Hector told me that he has some new methods of torture for me...I informed him that he was not allowed to kick my ass this week--it's my 40 mile week. Today, I got streatched (Woo-Hoo!) and then we did arms and core. Hopefully Wednesday will be an easy day too.
I then decided to do my second longest run for the week of ten miles on the elliptical. That took about two hours. Really it wouldn't have been so bad if I a) wasn't already tired and b) it wasn't "Member Apprecation Day".
I HATE Member Apprecation Day. It pisses me off. The gym pretty much turns in to a circus. No, I don't want WaMu free checking. No, I don't want some cream that decreases skin dammage. No, I don't want to hear a DJ blasting some club music that I can't even drown out with my own head phones. AArrgh!! It really chaps my ass. There are only 2 reasons I go to the gym. 1) To kick my ass. 2) To have Hector kick my ass. (Argueably there is a third--to stare at the Hot Stair Climbing Fireman, but he doesn't know I exist so, really that's just a bonus when one of the first two happens!)
But at least my 10 miler is done...I really want to push myself to get the other two five mile runs in tomorrow and Wednesday. I really feel that I need the two days off in a row to prepare for the 20 miler. Maybe Big John will want to go see Run Fat Boy, Run to help me take my mind off of it.
On another note, I noticed thanks to the calculations on my Runner's World Training Log, I have officially run over 100 miles for the month of March! 108.6 miles to be exact! I'm a ROCK STAR!! (A sore and tired rock star, but I'm still a rock star none the less!)
Monday
Sunday
March 30, 2008
Ohmigawd...
I don't think I've ever been this sore or this tired.
Memo to me:
DO NOT RUN 15 MILES BEFORE ANY SORT OF RACE AND EXPECT TO FEEL GOOD AFTER IT! EVEN IF THERE IS FREE BEER!!
Thanks! Love, your Legs, Feet and Ass.
That being said I didn't do too bad at the Shamrock Shuffle. One problem was that I forgot to attach my chip to my shoe. I realized when I was walking down Michigan Ave. "SHIT!" was the first thing out of my mouth. Many turned around, but I stated what was the problem and they understood. There was no way to get it in time. I tried to look at the bright side, at least I still had my beer tickets.
I didn't notice the time at the start of the race but I imagine I can subtract 25 to 30 minutes from the finish clock of 1:23:0-something. So I'm figuring it took 50 and 60 minutes. That's not a huge PR time or anything, but it's respectable.
It was misty rainy and cold so I chug-a-lugged my beers and headed home. I missed Vicki, which I'm bummed about, but by the time I got her message I was already on the way home. I'm still proud of her for finishing.
I don't think I've ever been this sore or this tired.
Memo to me:
DO NOT RUN 15 MILES BEFORE ANY SORT OF RACE AND EXPECT TO FEEL GOOD AFTER IT! EVEN IF THERE IS FREE BEER!!
Thanks! Love, your Legs, Feet and Ass.
That being said I didn't do too bad at the Shamrock Shuffle. One problem was that I forgot to attach my chip to my shoe. I realized when I was walking down Michigan Ave. "SHIT!" was the first thing out of my mouth. Many turned around, but I stated what was the problem and they understood. There was no way to get it in time. I tried to look at the bright side, at least I still had my beer tickets.
I didn't notice the time at the start of the race but I imagine I can subtract 25 to 30 minutes from the finish clock of 1:23:0-something. So I'm figuring it took 50 and 60 minutes. That's not a huge PR time or anything, but it's respectable.
It was misty rainy and cold so I chug-a-lugged my beers and headed home. I missed Vicki, which I'm bummed about, but by the time I got her message I was already on the way home. I'm still proud of her for finishing.
Saturday
March 29, 2008
First of all I thought today was a 12 miler...then I found out it was 14. Grrr.
It was a good run. I haven't run in forever, and I haven't completed a long run in 2 weeks. I was a little worried about it, but I made it. Thank goodness Becky was back today. Running slower with her (rather than the 11:00 minute pace) was probably VERY beneficial to my congested lungs.
We started by running North to sthe start of the path and back which was 5 miles. Then headed South to Oak Street Beach. Once at Oak Street, Becky and Val decided that they wanted to go to the Shamrock Shuffle Expo to pick up a thing or two, so we ran to the end of Navy Pier. I think this definately adds a mile to the run for the day.
We got back at around 12:30. I don't think the run was really 4 1/2 hours...after all we did go to the expo. I think that added at least 45 minutes and then if you count water stops I'd say our run of 14 was closer to 3 hours.
I think that once the new Garmin watches come out in May, I'm going to invest in one. They're MUCH smaller than their predicessor. I heard that the 305's were much better at calculating distance through tall buildings, so I'd assume that the 405 would also have the better upgrade. I would like a more accurate time when I post my info, especally after the long runs. That would do the trick. I also signed up to be concidered to be a pacer for one of the Begining/5k/10k running groups. A watch is a must have for that sort of thing. Fingers crossed I get it!!
It was a good run. I haven't run in forever, and I haven't completed a long run in 2 weeks. I was a little worried about it, but I made it. Thank goodness Becky was back today. Running slower with her (rather than the 11:00 minute pace) was probably VERY beneficial to my congested lungs.
We started by running North to sthe start of the path and back which was 5 miles. Then headed South to Oak Street Beach. Once at Oak Street, Becky and Val decided that they wanted to go to the Shamrock Shuffle Expo to pick up a thing or two, so we ran to the end of Navy Pier. I think this definately adds a mile to the run for the day.
We got back at around 12:30. I don't think the run was really 4 1/2 hours...after all we did go to the expo. I think that added at least 45 minutes and then if you count water stops I'd say our run of 14 was closer to 3 hours.
I think that once the new Garmin watches come out in May, I'm going to invest in one. They're MUCH smaller than their predicessor. I heard that the 305's were much better at calculating distance through tall buildings, so I'd assume that the 405 would also have the better upgrade. I would like a more accurate time when I post my info, especally after the long runs. That would do the trick. I also signed up to be concidered to be a pacer for one of the Begining/5k/10k running groups. A watch is a must have for that sort of thing. Fingers crossed I get it!!
Wednesday
March 26, 2008
Seriously hating Hector.
I'm still sore from Monday. I did 1k warm up and then Hector and I did arms and core because my legs were shot.
BAH!
I'm still sore from Monday. I did 1k warm up and then Hector and I did arms and core because my legs were shot.
BAH!
Monday
March 24, 2008
Legs and core. Hector kicked my ass. 'Nuff said.
Oh, and seriously, EVERY frickin' treadmill AND elliptical was taken. WTF? Seriously people--go out side! It's nice out!!
Oh, and seriously, EVERY frickin' treadmill AND elliptical was taken. WTF? Seriously people--go out side! It's nice out!!
Saturday
March 22, 2008
Long run day.
I made it four miles before my lungs tightened up and I couldn't breathe. Ugh. This sinus infection will not go away!! So I did the last 14 miles on the elliptical at the gym. That pretty much sucked ass. Seriously, if I hadn't brought magazines I might have tried to hang myself with a weight belt. Total for the day: 18 miles.
I made it four miles before my lungs tightened up and I couldn't breathe. Ugh. This sinus infection will not go away!! So I did the last 14 miles on the elliptical at the gym. That pretty much sucked ass. Seriously, if I hadn't brought magazines I might have tried to hang myself with a weight belt. Total for the day: 18 miles.
Wednesday
March 19, 2008
I didn't realize how sore I was from yesterday until I tried to run today. The treadmill sucked. I just couldn't get my legs moving. So I switched to hill work. I did a 1/2 mile warm up and then jacked up the incline to 15. I did 2 big hills with a rest between. And then a cool down. It was 4 miles total.
I Hector and I did arms today. He had some new guy following him around. New guy didn't say much. The most that he asked me was "How long have you been working out with Hector." That's it. He's no fun.
I Hector and I did arms today. He had some new guy following him around. New guy didn't say much. The most that he asked me was "How long have you been working out with Hector." That's it. He's no fun.
Tuesday
March 18, 2008
I know my ass has been dragging, but I was a rock star today!! I went back to Judy's gym and got on the elliptical thingy that they don't have at my gym. It seems like it mimics running closer than the precor. And let's face it, I like it because it's a little bouncy! :)
I can't believe I was able to do a run with negitive splits. Seriously, my first mile was 10, my second was nine and judging from my total time on the machine, I continued to maintain that pace. I did have to have some mental toughness towards the end, but I kept counting down on this shorter run, so the speed seemed to come easy.
I ran 5 miles in 43:55. That's AMAZING! I was a speed demon. Seriously, I hope I can do the Shamrock Shuffle in that sort of range. That would be awesome!
I just hope the machine is calibrated correctly, and that this time isn't a complete annomoly (It was an 8:47 minute mile, after all.) that will never happen again. WOO-HOO for personal bests!!
I also weighed myself on Judy's scale. It seems her scale is off by about ten pounds, because there is no way that I lost 9 lbs since Saturday. Granted I weighed myself right before the shower and wasn't wearing clothes, and at the doctor's office I was clothed...My clothes don't weigh ten pounds. True, I hope I've lost that much (let's face it, it would be a whole lotta awesome), it just doesn't seem very likely. But until I can confirm or deny on my own scale, I LOVE Judy's scale! :)
Looks like machines are miss calibrated in my favor today...maybe I should get a lottery ticket or something...
I can't believe I was able to do a run with negitive splits. Seriously, my first mile was 10, my second was nine and judging from my total time on the machine, I continued to maintain that pace. I did have to have some mental toughness towards the end, but I kept counting down on this shorter run, so the speed seemed to come easy.
I ran 5 miles in 43:55. That's AMAZING! I was a speed demon. Seriously, I hope I can do the Shamrock Shuffle in that sort of range. That would be awesome!
I just hope the machine is calibrated correctly, and that this time isn't a complete annomoly (It was an 8:47 minute mile, after all.) that will never happen again. WOO-HOO for personal bests!!
I also weighed myself on Judy's scale. It seems her scale is off by about ten pounds, because there is no way that I lost 9 lbs since Saturday. Granted I weighed myself right before the shower and wasn't wearing clothes, and at the doctor's office I was clothed...My clothes don't weigh ten pounds. True, I hope I've lost that much (let's face it, it would be a whole lotta awesome), it just doesn't seem very likely. But until I can confirm or deny on my own scale, I LOVE Judy's scale! :)
Looks like machines are miss calibrated in my favor today...maybe I should get a lottery ticket or something...
Monday
March 17, 2008
I'm trying to run. I feel a little better but I'm not at 100%. I did 9 miles on the elliptical today. I really had to push myself through the last 3 miles and the last mile really took some mental toughness. I'm praying that I"m ready for Saturday's 18 miles. Being sick during training is stressing me out!!
Sunday
March 16, 2008
I'm on the mend, but no where near back to normal. I went to Judy's gym today on a guest pass. VERY NICE! A little smaller than mine, but very nice none the less. I did 6 miles between two different ellpticals in about an hour 1:15. I really wanted to do my long run (12 miles), but that wasn't happening. I just want to be well and back to training!!! I know I shouldn't push myself when I'm sick, but fear is such a strong motivator in this process. I did head back to Judy's for a steam and shower. The steam was EXTREMELY helpful in helping to clear my sinuses. I definately have to hit that again!
Wednesday
March 12, 2008
I really wish I could get to sleep. I've been having trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. As a result I'm tired all day (duh!) I'm starting to feel better, but there's still some ickys in my nose.
I bumped in to that Hot Stair climber guy again. (I think I forgot to post the other times...but still SO CUTE!!) Seriously, he's so riddiculously hot, that my IQ goes down 20 points when I talk to him. I just get stupid and start babbling. (I'm such an idiot.--Not to mention the fact that I was wearing a Mickey Mouse t-shirt and pink socks with Monkeys on them.) He got down from the stair machine and asked me how the Hancock was...I told him it went well and asked about snowmobiling. He mentioned runs over the summer (turns out he's a fireman) such as Firefighter's Race for the Kids 5K and one other at the Academy in June. I told him that I had done the first and that I liked to run...and thats about when I started babbling about marathon training and running. I could hear my internal monologue telling me to shut the hell up--to bad my mouth didn't listen. Finally, I got out something to the effect of "those sound like fun, let me know when you know about it." (DUDE!! I really talk like that!!!AAAAAAAAA!!!!)
So after that I needed to be on the other side of the gym. (Nothing like exhiling yourself due to embarassment.) Hector did proceed to kick my ass. At one point I was getting a little dizzy. I think it was a hydration issue. It's my own damn fault...I need to remember to bring my water bottle when I work out and not leave it in my classroom. Hector also knows my affinity for a certian other gym member and was giving me crap. The last thing I want to do is see this guy when I'm dreanched with sweat.
On to swiming. We were on our own today while Emily worked with the new batch of swimmers. So...the Breaststoke hates me. I think I have the elementry back stroke. Freestyle/front crawl is ok...I just need to get my endurance up for doing it for a longer period of time. I have no idea what is the length of the pool for distance. Emily said that after the break, I should be practiceing in the deep end. No prob...if it makes me a stronger athlete and swimmer, then game on!
I bumped in to that Hot Stair climber guy again. (I think I forgot to post the other times...but still SO CUTE!!) Seriously, he's so riddiculously hot, that my IQ goes down 20 points when I talk to him. I just get stupid and start babbling. (I'm such an idiot.--Not to mention the fact that I was wearing a Mickey Mouse t-shirt and pink socks with Monkeys on them.) He got down from the stair machine and asked me how the Hancock was...I told him it went well and asked about snowmobiling. He mentioned runs over the summer (turns out he's a fireman) such as Firefighter's Race for the Kids 5K and one other at the Academy in June. I told him that I had done the first and that I liked to run...and thats about when I started babbling about marathon training and running. I could hear my internal monologue telling me to shut the hell up--to bad my mouth didn't listen. Finally, I got out something to the effect of "those sound like fun, let me know when you know about it." (DUDE!! I really talk like that!!!AAAAAAAAA!!!!)
So after that I needed to be on the other side of the gym. (Nothing like exhiling yourself due to embarassment.) Hector did proceed to kick my ass. At one point I was getting a little dizzy. I think it was a hydration issue. It's my own damn fault...I need to remember to bring my water bottle when I work out and not leave it in my classroom. Hector also knows my affinity for a certian other gym member and was giving me crap. The last thing I want to do is see this guy when I'm dreanched with sweat.
On to swiming. We were on our own today while Emily worked with the new batch of swimmers. So...the Breaststoke hates me. I think I have the elementry back stroke. Freestyle/front crawl is ok...I just need to get my endurance up for doing it for a longer period of time. I have no idea what is the length of the pool for distance. Emily said that after the break, I should be practiceing in the deep end. No prob...if it makes me a stronger athlete and swimmer, then game on!
Monday
March 10, 2008
Ok, still feeling crappy and tired and can't breathe through my nose.
Therefore, no running, just Hector today. We did some great core work on the half ball thingy. Seriously, I'm a rock star. He had me doing squats on it while holding a medicine ball. No problem. I love the fact that my core is strong enough to have awesome balence like that!!
Therefore, no running, just Hector today. We did some great core work on the half ball thingy. Seriously, I'm a rock star. He had me doing squats on it while holding a medicine ball. No problem. I love the fact that my core is strong enough to have awesome balence like that!!
Saturday
March 8, 2008
Ugh.
So sick with a sinus infection. I really did try to do my long run. But I only made it four miles. This is not good.
Must see Dr. Luna for drugs.
So sick with a sinus infection. I really did try to do my long run. But I only made it four miles. This is not good.
Must see Dr. Luna for drugs.
Wednesday
March 5, 2008
It was a rock star kind of work out. I did a 4 mile tempo run at 12:30. My legs are still a little heavy from the weekend. 12:30 isn't bad, but it isn't good either.
Hector and I had a kick ass work out. He had some new tricks up his sleaves. I loved it! I have a feeling it's going to be the good kind of sore...where you know you did something, but you aren't praying for death.
Swimming is still going. I'm going to sign up for another 7 weeks. I talked with the instructor, and even though I pass to the next level (yeah, I rock) I can sign up for the same class. Really, it's not for fear of going on to the next level, rather that the next level is Saturday mornings. That conflicts with my long run. I would like my goal to get the strokes better, especially the breast stroke (because I look like a victim of a shark attack when I do it!) I would also like to work up to being able to swim for an hour. That would be so awesome! Baby steps, though, baby steps.
Hector and I had a kick ass work out. He had some new tricks up his sleaves. I loved it! I have a feeling it's going to be the good kind of sore...where you know you did something, but you aren't praying for death.
Swimming is still going. I'm going to sign up for another 7 weeks. I talked with the instructor, and even though I pass to the next level (yeah, I rock) I can sign up for the same class. Really, it's not for fear of going on to the next level, rather that the next level is Saturday mornings. That conflicts with my long run. I would like my goal to get the strokes better, especially the breast stroke (because I look like a victim of a shark attack when I do it!) I would also like to work up to being able to swim for an hour. That would be so awesome! Baby steps, though, baby steps.
Tuesday
March 4, 2008
No after school today! That means I can get to the gym and out before 7:00—Woo-Hoo! I seriously forgot how great it is to be done with your workouts by 6:00…even if it was a 2 hour work out.
I did 8 miles on the elliptical. They were really slow. My legs have just felt sluggish lately. I can’t decide if I need to throw in some yoga or Pilates to help lengthen the legs, ease up on some of the long runs or push myself more on the short runs, even if my legs are full of lead. I guess it’s all part of the learning process.
I did 8 miles on the elliptical. They were really slow. My legs have just felt sluggish lately. I can’t decide if I need to throw in some yoga or Pilates to help lengthen the legs, ease up on some of the long runs or push myself more on the short runs, even if my legs are full of lead. I guess it’s all part of the learning process.
Monday
March 3, 2008
I went to the gym today. I had every intension of running 8 miles before I saw Hector, but I only did five. Seriously, legs are like concrete! Hector and I did a core work out and then he stretched me out. I thank God for his stretching. Seriously, this would really be a hellish process if he didn’t do it!
Spring break is coming soon. Hector mentioned working out together again. That was awesome! I’m ready to have a week of SERIOUS training. I’m going to hit it hard because as I get closer to the marathon, I’m going to have to taper down so I can get ready for the big race. I’m glad he wants to work out with me. I find it motivational and fun to see my trainer push himself.
Time to go play at Judy's!
Spring break is coming soon. Hector mentioned working out together again. That was awesome! I’m ready to have a week of SERIOUS training. I’m going to hit it hard because as I get closer to the marathon, I’m going to have to taper down so I can get ready for the big race. I’m glad he wants to work out with me. I find it motivational and fun to see my trainer push himself.
Time to go play at Judy's!
Saturday
March 1, 2008
I was freaking out about this run...I've never gone this far, ever. This was 2 more miles than my longest. Seriously, 15 miles? That’s crazy talk!! Who actually runs that far? I was seriously considered putting my bus pass in my pocket just in case the Lakefront Path made me cry.
To start, I pulled up late; seriously, all the groups were walking out as I was getting in. Part of me wanted to go back to bed. I caught the 12:00 ½ marathon group, and then the 11:30s ½ marathon group. I ran with them through the first 3 miles up to the first water stop at North Avenue. That’s when I caught Betsy and the 11:00s for the full marathon. Elaine (the 12:00 pace group leader) had to work today, and poor Becky has pneumonia (there is no 11:30 for the full). Betsy told me she’d look out for me and that I could try to keep up…and I did! (Who knew?) In fact, I actually heard the phrase: “Beth, slow down!” Seriously, outside of Disney World those words have never been spoken. I was pushing the group to run faster than the 10:30’s!! I didn’t even have an asthma attack or entertain taking a nap at the Art Institute (I’ve never actually done it, but I sure as hell have thought about it!).
We ran from the Waveland Clock tower to the sledding hill on the South end of Soldier Field and back. I maintained that pace up through Fullerton. I started to fall back and was running much slower. I was passed by the 10:30’s about mile 14. But I finished in exactly 3 hours. Not counting the water stops and pee break (both are COMPLETELY necessary) that is a 12:00 minute pace…and if you subtract that time, I ran an 11:00 minute pace!
I forced myself to go grocery shopping after (so I could keep moving) and then I sat in an ice bath for 15 minutes—complete with some MAJOR tourette’s style screaming. My performance would have shamed any pirate or trucker. Sorry, Mom, I fully admit my behavior was less than lady like. I’m ok with it and Seamus doesn’t mind. I think that cheese fries and a Shamrock shake is a completely necessary part of my recovery.
I can’t believe I did it!! I’m sore…and hoping it won’t get too much worse. I only wish all my training runs could be this amazing! I’m feeling like a rock star!!
To start, I pulled up late; seriously, all the groups were walking out as I was getting in. Part of me wanted to go back to bed. I caught the 12:00 ½ marathon group, and then the 11:30s ½ marathon group. I ran with them through the first 3 miles up to the first water stop at North Avenue. That’s when I caught Betsy and the 11:00s for the full marathon. Elaine (the 12:00 pace group leader) had to work today, and poor Becky has pneumonia (there is no 11:30 for the full). Betsy told me she’d look out for me and that I could try to keep up…and I did! (Who knew?) In fact, I actually heard the phrase: “Beth, slow down!” Seriously, outside of Disney World those words have never been spoken. I was pushing the group to run faster than the 10:30’s!! I didn’t even have an asthma attack or entertain taking a nap at the Art Institute (I’ve never actually done it, but I sure as hell have thought about it!).
We ran from the Waveland Clock tower to the sledding hill on the South end of Soldier Field and back. I maintained that pace up through Fullerton. I started to fall back and was running much slower. I was passed by the 10:30’s about mile 14. But I finished in exactly 3 hours. Not counting the water stops and pee break (both are COMPLETELY necessary) that is a 12:00 minute pace…and if you subtract that time, I ran an 11:00 minute pace!
I forced myself to go grocery shopping after (so I could keep moving) and then I sat in an ice bath for 15 minutes—complete with some MAJOR tourette’s style screaming. My performance would have shamed any pirate or trucker. Sorry, Mom, I fully admit my behavior was less than lady like. I’m ok with it and Seamus doesn’t mind. I think that cheese fries and a Shamrock shake is a completely necessary part of my recovery.
I can’t believe I did it!! I’m sore…and hoping it won’t get too much worse. I only wish all my training runs could be this amazing! I’m feeling like a rock star!!
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