Rest does the body good, yes?
Okay, it wasn't my intention to rest so much this week. However, sometimes life just dictates such. Or, more precisely, the body has says no, but the mind says yes. This week, the body won.
At the beginning of the week, I awoke with a crick in my neck. Who knows what happened? Slept in a weird way? It became worse two nights later, awakening me until I finally got out of bed (gingerly) and looked online for a remedy. Yes, this is 4am.
Every morning took hours to get to a point that I could function fairly well, when things loosened to some degree. When I needed to look at something to the side of me, by body followed the direction of my head. It's like I had whiplash. Coughing and sneezing hurt. So did walking. Running? Wasn't even gonna try.
Tuesday night, I had to do something active so I went to yoga after my stitch-n-bitch. Glad I did. I think the next morning was slightly better with the neck. Slightly.
Fast forward to Friday. By this point I was tired. Hadn't been sleeping well. After work, I went to the gym to warm up in the steam room (had spent several hours outside in the windy cold for a work event), cool off in the jacuzzi, and dry off in the sauna.
Think it helped my neck? Ha.
Went to 12:30 yoga on Saturday. Had to try. Everything hurt, including down dog. Even child's pose. By the end of the 90 minutes, my neck was vaguely starting to loosen. More steam room, jacuzzi, sauna.
This morning I went for a run since I wasn't in excruciating neck pain. It was so nice to be out. I wore my Shuffle, but didn't power it on. I ran watchless. I didn't map out a route. There wasn't too much traffic, so I didn't have to worry about whipping my neck around to keep on eye on cars. The pull in my groin area seems to have just about healed. All of the unintentional rest was worth it for a 3.5m pain-free run.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4121464
Showing posts with label run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label run. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Time to get moving again
After resting Tuesday, Wednesday morning I went to Core then Rebounding class, both subbed by Ruth S. who gave good, specific instruction. Worth getting out of bed. And, yes, hello Mr. Foam Roller afterward.
Friday morning I did Zumba and Core with Tavia. As a bonus, I learned three exercises for the small, underused muscle beneath the shoulder blade.
Saturday morning - spin! Did two of the three shoulder exercises. Saturday afternoon - short, easy run (1.5) in 14:20. Windy, but sunny. And I actually enjoyed the smell of dried, fallen leaves. Nice fall afternoon particularly for someone who dislikes the season.
Friday morning I did Zumba and Core with Tavia. As a bonus, I learned three exercises for the small, underused muscle beneath the shoulder blade.
Saturday morning - spin! Did two of the three shoulder exercises. Saturday afternoon - short, easy run (1.5) in 14:20. Windy, but sunny. And I actually enjoyed the smell of dried, fallen leaves. Nice fall afternoon particularly for someone who dislikes the season.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women
Yeah, and why were MEN running with bib numbers??
Well, this is it. Set things out last night, had a leisurely morning getting ready, left feeling like I forgot something. Couldn't imagine what, and it didn't matter because I had essentials (number, sneakers). I ran into a neighbor who was running it also so we chatted. She'd run it before and gave me tips (mostly relax and have fun!), then offered to run it together, but her pace was slower and I had to go to my office first.
Office = home base. Lucky me! Tons of time. Changed there. And (OMG) brushed my teeth which I'd forgotten to do! At least I figured out what I'd forgotten, but sorry, Katie, if you noticed while we talked. Last pee and I'm off.
Dropped some stuff in baggage claim. Why? Don't ask. It seemed like a good idea to have my office key there rather than in my pocket for some reason. Plus, I wanted a final lip balm application. (Hello, my name is Jen. I'm addicted to lip balm.)
Walked around. Stretched. Walked around. Kept eye out for Cristin & co. at the monument, but yeah no, not a chance of meeting up. 8,200 runners, plus fans.
I've been hydrating for the last couple of days through 9am this morning, and now, now I gotta go. (Mom, are we there yet??) No probs - there are like 10 bajillion porta potties. And craaaaap, like 999 gazillion catrillion people in line for them. Plan B = home base. I can totally make it there and back for gun time. Totally. And I did. Man, I love my office location. (Shout out to Donna aka Building Security who helped with my pace bracelet.)
Alright, this really was a good Plan B. The only thing is that IT'S NOW TOO PACKED TO GET TO MY SEED! I at least made it through stroller land and walkers. Anyway, I'd rather deal with slow runners than have to pee the entire time.
And we're off. Took a while for me to cross the start mats. The thing about racing is that it's not MY pace. There's so much to worry about: bumping into people, people bumping me. I really just wanted to get into my groove. If anyone has any race tips regarding this, please leave a comment.
As I was running, I approached a woman with a stroller. A stroller? I wanted to say: Um, yo, beeatch - how'd you get up here? You need to be back there with your people. And the fact that you cheated and put yourself into a different seed is a tad annoying. I'm not the only one who noticed. Whatev - just move the heck over!" Fine, I jumped the curb and scooted around. Turns out there was a lot of curb jumping and weaving back and forth just to get ahead. I settled into it - the weaving and jumping, accepting this as the norm. (But is that the norm? Please comment.) As such, approaching water stations was a whole other hazard. At one (I hadn't seen it coming) I barreled past, bumping whomever dared get in front of me. I know, probably wasn't the best etiquette, but in my defense I had women to the right of me suddenly throwing their arm in front of me to reach for a water. They may have bruises now and wished they'd been to the left of me like the other women who positioned themselves correctly to take water.
Finally, Comm Ave. I'd remembered it seemed endless when I practiced the route a while ago, but today the cheering fans helped. And, I was distracted by my weaving, so that helped to. But honestly? At this point, I really just needed to finish and not waste energy weaving. I was starting to hurt.
The last stretch on Charles was killer. I wanted to run under an hour. I knew I was close, and didn't dare check my watch again for the last two minutes. The intent was to focus everything on running, not clock watching. I really, really needed fans here. For some reason, the finish line was relatively quiet.
Finish line.
1:00:16
9:41 pace
A bit nauseous.
And then we had to walk uphill. At that point, slight inclines were not my friend.
Water, couple of bagel bites and same for a banana. A sip of some gross red drink. The only good idea was the water.
I have a massage scheduled on Wednesday, but to hold me til then, I stretched a lot, then went to my gym. More stretching, and my fav friend Mr. Foam Roller. Jacuzzi and sauna, naturally. :)
Well, this is it. Set things out last night, had a leisurely morning getting ready, left feeling like I forgot something. Couldn't imagine what, and it didn't matter because I had essentials (number, sneakers). I ran into a neighbor who was running it also so we chatted. She'd run it before and gave me tips (mostly relax and have fun!), then offered to run it together, but her pace was slower and I had to go to my office first.
Office = home base. Lucky me! Tons of time. Changed there. And (OMG) brushed my teeth which I'd forgotten to do! At least I figured out what I'd forgotten, but sorry, Katie, if you noticed while we talked. Last pee and I'm off.
Dropped some stuff in baggage claim. Why? Don't ask. It seemed like a good idea to have my office key there rather than in my pocket for some reason. Plus, I wanted a final lip balm application. (Hello, my name is Jen. I'm addicted to lip balm.)
Walked around. Stretched. Walked around. Kept eye out for Cristin & co. at the monument, but yeah no, not a chance of meeting up. 8,200 runners, plus fans.
I've been hydrating for the last couple of days through 9am this morning, and now, now I gotta go. (Mom, are we there yet??) No probs - there are like 10 bajillion porta potties. And craaaaap, like 999 gazillion catrillion people in line for them. Plan B = home base. I can totally make it there and back for gun time. Totally. And I did. Man, I love my office location. (Shout out to Donna aka Building Security who helped with my pace bracelet.)
Alright, this really was a good Plan B. The only thing is that IT'S NOW TOO PACKED TO GET TO MY SEED! I at least made it through stroller land and walkers. Anyway, I'd rather deal with slow runners than have to pee the entire time.
And we're off. Took a while for me to cross the start mats. The thing about racing is that it's not MY pace. There's so much to worry about: bumping into people, people bumping me. I really just wanted to get into my groove. If anyone has any race tips regarding this, please leave a comment.
As I was running, I approached a woman with a stroller. A stroller? I wanted to say: Um, yo, beeatch - how'd you get up here? You need to be back there with your people. And the fact that you cheated and put yourself into a different seed is a tad annoying. I'm not the only one who noticed. Whatev - just move the heck over!" Fine, I jumped the curb and scooted around. Turns out there was a lot of curb jumping and weaving back and forth just to get ahead. I settled into it - the weaving and jumping, accepting this as the norm. (But is that the norm? Please comment.) As such, approaching water stations was a whole other hazard. At one (I hadn't seen it coming) I barreled past, bumping whomever dared get in front of me. I know, probably wasn't the best etiquette, but in my defense I had women to the right of me suddenly throwing their arm in front of me to reach for a water. They may have bruises now and wished they'd been to the left of me like the other women who positioned themselves correctly to take water.
Finally, Comm Ave. I'd remembered it seemed endless when I practiced the route a while ago, but today the cheering fans helped. And, I was distracted by my weaving, so that helped to. But honestly? At this point, I really just needed to finish and not waste energy weaving. I was starting to hurt.
The last stretch on Charles was killer. I wanted to run under an hour. I knew I was close, and didn't dare check my watch again for the last two minutes. The intent was to focus everything on running, not clock watching. I really, really needed fans here. For some reason, the finish line was relatively quiet.
Finish line.
1:00:16
9:41 pace
A bit nauseous.
And then we had to walk uphill. At that point, slight inclines were not my friend.
Water, couple of bagel bites and same for a banana. A sip of some gross red drink. The only good idea was the water.
I have a massage scheduled on Wednesday, but to hold me til then, I stretched a lot, then went to my gym. More stretching, and my fav friend Mr. Foam Roller. Jacuzzi and sauna, naturally. :)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
We all need a confidence boost
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4089846
4.23m
38:54min
9.11pace
(@2.65m = 24:45 = 9:20pace)
Well, damn, nice pace!
I found the key: lots of pre-run stretching. Screw what I've heard; I need stretching before I run. Before I even head outside, in fact. I got completely dressed, headphones on, then stretched inside where it's warm. Outside: walked/stretched/adjusted my laces and stretched some more. Off I went. Okay, truthfully it took about a minute for everything to get going once I started running, but no pain. Yee-hah!
I think the multiple rest days also helped. Considering stairs were an issue even yesterday, running today pain-free was such a joy.
Also, wondering if eating a ton of cereal last night made a difference?
Seeing "my guy" on the run was and always is a pleasure. I don't know who he is, but he always makes me smile. He pulled up the sleeve of his marathon jacket, looked at his watch, then me and said lookin' good!
My goal today was to listen to my body, go easy on the pace (but push at the very end), and just log some cardio. Accomplished.
Def needed this confidence-boosting run. Now I just need to do this on Monday, but tack on two miles. ;)
4.23m
38:54min
9.11pace
(@2.65m = 24:45 = 9:20pace)
Well, damn, nice pace!
I found the key: lots of pre-run stretching. Screw what I've heard; I need stretching before I run. Before I even head outside, in fact. I got completely dressed, headphones on, then stretched inside where it's warm. Outside: walked/stretched/adjusted my laces and stretched some more. Off I went. Okay, truthfully it took about a minute for everything to get going once I started running, but no pain. Yee-hah!
I think the multiple rest days also helped. Considering stairs were an issue even yesterday, running today pain-free was such a joy.
Also, wondering if eating a ton of cereal last night made a difference?
Seeing "my guy" on the run was and always is a pleasure. I don't know who he is, but he always makes me smile. He pulled up the sleeve of his marathon jacket, looked at his watch, then me and said lookin' good!
My goal today was to listen to my body, go easy on the pace (but push at the very end), and just log some cardio. Accomplished.
Def needed this confidence-boosting run. Now I just need to do this on Monday, but tack on two miles. ;)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Fun run
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4082339
2.14m
19:33min
9:08pace
After looking out of my window and noticing a couple of runners, I got the itch.
Goal: run for the sake of running. I used to love to run, and wanted to get back to that feeling. I timed it, just for blog purposes. And I mapped it AFTER returning home (usually, I map first). The point was to get outside and see where my feet took me.
Even though it was Sunday (long-run day) I knew a long run would kill me since I'm dealing with muscle pull. Besides, I'd rather look back and say I wish I'd trained harder than look back and say I pushed too hard and now can't even walk. Honestly, the latter was starting to happen, precipitated by my crappy long run with Michael and Sarah.
After, walked to Soundbites for breakfast with Praveen - yay! The walking was good I suppose, but I was def feeling effects of too much training - stepping on/off curbs was tricky - damn groin.
2.14m
19:33min
9:08pace
After looking out of my window and noticing a couple of runners, I got the itch.
Goal: run for the sake of running. I used to love to run, and wanted to get back to that feeling. I timed it, just for blog purposes. And I mapped it AFTER returning home (usually, I map first). The point was to get outside and see where my feet took me.
Even though it was Sunday (long-run day) I knew a long run would kill me since I'm dealing with muscle pull. Besides, I'd rather look back and say I wish I'd trained harder than look back and say I pushed too hard and now can't even walk. Honestly, the latter was starting to happen, precipitated by my crappy long run with Michael and Sarah.
After, walked to Soundbites for breakfast with Praveen - yay! The walking was good I suppose, but I was def feeling effects of too much training - stepping on/off curbs was tricky - damn groin.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Run through the pain
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4075406
3.79m
35:56min
9:28 pace
Groin area still bothering. Was tough to get started because of the pain. Potentially idiotic to run anyway.
3.79m
35:56min
9:28 pace
Groin area still bothering. Was tough to get started because of the pain. Potentially idiotic to run anyway.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
False starts
5:30am walk to start of bike path. Stretch, jog, pain. Repeat twice. Start the clock and go! Okay, slowly. Hello, old lady shuffle.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4071061
4.79m
50:25
10:31 pace What??? I know I was slow at the beginning, but still.
It took about 2 miles til I started warming up. Even then, tough. It wasn't til the last 1.5 that I hit my groove.
Yeah, so I guess the 10:31 makes sense. Darn.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4071061
4.79m
50:25
10:31 pace What??? I know I was slow at the beginning, but still.
It took about 2 miles til I started warming up. Even then, tough. It wasn't til the last 1.5 that I hit my groove.
Yeah, so I guess the 10:31 makes sense. Darn.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Big Ring Gummie
6.9miles
1:07:46
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4066613
Warming up before starting the 6.9 (and clock) was helpful. My goal was to run without stopping. Admittedly, I did walk part of it - about a quarter mile maybe, maybe less, maybe more. Specific, eh?
My mind wasn't in it today. Suck. I ran with two other people, but our paces weren't in sync today and it was very distracting. Although, because Michael ran most of the pond just ahead of me (so we couldn't really talk) I felt compelled to push myself to run faster to catch him (which I never did til much later).
I brought an individually-wrapped, single-serving Big Ring Gummie (I'd never heard of them either until I bought a big bag of 'em at CVS this morning) for a mid-run push. Not sure it helped, but I wanted to try something portable for an energy boost. It's kind of a pain to deal with it while running - opening the wrapper, stuffing the wrapper back in my tiny interior key pocket, then occasionally burping cherry. At least I didn't have to spit today. Oh, and that's attractive, let me tell you. So ladylike.
I wonder if the gel packets are any better? Clif makes some. I bet the ingredients are superior. At 5:30am my options were limited, though.
1:07:46
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4066613
Warming up before starting the 6.9 (and clock) was helpful. My goal was to run without stopping. Admittedly, I did walk part of it - about a quarter mile maybe, maybe less, maybe more. Specific, eh?
My mind wasn't in it today. Suck. I ran with two other people, but our paces weren't in sync today and it was very distracting. Although, because Michael ran most of the pond just ahead of me (so we couldn't really talk) I felt compelled to push myself to run faster to catch him (which I never did til much later).
I brought an individually-wrapped, single-serving Big Ring Gummie (I'd never heard of them either until I bought a big bag of 'em at CVS this morning) for a mid-run push. Not sure it helped, but I wanted to try something portable for an energy boost. It's kind of a pain to deal with it while running - opening the wrapper, stuffing the wrapper back in my tiny interior key pocket, then occasionally burping cherry. At least I didn't have to spit today. Oh, and that's attractive, let me tell you. So ladylike.
I wonder if the gel packets are any better? Clif makes some. I bet the ingredients are superior. At 5:30am my options were limited, though.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Doin' the shuffle
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Look before crossing
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4055865
4.1m
38:41, two traffic stops, two tissue breaks (maybe 20 seconds, but who's counting?)
9:26 pace w/o accounting for stops (but again, who's counting??)
Hands cold at first, but fine later.
First hill on Lowell went really well - no prob at all. Short hill on Walden seemed tougher. Which is comical to me.
And really, Jen, starting earlier would be in your best interest. Especially if you're going to look AS you cross the street. Didn't your mama teach you to look both ways BEFORE crossing? Yeah, thought so. At least the driver was paying attention. And at least you have quick reflexes in case the driver was texting or something stupid. Still, though - safety first.
Hey, I double-knotted my shoe laces this time - doesn't that count for something?
4.1m
38:41, two traffic stops, two tissue breaks (maybe 20 seconds, but who's counting?)
9:26 pace w/o accounting for stops (but again, who's counting??)
Hands cold at first, but fine later.
First hill on Lowell went really well - no prob at all. Short hill on Walden seemed tougher. Which is comical to me.
And really, Jen, starting earlier would be in your best interest. Especially if you're going to look AS you cross the street. Didn't your mama teach you to look both ways BEFORE crossing? Yeah, thought so. At least the driver was paying attention. And at least you have quick reflexes in case the driver was texting or something stupid. Still, though - safety first.
Hey, I double-knotted my shoe laces this time - doesn't that count for something?
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Scoping the course
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4051189
1:00:02
I ran the course to check it out. Love it! I wonder what'll happen on race day in terms of positioning? I mean, do I REALLY think the dirt path along the Charles will be wide open for moi? Ha! I think my knees will just hate me later while I pound pavement with the other thousands of women. Sigh.
Comm Ave seemed ridiculously long.
1:00:02
I ran the course to check it out. Love it! I wonder what'll happen on race day in terms of positioning? I mean, do I REALLY think the dirt path along the Charles will be wide open for moi? Ha! I think my knees will just hate me later while I pound pavement with the other thousands of women. Sigh.
Comm Ave seemed ridiculously long.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
flat run with sprints
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4043951
3m
(I forgot to press start on my stopwatch, but under 30 min.)
Didn't want to get up the morning. What's the deal with the sun rising later? Who decided? That doesn't work for me.
I think I need one of those lights that turns on gradually, mimicking the sun.
Luckily, there was a text from Michael that he wanted to join me. I responded in my morning fog and he said 6am. I think the only reason I got out of bed early was because of that text.
Picked up speed along Garden and again on Mass (going SE) approaching Davenport
Sprints* on Shepard, Blake and Russell**.
*It must be noted that my sprints and Michael's differ significantly - he is much faster.
**This sucked. Period.
Maybe nearly back-to-back sprinting (B and R) is not the way to go.
3m
(I forgot to press start on my stopwatch, but under 30 min.)
Didn't want to get up the morning. What's the deal with the sun rising later? Who decided? That doesn't work for me.
I think I need one of those lights that turns on gradually, mimicking the sun.
Luckily, there was a text from Michael that he wanted to join me. I responded in my morning fog and he said 6am. I think the only reason I got out of bed early was because of that text.
Picked up speed along Garden and again on Mass (going SE) approaching Davenport
Sprints* on Shepard, Blake and Russell**.
*It must be noted that my sprints and Michael's differ significantly - he is much faster.
**This sucked. Period.
Maybe nearly back-to-back sprinting (B and R) is not the way to go.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Nice morning for a run
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4039068
4.1m
39:10 min
Warmer than Sunday (yay!).
My goal was to run 4 miles in 36 minutes, but I decided I'd be okay with 4 in 40.
I think I was dehydrated since I was kinda nauseous for the last half mile, and dizzy post-run. Scratch that. I know I was dehydrated. Which is plain stupid.
Must. Drink. Water.
But the dehydration is not an excuse for not hitting the 36-minute mark. I know I need to train harder to get faster.
I also need to relax. I was actually nervous when I left the house this morning. Silly, perhaps, but true. I was anxious about meeting my goal. My hands were shaking as I folded tissues to tuck into my waist band.
Speaking of, does anyone's nose run while they run? It's annoying because I'm trying to breathe, but a little snot is getting in the way. Gross. If I had a sleeve, I'd wipe the drip, but I'm wearing tanks.
4.1m
39:10 min
Warmer than Sunday (yay!).
My goal was to run 4 miles in 36 minutes, but I decided I'd be okay with 4 in 40.
I think I was dehydrated since I was kinda nauseous for the last half mile, and dizzy post-run. Scratch that. I know I was dehydrated. Which is plain stupid.
Must. Drink. Water.
But the dehydration is not an excuse for not hitting the 36-minute mark. I know I need to train harder to get faster.
I also need to relax. I was actually nervous when I left the house this morning. Silly, perhaps, but true. I was anxious about meeting my goal. My hands were shaking as I folded tissues to tuck into my waist band.
Speaking of, does anyone's nose run while they run? It's annoying because I'm trying to breathe, but a little snot is getting in the way. Gross. If I had a sleeve, I'd wipe the drip, but I'm wearing tanks.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Knee pain? Read this article.
http://www.drbookspan.com/KneePainArticle.html
I tried to run "lightly" today - not pounding on my knees. Ha! Yeah, totally need more muscle strength. At least now I know what I'll work on this week in the gym.
Inward smile: I actually knew this all along; I've know what I need to do in order to prevent further knee injury.
I guess I just needed to read the article to remind myself.
I tried to run "lightly" today - not pounding on my knees. Ha! Yeah, totally need more muscle strength. At least now I know what I'll work on this week in the gym.
Inward smile: I actually knew this all along; I've know what I need to do in order to prevent further knee injury.
I guess I just needed to read the article to remind myself.
Batman blows off
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4033746
5.4m
54:39
Um, so where are you? It's 6:30am; I'm here. Stretch. Pace. Okay, so I'm going to get my Shuffle.
I just grabbed my music, a coupla cashews and dried cranberries, and hid my keys again. You're not here, so I'm running without you. Sigh. Was really looking forward to the companionship. Plus, I planned my day around a 6:30am run and skipped running with Andrew along the Charles. Maybe this is better - I need to be able run solo since it's not like you'll be running Tufts with me.
It's a tad chilly out. Should I have worn gloves?? I'm not ready for cold runs. Unbelievably, as I type my hands are still cool.
For a while, I ran with my thoughts - headphones on, music off. I miss running for the pure enjoyment of it. On Sundays I like to run with a vague idea of where I'll go, and allowing detours down pretty streets. But last night I mapped a route and stuck to it today. No stopping for anything - not even traffic (love early runs for this reason!). And luckily my shoe didn't come untied until I was stretching after the run! I did slow while I blew my nose twice 'cause I haven't figured out how to breathe hard, run, and blow at the same time. That could just get messy.
The home stretch down Mass Ave was tough through Arlington. I imagined someone coming up beside me, taking my hand, and pulling me along for a bit. Then a woman walking by smiled and said hello genuinely, and a squirrel ran with me - leading the way. I turned on my music and pushed through.
Jen, you can do this, I thought. And I did.
5.4m
54:39
Um, so where are you? It's 6:30am; I'm here. Stretch. Pace. Okay, so I'm going to get my Shuffle.
I just grabbed my music, a coupla cashews and dried cranberries, and hid my keys again. You're not here, so I'm running without you. Sigh. Was really looking forward to the companionship. Plus, I planned my day around a 6:30am run and skipped running with Andrew along the Charles. Maybe this is better - I need to be able run solo since it's not like you'll be running Tufts with me.
It's a tad chilly out. Should I have worn gloves?? I'm not ready for cold runs. Unbelievably, as I type my hands are still cool.
For a while, I ran with my thoughts - headphones on, music off. I miss running for the pure enjoyment of it. On Sundays I like to run with a vague idea of where I'll go, and allowing detours down pretty streets. But last night I mapped a route and stuck to it today. No stopping for anything - not even traffic (love early runs for this reason!). And luckily my shoe didn't come untied until I was stretching after the run! I did slow while I blew my nose twice 'cause I haven't figured out how to breathe hard, run, and blow at the same time. That could just get messy.
The home stretch down Mass Ave was tough through Arlington. I imagined someone coming up beside me, taking my hand, and pulling me along for a bit. Then a woman walking by smiled and said hello genuinely, and a squirrel ran with me - leading the way. I turned on my music and pushed through.
Jen, you can do this, I thought. And I did.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
3.7miles
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4026433
Perfect weather.
While I missed seeing the guy* on Mass Ave who reminds me of my grandfather, Papa Bob, I had tweaked my playlist last night and that carried me through.
*He's been on Mass Ave a bunch of times and always says something encouraging and has a huge grin. He's awesome. I sometimes wonder if he is a runner or former athlete. I've seen him wearing a Bos mara jacket, but never stop and look to see if it's a volunteer issue or athlete issue.
Here's the thing. So I went out looking to do 4m - starting slow, picking up speeding in the middle, then reducing. My plans changed halfway through. I had to go. Number two. I could take my chances and finish my run, but I was increasingly losing focus on the running (which might have its merits aka distraction!). I stopped in at home, dropped off the kids, and blew out the door. (First washing hands, grabbing small handful of raisins and two cashews.) Ah, much better - now I could focus on the run. Since I'd had the short respite, I needed to justify it with some fast running.
Total distance 3.7m
Total running time 34:55
Pre-home 2.4m
Pre-h about 22 min
Post-home 1.3m
Post-h 12:55 min**
**The 1.3m consisted of running normally, then picking it up for a half mile, then back to normal, then a sprint on a flat, then walk, then jog, then sprint the same flat.
Gobs of delicious stretching followed.
Perfect weather.
While I missed seeing the guy* on Mass Ave who reminds me of my grandfather, Papa Bob, I had tweaked my playlist last night and that carried me through.
*He's been on Mass Ave a bunch of times and always says something encouraging and has a huge grin. He's awesome. I sometimes wonder if he is a runner or former athlete. I've seen him wearing a Bos mara jacket, but never stop and look to see if it's a volunteer issue or athlete issue.
Here's the thing. So I went out looking to do 4m - starting slow, picking up speeding in the middle, then reducing. My plans changed halfway through. I had to go. Number two. I could take my chances and finish my run, but I was increasingly losing focus on the running (which might have its merits aka distraction!). I stopped in at home, dropped off the kids, and blew out the door. (First washing hands, grabbing small handful of raisins and two cashews.) Ah, much better - now I could focus on the run. Since I'd had the short respite, I needed to justify it with some fast running.
Total distance 3.7m
Total running time 34:55
Pre-home 2.4m
Pre-h about 22 min
Post-home 1.3m
Post-h 12:55 min**
**The 1.3m consisted of running normally, then picking it up for a half mile, then back to normal, then a sprint on a flat, then walk, then jog, then sprint the same flat.
Gobs of delicious stretching followed.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
inspired 3 miles
Yesterday I looked up old 5K race times and was inspired seeing my results. Granted, I was a whole lot younger. Still, though, if I did it then, I figure I could do it again.
So, I mapped a route and went out. I was a little anxious knowing my plan, but I went anyway. Started slowly, then picked it up. The route: Mass at Russell. To 16, around teeny island and back (and holy crap my time is good so far - 8:41). Down Davenport, cross Elm, up Burnside, right on Summer, down Linden, right on Elm. Somewhere around the JFK Elementary School I got a cramp in the right side of my stomach. I pushed through because I knew I was almost done - just had to make it to Burnside. When I did, I felt mildly like I could puke which quickly passed then I was mega thirsty.
Goal: 3m at 9min miles
9.7.10
27:15
3.09 M
8:4912 pace
Goal exceeded :)
So, I mapped a route and went out. I was a little anxious knowing my plan, but I went anyway. Started slowly, then picked it up. The route: Mass at Russell. To 16, around teeny island and back (and holy crap my time is good so far - 8:41). Down Davenport, cross Elm, up Burnside, right on Summer, down Linden, right on Elm. Somewhere around the JFK Elementary School I got a cramp in the right side of my stomach. I pushed through because I knew I was almost done - just had to make it to Burnside. When I did, I felt mildly like I could puke which quickly passed then I was mega thirsty.
Goal: 3m at 9min miles
9.7.10
27:15
3.09 M
8:4912 pace
Goal exceeded :)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
"long" run not so long
After sleeping in fits - kept awakening from weird dreams - went running at 630am with MF. We ran at a fairly fast pace to the Tufts track, did 2.25 miles there. The intent was to run up a few hills after this, but I crashed during the first hill. Mentally, I wasn't in it and I knew it. I tried to get back in the game, but it wasn't happening. I felt like a jackass for falling short on our run. Of course, MF was pleasant and understanding. We picked it up again after walking the remainder of the hill and down another. We wound our way up College to Broadway and back to Davenport at Mass.
I'd said: "so we'll end at the bottom of this hill?". MF: "I thought you wanted to finish at your house." Me: "Yeah. Okay." (Damn it, MF. And thank you.) He has a way of pushing me that doesn't feel like pushing.
9.5.10
5.7M
I'd said: "so we'll end at the bottom of this hill?". MF: "I thought you wanted to finish at your house." Me: "Yeah. Okay." (Damn it, MF. And thank you.) He has a way of pushing me that doesn't feel like pushing.
9.5.10
5.7M
Thursday, September 2, 2010
hill sprints with Michael
9.2.10
sunny, coolish (or muggy, depending on who you ask and whether they slept with a fan or AC)
6am
walk
jog to Tacos Lupita
the sprinting toward and past Somerville Hosp...Porter, Crocker, Tower...
working on pushing from glutes
ended on good sprint up Tower (starting from wall sign)
jog...working on longer strides
walk
sunny, coolish (or muggy, depending on who you ask and whether they slept with a fan or AC)
6am
walk
jog to Tacos Lupita
the sprinting toward and past Somerville Hosp...Porter, Crocker, Tower...
working on pushing from glutes
ended on good sprint up Tower (starting from wall sign)
jog...working on longer strides
walk
Thursday, August 26, 2010
run to track
sunny
9:00am
start: willow @ elm
down broadway to powder house blvd
up packard to teele
back to phb around mason
poke around to track
.5 mile on track
to garage - door locked - dead end (oops!)
back out to phb to broadway to willow
cross elm to beech to orchard
end at davenport
about 3.87 miles
38:07
9:00am
start: willow @ elm
down broadway to powder house blvd
up packard to teele
back to phb around mason
poke around to track
.5 mile on track
to garage - door locked - dead end (oops!)
back out to phb to broadway to willow
cross elm to beech to orchard
end at davenport
about 3.87 miles
38:07
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