You're expecting an exciting post based on the title...ha! unfortunately what is flirting with me needs to get lost;-)
Let's see training season has been great overall...I haven't had an injury since my doozy of an IT band back in '05. So, why the heck is plantar flirting with me now. See what I mean this flirt needs to get lost. I realize my right calf is uber tight and the good news about being a student again I rarely 'have' to wear high heels anymore. Ignore my blog photo. I'm rolling the heck out of my calf on a very tiny ball. This ball is just one size larger than a golf ball and just a tad softer. What I'm getting at is this ball makes me quiver it hurts so bad to roll on. Regardless I am rolling on this teany weany size of a ball almost non-stop...so why is my foot hurting more??? I've made the executive decision not to go to tomorrow morning's work-out and take Friday off as well. I'm hoping to get my calves massaged while I'm at it. Me not running 2 days in a row is not a pretty sight. You may want to steer clear, just sayin.'
And I thought flirting was supposed to be fun...
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Processing
I seem to be in a processing mode this semester not too worry I only wish to discuss my process of running. I think I've finally made peace with my IBM 10K 'Race' this past weekend. I was frustrated on a lot of levels and am slowly celebrating the small successes that did come from this race. The week I'm having I have to acknowledge the small successes;-)
I haven't run a 10k since I don't know when. Let's just say before Sunday I did NOT have a 10k PR listed in my little running PR box. This leads me to believe it didn't exist;-)
Goal- 46:33 (7:32 pace)
Actual finish- 48:00 (flat, dead even, 7:44 pace)
Once I finished I was very disappointed with my time even though I knew I left nothing on the course I was unhappy with my results. My coach was quick to say find the successes in it, focus on it and let the disappointment go. Ok, I find that way easier said than done. Well, it's Wednesday and I can officially let it go. Remember I'm slow.
My first mistake at this race was to start in the middle. I spent the first mile dodging people in a very tight space. When I saw the first mile time I knew there was no way to hit my goal. I couldn't move any faster than I had just moved and the time sucked!!! With that said I now know to get behind 'the train' and start from there. I know those peeps start very close to the front. Sorry, the rest can pass me, I will be that asshole. My coach said I could, take it up with him.
1mi= 8:18 (WTH?)
2 mi= 7:33
3 mi= 7:28 (14:55 for miles 3 & 4)
4mi= 7:28
5 mi= 7:32
6 mi= 8:15 (wheels are coming off)
.2 mi= 1:27
Here's what I learned from this race. I am a much stronger runner than I was back in '06 both mentally and physically. I ran 10 miles on Saturday and more than likely ran those miles a little too fast. I worked the rest of the day at the store and drank no water. Ok, I don't recommend this as a good pre-race plan just what I had on schedule for the day minus the lack of water. In a way this so called pre-race plan showed me my progress with the ability to push past the dehydration cramps (this used to stop me dead in my tracks) and find a rhythm regardless of pace and get'er done.
So all in all I'm satisfied with this finish. I still have work to do but know my goal is within reach;-)
I haven't run a 10k since I don't know when. Let's just say before Sunday I did NOT have a 10k PR listed in my little running PR box. This leads me to believe it didn't exist;-)
Goal- 46:33 (7:32 pace)
Actual finish- 48:00 (flat, dead even, 7:44 pace)
Once I finished I was very disappointed with my time even though I knew I left nothing on the course I was unhappy with my results. My coach was quick to say find the successes in it, focus on it and let the disappointment go. Ok, I find that way easier said than done. Well, it's Wednesday and I can officially let it go. Remember I'm slow.
My first mistake at this race was to start in the middle. I spent the first mile dodging people in a very tight space. When I saw the first mile time I knew there was no way to hit my goal. I couldn't move any faster than I had just moved and the time sucked!!! With that said I now know to get behind 'the train' and start from there. I know those peeps start very close to the front. Sorry, the rest can pass me, I will be that asshole. My coach said I could, take it up with him.
1mi= 8:18 (WTH?)
2 mi= 7:33
3 mi= 7:28 (14:55 for miles 3 & 4)
4mi= 7:28
5 mi= 7:32
6 mi= 8:15 (wheels are coming off)
.2 mi= 1:27
Here's what I learned from this race. I am a much stronger runner than I was back in '06 both mentally and physically. I ran 10 miles on Saturday and more than likely ran those miles a little too fast. I worked the rest of the day at the store and drank no water. Ok, I don't recommend this as a good pre-race plan just what I had on schedule for the day minus the lack of water. In a way this so called pre-race plan showed me my progress with the ability to push past the dehydration cramps (this used to stop me dead in my tracks) and find a rhythm regardless of pace and get'er done.
So all in all I'm satisfied with this finish. I still have work to do but know my goal is within reach;-)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Pacing
Pacing is something I hear about non-stop in fact it's something I'm supposed to know how to do. Well, guess what, I can't pace for the life of me. Actually that last statement isn't completely true but it's not far from the truth, I promise. No, I don't want a garmin I don't like looking at a watch non-stop. I am however, bound and determined to figure out how to feel my pace. I have always been one of those get out there and run type gals. Basically, when doing speed work I run 'til it hurts and sometimes this carries over into my long runs as well. Never mind that I've been working with the same coach for the past 2 years and I'm just NOW starting to understand what the hell he's been talking about. Ok, so I'm a little slow on the uptake of some things and I'm glad to finally be getting this message.
Today was one of the hardest work-outs of my life, and I'm beyond ecstatic with the outcome. About a month ago I thought no way in HELL I will be able to pull off a 3:39 at CIM (California International Marathon in Sacramento). I couldn't find my running legs it was like they were on permanent vacation. However, something changed recently- maybe the attitude adjustment I had been struggling with or the sweet kind soul that sent me a kick in the ass e-mail (Jeff- I will be forever grateful).
Let me explain the soul buster work-out. Basically, it was a run from North Austin to the Austin High School track which is more or less in South Austin. We had to put in 18 miles before getting to the track and the route was far from kind. If you're familiar with Austin you know we have some unforgiving hills such as Red Bud Trail & Stratford and yes, we had to knock those out prior to getting to the track. So, not only am I working on the pacing thing I've been trying real hard on slowing down at the beginning of my runs. I tend to act like I'm a dog being let out of the gate. Start hauling ass the second feet hit the pavement and then mid-way lose all steam and crawl to the end. Not a good method of madness for a marathon.
Part 2 of this work-out was all mental. It consisted of 6 miles on the track...that's right 24 friggin' laps on the reddish brown oval in the daylight mind you. The first 2 miles were to be at marathon goal pace (MGP)- Brenda and I nailed this one. Both miles were the exact same. Holy smokes we're awesome, but you already knew that didn't you? The next 2 miles were half-marathon goal pace (HPMG) this is when the mental game really kicks into gear. Again mission accomplished. The final 2 miles (I thought suicide looked good right about now) were to be at your 10k pace. I will spare you the f-bombs I was dropping in my head. Thank goodness Sisson, my coach, was on the track asking how things were going. I knew going for 10k pace prolly wasn't in the stack of cards for me. I told him I'm slipping...his words dial down to MGP if you need to but get 'er done! I'd like to state for the record I may not have hit the 10k pace but I was faster than my HPMG with my form still in tact. It's the small things that make me wanna do the happy dance.
All I've got to say is that track section made me dig down deep to levels I never knew existed and quite frankly, without the sweet souls standing on the track passing out water (did I mention we couldn't stop between these 6 miles) and cheering I would have never found those levels.
My coach, the man of few compliments told me he was impressed with my running. So with a puffed up chest and my posse we hobbled the 3 miles left to the store and 27 miles later I couldn't be happier!!!
Today was one of the hardest work-outs of my life, and I'm beyond ecstatic with the outcome. About a month ago I thought no way in HELL I will be able to pull off a 3:39 at CIM (California International Marathon in Sacramento). I couldn't find my running legs it was like they were on permanent vacation. However, something changed recently- maybe the attitude adjustment I had been struggling with or the sweet kind soul that sent me a kick in the ass e-mail (Jeff- I will be forever grateful).
Let me explain the soul buster work-out. Basically, it was a run from North Austin to the Austin High School track which is more or less in South Austin. We had to put in 18 miles before getting to the track and the route was far from kind. If you're familiar with Austin you know we have some unforgiving hills such as Red Bud Trail & Stratford and yes, we had to knock those out prior to getting to the track. So, not only am I working on the pacing thing I've been trying real hard on slowing down at the beginning of my runs. I tend to act like I'm a dog being let out of the gate. Start hauling ass the second feet hit the pavement and then mid-way lose all steam and crawl to the end. Not a good method of madness for a marathon.
Part 2 of this work-out was all mental. It consisted of 6 miles on the track...that's right 24 friggin' laps on the reddish brown oval in the daylight mind you. The first 2 miles were to be at marathon goal pace (MGP)- Brenda and I nailed this one. Both miles were the exact same. Holy smokes we're awesome, but you already knew that didn't you? The next 2 miles were half-marathon goal pace (HPMG) this is when the mental game really kicks into gear. Again mission accomplished. The final 2 miles (I thought suicide looked good right about now) were to be at your 10k pace. I will spare you the f-bombs I was dropping in my head. Thank goodness Sisson, my coach, was on the track asking how things were going. I knew going for 10k pace prolly wasn't in the stack of cards for me. I told him I'm slipping...his words dial down to MGP if you need to but get 'er done! I'd like to state for the record I may not have hit the 10k pace but I was faster than my HPMG with my form still in tact. It's the small things that make me wanna do the happy dance.
All I've got to say is that track section made me dig down deep to levels I never knew existed and quite frankly, without the sweet souls standing on the track passing out water (did I mention we couldn't stop between these 6 miles) and cheering I would have never found those levels.
My coach, the man of few compliments told me he was impressed with my running. So with a puffed up chest and my posse we hobbled the 3 miles left to the store and 27 miles later I couldn't be happier!!!
Friday, October 03, 2008
Another One
Another good quote for me...
"Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no matter how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles."
Og Mandino
1923-1996, Speaker and Author of The Greatest Salesman in the World
This one comes to me at the right time as I'm struggling with school this semester and don't have much enthusiasm towards it anymore. It's a ME problem I know I'm ready to be back in the real world. So, with this quote I'm adjusting my attitude and finding peace as I whip out my latest design. I'm way behind and need to work at lightening speed to get to where I need to be. Bring on the enthusiasm;-)
"Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no matter how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles."
Og Mandino
1923-1996, Speaker and Author of The Greatest Salesman in the World
This one comes to me at the right time as I'm struggling with school this semester and don't have much enthusiasm towards it anymore. It's a ME problem I know I'm ready to be back in the real world. So, with this quote I'm adjusting my attitude and finding peace as I whip out my latest design. I'm way behind and need to work at lightening speed to get to where I need to be. Bring on the enthusiasm;-)
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