's the runs that make you push yourself that make you realize how amazing the human body is.
Thankfully the temperature should be lowering down to the mid-80s tomorrow and I'm crossing my fingers that tomorrow morning's run won't be quite as blistering. It was, however, nice to see that I could take a little heat (pun intended).
Up until the crazy heat started, my running was going well. I PRed at a pretty difficult 10k that usually kicks by butt and finished strongly in a 7.40 pace. Go me. But yesterday's run, my first in the real summer heat, was brutal.
At 6:45 in the morning, it was already 75 degrees and 82 percent humidity. But I was in the mood for a run so I got dressed and headed out the door, feeling optimistic and still a bit sleepy headed. And while I'm glad I went out for a run, I was completely dragging. My 4 mile run quickly transformed into a 3 mile jog that was difficult for me to just finish. I was sweating like a man, cursing the sun for beating down on me, and wondering I wasn't in bed like any other sane person would be before a long day at work.
When I got back into my non-air conditioned house, it looked as if I had jumped into a pool; that is how sweaty I was. I didn't realize my body could produce that much liquid. But as much as I am complaining about it, and as much as I hated it, runs like that are why I run. Sure, everyone loves a perfect run but it's the runs that make you push yourself that make you realize how amazing the human body is.
Thankfully the temperature should be lowering down to the mid-80s tomorrow and I'm crossing my fingers that tomorrow morning's run won't be quite as blistering. It was, however, nice to see that I could take a little heat (pun intended).
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Figures...
It figures that as soon as I make my blogging "re-debut" I have a grueling and mediocre run.
I was in a complete running mood, feeling very gung-ho towards a route that used to kick my butt and come back for more. So I laced up my shoes, headed out the door, and started off at a fairly decent pace. I practically glided up and down the first hill...it wasn't until the very gradual uphill that I started feeling like my legs were made of lead, which leads me to believe that I am far better at running up steep hills because it is such a mental thing. Long, gradual hills just hurt (in my opinion).
Instead of pushing through a fatigued 4 mile run, I stopped at two with a vow that I'm going to run 4 tomorrow morning. During the middle of a training cycle I probably would have forced myself to keep going, but since I'm just coming off a healing knee, I'd rather stay fairly recreational at this point. I'm feeling antsy to go for a jog now (or "yog" as I playfully like to call it) but I know better.
I was in a complete running mood, feeling very gung-ho towards a route that used to kick my butt and come back for more. So I laced up my shoes, headed out the door, and started off at a fairly decent pace. I practically glided up and down the first hill...it wasn't until the very gradual uphill that I started feeling like my legs were made of lead, which leads me to believe that I am far better at running up steep hills because it is such a mental thing. Long, gradual hills just hurt (in my opinion).
Instead of pushing through a fatigued 4 mile run, I stopped at two with a vow that I'm going to run 4 tomorrow morning. During the middle of a training cycle I probably would have forced myself to keep going, but since I'm just coming off a healing knee, I'd rather stay fairly recreational at this point. I'm feeling antsy to go for a jog now (or "yog" as I playfully like to call it) but I know better.
I'm baaackboo
After almost 2 months of no running, I am more than happy to say that I. Am. Back! Of course back does not equal as good as new, so I am trying to keep my mileage low for a while and re-enter the running world slowly.
A brief recap of this week's running:
Sunday - 5 mile race - 38.47 min.
Monday - Rest - yardwork & walk
Tuesday - 4 mile run
Wednesday - 2 mile run
Thursday - 4 mile run
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Rest/easy jog
Sunday - 10k race
It's so great to be back!
A brief recap of this week's running:
Sunday - 5 mile race - 38.47 min.
Monday - Rest - yardwork & walk
Tuesday - 4 mile run
Wednesday - 2 mile run
Thursday - 4 mile run
Friday - Rest
Saturday - Rest/easy jog
Sunday - 10k race
It's so great to be back!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Good news and bad news
I feel like I haven't posted in forever...just like I feel I haven't been running forever. But in reality, it's only be 3 weeks. Hopefully this will be the last week of complete rest. Ever since decided to stop cross training and just focus on resting/yoga/stretching, my knee pain improved by leaps and bounds. It still gets twingy and tight but nothing compared to the beginning of last week; the pain flare ups are fewer and farther in between and that's great news.
I've been tempted to go do a test run but somehow I've managed to talk myself out of that; I know my body needs the rest and running before I feel confident that I would not cause a setback in healing would be stupid. So sometime towards the end of next week my running should be making a slow comeback...hopefully.
The bad news is that I've managed to come down with a stomach bug that just won't quit. It started bothering me yesterday morning, peaked yesterday afternoon, and is now decided that it doesn't really want to leave me alone today. I definitely feel much better than yesterday but I still have that "feed me ginger and crackers or else I'll rebel" feeling, which is never fun.
Oh well. It's Wednesday and we're halfway through the week!
I've been tempted to go do a test run but somehow I've managed to talk myself out of that; I know my body needs the rest and running before I feel confident that I would not cause a setback in healing would be stupid. So sometime towards the end of next week my running should be making a slow comeback...hopefully.
The bad news is that I've managed to come down with a stomach bug that just won't quit. It started bothering me yesterday morning, peaked yesterday afternoon, and is now decided that it doesn't really want to leave me alone today. I definitely feel much better than yesterday but I still have that "feed me ginger and crackers or else I'll rebel" feeling, which is never fun.
Oh well. It's Wednesday and we're halfway through the week!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Back from the dead
I've been reluctant to post here lately because I have been feeling a bit down about not being able to run. I know that I should be glad that I'm giving my body the time to rest and heal, but lately even things like walking down stairs have started to cause a knee pain flare so I've stopped all "athletic activity" for the week (i.e. no swimming and cycling for me this week). Deciding to take a nearly complete rest week was difficult but I want my knee to heal as soon as possible and this seems like the best possible way to do that.
With that said, I have started to do yoga again. Some poses start to make my knee feel a little iffy but as long as I don't put any unnecessary pressure on it, everything is fine and dandy. Plus poses like warrior will help get my leg strength back up.
My first "back to yoga" class was yesterday. Before that I hadn't taken yoga since January. I used to be in a fabulous habit of taking at least 3 yoga classes a week but I (obviously) fell out of that habit. But I need to get back into it; my muscles were screaming tightness yesterday. Even sitting in lotus pose made my hip flexors cry. That is not good. At all. It's amazing what muscles aren't reached during plain 'ole stretching...(and it's amazing what muscles yoga works. I admit that my arms are a bit sore today).
I'm hoping the combination of yoga and rest will provide my body the basis for good healing. We'll see.
With that said, I have started to do yoga again. Some poses start to make my knee feel a little iffy but as long as I don't put any unnecessary pressure on it, everything is fine and dandy. Plus poses like warrior will help get my leg strength back up.
My first "back to yoga" class was yesterday. Before that I hadn't taken yoga since January. I used to be in a fabulous habit of taking at least 3 yoga classes a week but I (obviously) fell out of that habit. But I need to get back into it; my muscles were screaming tightness yesterday. Even sitting in lotus pose made my hip flexors cry. That is not good. At all. It's amazing what muscles aren't reached during plain 'ole stretching...(and it's amazing what muscles yoga works. I admit that my arms are a bit sore today).
I'm hoping the combination of yoga and rest will provide my body the basis for good healing. We'll see.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Who woulda thunk it
Never in a million years did I think that I would choose swimming over cycling. But I did this morning; I had been planning on doing a 30 minute bike ride followed by a 45 minute swim but I just couldn't handle the idea of sitting on a spinning bike for 45 minutes, overheating and wishing I could be running. So I decided to swim.
I always lose track of how many laps I've done so I've just been using time as a determinant. Today I swam for an hour; I did 20 minutes of breaststroke, 17 minutes of kicking drills, and 23 more minutes of breaststroke. I need to do more research on swimming drills and test them out to see which ones aggravate my knee and which ones don't because I know that being stuck with breaststroke only is going to get old very quickly.
I also did some leg exercises this morning. I haven't talked to the physical therapist yet because she's booked up until the end of this week but I do have a list of exercises that I got the last time I went through physical therapy so I've been trying to do those at least once or twice a day and I do think that they're helping (wow, run-on sentence). I haven't been in tremendous pain the past two days (knock on wood).
I always lose track of how many laps I've done so I've just been using time as a determinant. Today I swam for an hour; I did 20 minutes of breaststroke, 17 minutes of kicking drills, and 23 more minutes of breaststroke. I need to do more research on swimming drills and test them out to see which ones aggravate my knee and which ones don't because I know that being stuck with breaststroke only is going to get old very quickly.
I also did some leg exercises this morning. I haven't talked to the physical therapist yet because she's booked up until the end of this week but I do have a list of exercises that I got the last time I went through physical therapy so I've been trying to do those at least once or twice a day and I do think that they're helping (wow, run-on sentence). I haven't been in tremendous pain the past two days (knock on wood).
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Well that was interesting...
I woke up this morning with a much happier knee. It still hurts, but not nearly as bad as yesterday...thank goodness. I was actually able to walk without tremendous pain (knock on wood) and the stairs are getting much easier to deal with.
I've been focusing on proper alignment when I'm walking up and down the stairs and I think that's been helping a lot. I know that my alignment is way off because I can barely balance on my injured leg but the balance on my non-injured leg is fine. Suspicious.
Tomorrow I'm going to call up the rec center's physical therapist and see if I can get an appointment with her, just for an opinion and maybe some exercises that will help me out.
Anywho, despite the fact that it's beautiful out (warm, sunny, wonderful) and I would love to be running right now I still managed to get in a good workout. I headed to the gym (woe is me) and lifted weights for about 30 minutes (I'm guessing, I don't know what time I started). I only worked on arms so I wouldn't aggravate my knee and I'm definitely going to be sore tomorrow. But I've decided that free weight are much better than the machines. Not to mention the fact that there isn't really a wait for the free weights.
After lifting I jumped in the pool for a 45 minute swim. Getting back in the pool after a long break is always such a strange feeling but enjoyable none the less. I started out with freestyle only to learn that it, in fact, really irritates my knee. So I switched to breaststroke and continued to swim pain free. For the last 15 minutes I grabbed a kickboard and did some kicking drills just. Honestly, I was shocked by the fact that freestyle irritated my knee while breastroke didn't; I was expecting just the opposite.
Following my workout, I sat in the hot tub for 10 minutes. That really helped to loosen my legs; I will most definitely be doing that again because I felt such an improvement.
It's funny how my least favorite tri leg (swimming) is very much growing on me. I never expected this one bit.
I've been focusing on proper alignment when I'm walking up and down the stairs and I think that's been helping a lot. I know that my alignment is way off because I can barely balance on my injured leg but the balance on my non-injured leg is fine. Suspicious.
Tomorrow I'm going to call up the rec center's physical therapist and see if I can get an appointment with her, just for an opinion and maybe some exercises that will help me out.
Anywho, despite the fact that it's beautiful out (warm, sunny, wonderful) and I would love to be running right now I still managed to get in a good workout. I headed to the gym (woe is me) and lifted weights for about 30 minutes (I'm guessing, I don't know what time I started). I only worked on arms so I wouldn't aggravate my knee and I'm definitely going to be sore tomorrow. But I've decided that free weight are much better than the machines. Not to mention the fact that there isn't really a wait for the free weights.
After lifting I jumped in the pool for a 45 minute swim. Getting back in the pool after a long break is always such a strange feeling but enjoyable none the less. I started out with freestyle only to learn that it, in fact, really irritates my knee. So I switched to breaststroke and continued to swim pain free. For the last 15 minutes I grabbed a kickboard and did some kicking drills just. Honestly, I was shocked by the fact that freestyle irritated my knee while breastroke didn't; I was expecting just the opposite.
Following my workout, I sat in the hot tub for 10 minutes. That really helped to loosen my legs; I will most definitely be doing that again because I felt such an improvement.
It's funny how my least favorite tri leg (swimming) is very much growing on me. I never expected this one bit.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
The hardest decision yet
I have decided to stop running until April. I really really want to run and I want to get on with my training plan, but the knee pain is just not making that possible right now and I don't want to get even more injured. Between yesterday and today I have had a major flare up and attempting to run on it tomorrow would only be stupid.
So I will be biking and swimming and weight lifting until April 1, when I will hopefully feel well enough to run. And 2 months definitely isn't the ideal training time for a half marathon...at all...but considering I "trained" in a month last year, I know that I'll at least be able to finish on that much training (plus all the cross training).
I'm not happy about this decision (at all) but it's what I need to do.
So I will be biking and swimming and weight lifting until April 1, when I will hopefully feel well enough to run. And 2 months definitely isn't the ideal training time for a half marathon...at all...but considering I "trained" in a month last year, I know that I'll at least be able to finish on that much training (plus all the cross training).
I'm not happy about this decision (at all) but it's what I need to do.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Me and The Stick
My leg muscles are SO unbelievably tight. I am cringing at the horrible-ness of this predicament that I have gotten myself into; kicking myself in the head, even. Even yoga was painful...I only made it through 5 minutes before decided that I was probably doing more harm than good. So tonight (well, after I write this post) I am going to be spending some quality time with The Stick. I really really hope it helps.
I did a slow, dreadful 40 minute run today. Alright, dreadful is a bit of a strong word because I really did enjoy being out in the fresh air...but my legs were heavy and tight and I felt like I was absolutely dragging. My knee was tight (and the pain has flared up since then). And then I almost got hit by a careening cyclist who failed to mention that he was going to speed past me with about an inch between us. Definitely not my best run ever.
Thank goodness tomorrow is a rest day. I am planning on going to a yoga class, but that is going to be played by ear. I am also going to make a trip to the weight room; I found the exercise list from my PT sessions so I'm going to do some of those.
I did a slow, dreadful 40 minute run today. Alright, dreadful is a bit of a strong word because I really did enjoy being out in the fresh air...but my legs were heavy and tight and I felt like I was absolutely dragging. My knee was tight (and the pain has flared up since then). And then I almost got hit by a careening cyclist who failed to mention that he was going to speed past me with about an inch between us. Definitely not my best run ever.
Thank goodness tomorrow is a rest day. I am planning on going to a yoga class, but that is going to be played by ear. I am also going to make a trip to the weight room; I found the exercise list from my PT sessions so I'm going to do some of those.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Ready to run
Today is the first day of my half marathon training plan. But instead of running, I rode the bike. Why? Because I'm still terrified that my knee is going to rebel and because, according to my training plan, Mondays should be a cross training/rest day. So I cross trained.
The running starts tomorrow and I am more than apprehensive about the entire thing. I absolutely love running and I absolutely love half marathons (they are without a doubt my favorite running distance) but after 3 injured Marches, I'm wondering how I should go about this.
I definitely need to do more stretching and yoga; that is an absolute given. I also think I need to get into the gym and do some weight training. But since I've never really weight trained seriously, I'm not sure what to do so I'm going to make an appointment with a personal trainer at the school rec center and see if I can't get a good routine figured out.
My goal is going to be at least 15 minutes of yoga or stretching a day and at least 2 strength training days a week. Those aren't too lofty. Whatever it takes to stay uninjured is what I need to do...
The running starts tomorrow and I am more than apprehensive about the entire thing. I absolutely love running and I absolutely love half marathons (they are without a doubt my favorite running distance) but after 3 injured Marches, I'm wondering how I should go about this.
I definitely need to do more stretching and yoga; that is an absolute given. I also think I need to get into the gym and do some weight training. But since I've never really weight trained seriously, I'm not sure what to do so I'm going to make an appointment with a personal trainer at the school rec center and see if I can't get a good routine figured out.
My goal is going to be at least 15 minutes of yoga or stretching a day and at least 2 strength training days a week. Those aren't too lofty. Whatever it takes to stay uninjured is what I need to do...
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Praise for the bike
This is going to be short and sweet (just like me of course...wink wink). I have always loved riding the bike. But I have always loved running more. My love of running has led to many overuse injuries. When I am injured, I ride the bike. Riding the bike makes my injury feel not so bad because my leg muscles get a little more evened out.
So the good news is that my knee is feeling much better today than it did on Monday.
The bad news is that I'm still a few days away from being able to run again which means no long run on my favorite route this time around.
I miss running :(
Wednesday: 1 hr. bike ride
Thursday: 1 hr. bike ride and 6 mile "hike"
So the good news is that my knee is feeling much better today than it did on Monday.
The bad news is that I'm still a few days away from being able to run again which means no long run on my favorite route this time around.
I miss running :(
Wednesday: 1 hr. bike ride
Thursday: 1 hr. bike ride and 6 mile "hike"
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Ok, time for a re-cap...
I haven't really posted since last Friday...and I am dreadfully sorry about that because, even though yesterday's news to me was terrible and saddening, I do have some good news.
But first, now that I have had some time to gather my thoughts, I will say a bit on Ray Crothers...
I grew up going to his store (which is co-owned by John Vitale, another great runner). It is, to this day, the only place I have gotten running shoes from. My dad has been going there since he started running way back when. It's truly a tiny hole in the wall, a closet full of running shoes, gear, and sports magazines. But that tiny store was filled with personality and running comraderie, no matter how gloomy the day was...I guess that's a runner thing.
Ray was quiet; I knew he was a great runner because of stories that my dad told me when I was growing up and first started getting running shoes, but he never had a cocky "I'm an awesome runner so I know everything" tone. He was understanding, experienced, and really one of the nicest guys I have ever met.
Yesterday, my dad traveled to the store to talk to John and see how Ray was doing. Only later did he call me up and tell me the news; it was then that I was browsing the Runner's World website and saw Amby Burfoot's memorial article.
And I know that I never really, really knew Mr. Crothers but he truly impacted my running life, however indirectly that may have been. And shopping for running shoes will never be the same. He will be truly missed by many Connecticut runners.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And now for some good news: As it may or may not be known, I ran a 5k on Sunday. I arrived at the race feeling somewhat meh about the whole situation. It was cold, windy, and I was exhausted. Plus, since I had not done real honest speedwork since before Thanksgiving, I was not all that optimistic about what my time was going to be: I was expecting 24 or 25 minutes. Then, about 10 minutes before the start, a man who had run the race before proclaimed it to be a "very difficult course" with a "huge hill for the first mile"...and that lowered my morale just a little bit more (despite the fact that it shouldn't have...the hills I run on in VA are monstrous at best).
When the "gun" went off, my legs felt heavy and I couldn't tell what my turnover was. Then I saw the fairly long, but not really steep hill looming ahead of me. And really, I think that hill is what turned the race around for me. After huffing my way up half the hill, my legs were finally warmed up and I could feel my pace slightly quickening. By the time the turn around came, my pace had definitely sped up and, with the rest of the race being either downhill or flat, I was feeling good. (The band was also playing one of my favorite Billy Joel songs so that didn't hurt either...)
I crossed the finish line at 22.21...easily one of my best official 5ks ever. I didn't place in my age group simply because there are so many other fast women in that area of the state, but I am more than pleased with myself. It's amazing what an unexpected good time can do for running motivation.
With that said, I am taking the rest of this week off from running to rest my knee because it was killing me when I tried to run on Monday. So it'll be biking until next week when my half marathon training plan starts!
But first, now that I have had some time to gather my thoughts, I will say a bit on Ray Crothers...
I grew up going to his store (which is co-owned by John Vitale, another great runner). It is, to this day, the only place I have gotten running shoes from. My dad has been going there since he started running way back when. It's truly a tiny hole in the wall, a closet full of running shoes, gear, and sports magazines. But that tiny store was filled with personality and running comraderie, no matter how gloomy the day was...I guess that's a runner thing.
Ray was quiet; I knew he was a great runner because of stories that my dad told me when I was growing up and first started getting running shoes, but he never had a cocky "I'm an awesome runner so I know everything" tone. He was understanding, experienced, and really one of the nicest guys I have ever met.
Yesterday, my dad traveled to the store to talk to John and see how Ray was doing. Only later did he call me up and tell me the news; it was then that I was browsing the Runner's World website and saw Amby Burfoot's memorial article.
And I know that I never really, really knew Mr. Crothers but he truly impacted my running life, however indirectly that may have been. And shopping for running shoes will never be the same. He will be truly missed by many Connecticut runners.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
And now for some good news: As it may or may not be known, I ran a 5k on Sunday. I arrived at the race feeling somewhat meh about the whole situation. It was cold, windy, and I was exhausted. Plus, since I had not done real honest speedwork since before Thanksgiving, I was not all that optimistic about what my time was going to be: I was expecting 24 or 25 minutes. Then, about 10 minutes before the start, a man who had run the race before proclaimed it to be a "very difficult course" with a "huge hill for the first mile"...and that lowered my morale just a little bit more (despite the fact that it shouldn't have...the hills I run on in VA are monstrous at best).
When the "gun" went off, my legs felt heavy and I couldn't tell what my turnover was. Then I saw the fairly long, but not really steep hill looming ahead of me. And really, I think that hill is what turned the race around for me. After huffing my way up half the hill, my legs were finally warmed up and I could feel my pace slightly quickening. By the time the turn around came, my pace had definitely sped up and, with the rest of the race being either downhill or flat, I was feeling good. (The band was also playing one of my favorite Billy Joel songs so that didn't hurt either...)
I crossed the finish line at 22.21...easily one of my best official 5ks ever. I didn't place in my age group simply because there are so many other fast women in that area of the state, but I am more than pleased with myself. It's amazing what an unexpected good time can do for running motivation.
With that said, I am taking the rest of this week off from running to rest my knee because it was killing me when I tried to run on Monday. So it'll be biking until next week when my half marathon training plan starts!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
:(
I'm at a loss for words right now so I'll let Amby Burfoot do the talking...
[A great friend of mine, and a great friend to running and all runners, died yesterday in Connecticut. This is a short reminiscence.]
RAYMOND ("RAY," "RUSTY") CROTHERS GRADUATED FROM Fitch High in Groton, CT, a few years before me in the early 1960s, was teacher/coach John J. Kelley's first big-talent runner, and the first runner of my generation I looked up to and tried to emulate. Next to his great Central Connecticut State teammate and smooth stylist Jim Keefe, briefly an American record holder for 6 miles (I think) and top ranked American at 5000 meters in 1963, Ray was an ugly runner--hunched over, arms flailing, crimson face. But he could get the job done, he could really get the job done. He particularly excelled in cross-country and on the New England roads. He didn't just win the Manchester Road Race (on Thanksgiving Day) open division, he also won it as a high schooler, and many years later in the masters division. I spent a lifetime trying to match that achievement; never could. I've also never been able to find another runner who could claim "the triple crown" in the same race, particularly an always-loaded one like Manchester.
Away from competition, Ray was the friendliest, most sincere guy you could hope to meet. We all looked forward to the next time we would see him. He was serious, precise, and a stickler for rules, yet never crossed over the line into mean-spirited or short-sighted. Always affable. I remember that Ray and a onetime roommate, Tom Durie, also a great runner, both hated grocery shopping. So they turned it into a competitive event. Every two weeks, they'd make a long list, line up outside the store, start a stop watch, and aim to be back outside again in under 15 minutes with carts loaded down with only the absolute necessities.
Ray and John Vitale have owned The Run In just south of Hartford for more years than I can remember. They started the business long before it was a good way to make a buck. They just provided a simple, friendly service, and runners traveled far and wide to come to the store, visit with them, and buy their running gear.
I last saw Ray at the Manchester Road Race last November. He told me he didn't feel very good, and was going to walk the course. First he had a running suit he wanted to give me. I was impatient--always am--and simply wanted to take the first one on the top of the pile in his van. But he wouldn't let me. He made me try on 3 or 4. He wanted to be sure I had something that fit right and moved right. Typical Ray--helpful, gently persuasive, insistent on doing things the right way.
About a month later I learned that he had melanoma. There were stories about both he and his doctor missing it, even though he's red haired, freckle-faced, etc. I made a mental note to call him and/or his wife Robin. Then I ran into my own medical miseries, since resolved, and I never made the call. I'll regret that for a long, long time.
Ray was a runner, friend, and gentle human being. We will all miss him greatly.
[A great friend of mine, and a great friend to running and all runners, died yesterday in Connecticut. This is a short reminiscence.]
RAYMOND ("RAY," "RUSTY") CROTHERS GRADUATED FROM Fitch High in Groton, CT, a few years before me in the early 1960s, was teacher/coach John J. Kelley's first big-talent runner, and the first runner of my generation I looked up to and tried to emulate. Next to his great Central Connecticut State teammate and smooth stylist Jim Keefe, briefly an American record holder for 6 miles (I think) and top ranked American at 5000 meters in 1963, Ray was an ugly runner--hunched over, arms flailing, crimson face. But he could get the job done, he could really get the job done. He particularly excelled in cross-country and on the New England roads. He didn't just win the Manchester Road Race (on Thanksgiving Day) open division, he also won it as a high schooler, and many years later in the masters division. I spent a lifetime trying to match that achievement; never could. I've also never been able to find another runner who could claim "the triple crown" in the same race, particularly an always-loaded one like Manchester.
Away from competition, Ray was the friendliest, most sincere guy you could hope to meet. We all looked forward to the next time we would see him. He was serious, precise, and a stickler for rules, yet never crossed over the line into mean-spirited or short-sighted. Always affable. I remember that Ray and a onetime roommate, Tom Durie, also a great runner, both hated grocery shopping. So they turned it into a competitive event. Every two weeks, they'd make a long list, line up outside the store, start a stop watch, and aim to be back outside again in under 15 minutes with carts loaded down with only the absolute necessities.
Ray and John Vitale have owned The Run In just south of Hartford for more years than I can remember. They started the business long before it was a good way to make a buck. They just provided a simple, friendly service, and runners traveled far and wide to come to the store, visit with them, and buy their running gear.
I last saw Ray at the Manchester Road Race last November. He told me he didn't feel very good, and was going to walk the course. First he had a running suit he wanted to give me. I was impatient--always am--and simply wanted to take the first one on the top of the pile in his van. But he wouldn't let me. He made me try on 3 or 4. He wanted to be sure I had something that fit right and moved right. Typical Ray--helpful, gently persuasive, insistent on doing things the right way.
About a month later I learned that he had melanoma. There were stories about both he and his doctor missing it, even though he's red haired, freckle-faced, etc. I made a mental note to call him and/or his wife Robin. Then I ran into my own medical miseries, since resolved, and I never made the call. I'll regret that for a long, long time.
Ray was a runner, friend, and gentle human being. We will all miss him greatly.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Antsy and ache-y
Today is my "planned rest day" since I am going to be spending the entire afternoon/evening traveling...and I have never been so thankful for a rest day. My knee is still a bit ache-y and I am less than thrilled about that.
Last spring, around this time of year, I irritated my medial plica. You'd think I would have learned my lesson and picked up some more stretching and weight training...but of course not. I think I have re-irritated that same area. It's not all that bad yet so I'm just going to take it easy for a while, stretch, and start running outside again (so matter what the temperature) so I can balance out my leg muscles (running on the treadmill and the indoor track just isn't doing it for me...).
The major cause of medial synovial plica irritation is tight hamstrings (which I'm guessing I have since I've sucked at stretching lately) and poor quadricep strength (which I'm also guessing I have since I've barely run outside since upping my mileage and I haven't been lifting at all). And, since I'm a woman with hips, my larger q-angle is not helping one bit.
All in all, I am one very injury prone gal. But I am not injured yet. I just need to stop the progression before it elevates to the level of last year (where I could barely walk).
With that said, I am leaving for spring break in 45 minutes! I suppose it's not really spring break considering I'm flying into 20 degree weather, but it is break. And I am incredibly excited!!! I can't wait to see everyone in CT and I just want to get a move on now!
Some info for the curious:
http://www.emedicine.com/sports/topic75.htm
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/women/a/Q_angle.htm
Last spring, around this time of year, I irritated my medial plica. You'd think I would have learned my lesson and picked up some more stretching and weight training...but of course not. I think I have re-irritated that same area. It's not all that bad yet so I'm just going to take it easy for a while, stretch, and start running outside again (so matter what the temperature) so I can balance out my leg muscles (running on the treadmill and the indoor track just isn't doing it for me...).
The major cause of medial synovial plica irritation is tight hamstrings (which I'm guessing I have since I've sucked at stretching lately) and poor quadricep strength (which I'm also guessing I have since I've barely run outside since upping my mileage and I haven't been lifting at all). And, since I'm a woman with hips, my larger q-angle is not helping one bit.
All in all, I am one very injury prone gal. But I am not injured yet. I just need to stop the progression before it elevates to the level of last year (where I could barely walk).
With that said, I am leaving for spring break in 45 minutes! I suppose it's not really spring break considering I'm flying into 20 degree weather, but it is break. And I am incredibly excited!!! I can't wait to see everyone in CT and I just want to get a move on now!
Some info for the curious:
http://www.emedicine.com/sports/topic75.htm
http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/women/a/Q_angle.htm
Monday, February 25, 2008
I'm the queen of negative splits and procrastination
Ok, I have been majorly slacking off on my running blogging and I'm sorry for the serious lack of action lately...midterms and papers have been completely bogging me down for the past week. But thankfully midterms are over (hallelujah) and spring break is just a day away (!) so I'll have more time to dedicate to procrastinating and writing (as opposed to studying and homeworking like a good student).
To be honest, I don't even remember the past few days. It all just feels like one big blur of studying and testing! My running has been extremely off as well; the runs that I did do were pretty good (As the title of this post says, I am the queen of negative splits: all of my runs have been much faster in the second half) but I've had to throw in some extra rest days due to the fact that I have not been stretching/yogaing as much as I should and I'm starting to feel the consequences of that. Note to self: Must. do. yoga.
Today is one of those aforementioned rest days. I was planning on doing a 7 or 8 miler this morning but that plan immeadiately got sidetracked when I got out of bed and felt a horrible twinge in my knee. I've been feeling it (and ignoring it) since the end of last week but I finally decided that it would be stupid to do a long run on a twinge-y knee...especially with the start of half marathon training in a little over a week. I always manage to get injured right before training starts and I don't want that to happen again this year (I was sidelined for almost 2 months last spring!).
I may ride on a spinning bike tonight if I'm feeling extremely antsy because tomorrow is my planned rest day, but I'm going to try my best to just stretch, do some yoga, and let my body heal. I'm hoping that the rest I'm doing this week will allow me to have some great runs next week when I'm in CT with plenty of running routes and free time. Plus I have a 5k race on Sunday!
But enough of the rambling and ranting...
Monday: 5.5 mile treadmill run - 45.20 minutes
Wednesday: 5.5 mile treadmill run - 45.30 minutes
To be honest, I don't even remember the past few days. It all just feels like one big blur of studying and testing! My running has been extremely off as well; the runs that I did do were pretty good (As the title of this post says, I am the queen of negative splits: all of my runs have been much faster in the second half) but I've had to throw in some extra rest days due to the fact that I have not been stretching/yogaing as much as I should and I'm starting to feel the consequences of that. Note to self: Must. do. yoga.
Today is one of those aforementioned rest days. I was planning on doing a 7 or 8 miler this morning but that plan immeadiately got sidetracked when I got out of bed and felt a horrible twinge in my knee. I've been feeling it (and ignoring it) since the end of last week but I finally decided that it would be stupid to do a long run on a twinge-y knee...especially with the start of half marathon training in a little over a week. I always manage to get injured right before training starts and I don't want that to happen again this year (I was sidelined for almost 2 months last spring!).
I may ride on a spinning bike tonight if I'm feeling extremely antsy because tomorrow is my planned rest day, but I'm going to try my best to just stretch, do some yoga, and let my body heal. I'm hoping that the rest I'm doing this week will allow me to have some great runs next week when I'm in CT with plenty of running routes and free time. Plus I have a 5k race on Sunday!
But enough of the rambling and ranting...
Monday: 5.5 mile treadmill run - 45.20 minutes
Wednesday: 5.5 mile treadmill run - 45.30 minutes
Tag, you're it!
I've been tagged by 2 fellow bloggers:
Patricio; http://cuencanoinmo.blogspot.com/ and
Training to Tri; http://trainingtotri.blogspot.com/
The rules:
1 - Link to the person who tagged you
2 -Post the rules on your blog
3 - Share seven random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog
4 - Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs
My random and/or weird facts:
1. I'm left handed but I use right handed scissors and throw with my right hand because that was the only way they would teach me when I was learning to do those things in pre-school/kindergarten.
2. I have been running since elementary school and haven't stopped for more than a few months at a time since then...
3. I am obsessed with tea. I try as many different varieties as I can get my hands on and I rarely find a type that I dislike.
4. I grew up in and spent most of my life in Connecticut yet I am quite possibly the biggest wimp you will ever meet when it comes to cold weather....which is why I have been doing all of my runs indoors despite the fact that it's been in the low 40s for the past week.
5. I have an addiction to bookstores. I could spend all of my free time in Barnes and Nobles and all of my life's savings on books. Thankfully I (eventually) read all of the books I buy and get a lot of gift cards
6. I really enjoy planning and organizing and researching. Sometimes I'll plan a "dream trip" that I know I won't be taking just because I like researching hotels, restaurants, and various things to do in different locations.
7. My toenails are always painted a shade of either red or pink...no matter what.
Who I'm tagging:
Well I'm going to have to get back to that in a bit because I told myself that I'd get back to studying at 7:00 and it is now 7:05. Bah humbug.
Patricio; http://cuencanoinmo.blogspot.com/ and
Training to Tri; http://trainingtotri.blogspot.com/
The rules:
1 - Link to the person who tagged you
2 -Post the rules on your blog
3 - Share seven random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog
4 - Tag seven random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs
My random and/or weird facts:
1. I'm left handed but I use right handed scissors and throw with my right hand because that was the only way they would teach me when I was learning to do those things in pre-school/kindergarten.
2. I have been running since elementary school and haven't stopped for more than a few months at a time since then...
3. I am obsessed with tea. I try as many different varieties as I can get my hands on and I rarely find a type that I dislike.
4. I grew up in and spent most of my life in Connecticut yet I am quite possibly the biggest wimp you will ever meet when it comes to cold weather....which is why I have been doing all of my runs indoors despite the fact that it's been in the low 40s for the past week.
5. I have an addiction to bookstores. I could spend all of my free time in Barnes and Nobles and all of my life's savings on books. Thankfully I (eventually) read all of the books I buy and get a lot of gift cards
6. I really enjoy planning and organizing and researching. Sometimes I'll plan a "dream trip" that I know I won't be taking just because I like researching hotels, restaurants, and various things to do in different locations.
7. My toenails are always painted a shade of either red or pink...no matter what.
Who I'm tagging:
Well I'm going to have to get back to that in a bit because I told myself that I'd get back to studying at 7:00 and it is now 7:05. Bah humbug.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Back to the indoor track
Never again will I go to the gym at 11:30; earlier or later, yes...but never at 11:30. That's a crazy, pre-lunch half hour and I just didn't enjoy it one bit.
I had been planning on running on the treadmill again today (because I really liked knowing my pace/distance) but they were all taken up and I didn't feel like waiting around for one to open up. So I sucked it up and headed to the crowded indoor track.
At any rate, my run was fairly good. My legs were a bit tired but nothing dehabilitating. Today was also supposed to be an easier run but some guy was bent on using me as his pacer and I was getting irritated by his heavy footfalls and breathing just a few steps behind me. So I picked up the pace and had to maintain a somewhat quick clip to hold him off. I just couldn't deal with it anymore.
Hopefully, when I go to the gym tomorrow morning, there will be at least one free treadmill.
Thursday: 30 minute run
I had been planning on running on the treadmill again today (because I really liked knowing my pace/distance) but they were all taken up and I didn't feel like waiting around for one to open up. So I sucked it up and headed to the crowded indoor track.
At any rate, my run was fairly good. My legs were a bit tired but nothing dehabilitating. Today was also supposed to be an easier run but some guy was bent on using me as his pacer and I was getting irritated by his heavy footfalls and breathing just a few steps behind me. So I picked up the pace and had to maintain a somewhat quick clip to hold him off. I just couldn't deal with it anymore.
Hopefully, when I go to the gym tomorrow morning, there will be at least one free treadmill.
Thursday: 30 minute run
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
A good treadmill run?
I decided to run on the treadmill after reading Patricio's comment about indoor tracks not being so wonderful for knees. In my mind I knew that, but during yesterday's run my left knee was feeling a bit tweaky...so I just put two and two together and decided to give the treadmill a go just for a break from running in circles.
And, let me say...I had an a.m.a.z.i.n.g run. I started out with a 10 minute warm-up at a 9:30ish minute/mile pace. Then I kept ramping up the speed every 5 minutes to get in a "tempo run" and to break some of the monotony. By the end of the run I was doing a 6:40 minute/mile pace. Granted, it was only for a couple of minutes but I'm still extremely proud of myself.
Altogether I did 6.3 miles in 50 minutes (which evens out to be approximately a 7:56 minute/mile pace...but I know that's not what my actual pace was because of my constant changing of speed and my slow start).
I was amazed at how quickly those 50 minutes went by. 30 minutes is typically my cut-off (although I once did a 12 mile run on a treadmill because of a snow storm...not something I'd recommend). Usually treadmill runs drag on and make me want to gouge my eyes out with a spoon but it wasn't really all that bad.
Monday: 45 minute run (indoor track)
Tuesday: 50 minute tempo run (treadmill)
And, let me say...I had an a.m.a.z.i.n.g run. I started out with a 10 minute warm-up at a 9:30ish minute/mile pace. Then I kept ramping up the speed every 5 minutes to get in a "tempo run" and to break some of the monotony. By the end of the run I was doing a 6:40 minute/mile pace. Granted, it was only for a couple of minutes but I'm still extremely proud of myself.
Altogether I did 6.3 miles in 50 minutes (which evens out to be approximately a 7:56 minute/mile pace...but I know that's not what my actual pace was because of my constant changing of speed and my slow start).
I was amazed at how quickly those 50 minutes went by. 30 minutes is typically my cut-off (although I once did a 12 mile run on a treadmill because of a snow storm...not something I'd recommend). Usually treadmill runs drag on and make me want to gouge my eyes out with a spoon but it wasn't really all that bad.
Monday: 45 minute run (indoor track)
Tuesday: 50 minute tempo run (treadmill)
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Happiness is a warm run
I usually detest running around in circles. I am thankful that I don't have to run on the treadmill, but the indoor track is really only marginally better.
But today, I have never been happier to have an indoor track. It was damp and grey and just an awful day to be outside. So I took my recovery run inside and did a "nice" 30 minuter. I say "nice" because my legs were super tired and I felt like I was absolutely dragging.
But at least it was warm. I am a self-titled cold weather wimp...anything colder than 40 and running outside just does not sound appealing. So although my legs were killing me, the temperature was quite pleasant.
Oh, and the lack of hills wasn't all that bad either.
Tomorrow is going to be another indoor track day; it's supposed to be rainy and grey again.
Sunday: 30 minute run
This week's mileage: 22 miles
But today, I have never been happier to have an indoor track. It was damp and grey and just an awful day to be outside. So I took my recovery run inside and did a "nice" 30 minuter. I say "nice" because my legs were super tired and I felt like I was absolutely dragging.
But at least it was warm. I am a self-titled cold weather wimp...anything colder than 40 and running outside just does not sound appealing. So although my legs were killing me, the temperature was quite pleasant.
Oh, and the lack of hills wasn't all that bad either.
Tomorrow is going to be another indoor track day; it's supposed to be rainy and grey again.
Sunday: 30 minute run
This week's mileage: 22 miles
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Conversations in my head
When I'm running hills, I typically have this monologue going through my head:
- I don't want to run up this hill...
- Yes you do. Be quiet
- No, no I don't. Ow, my legs...
- Shut up and run. You're already halfway up the hill
- No I don't wan....ooh, pretty cloud
The route I ran today was approximately 75% uphill. I had to talk myself into pushing through lots of muscle burning. It is an extremely painful route. But as hilly as it was, my long run was wonderful; I always feel so accomplished afterwards. It took some extra oomph to get myself dressed and out there today because my legs had some residual tightness, but once I got going my legs loosened up and I ended up running a few minutes longer than I had planned. I don't know my exact pace (or even the exact distance of the route) but I do know that I ran at least 7 miles.
I haven't even started my training plan yet. My endurance is shocking. Go me.
Saturday: 7 mile run
- I don't want to run up this hill...
- Yes you do. Be quiet
- No, no I don't. Ow, my legs...
- Shut up and run. You're already halfway up the hill
- No I don't wan....ooh, pretty cloud
The route I ran today was approximately 75% uphill. I had to talk myself into pushing through lots of muscle burning. It is an extremely painful route. But as hilly as it was, my long run was wonderful; I always feel so accomplished afterwards. It took some extra oomph to get myself dressed and out there today because my legs had some residual tightness, but once I got going my legs loosened up and I ended up running a few minutes longer than I had planned. I don't know my exact pace (or even the exact distance of the route) but I do know that I ran at least 7 miles.
I haven't even started my training plan yet. My endurance is shocking. Go me.
Saturday: 7 mile run
Friday, February 15, 2008
Friday moves
I had been planning on running outside today, but I wimped out. Running up a million hills just did not sound appealing today so I headed to the indoor track for a 45 minuter. It was nice to run again but my legs were a bit tired. I don't know what is up with this slow recovery time lately but it's really taking the wind out of my sails.
After lunch I was feeling guilty for not running outside so I went for a 40ish minute walk. It was slow and relaxing and wonderful. It was nice to get the blood flowing through my legs...even though I would have rather been somewhere sleeping. But it was so warm and nice out, I had to spend some time outside.
I also took a spinning class today. It took a while to get warmed up but I'm glad I took the class. The music was much better today (thank goodness!). I'm not a huge fan of techno but anything is better than the slow sappy love songs. Part of me thinks that maybe I shouldn't have taken the class but I did feel much better afterwards.
Tomorrow is just a run though. A long run. Hopefully one hour. We'll see how my legs react.
Also, ABC is re-broadcasting the Ford Ironman Championships...I will so be watching that. Cannot wait.
Friday: 45 minute run and a 1 hr. spinning class
After lunch I was feeling guilty for not running outside so I went for a 40ish minute walk. It was slow and relaxing and wonderful. It was nice to get the blood flowing through my legs...even though I would have rather been somewhere sleeping. But it was so warm and nice out, I had to spend some time outside.
I also took a spinning class today. It took a while to get warmed up but I'm glad I took the class. The music was much better today (thank goodness!). I'm not a huge fan of techno but anything is better than the slow sappy love songs. Part of me thinks that maybe I shouldn't have taken the class but I did feel much better afterwards.
Tomorrow is just a run though. A long run. Hopefully one hour. We'll see how my legs react.
Also, ABC is re-broadcasting the Ford Ironman Championships...I will so be watching that. Cannot wait.
Friday: 45 minute run and a 1 hr. spinning class
Thursday, February 14, 2008
V-day spinning
I originally had a long run planned for today but I definitely deviated from that plan. I don't know why, I just had absolutely no running motivation this morning.
I'm guessing that part of the blame can be placed on the fact that I didn't get to sleep until around 2:00 AM. And even though I did sleep until 8:00 AM, which put me at a fairly respectable 6 hours, it just isn't the same as getting 6 hours from going to sleep earlier.
And, I know this is no excuse, I walked to the grocery store this morning. I didn't have to but I wanted to buy some candy for the girls in my hall. I'm enough of a scrooge already when it comes to Valentine's Day. So that chewed up a big hunk of time.
But I digress. Despite the fact that I did not run today (grumble grumble grumble), I did go to spinning class. It was a Valentine's Day themed class. The music sucked (love songs are notoriously slow) but the energy was great, the instructor knew what she was doing, and the intensity was high. Perfect for a spinning class. My legs are tired but I know they'll thank me later.
Tomorrow, however, I shall run.
Thursday: 1 hr. spinning class
I'm guessing that part of the blame can be placed on the fact that I didn't get to sleep until around 2:00 AM. And even though I did sleep until 8:00 AM, which put me at a fairly respectable 6 hours, it just isn't the same as getting 6 hours from going to sleep earlier.
And, I know this is no excuse, I walked to the grocery store this morning. I didn't have to but I wanted to buy some candy for the girls in my hall. I'm enough of a scrooge already when it comes to Valentine's Day. So that chewed up a big hunk of time.
But I digress. Despite the fact that I did not run today (grumble grumble grumble), I did go to spinning class. It was a Valentine's Day themed class. The music sucked (love songs are notoriously slow) but the energy was great, the instructor knew what she was doing, and the intensity was high. Perfect for a spinning class. My legs are tired but I know they'll thank me later.
Tomorrow, however, I shall run.
Thursday: 1 hr. spinning class
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Hello swollen quads, I've been expecting you...
Today was a semi-rest day (semi because I still had to walk a whole bunch to get to and from class, et cetera) and boy, my quads are swollen. Walking up the many stairs and hills was quite uncomfortable. All I could think about doing all. day. long was putting on my pajamas and propping my legs up on a gigantic stack of pillows.
Honestly, I would much rather being dealing with DOMS. At least then I would know that yes, my muscles were indeed overworked. Heaviness and swelling does indicate that rest is needed, but it also proves to me that I have not be stretching or massaging nearly enough. And although I knew that, physical proof is never comfortable.
Thankfully I have noticed an improvement over this morning. Still swollen, but not quite as unbearable.
Tomorrow is supposed to be a much nicer and busier day (I have a run, spinning, and a walk to the grocery store planned) so I'm crossing my fingers that everything will be resolved through massaging and yoga tonight.
Honestly, I would much rather being dealing with DOMS. At least then I would know that yes, my muscles were indeed overworked. Heaviness and swelling does indicate that rest is needed, but it also proves to me that I have not be stretching or massaging nearly enough. And although I knew that, physical proof is never comfortable.
Thankfully I have noticed an improvement over this morning. Still swollen, but not quite as unbearable.
Tomorrow is supposed to be a much nicer and busier day (I have a run, spinning, and a walk to the grocery store planned) so I'm crossing my fingers that everything will be resolved through massaging and yoga tonight.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
I am a runner
Despite the fact that I should be reading for history class right now, I wound up browsing the Runner's World website. And not to my surprise, I ended up reading through Kristen Armstrong's blog.
First, let me just say that I think she is an amazing and strong woman. Reading her blogs not only make me want to be a better runner, they make me want to become a better person. When I'm feeling down or lazy, I mosey on over to her blog and it successfully motivates me to get up off my tuckus and do something (which some days take a lot). If you have never read it, you really should (http://milemarkers.runnersworld.com/)
Second, I love hearing the inner thoughts of runners like me: runners who run because it makes them feel alive, fulfilled, and calm. Sure, time counts on the outside. And it feels great to keep passing people on the indoor track (haha). But, on the inside, I see things such as times and PRs as the frosting on the cupcake; it's absolutely delicious and sweet at first, but you can't subsist on it. In order to keep running and keep pushing, there has to be something more...an inner drive, per se.
So when I stumbled across her post for February 3rd, 2008 I was floored by this passage. It somehow embodied everything that I feel a "real" runner is, or should be.
First, let me just say that I think she is an amazing and strong woman. Reading her blogs not only make me want to be a better runner, they make me want to become a better person. When I'm feeling down or lazy, I mosey on over to her blog and it successfully motivates me to get up off my tuckus and do something (which some days take a lot). If you have never read it, you really should (http://milemarkers.runnersworld.com/)
Second, I love hearing the inner thoughts of runners like me: runners who run because it makes them feel alive, fulfilled, and calm. Sure, time counts on the outside. And it feels great to keep passing people on the indoor track (haha). But, on the inside, I see things such as times and PRs as the frosting on the cupcake; it's absolutely delicious and sweet at first, but you can't subsist on it. In order to keep running and keep pushing, there has to be something more...an inner drive, per se.
So when I stumbled across her post for February 3rd, 2008 I was floored by this passage. It somehow embodied everything that I feel a "real" runner is, or should be.
This brings us back to the introduction of my post today. Every single
one of us connected here today understands the implication of the "I am"
statement below:
I am a runner.
This has nothing whatsoever to do with
race results, placings, PR's, split times, training programs, gender, age,
racing schedule, weekly mileage, or pace bands. This has to do with
something deep, something tender, something profound, something powerful and
something untouchable about who we are in our hearts. This is why we
recognize each other, on the road or in coffee shops, and we nod and
smile. This is why we are never alone, even if we are training far from
our hometown or way outside our comfort zone. Even if no other "I am"
statement feels good about our life at the moment, we always have that one.
Tired, tired legs
I have no idea what is up with my legs lately. I decided against spinning lasat night because my muscles were so swollen but even with taking it easy yesterday, they just did not want to move this morning.
I did manage to get in a slow 45 minuter, but it was no easy feat. I felt like my entire body was made out of concrete and iron rods. Even my hips, which I don't feel very often, were tight as all get out (post stretching at that). Me and The Stick are going to be great friends this morning because I really would like to spin tonight.
I'm sure it didn't help that I refused to let myself be passed by anyone else running. I don't consider myself to be an extremely competetive runner, but when I'm on that track it's like the measure of my worth depends on whether or not I'm passed or not. I'm guessing it's some leftover feist from my cross country days, but it strikes me as funny that the only time I feel uber-competetive is on that indoor track.
Thankfully tomorrow is an active rest day. I'm hoping that the yoga will help to loosen me up some.
I did manage to get in a slow 45 minuter, but it was no easy feat. I felt like my entire body was made out of concrete and iron rods. Even my hips, which I don't feel very often, were tight as all get out (post stretching at that). Me and The Stick are going to be great friends this morning because I really would like to spin tonight.
I'm sure it didn't help that I refused to let myself be passed by anyone else running. I don't consider myself to be an extremely competetive runner, but when I'm on that track it's like the measure of my worth depends on whether or not I'm passed or not. I'm guessing it's some leftover feist from my cross country days, but it strikes me as funny that the only time I feel uber-competetive is on that indoor track.
Thankfully tomorrow is an active rest day. I'm hoping that the yoga will help to loosen me up some.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Dragging feet and dehydration
First, just a random aside because I am sufficiently embarassed. Yesterday wasn't actually my birthday...it's not until May (when the race is). I was just excited about the receipt of an early birthday present. But thanks for the wishes!
At any rate, I have not been drinking nearly enough water as of late. I'd like to blame it on the colder weather, but up until yesterday the temperature had been well into the 50s...and even in the 60s some days. Water just hasn't been all that appealing to me lately, despite the fact that I know it is absolutely crucial to my running performance; it is even more crucial now because of the sweaty spinning classes that I have been taking a few times a week.
Today's run took place at the indoor track. Because of the higher temperature in the gym, my lack of water guzzling became extremely apparent. I felt like my legs were cinder blocks and running was the last thing they felt like doing. Even worse, my mouth was dry and I would have given my left arm for an orange or a banana. That is not a good state to be in...at all.
I'm scheduled for a spinning class this evening so I am going to be chugging water like it's nobody's business up until then. And then I am due for some very serious stretching/yoga-ing, which I have not done nearly enough since ramping up my miles.
Monday: 30 minute run (approx. 3 miles) and a 1 hr. spinning class
Last week's mileage: 24.3
At any rate, I have not been drinking nearly enough water as of late. I'd like to blame it on the colder weather, but up until yesterday the temperature had been well into the 50s...and even in the 60s some days. Water just hasn't been all that appealing to me lately, despite the fact that I know it is absolutely crucial to my running performance; it is even more crucial now because of the sweaty spinning classes that I have been taking a few times a week.
Today's run took place at the indoor track. Because of the higher temperature in the gym, my lack of water guzzling became extremely apparent. I felt like my legs were cinder blocks and running was the last thing they felt like doing. Even worse, my mouth was dry and I would have given my left arm for an orange or a banana. That is not a good state to be in...at all.
I'm scheduled for a spinning class this evening so I am going to be chugging water like it's nobody's business up until then. And then I am due for some very serious stretching/yoga-ing, which I have not done nearly enough since ramping up my miles.
Monday: 30 minute run (approx. 3 miles) and a 1 hr. spinning class
Last week's mileage: 24.3
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Happy birthday to me!
My wonderful father just "bought" me the most wonderful birthday present I can think of...he registered me for Boston's Run to Remember 5-miler, which will be taking place the day after my birthday. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate another year of me and I am wicked psyched about the Olive Garden carbo-loading that will take place on the night of my actual birthday.
I am going to have an amazing late spring/early summer race line-up and I cannot wait.
I am going to have an amazing late spring/early summer race line-up and I cannot wait.
Like the terminator
After running at the gym, I decided to go grab some lunch from the dining hall like usual. Upon finishing, as I was gathering my things to go, a guy approached me. He told me that he always sees me running at the gym, wanted to know how I could run so long, and asked me if I had any tips for him.
Me, being extremely surprised, told him that running just came natural to me and I wasn't sure that I had any good tips for him.
He went on to scan my tray, saying that I probably eat extremely healthily and that I probably have a low body fat. And then again said that he was amazed that I could run so long...this is the clincher...like the terminator.
I am a very happy girl right now. Being complimented about my running is quite possibly the highest compliment I could get.
Sunday: 45 minute run on the indoor track
Today's run was definitely an easy one. My legs felt rested and I felt like I could have kept running forever, which is a wonderful feeling. I had been planning on riding the bike for a half hour after running but I didn't have time because I needed lunch and the dining hall was closing in a half hour. That's fine though, I'll have plenty of time to bike this week.
Me, being extremely surprised, told him that running just came natural to me and I wasn't sure that I had any good tips for him.
He went on to scan my tray, saying that I probably eat extremely healthily and that I probably have a low body fat. And then again said that he was amazed that I could run so long...this is the clincher...like the terminator.
I am a very happy girl right now. Being complimented about my running is quite possibly the highest compliment I could get.
Sunday: 45 minute run on the indoor track
Today's run was definitely an easy one. My legs felt rested and I felt like I could have kept running forever, which is a wonderful feeling. I had been planning on riding the bike for a half hour after running but I didn't have time because I needed lunch and the dining hall was closing in a half hour. That's fine though, I'll have plenty of time to bike this week.
Food on the brain
As people may have noticed, this blog is purely devoted to training and everything running specific. But because food is a major part of training and because health is extremely important to me, I have developed a blog that can be devoted to food and the random musings of me.
Check it out: http://sleepeatrun.wordpress.com/
Check it out: http://sleepeatrun.wordpress.com/
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Finding some time, part II
Obviously the whole blogging thing is new to me; I forget to update for days on end. But better late than never...
This week was a good week, running-wise. So far I've done a little over 19 miles, not including the shorter runs that I am planning on doing this weekend. I got in three super hilly mid-distance runs (6.5 and 2 5 milers) which left me feeling strong. I know that 5 miles isn't a distance that regulars runners bat their eyes at, but I'm pretty proud of myself for being capable of those runs considering that I came out of a 2 month running hiatus only a few weeks ago.
I also got in some quality bike time. My body is still getting used to being back in the saddle, but no workout leaves me feeling quite as worked out as a tough spinning class (other than a speed workout on the track of course...).
Swimming was non-existent this week. My swimming day, Tuesday, was occupied by a chemistry lab. Because preparing for half marathon training is my top priority right now I'm not incredibly stressed about the non-swimming deal.
Today is supposed to be our last good weather day for quite a bit, both temperature and precipitation are expected to beginning dropping as the weekend progresses. I had been planning a longer run for today but because I don't want to ramp up mileage too quickly, and because the majority of my runs were longer this week, I am going to go out for an easy 30 minuter.
Happy running :)
This week was a good week, running-wise. So far I've done a little over 19 miles, not including the shorter runs that I am planning on doing this weekend. I got in three super hilly mid-distance runs (6.5 and 2 5 milers) which left me feeling strong. I know that 5 miles isn't a distance that regulars runners bat their eyes at, but I'm pretty proud of myself for being capable of those runs considering that I came out of a 2 month running hiatus only a few weeks ago.
I also got in some quality bike time. My body is still getting used to being back in the saddle, but no workout leaves me feeling quite as worked out as a tough spinning class (other than a speed workout on the track of course...).
Swimming was non-existent this week. My swimming day, Tuesday, was occupied by a chemistry lab. Because preparing for half marathon training is my top priority right now I'm not incredibly stressed about the non-swimming deal.
Today is supposed to be our last good weather day for quite a bit, both temperature and precipitation are expected to beginning dropping as the weekend progresses. I had been planning a longer run for today but because I don't want to ramp up mileage too quickly, and because the majority of my runs were longer this week, I am going to go out for an easy 30 minuter.
Happy running :)
Monday, February 4, 2008
Finding some time
I've been MIA for a while; the first round of tests hit hard and left very little time for updating. Thankfully I managed to keep finding time to run.
This brings me to an interesting thought. I had many conversations last week about the fact that people could not find time to get to the gym. Yet those same people always found time to watch reruns of The Office on TBS. Despite the fact that I was swamped with homework and studying, I set aside time to run or get to the gym...even if it was only a half hour. So why do so many people constantly say that they "can't find the time" to workout? In my opinion it's all about priorities. If running, or walking for that matter, is a top priority then time can be scheduled in. There's (usually) always time to for a quickie workout. Come on people: stop finding excuses and then whining about it.
Anyways, I'll step off my soapbox now.
Monday: 30 minute run on the indoor track and a 1 hour spinning class
This brings me to an interesting thought. I had many conversations last week about the fact that people could not find time to get to the gym. Yet those same people always found time to watch reruns of The Office on TBS. Despite the fact that I was swamped with homework and studying, I set aside time to run or get to the gym...even if it was only a half hour. So why do so many people constantly say that they "can't find the time" to workout? In my opinion it's all about priorities. If running, or walking for that matter, is a top priority then time can be scheduled in. There's (usually) always time to for a quickie workout. Come on people: stop finding excuses and then whining about it.
Anyways, I'll step off my soapbox now.
Monday: 30 minute run on the indoor track and a 1 hour spinning class
Sunday, January 27, 2008
When two-a-days attack
At the beginning of the week, my plan for Sunday was to do 50 minutes of yoga.
As of yesterday, my plan changed from 50 minutes of yoga to a 1 hr. spinning class.
This morning, I decided that I wanted to go for a quick 30 minute run. I also decided that I wanted to take the spinning class tonight because of its convenient closeness to the location of my chemistry review session tonight.
So today is going to be the day of two workouts and I'm feeling comfortable with that. It's a good feeling to be so motivated. I'm a bit worried that if I carry on like this I'm going to get burned out. But if I listen to my body I think all will be fine.
Sunday: 30 minute run
It was a brisk 36 degrees when I decided to run but that is actually quite a bit warmer than it has been the past few weeks and I was feeling comfortable, if not a little toasty. It was such a great feeling to be out of the gym and on the road; running in circles is bearable when it's 10 degrees outside but I could not have handled another day of it. The scenery, albeit dull and grey this time of year, was wonderful. I even praised the hills (which didn't challenge me nearly as much as I was expecting them too).
Sunday continued: 1 hr. spinning class
I'm definitely glad that I decided to go spinning. It was difficult and I was dripping with sweat by the time the hour was up, but I feel fulfilled. And I think that's the most important part of a workout. The instructor spent a lot of time focusing on sprints, my weakest cycling area, and as much as I hated it I'm glad she did.
As of yesterday, my plan changed from 50 minutes of yoga to a 1 hr. spinning class.
This morning, I decided that I wanted to go for a quick 30 minute run. I also decided that I wanted to take the spinning class tonight because of its convenient closeness to the location of my chemistry review session tonight.
So today is going to be the day of two workouts and I'm feeling comfortable with that. It's a good feeling to be so motivated. I'm a bit worried that if I carry on like this I'm going to get burned out. But if I listen to my body I think all will be fine.
Sunday: 30 minute run
It was a brisk 36 degrees when I decided to run but that is actually quite a bit warmer than it has been the past few weeks and I was feeling comfortable, if not a little toasty. It was such a great feeling to be out of the gym and on the road; running in circles is bearable when it's 10 degrees outside but I could not have handled another day of it. The scenery, albeit dull and grey this time of year, was wonderful. I even praised the hills (which didn't challenge me nearly as much as I was expecting them too).
Sunday continued: 1 hr. spinning class
I'm definitely glad that I decided to go spinning. It was difficult and I was dripping with sweat by the time the hour was up, but I feel fulfilled. And I think that's the most important part of a workout. The instructor spent a lot of time focusing on sprints, my weakest cycling area, and as much as I hated it I'm glad she did.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Namaste cycle
I admit that I have always had a desire to be a triathlete. There is something so appealing about testing your endurance and proving (to yourself) what you are really made of. I grew up cycling and running but have always been weak in the water. My goal is to start getting into the pool at least once a week and see where that takes me.
Saturday: 35 minutes spinning/35 minutes yoga
Whoever thought up the spinning/yoga combination class deserves to be kissed. Many times. It is the perfect way to start a Saturday. Today's spinning portion left something to be desired; the music was lame and overall I didn't feel as challenged as I could have been...even with the resistance ramped up. But the yoga was great. Nothing feels better than stretching out tight hamstrings and hip flexors.
Saturday: 35 minutes spinning/35 minutes yoga
Whoever thought up the spinning/yoga combination class deserves to be kissed. Many times. It is the perfect way to start a Saturday. Today's spinning portion left something to be desired; the music was lame and overall I didn't feel as challenged as I could have been...even with the resistance ramped up. But the yoga was great. Nothing feels better than stretching out tight hamstrings and hip flexors.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Easy days that weren't so easy
Wednesday: 30 minute run (indoor track)
I'm horrible at taking rest days. They make me feel so sluggish and blah. So despite the fact that I knew I should've just stuck to yoga, I did a relatively easy 30 minuter. It was quite possibly one of the worst ideas I have ever had. The run wasn't all that bad but by the time I decided that I wasn't going to take a rest day the gym was packed. There were so many people walking/running/jogging on the indoor track and it was quite the experience. Never again.
Thursday: 60 minute run (indoor track)
I'm not quite sure what possessed me to run circles for 60 minutes. I had planned on doing a simple 45 minutes, if that, because I woke up feeling tired and completely not in a running mood (having a train go by at 6:30 in the morning and waking me up tends to do that to me). But when my stopwatch got to 45 minutes I started the whole "5 more minutes" trick and ended up running for 15 more minutes. The upside is that I felt great. The downside is that I absolutely, positively have to take a rest day tomorrow. Ideally I would have 2 rest days this week but one is absolutely necessary. I always get injured right at the beginning of half mary training and I'm trying to avoid that pitfall this time around.
Ah yes, I have decided to run a half marathon. It will be my fourth. I guess it's not so much a decision as a tradition: springtime is my usual half marathon time and I feel empty without one. This year my half is on June 1 as opposed to April 27 (because of school, no less. Darn education...) so I have plenty of time before my training plan starts up. But as usual I'm itching to hit the pavement. Thankfully the weather isn't cooperating.
I'm horrible at taking rest days. They make me feel so sluggish and blah. So despite the fact that I knew I should've just stuck to yoga, I did a relatively easy 30 minuter. It was quite possibly one of the worst ideas I have ever had. The run wasn't all that bad but by the time I decided that I wasn't going to take a rest day the gym was packed. There were so many people walking/running/jogging on the indoor track and it was quite the experience. Never again.
Thursday: 60 minute run (indoor track)
I'm not quite sure what possessed me to run circles for 60 minutes. I had planned on doing a simple 45 minutes, if that, because I woke up feeling tired and completely not in a running mood (having a train go by at 6:30 in the morning and waking me up tends to do that to me). But when my stopwatch got to 45 minutes I started the whole "5 more minutes" trick and ended up running for 15 more minutes. The upside is that I felt great. The downside is that I absolutely, positively have to take a rest day tomorrow. Ideally I would have 2 rest days this week but one is absolutely necessary. I always get injured right at the beginning of half mary training and I'm trying to avoid that pitfall this time around.
Ah yes, I have decided to run a half marathon. It will be my fourth. I guess it's not so much a decision as a tradition: springtime is my usual half marathon time and I feel empty without one. This year my half is on June 1 as opposed to April 27 (because of school, no less. Darn education...) so I have plenty of time before my training plan starts up. But as usual I'm itching to hit the pavement. Thankfully the weather isn't cooperating.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Spinning my wheels
I hate to admit this, but spinning classes are really growing on me. Growing up, my dad was always a huge cycling fanatic and I had access to his trainer in the winter. But there's something so completely satisfying about pushing through and finishing a workout that makes your lungs burn and your legs feel like they might rip off.
I'd definitely say that spinning is cycling's equivalent of track work: painful yet fulfilling
Monday: 1 hr. spin class
I decided against the spin/yoga class simply because I wanted to feel the full intensity of a 1 hour cycling class. And boy did I feel it. The instructor focused a lot on "climbs" and sprints, often in succession for optimal muscle burn. About halfway through the class I was cursing myself for thinking it would be a good idea to take a full spin class. At the end of the class, however, I felt jello-y and on top of the world. I may be addicted.
Tuesday: 1 hr. yoga/45 minute run
When my alarm clock went off at 6:20 this morning I was tempted to skip yoga and climb back into bed for another hour. And while yoga at 7:00 in the morning just wasn't all that enjoyable for me today (I think it was more of an instructor preference, honestly), my run was great. I started off with stiff legs and the intention of having an easy 45-minuter. The first 35 minutes were just that; easy. But then an ROTC kid decided that he wanted to pass me and I decided that I didn't want to let him pass me without a fight. I'm not usually an extremely competetive runner but I hate being passed. I managed to hold him off for 8 minutes before he finally passed me. To my satisfaction he did stop to walk about a minute after passing me while I was able to keep up a fairly speedy pace. Vive la endurance.
I'd definitely say that spinning is cycling's equivalent of track work: painful yet fulfilling
Monday: 1 hr. spin class
I decided against the spin/yoga class simply because I wanted to feel the full intensity of a 1 hour cycling class. And boy did I feel it. The instructor focused a lot on "climbs" and sprints, often in succession for optimal muscle burn. About halfway through the class I was cursing myself for thinking it would be a good idea to take a full spin class. At the end of the class, however, I felt jello-y and on top of the world. I may be addicted.
Tuesday: 1 hr. yoga/45 minute run
When my alarm clock went off at 6:20 this morning I was tempted to skip yoga and climb back into bed for another hour. And while yoga at 7:00 in the morning just wasn't all that enjoyable for me today (I think it was more of an instructor preference, honestly), my run was great. I started off with stiff legs and the intention of having an easy 45-minuter. The first 35 minutes were just that; easy. But then an ROTC kid decided that he wanted to pass me and I decided that I didn't want to let him pass me without a fight. I'm not usually an extremely competetive runner but I hate being passed. I managed to hold him off for 8 minutes before he finally passed me. To my satisfaction he did stop to walk about a minute after passing me while I was able to keep up a fairly speedy pace. Vive la endurance.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Cycling and stretching
Prior to this year, I had never been a fan of indoor cycling. I did it out of obligation, the obligation created by cold and windy winters. But, after taking a few spinning classes, my entire view of indoor cycling has changed. It can truly be a kickass workout if done correct.
Saturday: 1 hr. 15 min. spin/yoga class
This class is probably the best combination yet. 45 minutes of cycling and 30 minutes of yoga is pretty much pure heaven for sore and tired legs. Not something I would do on a tough workout day, but it is definitely going to be a Saturday morning ritual from now on.
Sunday: 50 minutes of power yoga
Although my body and mind were both screaming for more activity, I gave myself a rest day to recuperate from the wear and tear caused by picking up running again. The last thing I want is an injury.
Saturday: 1 hr. 15 min. spin/yoga class
This class is probably the best combination yet. 45 minutes of cycling and 30 minutes of yoga is pretty much pure heaven for sore and tired legs. Not something I would do on a tough workout day, but it is definitely going to be a Saturday morning ritual from now on.
Sunday: 50 minutes of power yoga
Although my body and mind were both screaming for more activity, I gave myself a rest day to recuperate from the wear and tear caused by picking up running again. The last thing I want is an injury.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Indoor Track, Part Deux
Stepping outside this morning, I knew that it was going to be a beautiful and relatively warm day (i.e. not 30 degrees with crazy, whipping wind). I was incredibly tempted to bundle up and do my run outside.
But because we had a "snow storm" yesterday and Virginia is not known for impeccable snow clearing skills (and out of sympathy for my swollen quads), I did my run at the indoor track once again.
The indoor track itself isn't all that bad. I don't even mind the 9.75 laps per mile because usually running on the indoor track = easy run. The one thing I do mind is all the people. I go to a large university so it'd be wrong to want the entire track to myself. But I don't think it is unreasonable to want people to STAY IN THEIR LANES.
There is nothing more frustrating than having someone dart into your lane without even a second glance. Or, even worse, weaving in and out of lanes based on the curve. Seriously people.
But overall, I had a good run...again with no idea of my pace. My legs were a bit tired (and are now making their way to full on sore) but getting the blood flowing definitely improved things.
Friday: 30 minute run (approximately 3 miles)
But because we had a "snow storm" yesterday and Virginia is not known for impeccable snow clearing skills (and out of sympathy for my swollen quads), I did my run at the indoor track once again.
The indoor track itself isn't all that bad. I don't even mind the 9.75 laps per mile because usually running on the indoor track = easy run. The one thing I do mind is all the people. I go to a large university so it'd be wrong to want the entire track to myself. But I don't think it is unreasonable to want people to STAY IN THEIR LANES.
There is nothing more frustrating than having someone dart into your lane without even a second glance. Or, even worse, weaving in and out of lanes based on the curve. Seriously people.
But overall, I had a good run...again with no idea of my pace. My legs were a bit tired (and are now making their way to full on sore) but getting the blood flowing definitely improved things.
Friday: 30 minute run (approximately 3 miles)
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The indoor track
It had been approximately 2 months since my last run. After cross-country season and working my butt off to PR in a Thanksgiving Day race, I was in serious need of a break.
But today, 1/17/2008, my running activity (as well as my motivation) was miraculously ressurected.
Today, 1/17/2008, I laced up my 5 month old Sauconys and trekked to the university recreation center and enjoyed a glorious run without worrying about pace, passing people, or beating the clock.
It was spectacular.
Thursday: 45 minute run on the indoor track (approximately 5 miles)
But today, 1/17/2008, my running activity (as well as my motivation) was miraculously ressurected.
Today, 1/17/2008, I laced up my 5 month old Sauconys and trekked to the university recreation center and enjoyed a glorious run without worrying about pace, passing people, or beating the clock.
It was spectacular.
Thursday: 45 minute run on the indoor track (approximately 5 miles)
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