I don't have any special rain gear... I just go. Usually by the time I'm done with my runs, I'm soaking from sweat anyway so it doesn't feel any different than getting rained on haha.

fatpants Even an 11 minute mile is beyond me but...like you said, I am still shocked I can run 3 miles at all so I am staying focused on that :) Even if I still have a walk break or two, tha's okay.

That book sounds like just what I need. Thanks! I'll look for it.

Howdy all! I'm a proud member of the slowpokes club too - 12min miles are a new thing for me! I did check to see what the difference between jogging and running is for anyone who's interested since I didn't want to give anyone the wrong idea by saying I run. Running is a form of motion, not a speed thing so you could conceivably "run" at slower than walking speed. So, if anyone asks now about what I do for exercise, you betcha I'm proudly saying I run :) As far as running in the rain, if it's warm out, I go in my normal gear (and count myself lucky as I especially like running in the rain and rain is rare here in Denver). If it's colder, I add a light waterproof jacket with vents. No run for me today but I'm going to shoot for 5.6 miles tomorrow which is long for me - we'll see how it goes.

Hope all your miles are good ones!

I love the support here! Just puts a smile on my face :)

Fatpants - I live in LA so I can't help you too much. I'm such a baby about any temp that's not in the 70s so winter might be tough. I'll be back here asking for advice!

Dancer - Good luck on 5.6 tomorrow - rock it out!!

I had a minor freak out yesterday because I realized that my 10k is a month away and I have yet to run 6 miles outside. I'm up to 6.25 on the treadmill but it's just not the same. And I've managed 5 outside so I guess I'm close, but I'd feel much much more comfortable if I can get in at least 1 6 miler outside. Should I just go for 6 on my next outdoor run (prob fri morning) of should I do 5.5 first and then go for 6? Ah, I'm so excited for the race buy now really nervous!

Sorry fatpants, my response was for jayjay. For you, I wanted to say that if it feels right, just go for it. Your body is clearly craving the running! But please, stretch like crazy and be very aware of small pains or aches in your body and massage/ice them. You're gonna kick some serious butt this weekend!

Thanks :D My legs are tired today... supposed to do 4 miles (laughable!) today but will probably rest instead and pick it up for my last run Thursday. Ahhh I'm way excited for Sunday!

big race weekend fatpants!!! how are you feeling?? Whats going on in your head right now??

taking charge--you are ready to run 6 miles outside, i have no doubt. I KNOW you are ready for the 10k..TODAY...even if you dont EVER run another step outside before the race, you are still ready...... dont psych yourself by thinking that youve only run 5 miles outside, even though youve run the full distance on a treadmill....... you got that 10k in the bag!!!! AND youve still got a month to go!!! :)

ummm. rain running....... you COULD spend over 100 dollars on a fancy schmancy rain/running jacket that may (or may not) be waterproof/ water resistent....... OR, since you will sweat from the inside out anyway, and be even MORE wet becasue the jacket will trap your own moisture inside.........i think you should run in your swimsuit!! :) good luck!!

seriously, unless its a torrential downpour, or seriously frigid and sleeting, i would just go with it!!!!! LIBERATING feeling ( if its the nice, warm rain)!!

Running in the rain is fun as long as it's not a miserable cold rain...

Taking Charge, you'll be fine for your 10k, I've only done one 9k and my 10k is on Sunday ... I'm just going to go with the flow of what feels right for me... I am so NOT competitive :rolleyes: ... I just run to run...

Hey everyone! I had a great run this morning...I was apprehensive, as I was super short of sleep, plus I went to a concert last night (Britney Spears - amazing!!!) and was on my feet dancing and had a beer for the first time in MONTHS. So i was nervous that I would have a crappy little wuss run like I did on Monday. Nope! I pushed through and got my usual 2 miles in! I had to talk myself through it at a couple points, but I really wanted a run I could feel good about all day, so I persevered! Yay me! Yay us!

i bet it was the beer sharon!!!! Beer has TONS of carbs!@!!!!

Great thread! Glad I found it! I am currently training for the Singapore marathon in December. This morning I ran 9k (5.6 miles) in 58 mins, my best ever! Pretty excited! Need to do a long one this weekend....

There may be some truth to that statement, when I drink wine and some Fridays I can drink a LOT I have the best runs the next morning :yes:

:welcome: nattynatnat :wave: ... 9k in 58 mins :faint: that's awesome :bravo:

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I definitely feel a little better about being ready, but I'll still try to get in at least 1 6 mile run outside. We'll see how that goes! For a 10K, is it necessary to taper the week before? Should I do a long run the weekend before? Thanks again!!

Sharon - That's so great! Overcoming those mental boundaries is one of the hardest things about running (at least for me!) and it'll give you so much more confidence for your next runs, so great job!

Nat - Welcome! And congrats on your awesome 9K time! Wow, marathon in December, how exciting! Is this your first?

I decided to run yesterday and today, but did 2 short, fast runs. Yesterday, 3.6 miles with intervals and today a 2 mile tempo run at 8:50min/mile. Boy, was I sweating!! Much more than I do in a normal pace 6 mile run! I guess what they say about interval training and changing things up is true. I'm definitely sore, which is great, so hopefully I'll see more improvement in my time and endurance!

I'm starting to feel slightly nervous, but I think by Saturday night I'll probably be pretty wired. I have a tendency to work myself up over these things! ;)

As far as running goes I actually feel pretty confident. I don't want to set myself up for a certain time (would LOVE sub-30, but I think just trying to get a feel for racing will be my goal). I ran Sunday-Wednesday so I have the next three days off. My IT Band was screaming at me yesterday!

I have had some really good runs this week and I just keep reminding myself that this race course is nothing. I've been running on it at least once a week since April so I know exactly what to expect, which helps calm the nerves a LOT.

takingcharge-- regarding taper before 10K.......let me ask you a quick question, whats your avg week in training look like? as far as days you run, and distances, etc.....

You guys,
i finally had a GRAET run this am, and boy did i need it!!! rather than do ANOTHER 12-13 mile marathon pace run (which gets BORING) i decided to do an 11 mile Lactic Acid Threshold run......it was freakin awesome!!! I warmed up for about a mile, then alternated between 1 mile intervals at 10K pace (7:30 min mile) and 1 mile at marathon pace (9 min mile)...repeated throguhout the course of the 11 miles.....i LOVED it!! The hardest part was switching gears back from the 10K pace into the marathon pace.....It generally took me a good 1/2 mile or so to find my marathon pace each time...... this run was TOTALLY worth waking up at 2 30am for!!! :)

MK - what does lactic acid threshold mean? I'm guessing it means run really fast so your muscles burn but wasn't sure :)

Dancer---excellent question..... Lactic acid is a by product (or waste product) of glycogen consumption within your muscles (glycogen being broken down for energy when you are exercising)...The lactic acid builds up within your muscles as more and more glycogen is broken down..have you ever done anything strength trainign?? That really FULL and STIFF feeling you get in your muscles when you are lifting hard, is the lactic acid thats built up (your lactic acid threshold)....your body can process the lactic acid out of the muscles, but not very quickly.....the point of a lactic acid threashold run serves more than one purpose. First, it builds up my muscle's TOLERNCE to be able to handle the increasing load of lactic acid, therefore i am able to "push through" the fullness and stiffness and tiredness, so to speak.... Working up to the lactic acid threshold also teaches my body (over time) how to process it out of my muscles more rapidly.....it is therefore twofold in the sense that i can tolerate higher levels of it in my body, and my body also gets rid of it faster, allowing my to perform much longer and more effectively..... It takes time to build and work on, but the rewards are worth the effort!!

Hmmm glad to hear it, MK and Ilene. I guess I should start a more alcohol-based training regimen ;)

MK - thanks for the info! How interesting! So, is your recovery time longer on the lactic acid threshold runs, then?

Only 4.4 miles for me this morning but it was beautiful and cool out. I'm saving up some energy for a hike in Aspen tomorrow - supposed to be 5-6 hrs and quite steep. We'll see how it goes. I'll be out of pocket for a few days but will check back in with you guys at the end of the weekend.

fatpants - I'll be cheering you on on Sunday from afar!

Mk - Right now, I'm kind of transition to running 4x/week instead of 3. My mileage is slowly increasing from about 13-14 miles/week to 14-16 miles/week. Here's my ideal schedule: Mon - 4.5 mile easy (if I get in a good long run on the weekend, if not it's 5-6), Wed - 3 or 4 mile interval, Fri - 2 or 3 mile tempo, Sat - Long (5-6, will get longer after 10K). So it's really not that strenuous, though I'm being careful because I'm increasing the number of days that I'm running as well as my speed. I'm now basically doing under 10 min/mile for all of my runs, but just pushing to the point where I'm a little tired, not feel like I'm dying or anything! Do you think that's a good training plan for the half marathon? I've kind of already shifted my mind set to that, though maybe I should keep focusing on the 10K for the next month. I guess it doesn't matter all that much. I'm so glad you had a good run! You really kick your own butt, it's awesome. I need a boot camp trainer for that!

Dancer - Aspen?? That sounds incredible!! Have a total blast and report back and make us all jealous!

Taking charge---im thinking youve been running at approx this rate for a while now.......it is my personal opinion that because your body is already adapted to the stress it will be under running a 10K, there is no REAL need for you to taper at all, in my opinion. Generally people only NEED to taper if they are covering a significant distance, possibly greater than theyve done, that will put an entirely new amount of stress on their bodies, such as before a marathon, or possibly if its your first half marathon......I think your body is comfortable with running 6.2 miles.......and it knows how to do it now...does that make sense?!?!? The taper is designed to give your body adequate time to recover, repair, and gather strength for an extremely difficult physical task......if it makes you feel better, or more prepared, you might want to just cut back to three runs that week, maybe your normal runs, or possibly a little slower/easier...I would take the day off thats 2 days away from your race...if you race on sunday take friday off, and then it ALWAYS has helped me to run, very lighlty (sometimes even run/walk) for a couple miles the day before, in order to loosen up your legs.....you can then use the opportunity to have a nice long stretch session after your very light jog/walk.... but then, i run everyday, so since you normally run every OTHER day......?? not sure...its your call.....
I would absolutely get a beginniers trainig plan for the half marathon...youve built up an adequate base mileage now that you are ready to start. Google Hal Higdon Beginner Half Marathon plan...they are free, and his plans are what ive always used up till now...they are solid, not unrealistic, and actually slighlty low mileage, in my opinion ( i always add more runs into the week off his plan)...when is the half?? I believe the plan is for 12 weeks, so you just just keep your base mileage up until 12 weeks out, then begin on his program...you can probably already run longer than what i think he has the first long run as.....

Dancer...have a BLAST in aspen!!!!
I dont take recovery days..... :( Umm, actually tomorrow is my weekly track workout as well...... A lactic acid workout can be beneficial to a runner of any ability, and they come in all shapes sizes, and difficulty levels!! If a beginner runner were to do the same run i didd today though, theyd def need a day or so to recover....... However, with my marathon looming my trainer and i are working on my ability to run and perform when my body is under stress, and not fully recovered, and fatigued..... But it IS the like a speed training/interval session, so yes, you should take a recovery or easy day afterwards!!

I second Hal Higdon's plans.. his beginner's 10k plan is the one I'm using right now.. I think it's only a 6-week program. But I am a slow adapter so I probably need more than 6 weeks to work up to 6 miles.

Hi Ladies. Ran today 3 miles AND did some indoor rock climbing. WOW! Beautiful combo. I have been working on speed the last few days. I feel so much stronger. It may be my imagination but my legs are feeling super muscular to me the last couple days. Do any of you catch yourself grabbing to feel your leg muscles as you run? I have been so THIGH challenged for so long I cannot help myself. LOL..

Anyway, indoor rock climbing--could possibly turn into my new love--along with running ofcourse.

Thighs - absolutely on the leg grabbing! :lol: I have been feeling that way lately too... major muscles developing on my thighs which have always been a trouble spot for me. It's such a nice feeling!

fatpants---LOVE your new quote in your signature!!!

Haha thanks... I read that last night and felt it was appropriate for everything I've been feeling about the race. I am incredibly emotional about it and it's kind of taken me by surprise... I guess when you have spent most of your life being overweight, you really never thought that you could ever become this person... a runner.

FatPants - I'm so happy for you! This really is a huge milestone and really shows you how far you've come, thanks to YOUR hard work and dedication! Did you get that quote from Runner's World daily quotes? I get those sent to me every morning and they get my butt out of bed to go running in the morning! I'll be thinking about you this weekend and sending you great thoughts. Really enjoy this race and take in all of the great emotions you're feeling!

Mk and FatPants - Thanks for the advice on training plans. I checked them out a while ago before I was running 4 days/week, so it was always too much for me, but I guess now I can do it! Like you Mk, I don't really like the short easy runs because I use this as my daily exercise so 3 easy miles doesn't do all that much for me, but I guess I can always make it 4 or something if I want.

Thighs - I love the feeling of a body part not jiggling quite as much as it used to! My legs have never been skinny but they've completely changed shape due to running and at least now they're strong and maybe even kind of nice! :D Indoor rock-climbing sounds amazing! I wanna give that a shot!

Speaking of runs, I had a CRAPPY one today. I know it happens to everyone, but it was just so disappointing. I set out to do 5 miles outside this morning (like I did last weekend, longest run outside), but managed a semi-quick 30 minutes and then completely lost it. My legs felt like they just couldn't move anymore and I had to walk/run the last 20 minutes home. I also noticed that I was SO thirsty by the end, which usually doesn't happen. And, I didn't have a little snack (like 1/4 banana) like I always do before my runs. Lastly, I haven't done yoga in almost 2 weeks and have barely been stretching (STUPID!!!) even though I've been running faster and longer. Even with all of these factors, I feel like I've lost all of the hard work I've been doing and I'm back to square one. So frustrating! I'll try again on Sunday morning and hope that goes better. :( Hope you all had better runs!

Takingcharge---one bad run isnt the end of the world!! No need to over analyze it or even think about it anymore!!!! we all have days with bad runs...they cant ALL be winners!!!! Your sunday run will be great, no doubt!

Ha, thanks for the reality check Mk! You're totally right and I'll know I'll have a good run again soon. Just kind of a bummer buy I'll survive!

Ilene - I just noticed that you have your 10k this Sunday! Good luck and have fun!!!

Thanks, Taking Charge, Sunday is coming along very quickly :fr: ...

Taking Charge, don't be so hard on yourself, one bad run is only a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things... You'll do better on Sunday...

Ilene-good luck tomorrow!! Youve worked so hard.....Are you excited?? Nervous?? Dont be nervous, youre going to have such a great time!!
I cant remember if youve done any other races, but just in case you havent, heres my best advice!! Depending on whether or not it is a large race, as SOON as you get there, get in line for the Porta-potty!!!!! IF the race is big enough, you could be standing in line for well over a half hour!! Good luck!!

Fat pants! Ditto!! Congrats on making it so far!!! Youll do great!! Remember to have fun!!! Dont worry about your time (although im secretly keeping my fingers crossed that youll break 30 minutes) ;) i wish you the best!

No run for me today, i decided, although my trainer told me i could do an easy run if i wanted to....However, i have a 20 mile race tomorrow, so i thought i would be *kind* to my running muscles!! I had a couple of big runs already this week, and i know when i took wednsday off before that 12 mile Lactic acid threshold run on thursday i did so much better! SO...im hoping to have a great race tomorrow.....i NEEED to have a great run tomorrow! MY last 20 miler was such a disaster ( if you guys remember, the heat stroke, the prairie dogs, the crazies..) ANyway, i think ive got my marathon pace down better this time, so im really gonna try to maintain it...if i can, it will put me at the finish at right around 3 hours, and then a marathon finishing time of 4 hours...... im going to go the the gym (blech!!) and amuse myself in the pool and on the elliptical and maybe the rowing machine...got to at least burn SOME calories today, right girls!??!?

Wow lots of races this weekend! :)

TC - hehe yep I also get the RW daily quotes. I just thought it summed up why we run perfectly!

Ilene - GOOD LUCK on your 10k! I bet you will do fantastic!!

Mkroyer - Also GOOD LUCK on your 20 mile race! Looks like we will have better weather tomorrow than today...it's a bit chilly!

I am really itching to run now... it's my third and final rest day and I am so excited, but I can't go run off the energy. ;) So I went shopping instead..LOL. My IT band seems to have calmed down for the most part... I foam rolled the heck out of it last night, stretched, etc. I bought a Pro-tec strap that some say helps, so I might wear it tomorrow, but I'm not sure. You're supposed to position it below your knee cap, but to be honest I'm afraid it will fall off while running. :?: It might be more of a distraction than it is worth it. I don't know. my IT band issues are so come and go that I could have a good run without any issues or a terrible run where it hurts so bad I need to stop and walk for a bit. I might take a jog around the block and see if I can trust this strap thing to stay up.

Anyway, thanks for all the encouragement, ladies! I'll check back in on Monday with a race report and hopefully some pictures! :D

Hey Ladies. I did about 4 miles today. I am really trying to increase my intensity these days. I "feel" like a more serious runner this way. LOL. It also rained my entire run today. I am still sore today from the Indoor Rock Climbing. BUT! I am going again this week! I love it!!!

Does anyone else have REGULAR IPOD issues? I run with the Shuffle. I think it is moisture related as I have altered everything else. This is my 3rd IPOD in about 6 months. I Googled with moisture problem & Ipod and LOTS of people have problems. Why is Apple making something not compatible with workouts? Isn't that what many people use IPODS for?

MKroyer, Wow--an entire marathon! I can only imagine! How many weeks/months has the training taken?

Ilene--WOW! A 10K is incredible. That is what I aspire to. Is this your first formal one? I never have done even a 5K. The idea of being around the runners sort of weirds me out a little. I am not used to being on THIS team! I need to SO get over it, realize I am fit and run like the wind---like when I am alone. Well, I shouldn't really say wind--more like an active breeze. LOL

Fat Pants--I read your quote a couple of days ago and yep, I love it too. It so accurately describes my own feelings.

On another note, I have taken down my *fat* pics from all over the house. I think it's helping me with realizing my new self. I have not put up any *fit* ones yet. I think I am going to have family pics done and make that my first to go up. I hope I like them enough for Christmas pics.

I ran 3 and a half miles this morning which gets me past my 10 mile mark for the week (which was my goal).

I'd like to keep that up this month until after my first 5K on the 4th of October and then consider upping it a bit. We'll see.

I still run super slow (my best 5K time is still over 41 minutes) but I do see some slow improvement so I am okay with that.

The idea of running in public is sort of freaking me out but...I have a few weeks to wrap my head around it yet.

Have a great weekend everyone and good luck to those of you that are racing this weekend!