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My Half Marathon Nerves

I am running in my 5th Half Marathon this weekend and I am VERY NERVOUS.  Here’s why:

1st Half in Naples, Florida

My 1st Half was 1-16-11 (my wedding anniversary).  My longest race to that point was a 5k.  I trained well.  I was healthy.  I was so excited.  My hubby was waiting at the finish line.  My goal was to cross standing up and finish under 2:45 so I could get a medal. I DID in 2:28.

My 2nd Half in Lake George, NY

My 2nd Half was 4-23-11. Now I had already run a half marathon so I knew that I could. I trained well & was healthy.  My goal was to run faster but not too much since I knew that it was a hilly course. It was freezing and raining hard the whole 13.1 miles (& I didn’t wear my Garmin) so I was shocked that I was faster (2:22) and won an award for 2nd in my AG.

 

My 3rd Half in Schroon Lake, NY

 

My 3rd Half was 9-25-11.  Unfortunately I got hurt in June and did not run most of the summer.  My goal was no goal – Just finish it in under 5 hours and not re-injure my Achilles. The course was tough but I was able to run the lst half & then I walked most of the 2nd half to finish in 2:44.

my 4th Half Marathon in Rhinebeck, NY

My 4th Half was 10-23-11.  I signed up for it on a whim and planned to use it as a week 10 of 12 training run. It was scenic and a race was just the motivation I needed for a good last long run.  Unfortunately, I was not prepared physically for the HILLS and although I ran a very good first half of the race, I walked a lot during the last few hills and finished around 2:31.  At least I was faster than my 3rd half and I did not get injured by not pushing myself on the hills.

The Santa Clarita Half this weekend is my 5th Half.  I am running with my best friend’s sister (who runs marathons.)  Of course, I want to do well.  My nagging achilles has prevented me from training well.  My running has been very cautious for fear of re-injury.  The speed has not been there and the long runs have been mixed with walking.  These half marathons have been getting harder  NOT easier!!

Hopefully I will do OK. Maybe it’ll be flat…

I’m nervous!

Happy Running!  Heading to LA!

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Welcome November!

Wow, October flew by!  But I am happy to say that I ran my most miles ever!!! (Previously it was 95 in Dec 2010) I have also surpassed my total miles for 2010 with 2 months left to go!!!

Here were my October Goals:

  • Continue to run pain-free :) – YUP!!
  • Continue tennis & yoga once a week – YUP!!
  • Run 3-4 times a week – YUP!!
  • Join a gym & start to cross-train ??? NOPE. Not yet!
  • Increase weekly mileage by adding long runs to prepare for Half Marathon #4 – YUP! Actually ran it and now it is HM #5
  • Run a 5k or 10K or both – YUP! A 5K on 10-1-11

    10-1-11

10-10-11


10-16-11


10-22-11

10-23-11

10-30-11

 


GOALS

  1. Hope to continue to run pain-free
  2. Continue tennis & yoga once a week
  3. Run 3-4 times a week
  4. Survive Half Marathon #5
  5. Run a 5k  (& finish under 30 min.)
  6. Join a gym & start cross-train

Happy Running!

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Last Week in Review & Getting Ready for the Taper

Monday – REST
Tuesday – 3.5 miles during lunch, 1.5 hours tennis after work
Wednesday – 2.5 miles (on the treadmill), Yoga 1.25 hrs
Thursday – REST
Friday – 5 miles
Saturday – REST
Sunday –  9.5 miles

ONE week to go… until Half Marathon #5!

my cat, Honey

 

Happy Running! Happy Halloween!

 

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Last Long Run

It’s funny to say that I am officially in Taper mode.

I started training on August 15.  In those 12 weeks, I have run 2 half marathons.  I also have had long runs of  10, 10.5, 12, 13. That’s six 2 digit runs!!!

On the surface, it appears that I am so much better prepared for this half marathon than my first two. (1-16-11 & 4-23-11)

Not so!!! 

It’s deceiving because  all of the long training runs this time have been mixed with walking.  All except the last half marathon (10-23-11) have paces over 12 min/mile. 

I feel that because of my injury, I have been tapering during all of the training runs. 

I am pain-free now so I am okay with that.  Running slowing is much better than not running at all.  (I will repeat this to myself often.)

So today was my last long run.

We had some snow on Thursday and some yesterday.  Yes, it’s still October.  Those are the joys of living in the Northeast.It was unseasonably cool today (in the 30’s) but at least it was not snowing or raining!!!

4" on the ground this morning

So I headed into town to do at least 8 miles.  However, the sidewalks were still snow-covered and slippery so I decided to go some place new.

I heard that the Corning Trail was an awesome place to run – flat & scenic.  I usually do not feel like doing extra driving but today I had the time.

I parked at Riverside Park and headed toward Troy.  The whole way you had a view of the Hudson River.

It was chilly but I definitely was overdressed.  I started with a hat & gloves & jacket.

The trail was indeed flat. The sun came out and melted the snow on the trail.

It was neat to see snow on the ground & leaves still on the trees.

I turned around at the 4 1/4 mile mark and little by little took off my hat, gloves, & tied the jacket around my waist.

I haven’t reached a verdict about the new shoes – yes, they have more support & the bottoms of my feet don’t ache but they are heavier & it feels like running in cement boots (unless I was just tired & hungry).

warm enough for boating

When I got back, the weather was so nice & the scenery so beautiful that I continued in the other direction.

Done!!

I wound up doing 9.5 miles (though there was walking at the end & lots of photo stops). I’m definitely going to add the Corning Trail to my list of running routes.

I’m not sure how much or if any running I’ll get done this week.  Tennis 2x, yoga, nails, hair appt, flight to LA …NO TIME!!

Happy Running! Do I need to run this week?

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Eight Days Out

That’s means it’s time to stress out about the Weather and the Outfit:

I have no control about the weather.  I’m fine as long as it doesn’t rain.

Santa Clarita forecast

But do you see a trend??? California must know that an Upstate New York girl is coming West. What they don’t know is that it is cold in the Northeast & I HATE it!!  I like warm weather…. 

The outfit? 

Definitely compressions socks and a cap.  Those are a given. Possibly the outfit that got covered up during the rainy cold Lake George Half last April.

Maybe this outfit instead:

However, given that the temps will not be the 70’s or 80’s that I had hoped for…I will  have to bring  a short-sleeved shirt…either white, pink or green and a jacket. (I know will over pack!!)

Other important things:

book to read on the plane

 

new toy for blogging

Happy Running! Any advice in packing for destination races?

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It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…

Yes, today, it is in the 30’s. It snowed yesterday and more snow is predicted for tomorrow.

So I guess it’s time to think about Holiday cards.

If you read my blog, you’ll know that I love to take pictures.  As a result, when I send holiday cards, I usually enclose one of my photos.

I think that this year, I am going to use Shutterfly to make my own holiday cards using some of my digital photos.

Once you upload your digital photos, you can create either greeting cards, calendars, invitations and even a variety of unique gifts.

Shutterfly is very easy to use. 

The problem will be deciding which of Shutterfly’s many designs to choose

and which photos taken this year to upload??

me running?

or 

me & hubby on our boat?

or

our cats?

If you’re lucky to get one, you’ll find out…

This year Shutterfly is offering bloggers a great deal. 25 free Christmas cards when you blog about Shutterfly’s Christmas cards!

 Are you a blogger?

Want a chance at 25 free cards this holiday season? Register here: http://goo.gl/DDw7Q

 

Happy Running! Do you send photo greeting cards? 

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The Shoe Goddess Strikes Again

 

Is there a group for Running Shoe  Buyers Anonymous??

If so, I need to join!

I have bought at least 5 pairs of running shoes this year including one more pair this week.

This time, it’s New Balance 859.  They were on sale at Olympia Sports (reg$110, on sale for $65).  I’ve worn Nike, Saucony, Brooks, Mizunos, Asics but this my first NB.

According to the website:

NB 859 features the TS2 Transitional Support System providing the essential support over-pronators, and long distance runners may need. ABZORB® SBS in the heel and forefoot … make this running shoe an excellent choice for comfort on the road.

Obviously I’m not loyal to one brand.  I am forever looking for the perfect shoe.  My feet always hurt and it’s just getting them to hurt less.  I have even worn brand new shoes for my lst 3 half marathons.

On my 4th last weekend, I worn the same pair as on the 3rd.  It was the lst time with orthotics.  My feet really ached under the forefoot.  I still overpronate (but not as much).

I’m going to run with these shoes after work today and see…

Happy Running!  Anyone wear New Balance shoes?

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First Lunchtime Run

where I work

 
I’ve never run during my lunch break before.  One of my colleagues told that she runs 7 miles at lunch.
 
Well, she’s fast. She has her own private office.  She doesn’t have to leave her office at a moment’s notice to help faculty or staff.
 
But the forecast of impending rain and or snow for the next few days made me decide on Tuesday to take my first lunchtime run.
 
It wasn’t the best day to do it.  It was cool (so I didn’t sweat) but VERY WINDY.  My QUADS were screaming “No, don’t do this!!”  (I was also going to be playing tennis after work.)
 
It did it anyway.  I wore my running clothes under my work clothes and at my cubicle, I changed, added my sneakers, Garmin, cap.
 
I snuck out and slowing ran 3.5 miles and then grabbed something to eat & ate it at my desk.
 
Will I do it again?
 
Maybe if we have another nice day & I am busy after work.  Though, once we turn the clocks back, I will probably run before work.
 
Happy Running! Anyone else run during their lunch break?
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Wednesday Words

Thanks to Finishing is Winning for reminding me about what is important!

Of course, if only I could remember this when I race…

Happy Running!

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Weak Quads

After Sunday’s Half Marathon, I pleased to report that my feet, heel, calves, knees, and legs feel fine!  But my QUADS…that’s a different story.  I can barely walk down the stairs.  The last time they felt like this was when I volunteered last November at the Stockade-athon and spent 1 1/2 hrs cutting off chips at the finish line.

I guess it was the hills!!!

I sit at my desk all day and my exercise consists of tennis, running & yoga.  But I don’t bike or hike or or exercise or use any machines at a gym. Obviously, I need to strengthen my quads!!

Happy Running!  Any advice on dealing with weak quads?