Lots o Snow and Zero Running

 Blizzard December 2010

So now there is lots o snow......and zero running......but I continue going to PT in hopes he will finally say to me.....ok go out and run a mile and see how you feel........trying to keep my spirits up despite the blizzard, cold weather and PT. At least the snow looks nice.....for a while.

Never realized.....

Never realized that I would truly miss running

My running partner went for our usual Tuesday run

today

 without me. 

Not happy. 

It really does relieve stress from the day. 

We shall see what PT says tomorrow.  

:(

PT

LOST LAKE, COLORADO

So....I've entered the world of PT. I've discovered that a quality PT knows exactly which muscle is strained/injured. And that, would be my pitformis muscle. I'm now in "training" to improve that muscle and strengthen other muscles. I am a very focused patient although an impatient one. I got to go on the elliptical for 5 whole minutes; but I kept eying the treadmill. Hopefully, I'll get some more cardio on Monday. I keep wondering what my endurance will be when I begin to run again.  Otherwise, my training has ground to almost a halt except for strengthening and stretching. I hope when I run my first mile again my hip will be happy, and me too! So for now walking the dog 2 miles and going shopping will have to substitute for running the miles.

No Running.....for now

the ortho guy says pinched nerve on the hip

and arthritis in my back

feeling better but

no running for now

just PT

this sucks

i'm sad

my yoga teacher promised to teach me

how to swim laps over the vacation

for now.....

2 mile walk with Kramer helped elevate the endorphine withdrawal

and the need to run 

i promise to keep a positive attitude about all this

at least it wasn't raining

The Turkey Trot That Wasn't

No Turkey Trot For Me!
I get ready, I train, I keep training,

I listen to my coach, I register

and then I get a 

sinus infection/cold/cough/the works 

and I can't run in the turkey trot!!

I can't believe how bummed 

I am that I can't run in it tomorrow.

I even got an email describing

that there will be interesting

turns on the course 

and lots of 'tour guides.'

Oh, of course I could try and run

but I do not want to compromise

any future running time.

So it will just leave me with extra time

to make 

apple

pies!

Endurance Week

This was a week of training that sure required endurance on my part. 

Monday 

yoga 

Tuesday 

3 miles

Wednesday 

10 minute easy warm up
5x2 minute intervals w/ 1 minute easy running in between.
5-10 minute cool down. 

 
Thursday 

 4-5 miles easy except 10 minutes @ 5k race goal pace...not too bad 

Friday

  RITUAL/2.5miles .....but it just didn't happen........zero miles...

stretched  a little but that was it for the day!

 
Saturday 

  Today was interesting

1.5 miles warm up......I felt really great....like I could just keep running but then I arrived at the school track......

1 mile on the track...fast but not all out and 1 mile all out........well....it didn't happen exactly like that...my all out got up and left. My pace was just about the same as my PR 9:15. And it was exhausting! The only nice part was running on the track was nice and soft on my feet! Wish the streets were paved like that!  I could barely seem to run home.....although that's exactly what I did. I wonder where I got the strength from for that 1.5 miles?? 

Sunday 

Today was supposed to be my long run day. It was a busy busy day trying to fit in everything I needed to do before the work week begins. Finally, at about 4:00pm I went out to run. I only got 2 miles in when I hit the "wall" and just stopped...and walked home. Everything....calves, quads, etc were just tightened up too much to go on any further. Now I've decided that an ice pack would be good on my hip...I think it is helping. I keep wondering how do endurance athletes do this week in and week out...especially the ones around my age group! Hmmmmmmm.

Training

I thought I'd write about a training run especially since all I have written about are races. Today after procrastinating A LOT I decided to do a long run today. It was about 40 degrees with a brisk wind. The report was a wind chill of about 38...so I of course. overdressed for the occasion! Leggings, dri fit, pullover jacket....don't laugh gloves AND a headband! Ok, so I was sooooo comfortable for about 2 miles and then I had to start peeling off the layers!! Perhaps some day I will learn how to dress for the weather!! My plan was to run the perimeter of our neighborhood which is just about 6 miles long. Before I started my hip was bothering me, so I thought if I don't feel good I'll turn around....funny after 1 mile it was feeling fine! I ran at a rather slow pace with about 1 fartlek every mile or so. I did 4 pick ups during the run. I also caught my shoe toe twice o the sidewalk under some leaves. Whew!!! I caught myself each time...but it was scary!! I think all that balancing in yoga must help! By the end of the run I was feeling kinda sluggish but I kept running until I had gone 67 minutes. My goal was to run more than 6o minutes no matter what. Accomplished!! After the run, I was feeling kind of perky especially with a nice lunch and a Gatorade! But then we went shopping.......while at BJ's.....I began to crash! Boy was I tired!! Even now after a nap on the couch, I'm still tired! The one thing I have learned with training runs...is know your body and how it feels..know when it's ok to push it and when you need to stop and re-group! And now....it's time to find the couch for a little R and R again!! LOL

My first 4 mile Race

Sunday, I ran Blazing Trails for Autism: 4 miles in Great Neck. The race started at 9:30am so I had plenty of time to get ready in the morning and then get to the race. No need to feel exhausted or rushed. When I arrived I had to park so far away from the registration pick up. The school campus is really beautiful with a wooded path behind the buildings. It seemed like a 1/2 mile hike. When I finally got to the gym for my number and goodie bag...oh and a real bathroom! ....I realized I wasn't going to wear the really nice hooded sweatshirt...I couldn't believe there were some who actually wore it during the race???... so then I had to walk back to the car again. And then......to get to the starting line......another trip back to the gym. This time I ran so I could warm up a bit. Lots of people were doing the same thing. There were plenty of politicians in full force at the race start as well. It appeared at the beginning to be so well organized. Finally the race began!! I was off to a nice start...comfortable especially since it was all uphill to begin. There were a lot of volunteers along the course either shouting encouragement, pointing out well marked obstacles, like cracked pavement etc. And there were timers calling times at mile #1 and mile #2. The course itself was comprised of a lot of rolling hills. It seemed like every time I reached the top of one thinking it was the last one, there was another one waiting for me to climb. But, I told myself that for this race I was not going to stop running no matter what. I read an article somewhere, that it is best to keep running. I believe it kept my momentum going when it seemed to waver. I avoided the crowed water stop at mile #2. Way too many people and not necessary. I had enough trouble a watching out for thrown cups! The end of the race was one lap around the school's track. The announcer was great; calling out every runner's name and time as they crossed the finish line! Definitely a very big job. My final time: 38:33 and a 9:39 pace. I was extremely pleased with my results. The food at the end of this race was awesome. Someone was handing out bottles of Gatorade as you walked off the course. And then,there were tables of bagels, bananas, apples, lots of different drinks, including water,
and lots of cookies and snacks almost all gluten-free and wheat free. Lots of seconds as well. A far cry from the Diva race, where the Gatorade was rationed or the Cow Harbor race where all they had was seltzer water?! This was a really well run well prepared and nice race...oh and lots of raffles as well. Too bad I didn't win the Cannondale bike! No big deal it was a great race, lots of fun and will enjoy running it again next year.

Run Like a Diva

On Sunday, October 3rd I ran in the Run Like a Diva 5K race. 99% of the runners were women. The Friday before, I also went to the expo which was kind of cool because everything seemed geared to women runners. I got a few bargains like the winter thermal at about 1/3 the price I paid last winter. But a lot was kind of gimmicky. How many glitzy hats, shirts and headbands can you look at? The race was on Sunday. It turned out to be very chilly in the morning; but it was survivable. I was able to 'check' my sweatshirt right before the race. Once again, I was at a race alone so I all I could do was focus on getting ready to run. I did wish someone was there to cheer me on; seemed like I was the only one running solo. There was a lot of fanfare at the beginning with even a Broadway star singing the National Anthem! I was determined to start at the front no matter what this time, even if dozens of people passed me!! The course was, as it turned out, up and down probably the only hills in Eisenhower park. I took off pretty fast and then got into a rhythm. I really felt pretty comfortable at least until the last 1/2 mile. Another woman came up behind me and stayed next to me for quite a while. I tried to pick it up but just didn't have it in me. She took the lead but only by a little bit. I was disappointed that along the route there were no split times. LOL...no water but it was too cold for that anyway.
When I got to the finish line I looked up to see my time and the clock was blank! I found out it was not working. Geez.....for my $25 it would have been nice to see my time on the clock at least for myself! As we crossed the finish line there were some hunky firemen handing out roses and another in a tux handing out champagne. There was lots of food to eat but only a limited amount of gatorade was available. Don't runners really need hydration??? I had to walk back to my car for my own 'after the race drink.' After waiting in the freezing cold....what seemed like an awfully long time I found out that I had come in 1st in my age group and 31st out of 310 people! All and all I was very pleased because I ran a PR: 28:45. Wining made it a sweet race!
Next race: Blazing Trails for Autism: 4 miles

Cow Harbor Race, my first 10K.

Yes! I ran my first 10K on Saturday, Sept. 25th! I was especially happy to have Glenn drive me to the race because I was just a bit anxious. I couldn't believe that I had actually gone through with registering for this race. Although I had run over 6 miles before running it in a race seemed so daunting. I got a pretty decent rest the night before so waking up at 5:30am wasn't too bad.
We got to Northport with plenty of time to spare; picked up my number said goodbye to Glenn and headed off to wait for the start. There were probably more porta-potties than I have ever seen in one place; but I soon found out that it's a necessary part of running races....the lines moved fast considering they were very long. Runners don't waste time! It was a friendly crowd and lots of people chatted with me. Usually at races no one says much of anything to me! Except, "where is the registration?"

Finally, we were lined up our corral according to our predicted finish time. When the gun finally went off......we actually had to walk for about a 1/10th of a mile!! It was that crowded!
Then as we began to finally run we were channeled into a narrow area almost like a chute! And then it was more of a 'race walk' until it finally opened up and we could run. Of course then...bam the first hill was upon us...not too bad....ok for mile 1...but this is Cow Harbor and mile 2 is a definite big uphill climb. Ugh! I was not ready for this kind of intensity. Half way up, I had to walk for a bit....but soon it was definitely downhill running.

I really enjoyed this race! I hardly even listened to the music I had on my i-touch. The crowds were ringing cow bells, banging pots and pans, and playing music. It was so incredibly festive.People were cheering us on and giving us distance markers. And then after the last hill and mile 5.5 it was a flat and straight run into town. I felt like it was the Olympics with people cheering, a big finish sign, and lots of photographers too!! And of course, finally, I saw Glenn on the sidewalk taking my picture and cheering me!! Awesome!! This race definitely hooked me on running races even more.

The only downside was I couldn't find a regular water or gatorade at the end of the race and had to drink Glenn's vitamin water and eat some cookies! It was really cool, fun and exhilarating!! I can't believe I may not have even signed up for it. So glad I did!

Next up: Running Like a Diva 5K on Sunday in Eisenhower Park.

RUNNER'S LAMENT: SEPT. 4, 2010

Slept well.. Ate a little.. Hydrated well..
Ran this a.m 50 minutes or what seemed like a marathon!
First my knee hurt..my breathing was off..
Then my legs felt like lead.. Then all that was okay..
But I was so tired still? The last 10 minutes were like sitting a class that never ends..ugh This is the first time I ever felt like this! :(

Maybe a nap and then coffee is what I need..

Hmmm?
This is my runner's lament.

August 31, 2010

August 31, 2010

I never would have imagined, even as recently as a few years ago that running would become so much a part of my life. Sometimes there still is a bit of apprehension as I get ready to run. Will I be able to run the distance I've planned....or rather my coach has planned for me? But as soon as the first half mile is gone, I am in the zone. I forget about the time, I forget about all the things that spin in my mind during the day. I just run. I sometimes listen to my feet hitting the pavement....or....it may sound kind of funny but how comfortable my feet feel inside my running shoes. Or even better, I listen to my breath. I goes from that uncomfortable erratic breathing the first mile and then suddenly I realize it is calm and relaxed yet I'm running. It still amazes me; I'm really running. My running body has kicked into 5th gear and is on autopilot. And now this month I have run as long as 75 minutes. I just wish it was not so hot outside. Looking for sprinklers is not always easy!! September will bring new logistics of my running schedule and the amount of miles I have run this summer....and adding into the mix, teaching high school art as well.....and my 2 clubs as well...and how one fits all this into a 24 hour day? Guess I'll find out! It's been a good running month. On to September and my first 10K. Whahoo!!

July 28th

Interesting running this month....on a cruise ship. Temperature about 60F. Very brisk winds. A track that is 1/6th of a mile long. Had to run around it too many times to get over 2 miles completed. Lapped plenty of people either out for a stroll or attempting to run 3x around the track. I at least ran 3x on the cruise and also did 2 10 mile bike tours up some pretty steep inclines. I learned a lot about changing gears as well as a new healthy respect for road cyclists in the tour. Back to reality of running at home. Did about 3 miles today nice breeze, but still not enough sprinklers were on this evening.

June Races and Training

Last Wednesday I decided to run the local park Wednesday night 5k race. I also figured I should save some $$$ and become a member. So now I am an official card carrying member of the Long Island Road Running Club! The race went o.k. I noticed my time at the 1 mile: 9:32. I thought it must be a mistake since I was a bit sluggish. It didn't seem too hot...but I grabbed the water cup and tossed it on my head and ran through the sprinkler they had set up! I ran the 5k in 31:10. Respectable but I thought I was a bit slower than usual?? I came in 4th in my age group but really I was in the bottom 1/3 of the entire group of about 190 people. Guess we'll see what happens this week....it's supposed to be a heat wave.....98 degrees!

Where did June go?

I was trying to blog at least once a month.....but June disappeared. Perhaps because I became a grandma on June 8th when Jack Gabriel was born. Maybe one day he will get his sneakers on with grandma and go for a run! For now it is bottles, diapers, hugs and sleep and repeat.

May 1, 2010

Today was my 2nd 5K. It was a hot, humid morning. I was a little nervous.....but have my running partner along really helped. It was a great race although I definitely felt the heat. First mile was in the shade.....no problem.....then we turned the corner for mile 2 and the sun was smack on the side of my face! The next bend.....mile 3 the sun was on the other side! LOL...but I was determined to keep running!! I saw the finish line and the huge timer clock......I did not want to go over 31 minutes! I ran the 5K in 31:00 flat.
I won my age category.....first place! Can't wait to get my very first medal! Cool!

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Ran 2 miles today. That completes the training for this weekend's LI 5K race.
A little nervous but I have my team-art running partner with me!
LOL...soon I should have a stash of safety pins from my race numbers!

Tuesday, April 20,2010

I ran my first 5K......I still can't believe I ran so fast.....I usually run about a 11 minute mile.....but I ran a 9:27 pace and finished at 29:25. Wow! It was a lot of fun. I never realized that competing could be exhilarating and just plain fun! This was my very first time I ever entered a competitive athletic competition albeit a small school sponsored race. I was really tired and somewhat sore the next day but I ran about 2 miles at a slow pace. I felt good. But.....I've taken off Monday and Tuesday and plan to run tomorrow. Now I've got to plan the next race!

Race Day

It's the day of my very first 5K race......don't know what to expect.....I've only run with 1 person before....there are supposed to be 450 or more. I feel good...stay tuned for the results. Going out to have fun!

Happy 58th Birthday to me...yesterday!
Today my family will make a special birthday meal:
breakfast for dinner. I'm a lucky wife, mother and
mother-in-law and soon to be nanna.
9 months since I started running in earnest.
I have learned how to fit running 3x a week into my busy schedule
Lucky to have my son Adam as my coach.
Today I ran just short of 3 miles @ 11 min pace preparing for my
very first 5K. You know you are a runner when you have a designated
drawer filled with 4 seasons of running clothes and
there are more than 3 pairs of sneakers in the closet.