Hi All,
I am so glad to a)have a coach who keeps me going and b)to be healthy to run. Work, for whatever reason, has been a bit tough lately. I averaged 9-11 hour days this week. I love my job, but I sure am ready for the weekend.
Due to the extended work days, I ended up having to sleep/recover rather than run Tuesday and Wednesday. Yesterday, I got back into it and I continued the trend today. Next week, I will have to skip 3-5 days due to a minor procedure. I know it is important to get the procedure done, but not exercising for that amount of time is not making me happy. Plus - I will be racing a 5k on April 23rd. My coach is a life saver and she sure talked me off the cliff this week.
Happy Friday!
Friday, March 31, 2017
Sunday, March 19, 2017
5th in Age Group - Recap of "Wearing of the Green 5k"
Today, despite planning with sufficient time, I got stuck at train crossings twice. Being new to the area, I wasted quite a bit of time a)hoping the train would pass and b)looking for alternative routes. I then arrived at the location and spent another few minutes getting all turned around, before finally arriving in the right spot. Thankfully, I had pre-registered and getting my bib was easy.
The race started on time, conditions overall were good, and about 135 people participated. I decided to not look at my watch, after starting, and just do my best. My time was around 32 minutes and I placed 5th in my age group. What a shock! I am excited though, since I am pretty sure my time will only improve with the additional training. All age group finishers received the following glass.
Happy Sunday!
The race started on time, conditions overall were good, and about 135 people participated. I decided to not look at my watch, after starting, and just do my best. My time was around 32 minutes and I placed 5th in my age group. What a shock! I am excited though, since I am pretty sure my time will only improve with the additional training. All age group finishers received the following glass.
Happy Sunday!
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Fighting the Pre-Race Jitters - Am I ready?
Hi All,
Last night, I did three things unusual for me in the days leading up to a race. First, I bailed on volunteering. The weather had been snowing all day and this was followed by rain. When I left work, the sidewalks were nasty. Yes - I felt bad about bailing, but my health and sanity will always come first.
Second, I got wine and had a glass in addition to my Kombucha. Wine is a rarity for me these days, unless I am have company, because the Kombucha is such a treat! Nonetheless, I have no regrets and it had been a week - not just for my friends but for me as well.
Third, I did not set an alarm and I managed to get 9 hours of sleep for the first time all week. I was running on fumes and I need some extra sleep, if I was hoping to do get pumped and ready for tomorrow. This picture pretty much describes my behavior all week long.
I am not sure how tomorrow will go. My goal is to do my best and listen to my body first and foremost. I will start my watch, but I will not be looking at it during the race.
All week, I have been keeping my mileage in the range set by my coach and I only look at my watch to see when I need to turnaround. I am pretty on it regarding mileage completed before looking.
Odd change - my times per mile are decreasing on easy day/long runs and I am not making any attempt to do this. Also, my breathing is not noticeably challenged or different. Is this odd or what?
Happy Saturday and Pre-Race Day Jitters!
Last night, I did three things unusual for me in the days leading up to a race. First, I bailed on volunteering. The weather had been snowing all day and this was followed by rain. When I left work, the sidewalks were nasty. Yes - I felt bad about bailing, but my health and sanity will always come first.
Second, I got wine and had a glass in addition to my Kombucha. Wine is a rarity for me these days, unless I am have company, because the Kombucha is such a treat! Nonetheless, I have no regrets and it had been a week - not just for my friends but for me as well.
Third, I did not set an alarm and I managed to get 9 hours of sleep for the first time all week. I was running on fumes and I need some extra sleep, if I was hoping to do get pumped and ready for tomorrow. This picture pretty much describes my behavior all week long.
I am not sure how tomorrow will go. My goal is to do my best and listen to my body first and foremost. I will start my watch, but I will not be looking at it during the race.
All week, I have been keeping my mileage in the range set by my coach and I only look at my watch to see when I need to turnaround. I am pretty on it regarding mileage completed before looking.
Odd change - my times per mile are decreasing on easy day/long runs and I am not making any attempt to do this. Also, my breathing is not noticeably challenged or different. Is this odd or what?
Happy Saturday and Pre-Race Day Jitters!
Thursday, March 16, 2017
It's been tough, but I have been through worse times.
Hi All,
Last weekend, I learned that a friend, who is also a fitness fanatic, is facing unemployment in the upcoming months. Despite switching jobs and working part-time at one point, I have only been "unemployed" for a few days in nearly ten years of my professional career. It is something for which I am grateful, but I do remember being quite depressed for five months, when I worked only 8-16 hours a week, if I was lucky. I am doing my best to support this friend and her colleagues and it sure put some perspective on my own situation. Each position or job contains hurdles. Do you leap them? Run around them? Or break it as you continue pushing?
Running this week is going really well and it is proving to be cathartic. The time change throws me for a loop each year - especially in the Spring - but that's ok. It is Thursday and I have managed to follow my training plan completely for a week. Go me! Also - I managed a workout despite not great conditions and I am convinced this will make me stronger for the 5k on Sunday. It also gave me a great chance to continue wearing my smart wool socks and wazzie wool layers.
As Sunday approaches, my goals are simple:
1)Do not get injured! I do not anticipate this being an issue, but I am always happy to cross the line without sustaining an injury.
2)Run a smart race. My speed workouts indicate I can do a 10-10:30 mile for a decent amount of time. Will I be able to pull that off Sunday? I am not sure. I will start the watch with the race and ignore it until I cross the finish line. If I am feeling ok, I will pickup my pace for the last 1.6 miles of the race. Ending on a sprint is always fun.
3)Beat previous race time. I am in much better shape - even with setbacks - than I was in October. Keeping that in mind, I should be able to beat my previous race time. I am not going for a personal best (I prefer it to personal record!). Perhaps by April 23rd, I will be able to get a sub 30 minute 5k, but I want to make sure I enjoy all the races.
If you are running long this weekend, good luck! If you are racing, I wish you good weather and the time you desire at the end.
Happy Thursday!
Last weekend, I learned that a friend, who is also a fitness fanatic, is facing unemployment in the upcoming months. Despite switching jobs and working part-time at one point, I have only been "unemployed" for a few days in nearly ten years of my professional career. It is something for which I am grateful, but I do remember being quite depressed for five months, when I worked only 8-16 hours a week, if I was lucky. I am doing my best to support this friend and her colleagues and it sure put some perspective on my own situation. Each position or job contains hurdles. Do you leap them? Run around them? Or break it as you continue pushing?
Running this week is going really well and it is proving to be cathartic. The time change throws me for a loop each year - especially in the Spring - but that's ok. It is Thursday and I have managed to follow my training plan completely for a week. Go me! Also - I managed a workout despite not great conditions and I am convinced this will make me stronger for the 5k on Sunday. It also gave me a great chance to continue wearing my smart wool socks and wazzie wool layers.
As Sunday approaches, my goals are simple:
1)Do not get injured! I do not anticipate this being an issue, but I am always happy to cross the line without sustaining an injury.
2)Run a smart race. My speed workouts indicate I can do a 10-10:30 mile for a decent amount of time. Will I be able to pull that off Sunday? I am not sure. I will start the watch with the race and ignore it until I cross the finish line. If I am feeling ok, I will pickup my pace for the last 1.6 miles of the race. Ending on a sprint is always fun.
3)Beat previous race time. I am in much better shape - even with setbacks - than I was in October. Keeping that in mind, I should be able to beat my previous race time. I am not going for a personal best (I prefer it to personal record!). Perhaps by April 23rd, I will be able to get a sub 30 minute 5k, but I want to make sure I enjoy all the races.
If you are running long this weekend, good luck! If you are racing, I wish you good weather and the time you desire at the end.
Happy Thursday!
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Two 5ks about a month apart - Am I ready?
Hi All,
Yes - I am delaying a half marathon, until my training - especially the long runs - are more consistent. Am I disappointed? Sure - this, however, is the right choice for where I am emotionally and physically at the moment.
Next Sunday, I will run my first 5k since starting to train with a coach. My goal is to cross the line healthy and, if possible, break the time I set achieved the last 5k. I will practice going out slow and then going all-out in the last 1-1.7 miles of the race. I might try to count people as I pass them, but that is if I can get up enough speed to do so. Then, on April 23rd, I will try to cut down on my time yet again. Is it possible? Sure - I keep negative splitting easy runs. Is this bad? It could be, but I am choosing not to think about it overly much. This is why I have a coach.
Right - I am excited that I can - in fact - run with just about no pain and do myrtl as well. This is a big accomplishment from a week ago, when the lastest craziness hit.
Happy Tuesday, All!
Yes - I am delaying a half marathon, until my training - especially the long runs - are more consistent. Am I disappointed? Sure - this, however, is the right choice for where I am emotionally and physically at the moment.
Next Sunday, I will run my first 5k since starting to train with a coach. My goal is to cross the line healthy and, if possible, break the time I set achieved the last 5k. I will practice going out slow and then going all-out in the last 1-1.7 miles of the race. I might try to count people as I pass them, but that is if I can get up enough speed to do so. Then, on April 23rd, I will try to cut down on my time yet again. Is it possible? Sure - I keep negative splitting easy runs. Is this bad? It could be, but I am choosing not to think about it overly much. This is why I have a coach.
Right - I am excited that I can - in fact - run with just about no pain and do myrtl as well. This is a big accomplishment from a week ago, when the lastest craziness hit.
Happy Tuesday, All!
Monday, March 6, 2017
Looking at the past Month: Plan for the upcoming Month
Hi All,
Happy Monday. I am excited to actually be posting on a Monday. Yep - this is an improvement.
As described in my previous post, this past 1-1.5 months have not been easy. Today, I got two good pieces of news, which should make the upcoming months much easier. Don't get excited - nothing is final yet, but these trees might be mine in the upcoming weeks:
About a 5 weeks ago, I went in for a consultation. During this visit, things went well, but I was scheduled for some tests due to a procedure I had a few years ago. The tests went well, but something appeared not exactly as it should. Today, I went back and had a more advanced test and things went smashingly! Yes, I am still suffering a few side effects, but I will take the, "You are healthy" message with minor side effects any day of the week.
And now - I am going to get things in order so that I can have a productive day tomorrow.
Happy Monday!
Margaret
Happy Monday. I am excited to actually be posting on a Monday. Yep - this is an improvement.
As described in my previous post, this past 1-1.5 months have not been easy. Today, I got two good pieces of news, which should make the upcoming months much easier. Don't get excited - nothing is final yet, but these trees might be mine in the upcoming weeks:
About a 5 weeks ago, I went in for a consultation. During this visit, things went well, but I was scheduled for some tests due to a procedure I had a few years ago. The tests went well, but something appeared not exactly as it should. Today, I went back and had a more advanced test and things went smashingly! Yes, I am still suffering a few side effects, but I will take the, "You are healthy" message with minor side effects any day of the week.
And now - I am going to get things in order so that I can have a productive day tomorrow.
Happy Monday!
Margaret
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Moving past the sludge: A few weeks in review
Hi All!
My posting lately has been sporadic and I am working towards being more consistent - ironically for posting and running!
This morning I got in 6 miles. Lately - my long runs have been cut short (3 weeks in a row) or have not happened. It is likely that my half marathon on April 23 will not be a personal record (PR) or personal best (PB). My goal for the 23rd is run the best that I can, but I want to enjoy it. Also - I truly want to run a smart race, since going into it, my speedwork and training are better than they have been previously.
My first half marathon was part of a running camp and I finished it in 2 hours. Prior to it, I ran 6 miles three days a week and completed each in about an hour (10 min miles). Right now, by contrast, my long runs/easy runs are in the 12:30 range, although today I unintentionally did a cut down workout and managed to shave off nearly a minute. Given that my speed workout earlier this week was slower than in previous weeks, I was thrilled.
The second half marathon took place in warm weather with only a day's transition (bad). I ate things the night before, which backfired during the second half of the race (not a pretty sight). It was a long drive to/from the location and I was exhausted going into the race. So - no surprise here - I finished in 2:17:24. Actually, looking at it now, that looks pretty good. My training had been on a treadmill and, while I learned to use it as training tool, it was never my favorite.
Half marathon three was the worst experience ever. I was battling allergies and had switched up my diet a few weeks prior to the race. I wrote about the experience and my frustration with it in great detail here.
Going into half marathon four, I want to enjoy it. More than that, I want to see if I can feel better, relaxed, and enjoy it, while also putting in a good effort and giving a good kick at the end of it. I am not expecting to break 2:30, but I would not be sad if it happened. This will be my first long distance event since 2015, after backing out of a fall 2016 half marathon.
Now - I am tired but happy. This afternoon, I took a huge step in the right direction and this could lead to a relocation in late April/early May that will assist in good changes.
Happy Saturday!
My posting lately has been sporadic and I am working towards being more consistent - ironically for posting and running!
This morning I got in 6 miles. Lately - my long runs have been cut short (3 weeks in a row) or have not happened. It is likely that my half marathon on April 23 will not be a personal record (PR) or personal best (PB). My goal for the 23rd is run the best that I can, but I want to enjoy it. Also - I truly want to run a smart race, since going into it, my speedwork and training are better than they have been previously.
My first half marathon was part of a running camp and I finished it in 2 hours. Prior to it, I ran 6 miles three days a week and completed each in about an hour (10 min miles). Right now, by contrast, my long runs/easy runs are in the 12:30 range, although today I unintentionally did a cut down workout and managed to shave off nearly a minute. Given that my speed workout earlier this week was slower than in previous weeks, I was thrilled.
The second half marathon took place in warm weather with only a day's transition (bad). I ate things the night before, which backfired during the second half of the race (not a pretty sight). It was a long drive to/from the location and I was exhausted going into the race. So - no surprise here - I finished in 2:17:24. Actually, looking at it now, that looks pretty good. My training had been on a treadmill and, while I learned to use it as training tool, it was never my favorite.
Half marathon three was the worst experience ever. I was battling allergies and had switched up my diet a few weeks prior to the race. I wrote about the experience and my frustration with it in great detail here.
Going into half marathon four, I want to enjoy it. More than that, I want to see if I can feel better, relaxed, and enjoy it, while also putting in a good effort and giving a good kick at the end of it. I am not expecting to break 2:30, but I would not be sad if it happened. This will be my first long distance event since 2015, after backing out of a fall 2016 half marathon.
Now - I am tired but happy. This afternoon, I took a huge step in the right direction and this could lead to a relocation in late April/early May that will assist in good changes.
Happy Saturday!
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