Last Saturday I hit my furthest distance to date – 20 miles! The weather was a bit chilly;
I believe it started out at 19 degrees. Fortunately, the sun was shining and as I headed
out I slowly warmed up. I was lucky enough to run with 3 wonderful women and we
kept up our spirits up throughout the whole run. We stopped about every 2 to 3 miles
for Gatorade, water, GUs, pretzels or Twizzlers. I felt great up until the last mile when I
began to lose steam. Once I saw the finish line, I felt renewed and finished strong.
All and all it was a GREAT run. Afterward, I scarfed down pancakes & hash-browns at a
local diner with my fellow runner, Angela. Then I headed home for 15 minutes in the hot
tub to relax my sore muscles before jumping into cozy, warm clothes. I spent the rest of
the day in relaxation mode and I felt fantastic Sunday morning.
It’s amazing to think that at this time last year I was struggling, seriously struggling, to
run 9 miles. Now I can run up to 20! It’s amazing what proper training can do and the
right amount of motivation.
This weekend I’m planning to run the Martian Half Marathon in Dearborn; the same race
I ran as my first half last year. I’m looking forward to the wacky costumes & a much
better finishing time. J Also, there will be tons of my running buddies from KAR to
party with after the race.
If you’re looking for a great pastime with lots of camaraderie and awesome fitness
benefits, I suggest getting some running shoes & joining a running club.** It’s
transformed my life!
**Disclaimer: You may become addicted to running and find yourself scheduling
weekend trips to races in fun places with cool medals.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Unorthodox training
I’ve been slacking a bit with this blog, so I’m playing catch up now. Today’s post is all
about what you SHOULD NOT do while training for a marathon. Last week was a bit of
a doosey for me and I strayed a bit off my normal, healthy training plan.
Last Thursday was St. Patty’s Day and of course I had to partake in the celebrations.
Nick and I met up with some friends for dinner and dinner ended up turning into a few
more rounds of drinks than planned and a much later bedtime. (I usually turn in at 10PM,
Thursday it was closer to 1AM). YIKES.
After very little sleep and too many adult beverages, work on Friday was a bit of a
struggle. I looked forward to a relaxing Friday night and LOTS of sleep and good food.
Too bad fate had other plans. Needless to say, I was up most of the night Friday night
too, but all for a good reason this time.
So now it’s Saturday morning, I’m running on about 8 hours of sleep since Wednesday
night and I decide to stop in at the WORST FAST FOOD chain ever. Those who know
me know I don’t eat FAST FOOD unless it’s Subway or Penn Station (I’m a sucker
for their fries!), so this is totally out of the norm. I scraff down my hot cakes and hash
browns. I’m feeling guilty because A) I missed my 18-mile training run & B) I just put
nasty, greasy FAST FOOD in my body. Nick offers to run 18-miles with me and I agree
with a little hesitation.
The first 2 miles I feel like hurling up all that FAST FOOD, then the feeling subsides and
I ease into a nice pace. Everything is going great – the weather’s cool, but sunny and the
birds are chirping. I’m feeling fantastic despite my crappy diet & minimal sleep from the
past two days.
As I approach the 15 mile mark, my cheeriness starts to subside. I stare down that
hypothetical WALL. I can’t feel my legs and my brain is telling me “STOP, YOU
CRAZY WOMAN! I NEED REST AND NOURISHMENT AND YOU’RE TRYING
TO RUN 18 MILES!” So, I slow down, walk a bit, speed up, slow down, drink some
Gatorade. Nick attempts to talk me out of it, and slowly it begins to work. He distracts
me with random conversation and finally we close in on the last 2 miles. At a ½ mile to
go, I can see the red caboose that marks the end of the run. I fling my arms in the air as I
finish.
Ugh. That was rough. Never again will slack so much while training. I learned my lesson
big time.
Tomorrow is a 20-miler and I’m feeling good about it. I’ve eaten & slept properly – I’ll
let you know how it goes!
about what you SHOULD NOT do while training for a marathon. Last week was a bit of
a doosey for me and I strayed a bit off my normal, healthy training plan.
Last Thursday was St. Patty’s Day and of course I had to partake in the celebrations.
Nick and I met up with some friends for dinner and dinner ended up turning into a few
more rounds of drinks than planned and a much later bedtime. (I usually turn in at 10PM,
Thursday it was closer to 1AM). YIKES.
After very little sleep and too many adult beverages, work on Friday was a bit of a
struggle. I looked forward to a relaxing Friday night and LOTS of sleep and good food.
Too bad fate had other plans. Needless to say, I was up most of the night Friday night
too, but all for a good reason this time.
So now it’s Saturday morning, I’m running on about 8 hours of sleep since Wednesday
night and I decide to stop in at the WORST FAST FOOD chain ever. Those who know
me know I don’t eat FAST FOOD unless it’s Subway or Penn Station (I’m a sucker
for their fries!), so this is totally out of the norm. I scraff down my hot cakes and hash
browns. I’m feeling guilty because A) I missed my 18-mile training run & B) I just put
nasty, greasy FAST FOOD in my body. Nick offers to run 18-miles with me and I agree
with a little hesitation.
The first 2 miles I feel like hurling up all that FAST FOOD, then the feeling subsides and
I ease into a nice pace. Everything is going great – the weather’s cool, but sunny and the
birds are chirping. I’m feeling fantastic despite my crappy diet & minimal sleep from the
past two days.
As I approach the 15 mile mark, my cheeriness starts to subside. I stare down that
hypothetical WALL. I can’t feel my legs and my brain is telling me “STOP, YOU
CRAZY WOMAN! I NEED REST AND NOURISHMENT AND YOU’RE TRYING
TO RUN 18 MILES!” So, I slow down, walk a bit, speed up, slow down, drink some
Gatorade. Nick attempts to talk me out of it, and slowly it begins to work. He distracts
me with random conversation and finally we close in on the last 2 miles. At a ½ mile to
go, I can see the red caboose that marks the end of the run. I fling my arms in the air as I
finish.
Ugh. That was rough. Never again will slack so much while training. I learned my lesson
big time.
Tomorrow is a 20-miler and I’m feeling good about it. I’ve eaten & slept properly – I’ll
let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
When 8 feels like a 3
Today was an awesome day for running. The weather was PERFECT. I ran a nice 8-miler, rather hilly, but it felt good. On the way home from the run, I told Nick I really didn't feel like I ran 8 miles, hilly miles at that. He said that's what happens when you get up there in your mileage, what used to feel so unbelievably long begins to feel easy. Folks, 2 months ago I never thought I'd meet feel this way, and here I am happily typing away about how an 8-miler felt like my old 3-miler. Awesome!
Last year at this time, I was STRUGGLING to put in a 9-miler as my long run, now I look forward to pushing 18 to 20 miles this upcoming Saturday. Pursuing this marathon has really changed my perspective on how much I can actually push my body. I never in a million years would have predicted I could run 16 miles, and I've already achieved that goal last weekend.
For those of you who don't know me personally, I was NOT a runner, sure I played soccer and did my required laps for cheerleading but nothing close to what I am doing now. That's why I want to make it CLEAR that ANYONE can run a marathon. Seriously, yes, it takes time -LOTS OF TIME- to train properly. It also takes some mental stamina - this helps having a running buddy or two or 10. But I seriously believe ANYONE of you that reads this can do it. I was just a "normal person," sure I was active, but I've met plenty of folks who were couch potatoes and have turned into amazing runners. So, are you pumped to sign up for your first 5k, 10k, half marathon or MARATHON, yet? I challenge you to turn what you feel is difficult into something achievable. Turn your 8 into a 3.
Last year at this time, I was STRUGGLING to put in a 9-miler as my long run, now I look forward to pushing 18 to 20 miles this upcoming Saturday. Pursuing this marathon has really changed my perspective on how much I can actually push my body. I never in a million years would have predicted I could run 16 miles, and I've already achieved that goal last weekend.
For those of you who don't know me personally, I was NOT a runner, sure I played soccer and did my required laps for cheerleading but nothing close to what I am doing now. That's why I want to make it CLEAR that ANYONE can run a marathon. Seriously, yes, it takes time -LOTS OF TIME- to train properly. It also takes some mental stamina - this helps having a running buddy or two or 10. But I seriously believe ANYONE of you that reads this can do it. I was just a "normal person," sure I was active, but I've met plenty of folks who were couch potatoes and have turned into amazing runners. So, are you pumped to sign up for your first 5k, 10k, half marathon or MARATHON, yet? I challenge you to turn what you feel is difficult into something achievable. Turn your 8 into a 3.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Extra miles & new shoes
Last weekend I woke to rainy, cold conditions yet had a great 15-mile run. I missed all the rain and felt pretty good the whole time. It always helps running with other people. The last mile was a bit trying but just knowing I was going to complete another distance I hadn't done before pushed me to the end. I ran 15 miles in about 2 hours & 45. Not to shabby. I'm looking forward to a challenging route this week with 16 miles.
I also purchased some new fancy shoes. So far, I've put 6 miles on them this week and plan to take them outside tomorrow evening. I cannot wait until the weather breaks...I hate running on the treadmill.
Next week I am going to focus a lot of increasing my mileage (as long as the weather & body lets me) and I'm also going to get in some more core workouts. I've noticed that after the long run my lower back is achy, so I'm going to work on my abs & back muscles to help combat this. I'm also planning to schedule my first massage appoint. Ahhh should be relaxing & a good way to get rid of all those after run aches & pains.
Looking forward to great rest of the week!
I also purchased some new fancy shoes. So far, I've put 6 miles on them this week and plan to take them outside tomorrow evening. I cannot wait until the weather breaks...I hate running on the treadmill.
Next week I am going to focus a lot of increasing my mileage (as long as the weather & body lets me) and I'm also going to get in some more core workouts. I've noticed that after the long run my lower back is achy, so I'm going to work on my abs & back muscles to help combat this. I'm also planning to schedule my first massage appoint. Ahhh should be relaxing & a good way to get rid of all those after run aches & pains.
Looking forward to great rest of the week!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
A new month = harder training
Saturday, February 26, 2011 I ran 14.22 miles. The longest distance I had completed up to that day was 13.1. I was planning on a nice 13-miler Saturday morning, but I ended up missing my turn around and before I knew it I was on track to run 14 miles. Luckily, the weather was decent and I had adequate water/gatorade stops to fuel me along the way. For technical purposes only, here's what I ate & how I dressed for the day.
Breakfast:
1 packet instant Maple & Brown sugar oatmeal
1 orange
Water
Fuel on the road:
Either Gatorade or water every 2.5 miles
Mandarin Orange Gu pack at mile 5
Dress (Temps low 20s up to 30s):
Two layers skins
Thin under top layer
Kzoo Marathon running jacket
Hot pink fleece vest
Mittens & hat
Boring, yes, I know but a good thing to keep track of.
I ran the first 5.5 miles with my group and then somehow got split up when I stopped for a restroom break at Arby's...I am SO glad I listened to one of the other runners as they said to take a slightly different way back and even more glad I printed my map. I am still getting to know Kalamazoo, so I was a bit nervous I'd get lost. The weather held off, but the roads turned to a sloppy, slushy mess on the way back into town. I felt GREAT, literally GREAT, up until just after mile 13 -- the snow-covered sidewalk I ran for the half mile prior really took a toll on the what energy was still left in my legs. I owe most of my energy to proper fueling and a fabulous playlist on my MP3 player. Hooray for Jock Jams 1&4, Jock Rock 1 & Daft Punk (not sure which record). By the time I reached my car, I was spent and the bottom of my pants and my shoes were drenched. I was so happy to jump into my car and head home to warm clothes & food.
On the ride home, I turned up my music and sang at the top of my lungs - I was so ecstatic that I had run further than I had planned. I was so proud that I "went the distance." I was on top of the world the rest of the weekend.
Now as this Saturday approaches, I'm getting nervous to accomplish my next goal of 15 miles. I'd really like to put in 16 miles, but I'm aiming for 15 in hopes I'll want to loop back a 1/2 mile and add on the 16th mile at the end.
Marathon training is tough. Physically, I mean I'm running LONGER distances every week now than I have ever run in my LIFE. Mentally, I'm nervous, excited, terrified, pumped, literally a ball of emotions. It's a great feeling to accomplish these goals every week and also it feels like I'm back in college wondering how well I will do on the next exam.
Here goes to another week of training!
(PS. Sunday, Feb. 27 I put in an "easy 4 miles." My legs felt like lead -- but I did it!
Monday I took the day off. Ahhhh...relaxation.
I did a measly 2 miles on the "dreadmill" this morning -- rough night of sleep makes for a difficult morning workout. I'll do better next week.)
Breakfast:
1 packet instant Maple & Brown sugar oatmeal
1 orange
Water
Fuel on the road:
Either Gatorade or water every 2.5 miles
Mandarin Orange Gu pack at mile 5
Dress (Temps low 20s up to 30s):
Two layers skins
Thin under top layer
Kzoo Marathon running jacket
Hot pink fleece vest
Mittens & hat
Boring, yes, I know but a good thing to keep track of.
I ran the first 5.5 miles with my group and then somehow got split up when I stopped for a restroom break at Arby's...I am SO glad I listened to one of the other runners as they said to take a slightly different way back and even more glad I printed my map. I am still getting to know Kalamazoo, so I was a bit nervous I'd get lost. The weather held off, but the roads turned to a sloppy, slushy mess on the way back into town. I felt GREAT, literally GREAT, up until just after mile 13 -- the snow-covered sidewalk I ran for the half mile prior really took a toll on the what energy was still left in my legs. I owe most of my energy to proper fueling and a fabulous playlist on my MP3 player. Hooray for Jock Jams 1&4, Jock Rock 1 & Daft Punk (not sure which record). By the time I reached my car, I was spent and the bottom of my pants and my shoes were drenched. I was so happy to jump into my car and head home to warm clothes & food.
On the ride home, I turned up my music and sang at the top of my lungs - I was so ecstatic that I had run further than I had planned. I was so proud that I "went the distance." I was on top of the world the rest of the weekend.
Now as this Saturday approaches, I'm getting nervous to accomplish my next goal of 15 miles. I'd really like to put in 16 miles, but I'm aiming for 15 in hopes I'll want to loop back a 1/2 mile and add on the 16th mile at the end.
Marathon training is tough. Physically, I mean I'm running LONGER distances every week now than I have ever run in my LIFE. Mentally, I'm nervous, excited, terrified, pumped, literally a ball of emotions. It's a great feeling to accomplish these goals every week and also it feels like I'm back in college wondering how well I will do on the next exam.
Here goes to another week of training!
(PS. Sunday, Feb. 27 I put in an "easy 4 miles." My legs felt like lead -- but I did it!
Monday I took the day off. Ahhhh...relaxation.
I did a measly 2 miles on the "dreadmill" this morning -- rough night of sleep makes for a difficult morning workout. I'll do better next week.)
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