Cool Runners----August 2008
 

Josephine, I hear you on how it feels to have to dial back on the running. I didn't run two days this week and it about killed me. I was terrified that I would lose all my gains and also gain back all that I have lost---if that makes sense. I finally ran today and blasted out a 5K in about 28 minutes. The fastest ever. Rest can be a *good* thing. So hang in there, take care of yourself, and you will be a stronger runner when you are able to go again.

5k in 28 minutes? Holy cripes, that's fast! :eek:


I got through my run today, but it seemed a little harder than yesterday for some reason. Maybe because I did an extra 5 minutes, and picked up the pace for a bit yesterday?

Anyway, all my muscles were twitching like mad after I was done today! It made me think that maybe they were freaking out since I've been demanding so much of them. Well, they had quite a number of years to "rest," so now it's time to work! :devil:

I did my 3FC Midsummer's 5K this weekend and I clocked in at a personal best of 34:20. Looking forward to getting my time down and increasing distance over the month of August...

of course school starts in 12 days so I'll have to fight to stay on track I think...but I haven't fallen off the wagon yet, so I imagine I can power thru a few busy months!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I spent mine at the beach and the pool and only ran on Friday because my legs were a bit sore from that run...but I'll be back on track on Monday!
~A

Hello August runners!!

Today was my last long run before my race in two weeks. Our clinic group headed out to run the actual half-marathon course since we were scheduled for 20k anyhow. I'm really glad we did this since I now have a better idea of what to expect and how to pace myself in regards to the two large hills early in the course.

During my past few long runs I've hit a mental/energy level dip around the 12K mark so today I did my shot blocks a bit earlier and it really seemed to help. I didn't start to get tired until the 18K mark, which seemed like a pretty reasonable reaction to running for 2 hours! ;)

My goal for this race has been to come in under 2:30, and with our very relaxed and socializing pace today we came in at 2:26 so I'm feeling very confident that I'll do well. My official time for my half 6 years ago was 2:14 (though I'd done the distance at 1:45 a week previous :dizzy:) and I would be thrilled to no end if I were able to beat that time. I don't want to pressure myself on that number, though, so I won't hold it up as my goal.

So the rest of this week continues as normal (11 hill reps on Wednesday!!) then I taper starting next week. I'm getting so excited!!! :D

Hey cool runners! I did my first HIIT training this past friday. In general I'm not great at pushing myself with workouts. I'm just pleased to be moving at all ;)
But, it was for 10 mins 30 sec 4/treadmill, then 1.5min 7/treadmill. With my usual stuff b4 and after. Wow, hard. But something I will repeat when on that treadmill again. It was my plan to go for a long run but that got rescheduled d/t my baby (2yo) having a pretty significant rash while being on antibiotics-- not an allergic rxn, I happily confirmed with his doctor.

ANyway, I got my longer run in today and felt pretty good throughout.
Have a cool running start to the week :)

Yay, I'm finally recovered enough to run again, thank goodness, I was going stir crazy and biking just wasn't fitting the bill! I need my runs!

Midwife -- way to blast out that fast 5k, whoo hoo! When I ran this morning I thought I was taking it easy but I can in faster than I expected, so you are right, a bit of rest isn't going to kill us! LOL! Still, I'm ready for some serious road time now, no more sick days for a while, please!

I got in a nice 5.41 miler this morning which will be my one-day-late run for the Midsummer's 5k (plus!). :)


Everybody is looking GOOD, what a nice way to start August! Way to go!

I'd love a greyhound, *cough cough*, I think I still need cuddles to reach a full recovery! Greyhounds are so gorgeous!

Jo - I know what you mean about a rest day doing you good....but I am one to fight it too! I love my running these days and want to improve myself distance and time wise...which I know I have to start taking more days off in order to do....but it is soooo hard....

I'm trying to work out a plan of action on how many miles to run on which days in order to increase my distance....anybody have any thoughts on this? My goal for August is to get up to 5miles comfortably. Right now I run up to 3.5 miles comfortably....but anything beyond that and I'm pretty much whipped. Thanks for your help in advance!

Kim - as usual, I am tired just reading your posts!

Jo - nice to have you back. I have a question for you - I saw the (spectacular, I might say) pics in the Midsummer Night's thread - is it a watch you are wearing or is it the distance/calorie/hear rate/whatever tracking gizmo?

Amanda - I caught up with your post in the Goals forum only recently and you are smokin' hot, lady! No wonder half of the guys from the gym are fighting over the privilege to run with you!
Since I am way below you in performance, I don't have much advice except that is seems to me a lot to try going from 3.5 to 5 miles in one month. Maybe take it slowly and keep adding a bit by bit (that's what works for me) rather than pushing yourself too much?

I, too have to agree that a bit of rest is GOOD. I did NOTHING yesterday (the translation is keeping me glued to the computer and if I continue surfing 3FC I definitely WON'T meet the deadline) so no gym yesterday and today is questionable - I am too behind.
But, I did run this morning and man, did I feel chipper!!! It went really awesome until the last 100 calories (I prefer the calorie display than the time or the distance, I know, I am a weirdo LOL). But both today and on Saturday, I ran 3.7 miles. My pace is still snailish, but that's ok. I will slowly start experimenting with adding a bit more incline (maybe at intervals). I run with 2%, time to start flirting with 3%.

Oh, I almost forgot - midwife, you look awesome!!!

Thanks Tomato!

Amanda, I try to increase my weekly mileage by no more than 10% and I try to tack that on to a longer run.

So, if you are running 3.5 miles 4 times a week you are running 14 miles a week. (Look out! I can do math!) So I would increase no more than 1.4 miles for the following week. I would then run 3 3.5 mile runs and then a 5 mile run (yes, that is a bit more than 10% but I like even numbers. I would do that for two weeks and then bump up another run to 5 miles, until each run is 5 miles and then I would figure out 10% and put that on the end of a single run again. Clear as mud? But it depends what your goals are. I need to work up to a 10 mile training run before my half marathon and that will be a single weekly run with my other runs 3-5 miles only.

I need a kick in the pants to get running right NOW.
I am sitting at my work desk obsessively worrying about 4yo ds, shy moody not so easy going sometimes and my chest is pounding.

I know the best thing for me is to get moving/running to my other work site. Emotional topics are less weighty (so to speak) after a nice sweaty run. (I have a change of clothing)

ok here I go, thanks for letting me vent during this post. I'm really changing and going... NOW!

Back at work... feeling better...talked to sitter ds better//more than better... KIDS WILL AGE A WOMAN!!!

Kitty, :hug: . Being a mama is the hardest thing ever.

ain't dat da trut :hug: hugs to you too! :)

Good Morning Ladies! Thank you for your advice on the increasing my distance. I really believe what you all said is great....that being said last night was just my night...100% unplanned...and I ran my first ever 5 miles straight up no breaks! I ran it in 53:30....now, that being said, I'm taking it easy tonight (although I feel fine this morning) because I'd like to continually be able to decrease my time on the 5 miler this month. Although I'll probably only run that distance 2 nights/week. Don't want to hurt myself!

I still can't believe I did it last night. I'm very proud...and down another pound to boot!
~A

Great job, Amanda!
Isn't it great when everything just falls into place and you can run like there is no tomorrow?
I will be running tomorrow morning but humidity is on the rise here again.:sp:

Hi Ladies
I ran/jogged/walked two miles!!! I cant beleive i did it, it did take 35-40minutes, but now i know it is possible! today I am lifting with Jari and then tomorrow I cant wait to see if i can do it again!
I told my husband my dream is to start running outside, i just feel i am too slow to run outside and to run in a race.

WAY TO GO! :congrat:
That is just awesome, I bet you felt like you were on cloud 9 at the end of that run!

WHOO HOO! Way to go! Of course it is possible, you'll be running outside and racing before you even know it!
:bravo:


Today I did 5.93 miles on the treadmill because I missed my weather window this morning (too hot to run after 7am!). I pushed the incline up starting at 4 and all the wayup to 15, which was quite.... how shall I say it... challenging!! Sure got my heart rate up I can tell you!

Runners-- I'm trying to ramp up mileage but opportunities are decreasing. What's your opinion on two mod runs in one day vs. one long run?

Two runs in a day is fine! Lots of people split their runs up like that. Unless you are training for one long race (and then you need to have the long time on the road all at once).

Go for it!

Thanks dude!

I agree with Josephine. It kinda depends on your goals. I think if you are trying for a half or full marathon, there is no replacing a long run each week. But if it is for fitness or in combo with a long run per week, why not? I am actually a little jealous of folks who zip in multiple runs in a day.

Well, I'd like to to a half marathon (can't find timely local one) and a full marathon (in NJ this May) but I'm not quite mentally there. I figure if I work on getting physically closer my mind will follow :)
I may just do my own half marathon. In 2 weeks I'll be on vacation in upstate NY. There is a 6 miler that I have done recently. I'm thinking I'll do it there and back vs just back (it's this cute little farm that DH and I visit with the kiddies).
So far the longest run I've done is 8.3ish (last week or so). I'd like to get a 10er in prior to this personal challenge.

thanks for your input gals :) :) :) it is much appreciated

If you can run 8 miles, you can run a half marathon. Sounds like a great goal!

Venturing into this thread for the first time
 

You're never too slow to run outside! And if you can find a walker friendly race (many 5Ks are open to walkers as well), that might be a good race to start with, because you can always alternate walking and running if you need to. Of course you never know what race adrenaline will do for you though! I just always try to remember that even if I come in last place, I'm still ahead of the guy who never got up off the couch! Speaking of which, my daughter came in dead last in a small race once, but she was the only one in her age group, so she got a first place trophy. She was about 12 or 13 at the time and thought it was the coolest thing ever - lol!

I thought I'd finally venture into this thread. I've been running on and off for years, but really started increasing my distance this year. I'm still slower than molasses, but I really enjoy it and it definitely helps keep my weight in check!

Hi Jenguin!
That 8.3er took me close to 2 hours, hee. I knew I was going for a long run so I took it REALLY easy. Still felt GREAT at the end :)

Hi Kittycat! I know what you mean about that great feeling when you're done. I always feel so much better when I've finished a run!

It's exciting that you are looking to do a half, then full marathon. I did a 20K at the end of May, which is about .7 miles short of a half, and am currently training to run the Des Moines Marathon in mid-October. I'm sure I will be one of the last people to finish, but finishing is my only goal. I agree with midwife - if you can run 8, you can run a half!

Welcome Jenquin! And I agree with your advice to Parveen! I just don't think speed matters, period.

My one and only first place 5k race finish came when nobody else was in my age group, lol! I LOVED it, because I'm nowhere near the top three usually, so I treasure my first place medal! My dad won first place in HIS age group that same race, except he actually HAD serious competition (he's really fast, I'm really NOT). But it was fun with both of us getting to go up and get awards!

Parveen, run outside if you want to and definitely do a race. I was a slow-poke runner for years and it didn't stop me! How slow was I? Little old men passed me *walking* but I didn't care! I had people tell me, "I saw you out walking the other day." Ahem, I was RUNNING! Slow, yes, but running nonetheless, and I do not use the term jogging.

And now, suddenly, I am faster. Which is very cool, don't get me wrong, but it took a lot of 12-13 minute miles to get me where I am now.

Thanks for the push, I think I will just have to do it! I will have to think what I will do abotu the keys, cellphone ect that I have to carry with me though....will let you know when I do it, but tonight it will be on the treadmill, I actually am excited to workout tonight! and "run"!!
I am also seeing the benefits of running, I havent lost any "weight" since i am also lifting weights and I assume my leg muscles are being built up due to the running. But I lost my doublechin, legs are slimmer and the post babies tummy puch is vertially dissapeared!!! so I am happy!!

Sorry Tomato, I somehow totally missed this question until right now. What I'm wearing is the love-of-my-running life: The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS/personal trainer (here's a slightly blurry photo from the Midsummer Night's run):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...forerunner.jpg

You can read all about it on the Garmin site here. I LOVE IT and highly recommend it to runners who are data freaks like me!

I had been thinking about starting a new thread about this, but since this pertains to running and this thread was bumped to page 2 I thought I'd see if it generated any discussion here. A friend of mine (and frequent running partner) has been working her way through an injury. She emailed me this comment the other day:

I didn't realize running would also be a lesson in patience. It really does cover all of life's lessons I think! Patience, courage, determination, joy, pain, endurance, hope, defeat, etc...that is so cool. :-)

My question for all of you is what life lesson has running taught you?

Great question.

I have learned from running that I can do ANYthing!

That my body is capable and that it works.

That I can tolerate temporary discomfort for long term gain.

That I can be fast. And strong.

Hi, I've just discovered this thread and enjoyed reading what everyone has to say. Long story somewhat shorter, I've been running since April, although I've been deep into exercise for a couple of years now (since I started this weight loss thing...struggling slowly along with more and more challenging things, you know how it goes...) My main sport was and is swimming but I also now do a lot of other cardio in the gym and also weights classes.

I started to run when my husband wanted to do a 5K (he has also lost a lot of weight) and he wanted to put to rest the childhood memories of being dead last in the mile run in gym class. So we signed up but I figured I'd just run it, no practice, anything, just go there on the day and do it. Just to be supportive. I don't really know what I was thinking. I guess not thinking would be more like it.

Anyway, my two goals were to run every step (no matter how slowly) and maybe to beat 30 minutes (a more experienced friend thought I could possibly do that). No matter how improbable it seems I did actually make these goals, and in the meantime LOVED the whole thing, much to my surprise.

So I actually started practicing and can now run 7 miles at a time. We have done some more 5K's, a couple of them cross country style, and one 5 mile trail run (absolutely fabulous experience!). I hope to keep training and getting stronger. I have a goal of running a 10K in November for my 50th birthday - it will be across the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia.

I've been very interested in everyone's stories. Thanks for listening to mine!

Welcome Pink Geranium, great story. I can't imagine running an under 30 5k without even training for it, that must have been great! That's awesome. I worked for MONTHS trying to get an under 30 5k, lol! But it was SWEET when I finally go it.

That 10k race for your 50th sounds like a great way to celebrate a milestone birthday! And in a great location, too!

By the way, I also love swimming. I like to do triathlons, so I try to get in the pool relatively often (though I've been spending more time running recently than swimming). My dream is to one day do an Ironman triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run in case someone doesn't know what "Ironman" length is). I've yet to ride even close to 112 miles or run a full marathon (I've done halfs) but I have been able to swim 2.4 miles. But I was pretty darn pooped when I was done.

Jenguin-- great question. Running has taught me so much: perseverance, the power of the mind, the inherent strength of my own body (which I had previously viewed as pretty weak and very non-athletic), the joy of pushing beyond previous limits...


This morning I ran 7 miles and felt really good, I thought I would be sore from Friday's workout, but I was fine. I did speedwork on Friday -- probably the first time since I was a child that I have run 100% FULL OUT (I was doing 100 yard intervals on a football field) and it was SO fun! It was such a freeing feeling to just let it all out without having to moderate pace for the later parts of the run. I can't wait to do that again.

I am a beginner runner - still struggling with 1 minute at a time....How far do I have to be able to run before I can call myself a runner? Is it OK for me to read these posts for inspiration and to ask for advice? Not sure I'll ever be able to manage much more than my 1 minute jogs. I am 50 y/o and VERY unfit.

Welcome Pufffin!
You're a runner right now (1 min or 100 mins, that's just a matter of scale!)! Please feel free to participate in the thread! 30 second intervals of jog/walk is how I started running, so don't feel put off by the mileage some of us are doing now! Post away! :)

I have to laugh at myself because as I'm reading my latest Runner's World magazine they had a little blurb about "speedwork" in which they say, "Never run all out". Well, hmmmm, lol. Too late! But I guess I will moderate my next speedwork session and maybe do a little more research. I'm pretty new to doing ANY speedwork so I'm sure I've got lots to learn.

I read that too, Jo, and I have to say I disagree with it. I do sprint intervals with my trainer and run 40 yard dashes, and I sprint the last legs of my runs. I DO run all out! Arms pumping, leaning forward, knees flying, 100%.

Why? Well, it is fun! And I think that this speed work has been the difference between my 12:30 miles and my 9:08 miles. Sometimes I just want to run as fast as I possibly can.

So, I'm no expert, but when I give 100%, I give 100%.

Oh good, I'm glad you do it, too! They didn't REALLY explain why you shouldn't run all out, and maybe they didn't mean EVER. I really enjoyed the feeling of putting everything I had into it! I'm glad to know your trainer has you do it, too. Because I was looking forward to doing it again. :)