I'm into week 9 and the pre-race jitters aren't getting any better. I'm supposed to really cut down on my running this week and at the same time, I'm not supposed to cross-train either. All this sitting around and resting is actually making me a little frustrated. I'm so used to that rush after exercise, that it's almost like going through withdrawal.
And since I've started running, I've become acutely aware of every little change occuring in my body. So when I'm forced to not work out, I'm literally obsessing over whether I'm putting on weight, and how that will affect my running on race day. The solution to all this madness? The articles on Runner's World :) It was comforting to know that a slight weight gain is expected in the last few days leading up to the race because you're essentially stocking up on water and carbs. Which is also why it's a good idea not to step on the weighing scale during these days :)
I've gotten in just one short run this week - four miles on the treadmill and that's been my entire workout. Other than that, my preparation for race day involves a lot of reading, watching movies, drinking water and eating healthy carbs (all while keeping off my feet!) - now that I think about it, it's really not that bad! :) Hey, if running better requires that I be a couch potato for a few days before, I'm not gonna complain :)
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Week 8 - Long Run
Last long run before race day! And since I've started to taper down, I have to cut back on mileage on my long runs. So we only did 8 miles this saturday.
It seems odd to say that: we ONLY did 8 miles. When I look back to a few months ago, to when I could barely run for two minutes straight, 8 miles seemed such a distant goal. And now, 8 miles doesn't seem so overwhelming anymore. It's a medium size run for me. I guess, long runs for me now constitute anything about 10 miles or more. Wow..
Anyhow, the last few runs seemed off - I had bought a new pair of shoes that weren't agreeing with me. The 8 mile run was to be my 'dress rehearsal' of sorts for the big day so I was dressed up in the gear I wanted to wear during the half-marathon. But about 6 miles into the run, the shoes got really uncomfortable - to the point of pain. That's when I decided I was going to run my half in my old pair of shoes. They're not too worn out yet - they have just about 100 miles on them for now (the newer ones have about 35). Which means they're good for another 200 miles or so :)
But the good thing is, everything else was perfect - the clothes, the fuel, the tunes :) I think I'm all set. All that's left from now until then is two more short runs and plenty of rest! I can't wait!!
It seems odd to say that: we ONLY did 8 miles. When I look back to a few months ago, to when I could barely run for two minutes straight, 8 miles seemed such a distant goal. And now, 8 miles doesn't seem so overwhelming anymore. It's a medium size run for me. I guess, long runs for me now constitute anything about 10 miles or more. Wow..
Anyhow, the last few runs seemed off - I had bought a new pair of shoes that weren't agreeing with me. The 8 mile run was to be my 'dress rehearsal' of sorts for the big day so I was dressed up in the gear I wanted to wear during the half-marathon. But about 6 miles into the run, the shoes got really uncomfortable - to the point of pain. That's when I decided I was going to run my half in my old pair of shoes. They're not too worn out yet - they have just about 100 miles on them for now (the newer ones have about 35). Which means they're good for another 200 miles or so :)
But the good thing is, everything else was perfect - the clothes, the fuel, the tunes :) I think I'm all set. All that's left from now until then is two more short runs and plenty of rest! I can't wait!!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Week 8 - Day 5
The more I run, the more I want to run. Which is why tapering is causing me a little bit of frustration. I know I'm supposed to rest and not do anything to injure myself but while I'm sitting around on the couch, I'm plagued by the thought that somehow, I'll forget how to run. If it's not that, it's "I'm getting fat sitting around" (this obviously stems from my many years spent being a fat girl).. I need to find something to do!!
I'm already planning what I'll do once the marathon is over. I have my sights on a new goal (there will be a separate blog for that - but all of that later) :) ..
Just 9 more days to go.. I actually wrote a friend who just recently ran her first half-marathon too, just to see if this is what it was like for her: being excited, nervous, frustrated, all at the same time.
I'm rambling - my mind is running because my body isn't :) I can't wait to go play wallyball today - I need some exercise!!
I'm already planning what I'll do once the marathon is over. I have my sights on a new goal (there will be a separate blog for that - but all of that later) :) ..
Just 9 more days to go.. I actually wrote a friend who just recently ran her first half-marathon too, just to see if this is what it was like for her: being excited, nervous, frustrated, all at the same time.
I'm rambling - my mind is running because my body isn't :) I can't wait to go play wallyball today - I need some exercise!!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Week 8 - Tuesday
It's taper time!! What is that you ask? Well, it's since there are officially only 2 weeks left to the half-marathon, now more than ever I need to focus on good recovery, proper rest, good nutrition and proper form. Saturday's 11 mile run was the last long run before race day. From now until then, I have to cut down on my weekly mileage by up to 20%-30%. I also have to make sure that on my cross-training days, I don't do anything that could injure me or unnecessary strain the leg muscles too much.
I really had to wrestle with the idea of tapering properly.. perhaps because it is my first big race. For me, personally, a jump of one mile every week is doable - it keeps my nerves at bay. I think: ok, I just ran 8 miles, I can do 9. The next week I do 9 and 10 doesn't seem so difficult. And that's how it's been these past few weeks. But if am to taper properly (and which I am), 11 miles was it. The jump will be of 2.1 miles and it's making me a little nervous.
I know I just have to trust the process a little more. It's worked perfectly for me so far, and I've had no disappointments. So there's no reason for me to believe that tapering won't work. All the experts and our runner friends recommend it for optimum performance on race day. And more than anything else, I want to finish. So I'll have to tough it out, be patient and not let my nerves get the best of me.
So officially, I just have 2 runs of 4 miles each, one 8 mile run and one 2 mile run left before race day. I did a 4 mile run today which was just so-so, basically because I'm still recovering from the 11 miler. But I'm looking forward to Thursday's run too.
12 days and counting!!
I really had to wrestle with the idea of tapering properly.. perhaps because it is my first big race. For me, personally, a jump of one mile every week is doable - it keeps my nerves at bay. I think: ok, I just ran 8 miles, I can do 9. The next week I do 9 and 10 doesn't seem so difficult. And that's how it's been these past few weeks. But if am to taper properly (and which I am), 11 miles was it. The jump will be of 2.1 miles and it's making me a little nervous.
I know I just have to trust the process a little more. It's worked perfectly for me so far, and I've had no disappointments. So there's no reason for me to believe that tapering won't work. All the experts and our runner friends recommend it for optimum performance on race day. And more than anything else, I want to finish. So I'll have to tough it out, be patient and not let my nerves get the best of me.
So officially, I just have 2 runs of 4 miles each, one 8 mile run and one 2 mile run left before race day. I did a 4 mile run today which was just so-so, basically because I'm still recovering from the 11 miler. But I'm looking forward to Thursday's run too.
12 days and counting!!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Week 7 - Long Run
Guess who's back, back again..
Sana's back, tell a friend..
Guess who's back.. guess who's back..
Guess who's back.. guess who's back..
Guess who's back.. guess who's back..
Guess who's back...
*grin*
In case you were wondering whether I had a good long run on Saturday, I did! It was amazing.
Until Friday night, I was really conflicted. It had been such a long time since I'd had a good running day. My left knee had been bugging me for almost two weeks and though the pain and discomfort subsided on Wednesday, I was still being extra cautious. And that's what was bothering me too. I was unable to enjoy my runs like before because I was obsessing over my knee. Which is why I really needed a good running day: so that I could look forward to my runs rather than get scared by them.
Saturday morning arrived: what a gorgeous day. Over a breakfast of oatmeal and eggs and toast, we plotted our route for that day - it was going to be a long one - 11 miles!! Around 1pm we set out. It was a chilly day, only 40 degrees but I was wearing three layers and was comfortable enough.
We got off to a rough start - between mile 1 and 2, I tripped and fell on the pavement. Scrapped my left knee (as if I hadn't had enough trouble with it already) and bruised the other. But if anything, seeing the blood on my knee made me more determined than ever. I was sick and tired of cowering away from my runs. I didn't care what it took - I was going to run 11 miles and that was that. So I dusted myself off and continued.
From then on, it was smooth sailing. We refueled using shot blocks. I gotta admit, they're so good!! We had experimented with Gu on the 10 mile run and I didn't like it one bit - not the taste or the texture. But shot blocks are yummy!! And I love that you can let them linger in your mouth so that you can prevent it from drying out. It's official, shot blocks are my choice for refueling during the run!
The 11 miles was tough - we had about four or five really steep uphills (5-7% gradient) which we had to walk but even with that we managed to complete in about 2 hours and 25 mins. I was high after the run - it was like having my faith renewed in it all over again. This time, I didn't even complain when icing! :) (and that's a lot for me)
Just 2.1 miles to the finish line - almost there!
Sana's back, tell a friend..
Guess who's back.. guess who's back..
Guess who's back.. guess who's back..
Guess who's back.. guess who's back..
Guess who's back...
*grin*
In case you were wondering whether I had a good long run on Saturday, I did! It was amazing.
Until Friday night, I was really conflicted. It had been such a long time since I'd had a good running day. My left knee had been bugging me for almost two weeks and though the pain and discomfort subsided on Wednesday, I was still being extra cautious. And that's what was bothering me too. I was unable to enjoy my runs like before because I was obsessing over my knee. Which is why I really needed a good running day: so that I could look forward to my runs rather than get scared by them.
Saturday morning arrived: what a gorgeous day. Over a breakfast of oatmeal and eggs and toast, we plotted our route for that day - it was going to be a long one - 11 miles!! Around 1pm we set out. It was a chilly day, only 40 degrees but I was wearing three layers and was comfortable enough.
We got off to a rough start - between mile 1 and 2, I tripped and fell on the pavement. Scrapped my left knee (as if I hadn't had enough trouble with it already) and bruised the other. But if anything, seeing the blood on my knee made me more determined than ever. I was sick and tired of cowering away from my runs. I didn't care what it took - I was going to run 11 miles and that was that. So I dusted myself off and continued.
From then on, it was smooth sailing. We refueled using shot blocks. I gotta admit, they're so good!! We had experimented with Gu on the 10 mile run and I didn't like it one bit - not the taste or the texture. But shot blocks are yummy!! And I love that you can let them linger in your mouth so that you can prevent it from drying out. It's official, shot blocks are my choice for refueling during the run!
The 11 miles was tough - we had about four or five really steep uphills (5-7% gradient) which we had to walk but even with that we managed to complete in about 2 hours and 25 mins. I was high after the run - it was like having my faith renewed in it all over again. This time, I didn't even complain when icing! :) (and that's a lot for me)
Just 2.1 miles to the finish line - almost there!
Week 7 - Summary
This week really flew by fast. I kept thinking I'd take some time to update the blog but I just never got around to it. But now that I finally have the time, here's what happened:
Monday was cross-training day so I got on the trusty stair-master for a half hour and finished off with some ab work. I also did lunges for my knee which was still bugging me from the week before. I did plenty of reading on the matter and all the articles suggested including lunges and squats in the workout while building hills into the shorter runs. So that's what the plan was for the rest of the week.
Tuesday was the 5 mile run. And to increase the intensity of the run, I did hill intervals. For every five minute stint, I'd do 2 minutes at a 3% incline and then 3 mins flat running. The last half mile I ran completely uphill at a 4% gradient.
Wednesday was back to cross-training. This time we did 45 minutes on the stairmaster and finished with crunches and extra stretches for my knee and hamstrings. And that really helped.
That and the regular heating of the knee. I didn't get time to fit in my run on Thursday and Friday was supposed to be my day off before the long run on Saturday. But I continued to heat my knee at night and now I have no more pain! :)
I'm really looking forward to the run on Saturday!
Monday was cross-training day so I got on the trusty stair-master for a half hour and finished off with some ab work. I also did lunges for my knee which was still bugging me from the week before. I did plenty of reading on the matter and all the articles suggested including lunges and squats in the workout while building hills into the shorter runs. So that's what the plan was for the rest of the week.
Tuesday was the 5 mile run. And to increase the intensity of the run, I did hill intervals. For every five minute stint, I'd do 2 minutes at a 3% incline and then 3 mins flat running. The last half mile I ran completely uphill at a 4% gradient.
Wednesday was back to cross-training. This time we did 45 minutes on the stairmaster and finished with crunches and extra stretches for my knee and hamstrings. And that really helped.
That and the regular heating of the knee. I didn't get time to fit in my run on Thursday and Friday was supposed to be my day off before the long run on Saturday. But I continued to heat my knee at night and now I have no more pain! :)
I'm really looking forward to the run on Saturday!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Week 6 - Long Run
Saturday's run was the longest and most difficult run for me so far. I crossed the 10 mile mark!! I'm just 3.1 miles from the finish line - by my calculations that should be another 45 mins of running or so. The end is almost in sight :)
The run wasn't easy though - and there was a point (7 miles in) when I had given up. My legs were just so tired. They felt like they were made of lead and at various points along the way, I thought they'd buckle over from exhaustion. I don't know why I was that tired. I'd gotten my sleep, I'd had a great breakfast, I stretched.
Perhaps it was a combination of different things. I hadn't run very much at all during the week - just 3 miles when I should have done about 10. So maybe my legs were rusty. Plus it was really cold on Saturday - really, really cold. It was 48 degrees F, which is like 7 degrees C!! And this was at 2pm!! We were running with gloves and knitted caps on.
Mile 3 was when the tiredness began to kick in and I began yearning for the halfway mark to arrive. When I get to the turnaround point (mile 5) I stopped and stretched rather than just turning around. I thought to myself - that wasn't so bad.. I just have to go back now. But it didn't get any easier. Mile 7 I couldnt take another step. I just got off the trail - I was so disappointed in myself - I was on the verge of tears. I couldn't believe I was giving up but I just didn't have the energy to go on. I stretched a little and had my legs massaged. When I found out we had just 3 more miles to do, I thought to myself - I can do this. 3 miles is nothing!! I can do this!! Please God let me do this.
He could clearly see the disappointment on my face. He knew I was struggling but that I wanted to finish. That's when he said "Don't worry baby - we're going to finish together. I'm running the rest of the way with you - each and every step. We're going to do this - you can do this." That's when I found the strength to go on. If it had not been for him, I wouldn't have made it. This is a man who runs 3 minutes faster than I do! I run as fast as he walks! And he could have hurt himself running at my pace but he was willing to set all that aside and stay with me. Before I knew it, 3 miles became 2, 2 became 1 and soon we were turning that last bend that marked 10 miles! I could have cried from disbelief - I didn't think I was going to make it..
Days like Saturday serve to remind you that you're only human and there will be days when you will be tested. And days like Saturday also remind you why you love the people you love...
The run wasn't easy though - and there was a point (7 miles in) when I had given up. My legs were just so tired. They felt like they were made of lead and at various points along the way, I thought they'd buckle over from exhaustion. I don't know why I was that tired. I'd gotten my sleep, I'd had a great breakfast, I stretched.
Perhaps it was a combination of different things. I hadn't run very much at all during the week - just 3 miles when I should have done about 10. So maybe my legs were rusty. Plus it was really cold on Saturday - really, really cold. It was 48 degrees F, which is like 7 degrees C!! And this was at 2pm!! We were running with gloves and knitted caps on.
Mile 3 was when the tiredness began to kick in and I began yearning for the halfway mark to arrive. When I get to the turnaround point (mile 5) I stopped and stretched rather than just turning around. I thought to myself - that wasn't so bad.. I just have to go back now. But it didn't get any easier. Mile 7 I couldnt take another step. I just got off the trail - I was so disappointed in myself - I was on the verge of tears. I couldn't believe I was giving up but I just didn't have the energy to go on. I stretched a little and had my legs massaged. When I found out we had just 3 more miles to do, I thought to myself - I can do this. 3 miles is nothing!! I can do this!! Please God let me do this.
He could clearly see the disappointment on my face. He knew I was struggling but that I wanted to finish. That's when he said "Don't worry baby - we're going to finish together. I'm running the rest of the way with you - each and every step. We're going to do this - you can do this." That's when I found the strength to go on. If it had not been for him, I wouldn't have made it. This is a man who runs 3 minutes faster than I do! I run as fast as he walks! And he could have hurt himself running at my pace but he was willing to set all that aside and stay with me. Before I knew it, 3 miles became 2, 2 became 1 and soon we were turning that last bend that marked 10 miles! I could have cried from disbelief - I didn't think I was going to make it..
Days like Saturday serve to remind you that you're only human and there will be days when you will be tested. And days like Saturday also remind you why you love the people you love...
Friday, November 6, 2009
Week 6 - Day 5
It's been a disappointing week so far - mostly because I seemed to have developed runner's knee. It's annoying really because it makes you cautious about your running, but it doesnt hurt when you run - just before and after. And the before and after pain, while not debilitating, is very bothersome. And it's frustrating because I can't get my miles in for the week. I've just gone for one run this entire week and that was only 3 miles! My only consolation is that I still managed to fit some hill training into there but the knee makes me extra cautious.
At first we thought it might be psychological pain - one of the famous 'taper traps' that runners fall into before the big day. And I did notice going through some of those changes. In the final weeks leading up to the race, you're so acutely aware of the changes your body is going through: the slightest stomach ache, muscle soreness or joint pain is enough to induce a mini anxiety attack. Will I be able to run? Will this get aggravated? Oh, I better rest. And while rest is good, too much of it makes you rusty and rusty makes the chances of injury higher and there you go getting yourself caught up in a viscious circle.
But coming back to the story: so we thought it might be that and I did venture the 3 mile run in on Wednesday. I've been icing regularly since Tuesday, (today is Friday by the way) and the pain did not go away till last night. So thats when we figured okay.. something else is going on here. We figured we'd try the hot treatment instead and I'm glad to say I've woken up today pain-free!! No stiffness either!! Finally a solution!! So I'm headed off to the gym - I haven't had much exercise this week at all and while I can't run today (tomorrow is the big run), I still need to get legs back to performance form. So the plan is to hit the stairmaster for about an hour followed by some lunges, squats and ab work.
For the coming weeks, to prevent runner's knee cropping up again, I'll be building hill interval work into my shorter runs during the week and I'll regularly do the squats and lunges to strengthen my muscles. I can't afford to not run the entire week and then just go all out on weekends. Not good. Ugh.. I think I'm just a little frustrated - I miss going to the gym, I miss the adrenaline and the endorphins.. I can't wait for 9 am to get here so I can leave home and get my workout groove on!!!
Tomorrow's challenge: 10 miles!
Today's power song (I don't have it yet on my ipod but I'm SO wishing I did): Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night by the Black Eyed Peas..
I gotta feeling.. wooohoooo
That tonight's gonna be a good night...
That tonight's gonna be a good night..
woohoooooo
At first we thought it might be psychological pain - one of the famous 'taper traps' that runners fall into before the big day. And I did notice going through some of those changes. In the final weeks leading up to the race, you're so acutely aware of the changes your body is going through: the slightest stomach ache, muscle soreness or joint pain is enough to induce a mini anxiety attack. Will I be able to run? Will this get aggravated? Oh, I better rest. And while rest is good, too much of it makes you rusty and rusty makes the chances of injury higher and there you go getting yourself caught up in a viscious circle.
But coming back to the story: so we thought it might be that and I did venture the 3 mile run in on Wednesday. I've been icing regularly since Tuesday, (today is Friday by the way) and the pain did not go away till last night. So thats when we figured okay.. something else is going on here. We figured we'd try the hot treatment instead and I'm glad to say I've woken up today pain-free!! No stiffness either!! Finally a solution!! So I'm headed off to the gym - I haven't had much exercise this week at all and while I can't run today (tomorrow is the big run), I still need to get legs back to performance form. So the plan is to hit the stairmaster for about an hour followed by some lunges, squats and ab work.
For the coming weeks, to prevent runner's knee cropping up again, I'll be building hill interval work into my shorter runs during the week and I'll regularly do the squats and lunges to strengthen my muscles. I can't afford to not run the entire week and then just go all out on weekends. Not good. Ugh.. I think I'm just a little frustrated - I miss going to the gym, I miss the adrenaline and the endorphins.. I can't wait for 9 am to get here so I can leave home and get my workout groove on!!!
Tomorrow's challenge: 10 miles!
Today's power song (I don't have it yet on my ipod but I'm SO wishing I did): Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night by the Black Eyed Peas..
I gotta feeling.. wooohoooo
That tonight's gonna be a good night...
That tonight's gonna be a good night..
woohoooooo
Monday, November 2, 2009
Week 5 - Results and Week 6 start
9 miles!! Yeah baby - time to complete 2 hours!! :) wooohooooooooooooo.. only four more miles to complete.. four miles and four weeks... wow.. I'm almost there!!
I've officially hit the threshold at which my legs ache after the run and I need to ice them to recover. I iced for the first time ever after the 9 mile run and oh my god! I was supposed to do it for like 7 mins and I think I screamed continously for the first 3 of them. For those of you who know me, you also know how much I hate cold water. Like absolutely detest it. I cannot stress enough how much I dislike it. So more than the pain, more than the exhaustion, more than anything else, sitting in the bathtub with freezing water was the most difficult thing that I had to endure.
But I will say this - icing works miracles. I still hate it. But I love how it makes the pain go away instantly. Recovery is almost immediate. It's only been less than 48 hours since the run and already I'm back in perfect form. I'm looking forward to my 5 mile run tomorrow.
So even though I missed out on one of my runs in the week - I still finished Week 5 with a total mileage of 13.5 miles. The target for week 6 is 20 miles! :) Like I said - we're coming into the home stretch now. Just yesterday I downloaded the half-marathon route and I'm thinking for the three long runs that I have left before the big day, I might just attempt some part of the route. Wow, just three long runs left till the big day!!
I was reading up on Runner's World about Monster Month - the last four weeks before the event. So these weeks are the most crucial leading up to the event and you need to make certain tweaks to your training to ensure that you're at your best on the day of the race. So from now on, I'm going to try to 'lighten' my cross-training - I'll still be running three days a week. But on my cross-training days I'd still do something strenuous like the stairmaster or elliptical - the focus now is do something that does not put undue stress on the knees. Any weight lifting too will have to be with lighter weights and I have to really step up the stretching to prevent injuries.
Lots to do! Stay tuned for more updates!
I've officially hit the threshold at which my legs ache after the run and I need to ice them to recover. I iced for the first time ever after the 9 mile run and oh my god! I was supposed to do it for like 7 mins and I think I screamed continously for the first 3 of them. For those of you who know me, you also know how much I hate cold water. Like absolutely detest it. I cannot stress enough how much I dislike it. So more than the pain, more than the exhaustion, more than anything else, sitting in the bathtub with freezing water was the most difficult thing that I had to endure.
But I will say this - icing works miracles. I still hate it. But I love how it makes the pain go away instantly. Recovery is almost immediate. It's only been less than 48 hours since the run and already I'm back in perfect form. I'm looking forward to my 5 mile run tomorrow.
So even though I missed out on one of my runs in the week - I still finished Week 5 with a total mileage of 13.5 miles. The target for week 6 is 20 miles! :) Like I said - we're coming into the home stretch now. Just yesterday I downloaded the half-marathon route and I'm thinking for the three long runs that I have left before the big day, I might just attempt some part of the route. Wow, just three long runs left till the big day!!
I was reading up on Runner's World about Monster Month - the last four weeks before the event. So these weeks are the most crucial leading up to the event and you need to make certain tweaks to your training to ensure that you're at your best on the day of the race. So from now on, I'm going to try to 'lighten' my cross-training - I'll still be running three days a week. But on my cross-training days I'd still do something strenuous like the stairmaster or elliptical - the focus now is do something that does not put undue stress on the knees. Any weight lifting too will have to be with lighter weights and I have to really step up the stretching to prevent injuries.
Lots to do! Stay tuned for more updates!
Friday, October 30, 2009
Week 5 - Day 5
I have a confession to make - I haven't kept up with the plan this week. Well not entirely. Well technically just three days off plan (but that IS half a week) - okay so maybe I'm justifying this to myself too much.
Here's what happened:
Last Sunday, as you all know I managed the great 8-miler! And while it was a BIG step forward for me, I have a feeling I may have injured myself a little without knowing it. Not so much that I was incapacitated, but enough to know that something wasn't right. And when 'something doesn't feel right', it's best not to run. Unfortunately, I didn't follow that advice. So after taking a rest day Monday, I ran another 4.5 miles on Tuesday. Good run and everything - just a little discomfort around the kneecap - but it's what happened afterwards that I regret.
Tuesday my legs started to ache - I won't say hurt because there wasn't any pain. The 'ache' was like this tiredness in my legs and I attributed it to the workouts. Wednesday morning I woke up rested but my legs were tired. I figured an extra day of rest during the week would help and that's what I did. Instead of going to the gym on Wednesday, I took the day off.
That was probably one of the wiser things I did. But the fatigued feeling didn't go away. Thursday morning, again - I woke up. I'm rested but my legs felt like they'd been working out during the night - literally like muscle pulling away from the bone tiredness. It worsened during the evening to the point that I couldn't sit for longer than an hour. So I finally took an Advil and took another day off (though technically Thursday was supposed to be another 4.5 mile run for me).
So today is Friday, and today I have finally woken up with the tiredness gone. My legs are back! Whew! Maybe all I did need was rest. Want to go to the gym today but tomorrow is my first 9-miler! And I really want to be at peak performance tomorrow. So I'll keep it light. I'll do some ab work at home but nothing that taxes my legs. I want to be at 100% tomorrow.
I have to admit though - as much as I'm excited about tomorrow's run, I'm scared too. It seems like forever since I laced up my shoes and hit the pavement. I'm scared of going out there and being disappointed or realizing that I did God forbid injure something.
I guess there's just one way to find out right? Until tomorrow then...
Here's what happened:
Last Sunday, as you all know I managed the great 8-miler! And while it was a BIG step forward for me, I have a feeling I may have injured myself a little without knowing it. Not so much that I was incapacitated, but enough to know that something wasn't right. And when 'something doesn't feel right', it's best not to run. Unfortunately, I didn't follow that advice. So after taking a rest day Monday, I ran another 4.5 miles on Tuesday. Good run and everything - just a little discomfort around the kneecap - but it's what happened afterwards that I regret.
Tuesday my legs started to ache - I won't say hurt because there wasn't any pain. The 'ache' was like this tiredness in my legs and I attributed it to the workouts. Wednesday morning I woke up rested but my legs were tired. I figured an extra day of rest during the week would help and that's what I did. Instead of going to the gym on Wednesday, I took the day off.
That was probably one of the wiser things I did. But the fatigued feeling didn't go away. Thursday morning, again - I woke up. I'm rested but my legs felt like they'd been working out during the night - literally like muscle pulling away from the bone tiredness. It worsened during the evening to the point that I couldn't sit for longer than an hour. So I finally took an Advil and took another day off (though technically Thursday was supposed to be another 4.5 mile run for me).
So today is Friday, and today I have finally woken up with the tiredness gone. My legs are back! Whew! Maybe all I did need was rest. Want to go to the gym today but tomorrow is my first 9-miler! And I really want to be at peak performance tomorrow. So I'll keep it light. I'll do some ab work at home but nothing that taxes my legs. I want to be at 100% tomorrow.
I have to admit though - as much as I'm excited about tomorrow's run, I'm scared too. It seems like forever since I laced up my shoes and hit the pavement. I'm scared of going out there and being disappointed or realizing that I did God forbid injure something.
I guess there's just one way to find out right? Until tomorrow then...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Week 4 - Summary
Really racking up the mileage now.. I ended week four with a total of 17 miles!! It's funny: I was talking to my mother the other day and I was telling her that there was a time that I'd be talking to someone and they'd tell me how they'd run 6 miles that day or 8.. and I'd think to myself: 'Wow! I'll never be able to do that!' I always thought that if I did take up running, my body would not be able to withstand more than 3 miles. This was a time when I couldn't run for more than a minute at a time.
And now? I ran 1 hour, 36 mins and 31 secs!! 8 miles on Saturday!! I finally did it.. It WASN'T easy.. not at all.. I think the 8-mile mark is another one of those major thresholds I had to cross. The first threshold was the first mile. Then the three mile mark, then the 5 mile mark and now 8 miles.. why I say this is because you can feel your body work extra hard to push you that extra mile. I really had to dig deep to manage to finish the last mile. I didn't need that nudge when making the transition from 5 to 6 miles or 6 to 7. But 7 to 8 miles was tough.. I'm hoping 8 to 9 miles will be easier too :)
Important lessons for this week: I have to start fueling up better for my runs, especially the long ones. I've suddenly started feeling hungry after hitting the 5 mile mark and like REALLY hungry. Until now I could manage a 4 mile run on about 250 calories but I had a 400 calorie breakfast for the 8 miler but by mile 6 I was hungry. I need to research better breakfasts..
Also, I absolutely have to keep hydrated. One of the reasons the 8 miler was so difficult was because I hadn't hydrated properly.. I had only had like 4 glasses of water the day before and I hadn't had time to drink more than two glasses on the morning of the run. By mile 4 my legs were aching and I had to stop and rest and stretch. But if I have to power through without stopping, I need to hydrate better too. So from now on, I'll be carrying Gatorade on my runs as well as some nutrition to give me that extra burst of energy when I need it most.
Week 5 is about to start - target mileage: 18 miles!!
And now? I ran 1 hour, 36 mins and 31 secs!! 8 miles on Saturday!! I finally did it.. It WASN'T easy.. not at all.. I think the 8-mile mark is another one of those major thresholds I had to cross. The first threshold was the first mile. Then the three mile mark, then the 5 mile mark and now 8 miles.. why I say this is because you can feel your body work extra hard to push you that extra mile. I really had to dig deep to manage to finish the last mile. I didn't need that nudge when making the transition from 5 to 6 miles or 6 to 7. But 7 to 8 miles was tough.. I'm hoping 8 to 9 miles will be easier too :)
Important lessons for this week: I have to start fueling up better for my runs, especially the long ones. I've suddenly started feeling hungry after hitting the 5 mile mark and like REALLY hungry. Until now I could manage a 4 mile run on about 250 calories but I had a 400 calorie breakfast for the 8 miler but by mile 6 I was hungry. I need to research better breakfasts..
Also, I absolutely have to keep hydrated. One of the reasons the 8 miler was so difficult was because I hadn't hydrated properly.. I had only had like 4 glasses of water the day before and I hadn't had time to drink more than two glasses on the morning of the run. By mile 4 my legs were aching and I had to stop and rest and stretch. But if I have to power through without stopping, I need to hydrate better too. So from now on, I'll be carrying Gatorade on my runs as well as some nutrition to give me that extra burst of energy when I need it most.
Week 5 is about to start - target mileage: 18 miles!!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Week 4 - Day 2
Really increasing the mileage now - this week's goal is 17 miles! But I'm making good progress. A small part of me is proud that I've made it this far - I didn't expect to make it till this point. I'd always thought it'd be too difficult and that I'd probably give up a long time ago. But I have to admit that this has become a new passion of mine. I'm at the point of no return - it'd be the greatest mistake of my life if I were to turn back now. And I've never been one to shy away from a challenge. So the days when my legs feel like they can't go any further or when my lungs feel like they're about to explode, I think about what it's going to feel like crossing that finish line for the first time - and it always brings a smile to my face and I feel just a little bit lighter, and my legs feel just a little bit stronger and I get all my energy back.
Yesterday was the first 4.5 mile run for the week - I'm making slow progress on increasing my speed - shaving a few seconds off my 4 mile time every time. But more than anything, I'm racing to finish - sprinting across that finish line is not a priority. I'm managing to keep my average pace just under a 12 min/mile and that's where I'm most comfortable.
Yesterday's power song: Dangerous by Roxette! :) One of my all-time favorite bands..
I've also lost the 2 lbs I'd mysteriously gained over the course of last week. My body fat percentage had also increased and that really scared me. I want to stay lean for the race. So I was extra careful the last two days and I'm back on track as of this morning! :) yipppeee!! I just have to make sure I stay on course..
Today is a cross-training day - so I'll probably tackle the stairmaster again followed by weights for my upper body, abs and back. I'm actually already looking forward to tomorrow's run :)
I'll write again soon!
Yesterday was the first 4.5 mile run for the week - I'm making slow progress on increasing my speed - shaving a few seconds off my 4 mile time every time. But more than anything, I'm racing to finish - sprinting across that finish line is not a priority. I'm managing to keep my average pace just under a 12 min/mile and that's where I'm most comfortable.
Yesterday's power song: Dangerous by Roxette! :) One of my all-time favorite bands..
I've also lost the 2 lbs I'd mysteriously gained over the course of last week. My body fat percentage had also increased and that really scared me. I want to stay lean for the race. So I was extra careful the last two days and I'm back on track as of this morning! :) yipppeee!! I just have to make sure I stay on course..
Today is a cross-training day - so I'll probably tackle the stairmaster again followed by weights for my upper body, abs and back. I'm actually already looking forward to tomorrow's run :)
I'll write again soon!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Week 3 roundup
It's been a while since I posted - not that I haven't wanted to but I guess I just didnt find the time. But I did keep with the training. Week 3's mileage: 14.7! Just under the 15 mile marker that was supposed to be my goal. Here's a summary of the week:
Monday: Was supposed to be a strength and stretch day but I was just so tired. I got ready for the gym (atleast I was motivated - you have to give me points for that). Then we got to talking and I fell asleep while talking!! Right there, in my gym clothes, on the couch - and I was out for like 45 mins! I was exhausted - we'd had a busy weekend. But I didn't worry about it too much because more than anything I wanted to have my energy for my run on Tuesday.
Tuesday: Regular 4 mile run - time to complete was 51 mins
Wednesday: Hit the stairmaster today. First time since the half-marathon training began. I think I wasn't sure about this machine because I thought it might overly exert my quads, glutes and hamstrings. But 30 mins on that machine is quite the workout - I don't sweat that much while running! Follow that with a good bout of stretching and the legs felt great. Perfect for preparing for my Thursday run.
Thursday: Guess the stairmaster workout paid off. I was able to shave an entire minute off my 4 mile time. Time to complete: 49.56 mins!
Friday: Rest day
Saturday: What a day! What a run! Unforgettable. It had been raining all morning and around 11 it stopped for a bit so we thought we'd head out before it started up again. It was our long run - 7 miles and we thought we'd jazz it up a bit by attempting some hills :) (yeah, we're a little masochistic that way). Anyhow, we're 3.5 miles out, we've done two uphills (or three, I don't remember) and we're just about to turn around and suddenly it starts to pour. Like seriously burst down on us. It was like someone was filling buckets of water and throwing them down on us.. We couldnt believe how hard it was raining - it made us laugh so hard.. But what could we do. We turned around and the whole way back, we ran in the rain.
It was the most wonderful feeling ever! I wasn't cold, but the rain really made me push myself. I was running faster, I was able to fit in a few more hills, I was loving it! Our clothes were soaked through - it was like running with weights, but I was loving the burn. Is there any high better than this? The result? 6.7 miles in a completion time of 1hr 20 mins. And the best part: I got to reward myself with a foot massage and a mani-pedi! Do I know how to motivate myself or what? :)
Looking forward to next week!
Monday: Was supposed to be a strength and stretch day but I was just so tired. I got ready for the gym (atleast I was motivated - you have to give me points for that). Then we got to talking and I fell asleep while talking!! Right there, in my gym clothes, on the couch - and I was out for like 45 mins! I was exhausted - we'd had a busy weekend. But I didn't worry about it too much because more than anything I wanted to have my energy for my run on Tuesday.
Tuesday: Regular 4 mile run - time to complete was 51 mins
Wednesday: Hit the stairmaster today. First time since the half-marathon training began. I think I wasn't sure about this machine because I thought it might overly exert my quads, glutes and hamstrings. But 30 mins on that machine is quite the workout - I don't sweat that much while running! Follow that with a good bout of stretching and the legs felt great. Perfect for preparing for my Thursday run.
Thursday: Guess the stairmaster workout paid off. I was able to shave an entire minute off my 4 mile time. Time to complete: 49.56 mins!
Friday: Rest day
Saturday: What a day! What a run! Unforgettable. It had been raining all morning and around 11 it stopped for a bit so we thought we'd head out before it started up again. It was our long run - 7 miles and we thought we'd jazz it up a bit by attempting some hills :) (yeah, we're a little masochistic that way). Anyhow, we're 3.5 miles out, we've done two uphills (or three, I don't remember) and we're just about to turn around and suddenly it starts to pour. Like seriously burst down on us. It was like someone was filling buckets of water and throwing them down on us.. We couldnt believe how hard it was raining - it made us laugh so hard.. But what could we do. We turned around and the whole way back, we ran in the rain.
It was the most wonderful feeling ever! I wasn't cold, but the rain really made me push myself. I was running faster, I was able to fit in a few more hills, I was loving it! Our clothes were soaked through - it was like running with weights, but I was loving the burn. Is there any high better than this? The result? 6.7 miles in a completion time of 1hr 20 mins. And the best part: I got to reward myself with a foot massage and a mani-pedi! Do I know how to motivate myself or what? :)
Looking forward to next week!
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Week 2 - Day 6
6 miles!! First time ever!! What a rush!!
To tell you the truth, I was apprehensive about running today. I don't know why that is. I've noticed I'm almost always a little nervous before my long runs. Maybe because there's a certain amount of expectations tied to them: Will I be able to go as far as I'm supposed to? Will I be able to pace myself properly or will I burn out fast? Will my breathing be stable or will my lungs feel like they could explode? But since I need to be able to run increasingly larger distances, there's always the question, can I do it? And God forbid I can't, it's disappointing..
But that wasn't the case today! No sirree!! My long runs are usually supposed to take place on Sunday but we really wanted to go today instead so that we'd have Sunday free for other things. So I started preparing myself since yesterday night. Early dinner, relatively healthy, slept on time (which was a MAJOR plus) and woke up rested. Had a great breakfast. I'm such a bran flakes junkie, it's not even funny - I could snack on it plain. And no, it doesn't taste like cardboard :) That, soy milk, cranberries and walnuts and you've got yourself a power breakfast with all the right nutrients.
Today was chilly - another reason for my apprehension. So I wore two layers to run and took my jacket with me. Basically I took care of everything that could prevent me from having a great run: I ate right, I made sure I was rested, I dressed appropriately, I stretched before the run so I remained limber and I was off!
Towards the last half mile it got tough - I kid you not. I was like how bad would it be if I walked this last portion? And right away I shot myself down. Was I kidding? To come this far to quit? No way! And just at that point in time, the song 'Under Pressure' by Queen came on :) That helped and before you knew it, I was pumping my arms, running faster and saying to myself, 'Come on - just a little further - come on!' Seriously, if someone had passed by me on the trail they'd think I was talking to myself. But I just didn't want to quit.
The result? 6.04 miles with an average pace of 11:32 per mile!!! Not only did I run my longest distance ever but I set a personal best in terms of pace!! :) I'm so glad I didn't give up :)
Now I can enjoy the rest of the weekend :)
To tell you the truth, I was apprehensive about running today. I don't know why that is. I've noticed I'm almost always a little nervous before my long runs. Maybe because there's a certain amount of expectations tied to them: Will I be able to go as far as I'm supposed to? Will I be able to pace myself properly or will I burn out fast? Will my breathing be stable or will my lungs feel like they could explode? But since I need to be able to run increasingly larger distances, there's always the question, can I do it? And God forbid I can't, it's disappointing..
But that wasn't the case today! No sirree!! My long runs are usually supposed to take place on Sunday but we really wanted to go today instead so that we'd have Sunday free for other things. So I started preparing myself since yesterday night. Early dinner, relatively healthy, slept on time (which was a MAJOR plus) and woke up rested. Had a great breakfast. I'm such a bran flakes junkie, it's not even funny - I could snack on it plain. And no, it doesn't taste like cardboard :) That, soy milk, cranberries and walnuts and you've got yourself a power breakfast with all the right nutrients.
Today was chilly - another reason for my apprehension. So I wore two layers to run and took my jacket with me. Basically I took care of everything that could prevent me from having a great run: I ate right, I made sure I was rested, I dressed appropriately, I stretched before the run so I remained limber and I was off!
Towards the last half mile it got tough - I kid you not. I was like how bad would it be if I walked this last portion? And right away I shot myself down. Was I kidding? To come this far to quit? No way! And just at that point in time, the song 'Under Pressure' by Queen came on :) That helped and before you knew it, I was pumping my arms, running faster and saying to myself, 'Come on - just a little further - come on!' Seriously, if someone had passed by me on the trail they'd think I was talking to myself. But I just didn't want to quit.
The result? 6.04 miles with an average pace of 11:32 per mile!!! Not only did I run my longest distance ever but I set a personal best in terms of pace!! :) I'm so glad I didn't give up :)
Now I can enjoy the rest of the weekend :)
Friday, October 9, 2009
Week 2 - Day 5
Yesterday's run was perfect - lots of energy, steady rhythm, even breathing. Great in every way! :) I ran 4 miles but I really didn't want to stop. I even shaved off an entire minute from my previous 4 mile time! Oh if only all running days were this good..
The hamstring issue has gone - nothing a little massage couldn't fix. I never realized how beneficial these could be but hey, if it gets me running better, I'm all for it. I was able to start faster; I kept upping my speed during the run and ended well too - all while maintaining a steady turnover. It was tiring but all worth it.
I also started paying attention to the music I listen to while running - I thought it might be cool to start creating a playlist of my favorite songs to run to. You'll find this list on the right hand side of the page in case you're interested to find out what I'm running to. And feel free to suggest songs of your own - I'm always on the lookout for new music.
Today's power song: Remember the name by Fort Minor
So I've finally gotten in 8 miles for this week. I'm really looking forward to my first ever 6-mile run on Sunday! :)
The hamstring issue has gone - nothing a little massage couldn't fix. I never realized how beneficial these could be but hey, if it gets me running better, I'm all for it. I was able to start faster; I kept upping my speed during the run and ended well too - all while maintaining a steady turnover. It was tiring but all worth it.
I also started paying attention to the music I listen to while running - I thought it might be cool to start creating a playlist of my favorite songs to run to. You'll find this list on the right hand side of the page in case you're interested to find out what I'm running to. And feel free to suggest songs of your own - I'm always on the lookout for new music.
Today's power song: Remember the name by Fort Minor
So I've finally gotten in 8 miles for this week. I'm really looking forward to my first ever 6-mile run on Sunday! :)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Week 2 - Day 3
So I was doing the math yesterday and I realized I got in 12 miles of running done in the first week! I've NEVER run that much!! I'm so excited. This week, the stakes are even higher - I'm supposed to get through 14 miles! Wow - I knew that I'd be raking up mileage a LOT but this is great. The best part is - still pain-free I am!! :)
So Monday was the stretch and strength day and since I wasn't feeling so great, we just ended up going for a 3 mile walk. Today (Wednesday) was a cross training day so I did 30 mins on the elliptical followed by weights for the legs, arms and abs. But more important that all that was yesterday's run.
I learnt about cadence :)
Yesterday, I did a 4 mile run. It was fair - not one of my best runs but definitely not a bad one. I guess I just wasn't feeling it. I was distracted and my right hamstring was strained. But one thing that drew my attention was the fact that the length of my stride was varying. When I was more energetic, my turnover was higher - but when I'd begin to tire, it would increase. Unfortunately, that's when I would start feeling it in my quads, and I'd speed up again.
Upon further discussion, I discovered that a higher turnover is actually better for you - even though it's more exerting. But it helps reduce the incidence of injuries which can occur if you're 'overstriding'. Like I said though, it's tiring. So I need to work on building speed using cadence drills, so I don't get exhausted.
Tomorrow is another 4 mile run and I'll experiment then.
So Monday was the stretch and strength day and since I wasn't feeling so great, we just ended up going for a 3 mile walk. Today (Wednesday) was a cross training day so I did 30 mins on the elliptical followed by weights for the legs, arms and abs. But more important that all that was yesterday's run.
I learnt about cadence :)
Yesterday, I did a 4 mile run. It was fair - not one of my best runs but definitely not a bad one. I guess I just wasn't feeling it. I was distracted and my right hamstring was strained. But one thing that drew my attention was the fact that the length of my stride was varying. When I was more energetic, my turnover was higher - but when I'd begin to tire, it would increase. Unfortunately, that's when I would start feeling it in my quads, and I'd speed up again.
Upon further discussion, I discovered that a higher turnover is actually better for you - even though it's more exerting. But it helps reduce the incidence of injuries which can occur if you're 'overstriding'. Like I said though, it's tiring. So I need to work on building speed using cadence drills, so I don't get exhausted.
Tomorrow is another 4 mile run and I'll experiment then.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Week 2 - Day 1
I ended last week with a great long run - we drove to Green Lake and ran around the lake twice - 5 miles!! :) It was a gorgeous day, perfect for running - crisp, with a slight nip in the air, with the sun shining and a cool breeze. A casual walker would have found it slightly chilly - it was after all only 53 degrees.
Even though I found it to be a little cold at the start, I warmed up fairly quickly and before long, I had to ditch my jacket. That's something I'm still having to figure out - coming to terms with running in the cool weather. I am NOT a winter person - you ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you I'm the first to turn on the heating at home and slip into my sweater. So I have to actually make an effort to convince myself to go running outdoors. I have no choice - the half-marathon is on Nov 29!! If I'm cold now, I'll be a popsicle by then if I don't get my act together. So among my action items for the coming weeks is monitoring my temperature for the run - perhaps layers is the way to go: start off warm and then peel them away as I get warmed up. But then I have to carry all this excess baggage on me.. hmm....
Anyhow, the 5 mile was great - not easy but good. It's been a while since I've run that far and towards the end it was pretty hard to breathe. But my body is adapting and I'll get there. I know every week it's going to be a little more difficult than the last but I like the long runs - I love the burn, the rush, the feeling that I really pushed myself.. it's like a mini-competition against myself.
And I'm out to win it! :)
Even though I found it to be a little cold at the start, I warmed up fairly quickly and before long, I had to ditch my jacket. That's something I'm still having to figure out - coming to terms with running in the cool weather. I am NOT a winter person - you ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you I'm the first to turn on the heating at home and slip into my sweater. So I have to actually make an effort to convince myself to go running outdoors. I have no choice - the half-marathon is on Nov 29!! If I'm cold now, I'll be a popsicle by then if I don't get my act together. So among my action items for the coming weeks is monitoring my temperature for the run - perhaps layers is the way to go: start off warm and then peel them away as I get warmed up. But then I have to carry all this excess baggage on me.. hmm....
Anyhow, the 5 mile was great - not easy but good. It's been a while since I've run that far and towards the end it was pretty hard to breathe. But my body is adapting and I'll get there. I know every week it's going to be a little more difficult than the last but I like the long runs - I love the burn, the rush, the feeling that I really pushed myself.. it's like a mini-competition against myself.
And I'm out to win it! :)
Friday, October 2, 2009
Week 1 - Day 5
The first week of training is almost over and I have to admit, it's going pretty well. Today's my first day of rest since Monday (it's Friday, by the way) and even though I've been steadily building up mileage, I'm not suffering from any debilitating aches or pains. I'd expected to feel a certain amount of soreness, especially in my legs, considering I haven't run consistently for almost five weeks before this (on account of Ramadan). But I'm pleasantly surprised that there isn't any. And it's an encouraging sign because I know and I feel that I can go further and faster.
Here's how my week has been so far:
Monday: Strength training day. I warmed up with a short cardio session then did weights for my arms and legs and followed that with an abs class.
Tuesday: 3.5 mile run which went pretty smoothly. I consistently upped my speed every five mins or so and finished even stronger. I'm happy about that because that way I'm getting some form of speed training in.
Wednesday: This was supposed to be a 2-miler or cross-training day. So I ended up doing 2 miles on the elliptical and followed that with a killer abs class and some weights for the arms and shoulders.
Thursday: Yesterday was my first run with a heart-rate monitor and while I'd been warned that I might find wearing one frustrating, I didn't realize just how much it could bug me. I had to run 3.5 miles (which I did) but unlike Tuesday, when I had consistently increased my speed every few mins, this time I had to maintain a steady rate so that the heart rate could monitor me and so that I could have a base from which to work from. That nearly drove me insane (like I said, I'm not a patient person). At multiple times during the run I wanted to speed up and I couldnt because I had to pay attention to how I was feeling everytime my heart rate went up or down a couple of notches.
I have to admit though - even with all the complaining I realize how important it was that I wore the monitor yesterday. (Caution: Math follows) So my maximum heart rate should be 199. And if I'm functioning at about 80%, I should be maintaining my heart rate at about 160 beats. Yesterday, when I thought I was running slow, my heart rate was fluctuating between 165 and 175 (83%-88%)! Now I don't know everything there is to know about the science of heart rate zones yet, but I'm assuming if I go faster (which I'd like to), chances are that rate is going to be really high - like the maximum! Ummmm.. not so sure if that's a good thing just yet.. I'll have to read up more on this.
So other than some bruising (courtesy the HR monitor) I'm doing great! Today is a rest day and I'm really taking it easy. Tomorrow is a long run!! 5 miler!! I'm so excited - we're going running by the water!! :)
Here's how my week has been so far:
Monday: Strength training day. I warmed up with a short cardio session then did weights for my arms and legs and followed that with an abs class.
Tuesday: 3.5 mile run which went pretty smoothly. I consistently upped my speed every five mins or so and finished even stronger. I'm happy about that because that way I'm getting some form of speed training in.
Wednesday: This was supposed to be a 2-miler or cross-training day. So I ended up doing 2 miles on the elliptical and followed that with a killer abs class and some weights for the arms and shoulders.
Thursday: Yesterday was my first run with a heart-rate monitor and while I'd been warned that I might find wearing one frustrating, I didn't realize just how much it could bug me. I had to run 3.5 miles (which I did) but unlike Tuesday, when I had consistently increased my speed every few mins, this time I had to maintain a steady rate so that the heart rate could monitor me and so that I could have a base from which to work from. That nearly drove me insane (like I said, I'm not a patient person). At multiple times during the run I wanted to speed up and I couldnt because I had to pay attention to how I was feeling everytime my heart rate went up or down a couple of notches.
I have to admit though - even with all the complaining I realize how important it was that I wore the monitor yesterday. (Caution: Math follows) So my maximum heart rate should be 199. And if I'm functioning at about 80%, I should be maintaining my heart rate at about 160 beats. Yesterday, when I thought I was running slow, my heart rate was fluctuating between 165 and 175 (83%-88%)! Now I don't know everything there is to know about the science of heart rate zones yet, but I'm assuming if I go faster (which I'd like to), chances are that rate is going to be really high - like the maximum! Ummmm.. not so sure if that's a good thing just yet.. I'll have to read up more on this.
So other than some bruising (courtesy the HR monitor) I'm doing great! Today is a rest day and I'm really taking it easy. Tomorrow is a long run!! 5 miler!! I'm so excited - we're going running by the water!! :)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
How it all began...
A couple of months ago, a close friend of mine remarked that anyone could run a half-marathon. We were discussing the merits of running (something I'd always wanted to do) and he was trying to convince me how easy it was to take it up. My response was skeptical to say the least. Running had always seemed a little 'super-human' to me: something that required proper discipline and patience - neither of which I am known for.
But I'd always imagined of someday just cruising down a pavement, hearing the leaves crunch under my feet, feeling the cool breeze on my face, feeling the rush you get after a really good workout. To me, the thought of running was liberating and empowering. I wanted to run for two reasons:
a) On some level I wanted to break with tradition: In my culture, girls don't run/race or ride bikes in public once they reach puberty. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but since you've never grown up running in public, doing so in your late-twenties requires a little bit of courage.
b) Secondly, having struggled with my weight my whole life, I knew being a runner would mean that I would have to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even building up to 15 or 20 mins of continuous running would require that I consistently exercise, make the right nutritional choices, and not give up. I was (at this time) a healthy and fit person - I went to the gym every day for over an hour and ate well. But taking up running would be the true test of whether all my hard work was paying off. And it would ensure that I continued my efforts.
Running wasn't just a one-time thing - it was a commitment! It wasn't like going to an aerobics class or hitting the cardio machines where everything was all over and done with in an hour. Running required day to day changes in the way I functioned. Running wasn't a one-night stand; it was a marriage. There would be off-days when I wouldn't be feeling so great, and there would be days when nothing could go wrong. And I'd have to manage them all, if I wanted it to work.
And so I began in April. At first, I could barely run for a minute straight. I looked up some good walk/jog programs on Runners World and used those to build up my stamina and my speed. It took time and patience and the odd setback to get me where I am today. But I was surprised by how quickly my body adapted - before I knew it I was running five minutes straight, then ten, then twenty.. It's been almost seven months now since I've been running consistently and I'm proud to say I've built up to a continuous 4 miler (I've done three 5-mile runs too but they've been spaced so far apart that I'm discounting them). I just ran my first official 5K race on the 26th of September at the Seattle AIDS walk and I'm running my second on October 4th. All of this will (hopefully) eventually lead to the Seattle Half-Marathon on November 29th, 2009.
Through all of this, I've drawn my strength and motivation from that one person I mentioned at the beginning of this post. He's served as my coach, my cheerleader and my running partner. And now, with my heart set on running my first half-marathon in a few weeks, I know I can count on him to meet me at the finish line.
Read on to find out how I'm doing! :)
But I'd always imagined of someday just cruising down a pavement, hearing the leaves crunch under my feet, feeling the cool breeze on my face, feeling the rush you get after a really good workout. To me, the thought of running was liberating and empowering. I wanted to run for two reasons:
a) On some level I wanted to break with tradition: In my culture, girls don't run/race or ride bikes in public once they reach puberty. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but since you've never grown up running in public, doing so in your late-twenties requires a little bit of courage.
b) Secondly, having struggled with my weight my whole life, I knew being a runner would mean that I would have to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even building up to 15 or 20 mins of continuous running would require that I consistently exercise, make the right nutritional choices, and not give up. I was (at this time) a healthy and fit person - I went to the gym every day for over an hour and ate well. But taking up running would be the true test of whether all my hard work was paying off. And it would ensure that I continued my efforts.
Running wasn't just a one-time thing - it was a commitment! It wasn't like going to an aerobics class or hitting the cardio machines where everything was all over and done with in an hour. Running required day to day changes in the way I functioned. Running wasn't a one-night stand; it was a marriage. There would be off-days when I wouldn't be feeling so great, and there would be days when nothing could go wrong. And I'd have to manage them all, if I wanted it to work.
And so I began in April. At first, I could barely run for a minute straight. I looked up some good walk/jog programs on Runners World and used those to build up my stamina and my speed. It took time and patience and the odd setback to get me where I am today. But I was surprised by how quickly my body adapted - before I knew it I was running five minutes straight, then ten, then twenty.. It's been almost seven months now since I've been running consistently and I'm proud to say I've built up to a continuous 4 miler (I've done three 5-mile runs too but they've been spaced so far apart that I'm discounting them). I just ran my first official 5K race on the 26th of September at the Seattle AIDS walk and I'm running my second on October 4th. All of this will (hopefully) eventually lead to the Seattle Half-Marathon on November 29th, 2009.
Through all of this, I've drawn my strength and motivation from that one person I mentioned at the beginning of this post. He's served as my coach, my cheerleader and my running partner. And now, with my heart set on running my first half-marathon in a few weeks, I know I can count on him to meet me at the finish line.
Read on to find out how I'm doing! :)
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