Posts
August 27-September 15, 2012 posts
September 15, 2012
I
should have run yesterday, but my husband and I were both at different
events in two different directions. Today was an absolutely gorgeous
day, so it was the perfect time to run. I drove a car down to the
church while my husband started out at home. I ran from the church to
home, passing my husband on the way. He was much farther along than I
thought he would be, he is really working hard! I went a little past my
road and then turned around and headed back. My neighbor passed me
several times again hauling the hay from one field to another. Luckily,
no cars ran me off the road today. I still had no music since my
replacement Nano is still not here. I was trying to push myself a
little and run for a longer time each time. I walked 1:30 / R 13 / W
1:30...and continued that almost the whole way. The only time I went
longer was towards the end. I carried my camera with me, trying to take
some shots of the hilly roads that I run on. I also was trying to see
how hard it was to run with a camera and what is the best way to carry
it and such. I want to take a camera with me on the Disney Princess
Half Marathon, so I figured I needed to try it out first. I wore a
wrist pouch and kept the camera in there with the strap around my wrist
for extra security. It wasn't too bad. I've tried a fanny type pack,
but those tend to bounce around a lot. I'm still trying to figure out
what works best.
Back to the run! When I finally got back to the church, my husband was there and I handed off the keys and camera. You gotta love my husband, he is my biggest cheerleader out there. When I handed him the things, I was planning on walking and cooling down. He simply said, "If you go to the end of the road, it'll be 6.4 miles." I nodded and continued running. I would have stopped there because that is what I planned, but he encouraged me to continue on. He then drove down and met me there. 6.4 miles. Wow. Maybe I really can do the 13.1 Princess Half Marathon! I know I can do the 4 mile run on Saturday, and I just did a little more than the MCM 10K. The Half Marathon would be a little more than double today's run. Could I have repeated everything I did today? Hmmm. At least I have 162 more days to make sure I can do it. I sure am glad I started training early. |
September 12, 2012
After
working, then a faculty meeting, I decided to run tonight. I was able
to fit a 4.46 mile run in less than an hour! Woo hoo! Actually, I
should have been able to go faster than that, but every little run is
another workout. My iPod Nano is having issues, and I've had to send it
back (I thought Apple was reliable!) and I am still waiting on it. So
I ran without music tonight. I was able of course to hear the cars a
little better, but also the birds, bugs, and other critters. As I was
running, I tried to remember how hard it was when I first began a few
months ago. I can remember trying to run for 1 minute without stopping,
and not being able to do it. I can now run for 10, 11, or 12 minutes
without stopping! What a change a few months can make. I've made slow
steady progress by persevering and putting one foot in front of the
other. Literally. Now I have to be careful to not push myself too fast
and too soon. I've been so lucky to not have any major injuries
(besides blisters), so I also want to continue this good fortune. So
logging all my runs should help. I'm keeping a notebook that logs my
times, pace, speed, and each mile time so I have a record of what I've
done. If I continue this, I can make sure I don't try to excel too fast
or too soon. We have a 4 mile race next Saturday and then the MCM 10K
is the next event after that.
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September 10, 2012
After
working all day, then running to Safeway (this was the last day to use
the $10 off coupon I had!) I decided to hit the pavement. I did all my
pre stuff (inhaler--Benadryl--changing clothes) and my husband and I hit
the road. It was a fabulous day for running...even though I had goose
bumps while warming up! The temperature was probably around 70 degrees,
and of course I thought it was a little chilly! I really like warmer
weather...I am such a wimp. Since it was later, and we still hadn't had
dinner, I decided to do a shorter run, trying to keep it to 30
minutes. I also decided to really push myself and try to run fast and
hard each mile. I really had to work hard the first mile--I need to
warm up better so my lungs are more prepared. But I walked 2 minutes
and ran 9 to complete the first mile in 11:02! I walked another minute
then ran the second mile in 10:20!! I don't think I have ever done a
mile that fast. I know there are people out there who can run 6, 7, 8
minute miles, but to someone who just 3 short months ago couldn't even
run one mile straight, this is fabulous! I can remember when I thought
just walking a mile was amazing and tough. Now I am running 3, 4, and
more miles at a time (with some walk breaks of course). The thought of a
5K (3.1 miles) was daunting and scary. Now I am registered for a 10K
(6.2 miles) and a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles)! (now that one still
worries and scares me...) But, I have run 7.4 and 7.3 miles so far...so
that is farther than half the 1/2 marathon. So I theoretically should
be able to do 13.1 miles. I have 167 days to work up to 13.1
miles...167 days until the Disney Princess Half-Marathon..167 days until
my biggest physical challenge to date!
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September 8, 2012
I
worked on cleaning the pool and trying to get it ready to close for the
winter, but knew that I may not finish it today. It was forecasted
that we were going to have huge thunderstorms, so I debated whether to
run before it rained or after it rained. When we checked the weather
again and it was delayed another hour or so, I decided to hit the
pavement. I of course, took my inhaler (I'm getting so much better at
remember to do this) and my Benadryl, grabbed a kleenex, and suited up.
My nano is still acting up, so I left hoping it would keep a charge
for me. I wanted to try to run much farther today, since I need to be
able to run 13.1 miles in one run since the Disney Princess
Half-Marathon is in 169 days. Somehow I will get there. Today I was
able to go 7.29 miles--I went down Slate Mills to 231, then turned
around and ran home. It was a little sunny when I left, but as I ran
the storms came closer. At about the half way point, it started raining,
but luckily it didn't last long. I remembered to bring my hat, so at
least I had it when it started raining. I was able to really push
myself and run for little longer lengths--I began by walking 3 minutes /
ran 13 / walked 1 / ran 11 / walked 2 / ran 11 / walked 1 / ran 11 /
walked 2 / then ran the rest of the way home. About 1/2 mile from home,
my husband was sweet and drove out to make sure I was ok. I haven't
run this far since my "lost run" about a month ago. I told him I was
ok, and he turned around and headed home. As I ran the final 2/10s down
our road, the sky got very dark. My husband held up a towel and a huge
glass of ice water when I stopped, and I drug myself up the driveway as
the rain started pouring down. There is a reason we have been married
for 27 years...he is the best!
During the run today I had many thoughts running through my brain. I didn't realize until halfway through that someone had finally cut some of the hay and tall weeds from the road edge--but only on the part farther down the road. I'm not sure why they didn't do it closer to my home, but maybe they haven't reached there yet? The grass has gotten so bad that at times I have to swerve to keep from being swatted by the tall weeds. With no shoulder, the grass just extends into the road. I also tried hard to work on my breathing. One of the most frustrating things for me is that my nose runs. About a mile into my runs, my nose will just constantly drip. I don't mind sweating, but the nose drip is annoying. So I attempted to breathed more through my nose, thinking that would help. Probably not smart. It seems the more I smell--cut hay, cut grass, manure, fallen fermenting fruit, flowers, car exhaust--the more my nose runs. I took the Benadryl, but probably not soon enough before running. Luckily I brought 1 kleenex, but that gets used pretty quickly. Another reason to try nose breathing is that breathing through my mouth also makes my lips dry. I used Vaseline before running, but by half way through the run, it is gone. But I didn't come up with a solution. As much as I hate carrying stuff with me, I guess on the longer runs I will have to bring Vaseline or chapstick and more kleenexes. I did see a bicycler today who was a little older than me. As he passed me, I said "Hi there" and waved. Nice to see someone else out there who is active and moving. |
September 6, 2012
I
worked all day and decided to run. I had taken two days off, so I
really needed to get out there and run. I did my inhaler, took my
Benadryl, and suited up. It was a little muggy today of course, but it
is ok. I'll just be very sweaty and wet when I finish. Today I was
attempting to calibrate my new iPod Nano and Nike pod. Sometimes I am
not very bright when it comes to technology (while other times I am very
bright!) I didn't finish setting it up to calibrate before I ran and
at the one mile point I hit "stop" and realized that I didn't set it
up. So then I had to set it up and run another mile to try to calibrate
it. I have been having issues with my nano, so I am a little
frustrated. My husband got one a few weeks before me and he can charge
his, turn it off, and then use it most of the day without it dying. I
will charge mine, then try to turn it on a day later and it will be
dead. He called about it and hopes to take it in to an Apple store to
have them look at it. Hopefully it can be fixed, repaired, or
whatever. Of course, this might be why I had issues on this run. When I
finally got home after 3.4 miles, and finished the calibration, it said
"calibration error", so it didn't work. Darn it! But at least I went
out and ran, and was able to run for a longer length, partly because I
to run one mile nonstop to calibrate it. I ran 1 mile / walked 1 minute
/ ran 1 mile / walked 1 minute / then ran until I got home. It felt
good to get out and run and move.
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September 3, 2012
I
spent today doing different things. I worked on some things for work,
which is somewhat hypocritical considering today was Labor Day.
Unfortunately I was having to fix data in a program that wasn't uploaded
correctly (not by me), but of course that could be a whole other blog.
After three hours on the computer, I was ready to get out and get
moving. We decided to run again to the end of our road instead of an
out and back loop. It was threatening to rain again (we've had rain
almost every evening for weeks) so it was once again humid. I was doing
pretty well running and trying to keep a good pace, but had a few
issues on this run. At one point, my neighbor was about to pass me in
his truck with his trailer pulling hay, and he was doing the right thing
by slowing down as he passed me, but another car was coming towards me
at the same time. Instead of slowing down, he basically sped up, and I
jumped off the road into the ditch to avoid being hit by his mirror. I
wish drivers would realize that going faster than the posted speed limit
is just plain dangerous. The roads I run on are rural roads, but Slate
Mills Road is an unfortunate shortcut between 231 and 522, so tons of
people fly down it going 10-15 miles over the limit just trying to get
somewhere fast. We have a multitude of wildlife that crosses the road
every day, squirrels, racoons, woodchucks, deer, turkeys, and of course
humans. Drivers should slow down on any country roads. Now I have
realized something, it is up to us, the runners to be aware of the
drivers. With no shoulder on any of the roads, there is no extra room,
so moving over is not an option. Most drivers slow down and move over,
but there are those who either are not paying attention, or are just
thoughtless and drive FASTER and DON'T move over. So, as a runner, keep
your eyes vigilant. Keep your music low, or wear only one ear piece.
Always know where the vehicles are so you can be proactive if you need
to be.
After that little scare, I continued running/walking at a pretty good pace. The humidity was once again making my breathing hard, but I kept going, walking when I became breathless to the point of having to quit. The only other thing that was difficult was when my neighbor went back by me headed home. They drove their truck with the trailer, but were also taking one of their tractors back home. Around here, the farmers are expert at engines and their tractors are well used. I was running at a pretty good clip when they passed. I was ok, until I breathed in the exhaust from the tractor..of course they have no way of knowing this...but it affects me all the same. Exhaust and cigarette smoke both make me struggle with my breathing while running and I basically have to just stop and walk for a bit. After a short break, I continued on and was able to make the intersection, then back to the church, and back to the intersection! Yea! My husband had already asked our daughter to meet us there in her car, so they were both waiting for me. But I now know that running two days in a row, both a longer run, can be very tiring on my legs and whole self! So tomorrow is definitely a rest day. |
September 2, 2012
We
have a nice long weekend still, even though today is Sunday. After
church, my husband and I suited up for running. I've been very good
about remembering to take my inhaler and Benadryl before running. I've
also been slathering my lips with Vaseline, but the longer I run, the
more it just disappears before I get to the end of the run. I guess I
need to carry some with me, or at least a chapstick. I've also been
carrying a kleenex with me, and definitely needing it while running. My
nose is still running as I run (ha ha), but eh Benadryl helps and keeps
it from being horrible.
I ran 4.4 miles today, with the chance of rain hovering constantly. I wore my hat and it helped keep the "spitting" rain off my while I ran. It of course was a little humid, and that really makes a difference when I run. It is always so much harder to breathe and continue running for a longer pace when it is humid. But I was proud of myself and being able to run all the way down to the intersection of 231. My husband did a shorter out and back run, then picked up the car and picked me up. That way I didn't have to re-run some of the harder hills that are near the beginning of the run. He is definitely my motivator and help with this running program! |
August 30, 2012
I
left work almost on time...that is one of my goals this year, not to
work tons of extra hours. I was able to start a couple of loads of
laundry and swept the kitchen before getting ready to run. My husband
didn't get home as soon as he had hoped, but we still went running. Our
initial idea was to do a long run by parking a car farther down the
road so we could run one way towards the car, instead of an out and back
type run. But since he got home late, we decided to do our normal
weekday run. I was able to run almost 4 miles. The big new thing
tonight was that I bought a new pair of shoes. After running in Vibram
Five Fingers for months, and surviving my "lost" run where I ran for a
long time on rocks, I decided I needed to try a pair of shoes that would
work on longer runs and rocky roads. After trying the Brooks Pure
Connect that I didn't like (too much arch support and just didn't feel
like what I need), I purchased a pair of barefoot Merrell Dash Gloves.
The soles are Vibrams like my VFF, but are a little thicker. The do not
have divided toes, so that is a little different in the feel. I did
purchase Injinji toes socks to wear with them to help with blisters and
to give me the feel of the VFF toes. I actually enjoyed running in
these tonight...I was a little worried before I ran about whether they
would work or not for me. They did feel a little different, but not so
much that I had to change my stride or style. I will continue wearing
my VFFs on runs along with these for other runs. So this was a great
run tonight!
|
August 28, 2012
My
husband wanted to run tonight, so I decided to go with him. I got home
first and suited up, took my meds, and sat down at the computer to get
my new Nano ready. My daughter helped me figure out how to make a
running playlist and we chose some fast paced songs to put in the list.
I've read that 180 beats per minute (or as my husband said--3 beats
per second)is a good pace for running, but we just sat there and tried
to "run" to the beat while sitting at the computer. I'm sure it looked a
little funny as we are bouncing and listening to the songs--but we got
about 22 songs on the Nano before my husband was ready to go. We headed
out and I was able to go about 4 miles. But running two days in a row
was definitely harder on my legs, I had to walk more often than I
usually do while running tonight. It was also humid tonight, so just
breathing and running was difficult. My pace wasn't horrible, and my
legs weren't killing me, I just felt tired and the humid air was thick
to breathe. But, I was very glad I went out there and ran tonight.
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