I track my mileage on logyourrun.com. It is not a pretty site, but it's simple and graphs and lets you see your data in many ways. It works for me. I have tracked it here ever since my first marathon in 2009; it is probably safe to say during that training is the only other time in my life I've ran as much as I am running now.
I entered miles into my log this morning: Friday's run and our long run over the weekend. I am currently at 97 miles. :) The only other time I've ran this much was August of 2009...which was 98 miles.
I might run a little tonight (though I think I might just walk to keep my knee ok, which has been a little achy). I will definitely run tomorrow...which will put me at a nice even 100 miles for the month of July 2012.
In running universe, and especially marathon universe, that's probably not considered too many miles. But since getting miles in has always been my struggle, I feel like it's a nice accomplishment. In fact, it's a pretty big accomplishment for me. I suppose I should be proud of that.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Week 10 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)
Sunday - 8 miles at 10:00 pace!!! The last 3 were all sub 10s!!!!
Monday - rest. Walked 3 miles in the evening.
Tuesday - 4 hilly miles at Sharon Woods. Yoga in the evening.
Wednesday - Ultimate. It was hot. Game sucked.
Thursday - Spinning - 45 minutes of intervals.
Friday - 3 miles easy, 9:57 pace. (10:14, 10:02, 9:37)
Saturday - rest
Planned: 23 miles. Actual: 15 miles.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
8 awesome miles
Today's long run was fantastic. Paces are getting better and I'm feeling stronger doing them.
Mile 1- 10:15
Mile 2- 10:24
Mile 3- 10:03
-- drop off Max --
Mile 4- 10:05
Mile 5- 10:07
Mile 6- 9:36
Mile 7- 9:53
Mile 8- 9:41
Total, 10:00 pace overall.
Awesome!!!!!!!! I am so crazy happy about this.
Mile 1- 10:15
Mile 2- 10:24
Mile 3- 10:03
-- drop off Max --
Mile 4- 10:05
Mile 5- 10:07
Mile 6- 9:36
Mile 7- 9:53
Mile 8- 9:41
Total, 10:00 pace overall.
Awesome!!!!!!!! I am so crazy happy about this.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
30 mile bike ride
I rode 30 miles this evening. Why not. 30 miles...arbitrary. Last ride I did ('roid ride) was 22.5 miles. This seemed like a decent increase.
I feel fine. The ride was fun. I went at a moderate pace, picking it up here and there when I felt like it. I was definitely getting tired by the end. And my butt/nether region was getting pretty uncomfortable. I think I might invest in some Monkey Butt (chamois cream).
In terms of happenings along 30 miles...because that is quite a distance...it was relatively uneventful. Right away I was stung by something on my back. That was annoying, but it didn't itch, just hurt. I forgot my water bottle. But I started at the Train Stop which had water. Then Morrow had water, 9 miles up. Then I had another 6 to make it to 15 and turn around, and got water again at around 21. Then it was back to the start at 30, where water was waiting. I only falsely grabbed for my bottle that wasn't there twice :)
I really almost hit a squirrel. I yelled and braced myself for the crunch. It was that close. The little guy was on the right side of the road, and then decided to run across in front of me. It was so close, it was visibly under my tire from my perspective on the bike. I am still amazed I didn't run over it. And I'm glad I didn't because it probably wouldn't have killed it instantly...ug.
I was pretty tired when I got back, but my legs feel great. Good cross training. I think I'll take the day off tomorrow and run a little Saturday. Sunday is scheduled as 8. I'd like to try somewhere else besides the trail. I'm afraid I'm getting burned out on it already. Maybe just leaving the long runs there will be good.
I feel fine. The ride was fun. I went at a moderate pace, picking it up here and there when I felt like it. I was definitely getting tired by the end. And my butt/nether region was getting pretty uncomfortable. I think I might invest in some Monkey Butt (chamois cream).
In terms of happenings along 30 miles...because that is quite a distance...it was relatively uneventful. Right away I was stung by something on my back. That was annoying, but it didn't itch, just hurt. I forgot my water bottle. But I started at the Train Stop which had water. Then Morrow had water, 9 miles up. Then I had another 6 to make it to 15 and turn around, and got water again at around 21. Then it was back to the start at 30, where water was waiting. I only falsely grabbed for my bottle that wasn't there twice :)
I really almost hit a squirrel. I yelled and braced myself for the crunch. It was that close. The little guy was on the right side of the road, and then decided to run across in front of me. It was so close, it was visibly under my tire from my perspective on the bike. I am still amazed I didn't run over it. And I'm glad I didn't because it probably wouldn't have killed it instantly...ug.
I was pretty tired when I got back, but my legs feel great. Good cross training. I think I'll take the day off tomorrow and run a little Saturday. Sunday is scheduled as 8. I'd like to try somewhere else besides the trail. I'm afraid I'm getting burned out on it already. Maybe just leaving the long runs there will be good.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Dexter works out
I took the dogs to the vet yesterday. Everything checked out well with them, except the usual concern about Dexter's weight. It's always been a "well watch that beagle's weight...he could lose a few pounds". But this time, Dr. LaCompte, who also has a beagle, straight up said "let's see of we can get 3 or 4 pounds off him."
That seems like a big percentage of weight for a 35 pound dog. We don't over feed him or give him table scraps. He's lazy (doesn't exercise himself like Harley does). And therefor he doesn't get any exercise at all.
Soooo I'm taking the challenge of getting him back to his shape when he was 2. I think he'll feel better and play more, and Harley will be happier if he plays more. Honestly, when I think about it, I think he's behaving like a fat miserable dog.
Today we started with a 2.3 mile walk at Symmes Park, a park with a hilly 1.5 mile trail. He was really tired by the ed, but it was also quite warm. Overall, he did well, and we bonded. After all, he's a dog. And walking and pleasing me by walking well is very enjoyable to him.
I am going to try hard to walk him every day. It will be good for both of us.
That seems like a big percentage of weight for a 35 pound dog. We don't over feed him or give him table scraps. He's lazy (doesn't exercise himself like Harley does). And therefor he doesn't get any exercise at all.
Soooo I'm taking the challenge of getting him back to his shape when he was 2. I think he'll feel better and play more, and Harley will be happier if he plays more. Honestly, when I think about it, I think he's behaving like a fat miserable dog.
Today we started with a 2.3 mile walk at Symmes Park, a park with a hilly 1.5 mile trail. He was really tired by the ed, but it was also quite warm. Overall, he did well, and we bonded. After all, he's a dog. And walking and pleasing me by walking well is very enjoyable to him.
I am going to try hard to walk him every day. It will be good for both of us.
Week 9 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)
Sunday - 15 miles!!! The farthest Casey has ever ran! It was a great run.
Monday - 3 miles.
Tuesday - 2.3 mile walk with Dexter. Yoga in the evening.
Wednesday - 4 miles. Ultimate Frisbee, played entire game.
Thursday - 30 mile bike ride.
Friday - rest, some walking
Saturday - 3 miles averaging 9:47 pace. :)
Planned: 30 miles. Actual: 25 miles.
Wow...25 miles... I am happy about that.
Monday - 3 miles.
Tuesday - 2.3 mile walk with Dexter. Yoga in the evening.
Wednesday - 4 miles. Ultimate Frisbee, played entire game.
Thursday - 30 mile bike ride.
Friday - rest, some walking
Saturday - 3 miles averaging 9:47 pace. :)
Planned: 30 miles. Actual: 25 miles.
Wow...25 miles... I am happy about that.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Lung learning
Today I ran 3 miles, after having ran 15 the day before. I felt great. My knees hurt later, and told me to take Tuesday off, but I learned something about my body.
Sunday's long run was at what is now an easy pace for me. I was barely huffing for most of the run. On our way back for the last 4, we did speed up some, and the last 2-3 had my breathing elevated. But the rest of those miles were cake for the lungs. I think it is a case of not realizing how bad I felt until I felt better. My lungs and chest felt great. I wasn't short of breath at all Sunday or Monday.
So, I guess what I've learned is that I can over-do it for the lungs the same as I can overdo it for the legs. Typically, I've felt short of breath the entire day of the long run, and a bit into the next day. Short of breath = winded when I get up - feeling out of breath, feeling like I need to bend over and catch my breath or hang onto something after I walk a bit, and a general discomfort.
I once again chalked it up to being out of shape and not quite up to the endurance level I need to be at yet. But, perhaps this is asthma related. I guess I don't know for sure if others have those symptoms after a long run. But since I was able to truck along at 10:50 pace like it was nothing, for at least 11 of the 15 miles, where before I was struggling to go that pace, I think it's an asthma thing.
So now I know a little more about how pace effects me right now. That's not to say I shouldn't push the pace! I think it's just that now I know I might need to treat myself later with some more inhalers. Or at least I know what to expect.
Sunday's long run was at what is now an easy pace for me. I was barely huffing for most of the run. On our way back for the last 4, we did speed up some, and the last 2-3 had my breathing elevated. But the rest of those miles were cake for the lungs. I think it is a case of not realizing how bad I felt until I felt better. My lungs and chest felt great. I wasn't short of breath at all Sunday or Monday.
So, I guess what I've learned is that I can over-do it for the lungs the same as I can overdo it for the legs. Typically, I've felt short of breath the entire day of the long run, and a bit into the next day. Short of breath = winded when I get up - feeling out of breath, feeling like I need to bend over and catch my breath or hang onto something after I walk a bit, and a general discomfort.
I once again chalked it up to being out of shape and not quite up to the endurance level I need to be at yet. But, perhaps this is asthma related. I guess I don't know for sure if others have those symptoms after a long run. But since I was able to truck along at 10:50 pace like it was nothing, for at least 11 of the 15 miles, where before I was struggling to go that pace, I think it's an asthma thing.
So now I know a little more about how pace effects me right now. That's not to say I shouldn't push the pace! I think it's just that now I know I might need to treat myself later with some more inhalers. Or at least I know what to expect.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
15 miles in the bank!
Today we ran....15 miles! And it was great!!
Jenny joined us again. Maybe it was because I remembered my watch, or maybe it was because Casey could be there this time to help with the pace, but it was much better. We went out slow. Eventually our pace was averaging 10:50 for many miles. At 11, our last stop, we were at 10:50. But then, for those last four miles, something I never thought would happen happened: negative splits. We sped up.
So, turns out pacing slower, having a few good consistent weeks, and cooler weather can go a long way to make a long run awesome. 15 miles at 10:42 pace. I'll take it.
Afterwords, we had some post-run recovery protein drinks that Casey brought, and then I had to have an iced coffee. It was all a delicious end to a fantastic run. And this was the farthest Casey has ever ran!! And, after a terrible couple weeks of getting back pain figured out - pretty awesome.
I might just be excited, and those 15 miles still might have just been an amazing combo fluke thing, but I really am beginning to think that I am getting better. We are 99 days out from the marathon...and I just ran 15 miles that felt like I ran 6. Amazing!!
Week 8 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)
Sunday - 7ish miles. Not sure of the pace because I forgot my watch.
Monday - rest primarily. 1.5 mile walk at lunch.
Tuesday - 4 miles, yoga.
Wednesday - 3.2 miles.
Thursday - 45 minute spin.
Friday - 4 mile run.
Saturday - rest
Planned: 23 miles Actual: 18.2 miles.
Nice consistent week.
Monday - rest primarily. 1.5 mile walk at lunch.
Tuesday - 4 miles, yoga.
Wednesday - 3.2 miles.
Thursday - 45 minute spin.
Friday - 4 mile run.
Saturday - rest
Planned: 23 miles Actual: 18.2 miles.
Nice consistent week.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Keep on truckin'
I'm not sure where that phrase comes from, but I think that's what I'm doing this week.
Today I spinned for the first time in a few weeks. It was a good interval class. I was hoping for better music though. It was all 15-30-40 second chunks of different things- hills, sprints, climbs out of the saddle, surges in general.
I have been pretty consistent lately and I'm really happy about that. Today at the gym I thought about weight training again. (It's hard not to while sitting outside of the spin studio, facing the weight lifting area). I am mushy and weak. This isn't my first realization, of course. But the idea of working weights into my schedule again presented itself.
I think I can do it. I haven't been running on Mondays because of our Sunday long runs. And Thursdays are my only day at the gym. Maybe I can do weights Monday and Thursday before spinning if I'm not at work in the morning. That would be two days, which I think is reasonable and won't stress the load of running days.
I think I'll give it a shot. I am doing well not making excuses and prioritizing my runs. Now let's see if I can better round out my fitness. Oh no, not round! That's the wrong word choice! Chisel! Chisel!! :)
Today I spinned for the first time in a few weeks. It was a good interval class. I was hoping for better music though. It was all 15-30-40 second chunks of different things- hills, sprints, climbs out of the saddle, surges in general.
I have been pretty consistent lately and I'm really happy about that. Today at the gym I thought about weight training again. (It's hard not to while sitting outside of the spin studio, facing the weight lifting area). I am mushy and weak. This isn't my first realization, of course. But the idea of working weights into my schedule again presented itself.
I think I can do it. I haven't been running on Mondays because of our Sunday long runs. And Thursdays are my only day at the gym. Maybe I can do weights Monday and Thursday before spinning if I'm not at work in the morning. That would be two days, which I think is reasonable and won't stress the load of running days.
I think I'll give it a shot. I am doing well not making excuses and prioritizing my runs. Now let's see if I can better round out my fitness. Oh no, not round! That's the wrong word choice! Chisel! Chisel!! :)
Sore...
I'm not sure why I'm so very sore, but I am. I suppose that part of it is yoga, and for some reason the 4 miles on Tuesday? Maybe it's all yoga. I ran 3.2 last night then played a game of ultimate. Now I feel like I feel out of the back of a truck :) Legs, butt, shoulders, neck. Going to spin this morning; we'll see if I can take it easy...
It's a good sore. I think this has been a good workout week so far.
It's a good sore. I think this has been a good workout week so far.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Not quite 8
Today's long run has left me feeling conflicted. There were ups and downs to it, or good and bad I guess. A big good is that it was really fun to run with Jenny! She is so pleasant and fun to talk with. We had some good laughs. I'm enjoying getting to know her.
The bad is I ended up falling apart and kinda quit at one point. Had to walk for quite a while. In hindsight, I think I started out too fast. Jenny's really fast, but was happy to go whatever pace I wanted too. However, I never settled in to my own pace and probably let her pull me along more than I should have. I forgot my watch, so I had no idea what my pace was. We chatted. It was constant talk, more getting to know you conversation and stories shared from both of us. Four miles went by pretty quickly, but I was done at 4. I felt bad, I was hot, and I knew I wouldn't be able to run that pace for 4 more miles. And here I was with this person I barely know, trying to hide it. I was trying so hard to act like it was all fine, while in reality, I was suffering. I didn't want to slow down. I wanted to hang with the pace. I wanted to feel good. But I felt awful. I wanted to suffer through by myself, but there was no way that was happening. I felt awful and exposed- and like she'd see I really wasn't a 'real' runner or something.
Even though I know I cause Casey to slow down when he doesn't need to, and our pace is quite easier for him than me, it is different somehow. I guess I feel more like we're in it together, that it's about getting through the tough spots if they arise, and finishing. He knows where I'm at, he's known my struggles, and I'm not at all embarrassed by it. Plus he's said that he wouldn't be running much faster by himself. It has made me feel like our pace really is OK. I have been struggling towards the end, but I hope it gets better. Today with Jenny, I don't know what happened, but I felt like the fat kid who couldn't participate because I was too tired, exposed for all to see. It is hard to explain this without it sounding like I didn't enjoy running with Jenny, or that she was somehow being judgmental or projected herself in such a way that brought these feelings on. She absolutely did not, and was nothing but supportive. She has nothing to do with my feelings of inadequacy that busted to the surface today. I really really enjoyed her company, and she was fine with walking the long distance we walked, probably close to a mile :( Maybe it is that I felt like I needed to impress her, make her see that I am a real runner? But the more I think through it all, it's more that I was disappointed that I didn't feel like a real runner. I think the main thing is it was a revisit to the fact that I really can't hang with people, like when I was struggling so much running in the winter with Greg and Casey and my stupid asthma. What happens now- I hold TWO people back on these long runs? Can I expect that they'll stay with me being this slow?
I've been making great progress. But I can't run 8:00 or even 9:00 minute miles yet, and certainly not for 15 miles. Perhaps I really was going fast for those first 4 and that is what did me in. Maybe I would feel better about it if I knew I went 9:30 for 4 miles and then of course I would be tired and I should have paced myself better. I guess I don't know for sure since I didn't have my GPS.
So anyway... It was a very nice time with Jenny. But now I'm worried about what 15 miles will expose of my running abilities next weekend. I went from feeling so great about my progress to realizing that I'm still not "one of them". I suppose I shouldn't focus on it. In reality there isn't much more I can do...I really feel I am doing better with the training/consistency/weightloss front. And honestly, this crappy feelings kind of motivates me to want to train harder so I can finally feel like a real runner, run with anyone and feel cool and good and fit.
The bad is I ended up falling apart and kinda quit at one point. Had to walk for quite a while. In hindsight, I think I started out too fast. Jenny's really fast, but was happy to go whatever pace I wanted too. However, I never settled in to my own pace and probably let her pull me along more than I should have. I forgot my watch, so I had no idea what my pace was. We chatted. It was constant talk, more getting to know you conversation and stories shared from both of us. Four miles went by pretty quickly, but I was done at 4. I felt bad, I was hot, and I knew I wouldn't be able to run that pace for 4 more miles. And here I was with this person I barely know, trying to hide it. I was trying so hard to act like it was all fine, while in reality, I was suffering. I didn't want to slow down. I wanted to hang with the pace. I wanted to feel good. But I felt awful. I wanted to suffer through by myself, but there was no way that was happening. I felt awful and exposed- and like she'd see I really wasn't a 'real' runner or something.
Even though I know I cause Casey to slow down when he doesn't need to, and our pace is quite easier for him than me, it is different somehow. I guess I feel more like we're in it together, that it's about getting through the tough spots if they arise, and finishing. He knows where I'm at, he's known my struggles, and I'm not at all embarrassed by it. Plus he's said that he wouldn't be running much faster by himself. It has made me feel like our pace really is OK. I have been struggling towards the end, but I hope it gets better. Today with Jenny, I don't know what happened, but I felt like the fat kid who couldn't participate because I was too tired, exposed for all to see. It is hard to explain this without it sounding like I didn't enjoy running with Jenny, or that she was somehow being judgmental or projected herself in such a way that brought these feelings on. She absolutely did not, and was nothing but supportive. She has nothing to do with my feelings of inadequacy that busted to the surface today. I really really enjoyed her company, and she was fine with walking the long distance we walked, probably close to a mile :( Maybe it is that I felt like I needed to impress her, make her see that I am a real runner? But the more I think through it all, it's more that I was disappointed that I didn't feel like a real runner. I think the main thing is it was a revisit to the fact that I really can't hang with people, like when I was struggling so much running in the winter with Greg and Casey and my stupid asthma. What happens now- I hold TWO people back on these long runs? Can I expect that they'll stay with me being this slow?
I've been making great progress. But I can't run 8:00 or even 9:00 minute miles yet, and certainly not for 15 miles. Perhaps I really was going fast for those first 4 and that is what did me in. Maybe I would feel better about it if I knew I went 9:30 for 4 miles and then of course I would be tired and I should have paced myself better. I guess I don't know for sure since I didn't have my GPS.
So anyway... It was a very nice time with Jenny. But now I'm worried about what 15 miles will expose of my running abilities next weekend. I went from feeling so great about my progress to realizing that I'm still not "one of them". I suppose I shouldn't focus on it. In reality there isn't much more I can do...I really feel I am doing better with the training/consistency/weightloss front. And honestly, this crappy feelings kind of motivates me to want to train harder so I can finally feel like a real runner, run with anyone and feel cool and good and fit.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
3 hot but quick miles
It's just hot out. There's nothing more to be said.
I ran 3 miles at a really good pace. First mile was 9:48. Second was 9:32 (there is a downhill in there). Third was 9:56. THREE MILES ALL UNDER 10 PACE!!!!
I'm pretty happy.
I ran 3 miles at a really good pace. First mile was 9:48. Second was 9:32 (there is a downhill in there). Third was 9:56. THREE MILES ALL UNDER 10 PACE!!!!
I'm pretty happy.
Week 7 - Columbus marathon training (Steph)
Sunday - 13 miles! at a 10:26 average pace. Started off 10:05 for the first 9 miles. Last 4 were rough for me. So glad my Ultimate injury didn't effect the run.
Monday - 22.5 mile 'roid ride.
Tuesday - 3 mile run @ 10:01 pace
Wednesday - rest. Did something to my back and neck while sleeping.
Thursday - 5 mile run at Sharon Woods. Hilly and hot. 11 pace.
Friday - rest.
Saturday - 3 mile run at 9:46 pace. Wooohoo!
Planned: 29 miles Actual: 24 miles. Not bad!!
Friday, July 6, 2012
5 hilly miles, and a blogger app!
We're having a lot of heat here in the Midwest. It's like when we get snow...it becomes a dominating conversation regarding weather. Of course it is way better to run in the morning when temperatures are way into the 90s later in the day. But I have been having some neck and back issues after buying a new pillow. I feel like someone punched me in the kidneys, it's kind of a nauseating feeling. And my neck feels like it has had a clamp on it for days. Unpleasant, but by yesterday afternoon, the pain wasn't too bad. So I decided I'd get my run in at Sharon Woods, where it's shady. It's also hilly.
The path is 2.5 miles. I started out very conservatively, a light jog really. Going up the hills I got a little winded, but wow- I have improved with running since the last time I've huffed it around this loop! That made me happy. After 2.5 I climbed stairs to the top where the water fountain is. Took a few drinks, dumped water on my head, and then went back down. I certainly felt the heat when I stopped. But I wasn't overheating.
For the second loop, I ran less conservatively but still took my time. I felt great going through all the hills again! I was very happy with myself for 1) being fit enough to run in a 100° heat index and 2) being able to listen to my body.
I didn't see many people out while I was there, not surprisingly. A couple other crazy runners and some people walking. I had made a poor choice in runner shorts. My shorts were soaked through. I looked like I had dunked myself in a pool then ran. They kept creeping up because they were so heavy and wet. I thought it was fine, just kind of annoying. I was keeping skin from rubbing skin. However, apparently the wetness was chafing the crap out of my legs. I didn't realize this until I got home, got in the shower ad wooioooookeeeeeeeeeoooohhhh! Ouch ouch ouch. I've never been chaffed like this before. I had to sleep in tight shorts to keep the tender inflamed skin parts from ever coming in contact again! Hopefully today it will scab over!
So, that's my hot hilly 5 mile run. I am pretty happy about it all. It was just one of those runs where I had some more pleasant insight into me as a runner.
And...this post is brought to you by google's blogger app on my phone! It's great! Before it was too hard to try to use the website and HTML yadda yadda while on my phone. This is pretty cool. Maybe I'll do more frequent posts. You can even upload pictures easily.
The path is 2.5 miles. I started out very conservatively, a light jog really. Going up the hills I got a little winded, but wow- I have improved with running since the last time I've huffed it around this loop! That made me happy. After 2.5 I climbed stairs to the top where the water fountain is. Took a few drinks, dumped water on my head, and then went back down. I certainly felt the heat when I stopped. But I wasn't overheating.
For the second loop, I ran less conservatively but still took my time. I felt great going through all the hills again! I was very happy with myself for 1) being fit enough to run in a 100° heat index and 2) being able to listen to my body.
I didn't see many people out while I was there, not surprisingly. A couple other crazy runners and some people walking. I had made a poor choice in runner shorts. My shorts were soaked through. I looked like I had dunked myself in a pool then ran. They kept creeping up because they were so heavy and wet. I thought it was fine, just kind of annoying. I was keeping skin from rubbing skin. However, apparently the wetness was chafing the crap out of my legs. I didn't realize this until I got home, got in the shower ad wooioooookeeeeeeeeeoooohhhh! Ouch ouch ouch. I've never been chaffed like this before. I had to sleep in tight shorts to keep the tender inflamed skin parts from ever coming in contact again! Hopefully today it will scab over!
So, that's my hot hilly 5 mile run. I am pretty happy about it all. It was just one of those runs where I had some more pleasant insight into me as a runner.
And...this post is brought to you by google's blogger app on my phone! It's great! Before it was too hard to try to use the website and HTML yadda yadda while on my phone. This is pretty cool. Maybe I'll do more frequent posts. You can even upload pictures easily.
Monday, July 2, 2012
22.5 mile roid ride.
So this should be my last day of the Prednisone. I'm miserable today. Last night, despite having ran 13 miles in the morning and then hanging out with Greg's cousins all day, I never napped or stopped and was wide awake at 2 a.m. and couldn't sleep. I read a comic on my Kindle, played games on my phone, read some more on my Kindle and itched. I am not sure what time I finally ended up falling asleep, but it wasn't a good night.
I woke up and put away all my clothes from the laundry. Went to work, cleaned everything...my computer, the office, we got a new coffee maker, I emailed and struggled with the internet (I couldn't email so had to come home). I drew, I worked, I ate and ate and ate. Then I decided I should go on a bike ride so get the energy out. It's not all positive energy though. I really feel like crap. I want to pace. I feel so anxious and like there's something bad about to happen. I am nervous and agitated. I am not grumpy at all, and it's not like something going wrong sets me off like the Hulk or anything. I'm JUST NOT MYSELF and it's pretty much driving me insane!!!!
So I went on a bike ride. My plan was to just take it easy and go for a long time. Maybe 30 miles. But once I started going fast, I couldn't stop. I cruised along at 18 mph like it was 15. I wasn't ever out of breath unless I was climbing a hill. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the medicine or if I was just hyper and maybe more fit these days. I made it 22.5 miles.
At any rate, I enjoyed cruising along, dodging the sticks and really having the trail to myself. It was too early for the after-workers to get out there. The trail maintenance people were out though, cleaning up from the storms. If anyone ever wondered if they drive vehicles on the trail, they do.
Now... to survive the evening and take the last of the pills. God I hope I feel better tomorrow. ARGH!!!
I woke up and put away all my clothes from the laundry. Went to work, cleaned everything...my computer, the office, we got a new coffee maker, I emailed and struggled with the internet (I couldn't email so had to come home). I drew, I worked, I ate and ate and ate. Then I decided I should go on a bike ride so get the energy out. It's not all positive energy though. I really feel like crap. I want to pace. I feel so anxious and like there's something bad about to happen. I am nervous and agitated. I am not grumpy at all, and it's not like something going wrong sets me off like the Hulk or anything. I'm JUST NOT MYSELF and it's pretty much driving me insane!!!!
So I went on a bike ride. My plan was to just take it easy and go for a long time. Maybe 30 miles. But once I started going fast, I couldn't stop. I cruised along at 18 mph like it was 15. I wasn't ever out of breath unless I was climbing a hill. I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the medicine or if I was just hyper and maybe more fit these days. I made it 22.5 miles.
At any rate, I enjoyed cruising along, dodging the sticks and really having the trail to myself. It was too early for the after-workers to get out there. The trail maintenance people were out though, cleaning up from the storms. If anyone ever wondered if they drive vehicles on the trail, they do.
Now... to survive the evening and take the last of the pills. God I hope I feel better tomorrow. ARGH!!!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
13 miles
Last week was pretty rough. I am covered in bug bites and have been for 2 weeks. I called the doctor after an Rx cream didn't do anything for them and am now on steroids. They make me feel not stellar. I pretty much just don't like myself and am agitated by everything. Just a couple more days of those...but the bug bites seem to be going strong still.
At Wednesday's Ultimate game, I got kicked in the lower right leg hard enough to make a nice, instantly-swelling contusion that was super painful. I looked everything up online that night. It's a common injury with soccer and martial arts, so finding out what to do for it was easy: R.I.C.E. After a very painful evening, it was manageable the next day, but I was still limping really bad. I stayed home from work and elevated and iced all day, while watching some Arrested Development. It was actually a very enjoyable day of doing nothing.
I was concerned I wouldn't be able to run long on Sunday. But every day, with the icing etc, it seemed to be getting better. Saturday morning, I considered a test run, but decided to bike instead, avoiding impact. I think that was a good decision. I went on an 18 mile bike from the house and my leg didn't hurt at all.
Sunday morning Casey and I started out for the 13, and I was very happy to have no pain. I didn't know...it was possible it was just going to hurt too bad. It hurt a little towards the end, when the trail was slanted such a way that my side muscles were taxed a little more. But it is absolutely fine.
I panicked Wednesday night for nothing :) I have just had such good momentum going with my training...I'm getting faster, getting fitter...I was so saddened to have to stop. And I certainly thought I was going to be out for a week at least. I think taking Thursday off was critical in getting it better quicker.
So...today's 13 miles were pretty fantastic. We started out around a 10 to 10:05 pace, bouncing around that, for the first 9 miles. But after the break for more water at the Train Stop Inn's area, I was hurting. My hip hurt (same leg as the contusion, so maybe there was some compensation happening) and I just didn't feel like I could keep the pace without really huffing and puffing. We slowed a bit and then the last 3 miles were pretty rough for me. I shuffled along.
Mile splits:
mile 1-- 10:08
mile 2 -- 9:54
mile 3 -- 10:08
mile 4 -- 10:00
mile 5 -- 10:07
mile 6 -- 10:13 (took a break at 6.5)
mile 7 -- 10:16
mile 8 -- 9:53
mile 9 -- 10:20 (took a break after 9)
mile 10 -- 10:46
mile 11 -- 11:16
mile 12 -- 11:26
mile 13 -- 11:12
Look at that. Only 3 miles over 11 pace. And two under 10 :)
I suppose I lasted longer at the pace we wanted to run than the prior long run's pace. So overall I am still very very happy about the pace!!! When is the last time I've ran 9 miles that fast!? Today's half marathon was faster than my Pig race by, something like a half hour maybe??
So... good good run. I'm excited to be getting up into the higher mileage now. And as always, thanks to Casey for being an awesome running partner.
At Wednesday's Ultimate game, I got kicked in the lower right leg hard enough to make a nice, instantly-swelling contusion that was super painful. I looked everything up online that night. It's a common injury with soccer and martial arts, so finding out what to do for it was easy: R.I.C.E. After a very painful evening, it was manageable the next day, but I was still limping really bad. I stayed home from work and elevated and iced all day, while watching some Arrested Development. It was actually a very enjoyable day of doing nothing.
I was concerned I wouldn't be able to run long on Sunday. But every day, with the icing etc, it seemed to be getting better. Saturday morning, I considered a test run, but decided to bike instead, avoiding impact. I think that was a good decision. I went on an 18 mile bike from the house and my leg didn't hurt at all.
Sunday morning Casey and I started out for the 13, and I was very happy to have no pain. I didn't know...it was possible it was just going to hurt too bad. It hurt a little towards the end, when the trail was slanted such a way that my side muscles were taxed a little more. But it is absolutely fine.
I panicked Wednesday night for nothing :) I have just had such good momentum going with my training...I'm getting faster, getting fitter...I was so saddened to have to stop. And I certainly thought I was going to be out for a week at least. I think taking Thursday off was critical in getting it better quicker.
So...today's 13 miles were pretty fantastic. We started out around a 10 to 10:05 pace, bouncing around that, for the first 9 miles. But after the break for more water at the Train Stop Inn's area, I was hurting. My hip hurt (same leg as the contusion, so maybe there was some compensation happening) and I just didn't feel like I could keep the pace without really huffing and puffing. We slowed a bit and then the last 3 miles were pretty rough for me. I shuffled along.
Mile splits:
mile 1-- 10:08
mile 2 -- 9:54
mile 3 -- 10:08
mile 4 -- 10:00
mile 5 -- 10:07
mile 6 -- 10:13 (took a break at 6.5)
mile 7 -- 10:16
mile 8 -- 9:53
mile 9 -- 10:20 (took a break after 9)
mile 10 -- 10:46
mile 11 -- 11:16
mile 12 -- 11:26
mile 13 -- 11:12
Look at that. Only 3 miles over 11 pace. And two under 10 :)
I suppose I lasted longer at the pace we wanted to run than the prior long run's pace. So overall I am still very very happy about the pace!!! When is the last time I've ran 9 miles that fast!? Today's half marathon was faster than my Pig race by, something like a half hour maybe??
So... good good run. I'm excited to be getting up into the higher mileage now. And as always, thanks to Casey for being an awesome running partner.
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