Hoorray it's Saturday! And another 3 day weekend at that. It's so nice to have some extra time to call my own. And what am I going to do with that time? Train and sleep, essentially. Oh, and have some fun, too.
Here's a little update on what I've been up to. Wednesday night I headed over to GF for a little running and some sit ups and push ups. I find that I won't make myself do it on my own, so it's good to keep going. I had to cut out early since it was my roommate's birthday, and we had a night on the town planned. It was entirely too much fun.
Thursday I spent recovering....
Friday night was another Adventure Run, and my teammate and I picked up another recruit, so there were 3 of us, and were cruising through the woods checking off controls like we were old pros. Well, that might be a slight exaggeration - huffing and puffing up hills to keep up with the boys might be a better description! The good news was, this week we weren't last!
This morning it was off to a 5 mile race through apple orchards and corn mazes. There were 4 of us, and we agreed to keep the pace "leisurely." Ha! It wasn't a PR, but the pace was definitely not leisurely! Especially with the all out sprint to the finish... It was a lot of fun, and the day turned out spectacular. The weather forecasted was for 40's and rain, but the morning brought clear blue skys and plenty of sunshine. I think it's going to be a great weekend! Until next time...
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Friday, October 21, 2005
Race Finish Times
5k
April Fools Race - April '04 26:45
8k
Minnetonka - June '04 40:10
Run for the Apples - October '05 47:3?
10k
Healthy Kids - May '04 52:26
Legends - July '05
10 Mile
Freedom - November '04 1:24
Freedom - November '05 1:21:57
1/2 Marathon
Urband Wildlands - August '04 1:55:35
Earth Day - April '05 1:55:31
Big Woods - October '05 2:01
Marathon
Honolulu - December '03 4:43
Twin Cities - October '04 4:09
Bayshore - May '05 4:38
Triathlons
Turtleman - August '05 3:09
1 mile swim 37:42
t1 2:04
25 mile bike 1:51:29 (flat actual 1:15)
t2 2:04
5 mile run 44:12 (8:40 pace)
Square Lake Long Course - September '05 6:48:37
1.2 mile swim 43:39
t1 3:32
56 mile bike 3:28:15 (16.3 avg)
13.1 mile run 2:30:19 (11:29 pace)
April Fools Race - April '04 26:45
8k
Minnetonka - June '04 40:10
Run for the Apples - October '05 47:3?
10k
Healthy Kids - May '04 52:26
Legends - July '05
10 Mile
Freedom - November '04 1:24
Freedom - November '05 1:21:57
1/2 Marathon
Urband Wildlands - August '04 1:55:35
Earth Day - April '05 1:55:31
Big Woods - October '05 2:01
Marathon
Honolulu - December '03 4:43
Twin Cities - October '04 4:09
Bayshore - May '05 4:38
Triathlons
Turtleman - August '05 3:09
1 mile swim 37:42
t1 2:04
25 mile bike 1:51:29 (flat actual 1:15)
t2 2:04
5 mile run 44:12 (8:40 pace)
Square Lake Long Course - September '05 6:48:37
1.2 mile swim 43:39
t1 3:32
56 mile bike 3:28:15 (16.3 avg)
13.1 mile run 2:30:19 (11:29 pace)
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Tuesday
Another beautiful Minnesota afternoon, breezy, clear, low 70s. So I decided to give my running legs a break, and I headed out on the bike.
It was more than a little breezy - it was downright windy! My usual ride into Watertown, about 4 miles which takes me maybe 15 min on a good day, took me over 18 min, and an average speed of 15 mph.. feeling out of shape on the bike, I turned for home - You've gotta' love a tail wind! I was now cruising at 20 mph, and was back home in 14 min... The ride home was entirely too much fun. I wish all my rides were as fun as the return trip was today.
Then I headed back to the pool - first time in 2 weeks... So much for my goals of getting there twice a week... After 800 yards, my arms were on fire, and my legs felt like lead... So I called it a day. My arms may have been more tired than usual after throwing around 80 bales of hay today at work...
It felt like a decent workout night all in all.
It was more than a little breezy - it was downright windy! My usual ride into Watertown, about 4 miles which takes me maybe 15 min on a good day, took me over 18 min, and an average speed of 15 mph.. feeling out of shape on the bike, I turned for home - You've gotta' love a tail wind! I was now cruising at 20 mph, and was back home in 14 min... The ride home was entirely too much fun. I wish all my rides were as fun as the return trip was today.
Then I headed back to the pool - first time in 2 weeks... So much for my goals of getting there twice a week... After 800 yards, my arms were on fire, and my legs felt like lead... So I called it a day. My arms may have been more tired than usual after throwing around 80 bales of hay today at work...
It felt like a decent workout night all in all.
The start of another week
Somehow the last few days have managed to slip away, and I've gotten slow on keeping up on my blog...
The good news is that I have gotten some fun and good training in since last wednesday.
Friday night was a fun adventure run in the dark. We had to find these points on a map using a compass and headlamps to get around. My teammate and I came in dead last... but we had fun, and probably ran close to 3-4 miles. It's totally different running trails in the dark, especially when you don't know your way around!
Saturday morning it was off to Nerstrand/Big Woods for a half marathon on trails. Having not gotten in a long run over 10 miles in three weeks, and not having ran a half marathon distance since Square Lake, I wasn't feeling overly prepared. Plus I was slightly sleep deprived (my own fault... but we'll leave those stories for another blog!!) My goal was to simply run the distance, maybe keep a 10 min/mile pace, and enjoy the woods in the autumn.
I started out at about 9:30 miles, and felt good, after about 3 miles, and leapfrogging through the crowd (and nearly getting hit by a deer - no joke!) my pace slowly started to increase, and I found myself running 8:30's when I could and 9 min/miles as the terrain got more challenging. I was a little nervous as I clicked off the miles, and found myself ahead of some of the other people I knew. I wasn't sure how much I had in my "tank" and didn't want to totally crash the last few miles. I felt myself starting to run out of steam at about 10 miles, and decided that I would hold onto what ever pace I could to take it in the last 5k. I ended up running it in with another triathlete who'd been running near me all race, and we struck up a conversation, and soon enough we were on our way up the road to the finish line outside a church. I finished in 2:01. I was so happy with that. It's not a PR, but for trail conditions and not being prepared, I felt I ran a strong race. It was a gorgeous day with blue skys and sunshine - cool temps before the race started, warming to the 60's probably. It was a fun morning. Then it was off to work for the remainder of the day... no post-race savoring of your acomplishment...
Sunday was a busy day, with being at work at 6:30 am, getting off later than expected, and plans that afternoon, my training went out the window.
Monday I went for a "therapy" run - and it was great. Another beautiful day, but very windy. I plugged into my MP3 player, grabbed Henry's leash, and ran until I decided to turn around. I didn't have much time, so it was only just over a half an hour, but I came back with a much better lease on life. It was great. It was one of those days that reminds you why you love to run, and why you keep getting out there day after day.
Well, another beautiful afternoon is beckoning -- maybe it'll be a bike ride and swim... so I'm off to seek inspiration.
The good news is that I have gotten some fun and good training in since last wednesday.
Friday night was a fun adventure run in the dark. We had to find these points on a map using a compass and headlamps to get around. My teammate and I came in dead last... but we had fun, and probably ran close to 3-4 miles. It's totally different running trails in the dark, especially when you don't know your way around!
Saturday morning it was off to Nerstrand/Big Woods for a half marathon on trails. Having not gotten in a long run over 10 miles in three weeks, and not having ran a half marathon distance since Square Lake, I wasn't feeling overly prepared. Plus I was slightly sleep deprived (my own fault... but we'll leave those stories for another blog!!) My goal was to simply run the distance, maybe keep a 10 min/mile pace, and enjoy the woods in the autumn.
I started out at about 9:30 miles, and felt good, after about 3 miles, and leapfrogging through the crowd (and nearly getting hit by a deer - no joke!) my pace slowly started to increase, and I found myself running 8:30's when I could and 9 min/miles as the terrain got more challenging. I was a little nervous as I clicked off the miles, and found myself ahead of some of the other people I knew. I wasn't sure how much I had in my "tank" and didn't want to totally crash the last few miles. I felt myself starting to run out of steam at about 10 miles, and decided that I would hold onto what ever pace I could to take it in the last 5k. I ended up running it in with another triathlete who'd been running near me all race, and we struck up a conversation, and soon enough we were on our way up the road to the finish line outside a church. I finished in 2:01. I was so happy with that. It's not a PR, but for trail conditions and not being prepared, I felt I ran a strong race. It was a gorgeous day with blue skys and sunshine - cool temps before the race started, warming to the 60's probably. It was a fun morning. Then it was off to work for the remainder of the day... no post-race savoring of your acomplishment...
Sunday was a busy day, with being at work at 6:30 am, getting off later than expected, and plans that afternoon, my training went out the window.
Monday I went for a "therapy" run - and it was great. Another beautiful day, but very windy. I plugged into my MP3 player, grabbed Henry's leash, and ran until I decided to turn around. I didn't have much time, so it was only just over a half an hour, but I came back with a much better lease on life. It was great. It was one of those days that reminds you why you love to run, and why you keep getting out there day after day.
Well, another beautiful afternoon is beckoning -- maybe it'll be a bike ride and swim... so I'm off to seek inspiration.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Wednesday
Tonight I elected to head back to my running group. They've started doing workouts inside again since the days are getting shorter. It's not nearly as much fun doing circuits on an inside track as it is outside, but it's still a good workout. We don't end up running as much milage, but the running we do is a higher intensity and complemented with running stairs and strength training. Overall, it can be a tough workout.
Having not been in a few weeks, I felt a little out of shape when it came to the number of sit-ups and push-ups I was comfortable doing. Then we did this "lunge" type exercize called 'spiders' that doesn't hurt while you are doing them, but definitely come back to bite the next day -- having a half marathon this weekend, I only did a few of those, and I don't think I'll regret cutting it short! We also did the wall sit - ouch.. Haven't done that in awhile either. It was a good workout, and I'm glad I went. I think if I can make it once a week, it will be a nice complement to what else I'm doing.
Having not been in a few weeks, I felt a little out of shape when it came to the number of sit-ups and push-ups I was comfortable doing. Then we did this "lunge" type exercize called 'spiders' that doesn't hurt while you are doing them, but definitely come back to bite the next day -- having a half marathon this weekend, I only did a few of those, and I don't think I'll regret cutting it short! We also did the wall sit - ouch.. Haven't done that in awhile either. It was a good workout, and I'm glad I went. I think if I can make it once a week, it will be a nice complement to what else I'm doing.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Up the Ante
Tuesday night I found an open water swim workout on my calender. Hmm... who could be crazy enough for that? It is October, in Minnesota, and we've had frost almost every night this week...
Well, there is a small group of us who like to continue to "Up the Ante" so to speak. First it was the challenge of swimming in September without a race-goal, then it was a "full moon swim" then a "New moon swim." Now, I think we just lost our minds in Little Long Lake, and needed to go back to find them!
I had hoped to get a swim and run in beforehand, but I got out of work later than anticipated, and decided that the run would take priority. I had a very pleasant 6 + mile run. Then it was time to pull on the swimsuit under the warm fuzzies, grab the wetsuit and head to the lake.
There was a group of 8 of us, brave enough to "swim." One of our more crazy members stated that it wasn't a true workout unless you swam for 15min. I was happy to have lasted 5! The air temp was 52 degrees when I left my house (about 10 miles away), but it was still light out, so I'm sure that after it was completely dark the temp probably dropped at least 20 degrees! Ok,well not that much, but some I'm sure ;)
The air felt chilly as we stripped off our warm fuzzies, and pulled on the wetsuits. The chill was tempered by shots of Jack Daniels however, to get the inner fires burning. And off to the water we went. It was shockingly cold. It was so cold that it took your breath away, and 'stung' your bare arms (Most of us have sleeveless wetsuits). I wasn't willing to put my face in the water, so attempted to raise my body temp back up by a vigorus doggy paddle. Tonight's swim could also be called "How to drop your core body temp in 5 min or less." But there was something really neat about it (maybe it was the buzz from the J.D... but I regress)
The 1/2 moon, and crystal clear sky over the lake was amazing. And the comraderie really made it a super evening. Our "15 min Man" did make it for the full 15 min. But was overheard saying a few "choice words" when he checked his watch, and found out it'd only be 11 min...
Getting out of the water, and into our warm clothes, the air almost felt warm - well, at least not as cold as it did the 20 min prior! To raise our body temps back up, Aquavite was served along with some very tasty banana bread before heading off to the local Ox Yoke Inn for some real food (and Hot chocolate with Baileys.. yum) and good conversation.
I think one of the funniest parts was when we sat down for dinner, the waitress came over, and we said that we'd been doing an open water swim, and her comment was simply, "Because?"
And we all had to laugh, since we were rendered speachless.
Well, there is a small group of us who like to continue to "Up the Ante" so to speak. First it was the challenge of swimming in September without a race-goal, then it was a "full moon swim" then a "New moon swim." Now, I think we just lost our minds in Little Long Lake, and needed to go back to find them!
I had hoped to get a swim and run in beforehand, but I got out of work later than anticipated, and decided that the run would take priority. I had a very pleasant 6 + mile run. Then it was time to pull on the swimsuit under the warm fuzzies, grab the wetsuit and head to the lake.
There was a group of 8 of us, brave enough to "swim." One of our more crazy members stated that it wasn't a true workout unless you swam for 15min. I was happy to have lasted 5! The air temp was 52 degrees when I left my house (about 10 miles away), but it was still light out, so I'm sure that after it was completely dark the temp probably dropped at least 20 degrees! Ok,well not that much, but some I'm sure ;)
The air felt chilly as we stripped off our warm fuzzies, and pulled on the wetsuits. The chill was tempered by shots of Jack Daniels however, to get the inner fires burning. And off to the water we went. It was shockingly cold. It was so cold that it took your breath away, and 'stung' your bare arms (Most of us have sleeveless wetsuits). I wasn't willing to put my face in the water, so attempted to raise my body temp back up by a vigorus doggy paddle. Tonight's swim could also be called "How to drop your core body temp in 5 min or less." But there was something really neat about it (maybe it was the buzz from the J.D... but I regress)
The 1/2 moon, and crystal clear sky over the lake was amazing. And the comraderie really made it a super evening. Our "15 min Man" did make it for the full 15 min. But was overheard saying a few "choice words" when he checked his watch, and found out it'd only be 11 min...
Getting out of the water, and into our warm clothes, the air almost felt warm - well, at least not as cold as it did the 20 min prior! To raise our body temps back up, Aquavite was served along with some very tasty banana bread before heading off to the local Ox Yoke Inn for some real food (and Hot chocolate with Baileys.. yum) and good conversation.
I think one of the funniest parts was when we sat down for dinner, the waitress came over, and we said that we'd been doing an open water swim, and her comment was simply, "Because?"
And we all had to laugh, since we were rendered speachless.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Fall Goals
These are a few of the goals I came up with on tonight's run.
1. Stay consistant, healthy, and injury free.
a. Consistant training including no more than 1 complete rest day per week.
b. Cycling twice a week, at a minimum of 1 hour per workout.
c. Swimming twice a week, at a minimum distance of 1 mile per workout.
d. 1 easy brick (bike to run) workout per week.
2. Maintain a 10 mile long run base.
3. Execute each week's training plan (no excuses for missed morning workouts!)
4. Monitor eating habits, and make better choices.
1. Stay consistant, healthy, and injury free.
a. Consistant training including no more than 1 complete rest day per week.
b. Cycling twice a week, at a minimum of 1 hour per workout.
c. Swimming twice a week, at a minimum distance of 1 mile per workout.
d. 1 easy brick (bike to run) workout per week.
2. Maintain a 10 mile long run base.
3. Execute each week's training plan (no excuses for missed morning workouts!)
4. Monitor eating habits, and make better choices.
Steps toward inspiration
Tonight I had planned a moderately long run - somewhere over an hour. After work I didn't keep moving, and found myself napping on the couch... oops! So I dragged my butt out the door for a 4 mile run. This was my compromise between my longish run and none at all...
But what I found while I was out there was a little thing called inspiration. It doesn't happen very often where I return from a run with so many ideas I have to write them down. Tonight as soon as I came in, I sat down with a pen and paper. It'll take some time to actually work them out, to where they are a little more comprehensive, but I've got them! What a cool feeling.
But what I found while I was out there was a little thing called inspiration. It doesn't happen very often where I return from a run with so many ideas I have to write them down. Tonight as soon as I came in, I sat down with a pen and paper. It'll take some time to actually work them out, to where they are a little more comprehensive, but I've got them! What a cool feeling.
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Good Intentions
Well, all of a sudden it's sunday night, and I'm not sure where the weekend went. I think I got a little spoiled by having all/part of the weekends off lately. I did have today off, and it was a gorgeous day. Sunny, clear skys, started cool (ok, downright cold) then warmed to low 60's.
Thursday's training was a nice evening trail run. About 5 miles, 50 min or so. It was nicely rolling, and the first cool day of running this fall.
Friday, I contemplated going out on the bike, but that's about as far as I got. I took it as my rest day - thinking I might long run saturday morning
I should know myself well enough by now, that if I'm going to run early, I should find someone to train with to help hold me accountable. Getting out of bed at 5:30am on a saturday morning to go for a solo long run, is highly unlikely to happen. I'm really good at setting my alarm, and then hitting snooze without getting up - and I can do that for a LONG time! Over two hours that morning! Yikes. I worked all day saturday, and it was a great day - sunny, cool, but warm sun. So I elected instead of running after work, to go out on the bike. The biking days are numbered, so I thought I should take advantage of my inclination to get out on the bike. I did an un-satisfying 14 miles, about 52 min. I felt slow, tired, and uncomfortable. Ah well... at least I got out there.
I thought I might have time today to get a long run in. I was volunteering at an Adventure Race, and figured that since the racers would be out for 3-5 hours, I might have a little time to get out there. I didn't... but it was fun at any rate. Chatting with the racers and enjoying the good weather was a plus. I liked being out there, and being a part of it... so I was ok with missing this workout. But this is where I know that I need to be a little more serious about my training if I'm contemplating an IronMan in the future. If I'm serious about my IronMan, then I need to be serious about actually getting up at 5:30 on a saturday morning for a solo training run... So at least I know what I need to focus on.
Until next time - Kate.
Thursday's training was a nice evening trail run. About 5 miles, 50 min or so. It was nicely rolling, and the first cool day of running this fall.
Friday, I contemplated going out on the bike, but that's about as far as I got. I took it as my rest day - thinking I might long run saturday morning
I should know myself well enough by now, that if I'm going to run early, I should find someone to train with to help hold me accountable. Getting out of bed at 5:30am on a saturday morning to go for a solo long run, is highly unlikely to happen. I'm really good at setting my alarm, and then hitting snooze without getting up - and I can do that for a LONG time! Over two hours that morning! Yikes. I worked all day saturday, and it was a great day - sunny, cool, but warm sun. So I elected instead of running after work, to go out on the bike. The biking days are numbered, so I thought I should take advantage of my inclination to get out on the bike. I did an un-satisfying 14 miles, about 52 min. I felt slow, tired, and uncomfortable. Ah well... at least I got out there.
I thought I might have time today to get a long run in. I was volunteering at an Adventure Race, and figured that since the racers would be out for 3-5 hours, I might have a little time to get out there. I didn't... but it was fun at any rate. Chatting with the racers and enjoying the good weather was a plus. I liked being out there, and being a part of it... so I was ok with missing this workout. But this is where I know that I need to be a little more serious about my training if I'm contemplating an IronMan in the future. If I'm serious about my IronMan, then I need to be serious about actually getting up at 5:30 on a saturday morning for a solo training run... So at least I know what I need to focus on.
Until next time - Kate.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Wednesday
Tonight I finally made it to the pool, and after Monday night's open water swim I vowed I'd never again complain that the pool water was cold. I got in, and it actually felt warm! Some of the other swimmers were thinking it was too cold. Whimps :)
There's even talk of more open water swims... brr, especially now that the temps have dropped into the 40s. Welcome to Minnesota...
The swim workout in the pool was actually good. Driving home afterwards I was thinking that it was almost fun... Now there's a concept! I've never thought swimming at the pool as fun, but I think it's really helped that I swam a fair amount this summer, and know that I can do the distance. Now it's just the discipline to complete the swim at the pool. There it's easy to get out when you get bored (as I have done in the past) and call it a day.
I swam a full mile - something I hadn't ever done in the pool before. The most I'd done is 1200 yards. So this was good. I did some drills and 100 repeats. I avgd between 2:17 and 2:20 /100. I swam mostly easy, and really paid attetion to technique. It turned out to be a good workout.
There's even talk of more open water swims... brr, especially now that the temps have dropped into the 40s. Welcome to Minnesota...
The swim workout in the pool was actually good. Driving home afterwards I was thinking that it was almost fun... Now there's a concept! I've never thought swimming at the pool as fun, but I think it's really helped that I swam a fair amount this summer, and know that I can do the distance. Now it's just the discipline to complete the swim at the pool. There it's easy to get out when you get bored (as I have done in the past) and call it a day.
I swam a full mile - something I hadn't ever done in the pool before. The most I'd done is 1200 yards. So this was good. I did some drills and 100 repeats. I avgd between 2:17 and 2:20 /100. I swam mostly easy, and really paid attetion to technique. It turned out to be a good workout.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Tuesday
Today I decided to try out my running legs again. After work, and some procrastinating, I headed out the door. The air was chilly, and there were some lingering raindrops from the thunderstorm that had just blown through. I left my driveway, and headed up the hill, to the gravel road. I've just started running this route, and I'm finding it very enjoyable. It's only a 1/2 mile of running along the busy-ish county road I live on to an endless maze of gravel country roads. The road immediately leads up a challenging incline, but from then on it's only slightly rolling.
I thought I'd go for 4 1/2 to 5 miles, but once I got started, I felt really good, and decided to make at an hour - so 30 min out and back. I haven't found a loop yet on the gravel roads, but the out and back is nice.
It reminds me of running in Michigan a couple of years ago when I was just starting to train for my first marathon. I didn't take my MP3 player or a water carrier or anything, I just went for a run. It was pretty cool, to remember what it was like to simply run and listen to your foot falls on the road. I enjoy listening to music when I run, but I think you lose something when you do that. There is definitely something soothing about being out there alone, and free to let your mind go where ever it wants, and to listen to the sounds around you. These roads are only lightly traveled, and surrounded by fields and farms, so I think I only saw a car or two total after getting off the main road. I didn't take my GPS, and didn't worry about pace or distance. Knowing my pacing, I probably ran 9:45-9:30 miles. It was pretty easy, but I was still putting out the effort.
I had some coughing issues, especially after the 1/2 mile hill on the way home, but it wasn't enough to slow me down too much. I'm still feeling way better than I did last week. :)
I keep saying I'm going to start back to the pool... I thought maybe tonight... well, maybe tomorrow...
I thought I'd go for 4 1/2 to 5 miles, but once I got started, I felt really good, and decided to make at an hour - so 30 min out and back. I haven't found a loop yet on the gravel roads, but the out and back is nice.
It reminds me of running in Michigan a couple of years ago when I was just starting to train for my first marathon. I didn't take my MP3 player or a water carrier or anything, I just went for a run. It was pretty cool, to remember what it was like to simply run and listen to your foot falls on the road. I enjoy listening to music when I run, but I think you lose something when you do that. There is definitely something soothing about being out there alone, and free to let your mind go where ever it wants, and to listen to the sounds around you. These roads are only lightly traveled, and surrounded by fields and farms, so I think I only saw a car or two total after getting off the main road. I didn't take my GPS, and didn't worry about pace or distance. Knowing my pacing, I probably ran 9:45-9:30 miles. It was pretty easy, but I was still putting out the effort.
I had some coughing issues, especially after the 1/2 mile hill on the way home, but it wasn't enough to slow me down too much. I'm still feeling way better than I did last week. :)
I keep saying I'm going to start back to the pool... I thought maybe tonight... well, maybe tomorrow...
Monday, October 03, 2005
The crazy few
Today it was back to work, and back to reality. The morning had it's moments when I wasn't sure if maybe I'd be better off going back to bed and pulling the covers over my head...
Luckily it didn't come to those measures, but after getting kicked in the leg by a horse after only being at work for an hour, I wasn't too sure! The good news is, I was far enough away that I didn't receive the full power of the kick, and came away with hardly a bruise. Whew!
My coughing is getting less and less, and I was even able to head out on the bike tonight and not cough up a lung when I finished! Yay!! I thought I might run, but it's unseasonably warm, so biking seemed appropriate. Soon enough it'll be a bit too cool for me to actually "want" to bike... I did a loop that is about 15 miles, avg. 16.8 mph, easy. It was nice to be out, and enjoy the ride, without coughing, and without legs of lead.
Tonight, we had planned a "Moonless Swim." We had a "Moonlit Swim" on the calender for this fall, so we figured a "Moonless Swim" would be just as fun. If not more so... It was a great night. There's only a few of us left that are crazy enough to still be doing open water swims in Oct. in Minnesota... but we have a good time doing it, none the less.
Tonight it was surreal... The air temp was still in the high 70's, but the water was MUCH colder. Even colder than last week, I'd say. We planned to start at 7:30 so it'd be dark. I bought glo-sticks for us to wear on our wrists, so we could keep track of each other in the water. Mark brought a stroble light to put on the dock so we could find our way back. Henry even had a glo-stick collar. We swam across the lake like we normally do, and the view was awesome. There was clear sky just above us, but thunderheads off in the distance. The lightening was luminating the tops of the thunderheads, so it was really cool. And watching everyone swim with glo-sticks on the their wrists was fun, compared to the darkness around us. Everyone agreed it was one of the coolest things we'd done. There was definitely a "wow" factor.
Afterwards we went to grab something to eat, and hear stories of the marathon from the previous day. It turned out to be a very fun evening.
I'm so happy to finally be feeling more like myself, and to get back on the training wagon!!
Luckily it didn't come to those measures, but after getting kicked in the leg by a horse after only being at work for an hour, I wasn't too sure! The good news is, I was far enough away that I didn't receive the full power of the kick, and came away with hardly a bruise. Whew!
My coughing is getting less and less, and I was even able to head out on the bike tonight and not cough up a lung when I finished! Yay!! I thought I might run, but it's unseasonably warm, so biking seemed appropriate. Soon enough it'll be a bit too cool for me to actually "want" to bike... I did a loop that is about 15 miles, avg. 16.8 mph, easy. It was nice to be out, and enjoy the ride, without coughing, and without legs of lead.
Tonight, we had planned a "Moonless Swim." We had a "Moonlit Swim" on the calender for this fall, so we figured a "Moonless Swim" would be just as fun. If not more so... It was a great night. There's only a few of us left that are crazy enough to still be doing open water swims in Oct. in Minnesota... but we have a good time doing it, none the less.
Tonight it was surreal... The air temp was still in the high 70's, but the water was MUCH colder. Even colder than last week, I'd say. We planned to start at 7:30 so it'd be dark. I bought glo-sticks for us to wear on our wrists, so we could keep track of each other in the water. Mark brought a stroble light to put on the dock so we could find our way back. Henry even had a glo-stick collar. We swam across the lake like we normally do, and the view was awesome. There was clear sky just above us, but thunderheads off in the distance. The lightening was luminating the tops of the thunderheads, so it was really cool. And watching everyone swim with glo-sticks on the their wrists was fun, compared to the darkness around us. Everyone agreed it was one of the coolest things we'd done. There was definitely a "wow" factor.
Afterwards we went to grab something to eat, and hear stories of the marathon from the previous day. It turned out to be a very fun evening.
I'm so happy to finally be feeling more like myself, and to get back on the training wagon!!
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Marathon Weekend
It's been a busy few days, so I haven't been able to keep a daily log of activites. And plus, there hasn't been much training to follow anyway.
After wednesday night's coughing disaster on the track, thursday I took as a rest day. I even made an appointment with the doctor for friday morning.
Friday morning, it was determined that I had a sinus infection, and was given antibiotics. I relaxed for the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon before I had to volunteer at the pre-race expo. I elected to save my long run I had scheduled for saturday. It's rare that I have 3 days off in a row, so it's been a bit of a mini-vacation for me. Friday night was a blast. Where else can you talk running with fellow runners for hours on end. It was so cool to enjoy the excitement and energy of all the athletes there.
Saturday morning I attempted to run long. It got me about 2.5 miles. It was a splendid day - sunny, cool, the trees just starting to change color. I took Henry over to Lake Rebecca again, with plans to run the mountain bike course a few times. Well, that didn't happen. My energy levels were down, and it felt like all I could do to put one foot in front of the other. I decided it was back to the couch for me.
So I did something I rarely do, I sat down in the middle of a beautiful day, and read a book. Then met a friend for coffee before heading out to dinner.
Today I think the antibiotics are starting to kick in, because I'm feeling much more like myself. Even after cheering all morning, I'm hardly coughing, and not nearly as tired.
I've never watched a marathon before, so it was really neat to be on the sidelines cheering everyone on at the 20 mile mark. It was very motivating and inspiring. I can't wait to plan my next marathon. There is definitely something special about 26.2 miles. There is magic in the marathon.
So thoughts on my next marathon are possibly Disney in January (the Goofy challenge is already full... bummer...) then rumor has it some of my friends are doing a race in New Mexico in March... then there's definitely the Grand Island Marathon in July and TCM next October.
Until next time... Run Fast, Take Chances...
After wednesday night's coughing disaster on the track, thursday I took as a rest day. I even made an appointment with the doctor for friday morning.
Friday morning, it was determined that I had a sinus infection, and was given antibiotics. I relaxed for the rest of the morning and part of the afternoon before I had to volunteer at the pre-race expo. I elected to save my long run I had scheduled for saturday. It's rare that I have 3 days off in a row, so it's been a bit of a mini-vacation for me. Friday night was a blast. Where else can you talk running with fellow runners for hours on end. It was so cool to enjoy the excitement and energy of all the athletes there.
Saturday morning I attempted to run long. It got me about 2.5 miles. It was a splendid day - sunny, cool, the trees just starting to change color. I took Henry over to Lake Rebecca again, with plans to run the mountain bike course a few times. Well, that didn't happen. My energy levels were down, and it felt like all I could do to put one foot in front of the other. I decided it was back to the couch for me.
So I did something I rarely do, I sat down in the middle of a beautiful day, and read a book. Then met a friend for coffee before heading out to dinner.
Today I think the antibiotics are starting to kick in, because I'm feeling much more like myself. Even after cheering all morning, I'm hardly coughing, and not nearly as tired.
I've never watched a marathon before, so it was really neat to be on the sidelines cheering everyone on at the 20 mile mark. It was very motivating and inspiring. I can't wait to plan my next marathon. There is definitely something special about 26.2 miles. There is magic in the marathon.
So thoughts on my next marathon are possibly Disney in January (the Goofy challenge is already full... bummer...) then rumor has it some of my friends are doing a race in New Mexico in March... then there's definitely the Grand Island Marathon in July and TCM next October.
Until next time... Run Fast, Take Chances...
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Wednesday
Tonight was GF track night. It's the week leading up to Twin Cities Marathon (sunday), so turnout was low, as everyone is tapering for the weekend.
Today feels like fall for sure - very windy, and temps in the low 50's. Time to dig out the windbreaker and long pants. The track was chilly as we did 400 and 200 repeats. I ran the warm up and 2x200s, then 4x400s and by that point I was coughing so bad, I could hardly breathe. The 400 repeats were a relay-style, so I had plenty of rest, but I would finish one and still be coughing when it was my turn to go again. After 4x400s I called it a night. There was no point in me coughing like that in the cold and wind.
Something's gotta' give with this cough. I have friday off, and depending on how I feel tomorrow, I may very well seek some "professional help" for this (Yikes, I never go to the Doc!) But it's been hanging on for way to long.
Today feels like fall for sure - very windy, and temps in the low 50's. Time to dig out the windbreaker and long pants. The track was chilly as we did 400 and 200 repeats. I ran the warm up and 2x200s, then 4x400s and by that point I was coughing so bad, I could hardly breathe. The 400 repeats were a relay-style, so I had plenty of rest, but I would finish one and still be coughing when it was my turn to go again. After 4x400s I called it a night. There was no point in me coughing like that in the cold and wind.
Something's gotta' give with this cough. I have friday off, and depending on how I feel tomorrow, I may very well seek some "professional help" for this (Yikes, I never go to the Doc!) But it's been hanging on for way to long.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Tuesday
Another beautiful fall day. I scheduled an easy brick workout for today. Since I was lacking in the brick workout-department this summer, I figured now would be a good time to get into the habit of actually doing a brick workout, so by next year they'll be second nature.
The stiff breeze blowing over the hilltop was also blowing away my motivation when I got home from work, but I finally convinced myself that I'd ride into town and figure out where the pool is at the H.S. They offer lap swim twice a day for $2 a session - much cheaper and closer than the gym! But I needed to find the pool before I decide to go over there at the crack of dawn later in the week. So instead of driving, I took my bike. It was an easy 13 min ride there (so in theory, I could ride my bike to my swim workouts...yeah...right...) I figured once I was out on the bike, I might as well ride a bit before having to ride home into the wind. I got in an easy 45 min ride, and so as soon as I got home, I changed into my running shoes, grabbed Henry's leash and headed out the door. The run was for Henry's benefit... Whatever mind games it takes, I guess...
I felt good, even though I coughed the entire run - being on the bike does that, but the transition from bike to run wasn't bad at all today.
Tomorrow is GF track night, and then thursday I'll try to finally get to the pool.
The stiff breeze blowing over the hilltop was also blowing away my motivation when I got home from work, but I finally convinced myself that I'd ride into town and figure out where the pool is at the H.S. They offer lap swim twice a day for $2 a session - much cheaper and closer than the gym! But I needed to find the pool before I decide to go over there at the crack of dawn later in the week. So instead of driving, I took my bike. It was an easy 13 min ride there (so in theory, I could ride my bike to my swim workouts...yeah...right...) I figured once I was out on the bike, I might as well ride a bit before having to ride home into the wind. I got in an easy 45 min ride, and so as soon as I got home, I changed into my running shoes, grabbed Henry's leash and headed out the door. The run was for Henry's benefit... Whatever mind games it takes, I guess...
I felt good, even though I coughed the entire run - being on the bike does that, but the transition from bike to run wasn't bad at all today.
Tomorrow is GF track night, and then thursday I'll try to finally get to the pool.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Monday
Sunday morning I woke up tired and cranky, and as a result didn't have much motivation for my workout. It didn't help that the weather was rainy and dreary, so heading out on the bike wasn't sounding too much like fun.
Sunday I had to work, and by the afternoon, I wasn't feeling very good at all. My cough and cold are still hanging on, so I settled for some stretching - still sore from friday's run (go figure...) and a few sit ups and push ups.
Sunday night I manged to get a good solid 9 hours of sleep and woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world (well, sort of).
Today was beautiful, sunny, low 60's probably. I took the bike out for an easy 30 min ride working on keeping my cadence up. I avg. 16.3 mph and an avg cadence of 92. Afterwards, a group of us met for an end of season open water swim. The water is getting rather chilly, but once you're in and start swimming it's not so bad. We didn't swim for long, but it was fun, and it's good to get back in the water.
This week I plan on heading back to the pool. :( It'll be good to work on drills and getting more effeceint in the water this fall and winter. I compare open water swimming to trail running, and pool swimming to running on the treadmill - open water is much more fun!
Sunday I had to work, and by the afternoon, I wasn't feeling very good at all. My cough and cold are still hanging on, so I settled for some stretching - still sore from friday's run (go figure...) and a few sit ups and push ups.
Sunday night I manged to get a good solid 9 hours of sleep and woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world (well, sort of).
Today was beautiful, sunny, low 60's probably. I took the bike out for an easy 30 min ride working on keeping my cadence up. I avg. 16.3 mph and an avg cadence of 92. Afterwards, a group of us met for an end of season open water swim. The water is getting rather chilly, but once you're in and start swimming it's not so bad. We didn't swim for long, but it was fun, and it's good to get back in the water.
This week I plan on heading back to the pool. :( It'll be good to work on drills and getting more effeceint in the water this fall and winter. I compare open water swimming to trail running, and pool swimming to running on the treadmill - open water is much more fun!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Saturday
So after my long run yesterday, I can't believe it, but I'm actually sore. My quads and hips are very tender. I'm not sure why, given that I've been running consistantly, and I've been at the same milage for the past couple weeks. I may have ran the hills a little harder on trail, I'm not sure.
I can tell that my body is still trying to get rid of this cold, since I'm not recovering very quickly at all. Today I feel tired and run down, and sort of "off". I'm not looking forward to my afternoon workout at all. I think I'd rather have a nap.
I did manage to get out and do a short run with Henry. Maybe 2 miles. But I suppose it's better than nothing...
I'd have liked to get on my bike but, was a little short on time. The one thing I still love about running is it's effecient - running shoes and shorts, and I'm good to go. None of this blow up the tires, check the chain business, just lace up and go.
I can tell that my body is still trying to get rid of this cold, since I'm not recovering very quickly at all. Today I feel tired and run down, and sort of "off". I'm not looking forward to my afternoon workout at all. I think I'd rather have a nap.
I did manage to get out and do a short run with Henry. Maybe 2 miles. But I suppose it's better than nothing...
I'd have liked to get on my bike but, was a little short on time. The one thing I still love about running is it's effecient - running shoes and shorts, and I'm good to go. None of this blow up the tires, check the chain business, just lace up and go.
Friday
Today I went out for my weekly long run. My next event this fall is a trail 1/2 marathon on the 15th, so I wanted to do between 10 and 12 miles.
The morning was absolutely beautiful, clear blue skys, and cool temps. I took Henry (my training partner/Jack Russel Terrier) over to Lake Rebecca, so he could run with me. The mountain bike trail is a nice single track/grass trail that's about 3.5 miles over rolling terrain. I figured I could run that with some extra miles on the paved hike/bike trail. The first half of the run I did with Henry, just shy of 7 miles part of which was the whole mountain bike loop. I dropped Henry off at the car, and headed out for another 4+ miles. I picked up the last mile and 1/2 of the mountain bike trail, and then looped back to the car. The run was just shy of 12 miles total. I felt pretty good, although most my climbs were punctuated by boughts of nearly coughing up a lung, but I still felt remarkably good.
I wore my trail shoes, which I'm liking better with different socks, changing how I lace them, and heel lifts, that was until I took them off and found they'd given me blisters on the balls of my feet.. Ugh. I never get blisters.
Based on my GPS, I averaged a 9:40 pace, which I felt was good for a training run on trails. I'm not setting any time goals for the 1/2 marathon yet, we'll see how I feel as the day gets closer.
The morning was absolutely beautiful, clear blue skys, and cool temps. I took Henry (my training partner/Jack Russel Terrier) over to Lake Rebecca, so he could run with me. The mountain bike trail is a nice single track/grass trail that's about 3.5 miles over rolling terrain. I figured I could run that with some extra miles on the paved hike/bike trail. The first half of the run I did with Henry, just shy of 7 miles part of which was the whole mountain bike loop. I dropped Henry off at the car, and headed out for another 4+ miles. I picked up the last mile and 1/2 of the mountain bike trail, and then looped back to the car. The run was just shy of 12 miles total. I felt pretty good, although most my climbs were punctuated by boughts of nearly coughing up a lung, but I still felt remarkably good.
I wore my trail shoes, which I'm liking better with different socks, changing how I lace them, and heel lifts, that was until I took them off and found they'd given me blisters on the balls of my feet.. Ugh. I never get blisters.
Based on my GPS, I averaged a 9:40 pace, which I felt was good for a training run on trails. I'm not setting any time goals for the 1/2 marathon yet, we'll see how I feel as the day gets closer.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Thursday
Tonight I had good intentions of getting out on the bike for an easy spin. The afternoon turned out beautiful, and the wind died down, so really there weren't any excuses...
Especially with a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies calling my name - I think I could use a crash course in finding my willpower!
Last night I headed out to meet the ALARC GF group. It was track night, and I was feeling better with my cold. It was time to get a bit more intesity back into my workouts. We did some 400 and 200 repeats, and then a mile for time before the weather chased us back inside. My MFT wasn't spectacular - 7:46, but I was putting forth the effort, and was able to do a negative split. I guess that's worth something. Then it was inside for more crunches and pushups than I've done in awhile. It was gratifying to leave knowing I'd gotten a good all-around workout in again. Too bad that motivation didn't carry over to today...
I guess my excuse could be that today is my one rest day for the week, since I'm going to do my long run tomorrow - 10-12 miles with a section of on-trail running to start to prepare for my trail run in a couple weeks.
Especially with a fresh batch of chocolate chip cookies calling my name - I think I could use a crash course in finding my willpower!
Last night I headed out to meet the ALARC GF group. It was track night, and I was feeling better with my cold. It was time to get a bit more intesity back into my workouts. We did some 400 and 200 repeats, and then a mile for time before the weather chased us back inside. My MFT wasn't spectacular - 7:46, but I was putting forth the effort, and was able to do a negative split. I guess that's worth something. Then it was inside for more crunches and pushups than I've done in awhile. It was gratifying to leave knowing I'd gotten a good all-around workout in again. Too bad that motivation didn't carry over to today...
I guess my excuse could be that today is my one rest day for the week, since I'm going to do my long run tomorrow - 10-12 miles with a section of on-trail running to start to prepare for my trail run in a couple weeks.
The first entry
Miles along the road of life
I think that the first entry into a new blog must be the hardest. Getting into putting thoughts down, and having them make sense. My plan is to use this to make notes on my training and progress toward long term training goals.
Two weeks ago I finished my first half-iron distance triathalon. It was a tough day, 90 degree temps and high winds (rumor has it, they were blowing at upwards of 35mph). I just kept moving forward, that was my goal - I didn't care how slow it felt, just as long as I was moving.
Since then, I been taking it easy, I caught a cold the week after the race. I'd been fighting a cough leading up to then, but now it's settled in good. So I've been trying to stay rested, and not train too much until I recover.
I figure now is a good time to get organized, and start setting goals for next year. I hope to stay up on the blog so you can follow my training even while I'm traveling for work.
Catch ya' later!
I think that the first entry into a new blog must be the hardest. Getting into putting thoughts down, and having them make sense. My plan is to use this to make notes on my training and progress toward long term training goals.
Two weeks ago I finished my first half-iron distance triathalon. It was a tough day, 90 degree temps and high winds (rumor has it, they were blowing at upwards of 35mph). I just kept moving forward, that was my goal - I didn't care how slow it felt, just as long as I was moving.
Since then, I been taking it easy, I caught a cold the week after the race. I'd been fighting a cough leading up to then, but now it's settled in good. So I've been trying to stay rested, and not train too much until I recover.
I figure now is a good time to get organized, and start setting goals for next year. I hope to stay up on the blog so you can follow my training even while I'm traveling for work.
Catch ya' later!
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