10/30/05: My Longest Run to Date—12 miles!

I HAD to sleep in because I had a long and crazy weekend (saw U2 on Friday-INCREDIBLE! Then the kids I teach had a contest on Saturday) so I DESERVED to sleep in until 11am! (plus we got that extra hour of sleep due to the time change-ROCKIT!) Needless to say, I didn’t get to running until 5:30 at night (already starting to get dark at that). But it was all good since I had nothing else to do other then clear my mind and enjoy the run).

I did the run from my house, to Memorial Park and back (the normal 10 mile route) and added 2 extra miles by running to-and-back from the Tennis Courts. The first half of the run felt fine-my legs felt energetic and fresh. But, it was at the half-way point where I felt my energy crater. I couldn’t quite understand it because I took a Carb-Boom about a mile earlier and had been drinking plenty of water via my Camelbak. But I didn’t let my energy level affect me and I kept going and pushing on.

At about mile 11.5, I almost fell over. My stomach was starting to cramp up, my legs were tired and heavy, my knees were aching. The worst part was my lower back was on fire and killing me. When I finally got home and stopped running, I was limping as I walked. I was (and still am) in some serious pain. The funny (but not really) thing is that I am not sure why I was hurting so bad. I can figure my stomach MIGHT have been hurting from the gu…and I can figure my back MIGHT have been hurting since I was leaning forward a little while I was running…but I am not really 100% sure on either of these.

All I know is that I am in more pain than I have ever been in JUST from running...now I am scared that I might feel like this on the BIG DAY…yeah I can get through 13.1 miles at this point, but the last thing I want to do is feel like THIS when I get through it…

The STATS:

2:03 total running
12 total miles
ave. 10:15/mile

Heart-rate: 171/ave, 184/max
Weather: cool. Upper 70’s.

10/27/05: A New One-Mile Record for Me!

Since I missed my one-mile trial a few weeks ago, I needed to get one in today. Although I did it alone, it didn’t bother me because I was focused and the weather felt great. After a relaxed one-mile warmup, I stretched a little and pumped myself up about how I was going to run an awesome mile and set a new record for myself…sure enough, I pulled off a 7:29 mile!!! Woohoo!! That is a 44-second improvement over my last mile-trial in August, wow!

After that mile, I took another stretch break and decided to finish off my work-out with a race-pace 5k run. So I pulled off a 27:45 5k AFTER that mile trial! (My second fastest 5k to date after my 5k split in the 20k relay…can I improve on that by December? I hope so! That time is still 59 seconds fastest then my last 5k race!) This was totally the workout I needed to keep my energy level high and my focus strong as I go into November and start to get into my longer runs…in fact, I have a 12 miler on Sunday, wish me luck!!

The STATS:
5 total miles

10:06 warmup

7:29 one-mile

27:45 5k
ave. 8:55/mile

9:01mile 1
8:53mile 2
9:02mile 3
0.46mile.10

Heart-rate: 181 ave 196 max on one-mile
171 ave 183 max on 5k

Weather: coool. Upper 60’s.

10/26/05: 24-Hour Fitness Recovery Run.

After yesterday’s tough run, I needed an easy recovery run to loosen everything up. Although I had previous plans and was already tired, I took myself to the gym to watch the last of the World Series game and get in 4 slow miles. Neither the game or my run were eventful, but I suppose as long as it’s all over now (*kinda sad*) at least I had a good time.

The STATS:
4 miles

41.17 total running
ave 10:19/mile

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: a/c

10/25/05: The Final Practice Cross Country Run-and the Longest!

After a rather not-so-pleasant lunch from Casa Ole, I knew I would be slightly hurting on this run. I figured I would use the stomach pains as a fuel to run faster and finish sooner. And other then feeling like I was literally going to lose my lunch twice while I was running, I was fine. I was even able to run a 39 second negative split on the second half of the course (at the Bayou at Allen Parkway and Sheperd)!!

Although I feel like I started out too quickly, I was able to keep a very consistent pace through the first part of the course. I was side-by-side with the Junior Women’s leader, Strider Syndey King for about a ¼ of the first half (about 2.3 miles for the half). After I was able to nudge by her, I set my eyes on passing two older gentlemen that were probably running a nice, even 9:00/mile pace. I FINALLY passed them up after they missed one of the first turns on the second part of the course, and I gave it my all to put a nice lead on them. But—after about 5 minutes, I could feel myself being paced closely by one of the men. I picked up the pace even more-and I can honestly say I have never ran harder in my life. He was close on my heels and I was adamant about not letting him pass me.

Unfortently, he got me in the last half mile of the race, where I knew I was spent and I just couldn’t give anymore. I felt the tears welling up in my eyes and I am not sure if was because I felt I gave up or because I was pushing myself so hard I couldn’t control my emotions. Although I finished strong (in my opinion), it took me a few minutes after the race to compose myself. I was crying slightly (and I never ever cry) and felt like I was about to pass out—I was even slightly shaking. I shook hands with that guy that finished about 15 seconds in front of me (sorry, I didn’t get his name), and thanked him for pushing me through the last half of the course. It sure made this run well-worth it for me and I publicly thank him for the challenge.

After I had calmed down, I talked to Coach Steve and he said I ran a strong run. He said he can tell I am getting stronger since I am able to keep an even 9:16/mile pace on a tough and long XC course! It felt good to hear that, even though in the back of my mind, I felt bad about letting go at the end of the course. In fact, even the day after, I still feel like I let myself down. But I know I should use this feeling to propel myself to do even better on my next race-Nov 13. It’ll be a short 8.4k and back, and I am going to run it as fast and strong as possible.
I can’t wait.

The STATS:
4.6 miles
42.40 total running

21:40 first half
21:00 last half

ave 9:16/mile

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: upper 60’s…low humidity (nice breeze!)

10/23/05: Conroe 10 miler-My first long SMARTie Run!

Another day of incredible weather, and a tad bit COLD as I got out of bed at 6:35am after a long and crazy-fun time at Buzzfest the previous night…I didn’t even have enough energy to wash my face or really eat anything, I just got in the car and prayed the cool weather outside would get my blood going again. Sure enough, it worked, and I was wide awake after my rather short 20 minute drive to Conroe (from Huntsville) to meet up with everyone for a 10mile/13mile run.

I opted for the 10mile run and actually had company, as I was joined by Strider Mark, who helped pace me the last 3 miles when I thought the rolling hills were going to get the best of me (he took off the last 2 miles though!) The run felt so great-the cool weather-the sun peaking through the trees-the huge, very pretty homes-the wild dogs, squirrels and deer, lol…I ran really strong despite feeling cranky the first 4 miles and my Camelbak weighing a ton (and I certainly was not drinking enough so I was carrying more water then I needed.) I did try Carb-Boom for the first time though and it did help-and my stomach didn’t freak out. I think I am just going to mix them with water though and carry some in a Fuel Belt bottle…one package is an awful lot for me at a time…

The best part of the morning was AFTER the running though when Coach Steve convinced me to stay for breakfast at the IHOP down the road…I wasn’t really hungry but I didn’t want to turn down the social opportunity. I sat with 3 fantastic Masters Striders runners (who all happened to be British): Allison, Karen and her husband Tim. They are some of the strongest runners in their age-groups here in Houston so I felt like it was a bit of an honor to talk to them and pick their brains a little about running. The conversation that probably stuck the most with me was the fact that Karen believes all runners need to show professionalism and know the difference in their training paces (ie: easy vs. tempo vs. speedwork vs. long run…) I admitted to her that was something I knew I needed to start working on, since I tend to stick to ‘what is comfortable’ regardless of what type of run I am doing.

I think my thought process is showing that I am ready to yet again-take my running to the next level. I know that RIGHT NOW, I am running my easy runs slower then my distance runs, but to say that I ‘conciously’ think about it while I am running and can tell when I am pushing myself more and ‘adjust’ to fit my training--I don’t. Maybe I am missing her point, but in the end, I just want to improve off of what I already know and push myself more in my training overall. Today’s long run, with an average mile of 9:54, proves that! Wow, and I could have ran 3 more miles at this pace! WHATIF I can keep pushing myself until the Half like this?! Amazingly enough, I am hardly sore the day after either, just a little tired…it feels great to be getting stronger!

The STATS:

10 miles(Steve said it was a little more though)

1.39 hours total running (negative split on the last 5k!)

ave 9:54/mile
Heart-rate: 168 ave/235 max

Weather: lower 70’s…low humidity.

10/22/05: 4 Mile Run By My House…

The weather today was too perfect to pass up, although I felt slow/sluggish since I had already been up for 7 hours by the time I ran at 2pm. I did the 3.1 mile route by my house and added an extra mile by running another loop of the huge apartment complex (the Woodway Square--where I run when I don’t feel like driving to Memorial Park). The run itself felt good even though I knew I wasen’t hydrated enough and I didn’t bring anything to drink with me. I did meet my goal of of running consistent 10:00/miles though so I did feel good about that. Overall a nice run and I almost broke a few guy’s necks, lol…

The STATS:

4 miles

40:00 total running
10:00/mile

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: Mid 80’s…low humidity.

10/20/05: 5 Mile SMARTie workout with the Memorial Park posse!

Tonight’s attendance, although not record-breaking by any means, was great: Strider’s/SMARTies Lisa, Diane, Chip and Amy all came out to do some special strength training-fun! I guess nothing says ‘good times’ then suffering through a brutal workout with your closest running friends. Then, after it was all done and said, Lisa, Diane, Chip and I all stuck around to chat about the 20k as well as the upcoming Rocky Raccoon race that is taking place in Huntsville this upcoming weekend. Chip and I have never done trail racing so we listened as Lisa and Diane shared stories about fun races of the past. Sounds like sometime I may do in another year or so (2007 maybe? Before the Honolulu Marathon?)

After we stopped gabbing and I decided I HAD to run at least 3 miles, so I went for a ‘little jaunt’ around the Park…but for some reason, rather then feeling tired after the workout, I felt refreshed and strong. (Perhaps my iPod of DMB helped too?!) I rattled off a 27.32 three mile loop (with negative splits!) and cool-downed with another two miles at a comfortable 9:40/mile pace. Wow, what a difference cooler weather and renewed confidence can make in your running! I never even stopped for water, which is off for me since I usually drink 7oz every three miles. Overall, a great training session and 5 mile run…super eager for Sunday’s long run in Conroe. Hopefully I don’t stay out tooo late at Buzzfest, haha…but I guess I can spend the night in Huntsville and just drive the 30 minutes to Conroe from there-sweet!

The STATS:

5 miles

46:53 total running

Mile1: 9:48

Mile2: 9:15
Mile3: 8:28
Mile4: 8:58
Mile5: 10:22

Heart-rate: n/a

Weather: 80’s…cool…low humidity.

10/19/05: An Easy 5 Mile Recovery Run at the Gym…

Another treadmill run…but I was soo sore from Tuesday’s run that there was just no way I could run outside today. Tonight was also the Astro’s BIG win into the World Series, Go ‘Stros! I was actually offered tickets to go to the game but I ended up sleeping through the first few innings and missed my friend’s phone call. :( I know, I know…what kinda of fan am I?! But my schedule has been pretty packed this week (READ: working way too much) and there was no way I had energy to make it out. Next week, however, will be a different story…Overall a decent and slow run due to my sore hip-flexors and upper hamstrings.

The STATS:

5 miles
58:00 total running

Mile1: 12:00
Mile2: 12:00
Mile3: 12:00
Mile4: 12:00
Mile5: 10:00

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: a/c

10/18/05: The 3rd Practice XC Run at Spotts Park…

I ALMOST missed this one because of dumb Houston traffic--I literally ran up to the starting line as they finished announcing the Current Leaders. Strider’s Sydney King (junior women), Jackie Connelly (open women), Brett Riley (open men) and Sandy Wollangk (masters women<---I believe) represented us Striders well as leaders.

The course itself, as Strider Chip warned me, was pretty challenging. It was two loops of up and down hills, over-and-over-and-over again. I walked up all the hills because I just KNEW there was no way I could charge up all those hills and keep my momentum going for nearly 3 miles. I kept a great pace, actually passing a few people that I normally trail behind in our SMARTie runs…I was neck-and-neck with Strider Loren most of the run (he’s much faster then me, by the way). Coach Steve encouraged me the last few hundred yards to pass him up--there was just no way. I lost all my steam on the first half of the course where I ran like a mad woman.

All-in-all, I was 84th out of 113 runners, (doesn’t seem very impressive, I know) but there were some really great XC’ers out there. In the back of my mind as I was running, I remember what I had wrote yesterday about not pushing myself enough, so I went all out. I was so spent after I finished the run I hung out until almost everyone was gone—I just felt wobbly and weak. (I guess I needed to have eaten more too). I did get a change to talk to Coach Tom and Strider Barry (my PIM coach) about the 20k that was Sunday and actually chat at length with Steve about my running. He also introduced me to Fred who started the XC series (I’m assuming the also the owner of Run Sport?)

Although sometimes I don’t know what to say to Steve about my running (as I know 'he knows all'), I knew I wanted to talk to him about my thoughts as of late. At first I talked to him about my run today and my 10k on Sunday. He told me he saw that I had some impressive times and I told him about my first two miles, in which he asked if I remembered that I was starting at the 6.2 mile mark (oopps! No I didn’t!) so my first two miles were off in my report, but I still completed that first 5k in 26.59, which is an 8:41/mile pace. That sounds more like it! We also talked about how I didn’t feel happy with my training speed and how I don’t think I am pushing myself enough. He reassured me that if I was able to complete the 10k in the time I did (which I was really happy with), I would be on target to complete the Half in 2:10, or 10:00/mile. I told him that’s exactly what I wanted to do. (Although really, is a 2:05 Half too unrealistic for me?! A 9:45/mile?)

I feel a lot better about things after I talked to him, and I am really eager to get back to the commaderie of the SMARTies as we do our first long run together Sunday in Conroe…I plan to do 10 miles at about a 10:00-to-10:15/mile pace. (I hope). Looking forward to the cool AM weather we will have too! Maybe I will see a few of you there?!

The STATS:

about 3 miles
28:06 total running

first half: 13:55
second half: 14:51

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: mid 80’s. low humidity (Sooo nice!)

Reflections: Afterthoughts of the 20k/10k Relay...

I found myself saying this at www.houstonrunningbloggers.com the day after the 10k relay:

"I plan to work the 30k Striders water station too…I wish there were more longer races (longer then 10k but shorter then a half-marathon) for kats like myself that need a ‘warmup series’ too. You know what I mean? I don’t mind 5k and 10k races but honestly those are more of a speed work-out for me then a half-marathon pace run of some sort. In hindsight, I wish I would have run the 10 miler and the full 20k but I am really working hard this season to avoid overdoing it/getting injured. Besides, there is always next year:)
I guess in the end I am just impatient for the Half!"

Well...I have finally gotten around to reviewing my running progress in my little green journal from the last few weeks. Despite a fantastic 10k time this past weekend, there aren’t many other impressive times in there worth mentioning again. In fact, MOST of my training runs have all kind of ‘tapered-off’ at an ‘easy’<---(my word) 10:30/mile pace. Granted, this is a 1:00 minute/mile improvement since the start of PIM in March of this year. But still….I need to push myself more like I did this past Saturday when I ran with my brother at a 9:12/mile and I felt like I was getting a great workout, both mentally and physically. I guess, truth be told, I need to find either people to run with or pacers that are faster then me for all the mildreds of loops at the Park that I do…since I just can’t push myself enough when I run alone. (which honestly, I run alone 99% of the time).

Also, I have been seriously neglecting my speed work lately and I can feel it when I do my longer runs…I feel like the last few miles are going to kill me-especially my hamstrings (well I am going to start trying some new GU’s this week to see if this helps with the energy level, as well). But I also need to continue with cross-training/CORE/ab crunches in between all my long runs/off days/SMARTie workouts. I just feel like I have been neglecting anything that is not actual running.

I guess in the end, I am just a little disspointed with my last few weeks of training and just feeling like I am running ‘junk miles’ to hit my total mileage for the week. I need to take into consideration that running is just one component of being a ‘runner’-I have to feed my body and mind right, strengthen the rest of my body and get rest (when I can). It seems like such an easy balance but with Marathon season in full swing, it feels like it’s almost a part-time job!! Arghh, any advice is helpful. Signed,
‘New Runner Blues’ aka ME

10/16/05: The Koala/Luke's Locker 20k and 10k Relay!

After a night of bad sleep, bad food and somewhat bad thoughts, I didn't know how I would feel when I got to the race line-up early this morning. But, believe it or not, as I strapped on my shoes, I knew this was going to be my best race yet.

And I was so right.

I did the 10k relay with my good friend, Houston Fitter, Stacy Pyle. Her goal was to finish the 6.2 miles without walking. Mine? To finish under an hour. And I did it with a huge PR of 5min31 sec! I knew, the second I started running my leg, I was going to be successful. I knew I had trained too hard and too long to throw away everything I have done since my first 10k in July. The 10k that propelled me to create this blog, to join the Houston Striders, to become a SMARTie...to take my running to the next level essentially.

I don't really know what else to say at this point other then I just stayed solid on my feet and in my mind. I focused on the rythmn of my feet as I rattled off two VERY fast first mile splits (mile 1: 7:30, mile 2: 7:45) and then figuring out the conversions from 'K's' to Miles, as I was running the second leg of the relay and at this point all I was seeing was signs that said 13k, 9M, 11M, 17k and I kept getting confused. I do know I did slow down quite a bit at the Mile 2 mark, but not enough to effect my 3.1k split-a crazy and insanely fast 26:59!!!!!! Wow, I can't wait to run my next 5k for sure!

I slowed down enough to save my legs for the last mile/.2 and began to really focus on myself. As I approached the finish, knowing I was in sight of my goal PR, I could feel the emotions building inside and I was trying so hard to hold back the tears because I knew I ran as hard and well as I could. I never stopped or slowed down even once--I just kept trucking. I heard other fellow Striders calling out my name and although I couldn't tell who was cheering, I pressed on even more. What an incredible feeling!

And all I can think now is I can't wait til the Half, but even more so, my ultimate goal of the Full Marathon next January. But there is soo much hard work left to do. I just have to keep pushing on, making my mind and body stronger so I can run the best 13.1 I know I can do. And then worry about the 26.2 (and yes, I want one of those dumb oval stickers too!) Lastly, a big thank you to the Houston Striders for making today so successful and well-run (ran?!) I am so proud of my running club, you guys are like family and rock HARD.

The STATS:

6.2 miles
58.13.4 total running
4th fastest open woman on the backhalf 10k

Splits I figured out:
Mile1: 7:30
Mile2: 7:45
3.1k: 26.59

Heart-rate: 174 average 195 max
Weather: mid 80’s. low humidity.

10/15/05: A fun 'speedworkout' with my younger brother Pat...

This weekend, my brother Pat (who lives in Huntsville, TX) decided to come into town for a wedding and spend some time with me. We had a blast: went out for happy hour on Friday night, Guitar Center to check out some cymbals, and an awesome steak dinner (he paid!)...and then he told me he wanted to go running with me and I got him out of bed at 8am Satuday for a 3 mile loop around the Park. I knew he was an 'okay' runner, I figured I would have better endurance then him though...

I was wrong about him being an 'okay' runner. He's actually a great runner. Because he is in the army reserves, he is in pretty good shape and often runs 10 miles at a time in gear...but because he hasen't been running for a while, he struggled with the last 1/2 mile, which I thought was funny. I could tell I was holding him back from the get-go though, as he could probably easy pull off 7:30min/miles even right now. I teased him (as any big sister would) to some friendly competition and told him to run tomorrow in the 20k/10k relay but he said he just didn't feel trained for it...ah well there is always next year (or maybe I could even get him to run with me in the Huntsville Half! next October.)

I think having Pat there to motivate me was the perfect short speedwork session for the week. Although I was a little worried about pushing myself tooo much before tomorrow's race, I know I have been very consistent with my training and that 3 fast miles aren't going to hurt me, and this week has been a recovery week anyhow (only 21 miles). Overall, I was really impressed by our time at the 3 mile mark when we finished (although we should have just finished the extra .1 mile!) and I figure if I can pull off a time like this now (27:38), I can't wait til December and the Bloggers race for me to get a new 5k PR!

The STATS:

3 miles
27.38 minutes
Average pace:9.12/mile

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: lower 80’s, low humidity.

10/13/05: Jump-O-Rama and Good Times for All!

Although I was warned in advance about the difficulty of J.O.R. by fellow SMARTies, I didn't think it was THATTTTTTT bad. I did take it a little 'easy' though, as my left ankle/calf has been tight since Tuesday's practice XC run. It was great to see my fellow Terry Hershey/West Side SMARTies, including Strider Angelica and yours and my favorite Coach, Steve Shepard. (Okay, okay, Striders Tom King and Brett Riley are tied for my favorite Memorial Park coaches!) Anyhow, overall a great run and I am really excited about this weekend's 20k/10k relay that we Striders are putting on!

The STATS:

3 miles
34:06 total running

Heart-rate: 137 average 237 max
Weather: mid 80’s. low humidity.

10/11/05: Ho Chi Min…Take 2—But Don’t Fall in the Mud!

Ohh, today’s XC practice run was…in one word: fun. Mayyybe not the kind of fun I would do every day. But (in Steve Shepard’s own words: “A change of pace from the average strength training schedule…”), I couldn’t agree more. I got there super early…lots of mosquito repellant…got in a warm-up run…I felt ready other then needing to use the facilities. The course itself was pretty challenging in my opinion: not a lot of chances to pass others…some rivers/creeks to jump over (and hopefully not fall in)… a couple of us got lost at one point….or thought we got lost…

Although I didn’t have a smokin’ finish time, (I averaged a 10:29/mile), I was pretty proud of how I ran. This was ‘the confidence building’ run that I have been needing the last few weeks. I ran strong, smart and I had really good endurance and was able to make up some time at the end of the run. I only walked when I had to. Fellow SMARTie Lynnlee helped me run the middle part of the run where I felt unsure of my feet (and tweeked my dumb right ankle again a few times). I finished the run with some jete’s across the finish line, never being soooo happy to finish a run in my life. Seriously, the last K of the run was pretty dark and scary and tree-shaded…I couldn’t have been happier to see the sky above me again.

Coach Tom King even gave me the ‘Rockit’ sign and that totally made me smile and made the end of the run even better for me….afterwards, I chatted with Steve about next week’s XC run as well as Thursday’s Jump-O-rama workout, PIM coach Lisa about a strategy for the 10K relay on Sunday, and even got to talk to the current XC race’s woman’s open leader (sorry, I don’t know her name—anybody?!) who asked how my run was and said she thought she did good although she was behind the leader the first part of the run. Overall, a good time. And I am so sorreeeeeeeeeee today. But a good sore.

The STATS:
Between 7-8k (roughly 5 miles?)
48.55 minutes of total running

Average pace:10:29/mile

Heart-rate: 177 ave 191 max
Weather: upper 80’s, low humidity.

10/9/05: My Long Run for the Week…10 miles!

After I G-Maped my run for today, I still managed to overlook my mileage and ended up running 10 instead of the 9 i needed (this is a recovery week for me). Believe me, my legs were feeling it after about 8 miles so I KNEW I was running more then I should have. I still felt slow, although at an average of 11:02/mile—that is about where I want my longer runs (7 miles and longer) to be. I can tell I need to get back to those SMARTie speedwork sessions though so I can totally see myself racing the Hell out of the Ho Chi Min Trail tomorrow afternoon as part of the Practice Bayou XC races…

I used my new Camelbak too (so long Fuelbelt for anything longer than 7 miles, since mine only holds two bottles and that is just not enough). I bought the Flashflo, which holds 45 oz of water. I filled it to the top and in 10 miles drank ¾’s of it. I was proud of myself because it kept me well-hydrated and I barely noticed it was there, other then figuring out how to drink out of it on the run…it has 2 mesh pockets too that I plan to put my 7oz Fuelbelt bottles and fill with Gatorade. There is plenty of room for a phone, iPod, I could probably even stuff gloves and an extra shirt in it when I need to. Rockit!

Overall, it was a great run, although I twisted my ankle running back right by the 610-loop frontage road (well, it WAS pitch black outside, and probably not the safest to run by myself either…) but it was super peaceful sans for cars passing me on Woodway and a few other runners taking advantage of the cool weather to get in a late-night run. (Sidenote: Check out the run by clicking on the link on the right column of my page, under 'I heart G-Map'...this is 7.3 miles of what I ran...I add another 2.3 miles to this run by running from my actual house, but for my own safety/to keep away stalkers, I have only published the main portion of my run.)

The STATS:
10 miles
1:50.29 total running

Average pace:11:02/mile

Heart-rate: n/a (didn’t wear it)
Weather: upper 70’s? low humidity.

10/8/05: Another Recovery Run, at the YMCA-Richmond…

After a long and crazy night out (don’t ask, but it involved rock stars, co-workers, and Patron), I found myself in Richmond (Texas) and needing to get a run in before Sunday…I asked my friend that lives there (that I work with part-time) to take me to her gym so I can get in some miles. She decided she would run too so it was perfect (and of course, I ALWAYS have extra running clothes with me wherever I go…)

Nothing was really exciting about this work-out other then I swear the dumb Precor treadmill was unbalanced and slightly inclined (when it was suppose to be at 0.0 incline) but I guess I must have gotten a better work-out that way…in all seriousness, I felt slow and tired. I need to calm myself down from the crazy weekends. Maybe I’ll have a crazy week night instead…

The STATS:
4 miles
42:50 total running

Average pace: 10:42/mile

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: a/c (it was soo cold I barely sweated!)

10/6/05: Recovery Thursday and a Non-Smart Workout…

Since Strider Heather and Amy were the only ones that showed up for SMART today (and they run quite a bit faster then me), I decided to get in 5 miles by myself…got a nice 2 mile warmup around the 400m blacktop track (what I wouldn’t give for a bouncy track sometime!) and then did a loop (3 miles) around the Park…I wasn't in the mood to do a 1 mile trial run like I was suppose do (next week!) but I guess I was in a bad mood because of the dumb mosquitos and how slow I felt I was running, but when I saw the MPR guys I had to relax and laugh as I stretched and left the park.

The STATS:
5 miles
53:57 total running

Average pace: 10:47/mile
2 mile warmup: 20 minutes
3 mile loop: 33 minutes

Heart-rate: 163 ave 227 max
Weather: mid 80’s. 40% humidity.

10/4/05: A Loop Around the Park…Because I missed the Practice X-C race!

Because I got to the Ho Chi Min trails a ‘few’ minutes too late for a 6:00pm race start time (that Run Sport sponsors in preparations for the Bayou Cross Country Race Series they do in the Spring), I decided to haul my mad butt over the Park loop and get in a ‘quick’ 3 mile run before I went home. Only it wasn’t too quick since I was still super sore from the previous night’s run. Ahhh well. I am definetly leaving work early next Monday so I can make sure and make it in time…I guess a look on the bright side is that my body wouldn’t have been very happy with that cross country run anyhow in the shape it was in...

I stopped by though as people were finishing to say hello and chat with Strider Barry. He was my PIM coach this past Spring and I meant to ask him how PIM was going since I believe he said he was coaching again. I was waiting to cheer for my fellow SMARTies as they finished but I didn’t really see anyone I knew so maybe I wasn’t the only one that didn’t make it out this week. Strider Chip didn’t make it either since he’s in Chicago this week. Hopefully I get to see his girl friend, Abbey, again sometime soon. She was one of my training partners at PIM and a great runner who suffers from ACL problem I think. The last time I saw her was at the Astros race in May, where the humidity killed us both and caused me my slowest 5k time yet.

Well, better times are ahead for me. I just signed up myself and Houston Fitter Stacie Pyle for the 10k relay next weekend….out team name: S&J, Inc. Her goal is to not walk once during the 10k. Mine is to finish in under an hour. Hopefully the weather plays out nicely! Let’s hope, anyhow!

The STATS:

3 miles
31:20 total running
Average pace: 10:26/mile

Mile1: 10:46
Mile2: 10:08
Mile3: 10:24

Heart-rate: 158 ave 174 max
Weather: upper 80’s. 60% humidity.

10/3/05: 11 Mile Torture Session AKA the Longest Run Ever…

Since I enjoyed the Astros game WAYYY to much on Sunday and I wasn’t feeling my best to begin with, I missed out on the 10 Miler that seemed to give everybody a headache early Sunday morning. Also, for some reason, my left Achilles tendon was sore from either my new shoes or me twisting my ankle at some point Saturday. I then decided to get in my long run Monday night, knowing that when I do my long runs during the week, I am overally tired the rest of the week and cranky. Oh well, I guess being tired to me is more important than not running at this point in my life!

But, before I even describe the actual run, I should mention 3 big things that factored into making this a 'horrible run': #1: I ran in my old (dead) shoes because I didn’t want to run all those miles in the new shoes yet. #2: I can never eat Mexican food AT LEAST 24 hours before a long run. #3: Drinking 30oz. of caffeine in the AM isn’t a good way to hydrate myself after a weekend of little water consumption….

Well, needless to say, the first 5 miles were fine. It wasn’t until mile 6 where I started to get stomach cramps that caused me to stop every 2 miles. I would have to sit down, get eaten by the dumb mosquitos a dozen times and repeat this over and over until I finished my run…although my actual running page (10:32/mile) wasn’t BAD, but I just felt terrible and no amount of water or new shoes could have helped me. Oh well, I always learn my lessons the hard way. BUT!! Two things to look forward to this week are cooler weather and a 9 mile (it’s a recovery week!) run on Sunday. Argh for runs like this. I get this feeling I am going to be grumpy all week now…

The STATS:

11 miles
1:55 hour total running
Average pace: 10:32/mile

Mile1: 10:25
Mile2: 10:23
Mile3: 9:21 .9mile
Mile4: 10:34
Mile5: 11:09
Mile6: 9:47 .9 mile
Mile7: 10:49
Mile8: 11:31
Mile9: 10:20
Mile10: 11:10
Mile11: 10:50

Heart-rate: 164 ave 215 max
Weather: upper 80’s. 50% humidity.

10/1/05: New shoes and a Nice Recovery Run!

Today, after sleeping in after a late night hanging out with these guys and carbo loading for no reason other then to carbo load, I managed to drag my body out of bed and get some fresh air. I decided to walk (that’s right, NOT drive my car) the 3 miles roundtrip to Fleet Feet to pickup some new shoes, (The 15% Houston Strider discount made my decision easier:)) I wore them out of the store and decided to stop by the gym on the way home and give them a spin on the treadmill. 5 miles later, I was convinced I bought the right shoes. I like the changes (more narrow toe box, less material on the toe) and they seem to fit better overall. Cool deal.

The STATS:

5 miles

55 minutes total running

average pace: 11:00/mile

Heart-rate: n/a

Weather: a/c