This morning I got up and my feet hurt, not bad, but enough to make me scratch my head considering I haven't even run long yet. Tue was a 9 miler, Weds spin class and last night I ran 7 with old running partner. My sneakers are too new, maybe the last 10 weeks have finally caught up to my feet? Who knows.
Last night was tough, we ran 7 miles at a pretty steady 9:40 pace. We chatted the whole time and the air quality sucked so naturally my breathing felt off. I used to love running in the heat, not the case this year! I'm not part of the whole "I can't wait for fall and pumpkin everything" bandwagon, I love the summer, maybe too much, but my running is craving fall temps and no humidity.
So back to my feet, I think I'll try and get the boy to give me a foot massage tonight. Sarcasm at it's finest... He does not understand why I run, he also doesn't understand why I'm not super skinny when all I do is run, but then I neither do I. According to science, marathoners usually gain weight when training, that's why I'm thrilled to say I'm down 8 pounds!
Friday, August 31, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
35
This past weekend was my 35th birthday.
35
Wow.
So there are days that I'm ok with everything in my life, then there are days that I wish some small stuff would change, then there are days like last week when I felt like WTF is wrong with me and how the hell am I 35 already!!!!!!!
When I turned 25 I had a typical quarter life crisis which led me to completely turn my life around by 26. It was amazing and I'm grateful. I've made tons of changes and truly am a better person (cliche!). I gave up booze, then butts, gained a bunch of weight, started running, s-l-o-w-l-y lost some weight then really began to run. By 30 I was feeling good, looking good but I was single and lonely. I stayed single for what felt like forever until I met the boy. We just celebrated 2 years (although you could say not in a row as there has been some breakups along the way). And now I'm feeling like OK, now what?
Gulp.
I think this is what a midlife crisis feels like, except I think a midlife crisis happens when you hit 50 not 35.
In true midlife crisis fashion, I'm playing around with going back to school, something I previously had no desire to do. I'm thinking about a certificate program at FIT. Nothing too strenuous, more along the lines of fun and something to get me out of my bubble. I'm also thinking about a tri (kidding, still no desire!!).
I'm not sure what the future holds, but I do know that it's out of my control (so deep) and I'm just here to enjoy the ride, so that's what I'm going to try and do!
Cheers to 35!
35
Wow.
So there are days that I'm ok with everything in my life, then there are days that I wish some small stuff would change, then there are days like last week when I felt like WTF is wrong with me and how the hell am I 35 already!!!!!!!
When I turned 25 I had a typical quarter life crisis which led me to completely turn my life around by 26. It was amazing and I'm grateful. I've made tons of changes and truly am a better person (cliche!). I gave up booze, then butts, gained a bunch of weight, started running, s-l-o-w-l-y lost some weight then really began to run. By 30 I was feeling good, looking good but I was single and lonely. I stayed single for what felt like forever until I met the boy. We just celebrated 2 years (although you could say not in a row as there has been some breakups along the way). And now I'm feeling like OK, now what?
Gulp.
I think this is what a midlife crisis feels like, except I think a midlife crisis happens when you hit 50 not 35.
In true midlife crisis fashion, I'm playing around with going back to school, something I previously had no desire to do. I'm thinking about a certificate program at FIT. Nothing too strenuous, more along the lines of fun and something to get me out of my bubble. I'm also thinking about a tri (kidding, still no desire!!).
I'm not sure what the future holds, but I do know that it's out of my control (so deep) and I'm just here to enjoy the ride, so that's what I'm going to try and do!
Cheers to 35!
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
That Time I ABSOLUTELY Killed My 20 Mile Run!
I ran 20 and OWNED it, unlike the last 20 which made me cry. And I did on all of 3 hours sleep, damn boyfriends and insomnia!
Ok, so what was different? 2 major things, I went wayyy slower than I like to and it was rainy and not at all humid. I felt great and if pushed, I could have run the whole 26.2....but I'll save that for Chicago!
The original plan was to run the NYRR long training run #2, but we didn't realize until last minute that it was on Sunday and running partner couldn't make it. Also on the original plan was a 16 miler but I knew I couldn't run 20 this coming (birthday!!) weekend so I switched it up. As luck would have it my old running crew was coming to my hood to do a long run so I decided to tag along with them. Running partner met us but when she realized how slow we were going she bailed and ran 15 on her own. I decided to stick with the slow pokes for 2 reasons - I knew a few of them would add on miles at the end and I know that part of my problem aside from dealing with the heat has been trying to keep up a faster pace and pushing myself a little to much on my longs.
Overall, it was the best training run I've had and the entire 2nd half was one big giant negative split! Wahoooo! While at times I felt like were going super slow, it helped me to kick ass at the end. My average pace was 10:49 per mile and not at all what I'm hoping to run come race day, but I knew that slower would better and I was ok with that. It was also nice to see miles 19 and 20 were at a 9:50 pace.
As I move into week 10 of my training I need to really keep focused. My birthday is Fri which means a few extra meals with friends out, so I have to watch the wheat. I've been doing so/so with avoiding wheats/bread...but it's really hard! I was at an event with my bf in the Hamptons where I managed to eat just about every passed hors d'oeuvre that came my way, plus 2 lobsters so needless to say the scale moved up a little, but I'm still lower than what I was so I have to just accept it and move on. Ok, enough about food!
I'm excited to finish out my training, I love that I get up excited to run and I'm loving that I have another 20 in my plan to gauge how I'm doing. I'm not sure if that 4:20 marathon is in the cards, but ya never know!
Ok, so what was different? 2 major things, I went wayyy slower than I like to and it was rainy and not at all humid. I felt great and if pushed, I could have run the whole 26.2....but I'll save that for Chicago!
The original plan was to run the NYRR long training run #2, but we didn't realize until last minute that it was on Sunday and running partner couldn't make it. Also on the original plan was a 16 miler but I knew I couldn't run 20 this coming (birthday!!) weekend so I switched it up. As luck would have it my old running crew was coming to my hood to do a long run so I decided to tag along with them. Running partner met us but when she realized how slow we were going she bailed and ran 15 on her own. I decided to stick with the slow pokes for 2 reasons - I knew a few of them would add on miles at the end and I know that part of my problem aside from dealing with the heat has been trying to keep up a faster pace and pushing myself a little to much on my longs.
Overall, it was the best training run I've had and the entire 2nd half was one big giant negative split! Wahoooo! While at times I felt like were going super slow, it helped me to kick ass at the end. My average pace was 10:49 per mile and not at all what I'm hoping to run come race day, but I knew that slower would better and I was ok with that. It was also nice to see miles 19 and 20 were at a 9:50 pace.
As I move into week 10 of my training I need to really keep focused. My birthday is Fri which means a few extra meals with friends out, so I have to watch the wheat. I've been doing so/so with avoiding wheats/bread...but it's really hard! I was at an event with my bf in the Hamptons where I managed to eat just about every passed hors d'oeuvre that came my way, plus 2 lobsters so needless to say the scale moved up a little, but I'm still lower than what I was so I have to just accept it and move on. Ok, enough about food!
I'm excited to finish out my training, I love that I get up excited to run and I'm loving that I have another 20 in my plan to gauge how I'm doing. I'm not sure if that 4:20 marathon is in the cards, but ya never know!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Easy Breezy Training Week #8
What a relief to not have a super long run! I needed this break in training, especially after my really hard 20 miler.
I ran a total of 26 miles, one 8 miler, two 7's and a down and dirty 3 miler for good measure. Nothing earth shattering, the first 7 I ran with friends and we took it slow, the rest were on my own and probaly around a 9:40 pace. No record breaking runs, but that's what a recovery week is for.
This week I'm shifting things around a bit to accommodate a 20 miler this week instead of next. Training partner and I both can't run, she's doing a tri and it's my birthday weekend so we are swapping out weeks. Last night I ran 3 super speedy miles, hoping the weather holds out so I can head up to the Cow Harbor training runs. I didn't make it up there once last year or the year before so I'm hoping to make it tonight. Other than that, I'm down into the 150's (for real this time) and I'm feeling really good limiting the wheat. Now I just need to curb my fro-yo addiction!!
I ran a total of 26 miles, one 8 miler, two 7's and a down and dirty 3 miler for good measure. Nothing earth shattering, the first 7 I ran with friends and we took it slow, the rest were on my own and probaly around a 9:40 pace. No record breaking runs, but that's what a recovery week is for.
This week I'm shifting things around a bit to accommodate a 20 miler this week instead of next. Training partner and I both can't run, she's doing a tri and it's my birthday weekend so we are swapping out weeks. Last night I ran 3 super speedy miles, hoping the weather holds out so I can head up to the Cow Harbor training runs. I didn't make it up there once last year or the year before so I'm hoping to make it tonight. Other than that, I'm down into the 150's (for real this time) and I'm feeling really good limiting the wheat. Now I just need to curb my fro-yo addiction!!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Roid Rage/Rashes/Pretty Things
I don't know what's up with me but I have had 2 big rashes, the first was just a red spot on my foot, this one that I have now is a killer itchy mess brought on by the sun, a possible reaction to medication from the first rash and sweat. I'm no amazingly hot. I'm now on a steroid, let's hope I don't go into roid rage. I'm on a 6 day regimen and am almost done taking day 1's six pills, sheesh. All I can say is thank god I have a short long run this weekend, or else I'm sure the tears of frustration would be a flowing!!!
Ok, not that ANYONE needed to know that, but I'm itchy and it's all I can focus on.
Now onto nice things like running and the bay and flowers and kittens....
Yesterday I ran 7 before work and it was great. I didn't care about pace, there was no humidly, it was cool and I got a sweet water view at the half way point. I was definitely feeling the running god love!
I saw a runner friend also taking in the view and finally felt ok with my training. Weird how no humidity will do that. Also weird how coming to terms with bad training runs doesn't mean I'm a bad runner.
I love me a little perspective!
Ok, not that ANYONE needed to know that, but I'm itchy and it's all I can focus on.
Now onto nice things like running and the bay and flowers and kittens....
Yesterday I ran 7 before work and it was great. I didn't care about pace, there was no humidly, it was cool and I got a sweet water view at the half way point. I was definitely feeling the running god love!
I saw a runner friend also taking in the view and finally felt ok with my training. Weird how no humidity will do that. Also weird how coming to terms with bad training runs doesn't mean I'm a bad runner.
I love me a little perspective!
Monday, August 6, 2012
That Time I Cried During a 20 Mile Run
WTF humidity! Seriously, stop effing up my runs, gahhhh!!!! Saturday (actually this whole weekend) was of course too humid for walking much less running and I had a 20 miler on tap for the day. Originally I had wanted to shift this one to a later date, but we did some other juggling so our next 2 20's fall inline with the NYRR training runs (or at least that's what I think we did) so we had no choice but to head out and get 'er done.
I felt ok the first 7 miles, then I went slowly downhill. We made a few quick stops where I noticed that I was totally shaky, not sure if seeing my hands shake threw me into a mental state of "OMG I want to die now" or what, but it wasn't pretty. I just wanted to be done!
At mile 14 we were back at the start which happened to be the gym so we decided to run the last 6 inside. Running partner brought a change of clothes, I did not, so not only was I soaked, but I was now freezing. I got on the treadmill and squeaked out 2 miles, then around mile 17 I started walking and crying. It's pretty comical now that I think about it, I even looked at running partner and was like this is too funny, but at the time I was just so frustrated. Not that I breezed through training last year, but it didn't feel this hard.
I almost threw in the towel, but I soldiered on, one mile at a time. I went crazy slow and at the end of each mile walked and took in fluids (I should mention that I didn't pee once, which is crazy considering how much fluid I took in). My legs were killing me and I had a few cuts on my foot which initially I thought was strange until I realized that my sneakers were soaked through (ewwwww, I know) but I managed to get in those last 3 miles. When it was over I was so happy, not because it was done, but because I kept going.
I'm still frustrated by how hard my training has been, but I also have to remember that NY was a full month after Chicago, so I wasn't really running this long this early. Plus I think this summer is way hotter.
On a positive note, I felt good after and even yesterday. I spent some time in the pool Saturday afternoon then went and got an 1/2 hour leg massage which I think really made a difference. Gotta love those cheap massage places that keep popping up all over! Almost as good as the millions of new froyo places that are everywhere :) I'm also happy to report that I'm off wheat and feeling great.
I have 8 weeks left to really make a difference, so it's go time. I need to focus on my food and my miles and my speedwork..no time to cheat! If I made it through that shitty run, then I can get through the next 8 weeks. Plus I just picked really pretty blue sneaks to kill the rest of my training in! I'll be testing them out tonight during my 8 miler. Can't wait, plus Adidas are new to me, but after getting re-fitted over at Runners Edge I felt like we these might just be the golden shoes I need!
I felt ok the first 7 miles, then I went slowly downhill. We made a few quick stops where I noticed that I was totally shaky, not sure if seeing my hands shake threw me into a mental state of "OMG I want to die now" or what, but it wasn't pretty. I just wanted to be done!
At mile 14 we were back at the start which happened to be the gym so we decided to run the last 6 inside. Running partner brought a change of clothes, I did not, so not only was I soaked, but I was now freezing. I got on the treadmill and squeaked out 2 miles, then around mile 17 I started walking and crying. It's pretty comical now that I think about it, I even looked at running partner and was like this is too funny, but at the time I was just so frustrated. Not that I breezed through training last year, but it didn't feel this hard.
I almost threw in the towel, but I soldiered on, one mile at a time. I went crazy slow and at the end of each mile walked and took in fluids (I should mention that I didn't pee once, which is crazy considering how much fluid I took in). My legs were killing me and I had a few cuts on my foot which initially I thought was strange until I realized that my sneakers were soaked through (ewwwww, I know) but I managed to get in those last 3 miles. When it was over I was so happy, not because it was done, but because I kept going.
I'm still frustrated by how hard my training has been, but I also have to remember that NY was a full month after Chicago, so I wasn't really running this long this early. Plus I think this summer is way hotter.
On a positive note, I felt good after and even yesterday. I spent some time in the pool Saturday afternoon then went and got an 1/2 hour leg massage which I think really made a difference. Gotta love those cheap massage places that keep popping up all over! Almost as good as the millions of new froyo places that are everywhere :) I'm also happy to report that I'm off wheat and feeling great.
I have 8 weeks left to really make a difference, so it's go time. I need to focus on my food and my miles and my speedwork..no time to cheat! If I made it through that shitty run, then I can get through the next 8 weeks. Plus I just picked really pretty blue sneaks to kill the rest of my training in! I'll be testing them out tonight during my 8 miler. Can't wait, plus Adidas are new to me, but after getting re-fitted over at Runners Edge I felt like we these might just be the golden shoes I need!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)