I almost didn't think I was going to get out and run this morning, Dorian was determined to stay awake and I figured I would end up having to take him with me for my run. After ten minutes of driving I turned around, I knew a run pushing the stroller would stuck horribly and I didn't want to hold it against him. We got back home and he was fast asleep, so I put him back in the crib and went for my run, luckily he stayed asleep.
It was around reaching 70 degrees, 66 degrees with 100% humidity and I will say that was a bit tough and I would definitely have died if I had taken Dorian with me. Thankfully I didn't, so I got my run in and everything is fine and dandy for the moment.
I ran 5 miles in 48:26 with an average pace of 9:41 min/mile pace so pretty good though I wanted to slow a bit down and that didn't happen. I had an elevation gain of 92 feet, humidity at 100% and no food in the stomach, and still felt great during and after.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:26
Mile 2 - 9:45
Mile 3 - 9:25
Mile 4 - 9:49
Mile 5 - 8:58
I had almost done what I wanted and slowed down at mile 4, but then I picked it back up for some reason at mile 5. I weighed myself afterwards at 138.6 lbs so I feel great, I am under 140 and getting closer to my goal of 134-135 lbs as long as I stick to my diet and exercises. Hopefully Wednesday will be easier getting out the door.
Monday, June 10, 2013
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Howl at the Moon 5 Mile Trail Race
Last night I was pretty nervous and excited, this was my fist trail race and it was at night so I got to wear my headlamp. Part of me thought it would be better to have registered for the 5k, not the 5 miler but I knew that if I did that I would immediately regret it and wish I had done the 5 miler. In other words, I stuck with the 5 mile part of the race.
DH took a couple pics of me before the race:
It started at 9 p.m. and I was a bit in the back and we couldn't hear anything they were saying, but I wasn't worried about that. Everything was going real well for the first mile, everything was marked good and there wasn't any confusion. It was around the time we came out in a cornfield and hit two trails and one sign saying 5k..... but no 5 miles so we went the way that didn't have a sign. At that point we didn't think we were lost, by that time I was up with the brave leaders who were trying to find their way through.
We hit a dead end just before 1.5 I think, turned around and took this other trail with no tape, or sign. Before long we were pretty sure we were headed in the right direction again, I took up behind the girl that was leading and figured I knew these trails and I knew my way out if nobody else did. It was after a few minutes that we heard girls screaming, it sounded like they had broken their leg or something. It turns out they had gotten lost on a trail and decided to get off the trail and walk through the woods trying to find another trail or someone (excuse me, brave and crazy but thorns and wild animals... no thank you), when we confirmed that they were okay we headed on. It just got confusing from there on.....
Just around mile 2.75 we hit a group of 5 milers coming from where we were headed, they were lost and kept going that way. We ran through muck, mud, slosh and other nasty crap I don't want to know about and I am so glad I didn't wash off my trail shoes for this race because it would have been a huge waste of time. I think when we came upon the levee we hit multiple groups that were lost, there was one small 5k group that had already hit 4 miles instead and still didn't know where they were going. Now that I look back on it, it is actually kind of hilarious really and what was even funnier was that we were all more concerned about getting our 5 miles in before finding the finish than we were finding the finish. Eventually I hit the trails and tried to make up 5 miles, winding through and bumping into others who were either lost or making up some mileage, I saw the finish and still have about a quarter of a mile left which really aggravated me but at that point I was annoyed and done with it. After looking at the course map I can see where that quarter went, we missed a turn although I know that trail was completely muddy and just more like water than trail, oh well I guess.
DH got a few pics, a couple of me before and after because again he isn't familiar with my camera and don't know how to work the focus.
Overall, it was a fun run if you don't think about start or finish and I hope they have it again next year and maybe a Halloween run this year because that would easily freak out a lot of people. I won't say I ran 5 because my garmin says 4.7 and so my time was 48:29 for the trail race.
During start and after pics:
If you look at the guy in the green shirt furthest to the left at the booth table under the tent, that is lee (thekl0wn).
DH wanted to catch the sweat glistening off me. I was tired, and still aggravated dang it.
DH took a couple pics of me before the race:
It started at 9 p.m. and I was a bit in the back and we couldn't hear anything they were saying, but I wasn't worried about that. Everything was going real well for the first mile, everything was marked good and there wasn't any confusion. It was around the time we came out in a cornfield and hit two trails and one sign saying 5k..... but no 5 miles so we went the way that didn't have a sign. At that point we didn't think we were lost, by that time I was up with the brave leaders who were trying to find their way through.
We hit a dead end just before 1.5 I think, turned around and took this other trail with no tape, or sign. Before long we were pretty sure we were headed in the right direction again, I took up behind the girl that was leading and figured I knew these trails and I knew my way out if nobody else did. It was after a few minutes that we heard girls screaming, it sounded like they had broken their leg or something. It turns out they had gotten lost on a trail and decided to get off the trail and walk through the woods trying to find another trail or someone (excuse me, brave and crazy but thorns and wild animals... no thank you), when we confirmed that they were okay we headed on. It just got confusing from there on.....
Just around mile 2.75 we hit a group of 5 milers coming from where we were headed, they were lost and kept going that way. We ran through muck, mud, slosh and other nasty crap I don't want to know about and I am so glad I didn't wash off my trail shoes for this race because it would have been a huge waste of time. I think when we came upon the levee we hit multiple groups that were lost, there was one small 5k group that had already hit 4 miles instead and still didn't know where they were going. Now that I look back on it, it is actually kind of hilarious really and what was even funnier was that we were all more concerned about getting our 5 miles in before finding the finish than we were finding the finish. Eventually I hit the trails and tried to make up 5 miles, winding through and bumping into others who were either lost or making up some mileage, I saw the finish and still have about a quarter of a mile left which really aggravated me but at that point I was annoyed and done with it. After looking at the course map I can see where that quarter went, we missed a turn although I know that trail was completely muddy and just more like water than trail, oh well I guess.
DH got a few pics, a couple of me before and after because again he isn't familiar with my camera and don't know how to work the focus.
Overall, it was a fun run if you don't think about start or finish and I hope they have it again next year and maybe a Halloween run this year because that would easily freak out a lot of people. I won't say I ran 5 because my garmin says 4.7 and so my time was 48:29 for the trail race.
During start and after pics:
If you look at the guy in the green shirt furthest to the left at the booth table under the tent, that is lee (thekl0wn).
DH wanted to catch the sweat glistening off me. I was tired, and still aggravated dang it.Friday, June 7, 2013
This Morning's 4 Mile Run
I didn't realize until last night that my 5 mile trail race is tomorrow night, and not wanting to skip today's run I decided to just cut it 1 mile shorter than planned. It wasn't bad, at first I thought I had made a mistake and should turn around but after the first mile everything started warming up. I feel really good about being able to get up and out of bed early in the morning to do my runs, though I do miss being out on the greenway and having to run shirtless (I am proud to show off what I've worked so hard for) but I do enjoy running in the cooler mornings even if the humidity is 94%. It feels better in 68 degrees than in 75 degrees and up, and the sun was blocked by the clouds so that helped more. Overall it was a good run, I ran the 4 miles in 39:57 with an average pace of 9:58 min/mile, elevation gain 79 feet, loss of 82 feet.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:54
Mile 2 - 10:12
Mile 3 - 9:32
Mile 4 - 9:16
So overall not bad at all, and I am glad to have gotten it out of the way again. Maybe I can take Dorian somewhere for some photographing his adorable little self, or just relax. Tomorrow night is going to be interesting, my first real trail race and it's going to be at night. The awesome thing is I will get to use my headlamp for the first time ever, I won't be running like crazy but I am going to have fun with it and see how good I can do.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:54
Mile 2 - 10:12
Mile 3 - 9:32
Mile 4 - 9:16
So overall not bad at all, and I am glad to have gotten it out of the way again. Maybe I can take Dorian somewhere for some photographing his adorable little self, or just relax. Tomorrow night is going to be interesting, my first real trail race and it's going to be at night. The awesome thing is I will get to use my headlamp for the first time ever, I won't be running like crazy but I am going to have fun with it and see how good I can do.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
What Running Means to Me
Running has a few meanings for me, time to myself, therapy without the expensive price tag, and to burn some extra energy so that it doesn't become negative energy. Most of all, running to me is Freedom. I love being able to use my body to get me somewhere, I like that it slows me down and I can enjoy the scenery but at a good pace, running gives me a sensation so primal, so wild that my body feels it long after the run is over and a peaceful serenity washes over me. There are so many activities out there but running is as old as time itself, running to survive, running to cover a distance whether it was to find new territories, to keep up with our food source, or running from a predator, or just running for the sheer enjoyment of it. Running is in our blood, and when I run I can almost feel ancestors long dead and gone running with me, and sometimes when out on a trail I can almost see them and hear them.
My reasons might be different from others, but during races and group runs we're all together and none that of that matters. Our differences are set aside and we are out there, breathing hard and steady, our footsteps sometimes in sync and sometimes not. Our hearts beat strong, using our bodies to push forward and forsaking all contraptions that have encouraged lazy behaviors in us. Even after crossing the finish line or finishing up the group run, the feeling lingers and I feel empowered. Running gives me an amazing feeling, and there isn't anything else quite like it. Happy National Running Day to everyone.
My reasons might be different from others, but during races and group runs we're all together and none that of that matters. Our differences are set aside and we are out there, breathing hard and steady, our footsteps sometimes in sync and sometimes not. Our hearts beat strong, using our bodies to push forward and forsaking all contraptions that have encouraged lazy behaviors in us. Even after crossing the finish line or finishing up the group run, the feeling lingers and I feel empowered. Running gives me an amazing feeling, and there isn't anything else quite like it. Happy National Running Day to everyone.
National Running Day
I woke up this morning at 5:30 and immediately thought I wouldn't be able to get my run in, but I fed Dorian and had him back in his crib by 5:45 and I was able to get out the door by 6 (probably my fastest time getting ready so far). I didn't know it was National Running Day until I got back so I am even happier that I got out and ran my 6 miles. It started off a bit slow but eventually I picked up the pace and it went well overall, no pain or really any kind of achiness in my legs so that is good. I avoided the big hills again, mainly because I just want to keep being careful.
I ran the 6 miles in 57:53 with an average pace of 9:38 min/mile so it was good, not my fastest progression run but not sluggish or slow and pretty darn good for not having eaten anything before then and only have a couple sips of water. It was 64 degrees with a humidity of 77%, and some sun but the wind was only around 3 mph. Total elevation was 136 feet, I am now trying to pay attention to the small inclines and any kind of elevation changes just out of curiosity.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:46
Mile 2 - 9:57
Mile 3 - 9:45
Mile 4 - 9:40
Mile 5 - 9:12
Mile 6 - 8:31
And then a .2 mile walk to cool down. I would definitely have to say it was a nice progression run, the splits were very nice even with the first mile being close to 11:00 minute pace.
I might go for an easy 2 mile walk later today, or take Dorian out to a park and enjoy the weather with him. We will just have to see how the day goes and where my energy level is at by then. Anyways, Happy Running Day to everyone, hope your day goes really well.
I ran the 6 miles in 57:53 with an average pace of 9:38 min/mile so it was good, not my fastest progression run but not sluggish or slow and pretty darn good for not having eaten anything before then and only have a couple sips of water. It was 64 degrees with a humidity of 77%, and some sun but the wind was only around 3 mph. Total elevation was 136 feet, I am now trying to pay attention to the small inclines and any kind of elevation changes just out of curiosity.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:46
Mile 2 - 9:57
Mile 3 - 9:45
Mile 4 - 9:40
Mile 5 - 9:12
Mile 6 - 8:31
And then a .2 mile walk to cool down. I would definitely have to say it was a nice progression run, the splits were very nice even with the first mile being close to 11:00 minute pace.
I might go for an easy 2 mile walk later today, or take Dorian out to a park and enjoy the weather with him. We will just have to see how the day goes and where my energy level is at by then. Anyways, Happy Running Day to everyone, hope your day goes really well.
Monday, June 3, 2013
This Morning's 3 Mile Run
I was actually able to get up at 5 in the morning, take care of Dorian and get him back to sleep and I was out the door by a quarter til 6 for my run. It was nice getting out there and running that early, and getting the run out of the way and getting to work at 8.
I had planned 5 but decided that I still needed to be a bit careful with my legs and ensuring that there is no serious injury or that I don't cause one. I am probably going to aim for 20-23 miles per week for the next 2-3 weeks until I know for sure there is no injury. Then I will slowly bump it back up to 25 miles per week for a month or two, and see how things go. I just want to make sure that this Fall's three half marathons go really well, while definitely wanting to PR at the first one in October hoping for a time 2:10:00 or below. The next two don't have to be PRs, but I will enjoy them especially the middle one which is going to be just for enjoyment.
Wednesday is going to be 6 miles, and Friday will most likely be 5 miles on Friday and Sunday will hopefully see 8 miles.
I had planned 5 but decided that I still needed to be a bit careful with my legs and ensuring that there is no serious injury or that I don't cause one. I am probably going to aim for 20-23 miles per week for the next 2-3 weeks until I know for sure there is no injury. Then I will slowly bump it back up to 25 miles per week for a month or two, and see how things go. I just want to make sure that this Fall's three half marathons go really well, while definitely wanting to PR at the first one in October hoping for a time 2:10:00 or below. The next two don't have to be PRs, but I will enjoy them especially the middle one which is going to be just for enjoyment.
Wednesday is going to be 6 miles, and Friday will most likely be 5 miles on Friday and Sunday will hopefully see 8 miles.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Today's 7 Mile Long Run
This morning I went out for my 7 mile long run, I actually got out the door by 7:05 which is the earliest in a long time. I'd like to do my runs in the morning before work, around 5 a.m, if Dorian will sleep the whole time. Then I could shower and be out the door by 7-7:30 a.m. Then, instead of having mom watch Dorian for my runs, I could have her watch him so I can go out and shoot (my camera).
Anyways, it wasn't a bad run though my knees were being achy which is what kept me from pushing for 8 miles, and my right hamstring was getting tight after mile 6. I'm being sure to stretch afterwards, and I had a mile to walk back to the house. I ran 7 miles in 1:12:52 which isn't my fastest at all with a pace of 10:24 min/mile, about a minute slower than my last 7 miler which was my progression run. Supposed elevation gain of 352 feet, but I am not going to focus too much on that one.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:53
Mile 2 - 10:06
Mile 3 - 10:11
Mile 4 - 10:16
Mile 5 - 10:28
Mile 6 - 10:45
Mile 7 - 10:11
A bit sad for me, what with my last 2 months of under 10 min/mile runs but I am just trying to be careful and ensure that my legs are fully recovered and read for the races this Fall.
Anyways, it wasn't a bad run though my knees were being achy which is what kept me from pushing for 8 miles, and my right hamstring was getting tight after mile 6. I'm being sure to stretch afterwards, and I had a mile to walk back to the house. I ran 7 miles in 1:12:52 which isn't my fastest at all with a pace of 10:24 min/mile, about a minute slower than my last 7 miler which was my progression run. Supposed elevation gain of 352 feet, but I am not going to focus too much on that one.
My splits were:
Mile 1 - 10:53
Mile 2 - 10:06
Mile 3 - 10:11
Mile 4 - 10:16
Mile 5 - 10:28
Mile 6 - 10:45
Mile 7 - 10:11
A bit sad for me, what with my last 2 months of under 10 min/mile runs but I am just trying to be careful and ensure that my legs are fully recovered and read for the races this Fall.
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