It's been forever, but I'm a big blabbermouth so I've stayed off the blog in order to keep myself reigned in.
It's official, this runner is running for two!
I've actually been running for 2 since mid-March... but only now are we going public. I'm 16 and a 1/2 weeks along and so far things are going well. The biggest surprise is that my running paces slowed significantly w/in the first 6 weeks. I slowed from 9ish min/miles to 11 min/miles in no time. More recently, I've learned that though I can run in 100 degree weather when I'm pregnant, and I can run pregnant in cooler temps, I CANNOT run in higher temps while pregnant. Heck, I can't even walk more than two miles at a time at 7 am in the morning!
These days I'm spending most of my workout time at the gym. I've been having cramping and knee issues and staying mainly on the ellipticals and stair machines as a result. But today I did my first running workout in 2-3 weeks. I'm back, baby!
... sort of. 3.5 miles of running with walk breaks every mile. Took me 40 min, but damn those were a hard 40 min. One of the side effects of pregnancy is a faster metabolism and a higher heart rate - so running at an 11:15 mile pace pushes my heart rate up to 165/170, where previously my HR was at that point when I was doing 9:30-9:15 minute miles.
So the new name of the game is "adjusting expectations". My goal is to run at least three times a week. Once, and if, that feels comfortable, I'll up it to four. I'm taking this as my starting point. If I can keep these paces, I'm happy. If I can get faster, I'm happy too. When I get slower, I'll be happy about that b/c I'll still be running.
So look forward to generally running and workout updates, but they'll be pretty pregnancy-related for the next while.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Reviewing the Season
I'm not entirely to the off-season, I still have one more Mother's Day 5K to go, but I'm nearly there. I've had a really busy running season this year with 8 races between November and May. I ran my first two 1/2 Marathon, and ran both much faster than I anticipated. I also stepped up and did two trail runs. I had a goal of running races longer than 10Ks and am happy to report that I completed both a 12K (Sabino Sunset Run), and an 8 mile trail run (Arizona Trail Run). Overall I'm happy with my running and glad to know that I can really step up my game when I want to.
I also figured out the gear:
I finally found a pair of shoes I want to wear until I die: Brooks Cascadia 6
My favorite hands down running bottoms: anything from skirtsports. Love their stuff
Finally found a sports bra that works!: Moving Comfort Fiona
Found a hydration belt: my Nathan belt is wonderful and I can't imagine running with out it
Major accomplishments:
-getting in the long runs. I always had an excuse not to do them until I trained for the HM. Then I discovered that I like long, slow runs. I haven't been doing as many of them recently, but I'm blaming it on the heat and the dissertation. I look forward to incorporating long runs into my weekly training plans.
-completing 2 Half Marathon, one just under 2 hours and one just over 2 hours. Really, I'm amazed with myself.
-getting comfortable running at least 20, and generally 25+ miles a week. I like that, I'm going to keep it up.
Things I skimped on and wish I hadn't:
-interval and speed work. I tried to do it, I really did, but I have some sort of mental block to actually doing the work outs. I like them when I do them but avoided them if possible. I need to get over this
Goals for next season (Fall -Spring):
-regular speed work
-keep the long runs
-more trail running
-no race goals yet, but they'll come soon
I also figured out the gear:
I finally found a pair of shoes I want to wear until I die: Brooks Cascadia 6
My favorite hands down running bottoms: anything from skirtsports. Love their stuff
Finally found a sports bra that works!: Moving Comfort Fiona
Found a hydration belt: my Nathan belt is wonderful and I can't imagine running with out it
Major accomplishments:
-getting in the long runs. I always had an excuse not to do them until I trained for the HM. Then I discovered that I like long, slow runs. I haven't been doing as many of them recently, but I'm blaming it on the heat and the dissertation. I look forward to incorporating long runs into my weekly training plans.
-completing 2 Half Marathon, one just under 2 hours and one just over 2 hours. Really, I'm amazed with myself.
-getting comfortable running at least 20, and generally 25+ miles a week. I like that, I'm going to keep it up.
Things I skimped on and wish I hadn't:
-interval and speed work. I tried to do it, I really did, but I have some sort of mental block to actually doing the work outs. I like them when I do them but avoided them if possible. I need to get over this
Goals for next season (Fall -Spring):
-regular speed work
-keep the long runs
-more trail running
-no race goals yet, but they'll come soon
Race Report: Cinco de Mayo 10K
On Sunday (May 6), Luke and I ran the Cinco de Mayo 10K. It's a beautiful out and back through Star Pass resort in western Tucson. The route is full of rolling hills with about 250 ft elevation gain over all. This is one of my favorite races in Tucson because of the atmosphere and b/c they always give the best (gender-specific!) tech t-shirts. I love my t-shirt from last year and I can see this year's is also going to get a ton of wear.
Like most races, it started at 7am. Because it's Tucson, we were already feeling hot by the start.
Luke and I started out together and kept pace for the first 2 miles, and then I needed to slow down to recover a bit. He ran on ahead and I kept a nice and easy pace through the 3.1 mile turn around. After the midway point I was really dragging. I hadn't eaten enough for breakfast and my legs felt heavy and tired. I had plenty of water, but I needed some sugar and thought "it's only a 10K! I don't need nutrition!" right, unless you only have a few pieces of pineapple for breakfast, and then those sports beans really come in handy.
I had started up one of the hills and locked into my little-engine-that-could mode, when a woman in her 50s jogged up behind me, put her hand on my back and said, "Isn't that easier? You can do this. You can run much faster than this. Go get 'em!" And... I did. Something about her gentle hand on my back and her100% positive enthusiastic support made something click. All of a sudden my brain said, "she's right! you CAN go faster than you are! You won't keel over and die, I promise!" Then my legs kicked in, and I took off flying. I wasn't keeping pace while running, but I"m betting I was doing about 11:30 min miles when she met me. Considering I ran the entire course in 1h2min22sec, I'm pretty sure I ran those last 2 or so miles at near a 9 min mile pace. I was still pretty beat when I had the final incline up to the finish line, but I finished strong and confident. I've never had anyone support me in a race in that way and clearly that is the style of encouragement that works for me. A gentle hand saying: I'm with you, we can do this, let's go faster. (works much better than the coach-style of "you can run faster, come and catch me!" which I don't respond well to at all).
At the end of the race there is a mariachi band and breakfast burritos. Luke finished in 54 min and met me at the finish. Not interested in food, I did scarf down the slushie he was holding. Note to self - a slushie post-race is more refreshing than anything else in the world. Cooled me down and got me the sugars I needed right away! We weren't hungry so we grabbed our burritos to go and ate them when we got home.
One more race after this one and then I'm done for the season. By next Sunday, I will have run 8 races since November - I think I'm entitled to a break :)
Course: Cinco de Mayo 10K
time: 1h2min22sec
Like most races, it started at 7am. Because it's Tucson, we were already feeling hot by the start.
Luke and I started out together and kept pace for the first 2 miles, and then I needed to slow down to recover a bit. He ran on ahead and I kept a nice and easy pace through the 3.1 mile turn around. After the midway point I was really dragging. I hadn't eaten enough for breakfast and my legs felt heavy and tired. I had plenty of water, but I needed some sugar and thought "it's only a 10K! I don't need nutrition!" right, unless you only have a few pieces of pineapple for breakfast, and then those sports beans really come in handy.
I had started up one of the hills and locked into my little-engine-that-could mode, when a woman in her 50s jogged up behind me, put her hand on my back and said, "Isn't that easier? You can do this. You can run much faster than this. Go get 'em!" And... I did. Something about her gentle hand on my back and her100% positive enthusiastic support made something click. All of a sudden my brain said, "she's right! you CAN go faster than you are! You won't keel over and die, I promise!" Then my legs kicked in, and I took off flying. I wasn't keeping pace while running, but I"m betting I was doing about 11:30 min miles when she met me. Considering I ran the entire course in 1h2min22sec, I'm pretty sure I ran those last 2 or so miles at near a 9 min mile pace. I was still pretty beat when I had the final incline up to the finish line, but I finished strong and confident. I've never had anyone support me in a race in that way and clearly that is the style of encouragement that works for me. A gentle hand saying: I'm with you, we can do this, let's go faster. (works much better than the coach-style of "you can run faster, come and catch me!" which I don't respond well to at all).
At the end of the race there is a mariachi band and breakfast burritos. Luke finished in 54 min and met me at the finish. Not interested in food, I did scarf down the slushie he was holding. Note to self - a slushie post-race is more refreshing than anything else in the world. Cooled me down and got me the sugars I needed right away! We weren't hungry so we grabbed our burritos to go and ate them when we got home.
One more race after this one and then I'm done for the season. By next Sunday, I will have run 8 races since November - I think I'm entitled to a break :)
Course: Cinco de Mayo 10K
time: 1h2min22sec
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
A Tale of 2 Runs
It's heating up in the Old Pueblo and one of the ways I beat the heat, especially if I decide I'd rather snuggle in bed than drag myself out for a pre-7am run, is by going to the gym. Lately I've been sticking to XT and elliptical at the gym, but with a 10K coming up on Sunday I know I need to get in the actual miles.
Monday, I missed my am run slot (coffee and breakfast did me in), and it was in the high 80s with full sun by 9:30am. Rather than run in the afternoon before I went to the climbing gym, I headed into the air conditioned gym at the U and hopped on a treadmill. I did my normal 4.5 mile run and it felt like one of the hardest, most boring runs I've ever done. I struggled to keep an 11 minute mile pace for the first 2 miles and then dropped down to a 12 min pace for a mile and a half. By the last mile I was running 4 min and walking for 1 just to get through the damn work out. On top of that, I had lower abdominal cramping for the entire 53minute duration. agony.
Tuesday, I said "screw the treadmill, I'll just go and be hot outside." When I left, it was 89F, breeze and the sun was just going down. I did the same distance (4.5 mi) keeping a comfortable average pace of 10:27 sec - my normal warm-weather pace.
So what gives? How am I slower on a treadmill in an air conditioned gym than outside at nearly 90F?
My guess is that when I run outside when the sun is down, I both generate my own wind and take advantage of the breezes that kiss Tucson at sunset. Because the humidity here is so low, the breeze is very effective at wicking sweat away from your body and keeping you cool, even if the ambient temperature is pretty high. I also think that while most people benefit from the treadmill propelling them forward, with the way I run the artificial pace of the TM actually makes it harder and less comfortable for me to run. I can't adjust my stride the way I do when I'm outside. Today's an off day - I've been walking throughout the day and have climbing tonight - but tomorrow I'm going to be back outside, even if the high of the day is predicted to be 97.
Beat the heat tip # 4 - Toss some ice cubes in your water bottles. If using a waist belt, the cooling effect will help keep your over all temp cool, and in a hand-held it'll keep your water cooler longer.
Monday, I missed my am run slot (coffee and breakfast did me in), and it was in the high 80s with full sun by 9:30am. Rather than run in the afternoon before I went to the climbing gym, I headed into the air conditioned gym at the U and hopped on a treadmill. I did my normal 4.5 mile run and it felt like one of the hardest, most boring runs I've ever done. I struggled to keep an 11 minute mile pace for the first 2 miles and then dropped down to a 12 min pace for a mile and a half. By the last mile I was running 4 min and walking for 1 just to get through the damn work out. On top of that, I had lower abdominal cramping for the entire 53minute duration. agony.
Tuesday, I said "screw the treadmill, I'll just go and be hot outside." When I left, it was 89F, breeze and the sun was just going down. I did the same distance (4.5 mi) keeping a comfortable average pace of 10:27 sec - my normal warm-weather pace.
So what gives? How am I slower on a treadmill in an air conditioned gym than outside at nearly 90F?
My guess is that when I run outside when the sun is down, I both generate my own wind and take advantage of the breezes that kiss Tucson at sunset. Because the humidity here is so low, the breeze is very effective at wicking sweat away from your body and keeping you cool, even if the ambient temperature is pretty high. I also think that while most people benefit from the treadmill propelling them forward, with the way I run the artificial pace of the TM actually makes it harder and less comfortable for me to run. I can't adjust my stride the way I do when I'm outside. Today's an off day - I've been walking throughout the day and have climbing tonight - but tomorrow I'm going to be back outside, even if the high of the day is predicted to be 97.
Beat the heat tip # 4 - Toss some ice cubes in your water bottles. If using a waist belt, the cooling effect will help keep your over all temp cool, and in a hand-held it'll keep your water cooler longer.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Beating the Heat, pt. 3 - Go indoors!
It's not even hot yet, but it's heating up. Our temps are in the 80s to low 90s right now. I know that by July I'll be used to temps much higher than that, but the initial adjustment phase to coming summer is always hard for me. I'm so much less motivated to get out the door and run when I know it's hot as hell outside.
Yeah, yeah, I know I could get up early and beat the heat, but it's not happening, at least not yet. The siren song of breakfast and coffee are way too strong for this runner.
So here's my Beat the Heat solution #3: Go inside!
Even though the UofAZ has a series of great treadmills, I still prefer the elliptical when I'm working out inside. Yes, being inside a gym is boring, but there are some advantages:
1) free wifi lets me stream Pandora if I want music, and Netflix if I want video. Current fav: Battlestar Galatica.
2) never underestimate the power of air conditioning. especially when it's roasting out doors.
3) no need to wear a hydration belt! Handy locations to stash my water
4) encourages post-cardio XT including strength training and core work. I have a hard time motivating my strength work after a run, but in the gym I can't walk past the free weights and machines w/o giving them some loving too.
Yeah, yeah, I know I could get up early and beat the heat, but it's not happening, at least not yet. The siren song of breakfast and coffee are way too strong for this runner.
So here's my Beat the Heat solution #3: Go inside!
Even though the UofAZ has a series of great treadmills, I still prefer the elliptical when I'm working out inside. Yes, being inside a gym is boring, but there are some advantages:
1) free wifi lets me stream Pandora if I want music, and Netflix if I want video. Current fav: Battlestar Galatica.
2) never underestimate the power of air conditioning. especially when it's roasting out doors.
3) no need to wear a hydration belt! Handy locations to stash my water
4) encourages post-cardio XT including strength training and core work. I have a hard time motivating my strength work after a run, but in the gym I can't walk past the free weights and machines w/o giving them some loving too.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Sabino Sunset Run 2012
Saturday Luke and I both ran the Sabino Canyon Sunset Run. The 12K begins at 5:45 and heads straight into a canyon. By the time you hit the turn around and head back, you're greeted with beautiful view of the Arizona sunset. The route has 500 ft elevation - rolling hills in the beginning and then straight up for the last .8-.9 miles until you hit the turn around. The biggest challenges for me last year were dealing with cramping after I hit the turn around and had to run down hill.
This year, I've been running this as a weekly run pretty much all spring. I'm much more comfortable with the hills and now that I know the route, even the long hill doesn't see that long.
The day of the race we had a cold snap and temps in the 60s. Chilly, but a nice respite from the temps in the 80s and 90s, and perfect for running. I ran this much faster than I expected and I credit the cooler temps and no over heating to my faster time. I finished in 1h 14 min. Respectable, considering most of my other runs have dropped down to 10:30-11 minute miles. More importantly, I felt good the whole way. Every hill was fun and I had no cramping or other GI issues. Luke came in w/ a 8:22 average pace - something I'm really, really impressed with.
This is a great local run and just one of the many local runs I've participated in over the past year. Tucson has a really wonderful running community of all ages and running/walking levels. They have a bunch of small races capped at under 500 people. Once you've been to one, you start seeing a lot of familiar faces. It's nice to be part of such a small and excited community.
Next up on the race calendar is the Cinco de May 10K with a mariachi and breakfast burritos at the finish! I ran this last year and it was a great run through a beautiful neighborhood in Western Tucson. After that, I'll be doing a the Tucson 5,000 5K with my mom on Mother's Day morning. The race is at the park I run around on a daily basis and I'm excited for another (hopefully less dramatic) event with mom.
This year, I've been running this as a weekly run pretty much all spring. I'm much more comfortable with the hills and now that I know the route, even the long hill doesn't see that long.
The day of the race we had a cold snap and temps in the 60s. Chilly, but a nice respite from the temps in the 80s and 90s, and perfect for running. I ran this much faster than I expected and I credit the cooler temps and no over heating to my faster time. I finished in 1h 14 min. Respectable, considering most of my other runs have dropped down to 10:30-11 minute miles. More importantly, I felt good the whole way. Every hill was fun and I had no cramping or other GI issues. Luke came in w/ a 8:22 average pace - something I'm really, really impressed with.
This is a great local run and just one of the many local runs I've participated in over the past year. Tucson has a really wonderful running community of all ages and running/walking levels. They have a bunch of small races capped at under 500 people. Once you've been to one, you start seeing a lot of familiar faces. It's nice to be part of such a small and excited community.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Keepin' Cool in the Heat Pt. 2
When I said I was embracing the motto "slow is the new fast" I wasnt' kidding. Things are heating up here in Tucson and yesterday Luke and I did a slow 7.something mile run. My average pace? 10:44. Yeah, I encouraged him to take off after the first two miles. Temps were in the high 80s, low 90s. At that temp range, I need to walk every 1.5-2 miles just to cool down.
The other thing that helps keep me cool? My Nathan Hydration belt. I love this thing. I honestly can't imagine running without it anymore. My version has 2 7-oz flasks. I drained them by mile 4, refilled at a water station and drained them again by the finish.
I love how easy is is to adjust the belt and that it's doesn't bounce or flap when I run. I may get some extra clip-on bottles for longer runs where I won't have any water stations. I can load up the front pouch with key, id, tissues, nutrition, and it's all at my fingertips when I need it.
Love the way my back looks in this shot.
Front pouch for easy access to sports beans.
The other thing that helps keep me cool? My Nathan Hydration belt. I love this thing. I honestly can't imagine running without it anymore. My version has 2 7-oz flasks. I drained them by mile 4, refilled at a water station and drained them again by the finish.
I love how easy is is to adjust the belt and that it's doesn't bounce or flap when I run. I may get some extra clip-on bottles for longer runs where I won't have any water stations. I can load up the front pouch with key, id, tissues, nutrition, and it's all at my fingertips when I need it.
Monday, April 9, 2012
CSP 5 miler - photo!
I think this is my first really attractive race photo. They were also given to all participants free of charge, which I think makes the Tucson Everyone Runs events the best I've ever done.
Don't I look happy and smiley? (this was before I hit the sand...).
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Catalina state park 5 miler
This morning I took part in a 5 mile trail race in Northern Tucson. The course is raced clockwise in the spring and then counter clockwise in the fall. With all the stomach problems I've been having I did this just as an easy run rather than a race . It was a beautiful course and I had a lot of fun.
Course: 5.2 on trail, one point had 90-some stairs to climb. Mostly sand and packed trail.
Time: 58 min
Gear: skirt sport speed silk skirt, brooks long sleeve tech tee, Adidas socks, brooks cascadia, Nathan hydration belt, sweaty band, sunglasses
Fuel: 14 oz water (only took 2 swigs due to stomach), uneaten spots beans
Felt: Good! This was a fun run that I will definitely do again. Small and well organized.
Best part: organizers handed out packets of sunblock.
Lesson learned: running in sand give me side stitches.
Course: 5.2 on trail, one point had 90-some stairs to climb. Mostly sand and packed trail.
Time: 58 min
Gear: skirt sport speed silk skirt, brooks long sleeve tech tee, Adidas socks, brooks cascadia, Nathan hydration belt, sweaty band, sunglasses
Fuel: 14 oz water (only took 2 swigs due to stomach), uneaten spots beans
Felt: Good! This was a fun run that I will definitely do again. Small and well organized.
Best part: organizers handed out packets of sunblock.
Lesson learned: running in sand give me side stitches.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Slow is the New Fast
The title of this post is stolen from the blog by the same name. Nikki is also a mid-30s runner (but with two kids!) who really embraces her middle-of-the-pack position. As someone else who embraces her middle of the pack position, I find a lot of inspiration and encouragement from runners who are ok with never running faster then 9 minute miles. It's similar to why I'm impressed with the super-fast race finishers, but I"m inspired by the 50, 65, 75 years olds who are still out and still running right there with me (heck, some even pass me!).
After a fantastic fall/winter of getting faster and stronger, my running has taken a turn for the slower. On the whole, my fast run paces have dropped from 8:50 min/mi to 9:21 min/mi, and my slow runs from 9:40 min/mi to 10:21 min/mi. None of my most recent runs have broken the 10 min/mi mark. It's warmer here, but not so much warmer that I should have slowed down by this month. I'm not sure why the change (ok, I have some ideas but I'm not yet ready to share). So far the biggest changes I've noticed are:
-general feeling that Im more tired, that runs are harder, even at 10:21 min miles
-breathing feels harder, cramping comes on much more frequently
With where I am in my dissertation-related work I'm not in the mental space where I can push muchself. Running needs to be about de-stressing, relaxing, and getting off my butt. So here's my continued goals for keeping at it while also slowing down:
1. Stick to goal of 20 miles a week minimum, it's ok if a few of those are walks, but aim for 4-5 days of running.
2. Keep pace alerts turned off. Just get out and go based on what feels good for my body/mind. Putting in the miles is ultimately more important then doing them faster. Bonus: slower runs = longer exercise sessions.
This week I did a 7.4 mile run on Sunday, 4.5 mile walk on Monday, 50 min elliptical on Tuesday, and a 4.5 mile jog on Wednesday. So far I'm at 16 miles already. I plan to do 4.5-5 miles today and tomorrow and then have my 5 mi race on Saturday morning.
After a fantastic fall/winter of getting faster and stronger, my running has taken a turn for the slower. On the whole, my fast run paces have dropped from 8:50 min/mi to 9:21 min/mi, and my slow runs from 9:40 min/mi to 10:21 min/mi. None of my most recent runs have broken the 10 min/mi mark. It's warmer here, but not so much warmer that I should have slowed down by this month. I'm not sure why the change (ok, I have some ideas but I'm not yet ready to share). So far the biggest changes I've noticed are:
-general feeling that Im more tired, that runs are harder, even at 10:21 min miles
-breathing feels harder, cramping comes on much more frequently
With where I am in my dissertation-related work I'm not in the mental space where I can push muchself. Running needs to be about de-stressing, relaxing, and getting off my butt. So here's my continued goals for keeping at it while also slowing down:
1. Stick to goal of 20 miles a week minimum, it's ok if a few of those are walks, but aim for 4-5 days of running.
2. Keep pace alerts turned off. Just get out and go based on what feels good for my body/mind. Putting in the miles is ultimately more important then doing them faster. Bonus: slower runs = longer exercise sessions.
This week I did a 7.4 mile run on Sunday, 4.5 mile walk on Monday, 50 min elliptical on Tuesday, and a 4.5 mile jog on Wednesday. So far I'm at 16 miles already. I plan to do 4.5-5 miles today and tomorrow and then have my 5 mi race on Saturday morning.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Turning down the notifications
Since I started running, I never run without music. This started as a sport discman, graduated to an ipod mini, then my touch 2G, and now my iPhone 3G. Since I started using the touch over 4 years ago, I've also never run without some sort of tracking program. I used Nike+ with the touch and graduated to full-GPS tracking once I switched to my iPhone. My current program of choice is joglog. It allows you to create interval workouts, change music to pace, set music to intervals, and has a whole variety of verbal cues you can set for your runs. I loved getting feedback every 7 or 8 min regarding my pace and distance. I could hear myself getting faster and a cue that I was running slower than I could was good incentive to pick up the pace a bit.
And then I turned the notifications off.
I'm not sure why. I currently have my target distance set at 6 miles w/ only one "halfway point" cue. I don't necessarily run faster or slower, and I certainly haven't figured out a more "internal" sense of pace, but for some reason I needed to turn off the pace/distance voice in my head. I think part of it is that I've become more comfortable with the distances I run and don't feel the need for the cheery "30% done!" The other part of it is that I know with the warm conditions I'm better just getting out the door and running happily than running competitively. I still check my stats and upload them to Daily Mile at the end of my workouts, but I no longer feel the need for the constant updates.
This may change if I get back into speed work, or distance training, or anything that requires me to pay attention to pace. But for now, I'm enjoying just running and seeing "how I did" at the end of the run.
How about you? Were you a gadget junkie who slowly backed off at some point? Did you go back?
And then I turned the notifications off.
I'm not sure why. I currently have my target distance set at 6 miles w/ only one "halfway point" cue. I don't necessarily run faster or slower, and I certainly haven't figured out a more "internal" sense of pace, but for some reason I needed to turn off the pace/distance voice in my head. I think part of it is that I've become more comfortable with the distances I run and don't feel the need for the cheery "30% done!" The other part of it is that I know with the warm conditions I'm better just getting out the door and running happily than running competitively. I still check my stats and upload them to Daily Mile at the end of my workouts, but I no longer feel the need for the constant updates.
This may change if I get back into speed work, or distance training, or anything that requires me to pay attention to pace. But for now, I'm enjoying just running and seeing "how I did" at the end of the run.
How about you? Were you a gadget junkie who slowly backed off at some point? Did you go back?
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Warm Running
Due to diss editing I didn't get out the door until 11 today - and boy did I pay the price. We're already in the high 70s low 80s and I was really feeling it today. I'm slowing back down to my 10 min/mile pace in this heat. Hopefully I'll adjust and speed back up again, but I'm definitely heading into the running season where it's an accomplishment to get out the door and run, regardless of the pace.
I did only 5 miles today and it's just reaffirming my relief at signing up for the 5 mile race instead of the 10 miler. I could do the 10, but I'll actually ENJOY doing the 5. Super cool thing about this race? Fleet Feet is sponsoring a middle of the pack prize! The man and woman who finish dead in the middle of all finishers will win a Garmin Forerunner. Boy oh boy do I want that running gadget. Guess we'll see.
What do I do to beat the heat?
#1 most important thing I wear is a hat. A good wicking running cap to keep the sun off my face and absorb the sweat (thus preventing sunscreen from running into my eyes) is key to my summer running routine.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Back to blogging!
I haven't been blogging but I have been running. I have a 5 mi trail run on Sunday, a 12 K the following weekend, a 10K May 6, and a 5K with my mom on Mother's Day. I also have a new goal:
20 miles a week.
More if I can do it, but that's the total mileage. One of those can be a walk, especially if it puts me over the 20 mile mark. Running-wise, it means that I need to do at least one long run a week, my normal runs need to be closer to 5 miles, and I have to make a 6 or 7 mile run standard in my "upkeep runs".
To help me in my goal I'm going to start doing morning runs with a friend here. We did a slow 8 miler today. I had some really awful cramping that began at mile 2.5/3 and didn't let up until we finished. Yeah, 5 miles w/ painful side stitches, but I did it. And it was fun!
20 miles a week.
More if I can do it, but that's the total mileage. One of those can be a walk, especially if it puts me over the 20 mile mark. Running-wise, it means that I need to do at least one long run a week, my normal runs need to be closer to 5 miles, and I have to make a 6 or 7 mile run standard in my "upkeep runs".
To help me in my goal I'm going to start doing morning runs with a friend here. We did a slow 8 miler today. I had some really awful cramping that began at mile 2.5/3 and didn't let up until we finished. Yeah, 5 miles w/ painful side stitches, but I did it. And it was fun!
Monday, March 5, 2012
Running, weight, and the heat
From freezing temps in Sunspot to a high of 90 today in Tucson - talk about a change in weather!
I've been feeling really down in the dumps about the few pounds I put on in the last week or two.
I know why:
-drinking more
-eating more
-moving less
I also know that I shouldn't beat myself up about it because what's 3-4 lbs? And after all of the work I've done to try to get to a healthier and happier place in regards to body image, I hate that even those little numbers on the scale, and the tightness in my jeans, can affect how I feel about... well, everything. I'd love to say "about myself", but as anyone struggling with disordered body image knows, it's never just about "yourself". All of a sudden, the weight change effects everything - from my hair not behaving, to my dissertation not getting itself written. I wish I wouldn't feel so much better when i have those 3-4 lbs gone. I wish I didn't measure my success in how "good" I am with controlling my weight (in a healthy way, I promise. I love food way too much to give it up), based on the numbers on the scale or the poochiness in my stomach - but there it is.
Because beating myself up about my weight can easily translate into beating myself up abouteverything my running, I decided to turn off the speed/pace/distance cues on joglog when I left for my run today. It was a good idea.
Today's run was my first long run in a while. I have a 12K trail race in early April and I need to add distance to prepare for it. So today I did a 7 mile run. My pace was about 10 min/mi, which is a fine starting pace for me. I plan to add a mile a week through March, and hopefully on into April as well. I felt comfortable, if a bit heavy legged from yesterday's 8 mile hike, and had no cramping. If I can keep this as my long run training pace, I'll be in good shape and very happy.
Because the temps are heating up I brought along a new training partner:
I've been feeling really down in the dumps about the few pounds I put on in the last week or two.
I know why:
-drinking more
-eating more
-moving less
I also know that I shouldn't beat myself up about it because what's 3-4 lbs? And after all of the work I've done to try to get to a healthier and happier place in regards to body image, I hate that even those little numbers on the scale, and the tightness in my jeans, can affect how I feel about... well, everything. I'd love to say "about myself", but as anyone struggling with disordered body image knows, it's never just about "yourself". All of a sudden, the weight change effects everything - from my hair not behaving, to my dissertation not getting itself written. I wish I wouldn't feel so much better when i have those 3-4 lbs gone. I wish I didn't measure my success in how "good" I am with controlling my weight (in a healthy way, I promise. I love food way too much to give it up), based on the numbers on the scale or the poochiness in my stomach - but there it is.
Because beating myself up about my weight can easily translate into beating myself up about
Today's run was my first long run in a while. I have a 12K trail race in early April and I need to add distance to prepare for it. So today I did a 7 mile run. My pace was about 10 min/mi, which is a fine starting pace for me. I plan to add a mile a week through March, and hopefully on into April as well. I felt comfortable, if a bit heavy legged from yesterday's 8 mile hike, and had no cramping. If I can keep this as my long run training pace, I'll be in good shape and very happy.
Because the temps are heating up I brought along a new training partner:
I've run with hand helds but never a belt. The handhelds get annoying and really sweaty, so I figured I'd try a belt this summer. So far, I like it! I'll take on-body pics next time I use it. I was concerned that having something around my waist would aggravate cramping, but if anything I think the wide compression belt helped alleviate cramping! It gave my stomach something to press against and helped me take fuller, deeper breaths.
I started with the belt on my hips but quickly discovered that it fit better on my waist. The two flasks were very easy to reach and b/c it fit over a shirt I didn't have any chafing issues. 16 oz was plenty of water for my 7 mile run (70 min), but I can see that might want to add another flask in higher heats/longer distances - or at least run in a place where I can refill. I look forward to running with this belt again.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Running, weight, and cold
I just spent the last 8 days with Luke in Sunspot. It's a tiny collection of people who live in close proximity to the solar telescope he works at. He goes up there once a month, I make it once a year.
I want to like Sunspot, to think of it as my mountain top writing retreat. But at 9600 ft elevation and with below freezing temps and winds up to 40 mph... it's a hard place to love. If the temperature was ok, the winds we so blustery that I couldn't venture outside w/o a heavy coat (I don't have wind proof running gear). If the winds died down, the temps dropped well below freezing (I have gear for the 30s/40s, but not much colder than that). If both the temp and the wind cooperated, the elevation was brutal. I did a lot of walking, we got in a day of skiing... but man oh man did I miss my running.
And my body noticed. I gained 3, maybe 4 pounds while there. Why? Because I was stuck in a pre-fab w/ no where to go and inclement weather. Combine that with stress and it's a recipe for not enough movement for what I was eating. God, I hate Sunspot.
Weight is a really tricky thing for me. If I watch what I eat, eat well balanced meals, and exercise every day (at least 45 min, running, walking, rock climbing, something), I can generally eat the foods I like, drink the beer I want to drink, and feel ok. If any one of those is out of whack, I gain weight, and I gain it pretty quickly. I'm at a point in my life where I am more comfortable in my skin, but I also hate being reminded at how even a small eating change can pack on the pounds in record time. For me, weight gain is definitely a sign that I"m not eating right for my body and I'm certainly not moving enough.
I'm also realizing that working from home is catching up with me. I don't walk from my parked car to an office, or even around the office to pick up a cup of coffee. I walk from my kitchen table to my kitchen for coffee, and back. I'm going to set an alarm to go off at 10am and 2pm every day and make myself go for a 10 min walk - no matter what I'm doing.
I'm back in Tucson and never been so happy to come back to a place. Luke and I did our standard 4.5 mile loop and I already feel better. Even fighting cramps for the last 1.5 miles I feel better. I can't wait to do a longer run tomorrow.
I want to like Sunspot, to think of it as my mountain top writing retreat. But at 9600 ft elevation and with below freezing temps and winds up to 40 mph... it's a hard place to love. If the temperature was ok, the winds we so blustery that I couldn't venture outside w/o a heavy coat (I don't have wind proof running gear). If the winds died down, the temps dropped well below freezing (I have gear for the 30s/40s, but not much colder than that). If both the temp and the wind cooperated, the elevation was brutal. I did a lot of walking, we got in a day of skiing... but man oh man did I miss my running.
And my body noticed. I gained 3, maybe 4 pounds while there. Why? Because I was stuck in a pre-fab w/ no where to go and inclement weather. Combine that with stress and it's a recipe for not enough movement for what I was eating. God, I hate Sunspot.
Weight is a really tricky thing for me. If I watch what I eat, eat well balanced meals, and exercise every day (at least 45 min, running, walking, rock climbing, something), I can generally eat the foods I like, drink the beer I want to drink, and feel ok. If any one of those is out of whack, I gain weight, and I gain it pretty quickly. I'm at a point in my life where I am more comfortable in my skin, but I also hate being reminded at how even a small eating change can pack on the pounds in record time. For me, weight gain is definitely a sign that I"m not eating right for my body and I'm certainly not moving enough.
I'm also realizing that working from home is catching up with me. I don't walk from my parked car to an office, or even around the office to pick up a cup of coffee. I walk from my kitchen table to my kitchen for coffee, and back. I'm going to set an alarm to go off at 10am and 2pm every day and make myself go for a 10 min walk - no matter what I'm doing.
I'm back in Tucson and never been so happy to come back to a place. Luke and I did our standard 4.5 mile loop and I already feel better. Even fighting cramps for the last 1.5 miles I feel better. I can't wait to do a longer run tomorrow.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Squeezing the Lemmon - Hairpin Wall (Left)
Day 3 - More Climbing!
We tried Green Rocks, but it was a little out of our capabilities so we ended up at Hairpin. Old Pueblo readers - if you climb, Hairpin is a real treat. We had several 5.8s-5.9s to chose from and the rock was close enough to the highway to be convenient, but far enough away that we didn't hear much car noise.
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| Picking out the rock |
S&P were kind enough to lead the walls, set anchors and let us top rope. I think we did 6 routes on this day. Again, I freaked on the 5.8 and did well on everything after that. According to S, I just need to jump right to 5.9's.
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| Climbing is a very serious sport and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! |
L was able to do another lead climb!
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| Me looking up at L |
The truth is, I'm terrified of heights. I had the same problem (still do!), when I started skiing. I can't shake the paralyzing fear. It's not about making a wrong move and slipping, it's just this irrational "oh shit..." that sneaks in whenever I look down and process the distance between myself and the ground. Fortunately, I recognize what it is and I'm learning that my new process is 1) get to height. 2) freak out. 3) cry. 4) get to solid ground, take lots of deep breaths and focus on the ground. 5) Keep breathing to try to relax the knots in my core. 6) begin to feel better. 7) realize I CAN do whatever it is I'm trying to do. 8) get back up and try again. 9-many more times) Success!!! My issue is not lack of skill and technical ability, so once I calm the flight-instinct I can generally remind myself that I'm ok, and pick up and carry on.
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| Me on a 5.9 |
L said it shows I have tremendous character and he was really proud of me for not letting my fears get in the way of things I want to do. (this is hands down one of the most touching compliments he's ever given me. I got all verklempt.) S echoed what he said and commented that she was really impressed at how willing I am to keep trying things, even if I find them scary. I'm still undecided as to whether I have character or I'm just stubborn, but I'll take the compliments either way.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Squeezing the Lemmon- Jailhouse Rock
It's not running related but it's... um. cross-training! Yeah, that's the ticket....
We spent our second day of S&P's visit trying to find some climbing spots on Mt. Lemmon.
S&P also helped us de-virginize the rope we received from SC friend's as a moving gift well over a year ago. We'd have taken it out ourselves, but we're not certified to lead climb and have none of the necessary gear.
Mt. Lemmon is Tucson's big mountain and it has well over 1400 climbing routes on it. Because it's warm at the bottom in the winter, and cool on the mountain during the summer, it's really a climber's paradise. We used a combo of the 12-year old guide Squeezing the Lemmon (be sure to get the mile marker updates online!), and Mountain Project in order to find routes.
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| unwinding |
S&P also helped us de-virginize the rope we received from SC friend's as a moving gift well over a year ago. We'd have taken it out ourselves, but we're not certified to lead climb and have none of the necessary gear.
Mt. Lemmon is Tucson's big mountain and it has well over 1400 climbing routes on it. Because it's warm at the bottom in the winter, and cool on the mountain during the summer, it's really a climber's paradise. We used a combo of the 12-year old guide Squeezing the Lemmon (be sure to get the mile marker updates online!), and Mountain Project in order to find routes.
We tried mid mountain first. Windy Point? Aptly name, too windy and cold. Ridgeline? Would have been great if we could find it.
Jailhouse Rock? Check!
The day was warm in the sun, but chilly with winds averaging 20 mph and gusts up to 40mph (brr). I simply could not get or stay warm. However, the short hike out to Jailhouse rock and the climbing itself was fantastic.
I stuck to my consistent pattern of freaking out and only getting 1/2way on a 5.7, and then going on to climb 5.9s with ease. I confuse myself, but at least I"m consistent.
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| Me, about to get stuck on the easiest route of the day. |
S&P kicked ass, took names, and looked good - all while building anchors that could support 8,000 lbs (yes, you read that right).
But the real highlight of the day was watching L do his very first lead climbing outside. If you look at the above photos, you can see the rope is holding us from above. (you can see the rope red through the blue anchor above my head). This is called top-roping and is very secure b/c you are held throughout the climb.
In lead climbing, the rope hangs off the bottom of your belt and every couple of meters you clip it into a carabiner, creating a mini-top rope situation. But, once you move above the clip, if you fall, you fall back down below the most recently clipped clip. Basically it's scary, but it's how you get the rope to the top and allows you to climb in many more places.
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| L about to clip with his left hand |
S, our ever-vigilant photographer, captured the climb on video. (you can also see the windy conditions we climbed in).
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| L all the way at the top |
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| The panned out view of L at the top |
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| 4 of us after a day of climbing |
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Buzzing 'Round the Old Pueblo
This past weekend two good friends came to visit. They came to network at the U and maybe do some city-scoping. We'd love for them to decide to move here and expand our friend network from 2 to 4. Avid outdoors folks, we tried to show them a lot of what the Southwest has to offer. Particularly in February.
Day 1 - 8 mile RT hike to the 7 Falls.
By far my favorite hike in the area. Beautiful, not particularly strenuous, runs a long a river, and ends with waterfalls. Hard to beat. After all the running, this felt like a really long hike. My quads were definitely heavy by the end, but it was nice to take a long distance at a slower pace in order to really enjoy the scenery, rather than stare at my feet and try not to trip over rocks, as I do when I run.
Day 1 - 8 mile RT hike to the 7 Falls.
By far my favorite hike in the area. Beautiful, not particularly strenuous, runs a long a river, and ends with waterfalls. Hard to beat. After all the running, this felt like a really long hike. My quads were definitely heavy by the end, but it was nice to take a long distance at a slower pace in order to really enjoy the scenery, rather than stare at my feet and try not to trip over rocks, as I do when I run.
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| The mighty saguaro |
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| Lunch Stop |
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| See, there is water in the desert! |
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| P resting on water-smoothed rocks |
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| Splash! |
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| Headin' home |
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Return of the Side Stitches
Today's run was supposed to be a 5 mile loop with fartleks. I started faster than I should have (about 9 min miles), and ran my intervals WAY too fast. By 2.5 miles my left side was one giant know and I couldn't breathe into my diaphragm. I tried to slow down to loosen everything up, and did, but then stupidly picked up the pace again and ran head first into cramp land.
I know what I did:
-failed to breathe properly b/c of stuffy nose
-started out way too fast
-"recovered" at way too fast a pace
I also know why I did it:
-I'm getting faster and want to go even faster. right. now.
-I don't want to plateau, but be faster every time.
-I'm pushing myself before I build up the strength I need to handle the speed I want.
So, I'll try again tomorrow, but I'll focus on:
-a slow, mile long warm up
-not running fartleks as fast as I can, but just picked up a bit from my normal pace
-concentrate on recovery. recovery is as important as the speed bursts.
There's no point in running fast for the first 30% of a run if you're dead the rest of the way back.
I know what I did:
-failed to breathe properly b/c of stuffy nose
-started out way too fast
-"recovered" at way too fast a pace
I also know why I did it:
-I'm getting faster and want to go even faster. right. now.
-I don't want to plateau, but be faster every time.
-I'm pushing myself before I build up the strength I need to handle the speed I want.
So, I'll try again tomorrow, but I'll focus on:
-a slow, mile long warm up
-not running fartleks as fast as I can, but just picked up a bit from my normal pace
-concentrate on recovery. recovery is as important as the speed bursts.
There's no point in running fast for the first 30% of a run if you're dead the rest of the way back.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Skirt Chaser 5K
This past Saturday my mom, Luke, and I all ran the Skirt Chaser 5K in Tempe. The idea behind the race is that the women get a 3 min head start on the guys, and the guys have to chase them to try to catch up. Cute? Yes. Oddly gendered? Oh, yes. But perfect fit into the schedule and supports Nicole De Boom, skirtsports, and getting women out and moving? hell yes.
My mom has been preparing for the race with the Couch to 5K program. She started in December and made it through week 3 before she got hit with bad calf cramps. It took a few weeks to figure out the culprit (needed more vitamin D and potassium), but she did a great job of walk/run training and is going to keep going with the program over the spring.
We decided that mom and I would walk/run, and Luke would just run and meet us at the finish line. As we get there I make a quick stop in the porta-johns only to discover that my fucking period started. I had no idea it was coming so I wasn't prepared. It's 15 min before the gun. Luke kept going on his warm up while mom and I asked around for a first aid tent.
No one knew where the first aid tent was. So I'm at ostensibly a women's race and there's no available "feminine products" (god I hate that term) and I can't find the first aid tent for the life of me. It's now 5 min to the start.
My mom was worried and wanted to stay with me. I told her to go on ahead, that she's been training for this for several weeks and she should run. She took a deep breath and got to the start to begin her first race ever, and without the daughter she was hoping would be there to support her. I'm so proud of her for doing that.
I, on the other hand, googled a pharmacy and found one about .5-.75 miles due south of the start. I took off running. I realized that if I ran fast enough I could run to CVS. Buy tampons. Get prepped. Run back, and hopefully hit the start only about 15 min into the race. My mom was doing just under 15 min/miles. If I then continued to run, I knew I could catch her.
Am I crazy? Yes. But you already knew that. What was my other option? Just wait at the finish line? Pshaw.
By the time I did my shopping and hit the starting line, the clock had been running for 14 min. I pushed, pushed, pushed, and caught up with the stragglers in no time! Keeping my eyes peeled, I managed to catch my mom as she rounded the 1/2 way point, yelled "WAIT!!" and jogged to her side. We then finished the last 1.5 miles together.
We pulled across the finish line in 43 or 44 min total. Luke, the sweetheart that he is, had finished much earlier and headed back to the car to get our stuff and the camera. He finished a 22:32 5K. I'm constantly amazed and impressed by his running.
My mom has been preparing for the race with the Couch to 5K program. She started in December and made it through week 3 before she got hit with bad calf cramps. It took a few weeks to figure out the culprit (needed more vitamin D and potassium), but she did a great job of walk/run training and is going to keep going with the program over the spring.
We decided that mom and I would walk/run, and Luke would just run and meet us at the finish line. As we get there I make a quick stop in the porta-johns only to discover that my fucking period started. I had no idea it was coming so I wasn't prepared. It's 15 min before the gun. Luke kept going on his warm up while mom and I asked around for a first aid tent.
No one knew where the first aid tent was. So I'm at ostensibly a women's race and there's no available "feminine products" (god I hate that term) and I can't find the first aid tent for the life of me. It's now 5 min to the start.
My mom was worried and wanted to stay with me. I told her to go on ahead, that she's been training for this for several weeks and she should run. She took a deep breath and got to the start to begin her first race ever, and without the daughter she was hoping would be there to support her. I'm so proud of her for doing that.
I, on the other hand, googled a pharmacy and found one about .5-.75 miles due south of the start. I took off running. I realized that if I ran fast enough I could run to CVS. Buy tampons. Get prepped. Run back, and hopefully hit the start only about 15 min into the race. My mom was doing just under 15 min/miles. If I then continued to run, I knew I could catch her.
Am I crazy? Yes. But you already knew that. What was my other option? Just wait at the finish line? Pshaw.
By the time I did my shopping and hit the starting line, the clock had been running for 14 min. I pushed, pushed, pushed, and caught up with the stragglers in no time! Keeping my eyes peeled, I managed to catch my mom as she rounded the 1/2 way point, yelled "WAIT!!" and jogged to her side. We then finished the last 1.5 miles together.
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| Going strong at mile 2! Damn, my mom's cute. |
Apres-race is basically a big party. The race is sponsored by 4 Peaks Brewery and it's so close to ASU that it had a college-party atmosphere. After some wrangling for a wrist band, we snagged our two free beers and sat out in a sunny 80 degree Tempe February (yes, I'm bragging).
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| Pre-race at mom's. The purple skirt was the "race T". I now have more of these than I am comfortable admitting (all bought 1/2 price!). |
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| Immediately after the race. I need to get Luke a bright shirt so I can spot him! |
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| In which we drink all the beers. |
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| Even mom posed with a red cup. |
The race was a lot of fun and I would certainly run it again. I'm looking for another 5K to do with my mom in April/May, once she's a little further along in her training. I'd love to do one with mom and sister. Luke and I likely have the Sabino Sunset Run 12K in April and the Cinco de May 10K in May. I'd also like to add a 10 mile trail race in April - but we'll see. I love racing and I love racing with my family. It's inspiring to see my mom tackle new challenges in her 6th decade, and I am always impressed and inspired by watching Luke gracefully lope along a trail as if it's no effort at all.
UPDATE: Mom came in first in her division!!! http://results.active.com/pages/oneResult.jsp?pID=121085359&rsID=122892 (also only runner in her division :) ).
UPDATE: Mom came in first in her division!!! http://results.active.com/pages/oneResult.jsp?pID=121085359&rsID=122892 (also only runner in her division :) ).
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Seeing the Impact
Yesterday I ran a quick 4 miles at a 9:02 or so pace. I'm really impressed at the impact of long, slow runs on my shorter distances. It seems counter intuitive that longer slower distances would quicken your shorter runs, but it works!
I'd love to do a long run this weekend but am mainly focusing on the 5K with my mom on Saturday. It's possible that Luke and I can sneak away for a long run on Sunday, but I'm not counting on it. Maybe I'll try to work one in on Monday. I never in a million years thought I'd want to run for 1.5-2 hours, but I really love every minute I'm out putting in that time and distance.
On a side note, it's already warming up here in Tucson. As in, it's February and I'm in a tank top.
I'd love to do a long run this weekend but am mainly focusing on the 5K with my mom on Saturday. It's possible that Luke and I can sneak away for a long run on Sunday, but I'm not counting on it. Maybe I'll try to work one in on Monday. I never in a million years thought I'd want to run for 1.5-2 hours, but I really love every minute I'm out putting in that time and distance.
On a side note, it's already warming up here in Tucson. As in, it's February and I'm in a tank top.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Fleet Feet Arizona Trail Run 2012
On Sunday, Luke, Collette and myself ran the Fleet Feet Arizona Trail Run out by Colossal Cave. The route was 8 miles and we were just hoping that it wasn't anything like our recent attempt at running Esperero Trail last week. 2300 elevation gain in under 3.5 miles? No thank you.
The event was limited to 250 runners and you could tell that these were serious folks. I saw a woman in her mid-60s that I've spied at other Tucson races in the past year. It's nice to think that I do enough local races that I'm beginning to recognize the hometown "crew". I find her, with her butt-long grey braid, to be an incredible inspiration. Although I'm always impressed by the folks who whiz in at the finish line with an average 6+ min/mile pace, I'm much more inspired by the 60-80 crowd who still get out and run.
Like the Tucson 1/2, this was a chilly start. According to one participant, her car was reading 32 degrees before she just stopped looking at it. Fortunately, the even was small enough that we didn't have to wait around long before the start.
The trail was beautiful and the sunrise was stunning over the desert. The trail was mainly a dirt single track that wound through Saguaro. the total elevation gain was about 500, mainly rolling hills. We stayed with the pack for more of the first half. I didn't want to push too hard and get tired, and passing people was kind of tricky. By the turn around loop I was really warm and able to push the pace the rest of the way home. In retrospect, I should have started faster (and just passed those people), and I could have pushed more on the return. On the other hand, I had a really comfortable run with no cramping- which is a victory in itself.
For nutrition I started the day with my banana + PB. I didn't take water b/c there were water stations ( I recently bought a hydration belt, but didn't want to introduce a new element on race day - aren't I a good runner? ). Because the race was on the short side, I didn't want to take a gel. Instead I took a few Jelly Belly sport beans at miles 3, 6, and 7. It actually worked pretty well and I'm going to play around with nutrition throughout the run (rather than a gel intake 1/2 way) a bit more.
I ran in my Brooks Cascadia 6s (love them), my tough girl skirt sport (pants + skirt), a long sleeved new Blanance shirt, and my new balance running jacket. In retrospect I could have ditched the jacket, but it was nice in the beginning.
Now onto the Skirt Chaser 5K with my mom and Luke on Sat!
The event was limited to 250 runners and you could tell that these were serious folks. I saw a woman in her mid-60s that I've spied at other Tucson races in the past year. It's nice to think that I do enough local races that I'm beginning to recognize the hometown "crew". I find her, with her butt-long grey braid, to be an incredible inspiration. Although I'm always impressed by the folks who whiz in at the finish line with an average 6+ min/mile pace, I'm much more inspired by the 60-80 crowd who still get out and run.
Like the Tucson 1/2, this was a chilly start. According to one participant, her car was reading 32 degrees before she just stopped looking at it. Fortunately, the even was small enough that we didn't have to wait around long before the start.
The trail was beautiful and the sunrise was stunning over the desert. The trail was mainly a dirt single track that wound through Saguaro. the total elevation gain was about 500, mainly rolling hills. We stayed with the pack for more of the first half. I didn't want to push too hard and get tired, and passing people was kind of tricky. By the turn around loop I was really warm and able to push the pace the rest of the way home. In retrospect, I should have started faster (and just passed those people), and I could have pushed more on the return. On the other hand, I had a really comfortable run with no cramping- which is a victory in itself.
For nutrition I started the day with my banana + PB. I didn't take water b/c there were water stations ( I recently bought a hydration belt, but didn't want to introduce a new element on race day - aren't I a good runner? ). Because the race was on the short side, I didn't want to take a gel. Instead I took a few Jelly Belly sport beans at miles 3, 6, and 7. It actually worked pretty well and I'm going to play around with nutrition throughout the run (rather than a gel intake 1/2 way) a bit more.
I ran in my Brooks Cascadia 6s (love them), my tough girl skirt sport (pants + skirt), a long sleeved new Blanance shirt, and my new balance running jacket. In retrospect I could have ditched the jacket, but it was nice in the beginning.
Now onto the Skirt Chaser 5K with my mom and Luke on Sat!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
View from Sunday's trail run
Not posting much due to wrist/typing problems. Here are 2 pics from Sunday's 7.4 mi trail run.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Running and Stress
This post will be short because I'm experiencing wrist issues and shouldn't be typing in the first place.
Running is both a stress relief for me, and a cause of stress in and of itself. For the most part, running provides me with the opportunity to warm up my body, hash out ideas, and get away from my desk. It's a fundamental part of how I think through tough problems in my work. Sometimes, however, the work stress is so overwhelming that I running also becomes stressful rather than enjoyable. I'm presently working on a PhD dissertation in European history and it's kicking my ass. I'm mentally running in circles, and I'm so frustrated that I burst into tears every time I even try to talk about my work. I feel a welling tightness and constriction in my chest that I just can't shake. Running when I feel like this is disastrous. I can't breathe, I beat myself up for being slow, and I just generally hate every minute of being on the road.
So, I haven't run since Sunday. Yeah, yeah, that's what? 3 days off. For normal people this would seem, I dunno, normal. For me? It's a big change. I like to put in at least 3 miles of walking or running every day, normally 4-5.
But late last night I figured something out. Pieces of my work and what I need to do with it began to fall into place. This morning, for the first time in weeks, I can breathe deeply and calmly talk about my work. Definitely time for a run.
Today's run was meant to be a "healing" run. Meaning - focused on me, my body, and being outside, rather than time, pace, and distance.
I popped on a Diane Rhem interview about a new biography of Elizabeth II the first and turned on joglog, but turned off all vocal cues. No distance, pace, or time cues of any sort. All I wanted to do was run what I knew to be a 5 mi loop at a pace that just felt right. Well, I need to do this more often. My average pace was 8:49min/mi and I felt good the whole time. I did stop to take 2 water breaks, but the stopping kept me going stronger in between. Even more importantly, I just felt good. Strong. Warm. And capable. Three things that I haven't felt in a while.
The stress of work has thrown my running plan into chaos. But at least I'm still putting one foot in front of the other and getting out the door.
Running is both a stress relief for me, and a cause of stress in and of itself. For the most part, running provides me with the opportunity to warm up my body, hash out ideas, and get away from my desk. It's a fundamental part of how I think through tough problems in my work. Sometimes, however, the work stress is so overwhelming that I running also becomes stressful rather than enjoyable. I'm presently working on a PhD dissertation in European history and it's kicking my ass. I'm mentally running in circles, and I'm so frustrated that I burst into tears every time I even try to talk about my work. I feel a welling tightness and constriction in my chest that I just can't shake. Running when I feel like this is disastrous. I can't breathe, I beat myself up for being slow, and I just generally hate every minute of being on the road.
So, I haven't run since Sunday. Yeah, yeah, that's what? 3 days off. For normal people this would seem, I dunno, normal. For me? It's a big change. I like to put in at least 3 miles of walking or running every day, normally 4-5.
But late last night I figured something out. Pieces of my work and what I need to do with it began to fall into place. This morning, for the first time in weeks, I can breathe deeply and calmly talk about my work. Definitely time for a run.
Today's run was meant to be a "healing" run. Meaning - focused on me, my body, and being outside, rather than time, pace, and distance.
I popped on a Diane Rhem interview about a new biography of Elizabeth II the first and turned on joglog, but turned off all vocal cues. No distance, pace, or time cues of any sort. All I wanted to do was run what I knew to be a 5 mi loop at a pace that just felt right. Well, I need to do this more often. My average pace was 8:49min/mi and I felt good the whole time. I did stop to take 2 water breaks, but the stopping kept me going stronger in between. Even more importantly, I just felt good. Strong. Warm. And capable. Three things that I haven't felt in a while.
The stress of work has thrown my running plan into chaos. But at least I'm still putting one foot in front of the other and getting out the door.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Trail training
Luke and I did a long trail run in sabino canyon today. Joglog wasn't working so we just went by time- 56 min out, 50 min back. The trail was really rocky w/steep elevation gain in the first 1.5 miles. But considering we were out for 1h45m I'm guessing it was 8mi or so. The trail was rockkier than expected and added new challenges. We went slow ( luke wanted to go faster but I was pushing my limits), and had a good time. Good training for the race, but man I hate rocks and trail downhill. Never felt so good to be on flat asphalt.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Sick
Skiing on Jan 2nd was great. Jan 3, I was running a 101 fever and huddled in bed. In addition to holiday presents and love, I came home with a virus. Nothing to put a kink in your training schedule like a cold.
In the meantime, I also signed Luke and myself up for a 8 mile trail run the first weekend of Feb. This means I have a longer-than-normal long distance run to train for (yay!), that will give me an excuse to add mileage to my weekly runs. Assuming I'm feeling better by then, I intend to do a 7 mile run on Coronado on Sunday. The second major challenge of this run will be the elevation change. I basically run on entirely flat ground these days. I'm ok when faced w/ hills b/c my base is strong, but it should be stronger.
My training goals for the 8 miler:
-Long runs on the weekends, preferably on a trail with hills
Uh, I'll think of more when the cold-addled brain clears up a bit.
In the meantime, I also signed Luke and myself up for a 8 mile trail run the first weekend of Feb. This means I have a longer-than-normal long distance run to train for (yay!), that will give me an excuse to add mileage to my weekly runs. Assuming I'm feeling better by then, I intend to do a 7 mile run on Coronado on Sunday. The second major challenge of this run will be the elevation change. I basically run on entirely flat ground these days. I'm ok when faced w/ hills b/c my base is strong, but it should be stronger.
My training goals for the 8 miler:
-Long runs on the weekends, preferably on a trail with hills
Uh, I'll think of more when the cold-addled brain clears up a bit.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
First run of the year
Slow start, but ran negative splits for my first 5 miler of 2012. It hit 77 today. I love the desert. And tomorrow ? Skiing!
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