1/29/06: Exciting Times at the Memorial Park Loop.

Okay, not really, but there was hardly anyone there at the Park so it was kind of nice. After not getting to run with my brother in Huntsville (home of the Rocky Racoon 50 and 100 Miler this weekend) due to being a little lazy, I needed to take advantage of the awesome weather outside. The humidity was so low tonight and the breeze was so nice and cool—it was perfect running weather. In fact, I was so relaxed and eager for a long run to jump-start the week. Overall, I was happy with how this run felt and I was able to keep a nice even pace without really needing to look at my watch. Of course, the last mile I cut loose and ran hard for good measure.

The STATS:
6 miles

56.22 total running
av 9:23/mile

Mile1: 9:48
Mile2: 9:32
Mile3: 9:22
Mile4: 9:21
Mile5: 9:27
Mile6: 8:50

Heart-rate: 175 ave, 191 max.
Weather: mid 60’s, low humidity.

1/28/06: 24 Hour Fitness Run again!

Again, I normally dislike tread-runs. However, today some jack-ass decides to get on the one treadmill next to me and run my pace. I wasn’t going to have anything to do with this. So, I kept up one pace in front of him and finished one of my fastest treadmill runs to date, and with mostly a good form. Although I was thouroughly annoyed, I was happy that I was able to get some sort of challenge and wished him well after he got done running his two miles:).

The STATS:

4 miles
42.05 total running

Heart-rate: n/a
Weather: a/c, although it was hotter then sin.

Look! Leftover Half-Marathon Goodies!

Here are some things I haven’t mentioned about the Half yet that might be of interest to you readers (and nostalgic for me...when's my next half? I have to avenge that pained look I have on my face!):

1) Pictures of yours truly running. Please note the last one of me was when I was helping fellow Strider Doug finish his marathon. God, I look so happy though as I finish the race, I think I must have been the only one to have energy to cheer for myself even BEFORE I finished, lol.

2) Unofficial/official info from the HM folks:

JESSICA ALEXANDER (HALF) Bib #25224 HOUSTON, TX - USA Age 25 F

START
6.2 Mile
9 Mile
FINISH
7:00:28 AM CST
0:57:11
1:22:11
01:58:40
TIME
Chip Time: 01:58:40
Clock: 01:59:21
Pace: 9:03
Placement
Overall: 1570
Gender: 422
Division: 81

3) Best Buy's Phone texts:
1-57:52 (chiptime) @ 6.2Mile. Pace 9:18. Predicted 02:01:54.
2-1:22:52 (chiptime) @ 9 Mile. Pace 9:12. Predicted 02:00:36.
3-1:58:39 (chiptime) @ Finish. Pace 9:03 (unofficial).
Nice negative splits!!!!!!!

4) Fun Graphical Data!! (Bib #25224)

5) Video fun times. Again, I am happier then a lark. (You will have to click on video link, and type in my bib #25224).

1/25/06: Treadmill Run #294832895782457.

After a good 45 minutes of weights, I was ready to run. I really dislike combining two workouts together, for example: speedwork and long distance (what I did sometimes after SMART) or cardio and strength (aka, TONIGHT). Right away, I could tell my legs were heavier then normal and my arms, which got the largest pounding from the static weights, were like lead. Oh well, I tried to make the most of it. The positive of the situation though was that I wasn’t sore AT ALL from my run last night! Sweet, the stretching paid off! I felt slow and sluggish but after about a mile and a half, I felt the life come back to my legs. I ended up finishing the run strong and felt I could run another mile or so, but it was getting late and I needed to get home to bed.

In other running related news, I can’t do the Park to Park 5 Miler. I will be on the lookout for a Houston-area race in Feb. longer then a 5k (but shorter then a Half Marathon!) If you know of one, let me know. If anything, I will do RTW since I love getting back to nature every once in a while and you can’t beat a $1 race!) POSTSCRIPT: Can't do RTW either...scheduling conflicts! RATS! Also, I added some pictures back in November to this blog and they never loaded. Look for more pics to be forthcoming…Up next: Friday night 4 miles at the gym (again! I know) with another good ab workout AFTERWARDS, lol.

The STATS:

4 miles
44.05 total running

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

1/24/06: Back to the Good Old Park!

I finally found the courage to get back to the trails, lol. I have to admit, there is something to be said about the treadmill/deadmill that can be soothing at times: A/C, a TV turned to Sex in the City, and the comfort of focusing simply on my form and no distractions of others runners, traffic, and pits in the trails…(in essence-what makes running RUNNING, lol)…Anyhow, the plan originally was to do a 2 mile w/u and c/d and then 3 miles at a tempo pace. Instead, I made the entire run a tempo run. My time was much slower then what I normally do my weekly 5k speed session in (goal for my first 5k of this year, either RTW in Feb. or the Bellaire Trolley 5k in April…break sub 25:00!) but it felt comfortable, relaxed and exactly what I needed: consistency.

I really focused mostly on what felt right (in terms of my form) and yet, controlled. I could tell when I pulled my right foot in, my knees would slightly touch. So, I brought my chest up more and out and pushed off the balls of my feet more and kept my feet in-line. I actually felt a small burst of energy every time I did that! I felt myself go faster, then I would quickly tired out and slow back down. Wow, it’s amazing what a small change in your form can do for your running! I finally settled on what felt best and I could tell I was beginning to get sore in my right calf because I am using some muscles that aren’t quite as developed as my stronger and dominant left leg.

After that (and running by Cassie who looked like she was having an awesome run!), I did the most amazingly long stretching session ever (maybe 30 minutes?) I really spent a lot of time loosening my hamstrings up and just feeling very relaxed. I even did 200 crunches for good measure and to end the night on a good vibe. Everyone was hanging out and telling stories of the Marathon and I can’t wait to have stories to add this time next year! Up tomorrow: 3 mile recovery run and weights at the Gym…

The STATS:

5 miles
47.14 total running

Mile1: 9:21
Mile2: 9:26
Mile3: 9:32
Mile4: 9:27
Mile5: 9:27

Heart-rate: 176 ave, 196 max
Weather: cool, lower 50’s.

1/22/06: A Treadmill Run in A-Town (Austin, that is!)

I went to Austin this past weekend to get away from Houston and clear my head after a stressful two weeks of pre-and post-marathon running. I had a great time, and stayed with a friend that is quite fitness-minded, although I think he tends to obsess over weighing himself too much. I recently got him to take up running, and we actually have very similar paces so I figured we would put in some miles around Town Lake and the really pretty 10 mile loop that circles it right by downtown Austin.

We didn’t get to because he has asthma and the cold weather of the weekend was killing him. I was disappointed, but I supported him anyhow and we ended up putting in some miles at his gym, Gold’s Gym. For the most part, it has better amineties then 24 Hour Fitness, although I think it’s mostly because we went to the largest Gold’s in Austin. While we were there, I did a little bit of arm weights (I have a really weak upper body!) and some core work. He also showed me a few static machines I could do to work on my legs, since I know I need to strength them and push through my hamstring issues.

We also talked about ‘dieting’ related to being/living healthy. Although I felt like I ate bad when I was there in Austin, I weighed myself and am still sitting 3 pounds lighter then I was after the Half. We ate vegetarian/vegan (vegan is pretty new to me still) and I was pretty happy about it, although I didn’t feel good overall on my way back home and now it turns out I have a low-grade cold brewing:(. (Must have been all the fun I had or something!) I did promise my friend (Chris) that although I didn’t believe in the word ‘dieting,’ I was certainly going to be more conscious of what is going into my body this year. Although I eat ‘alright,’ I want to start eating healthier. I want to stay away from the processed foods, eat more veggies and start cooking more, even if it takes time. Damn, it’s just sooo….hard. If I could eat a salad and soup everyday, I would be happy:).

Anyhow, I have done some reading since I have gotten back home about my hamstring ordeal…and I think the best things I can do right now is focus on the correct stretching, lots of rolling and using the Stick (yeah Cassie for the suggestions!), and put the strength training on hold until my leg feels better and I can focus more on my gait. I think I have decided I am going to go in for the 2nd step of gait analysis at Koala since I have the money right now and maybe get a serious massage after that to work out any kinks from hitting the weights again. Things will be looking up soon, I just need to get moving again and I think I will be happy.

The STATS:

3 miles
32.30 total running

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

1/20/06: My First Run Since the Half!

This past week has totally been insane in terms of stress at work and in my personal life, so I haven’t been running much. Nor, have I really WANTED to run, due to my hamstring, (the same dumb right one that has been bothering me the last 2 months or so) as it didn’t even feel human again until Wednesday after lots of stretching, using The Stick, and not walking around a whole lot. Not THE right thing to do, I know, I should have forced myself to at least go walk briskly for a mile or something after race day. (Actually, does window shopping at the mall count?!)

The high from the actual race didn’t last as long as I thought it would, I certainly showed off my medal Monday and told all my co-workers and friends about it, but then Tuesday hit me and I felt so tired and had no enthusiasm for anything...I think I will write this off as just plain fatigue from the actual race. In fact, the whole week after the race was like this…ughhh. I didn’t eat much (I actually lost 3 pounds) and the only days I thought about running were towards the end of the week…it was sooo odd to not be running/training for anything!

So Friday, before I decided to go out of town to Austin (to visit some friends and clear my head), my legs were aching for some running action and the weather was just perfect. I didn’t have enough time to go the Park though so I just went to the dumb gym. My legs were back and ready for business, that’s for sure. I ran 3.5 of the most ‘springy’ miles I think I have ever ran in my life. I wanted to run…forever. Unfortunetely, I needed to get going and I really tried to focus on a correct form, which is more difficult then I ever thought possible (especially working on it by my own). See blog entry below from 1/14/06 for more info about my gait anaylsis). I felt like I made a little progress though, but it will be a long journey, that’s for sure...

The STATS:

3.5 miles
36.30 total running

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

1/15/05: My first ever Half-Marathon-1:58:39!!!!!!!!

A year ago today, I didn't think I could run more then 3 miles as I watched the Houston Marathon by my house in the Galleria area (around mile 18) and was just in complete awe by the runners and walkers.

Today, I 'became' one of those long-distance runners and ran 13.1 miles.

And now I KNOW I can the 26.2 miles next year.

It's an incredible feeling knowing that I have spent the last year of my life living and breathing running and training every chance I got-sacrificing a social life, time to teach music, and setting goals for myself that I never thought were possible...it's so amazing what determination and being inspired by others can do for one stubborn--but hard-working--girl.

The actual race itself seemed so much shorter then two hours to me in the grand scheme of things. Even after getting only 4 hours of sleep this morning, trying to get to DT Houston and be mentally-relaxed wayyyyy before the race seemed to stretch on forever. It felt great to have the support of the other HRB's though as we meet at our little zone. I felt everyone's uneasiness yet excitement about the race. It was soothing to me to know I wasn't alone.

After finding Jen during the pre-race festivites and calming each other's nerves, I parted ways with her and made my way to my start line, hoping to line up to the front as close as possible. I ended up finding Coach Barry and giving him the biggest hug. I was nervous and I could feel my hand shaking as he lead me through the crowd to the front of the pack. As I stood there getting in my last-second stretching, I heard the gun go off--I don't think you are ever TRULY 'prepared' for that start gun. What if your shoe is untied? What if you didn't start your watch in time? What if you realize you forgot your water bottle? I felt the entire front corral jump (how I ended up in THAT corral is beyond me) and that made me realize that this was the real thing-no turning back now-over 8000 Halfers about to do the same thing I was going to do. I wanted to cry right there in front of everyone else.

The first few miles were extremely crowded. In fact, I would say that the first 8-9 miles were more crowded then I personally felt comfortable with. (Sidenote: this just assures to me that I need to race shorter races this off-season with the larger race crowds). I will never forget looking to my right after the first overpass/hill and seeing the beautiful sun rise. It made me feel so...small and insignificant in the grand picture of life. Very humbling.

Although I was getting passed by a few people, I resisted the urge to go with them and held back. Barry told me before the gun went off that I would have to hold back and my time would be much slower then I expected. I clocked in the first mile at 9:50. I felt a little dissapointed but using my pace band that I made a few days ago, I was able to do some quick and easy calculations to figure out what times I needed to do to get back on pace for 2:00 hours.

After merging with the full marathoners at mile 2 and looking for any familar faces to cheer for, it only got more crowded and there were still tons of people weaving through...I got tripped-up twice and it only annoyed the hell out of me so I got as far away from those jack-asses as possible. There were so many 'interesting characters' during the race...people having conversations about their taxes, guys from the hip-hop radio station (the Box 104.9) offering donuts to anyone who would take one: "Here's the last one for you, sexy!" I politely declined.

Mile 2 found me right on pace-9:07. However, my legs still felt asleep. In fact, it would take almost three full miles for my legs to finally feel warmed-up and okay. Good thing it wasn't super cold out (start time tempature was 57 degrees) as I am willing to bet my legs would have felt worst.

Mile 3 was through the barrio it seems: 9:29. I knew I needed a Carbboom and needed it right away. I sucked that thing up so fast I was even licking my fingers, lol. Somehow, and perhaps because of the guy holding up the sign that said: "This way to Treasures [Strip Club]," I was laughing so hard and missed the mile 4 marker.

Based off my watch, I would say that I completed miles 4 and mile 5 at an even 9:00/mile pace. This is right where I needed to be according to my pace band. I was feeling great other then the nasty smells that were floating around near those pretty homes in the Heights. In fact, most of the race found me appalled by the odors in the air: sewage, vomit, cooking bacon, donuts, et....ughh. I fought off nasuea almost the entire race.

Eager to get out of the Heights and into my own zone, I clocked in mile 6 at 8:46. This was definetely too fast but there was a little downhill involved (due to underpasses) and I just let gravity pull me. At this point I saw the sign that said "If you would have run the Cononco Rodeo Run 10k, you would already be done." I had to smile and laugh. Runners have to have a great sense of humor. Half way there...

At mile 7, I took another Carbboom and it helped me get through the Montrose area. Again, the smell of food was killing me. Also, I knew I was approaching the point in which in my long runs I began to feel aches and pains in my right leg. Sure enough, like clockwork, my leg starting acting up. I slowed down to 8:57 for this mile. That's okay, i told myself...I have about a 30 second cushion in which I can save for the last few miles.

Mile 8 stayed consist: 8:58. I don't remember much about this mile-other then I was leaving the Heights to head back towards my part of town and Montrose, where I would be vary familar with the course and somewhat in the homestretch.

At mile 9 I overheard the dumbest thing all morning from a spectator with an LSU banner: (in a disgusted tone of voice) "Man, there are more LSU fans in New York!" I had to laugh at that. With Texas just winning the national championship, there aren't many LSU folks walking around, lol. 9:02...the Carbboom was already wearing off and it was about time to start hitting the electrolytes.

I had to slap a few kids hands and said goodbye and goodluck to the full marathoners. A couple of them were running really steady and great paces and I was bummed that I no longer had them to run with. Mile 10 was rough though. Now that my leg was hurting, I had to really start to focus. "It's just a 5k from here!" I announced to anyone who was listening. I heard a guy with a bright green hat (his name was Matt) announce to a spectator that we were running a 9:00/mile pace. "I'll take it!" We finished that mile under his projected 9:00/mile pace at 9:09.

Matt then took off, partially to shake me off (I think) and partially to get back on track (at this point, according to my pace band, there was NOOOO way he was averaging a 9:00/mile. I let him take off. I didn't need to race anyone else's race, anyhow. However, I did know that I didn't pick up the pace, and slowed down much more, there was no way I would make my goal. I knew I would have to dig deep inside, and at the point, I started feeling really sick to my stomach. Plus, the sun was starting to come up as we back towards downtown. This could be really bad, I thought. I did miss the mile 11 and 12 splits though, probably due to focusing very hard, but I figure I averaged 8:27/mile.

I don't know where I got it from, I don't know. All I could think at mile 12 is that in 10 minutes (possibly) I could be done with the race-was I going to go sub-2:00 hours? I tryed to remain calm and keep my heartrate down. The 'windtunnel' going into downtown sucked soo bad, I wanted to cry. My orange hat almost blew away and I could see everyone struggling to keep their heads up and their pace going.

The neat/not neat thing about mile 13 is that you can see that finish line...the only problem is: it seems closer then it really is. I felt everyone surge foward when they saw it. I looked at my watch and I knew if I tried to sprint now, I would not be able to hold that pace and end up with a weak finish. I was still fighting the hurting right leg, the naseua and now the taxing feeling of fighting to get negative splits to finish the race under 2:00 hours. Comeon!!! I told myself. I was fighting tears again, I wanted so badly to quit and start walking. I was tired and knew I couldn't hold on much longer. I was looking everywhere for Sam as I knew he was already done and he usually cheers me in the last half-mile of a race. I was panicking, I could tell. I didn't think I could finish alone, I needed him...anyone. Anything. 8:30.

The last tenth of a mile went by in a blur, the spectators were deafening and yet I couldn't hear them at the same time. All the other runners around me disappeared as I did my final push, including Matt who I believe I passed at the Mile 13 marker. It was just me and that finish line. I could see the clock and could tell I was going to break 2:00 hours. All I could do was not believe I was literally seconds from finishing.

And in those last 57 seconds, I did it. I DID IT. I couldn't believe it. It seemed like the other runners around me couldn't believe it either-it was so quiet and serene now, except I began hypervenilating. Everyone was asking if I was okay and I knew I was just seconds from bursting into tears or thowing up. I hurt so bad I could barely walk. I just forced myself to follow the other finishers in front of me.

I'm not sure when the reality that I finished under 2:00 hours hit me, but the second I got inside and got some water, I went as far away from everyone as possible, and cried hard for 10 minutes straight. Perhaps it's a less-known fact about me, but I hardly EVER cry and I never cry in public. Today, I didn't care.

After I got all of that out of my system, I stretched for 10 minutes before I hobbled around and met up with the other HRB's and walked to the mile 24 marker to cheer on my fellow running club members (including my Striders/SMARTies) who were finishing the Full. I even got to run-in the last mile with Strider Doug.

After it is all said and done, I got to see more of the HBR's and there were many congrats all-around as it seems almost everyone met their goals. Jon, Doug and I were close to the last people to leave the GRB convention center. They actually had to kick us out. I didn't care though. I savored in the moments as long as I could.

No doubt about it, after today: Houston Marathon 2007-here I come!!!!!!!!!!!

The STATS:
13.1 miles

1:58:39 chip time
1:59:21 clock (gun) time

ave 9:03/mile
81st in the 24-29F age group

Mile1: 9:50
Mile2: 9:07
Mile3: 9:29 (took GU)
Mile4: 9:00 (missed the split)
Mile5: 9:00
Mile6: 8:46
Mile7: 8:57 (took GU)
Mile8: 8:58
Mile9: 9:02
Mile10: 9:09
Mile11: 8:27 (missed the split)
Mile12: 8:27
Mile13: 8:30
Mile13.1: .57

Heart-rate: 185/ave. 198/max.
Weather: 57 degrees at start. Maybe 67 at my finish. low humidity and overcast.

1/13/06: The Marathon Expo!!!!

So this is by far my favorite pre-race festivity (Unfortunetely, I have to miss the HRB and Strider’s pasta parties this year due to going out of town for a day). The energy is always exciting, nervous and supporting all at the same time. (I actually missed some work to hang out at the Expo this year!!) There are always great prices on gear and tons of free samples being passed out. Let’s see, some highlights…

I got a pair of my favorite shoes for $70.00! Usually they cost me $85.00 so that is a steal for me. I also tried some chocolate cherry Carbboom (yummy, tastes just like chocolate syrup!!) and ate every free food thing they were handing out since I had missed lunch. I met the author of Distance Runner, who happens to live in Houston, and hung out briefly with Jon and Edwin. Also saw Coach Steeeeve and his wife Barbara (also a coach of the SMARTie program) and a few other Striders. Everyone looked so professional in real clothes and seemed ready for the Big Day.

The biggest deal to me though was getting a complimentary gait analysis from Koala Centers (they usually cost $70 in-house). I knew I needed to get one done since I KNOW my running form is kind of jacked and all (example-I swing my right arm and leg out)…it was certainly eye-opening. Although OVERALL I have a decent form, there are so many things I do when I run that are the big REASONS WHY my dumb hamstring has been bothering me. I really have my work cut out for me…

I am afraid that if I don’t work on the things I saw during my analysis, I will never rid myself of my hamstring problems. Also, I am afraid that if I don’t rid myself of my hamstring problems, I won’t get any faster and continue to improve as a runner. I can TELL that my hamstring is already holding me back…it just feels tight and because it is tight I don’t get the same push-off as I do with my left leg. Damn, this sucks. I certainly am going to make this a goal to work on during the ‘off season.’ I’m still not sure if I want to go back in for another analysis though, where they will actually prescribe strength training for me (ahh, it’s expensive, but…probably well worth it). I certainly need to do it, though, and coupled with heart-rate based-training, I plan to continue to ready myself for next year’s Marathon! So long away, it seems, lol…

1/11/06: Dumb 24 hour fitness run…

Had to get my mileage for the week…I ended up doing a ‘last minute’ treadmill run to use a recovery as well as break in my new Super Feet inserts as my old ones were destined for the dumpster sometime last week. What a difference they make, especially in my arches (I have really high arches that cause me to overpronate quite a bit). I can tell I still need new shoes but I will have to scope out the expo and see what type of specials they have there…my shoes will make it through the Half, that I am sure of.

Another reason why I am glad I am canceling my gym membership-the people that work there are DUMB (for the most part)! I asked to buy a carb drink the other day and the desk girl didn’t have the key to get into the cooler-come one now! Then the time before that I asked her if she could look up when my membership expired, no she didn’t know how to do that either. *Sigh*, oh well.

To end a positive note, I am eager to start getting more into heart-rate based training using my Polar S210 in 2006. (although I wish I had the cooler RS200!) I have had this watch a year now and I finally want to dive into the advanced features and train using the percentages of my targeted heart rate…I hope to slowly get into this starting next week…I know I should probably buy the heart rate training book that is floating around but I will mostly use Polar’s information to get me started and see where it goes from there. Again, if you have any advice, feel free to email me or leave me a message here!

The STATS:

3 miles
32.30 total running

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

1/10/06: Short Little Jaunt Around Memorial Park…

Tonight was ‘just’ a little 3.5 mile run around the Loop…I kept telling myself to stay mentally and physically relaxed and focus on running an easy and slow 9:30/mile pace…however, that was not what happened. I just couldn’t discipline myself and my mind was all over the place. There were a million people running everywhere and this made me even more anxious. And of course my legs were screaming to ‘let loose.’ (Sidenote though: it was so nice and reassuring to see Sam and Cassie!)

I ended up finishing the 2.9 mile loop (well I ran an even 3 miles) in 25.20-only 2 seconds slower then my fastest 5k. Oops, a little too crazy. I was almost disappointed that I couldn’t make this workout happen. It almost concerns me that I might get carried away with the marathon festivities and be too over-zealous when the race starts up. Again, I don’t want to go out too fast and blow the last few miles like I did in my run from 1/2/06…(went out great for the first 7 miles…slowed down 14 seconds per mile in the last 5 miles).

I guess I could blame myself for not really working on consistency in my long runs…again, I am aiming for 9:10/mile on Sunday and I just don’t feel confident that I can do this for 13.1 miles. In the end, I really just need some time alone (haha-not that I will get that this week with as crazy as things have been at work and with teaching!) to sort out my thoughts and mentally get in the game. If the race was tomorrow, I would fail miserably at this point since I can’t put my game-plan together. I think going out of town will be a good thing for me…away from other runners, the Expo, the internet:).

I hope no one thinks I am throwing the towel in or anything with the race, but I just need to get my act together mentally and be ready to race (smartly) on Sunday…please feel free to email me at stdjma14ATshsu.edu if you have any mental-preperation advice. I won’t be online much past this point until after the race so I can focus on myself…thanks for understanding and encouraging me since this whole journey into racing for me began:).

The STATS:

3.5 miles
32.09 total running

6:23 wp
8:33 mile 1
9:14 mile 2
7:54 mile 3

Heart-rate: 173/ave. 183/max.
Weather: upper 40’s.

1/7/06: 10 Miles with Jon and the SMARTies through River Oaks!

Even though I was running 5 minutes late this morning (I slept really horrible so I was somewhat of a wreck, which only leads me to believe this whole upcoming week maybe supsect on sleep quality…), I got in an very pleasant 10 miles (okay, 9.5 miles, JON!-I told you we should have done that .5 of a loop!) at a very relaxed pace for me. In fact, the only reason why I ever looked at my watch was because I needed to cut the run short and be somewhere by 9am, and sure enough, I made it happen).

The only bummer about the whole run was tiring Jon out on the 2.9 mile Memorial loop (lol-just kidding Jon, my intentions were not to go out sooo fast that early:)) and my dumb right leg bothering me. That same arch was bugging me and then my right hamstring started bugging me. I wonder if the age of my shoes/inserts is part of the problem too. (My shoes will have 345 miles before the Half, and my inserts are almost a year old). Maybe I should shop for new stuff at the Expo (well, not use them though! Just buy them at those awesome expo prices). Hmm.

Overall, a great run and I have two more 3 miles run (one on Tuesday and one on Wednesday) and then lots of pasta (and sleep, hopefully) at the end of the week. I’m ready, that’s all there is left to say. BRING IT!

The STATS:
9.5 miles

1:38:40 total running
ave 10:18/mile

Heart-rate: n/a (couldn’t find it, lol)
Weather: 34 degrees at 6:35am.

1/6/06: One of the Last Gym Runs!

…Because my membership expires at the end of this month! Am I sad? Not really, since I have been running 3-4 times a week, I have never really found a need for the gym (other then the treadmill once a week). Granted, I would like to start using the pool, but I am def. interested in Luke’s Locker Tri program (although I don’t have the money so I don’t know if it’s going to happen this year). I have noticed very quickly how expensive of a sport triathalons are!

Anyhow, a boring 4 miles…noticed an influx of people at the gym since of NYR I guess, lol. I figure if you need a resolution to work out, you probably aren’t going to stick to it…anyhow, I did hurt my right arch a little so hopefully it will not bug me tomorrow on the 10 mile run with Jon and the SMARTies. Still eager about next Sunday, lol like that would change.

The STATS:

4 miles
42:12 total running

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

1/4/06: PIM Run and Hyping Race Week!

Although this run was suppose to be 4 easy miles, I took the opportunity to chat with Coach Steve on the run and get in 4 ‘brisk miles.’ I think we covered the Memorial loop plus almost another mile in about 31.30, or an almost 8:00/mile pace. At the end of the run, Steve looks down at the watch and makes a comment that my running is certainly improving, and adds ‘We covered that at about an 8:00/mile pace.’ I smiled and told him it was no big deal. And it really wasn’t…no soreness afterwards and my legs felt fine.

You can tell everyone (and I mean, everyone) is getting a buzz with the Marathon right around the corner. As we were running, we saw some local elite runners stretching and getting ready to pound out a few miles themselves. And anywhere I seem to drive in town I see runners getting a few miles in before dinner or even before work. It’s almost here! Woohoo! Afterwards (even with college football awaiting us to be watched) we all stuck around and told stories of previous marathons...I'll have to remember for next year to make sure and have my family meet me with food somewhere past mile 15 since apparently lots of marathon runners get hungry during races?

In other related news, I got my confirmation card for the Half, and I am in the back corral (a new thing they are doing this year). I don’t really mind, but I don’t want to go out too fast, but at the same time, get stuck behind any slower runners and walkers. Steve told me to line up in the very front of the corral, which I think will be a first for me because I usually line up anywhere from the 2nd quarter to the halfway from the startline in a race. The closest I have lined up to the front of a race was at the 8.4k back in November, and that has been my best race yet. Maybe it’s a subconscious competitive thing I have? That I don’t want people to pass me at all so I keep my pace up and race faster? Or that just the adrenaline? Not too sure but it’s interesting to meddle over…

All that’s left from here is a ‘short’ 10 mile run with the SMARTies on Saturday morning, and then I plan to do 2 three mile runs next week, for a total mileage of 16 miles. I know that’s all I really need so there is no point in overdoing it or just running to run (and waste the energy I am suppose to saving). Man, I am getting so antsy from cutting down on my mileage! Next Sunday won’t come soon enough!

The STATS:

4 miles (almost)
31.30 total running

Heart-rate: 169 ave. 202 max
Weather: really humid…maybe upper 50’s?

1/2/06: 7 Miles of Bliss, 5 Miles of Pain…

I honestly need to tell myself to stop feeling bad about this run. After all, this is the fastest long distance run (without a pacer) to date. I averaged a ‘toasty’ 9:18/mile overall and during the first 7 miles (where I felt I could have ran even faster) I averaged 9:04/mile! What got me in the last 5 miles were my hamstrings. The right one tightened up to where I knew my gait was thrown off and that affected my pace and right calf as well. Then in the last two miles, my left hammy tightened up due to the right leg freaking out. Kind of scary and I wanted to quit so many times.

However, I pushed through it. Thinking about how you all (my friends/readers) would want me to be successful and finish, even if it wasn’t as strong as I could usually finish. Thinking about my coaches who would want me to not throw away a good run just because of a few bad miles. Thinking about how hard I have worked this past year with my running--setting new goals and PR’s at every race it seems…race day never left my mind, that’s for sure…
Overall, Inspiration and perseverance, it’s amazing what the power of the mind can do…

I don’t know *if* I did something wrong with this run (like, not drink enough water? Not take GU? Overstretch? Understretch?) but it was an awful feeling. All I know is I am toast if I want to finish the half in under 2 hours and this happens again. Maybe I went out too fast and didn’t aim for negative splits? I don’t know. I don’t KNOW! I’m pretty frustrated right now but feeling accomplished that my running is still improving with only 2 weeks til the big day…I suppose I should just be happy for my strength and slight-amount of speed and know I can always improve!

The STATS:
12 miles

1:51:39 total running
ave 9:18/mile

Mile1: 9:13
Mile2: 9:10
Mile3: 9:06
Mile4: 8:48
Mile5: 9:06
Mile6: 9:02
Mile7: 9:03
Mile8: 9:47
Mile9: 9:23
Mile10: 9:25
Mile11: 9:57
Mile12: 9:33

Heart-rate: 170 ave. 182 max
Weather: cool. Lower 60’s.

12/31/05: Last Run of the Year and a Doozy!

Yasso 800's...yum, a personal favorite of mine although I have yet to run for a full marathon yet. Read more about them here and here. I decided that since the rest of the SMARTies would be doing them (albiet much earlier in the day), I would tackle them too. Of course, by the time I got out to run, it was getting warm (ah okay, maybe like 60's, but it's wicked humid too!)

As I did the obligatory warmup, I tried to calculate what my times should be...I want to finish the half in 2 hours flat. So that would be a 4 hour marathon or a 4:00 Yasso, right? Lol, I was confused and still not sure so I fired away and went out wayyyy to fast the first 800-3:37!! Yikes, I pretty much killed the workout there. Or so I thought.

I did a 400m recovery and grabbed some water and went at it again. 4:04. That was more like it. Then I recovered and grabbed water and did it again. 4:10, then 4:06, then 4:05, then to finish it off strong: 3:58. Granted, those 800's should have been in the upper '3's'. But I was pleased that I could stay strong through all 6 Yasso's despite the heat and going out too strong right away.

Overall, a great workout and I was pleased with my efforts. Even after the workout, I felt accomplished and my legs felt bouncy and strong. I could tell I pushed as much as I could, but my legs told me they could have done 4 more 800's. Enough, I told them. Save it for the Big Day, You guys need a 2 week 'easy' vacation now! Coach Steeeve mentioned via email our legs needed to start building gylcerin and that they would feel eager to run harder then we should let them. Resist! Lol, it seems funny reading that email now but it's true-my legs are already feeling withdrawal!

Happy New Year, Ya'll and a nice relaxed 12 mile distance run awaits me in the new year!!!!!

The STATS:
5 miles

4:00 ave Yasso (woohoo, my goal!)
5:13 warmup

800#1-3:37
rec 2:27
800#2-4:04
rec 2:32
800#3-4:10
rec 2:33
800#4-4:06
rec 2:40
800#5-4:05
rec 2:52
800#6-3:58
rec 2:25

Heart-rate: 171 ave, 191 max
Weather: humid!!!!! upper 60's.