Against all odds

OK, I'm officially 25% done with the full program as of yesterday's run. My muscles were very sore when I started. I am blaming the carnival the day before. Plan A: I called J Friday night to run with me . She couldn't. Plan B: I called Vardotrichic to run with me. She couldn't. Plan C: I asked Rachael to ride her bike with me. There was too much ice in front of the shed that we couldn't get her bike out. Plan D: I was going to run with my ipod. The batteries were dead. Ugh. Plan E: Bill ran with me the first mile or so. My mom called between mile 3-5 to distract me when I was on hills and in a headwind. (Note to self: bring the hands-free headset next time!) Rachael ran with me the last mile or so. I made it. 8 miles. Another new record.

There was a lot of inner voice happening with that run. You are strong. You are beautiful. You look great. YOU ARE A MARATHONER! Follow the white line. Keep going. One foot in front of the other. Follow the white line. What beautiful scenery. Don't stop. You did 7 miles last weekend. Follow the white line. YOU ARE A MARATHONER! 27 degrees. 10 mph wind. ~11 degree wind chill.

I tried Gatorade in my water bottles this time. That was good to have a flavored beverage. I really had to consciously tell myself to drink. I know it was cold out because I had slush by the end of the run. Wow, running into the wind uphills took a lot of inner voice, but once I turned and ran with the wind it was a great run! It was easier to tell myself to drink the last 3 miles as it felt easier to run, but the first 4-5 miles was very deliberate. About a third of a marathon done. Over half my goal of 1/2 marathon.

Oh yeah, I went to mapmyrun.com and found an 8-mile run. As I was headed back into town I couldn't remember how far I really had to go before turning around so I think I ran an extra 1/2 mi just to be sure. So, I'm an overacheiver this week.
8.5 mile run; .5 mile walk; RPE - 5

Noelle the sitter

I walked out of school this afternoon all bundled up. It turned out to be about 37 degrees warmer than when i got to school this morning. I knew I had to run outside today. I did a good 3 miles with about 1/4 mile walk after. It was nice to get outside again. It was only 3 miles so I didn't wear the water belt, but will Saturday on my long run. I think I was a little faster than 6 mph as I got back a little sooner than I anticipated. I mapped the run a few days ago for the next time I got outside. It was a nice variation and had some hills through dogtown. I am getting mentally stronger with the hills.

I miss running with J. I had my ipod tonight, but didn't realize it quit until I was on my last block. Guess that means I was sufficiently distracted.

Rachael was gone this afternoon so Noelle was in charge. Only lost my cellphone once.

3 mile run; 1/4 mile walk; RPE - 4

What? Walk???

Tonight was a 5-mile run. J called around 7 and wanted to run on the treadmill so I ran so that she could run afer me. We were talking a bit and she said it is best to take walking breaks on those long runs. Is this really true?? Even the elite runners will walk through the aide stations during a marathon and still finish in 2:30:00.

I am now exhausted. So much to do. Such heavy eyelids. I think I'll go to bed.

5 mile run; .6 mile walk; ~60 min; RPE - 4

Negotiations Run

Well, nothing like a good run after negotiations. Enough said!

It was a good, quick run tonight. I usually watch the last 1/10 mile go by and slow exactly at 3 miles (or the end of the run) . It was so good, I kept going! Almost went another .25 miles. Guess I had a lot of "energy" to burn off tonight.

3 mile run; 3/4 mile walk; RPE - 3

I drank

Well, I did it. I got my new running belt with 2-20oz bottles of water. I woke up this morning, loaded up the belt, drank 18 oz before the run (because I knew I wasn't hydrated well enough), ate a piece of dry toast, stretched, and went to the basement. I was going to run outside, but it just didn't look very nice. Everything looked icy. No thanks. I drank about 14 oz during the run and finished off the last 6 oz walking afterward. Small shots worked best rather than a small drink. It was ok. I am now wondering how I will stay hydrated in longer runs. I'll get there.

Another accomplishment today was the distance: 7 miles. That's the farthest I've ever run. I know each week will set records like this. The last couple miles were the most difficult, as expected. The first 2-3 miles were relatively easy. I was surprised how quickly those miles went by. Overall it was a good run. I watched two episodes of Lost. It's good to have that distraction. I miss that outside.

I double tied my shoes because I've been having problems with them coming untied in the middle of a run. That helped. At the end of my long runs I feel like my blister is coming back. It seems to go away after a few days, though. I think my feet just have to get used to going that far.

7 mile run; 1 mile walk; 85 min; RPE - 3.5

A grading break

Have around 350-400 assignments to grade tonight. ugh. Running was a nice break. Last night I had so much to do, but was so exhausted from late nights that I just went to bed at 7:30. I slept through til 5 this morning. I was very rushed, but made it through the day. The stress of school is getting to me. Running has become a good outlet.

Tonight was mostly an easy run. Only wiped my brow a few times, rather than every few seconds so the strength is coming. Seemed like a very quick run.

3 mile run; 1 mi walk; RPE - 2.5

BBRRRrrrrr

J contacted me this afternoon and wanted to go out running tonight. Hmm, I thought to myself. It's lower teens, wind chills in the single digits. "It doesn't matter." OK, I'll go. I got about 3 layers on, called her when Bill got home from Taekwondo and her hubby had to go do a housecall. oh bummer. I was all psyched up to do this. That's ok. We'll try again Saturday.

I went to the basement and ran 4 miles. It was a fine run. Seemed like just another run. I don't know if I was psyched about freezing body parts off or what, but I was sweating like crazy downstairs about half way through. The last mile was difficult, but I kept going. The last two runs my shoes came untied so I double tied them today. Is there a better way to do this?

4 mile run; 1/2 mile walk; RPE - 4

The recovery run

After my 6-mile frozen run Saturday, my legs were achy. I discovered a blister between my big toe and the index toe, which is now reduced to a callous. I have been dreading making this run today all weekend. Hubby even massaged my legs Sat night. That was great, but they were still achy. My previously-blistered heel gave me fits too and it doesn't seem to be healing. All this made a dredgery out of starting the run tonight.

Only 3 miles. It's a short run. You can do it. No problem. I stretched a little ahead of time to loosen up the muscles, got on the treadmill and away I went! I didn't even wipe my brow until half-way through. This is one reason I know I am increasing my endurance, lung capacity, and heart output. When I ran with J I knew I had a ways to go with this, but I am feeling good about where I am now.

J and I make good running partners. We seem to motivate each other and have similar running paces. Nice to have that connection. She has also given me lots of suggestions that help. I'm taking it anywhere I can get it these days!

Ordered a running belt recently. It's supposed to be here this week so hopefully Mother Nature won't go postal on me. I have to train myself to accept fluids during a run. This is going to be a huge success if I can do that.

3 mile run; 1 mile walk; RPE - 3

The first Ethanol Loop

I did it! My first official 6 mile run today. J and I ran the Ethanol Loop, came back past the school to the T-intersection and back to her house. It was a good run, a foggy run, but a good run. We looked like old ladies when we were done because there was so much frost on our hair and clothes. It was a brisk 18 degrees when we started and about 22 when we finished. Perfect.

Rounding the corner to come back into town, there was a headwind. We were both surprised as there was no wind (less than 2mph)

Overall it was a good run. It was work at times, but it felt good afterward. Having someone else there kept me going. I layered clothes and was still a bit cool, but sweaty at the same time. I had to shed my skin and bring on the ducks, but I made it. The chill only allowed the skin to fall off through my knees, it wouldn't let go below that. It was like a hard shell that wouldn't crack. I could make it a little softer, but it never completely shed. I had to keep envisioning my finishline and my family.

6 mile run; 1/2 mile walk; accomplishment!; RPE - 4.5

A Snowy Run

I noticed the bank indicated it was 29 degrees when I got done with school today so I thought I would run outside. The streets appeared only a little snowy, and with the warm temps and no wind I thought I would try it. I did not like that! It was like running through wet sand. I didn't like not being able to get traction. I even had to drag my feet a few times to get rid of the packed snow on the bottom of my shoes.

I missed my "short" run last night because I fell asleep on the couch rather early again. I woke up around 11:00 and thought maybe I could get up in the morning and run again. Nope. I woke up around 4:00, perfect time to go for a quick run in the basement, but the next thing I knew, it was 5:00 and time to get up. Dang.

After school today I called J and asked if she wanted to do the Ethanol Loop since I have a 6 mile run tomorrow. For some reason, this run is one of my fears so I'm glad she is going with me. She will keep me going to the end. It's a 5-mi loop so I just have one more mile when I get home again. Shouldn't be too awful. We'll start at 6:30 in the morning.

3 mile run; 1/2 mile walk; RPE - 3.5

Reflections

While running tonight I was watching Lost. During the "commercials" (ie blackscreen) I saw a reflection in the screen. I did not recognize it. It was someone with very nice muscular arms, trimming waist, etc. I later looked to the side and saw my reflection in the window. Hmmm, those are nice-looking legs.

Somewhere in the middle of the run I reflected on how much I have accomplished so far. I realized that I am at a point where 3 miles is a short run and it's easy to get it over with so I see every 1/10 mile go by, making it a difficult run. Anything 4 miles and over seems to be easier because I know I have a ways to go and look to the future for what I have yet to accomplish. I envision that feeling and sights at the end of the race, my family cheering my on along the way, the feeling of accomplishment and success.

While I am really only starting the whole process, it was a reflective run tonight. I'm sure this will happen again as I get closer to a race, but it was a nice, peaceful run tonight.

4 mile run; .5 mile walk; RPE - 3.5

Uuuuugh...I mean that was great.

Ok, positive thinking, visualization, inner voice, mental distraction, what else can I do to get through this really short run tonight? Only 3 short miles, but it was work all the way through. I could even feel my heart pounding at mile 2.5 I can do better than that! Argh. I had a 3-hr nap this afternoon, too. Darn. Tomorrow's 4 miles and a new day.

3mile run; 1 mi walk; RPE - 4

Overcoming fears

Before starting any of this training program, pre or current, I must admit I had some fears, mostly fears of failing, which led me to procrastination. When I was in high school I wanted to do triathlons. Now, my ultimate goal is a marathon. My "real" goal is a 1/2 marathon, because I fear not meeting my ultimate goal. However, if I can easily achieve my real goal, I may go for my ultimate goal. I like what I'm doing and seeing right now.

My run today was 4 miles. I went to mapmyrun.com and found a 4-mile Jewell street route. As I was running I realized within a run I also have fears that I have overcome in this short time. I feared cold-weather running. I was currently running outside in 31 degree temps with a light breeze. I feared windy days. I ran in 35 mph gusts with J. I feared hills - like no other! I adjusted my course after 3 miles (near the end of my run tonight) to run the school hill in front of my house. I feared not being able to run as far I "had" to. I ran 6 miles last week without stopping. I recently fear running distance and breaking down in my form. I had a great 6-mi indoor run with consistent form. I had a great 4-mi run tonight without breaking down quality form. I fear losing mental confidence. I have learned to create an inner voice. I fear physical pain will overtake me. I imagine myself like a snake who sheds a thin outer layer of skin. This skin is a layer of pain leaving my body. If that doesn't work, I call on the "ducks" to help me through the pain. I run more like a duck with webbed feet pushing through the water. This makes me run with my toes pushing away the ground below me. It gives my shins and muscles a little break and gives them a proverbial second wind; it's quite refreshing, it's my "duck run" for a few feet. lol. I fear not maintaining a consistent speed as I run. I ran 4 miles with about 1/2 mile walking afterward. I walked in the house at exactly the time I should have for that run. I AM a marathoner!

4 mile run; ~.5 mile walk; RPE - 3

I'm late!

Oh such guilt...Thanks vardotrichic for the encouragement. I was supposed to run 3 miles yesterday. I was struggling to keep my eyes open after supper. I decided I would finish my work and run after that. Hmm...it got to be 930, then 1000, then 1030. UGH. What's another 6 hrs? I will have a better run if I sleep and then run at 400 in the AM. I finally drug myself out of bed this morning thanks to a great hubby and ran! I may be 4 hrs late, but I got the run in. I am discovering many things about myself with this training. One of them is I like to pull nearly all-nighters Thurs PM to get things caught for the weekend so the kids have no excuses on Monday and we can get off to a "good" start. Thurs will be my challenge in all this.

3 mile run - 30 min; .25 walk - 5 min; RPE - 3.5

Wash my socks pleeeeaaaaasse

I bought 3 pair of good running socks about a month ago. I figure with 6 people in this house, washing them would be no problem. I think I need to get more. They are all dirty and I've been without for at least 2 days now. I think my blister is coming back now too. I'm blaming the socks. Oh, why don't I just wash them myself??? Uh, I'm not allowed to. I get in trouble everytime I do laundry.

OK, enough about my dirty laundry. Tonight was a 4-mile run. I was a bit dehydrated so it seems a little harder than it should have been. Overall it was good. I just keep thinking D2D and how Vardotrichic and all my family will be there cheering me on! It will be good to cross the finishline...running.

4mi run - 40 min; 1 mi walk - 20 min; RPE = 4

Let the training begin

Today officially starts the training. I did an easy 3 miles. I was hoping to innaugurate the training outside, though. The snow just won't stop falling.

Since I have transitioned to a new stage, I figured I would start posting my runs differently as well. My book suggests recording a Ratings of Perceived Exertion (RPE) on a scale of 0 (resting) - 10 (maximal effort); with 3-5 being the ideal score for building heart muscle, increasing output, etc.

Tonight I couldn't find a matching pair of socks. So, I wore one cotton sock and one moisture-wicking running sock. I thought this would be a good test. I could tell a difference for sure, but it wasn't as big as I thought it would be.

3 miles run = 30 mins; .75 mile walk = 15 min; RPE = 2.5