5.08 miles- 9:42 pace
6:20 am start- 50 degrees
Thankfully, I've stopped thinking about these as transition runs, and I'm back to just being in maintenance mode during the week. And I'll start adding miles back onto the long runs on the weekend- slowly, but with determination, to get myself ready for half marathons in a couple of months. I'm looking forward to getting back to racing. Changing my stride has been like starting over- I've had to readjust all my goals and give over to the "beginning" again.
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Monday, feb 3- maint run
4.43 miles- 10:02 pace
6:25 am start- 46 degrees
Total slog- really rough run. Some days the run wins- that was today. But I didn't give up without a fight.
6:25 am start- 46 degrees
Total slog- really rough run. Some days the run wins- that was today. But I didn't give up without a fight.
Saturday, Feb 1- long run
5.96 miles- 9:48 pace
8:20 am start- 54 degrees
Today was the big test to see if I could add on miles fast enough to get me to the secondary spring marathon I was considering. If I made it to 7 miles ok today, and felt like I could make it to 10 the following week, then I'd be able to stick to a training plan which would get me to the marathon. Turns out, that's not gonna work. This run was much too hard, and my adjustment is still too active. I firmly believe that getting to 10miles by next week and then pushing beyond would set me up for a serious injury. So, Spring marathon goal is having to be adjusted. Not sure what I'm adjusting it to yet.... but I will figure it out. I will still be able to gain the miles in time for the 2 half marathons I have planned for this spring. Maybe even add a third... who knows. Soon, I'll be to a point where I can add hills back in- which will add another stress to the legs and feet with this new strike point. I already know it's going to be hard and hurt a decent amount, but it will be good to conquer the hills I hate so much.
now, I have to decide what to do with this blog. Sounds silly, but the original purpose was to track my training for my first marathon, and now I'm basically just running the way i used to. not much of a big deal to track. I guess I'll have to decide. In the meantime I'll keep it up when I can.
8:20 am start- 54 degrees
Today was the big test to see if I could add on miles fast enough to get me to the secondary spring marathon I was considering. If I made it to 7 miles ok today, and felt like I could make it to 10 the following week, then I'd be able to stick to a training plan which would get me to the marathon. Turns out, that's not gonna work. This run was much too hard, and my adjustment is still too active. I firmly believe that getting to 10miles by next week and then pushing beyond would set me up for a serious injury. So, Spring marathon goal is having to be adjusted. Not sure what I'm adjusting it to yet.... but I will figure it out. I will still be able to gain the miles in time for the 2 half marathons I have planned for this spring. Maybe even add a third... who knows. Soon, I'll be to a point where I can add hills back in- which will add another stress to the legs and feet with this new strike point. I already know it's going to be hard and hurt a decent amount, but it will be good to conquer the hills I hate so much.
now, I have to decide what to do with this blog. Sounds silly, but the original purpose was to track my training for my first marathon, and now I'm basically just running the way i used to. not much of a big deal to track. I guess I'll have to decide. In the meantime I'll keep it up when I can.
Friday, Jan 31- maint/transition run
4.34 miles- 9:54 pace
6:20 am start- 54 degrees
Feet still a little tired from wednesday's run- the new strike point is putting new demands on them, and the adjustment is slow.
6:20 am start- 54 degrees
Feet still a little tired from wednesday's run- the new strike point is putting new demands on them, and the adjustment is slow.
Wednesday, Jan 29- maint run
4.87 miles- 9:53 pace
6:15 am start
Furthest I've gone yet with the new stride. It was a struggle, but I got thru it and it wasn't as bad as it could have been.
6:15 am start
Furthest I've gone yet with the new stride. It was a struggle, but I got thru it and it wasn't as bad as it could have been.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Monday, Jan 27- maint run- longer miles
4.42 miles- Pace?? timing fail (approx 10)
52 degrees- 6:20 am start
Glad I was able to maintain the mileage from the weekend. It was tough- although I have endurance built up from years of running, the new running style and the level of attention I need to pay to it is exhausting. There is a lot of mental challenge going on these days. It's so hard to not just do things the easy way- and lazy way. The easy way would have been ideal especially after a rough nights sleep. I will admit there were a few steps there where I just fell back into old habits. A few steps and then he guilt set in- I KNEW I wasn't supposed to and it would hurt if I kept it up.... Self guilt- a powerful tool.
52 degrees- 6:20 am start
Glad I was able to maintain the mileage from the weekend. It was tough- although I have endurance built up from years of running, the new running style and the level of attention I need to pay to it is exhausting. There is a lot of mental challenge going on these days. It's so hard to not just do things the easy way- and lazy way. The easy way would have been ideal especially after a rough nights sleep. I will admit there were a few steps there where I just fell back into old habits. A few steps and then he guilt set in- I KNEW I wasn't supposed to and it would hurt if I kept it up.... Self guilt- a powerful tool.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Saturday, Jan 25- transition/ maint run
4.37 miles- 9:52 pace
10am start- 66 degrees
I have to say, as frustrating as the past couple of weeks have been, it's been really lovely to sleep in on a Saturday again. Knowing that the miles won't justify a pre dawn wake up.... well, it has been really nice. It will be sad to lose that again, but for now I'm just enjoying it while I can.
This was a warm run, which was a reminder of why I chose to do a spring marathon initially. Training in the winter is just easier. Cold air is easier to adjust to then hot. Extremes are always more challenging, but I have chosen to live someplace where extreme cold is rare- extreme heat is very common though. So winter training is much easier on the system.
I know I had a lot of deep expansive thoughts during this run- things I knew I wanted to include on this blog, but I didn't get a chance to get it down right away, and now it's gone forever. If I'm really lucky it'll come back when I go back out and hit the road again. It felt really good to approach the old daily mileage point- felt really good.
It was my first run of double days- back to back runs. It went well- the calves are still holding strong. Of course, now that the primary muscles have adjusted to the change, the secondary are taking their chance to object a bit as well. I also rediscovered the blistering of a new method. When I first started running significant miles, I blistered like a M-F-er, and now its happening again. I should have known this was coming, but honestly I totally forgot. Thank god I don't have anyone looking at my feet for anything- 'cause they are NOT cute right now. Fairly shredded actually. a little tape on the next run and some time to adjust and I'll be all good. My feet will never be sexy (although I would argue NO feet are sexy) though.
10am start- 66 degrees
I have to say, as frustrating as the past couple of weeks have been, it's been really lovely to sleep in on a Saturday again. Knowing that the miles won't justify a pre dawn wake up.... well, it has been really nice. It will be sad to lose that again, but for now I'm just enjoying it while I can.
This was a warm run, which was a reminder of why I chose to do a spring marathon initially. Training in the winter is just easier. Cold air is easier to adjust to then hot. Extremes are always more challenging, but I have chosen to live someplace where extreme cold is rare- extreme heat is very common though. So winter training is much easier on the system.
I know I had a lot of deep expansive thoughts during this run- things I knew I wanted to include on this blog, but I didn't get a chance to get it down right away, and now it's gone forever. If I'm really lucky it'll come back when I go back out and hit the road again. It felt really good to approach the old daily mileage point- felt really good.
It was my first run of double days- back to back runs. It went well- the calves are still holding strong. Of course, now that the primary muscles have adjusted to the change, the secondary are taking their chance to object a bit as well. I also rediscovered the blistering of a new method. When I first started running significant miles, I blistered like a M-F-er, and now its happening again. I should have known this was coming, but honestly I totally forgot. Thank god I don't have anyone looking at my feet for anything- 'cause they are NOT cute right now. Fairly shredded actually. a little tape on the next run and some time to adjust and I'll be all good. My feet will never be sexy (although I would argue NO feet are sexy) though.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Friday Jan 24- transition/ maint. run
3.8 miles - 9:58 pace
6:25 start- 52 degrees
First run in a while where my legs didn't feel any worse at the end then they did at the beginning- which led me to add some distance. It felt good to go a little further then I have in 2 weeks. I feel better about the prospect of getting my mileage back up to what it was, soon. I've had to adjust to the notion that my weekly mileage has become something less then what I used to do in a day. Today's run made me feel like I'll be able to build back up to near what I was doing over the next month or so. Thats a relief. I know I may still have days that are set backs- I'm still adjusting to this new method of running- but I now also know that good days are possible and, with my determination, likely.
I officially backed out of the LA marathon the other day. I traded my registration to run the 5k event they have that weekend- the only other distance they offer. It is officially the most expensive 5k I will have ever run in my life.... the problem of the no refund clause in the contract of every race. I have a couple of weeks before I need to decide on the other race I had in my sights. I think I'll give it some time and make sure I'm progressing the way I hope I will before I commit to that. It's disappointing to think the mental image I had of my first (and likely only) marathon will not come to fruition. It'll take a little time to adjust the mental expectation.... But I'm sure I'll get there. I'm a warrior, and I just need to remember that on the tough days.
6:25 start- 52 degrees
First run in a while where my legs didn't feel any worse at the end then they did at the beginning- which led me to add some distance. It felt good to go a little further then I have in 2 weeks. I feel better about the prospect of getting my mileage back up to what it was, soon. I've had to adjust to the notion that my weekly mileage has become something less then what I used to do in a day. Today's run made me feel like I'll be able to build back up to near what I was doing over the next month or so. Thats a relief. I know I may still have days that are set backs- I'm still adjusting to this new method of running- but I now also know that good days are possible and, with my determination, likely.
I officially backed out of the LA marathon the other day. I traded my registration to run the 5k event they have that weekend- the only other distance they offer. It is officially the most expensive 5k I will have ever run in my life.... the problem of the no refund clause in the contract of every race. I have a couple of weeks before I need to decide on the other race I had in my sights. I think I'll give it some time and make sure I'm progressing the way I hope I will before I commit to that. It's disappointing to think the mental image I had of my first (and likely only) marathon will not come to fruition. It'll take a little time to adjust the mental expectation.... But I'm sure I'll get there. I'm a warrior, and I just need to remember that on the tough days.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Wednesday, Jan 22- Transition runs
3.13m- pace?? (watch error) approx 10:00
6:18 start - mid 50s temp
I am getting better at this new strike point, and the new shoes I got are actually the PERFECT addition. They are positioning my foot in a recipe for success, and finding the sweet spot was much easier today. My calves were still tired form the run the other day, so I backed off the additional half mile. Now that I've completed the run, I feel confident I could have got that extra distance and been ok though. Thats a nice feeling. If my legs recover at the same rate they have after the last 2 runs, I'll add the extra half mile back in on the next one. Its good to make progress and to find the happy medium on the new strike point. the first couple of runs I was pushing too far, but I seem to be finding the right point easier now. This opens up the plans for a replacement marathon this spring.
6:18 start - mid 50s temp
I am getting better at this new strike point, and the new shoes I got are actually the PERFECT addition. They are positioning my foot in a recipe for success, and finding the sweet spot was much easier today. My calves were still tired form the run the other day, so I backed off the additional half mile. Now that I've completed the run, I feel confident I could have got that extra distance and been ok though. Thats a nice feeling. If my legs recover at the same rate they have after the last 2 runs, I'll add the extra half mile back in on the next one. Its good to make progress and to find the happy medium on the new strike point. the first couple of runs I was pushing too far, but I seem to be finding the right point easier now. This opens up the plans for a replacement marathon this spring.
Monday, January 20- Transition run
3.63 m- 9:53pace
8:35 start- 53degrees
Because I recovered so quickly from the Saturday run I was eager to push my limits- so I added a half mile to my distance. WE'll see if that was smart or stupid soon enough. I did find a sweet spot with the new strike point and was able to maintain it for the entirety of the run- which is progress I will gladly take. I was also able to hit the gym thanks to having the day off, so I got extra cardio in there as well. it felt good to really wear myself out again- its been a couple of weeks since I was able to leave it all on the floor, and I really appreciated it.
8:35 start- 53degrees
Because I recovered so quickly from the Saturday run I was eager to push my limits- so I added a half mile to my distance. WE'll see if that was smart or stupid soon enough. I did find a sweet spot with the new strike point and was able to maintain it for the entirety of the run- which is progress I will gladly take. I was also able to hit the gym thanks to having the day off, so I got extra cardio in there as well. it felt good to really wear myself out again- its been a couple of weeks since I was able to leave it all on the floor, and I really appreciated it.
Saturday, Jan 18- Transition runs
3.13m- 9:42pace
8am- 58degrees
continuing the transition to a strike point that is further forward on my foot. Its not easy to find the sweet spot of where my foot should strike while taking pressure off the point where I have recurring problems. its a little disheartening to not be able to do the same miles I was doing just a couple of weeks ago. I am determined to make this transition and become an even better runner as a result. It's going to be an uphill climb, and there is not a chance I will be able to complete the LA marathon as originally planned. Thats very disappointing, I won't lie, but with this run I realized there is just too much progress to make in too short a time, and pressuring myself to get there would guarantee that I would be injured again. And take some of the fun out of the event itself. If I'm going to do this full marathon thing I want to be able to really experience it, not just struggle through it and feel like i'm going to die the entire time.
8am- 58degrees
continuing the transition to a strike point that is further forward on my foot. Its not easy to find the sweet spot of where my foot should strike while taking pressure off the point where I have recurring problems. its a little disheartening to not be able to do the same miles I was doing just a couple of weeks ago. I am determined to make this transition and become an even better runner as a result. It's going to be an uphill climb, and there is not a chance I will be able to complete the LA marathon as originally planned. Thats very disappointing, I won't lie, but with this run I realized there is just too much progress to make in too short a time, and pressuring myself to get there would guarantee that I would be injured again. And take some of the fun out of the event itself. If I'm going to do this full marathon thing I want to be able to really experience it, not just struggle through it and feel like i'm going to die the entire time.
Friday, January 17, 2014
WEdnesday, Jan 15- new strike point
3.1 miles- 9:59 pace
6:20 start- 53 degrees
New strike point experiment
Different shoes, and a new point on my foot hitting the ground with each step. I knew this would be a bit rough, and that it might only work for part of the route. It actually went a bit better then I had feared. I had to work on the new strike point in intervals, but that actually helped me find a happy medium in what I was doing, and get a reasonable amount of comfort with it worked up. It was still a TOUGH thing to do. Try thinking about where your big toe is every step you take. After about 10 steps you can't help but stop focusing on it. I had to focus on a point that small for 3 miles worth of distance. It's a big mental challenge. The new strike point is also tough on the leg muscles since I'm asking them to absorb shock in a different way. Doing this will eventually strengthen everything I'm doing while I run, but the transition is tough. The good thing is my foot didn't bother me at all, so I'm doing the right thing.
I'm still considering the possibility/likelihood that I won't be able to get the miles under my belt that I need in preparation for a full marathon in a few short weeks. I'm hopeful I'll be able to pull it out, but I'm already planning a second option a few months later in case I need it. I don't really want to do that, but I also don't want to give up on achieving a full marathon too easily. Ultimately my body will let me know if I can handle it, and I will listen, but I also don't want that negative internal voice to make a decision before it needs to.
6:20 start- 53 degrees
New strike point experiment
Different shoes, and a new point on my foot hitting the ground with each step. I knew this would be a bit rough, and that it might only work for part of the route. It actually went a bit better then I had feared. I had to work on the new strike point in intervals, but that actually helped me find a happy medium in what I was doing, and get a reasonable amount of comfort with it worked up. It was still a TOUGH thing to do. Try thinking about where your big toe is every step you take. After about 10 steps you can't help but stop focusing on it. I had to focus on a point that small for 3 miles worth of distance. It's a big mental challenge. The new strike point is also tough on the leg muscles since I'm asking them to absorb shock in a different way. Doing this will eventually strengthen everything I'm doing while I run, but the transition is tough. The good thing is my foot didn't bother me at all, so I'm doing the right thing.
I'm still considering the possibility/likelihood that I won't be able to get the miles under my belt that I need in preparation for a full marathon in a few short weeks. I'm hopeful I'll be able to pull it out, but I'm already planning a second option a few months later in case I need it. I don't really want to do that, but I also don't want to give up on achieving a full marathon too easily. Ultimately my body will let me know if I can handle it, and I will listen, but I also don't want that negative internal voice to make a decision before it needs to.
Monday, Jan 13- back into it
4.01 miles- 10:15 pace
6:20a start- 48degrees
After being sick for 4-5 days, and having a foot issue thats been ongoing finally looked at, this was my first run back into it. I intended to take it slow and to do what i could to adjust my strike point as directed by my physical therapist to help alleviate the foot issue. I hit my intentions, but it still didn't work as I had hoped. After the run I was coughing like a chain smoker, and my foot was bothering me again.
This has me thinking I might not be able to hit my intended goal of the LA marathon in 8 weeks. If I can't run without foot problems for 4 miles, I might not be able to rehab in time for the full deal. I'm going to keep working towards it and try a couple of other things before i give up, but I have to start considering the possibility this isn't going to work this time....
6:20a start- 48degrees
After being sick for 4-5 days, and having a foot issue thats been ongoing finally looked at, this was my first run back into it. I intended to take it slow and to do what i could to adjust my strike point as directed by my physical therapist to help alleviate the foot issue. I hit my intentions, but it still didn't work as I had hoped. After the run I was coughing like a chain smoker, and my foot was bothering me again.
This has me thinking I might not be able to hit my intended goal of the LA marathon in 8 weeks. If I can't run without foot problems for 4 miles, I might not be able to rehab in time for the full deal. I'm going to keep working towards it and try a couple of other things before i give up, but I have to start considering the possibility this isn't going to work this time....
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Sick, sick, Sicky Sick
I've been down since Wednesday with a cold.
Missing run tally- 3, Missing miles tally- approx 27
This blows.
But. Not much to be done about it, when you can't breathe properly, you're never gonna survive 15 miles, so its better to not push it.
If I rest up, I'll try a short one on Monday and see if I'm ready to get back out there- which I think I will be. Fortunately it's just a cold- nothing major. I'm still able to get myself moving when I need to.
I also was able to take the time to let a friend who is a genius physical therapist analyze the problems I've been having with my foot. He was amazing and figured out the problem - which shockingly was not what I had self diagnosed(sarcasm)- and give me advice and homework.
I pledge to be diligent about my homework starting today. Then when I get back out on Monday I will impart the advice on my stride as well. All told, I should be able to get back into the training plan relatively quickly without taking huge hit on the overall plan. I will have to adjust, and there's still a chance I will have to embrace my plan B race instead of the plan A one, BUT all signs point towards being able to continue on my intended path at this point.
One thing that was confirmed by my genius friend- this marathon will almost certainly be my only one. I'm fine with half marathons, and I actually think I can increase the amount of them I do per year if I want to, but the toll on my body with the longer distances might not work with my bio mechanics. That's fine. I really only wanted to do the one anyway. I don't feel the need to be in pain constantly forever- a few months, fine, no big deal, but there's no need to make it a permanent way of life.
So, I shall heal, and do homework to align myself better, and then get back out there. I know it will hurt sometimes, and that there will be days which involve tears and ice baths and questioning everything. There will also be a day where I accomplish my goal and feel intense pride and it will all be worth it.
Gotta keep striving toward something bigger and better or whats the point to anything? Can't live life avoiding the things that are uncomfortable or scary or you never really live.
Missing run tally- 3, Missing miles tally- approx 27
This blows.
But. Not much to be done about it, when you can't breathe properly, you're never gonna survive 15 miles, so its better to not push it.
If I rest up, I'll try a short one on Monday and see if I'm ready to get back out there- which I think I will be. Fortunately it's just a cold- nothing major. I'm still able to get myself moving when I need to.
I also was able to take the time to let a friend who is a genius physical therapist analyze the problems I've been having with my foot. He was amazing and figured out the problem - which shockingly was not what I had self diagnosed(sarcasm)- and give me advice and homework.
I pledge to be diligent about my homework starting today. Then when I get back out on Monday I will impart the advice on my stride as well. All told, I should be able to get back into the training plan relatively quickly without taking huge hit on the overall plan. I will have to adjust, and there's still a chance I will have to embrace my plan B race instead of the plan A one, BUT all signs point towards being able to continue on my intended path at this point.
One thing that was confirmed by my genius friend- this marathon will almost certainly be my only one. I'm fine with half marathons, and I actually think I can increase the amount of them I do per year if I want to, but the toll on my body with the longer distances might not work with my bio mechanics. That's fine. I really only wanted to do the one anyway. I don't feel the need to be in pain constantly forever- a few months, fine, no big deal, but there's no need to make it a permanent way of life.
So, I shall heal, and do homework to align myself better, and then get back out there. I know it will hurt sometimes, and that there will be days which involve tears and ice baths and questioning everything. There will also be a day where I accomplish my goal and feel intense pride and it will all be worth it.
Gotta keep striving toward something bigger and better or whats the point to anything? Can't live life avoiding the things that are uncomfortable or scary or you never really live.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Saturday Jan 4- FORMAL EVENT- half marathon
13.2 miles (approx)- 10:11 pace (2:13 trt)
7pm start (approx), 55 degrees
New Years Race thru Downtown LA
VERY HILLY course
Last year I did the 5k at this event, but this year I upped it to the half marathon. It's the only event that goes thru Downtown LA at night. I had no idea how hilly downtown LA is. It is. It really, really is. This course was seriously challenging, and not just for me, but for anyone, it's a bitch. I honestly didn't realize what I was in for. Which is probably a good thing.
All told, I did a strong showing. It certainly wasn't a PR for me, but with that course I wouldn't have expected to be able to accomplish that. I was well within my average time range, which I am thrilled with. I chugged thru those hills with much more competence then I would have a few weeks ago. I walked a little bit here and there, but I think that allowed me to conserve some energy, which carried me thru the last few miles of flatter stretches.
This morning I woke up feeling like I as hungover- I call it the Rungover- when you ran so hard the day before you're still feeling crappy and all you want is a couch and some greasy food. My legs are abused, and my lower back was feeling it too. Thankfully I married well, and the Hubs gave me a massage which has helped quite a bit. I plan on sticking to flats the rest of the week, and maybe skipping intervals this week to give my legs some time to heal.
7pm start (approx), 55 degrees
New Years Race thru Downtown LA
VERY HILLY course
Last year I did the 5k at this event, but this year I upped it to the half marathon. It's the only event that goes thru Downtown LA at night. I had no idea how hilly downtown LA is. It is. It really, really is. This course was seriously challenging, and not just for me, but for anyone, it's a bitch. I honestly didn't realize what I was in for. Which is probably a good thing.
All told, I did a strong showing. It certainly wasn't a PR for me, but with that course I wouldn't have expected to be able to accomplish that. I was well within my average time range, which I am thrilled with. I chugged thru those hills with much more competence then I would have a few weeks ago. I walked a little bit here and there, but I think that allowed me to conserve some energy, which carried me thru the last few miles of flatter stretches.
This morning I woke up feeling like I as hungover- I call it the Rungover- when you ran so hard the day before you're still feeling crappy and all you want is a couch and some greasy food. My legs are abused, and my lower back was feeling it too. Thankfully I married well, and the Hubs gave me a massage which has helped quite a bit. I plan on sticking to flats the rest of the week, and maybe skipping intervals this week to give my legs some time to heal.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Thursday, Jan 2- maint run
6.06 miles, 9:40pace
6:20am start, 52 degrees
First run back to work. These longer miles while still functioning all day are going to be a challenge over the next couple of months. This run felt ok, but left me pretty beat up- lots of chafing, and some foot pain. Not sure what happened, but I'm guessing it was posture problems. Soon, the alarm will go off earlier to allow for more wake up time before I'm out the door.
6:20am start, 52 degrees
First run back to work. These longer miles while still functioning all day are going to be a challenge over the next couple of months. This run felt ok, but left me pretty beat up- lots of chafing, and some foot pain. Not sure what happened, but I'm guessing it was posture problems. Soon, the alarm will go off earlier to allow for more wake up time before I'm out the door.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Wed. Jan 1- maint run
7.15 miles, 9:18 pace
10:20am start, 63 degrees
Bringing in the new year running- same way the old one went out. This one felt good and comfortable and quick until the last mile when it started to get pretty warm and I was craving water. If this is an omen for the year to come, I should be just fine.
10:20am start, 63 degrees
Bringing in the new year running- same way the old one went out. This one felt good and comfortable and quick until the last mile when it started to get pretty warm and I was craving water. If this is an omen for the year to come, I should be just fine.
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