Going Garmin

I did it. On Sunday, Best Buy had the Garmin Forerunner 305 on sale for 159.99 and I went for the deal! I had money saved up from selling some items and I had been dreaming about a gps watch for some time.

I’ll write a thorough review soon but so far so good. I had originally wanted the 405 but research on garmin.com showed me the 305 had everything I wanted.

Run #1 with watch was easy and I’m adjusting to the huge size. Had a little trouble setting up the training center on my laptop (wouldn’t recognize the watch) but after I realized the windows device hardware needed to go through setup to recognize the device the training center initial configuration finished just fine. Tonight (weather permitting) I’m trying the watch out on my bike ride! Woohoo!

Yes, the image is not exagerated. The watch is BIG on my wrist!

One More Time Around the Track

Being a blog about working out and running and stuff, you’d think one more time around the track might be about my recent inspiration to add track workouts to my running training. Nope! I still haven’t taken on the scary oval. One track workout is planned for this week…Wednesday… but not sure which workout to take on first. Maybe that’s because I spent most of the weekend having fun on Mario Kart! Yup, I brought the Wii over to Phil’s place and now he and I are both doing our best to unlock our race cards. I logged so many hours on that game yesterday and it was so much fun. Only thing better were the blueberry pancakes and turkey sausage links that Phil made for brunch.

Later in the day, I had to forcibly pry myself off the couch and kick my butt to the gym. I realized as much as I love video games and the more I want to play them, the more important it is for me to stick with my working out regime. It’s through hard work in the gym, on the road, on the bike, and in the pool that enables me to enjoy great meals with cool people, lazy sleeping in mornings, and playing video games as long as my heart is content. So I realized, as long as I say one more time around the track on my Wii, I better be just as committed to staying healthy and pursuing my running goals

My current goal is increasing my mile pace. I’d like to be a faster runner (like every runner out there), but I’m hopeful I have more room for improvement than others because I have such a turtle putzer 5K time. First goal is a PR, then sub 30min 5k, then I want to keep shaving off a minute off my time until someday I can place in my age group. A certain somebody and I have a wager placed on that goal. We’ll just have to see how well I can improve. Here’s to tracks in general and a great week of working out.

ALS Hope Race 2009

On Saturday, I participated in my second and probably last ALS Hope Race 5K on the Isle of Palms, SC. It’s a well run event in a pretty location with friendly people, but it’s always way too hot as an evening event to enjoy the challenge of a race. I improved my performance over last year by almost five minutes. Biggest difference is I managed to run the whole thing this year whereas last year I had to walk some. However, the result was mostly the same, I felt like I was going to burst into flames at any moment that is until Phil dumped his water bottle all over me. No way could I get mad, the cool water felt great even if I was soaked!

2008 – 7:51 per kilometer (5k 39:00)

2009 – 6:53 per kilometer (5k 34:14)

Race Overview: It was easy to pick up my race packet early at TrySports. They do a good job overall on handing out packets and registering. They sent out a couple pre-race emails which was nice too.  They were awesome and reserved free parking on the Isle of Palms (no easy feat in summer). The t-shirt was okay. I don’t really like them so much but it wasn’t the worst design I’ve seen.

They are really bad at one particular thing. Pre-race getting ready to run, they use a bullhorn. It doesn’t work. You can’t hear a thing. I just waited for people to start running and I followed. The post race food consisted of one piece of fruit (orange, apple, or banana), a veggie or turkey wrap, and a water. Not bad. Phil said he enjoyed the turkey wrap and pasta last night. I think he likes this racing thing where he gets the food and t-shirt and I get all the glory of participating .

Also, during the run, it was sorta like an obstacle course in sections because people were still sitting on the beach and you had to watch out for sand castles, holes, or ditches where people played all day. I think they made a huge logistical error in the course. They had us run towards the busy part of the beach with the wind on the way out and against the wind on the way back. They should have had us run the other way out on the beach for a smoother course with less obstacles and the wind helping you during the hardest part.

However personally, I was encouraged by my effort enough that I’m looking forward to the Floppin’ Flounder on Sullivan’s Island in two weeks. I’d like to see what I can do in a morning race with some shade to help with the heat. I did learn two very important things…

1. Run spring or fall races but stick to only training (no races) in the summer. Summer races = misery in Charleston.

2. Having a race supporter is the best thing ever. I loved having Phil there with me cheering me along and supporting me even if I wasn’t the top finisher. He even snapped a few pictures of me. I particularly like the funny one of me running. What a serious focus I have on not dying .

pre-race hydration is important

Phil got a picture of the crowd - lots of runners and walkers

Me focusing on the finish, pretty funny lookin' to me

Happy I finished!

Race Goals

This upcoming Saturday, I’m getting back into the road race scene. I haven’t raced since a hilly course in Greenville in March. I’ve signed up for two upcoming races and plan to do a third. First up is the ALS Hope Race on the Isle of Palms. I did this race last year and I vividly remember how difficult it felt. Back then, I was just able to do the 3.1 miles without walking so running on a super hot day on the beach was very defeating. I was humbled by the sun and sand and my time was not what I wanted it to be. I’m back this year to try and improve. Should be very possible! However, what I learned last year and over several races is you always set a goal for the race. However, you set three goals. I’ll explain !.

1. If you show up and run your best race, your legs feel great, you kick strong, and you can really push yourself extra. What time would you hope to get?
2. If you show up, run a good race, but don’t get a PR, what time range would you expect to get?
3. You show up, you feel awful, your legs are dead but you signed up and you want to finish. What’s a respectable time you can live with?

It’s your excellent, good, and okay goals . You adjust as you go and that way don’t get too disappointed if you don’t reach your high expectations. After all, some things might be out of your control. Running last year on the sand on a high 90’s day (if I recall correctly), I was just happy to finish. I didn’t care if I had to walk some. Later in the year, my goals became a little more demanding.

For this year’s race, my goals are the same goals I have for races this year. My ultimate goal is a sub 30min 5K. I’m not a fast runner, but for me, that’d be very fast. Some people think running is about placing in the top three in your age group but most often for most of us, it’s just great to test yourself, finish a race, and feel like you accomplished something. I run against myself and no one else.

My Goals -

1. Excellent = around or below 30mins.
2. Good = 32 – 34 mins.
3. Okay = around 35mins.

Next week, I’ll provide a complete race recap. Wish me Luck!

Gear Dream

Not only do I love running gear but I love technical running accessories too. I’m currently saving my money for the following fun (but so expensive) items -

1. Asics Gel Nimbus 11 (available 6/1/2009) – $125
   The newest version of my favorite running shoes are new, improved, and have even more awesome colors – silver, lightning, and grape!
   
2. Garmin Forerunner 305 – $159 (Best Buy)
   I love the big screen, easy buttons, and all the training options. I would love to be able to really track all my workouts but it’s always been really difficult to pull the trigger on such an expensive purchase. It is after all, a watch.
   
3. Felt ZW40 Woman’s Road Bike – $800
   An entry-level road bike built for women in a petite frame! Sure, it’s not fancy carbon but for what I need, this looks to be a stable, great road bike!
   
4. Zoot Sports Trifit Racesuit – $100
   A great brand and a reasonable price for a racesuit. I would love to be wearing this come triathlon day! (Oh and it’s purple!)
   
5. Zoot Sports CycleFit 6″ Shorts – $92
   I don’t fit into my old bike shorts and it’s essential to have a good pair for long bike rides.
   

Recently Purchased:

1. Swimsuit – Now I can swim in a swimsuit that actually fits. I even found a great coupon online.
2. Race belt – Small item, but very essential for triathlons.

See now why I show incredible patience to purchase? Having fun with running, biking, and triathlons is hard on the budget! It’s nice to dream and save money with a goal in mind.

Happy Training!

Running to the Music

I’ve been running consistently for about 1.5 years now and after training for a half marathon some runs don’t feel as inspired as they used to be. At some point during the run though, I always find the zone where I can tune out the running but enjoy the activity, the movement. Some days the zone lasts only a minute or two and some days it lasts the entire run. Always unpredictable but ever desirable, I’m constantly seeking ways to enjoy my runs more. One thing I realized is I’m not a treadmill runner. Run outside or don’t run at all because otherwise, running on a treadmill kills my love for it and all I can focus on is the pain in my legs and hips. I think it mentally defeats me more than it physically defeats me.

And then I discovered this new mental game I can play when I’m running outside. See, I know my running style. I start my watch timer when I start running. When I first decide to check my time is when I kill my momentum because after I first check it (5,10, 15 minutes in) I’m checking it constantly to see how close I am until I’m done. So instead of checking my watch when I feel like it, I play a game. It’s called Running to the Music! I tell myself how many songs on my Running Somewhere ipod playlist I have to listen to before I can check my watch. I figure on average songs are about 4 mins long – some shorter some longer. So if I’m running 25 mins (a slow 2 miler or a fast 2.5miler) at my pace, I tell myself I need to listen to at least 6 songs before I can check my watch. Then, I find myself listening to the songs better and focusing less on the time. Which in turn if I focus on the music more, I find myself getting into a better rhythm running and feeling better about the workout.

I’ve tried this method two times so far and it’s worked great. Granted, the long run felt more intimidating when I hit double digits for songs but it really wasn’t so bad. The sun zapping my energy at 9:30am, well that’s a different story altogether. Summer has come to Charleston and my music and my body better be ready.

I’ll try and post a current playlist of my running tunes soon!

Happy Runs!

Scheduling Workouts

Okay, I have to admit… it’s not the most fun thing to schedule your weekly workouts. In theory you should because you can develop a well balanced training plan according to your upcoming race needs or goals. But then, you realize you have to stick to the schedule when other life things pop up. So personally, I have a love hate relationship with planning and training. I do like one thing a lot. You set it and forget it. Set up a plan, start executing it, and then you just find yourself doing it every day without thinking about it. I’m that way now with my Tuesday spinning class. I know it’s something I do every Tuesday and I’m always ready for that workout. Last week, I was even able to push myself a little extra! Always fun when you find you are pushing yourself a bit further than you could before. I get geeked up excited about those kind of achievements.

However, it doesn’t mean all change comes easy. This week, I’m changing my work schedule for my workouts. Yikes! I’ve been a 7:30a – 4:00p worker for quite some time. Now I’m switching back to a non-flex schedule of 8:30a – 5:00p. I know it’s going to feel like a long day but hopefully I’ll adjust quickly because summer arrived in Charleston with a bang and I need to work out in the morning now. The nice part will be if I get in a good morning workout and go to work, when 5pm rolls around I’m done for the day. I can go home and chill, watch some tv, and make some dinner with Phil. Well, he makes the dinner but I like to watch and learn.

The experiment begins with my current schedule. Short term I want to get stronger in the 5K. Long term I want to build up my aerobic capacity threshold for the triathlon. Overall, I want to see improvements in my health.

Do most people schedule workouts or do you prefer the spontaneous method?

Reinvent your Training

From time to time it’s fun to reinvent yourself, to change up your “norm” and try new things. Starting early 2009, I was a little burned out on planning and training after a busy 2008 of races and goals. So I took a break and turned my workouts into spontaneous choices with sides of more variety and less intensity. And, it worked! It’s late Spring and I feel great.

At the same time my training needed a change, so did my regular blogging. I didn’t enjoy it anymore, didn’t know what to write about, and felt a loss of direction. It took some time but then I realized looking back over my posts I had the most fun and had the most comments on the ones where I talked about my endeavors into triathlons, running, and training in general. Because after all, when I do things often hilarity results. Exhibit A and Exhibit B.

It’s early May now and life is as busy as it has ever been. It’s also the best it’s ever been. However, I’m back into training and really enjoying myself. I felt like it was time to return to blogging but to focus on what I really love to write about – working out! I re-posted the blogs from the past couple years where I talked about my training. I thought it would give you context – where I’ve been, how I’ve progressed, to where I’m going. I might even have a guest blogger from time to time. I’ll let him introduce himself. Let’s just say it’s one of life’s great joys to share your passion for working out with the one you love.

What’s up next for Lindsey? Well I’m glad you asked!

1. I have three 5K’s coming up to get back into the fun of running races.
2. I have a regular schedule of spinning on Tuesdays and swimming on Fridays.
3. Why spinning and swimming you ask? Well on 9/12 I’m going to compete in the Dash for Divas triathlon again! It was so much fun I have to compete again and it will be nice to see if I’ve made improvements in a year.
4. And…regular visits to the gym for cardio and strength training. I’m starting to notice some better definition in my shoulders and arms. And I’m still looking to keep up my progress toning my legs and core. It’s fun to see results in the gym.

I’m still thinking about some other triathlons but any distance further than 10miles is difficult on a mountain bike.

In the future, these posts won’t be nearly as long…hopefully!

And lastly, Thanks to Phil for the funny blog title. It somehow just fits this silly girl.

Call Me Runner

Today, I graduated. I realized, I really am one of those runners. Here’s how I passed my final exam:

Technical running shoes specially fitted from TrySports
+ Running tights
+ Dri-fit tee and socks
+ mizuno running gloves and headband (it was cold)
+ worn in watch
- extra long sleeve tee & jacket (I lose a point for being a wimp about the cold)
+ NO MUSIC!
————————–
= Lindsey is officially a runner and no longer a jogger

Yup, I walked out the door with just my keys. I felt so liberated! I went for an easy two mile run. Yeah, who would have thought two miles would ever be short and/or easy. I felt different without the music. I’m sure music could have provided a slight boost but something about not using music makes me feel like a runner. I might still lean on music for long runs but when I go out for my easy runs, speed work, hill work, or interval work – I can leave the tunes at home.

Well of course, I should really say that whether you are a runner or a jogger is really about attitude. If you feel like a runner, you are.

Those videos this morning really motivated me tonight. No more excuses, just be a runner. It’s who I am, it’s what I do.

Just making excuses?

Well it’s February, the month where most resolutions get dropped and I start ramping up. I like to take it a little easy in January, to recover after a long year of working out and because the gym is PACKED! I need some bubble space when I work out .

But, if you are struggling with some motivation, I thought I’d post some videos I’ve favorited on youtube. After all, no one said it would be easy!

Now I’m psyched to find a few more videos to add to my collection, I know even better ones exist and motivation is just the icing on the determination cake. You only fail if you don’t get back up. Keep on going!

So what if you can’t feel your legs?!

I  had a fantastic run last night. I decided after work and before I was meeting my friends Ann Marie and her husband Jamie for dinner that I’d try to get in a quick run. I need to work out after all. We all know what happens if Lindsey doesn’t work out!

So I begrudingly put on my running tights. Yes, I did finally buy some and I always feel ridiculous in them because I’m not really one of those runners now am I? And then I put on three layers of shirts (running tank, t-shirt, and long sleeve), grabbed my gloves and music, and headed out the door.

And surprise!, the running tights worked great and even though it’s so cold you’re not sure if you can feel your appendages, I think it actually helped. I thought I’d get a 3-mile run in and instead I got in a 5-mile run. I would have gone a bit longer too but it was after 6 and I was supposed to be A & J’s at 7p. I’m pretty happy to get a little bit longer run in. I haven’t been able to run that far since completeing Kiawah. I’m sure some of that was mental and not just physical. So maybe I will be ready to run Hilton Head 10k if my friend’s Christy and Garret want to run it too. I’ll just have to see.

Only two minor bummers to balance things out (see previous post). One is that my Nike+ acted up again. It never does it consistently so after I had run for 36 minutes and it said I had only done 2 miles, yeah, something wasn’t registering. Need to adjust things perhaps. The other minor bummer is just that my body is kinda complaining today. No worries though, I think it just needs to know I’m not going to make it run 9 or more miles anytime soon. Plus, if I run again in the cold, I won’t be able to feel anything so waala, no pain, no problem!

So running problem solved, run when it’s super cold out and you can keep running because you don’t really feel anything at all. Just have to remember a kleenex for when my eyes and nose start running. I guess they like to get moving too!

Bring Back the Fun!

Okay, so I think last week was a lesson learned for me. I am usually eager to jump into a new training plan but instead I fell victim to the comforts of more sleep and a sore knee. Not sure what is going on with my knee. Will have to do more investigating this week. I know it really cramped my run at the gym this morning. I’m sorta worried about the treadmill running I’ve had to do this winter since I’ve been resisting running in unfavorable conditions outside. But a painful knee can’t be the only reason holding me back from my regular enthusiasm.

I think part of it is that triathlon season seems so far away so the extra motivation isn’t there right now. The only thing I think I can do right now is to delay my triathlon training program and instead bring back spontaneity and fun to my workouts. More variety, more spontaneous decisions, and less of workouts I usually do for running & triathlon training. Which means I might only run once a week sometimes?! (gasp!). I could run more if my legs feel better but only if that’s what I want to do.

I’ll probably still do some planning but only on a weekly basis. Perhaps if I give myself some permission to have fun and not plan, I can get re-energized about all my upcoming goals.

Only thing I haven’t figured out is who I’m going to convince to let me come over and play Wii Fit and Wii Sports all the time. Isn’t that considered a good workout?

Plan of Attack

This past weekend I worked on my triathlon training plan, including deciding when I was going to purchase my shiny, brand new road bike (Mid-March!) I decided not to delve into a deep level of detail just yet. For example, I haven’t decided what distances my bricks (bike/run workout) will be just yet, only that I will start them in March. Instead, I planned out my workout schedule for the upcoming weeks of training, looking for optimum balance and flexibility (in case I want to work out more or less).

Sunday	long run
Monday	rest day
Tuesday	swim (start in March) / strength training at gym = legs /cardio of my choice
Wednesday	run / optional spinning
Thursday	cardio / strength training at gym = core
Friday	run / strength training at gym = arms, upper body
Saturday	long bike

Later on, I plan on adding more two a day workouts. Plus, I’ll add in another swim to the schedule starting in April.

Wow, I’m so excited I can barely stand to sit still at work all day. All I can think about is when I get to go do my next workout and when/if I’ll be able to start noticing an increased aerobic threshold. I mean, that’s the ultimate goal, to be able to perform at your aerobic peak for over an hour during the triathlon. I guess that’s why they call it a sprint.

13.1

It’s been so difficult to write this post. Only thing I can figure is I still don’t believe I finished and the goal is complete. A year ago I thought a 5k was a long distance but a funny thing happens when you start running consistently. You start saying things like 4 miles, 6, miles, 8 miles, 10 miles, 13 miles and somehow it doesn’t sound like some big achievement like  it did twelve months ago. I used to think anyone who could consistently run more than 5 miles was somehow super human. And then I somehow managed to keep running further and further and realized it really was possible. The non-runner became a runner.

Sure, I’m still a turtle but on my journey the pace isn’t as important as the finish line. I’m thankful I remembered that before my race on Saturday.

Notable thoughts and happenings from the race::

• I was so trying not to get nervous or think about the race so I purposely didn’t pack or get ready until Friday night. Which meant Saturday at the start line I had a d’oh moment. My oops? I forgot to create a special half marathon playlist on my ipod. Music is really good with pace and motivation so it was a bummer not to have a special mix. Instead, I put the ipod on shuffle and spent a lot of time hitting fast forward.
• I took in six bags of shoes to the two nonprofits they were collecting used shoes for – Soles for Souls and Nike’s Reuse a Shoe. Picture at right is the four bags of shoes I collected from people at work. Sorta glad I didn’t get more than six bags worth, it was hard to get them to the registration area!
• We were told to get there early because they took you on coach buses from the parking area to the island and the start area. So I was up before 5am and to the parking lot by 6:15am. Taking with me only the essentials, I left for the race.
• Thankfully, someone helped me get the shoes to the collection area and I picked up my registration materials without a problem.
• I liked how they had an indoor area where you could sit, stretch, and stay warm. I waited until last minute to go out because I didn’t want to get too cold. Yes, I’m a wimp about temperatures.
• I went potty just before the race cause nerves + coffee = ya gotta go!
• I dressed in shorts, tank, believe acheive try sports breathable tee, and thin nike running jacket. I also had my mizuno gloves and headband that get warmer as you sweat. It’s a weird cool new technology. I had a visor on for the sun (yes I looked special with a headband and visor). I had my music. I had two GU gels and a kleenex. The rest of my stuff (extra clothes, water bottle, etc went into the article storage area).
• I was a bit cold at the start but we had really great weather on Saturday. It warmed up only slightly but running I warmed up plenty. And lucky enough it was overcast the sun didn’t bake us on the course.
• Funniest thing that happened was with all the adrenaline, right after the start, I had to whiz again. I was like geeze, you just went, couldn’t you have gotten it all out then. It was all I could do to make it to mile 4. I just didn’t want to stop so soon after I started running. So I stopped my watch, went to the porta potty, and back to the course.
• I noticed I didn’t have a very fast pace like my training runs, slightly disappointing, so I had to adjust my race strategy on the fly. I estimated it really was going to take me around 3 hours to finish the race. I also knew around 1 hr 45 mins my hips always start hurting like crazy and I feel like I need a walker. So I knew it was going to be moderation and hold myself back so I didn’t hit a wall where I couldn’t go on.
• I made it to mile six just fine. I mostly took in water every now and then and had a couple oranges. I ate my GU gel packets at 1 hour in and then 2 hours in.
• I took a short walk at the turn around (half way) point. Walked again at mile 8. And then I realized this was going to be one of the toughest things I’ve ever done. So I just told myself to get to the next mile marker. And every mile maker, take a short walk and then run to the next mile marker.
• They had a really cool Caribbean or African drum group on the course. You were able to watch/listen on way there and back.
• After mile 9, I really found out what I was made of because I wasn’t sure how I was going to finish, I just wanted to finish what I started. The pain never got too unbearable and I kept going forwards even if race walkers could walk faster than me.
• A really nice lady after mile 12 told me I only had three minutes to go so I really used that to keep going. I think around that point I really needed her because I was running low on the belief the finish line would ever come.
• Once it did, it was one of the happiest moments of my life. I ran with all my heart and finished. And wouldn’t you know, just after I crossed, I stopped my watch, right on 3 hours! I put on my original registration I thought I’d finish in 3 hours and I did.
• FYI – the difference between my race watch and the official time is that porta potty break. I don’t count a bathroom break as part of my race time .
• And after I got my medal (see below) and the race blanket, I just felt frozen in time. I think I couldn’t believe I was done. Really done! This felt even bigger than the triathlon. The triathlon was cardio challenging but the half marathon was cardio, physical, and mentally exhausting. For a non-runner to become a runner, it was an overwhelming transformation.
• And yes, soon after I finished when I could tell myself I was done I got emotional. I cried some even. Yes, I know, crying isn’t very athlete tough. But after the many months, all the encouragement from family and friends, it really meant so much just to accomplish an *impossible*. Even more so now, I trust in God and his plan for me. He continually surprises me and shows me that through life’s toughest trials and challenges you can finish with a smile and the satisfaction that no matter what, you did your best.
• And so when people ask me how I did, I don’t quote a time, I say “I finished!” Finishing is what makes me proud and helps me believe, with the support of good people, I can accomplish great things in my life. So keep your body challenged, mind determined, and your heart open and you can find yourself doing things you never thought possible.
• Thank You everyone!

checklist for next triathlon season

I’m in the middle of my running race season but next year’s triathlon season is never far from my mind. After all, not runner me, is only doing the running season to get better for the triathlon season. It’s especially apparent when I feel like I’ve reached the upper limits of my running capabilities. I pretty much tap out after 90 mins of running but after a short walking break I can resume (albeit really painfully). So what to do to get through these painful, miserable times in my training? Well, think about all the fun I’m going to have next year including the items I’m saving up to buy as part of the process.

So, what’s my triathlon checklist for 2009?

1. Entry level road bike. Cost = ~$800. Along with that, I’ll get supplies for the bike including spare tubes, tools, and perhaps an upgraded seat.
   
2. TriSuit. Cost = ~$75-125. Going for a one piece that I can race in. It will be nice to go from swimming to biking to running and never think about what I’m wearing. Not sure if I’ll go with Zoot Sports or not.
   
3. Race belt. Cost = ~$5-10. In a race, you attach your number to the belt so when you transition from bike to run, you just grab the belt and throw it on. You don’t have to mess with pinning your number to anything.
   
4. Gu Tri-Berry energy gels. Fuel and hydration are not only important for race day but those long training days as well. I’ll probably start buying boxes of them soon. Tri-berry is my favorite and it has caffeine!
   
5. And my dream item…Garmin Forerunner 405 w/ accessories. Cost = $299.99+ I have been having so many problems tracking distance and issues with my nike+, I would love to go gps-enabled and get the forerunner watch w/ foot pod and bike accessory. But spending 300 dollars on a watch is really scary to me.
   

Just dreaming about these items and next triathlon season is fun. It also helps me get through these last two long runs before I return to my senses. Who would have thought triathlons seemed easy? But, compared to 13.1 miles of running, triathlons seem almost normal.

Turning My Life Over to Running

newest member of my family

If I were me, say a year ago, I would have called myself super crazy right now. But today, standing in my shoes (Asics Gel Nimbus 10) I don’t feel so crazy. However, every week more of my life and the decisions I make are turned over to running. Three examples from lately.

Example #1. I am taking time off working out just so I can rest for more running. You see I like to do something physically challenging every single day. I love it. I love the pain and the muscle soreness! I love the challenge of keeping up the variety. I love, essentially, to kick my own butt on a regular basis. This week I’m taking three days off cardio. Unheard of! I feel like a couch potato. Yes, I ran 4 miles on Monday, 4 miles on Wednesday, 2 miles tomorrow, and then 9 miles Sunday. So maybe I’m not quite a couch potato. But changing how I work out around being efficient and healthy for my runs is big. WAY BIG!

Example #2. I buy new running shoes in coordination with my running training plan so I can stay healthy. I’ve put about 300 miles on my current shoes (Asics Gel Nimbus 9) since March. I should be able to put another 100-200miles on current ones but I want to be safe. So I bought new shoes a little bit earlier to start rotating them in with my current ones. Plus, the James Island Connector 10k is almost all on concrete, a notoriously hard surface on your legs. So last night I dropped some hard earned cash on some new shoes, gloves and  headband (it’s cold outside!), and some gels/energy chewables. I’m still experimenting with my nutrition for long runs. (I also have to figure out hydration since I think the water fountains on Daniel Island made me sick on my last long run). So yeah, it was really hard to say goodbye to my money, but all I can do is focus on staying prepared for every run.

Example #3. Not only do I go through my blogs on Google Reader every morning reading advice and tips for proper training, I’m also now a subscriber to Runner’s World. I love it! I think the articles are great and they even make sense to me. Further proof that I’m finally becoming a runner.

So yeah, my life has become a little more focused on acheiving my latest goal but it’s been all fun so far. Well, except those last few miles of long runs. Those are still hard and scary. But then I get the satisfaction of having people give me skeptical, crazy looks when I talk about how much I run. I don’t think of it as a big deal especially when I hear about the cool things my other runner friends are doing. I just get jolted back to reality when I mention to a non-runner that I did a 2 mile recovery run or a regular 4 mile run and they shake their head at me. I guess to most people a mile is a big deal. It used to be for me too, but now I feel welcomed into this new world and friendly community where I can find other people who are passionate about running too. Just don’t try to get me to explain my love just yet. I’m not sure I even understand it.

Training Log Experiment

Week of Oct 19 – 25 (2008)

Day	Start Time	Activity
Sunday	3:00p	2 softball games
Monday	6:00a	50min run (a little over 4 miles)
Tuesday		(Unexpected) Rest Day
Wednesday	6:00a	4 mile run
Thursday		off
Friday	6:00a	2 mile run
Saturday		off

Week of Oct 12 – 18 (2008)

Day	Start Time	Activity
Sunday	12:30p	8 mile run
Monday	1:15p	2 mile run & 2 mile walk
Tuesday	5:00a	strength training (upper body)
Wednesday	5:35a	strength training (core)
	6:15a	2 mile run (bridge)
Thursday		Rest Day (race taper)
Friday		Rest Day (race taper)
Saturday	9:00a	Race for the Cure 5K

*explanation

Week of Oct 5 – 11 (2008)

Day	Start Time	Activity
Sunday	6:30a	7 mile run
	1:00p	2 softball games
Monday	6:30a	2 mile run
	6:00p	90min beach walk (Sullivan’s Island!)
Tuesday	6:00a	45min swim
	5:30p	bike ride
Wednesday	6:30a (late start)	42min bridge run
Thursday	5:15a	60min strength training (upper body & lower body)
Friday	5:00a	30min strength training (core)
	6:00a	50 min swim
Saturday		rest day

The week started off pretty hard. The 7mile run was really painful and made me nervous for the 8-miler the next weekend. Most of the run wasn’t bad just the last half mile my hip and knee bones were in a lot of pain. But I wasn’t about to stop being that close to the finish. Instead, I just focused on being more rested and prepared before I do my long runs. The beach walk was also a definite highlight. I don’t always need to do crazy workouts, just some fun easier ones exploring where I live is refreshing and healthy.

And of course, when I get stressed, adding in an unexpected bike ride helps. Another week of strength training in the books and it feels great to be back in the gym. Also love that I’m digging my morning workouts. Fall training has been fun even when the temperature varies and you don’t know what’s in store when you walk out the door.

Week of Sept 28 – Oct 4 (2008)

Day	Start Time	Activity
Sunday	5:30a	6mi run, softball game (6p)
Monday	5:00p	2mi run, hour of power yoga, strength training (legs)
Tuesday	5:30p	strength training (core), 45min spinning class
Wednesday		doms (delayed onset muscle soreness) –> rest day
Thursday	5:45a	strength training (upper body), 45min bridge run
Friday	5:15a	2 mile run, 40min swim
Saturday		rest day

Despite the DOMS in the middle of the week, this was a good week for me. All major goals acheived and I got back on track w/ my strength training. The strength training alone makes me happy and releived. I know it’s an essential part of my training so getting back on track is important to me. Hope I can continue the trend.

Half Way Point

No, it’s not the time to turn around. Maybe if it was an out and back run it would be but instead this is the half way point of my half marathon training (less than two months to go). The time when you’ve made great progress but still have a long ways to go until race day. It’s also the point when you’re far enough away from race day that it’s easy to stumble in training.

Do you really want to get up at 5am? Wouldn’t you rather stay warm in bed for a few minutes longer?

3 miles? wouldn’t you rather make this a quick 2?

It’s 7 miles, so what if you take a little break to walk?

Can you see how the negative talk can start to infiltrate my brain? I’ve been doing my best to be positive and stick to my training plan. I’ve made adjustments here or there but hit all the major milestones I’ve set. Last week and this week have been a a big test. I pushed my muscles too far last week and had to switch my workout days around a bit. Then on Sunday, I barely made it through my 7 mile run. At almost 6.5 miles my leg and hip bones hurt so bad I almost started crying. And I don’t cry! I realize that when I fatigue my muscles I make them weaker and thus increase the burden on my bones.

That’s what is happening to me this week. My knees hurt more than usual. I might go purchase my next pair of running shoes early to start breaking them in and give some relief to my legs. I’m also going to switch out one recovery run this week for a recovery swim on Friday morning.

But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t completely scared for Sunday. Can I really do 8 miles? I know I talked about the mental aspects of training before but this is really pushing my limits. I’ve told you before how I’m not a natural runner. So adding mileage seems completely crazy. Umm yeah, I’m pretty worried. It’s all I can think about for the most part. Can I even physically finish 8 miles?

I do get a break the week after because I’m doing the Race for the Cure on Saturday and then only a 4 mile run on Sunday. I built in a couple weeks into my training plan where I could have some recovery time. But still, the mileage only goes up from here. I hope I know what I got myself into. At least when November hits, Kiawah will be just around the corner.

In the meantime, I really could use some more recovery time, motrin, ice, heating pads, and naps. Pain (management) is the name of my game.