2/26/06: 10 Miles at Memorial Park!

So this run would qualify as another ‘late nighter.’ After I told myself I wouldn’t try to run late at the Park anymore, I ended up having a bit of company with other runners and walkers putting in some mileage in too. My legs certainly felt a little fatigued from yesterday’s Rodeo Run, but after a few miles, my legs loosened up and felt great.

Most impressive about this run for me: the fact I ran even splits throughout and that my heart rate was very low and consistent (for a distance run). Although my average pace per mile was slower then my last few distance runs, I still felt good overall . Looking forward to another week of training and some speedwork at the Memorial Park track on Wednesday.

The STATS:

10 miles
1:33 total running

Av 9:18/mile

Mile1: 9:44

Mile2: 9:17

Mile3: 9:24 took GU

Mile4: 9:03

Mile5: 9:11

Mile6: 9:31
Mile7: 8:41
Mile8: 9:34
Mile9: 9:59
Mile10: 9:21

Heart-rate: 173 av/183 max

Weather: cool. Lower 50’s.

2/25/06: The Conoco Philips Rodeo Run 10k!

And a major 4 minute PR for me-WOW! Despite a late and crazy night at the BBQ cookoff (which I only participated in knowing I would feel OK to run in the morning), I ran like a champ. The funny thing is that I actually felt better this morning then I do most race mornings...maybe it could have been the late race start?!

This was a 'wierd' but good race for me-although I didn't see any of my running buddies before the start, I felt very relaxed and focused. And I didn't eat my normal pre-race bagel and PB, but instead had 2 granola bars and some Energy Marathon) so again, I was feeling great. I also carried my own gatorade so there was no need to stop...

As strong as I finished the last 1.22 miles, I know now I am capable of racing a stronger first half of the race. My first 5k split was 27:31 and my second 5k split was 26:41. I think my splits were pretty even and consistent, despite the uphill overpasses with the dumb headwinds. More fun stats (including video) are available here: http://w3.conocophillips.com/RodeoRunResult/IndividualDetail.aspx?rn=4012.

So, what's the bill for the next 10k in two weeks, at the Bayou City Classic 10k? I am willing to bet I can PR again, especially if it doesn't rain and I remember to bring some GU to push me through the rough mile 5...also I will remember to not party the night before on carbs and BBQ, lol. But it's going to be close--I ran a great race today and I will really have to be ready with my 'A Game' if I want to race as strong/smart again.

The STATS:

6.22 miles
54:12.20 total running

Av 8:43/mile!

Mile1: 8:57
Mile2: 8:36
Mile3: 9:00
Mile4: 8:52
Mile5: 9:13
Mile6: 7:59
Mile.22: 1:39

Heart-rate: 184 av/230 max (wow, must have been the BBQ!)
Weather: 100% humidity. Rainy and cool, maybe upper 50's.

2/24/06: 5 Miles before tomorrow's Rodeo Run!

Since I was sooo tired last night, there was no way I was going to be able to get out and get some mileage in, so I got up at 6am to run 5 miles at the gym (last day of my membership) before the race tomorrow. The body felt good and I know I am ready to go...although my mind is swimming with all the personal drama of this week...

I am most certainly NOT a morning runner though. I was grumpy and tired almost the rest of the day at work. ah well! The nicest thing about tomorrow's race-a 9:40 am start time! I am soo going to the BBQ cookoff tonight and sleeping-in in the morning!

The STATS:

5 miles
52:05 total running

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

2/21/06: I’m Back! 9 Miles at Memorial Park!

Sorry for the break in the blogging and running-as mentioned before I had a trade show this past weekend in San Antonio. Yes, I should have brought my shoes. I didn’t think I would have access to a gym though-I was wrong. My room was right across from the fitness center, lol. Also, I had toyed around with the idea of going out to Austin Sunday morning to support my fellow HRB’s and Houston Striders who would be running the Half and 26.2 out there. In the end, no I didn’t make it out, but as crazy as that day unfolded with all the chip issues, I don’t know that I would have wanted to be there anyhow.

Back to the actual running--I did get in a nice 9 mile run as soon as I got a chance and fully recovered from the craziness of SA. Yes, it was at the Park. But, it felt so good to be back ‘home!’ (The last time I was there at the Park was 2/7!) I saw a few of the MPR’s and we chatted about the Rodeo Run that is this upcoming weekend. Yes, I will be running it as I decided I am going to stay in town as originally I was suppose to go to SA (again!) but I need time to myself and nothing says good times then running and hanging out with friends at the Rodeo cookout and at Mardi Gras-Galveston!

The actual run was uneventful, although it was 100% humidity and I was wearing my glasses so it was kind of hard to see at times, lol. I also had really weird side stitches the first 2 miles. I attribute this to me not having ran in 6 DAYS!! Yikes! But again, I felt great soon afterwards and once I took a Gu at mile 4, the last 4 miles of my run felt fantastic and zipped by! I need to have more runs like this—I felt like I could have ran 3 or 4 more miles at this pace!

In other running related news, I have not decided at this time if I will be participating in PIM this Spring. I already see 2 potential conflicts and I just can’t get out of them at this time, meaning I don’t think I have the time to commit to the program this spring, although I will still be doing my track workouts at the Park Wednesday nights. Oh well, life will go on. I plan to make up my mind by Monday of next week. See you guys Saturday if you are at the Rodeo Run. I will be wearing my dumb orange hat. Not too sure about what singlet yet…

The STATS:
9 miles

1:22 total running
Av 9:06/mile!

Mile1: 9:23
Mile2: 9:24
Mile3: 9:15
Mile4: 8:44 took GU
Mile5: 9:15
Mile6: 9:14
Mile7: 8:46 almost done...
Mile8: 9:31 ...but not quite!
Mile9: 8:51

Heart-rate: 182 av/198 max
Weather: 100% humidity. Warm, upper 60’s.

2/15/06: Another ‘quick’ 5 Miles on the Treadmill.

Another 5 at the gym…my body felt great tonight, and I finished up after this run with a 30 minute upper body workout. I haven’t really noticed an ‘improvement’ in my running since I have been hitting the weights relgiously, but I think this is going to be one of those things where in the end, I feel more fit and I will have a stronger CORE…we shall see when it comes to race time.

The STATS:

5 miles
51:05 total running

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

2/14/06: A ‘quick’ 5 Miles on the Treadmill.

After the Striders meeting, I knew I needed to get in some ‘choice’ mileage (my catch word for the week) and there is no better place (late at night anyhow) then the gym. I cleared 5 miles in 50 minutes and 20 seconds. Not a bad run. I was sure tired (mentally and physically) after this run though and my knees were still sore from my concrete run 2 days prior. Tomorrow brings 5 more miles (at the gym), since I will be out of town this weekend at a trade show in San Antonio!

The STATS:

5 miles
50:20 total running

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

NEWS: You Saw it Here First: The Luke’s Locker and Koala Health & Wellness Center Half Marathon!

So at tonight’s Houston Strider’s board meeting (and I believe later announced again during the general meeting), the Houston Strider’s-managed 20K that is normally held the 2nd weekend of October was announced that for 2006-it will officially become a Half Marathon. Luke’s Locker and Koala Health & Wellness Centers will remain corporate sponsors with other sponsorships that are yet to be announced. I am not sure where new information will be released to, but the ‘old’ website address is http://www.houston20k.com/.

My personal thoughts are although this is only adding an additional 1K on to the original race distance, I am willing to bet that this will give this race an even bigger draw across the state. The only difference (at this point) I see other then a slightly different race course (either at the beginning or end of the course), is that the race can no longer be marketed as the ‘2nd Biggest 20k in the United States,’ (based on 2004's satistical information complied by Jon Walk on the overall finishers of the race.) There will still be a two-person relay, with each person running 6.5 miles, which could make for a fun and unique PR (how many of us run a ¼ of a Marathon?)!

The best thing, no more conflicts with the Huntsville Half Marathon and the 20k on the same weekend! The new date-October 29th. Mark your calendars, I’ll be there ready to race and avenge my Half Marathon from January!

2/12/06: 8 Miles Around Briargrove/Tanglewood!

I was determined to recover from last’s week ‘blah factor’ and kick this week into a new high gear. It’s kind of unfortuate that I have to cram my normal 4 days of training into 3 since I will be going to San Antonio Thursday-Sunday, but it is all good.

Anyhow, I knew one of the easiest ways to motivate me into this week was changing my normal LDR route…so rather then run at boring ‘ole Memorial Park, I chose to run in my neighborhood of Briargrove and then around the edge of Tanglewood right as the sun was setting-it was breathtaking, to say the least. The fresh air, the colors of the sky, pretty homes...

Honestly, other then a little bit of traffic on Fountain View and having a hard time finding a water hose to drink out of, this run was totally fun. The weather was just right for a short-sleeve shirt and I knew that I was just going ‘to run’ and not worry about mileage/how fast I was going. I figure I probably averaged about a 10:00/mile anyhow.

The only bad thing about running around this area is lack of asfault surfaces, in other words, just running strictly on concrete. My knees took a pretty bad beating, so this isn’t a run I plan to do more then once a month for a scenery change. Then again, most road races are on concrete and I think I am just spoiled by running on granite all the time. Looking ahead: two other runs this week, although they will probably both be at the gym, ah well.

The STATS:

8 miles
1:20 total running

Heart-rate: 175 ave/199 max
Weather: breezy. Upper 50’s.

2/11/06: An affirmation-3 More Miles on the ‘Mill.

Yup-it’s official, this week’s training official stunk. I just didn’t want to run…I guess I should have got on the good ‘ole bike and test-driven it around Memorial sporting my new helmet. Ah well, I’ll save that for next Sunday when I get back from San Antonio…

It was just 3 miles that went by rather quickly…did I mention Saturday night is a great time to go to the gym too…I think there were 5 people there besides me. And I guarantee I wasn’t the only one that wished they were out somewhere else…I have been religious about doing my arm weights though and it is finally paying off. Too bad my membership finally expires on 2/24…

The STATS:

3 miles
31:05 total running

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

2/10/06: 24 Hour Fitness Blah.

Maybe this whole week is just a non-motivated week. I managed to drag myself to the gym on a Friday evening (of all days to go, Fridays Rock! There is never anyone there). I eeked out 4 miles. I seemed to have a good energy today so I am glad I could leave the treadmill knowing I put in a good 4 miles.

The STATS:
4 miles

41:35 total running

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

2/7/06: Tempo Run (5k pace) at the Park.

Just getting ‘a couple’ of miles in and getting my legs moving in the briskness of this odd Houston winter we are having. I have to admit, my knees are the first part of my body to know when the weather is cold. It’s really strange. (On the flip-side, when it gets warm, my wrists are usually the first to know! Go figure, dumb carpal tunnel syndrome!)

This was my first run in my new shoes that I picked up at the Marathon Expo, so I wonder if that wasn’t part of the reason why I felt sluggish and ‘not with it’ while I was running. Actually, my heart in general wasn’t in this run. I felt slow and cold. I didn’t try to push myself like I normally do on a tempo run. Oh well, I’ll chalk it up to a ‘weird week.’

I saw Strider Carlos stretching after I finished and we talked for a few minutes. He is still trying to decide if he is going to run Boston this April or not. He told me his heart just wasn’t into it and I told him ‘I know what you mean.’ He told me that my body ‘knows’ when it is ready or not to run. Tonight I just ‘had to’ go out and do it. And things will get better. Every time I talk to Carlos, I know they will.

The STATS:
4 miles

35.56 total running
26:14 5k

av 9:13/mile
Mile: 9:42 wu

Mile1: 8:29
Mile2: 8:34
Mile3: 8:17
Mile.1: .49

Heart-rate: 175 ave/199 max
Weather: cold, lower 50’s.

2/5/06: Super Late and Lonely Run at Memorial Park.

No, I didn’t watch the big game (yes, I almost called it dumb). Don’t get me wrong, I love football but I just wasn’t into an excuse to eat junk food, watching potentially-lame commercials and sitting on my duff for 6 million hours. In other words, I went running:). There was NOOOObody at the Park. Noone. I guess everyone was watching TV, oh well.

I really needed the alone time anyhow and I think there were 10 people at the entire park. It was sooo nice. Granted, maybe not safe. But, it was quiet. I had a great pace going and my legs felt fresh and entergetic. Not to mention the weather was killer nice and I just really enjoyed the hour of solitude. All in all, a run that felt like therapy and totally made my weekend complete.

I also got to think about actually RUNNING, something I hardly do when I run (sounds funny, I know). I am wondering what I truly will be able to accomplish with my running this year. My body is already feeling so much stronger and faster then I ever felt last year. Even in the weeks leading up the half-marathon, I didn’t feel this ‘good.’ Yeah, I am worried about my dumb right leg, and my form slightly, but at the same time-I feel like I am in such good shape. I have been eating well and hydrating great. I have also been sleeping like a champ and lifting weights/doing CORE at least 3 times a week. Woohoo for a great start to the year.

I mean, I am already averaging UNDER a 9:30/mile for my long runs. Can it be possible for me to run the Marathon next year in under 4:10? I know it seems so long away, but at the same time, as long as I stay injury-free and continue to train smartly, it’s very possible, right? After all, I never thought I could run the half in under 2:15! Other ‘what ifs’ include finishing sub 55:00 for a 10k and sub 25:00 for a 5k. Those are two events I will be avenging very shortly in March/April. I wonder if I have the time to be ready to run that fast by then…once my ankle is feeling 100% I will certainly be hitting the track workouts again (yes, I miss them already). I also miss seeing you guys, my friends. Soon, I hope...

The STATS:
7 miles

1:04:34 total running
av 9:13/mile

Mile1: 9:38
Mile2: 9:03
Mile3: 8:52
Mile4: 8:57
Mile5: 9:24
Mile6: 9:16
Mile7: 9:22

Heart-rate: 169 ave/178 max (sweet!)
Weather: pretty windy, mid 60’s.

2/4/06: 24 Hour Fitness-3 'Fast' Miles!

So I was going to go the Houston Aero’s game in under 2:00 hours (and not to mention, I had ice-side seats up against the glass!) so I needed to get in 3 quick miles. Sometimes, when ‘the spirit’ moves me, it moves me. I had a great 3 mile jaunt starting at 5.0 MPH on the dumb ‘mill and I sped all the way up to 7.2 MPH. Ohh, I was flying. Lol, not really but my legs felt good and my ankle wasn’t sore. All-all-all, a good workout and although we lost the game, a great game.

The STATS:

3 miles
28:05 total running

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

2/2/06: SMARTie workout at TH Park!

Since I was on the Westside of town on a particularly fabulous Thursday evening, I knew I had no choice but to join the SMARTies in a 7 mile run at Terry Hershey park…I opted for an ‘easy’ 4 miles, since the workout we did accommodated it easily and my legs just didn’t feel up to 7 miles. In particular, my righ Achilles tendon was sore from doing weights at the gym the other day. I’m dumb for doing leg weights anyhow (i honestly don't need them!), and now that I have learned my lesson-no more leg weights!

Anyhow, Coach Steeeve and I chatted for quite a while and I also got to run with Strider Jim and talk about being lactose intolerant and other random diet-kinda things. I also got to talk to Strider John who was going to run the Mardi Gras marathon this upcoming weekend…(sidenote: he finished under 5:00 hours!) All-in-all, a great fun run and the dinner and social hour at Barry’s pizza afterwards was awesome—good beverage, friends and times!

The STATS:

4 miles

34:25 total running

av 8:36/mile

17:34 first 2 miles
17:27 last 2 miles

Heart-rate: 178 av/193 max
Weather: low 60’s, nice breeze, low humidity too.

1/31/06: Stressful Days Call for Fun Speedwork Times!

I won’t even lie-this week has been another stressful week. I have yet to figure out if this year is starting to go down as the most stressful year ever, or maybe I am just not handling the stress well?! Well, whatever the case, I decided, yeah it’s been great to be taking it easy and working on my form and yadda-yadda--making excuses to not push myself, so I knew tonight was going to be THE speedwork night.

I stopped to get a Vegan chocalate chip cookie from the Smoothe King at the tennis center before I ran since I was famished and I needed *something* before I ran and I ended up seeing the group of Memorial Park Regulars hanging out, drinking something called Tilt? Hmmm, they offered me some but I polietly declined since I was about to go run. I did share my cookie with them though and chat for a few minutes. I knew now I had no excuse to back out of doing this workout, especially if they were watching me run, lol.

After a 10 minute warmup, I knew I was going to run strickly for speed and damn the form unless I started hurting or something weird. Of course, today was not a great day to do speedwork-it was so crowded at the Park and I felt like it took me almost 1.5 miles to get in a good pace. Ughh...around mile 1 I was passed by a guy who paced behind me too closely for half a mile, so sure enough, when I saw him at mile 1.5, I threw down past him and dusted him and the girl that was shoulder-to-shoulder with him. I think he thought I was mad at him, but in all-due respect, I was tired of being ‘right’ behind someone so I mainly meant to get away from everyone else and run ‘my own’ pace.

Overall, my legs could tell I haven’t done speedwork in a couple of weeks…so of course, I need to get back to one track workout a week starting next week now that I know my body can handle it. It felt sooo good to run fast, no joke. The sad thing is that I know I could have gone faster, maybe not consistently at 8:05/mile, but more mileage at 8:15/mile. Ah well, something to work on this spring! To ‘only’ be 25 seconds slower then my 5k PR on a granite trail is nothing to feel bad about anyhow…I’m backkkkkkkkkkkkkkk! Next on the agenda, SMARTie run Thursday at Terry Hershey Park. Either 7 miles or 4, I havn’t decided how my legs feel yet.


The STATS:
4 miles
35.43 total running

25:43 5k
ave 8:16/mile

Mile1: 8:30
Mile2: 8:07
Mile3: 8:14
Mile.1: .52

Heart-rate: 184 av/207 max (whoa!)

Weather: lower 60’s, really windy though.