Yes, it's that time again. Time to hit the trail and the track. My coach started her new training program on Tuesday and I am stoked! We are now working on speed training,which is completely new to me. We met at the track and we have a few new members with mostly returning faces from last season. We started off with 30 minutes of yoga (which felt amazing) and then did a few running drills. After that, Coach Liz set up a paper with our names and where our faster pace should be per 400. I was at a 3:15 (4.00 is comfortable for me, but the point of this is to puch it some). I was actually better off at a 3:30, which was where I started. My other four laps were 3:25, 3:24, 3:15, and 3:07. I actually didn't know that I was running that fast on the last lap, I just knew I was getting a bit tired. It felt good to do those and after each lap, we would walk 100 and then come back to run another lap.
Most of us have races coming up, mostly small ones like 5Ks and 10Ks. I am actually doing the Kemah 5K at the end of next month which should be fun. I am acutally looking to set some PRs there since we are doing speed right now. I am glad that Leah has started to run again despite her injury and hope that Kat continues to run. Leah ran 4 laps with me and kept up a pretty good pace for not having ran in 2 months. My coworker Chelsea will do the 5K with me and is doing the "Couch to 5K" program.
The next thing I really need to work on is my diet. It sucks. I am on Weight Watchers and I have just been in a slump lately. I have been emotionally eating and been worrying about stuff I shouldn't which causes...MORE EATING. Need a plan here that will work for me. I know WW works, but I've just been lazy with it. I just have to try and it will work out.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Victory!
I finished the Woodlands Half Marathon in 3:36! I had planned for 3:45, but I did a litte better than I had thought. I was so happy that the weather was nice and overcast for the majority of the race, however, it did rain on us for about 10 minutes, but it was light.
Yesterday I woke up at 4:15am to get ready for the race because our coach wanted us out there by 5:30 for a group picture (didn't happen). I rolled out of bed and ate a piece of toast with peanut butter (the LDS peanut butter I might add because it was delicous) and made sure I had plenty of water in my system. On the way to the tent, I ate a banana to make sure I was good and energized. I got there and met my fellow runners, Leah, and the coach at the tent and it was super windy! Poor Kat was stuck at EcoBot with her students. We went out for our warm-up and did some light yoga stretching. Soon after we all went to do our own thing like run back, go to the bathroom, pin on our numbers, etc. Then a few of us got into a group picture and it was pretty cute.
Finally, it was time to run! Well, I heard no announcement of when the race had actually started, they just had us run out there and that was that. I was off and dummy me took off too fast because I had that racer's momentum at the beginning. I actually had two PRs that day and the first one was my fastest race mile: a 13:22. This was an accident and I was mad at myself because this was nowhere near my pace and I would pay for it soon. Sure enough, I did. I found a few people to pace myself with and I felt a lot better. Leah found me around mile 2 and ran with me for a few minutes. It was really nice to have her out there despite her foot hurting. After that, the village cheer section gave us some leis and I ran with it the rest of the way.
I found a random pace buddy for about 4-5 miles of the race and she was really sweet. I need to find her on facebook or something. We ran together for a bit and talked which was really nice and it got my mind off of the miles. Then Leah found me again between miles 6 and 7 and ran about a half mile with me. At this point I was feeling great and was happy to be out there. I unfortunately lost my friend, but I had to remember that running is an individual sport. I had to kick my own ass at this point. The water and gel stops were nice and there was a random oreo spot. Some kids even tried to run with me and they were kind of annoying. I think I was the only honest person running/walking towards then end because I was telling cops and water people that "this sucks" and "what the F*** was I thinking". They all were laughing when I said that.
Then there came those last few miles. I hated myself for the last 4-5 miles of the race. I realized that 10 miles is fine....13.1 is an evil bitch from hell. This being said, I had to find it in myself to keep going. Full marathoners were passing me left and right, but I still had to go on. I wasn't the last halfer by any stretch, but I felt tired and really really really slow. That last quarter mile, my coach and Leah found me and ran me in. It was a great feeling to have them there and to run in the rest of the race. My friend Malorie was there as well to take pictures. Too bad I look like hell in them, but It was done!
No matter what anyone says, no matter how fat or out of shape I feel, I know that I finished this race and wasn't last either. I finished 9 minutes before I thought I would and I was 24 minutes faster than when I walked a half-marathon. I did what most people who were watching, sitting at home, or wherever have never and will never do. This makes me proud.
I am not done with my running journals, because I have much more to do. My coach is starting speed training in a week and I have to get ready for more races. Stay tuned for more of my adventures/misadventures in this tough and rewarding sport!
Yesterday I woke up at 4:15am to get ready for the race because our coach wanted us out there by 5:30 for a group picture (didn't happen). I rolled out of bed and ate a piece of toast with peanut butter (the LDS peanut butter I might add because it was delicous) and made sure I had plenty of water in my system. On the way to the tent, I ate a banana to make sure I was good and energized. I got there and met my fellow runners, Leah, and the coach at the tent and it was super windy! Poor Kat was stuck at EcoBot with her students. We went out for our warm-up and did some light yoga stretching. Soon after we all went to do our own thing like run back, go to the bathroom, pin on our numbers, etc. Then a few of us got into a group picture and it was pretty cute.
Finally, it was time to run! Well, I heard no announcement of when the race had actually started, they just had us run out there and that was that. I was off and dummy me took off too fast because I had that racer's momentum at the beginning. I actually had two PRs that day and the first one was my fastest race mile: a 13:22. This was an accident and I was mad at myself because this was nowhere near my pace and I would pay for it soon. Sure enough, I did. I found a few people to pace myself with and I felt a lot better. Leah found me around mile 2 and ran with me for a few minutes. It was really nice to have her out there despite her foot hurting. After that, the village cheer section gave us some leis and I ran with it the rest of the way.
I found a random pace buddy for about 4-5 miles of the race and she was really sweet. I need to find her on facebook or something. We ran together for a bit and talked which was really nice and it got my mind off of the miles. Then Leah found me again between miles 6 and 7 and ran about a half mile with me. At this point I was feeling great and was happy to be out there. I unfortunately lost my friend, but I had to remember that running is an individual sport. I had to kick my own ass at this point. The water and gel stops were nice and there was a random oreo spot. Some kids even tried to run with me and they were kind of annoying. I think I was the only honest person running/walking towards then end because I was telling cops and water people that "this sucks" and "what the F*** was I thinking". They all were laughing when I said that.
Then there came those last few miles. I hated myself for the last 4-5 miles of the race. I realized that 10 miles is fine....13.1 is an evil bitch from hell. This being said, I had to find it in myself to keep going. Full marathoners were passing me left and right, but I still had to go on. I wasn't the last halfer by any stretch, but I felt tired and really really really slow. That last quarter mile, my coach and Leah found me and ran me in. It was a great feeling to have them there and to run in the rest of the race. My friend Malorie was there as well to take pictures. Too bad I look like hell in them, but It was done!
No matter what anyone says, no matter how fat or out of shape I feel, I know that I finished this race and wasn't last either. I finished 9 minutes before I thought I would and I was 24 minutes faster than when I walked a half-marathon. I did what most people who were watching, sitting at home, or wherever have never and will never do. This makes me proud.
I am not done with my running journals, because I have much more to do. My coach is starting speed training in a week and I have to get ready for more races. Stay tuned for more of my adventures/misadventures in this tough and rewarding sport!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Rhythm and Blues 5K
I did a 5K yesterday and was really excited to do it. It's less than 2 weeks to the half (OMG!!!) and I wanted to push myself some before the big day. Kat and I got out there and the race started at around 7:15am. The course was on Allen Parkway and if you've ever gone down that road, you know that once you go under the bridge it is a huge downhill followed by an uncomfortable uphill. This meant that we would be doing a total of four uphills. We ended up walking those and running our asses off on the flat areas. I finished in 46:17 which was a few minutes off of my last 5K and I PRed my average pace (14:56) and PRed my fastest mile (14:07). It was a great day for running. Unfortunatly, they lied on the website and said that we would all get medals for running the 5K and....nope. This makes me not want to sign up for this race again.
I have been slipping on my training for the last month or so by only getting in maybe 2 runs per week (this includes my long run). I am determined to get in at least 3 per week and not to kill myself during these so I can save a lot of myself for the half. I am a bit nervous and just want to finish the dang thing! On long runs my pace has gotten really slow (between 16:30-17) and my IT band has been bothering me as well. I am just going to have to take it easy on short runs. This should be a crazy 2 weeks. I'll keep you posted.
I have been slipping on my training for the last month or so by only getting in maybe 2 runs per week (this includes my long run). I am determined to get in at least 3 per week and not to kill myself during these so I can save a lot of myself for the half. I am a bit nervous and just want to finish the dang thing! On long runs my pace has gotten really slow (between 16:30-17) and my IT band has been bothering me as well. I am just going to have to take it easy on short runs. This should be a crazy 2 weeks. I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Long Time, No See
I have not written in forever! Well, a lot of running, work and other things have happened. We will be doing 8 miles this Saturday and we have finished our base running at this point. In this point in my training, we are at the sharpening point which is where we do tempo runs once a week. Tonight we have 4 miles and have a speed pattern for them as well. I also recieved a garmin for Christmas which was amazing, however, I am struggling with how to use it correctly. I have also been through 2 pairs of new shoes that haven't worked for my feet which are the Brooks Ghost and the Asics Gel Landrith 7s. I might have to run in the Asics tonight, but I think it will be OK.
Also, since this is a new year, I did the most cliche thing possible: I joined Weight Watchers. It was really depressing for me to see how much weight I've gained in the past year and a half. I did it to myself and can't blame anyone else. I think I am over the sad phase and into the let's bring it phase. I know I have tendencies to do something for a while and then quit, come back, quit, come back, but I'd like to break that cycle. I know Weight Watchers works and I've lost weight on it before (40 lbs) and I can do it again. I am also excited for the fact that if I am lighter, I can run better and maybe some of my foot problems will go away. I will let you know how my journey goes.
Also, since this is a new year, I did the most cliche thing possible: I joined Weight Watchers. It was really depressing for me to see how much weight I've gained in the past year and a half. I did it to myself and can't blame anyone else. I think I am over the sad phase and into the let's bring it phase. I know I have tendencies to do something for a while and then quit, come back, quit, come back, but I'd like to break that cycle. I know Weight Watchers works and I've lost weight on it before (40 lbs) and I can do it again. I am also excited for the fact that if I am lighter, I can run better and maybe some of my foot problems will go away. I will let you know how my journey goes.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Punishment
I haven't written in a while because guess what...I haven't run in almost 2 weeks! I went to Denver for my PSO training for AmeriCorps Vista. There was a gym there and I was really excited because I thought I would be in there doing all of my runs plus some much needed strength training. I ignored the advice of Leah by not doing my Tuesday run in the morning before I flew out, thinking that I would do it that night in the gym. I didn't do it, nor did I excercise once in that gym. I saw that people did their workouts and I had my running clothes and shoes with me, but after sessions lasting from 8-5 with breakfast from 7-8 and dinner from 5:30-6:30, I was exhausted or just wanted to hang out with people instead of running. After I got home that Friday I was so tired and ended up skipping my long run on Saturday. It all pretty much went downhill from there and then it was Thanksgiving. I had really messed up here and knew I would pay for it on my next run.
This morning I met with Leah and some of the other Running Peeps to do our long runs (because our coach was going to have us do them Tuesday night and there is no way I would be up for 5 miles after being on the go for over 14 hours). Leah and I took off around 7:10am and kept at a really even pace which ended up being about 16:35/mi which is nice and slow. My feet were killing me around mile 2 and my muscles were yelling at me. I was super tight and needed to stop to stretch out my right foot (still no new running shoes). The good part is that around mile 3 I was feeling great and then mile 4 I was giddy. I was even saying to Leah that maybe we could do 6 miles like she wanted to, but we decided to keep to five. This was an excellent idea because when we had about half to a quarter left, I was tired. I felt great when we finished and we had breakfast at our meeting place and a much deserved chocolate milk (yay!). There were a few things that I realized that you can only come to when you've made a few mistakes: the first is that I should NEVER go that long without running. The weekly runs are there for a reason and I would have had a better run if I had kept up or even did one of them this week. Secondly, I love running. I was getting in a lazy mode where I almost didn't want to run anymore and was more interested in the status of saying that I am a runner. Now I could give a crap about that status and would trade it all for the high. Thirdly, I have picked up a bad habbit: when I feel good, I tend to speed up. I need to remember that my weekly runs are just that and not races. I just get caught up in the moment and the fun and need to refocus on keeping an even pace so I don't burn myself out. Well, I plan on doing my Monday run and getting back into the swing of things. Until next time, I'll be running.
This morning I met with Leah and some of the other Running Peeps to do our long runs (because our coach was going to have us do them Tuesday night and there is no way I would be up for 5 miles after being on the go for over 14 hours). Leah and I took off around 7:10am and kept at a really even pace which ended up being about 16:35/mi which is nice and slow. My feet were killing me around mile 2 and my muscles were yelling at me. I was super tight and needed to stop to stretch out my right foot (still no new running shoes). The good part is that around mile 3 I was feeling great and then mile 4 I was giddy. I was even saying to Leah that maybe we could do 6 miles like she wanted to, but we decided to keep to five. This was an excellent idea because when we had about half to a quarter left, I was tired. I felt great when we finished and we had breakfast at our meeting place and a much deserved chocolate milk (yay!). There were a few things that I realized that you can only come to when you've made a few mistakes: the first is that I should NEVER go that long without running. The weekly runs are there for a reason and I would have had a better run if I had kept up or even did one of them this week. Secondly, I love running. I was getting in a lazy mode where I almost didn't want to run anymore and was more interested in the status of saying that I am a runner. Now I could give a crap about that status and would trade it all for the high. Thirdly, I have picked up a bad habbit: when I feel good, I tend to speed up. I need to remember that my weekly runs are just that and not races. I just get caught up in the moment and the fun and need to refocus on keeping an even pace so I don't burn myself out. Well, I plan on doing my Monday run and getting back into the swing of things. Until next time, I'll be running.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
You Know You're a Runner When.....
I found some cute stuff online and some ideas from friends and my group to what bonds runners with other runners. Feel free to add to it!
1. When you get more excited by buying running clothes than any other apparel.
2. When you talk about running all the times and can turn any conversation into one about it.
3. When the ritual of laying out your running gear for the next day causes great satisfaction.
4. If you plan vacations/holidays around your running schedule.
5. When you have a seperate fund for race fees.
6. Even though you have made fun of fanny packs in the past, you now wear something that slightly resembles one and are proud of it.
7. When you and all of the other runners have a mutual understanding when you pass eachother.
8. When you don't wear your new race shirt after packet pick up because you believe you haven't earned it yet.
9. If your running buddies know more about you then anyone else (especially bodily functions).
10. When you find that your Friday night friends have changed (because you're in bed early instead of bar hopping).
11. If you are hungry for lunch by 9 am and you've already had breakfast.
12. When you are hungry all the time.
13. When you've tried all the fueling products like bars, beans, chops, and gels.
14. When you know exactly when your running shoes have died.
15. When running socks become your favorite thing to put on your feet.
16. When you choose a race based on the swag.
17. When you are not only unafraid to wear spandex, you wear it proudly.
18. When you know all of the trails and streets better than everyone else around you.
19. When moving, one of the factors is what parks and running trails are nearby.
20. If you have had a black toe or a toenail fall off.
21. If the highlight of your day is running.
22. If your car has extra running gear, shoes, or clothes just in case.
23. If you feel wrong and guilty if you have missed your run.
24. When looking at the weather, you see how it will affect your run.
25. When you are upset when you are sick or injured because they interfere with running and not that your body is harmed.
This is all that I came up with/found/got from friends. Hope you enjoyed them!
1. When you get more excited by buying running clothes than any other apparel.
2. When you talk about running all the times and can turn any conversation into one about it.
3. When the ritual of laying out your running gear for the next day causes great satisfaction.
4. If you plan vacations/holidays around your running schedule.
5. When you have a seperate fund for race fees.
6. Even though you have made fun of fanny packs in the past, you now wear something that slightly resembles one and are proud of it.
7. When you and all of the other runners have a mutual understanding when you pass eachother.
8. When you don't wear your new race shirt after packet pick up because you believe you haven't earned it yet.
9. If your running buddies know more about you then anyone else (especially bodily functions).
10. When you find that your Friday night friends have changed (because you're in bed early instead of bar hopping).
11. If you are hungry for lunch by 9 am and you've already had breakfast.
12. When you are hungry all the time.
13. When you've tried all the fueling products like bars, beans, chops, and gels.
14. When you know exactly when your running shoes have died.
15. When running socks become your favorite thing to put on your feet.
16. When you choose a race based on the swag.
17. When you are not only unafraid to wear spandex, you wear it proudly.
18. When you know all of the trails and streets better than everyone else around you.
19. When moving, one of the factors is what parks and running trails are nearby.
20. If you have had a black toe or a toenail fall off.
21. If the highlight of your day is running.
22. If your car has extra running gear, shoes, or clothes just in case.
23. If you feel wrong and guilty if you have missed your run.
24. When looking at the weather, you see how it will affect your run.
25. When you are upset when you are sick or injured because they interfere with running and not that your body is harmed.
This is all that I came up with/found/got from friends. Hope you enjoyed them!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Five Week Plan
I decided to make a wish list of races the other day and found so many that looked like a lot of fun. Texas has a lot of races, but more of them are in the Dallas area as opposed to Houston. I found a cute 5 mile race on December 11th called the YMCA Jingle Bell Run. It includes a 3 mile walk and a 1 mile kid’s race as well. You get reindeer antlers, jingle bells and a cool shirt for your efforts. I think I have talked my parents into doing the walk while I do the run. My mother had been doing really well waking every day, but has fallen off of the wagon as of late because she doesn't have anyone to go with (plus sleeping in is so much more attractive). I decided to implement a plan...a masterful, awesome 5 week plan. I made us both an exercise schedule that includes my designated runs with added strength training and a goofy pilates video I found on Netflix that is beginner friendly. I have my mom doing 4 walks a week making her Monday her "long walk" kind of like Saturday is my long run. I then have her walk 30 minutes on the other three days. Friday is our designated pilates day and I think it should be funny to see it happen. If you can imagine two grown women trying to do a video in a tiny spare room staring at the computer for instruction. I am also going to spend today coming up with a meal plan so I can actually shed some pounds instead of maintaining weight. I think I might get a little faster if I do.
On another note, Mom an I went out and did this 3.2 mile loop this morning. I ran the loop while she walked 25 minutes; turned around, and walked back to the car (she went 2 miles!). It was probably the worst run I have had in a long time. Sometimes running makes no sense to me. Saturday's run was beautiful again with frigid temperatures, clear air, feet feeling great and good running buddies. Today was humid as hell, my feet were killing me (need new shoes now), I was extra slow, and my left foot fell asleep like 4 times. At one point my feet hurt so much I wanted to start walking and then I remembered that running is a total mental game. The pain wasn't injury pain; it was "get some new shoes damnit!" pain. I just had to concentrate on the actual trail, make little goals for myself, and run through it. This is really an amazing lesson that I have learned since in the past I would have walked at the slightest bit of pain. On a brighter note, I finished in my normal amount of time and wasn't as slow as I thought. Also, I start 5 miles this Saturday, on purpose this time. Wish me luck (or endurance)!
On another note, Mom an I went out and did this 3.2 mile loop this morning. I ran the loop while she walked 25 minutes; turned around, and walked back to the car (she went 2 miles!). It was probably the worst run I have had in a long time. Sometimes running makes no sense to me. Saturday's run was beautiful again with frigid temperatures, clear air, feet feeling great and good running buddies. Today was humid as hell, my feet were killing me (need new shoes now), I was extra slow, and my left foot fell asleep like 4 times. At one point my feet hurt so much I wanted to start walking and then I remembered that running is a total mental game. The pain wasn't injury pain; it was "get some new shoes damnit!" pain. I just had to concentrate on the actual trail, make little goals for myself, and run through it. This is really an amazing lesson that I have learned since in the past I would have walked at the slightest bit of pain. On a brighter note, I finished in my normal amount of time and wasn't as slow as I thought. Also, I start 5 miles this Saturday, on purpose this time. Wish me luck (or endurance)!
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