I got my 3.1 miles in today at a new low! 39:50 Yay Me!

I had a crappy run this morning. Only made it 1.25M. I am guessing since I have 7M over the last two days. Maybe I just needed a rest!

3 miles for me this morning, plus another half walking my warm up and warm down. Tough run this morning.

When you look at the running literature in detail there is a lot of debate on the "right" way to train, low aerobic HR all the time, higher HR to push your anaerobic threshold higher. Different techniques work better for different people. Different techniques work better to advance different running goals in the same person. There are many tried and true running workouts where you cannot and should not be able to pass a talk test, tempo runs, fartlek workouts, track repeats, hill repeats, and more rigid interval structures. I personally don't think you can expand your comfort zone, unless you break out of your comfort zone on a regular basis, and this is reflected in my training. You will hear many coaches talk about "junk miles" which is the short/moderate distance runs at an aerobic pace with no challenge. Others differ. Do what works for you.

Anne

i agree anne. I was tired this morning. I only pushed out a mile and quarter. boo. But it wasn't my normal time, did't get much rest and worked really hard past couple days.

Ran my three miles this morning--didn't have the best timing but I did it--even with the rain...


Happy Running 3FC Sisters.

i am hoping to push out 3 miles this afternoon! Maybe beat my last time...maybe not.

If I did a lot of miles at a pace where I could talk, I would be getting basically no exercise at all.

The talk test IMO is a valuable measure for early runners -- I see people who are pushing themselves at a crazy pace, with red faces, clearly unable to breathe, and they're not doing themselves any favors trying to push so hard. They should definitely take care to check that they are able to talk, so they aren't going over their aerobic threshold.

But as Wndranne said: as your fitness level improves, you have to push yourself harder, doing fartlek, doing distance, whatever. I can say things to my running partner -- short sentences, three words at a time. But most of the time we don't talk, most of the time we focus on where we're going!

Well ladies I got my 3 miles in. I think that will be my norm now. During my first mile or so I can talk....but very briefly and then I as get mile 2 and 3 ( i increase speed through to the end) I am totally not talking. However I recover pretty quickly.

ugh. just had a disasterous run for my easter 5k. think it was maybe the bunch of cigarettes i smoked last night and the 6 glasses of wine. think i might try again on monday.
could barely breathe and felt really nauseous afterwards. couldn't even do my situps or pushups after. sigh.

Finished my last C25K run today! For the record, I still hate that program and will not be using it again. Yet another tough run. I ran pretty soon after lunch, which is not really the best idea, but with two small children, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

Going to Boston on Thursday. DH is running the marathon, and I'm doing the 5K the day before.

Anne

I've hit a wall with my running, sort of getting really bored. With awesome timing my brother handed me a book on running technique, which I'm going to try out. It's really fascinating, there is an actual 'technique' to be an efficient, injury free runner! I always thought it's different for everybody, but actually a lot running styles put way more stress on the body than is necessary.
Anyway, I'm going to try out the exercises and drills in the book for now, meaning that my long runs are put on hold until I have it down for the time being.
I'll let you know how it goes!

I agree -- but I think it's most relevant as you become a more advanced runner. For beginners, I think just getting out and being consistent is the most important thing. And being careful not to ramp up mileage or intensity too quickly.

Also, I think that training strategy depends on your running goals - especially endurance vs. speed. If you want to tear up 5Ks, then speed training is critical. If you want to run marathons, then long slow runs take over. To run fast, you have to train fast -- to run long, you have to train long. Personally, I think it's really hard to train optimally for both, although the benefit of each does have some spill-over. Speed work makes your regular pace get a little faster, and long runs make you stronger.

I try to mix it up with a weekly mix of a long run, some speed work, and some relaxed/recovery runs. That way, I'm pretty good at most things, but not great at anything.

Ran 3-1/2 miles today!!! WooHOO.

MBN _ I have slowly gotten up to 3.0 mile run (like my normal run). It has taken me since January. Do you think this could be to fast. I am training for a 5K in May and I wuld ideally like to be up 4 mile by then. What are your thoughts...or anyones thoughts

analeh - Definitely keep us posted about the book. It sounds interesting.

anne - WTG on finising the program!

Hello ladies! A few of you may or may not know that I had to take a break from running due to a knee injury and I'm glad to report that I ran 2 miles on Sat!!! It felt great and no pain afterwards! I was smart and took some advil after my run and I iced my knee for 15 min. So crazy me did another 2 miles yesterday (I know I shouldn't push it, no lectures please) and again it was a good run. I AM taking a break today and I'm going to create a plan to to get back up to 6 miles slowly. I don't want to be on the sideline again.

Does anyone run with a dog? I took my dogs with me Sat and Sun for their first run. I have a doberman (she is fast!) and a slightly pudgy shepherd rottweiler mix. Any advice running with your dog? I've been doing a little research and I'll be training them slow like me to increase the miles. I'm thinking of taking them to our vet for a checkup and to get some advice from them.


This is Cocoa and Buddy (I had to share they are my babies )


Enjoy your runs this week!

daniela - Yay you are running again. I know it must feel good.