I did my five mile run last night after work. I just ran it inside because it was so windy outside, and I didn't want to fight the breeze. It was a good run. These taper weeks are mentally tough. Although it was a good run, it felt long. I started thinking to myself "geez, how in the world will I be able to run 26.2 miles when this five mile run feels SO long?". But I know its all mental. I mean, just two weeks ago I ran 20 miles with no problem. I'm going to guess that the taper next week will be even tougher.
Our long run this week is 11 miles. We're doing this one with the training group on saturday morning. We've missed the last several because of the 20 mile race, and also because we had other things going on during the weekend so Kathy and I moved our long runs to friday afternoon. It will be nice to do one last long run with the group before the marathon.
At this point, I'm now starting to hope and pray for good weather that morning of the marathon. I know I'll still do fine even if its nice, but it sure would be great to have "perfect" weather!
I really can't believe this is the home stretch. All I have left to do is the 11 mile run on saturday, a five mile run on monday, and a 3 mile run later next week. Then the marathon. Wow. I really can't believe the time is here now for this. I know I can do it. But I'm still feeling some nerves. It's strange though...the nerves didn't set in until today. And I don't even know what I'm nervous about!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Only two more weeks
Did our weekly long run yesterday with Kathy. We lucked out and the rain stopped about an hour before we met up. it actually ended up being a pretty nice afternoon for the run...in the mid 60's, slight breeze, etc. But boy, Kathy and I were both saying we can really tell the difference between running first thing in the morning after a good night of sleep, and running in the afternoon after a long day/week at work. We just don't feel as strong. Anyhow, we were scheduled for 16 miles, but we stopped at 14.25. I honestly think that we weren't fully recovered from running the 20 miles on sunday. But it wasn't bad. But it just seemed really LONG, and our pace was much slower than it was for our 20 miles on sunday. Of course, the 20 mile run was a race too, so maybe that made a difference. But whatever. I don't feel bad. We're in our taper now anyway.
I also didn't take an ice bath yesterday after the run. I just didn't feel like it, and didn't feel like I would be so sore that I really would need it. And I felt perfectly fine this morning. So that was kind of nice. Still having some issues with my two toenails. It appears that I really have some blisters UNDER the nail. That sure is what it looks like. I'm SURE its from running in the wet socks and shoes when we did the 20 miles. I'm sure I'll lose those toenails too. Its not pretty!
So next week looks really good to me. I have a five mile run, a six mile run, and an 11 mile for our long run. I'm doing the five or six mile run tomorrow. I'm just going to run in the neighborhood, something that I've not done in a long time, and I'm actually really looking forward to it. I "could" run the rail trail, but I think I might just do the hood. I'll see what kind of mood I'm in. The only nice thing about the trail is that I don't have to worry about traffic at all.
I really cannot believe the marathon is only two weeks away. I was telling Kathy that I hear all the time about how you should "enjoy the journey", and not just focus on the destination. I can honestly say that I truly have loved the journey. In fact, I told Kathy that I've really enjoyed the journey SO much that I fear that I'll be disappointed at the destination! I have read about post marathon depression, and fear that I will quickly fall into that. I love training for "events". I have finally found what it is that keeps me going and its events. I love having an event to work towards, and to have a plan all laid out for me, so all i have to do is follow it, and it requires little "thinking" on my part.
Kathy and I talked about our plans after the marathon. We both really want to focus on weightloss and strength training. Starting the week after the marathon, I'm back to ST three times a week. Running will go on the back burner but I'm still going to do it for cardio. I'll probably run 2-3 days a week. And the diet is getting hit hard, with the same intensity in which I put forth in my marathon training. I'm frustrated at having have gone up a size in clothes. WTH? Since I started the marathon training in June, I'm up 1.5 lbs. Not much eh? That would be FINE if I haven't ALSO gone up an entire size. I'm confused how that has happened. Seems as if I were building some muscle in my legs and butt from all the running that I would be LOSING or getting smaller in those areas. My only explanation is that I'm also gaining fat? But then, the scale has only increased 1.5 lbs? I don't know. I can't figure it out. However, I miss how I feel when I'm strength training, and its the only way I can think of to get back to how I was feeling, and get smaller. But again, I will focus on that AFTER the marathon.
I also didn't take an ice bath yesterday after the run. I just didn't feel like it, and didn't feel like I would be so sore that I really would need it. And I felt perfectly fine this morning. So that was kind of nice. Still having some issues with my two toenails. It appears that I really have some blisters UNDER the nail. That sure is what it looks like. I'm SURE its from running in the wet socks and shoes when we did the 20 miles. I'm sure I'll lose those toenails too. Its not pretty!
So next week looks really good to me. I have a five mile run, a six mile run, and an 11 mile for our long run. I'm doing the five or six mile run tomorrow. I'm just going to run in the neighborhood, something that I've not done in a long time, and I'm actually really looking forward to it. I "could" run the rail trail, but I think I might just do the hood. I'll see what kind of mood I'm in. The only nice thing about the trail is that I don't have to worry about traffic at all.
I really cannot believe the marathon is only two weeks away. I was telling Kathy that I hear all the time about how you should "enjoy the journey", and not just focus on the destination. I can honestly say that I truly have loved the journey. In fact, I told Kathy that I've really enjoyed the journey SO much that I fear that I'll be disappointed at the destination! I have read about post marathon depression, and fear that I will quickly fall into that. I love training for "events". I have finally found what it is that keeps me going and its events. I love having an event to work towards, and to have a plan all laid out for me, so all i have to do is follow it, and it requires little "thinking" on my part.
Kathy and I talked about our plans after the marathon. We both really want to focus on weightloss and strength training. Starting the week after the marathon, I'm back to ST three times a week. Running will go on the back burner but I'm still going to do it for cardio. I'll probably run 2-3 days a week. And the diet is getting hit hard, with the same intensity in which I put forth in my marathon training. I'm frustrated at having have gone up a size in clothes. WTH? Since I started the marathon training in June, I'm up 1.5 lbs. Not much eh? That would be FINE if I haven't ALSO gone up an entire size. I'm confused how that has happened. Seems as if I were building some muscle in my legs and butt from all the running that I would be LOSING or getting smaller in those areas. My only explanation is that I'm also gaining fat? But then, the scale has only increased 1.5 lbs? I don't know. I can't figure it out. However, I miss how I feel when I'm strength training, and its the only way I can think of to get back to how I was feeling, and get smaller. But again, I will focus on that AFTER the marathon.
Monday, September 28, 2009
20 mile run
Kathy and I did our 20 mile race today. It was set up for people training for the marathon, and what was great was that the course was laid out, water and gatorade provided, and of course, we get a medal and a shirt for being in it.
I got up at 4:30 a.m. to get there. While getting ready, I could still hear the rain. UGH. It seemed to let up by the time I got there, but after waiting in the bathroom lines in the building we had access to, just before the race started at 7, it started to downpour. They told us that they were starting at 7 a.m. no matter what. So at 7 a.m. we all ran to the start line. It rained for, gosh, the first 11-15 miles or so? hard to remember. My feet were soaked. My shorts were soaked. It was not fun.
However, in spite of that, it was one of the best runs I've ever had. Kathy too! Our pace was great! For 20 miles, we came in at under four hours. Our finish time was 3:54! Awesome! And honestly, we felt really good afterwards! This totally gave us the confidence to know we can push through another six miles with the marathon! I took an ice bath, but a short one, because I was soaked through when I got home, and chilled to the bone already. I also really didn't feel the need for the ice bath, but figured it would do me good anyway. I'm a little tired, but not really sore or anything. But for some reason, when I do long runs, it hits me two days later, not the day of the run or even the next day.
Anyhow, now begins the taper. I only have a six mile run, a seven mile run and a 16 mile run this week. The runs only get shorter from here on out! Yeah!
I got up at 4:30 a.m. to get there. While getting ready, I could still hear the rain. UGH. It seemed to let up by the time I got there, but after waiting in the bathroom lines in the building we had access to, just before the race started at 7, it started to downpour. They told us that they were starting at 7 a.m. no matter what. So at 7 a.m. we all ran to the start line. It rained for, gosh, the first 11-15 miles or so? hard to remember. My feet were soaked. My shorts were soaked. It was not fun.
However, in spite of that, it was one of the best runs I've ever had. Kathy too! Our pace was great! For 20 miles, we came in at under four hours. Our finish time was 3:54! Awesome! And honestly, we felt really good afterwards! This totally gave us the confidence to know we can push through another six miles with the marathon! I took an ice bath, but a short one, because I was soaked through when I got home, and chilled to the bone already. I also really didn't feel the need for the ice bath, but figured it would do me good anyway. I'm a little tired, but not really sore or anything. But for some reason, when I do long runs, it hits me two days later, not the day of the run or even the next day.
Anyhow, now begins the taper. I only have a six mile run, a seven mile run and a 16 mile run this week. The runs only get shorter from here on out! Yeah!
Monday, September 21, 2009
The 16 mile run, and gearing up for the 20 miles!
We got our 16 mile run in on friday afternoon. It was a really good run. The weather was a little bit cooler than the previous week when we did the 18 miles, and temp plays a huge part in how good I feel during a run. Jeff ran with Kathy and I. He was scheduled for 12 miles, but ran 13 with us. He's doing great! And it was nice to have a third person along with us for a change. He also helped to keep our pace down a little which I think helped in the long run. However, I think it was almost too slow. I've found that there is a fine line between running too slow and not slow enough. And sometimes when I don't run fast enough, I feel more sore and fatigued.
I did an ice bath after the run, because I think they help. I had started to wonder if the problem was my shoes, because although they only have maybe 250 miles or so on them, in the past few weeks, my knees and feet have been getting more and more achy. Well, I ordered a new pair of the same shoes and got them on friday. I ran in them yesterday and did 9 miles yesterday in the new shoes, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Clearly, my shoes had been breaking down, and my body was feeling it. I felt GREAT after the 9 miles yesterday, and didn't even feel the need for the ice bath. HUGE, HUGE improvement. No achy feet, and no achy knees.
Anyhow, today is a rest day, and tomorrow I run 6 miles. I'm then not scheduled for anything else until the 20 mile run next sunday. I think on thursday or friday I may run 2 miles, just to kind of shake things out before the race. Otherwise, I plan to enjoy the break and give my legs a rest. Sunday will be a big day, as its our one chance to experiment with pace, fueling, etc. before the marathon. I can't believe it's almost here!
I did an ice bath after the run, because I think they help. I had started to wonder if the problem was my shoes, because although they only have maybe 250 miles or so on them, in the past few weeks, my knees and feet have been getting more and more achy. Well, I ordered a new pair of the same shoes and got them on friday. I ran in them yesterday and did 9 miles yesterday in the new shoes, and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Clearly, my shoes had been breaking down, and my body was feeling it. I felt GREAT after the 9 miles yesterday, and didn't even feel the need for the ice bath. HUGE, HUGE improvement. No achy feet, and no achy knees.
Anyhow, today is a rest day, and tomorrow I run 6 miles. I'm then not scheduled for anything else until the 20 mile run next sunday. I think on thursday or friday I may run 2 miles, just to kind of shake things out before the race. Otherwise, I plan to enjoy the break and give my legs a rest. Sunday will be a big day, as its our one chance to experiment with pace, fueling, etc. before the marathon. I can't believe it's almost here!
Monday, September 14, 2009
The 18 Mile Run
Kathy and I did our 18 mile run on friday afternoon. Well, a couple things to say about it. It was getting really tough near the end. I honestly feel there were a couple of things that really made it tougher than the 17 miles we ran the previous weekend. First, I'm so freaking tired at the end of the work week, run or not. I knew running at the end of the week after working all day and getting up at 5 a.m. everyday, was going to be tough. I've gotten accustomed to running after a good nights sleep and in the morning when I'm refreshed.
Also, it was 80 degrees out. When I am used to running in the 60's, that's a HUGE difference. Also, I think we started out too fast. When we are running that far, we have GOT to slow down. Our pace was a 10:00 - 10:30 pace for a good amount of the run toward the first half. My garmin had our overall pace down to a 13:20 or something like that, but we did a lot of walking in the last few miles. I don't really care about the average pace. I just want to get through the marathon and cross the finish line, but I don't want to be one of those people that are barely coherent when I do! Anyhow, I know what the issues were, and I know I will have better runs. But overall, its wasn't bad.
I went home and did an ice bath. I used an entire bag of ice, and sat in the bath for 25 minutes. I SWEAR that helped. I really didn't feel bad. IN fact, on the drive home, my knees were so achy that all I could think about was submerging them in ice water, and god, it felt great! I'm seriously starting to love those baths!
I didn't feel too bad the next day either. In fact, I felt a little better than I did after the 17 mile run, so I'm thinking that the long ice bath, as well as the ibuprofin regime I'm doing, totally helped.
Looks like we may do the next long run, 16 miles, this friday afternoon too. Its supposed to be cooler out which will help. I'm just happy to get the run over with. This week I have a four mile run to do, which I will do today, and a seven mile, which I may do tomorrow. Wow, those seem like a walk in the park! only 7 miles? I feel like I'm in heaven! lol!
Also, it was 80 degrees out. When I am used to running in the 60's, that's a HUGE difference. Also, I think we started out too fast. When we are running that far, we have GOT to slow down. Our pace was a 10:00 - 10:30 pace for a good amount of the run toward the first half. My garmin had our overall pace down to a 13:20 or something like that, but we did a lot of walking in the last few miles. I don't really care about the average pace. I just want to get through the marathon and cross the finish line, but I don't want to be one of those people that are barely coherent when I do! Anyhow, I know what the issues were, and I know I will have better runs. But overall, its wasn't bad.
I went home and did an ice bath. I used an entire bag of ice, and sat in the bath for 25 minutes. I SWEAR that helped. I really didn't feel bad. IN fact, on the drive home, my knees were so achy that all I could think about was submerging them in ice water, and god, it felt great! I'm seriously starting to love those baths!
I didn't feel too bad the next day either. In fact, I felt a little better than I did after the 17 mile run, so I'm thinking that the long ice bath, as well as the ibuprofin regime I'm doing, totally helped.
Looks like we may do the next long run, 16 miles, this friday afternoon too. Its supposed to be cooler out which will help. I'm just happy to get the run over with. This week I have a four mile run to do, which I will do today, and a seven mile, which I may do tomorrow. Wow, those seem like a walk in the park! only 7 miles? I feel like I'm in heaven! lol!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Gearing up for the 18 miler
Wednesday September 9th
I did my six mile run for the week after work yesterday. It was back to back with the 9 mile run, but I really felt like I felt good enough to get it in, and I really want to give myself a couple of days of rest before the 18 mile run. So I have today, tomorrow and most of the day on friday to rest my legs up.
Yesterdays run went exceptionally well. I ran on the treadmill due to weather issues, but it was actually a nice change of pace. I ran at a 5.4 pace, which used to be really tough for me, but actually, it was a nice easy pace yesterday. So either the drugs I had in my system were really hurting me more than I know and now that they've worked themselves out I'm doing great, or my fitness level overall is just REALLY improving.
On a bad note, the scale is up. Frustrating, with all the running I'm doing. I'm only up 3 pounds from when I started a few months back. I can't tell if some is muscle though. I would THINK that my legs would be building some muscle from all this running. SURELY THEY are getting stronger. Anyhow, it's also that time of month, so maybe I'm just retaining some water. Who knows. When this marathon is over, I'm really going to have to focus on the weightloss. Until then, I really just want to maintain. I'd actually love to shave off five pounds before the marathon, but we'll see.
Anyhow, thats really all to report. I'll post about the 18 mile run on friday if I have any energy left after running it!
I did my six mile run for the week after work yesterday. It was back to back with the 9 mile run, but I really felt like I felt good enough to get it in, and I really want to give myself a couple of days of rest before the 18 mile run. So I have today, tomorrow and most of the day on friday to rest my legs up.
Yesterdays run went exceptionally well. I ran on the treadmill due to weather issues, but it was actually a nice change of pace. I ran at a 5.4 pace, which used to be really tough for me, but actually, it was a nice easy pace yesterday. So either the drugs I had in my system were really hurting me more than I know and now that they've worked themselves out I'm doing great, or my fitness level overall is just REALLY improving.
On a bad note, the scale is up. Frustrating, with all the running I'm doing. I'm only up 3 pounds from when I started a few months back. I can't tell if some is muscle though. I would THINK that my legs would be building some muscle from all this running. SURELY THEY are getting stronger. Anyhow, it's also that time of month, so maybe I'm just retaining some water. Who knows. When this marathon is over, I'm really going to have to focus on the weightloss. Until then, I really just want to maintain. I'd actually love to shave off five pounds before the marathon, but we'll see.
Anyhow, thats really all to report. I'll post about the 18 mile run on friday if I have any energy left after running it!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
September 8th
Wow, its been awhile since I updated this. Let's see...Last week, instead of my 16 mile run, I participated in the Spirit of Columbus half marathon. I won't go into details, but it was a really poorly run race. Running out of water was the worst of it...we didn't get water until mile 6.5. Pretty bad. But all in all, it was a great replacement run, as I got to run it with Jeff and it was his very first half marathon that he was running. Lots of fun and a great course, since it was mainly downhill!
This past weekend was my longest run yet. Kathy and I started running at 5:45 a.m. at Easton. We didn't take the path because it was too dark still, so we ran around the town center, which was actually pretty cool. Usually that place is swarming with people, so it was a little eerie to be there when not a soul was around. But we did the 17 miles, and it really wasn't bad at all. Tiring, but not bad. I went home and did an ice bath, and ended up taking a 15 minute snooze during the buckeye halftime. That did wonders for how I felt. Later in the day, my quads were feeling really sore, like I had done some weightlifting with the legs, but otherwise I felt fine. The next day, on Sunday, my upper shoulders were really sore. I can tell that I need to work on relaxing my upper body. I must have been a little tense at times.
Then on monday, Kathy and I got our longest "short run" for the week in. It was a 9 mile run. We met early, at 7 a.m., and got it in. I'm so glad we went when we did because it started sprinkling as we walked to our car. We finished just in time. It was a little tough to do that run when we were still sore from the long run on saturday, but I'm glad we got it in. Tonight I'm doing the 6 mile run, and then taking a couple of days off to get fully recovered for the 18 mile run we are doing on friday afternoon. I'm hoping that the weather holds out for us because I REALLY don't want to run in the rain.
Not much else to report. This is the month when we are really getting into the thick of the training, with all the really long runs. Kathy and I signed up for "The Home Stretch" 20 mile race, since we were scheduled for a 20 mile run that weekend anyway. That will be a great test of how things will go. I'm just happy to be able to run 20 miles without carrying water with me for a change!
Anyhow, guess thats all for now!
This past weekend was my longest run yet. Kathy and I started running at 5:45 a.m. at Easton. We didn't take the path because it was too dark still, so we ran around the town center, which was actually pretty cool. Usually that place is swarming with people, so it was a little eerie to be there when not a soul was around. But we did the 17 miles, and it really wasn't bad at all. Tiring, but not bad. I went home and did an ice bath, and ended up taking a 15 minute snooze during the buckeye halftime. That did wonders for how I felt. Later in the day, my quads were feeling really sore, like I had done some weightlifting with the legs, but otherwise I felt fine. The next day, on Sunday, my upper shoulders were really sore. I can tell that I need to work on relaxing my upper body. I must have been a little tense at times.
Then on monday, Kathy and I got our longest "short run" for the week in. It was a 9 mile run. We met early, at 7 a.m., and got it in. I'm so glad we went when we did because it started sprinkling as we walked to our car. We finished just in time. It was a little tough to do that run when we were still sore from the long run on saturday, but I'm glad we got it in. Tonight I'm doing the 6 mile run, and then taking a couple of days off to get fully recovered for the 18 mile run we are doing on friday afternoon. I'm hoping that the weather holds out for us because I REALLY don't want to run in the rain.
Not much else to report. This is the month when we are really getting into the thick of the training, with all the really long runs. Kathy and I signed up for "The Home Stretch" 20 mile race, since we were scheduled for a 20 mile run that weekend anyway. That will be a great test of how things will go. I'm just happy to be able to run 20 miles without carrying water with me for a change!
Anyhow, guess thats all for now!
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