It seemed like a good idea at the time...The kids and I went to lunch at IHOP and the special was pumpkin pancakes. And, at the time, it was a very good idea. They were yummy, heavy, but yummy. So I had four big, heavy pancakes with bacon and lots of coffee.
Here comes the big mistake...After some food shopping at Whole Foods, Ryan and I didn't have anything else to kill another hour or so and decided to run earlier than planned. It didn't take long before I began to feel poorly. Nearly 3 miles in, I had to stop and struggle not to un-eat the pumpkin pancakes. When I said to Ryan we might as well start running, he wasn't convinced. I think he'd rather walk than see me hurl.
Well, I went through waves of feeling fine and not. We covered 8.4 miles, but walked almost .4 of that. We saw Jeff on Commercial St. I tried to yell across about why we were walking. I hope he heard and won't think of pre-run pumpkin pancakes.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Readjustment
Changed from running today to running tomorrow and then back to running today when Sam was sick enough to leave after this morning's class. It was very windy and pretty wet, but the wind was southerly and tomorrow is supposed to have heavy rains and the wind is to shift and come from the N.E. Though I sort of felt I was biting the bullet and gonna just endure, I really enjoyed my six miles. I ran very negative splits thanks to the stiff head wind heading out.
Adustments
I had miles to run today and a day off tomorrow. I'm switching it around, not that the weather is supposed to be any better, but I'll be able to run home in the morning and take a shower to warm up before heading to Gorham. If I ran in Portland today, I don't think any amount of standing in front of one of the blow dryers in Hannaford's restroom would be enough to take the chill off. Better find a good book to pass the time.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Miles In the Bank
I had to fit my long run in on Friday this week. Fortunately the weather cooperated with bright sunshine and not the rain/snow mix predicted. It was cold, but I have cold weather gear. I planned to run 22 miles in a sort of fat ass fashion, coming in after 6 or so miles to refuel and change clothes (I do that when it's cold so that I don't get a chill going back out in sweaty clothes). I also planned on alternating between road and off-road just to speed up the process.
My first leg on the road was fairly uneventful, but I stretched it out to seven miles. Came in for Gatorade, pretzels, pbj sandwich pieces, and Honey Stinger Chews. I did change into slightly less heavy clothes and got back out to my off-road leg. I ran the parts of our fields that weren't saturated and then headed to the Packard's farm to do the same there (it's just a mile up King Rd). I figured since I ran more on my road leg than planned, I would do the same on the off-road portion and then I'd just have one leg left. By the time I got back to the house, I'd gone 9.26 more. More of the same refreshments with some Coke thrown in. I made the command decision to stick with the fields even though I'd be done faster on the roads; After all, Pineland is not paved!
I was rewarded right off with a beautiful deer bounding away from me with its white flag a flyin'! Then I was again surprised to hear my first frog of the season in one of the little bogs out back. I hope it dug into the mud last night! I pushed through the last miles, slowing down a good deal, but still managing to keep my pace to a 10 min/mile average over the entire 22.
Today I ran a slow 10 in the fields. I thought I was headed down to pick up Ryan after, but he's gonna take the bus home tomorrow. Yay! My body doesn't feel like being in a car all those hours.
My first leg on the road was fairly uneventful, but I stretched it out to seven miles. Came in for Gatorade, pretzels, pbj sandwich pieces, and Honey Stinger Chews. I did change into slightly less heavy clothes and got back out to my off-road leg. I ran the parts of our fields that weren't saturated and then headed to the Packard's farm to do the same there (it's just a mile up King Rd). I figured since I ran more on my road leg than planned, I would do the same on the off-road portion and then I'd just have one leg left. By the time I got back to the house, I'd gone 9.26 more. More of the same refreshments with some Coke thrown in. I made the command decision to stick with the fields even though I'd be done faster on the roads; After all, Pineland is not paved!
I was rewarded right off with a beautiful deer bounding away from me with its white flag a flyin'! Then I was again surprised to hear my first frog of the season in one of the little bogs out back. I hope it dug into the mud last night! I pushed through the last miles, slowing down a good deal, but still managing to keep my pace to a 10 min/mile average over the entire 22.
Today I ran a slow 10 in the fields. I thought I was headed down to pick up Ryan after, but he's gonna take the bus home tomorrow. Yay! My body doesn't feel like being in a car all those hours.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Running on Tea
Had a wonderful high tea at Jacqueline's Tea Room to celebrate Bethany's birthday. Beth, Linda, Judy and I had seemingly endless pots of yummy tea with scones, fancy sandwiches, and decadent desserts. Tea lasts about two hours. It's very fun especially in fun company.
I knew I'd be running my eight miles soon after so tried not to eat everything...I did manage to save one little short bread cookie for Sam. After the roads yesterday, I decided not to let the sogginess keep me from the fields. Good decision. My feet didn't get too muddy or water logged and I managed to keep the pace under 10 min./mile. Perhaps tea should precede all my runs!
I knew I'd be running my eight miles soon after so tried not to eat everything...I did manage to save one little short bread cookie for Sam. After the roads yesterday, I decided not to let the sogginess keep me from the fields. Good decision. My feet didn't get too muddy or water logged and I managed to keep the pace under 10 min./mile. Perhaps tea should precede all my runs!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wet Snow Wednesday
The last few days my stomach hasn't been happy. Doesn't seem to matter if I eat or don't, have coffee or don't, or anything else. Just kind of blah. So, after an unscheduled day off, I decided I should run today. About half way into my ten mile run, I started feeling better. By the end, I felt completely normal. It lasted almost 5 hours. Does this mean I should just keep running? At the very least it means days off aren't helping this.
Guess I should say something to tie in the title. There was very, very wet snow that made it a wet run, but otherwise fine.
Guess I should say something to tie in the title. There was very, very wet snow that made it a wet run, but otherwise fine.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wimped Out
It happens very infrequently, but I'm letting this nasty weather keep me from my run today. I've justified it in a few ways: 1. I can't see how the 4 miles on my schedule are that important, 2. My stomach has been blah the last couple of days, 3. I'm doing my long run 2 days earlier in order to fit in picking up Ryan and so could use another day off.
Still feel slightly guilty.
Still feel slightly guilty.
Monday, March 22, 2010
30+ Mile Weekend
Saturday's Fat Ass (or The Seemingly Infinite Do-Loop): Rick and I headed to Chuck and Katy's for the Second Annual Hedgehog Hill Fat Ass. Everything started out like your typical fat ass with the Monsters all showing up, the goodie table growing, and fun chatter. It was a nice-sized group, but, looking around, I could tell it was a fast one.
Chuck gave us a little speech about the loop we were heading out on. There were two separate loops; the first was just over 4 miles in the woods behind their house and the second was around 6.25 miles through the Hedgehog Mountain trails not too far from their house. The trail was marked with yellow, pink, and, perhaps, a third colored ribbons. When you got to the mud pit stay to the right....go straight through the sand (a small section of the Desert of Maine)...and more that no one really followed. After a group photo, we were off!
The trails were mostly single track through lots of oak. The footing reminded me a lot of my run at USM on Thursday. The pace was fine, but faster than I would have chosen given that I was aiming for 20 miles. I talked with Dora for a little (she pointed out the little tee-pee that someone had made - see I really wasn't the builder, Chuck. It was there all along), but mostly held onto the back with Rick (who was trying for a loop after only running like twice since pulling something in his calf before our fat ass). Chuck stopped periodically to make sure the group was together (good time for people to pee, too).
We got back to the house and people refueled and prepared to head out on the second loop. Rick's calf was giving him grief, more of just the bike in the basement for a while. I made the fateful decision to stay with the first loop, not wanting to hold anyone back (or feel like I was), but also not wanting to push my pace. I wish I'd had some more to eat and drink. I wish I'd brought more than a little 7 oz bottle of diluted Gatorade with me when I headed out, but it was only a 4 mile loop.
Just as I was leaving, I decided it would be good to get Katy's phone number in my cell - just in case. That done, I got going. In just a couple of minutes I came back to the house via the road. Rick was surprised. So was I. OK, lets try that again. This time I made it to the gorge at the beginning where I heard Bolt barking. Ian and Emma were returning from their walk. I guess they never really found their way around the entire loop - and they were walking, not running, so the markers should have been easier to pick up (perhaps, I should have realized what that meant to me). We talked a teeny bit before going our separate ways.
It wasn't long before I realized I was doing a bit of a loop that combined the start of the course with the end of the course. Finally I saw a jumping off spot and was headed out. Once I got to the Desert of Maine, the trail was pretty easy to follow. I kind of chuckled to myself because Chris's Garmin told me that I would end up doing about 6 miles for this lap. Although I was pretty sure the others would have finished theirs first. Did the road portion and crossed to head back. I got to the gorge (what I call it anyway) and knew I was practically back. Crap! I was back into that do-loop. Now the CSNY song Deja Vu was running through my head...Actually the one line was coming out of my mouth over and over "We have all been here before...".
Then I saw the place to head back out through the Desert. I thought maybe if I did that and approached the trail from where ever I was supposed to that I might see the way to go. At least I wasn't on the same ground I cover front and back I don't know how many times. I was doing fine, except I became very aware of how thirsty I was. Very. I also realized I was really hot. The temperature (going by the car thermometer on the way back) had crept into the low 70's. Definitely not conditioned to that yet. When I came to one of the little icy streams (may even have been what Chuck called the mud pit), I took off my shirt and soaked it. I thought it would be a shock to put it back on, but, just glorious relief. I wish I trusted the water to drink. I finally pulled out the cell phone. I should let them know I was ok, but, if someone was headed this way, they should bring some extra water. I got the answering machine. Told them I was on the road portion again and heading back.
Running that portion didn't make the escape any more obvious to me. Back to my loop of hell. Rick called (I never figured he had his cell on him, rarely does). Nope I'm OK, just (and I believe I used the "f" word as an adjective many times) thirsty. I told him I was coming up to the gorge again and would wait there for someone to find me. See, I always knew I could just stop. I was never off the trail. If I stayed in one place, someone would come across me. But I was fine running; it's was I was there to do. I just wished I realized I was getting dehydrated before I was dehydrated. It made me get grumpy.
Rick called back minutes later and said Chuck and Ryan were headed out and I should be seeing them soon (I really was so close to the finish). Well, I was able to tell him, I had found my way. Stopping to wait, I was finally able to spot a ribbon to the end leg - a ribbon tied higher than my head in a tree. I also told him it was a good thing Ryan was with Chuck.
When I got back to the house, Jim, Blaine, Ian, and Rick were all out on the lawn. I think most had beers and chili or soup. I cheered. They cheered. It's a fun group to return to!
Lori, Katy's mom, wanted to give me food. She was a wonderful aid-station manager. I think she should be at every fat ass! But I just needed water, Gatorade, liquids right away. Eventually I got around to her tasty soup because I decided not to go out for my last (just under) five miles I would need to make 20. I would have, but most people had done their distances for the day and were leaving soon. I would finish my miles at home.
We packed up and drove home. I filled Rick in on lots more of the do-loop of doom (I do have more stuff, but this post is long enough) on the way. When I told Sam my story, he said I was a physical test of the halting problem!
I walked Spot Dog when we got back to help loosen the muscles back up and did my last miles very slowly in our fields. Two 7 oz bottles of Gatorade were not enough.
When I closed my eyes to sleep, I just kept seeing yellow ribbons. Yikes!
Sunday's Slow Ten: I woke up tired, but nothing was sore (not even the toes!). I was still thirsty though. Had even woken up during the night thirsty and downed another .5 liter of water.
Rick and I walked Spot. Flurries sputtered down on us. I was almost glad for a reprieve from our heat of the day before. Rick went into the basement to ride his bike while I was getting my running stuff on. He asked me my intended course and to write the time I left on the white board.
I planned to run the Packard's (the farm on Littlefield Rd) dirt road and then come back and do our fields. As I ran down their dirt road, I noticed that their fields looked pretty runnable. I enjoy their fields, but there is just a small window when they are available. Well, better make hay while the sunshine or, in this case, run the fields before they're all hay.
They were well-manured from the previous fall. The boggy areas became a challenge. Any miscalculation became another steeping of the feet in manure tea. Now I am a farm girl, but...maybe Trail Monsters should make sure they're current on tetanus shots (I am good there). Gave me something to focus on. I discovered a path into the woods on one corner of the field and headed in. I was a beautiful trail till it got narrower and narrower till there were UGH! pink ribbons marking the way. Flash backs! Turned around immediately.
The run was good for me. It's the kind where you learn that you can keep going while tired. But when I got home I was truly done for the day. Rick took me to get the NY Times so I could do the Sunday crossword, but I did very little before I was snoozing on the couch. Good thing I'd made so much chili for the fat ass and that Chuck and Katy wouldn't have eaten the left overs. It was really all we ate this weekend. Sam, our vegetarian, fended for himself.
Chuck gave us a little speech about the loop we were heading out on. There were two separate loops; the first was just over 4 miles in the woods behind their house and the second was around 6.25 miles through the Hedgehog Mountain trails not too far from their house. The trail was marked with yellow, pink, and, perhaps, a third colored ribbons. When you got to the mud pit stay to the right....go straight through the sand (a small section of the Desert of Maine)...and more that no one really followed. After a group photo, we were off!
The trails were mostly single track through lots of oak. The footing reminded me a lot of my run at USM on Thursday. The pace was fine, but faster than I would have chosen given that I was aiming for 20 miles. I talked with Dora for a little (she pointed out the little tee-pee that someone had made - see I really wasn't the builder, Chuck. It was there all along), but mostly held onto the back with Rick (who was trying for a loop after only running like twice since pulling something in his calf before our fat ass). Chuck stopped periodically to make sure the group was together (good time for people to pee, too).
We got back to the house and people refueled and prepared to head out on the second loop. Rick's calf was giving him grief, more of just the bike in the basement for a while. I made the fateful decision to stay with the first loop, not wanting to hold anyone back (or feel like I was), but also not wanting to push my pace. I wish I'd had some more to eat and drink. I wish I'd brought more than a little 7 oz bottle of diluted Gatorade with me when I headed out, but it was only a 4 mile loop.
Just as I was leaving, I decided it would be good to get Katy's phone number in my cell - just in case. That done, I got going. In just a couple of minutes I came back to the house via the road. Rick was surprised. So was I. OK, lets try that again. This time I made it to the gorge at the beginning where I heard Bolt barking. Ian and Emma were returning from their walk. I guess they never really found their way around the entire loop - and they were walking, not running, so the markers should have been easier to pick up (perhaps, I should have realized what that meant to me). We talked a teeny bit before going our separate ways.
It wasn't long before I realized I was doing a bit of a loop that combined the start of the course with the end of the course. Finally I saw a jumping off spot and was headed out. Once I got to the Desert of Maine, the trail was pretty easy to follow. I kind of chuckled to myself because Chris's Garmin told me that I would end up doing about 6 miles for this lap. Although I was pretty sure the others would have finished theirs first. Did the road portion and crossed to head back. I got to the gorge (what I call it anyway) and knew I was practically back. Crap! I was back into that do-loop. Now the CSNY song Deja Vu was running through my head...Actually the one line was coming out of my mouth over and over "We have all been here before...".
Then I saw the place to head back out through the Desert. I thought maybe if I did that and approached the trail from where ever I was supposed to that I might see the way to go. At least I wasn't on the same ground I cover front and back I don't know how many times. I was doing fine, except I became very aware of how thirsty I was. Very. I also realized I was really hot. The temperature (going by the car thermometer on the way back) had crept into the low 70's. Definitely not conditioned to that yet. When I came to one of the little icy streams (may even have been what Chuck called the mud pit), I took off my shirt and soaked it. I thought it would be a shock to put it back on, but, just glorious relief. I wish I trusted the water to drink. I finally pulled out the cell phone. I should let them know I was ok, but, if someone was headed this way, they should bring some extra water. I got the answering machine. Told them I was on the road portion again and heading back.
Running that portion didn't make the escape any more obvious to me. Back to my loop of hell. Rick called (I never figured he had his cell on him, rarely does). Nope I'm OK, just (and I believe I used the "f" word as an adjective many times) thirsty. I told him I was coming up to the gorge again and would wait there for someone to find me. See, I always knew I could just stop. I was never off the trail. If I stayed in one place, someone would come across me. But I was fine running; it's was I was there to do. I just wished I realized I was getting dehydrated before I was dehydrated. It made me get grumpy.
Rick called back minutes later and said Chuck and Ryan were headed out and I should be seeing them soon (I really was so close to the finish). Well, I was able to tell him, I had found my way. Stopping to wait, I was finally able to spot a ribbon to the end leg - a ribbon tied higher than my head in a tree. I also told him it was a good thing Ryan was with Chuck.
When I got back to the house, Jim, Blaine, Ian, and Rick were all out on the lawn. I think most had beers and chili or soup. I cheered. They cheered. It's a fun group to return to!
Lori, Katy's mom, wanted to give me food. She was a wonderful aid-station manager. I think she should be at every fat ass! But I just needed water, Gatorade, liquids right away. Eventually I got around to her tasty soup because I decided not to go out for my last (just under) five miles I would need to make 20. I would have, but most people had done their distances for the day and were leaving soon. I would finish my miles at home.
We packed up and drove home. I filled Rick in on lots more of the do-loop of doom (I do have more stuff, but this post is long enough) on the way. When I told Sam my story, he said I was a physical test of the halting problem!
I walked Spot Dog when we got back to help loosen the muscles back up and did my last miles very slowly in our fields. Two 7 oz bottles of Gatorade were not enough.
When I closed my eyes to sleep, I just kept seeing yellow ribbons. Yikes!
Sunday's Slow Ten: I woke up tired, but nothing was sore (not even the toes!). I was still thirsty though. Had even woken up during the night thirsty and downed another .5 liter of water.
Rick and I walked Spot. Flurries sputtered down on us. I was almost glad for a reprieve from our heat of the day before. Rick went into the basement to ride his bike while I was getting my running stuff on. He asked me my intended course and to write the time I left on the white board.
I planned to run the Packard's (the farm on Littlefield Rd) dirt road and then come back and do our fields. As I ran down their dirt road, I noticed that their fields looked pretty runnable. I enjoy their fields, but there is just a small window when they are available. Well, better make hay while the sunshine or, in this case, run the fields before they're all hay.
They were well-manured from the previous fall. The boggy areas became a challenge. Any miscalculation became another steeping of the feet in manure tea. Now I am a farm girl, but...maybe Trail Monsters should make sure they're current on tetanus shots (I am good there). Gave me something to focus on. I discovered a path into the woods on one corner of the field and headed in. I was a beautiful trail till it got narrower and narrower till there were UGH! pink ribbons marking the way. Flash backs! Turned around immediately.
The run was good for me. It's the kind where you learn that you can keep going while tired. But when I got home I was truly done for the day. Rick took me to get the NY Times so I could do the Sunday crossword, but I did very little before I was snoozing on the couch. Good thing I'd made so much chili for the fat ass and that Chuck and Katy wouldn't have eaten the left overs. It was really all we ate this weekend. Sam, our vegetarian, fended for himself.
Friday, March 19, 2010
A Very Trail Run
Wahoo!! What a great run! I have Ian to thank for sending me a map of the trails behind USM in Gorham - not that it did a bit of good! The map just gave me the idea that I would know where I was and thus the courage to strike out.
It was another amazing day. When Sam and I drove (Sam actually, getting some hours in so he can go for his license when classes are over - Yay!!!) onto campus, there were groups of runners scattered about and kids strewn all over campus just enjoying the day.
Before heading out, I went to the gym to pee. I figured the chances of running into someone there who knew where to pick up the trail were better then at my usual place. As I was going in one of the runners I'd seen was heading in also. When I asked him if he knew where to find the trails, he was a little hesitant, but told me, so I also asked if he'd run them. Yeah, but not this season. He was sure it'd be too muddy. I smiled and thanked him. I wish I'd seen him after the run. Somehow I could have politely called him a weenie!
So the trails were easy to find, but, for lots of it very easy to lose - Think Bruiser course in late fall when the leaves are down. Plus add that the trails aren't as well kept to begin with and that you're not at all familiar with them. I did find one leg that was pretty obvious (of course the muddy one), but it was a little short. Trees were down lots of places too, debris from the winter I suspect. Where it wasn't muddy, the very dry oak leaves made the hills slippery. It was soooo much fun!
After I'd been out there about twenty minutes, I ran into another runner. I asked him about where I was on the map. He made a guess and told me if I headed that way it would lead to 114. I knew I hadn't done that part yet and headed out. He yelled after me that the trail is very hard to follow on that leg. He wasn't kidding. Anytime I picked up the pace at all, I'd find myself just running through the woods. Sometimes I could find where I went wrong and sometimes I just kept going till I came back on something that might be the trail. When I hit 114 I turned around and tried to retrace my path. Since I saw all new stuff (lean-tos the students most likely made), I know I wasn't successful. At least I ran into the other runner and followed him for a bit (he runs there a lot).
My five miles ended up taking 1:03:30. That's right about what I did my first seven miles in the day before. And I'll venture to say I worked much harder on the five. Wish I had a camera to document my legs - they were definitely Monster legs, blood and all. I know how I'll be spending my Thursdays thru May!
It was another amazing day. When Sam and I drove (Sam actually, getting some hours in so he can go for his license when classes are over - Yay!!!) onto campus, there were groups of runners scattered about and kids strewn all over campus just enjoying the day.
Before heading out, I went to the gym to pee. I figured the chances of running into someone there who knew where to pick up the trail were better then at my usual place. As I was going in one of the runners I'd seen was heading in also. When I asked him if he knew where to find the trails, he was a little hesitant, but told me, so I also asked if he'd run them. Yeah, but not this season. He was sure it'd be too muddy. I smiled and thanked him. I wish I'd seen him after the run. Somehow I could have politely called him a weenie!
So the trails were easy to find, but, for lots of it very easy to lose - Think Bruiser course in late fall when the leaves are down. Plus add that the trails aren't as well kept to begin with and that you're not at all familiar with them. I did find one leg that was pretty obvious (of course the muddy one), but it was a little short. Trees were down lots of places too, debris from the winter I suspect. Where it wasn't muddy, the very dry oak leaves made the hills slippery. It was soooo much fun!
After I'd been out there about twenty minutes, I ran into another runner. I asked him about where I was on the map. He made a guess and told me if I headed that way it would lead to 114. I knew I hadn't done that part yet and headed out. He yelled after me that the trail is very hard to follow on that leg. He wasn't kidding. Anytime I picked up the pace at all, I'd find myself just running through the woods. Sometimes I could find where I went wrong and sometimes I just kept going till I came back on something that might be the trail. When I hit 114 I turned around and tried to retrace my path. Since I saw all new stuff (lean-tos the students most likely made), I know I wasn't successful. At least I ran into the other runner and followed him for a bit (he runs there a lot).
My five miles ended up taking 1:03:30. That's right about what I did my first seven miles in the day before. And I'll venture to say I worked much harder on the five. Wish I had a camera to document my legs - they were definitely Monster legs, blood and all. I know how I'll be spending my Thursdays thru May!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
7 NBs, 2 VFFs
Was able to enjoy the beautiful, sunny, warm weather yesterday running in Portland. I ran in my road shoes for seven miles through the Old Port then switched to the Vibrams for two at the Back Cove and then walked the rest of the way around. I was surprised to see my pace slightly faster in the VFF's mainly because I was meaning it as more of a cool down, easy finish. I'm not sure if it's the way I run in them or that I'm paying attention to my running where I'm really not with my regular shoes on my regular course. Especially yesterday with so many people out in the Old Port. Very good run, very good day!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Easy Eight
My usual route on Monday for a relaxed eight. About 5 miles in, I see Erik pulling up on his bike. He was scoping out the Cat Terminal for event purposes. I was heading there for peeing purposes. It was nice to chat. While lots of us will be doing the fat ass on Saturday, Erik will be in AZ for a 5ok.
Erik said something about keeping me from my run (he probably had other places to be and/or was thinking about interrupting my run). I told him how I really don't mind interruptions anymore. There was a time when I was really put out if someone even asked directions (Couldn't they see I was RUNNING?!). That was before running pregnant all those years ago. Since, I stop to pet dogs, look at interesting stuff, pick up pennies.... Erik said I'd probably go back to being bothered when I was training seriously. As I said good-bye, he'd given me something to think about.
Am I a serious runner? Running is seriously important to me. I swear it's my sanity. I know I'm dependent. But.... I have a training schedule that I really try to follow. I have goals that are important to me. I didn't like the DNF at the first 50 miler. I hated my performance at last year's Scuffle. I'd like to take an hour off last year's 50 mile time....But, none of it is too serious to me. I just love it. I'm in love with it. I need it. But I like liking running. I like being social. Am I a serious runner? I guess I'm not too serious about too much.
Okay, it's and hour later and I've just come in from walking the dog, giving me a chance to mull this all over. I realized that it's my "charmed life" (Rick's term) that I lead that allows me the luxury of time. Maybe if I only had an hour and 10 minutes to squeeze my run in yesterday, I would have found any distraction annoying. Since I'll be returning to the work force in the near future, I'll find out.
Erik said something about keeping me from my run (he probably had other places to be and/or was thinking about interrupting my run). I told him how I really don't mind interruptions anymore. There was a time when I was really put out if someone even asked directions (Couldn't they see I was RUNNING?!). That was before running pregnant all those years ago. Since, I stop to pet dogs, look at interesting stuff, pick up pennies.... Erik said I'd probably go back to being bothered when I was training seriously. As I said good-bye, he'd given me something to think about.
Am I a serious runner? Running is seriously important to me. I swear it's my sanity. I know I'm dependent. But.... I have a training schedule that I really try to follow. I have goals that are important to me. I didn't like the DNF at the first 50 miler. I hated my performance at last year's Scuffle. I'd like to take an hour off last year's 50 mile time....But, none of it is too serious to me. I just love it. I'm in love with it. I need it. But I like liking running. I like being social. Am I a serious runner? I guess I'm not too serious about too much.
Okay, it's and hour later and I've just come in from walking the dog, giving me a chance to mull this all over. I realized that it's my "charmed life" (Rick's term) that I lead that allows me the luxury of time. Maybe if I only had an hour and 10 minutes to squeeze my run in yesterday, I would have found any distraction annoying. Since I'll be returning to the work force in the near future, I'll find out.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Weekend Report
Saturday the TMs were running at Pinelands. I wished I could have joined them. Not only cause they are fun to run with, but my plan is to do a lot more training there in hopes of making my body like it better. Maybe if I gradually increase my mileage on that terrain, I won't have the IT band issues at the 50 that always seem to act up at the Pineland Challenge. Unfortunately for my running, we were heading out to visit friends in NH and I needed to get in a few miles here and head out. The fields were the best they've been in a long time - just in time to get rained on.
The weather today really isn't the best for running - 34 degrees, rainy, windy. Really lucky for me that this is my back-off week. I just had a 10 miler scheduled for today. I still put it off for a while even though the weather was not supposed to improve as the day went on. As usual, the hardest part was getting out the door. I enjoyed the run, happy with myself for getting not wimping out. My 9th mile was my fastest (downhill, wind to my back) and my feet didn't hurt till the end.
The weather today really isn't the best for running - 34 degrees, rainy, windy. Really lucky for me that this is my back-off week. I just had a 10 miler scheduled for today. I still put it off for a while even though the weather was not supposed to improve as the day went on. As usual, the hardest part was getting out the door. I enjoyed the run, happy with myself for getting not wimping out. My 9th mile was my fastest (downhill, wind to my back) and my feet didn't hurt till the end.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Yesterday's Six Today
In one and a half semesters of driving Sam to classes, yesterday was the first that I didn't bring running gear on a day I was supposed to run. Rats. At least I had an interesting conversation with a Geology prof. while hanging out.
It meant I had to squeeze a run into an errand-packed day. I ended up running the fields in a sort of modified fat ass route to make six. It was starting to get dark by the time I finished. Of course if I didn't stop to meet the new neighbors (Dennis's chickens), I'd have beaten the sun. It was the first run that I had to contend with smelling neighbors' grilling telling me how hungry I was. Ah, summer's coming.
Felt really good out there in the soggy fields with my old Inov-8's!
It meant I had to squeeze a run into an errand-packed day. I ended up running the fields in a sort of modified fat ass route to make six. It was starting to get dark by the time I finished. Of course if I didn't stop to meet the new neighbors (Dennis's chickens), I'd have beaten the sun. It was the first run that I had to contend with smelling neighbors' grilling telling me how hungry I was. Ah, summer's coming.
Felt really good out there in the soggy fields with my old Inov-8's!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Getting Better Now
Watch Bob Schneider to have the appropriate sound track running through your head. I feel my cardio coming back and am kicking this cold much faster than the last. This week is kind of a recovery one. I had three build-up weeks (50 miles last week!) and now I back down a bit - no run longer than 10 miles. That's how it goes till Memorial Day - 3 weeks building, 1week recovery.
Next week's long run is supposed to be 22, but I'll play that by ear depending on the fat ass course. It was the same at Ian and Emma's anniversary fat ass. I decided that 17 miles on the Breaker side of Bradbury was as good as most 22 milers I'd do. Judging by how tired I was that day, I'd say it was even better!
Today I parked down near the Cat Terminal in Portland at the end of Commercial St. I needed an eight mile route. I decided to head toward Bug Light in S. Portland. I enjoy running through the Old Port and over the bridge. The Garmin read 3.99 miles when I got to the light house!
My big toes didn't start complaining till mile seven and, compared to other days, never got really grouchy. If it wasn't a recovery week, I think I would have pushed the pace the last couple of miles cause I felt strong.
Next week's long run is supposed to be 22, but I'll play that by ear depending on the fat ass course. It was the same at Ian and Emma's anniversary fat ass. I decided that 17 miles on the Breaker side of Bradbury was as good as most 22 milers I'd do. Judging by how tired I was that day, I'd say it was even better!
Today I parked down near the Cat Terminal in Portland at the end of Commercial St. I needed an eight mile route. I decided to head toward Bug Light in S. Portland. I enjoy running through the Old Port and over the bridge. The Garmin read 3.99 miles when I got to the light house!
My big toes didn't start complaining till mile seven and, compared to other days, never got really grouchy. If it wasn't a recovery week, I think I would have pushed the pace the last couple of miles cause I felt strong.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Another Monday, Another Ten
The 50 mile training schedule I follow puts a 10 miler the day after the long run. Last year I ran the long run on Saturday and the 10 on Sunday with a day off on Monday. Knowing that I have too much time to kill in Portland without a run to help, I switched the long run to Sunday, 10 on Monday, day off on Tuesday. It's working out ok, but a big drawback is that I've been a little hesitant to run with the TMs on Saturday.
I found one of the few parking spots left in the Back Cove lot. Seems everyone was out enjoying the Spring weather. I took a little longer than usual to get out of the car and get moving. The thought of putting my big toes back into shoes - Yikes! I decided I better play with the lacing arrangement. When I started out pain free, I was sure that I'd solved the problem. With the toes ok, my pace actually surprised me; My legs weren't as tired as I expected them to be. About 5 miles in, the toes started yelling again. I loosened my shoes, better. That lasted about a mile. Loosened them more. OK. If I could have taken the laces out and had the shoes stay on, that might have solved the problem. Still, I survived 8.5 miles. I'd planned on changing into the VFF's then anyway. The last 1.5 miles were better just because there was nothing touching the sensitive digits. In fact, I even left the top strap very loose. I'm not sure I like the Vibram's for the intended reasons. I like their looks and that there's not much on the top of my foot.
I found one of the few parking spots left in the Back Cove lot. Seems everyone was out enjoying the Spring weather. I took a little longer than usual to get out of the car and get moving. The thought of putting my big toes back into shoes - Yikes! I decided I better play with the lacing arrangement. When I started out pain free, I was sure that I'd solved the problem. With the toes ok, my pace actually surprised me; My legs weren't as tired as I expected them to be. About 5 miles in, the toes started yelling again. I loosened my shoes, better. That lasted about a mile. Loosened them more. OK. If I could have taken the laces out and had the shoes stay on, that might have solved the problem. Still, I survived 8.5 miles. I'd planned on changing into the VFF's then anyway. The last 1.5 miles were better just because there was nothing touching the sensitive digits. In fact, I even left the top strap very loose. I'm not sure I like the Vibram's for the intended reasons. I like their looks and that there's not much on the top of my foot.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
First Twenty
I decided to break today's run up between road and fields only because of time. With the soft, wet conditions of our fields, it would take much longer to run all 20 there. So I strapped on my road shoes, shorts, a long sleeve tech shirt, and my fuel belt with just one 7 oz Gatorade in it. Mostly I wear the fuel belt to carry my cell phone and other sundries.
The first six miles went fairly fast and all felt good. Then I had an unexpected pit bull encounter. He was very big and stopped when I stopped, but came closer every time I tried to move. I yelled at him and yelled for a person. Finally, his person came out of his house, quite a bit back from the road. It distracted him enough that I started to run. The guy then yelled for the dog, totally unaware that the dog had been out in the road. At least the dog heeded the call.
From there the road part of the run went down hill (not the kind that might be appreciated). My big toe joints became very sore. I was glad to get home to fuel up on Stinger Chews, pretzels, and Gatorade. Mostly I was glad to put my foot back into my Inov-8's. I ran about 5 more miles in the fields including the hill across the street. Very slow going, but my feet felt much better.
Refuel again just adding an energy bar to the mix. Changed my clothes and shoes again. The last 5 miles I ran in my old Inov-8's. Actually I ran 4 and headed back to the house to get Spot. I knew the pace I was now down to wouldn't be to much for her. She was so thrilled to be included in a run again that she did kind of go fast. Heading back up the driveway, I took off shoes and socks and just let my feet enjoy the feel of the cool, wet grass.
Rick was out puttering in the yard and saw me heading back. By the time Spot and I were back up, he'd put my Adirondack chair onto the steps (out of the little bit of the wind). I plopped there immediately. By the time he'd snapped this picture, I had changed into PJ's and Rick had brought beers. Nice guy!
So I ran 20 in less time than the 17.2 of last week. Of course that's cause of the 10 road miles, but I'll take it. Notice how happy I look in my wonderful chair with my well-earned beer!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Sore Glutes
Can't seem to stay out of the fields even when it means my pace is almost like walking. The ground is absorbing lots of energy and returning very little. The feet are heavy from the wet and mud. Thursday's six was almost too hard to enjoy since I've come down with another cold. Still there is something very satisfying about toughing it out.
Yesterday, I was prepared to struggle just as much. I was surprised to run slightly faster with less breathing issues. The day was just so beautiful. The wind, which I was resenting the day before, was doing its best with the sunshine to dry up the remaining ice and snow.
Today is a day off before my long run (20?) tomorrow. I better use the roller. My glutes are sore and my legs have little twinges.
Yesterday, I was prepared to struggle just as much. I was surprised to run slightly faster with less breathing issues. The day was just so beautiful. The wind, which I was resenting the day before, was doing its best with the sunshine to dry up the remaining ice and snow.
Today is a day off before my long run (20?) tomorrow. I better use the roller. My glutes are sore and my legs have little twinges.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Very Fun Footwear!
Okay, so officially they're Vibram Five Fingers, but they're for toes! Could also be Very Fine Feet (or Footwear). I got the taupe. If I can paint or fingernail polish red claws on the toes, they'll look very much like the TMR logo claws. Think I'll go for it.
I still feel a bit like I'm doing the altitude training here at sea-level, but things are getting better. I ran 7.5 in my regular road shoes along my Back Cove/Old Port route and then switched into the VFF's. I decided to heed advice and start slowly. I just ran 1.5 in them, but found myself going faster than I did in the road shoes. What surprised me was how the cold comes through the bottom. Oh, I've had colder feet, but it wasn't even that cold of a day. I don't think I ran long enough to have sore calves tomorrow. I do think I'll have trouble not wearing them all day long. I want a version that I could wear to a wedding. Very Fun Feeling!
I still feel a bit like I'm doing the altitude training here at sea-level, but things are getting better. I ran 7.5 in my regular road shoes along my Back Cove/Old Port route and then switched into the VFF's. I decided to heed advice and start slowly. I just ran 1.5 in them, but found myself going faster than I did in the road shoes. What surprised me was how the cold comes through the bottom. Oh, I've had colder feet, but it wasn't even that cold of a day. I don't think I ran long enough to have sore calves tomorrow. I do think I'll have trouble not wearing them all day long. I want a version that I could wear to a wedding. Very Fun Feeling!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Monday
Since yesterday's run was long and hard, I decided to run my flat course in Portland rather than the hilly Gorham loop. The wind still made it a somewhat challenging run. I know with an out-and-back it should come out in the wash, but... I covered 9 miles in 9:30's. Good recovery run.
I also tried on some VFF's pre- and post-run. Even after the run, with very grumpy big toe joints, the shoes felt pretty good. I think I'm going to use my $25 Maine Running Company rewards coupon towards a pair.
I also tried on some VFF's pre- and post-run. Even after the run, with very grumpy big toe joints, the shoes felt pretty good. I think I'm going to use my $25 Maine Running Company rewards coupon towards a pair.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)