12/30/05: Back to Houston Recovery Run!

What better way to get aquainted with Houston then by getting in a boring run on the treadmill. Seeing how I was jetlagged and trying to get over the nauseas-feeling I had all day, I went out to the gym (which by the way, despite trying to get the tri-thing going early next year), my membership expires in January and I am not renewing. I need to save the money and will focus on biking until it gets warm enough to start swimming in the summer. The positive of tonight's last night run was that my legs are bouncy and eager to get running, which means that I owe them the last 'hard' workout of the year (and for the 2005 marathon season): Yasso 800's tomorrow!

The STATS:
4 miles
40:57 total running

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

12/28/05: 4 Mile Recovery Run in Vegas.

Since I didn't have enough fun (!) on my last run through tract-home-hell, i made another go at it. And I decided to do this one at night, where the desert temp's normally dip into the 40's almost year-around. It was great weather, I didn't even wear gloves or long-sleeves so it was very comfortable. I made this jaunt through a neighborhood that I had observed earlier that had running (paved) trails running through the subdivision. Very pretty actually, but I will have to agree with Rick that why does everyone insist on paving very nice trails that would be perfect as dirt? Of course, my guess would be that when it rains in Vegas, it FLOODS. And then there would be no running trail as it would get washed away. Ah well, granite would have been nice (but expensive, but hey, most of these 'small homes' start at $350,000!)

Again, glad I don't live in Vegas. (No offense if you live there though, just not my bag of ice).

The STATS:
4 miles
40:05 total running

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: upper 40's, cool.

12/27/05: A Long Distance run from sunny Las Vegas!

Despite being on vacation, lol, I got in some miles today in/near the new subdivision that my family lives in (North Las Vegas, actually). The area of Vegas they are in is so new it won't be found on many maps, incluing G-Maps. That is just to prove that Las Vegas is one of the quickest growing areas of the US (actually, it may be THE FASTEST growing city in the US, period). It's so crazy-mile after mile after mile after mile after mile after mile after mile after mile of tract homes. I'm not exagerating either, too bad I didn't take any pictures.

It made for a really really boring and unscenic distance run. I ended up doing three 3.5 mile loops (probably my first mistake, but there is so much construction around that there isn't really a lot of room to explore the roads safely) and another 2.5 mile jaunt as a cooldown. Wow, not to mention that I am running in the freakin' desert-where the humidity is like 5-15% and even at 9 in the morning, the temp. is already creaping into 60 degrees (mistake #2: thinking I could run here like I can in Humid Houston-NO!) I ended up only bringing 10 oz. of water for a 13 mile run. Opps. I actually stopped at a few strange peoples water hose's to refill. And I didn't bring Gatorade with me either but I did find these Sports Beans at the store prior to my run and they did the trick. 120mg of electrolytes in a few sugary Jelly Belly beans! I love it! Hope I can find these in Houston again-this may be a fun 'treat' to pack in my Camelbak for the Half!

Overall, I was just really glad I got the miles in and am very thankful I don't live or train in the desert and that Vegas can be really overrated from an athelete's standpoint. Unless you like miles of dirt and sand. And cactus and dust. No thanks, i'll take Houston's year-round heat and high humidity anyday. Not to mention everyone has grass here!!!!!!!!

The STATS:
ave 9:37/mile

13 miles
2:05.01 total running

3.5 mile loop1: 33:00
3.5 mile loop2: 33:39
3.5 mile loop3: 33:25
2.5 mile cd: 25:01

Heart-rate: 176 av/215 max
Weather: lower 60's, sunny.

12/23/05: A short 3.5 Mile Run Near my Home.

Since today was my first day of my vacation, I decided to sleep in and run some errands mid-afternoon. I also knew I needed to get in a short run to finish off the week before I left for Las Vegas the following week. Little did I know that the weather was going to be in the mid-60's and HUMID! by 9am! Ohhh what a mess. But, I figured one thing-if the run didn't make me pass out, it would certainly make me stronger.

And it did. I tried to hydrate well before the fact and enjoy the cool breeze as I started my run. Not so bad. However, once my body was warmed-up, I could feel the sweat coming. By the time I had ran about 1.5 miles, I was starting to burn up already. Oh course, I was wearing a BLACK Under Armour shirt, but it was the Heat Gear, so it helped keep me a little cool. By the time I was finishing the run, I was feeling pretty bad. Nothing that 20 oz. of orange Gatorade and a cooldown walk to go shopping (for myself, lol) couldn't fix.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The STATS:
ave 9:56/mile (SO slow!)

3.5miles
34:47 total running

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: warm, upper 60’s.

12/21/05: A Fun PIM Jackson Hill Run!

So tonight couldn't have been a better night to go for a run with a few friends. The usual Striders were there: Coach Steeeve, Lee and Mark, and a few new faces as well: HoJin Lim and Sam. It was a great time for all-cold, brisk weather and good, pre-marathon conversations. Add in the fact that we were all ready to put on some miles and it made for a great (and fast) work-out. Everyone is super eager for the big day and the Holidays as well. Oh by the way, ask Steeeve about the Hartz's chicken off of Memorial someday...they ain't selling chicken there, lol...

The STATS:
ave 8:38/mile

5.6miles
48:24 total running

Heart-rate: 166 av/193 max
Weather: cool, lower 40’s.

12/19/05: A Successful 15 Miler Completed, Bring on the 13.1!!!!

For some reason, I usually dread long training runs and I am not really sure why. Tonight was different though for some reason…I felt like I had a sense of purpose, a longing to feel good about my longest run yet…and to be successful in the end. I did it all. I completed this run not only with a great feeling of accomplishment, but the KNOWING that I could have ran another few miles at my finishing pace. Granted, I ran the first half of the 15 miles faster then the second half, but I felt good at the end. Yes, my calves tightened up at around mile 7 so basically I slowed down about 15 seconds/mile. That is something I am concerned about with the Half. I felt that my pace through mile 7 (9:14/mile) felt soooo good, so it really disappointed me to slow down 15 whole seconds and not be able to get back ‘on pace.’ I was too afraid to stop and stretch so I tried to run through it. Was that bad? I am just a ‘stop-and-go’ runner. I don’t like stopping if I can help it.

The only other thing I can think is that my leg cramped either due to not stretching enough before I ran (possibly) or not enough sodium in my diet for the day (also a good possibility…I remember eating a lot of sugar and not enough salty foods). I also didn’t drink water while I was on this run (bad I know!) as I was only carrying orange Gatorade in my fuel belt (yes, I need to start drinking the lemon-lime stuff since that’s what they will have that the Half). Or perhaps weak hamstrings/quads? Hmm, I guess I will just have to figure it out soon. Another uncertainity is how many GU’s to take: one or two? I vote two since I usually like to take one around mile 4 and then another full one at mile 8. Anyone ran a half and used GU and care to comment?

I was reading some of Runner's World this month though (http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-51-0-0-9216,00.html)
and that article really hit home. Although there isn’t a lot that I can physically do to change how I will race in a few short weeks, I can start to rethink the ways I do some things to make next year a prosperous running year…I realize now I have made some naïve and ‘new runner’ mistakes in my training, but I am trying to learn from them and train not HARDER but SMARTER next year. MOST importantly I want to stay injury-free but I also want to continue training like I have this year-with a purpose and to challenge myself mentally and phsyically. I only hope that upping my mileage another 10 miles in the off-season and the 10 more (after that) during Marathon season won’t burn-me out.

It almost seems like I have two goals: one is to simply finish the Marathon, another is to race it strongly. Maybe I am getting ahead of myself, worrying this far in the future and wanting to ‘race’ a distance I have yet to finish? I just feel that starting to mentally prepare myself for the big DAY will make me more successful. After all, I did the same thing with the Half…I had been thinking about running it since August of 2004 when my longest distance to that date had only been 2 miles. Now tonight I finished 15 miles! 11 more to go to complete an entire Marathon:) Now I am the first to believe anything is possible, as long as you are willing to put your heart and soul into it.

The STATS:
15 miles!

2:22:29 total running
ave 9:29/mile

Mile1: 9:38 (legs felt stiff)
Mile2: 9:07
Mile3: 9:18
Mile4: 9:07 (took GU)
Mile5: 8:54 (too fast-stupid GU!)
Mile6: 9:26
Mile7: 9:06
Mile8: 9:50 (right leg cramped up)
Mile9: 9:53 (took GU)
Mile10: 9:25
Mile11: 9:43
Mile12: 9:54
Mile13: 9:28
Mile14: 10:04 (someone strangle me)
Mile15: 9:30

Heart-rate: 171 av/217 max
Weather: cool, lower 40’s, upper 30’s.

12/15/05: Speedwork at the Park-Good Times!

So after slowly running through yesterday’s Striders run, today I was determined to raise up to my running potential for my usual Thursday speed workout: 1 mile warmup, 5k at race pace, 1 mile cooldown. So much fun when it is cool outside, that’s for sure. Although there is still slight tenderness in my lower knees, I stretched really well and after my warmup, knew I was ready.

The first mile, 8:41, went off like I had planned: solid, smart and quick. Mile 2 found a strange problem—I was really hungry. I did not eat like I should have today so I knew it was going to catch up with me. Actually, I haven’t been eating very well at all lately, lots of junk food and not enough fresh veggies/fruits and all that good healthy stuff. Anyhow, I pushed through the hunger pains, and achieved a nice negative split: 8:24!

Mile 3 was the hardest, just because I was running on fumes and would have killed for a Jolly Rancher or some gummi bears or even a cracker! Lol, determined and not wanting to get passed by anyone, I ran a nice 8:13. The final 1/10 of a mile found me spent, as I think I could have ran it a little faster if I would have picked up my feet more, but I finished in .45 seconds. Not too BAD!! Overall-26:03!

I’m glad to see I am consistently running in the ‘8’s’ now and after talking to Coach Steve the previous day, I know that this is what I can do CONSISTENLY. He said there’s no reason that all my long runs shouldn’t be in the ‘9’s’ now. He also said that because he thinks I have some natural running talent, I will probably be running 7 minute miles comfortably next year. Yes, as foreign is that sounds RIGHT NOW, I also never thought I would be running 8 minute miles this year either! It is a great feeling to know he is rooting for me:) I am quite certain that early next year (but probably AFTER the Half Marathon, maybe March?) I will go sub-25:00 in a 5k! Last milestone for my half-training this year-the 15 mile run, TONIGHT! I will let you all know how it goes!

The STATS:
5 miles

44:20 total running
26:03 5k!

9:53 wu
8:22 cd

8:41 mile 1
8:24 mile 2
8:13 mile 3
.45 mile .10

Heart-rate: 173 av/195 max
Weather: cool, lower 40’s.

12/14/05: Yes, I am Still Running, lol...

After the 14 mile run from HELL on Sunday, I'm back and somewhat on the saddle. I was sore for about two days and I basically did a lot of stretching and ice and walking around to get the lactic acid out. NOT FUN!!! I hope I never feel this way again, although I can only imagine that anyone who has run a marathon knows what kind of pain I was in…I even had a hard time sitting down!

Tonight was the Strider’s Christmas Lights run-a 4 mile run that tours the Uptown/Tanglewood area of Houston and all of its glory. Honestly, not a lot of really pretty lights this year, but the run was fun anyhow and it was nice to see some of the Terry Hershey SMARTies…afterwards we all had a few beverages and did the usual trash talking…It was nice to see Jackie Connelly again as well as Jose, John and Lee.

The STATS:
4 miles (John said it was more like 4.75 miles)
43:18 total running (with negative splits due to rain)

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: cool. 40’s. wet.

12/11/05: Post 30k, Jingle Bell Run, and Post Saturday Entry…

Today was the 30k, I got to work the water station (okay, after I found it 30 minutes later!) with other Striders and had a great time. This was the first time I got to volunteer for a race and may I add I will be doing it again in the future. Yes, it is fun seeing the entire race crowd (some really funny runners, not to mention some hot guys!!! and others who threw clothes at us to hold on to) but it was also hard work (I would much rather RUN on that conrete then STAND on it in one place for 5 hours!) Overall, I would recommend volunteering to anyone and it was especially a treat to chat with John Yoder and pick his brain on running a little as well as see Santos, who gave me some yummy Carbboom! Thank you! Also, a quick shoutout to all the Bloggers that ran today: Jon, Holden, Joe, Tim, Jen, Dave, and Steve. It was a tough run, so I commend you all.

After I got home at noon, I had enough time to make myself a carb-chocked lunch as I decided it would be really ‘fun’ to run from Memorial Park to the start of the Jingle Bell Run downtown to see Jon, Cassie, Keith, Sam, Waverly and Lisa run the 5 mile race. (Round trip=9 miles, and I would take on another 5 miles by circling around the Park loop 1.5 times for a total of 14 miles for the day). In theory, a great run, but my legs weren’t totally recovered from Saturday’s efforts yet, so I was putting myself at risk for injury. It was a cool feeling to run into downtown though, and I got to see all the runners at about mile 3, get yelled at by some lady for ‘running the race the wrong way’ as well as catch the beginning of the kids run and the first finishers of the actual race. Of course, crazy Jon was running with a cutout (a lifesize cardboard cutout!) of Penn State’s head football coach Joe Paterno and a football. LOL! That alone made my trip to downtown via foot worth it. And of course, Jon is crazy already as he ran the 30k early today as well! 23 miles in one day! Way to go Jon! It was a great race to watch as there were some really fun and spirited people there and also nice to meet Lisa (again?!)

The run back was the tough part as lactic acid was already settling into my legs. Cassie and Lisa offered me a ride back but the weather was too pretty to pass up and it wasn’t quite dusk yet so there was about an hour of sunlight left. I felt safe as there are always at least 10 other runners along Memorial Drive/Allen Parkway so I had plenty of company. The toughest part was finishing the last 4 miles at the Park Loop, as my legs were shot and any energy I had left I must have left cheering for my friends at the finish line at the 5 miler downtown. I ended up having to stretch every mile and stop my watch because I was in so much pain. The day after (the real today-Monday) I feel ‘ok’ although I am kinda hobbling around. Nothing is injured or damaged, thank goodness, but my hamstrings/quads are pretty hammered. I’m going to take it real easy this week--I only have planned two ‘easy’ 4 mile runs and then some speedwork on Thursday before I go out of town for the weekend. Then, next Monday (ahh! I hate long runs on Mondays!) I have my longest run yet and of the season-15 miles!

In other running related news, as I failed to mention this yesterday, we had the first ‘unoffical/official’ meeting of the Houston Running Bloggers at none-other then ‘Chateau de Walk’s’ house. It was a great time for all in attendance and the hospitality was great. We were able to chat about a club shirt, club events, and even a mission statement (and no blogger is left behind!:)) A big public ‘thank you’ to Jon and his family for the great post-race eats and great conversations about our favorite sport-running. Yes, I did take pictures and they will be up soon. (and yes, I think Keith thinks I have it out for him or something, as every picture I took of him is really a riot!)

The STATS:
10:10/ave mile

14 miles
2:22.30 total running

Heart-rate: 174av/187 max
Weather: cool. Mid 50’s.

12/10/05: A New 5k PR today!!!!!!!!

Today, RTW #143, was a big PR for me and many other bloggers in attendence. Who was there? Edwin, who came in at a nice and fast 19:52(PR), Dave Smart, who ran right next to me the first 2 miles and finished in 25:32(PR), Keith, the man of action himself, who finished in 27:52 (after running 1o miles before the rest of us even got there!), Cassie, who ran her best 5k since her injuries in 28:17, Mr Jon himself lost by ONE second to her at 28:18 (but a PR!), 28:56 belongs to Joe (yes, he does exist!), Sarah finished strong at 31:23 and Jen Kim took it easy in prep for tomorrow's 30k at 33:06. And a final PR-Waverly Walk finished at 37:12! I have never seen such a big smile on her face today--how cool! (also in attendence: Steve and Holden who rested up for tomorrow's race).

Myself? A HUGE PR since my last 5k (RTW#136) and a 42 second improvement over the 5k run I did Thursday night! This means that in less then a year, I have shaved 4:07 off my first 5k! Wow...again, it's hard to believe how training hard and training smart and (in general) training can make a difference! I don't know how I did it, ran so hard and fast I mean, knowing I was a little tired from Thursday's training run and I didn't get much sleep to boot (bad, I know!) You can see bags under my eyes at the picture here (that's me in the orange hat). Just think what I could have done under ideal conditions...

I would like to thank Dave (Smart) and Erin Miller (of the Woodlands HS) for pushing me to my best race to date and negative splits. I would like to thank Mother Nature for the wonderful weather. I would like to thank the Striders (and coaches!) for the awesome training this year. And I would like to thank my body for staying injury free. Rockit! See you all tomorrow at the Strider's Water Station (i'll be working the water and trying to stay dry, lol). Say hi if you notice the dumb orange hat.

The STATS:
8:08/ave mile

3.1 miles
25:18 total running

mile1: 8:35
mile2: 8:12
mile3: 7:50 (ouch!)
mile.10: .45

Heart-rate: 182av/200 max
Weather: cool. maybe mid 40's. perfect shorts & gloves weather!

12/8/05: My best 5k time yet…can I do it again on Race day?

So tonight (after I finally convinved myself to get over the COLDDDDDDDDD as sin weather and go run outside like a REAL runner), became the canvas for my best 5k time yet: 26:00!!!! The funny thing is I wasen’t even pushing myself as hard as I think I could go, but I didn’t want to overdo it before Saturday’s race. The cold definetely helped though, although I was overdressed (on purpose just because I could). I was wearing my newest running tights (my mom got them for me), my crew-cut Brooks socks, my newest Brooks long-sleeve shirt (what can I say, I'm a Brooks wanna-be endorser!) over my Starter long-sleeve tech shirt and my running jacket over that. Then I had my cotton gloves and an ear-warmer headband thing-again I felt great and entirely like I belonged out there wearing my silly tights:)

After a slooow warmup mile, I hit the first mile at 8:46. I actually suprized myself since I figured I was running closer to an 8:30 mile. In the second mile I could tell my legs were finally warming up, but I pushed myself a little to attempt a negative split and clocked it at 8:44. Very consistent so I wasn’t displeased. Mile 3 I knew was where ‘the money is won’ and I wanted a big negative split.

I came up quickly on a guy I thought I was running my pace…I slowed down as I came behind him and must have startled him so he slowed down too. Screw that, I thought. I quickly picked up the pace and dusted him. As I finished the mile at 8:27, I silently thanked him for helping me achieve my goal. With .10 of a mile to go, I tried to pick it again, but I left all my ‘go’ at mile 3. I ended with a slow .53 seconds. Ah well.

I saw Sam after my cool-down ‘victory mile’-I felt so good for running so strong and enduring the weather with a total of 10 other runners. I wanted to tell him about my run but he looked like he was a little chilly in his shorts and NO gloves! so I let him run off (I wish I would have gave him mine!). Overall, I was really pleased with my efforts and although my left achiles is sore today, I think I am in good shape for Saturday. I hope I can do it again and continue to train in the mid-8:00’s on shorter runs and lower-9:00’s for my longer runs. Sweet!

The STATS:

5 miles
48:29 total running

1 mile wu: 13:23
1 mile cd: 8:13

mile1: 8:46
mile2: 8:44
mile3: 8:27
mile.10: .53

Heart-rate: 172 av/187 max
Weather: COLD and WINDY but dry!!!!!!!! Mid 30’s.

12/7/05: Another recovery run at the Gym!

Another run at the gym…I pushed the speed a little tonight to see how my recovery from Sunday is going…not too bad. Still some general soreness in my lower legs but nothing that is keeping me from running like normal. I tried to really focus on my form and breathing, as standing up as tall as possible when I run makes the biggest difference in the fatigue level in my legs…

In other running related news, the Houston Striders holiday party was last night. It was a great time, got to meet up with some old Strider friends: Jeff Sharp, Nancy, John D. as well as some blogging friends, Cassie and Jen. The most fun was sipping down a bottle of wine with fellow SMARTies Aimee and Heather. Amalihia sat at a different table so we really didn’t get to chat with her. I also won a door prize (and so did Cassie but she was already gone so she didn’t get it!) and gave it to Aimee since she said she never wins anything. The best part of the night was talking with Strider Carlos, who had a heart-to-heart with me about marathon training and running Boston…more on this to come! Overall, a great time and I am really glad I went and listened to Coach Steeeve again:).

The STATS:

4 miles
44:30 total running

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

12/5/05: Recovery Run at the 24 Hour Fitness!

Just needed to get in 4 miles tonight and see how the legs felt after Saturday’s race. Not too bad actually, although I felt a slight twinge of pain under my right kneecap a few times so I just backed the speed off. I can tell it’s going to take my legs a few days to recover though from the evil concrete in Pearland, so I am going to train relatively easy this week and kick things back up after my 14 mile run on Sunday.

The STATS:

4 miles
46:30 total running

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

Reflections: This Year and Next...(Jon's Reader Participation)

Top Ten Events in 2005:
1) 8.4k race on 11-13-05. I ran my fastest race to date, at a blistery 8:58/mile pace. Everything was just ‘on’ that day. I felt like I could have ran 10 miles at that pace! I also got my first hardware:)
2) Loop the Lake 5k on 4-30-05. My first ever 5k, which I ran at the 9:29/mile pace. A very emotional race for me and I broke down and cried at the finish line.
3) Toughest 10k in Texas on 7-9-05. My mom saw me run my first 10k very close to my hometown. It was such a fun race and I put on a strong effort throughout.
4) Lunar Rendevous on 7-16-05. This was on my 25th birthday, which also happened to be a age-group changing year. I wrote ‘It’s my birthday’ on my shirt and that made the race fun!
5) Koala/Luke’s 10k relay on 10-16-05. I ran a strong race with my good friend Stacie to achieve an over 5 minute PR from my first 10k! Also had a 26:59 5k split!
6) 9-29-05 training run at the Polo Grounds Run. Ran slightly under 6 miles at a very relaxed pace of 10:00/mile. My legs felt so fresh and bouncy, I could have ran forever.
7) 10-25-05 XC practice run around the Allen Parkway Bayou. A 4 mile course I completed at a 9:16/mile pace. This was a tough run and I gave it my all. It took me a little while to compose myself after I finished because I was overcome with emotions.
8) 11-7-05 training run at Memorial Park. Although this run started off bad, I ‘ran into’ Speedy Sam and he helped me overcome that bad feeling and finish this run off at a 9:18/mile pace for 10 miles!
9) Early (January) 2005 training run at Memorial Park. The first time I ran the 3 mile loop at Memorial Park. I couldn’t believe I ran the entire 3 miles without walking once!
10) Watching the 2005 Houston Marathon at mile 18. This was my inspiration for wanting to run the Marathon and has catapulted me to where I am today!

My inspiration for 2005:
My running coaches inspire me. To see them achieve their goals propels me to want to achieve mine. My Marathon running mates inspire me too. We all suffered through the disgusting summer to get ready for the single most important date of the year: the actual marathon. And finally, I inspire myself. I know that sounds self-centered. However, I like looking back on where I started this year and realizing all my hard work is paying off. Just think where I can be this time next year…

Goals for 2006:
1) First and foremost-successfully complete the Houston Half. Regardless of how fast I run it, I want to feel good about my efforts and come away with a great sense of accomplishment.
2) Participate in Spring PIM. I doubt I will be able to move up groups, but I would like to be a stronger runner in the GU group. Plus I really like the GU coaches!
3) Complete enough races via HARRA to qualify for a Spring Iron Foot award.
4) Begin Tri training and paraticipate in Andy’s First Tri next Fall.
5) Complete the Texas 10k challenge. (Participate in 5 designated 10k’s thoughout the year and state).Successfully partipate in Marathon Warmup Series to get ready for the 2007 Houston MARATHON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (10 miler, 20k, 25k, 30k. Qualifys me for the Fall Iron Foot Award, too).

12/3/05: Pearland 10 Miler Race Report!

After getting a great night of sleep, I felt ready for this race when I got up at 4:30 in the morning! I went about getting ready at a relaxed pace, but I definetely felt a sense of urgency in my step. Wes came with me and drove me since I told him I didn't know how I would feel like when the race was over. After all, it was ONLYYYY about 70 degrees by the time I got in the car at 5:45am! Humidity-100%. Horrible, oh well, I drank a ton of gatorade in the car.

When I got the race site, I discovered it was a 1/2 mile walk/run to the starting line. I was patient though, so I walked the entire way and was able to catch up with Strider Barry before we got the registration. The unfortunate thing is that when we got to the race start, nothing was set-up. It was 6:30 at this point and nothing was ready to go. Maybe a bad sign I wondered, there was no way the race would start on time, for sure? I simply relaxed though, did a little warmup jog, and by 7:05, had my race number, chip, and jingle bell (of course!) and was ready to go. Chatted with Jon, and met Edwin, Lance, and Steve before we lined up for the informal-feeling start and before I even heard someone say "GO!" I lunged forward, already behind the pack.

The weather was definetley a factor, but more importantly, the stupid concrete was already doing a number on my legs by mile 2. I ran the first 2 miles with Jon, which seemed to be a saving grace, since it took my mind off of so many little trival things that were bothering me as the race got going. We chatted for a while before I said goodbye at the mile 2 waterstop. I had my Camelbak so luckily, I ran the entire race without stopping, other then to pick up my dropped towel at mile 5.

I felt the heat/humidity affect me slightly, but there was enough of a cool breeze to cool me off. With such a small race crowd, (only about 110 runners), I ran most of the race alone. There were two women in front of me from about mile 2-9 though that I tried to catch up with and actually passed once. However, their pace was about a 9:00/mile and I knew I wouldn't be able to catch them and by mile 8 they really took off. Oh well, they sure gave me a great surge of energy when I mostly needed it.

I came in 2nd in my age group and was mostly pleased with my efforts, especially considering that I had ran 13 miles on Monday and ONLY a 3 second/mile faster pace. I think I have figured out what seems to be a good pace for the Half. But, my mind still slips to the 8.4k a few short weeks ago when I ran at a 8:58/mile pace. THAT FELT GOOD! But, it couldn't have been a fluke. Or was it? I haven't ran that pace again in my training runs. Maybe I just need to push myself more in my runs the next few weeks. Next weekend is RTW #143, so I can work on my speed, and then there are a few more long runs for me (and one of them in Las Vegas during Christmas!) to get a good feel for my Half pace. I just have to keep on working hard...

The STATS:
10 miles
1:34:00 total running

ave 9:24/mile
2nd in the 24-29 age group

mile1:9:18
mile2: 9:46
mile3: 9:37
mile4: 9:46
mile5: 9:19
mile6: 9:14
mile7: 9:27
mile8: 9:06
mile9: 9:36
mile10: 8:44

Heart-rate: 171 ave/188 max

Weather: lower 70's. 100% humidity at race start.

12/1/05: 24 Hour Fitness Treadmill Run.

Because I was in a horrible mood yesterday, I passed up on running so I could go out to eat and complain about how bad I felt :P. I knew it was going to suck to do 6 miles on the treadmill but I made the most of it. I did a lonng stretch, and started slow and gradually speed up to a comfortable cruising pace of about 10:31/mile. Slow, but on a treadmill, not too bad. Overall, I was glad I got the miles done. A plus though (although not for Tri training) is that after the Half my membership expires so I will have to do my easy recovery runs outside. Which means no more late night runs to infomercials!

The STATS:

6 miles
1:04 total running

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

11/29/05: SMARTie hills at Jackson Hill!

Although still icy outside, there was a very nice contingency that showed up for this run: Striders Aimee, Lynlee, Loren, Barry, Mark, Amalehia, Heather and I, as well as few more I have forgotten. I guess there is something about cooler, more ideal running conditions that force everyone out in droves:) Although it was a very DARK workout, everyone got a full fill of hill repeats: Jackson Hill Repeats-2 long hills and 2 short hills with a short recovery before repeating.

Since I am running the Pearland 10 Miler on Saturday, I took it easy and only did about 4 1/2 repeats, or about 18:34 minutes of hills. Loren and I ran together, as a matter of fact, as it isn't super safe to be running alone by the bayou when it is that dark. It was fun to have someone to talk with during a challenging workout too, although this workout isn't nearly as tough as it use to be (when it was 80-90 degrees outside!). I feel good for Saturday, I just need to continue to take it easy the rest of the week...especially if it's going to be in upwards of 70 degrees on Saturday! :(
The STATS:

5 miles
53:54 total running

16:37 wu
18:34 hills
12:35 cd

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: upper 40's.