So I ran last night. First time since my disq/q race on Sunday. Ran 1 mile at 1130 pace and then after hacking up half a lung, I ran intervals... 2 min at 6.5, 2 min at 5.5 5x... took a few breaks (lungs mainly). then ran until mileage was 4. Then did intervals through mile 5. then sprinted from 5-5.5 to try and get that sense of saving fuel until the end.
Then I got a massage. I am wiped today. And have the start of a migraine. I need to leave work early.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
overwhelmed
Running is overwhelming. It's not just the running. It's the peripheral stuff. It's the stretching, the laundry, the non running rest days, the cross training days, the rinsing of the clothes after runs, the buying of gels and gatorades from sports stores, the ipod music selection, the hanging and then folding of the running clothes, the dry skin treatments, the black toe extra nailpolishing, the eating every two hours, the buying and preparing the food to eat every two hours. Basically, its a job. Training for a marathon is a damned job. And p.s. I have a job. A 50-55 hours a week job. I have no time for training.
Maybe I'm feeling the pressure, perhaps I'm getting nervous, perhaps it's winter blues (my gut tells me it's a bit of them all) but I feel like there is no time. I bundle up, I walk quickly to the gym, I strip. I run. I bundle up, I walk quickly home. In the winter I hate showering lest my skin feel like it might skirt off like that of a snake. I lather in lotion rich body wash and spend 10 minutes then putting on lotion. It's worse when I run outside. I pack my bag with tights, shorts to wear over tights (Ive never actually worn them bc I have too many layers), my drifit base, my fleecy over layer, my gloves, my hat, my gels, my fanny pack, my hydration belt, my ipod, my tissues, my chapstick. Then I pack my after stuff, my lotion (face), my clean shirt, my fleece or sweater, my socks, my warm hat, my gloves. I pack this huge bag and drag it on the bus to work or on the bus to central park 2x a week. When I come home its a wet smelly mess of gross running clothes half frozen and my work clothes and sometimes even my clothes from the night before from sleeping at Matt's. I am a bag lady.
Walk into my house and there are multiple bags. My running bag. My sleepover bag. My purse (which is used solely on wkds if I am lucky- I rarely use this). My running/sleepover bag. Each has requisite staples (bare bones makeup, chapstisk, $20, a metro card, gatorade, a hair tie). Each exhausts me a little more. Next to the bags there are piles. Dirty running clothes which need to be washed, clean running clothes to fold and put away, ditry work clothes to bring to the cleaners, clothes I've tried on but havent worn. I am a pile and bag lady.
I've decided that until the race something has to give. I have to sleep at my house sometimes. I need the down time. My body needs the down time. I have to get a cleaning lady who will put away my clothes and understand my piles. I can't be bothered to rinse plates at this point and forget pulling out the vacumn. I will take cabs to work in the am which will cost about 50 a week but give me 2 hrs of extra sleep a week. I might buy a treadmill to tide me over until it warms up/lightens up/stays light longer because at 5 am I can't wake up and do that to my body.
My poor body!!! It's tired. I am tired.
My poor boyfriend!!! If I were him I'd be tired of my whine.
I havent run since Sundays 4 miler (from which I am no longer disqualified- not sure how that happened). I will run tonight. I hope. Bronx half is on Sunday. Looking fwd to a better time than Manhattan... We'll see by how much- the forecast is 50/30. Better than 18/12. like MUCH better.
I mapped the long branch course out. I mapped out my training schedule until then. I feel better.
Maybe I'm feeling the pressure, perhaps I'm getting nervous, perhaps it's winter blues (my gut tells me it's a bit of them all) but I feel like there is no time. I bundle up, I walk quickly to the gym, I strip. I run. I bundle up, I walk quickly home. In the winter I hate showering lest my skin feel like it might skirt off like that of a snake. I lather in lotion rich body wash and spend 10 minutes then putting on lotion. It's worse when I run outside. I pack my bag with tights, shorts to wear over tights (Ive never actually worn them bc I have too many layers), my drifit base, my fleecy over layer, my gloves, my hat, my gels, my fanny pack, my hydration belt, my ipod, my tissues, my chapstick. Then I pack my after stuff, my lotion (face), my clean shirt, my fleece or sweater, my socks, my warm hat, my gloves. I pack this huge bag and drag it on the bus to work or on the bus to central park 2x a week. When I come home its a wet smelly mess of gross running clothes half frozen and my work clothes and sometimes even my clothes from the night before from sleeping at Matt's. I am a bag lady.
Walk into my house and there are multiple bags. My running bag. My sleepover bag. My purse (which is used solely on wkds if I am lucky- I rarely use this). My running/sleepover bag. Each has requisite staples (bare bones makeup, chapstisk, $20, a metro card, gatorade, a hair tie). Each exhausts me a little more. Next to the bags there are piles. Dirty running clothes which need to be washed, clean running clothes to fold and put away, ditry work clothes to bring to the cleaners, clothes I've tried on but havent worn. I am a pile and bag lady.
I've decided that until the race something has to give. I have to sleep at my house sometimes. I need the down time. My body needs the down time. I have to get a cleaning lady who will put away my clothes and understand my piles. I can't be bothered to rinse plates at this point and forget pulling out the vacumn. I will take cabs to work in the am which will cost about 50 a week but give me 2 hrs of extra sleep a week. I might buy a treadmill to tide me over until it warms up/lightens up/stays light longer because at 5 am I can't wake up and do that to my body.
My poor body!!! It's tired. I am tired.
My poor boyfriend!!! If I were him I'd be tired of my whine.
I havent run since Sundays 4 miler (from which I am no longer disqualified- not sure how that happened). I will run tonight. I hope. Bronx half is on Sunday. Looking fwd to a better time than Manhattan... We'll see by how much- the forecast is 50/30. Better than 18/12. like MUCH better.
I mapped the long branch course out. I mapped out my training schedule until then. I feel better.
Monday, February 2, 2009
A Racing Wkd
Sunday I ran in NYRR's Gridiron Classic 4 miler. 41:06 was my unofficial time. Unofficial because I num nuttedly deactivated my chip during my warm up run- stupid- but I wanted to know where the finish line was.
So, although it doesnt REALLY matter, it does because it was an improved time (some 30 seconds faster than in December) and because the race won't count to the 9+1 guaranteed entry to NYC2010 which I want the option on.
Regardless, I was proud of my time and even more proud that I dressed light with just a hat, light gloves, a dri fit and a long sleeve tshirt w tights for 30 degrees and wasnt cold. My shins were a bit tight (as were my legs in general) but overall felt ok given my 35 mile 7 day total (thurs-thurs I'd run 35 miles as I think I previously mentioned) and given the fact that Matt and I did a cooking class which ended at 11 on Saturday night and that we went out Friday and drank.
Overall, thumbs up. This week I'm going to train a bit but not hard. Tonight it's a few miles (it's SO nice out, I can't resist) and tomorrow more hills. Wednesday I hope for yoga and Sunday I might run a loop. Overall that should be 3+3+6 which will be a 25 mile week. I'm OK with that :)
Nothing else to report. Back is icky but need more yoga!
So, although it doesnt REALLY matter, it does because it was an improved time (some 30 seconds faster than in December) and because the race won't count to the 9+1 guaranteed entry to NYC2010 which I want the option on.
Regardless, I was proud of my time and even more proud that I dressed light with just a hat, light gloves, a dri fit and a long sleeve tshirt w tights for 30 degrees and wasnt cold. My shins were a bit tight (as were my legs in general) but overall felt ok given my 35 mile 7 day total (thurs-thurs I'd run 35 miles as I think I previously mentioned) and given the fact that Matt and I did a cooking class which ended at 11 on Saturday night and that we went out Friday and drank.
Overall, thumbs up. This week I'm going to train a bit but not hard. Tonight it's a few miles (it's SO nice out, I can't resist) and tomorrow more hills. Wednesday I hope for yoga and Sunday I might run a loop. Overall that should be 3+3+6 which will be a 25 mile week. I'm OK with that :)
Nothing else to report. Back is icky but need more yoga!
Friday, January 30, 2009
and so what? im still a rockstar
I ran almost 11 miles last night in CP. 10.85 to be exact. With Nicole. I was freezing. And I didnt bring gu or water- I kept going the last 3 miles by talking abotu Gatorade- I thoght Nicole was going to smack me on the head- lol.
Had you told me last year that my trailing 7 day mileage would be 33 miles I wouldve laughed at you. Because I wouldnt have believed it myself. I'm now wondering how much of this really is mental. Like if I repeat "I can do this" enough times, can I?
Alex sent me an email that I wrote to him apparently in January 08 and it says "I could never run 15 miles!!!!" Sigh. It's on my to do list for February that's for sure. I'm going to run 15. Skipping 14 altogether. That's nice at least.
Race is on Sunday. Wish me luck. I want to run under 41 minutes. My previous PR is 41:30 so not a huge improvement but I'll be running alone. I'm pumped (I think!!!)
Had you told me last year that my trailing 7 day mileage would be 33 miles I wouldve laughed at you. Because I wouldnt have believed it myself. I'm now wondering how much of this really is mental. Like if I repeat "I can do this" enough times, can I?
Alex sent me an email that I wrote to him apparently in January 08 and it says "I could never run 15 miles!!!!" Sigh. It's on my to do list for February that's for sure. I'm going to run 15. Skipping 14 altogether. That's nice at least.
Race is on Sunday. Wish me luck. I want to run under 41 minutes. My previous PR is 41:30 so not a huge improvement but I'll be running alone. I'm pumped (I think!!!)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
bastards! dont let them get you down
Well. People really should learn to keep their mouths shut. And I, on the other hand, should keep her ears shut.
"You know Jen, I'm not sure I could run as slow as you"
"Don't people run a full marathon in the time it took you to run the half"
EW. I am trying to put the comments out of my mind. But it's hard.
Anyway. Last night was disapointing. I tried to run my hills workout but it didnt happen. My calves were aching after the second set of "hills" so I just finished 2 miles and called it a night. I mean, I did do some weights for my upper body to try and help-- 400 calorie burn which wasnt bad according to my HRM. You know, I havent found that balance of eating and running where I feel great, perhaps its just the weather.
Today I woke up congested and skipped pilates. To be frank, I hate pilates. I like yoga but need some gentle yoga which I can't seem to really find. I actually woke up and forgot I had an 8 am mtg and lollygagged a bit too long before leaving for work. Ugh. Add the runny nose to that and you have a not so happy me.
Tonight I have dinner plans. Which is fine but I feel like I need to work out. I mean I did rest Monday right?
"You know Jen, I'm not sure I could run as slow as you"
"Don't people run a full marathon in the time it took you to run the half"
EW. I am trying to put the comments out of my mind. But it's hard.
Anyway. Last night was disapointing. I tried to run my hills workout but it didnt happen. My calves were aching after the second set of "hills" so I just finished 2 miles and called it a night. I mean, I did do some weights for my upper body to try and help-- 400 calorie burn which wasnt bad according to my HRM. You know, I havent found that balance of eating and running where I feel great, perhaps its just the weather.
Today I woke up congested and skipped pilates. To be frank, I hate pilates. I like yoga but need some gentle yoga which I can't seem to really find. I actually woke up and forgot I had an 8 am mtg and lollygagged a bit too long before leaving for work. Ugh. Add the runny nose to that and you have a not so happy me.
Tonight I have dinner plans. Which is fine but I feel like I need to work out. I mean I did rest Monday right?
Monday, January 26, 2009
my second half
I wrote an entire entry and it was erased. Bastards.
Ok so this weekend was my second half. Objectively I didn't do wonderfully but when you know the details you might be proud just like me.
a) it was 14 out at the start. At the finish it was a balmy 18. Really? Had you told me 2 months ago that I'd be running for HOURS in those temperatures I would have staunchly said "No I'm not". Now I am just lacing out and dealing (well I mean i DID complain- but come on! It was cooooooooooold! People had frozen ponytails and the water was completely frozen and had to be slammed against the tables so you could chew on ice!!!)
b) I ran the last 2 miles at a 'fast' pace for me. The last mile was a 9:22 and the 0.1 was a 54 second pace... I ran the race in 2:26:17 and had run the Oct 3rd 2008 half in 2:20:17 which had been my cutoff time. I did stop to pee soooo 5 extra minutes to account for freezing temps is A OK with me
c) I am doing this, I am running, I feel good, I ran strong and well.
d) I passed a TON of people on Lap 2. Starting from Harlem Hill (and ending on E7nd transverse) I passed a TON of people. In fact I don't think anyone passed me. I felt elated as I came up HH the second time.... Like free! I loved that feeling and was singing GIVE ME GIVE ME MOREEEEEEEEEEE by Ms. Spears!
e) my body felt good. great even, tight calves but I was so cold I didn't stretch too much (yikes!)
f) I'm excited about running again... I had fallen off that wagon!!
Coming up:
Tuesday- hill training, Thursday- long run in the park with Nic, Sat- 5 mile slow run, Sun- 4 mile race. Feb 8th- Bronx half.
wk 1.5 19.07
wk 1.12 21.5
wk 1.17 23
TOTAL 151.79
Ok so this weekend was my second half. Objectively I didn't do wonderfully but when you know the details you might be proud just like me.
a) it was 14 out at the start. At the finish it was a balmy 18. Really? Had you told me 2 months ago that I'd be running for HOURS in those temperatures I would have staunchly said "No I'm not". Now I am just lacing out and dealing (well I mean i DID complain- but come on! It was cooooooooooold! People had frozen ponytails and the water was completely frozen and had to be slammed against the tables so you could chew on ice!!!)
b) I ran the last 2 miles at a 'fast' pace for me. The last mile was a 9:22 and the 0.1 was a 54 second pace... I ran the race in 2:26:17 and had run the Oct 3rd 2008 half in 2:20:17 which had been my cutoff time. I did stop to pee soooo 5 extra minutes to account for freezing temps is A OK with me
c) I am doing this, I am running, I feel good, I ran strong and well.
d) I passed a TON of people on Lap 2. Starting from Harlem Hill (and ending on E7nd transverse) I passed a TON of people. In fact I don't think anyone passed me. I felt elated as I came up HH the second time.... Like free! I loved that feeling and was singing GIVE ME GIVE ME MOREEEEEEEEEEE by Ms. Spears!
e) my body felt good. great even, tight calves but I was so cold I didn't stretch too much (yikes!)
f) I'm excited about running again... I had fallen off that wagon!!
Coming up:
Tuesday- hill training, Thursday- long run in the park with Nic, Sat- 5 mile slow run, Sun- 4 mile race. Feb 8th- Bronx half.
wk 1.5 19.07
wk 1.12 21.5
wk 1.17 23
TOTAL 151.79
Friday, January 23, 2009
how did 5 turn into 7?
Last night I ended up NOT running with NikeTown and not running 5 miles but instead 7. I also didn't run with my IPOD which, honestly, is a feat in and of itself. I left from the office and ran through the park and up to NYRR to get my shirt and chip for this Sunday. My best discovery of the night is that my fleecy top layer has a HUGE pocket in the sleeve- it's honestly amazing. It had my key card to get into the building, my chip, my number folded up, a gel pack, tissues. HUGE and you didnt notice it! The fact that the pocket was my number one amazement last night is lame- but hey that's the life of running.
Tonight I have to go to yoga. Have to. No excuses. (I guarantee you I will find one- sigh!!!)
This wk wasnt terrible: Monday-off, Tuesday- Run, Wednesday- weights, Thursday- Run, Friday-Yoga, Sat-off, Sunday- Run.
Tonight I have to go to yoga. Have to. No excuses. (I guarantee you I will find one- sigh!!!)
This wk wasnt terrible: Monday-off, Tuesday- Run, Wednesday- weights, Thursday- Run, Friday-Yoga, Sat-off, Sunday- Run.
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