Two Miles

I was injured on my long run this week. My right hip has been hurting off and on since then. I'm not sure if it's because of the distance, because it was on the treadmill (I have slightly different form on the treadmill than outside), or a combination of both. I've been trying to do stretches and sleep right to help my hip. I also decided to do two miles instead of four today, after it started hurting at a half mile.

I ran four times this week! I'm happy about that. I start my new job next week, so it will be hit or miss as to whether or not I can run as usual. Hopefully I can fit it in! I haven't worked for nearly a year, so it will be a big change, that's for sure.

Fourteen weeks until the 25k!

Distance: 2.11 miles
Time: 23:21
Average Pace: 11:01

5k

33:48 was my fastest 5k this year. I broke that today with 33:18! When I ended the workout on the iPod, Tiger Woods, of all people, told me "Congratulations! That was your fastest mile yet!" I ran a mile in 10:01!! I seem to be scared to hit the "Speed +" on the treadmill, because I'm afraid I won't be able to keep that faster pace, and then get discouraged and walk or stop. But maybe on shorter runs I can push myself a little more. How awesome would it be to run a mile in under 10 minutes? That would be great!

Time: 33:18
Distance: 3.12
Average Pace: 10:40/mile

8 Mile

I ran 8 mile(s) today, but strangely enough, I did not see Eminem. Weird. Maybe next week!

I had the option to do my long run yesterday, but wimped out and took a rest day. I should have cross-trained, but just didn't want to. So there.

This morning I woke up and the temperature was in the teens!! The wind chill was in the single digits... it warmed up a little as the day went on, but with a temperature that "feels like" 12F, I'm not interested in running outside! I do have the necessary gear, but I'm new to winter running. Maybe next year I will be that hard core, and go out anyway, but not this year.

Because I didn't do my long run yesterday, I HAD to do it today, so on the treadmill I went. Groan! I broke it up... the first mile was fine, "I can do this seven more times! No problem!" Then I hit 2 miles, "I only have to do that three more times! No problem!" Then I hit 3 miles... "I'll take a walk break at the half way point... Phew!" Four miles came and went... "I can keep going!" Mile 5 felt great! "I'm almost at a 10k!" Mile six hit... "this sucks!" Mile six and a half, "I need to walk. I HAVE to walk! I'm pressing 4mph!!! NO! Run till 7 miles... you can do it! You ran 7 miles last week without stopping - you're not even there yet!" Mile 7 came... "my arms feel limp! I can barely lift my cup of Gatorade! I might pass out!" Mile 7 and a half... "I can't do this. I'll walk the last half mile... I can't run anymore!! HIT STOP! Hey there, wait a minute... how are you going to improve if you take the easy way out? You're almost there! Run the WHOLE 8 miles and then you will be hard core!! HARD CORE!!!" Then I prayed.

I ran the whole thing! Phew! It was rough. The treadmill is so mental... have I mentioned that before? I ran 7 miles outside last week and felt great. I barely had to convince myself to keep going. I keep my mind occupied by looking at houses and yards and cars and people. And also being careful not to trip and fall over a curb or stick. But that treadmill... there's nothing but that blank, off-white wall to stare at, and the same old 15 songs to listen to...

I hope it warms up soon so I can get back out there and maintain my sanity! Apparently, it is also time for Body Glide to return! I think last year, I needed it at the 10-mile mark... but this year, I guess it's 8 miles or more!

Distance: 8.02 miles
Time: 1:28:22
Pace: 11:01
Weight: 150.0 (Yes, I gained! I'm hoping next week, I'm back in the 140's, forever. Well, until I hit the 130's)

Four Miles

Rough run today on the treadmill! I tell ya, it just goes by faster when you're running outside. I am officially using a training program now for the 25k. It's actually a first timer's marathon guide, so I'll stop at 15 weeks in (the training program is for 21 weeks). Then I'll have to modify it a smidge due to the mileage. I think it would have me at 18 mile long runs by the 25k, and I think that's too much. :P But it's a good program, and it helps me to have something to go by. I wouldn't be able to do it on my own, that's for sure!

I am supposed to be running four days a week though. I'm only doing 3 at most. So, next week, I'm aiming for four runs.

Distance: 4.01 miles
Time: 44:07
Average Pace: 10:59/mile

Shouldn't that be an average pace of about 11:02 per mile? I'm no mathemagician. Apparently that 0.01 mile throws everything off.

Seven Miles

I did my long run today of 7 miles. The first mile was pretty rough. Even though Google said it was 32 degrees, it felt a LOT cooler than that. I wasn't sure I dressed warm enough. The first mile was very cold.

I took a different route around the neighborhood this time. I figured it would be too monotonous to do the same 1 mile loop seven times. It was nice to see different areas.

I noticed this last year while training for the half marathon... the first 3-4 miles are always difficult... like I'm fighting with my legs to find my stride. I'm constantly thinking about how my feet are landing, how high I'm lifting my legs, if I'm going fast enough, etc. Then, after 4 miles, it all seems to work itself out. I still checked my pace a few times on my iPod, but it just flowed more naturally at that point. Don't get me wrong, it was still hard, but it felt much better than the first half.

Turns out I was plenty warm enough!

Distance: 7.02 miles
Time: 1:16:24
Average Pace: 10:53/mile
Weight: 149.0

5k

I set my iPod to 5 miles, and stepped on the treadmill. A mile and a half in, I thought I might need to stop. I took a walk break at 2 miles... then the hubby came in at 3 miles tapping his foot and looking at his watch. That helped me decide that I'd had enough! I went to 3.1 miles and stopped.

I don't know what was wrong, but I just wasn't up for a 5 miler today. I'm ok with that! I did 3 days of cross training this week which was great! I went to the gym with a friend from church on Friday. I ended up doing 3 miles there as well (a mile at the beginning and 2 miles at the end). So I did get 3 runs in this week.

Sixteen weeks until the 25k!

Distance: 3.14 miles
Time: 34:48
Average Pace: 11:04

Six Miler

I was all set to run yesterday - planning to do 5 miles on the treadmill... I started laundry before hand, and after taking out the "hang to dry" items, I realized the necessary gear had all been washed in one load, and was all wet! Oops! Better planning next time, huh? Instead, I chose to punish myself on the Bowflex, and my chest and abs hurt today from it. Score! I'm going to try to get another one of those workouts in (along with the plank, wall sit and wall push ups).



Because I missed yesterday, I made up for it today with a six mile run. It is 28 degrees out today, and that extra 5 degrees from the last snowy run really made a difference. I was too hot. I did not wear the tank this time, but it was still too much. I think I'll forego the cotton tights next time, and just wear the running pants.



My friend, Susan, found me an awesome neck warmer that I could use to keep my chin warm! It was great! I couldn't find my fleece head band/ear warmer thingie (that's the technical term). I washed that too, but couldn't find it. I'm sure it will turn up! I instead wore a moisture-wicking hat from The Running Room that my sister got me a couple of years ago. It worked great! So great, that, after 2.5 miles, my head was sweating and I had to take it off. I think the fact that it was so sunny helped too! I felt much better after that (this time the gloves only stayed on about a half a mile). Well, then my ears got too cold... so I used the neck warmer and pulled it over my ears and over my chin, but not over the front of my head. I thought I looked like an idiot, but let's face it, winter running is hardly about looking good.







My pace was a little slower today. I really wish people would shovel their sidewalks. It's very frustrating. I still made my goal pace of under 11:28 though, so I'm happy.

Distance: 6.13 miles
Time: 1:09:41
Average Pace: 11:21/mile
Weight: 150.8

Sunday Run

Running on Sundays is always hit or miss. It always depends on what is going on at church, if we have to stay late, how late I was up on Saturday (ie: if there's a UFC on), etc. I think it's good practice to do a quick run if I'm feeling up to it.

Ran a 5k today. I'm very happy with my pace so far this year and I'm really surprised that I've improved this much. I tend to not push myself (in everything!)... I'm trying this year, to do just that. Seems to be working. I'm thankful!

Distance: 3.11 miles
Time: 34:16
Average Pace: 10:59/mile

The Long Run

The sun was shining today. The snow remains. Last night, I found a great deal on a running jacket (that has wind and water resistance). I got it with my left over Christmas money, and also got a pretty blue fleece WITH thumb holes. The jacket was 75% off, and the fleece was 60% off. Great deals, and exactly what I was looking for.

I ran outside today, doing my "long" run of 5 miles. I always thought those people who ran outside in the winter had a screw loose. Turns out there's something really calm and peaceful about it. I had on a pair of cotton leggings, running pants, a running tank and long sleeved, swirly black running top, WITH thumb holes! And then I had the new fleece and jacket on. I also wore a fleece head band thing for my ears and my lovely Lululemon gloves. I could have done without the tank, I think. I was warm, but not hot. I took my gloves off at about 1.5 miles. The only part of me that stayed cold was my chin! Brr!

I also had a great pace today, which surprised me. There was a lot of snow I had to run through, and it was like running on the beach. You know, except for it being 23 degrees.

Distance: 5.11 Miles
Time: 55:56
Average Pace: 10:56/mile

5k

I did a quick 5k today. And I do mean quick! For me, at least. I have decided to do one 5k a week, as fast as I can. I'll also do a long run once a week (which will be 5 miles this week), and then one or two other runs. Probably a tempo run and a hill or fartlek run. My Nike+ says my fastest 5k was 32:33, so I'd like to beat that this year.

Seventeen weeks until the 25k!

Distance: 3.11 miles
Time: 33:48
Pace: 10:50/mile

First Run of 2010

Yes, it's January 5th, and it's my first run this year. I thought it was best to take my time running again, with this lingering cold/flu/cough. I'm feeling mostly better, despite occasional coughing fits!

I did 4 miles today. I started struggling at 0.5 miles! I wanted very much to walk, or only do 3.1 miles, or maybe only 2 miles. I started to break things down and ask myself questions... "Run for 4 more minutes. Run at least until the 2 mile mark. Now run until 30 minutes. 5 more minutes. You just made it to 3 miles, you can run till 3.5. Now you're almost there, just run 3 more minutes!" I would also ask myself, "Do you want to walk during the 25k because you didn't train hard enough? Did you like having to walk at mile 7 of your half marathon?" " Do you want to stay at this weight, and not push yourself?" My answers were no, so I kept on running. I managed to run the whole way.

Sometimes I get frustrated that, in September, I could run 10-12 miles without stopping, and now I can barely do 4 miles. I know you lose your cardio very easily, but it is sure irritating! What a good reason to not stop running after a race! :)

Things I need to work on: eating closer to the time I run. I last ate 2+ hours before I ran, and felt very weak. I also need to be consistent in taking vitamins! I always feel better when I do!

Distance: 4.01 miles
Time: 44:50
Average Pace: 11:10
Weight: 151.6

My goal is to be 139 pounds by the 25k race on May 8th, and be the thinnest/fittest I've been for a race. I also want to keep my average pace below 11:28, so that I can attempt to run my first marathon in 5 hours.