Got 5 Miles Today!

I wasn't sure if I'd get to run outside today. When I woke up, it was raining. But I had to get my miles in to somewhat stay on schedule for 1/2 training during the move this weekend. So I started on the treadmill and lo and behold within 5 mins. I could see a bit of sunlight through the basement window. Finished up that mile on the treadmill and headed directly outside to run 4 more. So happy not to run the whole thing on the treadmill!

Today's run was a bit hard for whatever reason. Still managed a 10:36 pace though. On the last mile my knee started to bother me. I've never had that happen before. It hasn't bothered me anymore today after that, so I hope it's nothing to be concerned about. I suppose I'll find out in the morning.

Tomorrow's plan is to get up early and get in 4 miles in enough time to pick up the moving truck by 8:00. Then pack and load the truck all day. We're taking a break later in the day for Paige's birthday party with my inlaws. She's turning 16! We're having another party with my family after we get back HOME/move!

Lots to do....

Catching Up

Life has been a bit hectic lately! I didn't get my 4 miles in Saturday like I had planned. We're getting ready to move and made a trip to our house in another state to clean and make repairs. We had plumbing leaks everywhere! We are very fortunate that my husband can handle these things. But it put us behind because we didn't have water until late on the second day.

I ran 3 miles yesterday. It was quite enjoyable. Ran it in 28:25 mins. at a 9:27 avg. pace. That's about 30 secs slower than race pace which I think qualifies as a tempo run.

Today's run was a 7 miler and not quite as enjoyable. The culprit was my own mind. All I could think of was how long this was going to take. I was able to literally talk myself into liking what I was doing and it turned out just fine. I'm always glad I did it when I'm finished. lol Ran today's 7 miles in 1:14:38 at a 10:39 avg. pace. That's the same pace as last week's 8 mile long run. Next week's long run is 9 miles. eeeek! I wonder how that will go? Anyone have a magic 8 ball?

The rest of the week's running schedule may get tricky. Just found out that if I can change our moving truck reservation we are going to move a week earlier than expected. I'll see how I feel in the morning but I'm tempted to sneak in Friday's 2 miles tomorrow instead of a rest day. Then do the scheduled 4 miles on Thurs. Off Friday. Then it will be up in the air as to whether I get in Saturday's 5 miles. Maybe I'll get it in Sunday. After that I should be back to a more normal life again. Cross your fingers that this all comes together!

I've Got the Tempo in Me...

Did my 4 miles this morning at tempo pace. Ran it in 39:07 at an avg pace of 9:46! That's only 30 secs slower than my best avg. 5K pace. Legs felt great and were pretty much on auto pilot except for a few little hills and inclines. I'm so thankful when that happens. : ) I tried to get the negative split thing going but didn't quite make it happen on mile 2. But the other miles were progressively faster. Really tried to pick it up on the last .25! I read on the RW forums that is a good practice to get into the habit of doing during your training runs to prepare for finishing races.

Caught a glimpse of Mr./Ms. Muskrat again today! He/she refuses to let me get more than that. Lots of Lake County Hwy. Dept. trucks going back and forth on my normally quiet route. I need to find out what they are up to all the way out there.

I have a lot going on this weekend. But I do plan to get another 4 mile run in this weekend! I'll most likely be away from the computer until Monday. I'll catch up with you then!

Taking It Easy Today

Today is a scheduled rest day and it couldn't be more well timed after yesterday's 8 miler. My legs ARE fatigued this morning. But I know they'll be ready to go again tomorrow! My husband knows me so well. He said if this is a rest day then rest. He knows I usually get a little bored and feel lazy when I rest and then say to myself well I'll just do a little. lol I am taking this increase in running seriously though (life experience and wisdom) and don't want to make the rest of the week's training miserable. Thank goodness I have to pack and get ready for our trip. That will keep me busy. But I might just have time to squeeze in an upper body workout! lol

I'm so proud of Lori! She is doing everything she possibly can to get ready for the 1/2 AND she works full time. It is refreshing to finally get to know someone that means what she says and backs it up with action and wisdom. So many say they want to accomplish something but then don't go all out. And then they wonder why it/whatever didn't happen for them.

I figure there's no time to waste! If I'm going to get in the rest of the things I want to do in this lifetime, I better get a move on. Time waits for no wo/man! No regrets for me. : )

First 8 Miler + New Hydration Belt = Oh Boy!

The new belt felt great until I put water in the bottle and actually ran with it. lol The water made the belt noticeably heavier. I really felt like this 20 0z. bottle of water was slowing me down. I know that sounds silly! Just past the first mile I stopped to take off the belt and hide it in the weeds. I really did feel much more free and lighter without it. I knew I was coming back the same way and would drink and pick it back up around the 4 mile mark. Once I drank the water the belt felt fine again. I believe the water made a positive difference in this run. I felt refreshed and had a surge of energy right afterward. I was very hot and I felt once again after the water that I could do this!

I also fueled with raisins along with the water. I'm not a big fan of gummies but at first thought I would use them. I think the raisins chewed up much more quickly and were easier to swallow than gummies would have been.

I proceeded to run through town and since there wasn't any water left in the bottle, I ran past the house and dropped off the belt. I'm going to either have to get used to the belt or start driving my route ahead of time to stash water bottles and fuel.

Then I ran in the opposite direction from before through a subdivision armed with my jogger pepper spray. I haven't run through this neighborhood in a few years because I had a dog scare there. A nice man in a car that happened to be driving by blocked the dogs from getting to me. As I was nearing the end of the run, I realized I had gone out too far. I probably had to walk a mile to get back to the house when the run was over. lol

Oh forgot! I ran my first 8 miler in 1 hr 25 mins. The average pace was 10:38. I did a lot better than I expected!

Interval Training

I took Lori's cue and tried out an interval workout today to mix things up. I found it to be challenging and satisfying at the same time.

1 x 800 warm up (6mph, 10:00 pace)
2 x 800 : (7 mph, 8.34 pace) (7.5mph, 8:00 pace)
3 x 400: (7.5 mph, 8:00 pace) (8mph, 7:30 pace) (8mph, 7:30 pace)
2 x 200: (9mph, 6.40 pace) 2x
1 x 800 cool down (6mph, 10:00 pace)

Intervals = 3 miles

1-1.5 min walk @ 3.7 in between

Followed it with 3x dumb bell circuit:
chest , back, shoulders, bis, tris

I feel energetic and alive! Great workout!

Feeling a bit apprehensive about tomorrow's long run. I'm scheduled for 8 miles. I'll just take my time and see what happens. It's just an unknown for me. My longest run yet! Send good vibes my way. : )

Time to Relax

Taking a break today!

Went shopping and had lunch with my husband this afternoon. Found a great deal on a pair of my favorite running shoes. I'll put them away for when my current shoes are worn out. Also got a small pepper spray that straps to your palm so I can feel more secure. I worry about dogs more than people. But I'll have it for them too if the need arises. lol I actually saw a pepper spray online that sprays your attacker bright green. lol

I saw the division results for yesterday's 5k. Many excellent runners came out for the race. Overall winner ran it in 15:00 flat! First place female was in the 16's. Excellent times all around! There were women in their 40's - 60's running in the low 20's. There were so many youthful looking seniors at the race. They make me hopeful!