Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Our First 5k ... and The News!
Recap of the past few weeks:
Our First Official 5k Run was done yesterday, May 16th. It was the 5th Annual Morrison 10k/5k YMCA race. Our time 37:24 - pace was 12:03, I'm ok with that ... for now. I came in 5th in my age group, with a total of six women ... at least I wasn't last :)
Let me just say, pregnancy, so far, hasn't stopped her. She drug my ass through the 5k yesterday. After attending a very long birth, I was exhausted and chose to walk a bit more than usual. Every time she turned around (to assess her competition) and saw me walking she'd guilt me into running. lol. Wanting to do this together, Team Sarcastic, and being the competitive soul she is, she wasn't tolertating my slowness :)
That about brings us up to date.
more to come ...
In the meantime, remember -- All Women Can.
Go US ... and Go YOU!!!
Increased run time to five minutes with a two minute recovery walk.
End of season Girls On The Run 5k run was on May 9th. J's first 5k, and she was so e
xcited. It was fun watching as she experienced her first 'event', though not an official one. The GOTR run had about 2 thousand people and 800 girls. Seeing so many young girls running was fantastic! They were so proud of themselves, rightly so. I will coach again.
xcited. It was fun watching as she experienced her first 'event', though not an official one. The GOTR run had about 2 thousand people and 800 girls. Seeing so many young girls running was fantastic! They were so proud of themselves, rightly so. I will coach again.Our First Official 5k Run was done yesterday, May 16th. It was the 5th Annual Morrison 10k/5k YMCA race. Our time 37:24 - pace was 12:03, I'm ok with that ... for now. I came in 5th in my age group, with a total of six women ... at least I wasn't last :)
J's physical therapist has been insane enough to request J take a week off running. Hmph! Which, I might add, J has not wanted to do; nor, has she done. So, as we're stretching before the run, J told me she'd "made a deal with the devil." She agreed to take the week off (goal - to reduce swelling in knee) if the therapist would agree to her running the 5k. As J's telling me this, she went on to suggest I also take a week off to give my IT band time to rest. Ha, proof -- misery loves company! I reluctantly agreed knowing, in my soul, it was the right thing to do. Two 5k's littered with hills has played havoc on my hip. A week off frightens me so I suggested we walk on the days we'd normally run. It was agreed.
And let's not forget The News -- J found out she's pregnant with baby #2 -- oh yeah!!!
The reality of her pregnancy means we will modify some of our goals for this year. I'm looking forward to seeing where this path takes her as she's committed to both having a healthy baby and continuing her training. I'm honored to be her friend and apart of her new journey!
Let me just say, pregnancy, so far, hasn't stopped her. She drug my ass through the 5k yesterday. After attending a very long birth, I was exhausted and chose to walk a bit more than usual. Every time she turned around (to assess her competition) and saw me walking she'd guilt me into running. lol. Wanting to do this together, Team Sarcastic, and being the competitive soul she is, she wasn't tolertating my slowness :)
-
Having done several 5k's, though years ago, I wasn't as nervous as J was doing her First 5k. With that nervousness came her enthusiasm and she ran with glee -- it was awesome. The only thing cooler than watching her experience her first race was to see the joy on her face when she saw her hubby and son had made it in time to see her cross the finish line! That ROCKED!
That about brings us up to date.
more to come ...
In the meantime, remember -- All Women Can.
Go US ... and Go YOU!!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
I want to thank J and John.
It's been decided -- we're doing a Half Marathon - Dec. 12, 2009.
More on that later. First I want to thank J for her support as I struggled thru our last run. It sucked wet twinkies. Let's review ... I've been having fairly decend runs lately. Oh, sure, there's the moments when I wonder if I'll make it through the next interval. Yet for the most part, I've stopped giving up. I've come to accept, thanks to rereading John "the Pengiun" Binghams book, that every run won't be great. With that in mind, I push forward.
It's been several weeks now since my head got in the way so when it did again, it threw me off. I thought, unrealistically, I was past all that. Ha!
to be continued ...
More on that later. First I want to thank J for her support as I struggled thru our last run. It sucked wet twinkies. Let's review ... I've been having fairly decend runs lately. Oh, sure, there's the moments when I wonder if I'll make it through the next interval. Yet for the most part, I've stopped giving up. I've come to accept, thanks to rereading John "the Pengiun" Binghams book, that every run won't be great. With that in mind, I push forward.
It's been several weeks now since my head got in the way so when it did again, it threw me off. I thought, unrealistically, I was past all that. Ha!
to be continued ...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Congratulations Kara!
"Running takes a long time -- but you can do it forever "
~Kara Goucher
~Kara Goucher
Boston Marathon 2009
Congratulations to all who ran Boston Marathon 2009!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Can motivational quotes and mantras make you crazy?
Ok, so, after reading motivational quotes for runners last night, when J and I were planning where we'd run today, I suggested we go ahead and bump the time up to 4 minutes running. What -- was that really coming out of my mouth? Oh, but it gets better. I went on to say "what's an extra 15 seconds?" Am I nuts???
I once heard a sportscaster describe Eternity as the last two minutes of a football game - ha, it's more like that last 30 seconds of a run!
I was elated, immediately wondering what the chances were I'd feel this great throughout the entire run. About that time I heard J say she was "only doing four!" What? What happened to six? This wasn't good.
The run continued as did the transformation. Yep, things turned around about the fourth interval. It was almost at the precise moment I began struggling that I looked up to see J pass me ... with a smile on her face! How could she be smiling?
Admittedly, I wanted to suffer during this run (as if that's an option) so I could practice using mantras I'd read about last night. It worked for awhile and I understand how using them could keep your breathing and stride in check. However, since my breathing wasn't my issue today, I didn't find them useful. My struggle was with my legs; not pain so much as extreme heaviness, as if I couldn't take another step ... then the pain set in.
As I persevered, I realized that during the last three sets, as difficult as they'd been and as slow as I was moving -- though I'd contemplated quitting, I never considered it. BIG difference and huge change for me. As I ran the last set, I marveled at how I'd started out strong, yet ended exhausted, while J is the complete opposite. Thankfully we don't usually both feel horrible at the same time, which allows us to help each other along the rough spots. She put it best - we compliment one another.
During the last few seconds of today's run I felt a sudden joy. I knew I had made it. I'd finally run twice as long as I'd walked. J and I gave each other a hug as we shared our victory ... then we found a bench!
4min run/2 min walk - 8 sets
Happy running.
Go US!
I once heard a sportscaster describe Eternity as the last two minutes of a football game - ha, it's more like that last 30 seconds of a run!
Well, rest assured, I can confidently say I've not gone completely off the deep end. The proof was that I suggested we not reduce the recovery time. Being fully aware that during the recovery, those 15 seconds would seem like a gift from the heavens. They did!
The watched beeped signaling it was time to run; I was feeling GREAT, so good in fact, I was chatting away. Yeah, I know, what's new. Now, if you've been following this blog you know what it means if I'm feeling good -- that's right -- J was miserable. After what seemed to be a very short period she asked how much longer we had. Glancing at my watch I did a double take; shocked to see ONLY 40 seconds left to go. Wow, I was feeling fantastic.I was elated, immediately wondering what the chances were I'd feel this great throughout the entire run. About that time I heard J say she was "only doing four!" What? What happened to six? This wasn't good.
The run continued as did the transformation. Yep, things turned around about the fourth interval. It was almost at the precise moment I began struggling that I looked up to see J pass me ... with a smile on her face! How could she be smiling?
Admittedly, I wanted to suffer during this run (as if that's an option) so I could practice using mantras I'd read about last night. It worked for awhile and I understand how using them could keep your breathing and stride in check. However, since my breathing wasn't my issue today, I didn't find them useful. My struggle was with my legs; not pain so much as extreme heaviness, as if I couldn't take another step ... then the pain set in.
As I persevered, I realized that during the last three sets, as difficult as they'd been and as slow as I was moving -- though I'd contemplated quitting, I never considered it. BIG difference and huge change for me. As I ran the last set, I marveled at how I'd started out strong, yet ended exhausted, while J is the complete opposite. Thankfully we don't usually both feel horrible at the same time, which allows us to help each other along the rough spots. She put it best - we compliment one another.
During the last few seconds of today's run I felt a sudden joy. I knew I had made it. I'd finally run twice as long as I'd walked. J and I gave each other a hug as we shared our victory ... then we found a bench!
4min run/2 min walk - 8 sets
Happy running.
Go US!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Fast is ... well, pretty damn cool!
Monday's run was at 3:45/2:15 and I did it alone. I chose to run at the greenway after 'the incident' last week at the park. Nothing serious and I'll share the story some other time.
It was another challenging run to say the least. I got through the last four sets by singing (in my head) two songs ... '1999' and 'I'm Henry the 8th' ... lord help me it was that bad!
It was the first time, after a run, where I just wanted to curl up in a ball and sleep - NOW.
Pretty cool to realize I was almost running four whole minutes!!!
-----
Then came ONES, which we do on Tuesday. I ~heart~ ones. We run one minute then walk a minute - repeat 10 times. This week we decided we'd run FAST and I can honestly say it's the first time I've ran that fast since I was a kid. What a great feeling it was. I felt FREE. Coolest thing was to remember not so long ago when it took all I had to continue running for a full 60 seconds.
Is it possible that someday I'll feel that good running at 3:45???
Happy running!
ps - 3:45 = 3 mins 45 secs
It was another challenging run to say the least. I got through the last four sets by singing (in my head) two songs ... '1999' and 'I'm Henry the 8th' ... lord help me it was that bad!
It was the first time, after a run, where I just wanted to curl up in a ball and sleep - NOW.
Pretty cool to realize I was almost running four whole minutes!!!
-----
Then came ONES, which we do on Tuesday. I ~heart~ ones. We run one minute then walk a minute - repeat 10 times. This week we decided we'd run FAST and I can honestly say it's the first time I've ran that fast since I was a kid. What a great feeling it was. I felt FREE. Coolest thing was to remember not so long ago when it took all I had to continue running for a full 60 seconds.
Is it possible that someday I'll feel that good running at 3:45???
Happy running!
ps - 3:45 = 3 mins 45 secs
The good, the bad and more rain
On last week's runs ...
Thursday's run was fantastic - the second best run I’ve had! I’ve learned that one or two good runs does not mean from that point on most runs will be great. Oh how I wish. What it means is like everything else in life, you have good times and, well, not so good times.
J and I set out to run and because of the rain we’ve had this week, we decided to use the greenway - it’s asphalt, therefore much easier to push the stroller when the ground is wet than the trail at the park. Easy being a relative term.
As mentioned before, J and I seldom have good days on the same day; perhaps that’s good, it allows us to keep each other motivated. J immediately began struggling, which is amplified by pushing the stroller. Having a fixed front wheel makes it very difficult to maneuver.
It was a surprise to see J had quit within the first seconds of a run. She was a few feet behind me when I heard her say, well, I won’t repeat it; suffice it to say when I looked back I saw she’d stopped running. That never happens! I wasn’t sure what to do because she’d told me if she’s going quit it will be in the first couple intervals. Before I had a chance to decide what to do, in true J fashion, she immediately began running, as usual, refusing to give up. Go J!!!
We’ve both experienced what it’s like to have a wonderful run while the other suffers. J perhaps more than me - lol. Speaking for myself, it’s difficult to feel as good as I was, knowing someone else is suffering. I’m pretty sure she’d say the same thing. It’s also a lesson in compassion, confidence and maybe even co-dependence.
I felt strong during the run and finished feeling not necessarily like I wanted to continue, more like there’s still hope someday I’ll have more good runs than bad. I like that. J finished knowing she had another run logged ‘in the books.’
… Then there was Saturday’s run - it sucked. Rain and thunderstorms were predicted by early afternoon, so we tried to get our run in before it started. Well … at least we missed the thunder! It rained most of the run and we laughed about how crazy we must look -- soaking wet, pushing a stroller*. By the fifth interval I was dying and expressed that to J ... whose response was “we’ll only do six.” I knew better and suggested some day she really quit so I could believe her.
By the sixth interval the rain was really coming down so J said she wanted to head to the car. I was relieved; I just didn’t think I could run another minute. Surprise ... as we approached the car J suggested that since E was sleeping she'd just put him in the car and we could finish the run -- there, in the parking lot. Obviously this wasn't going to be the day we would 'only do six'. Oh, yay!
Being astounded at the difference between this run and the last, I needed answers. Why was this run so much more difficult? It wasn’t the rain, it was my legs -- they were like lead. The only significant change was I’d decided to add squats and lunges to my workout the night before. Perhaps not giving my legs time enough to recover???
Current Time:
We’re still increasing our run time every two days by 15 seconds -- alternate day, recovery time is decreased, also, by 15 seconds. At this rate by mid April we’ll be running 5 minutes and walking one. That’s the goal.
The path we ran Saturday was marked so we were happy to learn we're running four miles.
Go US!
* E is J's adorable, 15 month old son. For those that might wonder, J had the stroller set up so he was protected from the rain. Once he was in the car, we ran around it so he was never left unattended. Besides no one else was crazy enough to be out there but us!
Thursday's run was fantastic - the second best run I’ve had! I’ve learned that one or two good runs does not mean from that point on most runs will be great. Oh how I wish. What it means is like everything else in life, you have good times and, well, not so good times.
J and I set out to run and because of the rain we’ve had this week, we decided to use the greenway - it’s asphalt, therefore much easier to push the stroller when the ground is wet than the trail at the park. Easy being a relative term.
As mentioned before, J and I seldom have good days on the same day; perhaps that’s good, it allows us to keep each other motivated. J immediately began struggling, which is amplified by pushing the stroller. Having a fixed front wheel makes it very difficult to maneuver.
It was a surprise to see J had quit within the first seconds of a run. She was a few feet behind me when I heard her say, well, I won’t repeat it; suffice it to say when I looked back I saw she’d stopped running. That never happens! I wasn’t sure what to do because she’d told me if she’s going quit it will be in the first couple intervals. Before I had a chance to decide what to do, in true J fashion, she immediately began running, as usual, refusing to give up. Go J!!!
We’ve both experienced what it’s like to have a wonderful run while the other suffers. J perhaps more than me - lol. Speaking for myself, it’s difficult to feel as good as I was, knowing someone else is suffering. I’m pretty sure she’d say the same thing. It’s also a lesson in compassion, confidence and maybe even co-dependence.
I felt strong during the run and finished feeling not necessarily like I wanted to continue, more like there’s still hope someday I’ll have more good runs than bad. I like that. J finished knowing she had another run logged ‘in the books.’
… Then there was Saturday’s run - it sucked. Rain and thunderstorms were predicted by early afternoon, so we tried to get our run in before it started. Well … at least we missed the thunder! It rained most of the run and we laughed about how crazy we must look -- soaking wet, pushing a stroller*. By the fifth interval I was dying and expressed that to J ... whose response was “we’ll only do six.” I knew better and suggested some day she really quit so I could believe her.
By the sixth interval the rain was really coming down so J said she wanted to head to the car. I was relieved; I just didn’t think I could run another minute. Surprise ... as we approached the car J suggested that since E was sleeping she'd just put him in the car and we could finish the run -- there, in the parking lot. Obviously this wasn't going to be the day we would 'only do six'. Oh, yay!
Being astounded at the difference between this run and the last, I needed answers. Why was this run so much more difficult? It wasn’t the rain, it was my legs -- they were like lead. The only significant change was I’d decided to add squats and lunges to my workout the night before. Perhaps not giving my legs time enough to recover???
Current Time:
We’re still increasing our run time every two days by 15 seconds -- alternate day, recovery time is decreased, also, by 15 seconds. At this rate by mid April we’ll be running 5 minutes and walking one. That’s the goal.
The path we ran Saturday was marked so we were happy to learn we're running four miles.
Go US!
* E is J's adorable, 15 month old son. For those that might wonder, J had the stroller set up so he was protected from the rain. Once he was in the car, we ran around it so he was never left unattended. Besides no one else was crazy enough to be out there but us!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
It's all in my head
I read a blog on RW's website about Running Being a Mirror For Life. Hmmm, something to reflect on, here's what I saw ....
Now that I’m running again (four months now ... go us!) I've begun noticing new strengths in myself. It started with a game J and I play. We always run 8 intervals - when we’re struggling we play a game. Actually J invented it and since she told me about it I began incorporating it into my runs. It works. Here's how it goes ... When I start struggling, thinking I can’t go any further, let alone run 8 sets, I tell myself I only have to do six. That's doable. Then, once I get to six, I know I can do two more, taking them one at a time, telling myself I have ONE more in me. This has worked really well for me and has kept me going many a times.
On our last run, I was struggling by the third set - at the fourth, J said “We only have to do six” my reply was “when I say it I believe it, when you say it I know it’s a lie.” My reasoning: she told me a couple of weeks ago though she plays this game with herself, if she’s going to quit, it would be in the first three intervals, she will NEVER quit if she’s made it to six. I laughed and told her I appreciated her effort.
The truth behind my saying it -- I know quitting is a real possibility until I’ve made it through the sixth run. From there, I have found the strength to make myself do the last two. It’s interesting how this works. I'm seeing other shifts in my thinking as well, again thanks to something else J said.
As we were discussing how our running is changing, J told me about something she’d experienced the day she ran alone. She was taking a new path that proved to be more challenging than she’d anticipated. At one point, glancing at her watch, she saw she had two minutes left to run. Instead of the normal ‘oh my god, I’m gonna die’, she found herself thinking something to the effect of ‘only two minutes, I can do that’. Wow.
I had also found that if I had 30 second left to run I could keep going, whereas before, I’d quit with only 20 seconds to go. During our last run as I was gasping for breath, wondering how my legs had gotten so heavy, I glanced at my watch only to see there was 1 minute 41 seconds left to go -- I thought I was gonna die. Instead of quitting like I have in the past, I discovered what J had said was stuck in my head ... I CAN do this ... I am not going to quit.
I was able to convince myself to keep going and I finished the run; when it was over I was feeling rather proud of myself. J and I often joke that, a good run is one that’s over. In spite of the pride, I was glad it was over :)
For years I’ve heard that running is 90% mental; I’m watching this unfold during my own runs. My endurance has improved, which I expected -- what I hadn't considered was to see changes in my thought patterns.
So, if running is a mirror to life, I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Happy running.
a note: because J's baby was sick we decided against the 5k in the park. We're now looking at one in April.
Now that I’m running again (four months now ... go us!) I've begun noticing new strengths in myself. It started with a game J and I play. We always run 8 intervals - when we’re struggling we play a game. Actually J invented it and since she told me about it I began incorporating it into my runs. It works. Here's how it goes ... When I start struggling, thinking I can’t go any further, let alone run 8 sets, I tell myself I only have to do six. That's doable. Then, once I get to six, I know I can do two more, taking them one at a time, telling myself I have ONE more in me. This has worked really well for me and has kept me going many a times.
On our last run, I was struggling by the third set - at the fourth, J said “We only have to do six” my reply was “when I say it I believe it, when you say it I know it’s a lie.” My reasoning: she told me a couple of weeks ago though she plays this game with herself, if she’s going to quit, it would be in the first three intervals, she will NEVER quit if she’s made it to six. I laughed and told her I appreciated her effort.
The truth behind my saying it -- I know quitting is a real possibility until I’ve made it through the sixth run. From there, I have found the strength to make myself do the last two. It’s interesting how this works. I'm seeing other shifts in my thinking as well, again thanks to something else J said.
As we were discussing how our running is changing, J told me about something she’d experienced the day she ran alone. She was taking a new path that proved to be more challenging than she’d anticipated. At one point, glancing at her watch, she saw she had two minutes left to run. Instead of the normal ‘oh my god, I’m gonna die’, she found herself thinking something to the effect of ‘only two minutes, I can do that’. Wow.
I had also found that if I had 30 second left to run I could keep going, whereas before, I’d quit with only 20 seconds to go. During our last run as I was gasping for breath, wondering how my legs had gotten so heavy, I glanced at my watch only to see there was 1 minute 41 seconds left to go -- I thought I was gonna die. Instead of quitting like I have in the past, I discovered what J had said was stuck in my head ... I CAN do this ... I am not going to quit.
I was able to convince myself to keep going and I finished the run; when it was over I was feeling rather proud of myself. J and I often joke that, a good run is one that’s over. In spite of the pride, I was glad it was over :)
For years I’ve heard that running is 90% mental; I’m watching this unfold during my own runs. My endurance has improved, which I expected -- what I hadn't considered was to see changes in my thought patterns.
So, if running is a mirror to life, I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Happy running.
a note: because J's baby was sick we decided against the 5k in the park. We're now looking at one in April.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
It's safe to say ...
Today was the fourth good run in a row. Even better was that after our run today, I knew, KNEW, I could have kept going. In fact, I ran up a hill during our last interval, never doubting I'd make it! I felt great. After the run I felt like one of those bouncy winners on a game show ... I was giddy with excitement. I kept telling J "you have no idea how thrilled I am". She assured me she felt the same way. We rocked it today!
Today the watch was bumped up to a 3 minute run with a 2.30 walk - doing our usual eight sets. The first two were fantastic; honestly, I wasn't sure I could run three minutes. The time flew by. We were in a groove well into run 3 when all of the sudden someone on a mountain bike called out from behind us. Being as startled as we were, it completely threw off our breathing rhythms. We both struggled through the end of that run and the entire 3 minutes of the fourth.
Damn. I was starting to wonder if I was going to make it through another 4 sets. As I fought to keep going, I noticed J was having an equally difficult time so I reminded her that we only had to get through six. It's a game we play, knowing full we we'll continue. Interestingly, we both seemed to find a renewed energy as we approached what 'could' have been our last run of the day ... #6. It was amazing. We were back in the groove and completed the entire run!
I was left wanting more - wow, yeah, me, wanting to run more ... something good's happening.
We're planning on doing a 5k this Saturday in 'our park' we jokingly refer to it. It will by J's first 5k and as a runner - mine too. I've participated in many a 5k but never believing I was a runner.
So, I think the question is answered; is it love or infatuation?
I Love Running!
Today the watch was bumped up to a 3 minute run with a 2.30 walk - doing our usual eight sets. The first two were fantastic; honestly, I wasn't sure I could run three minutes. The time flew by. We were in a groove well into run 3 when all of the sudden someone on a mountain bike called out from behind us. Being as startled as we were, it completely threw off our breathing rhythms. We both struggled through the end of that run and the entire 3 minutes of the fourth.
Damn. I was starting to wonder if I was going to make it through another 4 sets. As I fought to keep going, I noticed J was having an equally difficult time so I reminded her that we only had to get through six. It's a game we play, knowing full we we'll continue. Interestingly, we both seemed to find a renewed energy as we approached what 'could' have been our last run of the day ... #6. It was amazing. We were back in the groove and completed the entire run!
I was left wanting more - wow, yeah, me, wanting to run more ... something good's happening.
We're planning on doing a 5k this Saturday in 'our park' we jokingly refer to it. It will by J's first 5k and as a runner - mine too. I've participated in many a 5k but never believing I was a runner.
So, I think the question is answered; is it love or infatuation?
I Love Running!
Happy Running!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Three in a row and FINALLY!
As I've mentioned, or think I have, I someday want to love running. Seems simple. Well, I think I've arrived. I say this for a couple of reasons. First, because I've had three wonderful runs in a row and second because I am now running more than I'm walking. Yes, the day has finally come where the watch was set to run for 2.45 and recovery was lowered to 2.40. Not a big difference to some - but to J and I - HUGE!
Now I consider myself a runner whereas before I thought I was 'cheating' calling myself a runner when actually I walked more than I ran. This new found feeling is extremely exciting and I'm having trouble containing myself and not going for a run today. Could this be love?
The other day someone asked me how long it took to turn this corner. I must confess, it's taken much longer than I had anticipated. We've been on this journey for three months now. Though it's taken longer than either of us had hoped, we've arrived strong and though some days fraught with soreness and doubt, there have been no injuries. That's the important part - no injuries.
As J and I were running the other day, we acknowledged that we CAN do this. For me this has been a real struggle. As I tire during an interval I look at my watch to see how much time is left. Then I panic. J was the one who noticed this in me. Once she brought it to my attention, I began focusing on NOT looking at my watch. For the most part it worked. Yay J!
Monday, after our run, J commented that now when I call out 30 seconds she knows she can continue. Likewise, when I see there's a minute left, instead of quitting, I know I can make it. Again, this is huge for me as I'm not one who's 'masochistic' as J so aptly puts it. I've not been able to push myself past a certain point. The fact that I can hold on for another 60 seconds is a major improvement.
Perhaps that is why I'm so happy now -- I'm past 'I can't' and now believe I can.
Stay tuned to see if this is real love or just an infatuation :)
Happy Running!
Go US!
Now I consider myself a runner whereas before I thought I was 'cheating' calling myself a runner when actually I walked more than I ran. This new found feeling is extremely exciting and I'm having trouble containing myself and not going for a run today. Could this be love?
The other day someone asked me how long it took to turn this corner. I must confess, it's taken much longer than I had anticipated. We've been on this journey for three months now. Though it's taken longer than either of us had hoped, we've arrived strong and though some days fraught with soreness and doubt, there have been no injuries. That's the important part - no injuries.
As J and I were running the other day, we acknowledged that we CAN do this. For me this has been a real struggle. As I tire during an interval I look at my watch to see how much time is left. Then I panic. J was the one who noticed this in me. Once she brought it to my attention, I began focusing on NOT looking at my watch. For the most part it worked. Yay J!
Monday, after our run, J commented that now when I call out 30 seconds she knows she can continue. Likewise, when I see there's a minute left, instead of quitting, I know I can make it. Again, this is huge for me as I'm not one who's 'masochistic' as J so aptly puts it. I've not been able to push myself past a certain point. The fact that I can hold on for another 60 seconds is a major improvement.
Perhaps that is why I'm so happy now -- I'm past 'I can't' and now believe I can.
Stay tuned to see if this is real love or just an infatuation :)
Happy Running!
Go US!
Monday, January 26, 2009
I'm finally over the hump!
Today's run was different ... I didn't think I was going to die - I actually liked running!
I began noticing a difference during my last two runs. Thursday of last week, J was out of town so I was left to run on my own, instead, I invited my granddaughter. I also switched the timing of my run. Run one minute - recover 3:15 for 10 intervals.
Since K was with me, I let her set the pace knowing she'd push me. She did, damn, the girl' 8 years old and I can't keep up with her; and it's NOT for lack of trying. I ran as fast as I could during four of the 10 intervals. It was awesome running so fast, it was also exhausting! The most interesting part was when I reached the last interval I decided to push for 12, sadly, by the end of the 11th interval I thought my legs were gonna collapse.
Notice I said legs? Normally I'm gasping for breath, which is all I focus on. Just breathing. That day it was different - I felt my legs - almost as if they were something new. After the 10th interval I was breathing effortlessly enough, I believed I could do more and loved the sound of 12. That is until I was about half way thru number 11 - what the hell happened? All of the sudden my legs felt heavy, burning, and like they just couldn't go another foot. I struggled through that last 30 seconds knowing that getting to 12 would be impossible. What a great feeling that was - I had run until my legs couldn't run anymore - my legs - that was big!
Saturday rolled around and with J still out of town I ran with K again, this time following my regular run shedule. Again, I felt my legs. Was I onto something? As we walked through our 6th recovery, I shared with K that this was my last day running at 1.5 minutes and that next week J and I were upping our run time to 2 minutes. Here we were almost finished with our run and I was feeling amazing - unbelievable. As my watch signaled the start of our 7th interval, impressed with how great I felt, I decided to go ahead and run a two minute interval just to see how it felt - it was fantastic! We finished the eight and headed home.
It's Monday:
We tagged today as the day we'd increase our run to 2 minutes and reduce our recovery to 3 minutes. Keeping with 8 intervals (2/3x8).
Since J had been running on asphalt while she was away she requested we run on dirt. Fine with me, it's much softer - hence easier. We shared our concerns with how this run might go. I suggested we just tell ourselves we only had to do six intervals, knowing full well we'd do them all. The first three went better than expected -- then we hit the dreaded 'Number Four'. As we trudged through, J asked 'how long' (she seldom asks that.) I breathlessly replied '1:40' and I couldn't belive my eyes - SHE stopped running. She NEVER stops running.
Being the good friend that I am, I stopped with her. lol. Yes, I could have kept going, but I saw no logical reason to run the extra 20 seconds when my friend needed me. Ok, fine, I took advantage of the chance to just walk. To be honest, like J, I was starting to lose it. It was a much needed relief and so what if we walked the extra 20 seconds; what's the big deal? Funny thing is, it was a big deal to both of us, in turn, making us determined to run the entire 8 intervals. (that we knew we were gonna run anyway)
As we continued, it seemed to get easier. Don't ask me why or how, but it did. I knew, without a doubt that I was over the hump. As my legs began to hurt during the last run of the day, it was that precise moment, when I felt for the first time that ... I liked running. It's taken me two months and lots of gasping for air to get here, but I'm here and that's what matters.
I like running!
I've mentioned previously that I want to love running - someday I will. For now, I'm beyond thrilled I can say I like it!
Run on - we are!!!
I began noticing a difference during my last two runs. Thursday of last week, J was out of town so I was left to run on my own, instead, I invited my granddaughter. I also switched the timing of my run. Run one minute - recover 3:15 for 10 intervals.
Since K was with me, I let her set the pace knowing she'd push me. She did, damn, the girl' 8 years old and I can't keep up with her; and it's NOT for lack of trying. I ran as fast as I could during four of the 10 intervals. It was awesome running so fast, it was also exhausting! The most interesting part was when I reached the last interval I decided to push for 12, sadly, by the end of the 11th interval I thought my legs were gonna collapse.
Notice I said legs? Normally I'm gasping for breath, which is all I focus on. Just breathing. That day it was different - I felt my legs - almost as if they were something new. After the 10th interval I was breathing effortlessly enough, I believed I could do more and loved the sound of 12. That is until I was about half way thru number 11 - what the hell happened? All of the sudden my legs felt heavy, burning, and like they just couldn't go another foot. I struggled through that last 30 seconds knowing that getting to 12 would be impossible. What a great feeling that was - I had run until my legs couldn't run anymore - my legs - that was big!
Saturday rolled around and with J still out of town I ran with K again, this time following my regular run shedule. Again, I felt my legs. Was I onto something? As we walked through our 6th recovery, I shared with K that this was my last day running at 1.5 minutes and that next week J and I were upping our run time to 2 minutes. Here we were almost finished with our run and I was feeling amazing - unbelievable. As my watch signaled the start of our 7th interval, impressed with how great I felt, I decided to go ahead and run a two minute interval just to see how it felt - it was fantastic! We finished the eight and headed home.
It's Monday:
We tagged today as the day we'd increase our run to 2 minutes and reduce our recovery to 3 minutes. Keeping with 8 intervals (2/3x8).
Since J had been running on asphalt while she was away she requested we run on dirt. Fine with me, it's much softer - hence easier. We shared our concerns with how this run might go. I suggested we just tell ourselves we only had to do six intervals, knowing full well we'd do them all. The first three went better than expected -- then we hit the dreaded 'Number Four'. As we trudged through, J asked 'how long' (she seldom asks that.) I breathlessly replied '1:40' and I couldn't belive my eyes - SHE stopped running. She NEVER stops running.
Being the good friend that I am, I stopped with her. lol. Yes, I could have kept going, but I saw no logical reason to run the extra 20 seconds when my friend needed me. Ok, fine, I took advantage of the chance to just walk. To be honest, like J, I was starting to lose it. It was a much needed relief and so what if we walked the extra 20 seconds; what's the big deal? Funny thing is, it was a big deal to both of us, in turn, making us determined to run the entire 8 intervals. (that we knew we were gonna run anyway)
As we continued, it seemed to get easier. Don't ask me why or how, but it did. I knew, without a doubt that I was over the hump. As my legs began to hurt during the last run of the day, it was that precise moment, when I felt for the first time that ... I liked running. It's taken me two months and lots of gasping for air to get here, but I'm here and that's what matters.
I like running!
I've mentioned previously that I want to love running - someday I will. For now, I'm beyond thrilled I can say I like it!
Run on - we are!!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
It was 50% great ...
Monday's run that is. I started strong and felt fantastic through the first three intervals ... then 4 hit. Yes, H-I-T and it sucked wet twinkies. Interval four is usually a difficult one so it came as no surprise. What was a surprise was how wonderful I'd felt during the first three. I was worried about this run because I'd only ran once the previous week and to say that run was hell is an understatment! On top of that, J, being the totally committed friend that she is, chose to run without me last week. lol. Keep in mind that she's a stronger runner than I am and I missed two days last week. It's fair to say I was facing a few demons as I began my run on Monday.
It might also be important to further substantiate my fear by sharing another detail - we changed our interval time. Being committed to running as we are, we're on a scheduled program so that we adjust out run/walk time weekly (sort of). Our recovery walk had been at 5 minutes and we reduced it to 3.5.
Run 1.5/walk 3.5 for eight intervals. Sounds easy - sounds being the operative word!
With my last run being five days prior, I started out this run expecting to feel awful and to my amazement felt great! I felt like I was floating on air ... I could almost say I loved running ... then my bubble burst ... I hit interval four. I pushed thru knowing it meant I was half way through this run. I was consoled when J shared she'd was feeling the same way. We kept on and decided to loop back the last to intervals and found interval 7 to be as awe inspiring as the first three had been. We were thrilled! As we walked through our cool down we talked about how great four of the intervals had felt - feeling strong 50% of the time - I'll take that!!!
Note: we ran the trail at the park
Then There Was Day Two
I forgot to mention - in addition to the above noted change in time, we have also decided that we will run M,T, Th,S which means we will be running two days in a row once a week - plus adding an extra day. Go us. Saturdays will be our long run day, we'll be adding approximately 10% more distance each week to that day. So, back to day two of this week. This run was at the Greeway which is a beautiful place to run. I'm finding it's also more difficult and I think it's because it's asphalt opposed to the trail at the park. We've concluded that we need to run on asphalt since all the races, er, runs we'll be participating in will be on asphalt. So off we went.
It started out way different than the day before. We were hating it, in fact we both considered, though didn't admit to one another until interval four, that quitting during interval two had been a real consideration. I absolutely did NOT think I was going to make it. I was disappointed at how bad I felt and as I was sulking in my misery it occurred to me that perhaps the reason I felt so bad was because I was running for the second day in a row, which I hadn't done (in years). I also wondered if running on the asphalt was making a difference. To console myself I decided both of those reason were why I felt so bad. I trudged on. I was soooooooooo relived to hear J was feeling as bad as I was. However, really she wasn't - or - she just more committed than I am because I quit after a minute on our last interval, I just couldn't run another step. She went on and I have to say, is still running faster than I am. Even pushing the stroller - GO J!!!
I will say, in keeping with the 50%, once warmed up, three of the intervals felt ok yesterday (not exactly half, but close enough). I'm looking forward to tomorrow's run and to see how I feel. I'm hoping we run at the park because after two bad runs at the greenway, as beautiful as it is, I now dread it. Hmmm, makes me think that's exactly where we should go.
After thought: as 'bad' as a run may feel it's still a run -- therefore an accomplishment -- so I guess there really are no 'bad runs'. keep smiling ...
It might also be important to further substantiate my fear by sharing another detail - we changed our interval time. Being committed to running as we are, we're on a scheduled program so that we adjust out run/walk time weekly (sort of). Our recovery walk had been at 5 minutes and we reduced it to 3.5.
Run 1.5/walk 3.5 for eight intervals. Sounds easy - sounds being the operative word!
With my last run being five days prior, I started out this run expecting to feel awful and to my amazement felt great! I felt like I was floating on air ... I could almost say I loved running ... then my bubble burst ... I hit interval four. I pushed thru knowing it meant I was half way through this run. I was consoled when J shared she'd was feeling the same way. We kept on and decided to loop back the last to intervals and found interval 7 to be as awe inspiring as the first three had been. We were thrilled! As we walked through our cool down we talked about how great four of the intervals had felt - feeling strong 50% of the time - I'll take that!!!
Note: we ran the trail at the park
Then There Was Day Two
I forgot to mention - in addition to the above noted change in time, we have also decided that we will run M,T, Th,S which means we will be running two days in a row once a week - plus adding an extra day. Go us. Saturdays will be our long run day, we'll be adding approximately 10% more distance each week to that day. So, back to day two of this week. This run was at the Greeway which is a beautiful place to run. I'm finding it's also more difficult and I think it's because it's asphalt opposed to the trail at the park. We've concluded that we need to run on asphalt since all the races, er, runs we'll be participating in will be on asphalt. So off we went.
It started out way different than the day before. We were hating it, in fact we both considered, though didn't admit to one another until interval four, that quitting during interval two had been a real consideration. I absolutely did NOT think I was going to make it. I was disappointed at how bad I felt and as I was sulking in my misery it occurred to me that perhaps the reason I felt so bad was because I was running for the second day in a row, which I hadn't done (in years). I also wondered if running on the asphalt was making a difference. To console myself I decided both of those reason were why I felt so bad. I trudged on. I was soooooooooo relived to hear J was feeling as bad as I was. However, really she wasn't - or - she just more committed than I am because I quit after a minute on our last interval, I just couldn't run another step. She went on and I have to say, is still running faster than I am. Even pushing the stroller - GO J!!!
I will say, in keeping with the 50%, once warmed up, three of the intervals felt ok yesterday (not exactly half, but close enough). I'm looking forward to tomorrow's run and to see how I feel. I'm hoping we run at the park because after two bad runs at the greenway, as beautiful as it is, I now dread it. Hmmm, makes me think that's exactly where we should go.
After thought: as 'bad' as a run may feel it's still a run -- therefore an accomplishment -- so I guess there really are no 'bad runs'. keep smiling ...
Friday, January 2, 2009
First Run of the Year
Today we did our first run of this year ... I'm really looking forward to watching the number of runs build up - also looking forward to watching as we increase our run times and miles. I am longing to run my first mile. Run without walking for an entire mile, then two, then three and on it goes.
The run today was difficult and I knew it would be. We began at 4:15 and I'd not had anything to eat except for a piece of turkey. I knew I was starting out with no nutritional base - and I know better. I will be working on that as we go. Looking back at the run I see that even though it wasn't comfortable it was still much easier than I'd anticipated. Had I eaten breakfast and lunch it may have actually been a great run.
Again we were 'warned' the park was closing. The park rangers are cramping our style. Ok, maybe, just maybe, we may need to at least consider the possibility of starting earlier. lol. We managed to do six of the seven intervals before we were told the park was closing. The last was up hill so we agreed that made up for the missed interval.
J is comfortable with her commitment to running so is investing in running shoes,which she had to order since the store was out of her size. Yay, she'll have her shoes early next week. I think she will see an improvement in how she feels. Yeah, let's talk about that...
Today E was back with us - jogging stroller and all. It's been a couple of weeks since we took him with us. Pushing the stroller is hard work and consequently has made J a stronger runner. Consequently when E stays with daddy she runs faster and I struggle to keep up with her. Needless to say I was thrilled to see E sitting there so sweetly tucked into his stroller today. Besides that - he's so darn cute and such a good baby!
I'm finding that I want to add another day of running to our schedule, not sure if it's my enthusiasm or my rush to become a better runner and rack in more miles. Probably a bit of both. Next week we'll probably either increase our time or shorten our recovery time. I'll keep you posted ...
We will love running!!!
The run today was difficult and I knew it would be. We began at 4:15 and I'd not had anything to eat except for a piece of turkey. I knew I was starting out with no nutritional base - and I know better. I will be working on that as we go. Looking back at the run I see that even though it wasn't comfortable it was still much easier than I'd anticipated. Had I eaten breakfast and lunch it may have actually been a great run.
Again we were 'warned' the park was closing. The park rangers are cramping our style. Ok, maybe, just maybe, we may need to at least consider the possibility of starting earlier. lol. We managed to do six of the seven intervals before we were told the park was closing. The last was up hill so we agreed that made up for the missed interval.
J is comfortable with her commitment to running so is investing in running shoes,which she had to order since the store was out of her size. Yay, she'll have her shoes early next week. I think she will see an improvement in how she feels. Yeah, let's talk about that...
Today E was back with us - jogging stroller and all. It's been a couple of weeks since we took him with us. Pushing the stroller is hard work and consequently has made J a stronger runner. Consequently when E stays with daddy she runs faster and I struggle to keep up with her. Needless to say I was thrilled to see E sitting there so sweetly tucked into his stroller today. Besides that - he's so darn cute and such a good baby!
I'm finding that I want to add another day of running to our schedule, not sure if it's my enthusiasm or my rush to become a better runner and rack in more miles. Probably a bit of both. Next week we'll probably either increase our time or shorten our recovery time. I'll keep you posted ...
We will love running!!!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
It's a New Year! Yesterday J and I ran our last run of the year and the first run since Christmas eve, a week ago. We'd been doing well and had planned on running on Friday, but life got in the way. Actually saying good bye to my son got in my way on Saturday and so J decided to work out with her Cindy Crawford tapes and sadly hurt herself. The pain of her pinched nerve seemed to take a back seat to her disappointment in not being able to run - I was so proud of her ... she never wanted to give up, instead she seemed to focus on how much she missed running and by Wednesday she was back!
Though J was sidelined Monday I knew I had to keep going, besides, she's already running faster than I am so off I went. My 8 year old granddaughter went along with me and we discussed math problems as they relate to time and miles running. As we talked, it occurred to me that J and I had already ran a marathon - sure, it may have taken us four weeks - but we did it!!! lol
Anyway, J's doctor gave her the go ahead to begin running again so yesterday we ran. It almost seems apropos that our last run of the year was the first run where we both felt like we were r-u-n-n-i-n-g instead of the jog/shuffle we've been doing. During our second interval I noticed our strides and in those seconds I saw a glimpse of how far we've come. In that instant I knew I was a runner, not fast, but a runner! Besides, this isn't about racing anyone -- it's about fulfilling a dream. I want to someday love running for running's sake instead of fearing I'm going die. Yesterday as I saw us moving, running, I felt for the very first time that I can actually run. I will overcome my fears and someday, in the not too distant future, run for the love of running. J and I are feeling proud of ourselves and are looking forward to logging our runs for an entire year as we begin 2009.
Go Us!!!
Though J was sidelined Monday I knew I had to keep going, besides, she's already running faster than I am so off I went. My 8 year old granddaughter went along with me and we discussed math problems as they relate to time and miles running. As we talked, it occurred to me that J and I had already ran a marathon - sure, it may have taken us four weeks - but we did it!!! lol
Anyway, J's doctor gave her the go ahead to begin running again so yesterday we ran. It almost seems apropos that our last run of the year was the first run where we both felt like we were r-u-n-n-i-n-g instead of the jog/shuffle we've been doing. During our second interval I noticed our strides and in those seconds I saw a glimpse of how far we've come. In that instant I knew I was a runner, not fast, but a runner! Besides, this isn't about racing anyone -- it's about fulfilling a dream. I want to someday love running for running's sake instead of fearing I'm going die. Yesterday as I saw us moving, running, I felt for the very first time that I can actually run. I will overcome my fears and someday, in the not too distant future, run for the love of running. J and I are feeling proud of ourselves and are looking forward to logging our runs for an entire year as we begin 2009.
Go Us!!!
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