I jogged just 3 miles today. In two installments.
:blush:
One was 1.5ish miles to work because I was LATE. It was a 7 am start to a really horrible shift. Holy crap. It was so horrible, it was funny. Someone's catheter bag springing a big leak in the dining room was barely a blip in the stream of things.
So the dog and I jogged a bit afterwards to help me blow off some steam. It was hot, though, so that ended rather quickly. I'm pooped, anyway, and he's since been exercising by parading his empty food bowl around, totally guilting everyone. No, he's been fed.
Tomorrow is a long run. I don't have any gels. I might have to improvise. This could get messy. Comparitively not, though, and I still have a pile of gloves left over. I used only about a zillion today.
Sorry this isn't even mostly about running.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
a nice cool day!
Yesterday, about 4 miles. so-so. My hopes weren't high.
Today, though, was a lot better--18C or so and overcast. It was even raining slightly--perfectly--when the dog and I jogged this morning. We covered about 8.75 miles. I was so glad to get that run in. That's about my ideal distance for a daily jog: it's long enough to get into a nice frame of mind, if not the zone, and it tires me out just enough that I usually sleep soundly, and feel fine the next day. It really helps my general mood, too. I realized today that perhaps my main goal of running is to get into a long-term habit of that sort, jogging for those 8-10 miles every day. We'll see. The dog held up well today. He was barely panting. He did have to take some poop/pee breaks, though, but mostly in the first 1/2 hour, and then we were able to cruise.
This evening was speedwork, 300 metres. Total run was just under 8 miles. They were faster than last time, but it was cooler.
1:03
1:04
1:06
1:04
1:03
1:07
1:04
1:07
1:02
1:03
They were hard, but ok, and I was able to remember some things about form that I wished to remember, mainly keeping loose and well-aligned, and picking up my feet more--generally, keeping lighter.
In general, I think I'm settling into a nice routine running-wise. The doubles on speedwork days work well. Speedwork is going well. I'm still not 100% happy with the long runs, mainly because I'm adjusting from my longer slower ones to shorter slightly faster ones, but I have plenty of time, and a bunch of 18-20+ milers already behind me. So, I'm in good shape.
My biggest concern is my shoes. I'm going to have to buy more sometime....I didn't track the miles on my current pairs, and I have 4 that I rotate...well, admittedly, I sometimes do my easier runs in older shoes. They seem to last a while, even the light trainers, but I don't want to push it too far. 1000km on a pair of Asics Nimbus was kind of funny, and I suspect that at least one of the pairs of shoes I run in regularly is getting to that point, too....but the thing is, with the light shoes I tend to choose, there's not much cushioning anyway, so they don't seem to feel much different umpteen months down the line. Oh, well.
Oh, I forgot to mention the most fruitful part of my day: a 1.5 hr nap. One of the perks of working a mostly split-shift schedule. :D :D :D :D
Today, though, was a lot better--18C or so and overcast. It was even raining slightly--perfectly--when the dog and I jogged this morning. We covered about 8.75 miles. I was so glad to get that run in. That's about my ideal distance for a daily jog: it's long enough to get into a nice frame of mind, if not the zone, and it tires me out just enough that I usually sleep soundly, and feel fine the next day. It really helps my general mood, too. I realized today that perhaps my main goal of running is to get into a long-term habit of that sort, jogging for those 8-10 miles every day. We'll see. The dog held up well today. He was barely panting. He did have to take some poop/pee breaks, though, but mostly in the first 1/2 hour, and then we were able to cruise.
This evening was speedwork, 300 metres. Total run was just under 8 miles. They were faster than last time, but it was cooler.
1:03
1:04
1:06
1:04
1:03
1:07
1:04
1:07
1:02
1:03
They were hard, but ok, and I was able to remember some things about form that I wished to remember, mainly keeping loose and well-aligned, and picking up my feet more--generally, keeping lighter.
In general, I think I'm settling into a nice routine running-wise. The doubles on speedwork days work well. Speedwork is going well. I'm still not 100% happy with the long runs, mainly because I'm adjusting from my longer slower ones to shorter slightly faster ones, but I have plenty of time, and a bunch of 18-20+ milers already behind me. So, I'm in good shape.
My biggest concern is my shoes. I'm going to have to buy more sometime....I didn't track the miles on my current pairs, and I have 4 that I rotate...well, admittedly, I sometimes do my easier runs in older shoes. They seem to last a while, even the light trainers, but I don't want to push it too far. 1000km on a pair of Asics Nimbus was kind of funny, and I suspect that at least one of the pairs of shoes I run in regularly is getting to that point, too....but the thing is, with the light shoes I tend to choose, there's not much cushioning anyway, so they don't seem to feel much different umpteen months down the line. Oh, well.
Oh, I forgot to mention the most fruitful part of my day: a 1.5 hr nap. One of the perks of working a mostly split-shift schedule. :D :D :D :D
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
in the gear for speedwork
I think I've talked before how much better it is to have a regular routine with harder workouts. I was running regularly in the spring, but I was always switching harder workouts around, depending on where we were, what the temperature was like, etc, and I never got into a rhythm.
This time round, I seem to be in a rhythm. My legs felt horrible on Monday. Tuesday, the dog and I jogged 8 miles again, and it felt better. This morning, we did only 4.28 miles, and it felt fine.
This evening was somehow more humid, which was a disappointment, and I was a bit worried about the longer intervals, but they went well. Once again, I had a new set of legs when it counted. I got into a rhythm--helped to have a couple of other people run the same pace :), and I got into the right frame of mind, that sort of dull state where I remember to keep things loose and so forth, but don't dwell too much on the discomfort, other than acknowledging it and maintaining it. lol
1500M
6:40
6:35
6:37
6:37
6:24
This time round, I seem to be in a rhythm. My legs felt horrible on Monday. Tuesday, the dog and I jogged 8 miles again, and it felt better. This morning, we did only 4.28 miles, and it felt fine.
This evening was somehow more humid, which was a disappointment, and I was a bit worried about the longer intervals, but they went well. Once again, I had a new set of legs when it counted. I got into a rhythm--helped to have a couple of other people run the same pace :), and I got into the right frame of mind, that sort of dull state where I remember to keep things loose and so forth, but don't dwell too much on the discomfort, other than acknowledging it and maintaining it. lol
1500M
6:40
6:35
6:37
6:37
6:24
Monday, August 25, 2008
chickens coming home to roost
Yesterday was a long run, but a short long run...I think I ran only 12 miles in total. Several of those were at marathon pace (hopefully, knock wood)...it was a fun but probably useless workout at this stage. Part of the problem was the weather, though--not bad heat-wise, but very very humid and I wanted to get the run done with as soon as possible. I chafed up pretty badly, and it tired me out more than it should have. I had to work that evening, too. Man, I hope a better job crops up soon. Will keep applying.
Today was 8 miles with the dog. I was tired and it was one of those crappy runs. THe weather was cooler and much drier than yesterday, but I was stiff. I took it easy. Average pace was probably about 10:30/mile. The run helped me loosen up a bit, at least, and I guess it was a good mental workout.
I guess I should try to catch up on sleep tonight!!! That's my biggest problem.
Today was 8 miles with the dog. I was tired and it was one of those crappy runs. THe weather was cooler and much drier than yesterday, but I was stiff. I took it easy. Average pace was probably about 10:30/mile. The run helped me loosen up a bit, at least, and I guess it was a good mental workout.
I guess I should try to catch up on sleep tonight!!! That's my biggest problem.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Olympic Loafing
I will miss the Olympics. I've watched more of them this time than all other years combined. For some reason, they have been very enthralling. However, it will be nice to catch up on sleep!
I am still watching the men's marathon, sort of...the tv coverage has ended, but the live feed is still showing. Looks and sounds like a great crowd; I just saw some guy from Luxembourg come in 70ish, and he was waving and smiling, and the crowd cheered for him. Now there's a Japanese guy; he just finished and bowed to the crowd in all directions. Yes, they didn't win, but the conditions seemed punishing, and a whole lot of people didn't finish at all. To enter a stadium with tens of thousands cheering, after enduring two-plus hours of racing, must still be a thrill.
As for the other end of the race...well, wow. That was pretty gripping. I can't imagine the mental fortitude required to start off so fast in such heat and humidity, never mind hanging in there for over two hours. The gold medalist slowed down a bit, but managed to look pretty fresh throughout.
The weather was probably similar to the afternoon weather here, and I had no inclination whatsoever to run. I'd thought about it, but it is a recovery week and I'd decided I'd be happy with anything over 40 miles. 43.44ish is good enough. Plus, my main reason for running today would have been to exercise the dog, but it was way too hot for him to run. So I rested. There are three tough weeks ahead and then the army run a week after that. That will be fun and give me something to look forward to, help me through.
But, yes, I can't help but compare my aerobic effort today to theirs. lol
However, I did get at least an hour's worth of stretching during the marathon. My yoga has slipped this past week, and between that and the low sleep, I'm feeling tighter. I still haven't quite hit upon the right stratagem for hanging through those 5-6-7 minute poses, apart from going to class. However, watching the marathon coverage was very inspirational. It wasn't so much the distraction as knowing that whatever discomfort I was feeling, they were feeling ever so much more, so I had no excuses.
Now I have to keep that in mind during these next few weeks. Tomorrow is a short long run, lol, just about 2 hrs, and then the real test comes: an 8-hour work shift.
I am still watching the men's marathon, sort of...the tv coverage has ended, but the live feed is still showing. Looks and sounds like a great crowd; I just saw some guy from Luxembourg come in 70ish, and he was waving and smiling, and the crowd cheered for him. Now there's a Japanese guy; he just finished and bowed to the crowd in all directions. Yes, they didn't win, but the conditions seemed punishing, and a whole lot of people didn't finish at all. To enter a stadium with tens of thousands cheering, after enduring two-plus hours of racing, must still be a thrill.
As for the other end of the race...well, wow. That was pretty gripping. I can't imagine the mental fortitude required to start off so fast in such heat and humidity, never mind hanging in there for over two hours. The gold medalist slowed down a bit, but managed to look pretty fresh throughout.
The weather was probably similar to the afternoon weather here, and I had no inclination whatsoever to run. I'd thought about it, but it is a recovery week and I'd decided I'd be happy with anything over 40 miles. 43.44ish is good enough. Plus, my main reason for running today would have been to exercise the dog, but it was way too hot for him to run. So I rested. There are three tough weeks ahead and then the army run a week after that. That will be fun and give me something to look forward to, help me through.
But, yes, I can't help but compare my aerobic effort today to theirs. lol
However, I did get at least an hour's worth of stretching during the marathon. My yoga has slipped this past week, and between that and the low sleep, I'm feeling tighter. I still haven't quite hit upon the right stratagem for hanging through those 5-6-7 minute poses, apart from going to class. However, watching the marathon coverage was very inspirational. It wasn't so much the distraction as knowing that whatever discomfort I was feeling, they were feeling ever so much more, so I had no excuses.
Now I have to keep that in mind during these next few weeks. Tomorrow is a short long run, lol, just about 2 hrs, and then the real test comes: an 8-hour work shift.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Almost needed my brown trousers
Gosh, it was hot today...like 29C/35C humidex. We had speedwork and my guts were already sore in that special hot-weather way from the jog over there.
Basically, we did a bunch of 1 min intervals with 60S rest except every 4th one, which was a few minutes.
Mine were at
5:59/mile
2 min@7:44 (oops, forgot to hit the lap button)
6:05
5:53
6:15
5:41
6:00
5:47
5:29
5:53
6:01
6:10
These were in sets of four...the first set was pretty consistent, and then i started to really suffer. Didn't crap my pants, but it was kind of feeling like that. I hate that sensation. And I thank my luck that I'm up here, and not down south...maybe there will be a few more weeks of it here, and not another couple of months. KNOCK WOOD!
So, anyway, it was a hard workout, especially since I'm low on sleep (again). Probably the Garmin isn't as accurate over short (relatively, lol) fast bursts, but my mental focus was partly to blame for the variation. I'd hit on something that worked, ie, focusing on the people in front of me, or counting, and then it would wear out after a couple of reps and I'd have to switch to something else. There were a few times I focused on form, too....can't remember if those were the faster paces or the slower ones. There were a few that went really well--I felt loose and full of drive--and there were a few that were really hard. The last couple in particular. Too bad I slowed down, but my stomach cramps were getting worse.
It really helped having the group there--I would never have done this on my own, especially in heat like that. I love being in a running group and hanging out with the others and I will definitely miss them when we move.
As for the pace...it was similar to the last time I did 400M repeats on my own, but those were fewer, and in cooler weather. And it helped not having to think about it at all. I got into this dull zone where I didn't have a choice.
Total was about 8.3 miles. Amazing how things add up for speedwork. I might run tomorrow, might not...I've already taken 2 days off this week and am up over 40 miles. Seems fine for a recovery week, but if the dog is peppy, we might go for a few miles before it becomes stinking hot again.
Basically, we did a bunch of 1 min intervals with 60S rest except every 4th one, which was a few minutes.
Mine were at
5:59/mile
2 min@7:44 (oops, forgot to hit the lap button)
6:05
5:53
6:15
5:41
6:00
5:47
5:29
5:53
6:01
6:10
These were in sets of four...the first set was pretty consistent, and then i started to really suffer. Didn't crap my pants, but it was kind of feeling like that. I hate that sensation. And I thank my luck that I'm up here, and not down south...maybe there will be a few more weeks of it here, and not another couple of months. KNOCK WOOD!
So, anyway, it was a hard workout, especially since I'm low on sleep (again). Probably the Garmin isn't as accurate over short (relatively, lol) fast bursts, but my mental focus was partly to blame for the variation. I'd hit on something that worked, ie, focusing on the people in front of me, or counting, and then it would wear out after a couple of reps and I'd have to switch to something else. There were a few times I focused on form, too....can't remember if those were the faster paces or the slower ones. There were a few that went really well--I felt loose and full of drive--and there were a few that were really hard. The last couple in particular. Too bad I slowed down, but my stomach cramps were getting worse.
It really helped having the group there--I would never have done this on my own, especially in heat like that. I love being in a running group and hanging out with the others and I will definitely miss them when we move.
As for the pace...it was similar to the last time I did 400M repeats on my own, but those were fewer, and in cooler weather. And it helped not having to think about it at all. I got into this dull zone where I didn't have a choice.
Total was about 8.3 miles. Amazing how things add up for speedwork. I might run tomorrow, might not...I've already taken 2 days off this week and am up over 40 miles. Seems fine for a recovery week, but if the dog is peppy, we might go for a few miles before it becomes stinking hot again.
Rest day
Sort of...I had my morning job, which is nice and easy, but it felt really too early for me for some reason today. I was really tired from yesterday's workout and I needed to sleep more. So I had a 2hr nap, and then went to my evening job. I was tired there too, but at least nothing was sore. Actually, I think doing that job works quite well after tough workouts. There's a lot of walking, including up and down stairs, and so forth...it might help keep me limber.
So, no running today. :)
So, no running today. :)
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