I did not go to work, because I had a dental appointment at 10:40. Since I could have slept a couple of more hours before having to get ready to leave, I had to force myself out of bed. I ate a piece of bread, drank some PowerAde, and was on the road just after 7:00. I carried my phone in case Sherri needed to call me about work. I thought I would call her when I hit the halfway mark. I had no longer turned around when she called me - computer problems. Off and on during the last 5 miles, I tried to talk her through what I needed to do. This affected my time since I had to walk some while on the phone. I thought I would be late getting to the dentist.
The temperature was 65 degrees when I left and the sun was about to the tops of the trees. Half of the run was into a strong wind. So strong at times, it was hard to catch my breath. The temp had hit 69 when I reached home. During mile 3, I got bit on the butt by a dog. The dog usually nips at my wrist or just watches me run on by. But not today. You can see where two teeth made their marks and a bruise connects them.
Today was to be an 8 miler, but as I said before, I'm trying to increase my shorter runs, since I can't complete the long runs, so I "ran" 10. The first 5 miles were pretty good for me - 9:24, 9:56, 10:10, 10:03, and 9:56. Then the phone conversations began. Miles 6 thru 10 - 11:29, 11:23, 9:17 (I had some energy saved up and wasn't on the phone any for this mile), 11:40, and 11:11. Total time: 1:44:30. Pace 10:27. Heart Rates: Avg. 163. Max. 187. Rest. 72. Recovery. 172 to 137.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Today was to be a 5 mile run, but I decided to add one more mile. I'm only at 10 when I should be running 16. (This coming Saturday is to be 18!) I'm hoping maybe additional mileage during the week will help me in the marathon (in about 40 days) even though I can't run the long Saturday runs.
It was not a good run today, except for the sunny 80 degree when I left, 75 when finished weather. My feet and legs hurt so that I was unable to make my normal stride. They finally began to loosen up about mile 3.5. Only one of the 6 miles was under 10:00 - 10:09, 10:25, 10:21 (close, but not slowest), 10:03 (lost about 20 seconds during this mile due to a pit bull attack. The dog usually comes toward me and growls a little, but lets me run on by. On the trip back today, though, he jumped up and nipped at my shirt at the back of my underarm. The owner was just walking out the door and saw it and began apologizing. No big deal.), 10:03, and 9:42. I finished at a s-l-o-w 1:00:43, a 10:07 pace.
It was not a good run today, except for the sunny 80 degree when I left, 75 when finished weather. My feet and legs hurt so that I was unable to make my normal stride. They finally began to loosen up about mile 3.5. Only one of the 6 miles was under 10:00 - 10:09, 10:25, 10:21 (close, but not slowest), 10:03 (lost about 20 seconds during this mile due to a pit bull attack. The dog usually comes toward me and growls a little, but lets me run on by. On the trip back today, though, he jumped up and nipped at my shirt at the back of my underarm. The owner was just walking out the door and saw it and began apologizing. No big deal.), 10:03, and 9:42. I finished at a s-l-o-w 1:00:43, a 10:07 pace.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Ten-Sixteenths (or 5/8ths)
Holly and family came in from Mississippi on Thursday, so I did not get my 5 mile run in. They were to go to the carnival in Erin Friday evening, so I thought I would run when I got home from work and before they returned. Sherri called and wanted me to drive down to the carnival with Holly's husband, Derek. Once again, no 5 mile run.
Saturday morning I hit the road at 8:00 am, so I could have a run in before we decided to do anything else. This was supposed to be another 16 miler, but I am not ready for that. I did run 10 miles. My longest since 14 on February 12 (I did cover 12 miles on March 13, but about 3.5 of those miles were walking.
The 55 degree temp was okay. It was the wind that bother me. I couldn't wait until I made my 45 degree turn, so I wouldn't be heading directly into the wind. The wind changed with me! Then I couldn't wait until I reached the halfway point to turn around, so I would be running with the wind. The wind changed directions again! And, to beat it all, it was even more constant and stronger!
My times: 9:46, 10:14, 10:28 (didn't think mile 3 would be my slowest on a 10 mile run, but it was), 10:00, 10:03, first half total 50:31 for a pace of 10:06. I wanted to finish at a 10:00 or better pace, so I pushed some. Last 5 miles: 9:49, 9:38, 9:45, 9:49, and 8:58. Total time: 1:38:30. Pace: 9:51. Heart Rates: Avg 165, Max 185, Rest 58. Recovery. 179 to 142.
Saturday morning I hit the road at 8:00 am, so I could have a run in before we decided to do anything else. This was supposed to be another 16 miler, but I am not ready for that. I did run 10 miles. My longest since 14 on February 12 (I did cover 12 miles on March 13, but about 3.5 of those miles were walking.
The 55 degree temp was okay. It was the wind that bother me. I couldn't wait until I made my 45 degree turn, so I wouldn't be heading directly into the wind. The wind changed with me! Then I couldn't wait until I reached the halfway point to turn around, so I would be running with the wind. The wind changed directions again! And, to beat it all, it was even more constant and stronger!
My times: 9:46, 10:14, 10:28 (didn't think mile 3 would be my slowest on a 10 mile run, but it was), 10:00, 10:03, first half total 50:31 for a pace of 10:06. I wanted to finish at a 10:00 or better pace, so I pushed some. Last 5 miles: 9:49, 9:38, 9:45, 9:49, and 8:58. Total time: 1:38:30. Pace: 9:51. Heart Rates: Avg 165, Max 185, Rest 58. Recovery. 179 to 142.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Paging Dr. Sykes; Paging Dr. Sykes
In my female intercom voice: "Paging Dr. Sykes. Paging Dr. Sykes." I'm wondering if he has hit one of those "I just don't want to do it" periods, like I've often done. His last blog was on February 23. He has ran and rode a bike after that date, but I haven't seen anything for March. Maybe he'll get back to it soon!
Prelude to today's run. I was still feeling the effects of my Saturday failure on Monday. Occasionally, there was a pain between my shoulder blades when I breathed. Legs were also a little sore. I was supposed to run 5 miles, but had an important errand to tend to. On Tuesday, it was cooler and the wind was blowing pretty good, so no running for me.
Today was an 8 miler. At least it was sunny and 61 degrees when I headed out at 6:00 pm. I was an hour late getting started, because wanted me to stop by Hobby Lobby on my way home from work. The sun had dropped behind the trees by 6:30. It began to get a little cooler and the breeze picked up a little, but I was okay with it. The mileage times: 9:24, 10:03, 10:11 (my slow mile), 10:03, 9:42, 9:35, 9:35, and 9:06. Total time: 1:17:39. Pace: 9:42. Although I'm way behind on my marathon mileage, I am feeling pretty good on running 7 miles. I mean, nothing speedy to them and they still push my legs, heart, and lungs, but that I feel I can go run 7 miles and not worry about failing to complete it. I was feeling it at the end of mile 7 and got through mile 8 at 9:06 - I was doing all I could to push it. Hopefully, 8 miles will feel "safe" before long.
My heart rates: 170 average, 195 max (second highest - 198 on 06/30/10 and 03/10/11), 68 rest. Recovery was from 193 (tied for 3rd highest 197, 195) to 128. The 65 point difference was second highest ever (67 on 01/24/11).
Prelude to today's run. I was still feeling the effects of my Saturday failure on Monday. Occasionally, there was a pain between my shoulder blades when I breathed. Legs were also a little sore. I was supposed to run 5 miles, but had an important errand to tend to. On Tuesday, it was cooler and the wind was blowing pretty good, so no running for me.
Today was an 8 miler. At least it was sunny and 61 degrees when I headed out at 6:00 pm. I was an hour late getting started, because wanted me to stop by Hobby Lobby on my way home from work. The sun had dropped behind the trees by 6:30. It began to get a little cooler and the breeze picked up a little, but I was okay with it. The mileage times: 9:24, 10:03, 10:11 (my slow mile), 10:03, 9:42, 9:35, 9:35, and 9:06. Total time: 1:17:39. Pace: 9:42. Although I'm way behind on my marathon mileage, I am feeling pretty good on running 7 miles. I mean, nothing speedy to them and they still push my legs, heart, and lungs, but that I feel I can go run 7 miles and not worry about failing to complete it. I was feeling it at the end of mile 7 and got through mile 8 at 9:06 - I was doing all I could to push it. Hopefully, 8 miles will feel "safe" before long.
My heart rates: 170 average, 195 max (second highest - 198 on 06/30/10 and 03/10/11), 68 rest. Recovery was from 193 (tied for 3rd highest 197, 195) to 128. The 65 point difference was second highest ever (67 on 01/24/11).
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Cut Short
Too much too soon or too much a failure? My goal of a 16 miler was cut short today. I only got in 12, and it would have been less than that, except the shortest route home was about 3.5 miles.
I was originally scheduled to run yesterday, but purposely extended it a day. I was quite sore Friday and was to work in the yard some yesterday since it was to be a beautiful day in the upper 60's - actually got to 77 at our house. Sunday was about to be 10 degrees cooler and that would be just fine for running. It was 57 degrees and cloudy when I headed out, but felt cooler. I wore pants, but couldn't decide on short sleeves or long sleeves. I finally opted for a long sleeve HeatGear shirt. I'm glad I did. Although I sweated pretty good during the first 7 to 8 miles, the long sleeves helped keep me warm later on. I felt pretty good the first 7 miles, but things bottomed out after that. My plan was to run the first half of the 16, walk a half mile, then run the rest as I could. After I completed the 8th mile, I began walking, but my legs still wanted to run - not in a good way, though. It was like pedaling something hard and fast for awhile and you needed to stop, but the pedals keep turning. The wind picked up, and I got cold from the drying sweat, as I walked the half mile. It began to sprinkle (lasted about 15 minutes), which was also cold to me. I tried running again, but just could not keep going. It was a struggle - to try to get in 16 or cut it short. I was hurting and freezing, so I decided to cut it short. The thing was that the shortest route home was still about 3.5 miles from home. So, after 9 miles, I mostly walked to get in 12 (I didn't count the last half mile).
The sun seemed to try to peek through the clouds for the first time when I was about a mile from home, and it seemed to get hot. It was 61 when got back home. I don't know if the temperature dropped or not while I was running, but I got cold! My total time was 2:32:11, a pace of 12:41. Heart Rates: Avg. 148, Max. 179, Rest 76. Recovery. 178 to 129.
After my shower and everything, it was about 5:00. I ate some cereal, watched a little TV, and feel asleep on the couch about 6:30. I woke up about 8:00 and was in bed by 8:30. Exactly a year ago, I ran 16 miles in 2:47:41 (10:29 pace). A week later I did 17 miles and that led to my demise for about a month.
I was originally scheduled to run yesterday, but purposely extended it a day. I was quite sore Friday and was to work in the yard some yesterday since it was to be a beautiful day in the upper 60's - actually got to 77 at our house. Sunday was about to be 10 degrees cooler and that would be just fine for running. It was 57 degrees and cloudy when I headed out, but felt cooler. I wore pants, but couldn't decide on short sleeves or long sleeves. I finally opted for a long sleeve HeatGear shirt. I'm glad I did. Although I sweated pretty good during the first 7 to 8 miles, the long sleeves helped keep me warm later on. I felt pretty good the first 7 miles, but things bottomed out after that. My plan was to run the first half of the 16, walk a half mile, then run the rest as I could. After I completed the 8th mile, I began walking, but my legs still wanted to run - not in a good way, though. It was like pedaling something hard and fast for awhile and you needed to stop, but the pedals keep turning. The wind picked up, and I got cold from the drying sweat, as I walked the half mile. It began to sprinkle (lasted about 15 minutes), which was also cold to me. I tried running again, but just could not keep going. It was a struggle - to try to get in 16 or cut it short. I was hurting and freezing, so I decided to cut it short. The thing was that the shortest route home was still about 3.5 miles from home. So, after 9 miles, I mostly walked to get in 12 (I didn't count the last half mile).
The sun seemed to try to peek through the clouds for the first time when I was about a mile from home, and it seemed to get hot. It was 61 when got back home. I don't know if the temperature dropped or not while I was running, but I got cold! My total time was 2:32:11, a pace of 12:41. Heart Rates: Avg. 148, Max. 179, Rest 76. Recovery. 178 to 129.
After my shower and everything, it was about 5:00. I ate some cereal, watched a little TV, and feel asleep on the couch about 6:30. I woke up about 8:00 and was in bed by 8:30. Exactly a year ago, I ran 16 miles in 2:47:41 (10:29 pace). A week later I did 17 miles and that led to my demise for about a month.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
WHAT
This is WHAT I'm talking about! Yesterday wasn't a bad day for a run. Today it was 14 degrees cooler and windy, really windy. The wind chill made it at least 10 degrees cooler than the 40 the thermometer had on it. The roller coaster weather makes me not want to run, but I ran. For the most part, the wind blew from my side. I was running into the wind from about mile 2.5 to 3, 4.5 to 5, 5.5 to 6. The wind was whistling so loudly in my ears that I couldn't hear vehicles coming. When I turned and began heading into the wind a Mile 2.5, my hands got so cold that I thought they would get frostbite. I had a ways to go and they were already so cold. Before I got in the shower, I stuck my hand under the faucet to see if the water was warm enough. The water temperature felt fine, but when the water hit the rest of my body, it was cold!
I was surprised that my legs were not sore from yesterday's run. I went all day at work without feeling indication that I had ran. That changed as soon as I started today's run. I could feel it halfway between the hips and knees and halfway between the knees and ankles. Before the run, I had 10 peanut butter and crackers at lunch and a half bag of M&M's at 5:30 as I was heading out the door. I'm glad I'm not eating much to help me lose weight. I thought it would affect my "running fuel", though, but I seem to be doing okay - getting good gas mileage :).
Another WHAT is my times. Mile 1 was about like yesterday - 9:16. 2 - 9:45. Mile 3 was 10:00 flat. When I saw that, I thought to myself, "If Mile 3 proves to be my slow mile once again, all my other miles will be under 10:00. I didn't expect it to happen. I was slowing down and had 4 miles to go. Miles 4 through 7 went like this: 9:56, 9:28, 9:38, and 9:35. Yes, I did it! Mile 7 was a real struggle. Even though I didn't know if Mile 6 had been under 10:00, because I tried not to look at my watch, but just run at a slightly over comfortable pace, I tried pushing on Mile 7 to be on the safe side. I kept feeling myself slowing down. I would pick it up and slow down again. It was a constant battle. My legs felt like jello. My total time was 1:07:38, for a pace of 9:40. I can live with that.
Although I feel pretty good while running considering the layoff and that I haven't been eating much lately, my heart seems to be straining. My Average Heart Rate was the highest that I have recorded at 181. The previous was 178 on June 30, 2010, on a 5 mile run. My Max Heart Rate tied with the highest ever at 198. The previous also on the June 30, 2010, 5 miler. My Recovery From was the second highest ever at 195. The highest, also on June 30, 2010, is 197. My Recovery To was 150.
I was surprised that my legs were not sore from yesterday's run. I went all day at work without feeling indication that I had ran. That changed as soon as I started today's run. I could feel it halfway between the hips and knees and halfway between the knees and ankles. Before the run, I had 10 peanut butter and crackers at lunch and a half bag of M&M's at 5:30 as I was heading out the door. I'm glad I'm not eating much to help me lose weight. I thought it would affect my "running fuel", though, but I seem to be doing okay - getting good gas mileage :).
Another WHAT is my times. Mile 1 was about like yesterday - 9:16. 2 - 9:45. Mile 3 was 10:00 flat. When I saw that, I thought to myself, "If Mile 3 proves to be my slow mile once again, all my other miles will be under 10:00. I didn't expect it to happen. I was slowing down and had 4 miles to go. Miles 4 through 7 went like this: 9:56, 9:28, 9:38, and 9:35. Yes, I did it! Mile 7 was a real struggle. Even though I didn't know if Mile 6 had been under 10:00, because I tried not to look at my watch, but just run at a slightly over comfortable pace, I tried pushing on Mile 7 to be on the safe side. I kept feeling myself slowing down. I would pick it up and slow down again. It was a constant battle. My legs felt like jello. My total time was 1:07:38, for a pace of 9:40. I can live with that.
Although I feel pretty good while running considering the layoff and that I haven't been eating much lately, my heart seems to be straining. My Average Heart Rate was the highest that I have recorded at 181. The previous was 178 on June 30, 2010, on a 5 mile run. My Max Heart Rate tied with the highest ever at 198. The previous also on the June 30, 2010, 5 miler. My Recovery From was the second highest ever at 195. The highest, also on June 30, 2010, is 197. My Recovery To was 150.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Had to Start Back Sometime
Okay, I started out so good training for my marathon. Then it all fell apart. Missing just one day seems to kill all motivation for the following days. I have tons of excuses to go along with my last post on February 12. The excuse for missing 9 days before that run was "snow". The reasons for not running from then until today include thunderstorms, tornado watches, just plain rain, cool temperatures (once I got a taste of the 60's, I didn't want to run when it was below 50), other stuff to do, and just laziness. Also, once I knew I was to miss the Oxford Run for Hope Half Marathon on February 26, I lost some steam. I was on schedule for it, which put me a little ahead of the Music City Full Marathon at the end of April, so I had a little time to take a break. However, the break was TOO long. Now that that is out of the way, let's get to today's run.
This was my first run in 25 days, and only the second in 34 days. Needless to say, I'm way behind schedule. I planned on starting Monday (as I've been telling myself every week for the last month or so), but it was pouring down rain when I got home. Tuesday is a rest day - haha, so I finally got out the door today. I hadn't checked my training schedule in awhile, so I wasn't sure what mileage Monday called for. I did remember that today was 7 miles. I knew I couldn't do that due to my lack of running and a little illness coming on. Monday, I had a throbbing headache when I got home from work; the same Tuesday along with a tingle in my throat and a little ache all over my body. I was thinking Monday was 5, so that's what I would do today even if I had to walk some. I would try 7 tomorrow. Tuesday, all I had was a peanut butter sandwich for lunch and 2 bowls of cereal and some Goldfish for supper. Wednesday, before the run, all I had was some dry cereal at lunch. I had in my mind that the lack of running, lack of fuel, and the possibility of an oncoming illness would really affect this run. But this run turned out to feel really good! I was quite surprised... and happy. I hadn't lost everything. However, there was a time after just hitting Mile 4 that I think I would have thrown up if I had eaten anymore the last couple of days. I very seldom get the "throw-up feeling" while running, but it was right at the back of my mouth. (I actually cannot recall ever throwing up due to running). Other than the usual pains and wear of running, I felt good.
I even thought my times were decent - 9:17, 10:14, 10:28, 10:21, 9:54. Mile 3 still my slow mile. Total time 50:14. Pace 10:03. I like to think that I could have cut those 14 seconds off if I wasn't running head on into a very strong wind on the way back. My heart rates: Avg 175, Max 194, Rest 66. Recovery from 187 to 139. The 175 average HR is my second highest, which I've done 5 times (high is 178). The max HR of 194 is my second highest (198 is highest). The layoff cost my heart fitness level some beats.
By the way, Monday was to be a 4 miler.
This was my first run in 25 days, and only the second in 34 days. Needless to say, I'm way behind schedule. I planned on starting Monday (as I've been telling myself every week for the last month or so), but it was pouring down rain when I got home. Tuesday is a rest day - haha, so I finally got out the door today. I hadn't checked my training schedule in awhile, so I wasn't sure what mileage Monday called for. I did remember that today was 7 miles. I knew I couldn't do that due to my lack of running and a little illness coming on. Monday, I had a throbbing headache when I got home from work; the same Tuesday along with a tingle in my throat and a little ache all over my body. I was thinking Monday was 5, so that's what I would do today even if I had to walk some. I would try 7 tomorrow. Tuesday, all I had was a peanut butter sandwich for lunch and 2 bowls of cereal and some Goldfish for supper. Wednesday, before the run, all I had was some dry cereal at lunch. I had in my mind that the lack of running, lack of fuel, and the possibility of an oncoming illness would really affect this run. But this run turned out to feel really good! I was quite surprised... and happy. I hadn't lost everything. However, there was a time after just hitting Mile 4 that I think I would have thrown up if I had eaten anymore the last couple of days. I very seldom get the "throw-up feeling" while running, but it was right at the back of my mouth. (I actually cannot recall ever throwing up due to running). Other than the usual pains and wear of running, I felt good.
I even thought my times were decent - 9:17, 10:14, 10:28, 10:21, 9:54. Mile 3 still my slow mile. Total time 50:14. Pace 10:03. I like to think that I could have cut those 14 seconds off if I wasn't running head on into a very strong wind on the way back. My heart rates: Avg 175, Max 194, Rest 66. Recovery from 187 to 139. The 175 average HR is my second highest, which I've done 5 times (high is 178). The max HR of 194 is my second highest (198 is highest). The layoff cost my heart fitness level some beats.
By the way, Monday was to be a 4 miler.
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