Issues on runs

Twice in one week, pretty impressive for me. But I had to share about my 6 mile run this morning.First I was pretty impressed with my overall time of the run. Granted the first mile and a half felt like it took me forever. Granted, I did a lot more walking then I had anticipated, but I kept at it, and finally reached the 2 mile mark and things seemed to go faster. Then mile 2.5 happened, and my stomach started talking to me. And not in the good way. I figured it had something to do with needing some extra energy, so I took 4 sports beans, and downed some water. Energy wise it definately helped, but stomach wise not so much. Needless to say, I was dreading that I was running in a residential area with absolutely no privacy, or fast food places to run into. Thankfully, I ended up finding a bit of a hill, w/ some privacy and helped my stomach out. It was a bit embarassing, and annoying, but I know I'm not the first person this has happened to, and I'm not the last. From that point on, I didn't keep with a specific ratio. I ran for as long as my legs and lungs felt good, and then walked when I needed to. I'm sure that helped my overall time. I'm still not where I would like to be pace wise, but I'm making more goals for myself, and once I've figured them all out, I'll share them. Have you ever had an embarassing moment during your run?

Just call me old fashioned

I really need a new computer. The computer I'm using right now is old (it's from 2003) and it's slower than molasses, and just needs to be put out of it's misery. Unfortunately, life situations being as they are, a new computer is not in my new future. But thankfully, when I decided to do this marathon, I bought myself a pretty journal (on sale) and have been keeping track of my training that way. I've been doing pretty well. I've even increased my ratio to a 2:1, which also means my pace has increased. I'm still slow (as molasses) but I'm pretty proud of my 12 min a mile pace. My ultimate goal is to get down to a normal 10 min a mile pace. I'm pretty confident that I'll be able to do it. I just need to stay consistent. I've been finding that my Tuesday runs are some of my slowest runs, but it's because of my cross training that I do on Mondays. My weight training class has really been kicking my butt. Trainer L, has been focusing on legs a lot lately, and although I feel my pace is slower on Tuesdays. I'm feeling like I can go further on Saturdays. So I'm thinking it's all good. Well, that's the update I've got for ya. Do you have a specific goal for running, (besides finishing a race) increase speed. goal longer distances? etc... Hope the training is going well!

consistency pays off

Holiday weeks always seem busy and trying to stick with my training plan during these weeks, are tough. So although I didn't get in as many runs as I had planned, I still had a few good runs. Before I started my blog, I bought myself a journal and planned on only using that to keep a personal record of my training. In this journal, I wrote myself a few goals to keep me going. One of them, was not to beat myself up over not being perfect while I train. Life is going to happen, and I can plan the best I can to make adjustments in my training, there's still going to be times I can't run, or stick with my plan. So this week was a good example of how that happened, and I must remember that I survived. I've also realized that missing a run or two isn't that bad, as long as I'm consistent. My plan was to stay at my current pace for a week, however, I've noticed that my pace has already gotten faster. I still have a bit more work to get to my ideal pace, but if I stay consistent, I'll get there before I know it!

Slow and Steady

Well, like I thought, the weekend wasn't exactly jammed packed with training. But it wasn't a total bust. I did get some extra miles in on Saturday. I spent the day with the family at a Scottish Festival. It was fun, and there was plenty of walking involved. Sunday, I needed to rest. I had woken up early enough to get a run in on Sunday, and even Monday, but my mind wouldn't let my body get out of bed. That did change today. I got out for my 30 mins,and kept a steady pace the whole time. I'm pretty proud of that. I've actual shaved a few mins off my pace from the first week I've run. It's keeping my motivation going. Slow and steady wins the race!! Even if I'm the only one racing! =)

No Pain!

Finally had energy/time to sit down to write tonight. I'm so glad to be back to training. I had started my pre training the last week of April. My pre-training was to help get me into a routine and the habit of getting a minimum of 5 days of activity a week. I knew it really wouldn't be that hard, considering I already had 2 days of what I consider cross training down. So it was just adding those extra 3 days. I had been on a roll for a good 2 weeks, then I went out of town to visit a friend for a long weekend, and then I got sick. I had a horrible cough, and no voice. I also felt like crap, and had no energy to get out the door. But that changed on Monday. Monday and Wednesday nights, I participate in a weight training class here in town. For an 2 hours a week, I meet up with my friends, and we use our own weight, plus free weights to work our bodies. It's an amazing class and I'm so glad I found it. So after being out for a week, Monday night felt amazing. Tuesday, I was feeling a little sore (the good kind of sore) and took it easy w/ an hour walk around the neighborhood w/ my mom. It felt good to get out and be moving, but I really wanted to go faster. But that wasn't the idea of the walk. Wednesday, class again. This time "Trainer L", wasn't so nice. It was brutal! She really worked us hard, pyramid push ups, mountain climbers, etc. It was painful and sweaty, but felt so good. Thursday, ran for the first time in 2 weeks. It was amazing. I have an issue w/ shin splints, and there was no pain at all. I had planned on being out there for 2 miles, but I was feeling so great, I changed my mind and decided on going 3. This was going to be my long mileage for the week, so I figured I could get it out of the way today, and do shorter runs tomorrow and Saturday. Especially since this is going to be a jammed packed weekend of celebrating my parents anniversary. It feels good to know that I got it out of the way and not have to worry about when to fit it in. Well, off to shower and relax before bed. Have a great night. Most likely be back on Tuesday night w/ a recap of the weekend mileage!

And off we go!

Hi and welcome to my blog. I am running The Nike Woman's Marathon on October 17, 2010 in San Francisco. I am in need of support and accountablity for my training since I am training for this race on my own. I have run this race once before, however I trained while fundraising, and raising awareness for blood cancers with Team in Training. I had a team to support me, along with many others who donated money to a cause that grew to be extremely important to me. All these other people helped me feel accountable, I don't have that this time. So I must find a way for others to know about what I am doing and that will expect me to do my best. That's where this blog comes in. I plan on using this space as a place to write down my accomplishments, defeats, and everything else that goes along with my training. I plan on following the same training plan I was given during my initial training in 2006, I plan on using the run/walk method that helped me succeed the last time, and I plan on going out 5 days a week for a run or cross training experience. I'm going to incorporate 2 "rest" days as well. We'll see how that goes. I'm giving myself permission to listen to my body, and mind, and not to beat myself up over a missed training session, or work out. My plan is also to just finish and do the best I can! 26.2 miles is a long way to go, and I know if I do the training, it's more about the mental obstacles that get in the way. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you continue to come back to read about my training.