Sunday, April 29, 2012

Turning 60, a 5K and one week until the Half Marathon!


I turned 60!
April 10th I turned 60! I spent my birthday traveling to Colorado to see my son, his bride to be, and a lot of my family. I also got a chance to do some 'altitude' training. That was not so easy! I ran a great trail in the Chatfield Reservoir Park. I did alot of stop and start getting up the hills and catching my breath! It was great and what views...so it was definitely worth it.

Run with the Rams/ April 28
Woke up early and felt good....so I was really happy to go to the race. It had been a long time since I ran one!! I think the HoHoHo was the last race!!
The race organization was not great...no starting time sections etc...and then all of a sudden some yelled it started! I didn't hear a horn or starting gun etc. So I think I got off to
a bit of a slow start since there was a bit of confusion amongst the runners at first.  But I took off up the first hill *albiet a small one!! and started right away to find my breath.
(That is a yoga term btw) I felt great even at the beginning and falling into a pace seemed pretty easy and quick this time. Usually, I go out way too fast and have slow down to control my breathing and get into a rhythm.  I had left Marlena way behind me.  I moved away from the (LOL) heavy breathers as I listening to it throws mine off!  After a mile or so I noticed I was running at the same pace a man and a woman running together.  After a while he took off  at around mile 1.5 and then I started to chat with her.  I can't believe how much we talked while running a race!  It really was surprising to me. And I turned off my nano...LOL.  She was asking me what kind of pace I usually run etc and then she said she knew our pace but wasn't going to tell me! But as we approached about 2.5 miles her breathing was getting a bit more labored and I decided it was time to 'drop' her and pick it up a bit. I was conservative about it though. I don't know why I do that.  I came in at 28:18/ 9:07 pace. I was very pleased at the results. I think all that training became obvious to me as I finished the race. I have a great coach to thank for that!!  
Sunday/April 29
I was feeling a bit tired/lazy today and woke up extremely hungry.  At first I was going to run without breakfast but decided against it. After about 1 1/2 hours I ran 5 miles.  Funny, I was planning on running only about 3 (yes I know what it says above)  but I felt pretty good and just kept going.  Of course, I was a bit overdressed (not overheated however) but no matter I was fine. 5 miles just under 55 minutes.  Hahaha....passed the radar cop...who told me to pick up the pace I was running too slow.  Nice easy run. My right hamstring was feeling a bit tight tonight so I gave it some ice! I finished that run thinking I feel prepared and ready for Sunday. A bit nervous and such about logistics but athletically....ready to run 13.1.
I <3 my coach!

Sunday, April 1, 2012

No April Fools!!


Sunday, April 1st...  I definitely geared up for this big running day both mentally and physically.
Woke up and had a small breakfast…English muffin w/peanut butter and some Gatorade
I did not leave on my run until almost 2 ½ hours later.  Got my fuel  belt on with one bottle of Gatorade * ½ diluted with water.  Got 1 pkge of Gatorade “prime” gummies in my belt and took off. Felt fine most of the time. I divided the time up in half figuring it would be about 2 hours altogether. After 1 hour, I took off the top layer and decided that was a good time for my ‘snack’ I ate all 4 gummies…tasted like candy.  And within the next 15 minutes the 8oz drink was history.  I made a park “pit stop” detour at that point. And then I was ready for part 2.  I was really more energized I think because of the gummies and a drink. I wasn’t really hurting either….until about mile 9 or 10. That’s when my knee started aching a bit. I kept running through it.  I even made a plan to run past my block as to give my self the idea that the running was not quite done yet.  Usually I see my block and that’s when I get really tired! LOL. All psychological I assume! Got home and rested, drank, ate etc…even walked the dog. My knee was then feeling fine. Who knows?? All in all I am very tired and a bit sore but ok.  Hope that I’m feeling the same tomorrow. I will go easy in yoga tomorrow, but I think the stretching will be beneficial. With all that said….I am quite pleased and definitely more psychologically ready to run the 13.1 miles next month!