Soooo.... Today was supposed to be 7 miles. But what kind of miles? The free version of Hal Higdon's Int. 1 training plan doesn't say. Well... I'd be bored silly just running 7 miles, so I made it a midweek speed day. I like to do either hills or speedwork on one of my midweek runs anyway. Maybe I'm asking for trouble, but I get bored if I just run every run the same way.
I usually do 800s on the treadmill. I find it easier to sustain the pace for 1/2 a mile on the treadmill vs. the track. But, I've had enough treadmilling the past couple of weeks to last me until next winter so I went to the track. It was supposed to be relatively warm today (40s) but the wind was brutally cold. I didn't wear gloves (stupid) and I have Reynauds so, one hour later and my fingertips are still white.
Call them what you will: 800s, Yasso's, 1/2 mile repeats... but these suckers are UGLY. How am I ever going to do 10 of them??? I let the Garmin do most of the boring work. That is, I set it for 1/2 mile repeats with 1/2 mile intervals. I warmed up for 1.5 miles then hit the lap button. My laps were: 4:46, 4:42, 4:51, 4:50, 4:50, 4:49. Not really what I was looking for but remarkably consistent. Did I have four more in me? Not today, but I'm awfully determined. I didn't think I had six in me either after I did the first one.
Total workout: 7.43 miles; Total time: 1:24.
______________________________________
New subject: I'm so excited because I'm going to go to the high school for performing arts. I mean I was dying to be a serious actress. Anyway, we're in the classroom and our teacher, Mr. Karp, puts us all up on the stage with our legs around everybody. One in back of the other. And he says....
Whoops! Wrong subject. But I'm so excited because I'm going to NYC to run the More Marathon (Half)and maybe when I'm there I'll get tickets to see A Chorus Line which is what the above is from in case you didn't know. Now I don't have to run the worst race in the world: Heart Mini Marathon 15k. How many different ways can you say "BORING"? I'm already planning my trip to Western Spirit to buy some new cowboy boots because isn't New York where everybody buys their cowboy boots? God knows, Santa Fe is the wrong place though you'd think it was the right place.
Catch ya later!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Pace Myself...
...That's what I should have done last night. Then I wouldn't have had to run 9 miles with a hangover this morning.
I had to get the run in before noon, because it was supposed to rain beginning about noon. It's now almost 1:30 and still dry. I could have recovered from last night a little more and started my run at noon.
I'm not sure whether it was the martini, wine, or champagne. Or perhaps it was the oyster, shortribs, or creme brulee. Perhaps a combination of alcohol and rich, rich food, but by the third mile I felt like I was going to vomit. Keeping a slow pace was actually not a problem today with my average pace being 11:05. The first five miles were actually nicely consistant: 10:40, 10:42, 10:30, 10:45, 10:35. The next four were not pretty: 12:00 (It is impossible to eat those sport beans while running and not choke), 11:36, 11:27, 11:10. Sport Beans, bathroom break, and major hills to climb.
Thank God I'm finished. I feel like crap.
Miles run this week: 25.54
YTD: 158.00
I had to get the run in before noon, because it was supposed to rain beginning about noon. It's now almost 1:30 and still dry. I could have recovered from last night a little more and started my run at noon.
I'm not sure whether it was the martini, wine, or champagne. Or perhaps it was the oyster, shortribs, or creme brulee. Perhaps a combination of alcohol and rich, rich food, but by the third mile I felt like I was going to vomit. Keeping a slow pace was actually not a problem today with my average pace being 11:05. The first five miles were actually nicely consistant: 10:40, 10:42, 10:30, 10:45, 10:35. The next four were not pretty: 12:00 (It is impossible to eat those sport beans while running and not choke), 11:36, 11:27, 11:10. Sport Beans, bathroom break, and major hills to climb.
Thank God I'm finished. I feel like crap.
Miles run this week: 25.54
YTD: 158.00
Saturday, February 24, 2007
End of an Age Bracket
Today is my 44th birthday. That means my last year checking the box next to 40-44 on the race entry forms. How to celebrate this milestone year? Wallowing in middle age pity is not an option. After all, didn't Matt Lauer just say on The Today Show the other day that "40 is the new 20"? In fact, I'm sure I'm feeling better now than I did in my 20s. Look at those Desperate Housewives. Some of them are pushing 40 and they look great. Demi Moore became my idol when she posed nude and pregnant for the cover of Vanity Fair magazine and she solidified her standing with me when she snagged Ashton Kutcher -- a hot guy more than 15 years her junior.
So to mark this momentous occasion, I resolve to PR in every distance I race this year. 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon, and Marathon. Little Miami Triathalon as well. It's not asking too much. My race times overall are pretty crappy, so they shouldn't be hard to beat. Well, my best Half was 2:10; that one may be tough. But my worst was 2:30. I can at least beat my worst.
If I succeed, I may reward myself for my 45th birthday by buying a new set of boobs. If that's not incentive, than I don't know what is. But I can't even think about it this year. This year, I have to be fast.
So, to start out, I did have a workout on the schedule today. A 6 mile run. There was no indication as to what kind of run, so I just ran. I wanted to see what kind of splits I could produce and what I could maintain. Overall, I'm happy. My average pace was 10:10. I couldn't maintain the pace I started out with, but just the fact that I was able to clock a 9:22 on a training run is pretty awesome to me. I felt good; I wasn't consciously pushing it. Just running happy.
If I make a concerted effort to start slow I should be able to maintain an average 10:00. So, that's my goal for tomorrow's long run. Start slow; run slow.
Now, I must go shopping for a new dress.
So to mark this momentous occasion, I resolve to PR in every distance I race this year. 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon, and Marathon. Little Miami Triathalon as well. It's not asking too much. My race times overall are pretty crappy, so they shouldn't be hard to beat. Well, my best Half was 2:10; that one may be tough. But my worst was 2:30. I can at least beat my worst.
If I succeed, I may reward myself for my 45th birthday by buying a new set of boobs. If that's not incentive, than I don't know what is. But I can't even think about it this year. This year, I have to be fast.
So, to start out, I did have a workout on the schedule today. A 6 mile run. There was no indication as to what kind of run, so I just ran. I wanted to see what kind of splits I could produce and what I could maintain. Overall, I'm happy. My average pace was 10:10. I couldn't maintain the pace I started out with, but just the fact that I was able to clock a 9:22 on a training run is pretty awesome to me. I felt good; I wasn't consciously pushing it. Just running happy.
If I make a concerted effort to start slow I should be able to maintain an average 10:00. So, that's my goal for tomorrow's long run. Start slow; run slow.
Now, I must go shopping for a new dress.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Marathon Pace or Bust?
So, what is my marathon pace? I am 11 pounds lighter than my last marathon so I literally have no idea. I thought I'd run today's 5 miles at marathon pace, oh, let's say 10:35 sounds reasonable.
Mile 1: 9:56 Well, that's too fast.
Mile 2: 10:13 A little slower, but still on the path to crash and burn.
Mile 3: Snuck by me; no idea but I'm sure it was about 10.
Mile 4: 10:20 OK, that's at least the right direction. I told myself that if I could keep the pace below 10:30 I'd let myself do a couple of fartleks on the really boring street.
Mile 5: 10:25
This is definitely a work in progress. I know I have to slow it down, but I can't figure out what it feels like and how slow to go. What does marathon pace feel like? Is it comfortable like LSD? Is it slightly uncomfortable? Obviously, it shouldn't feel like 10k or 5k.
I hate to go into my 3rd marathon saying, "oh, I just want to finish because I weigh less and don't know what my pace should be." I know it should be faster than 11:15 avg which was my 2005 Chicago pace. But how do I maintain a consistent pace?
_____
On a different, but related subject, I want to include in my blog that my hamstrings are quite sore from the zillion deadlifts and hamstring stretches that I did on Monday. It's a good kind of sore though. The working out kind
Mile 1: 9:56 Well, that's too fast.
Mile 2: 10:13 A little slower, but still on the path to crash and burn.
Mile 3: Snuck by me; no idea but I'm sure it was about 10.
Mile 4: 10:20 OK, that's at least the right direction. I told myself that if I could keep the pace below 10:30 I'd let myself do a couple of fartleks on the really boring street.
Mile 5: 10:25
This is definitely a work in progress. I know I have to slow it down, but I can't figure out what it feels like and how slow to go. What does marathon pace feel like? Is it comfortable like LSD? Is it slightly uncomfortable? Obviously, it shouldn't feel like 10k or 5k.
I hate to go into my 3rd marathon saying, "oh, I just want to finish because I weigh less and don't know what my pace should be." I know it should be faster than 11:15 avg which was my 2005 Chicago pace. But how do I maintain a consistent pace?
_____
On a different, but related subject, I want to include in my blog that my hamstrings are quite sore from the zillion deadlifts and hamstring stretches that I did on Monday. It's a good kind of sore though. The working out kind
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Hills
I woke up to Spring weather today.
"Great!" I thought, "a perfect day for a 4 mile hill workout!" I was actually warm in the clothing I selected: tights, long sleeve tech, long sleeve tech over thing, hat, mittens. Walking out the door, I knew my biggest challenge was going to be walking down the driveway. Somehow, the driveway is the only place that hasn't gotten the message that ice is supposed to melt when the temperature is above freezing.
Once on the street, it was smooth and dry. I decided on a pace that was not quite comfortable, yet not quite uncomfortable either. I don't know what you'd call it... 10k pace? Quite honestly, I don't really know what my marathon pace is anymore. I've lost 11 pounds since my last one and I'm more fit.
I planned on 5 hills of different grades and lengths. The longest and most difficult I repeated twice. I didn't take any breaks in between. I just ran to the next one or ran back down and right back up.
Honestly, I shocked myself with my finish time and raised my hands in the air in victory when I looked at my watch.
I am the Big Bad Wolf.
I am the Big Bad Wolf
I am the Big Bad Wolf
My splits and my hills are posted above.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Long Slow Distance: 12 Miles
12 miles on the treadmill. Here's how I did it:
My gameplan was 59 minutes of This American Life and then I would listen to the original cast recording of Chicago.
I set the treadmill at 1% grade and 5.6 mph. This supposedly translates to 10:32 minute/mile which is a little faster than I should do my long runs, but, hey, it's the treadmill. I just want to get it over with as soon as possible.
The first 3 miles went as planned, then I took a potty break. When I came back, I peaked at the console of the guy running next to me. I had seen him at the gym several times this week. It said he'd gone over 7 miles already. "How far today?" I asked. "10 miles," was his reply. "Oh, I'll beat that. I'm going 12," I said. "Maybe I'll go 12 too," he said.
So, we chatted for a while. He's training for the Flying Pig. It will be his first marathon. I told him to check out the Hal Higdon website. He's a big fan of Dean Karnazes... his inspiration I guess.. Anyway, our chatting ate up 3 more miles of my run and next thing I knew I was at 6 miles and I still had another 25 minutes left of This American Life. All right!!!
After treadmill guy left I took another potty break and came back to find a new treadmill buddy on the treadmill to my left. We chatted about Jelly Belly sport beans for a while and I let him try some of mine. But then I went back to my podcast. When I finally finished my 9th mile, I turned up the heat. Mile 10 at 10:12, Mile 11 at 9:52, and Mile 12 at 9:01 (mostly). By that time, I was begging the gym gods to carry me to the finish. Roxie Hart was getting on my nerves and Billy Flynn was no help either. I walked about 1/2 mile to cool down and then did about 10 minutes of stretching.
Endurox an ice bath and Rolling Stone magazine were waiting for me at home. I hate those ice baths!
Next week, we should get temperatures back up in the 40s with some rain. I'll take it. The program I'm following has a 15k on the schedule and a mini taper. I think I will substitute the following week and try to make my March 25 15k a stepback week. I'm not sure how it will come out. I think I'll actually have to put pen to paper and see what I come up with. I just started back running seriously since my surgery and I don't think I'm really ready for a step back week yet. I'll have to check, but long run-wise, it might look something like this: 14, 15, 11, 17, 15k, 18, 20, 12...etc. back on track.
My order came from Triks. I now have my outfits for both the Pig 1/2 and Cleveland. I'm gonna be SMOKIN' HOT!!!
Miles run this week: 31
Miles run this year: 132.46
My gameplan was 59 minutes of This American Life and then I would listen to the original cast recording of Chicago.
I set the treadmill at 1% grade and 5.6 mph. This supposedly translates to 10:32 minute/mile which is a little faster than I should do my long runs, but, hey, it's the treadmill. I just want to get it over with as soon as possible.
The first 3 miles went as planned, then I took a potty break. When I came back, I peaked at the console of the guy running next to me. I had seen him at the gym several times this week. It said he'd gone over 7 miles already. "How far today?" I asked. "10 miles," was his reply. "Oh, I'll beat that. I'm going 12," I said. "Maybe I'll go 12 too," he said.
So, we chatted for a while. He's training for the Flying Pig. It will be his first marathon. I told him to check out the Hal Higdon website. He's a big fan of Dean Karnazes... his inspiration I guess.. Anyway, our chatting ate up 3 more miles of my run and next thing I knew I was at 6 miles and I still had another 25 minutes left of This American Life. All right!!!
After treadmill guy left I took another potty break and came back to find a new treadmill buddy on the treadmill to my left. We chatted about Jelly Belly sport beans for a while and I let him try some of mine. But then I went back to my podcast. When I finally finished my 9th mile, I turned up the heat. Mile 10 at 10:12, Mile 11 at 9:52, and Mile 12 at 9:01 (mostly). By that time, I was begging the gym gods to carry me to the finish. Roxie Hart was getting on my nerves and Billy Flynn was no help either. I walked about 1/2 mile to cool down and then did about 10 minutes of stretching.
Endurox an ice bath and Rolling Stone magazine were waiting for me at home. I hate those ice baths!
Next week, we should get temperatures back up in the 40s with some rain. I'll take it. The program I'm following has a 15k on the schedule and a mini taper. I think I will substitute the following week and try to make my March 25 15k a stepback week. I'm not sure how it will come out. I think I'll actually have to put pen to paper and see what I come up with. I just started back running seriously since my surgery and I don't think I'm really ready for a step back week yet. I'll have to check, but long run-wise, it might look something like this: 14, 15, 11, 17, 15k, 18, 20, 12...etc. back on track.
My order came from Triks. I now have my outfits for both the Pig 1/2 and Cleveland. I'm gonna be SMOKIN' HOT!!!
Miles run this week: 31
Miles run this year: 132.46
Friday, February 16, 2007
My Running Spot
Here are some photos I took of my running trail. Obviously, I'm not running there lately, but I might take the dogs. The trail looks pretty well-used even in the snow. Mostly by fellow photo seekers I imagine. Ok, the one with the mailbox is not actually on the trail, but I do run in the neighborhood too and the sunset on the icy branches looked like gold tinsel.
Rest
No running for me today. The schedule says "rest" so I think I will.
I stood on the scale first thing this morning and it said 123.8. WHOA!! Where'd that come from??? I put on my bra and panties and got back on the scale. 124. Ok. That seems like a more reasonable weight. I haven't seen 123 since I was breast feeding babies. And here all these years I thought the only way I'd ever see it again is to have another baby!
In theory (my own), I should be able to run a little faster now that I am lighter. Makes sense, right? But with the weather so cold that I have to do all my runs on a treadmill, I haven't been able to test out my theory. It's been forever since I've even worn my Garmin. I'm not really sure what good it would do me on the treadmill. How would it track my miles if I stay in one spot?
So, I'm planning on running 6 tomorrow and 12 on Sunday. All on the treadmill. Then next week, I noticed the weather is supposed to warm up significantly and I will be outside again.
Happy Friday!
Natalie
I stood on the scale first thing this morning and it said 123.8. WHOA!! Where'd that come from??? I put on my bra and panties and got back on the scale. 124. Ok. That seems like a more reasonable weight. I haven't seen 123 since I was breast feeding babies. And here all these years I thought the only way I'd ever see it again is to have another baby!
In theory (my own), I should be able to run a little faster now that I am lighter. Makes sense, right? But with the weather so cold that I have to do all my runs on a treadmill, I haven't been able to test out my theory. It's been forever since I've even worn my Garmin. I'm not really sure what good it would do me on the treadmill. How would it track my miles if I stay in one spot?
So, I'm planning on running 6 tomorrow and 12 on Sunday. All on the treadmill. Then next week, I noticed the weather is supposed to warm up significantly and I will be outside again.
Happy Friday!
Natalie
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Dangerously Beautiful
On Tuesday we had an ice storm that lasted twenty-four hours. The storm resulted in two days off school for the kids, widespread power outages, fallen power lines, broken tree limbs, and the tragic death of a little girl. Tree limbs, in her front yard, heavily laden with ice, fell from the weight of the ice and crushed her beneath the branches. How horrible to be killed by the very freak of nature that gave you the day off school to begin with.
The irony is that the storm left a virtual winter wonderland in its wake. Every tree limb and grass blade was coated with clear, sparkling ice. The snow was blanketed with a skating rink. When the sun set on Wednesday evening, the silver crystals turned into sparkling golden tinsel. The result was a winter picture only seen in photographs.
All of this winter weather has kept me running on the treadmill. Tuesday I ran a 3 mile tempo run, Wednesday I did 5 X 800s for a total of 6 miles, and today I did a 3 mile hill workout. All on the treadmill. I marvel at my own ability to keep up with my schedule while being stuck indoors. It's a testament to my laser sharp focus for my upcoming marathon.
Here are some photos of the winter weather. Enjoy!
Monday, February 12, 2007
2007 Grammy's
I enjoyed the Grammy telecast. The program has come a long way, in my opinion, in terms of entertainment and showcasing new, old, and emerging artists.
But I have to take issue with The Dixie Chicks winning both Record and Album of the Year. I have respect for the Dixie Chicks and I hate the current Washington Administration. I am also ashamed that Bush 2 is our president. The situation in Iraq makes me steam.
Just for once, though, I would like to see the Grammy go to the artist who deserves it because of their art and not because of their politics. Leave politics to Rolling Stone. An award should go to the best. But when has that ever been the case?
I would have awarded the Grammy for record of the year to Gnarls Barkley for "Crazy". That song was the "Hey Ya" of 2007. Album of the year Grammy to Justin Timberlake's "Future Sex/Love Sounds." That album is so good, my 10 year old daughter hates it. It's a wonderfully daring mix of pop, soul, and rap. Love it.
But I have to take issue with The Dixie Chicks winning both Record and Album of the Year. I have respect for the Dixie Chicks and I hate the current Washington Administration. I am also ashamed that Bush 2 is our president. The situation in Iraq makes me steam.
Just for once, though, I would like to see the Grammy go to the artist who deserves it because of their art and not because of their politics. Leave politics to Rolling Stone. An award should go to the best. But when has that ever been the case?
I would have awarded the Grammy for record of the year to Gnarls Barkley for "Crazy". That song was the "Hey Ya" of 2007. Album of the year Grammy to Justin Timberlake's "Future Sex/Love Sounds." That album is so good, my 10 year old daughter hates it. It's a wonderfully daring mix of pop, soul, and rap. Love it.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Eleven Miles to Nowhere
Life conspired against me today, forcing me to run indoors on the treadmill. I was ready. I have been toughening up my brain since last Sunday when I ran my 2nd longest treadmill run of 8 miles. I knew going in that I wouldn't quit until I had finished 11 today.
I've held off listening to this week's podcast of This American Life so that I could listen to it today. I set the treadmill at 1% grade, 10:54mph. I covered up the console with my towel and settled into my LSD. There was no need to see the console. I knew that when This American Life was over I'd have gone about 5.5 miles. Halfway. After that, it was time for the music.
I managed to make it a 3:1 LSD. Miles 8-11 were between 10 and 9:40mph. I like that I am forced to stick to a slow pace on the treadmill, but I find the repetitive motion makes my hip flexors sore. And the arch of my left foot. And I have a headache.
It's supposed to snow tomorrow. I guess that means more treadmill.
Miles run this week: 29
Year to date: 111.46 (11 consecutive days off due to injury)
I've held off listening to this week's podcast of This American Life so that I could listen to it today. I set the treadmill at 1% grade, 10:54mph. I covered up the console with my towel and settled into my LSD. There was no need to see the console. I knew that when This American Life was over I'd have gone about 5.5 miles. Halfway. After that, it was time for the music.
I managed to make it a 3:1 LSD. Miles 8-11 were between 10 and 9:40mph. I like that I am forced to stick to a slow pace on the treadmill, but I find the repetitive motion makes my hip flexors sore. And the arch of my left foot. And I have a headache.
It's supposed to snow tomorrow. I guess that means more treadmill.
Miles run this week: 29
Year to date: 111.46 (11 consecutive days off due to injury)
Saturday, February 10, 2007
I Am the Big Bad Wolf
Hey you! Welcome to my blog ;)
Are you interested in the ramblings of a 40 something domestic goddess who is still trying to find her niche of success? I am that person and this blog will track my success and failure along the way.
Right now, I am training to run my third marathon. For those who don't know, a marathon is 26.2 miles. Yes, that's right. I'm nutty enough to see this distance as totally doable with the proper training. I've done it before, with varying degrees of success, and I'm going to do it again on May 20, 2007, when I run the Cleveland Marathon.
Here I am, last May, finishing the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati, OH. Not a pretty finish, that one. Cincinnati didn't have the crowds and excitement of the Chicago Marathon, my first, and I was simply not ready to be alone with myself for the length of the marathon.
This year will be different. First of all, I have a mantra: "I am the Big Bad Wolf." I chose it because it fits the theme of the Flying Pig and because it is my name as well. My initial goal was to run the Pig again this year and do it better. But, because I have a conflict that weekend, I will be running the Cleveland Marathon instead.
I'm training harder, I'm eating better (I've lost 10 pounds), and I'm mentally up to the challange.
Come back and see how it goes...
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