tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70444173236425346952024-03-21T16:23:48.577-07:00Adventures of SueBobSueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-44335217612811746802012-08-06T10:55:00.001-07:002012-08-06T10:55:39.070-07:00My First MileRemember when you ran your first mile? I do - I was on the treadmill at the YMCA. I ran until the display said 1.00 and then hit the stop button and caught my breath. Well - now I have another mile to remember...my first mile swim! I actually hit it faster than I expected. Last week, I came <em>sooo</em> close (my wednesday swim was only 60 yds shy of the mile mark), but I didn't realize it until I was logging my swim or I wouldn't done two more laps. So, today before I got out of the pool, I checked my lap count to see how close I was to the magic 36 laps...and I had already swam 41 laps! Hmmm, what shall be the next distance goal for the hour long class...I'm not too far off from 2km (44 laps) so that is not much of a stretch, maybe an even 50 laps (2,500 yds)? Why not? <br />
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<strong>Today's workout</strong> - Swim 2050 yds. First mile swim!! SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-52031320204141251612012-08-01T13:58:00.003-07:002012-08-01T14:02:05.792-07:00Not Exactly "Master" SwimmingDon't get me wrong...I am no "Master" swimmer. But, I do know how to swim - I took lessons through the YMCA back in Indiana about 30 yrs ago after all. However, I have never been a part of a swim team/group. Over the past couple years, I have been in the pool maybe twice a month (at the most) as cross-training. <br />
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But then I got some "bucks" to spend at my gym for a referral. Out of the options that they had, for some unknown reason, I decided that three months of Master Swimming would be a good way to spend those "bucks". For two weeks before I actually signed up for the group, I made it the pool twice a week and tried to build up somewhat of a base - you know, so that I could make sure that I could survive trying to swim for a whole hour! <br />
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So, two weeks ago I took the plunge and actually showed up for the group. There were probably about a dozen people there that day. I was by far the worst/slowest swimmer in the group. Somehow, I managed to survive the whole hour - although I wasn't exactly keeping up with the group. There were 3 people in my lane and basically, I would go last and swim around twice. Then I'd wait while they passed me (because they were about to lap me!) and repeat.<br />
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After class, the instructor asked me how I felt about the class and told me it would get easier. But I don't feel too bad about it - I mean, I couldn't even run a mile when I started out, and here I am two marathons later! Today - I ALMOST swam a mile!! I was only 60 yards short! Next week's goal - I will get that mile swim for sure!<br />
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<strong>Today's workout</strong> - Swim 1700 yds. Words of wisdom from the coach: Lift elbows higher on the recovery, I'm a really good kicker (could that have anything to do with the fact that I run?)<br />
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Only two weeks into class and it is already getting a little easier.SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-85360914903786931192012-07-31T08:43:00.000-07:002012-07-31T08:43:09.600-07:00Working on my Fitness (again)I got a little sidelined by a sore hip, and took some time off to recover. It has been harder than expected to pick it back up again after only a couple months off!<br />
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Here is what I am currently up to:</h3>
Master's swimming (will post about this one at a later date)<br />
Training for Ragnar Relay (August 17-18...will be here before I know it!)<br />
Trying to increase my runs to prepare for a fall half marathon<br />
Debating which half marathon that may be???<br />
Generally trying to have fun with random crosstraining (including Zumba!) to help prevent future injuries.<br />
Oh yeah, and...trying to sell our house, having a new house built, going on vacation, working, enjoying my family, you know...life!<br />
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Although it is tough, it feels so good to be "working on my fitness" again!<br />
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<strong>Today's workout</strong> - 4.17 miles on hilly terrain around my neighborhood. I didn't think there were that many hills nearby, but wow was that tough! or maybe it has something to do with the treadmill hill workout I did only a couple days ago? Today was only suppose to be an easy run, but what was I suppose to do? Turn the other way when I came across a hill? I need to be able to kill those hills in a couple weeks at Ragnar!!<br />
<strong>Run:</strong> 4.17mi 45:37 (10:57) hilly<br />
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</h3>SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-88319540432630529932012-02-15T20:07:00.001-08:002012-02-15T20:07:11.897-08:00Where have I been?It's been a long time since I have posted anything here...obviously. But I have been doing some running. I won't drone on about everything that has happened since I last posted, mostly because I don't want to try to remember it all. <br />
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So - current stuff. I am in the midst of a streak. Nothing too exciting, 14 days at less than 3 miles per day. But at least I am running consistently. <br />
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Plans/goals for the year - I'm planning to focus on improving my short distance PRs in the spring. Hopefully, by the fall I will be able to finally make a solid attempt at a sub-2:00 half marathon.SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-79008884329621289832010-06-09T12:40:00.000-07:002010-06-14T08:55:14.966-07:00Grand Old Day "On the Go" 8K Race ReportThis wasn't a goal race for me...I chose it mainly because I wanted to find a race that the kids could do this summer, and they had a 0.25mi kids run (most of the kids runs around here are at least a half mile, which I thought was probably too far for them).<br /><br />So, I hadn't trained specifically for this race, although I have been training for half marathons recently. I had also been feeling under the weather - I had a cough and some congestion the last couple weeks that just won't go away. So, I didn't go into this race with too high of expectations. My A goal was to break through 45:00, but I wasn't counting on that. My real goal was to set a new PR (which I thought I should be able to do reasonably easily based on other recent race times) by going sub 47:00.<br /><br />I ran this race 2 years ago. At the time, it was my first 8K and my first race longer than a 5K. I actually ran it because I was hesitant to go straight to a 10K and I thought it would be a good stepping stone.<br /><br />On race day, the family all got up early and headed out to the races. This was a bit different, as I usually go to my races solo. We were running a little late, so I jogged over to pick up my packet then met the family near the start line as I got prepared. A couple minutes later I had to go get lined up.<br /><br />As we started I realized that I had started too far back - we were going way too slow, but I took advantage of that and made sure I ran close to the area where my family was standing so that I could wave wildly at the kids. Then, it was time to start weaving around a bit. When we got to the mile 1 marker, I realized that I was going way faster than I thought and figured that I would regret it later...oh well, this isn't a goal race anyway. So, I just kept going at what felt like a reasonable pace for 5 miles. I lost some time pushing my way up one of the hills which I remember thinking to myself on the way down the other side - gotta take that time back! At the turn-around I started to feel pretty tired and my side started cramping...weird, that doesn't usually happen. Then I realized that I wasn't breathing as deeply as usual, due to the congestion issues. I forced myself to take some deeper breaths and the cramp went away. Around this time is also when I suddenly decided to care about my finish time. I realized that I was exactly on pace to finish at 45:00 even. The 'back' part of the course was a little tougher than the 'out' part because of the hills, but I was now determined to keep up this pace. I somehow managed to keep it up, but had almost nothing left for sprint into the finish (I guess that is a good thing, right?) I ALMOST hit that 45:00...missed my a whole 3 seconds! But I beat my previous PR by exactly 2 minutes and did much better than I had anticipated, so I am very happy with the result.<br /><br />About 15 minutes after my run it was the kids turn. We went to line up and I put us all the way at the back of the pack because I knew my DD would get freaked out by all the kids around her running all of a sudden (she gets scared of people quite often). We took off all hand-in-hand (too cute, I know) and both of them just kept laughing. As we got going, DD kept running ahead and getting in front of DS then slowing down - she wanted to beat him! We were the last finishers, but of course, no one cared. They both ran the whole distance - no walking at all! I am so proud of them!! I am especially glad that they had fun - they had smiles on their faces the whole way!<br /><b><br />Stats</b><br />Race: Grand Old Day "On the Go"<br />Date: June 6, 2010<br />Distance: 8K<br />Official Time: 45:03<br />Average Pace: 9:04<br />Overall Place: 222/411<br />Place in Age Group: 28/61SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-43534545306806471792010-06-03T12:01:00.000-07:002010-06-03T12:41:55.722-07:00Cheering SectionI went out to the Stillwater Marathon & Half Marathon course with the kids last weekend to cheer for some friends that were pacing the event. The kids were pretty excited about cheering for the runners that morning. In fact, since it was pretty early, I didn't feed them breakfast before we left, but instead stopped in Stillwater to grab something to take and eat 'picnic-style' while cheering. When we pulled into the Starbucks (is there not a 'Happy Meal' in Stillwater, people?) the kids got upset because there weren't any runners. Then, when we pulled up to park they saw a playground and DD said "no play, cheer runners". How cute!<br /><br />So, found a good spot right around the corner from the water stop around mile 12 and laid out our blanket. The kids and I ate our breakfast while cheering "Go Runners!" and playing with our noise-makers etc. <span style="font-style: italic;">**I would like to officially apologize to anyone who ran Stillwater and took a walk break after the mile 12ish water stop...for the little girl who was pointing out everyone walking and saying in that loud 3 year old voice "People not running!"**</span> Anyway, they made it about 30-45 minutes before the playground lured away from the runners. After playing a while, we headed over the finish line to cheer in some runners and hang out with some running friends.<br /><br />It turned out to be a tough day to run a marathon - besides the Stillwater hills, the runners had to contend with some hot weather and lack of shade along the course. Congrats to everyone out there who finished!<br /><br />This weekend I get to both run and cheer! The family is going to the Grand Old Day races. I am doing the 8K again (I ran it a couple years ago) and the kids are signed up for the quarter mile race. It is technically their second race since they did the 50yd toddler trot at the Twin Cities Marathon last year, but it is their longest race ever! Hopefully they have fun!!SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-49515526203961127882010-05-28T06:23:00.000-07:002010-05-28T07:01:07.862-07:00First VFF RunI made it out for my first run in the new shoes...a very short run. Everything that I have read about barefoot running (which this is as close as I plan to get to actual barefoot) says that you should start with really short distances and increase very slowly because it uses different muscles than regular running. So, I did my regular run this morning and finished it off with a quick run around the block in my VFFs...total VFF distance = 0.30 mi, whoo-hooo! <br /><br />Honestly, it didn't feel as weird as I expected. I thought that since the foot strike is different and there is no cushioning that I would struggle to make it feel comfortable. But, I guess my body just automatically adjusted for all that because I just fell into a pretty natural feeling stride. One thing I noticed was that I felt a little bouncy at first. I'm not sure why that was, but it got better by the end of the run. Also, I could feel the difference in my calves. <br /><br />So far, so good. <br /><br />I have been wearing them around when I can, and they really do make my foot feel better. I wore some reasonably comfortable shoes to work yesterday and my heel was bothering me all day (not painful, just bothersome). I changed into the VFF when I went out to be chauffeur to my 3yr DS in the evening and my heel actually felt better when I got home! I still have high hopes for this experiment working...SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-46187474820953081022010-05-24T10:50:00.000-07:002010-05-24T11:03:55.095-07:00Toughest run in a long time :(I can't pinpoint an exact cause...because there were so many contributing factors. Luckily there wasn't any sun (early AM) but the temp was already 74* and the humidity was 73% when I left the house. My legs were tired from all the biking I did last week (instead of running). I stupidly ate at the casino buffet the night before. It was my first time this year actually carrying water on my fuel belt. I chose a hilly route. Breathing still not back to normal after a brief cold early last week.<br /><br />I could tell it wasn't going to be pretty as soon as the run started. But, I decided that I was going to make my way around Medicine Lake even if I had to walk half of it. Since I knew it was going to be tough, I decided to allow myself to rest now and then - that ended up happening once a mile!! <br /><br />My legs are still tired today. I ran 2 recovery miles and hopped on the bike for a couple miles. Hopefully they are feeling better for my 5 miler tomorrow.SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-78451734156860422282010-05-20T08:08:00.000-07:002010-05-20T09:19:21.267-07:00Make it Dramatic!Someone I respect recently made a comment that has stuck with me...If you want to make a big change, you have to Make it Dramatic! ie - If you only want to make a small change, you can just make a small change and can achieve the goal. BUT if you want to make a big change, then you have to rethink your methods and make a dramatic change.<br /><br />Since the end of 2009, I have been plagued on and off with Plantar Fasciitis. I have been to a podiatrist - the first time she sold me some orthotics to put in my work shoes and told me to wear my running shoes whenever possible. I wore the dress orthotics, and wore the running shoes whenever my feet were sore. However, I also read "Born to Run" and researched online to try to figure out a way to 'fix' whatever is wrong and causing the pain. I went back to the Podiatrist this week and tried to discuss possible solutions to the problem that didn't include more orthotics, but she said that they typically don't use physical therapy etc unless the orthotics don't work. If I continue to have problems after I get the $500 custom orthotics (my insurance may cover these, I haven't even checked) then we could consider putting me on a treadmill with a video camera and looking for any imbalances etc.<br /><br />That was not the answer that I was looking for. I would like to try to go the route of strengthening my feet and possibly transitioning to a more midfoot strike (I am currently a solid heal striker). So...I decided to go the complete opposite of her advise and bought these yesterday:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeh1OfxZ2p0PE_0hSRbGzRt3MX4530QBV1kDHX3IR0T2YY0mFYWS2v_3za0qME5cqH4VVEX5WF-u8i70wUOcoKuABRBBrVdWeyLFVP9RgcXL_LyKJoHjYj4lKSv_lx1Sm2xfOnqXQNFo/s1600/vibram.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbeh1OfxZ2p0PE_0hSRbGzRt3MX4530QBV1kDHX3IR0T2YY0mFYWS2v_3za0qME5cqH4VVEX5WF-u8i70wUOcoKuABRBBrVdWeyLFVP9RgcXL_LyKJoHjYj4lKSv_lx1Sm2xfOnqXQNFo/s200/vibram.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473385906651640738" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cute, huh? Yeah, you're right - they are pretty funny looking. I plan to slowly integrate these into my training. Heal striking in these babies would HURT (absolutely no cushion). I am hoping that they will both help strengthen my feet and get me to feel comfortable with shorter strides and faster turnover.<br /><br />How's that for Dramatic?? <br /><br />I haven't run in them yet - I am hoping to try them out for a short portion of my run tomorrow morning. I did wear them around for a couple hours last night though and they actually feel pretty good. I will keep you updated on how the grand experiment goes...SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-71133359855379132142010-05-12T08:22:00.000-07:002010-05-12T08:24:10.126-07:00I'm back...First of all…yes – I am still alive.And yes – I am still running.<br /><br />So, what has been happening since January?? Wow, has it really been since January?? I basically have been running and trying to keep my mileage respectable. I ran two races: MDRA Fred Kurz 10 mile, and the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon. I will try to put up a quick race report on both of those later on…we will see.<br /><br />In general, I am still focused on my goals for 2010. Wanna hear my progress?<br /><br />1) A faster half marathon – Well, I did set a new PR at Lake Minnetonka by over 4 minutes. But I still have a ways to go.<br /><br />2) 1000 miles for the year – I am a little behind pace, but am just now ramping up my miles for the summer. I am still confident that I can accomplish this one.<br /><br />3) Plus some volunteer/cheering thrown in – Haven’t done any yet – thinking of maybe volunteering for Twin Cities again. It will be easier for me to get out to cheer as the weather improves and I can take the kids.SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-15793330241064812302010-01-18T06:45:00.000-08:002010-01-18T07:07:37.628-08:00A Bad & A Good RunI was so excited to get outside yesterday. Then some stuff came up and I wasn't able to run until pretty late, so I hit the treadmill at the gym. I felt fine all day before the run...but as soon as I started running my stomach started churning. I ended up making a total of 1.5 miles (with a break) and gave up. Such a disappointing run.<br /><br />Then this morning, I wasted too much time deciding if I felt better or not and didn't have time to go to the gym. So, I headed outside to get in a couple miles (I had about a half hour before I needed to get in the shower for work). It felt great to be outside!! It was slow going, because it was too dark to be able to tell where any ice patches were. I only got in a little shy of 3 miles - but it was so nice to be outside for a change!! The weather even felt pretty nice - the right clothes sure do make a difference.SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-38600354604685877032010-01-16T18:08:00.000-08:002010-01-16T18:23:16.930-08:00Yippee - New Shoes!I got FOUR new pairs of shoes today!! One of which was a new pair of running shoes. I got some Brooks Glycerin 8s. I have never worn Brooks before, but they felt pretty good at the store. I can't wait to try them out on the treadmill on Monday. I'm not taking them outside until I am sure I like them - they were pretty spendy!SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-64825454010115743402010-01-15T06:21:00.000-08:002010-01-15T07:39:36.261-08:00Upping the Mileage (a Haiku)It is a new year.<br />The holidays are over.<br />Upping the mileage.<br /><br />I have a couple races on my calendar. No more excuses to be a slacker.<br /><br />Last week I had my first 20 mile week since before Thanksgiving. <br /><br />It felt good to actually get in some decent runs. Unfortunately, they were all on the treadmill. Yeah, yeah, I know just a couple posts ago I was talking about being all "hardcore" and running in the coldness of Minnesota...but then it got REALLY COLD! I mean temps (not even talking windchills here) in the subzeros/subteens. The average temp for the first couple weeks of the year here was a big goose egg - yep 0*!! Plus, I have been fighting off a cold (just adding to the excuses here...) and didn't want to help it along. <br /><br />This Sunday the forecast is a high of 33 & low of 16. That sounds more doable! I've got 8-9 miles on the schedule - the last time I did a run that long was also before Thanksgiving. I feel like my running has a purpose again...not only to not lose too much fitness. It has even motivated me to start watching my diet again too (that went out the window over the holidays) so that I can run better/further/faster. I think all the junk I was eating was making me feel sluggish.SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-85090014958709529882010-01-04T10:46:00.000-08:002010-01-04T11:10:26.546-08:002010 GoalsI laid out a whole list of PR goals for almost every distance that I have run - pretty much like last year. I even posted it on this blog...right over there -> to the right. Then I looked at it and wondered if that was really what I wanted to do this year. What were REALLY my 2010 goals? <br /><br />In 2009, although I had some fun breaking PRs and meeting almost all of the goals that I had set out for the year, my MAIN goal had been to run the marathon. That is where most of my focus had been. I ran some of the other races just to make the PR, I wasn't actually training for them specifically.<br /><br />So, I decided to get rid of most of my goals and set just a few goals that I will have to work hard to achieve...if I accomplish those, then I bet some new PRs will just automatically come in other distance races. With that said, here are my 2010 Goals:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Run a Half Marathon in 2 hours</span> - When I finished my marathon, I decided that I would not run another one until I got faster...because 5 hours is a <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">long</span> time to run. My arbitrarily assigned "faster" is a HM under (or damn close to) 2 hours. My hopes are that I can do this during 2010 and roll that into training for my second marathon in 2011. In 2010, I plan to focus my racing efforts on Half Marathons...starting with the Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon on May 2 (I have at least 4 months in a row of HMs picked out, but am not committing to them until I see how I feel coming up to and finishing my first of the year).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">One Thousand Miles</span> - <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Does it look fancier if I spell it out?</span></span> <span style="font-size:100%;">This was a goal for 2009 that I didn't meet. I was on track up until the marathon, but ended up cutting my miles by more than I had thought afterward. I ended up short with 867.1</span> miles...although this was my highest mileage year so far, so I plan to build on that and actually hit the 1,000 mile mark for 2010.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Volunteer or Cheer for at least 3 events</span> - I feel like I have been a volunteer slacker. There are so many people that volunteer for the events that I run and I just haven't given back much. <br /><br />There you have it. My 2010 goals. All three of them. I hope that narrowing my focus will end up being a positive. And to you, a belated...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">Happy New Year!!</span><br /></div>SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-31386696924014365442009-12-22T11:24:00.000-08:002009-12-22T11:43:31.148-08:00I feel so Hardcore...I have actually been doing some of my runs outside this winter! I got a pair of winter running pants for my birthday...Love Them:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/305/product_image/thm/t150_54ab29129aa20ca8974e7d93dc3690e6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/305/product_image/thm/t150_54ab29129aa20ca8974e7d93dc3690e6.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>They are nice and warm, although I have worn a pair of tight shorts under them for the last couple runs. For some reason, my booty/thighs were getting a little too cold still. This is my first winter actually venturing outside - I even ran in the fresh snow this morning!<br /><br />Now, let me add a disclaimer here - not all of my runs have been outside. Most of my runs (during the week) are still on the treadmill because I really don't like running in the dark and I have a job to get to. But the last couple weekends - since I got the new pants - I have made it outside. <br /><br />Let me tell you - running in the snow is no easy feat! Snow and slush move around too much under the feet. My outdoor pace has really sucked, but I am not concerned about that, I know that I am getting a good workout because I can feel it. I think that this will actually be good for my knees & ankles since they have to work harder to keep me stabilized.<br /><br />Also - I was just looking at my mileage for 2009 (which isn't going to hit my 1000 mile goal) and I realized that I had at least one run EVERY week this year! I know that may sound like a small achievement for some of you, but I thought that was pretty cool. Next year...I'm gonna get that 1000 mile year!!SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-20936785653969930752009-12-18T09:37:00.000-08:002009-12-18T09:46:25.088-08:00Valparaiso Turkey Trot 10K Race ReportThis report is a bit late (ok, it has been almost a month), but I wanted to at least have something to look back at in the future to remember this race.<span style=""> </span>(I recently read through some of my previous race reports, and it was kinda fun remembering them and realizing just how far I have come).<br /><o:p></o:p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, this was my first Turkey Trot…and my first race out of town (was in Indiana visiting the family).<span style=""> </span>The weather was not very cooperative - it was a chilly 35* with flurries at the start with the snow turning to rain by the finish.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This was only my second ever 10K, and my first one was well over a year ago.<span style=""> </span>I have seen many PRs fall since then, and my 10K pace was out of wack compared to my PR times for other race distances, so I was pretty confident that I would be able to get a PR in this race (previous PR was 1:05:19).<span style=""> </span>But my sights were set higher…I was hoping to finish in under an hour.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had no idea what the course was like.<span style=""> </span>This is not my neighborhood, I have never run anywhere even close to the area, or even remember ever driving in the area (although it is actually only a 20-30 minute drive from the house where I lived the first 18 years of my life).<span style=""> </span>When we got there, my family saw the course map and commented on how hilly it was - umm, really?<span style=""> </span>Well, I am still hoping for under an hour, we will see how it goes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This was the first race that my parents were able to see me run - when you live a couple states away, it is pretty hard to turn up for these things.<span style=""> </span>Also, my DP and our kids and DP's sister were there.<span style=""> </span>I told them to come out in about 50 minutes to see me come into the finish - assuming the weather was still okay.<span style=""> </span>To be honest, it was a little strange having them all there.<span style=""> </span>I go to most of my races alone since they are usually so early in the morning.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The race start was a bit of a mess. <span style=""> </span>There was both a 5K and the 10K and no one seemed to know which would start first.<span style=""> </span>Originally, there were race officials telling everyone to get in the chute if you are running the 5K…but then they were saying that the 10K was starting first…Huh??<span style=""> </span>They didn't have any microphone/bullhorn/whatever they typically use to be heard at races, so it was kinda going on word-of-mouth anyway.<span style=""> </span>Finally, shortly before the race was about to start I asked some people in the chute what race they were doing and they said 10K, so I figured I'd go ahead and jump in.<span style=""> </span>Luckily, they were right.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Almost as soon as we got going my left foot got wet…AHHH!<span style=""> </span>I didn't think I could run 6 miles with my toes freezing like they were for that first half mile or so.<span style=""> </span>Thankfully, they warmed up and didn't cause any issues after that.<span style=""> </span>The first 2 miles were pretty smooth sailing.<span style=""> </span>I was cruising at about a 9:20 pace.<span style=""> </span>Then I hit mile 3 and with it all those hills that my family had warned me about.<span style=""> </span>Miles 3-4 were a bit of a struggle, but I just kept pushing myself.<span style=""> </span>I kept reminding myself that it was suppose to feel like I was pushing the pace just a little bit (this was a race after all).<span style=""> </span>My pace slowed down considerably during these couple miles.<span style=""> </span>Mile 5 wasn't bad, I got to rest a bit from all those hills but continued to push consistently.<span style=""> </span>Then came mile 6.<span style=""> </span>Mile 6 was not fun, not fun at all.<span style=""> </span>We turned onto a bigger road which was wider and completely open to the wind, which seemed to have picked up since the start. <span style=""> </span>We were running straight into the wind and up a long gradual hill…then it started raining!<span style=""> </span>I am talking about ice cold rain coming down pretty good (remember, it was just snowing an hour ago, so this stuff was cold).<span style=""> </span>My biggest motivation at this point was to get to the finish line so that I could get out of the weather!<span style=""> </span>Finally, I could hear the crowd at the finish line…then we turned a corner and headed into the parking lot…time for me give it anything that I have left!<span style=""> </span>Unbelievably, the family was actually out in this weather to cheer me in - I waved to them as I passed and heard my daughter to cheering for me "Run Mama" how cute!<span style=""> </span>As I crossed the finish line I knew that I had made my goal and it made that last mile worthwhile.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b>Stats</b><br />Race: Valparaiso Turkey Trot<br />Date: Nov 26, 2009<br />Distance: 10K<br />Official Time: 59:04<br />Average Pace: 9:31<br />Overall Place: 271/465<br />Place in Age Group: 17/42<o:p></o:p></p>SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-44769539333790106272009-10-07T08:51:00.000-07:002009-10-08T06:54:49.279-07:00Twin Cities Marathon - Race Report<div>Two years ago I watched some finishing footage of the Twin Cities Marathon...and for the first time, I thought "I <span style="font-style: italic;">can</span> do that...I <span style="font-style: italic;">want</span> to do that...I <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> do that one day" On Sunday, that day finally came.<br /><br />My strategy was to start out slow. No, I mean <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span> slow. Even slower than I had done my long runs. Why? Because I was afraid of going out to fast and ending with a crash & burn. I had spoken to the pacers at the Expo on Saturday and was told that they were all running even splits.<span style="font-style: italic;"> (silly me, I assumed that meant that they would be <span style="font-weight: bold;">running </span>even splits...but more on that later)</span> So, I decided to join the 5 hr pace group to get me started. If I felt good at the halfway point, I could bank some time along Minnehaha and the west side of the river before hitting the hard stuff on the east side and up Summit. <span style="font-style: italic;">(that was the plan anyway)</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>I spent the week before the race obsessing about what I was eating and how my legs were feeling. On Friday I finally felt like my legs were fresh and ready to go. We went to the Expo on Saturday where I got a handful of free samples and new pair of sunglasses that made me look fast (too bad it doesn't really work that way). I would have loved to look around more and maybe do some shopping since there seemed to be some good deals on clothes, but I didn't want to tire out my legs. We had lunch at Cossettas and dinner at Olive Garden - at both meals we could hear nearby tables talking about the upcoming race...and the OG is in the suburbs!<br /><br />I actually got decent sleep the night before the race, although I woke up every hour from about 1 AM on...which turned out to be a good thing, since I mistakenly set the alarm clock for 4:40 PM!! So, a little after 5:00 I got out of bed/showered/dressed/gathered all my running crap/and headed out to downtown Minneapolis.<br /><br />I parked a couple blocks from the Dome and as I walking found a $20 bill on the sidewalk - sign of good things to come? Let's hope. I got there, hit the bathrooms, and found my MN Running Wild team to hang out with before the start. It was great having them there, I am sure without them the nerves would have gotten to me.<br /><br />Once in the corral I found the 5hr pace group and lined up just behind the balloons. I found another runner from the RW forums (well, he found me actually - thanks to my crazy striped arm warmers). Shortly after the race started we began to move toward the start line. I just made sure not to lose the balloons. Apparently it took 6 minutes to cross the start, although at the time I would not have guessed it.<br /><br />It seemed like we were going awfully fast during the first mile, but for some reason I didn't believe my Garmin when it said we were close to a 10:00 mile (I thought we would be around 11:30). In hindsight, I should have believed both the Garmin and my body telling me that this <span style="color:#000000;">was not the slow pace that I had planned. We finished out the first mile with an average pace of 10:06 and</span> suddenly the pacer told everyone to move to the side and started walking!! OH, I get it now! They are doing a run/walk...that makes sense now. BUT, I don't want to do a run/walk...just a slow run. So, I continued to run ahead of the group and forced my speed to a slower pace. It is so hard to slow down when you have already gotten into a bit of a groove at a higher speed. </div><div> </div><br /><div>For the next 10 miles I managed to keep the pace between 10:30 - 11:00, and slowed down just a little more between there and mile 15 where I found my family. The trip there was great. The spectators and voluteers were amazing - better than any race I have ever been in (of course, this was the biggest race I have ever run). Running around the lakes was cool, since I have done that so many times in training. I ended up abandoning my vest at Lake of the Isles because it was getting too warm. (so, now I need to buy a new vest). Anyway, just after the 15 mile waterstop I finally saw my family...the kids had signs that said "Run" and "Mama" and apparently had been practicing cheering. It was all so sweet I wanted to stick around for a while longer, but had to move on. Unfortunately, as soon as I started running again my knee locked up on me. I could barely move it. I walked a little ways, stopped and stretched it out, tried to run a bit, stretched some more, more walking, built back up to a run, and finally about a half mile later it was moving normally again. I was so relieved - I thought for a moment there that I was going to have to drop out! But once it stopped hurting, it didn't start again.<br /><br />I was able to hold a decent pace until I hit mile 21...at which point my pace started steadily dropping and I started walking more and more. I knew I was starting to struggle, and still had a few miles ahead of me, so I started walking the uphills to conserve my energy for the downhills & flats. I mean, I was practically running up the hills at a walking pace at this point anyway! This last 4 miles were harder than I had anticipated - but in a different way. I was at a point where I wasn't really feeling any pain, it was just difficult to make my legs keep moving - but I knew they wouldn't stop until I crossed that finish line. <br /><br />Finally, I saw the Cathedral. I decided to continue walking to the top of the hill so that I could run it in from there. As I passed under the huge American flag across the road I saw my family cheering from the sidelines. <br /><br />I did it, I did it! But really, crossing the finish line was somewhat anti-climatic. The sense of accomplishment was tied more to all the training that I had done, that I had actually stuck with the program, I didn't slack off, I pushed through the long runs, and just as the final leg of a long journey...I ran 26.2 miles. Don't get me wrong, it was a blast - one of the most exciting and difficult things that I have done - but it was just a piece of the overall marathon journey.<br /><br />I have already started to think about what I will do differently for my next marathon (which I am thinking will probably be in 2011): 1) more than one 20 miler 2) slower long runs - for more time on my feet 3) more hill work 4) get faster - 5 hrs is a long time to be running 5) plan for a place to meet the family after the race (my cell phone wasn't getting a signal so I had to wander around looking for them).<br /><br />For now though - I am planning to focus on more crosstraining (swimming & yoga?) and get some speedwork back into my week - I actually miss doing intervals! Oh, and I still want to try for a new PR in the 10K ...it is the only distance that I haven't PRed this year (I haven't run one in 2009).<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>Stats</span><br />Race: Twin Cities Marathon<br />Date: Oct 4, 2009<br />Distance: Marathon<br />Official Time: 5:04:35<br />Average Pace: 11:38<br />Overall Place: 7311/8432<br />Place in Age Group: 521/629 </div>SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-83428403892361004072009-09-21T06:59:00.000-07:002009-09-21T07:11:24.714-07:00City of Lakes 25K Race ReportThis race was a little rough, but in a way I am kinda glad. I learned a couple lessons (that I SHOULD have already known).<br /><br />1) Diet the night before the race really does matter (and Japanese steakhouse is a poor choice for me). I woke up Sunday morning feeling a little sick to my stomach, I think dinner was just a little too greasy (but I LOVE Japanese steakhouse!)<br /><br />2) If you think you are starting too fast, you probably ARE! Yes, I made this rookie mistake. I was planning on taking it easy and going for anywhere in the range of 10:30-11:00 pace. So, during the first mile when I checked the Garmin and saw that I was at 10:15 what did I do? Yep...I kept up that pace for the next 5 miles!! I guess I figured that my last HM back in May was at 10:30, and I have been working hard since then so maybe I would be ok? Well, anyway after the first 10K my pace started to steadily decline until I was close to 12:00 miles. I was able to kick it up at the end and finished the last .7 mile (per the Garmin) at around 10:30.<br /><br />So, I am thinking maybe I will start with a pace group for the marathon...just to make sure I don't do this again. If I start with the 5 hour group, that should keep me slow enough early on and I can speed up later on if I feel comfortable...I am thinking Nokomis to the Franklin bridge would be a good area to bank some time if I am feeling strong.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stats</span><br />Race: City of Lakes<br />Date: Sept 13, 2009<br />Distance: 25K<br />Official Time: 2:25:36<br />Average Pace: 11:06<br />Overall Place: 289/324 (women only)<br />Place in Age Group: 32/41SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-80192138545750442292009-08-31T08:20:00.000-07:002009-08-31T09:03:41.673-07:00A View of the FinishThis weekend I went out with some fellow runners that I hooked up with on the Runner's World forums. I had my first (and only scheduled) 20 miler ahead of me. The group was meeting up at the St Paul Cathedral and carpooling over to Lake Calhoun to run the last 20 miles of the Twin Cities Marathon route. Since I am no where close to most of their speeds, me and one other runner decided to meet up at Lake Calhoun about an hour earlier and get a head start on the group.<br /><br />We started out together until we made it to Lake Harriet, where I stopped off for a minute. We ended up meeting back up around Lake Nokomis and ran together until past Minnehaha Park. Unfortunately, around Nokomis we missed the turn to get back on Minnehaha Parkway and ended up adding about 1.5 miles to our run! <br /><br />Around mile 15, I was still feeling pretty good and strong, so I decided to pick up the speed a little - the rest of the run I was on my own. I was able to keep up a pretty decent pace for a couple miles and then I hit the hills! Why would anyone put these hills this close to the end of a marathon? I walked up a couple steep hills with the hopes of keeping some energy for the infamous Summit hill. <br /><br />Finally, I turned onto Summit and started the long gradual climb. The hill here didn't bother me, the worst part was stopping at the stoplights...my legs wanted to either keep going or stop - not this stop and go stuff! It was so hard to take that first step after each time I had to stop. Somewhere along here my Garmin informed me that I hit the 20 mile mark...but the Cathedral was not yet in sight. I think mentally I started to stop here - I was out for a 20 mile run, not 21.5 after all. I felt really good though at the 20 mi mark (well, considering I had just run 20 miles that is) and had maintained an average 11:15 pace, which I was very happy with. <br /><br />That is about when I hit the point where Summit turns...and gets steep! I did quite a bit of walking up that hill. For some reason I got a stitch in my side (that never happens) but I pushed through until I came over the hill...to a wonderful view!! As you top the hill you pass the St Paul Cathedral, which itself is great sight, and the Capital building is right in front of you with downtown St Paul spread out to the right - it is a great view...but what makes it even better is knowing that the finish line is right in front of the Capital only a few traffic lights ahead (about a quarter mile) and it is downhill from here! I will say right now...this is probably where I will start crying on Marathon Sunday. After 21 miles mostly by myself I got a little emotional...I can just imagine doing that surrounded by lots of other runners and knowing that I was about to finish my first marathon!! ONLY FIVE WEEKS TO GO!!!SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-47456258037987917772009-08-17T08:00:00.000-07:002009-08-17T12:43:07.865-07:00I'm gonna blame the rain...I woke up to my alarm Sunday morning - same as usual. I knew it was suppose to rain, so I looked outside before I started getting ready...no rain, just a little wet. So, I grabbed a PBJ sandwich which I ate while playing on the internet for a few minutes. I put my running clothes on and started getting all my gear organized. Then I went downstairs to clean up a little bit before heading out and what did I hear? A sudden downpour outside! I went to check it out and during the short time that I was looking out the window I saw three lightning flashes. So...I went back to bed.<br /><br />I woke up again to the sound of the kids wanting out of their cribs. "Up, up, up. Up, up, up." you get the point. I looked outside and the rain had stopped but it still looked horrible outside. I ate a giant muffin and debated going out for my run...eventually I decided I should just do it! So, I finished getting everything together...my belt, garmin, gels, visor, mp3, chilled water & choc milk for the drive home...and headed out to the lakes. Yeah, I know I said I was going to try to avoid the lakes, but I figured that way I wouldn't end up 9 miles from the car if it started downpouring again.<br /><br />The run started a little tough. My legs felt heavy and the muffin felt like a brick in my stomach. I headed around Cedar Lake first. Normally I could make it around fine without stopping/walking (it is about 4 miles around) but this time I struggled a little and walked a few times. I stopped back at my car at 4 miles and took my first gel then headed toward Lake Calhoun. By the time I made it about halfway around Calhoun the clouds were pretty much gone and the sun was beating down on me. I thought the threat of rain had passed, so I went on to Lake Harriett. At this point my knee was starting to bother me a bit, but it was kinda off and on. I stopped for a potty break and a gel while at Harriett (around mile 9). I was actually feeling better and thinking that I would actually make it through the run.<br /><br />Then I started back toward the car again around the other side of Calhoun. Sometime along here the dark grey clouds returned, this time with a whole lot of wind! I was preparing myself for the oncoming deluge. I stopped again for a potty/stretching/water refill break at Calhoun before heading back to Lake of the Isles.<br /><br />About a half mile around LOTI my stomach suddenly started doing flips and I had to walk. I had two choices...I could hope that this would pass and continue the 2 miles around the lake, or I could turn back and make it the half mile back to the port-o-john...I went with option 2. Afterwards, I turned toward the car (only about a half mile away at this point) and decided to call it a day. I made it 13 miles. Very disappointing.<br /><br />But, I am gonna blame the rain. If it wasn't for the rain, I wouldn't have gone back to sleep and ended up eating that muffin when I got back up. I also wouldn't have been so miserable in the humidity. Plus, I would have already finished my run by then...instead of being a couple hours later. Yep, it was definately the rain's fault.<br /><br />So, looking at my schedule...I had a 13 miler planned for next week, followed by a 20 miler on the 29th. I don't want to be too tired for my 20 miler, but I don't want to jump from a 15.5 to a 20 either. I think I am going to attempt the 18 miler next weekend then take it a little easier during the week before my 20 miler to make sure my legs get some rest.SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-42511969088870329272009-08-14T12:46:00.000-07:002009-08-14T13:04:39.470-07:00Week 11 - Still In ProgressRecap of the week's training (so far):<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday</span> - Scheduled rest day - rode the bike at the gym for 5 easy miles.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday</span> - 5.7 mi easy - I had a little trouble keeping it slow at the beginning, maybe it was all that fast running last week? The first 2 mi were about 10:00 pace and by the end I was struggling to keep the pace under 11:00.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday</span> - Floater rest day - I was just too tired to get out of bed in the morning. I was exhausted all day long.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday</span> - 8 mi easy - I was still pretty exhausted, though not as bad as yesterday. I felt ok until about 6 miles into the run when my stomach cramped up on me. I had to walk much of the last 2 miles back to the gym. I tried out my new hydration belt today - much better than the previous one, but still something to get used to. I only had 2 bottles on it and it felt kinda heavy. I am thinking for the marathon I will just carry one bottle and the pouch and rely on the water stops for most of my hydration.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span> - 4 mi easy - I finally felt a little less tired this morning. I ran the 4 miles on the treadmill (cuz I had an early meeting that didn't want to be late for). My legs felt a little tight, but overall pretty uneventful run.<br /><span><br /></span><span>This Sunday I will be attempting to run my first 18 miler! I am a little nervous about it. I am not sure where I will be running...I want to try something different than the Lakes, maybe I will do Summit to prep for the marathon? But then I will have to deal with the Summit hill on my first 18 miler... I think maybe just moving from 15.6 miles to 18 miles will be enough challenge.</span><span> Also, somewhere with some water would be nice, so that I can only carry one bottle since I am not quite use to the weight of the belt. </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-83682255179517361142009-08-11T10:34:00.000-07:002009-08-11T10:51:25.087-07:00Week 10 - A Little Speed<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> 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Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Recap of last week's training:</p><p style="text-align: left;" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.runningwarehouse.com/ProductImages/ASF4.JPG"><br /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Monday </span>- Scheduled rest day - I actually felt pretty good considering I had just run 15.6 miles the day before. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday</span> - Floater rest day - For some reason, my ankles/shins/calfs decided to tighten up Monday night and were still pretty tight Tuesday morning, so I took my extra rest day (I have an 'extra' floating rest day planned into my week) <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Wednesday</span> - 4 mi interval run on the treadmill - I forgot to grab my Garmin, so I decided to hit the treadmill instead of the trail (no, I'm not dependent on the GPS, not at all :) I did a nice relaxed pace with 10 pick-ups of 6.2-6.5 mph.<span style=""> </span>A little speed felt like a nice change.<o:p></o:p> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday </span>- Unscheduled rest day - I woke up with pink eye, called off work, and pretty much just stayed around the house all day.<o:p></o:p> <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Friday</span> - ANOTHER Unscheduled rest day - Just didn't manage to get my butt outside to run. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Saturday</span> - Scheduled rest day <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunday </span>- 11.5 miles at the Lakes - I parked at LOTI and did 2 laps of LOTI, 1 lap of Calhoun, and 1 more lap of LOTI.<span style=""> </span>I left everything but the mp3 and a key at the car and stopped each lap for some water/gel.<span style=""> </span>I was feeling good, so I thought I would pick up the pace for this "shorter" long run of ONLY 11 miles (who thought I would ever say that!)<span style=""> </span>I ended up averaging 10:08 per mile!!!<span style=""> </span>That is WAY faster than I was expecting…plus, I negative split it!<span style=""> </span>My fastest mile was mile 8 @ 9:43.<span style=""> </span>Besides the humidity (I was seriously dripping after the first mile) it was a really great run.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I had a cutback week planned…just wasn't suppose to be cutback quite that much.<span style=""> </span>But, I feel somewhat rested and ready to do some serious training this week.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.runningwarehouse.com/ProductImages/ASF4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 207px; height: 207px;" src="http://img.runningwarehouse.com/ProductImages/ASF4.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I treated myself to a new hydration belt…which should be arriving today (hopefully).<span style=""> </span>I went with the Amphipod runlite 4.<span style=""> </span>It probably has more than I need, but I like that it is so flexible.<span style=""> </span>You can take off or add bottles and pouches.<span style=""> </span>You can place them anywhere on the belt.<span style=""> </span>And you can put them either vertical or horizontal.<span style=""> </span>I am hoping I get it today so I can try it out on my 8 miler tomorrow before using it on my first 18 miler this weekend.<o:p></o:p></p>SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-21038683432483262572009-08-03T11:07:00.000-07:002009-08-03T11:25:23.546-07:00Half Done...and Half Done!!Wow, it has been awhile since I have updated this, huh? I guess I have been spending all my time running and haven't had any time left to blog about it! (or something like that...)<br /><br />Anyway - this past week I hit 2 big milestones in my 2009 goals...well, halfway that is. I wrapped up week 9 of 18 of my marathon training plan, and I hit 500 miles for the year - halfway to my 1000 mile goal! Yay!!<br /><br />My long run this weekend was 15.6 miles...my longest yet. I ended up doing 5+ laps around Lake Harriet because I didn't want to have to carry my stuff with me. I briefly stopped at the car each lap to take a drink/gel/whatever. It was nice to not have the belt strapped on me. I have been having issues with my knee still and I was wondering if the belt was throwing off my stride...nope that wasn't it, the knee still bothered me. Also, I have a belt that holds one big bottle (instead of those little fuel belt bottles) and all of my bottles leak - leaving me with a wet bottom! Does anyone have any advice on fuel belts? Do you have one that works well for you? Does it leak? I am thinking of trying out one with the little bottles next time I am at the running store to see how it feels. I really want to have my stuff with me during the marathon and not have to rely on the water stops.<br /><br />From here on out on the plan I get a pull-back week every other week. Depending on how it goes, I think I may try to do the long run during those shorter weeks at a faster pace (since I am running so many new distances PRs now, I barely even look at the pace...just aim to finish the mileage.SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-64936807255900691932009-06-07T18:59:00.000-07:002009-06-07T19:19:48.603-07:00Marathon Training Week One - CompleteI decided to go with Hal Higdon's Novice 2 training plan for my marathon. I was considering Pfitz, but decided I didn't want to do that many miles for my first marathon...maybe next time :).<br /><br />Week one went well. It was actually a little easier than some of my weeks lately (I was preparing for Pfitz). That was a nice way to start the training though...I know I can do it.<br /><br /><strong>Monday</strong> - Cross training: 6 miles on the bike.<br /><strong>Tuesday</strong> - 2.92 miles. I think I overdid it yesterday, my legs felt tired and heavy.<br /><strong>Wednesday</strong> - 5.23 miles. Feeling better.<br /><strong>Thursday</strong> - 3.17. My heel has been hurting the last couple days, did I step on something?<br /><strong>Friday & Saturday</strong> - Rest<br /><strong>Sunday</strong> - 8.2 miles. Heel is feeling better. Overall, this was a pretty decent run, just a little chilly (48* when I left the house).<br /><br />I am excited for week 2...17 weeks to go!SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7044417323642534695.post-40751206345832952092009-05-28T19:26:00.000-07:002009-05-28T19:51:17.898-07:00Mississippi 10 MilerSorry I haven't been a good blogger lately...although I have been reading all of yours. I have finally broken down and gotten into facebook so now when I am on the computer I am usually working on my farm or restaurant or doing a job for my mafia.<br /><br />I have been doing pretty good about increasing my mileage, although it is tough to get out for the weekend long-runs. <br /><br />Last weekend I ended up running my first 10 mile race. It was the most low key race I have ever run. The start line consisted of a crack in the sidewalk...seriously - I heard the woman on the phone figuring it out right before she announced "Here is the start, line up here." It only cost $15 though and was a decent course with a good group of runners. I could have used a spectator or two at a couple points to push me on, but I still did ok. I managed to run the entire race...not one step of walking and finished with a good average pace. Somewhere around the fourth mile my garmin got off track with the course and I had a little trouble telling exactly how I was doing, so I was happy when I crossed the finish line in exactly 1:43 (I was going for somewhere between 1:40 - 1:45).SueBobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15721127797205431632noreply@blogger.com1