This week was crazy at work so I missed one of the seven mile runs. Putting in a lot of hours left me pretty tired almost all week. I had to really force myself out the door for the four miler I did on Thursday evening. I was hoping the lower mileage week wasn't going to hurt me for the long run.
I shouldn't have been concerned. Today's group run was awesome! My legs felt great the whole way. Maybe missing the one run wasn't such a bad thing after all. I ran with the usual people plus Rick's wife Kristy. The course was a five mile loop starting and ending at the Fargo Running Company. Those of us training for the full marathon did this loop three times. They had some refreshments set up at the store. I liked being able to grab some water or Powerade and some GU after each loop.
Our pace started nice and easy averaging about 12:00/mile. I had enough gas in the tank to finish the last two miles or so at a pace of around 10:30/mile give or take a little. Even though I was definitely breathing hard by the end, it was a wonderful feeling to finish strong.
I tried something different when I got home from the run - an ice bath. Some of the other runners were saying how helpful it was to sit in a bathtub of cold water for ten minutes. Most recommended sitting in the tub first, then filling it. I am amazed at what a difference this made. After roughly ten minutes in the water I got out with no pain or stiffness. AMAZING! (Lynette was out of town for most of the day, and I had an image of her finding me all wrinkly and trapped in the tub this afternoon with legs too weak to get out).
This afternoon I went back to the running store and bought a couple pair of running shorts. I also bought some Body Glide (am I a pervert for feeling just a little dirty buying this stuff?) to prevent future chafing issues. I wish I would have had this before today's run.
This morning I thought of a bit I have heard on the Bob & Tom radio show. I always chuckle when I hear it, so I thought I'd share the link below. Hope you enjoy it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH-O64ftQIs&feature=related
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Solo Long Run
Is this winter ever going to end!?! Yesterday's group run was cancelled due to a blizzard that shut down pretty much everything in the area. Today the weather is cool but bright and sunny. I made it through all thirteen miles scheduled for today, but the last couple of miles were a struggle. I just ran out of gas. I need to tweak my refueling strategy a little. I guess it's all a learning process.
I bumped into some of the people from the training class who were also getting their miles in today. I'm always amazed at the number of runners out there. I guess it's like buying a new car and then seeing identical cars everywhere.
Last Wednesday's run was sort of strange. It started out really well. The miles flew by, and I felt great. I got down to where the bike path skirts around the golf course when I really noticed what a beautiful evening it was. I had the path to myself with the stars shining above. I rounded a curve and was blasted by the lights from some earth moving equipment. I suddenly became aware of the huge piles of clay being worked into dikes. Fargo is full on into flood preparation. It stopped me in my tracks, my good mood quickly changed to something more somber. It was one of the craziest mood swing I've ever experienced. Everyone in this area is definitely hoping for minimal flooding. It all depends on the weather now.
I found the following Venn diagram for those people who fly frequently. It should give you great comfort to know you are in capable hands at the airport.
Have a great week.
I bumped into some of the people from the training class who were also getting their miles in today. I'm always amazed at the number of runners out there. I guess it's like buying a new car and then seeing identical cars everywhere.
Last Wednesday's run was sort of strange. It started out really well. The miles flew by, and I felt great. I got down to where the bike path skirts around the golf course when I really noticed what a beautiful evening it was. I had the path to myself with the stars shining above. I rounded a curve and was blasted by the lights from some earth moving equipment. I suddenly became aware of the huge piles of clay being worked into dikes. Fargo is full on into flood preparation. It stopped me in my tracks, my good mood quickly changed to something more somber. It was one of the craziest mood swing I've ever experienced. Everyone in this area is definitely hoping for minimal flooding. It all depends on the weather now.
I found the following Venn diagram for those people who fly frequently. It should give you great comfort to know you are in capable hands at the airport.
 |
| People Who Are Paid To Touch Your Junk |
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Half Marathon Distance
I ran with the training group yesterday. Those of us training for the full marathon ran a fourteen mile out and back course. Coaches Rick and John (both ultra marathoners) stayed with Erin, Chris, Maria, and I at the tail end of the group. It was the first time any of us, except Rick and John, had run this far. The weather was cold but calm and sunny. We kept a very easy pace at the start.
The time went by very quickly. We spent the time talking and joking as we ran through quiet residential neighborhoods. We were lucky enough to have an aid station set up at about five miles. United Blood Services let us set up a table in their entryway, and Rick's wife Kristy was there to hand out the Powerade and GU. We were able to stop and refuel here again after about nine miles because of the out and back route. It was great to get in somewhere warm for just a couple of minutes.
Erin had to cut her run short again due to very cold fingers. The rest of us were able to stay warm enough even as we turned into the wind. As we approached the last few miles Rick started to run ahead of us forcing us to pick up our pace a bit. I know that many people recommend pushing yourself at the end of a run to improve your ability to get through the tough spots. I have a very hard time doing this on my own. Those last two miles were difficult for all of us. It was great having Rick pull us along at the end.
It's exciting to know that I can run this far. The Earth Day Half Marathon is only six weeks away and yesterday's run gives me the confidence to know I can finish it.
The time went by very quickly. We spent the time talking and joking as we ran through quiet residential neighborhoods. We were lucky enough to have an aid station set up at about five miles. United Blood Services let us set up a table in their entryway, and Rick's wife Kristy was there to hand out the Powerade and GU. We were able to stop and refuel here again after about nine miles because of the out and back route. It was great to get in somewhere warm for just a couple of minutes.
Erin had to cut her run short again due to very cold fingers. The rest of us were able to stay warm enough even as we turned into the wind. As we approached the last few miles Rick started to run ahead of us forcing us to pick up our pace a bit. I know that many people recommend pushing yourself at the end of a run to improve your ability to get through the tough spots. I have a very hard time doing this on my own. Those last two miles were difficult for all of us. It was great having Rick pull us along at the end.
It's exciting to know that I can run this far. The Earth Day Half Marathon is only six weeks away and yesterday's run gives me the confidence to know I can finish it.
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