Thoughts on training and more

Having decided to participate in a 6k trail run at the end of the month, I realized the need to ramp up the training for me & my dog partner. I am planning to use the Galloway method of run/walk especially since this will be the end of June in Florida (uh, it's HOT! here) I like to run with music but several times now during the actual races I have had 'technical' issues with either earbuds, mp3 player or dead batteries (which really sucks after creating a brand new playlist). I think I run better (perhaps this is a delusion) when listening to music. Eventually, I hope my running technique develops to the point that I could maintain a good steady pace on my own... so where is the rambling leading? I don't know, yet...

Few days ago I saw this picture of the "modern marathoner" -- sure hope this not me. :-)

Last month I bought a belt to hold a couple small water bottles and this works pretty well in helping to stay hydrated while running in the brutal Florida humidity. I also enjoy my Garmin forerunner and mp3 player --- uh oh maybe I am getting too many gadgets...ok I am drawing the line now --- no more gadgets! (except my dog bowl, dog baggies, leash and phone -- all fits in the belt with water bottles)

Race photos & other thoughts

Race Photos…

Received via email a link to a photo of my friend Stan running in the Gate River run last Saturday. This is one huge race, nearly 20,000 people! Unbelievable! The photo is a good picture of Stan – he looks fit and working hard.

I remember how excited I was to be able to send everyone a link for the photos from the Seaside race. The race photos are typically sorted – using the runners’ bib numbers with a “lost & found” area for photos where the bib numbers are not visible. I think it is fabulous to have professional photographers on the scene at these events. These men & women take some really nice shots. I have only one complaint – The pictures are expensive ($). The cheapest product I could find was $14.99 for a single 5X7 photo. If just 10% of the racers have photos ordered @ 15.00 each for the Seaside race there would be $4000 charged. The Jacksonville race is 10X larger than so the math says there is somebody making some money? Hmm… could be neat way to earn a living.

Having personal photos taken by friends and/or family is special. These photos mean someone cares about you enough to be there for you in the wee hours of the morning. [it is much easier to run in the early morning temps than in the sweltering heat of the day here in Florida] There is something invigorating about seeing and/or hearing someone you know (or not know) rooting for you. Such power in simple phrases…”You can do it!” “Way to go!” “Almost there – Keeping going!” To hear the clapping, whistling and cheering is FABULOUS! For me, running is so hard! Trying to dig a little deeper is tough especially towards the end of the race. I can see the finish line, I know I am almost there – but trying to find the “big push” forward is so hard; hearing the cheering just gives me a little boost – just enough momentum to surge forward across the finish line strong and triumphant!!!

Not running alone

This was a new experience, running with someone. A co-worker decided to run with me after work... we are the same age and both very slowwww runners. I usually do my runs early in the morning but the county fitness test is always done in the afternoon - thus I need to run some later in the day. Pat & I paced each other pretty well. We talked along the way, I am not used to conversation while running... time went by rather well. We both developed a decent sweat - we only covered 2 miles but a nice start for the two of us. I did like the run but I not the kind of run I would do every time - I think I prefer the solitutde aspect of running. Getting to know my body and pushing myself forward one step at a time is part of the process that keeps me going -- as I improve my motivation stays stronger. I am a runner even if it is at a turtle's pace.

Running is Hard...

That's what my legs say every day. Feeling so heavy, almost like stone my legs struggle through the beginning of every run. Usually takes at least 10 minutes for my legs to accept the notion of running. It is such a huge mental effort for me -- everytime pushing myself to convince my body to keep going forward. I have heard of people 'zoning' when they run - I wonder when this will happen for me?

When I finish my runs - there is an enormous sense of accomplishment. "I Did It!" I will keep plugging away - One of these days I believe I will find this elusive place, the "zone". I know I am stronger and faster than when I first started this journey towards becoming a 'runner'. I guess what I seek is the feeling of being a runner while running!

Currently it is still a battle to keep moving one foot in front of the other over and over until I reach the finish line or return to my front door. And so it goes...

Livestrong.

Wednesday workout

Today's workout went really well, I think my body is finally forgiving me after Sunday's challenge at Seaside. My next goal is to pass county fitness test and run 1 1/2 miles in 19:30!
The test is in early April so the month of March is all I have left to get it together. Last fall I came just short of the goal and I know I am stronger now but I plan to focus my energies on this one goal!

As soon as I complete the fitness test my next goal will be the Sundancer Adventure Race on May 16th. This race has been cancelled twice in the past - once due to a hurricane and the second cancellation I am not sure the reason... hopefully, this time (being the third) will happen. I have signed up for the sprint biathlon of 3miles on bike (off-road) and 5k running (with last 1/2 mile on the beach) -- I know I can do this I want to do really well (feeling competitive perhaps?) in my age group at least.

Livestrong.

Seaside Half Marathon & 5k

March 1st 2009 -- coldest AND windest ever! We started @ 39 degrees cold! with 24mph wind!
Of course, I only ran the 5k but I do believe the half will be do-able possibly next year? This was a brutal race to me... so cold that I ran 2 miles before warming up, my feet stayed cold the whole time. Guess I need different socks :-)

My official time was 43:43 -- not fabulous but better than I expected given the conditions. I have been training pretty hard, glad to see that the extra workouts did indeed help. This is definitely a T-shirt that I truly EARNED. Interesting note: one of the rewards for completing the 5k or half-marathon was a Vera Bradley tote bag... I was not aware of this until a friend tried to sign up to run with me and the race was full. These bags are very popular. 750 people were signed up for the 5k with over 2,000 registered for the half-marathon. Being a 'newbie' I was not aware of how this race is such a big deal. I am glad I did it, proves to me I CAN DO it if I just stick with it one foot in front of the other over and over again....

(Additional note: I had planned to use my mp3 player to help me through the race, however I failed to check the status of the battery and thus I did the whole race without the tunes in my ears -- so again I have found I CAN do this without the distraction of the earbuds plugged in...)


Livestrong!

Another week begins

This morning Chyenne & I hooked up with T and her daughter. Off we went, felt pretty strong most of the way -- I was able to talk some while running so I guess I didn't push it too hard. I have decided to take the other dogs on alternating days for my warm-ups -- they do not have the legs to run with me. Hopefully, the weather will continue to hold and I can ride my bike to work (and back) after a longggg break from the bike commuting. Livestrong!

hard to get going this morning

Had the day off from work... finally managed to get going by 7:30am the dog had completely given up all hope of a run today. today was hard, I have got to start drinking more water. I have made the effort to drink the good stuff all day. I am sure my aches are a lack of hydration. Got lots of chores done today, now I am a little tired. Going out tonight to a comedy show, can't be too late as this is my weekend to work. I will try to get out with the dog Sunday morning before work and do a long brisk walk, no running for a change. Keep it loose and limber. After reviewing how I have felt lately, I am pretty sure I need more H2O and more stretching afterwards. I will keep going, I will get stronger! As long as I stick with it and listen to my body I know I will reach my goals... currently, my goal is 3 miles at a steady pace. I still feel like I take too many walk breaks but maybe I am just too hard on myself.

Awesome run today!

This morning was fantastic! The running is still hard but I have to admit I do enjoy my canine training partner. We started later today and I think Chyenne was convinced we weren't going out this morning until I grabbed her leash then she believed me! She loves it so much! The temperature was just a little nippy at first so I started out with a warmup jacket ... a light sprinkling of rain started about 10 minutes into the run. I figured as long as it didn't thunder (translation: no lightning!) we were ok. The lights rain stayed with us about 15 minutes then stopped, by then I had given up the jacket. As I am re-adjusting the jacket around my waist I see the most awesome sight, a beautiful rainbow overhead! Looked like the rainbow was just for us at the park!

I am still struggling with running without walk breaks. I haven't figured out how to get my breathing on track so it's not such a battle. I try to keep the walk breaks to aprox one minute and then run some more. I keep working at it, surely I will eventually "get it" and manage to run consistently for more than 5 minutes at a time! When I ran on the treadmill I seemed to do better with the breathing and running... I could run for 20 minutes solid on a treadmill before taking a walk break... Outdoors is much harder for me but I won't give up!!!

Friday was short run

Had a late start on Friday morning with my canine running partner... we barely had time for 30 minutes including warm-up and cool-down... Once again Chyenne proved to be good companion on the road. She is loving it, she can barely contain herself when she sees me lace up my sneakers first thing in the morning.

Go Dog Go! (or runs with canine)

Another runing day today... again with my canine training partner. Went pretty well, it was cooler this morning and I started with a light jacket. About 15 minutes into it, I tied the jacket around my waist. There is one issue I need to figure out, lighting is a problem - in my neighborhood less than half of the streets have streetlights so I have to bring some sort of lighting with us. I have a headlamp but it gets uncomfortable after awhile I guess I need to wear a headband or something for the lamp strap to go over. Also, I need to get a blinkie to attach to the dog's collar. I am enjoying her company and I know she enjoys getting out and having fun with me. A win-win situation!

different running partner today

Today I ran with Sam's dog -- 90 pound labrador retriever named Chyenne. She loved it! Was nice having such a big dog with me at 5am. It is very dark but I just felt a little safer with Chyenne by my side. She has to learn how to give me a little more space when she 'heels' -- she is so close it is hard for me to get my stride. She got better and she was very tired when we got back ... she did not even ask for her breakfast right away. (There's a reason she's 90 pounds) I will try to work with her more often and we can get in shape together. :-)

rainy day workout

Today is a running day -- Raining cats, dogs and more this morning so off to the gym to find an open treadmill. As I usually arrive before 6am I have no trouble finding an open machine. I dialed in the treadmill fairly steep for over half of my run... gives some semblance of an outdoor run. Sweating pretty good by the end. My energy levels were great for the class I taught this morning... workouts really do help fight fatigue!

Running partner

well, I now have a running partner once a week -- T & I have run/walked a few times but called it off with scheduling conflicts... we are going to try Monday mornings and see how it goes. I really want to build up some stamina and maybe a little speed. I may always be sloooow but I am willing to try. T is getting married in January so this partnership is short-lived for now. That's okay, I hope with a few more miles under my feet I will get the confidence to meet up with the local running club. I know I am not the only 'turtle' out there :-)

Another Run/Walk Day

Today is the first day of March! Hard to get up this morning -- but I did manage to make it to my Run/walk @ the gym. Did not get my bike time yesterday :-[ I have got to make sure I get my Wednesday morning rides! I will commute tomorrow so some miles there, thank goodness. The morning run went pretty well, I am picking up the pace a bit stretching out the distance btwn walk periods. Sweating pretty good when I headed into my cool down. Great way to start the day!!!