I think everyone who reads this blog knows that I recently accepted a new job and moved halfway across the country to Metro-west Massachusetts. I have been here for about 4 days, and have been extremely busy getting settled into my new home before starting work on Monday. My wonderful boyfriend helped me the first couple of days, I have a few close local friends who are accompanying me doing some furniture shopping, and my mom and sister are coming to town for the weekend. I am so thankful for all of the people in my life who are helping make this transition a lot easier!
Amidst the crazy, I have been trying to maintain as regular of a workout schedule as I can. While still in Chicago, it was easy- attend the regular group workouts. But, after toting my bike and my cats to NY for a weekend, I only managed to squeeze in one run. After moving to MA officially, I jumped back on the workout bandwagon on Tuesday morning. I bought myself a nice fluid bike trainer, and I decided to put it to good use while waiting for comcast to set up my internet (and additionally, it was pouring rain...). I adapted the group workout I was missing, and had my very first trainer bike ride. Not bad, though I am not totally sure how to figure out the proper resistance. I think that will take more practice. The trainer will come in handy much more in the winter, but I wanted to eliminate the possibility of slacking off while trying to find safe nearby roads to bike on. I found a local triathlon group that I plan to join, but I don't really have time to sacrifice to group workouts while I have guests dedicating their time to helping me get settled.
Wednesday morning I went out for a run in the new 'hood. The weather was gorgeous- after raining for 3 days straight, it was cooler and sunny. I again made up my own workout (coach will give me stuff to do but wanted to make sure i wasn't too overwhelmed during the move). I felt like doing longer intervals, so I did 2 x 10 min hard with 5 min easy in between. After warming up, I started my harder effort, and immediately noticed the hilly terrain that will now be my normal running route. The street I was running on had a long hill which encompassed the majority of my first 10 min interval. During my 5 min easy I turned around, and the second 10 minutes were largely downhill, and a lot faster. I have to figure out how to adjust for that...but I know the hills will be good training for me!
Today was the only 'free' day I had in this transition and settling week. I decided to pretend this was the weekend and do a longer workout, since my family will be in town this weekend so I don't want to disappear for 4-5 hours while they are setting up my furniture! In this area, there is a big movement to make paved bike trails where rail routes once were, but a lot of them are still in the works. I found a local rail trail about a half hour away, which was 7-ish miles long. There are plans to extend it further, but at the moment, this phase is complete, and it is nicely newly paved. I ended up going back and forth about 3x, but it was a lovely shady route, passing by a little lake, and lots of greenery. I really had a lovely time biking for about 2:15, and followed it up with a short 30 min run. It felt great to be on my bike outside after over a week, and I had a great solid workout.
Tomorrow I'm going to hit up the local Y and see about getting a swim in before a fun day of ikea/furniture shopping with friends.
I have decided that since my training friends that I am used to working out with several times a week are now so far away, I am going to try hard to be more diligent about blogging. My first fail is that I didn't bring my camera (or take out my iphone) on my bike ride today to get some pictures. This is unfortunate, because the scenery was absolutely beautiful. However, it was a lovely trail, and I am certain I'll be back there for some more workouts!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Naperville Sprint Triathlon 2011
This is quite a bit overdue...but when I last wrote, it was just prior to the first triathlon of the season, which I signed up for a week ahead of time, mostly as a warm up for the olympic coming up this weekend, but also because I knew racing with such a great group of ladies would be a wonderful time!
Last year this was my first triathlon ever, and I flailed in the swim. Totally flailed such that I doggie-paddled the entire race. The venue is a quarry, 1/4 of which is too shallow to swim, and 1/2 of which is 15 ft deep and murky. This year, after what I believe to be improving my swim greatly, I was hoping for a much better time, and a great opening race.
The morning was fairly chilly, and a bunch of us met up in transition, after putting everything in it's place. My transition area was far far from the bike in/out, meaning I had to carry my cleats, or run in them- neither one of which was a desirable option. Before the race, I stood watching all of my friends go before me, and anxiously awaiting getting into the warm water. I chose not to wear my wetsuit for 2 reasons- the water was supposed to be mid-upper 70s, and I didn't bring it. Turns out I maybe could have used it for some comfort.
The coach suggested that I start in the middle of the pack, towards the left side. The reasoning here was that I am definitely not as slow as the slowest people, but I didn't want to get trampled, but I wanted to stay on the outside edge. So, I took her advice, and felt really confident leading up to the start. But, when they announcer yelled GO! the panic set in.
Last year, in the 2 races I did after Naperville, I waited a good 5 seconds before starting- both to catch my breath and to leave some space between me and the masses. This year, I decided I should give it a go battling it out. We had practiced mass starts in the pool, so theoretically, I was ok with this. However, I could not find my rhythm, and I could not catch my breath. I turned over to my back for a little bit, and would try and try again to swim freestyle, failing each time. I breaststroked a bit with my head out of the water, thinking, no this is NOT happening again this year. I have worked so hard and improved so much. I continued to do some combination of flailing, breaststroking and backstroking until I reached the area where I could stand. Ok, I told myself. Get it together. You KNOW you can swim this distance. So, after this regroup and talking to, I went back at it, and lo and behold, swam confidently. I started catching up to people, turned the buoy, and came back again. The last lap followed similarly, until I got to the end, where a mass of people started walking, prohibiting me from swimming to the finish. Done! I was disappointed in the swim start, but I was really proud of how I recovered from it this year, and successfully swam 2/3 of the course, instead of none of it last year. And, I dropped two minutes off my time, coming in around 17:07. One success!
Transition times were a little slower this year than last year. Last year, I was super speedy. I attribute this to being so disgruntled about the swim, and not having bike shoes. This year, I carried my bike shoes to the bike out, awkwardly tried to put them on, and hopped on to go. The bike course is fairly flat, and not too bad. I felt like I was doing great, passing many people, and zooming along. My speedometer had me going up to 20-21 mph at some points, which I thought was exciting! I felt really good during the bike, and had hoped to see a few minute drop in my time from last year, where I was riding on my slower older bike. However, my time was 1 second slower. How's that for consistency! However, I was expecting to do much better, just based on my new bike, using cleats, and having worked really hard throughout the winter. It is possible the course was windier this year. But, excuses aside, I maybe need to figure out how to push myself a little harder during the race. Lesson learned for next time! Final bike time 46:24.
The run started out uneventful, until about 2 minutes in. I was cruising along when I realized something was wrong. I reached up towards my head, and felt my helmet. Uhhhhh, oops? It took me a few seconds to figure out that in my hurry to swap bike shoes to running shoes, I just plum forgot to take it off! I contemplated my options quickly- a) go back and put it in transition (but no way was I sacrificing my precious running time), b) take it off and hold it (but that would get VERY annoying) or c) just wear it, and laugh about how silly I looked later. I went with option c, and have some very funny pictures to prove it. Throughout the run, as has been the case in each triathlon I've done so far, I felt like I was sluggishly moving along, and barely keeping a 10 min mile pace, while just praying I could get to the end. When I got to the mile marker and saw something like 8:20 on my watch, I was super (but pleasantly) surprised, and kept going with some renewed confidence. I pointed out my helmet head to a few people spectating, but was actually surprised at how few weird looks I got. Maybe they waited until I passed by. At least I kept a respectable pace throughout and didn't have to walk. I saw friends near the end, who laughed when I pointed out my silly mistake. I concluded this "safest" run ever at 24:42, which, at a sub 8 minute pace, I thought was fantastic. Maybe my running speed is coming back after all! Total time was 1:35:22- which was slower than my overall time last year, but last year the run was about a half mile short. So, I had an improved swim, a fine bike, and a solid run. Happy with that!
All in all, the race was a success. I now know the things I need to work on for the upcoming olympic and other races (including relaxing at the swim start, pushing harder on the bike, speeding through the transitions, and remembering to remove my helmet before the run). Plus, as an added bonus, I had a fantastic time with a great group of women I have had the pleasure of training with for 2 seasons now. :)
Last year this was my first triathlon ever, and I flailed in the swim. Totally flailed such that I doggie-paddled the entire race. The venue is a quarry, 1/4 of which is too shallow to swim, and 1/2 of which is 15 ft deep and murky. This year, after what I believe to be improving my swim greatly, I was hoping for a much better time, and a great opening race.
The morning was fairly chilly, and a bunch of us met up in transition, after putting everything in it's place. My transition area was far far from the bike in/out, meaning I had to carry my cleats, or run in them- neither one of which was a desirable option. Before the race, I stood watching all of my friends go before me, and anxiously awaiting getting into the warm water. I chose not to wear my wetsuit for 2 reasons- the water was supposed to be mid-upper 70s, and I didn't bring it. Turns out I maybe could have used it for some comfort.
The coach suggested that I start in the middle of the pack, towards the left side. The reasoning here was that I am definitely not as slow as the slowest people, but I didn't want to get trampled, but I wanted to stay on the outside edge. So, I took her advice, and felt really confident leading up to the start. But, when they announcer yelled GO! the panic set in.
Last year, in the 2 races I did after Naperville, I waited a good 5 seconds before starting- both to catch my breath and to leave some space between me and the masses. This year, I decided I should give it a go battling it out. We had practiced mass starts in the pool, so theoretically, I was ok with this. However, I could not find my rhythm, and I could not catch my breath. I turned over to my back for a little bit, and would try and try again to swim freestyle, failing each time. I breaststroked a bit with my head out of the water, thinking, no this is NOT happening again this year. I have worked so hard and improved so much. I continued to do some combination of flailing, breaststroking and backstroking until I reached the area where I could stand. Ok, I told myself. Get it together. You KNOW you can swim this distance. So, after this regroup and talking to, I went back at it, and lo and behold, swam confidently. I started catching up to people, turned the buoy, and came back again. The last lap followed similarly, until I got to the end, where a mass of people started walking, prohibiting me from swimming to the finish. Done! I was disappointed in the swim start, but I was really proud of how I recovered from it this year, and successfully swam 2/3 of the course, instead of none of it last year. And, I dropped two minutes off my time, coming in around 17:07. One success!
Transition times were a little slower this year than last year. Last year, I was super speedy. I attribute this to being so disgruntled about the swim, and not having bike shoes. This year, I carried my bike shoes to the bike out, awkwardly tried to put them on, and hopped on to go. The bike course is fairly flat, and not too bad. I felt like I was doing great, passing many people, and zooming along. My speedometer had me going up to 20-21 mph at some points, which I thought was exciting! I felt really good during the bike, and had hoped to see a few minute drop in my time from last year, where I was riding on my slower older bike. However, my time was 1 second slower. How's that for consistency! However, I was expecting to do much better, just based on my new bike, using cleats, and having worked really hard throughout the winter. It is possible the course was windier this year. But, excuses aside, I maybe need to figure out how to push myself a little harder during the race. Lesson learned for next time! Final bike time 46:24.
The run started out uneventful, until about 2 minutes in. I was cruising along when I realized something was wrong. I reached up towards my head, and felt my helmet. Uhhhhh, oops? It took me a few seconds to figure out that in my hurry to swap bike shoes to running shoes, I just plum forgot to take it off! I contemplated my options quickly- a) go back and put it in transition (but no way was I sacrificing my precious running time), b) take it off and hold it (but that would get VERY annoying) or c) just wear it, and laugh about how silly I looked later. I went with option c, and have some very funny pictures to prove it. Throughout the run, as has been the case in each triathlon I've done so far, I felt like I was sluggishly moving along, and barely keeping a 10 min mile pace, while just praying I could get to the end. When I got to the mile marker and saw something like 8:20 on my watch, I was super (but pleasantly) surprised, and kept going with some renewed confidence. I pointed out my helmet head to a few people spectating, but was actually surprised at how few weird looks I got. Maybe they waited until I passed by. At least I kept a respectable pace throughout and didn't have to walk. I saw friends near the end, who laughed when I pointed out my silly mistake. I concluded this "safest" run ever at 24:42, which, at a sub 8 minute pace, I thought was fantastic. Maybe my running speed is coming back after all! Total time was 1:35:22- which was slower than my overall time last year, but last year the run was about a half mile short. So, I had an improved swim, a fine bike, and a solid run. Happy with that!
 |
| Helmet-head run |
All in all, the race was a success. I now know the things I need to work on for the upcoming olympic and other races (including relaxing at the swim start, pushing harder on the bike, speeding through the transitions, and remembering to remove my helmet before the run). Plus, as an added bonus, I had a fantastic time with a great group of women I have had the pleasure of training with for 2 seasons now. :)
 |
| All the girls after the race |
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Finally warm, and the start of my tri season!
Finally, summer has hit Chicago. Well, technically it's still spring, but the weather is WARM! I'm so happy- I could spend all day outside in the sun- and I mostly did that today. Despite the fact that I can barely walk as a result of Thursday's intense circuit training workout (seriously, I can't remember the last time I was this sore...) I woke up and went for a 2 hour ride in the forest preserves, a really beautiful pathway nearby that makes you feel quite removed from city or suburbs, filled with tons of other runners and bikers (and also roller bladers!). I even saw a couple deer- including a baby! I had such a ball - I ran on this trail a lot last year but didn't really bike it- it's amazing how much further you can get on a bike! I love it. I just spent the rest of the afternoon walking around by the lake, taking in the sun and all of the other outdoor-appreciating people. I stopped at the grocery store on my way home, and got back just in time for the thunderstorm. Phew!
Things have been picking up, in general, for me. May was an outstanding month (especially compared to April) rounding out with a wonderful Memorial Day weekend in Boston, visiting some of my favorite friends! The weather started picking up last weekend, and I sincerely hope the warm weather is here to stay, and there will be no finger/toe numbing bike rides in the near future.
Triathlon season is starting! On a sort of whim, I decided to sign up for the Naperville race-the same one that was my first race ever last year. I hadn't signed up originally for several reasons. In January, when I started to formulate my race plan (also pre-achilles tendinitis) I was riding high on the end of the last season, and wanted to hop right into an olympic distance race this year. The Naperville race, while something I will always hold near and dear to my heart as my first ever triathlon left some things to be desired- both personally and race-wise. Personally, I totally flailed in the swim- I panicked, could not relax, and ended up doggy-paddling the majority of it, even though in the pool I had definitely worked my way up to that distance. Race-wise, the bike and run courses were short, which was irritating, particularly because of my horrendous swim. I made up a lot of time on the bike and the run, but I could have done even better if I was able to continue with my stronger disciplines to their proper distances! The swim is also kind of weird- the quarry is half 15ft deep, and a large portion to shallow to swim, meaning that even the pros walk a decent chunk of it (I joked that my time was a lot better than it could have been because I can walk through water just as fast as everyone else! I wonder if my extensive pool running training will give me an edge this year hahaha).
Fast forward to June 2011. It is no secret that I struggled through the winter with my running setback, my frustration with the bike, and my 'bad form' in the swim. While I believe I have improved in each area over the last 6 months, and after Kentucky, I am certain I can handle the bike/run portion of the upcoming hilly olympic race, I started to get terrified of the .9 mile open water swim, having had no current open water experience, and really no long distance swimming (aside from laps, where you can take a breath at the wall). In my swims lately, I have been getting out of breath during the warm up, which makes me super nervous for the actual race, where I don't get the warm up laps to get me going and ease into a comfortable pace. So, talking with coach- we decided that adding the Naperville race into the schedule made a lot of sense: I already know the course, I have a vendetta out against the swim and am determined to do better this year, and it'll be a good warm up race for the longer one at the end of the month. Plus, most of my tri-friends are also participating, and I was planning to go watch anyway. I think that given the setbacks I have experienced, which have certainly eaten into my confidence, I will greatly benefit from doing this race again, hopefully seeing improved times, but in general, proving to myself that I can still do it. So, one week from tomorrow- first race of the season!
Things have been picking up, in general, for me. May was an outstanding month (especially compared to April) rounding out with a wonderful Memorial Day weekend in Boston, visiting some of my favorite friends! The weather started picking up last weekend, and I sincerely hope the warm weather is here to stay, and there will be no finger/toe numbing bike rides in the near future.
Triathlon season is starting! On a sort of whim, I decided to sign up for the Naperville race-the same one that was my first race ever last year. I hadn't signed up originally for several reasons. In January, when I started to formulate my race plan (also pre-achilles tendinitis) I was riding high on the end of the last season, and wanted to hop right into an olympic distance race this year. The Naperville race, while something I will always hold near and dear to my heart as my first ever triathlon left some things to be desired- both personally and race-wise. Personally, I totally flailed in the swim- I panicked, could not relax, and ended up doggy-paddling the majority of it, even though in the pool I had definitely worked my way up to that distance. Race-wise, the bike and run courses were short, which was irritating, particularly because of my horrendous swim. I made up a lot of time on the bike and the run, but I could have done even better if I was able to continue with my stronger disciplines to their proper distances! The swim is also kind of weird- the quarry is half 15ft deep, and a large portion to shallow to swim, meaning that even the pros walk a decent chunk of it (I joked that my time was a lot better than it could have been because I can walk through water just as fast as everyone else! I wonder if my extensive pool running training will give me an edge this year hahaha).
Fast forward to June 2011. It is no secret that I struggled through the winter with my running setback, my frustration with the bike, and my 'bad form' in the swim. While I believe I have improved in each area over the last 6 months, and after Kentucky, I am certain I can handle the bike/run portion of the upcoming hilly olympic race, I started to get terrified of the .9 mile open water swim, having had no current open water experience, and really no long distance swimming (aside from laps, where you can take a breath at the wall). In my swims lately, I have been getting out of breath during the warm up, which makes me super nervous for the actual race, where I don't get the warm up laps to get me going and ease into a comfortable pace. So, talking with coach- we decided that adding the Naperville race into the schedule made a lot of sense: I already know the course, I have a vendetta out against the swim and am determined to do better this year, and it'll be a good warm up race for the longer one at the end of the month. Plus, most of my tri-friends are also participating, and I was planning to go watch anyway. I think that given the setbacks I have experienced, which have certainly eaten into my confidence, I will greatly benefit from doing this race again, hopefully seeing improved times, but in general, proving to myself that I can still do it. So, one week from tomorrow- first race of the season!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Wisconsin Half Marathon
I mentioned earlier that I was uncertain how this half marathon was going to go. Clearly I haven't completed the same distances and numbers of long runs that I did prior to my last half marathon, where I did a solid 15 miles before tapering. For this race, my longest runs were both 10 miles, one flat, one in hills, and no taper was involved. I had very little concept of my speed as my long runs have been few, mostly around the track at the Y, and easing back into things at an easy pace. I did my 30 min "shake out" run on Friday morning, at a 9 min mile pace, which felt very comfortable. A while back the coach had suggested running at a 9:30 pace until mile 10, then going all out if I didn't feel pain. I thought about this, skeptically, because it just felt too slow. That would put me around a 2:05 total, 4 min slower than my first half marathon 3 years ago. I had to be in better shape than that. I wasn't expecting to perform as well as I did in the fall, when I was so well trained, but I also didn't expect to do a personal worst. I have been very busy cross training, that's for sure.
I figured that I would run this race by feel. I wouldn't be satisfied with myself if I didn't give it my best shot. Even knowing that I'm "still recovering", a 9:30 pace just seemed like it would be too slow- and while I didn't want to go out too fast, I also didn't want to have this just be an easy jog. It was a race, after all. Plus, with all of the negative energy I have been storing up the last few weeks, I needed something more- I needed to at least beat my first half marathon time. We talked about our public and private goals that we had had for this race on the way home. My public goal was that 2:05. I was fairly sure that barring catastrophe, I could do that with little problem. But, my private goal A was sub-2 hours, B was beating my 2:01. And I knew that I needed to go out there and see what I was capable of.
We all started out in a clump, near the 10 min mile marker. Not that that meant anything. I glanced down at my garmin early on and saw an 11:20 pace. Shoot- gotta get around these people! I dodged through the crowd with a guy from run club who was nervous about starting out too fast. For the first three miles it was pretty slow going- partly because of the crowd, and partly because I was just nervous about saving my energy for later. I hadn't run over 10 miles in quite some time, as I mentioned, and I was concerned about how my ankle would feel and how my endurance would look. At mile 3, however, I looked at the total time, around 29 min, and started to panic. That was way slower than my 'conservative' 9:30 pace, and I felt like I was just out for an easy jog. At that moment, I felt good, and I decided to pick up the pace. I left the run clinic guy, hoping I wouldn't see him blow past me later...
I kept a comfortable pace, just enjoying the run, and the weather (despite the forecast of rain, it was a lovely, sunny morning) and kept finding new people to pass in front of me. Almost every time I glanced at the Garmin, I saw 8:45s, 9:00s, and even some 8:38s. I felt great, especially after seeing those low paces I hadn't seen in months, and it inspired me to just keep at it. Around mile 6.5, I saw that I was just over 1 hour, indicating that if I kept my pace, I could achieve my private goal of 2:00. That was incentive enough to not slow down.
A little bit later, there was an out and back stretch of about 2-3 miles. The course cops told us to keep left and watch for the return trip runners. The two leaders looked super strong and super speedy. The wind was blowing towards us all the way leading up to the turnaround, and I looked forward to when it would be at my back. I also started to keep my eye out for friends I knew were ahead of me. I saw Mo and Alicia, who were both looking strong, and exchanged cheers of 'good job's with them. Not long after, I too turned around and kept my eye out for the friends behind me. I saw the guy I left at mile 4, followed by sets of several other friendly faces, including Tracy and her running buddy Jen, who both looked awesome, Lisa, doing her very first half marathon, and Madison, who gave me a high five. It was so wonderful to get to see them- it gave me something to look out for and some motivation to just keep plugging along. Somewhere in here, I was definitely in a running zone. I kept seeing great paces on my watch every time I looked, and I just felt good and really happy. It was shaping up to be a great run.
Somewhere between miles 9-10, I passed a few women, and overheard them talking: "now THIS is a hill. Just so you know" I heard one say to the other. I looked at the subtle incline we were running up, and giggled to myself. I almost said, if you think THIS is a hill, you have another one coming, reminded of the awful steep grades I climbed up just a week ago in Kentucky. I plowed past them on the "uphill" and just kept moving forward. Mile 10 was at the top of a hill, and I saw that I was around 1:32, and kept telling myself, 5k left, just keep this pace and you HAVE the goal. So, onward I went.
After mile 11, I started to get a little tired. Maybe this was partly mental, as I hadn't seen this distance in many months. I got a sharp cramp in my right side, and kept telling myself, keep going, keep going. At the water break just before mile 12, I stopped to walk. Perhaps, I walked just a little too long, and I didn't get much cramp relief, unfortunately. I looked at my watch and saw 1:51 and change, and picked it up as much as I could, bearing through the cramp. 1 mile to go. Goal within reach! I kept going and going and heard a spectator shout "a quarter mile left". I knew that if I didn't make my goal, it would be pretty close, and willed myself to push the pace. The finish line was not visible at this point, which posed a real mental challenge as far as faster running was concerned. As soon as I did see it, though, I gave it my all, and finished fast! I clicked my watch to stop and saw the time: 2:00:30! (official time 2:00:26). Well, i hadn't exactly met my goal, but close enough! I had beaten my very first time, came extremely close to my sub-2 hour goal, and had a great, smart, and FUN race! (though I couldn't help but think- what if I didn't have that cramp? what if i didn't start out SO conservatively). I saw Mo and Alicia who had both finished about a mile ahead of me (speedy speedy!) and hung out with them while we watched the rest of our friends come in strong. So many successes were had- so many PRs, and several first timers! Everyone had such a great race, and it was so wonderful to see! I am so proud of how everyone did and how happy everyone was!
It got super cold while waiting, but we burrito-ed ourselves in the space blankets until we couldn't stay any longer and hobbled back to the car to head to get some breakfast. While this was not at all my best time in the half marathon distance, I am still very proud of myself, and excited that I had no achilles pain! I am looking forward to working hard this summer and doing another half marathon in the fall, with hopefully improved results.
The most important part of my running comeback yesterday was that I had fun. I remembered why I really enjoyed running and races, and I really look forward to the next one. And, I had a great time with a great group of people. I really needed this "win" and had such a happy day!
I figured that I would run this race by feel. I wouldn't be satisfied with myself if I didn't give it my best shot. Even knowing that I'm "still recovering", a 9:30 pace just seemed like it would be too slow- and while I didn't want to go out too fast, I also didn't want to have this just be an easy jog. It was a race, after all. Plus, with all of the negative energy I have been storing up the last few weeks, I needed something more- I needed to at least beat my first half marathon time. We talked about our public and private goals that we had had for this race on the way home. My public goal was that 2:05. I was fairly sure that barring catastrophe, I could do that with little problem. But, my private goal A was sub-2 hours, B was beating my 2:01. And I knew that I needed to go out there and see what I was capable of.
We all started out in a clump, near the 10 min mile marker. Not that that meant anything. I glanced down at my garmin early on and saw an 11:20 pace. Shoot- gotta get around these people! I dodged through the crowd with a guy from run club who was nervous about starting out too fast. For the first three miles it was pretty slow going- partly because of the crowd, and partly because I was just nervous about saving my energy for later. I hadn't run over 10 miles in quite some time, as I mentioned, and I was concerned about how my ankle would feel and how my endurance would look. At mile 3, however, I looked at the total time, around 29 min, and started to panic. That was way slower than my 'conservative' 9:30 pace, and I felt like I was just out for an easy jog. At that moment, I felt good, and I decided to pick up the pace. I left the run clinic guy, hoping I wouldn't see him blow past me later...
I kept a comfortable pace, just enjoying the run, and the weather (despite the forecast of rain, it was a lovely, sunny morning) and kept finding new people to pass in front of me. Almost every time I glanced at the Garmin, I saw 8:45s, 9:00s, and even some 8:38s. I felt great, especially after seeing those low paces I hadn't seen in months, and it inspired me to just keep at it. Around mile 6.5, I saw that I was just over 1 hour, indicating that if I kept my pace, I could achieve my private goal of 2:00. That was incentive enough to not slow down.
A little bit later, there was an out and back stretch of about 2-3 miles. The course cops told us to keep left and watch for the return trip runners. The two leaders looked super strong and super speedy. The wind was blowing towards us all the way leading up to the turnaround, and I looked forward to when it would be at my back. I also started to keep my eye out for friends I knew were ahead of me. I saw Mo and Alicia, who were both looking strong, and exchanged cheers of 'good job's with them. Not long after, I too turned around and kept my eye out for the friends behind me. I saw the guy I left at mile 4, followed by sets of several other friendly faces, including Tracy and her running buddy Jen, who both looked awesome, Lisa, doing her very first half marathon, and Madison, who gave me a high five. It was so wonderful to get to see them- it gave me something to look out for and some motivation to just keep plugging along. Somewhere in here, I was definitely in a running zone. I kept seeing great paces on my watch every time I looked, and I just felt good and really happy. It was shaping up to be a great run.
Somewhere between miles 9-10, I passed a few women, and overheard them talking: "now THIS is a hill. Just so you know" I heard one say to the other. I looked at the subtle incline we were running up, and giggled to myself. I almost said, if you think THIS is a hill, you have another one coming, reminded of the awful steep grades I climbed up just a week ago in Kentucky. I plowed past them on the "uphill" and just kept moving forward. Mile 10 was at the top of a hill, and I saw that I was around 1:32, and kept telling myself, 5k left, just keep this pace and you HAVE the goal. So, onward I went.
After mile 11, I started to get a little tired. Maybe this was partly mental, as I hadn't seen this distance in many months. I got a sharp cramp in my right side, and kept telling myself, keep going, keep going. At the water break just before mile 12, I stopped to walk. Perhaps, I walked just a little too long, and I didn't get much cramp relief, unfortunately. I looked at my watch and saw 1:51 and change, and picked it up as much as I could, bearing through the cramp. 1 mile to go. Goal within reach! I kept going and going and heard a spectator shout "a quarter mile left". I knew that if I didn't make my goal, it would be pretty close, and willed myself to push the pace. The finish line was not visible at this point, which posed a real mental challenge as far as faster running was concerned. As soon as I did see it, though, I gave it my all, and finished fast! I clicked my watch to stop and saw the time: 2:00:30! (official time 2:00:26). Well, i hadn't exactly met my goal, but close enough! I had beaten my very first time, came extremely close to my sub-2 hour goal, and had a great, smart, and FUN race! (though I couldn't help but think- what if I didn't have that cramp? what if i didn't start out SO conservatively). I saw Mo and Alicia who had both finished about a mile ahead of me (speedy speedy!) and hung out with them while we watched the rest of our friends come in strong. So many successes were had- so many PRs, and several first timers! Everyone had such a great race, and it was so wonderful to see! I am so proud of how everyone did and how happy everyone was!
It got super cold while waiting, but we burrito-ed ourselves in the space blankets until we couldn't stay any longer and hobbled back to the car to head to get some breakfast. While this was not at all my best time in the half marathon distance, I am still very proud of myself, and excited that I had no achilles pain! I am looking forward to working hard this summer and doing another half marathon in the fall, with hopefully improved results.
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| After the race, smiling faces, trying to keep warm. (I didn't have my phone or camera, so I am stealing Tracy's pic) |
Thursday, May 5, 2011
In search of a positive attitude
A year-ish ago, I was gearing up for my first triathlon and a 10 mile race. I was excited but nervous, looking at everything with fresh eyes and eager anticipation. Everything last summer was a positive experience of PRs and record distances. A 10 miler, 2 sprint triathlons, 1 olympic, and 1 half marathon. With each race, I noticed improvements in myself and my self-confidence.
Fast forward to January of this year: A few long breaks from working out (2 weeks in Japan of only light exercising, break at Christmas time) followed by Achilles' tendinitis, frustration on the computrainer, and stressful swim stroke work. Instead of those feelings of almost invincibility I had last spring and summer, I now feel like I am at a standstill, or worse yet, slowing down. I tried to not let it bother me too much, rejoicing in small accomplishments, like running pain-free, or running my longest distance since my injury, but the small victories do not seem to be outweighing my overall aura of disappointment in myself. It is building up and I feel like a ball of negative energy that I just can't escape from.
This past weekend, I attended the spring training camp in Kentucky- a dedicated training weekend in a VERY remote and VERY flooded location. Oh, and it was also hilly. We didn't get to open water swim due to the brown sewage filled water, but we did plenty of biking and running.
I am still not 100% sure of my opinion on this experience. It was my first time out on my clip pedals, and first time tackling hills both biking and running in quite some time. I tried to remain positive at first, but my fears got the better of me. My biggest fear was being dropped and having to do a long bike ride in the middle of nowhere on my own. It happened.
Now I know I am not a great biker. I have been struggling with that all winter in the computrainer room, disgruntled about the low wattages I was barely able to muster while everyone around me sustained significantly higher values. I expressed my concerns of being miles behind the group in KY and getting lost to the coach, who said, don't worry about it, we'll stay together. Well, I assume she had good intentions, but a friend and I got dropped before we even began the course. She was having bike troubles (couldn't shift front rings, only one working brake), and we stuck together for the first 27 miles of the journey. While we were together, I didn't really care so much that the group was far far away, because we had each other, at least, to motivate and push through the hilly terrain, laugh about the little yappy doggies that tried to chase us, and navigate the directions given to us on a sheet of photocopied paper. When we got to the aid station, however, my friend said she had had enough of her bike, and I was left on my own. I had a choice to make: stay at the aid station and get a ride back to home base, or keep going, finish my 56 mile loop, but do it alone. I really wasn't ready to stop riding, and I was determined to work as hard as I could at this training camp- otherwise, why did I trek all the way to KY? After a minor meltdown- due to feelings of abandonment and high emotions from the stressful first half of the ride combined with the fears of going it alone- I took off...
The second half of the ride started out ok, and I got into a happy biking groove. But, the last 10 miles were quite possibly the hilliest terrain that I had ever attempted. I had to will myself up some of the hills, only keeping motivated by thinking about everyone else that had done these hills before me. I watched the miles click up on my odometer, knowing that I was getting closer and closer to the end. I distinctly remember one of the last hills. It was so steep, and my legs were so tired, that I almost walked, and most definitely cried. Do not quit, I thought to myself. I started to count strokes- it can't be more than ... 50? I looked at the pitifully slow odometer reading of 5.7 mph, and tried to ignore it, being thankful I was able to keep moving. I finally made it up the hill, and sailed down. What a relief!
Eventually I was nearing the end, and the coach and a friend came by in a car to see how I was doing. I lost it when I saw them- I was feeling anger and resentment for having to go this alone while everyone else was done. Thankfully, they realized that if they stopped me with only 2 miles left to go to relieve me, it would be even worse than enduring the remainder of the bike course. I would have been completely unsatisfied with myself had I not been able to complete it. So, they let me finish, and collected me and my bike at the end. I was so glad to see the finish line! 56 miles- done! That's the distance in the HIM. Now, I know I can do it-I just have to work on getting it done faster!
Now, one would think that most normal people would be satisfied with this new distance achievement. I was, I really was. But, inside of me, the burning feeling of sadness, abandonment, and inadequacy- and being left behind because I wasn't good enough- overwhelmed my thoughts. I took a walk, cried, and wished that I could get a hold of myself. I should be so proud of myself- when I did my hilly olympic tri last year, I barely made the 25 miles, and today I had gone 56! Why wasn't that enough for me. Everyone was saying what a great job I did, and what determination it took for me to do it alone. For some reason, these positive comments, coming from people who finished at least a half hour prior to me, just went in one ear and out the other. My friends tried to make me feel better too, but I was just wallowing in self-pity, and wouldn't let myself get past my feelings of inadequacy. I am sure I was an extremely unpleasant person to be around this weekend, and I don't know how they are still friends with me...
The next day, I tried harder to look on the bright side and stop worrying about how I compared to the masses. We had a 20 mile bike ride, followed by a 10 mile run on the schedule. I figured, if I could do 56 miles Saturday, I could for sure handle 20. I started off alone again, as everyone zoomed off before I even got my shoes clipped into the pedals. At the first hill, I thought to myself, good grief, these hills just keep on coming. Another woman started to ride with me, and we took turns being the leader. I would zoom past her on the hills (not sure how that is possible given my weak, wussy quads) but she would pass me speedily on the downhill, pedaling while in her aerobars, while I was gripping my handlebars for dear life, coasting out of fear of shifting. At the turnaround point, we stopped for a water break before heading back. She gave me a pep talk, which I desperately needed. I started to feel better about myself and more confident about my riding, and we finished the 10 miles back strong.
Now, time for the run. 10 miles. Same course we just biked on, full of hills, including a super long incline on the way out. I started off with my biking buddy, but she had an injured calf, and walked up an early hill, so we parted ways. This run was a struggle: I had tired legs from 75 miles of biking, was carrying all sorts of stuff in my bike jersey, was sweating from the humid weather, and was terrified of the tons of hills, since I hadn't done any hill preparation since well before my Achilles' tendinitis diagnosis. But, I plowed through, slowly, just making sure I never stopped to walk until the aid station. At the aid station, my broken bike friend ran with me almost 2 miles. I needed that more than anything, and I am so thankful she was there with me. I felt like I was in a marathon, hitting a wall at mile 22, and she came in to rescue me and give me the motivation to keep going. After she departed, I picked up another girl who wanted to run the last 4 miles with me. Thankfully the 2nd half was mostly downhill, so it felt a bit better. This run was hard. Very hard. Finally, I finished, running only 2 min slower than my last 10 miler on the flat ground.
Again, I should be happy with this performance, and I am. Running 10 miles in hills after a 20 mile hilly ride is an accomplishment for me for sure. And, technically, I'm still recovering. Though since the pain is (thankfully) gone, I at times have trouble remembering that. I had to watch my usual running buddies blow past me at mile 7, pushing their pace limits, when I was well behind, chugging along at mile 3. I am so proud of all of my friends and how far their running skills have come in the last few months. I just am having SO much trouble being left out. I know that if I didn't have this injury and recovery holding me back, I'd have been right there with them. But instead, I am watching from the outside, wondering if/when I will catch up to them.
The half marathon is this coming weekend. I have no idea how it is going to go. It's flat, thankfully. But, I haven't run more than 10 miles since October. That's a long time. I guess I will just have to see how it goes. I am going to try really hard to take whatever happens in stride, and recognize that my injury was a setback, and I can only go up from here. I am hoping that this race will be a kick off for me - the start of getting back into training injury free. I know I am going to be so proud of my friends who are all going to crush their goals because they have worked so hard and improved so much in the last few months. I am hoping for a positive attitude for myself- to have for the race on Saturday, and to keep with me in the remainder of the long road ahead in the racing season and the training towards the HIM.
 |
| Finishing strong at last year's olympic triathlon |
Fast forward to January of this year: A few long breaks from working out (2 weeks in Japan of only light exercising, break at Christmas time) followed by Achilles' tendinitis, frustration on the computrainer, and stressful swim stroke work. Instead of those feelings of almost invincibility I had last spring and summer, I now feel like I am at a standstill, or worse yet, slowing down. I tried to not let it bother me too much, rejoicing in small accomplishments, like running pain-free, or running my longest distance since my injury, but the small victories do not seem to be outweighing my overall aura of disappointment in myself. It is building up and I feel like a ball of negative energy that I just can't escape from.
This past weekend, I attended the spring training camp in Kentucky- a dedicated training weekend in a VERY remote and VERY flooded location. Oh, and it was also hilly. We didn't get to open water swim due to the brown sewage filled water, but we did plenty of biking and running.
 |
| Friends, ready to ride |
Now I know I am not a great biker. I have been struggling with that all winter in the computrainer room, disgruntled about the low wattages I was barely able to muster while everyone around me sustained significantly higher values. I expressed my concerns of being miles behind the group in KY and getting lost to the coach, who said, don't worry about it, we'll stay together. Well, I assume she had good intentions, but a friend and I got dropped before we even began the course. She was having bike troubles (couldn't shift front rings, only one working brake), and we stuck together for the first 27 miles of the journey. While we were together, I didn't really care so much that the group was far far away, because we had each other, at least, to motivate and push through the hilly terrain, laugh about the little yappy doggies that tried to chase us, and navigate the directions given to us on a sheet of photocopied paper. When we got to the aid station, however, my friend said she had had enough of her bike, and I was left on my own. I had a choice to make: stay at the aid station and get a ride back to home base, or keep going, finish my 56 mile loop, but do it alone. I really wasn't ready to stop riding, and I was determined to work as hard as I could at this training camp- otherwise, why did I trek all the way to KY? After a minor meltdown- due to feelings of abandonment and high emotions from the stressful first half of the ride combined with the fears of going it alone- I took off...
The second half of the ride started out ok, and I got into a happy biking groove. But, the last 10 miles were quite possibly the hilliest terrain that I had ever attempted. I had to will myself up some of the hills, only keeping motivated by thinking about everyone else that had done these hills before me. I watched the miles click up on my odometer, knowing that I was getting closer and closer to the end. I distinctly remember one of the last hills. It was so steep, and my legs were so tired, that I almost walked, and most definitely cried. Do not quit, I thought to myself. I started to count strokes- it can't be more than ... 50? I looked at the pitifully slow odometer reading of 5.7 mph, and tried to ignore it, being thankful I was able to keep moving. I finally made it up the hill, and sailed down. What a relief!
Eventually I was nearing the end, and the coach and a friend came by in a car to see how I was doing. I lost it when I saw them- I was feeling anger and resentment for having to go this alone while everyone else was done. Thankfully, they realized that if they stopped me with only 2 miles left to go to relieve me, it would be even worse than enduring the remainder of the bike course. I would have been completely unsatisfied with myself had I not been able to complete it. So, they let me finish, and collected me and my bike at the end. I was so glad to see the finish line! 56 miles- done! That's the distance in the HIM. Now, I know I can do it-I just have to work on getting it done faster!
Now, one would think that most normal people would be satisfied with this new distance achievement. I was, I really was. But, inside of me, the burning feeling of sadness, abandonment, and inadequacy- and being left behind because I wasn't good enough- overwhelmed my thoughts. I took a walk, cried, and wished that I could get a hold of myself. I should be so proud of myself- when I did my hilly olympic tri last year, I barely made the 25 miles, and today I had gone 56! Why wasn't that enough for me. Everyone was saying what a great job I did, and what determination it took for me to do it alone. For some reason, these positive comments, coming from people who finished at least a half hour prior to me, just went in one ear and out the other. My friends tried to make me feel better too, but I was just wallowing in self-pity, and wouldn't let myself get past my feelings of inadequacy. I am sure I was an extremely unpleasant person to be around this weekend, and I don't know how they are still friends with me...
The next day, I tried harder to look on the bright side and stop worrying about how I compared to the masses. We had a 20 mile bike ride, followed by a 10 mile run on the schedule. I figured, if I could do 56 miles Saturday, I could for sure handle 20. I started off alone again, as everyone zoomed off before I even got my shoes clipped into the pedals. At the first hill, I thought to myself, good grief, these hills just keep on coming. Another woman started to ride with me, and we took turns being the leader. I would zoom past her on the hills (not sure how that is possible given my weak, wussy quads) but she would pass me speedily on the downhill, pedaling while in her aerobars, while I was gripping my handlebars for dear life, coasting out of fear of shifting. At the turnaround point, we stopped for a water break before heading back. She gave me a pep talk, which I desperately needed. I started to feel better about myself and more confident about my riding, and we finished the 10 miles back strong.
 |
| biking in the Kentucky hills |
Now, time for the run. 10 miles. Same course we just biked on, full of hills, including a super long incline on the way out. I started off with my biking buddy, but she had an injured calf, and walked up an early hill, so we parted ways. This run was a struggle: I had tired legs from 75 miles of biking, was carrying all sorts of stuff in my bike jersey, was sweating from the humid weather, and was terrified of the tons of hills, since I hadn't done any hill preparation since well before my Achilles' tendinitis diagnosis. But, I plowed through, slowly, just making sure I never stopped to walk until the aid station. At the aid station, my broken bike friend ran with me almost 2 miles. I needed that more than anything, and I am so thankful she was there with me. I felt like I was in a marathon, hitting a wall at mile 22, and she came in to rescue me and give me the motivation to keep going. After she departed, I picked up another girl who wanted to run the last 4 miles with me. Thankfully the 2nd half was mostly downhill, so it felt a bit better. This run was hard. Very hard. Finally, I finished, running only 2 min slower than my last 10 miler on the flat ground.
Again, I should be happy with this performance, and I am. Running 10 miles in hills after a 20 mile hilly ride is an accomplishment for me for sure. And, technically, I'm still recovering. Though since the pain is (thankfully) gone, I at times have trouble remembering that. I had to watch my usual running buddies blow past me at mile 7, pushing their pace limits, when I was well behind, chugging along at mile 3. I am so proud of all of my friends and how far their running skills have come in the last few months. I just am having SO much trouble being left out. I know that if I didn't have this injury and recovery holding me back, I'd have been right there with them. But instead, I am watching from the outside, wondering if/when I will catch up to them.
The half marathon is this coming weekend. I have no idea how it is going to go. It's flat, thankfully. But, I haven't run more than 10 miles since October. That's a long time. I guess I will just have to see how it goes. I am going to try really hard to take whatever happens in stride, and recognize that my injury was a setback, and I can only go up from here. I am hoping that this race will be a kick off for me - the start of getting back into training injury free. I know I am going to be so proud of my friends who are all going to crush their goals because they have worked so hard and improved so much in the last few months. I am hoping for a positive attitude for myself- to have for the race on Saturday, and to keep with me in the remainder of the long road ahead in the racing season and the training towards the HIM.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Pounding the Pavement
Literally. This weekend I finally went out for my first outside run of the season (not counting London). I had, in my last post, discussed my nerves about forgetting something, but I decided that after the many rainy saturdays (and in general days) we have had, the gorgeous weather was not to be wasted. I am not really interested in running in the rain (I have done a half marathon and a triathlon in the rain- I do it when I have to, but for training, no way jose) and in the recent weeks, the track was a safer bet, in case my ankle started hurting and I needed to cut back my run time. But, I had utter confidence in my healing, and couldn't resist the gorgeous sunny almost 60 degree day!
I started from the Y so that I could have a quick transition to the pool run I had scheduled for after the run, and took off towards the lake. It was so absolutely beautiful and clear- I had a great view of downtown. Perhaps one day I will start taking pictures on my run. I ran up and down the lakefront path, through NU campus, and finally around the streets in town. I wanted to end as close to the Y as possible, so I did the last 15 min or so in just loops. By the end of my 10 mile run, my knees and ankles (both) were killing me. I think this was a result of pounding actual pavement, as opposed to the indoor track, for a long run, for the first time since November (!). I got a bit worried about the half marathon, and even the rest of the weekend, after finishing up my achy run. Nevertheless, I rolled out my calves, and got ready for the pool, and hopped in. I did my requisite 35 min (with 10 mins of hard, 1 min rest) and hopped out, fully expecting to not be able to walk...but lo and behold, there is some truth to the pool run being a recovery- I felt like I had new (albeit tired) legs, and excitedly showered and got ready for the rest of the weekend. New plan- if I'm sore after the half marathon in 2 weeks, I'm hitting the pool for a short recovery run!
The rest of the week was fairly good as far as workouts go. I was deathly afraid of getting in the pool at tri clinic on Tuesday night, but my fear was for naught, because I was encouraged to work on breathing every fourth stroke, told that it made my stroke less awkward and more fluid, and that as time went on, I would slowly build up enough endurance to maintain that breathing cycle for longer and longer. Something to look forward to! In fact, I actually did my entire swim workout yesterday breathing every 4th stroke (I had 100 yd segments, which was about my limit of continuous 4th stroke breathing, but I am hoping to see that bump up!)
Biking also showed some improvements, though I got a flat tire on the computrainer on Wednesday. I had been pushing myself hard to maintain higher wattages (for me) and am really looking forward to getting out on the road towards the end of this week.
I skipped my pool run last week, because I was just too busy and just really did not want to do it. at all. I took a rest day which I needed mentally and physically and I think it was one of the best decisions I made all of last week. Normally I feel quite guilty skipping something on my schedule, but every once in a while, I think I know what I need better than the coach, and I think this was a wise decision. And, good news- no pool run in the plan for this week! Maybe I am finally leaving that stage of training behind (unless I need a good ache and pain reliever!).
This coming weekend is our spring training camp- heading out of town to warmer climates to get in some open water swimming, outdoor non-trainer biking, and running. I'm nervous about the hours and hours of workouts planned, but I think it'll be a great kickoff to the race season!
Easter post to follow, with pictures!
I started from the Y so that I could have a quick transition to the pool run I had scheduled for after the run, and took off towards the lake. It was so absolutely beautiful and clear- I had a great view of downtown. Perhaps one day I will start taking pictures on my run. I ran up and down the lakefront path, through NU campus, and finally around the streets in town. I wanted to end as close to the Y as possible, so I did the last 15 min or so in just loops. By the end of my 10 mile run, my knees and ankles (both) were killing me. I think this was a result of pounding actual pavement, as opposed to the indoor track, for a long run, for the first time since November (!). I got a bit worried about the half marathon, and even the rest of the weekend, after finishing up my achy run. Nevertheless, I rolled out my calves, and got ready for the pool, and hopped in. I did my requisite 35 min (with 10 mins of hard, 1 min rest) and hopped out, fully expecting to not be able to walk...but lo and behold, there is some truth to the pool run being a recovery- I felt like I had new (albeit tired) legs, and excitedly showered and got ready for the rest of the weekend. New plan- if I'm sore after the half marathon in 2 weeks, I'm hitting the pool for a short recovery run!
The rest of the week was fairly good as far as workouts go. I was deathly afraid of getting in the pool at tri clinic on Tuesday night, but my fear was for naught, because I was encouraged to work on breathing every fourth stroke, told that it made my stroke less awkward and more fluid, and that as time went on, I would slowly build up enough endurance to maintain that breathing cycle for longer and longer. Something to look forward to! In fact, I actually did my entire swim workout yesterday breathing every 4th stroke (I had 100 yd segments, which was about my limit of continuous 4th stroke breathing, but I am hoping to see that bump up!)
Biking also showed some improvements, though I got a flat tire on the computrainer on Wednesday. I had been pushing myself hard to maintain higher wattages (for me) and am really looking forward to getting out on the road towards the end of this week.
I skipped my pool run last week, because I was just too busy and just really did not want to do it. at all. I took a rest day which I needed mentally and physically and I think it was one of the best decisions I made all of last week. Normally I feel quite guilty skipping something on my schedule, but every once in a while, I think I know what I need better than the coach, and I think this was a wise decision. And, good news- no pool run in the plan for this week! Maybe I am finally leaving that stage of training behind (unless I need a good ache and pain reliever!).
This coming weekend is our spring training camp- heading out of town to warmer climates to get in some open water swimming, outdoor non-trainer biking, and running. I'm nervous about the hours and hours of workouts planned, but I think it'll be a great kickoff to the race season!
Easter post to follow, with pictures!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Rainy Saturday Run and Pool Run
Yesterday was a rainy gross day, and it even snowed (apparently Chicago didn't get the memo that it's APRIL). I had a dentist appointment at 10, which forced me to get up at 5:30 to get my run and pool run in. So, I trekked to the Y, arriving before it actually opened, and circled the track for 80 minutes. Last year, I couldn't have ever imagined running so much around the track. In fact, I was even a little nervous yesterday. I was particularly sad that everyone was going to a wisconsin practice run that I wasn't allowed to go to due to my stupid ankle (which I later found out they didn't go to!). It's weird though- I can't wait to go run outside (and today, the weather just screams, come out and run!!) but I haven't been able to get over the initial hump of changing my routine. I have gotten settled into running around the track, grabbing a water break every 2 miles, and counting the 13 laps on my hands. For some reason, the thought of having to make sure I pack everything I could possibly need for a run outside is making me a little nervous. I had it all down to a science last summer, but now I'm sort of worried I'd forget something. Hopefully, I'll get over this silly fear soon. The other issue at the current moment is time. It takes me like 20 minutes or so to transition from real running to pool running, and they have to be done in a row. So, logistically, the track is easier. After this half marathon, I had better be only "real running" these long runs so I can go outside and enjoy the spring and summer! I got so jealous when my running friends called to say they were going for a run at the forest preserves, and did I want to come, a few hours too late, and I can't wait till I get back into that!
As far as my boring track run went- it wasn't SO bad. I ticked off 8.5 miles, and listened to some music on my iphone, which is something I haven't done while actual running in quite a while. So, that was pretty nice. I kept an easy enough pace that I felt like I could keep going- which is good because, for this half marathon, I'll not have done the distance before hand, which makes me a little nervous. I hope the pool running comes through for me...
The pool run wasn't terrible either (is it weird that I sort of enjoy it a little bit now, except for the initial shock of the cold water?). The guy next to me towards the end was extremely irritating though. He was basically making a tidal wave every time he did a kick- which was a shamu-style kick! Water, EVERYWHERE! Now, clearly, with my head above the water, I am used to getting splashed, but this was like nothing I had ever experienced during my pool run. I exchanged a glance with the lifeguard, who appeared to be on the same page as me: "what on earth was this guy doing!?" I turned my head to avoid the tsunami every time I was in line with him, and just hoped he'd calm down before too long! Counting down the weeks til the half marathon...and getting away from these crazy pool loonies!
Yesterday afternoon I talked to a good friend that I hadn't talked to in quite a long time. She just started running, doing a program involving something like run 1 min walk 2, etc, and has built up to a 30 min run! At the point in which she signed up for a marathon for next January, she had only run 3 minutes continuously. I am so excited to hear about how much she is enjoying running now and working towards this new goal! It also reminded me that this is supposed to be fun, and of course, hard work. And, it reminded me that little by little we can make and achieve our goals. I just need to keep this in mind when I am struggling along on a bike ride, wondering how I'll ever reach my goal.
My run/pool run was a long lonely workout, but I was pleased with how I got everything done and felt great afterwards. It boosted my self-esteem a little bit, which was very needed after my miserable Friday. Between the hard work yesterday, and the sun today, I feel a little rejuvenated to face the coming week's workouts.
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