I've begun the training for the San Antonio Rock N Roll Marathon. It's nice to feel positive about running again. Mile repeats on Thursday were tough but felt good. Shorter long run on Saturday to start off. It went well to despite the heat.
Last night the club had a send off party for us. It was wonderful. It's amazing the friends we have made. And honestly they are people we may have never met had it not been for running.
A big thanks to them all for being so good to us!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
San Antionio Plan
Well, well. After two days of rest following El Schorcho, it is time to begin training for the Rock N Roll marathon in November.
I struggled after "The Schorch", I was sure I never wanted to run again. If I was indeed going to run the Rock N Roll I needed to do a mile test to see where my level is at this point in time. I don't like the mile test, I don't like the heat, the two combined make me literally ill so what did I do? I complained, I whined, I grumbled, I griped. And then I called the one person I knew would side with me, my brother.
Only he didn't side with me, not really. He simply said "what's the big deal"? It's a mile, what like 7 mintutes and a few seconds? Try it, if you do well great then you can decide what you want to do, if you don't then so what, you run the marathon with no time goal. He seemed to be confused as to why I was so busy lamenting.
I thought about it last night over and over. He was right. After all I do 4 or more 800's at a 3:45 pace with a 200 fast walk inbetween, how much harder would it be to just do a mile instead? And so I decided that I would do my test, alone just in case I failed miserably.
And so I did it differently this time, before I did my mile test at the park on the 1 mile loop, today I went to the track.
I did my warm up mile and then started the first 400 at what would be a 4:00 800, then each lap I sped up so the last lap was very fast, to the point of sickness and whala it was done. 7:17 pace, not bad at all.
Now I am happy, going forward AND looking forward to it instead of wanting to quit.
I struggled after "The Schorch", I was sure I never wanted to run again. If I was indeed going to run the Rock N Roll I needed to do a mile test to see where my level is at this point in time. I don't like the mile test, I don't like the heat, the two combined make me literally ill so what did I do? I complained, I whined, I grumbled, I griped. And then I called the one person I knew would side with me, my brother.
Only he didn't side with me, not really. He simply said "what's the big deal"? It's a mile, what like 7 mintutes and a few seconds? Try it, if you do well great then you can decide what you want to do, if you don't then so what, you run the marathon with no time goal. He seemed to be confused as to why I was so busy lamenting.
I thought about it last night over and over. He was right. After all I do 4 or more 800's at a 3:45 pace with a 200 fast walk inbetween, how much harder would it be to just do a mile instead? And so I decided that I would do my test, alone just in case I failed miserably.
And so I did it differently this time, before I did my mile test at the park on the 1 mile loop, today I went to the track.
I did my warm up mile and then started the first 400 at what would be a 4:00 800, then each lap I sped up so the last lap was very fast, to the point of sickness and whala it was done. 7:17 pace, not bad at all.
Now I am happy, going forward AND looking forward to it instead of wanting to quit.
Schorching? YES!
El Schorcho Dos...the name says it all. Hot, no, schorching YES. Even at midnight. Needless to say this run was difficult. A week of conference, wearing heels, not sleeping, eating differently, flying, running at midnight, the heat, dehydration, lots of excuses!
Interestingly enough what I remember most is the one part of the loop where you can see the skyline of the city. It is beautiful and peaceful. It's a sight that not many people see from this vantage point in the middle of the night. 5 loops and each time the sight caught me by surprise. That part I loved.
Spending time with friends who share this crazy affair with running, absolutely priceless.
All the frustration, all the pain, in the end celebrating with friends is really what it is all about!
Interestingly enough what I remember most is the one part of the loop where you can see the skyline of the city. It is beautiful and peaceful. It's a sight that not many people see from this vantage point in the middle of the night. 5 loops and each time the sight caught me by surprise. That part I loved.
Spending time with friends who share this crazy affair with running, absolutely priceless.
All the frustration, all the pain, in the end celebrating with friends is really what it is all about!
Running on the Beach
Six AM, there are a few of us who brave the humidity and hit the beach for an early morning run. Across the ocean the clouds are heavy and dark, lightening flashes like a strobe. Not up high but on the surface of the water, streaks of bright light backed by fullness of light in the dark clouds.
Humid yes and yet the soft ocean breeze blows against me caressing my hair my face my body and thus keeping me cool.
The sand is soft yet hard enough for a run, I pass people here and there "good morning" we mutter. Everyone is happy to be out on such a beautiful morning with the storm coming in, knowing that we will have rain later.
Six miles later, heavy with sweat, my run is complete. I lay down on my towel by the pool and stretch looking up at the still blue sky while now hearing the thunder in the distance.
Two days later 6:30 AM another run on the beach. This time there is no storm, instead soft fluffy clouds dab the horizon over the water. Dark at first and then the sky begins to light up, slowly at first with pink light peaking through the fluffy clouds. And then the sun decides to show his face, the rays boldly reaching out to those on earth, through the clouds painting the ocean pink and orange in it's reflection.
The run came to a halt when the sun began to come above the horizon, how can one not stop when the landscape is made so beautifully by the hand of God?
Time to go on, work is waiting.
I am so thankful to have the opportunity to run in the quiet morning on the beach, to have the time to think about the blessings God has bestowed upon me, and see his work surrounding me, taking it all in, letting it rain down on me.
Humid yes and yet the soft ocean breeze blows against me caressing my hair my face my body and thus keeping me cool.
The sand is soft yet hard enough for a run, I pass people here and there "good morning" we mutter. Everyone is happy to be out on such a beautiful morning with the storm coming in, knowing that we will have rain later.
Six miles later, heavy with sweat, my run is complete. I lay down on my towel by the pool and stretch looking up at the still blue sky while now hearing the thunder in the distance.
Two days later 6:30 AM another run on the beach. This time there is no storm, instead soft fluffy clouds dab the horizon over the water. Dark at first and then the sky begins to light up, slowly at first with pink light peaking through the fluffy clouds. And then the sun decides to show his face, the rays boldly reaching out to those on earth, through the clouds painting the ocean pink and orange in it's reflection.
The run came to a halt when the sun began to come above the horizon, how can one not stop when the landscape is made so beautifully by the hand of God?
Time to go on, work is waiting.
I am so thankful to have the opportunity to run in the quiet morning on the beach, to have the time to think about the blessings God has bestowed upon me, and see his work surrounding me, taking it all in, letting it rain down on me.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Update
Today is Friday and it is a rest day from running. I am however going to do legs and upper body strength training along with a good core workout. Tomorrow it may be tough to run 14 miles if I do too much so I will need to be sure not to overdo today.
Yesterday I ran 800's for the first time in 3 weeks. I really dreaded them but in the end it turned out fine. I ran them inconsistently though and realize I need to work hard to hit my mark. It was humid although not to warm. My knee and hamstring are feeling better, I think the strength training plus more rest is helping.
I am looking forward to running in Miami next week on the beach even though the humidity will be tough, it will be a nice break and I only run twice so that I am well rested for El Schorcho on the 20th (mine and Patrizia's birthday). And yes I am older than her by quite a bit :).
Time to do my workout...will write later.
Yesterday I ran 800's for the first time in 3 weeks. I really dreaded them but in the end it turned out fine. I ran them inconsistently though and realize I need to work hard to hit my mark. It was humid although not to warm. My knee and hamstring are feeling better, I think the strength training plus more rest is helping.
I am looking forward to running in Miami next week on the beach even though the humidity will be tough, it will be a nice break and I only run twice so that I am well rested for El Schorcho on the 20th (mine and Patrizia's birthday). And yes I am older than her by quite a bit :).
Time to do my workout...will write later.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Not Writing Much
Well I've had a tough time writing lately. I've also had a hard time running. I am concerned about the hamstring. I am so tight and just can't seem to get past it. I am stretching much more, doing strength training, icing. I know it will take time but it is really annoying. The knee gets sore but it goes away fast when I ice it I just need to be better about doing so.
I am worried though that I won't be able to make it through another marathon, should I even try? I don't want to run one and then find that it was too much and not be able to run again. I am so confused. Since December it seems I am constantly dealing with injury :(.
I am going to begin massages when I get back from El Schorcho, at least twice a month, I have got to find a way to get my hamstrings loosened up.
All this to say my running is fine, I am sticking to training, doing my speed work and long runs, the heat and humidity is killing me and I wish this hamstring would heal faster.
I am worried though that I won't be able to make it through another marathon, should I even try? I don't want to run one and then find that it was too much and not be able to run again. I am so confused. Since December it seems I am constantly dealing with injury :(.
I am going to begin massages when I get back from El Schorcho, at least twice a month, I have got to find a way to get my hamstrings loosened up.
All this to say my running is fine, I am sticking to training, doing my speed work and long runs, the heat and humidity is killing me and I wish this hamstring would heal faster.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Monday and Tuesday first of July
Monday,
What a sunrise! I was in awe of the pink, red, and gold clouds with sun rays peeping through here and there as if to say GOOD MORNING WORLD!
It was humid on Monday. It made the run a bit tougher, but I ran a natural pace and my pace was very good. The sunrise made it worth it to be out there. I think it's a shame that so many people sleep through, or don't notice such a beautiful event. That is one of the great things about running. When you are out there in the morning you see things that many people miss. How sad.
When I got home it began to rain softly. This is why it was so humid! We needed the rain and it was a pretty rain, not stormy, just soft and quiet. It was tough not to go back to bed to catch some zzzzzs.
Sid came on Monday afternoon. It was great to see him! He is here through Thursday so we will get to run together. I always like sharing this time with my brother.
Tuesday -
We went to the track and ran 100 meter repeats. Sid has not tackled 100's yet but he did GREAT. I was really surprised. He is in great shape and had no trouble keeping up with me. We did 10 and although tough, they seemed easier today. It was not windy and it was cooler. Those things put together makes the running much more pleasurable.
Even better was sharing that time with my brother. He is so fun and we talk about so many things. It's fun to have him here.
Terry is gone to Ohio with his new job. I love to hear him talk about it because he is so happy. I had no idea that his old job was such as burden. I guess he/we got in a rut. It's exciting to hear him talk about something new, working as a team, and the people he is meeting. I could do without the fried bologna sandwich he ate, but he loves it and for that I am so thankful! Wish I were with him to run on the ranch and watch the horses, see the sun rise, enjoy a new environment. Maybe I can go with him before they all move to Texas.
Well tomorrow is a rest day and I am glad. I need to rest.
More to follow on Thursday, Sianara
What a sunrise! I was in awe of the pink, red, and gold clouds with sun rays peeping through here and there as if to say GOOD MORNING WORLD!
It was humid on Monday. It made the run a bit tougher, but I ran a natural pace and my pace was very good. The sunrise made it worth it to be out there. I think it's a shame that so many people sleep through, or don't notice such a beautiful event. That is one of the great things about running. When you are out there in the morning you see things that many people miss. How sad.
When I got home it began to rain softly. This is why it was so humid! We needed the rain and it was a pretty rain, not stormy, just soft and quiet. It was tough not to go back to bed to catch some zzzzzs.
Sid came on Monday afternoon. It was great to see him! He is here through Thursday so we will get to run together. I always like sharing this time with my brother.
Tuesday -
We went to the track and ran 100 meter repeats. Sid has not tackled 100's yet but he did GREAT. I was really surprised. He is in great shape and had no trouble keeping up with me. We did 10 and although tough, they seemed easier today. It was not windy and it was cooler. Those things put together makes the running much more pleasurable.
Even better was sharing that time with my brother. He is so fun and we talk about so many things. It's fun to have him here.
Terry is gone to Ohio with his new job. I love to hear him talk about it because he is so happy. I had no idea that his old job was such as burden. I guess he/we got in a rut. It's exciting to hear him talk about something new, working as a team, and the people he is meeting. I could do without the fried bologna sandwich he ate, but he loves it and for that I am so thankful! Wish I were with him to run on the ranch and watch the horses, see the sun rise, enjoy a new environment. Maybe I can go with him before they all move to Texas.
Well tomorrow is a rest day and I am glad. I need to rest.
More to follow on Thursday, Sianara
Friday and Saturday
Friday I ran 6 at a natural pace and the pace was pretty good. I was pleased and although it was a bit hot it felt good going a pace that felt comfortable with where I was at the time. I was surprised by my pace. This was good and bad, good because it helped my confidence, bad because I had a long run on Saturday and should have taken it easy on Friday.
Oh well, it helped me and it felt good. I'm still in a slump for me, but this workout definately made me feel a little more on track.
Read on for Saturday's report.
Saturday - This was a tough run. It was really hot, and I ran with Jean at a slower pace. I really struggled toward the end. Granted it could be because I ran Friday and ran faster than I should have.
I got home and plugged in my Garmin and got a bit confused. I thought I ran 10 miles, but I had two entries for today, one for 2.13 miles and one for 10. At one point I stopped my watch and reset it so I guess we lost 2 miles. Instead of my planned 10 miles I guess I ran 12. No wonder the last two miles were tough. I've not run 12 miles in some time.
Sunday my knee and my hamstring were really sore. It was obvious I did too much. I suppose you could say I learned my lesson. I will be more careful next time!
Oh well, it helped me and it felt good. I'm still in a slump for me, but this workout definately made me feel a little more on track.
Read on for Saturday's report.
Saturday - This was a tough run. It was really hot, and I ran with Jean at a slower pace. I really struggled toward the end. Granted it could be because I ran Friday and ran faster than I should have.
I got home and plugged in my Garmin and got a bit confused. I thought I ran 10 miles, but I had two entries for today, one for 2.13 miles and one for 10. At one point I stopped my watch and reset it so I guess we lost 2 miles. Instead of my planned 10 miles I guess I ran 12. No wonder the last two miles were tough. I've not run 12 miles in some time.
Sunday my knee and my hamstring were really sore. It was obvious I did too much. I suppose you could say I learned my lesson. I will be more careful next time!
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