6 mile mid-week run in 1:04

Today's run was tough, really, really, really tough.  I'm just getting over being sick with some flu-like cold virus thing that everyone seems to have.  Last week I skipped two workouts because of it, and I slept a lot.  My two runs since were under my old time, but my chest was tight.

I did hot yoga today during lunch and was drained after that.  Knowing I had to run 6 tonight I drank a ton of water to rehydrate from yoga and to hydrate enough for tonight.  Looking back I didn't eat enough today to fuel two hours of exercise.

I came home and seriously debated running tonight, or just writing it off and pretending I was still super sick (which I'm not).  I took a nap for an hour because I was so beat- then the alarm went off.  I knew I had no choice, so I got ready and left.

With the light slowing starting to fade I really have to plan my runs now.  I found a sunrise and sunset calculator and found out the sun was setting at 7:36 p.m. tonight.  My only option was to start running before 6:30 p.m. tonight.  

The entire 6 miles was hard of my body.  I was sore from yoga, my chest was tight and it was hard to breathe, it appeared humid and this was the longest mid-week run I've done so far.  

Looking at the schedule I don't know what other runners do when it gets dark.  I'm training for this marathon completely solo and don't feel comfortable running alone at night, at all.  Actually a few people I know who have run marathon's were impressed I was doing it alone.  I guess aside from training for a marathon, training alone is a big deal?!  My mid-week runs only increase from here on out.  They start at 7 next week and increase to 10 during my 40 mile week, then start to taper. Ahh..  Working 8 hours a day and then running big mileage (guess this is what I signed up for).

I ran this 6 miler 4 minutes less than I ran 6 when I started.  So even though I walked so I could breathe, I still beat my first run by 4 minutes (and if I remember correctly, I didn't walk during that run).  Success!

Week 6 of 18: 7 miles in 0:00

This isn't quite the way I wanted this week's post to go.  No, I didn't become a super hero and run 7 miles in no time (although that would be pretty cool).  I unfortunately caught the same virus everyone in my office has- the one that mimic's the flu.  I'm really hoping my immune system is boosted though, based on all the workouts and nutrition i've been following (and that i'm not down for a week plus).  

I started feeling funky at work yesterday and left work early to crawl into bed.  I ended up taking a 2 hour nap, and going to bed a few hours later and sleeping for 14 hours.  I mean I like sleep, but I NEVER sleep like that.  I was also scheduled to work at my other job tonight, and knew there was no way.  If I wasn't achy or didn't have a fever I could've really tried to deal.  Given the fact it hurt to move and I was sweaty from the fever, I didn't want to risk it for myself or the kiddos.  

Earlier in the week I did have some great workouts, though.  I ran my 3 miler in 27:20, which is the fastest I've ever run in my life!! Wohoooo for awesomeness and getting better- practice makes perfect (or better in this case).  I also started vlogging, and would upload it, but apparently my computer is too slow!

I then ran my 5 miler in 50:45, again another faster paced run!  The next day I planned for yoga and a 3  miler, after a meeting, after work.  I got yoga in at work, but by the time my meeting was over it was dark.  I diligently drove to the Y, to realize it was closed for cleaning.  I guess this is what happens when I've been running outside so much, the Y isn't always as available as the outdoors are.

On the nutrition front I had green monster smoothies everyday, and mmmmmmm they were soo good.  

Ingredients were:

2 tbsp Better N' Peanut Butter

3/4 Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

Frozen Banana

2-3 Cups Spinach

I absolutely hate spinach, the velvety texture is just not ok, but it's a total super food.  If i can drink an entire salad, I'm down to try it!

This week thankfully is a fall back week, so I don't feel as bad for skipping some runs.  I'd rather be sick 3 months out from the marathon, then say 3 days before.  Next week my mid-week run is 6 miles, so I'm not worried.

Next weekend, I also enter unknown training territory of......12 miles!  I've run 12 miles before, once at the half marathon- going uphill.  So I'm excited to see if I can run it all, since the ITB was really angry at the half, and walking had ensued.

I am 1/3 of the way through training!!!  6 weeks down, 12 to go!!!

And as much as I looove the summer, I'm kinda happy for cooler running temps.  The only issue is going to become darkness.  Can anyone say backwards half days?!  Thank you HigherEd for lots of vacation time.

Yipppeeeee this has thus far been a great learning experience, and a ton of fun!  In 3 months I think I'll finally take a break from training- and celebrate!! :)

Week 5 of 18: 10 miles in 1:47:22

10 miles are complete.  Every training run beyond today is entering the unknown, and I'm not gonna lie- that's kinda scary.  The only other times I've run 10 miles was the past four years of Broad Street, and my final training run for my half marathon.

I've learned a lot this week:

Hydration has become absolutely necessary to function and have a great run.  So I went to a sporting goods store during the week and found this.  After trying it on and feeling like I had a holster on my back, and realizing that I wasn't double jointed in my shoulder's I wasn't sure what to do.  So I did what I normally do when buying new things, looked up the online reviews.  I immediately knew this was not a good purchase- so I returned it.  I was also pretty impressed with my shoulder's in this pic, but that's besides the point.

And then I bought a Camelbak online:

I have become "one of those runner's".  I used to see runner's early in the morning and late at night with all the gadgets and camelbak's and would think, "man, these people are serious".  Well I guess I've become one of those serious runner's- and I don't care how silly I look.  I had a great run today because I was running with 50oz of cold water and ice.  I'm also pretty excited because I love new workout "stuff".  It keeps training interesting.

Since I like to joke that I run to eat, it's funny that I am now buying in the mindset of eating to run.  I purchased the above earlier in the week after a 5 mile run.  What is happening to me- this is not normal!  Super healthy eating, here I am ready to go.  I also plan to make green monster smoothies everyday for breakfast mmm.

 Again, this whole running and eating adventure can be fun.  Last night while I was resting I had frozen yogurt with fruit, so delish.  I am also learning to relax, I have just been beat.  The night's before my run's I am actually enjoying relaxing and snacking- and feel absolutely no guilt.  I'm enjoying the peace and quiet.

 

I've been reading about a lot of runner's using swedish fish in place of gels because of the cost, so I figured I'd give it a shot.  Looking at the back of the package no wonder, they are straight carbs, sugar, and a bit of sodium.  AND so much cheaper.  One gel is usually $1.40 and I need at least 2 per run going forward.  Swedish fish gave me just the burst of energy I needed- SUCCESS!

So besides what I learned this week I did run 10 miles today.  I was up at 6, and took a shot of pepto and grabbed my cooler with chocolate milk and coconut water and was out the door.  Side note on the pepto:  I have a super sensitive stomach and taking a shot of pepto calms any craziness that could happen during runs.  

The first three miles my legs felt really tight and I kept stopping to stretch.  My Camelbak was a lifesaver aside from listening to ice shaking around.  After I ate my first few swedish fish 3 miles in, I felt better.  I must've just been hungry, imagine that.  I was getting sick of the loop at the park so I decided to go exploring and ran another 3 miles on the road and through neighborhood's and streets. 

I ran back into the park and ran the remaining few miles at the park.  My ITB starting getting really angry around mile 7 and I think due to all of the hills and up's and down's of the road.  I had to walk/run the remaining 1/2 mile.  

I did all of this in the same time it took me to run Broad Street the first year (with no stopping, hills, or stretch breaks).  I almost wish I could've run Broad today- I know it would've been a lot faster.

So here it is 5 week's in.  I can't believe how fast this is going by- only 13 weeks to go.  November 18th here I come!!

Hot Yoga

I have always been against yoga.  I have a few yoga dvd's and I mentally can't "waste" my time taking yoga at the gym, I'd rather spin or run.

I know many people swear by it, and I've heard it really does help running, but no thank you.  Well, until today.  First let me discuss my pre-conceived notions of yoga...this is what I imagine:

I just don't think we are too similar, maybe that's my issue.

My job offers yoga twice a week and one of my coworker's finally convinced me to go.  I packed my bag with yoga attire and grabbed my yoga mat (which is more for show at home), and mentally prepped for this.

I went into the room where yoga is and immediately was smacked in the face by the temperature, it was hot- and I didn't know how hot.  I don't do heat so the fact nobody mentioned it, kind of worried me- I didn't need to pass out after falling out of every yoga pose.

I am very competitive and if I'm not good at something, I usually practice or avoid it.  This is my issue with yoga, I'm just not good.  This was partially confirmed during the entire hour of yoga.  I think I looked at the clock more during yoga, than I do while running- this was a true mental challenge.  I did manage to complete the whole hour and wasn't sure how I felt when I left.  I just didn't get that awesome feeling during yoga, that I get from running.

About an hour later I must admit, I felt pretty good.  I felt so good in fact, that I officially signed up for yoga.  I'm really hoping this will make up for my lack of stretching before and after running and will alleviate any future ITB issues.

So instead of looking like the above picture, this is my inspiration:

Oh, and I found out later- the room was 90 degrees.

This whole marathon adventure is about firsts, so bring on the yoga.

Week 4 of 18: 9 miles in 1:38:22

This point marks a full month of training!! The 100 day mark passed sometime last week.  Less then 100 days till my very first marathon!

I have been really trying to stick to my healthy eating, and when I snack (which I do a lot), I've been grabbing fruit.  It's amazing how hand in hand training and nutrition are.  I had another great week squeezing in a bodypump class, running 2 3-milers and a 4 miler in under 10 minute pace, and my 9 miler today.  Tomorrow's plan is going to be a nice leisurely swim- leisurely aka I may steal a child's noodle.

I like to complete my long runs around 8:30 before the sun starts heating up.  I woke up at 6 and grabbed peanut butter gels and water and was off.  On the way I had one gel and planned to take the other during the run.  I started my run around 6:42 (earlier than I'm up for work).  I took the slow and steady approach today.  Not so much the "slow and steady wins the race", more-so the slow and steady finishes the run.  I intentionally wanted to stay at a conversational pace so I was running between 10:30-11 minute miles.  This was a good place, considering the humidity has been gross here, and I felt like I was running through a sauna- the entire time.  

I had water in my car and decided to run to the car twice for a water break.  Best idea EVER.  Based on the weather and needing to stop for water, and feeling soo much better after- I need to invest in a water belt/camelbak/running bottle asap.

Miles 1-6 were good, until the end of mile 4 where I bonked.  There were no big mind games today, just thinking about food.  The entire time I kept thinking about my awesome post run smoothie:

Around mile 6 I took my gel after a water break and started feeling like I could do this, and for some reason felt great.  I think the runner's high kicked in at this point and I felt like I was gliding- and the pain was nowhere to be found.  There was a nice breeze and I only had 3 miles left.  I also love the walkers during the 6:45-8:30 time frame at the park- they are super friendly and make me feel that much more accomplished!

Finally finished the run in humidity at the hilly park in 1:38:22!  

I always stop at gas stations on the way home, usually for snacks/water/chocolate milk.  What did I buy today....

Yes- I "treated" myself to a gallon of water.  This is insanity- not training to run 26.2!

Week 4 of 18 done!!  14 weeks to go, wohoooooooo! :)

Week 3 of 18: 5 miles in 51:01

I'm always excited for drop-back weeks in running.  These usually fall somewhere after 2-3 weeks of increased mileage.  Like I said, I always excited- until I do these runs.  Something about dropping back mileage makes me think it will just be that much easier.  Well it's not and today's drop-back had an additional element, humidity.  For those of you who aren't familiar with humidity (please clue me in to where you live), it's nothing you want while running.

I woke up at 6:30am, again (15 weeks till I can sleep in on a Saturday).  I decided instead of eating I would just take a gel, peanut butter to be exact.  I have a sweet tooth, and these gels make me feel like I'm cheating on a diet (even though I'm not on a diet, never have been- and can logistically eat almost anything in moderation with the amount of running I'll be doing).  

I got to the park around 7 with a few other cars around.  I turned on the gps watch and let is search for satellites; put on my sneaks; adjusted my iphone and arm band, and began. 

My gps watch gives me the average pace per mile, so I was aiming for straight 10 minute miles.  I've been starting too fast lately, and just need to stop and stick to my slow and steady.

About halfway through I had an old man run up to me and ask my pace- he too had a gps watch on.  I told him I was holding steady at 10, and he informed me his watch said 11 and that he felt like he was going slow.  At this point, I knew I was running at a 10 minute pace.  I didn't have the heart to tell him our watches average the mile pace, and I had passed him a few minutes ago until he ran up to check his pace- explaining his "slower" time.

At this point I was soaked in sweat and just kept on running.  Finally 51:01 minutes later my 5 miles was complete.  I was a sweaty, hot, overheating, dripping mess- and never felt better.  Now I just have to mentally prepare for an actual long run next Saturday of 9 miles.

Week 3 of 18 done.  Marathon in 15 weeks- and I'm going for a PR (which won't be difficult since this is my first)!

Yippppeeee for marathon training alone- proof that you can do anything if you put your mind to it!! :)

The cost of running..

Running is often touted as the sport that anyone with two legs can do....well I beg to differ on that one.

I've been running for 5 years.  In that span of time I went from the run/walk method to now training to run 26.2.  As mileage increases, I've come to realize so does the cost.

So here's a list in no particular order of costs I've incurred since I started this "inexpensive" adventure:

• Running sneakers: to be replaced every 300-500 miles, ranging in price from ~$80-$150+
• Wicking shorts/tights/capris: now the trick here is to ensure the waist is tight enough or adjustable, so you don't give anyone a show, and that they don't ride up.  These two needs are typically dependent on each other.  Cost $29-$50/pair
• Wicking tops/tanks:  Again best if they don't move too much.  Cost: $15-$40
• Wicking socks: Blister preventative.  Cost: $10-$30/pack
• GPS watch: as convenient as it is to run at a labeled park- sometimes you just want to go.  Cost $180-$300ish
• Custom orthotics: typically the result of an injury.  My injury of choice was turf toe/sesamoiditis/ and broken sesamoids.  Cost $250-$500ish
• Gels/Jelly beans/Chews/Electrolyte tablets:  This is a more recent "need".  After training and using these for my half, the full marathon will absolutely require these.  Cost $1-3/per gel, chew, etc.
• Foam roller: needed once your body starts to get angry and flare up, best to remove knots.  Cost: $20-$50
• Ipod/Iphone for music: a total necessity for longer runs.  I used to run up to 10 without music, and now don't understand how.  Cost: $100-$500
• Ipod/Iphone holder: no explanation needed.  Cost: $20-$40
• Ear buds: to listen to said music.  Cost: $5-$50
• Marathon books:  obviously as a newbie any decent literature must be read.  Think of the pregnant ladies and all the books they own on "how to expect the unexpected".  Well this mindset is the same with a marathon, lots of people have done it and survived- so here are their words of wisdom.  Cost: $15-$30
• Marathon nutrition guide: again a no brainer.  Cost: $20-$60
• Water belt/bottle belt:  No yet purchased, but getting there.  Cost: $30-$50
• Knee brace: Decrease pain.  Cost: $15-$30

And the biggest investment of all..

• Time: This can't be quantified, but you get the point.

So as you can see, this is NOT by any means an inexpensive sport or hobby.  The problem is running becomes addictive, and you just can't stop!  So the costs continue to rise, and you continue to train.  

And In my case, just to say I ran a marathon!