4:00 AM....maybe running is a sickness...just kidding. I was really out of it when I got up yesterday morning to get my run in before work. When I checked the temperature it said 40...but also said the winds were gusting in the mid to high 20 miles per hour...which by the time my run was over were a bit higher I am pretty sure.
Got up and got all my stuff on and headed out with my headlamp. The moon was really beautiful...it was just stunning...that is about all I can say. Just amazing....
I did my big loop around the east part of Laramie, and it was strange to see so few cars...and no police...a little disconcerting to be honest. I was able to run a little more in the street than normal, which I liked immensely.
I think my stride is a little shorter when I use the headlamp. I have never had decent night-vision...and it messes a tiny bit with my depth perception. I thought I was running faster the whole time than I actually was...so that was a little frustrating.
The last two miles were pretty hard...my legs definitely were letting me know that my effort on Saturday was not forgotten. The sun was just starting to come up and so the horizon was getting a glimpse of sunlight by the time I got home. Having to get to work so quickly, I did not have enough time to stretch as much as I wanted. I feel lucky that my legs were still usable after the long day of sitting.
I can't remember my exact time....it was 1 hour, 41 minutes and some change....I know my pace was 10 minute and 6 second miles. Not too far off the pace...but I was very very tired when I was done. It made for a very long day....but felt really good to achieve.
This morning, I slept in a bit...I actually went to bed very early the night before to try to stay healthy....so I was very surprised when I got up and the sun was already fairly high and the temperature was only 27 without the wind chill. I needed to wear my winter gear once again.
I had a little tenderness behind my knees which was an odd sensation so I spent a little longer stretching before my run. I was glad I did. The first hill felt difficult and I was really feeling the run. After about mile two everything locked and kept that way for the rest of the run. I am pleased to have a good run after a so-so run the day before. My time was 47 minutes and 24 seconds...or a 9 minute and 28 second per mile pace...I good rebound and some momentum that will hopefully carry me through Friday and Saturday....thanks for reading!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
5, 11, 5
I was able to get out Thursday for 5. It did not feel really good, but I got it in. Saturday was kind of an adventure. Headed out for a 13 mile run that turned out to be a different day all together.
About a mile in, I noticed pylons set up and thought there might be a race going on. After seeing some people setting up water stations, I figured it must be some sort of race. I figured it probably started at 9 and that I would have just missed the start. As I was continuing around my first 3 mile loop though, I saw more and more cones as well as chalk directions pointing. So I thought I would run home....grab a check...and try to find the start.
After I went back outside, I headed towards the high school, thinking that must be the start...it wasn't....then I went to the jr. high....it wasn't the start either. I zig-zagged a bit and came across a guy in a truck at one of the water tables I had seen awhile before. I asked him if it was a 5K....he said it was....so I followed the cones all the way back around and on to campus. By the time I found the registration desk, the Garmin said I ran 7.22 miles.
I registered and then found the group of runners. We started kind of unceremoniously...it was more of a MS-Walk than a 5K...there was no official time or anything. It was fine, because I really just wanted to see what I could demand out of my legs when I was tired.
My Garmin, really let me down. It said it lost the signal inside...but when I went outside...it picked it back up....or so I thought. About a quarter mile in a noticed that it was only tracking time...so I reset it which seemed to take forever as I ran. So I really have no clue as to my time.
It felt good to get out and race...I passed quite a few runners and was never passed. After the race I headed home. The legs didn't feel great...but I was ecstatic about how they gave me what I wanted.
I got out for a 5 mile run this morning. It was a good run, even though I did not have time to do yoga today. My time was 46 minutes and 19 seconds, or 9 min and 15 second miles. I have 10 miles up tomorrow...I am nervous....but a little hopeful as well.....
Sorry I have been bad about updating...I am hoping to be better...thanks for reading!
About a mile in, I noticed pylons set up and thought there might be a race going on. After seeing some people setting up water stations, I figured it must be some sort of race. I figured it probably started at 9 and that I would have just missed the start. As I was continuing around my first 3 mile loop though, I saw more and more cones as well as chalk directions pointing. So I thought I would run home....grab a check...and try to find the start.
After I went back outside, I headed towards the high school, thinking that must be the start...it wasn't....then I went to the jr. high....it wasn't the start either. I zig-zagged a bit and came across a guy in a truck at one of the water tables I had seen awhile before. I asked him if it was a 5K....he said it was....so I followed the cones all the way back around and on to campus. By the time I found the registration desk, the Garmin said I ran 7.22 miles.
I registered and then found the group of runners. We started kind of unceremoniously...it was more of a MS-Walk than a 5K...there was no official time or anything. It was fine, because I really just wanted to see what I could demand out of my legs when I was tired.
My Garmin, really let me down. It said it lost the signal inside...but when I went outside...it picked it back up....or so I thought. About a quarter mile in a noticed that it was only tracking time...so I reset it which seemed to take forever as I ran. So I really have no clue as to my time.
It felt good to get out and race...I passed quite a few runners and was never passed. After the race I headed home. The legs didn't feel great...but I was ecstatic about how they gave me what I wanted.
I got out for a 5 mile run this morning. It was a good run, even though I did not have time to do yoga today. My time was 46 minutes and 19 seconds, or 9 min and 15 second miles. I have 10 miles up tomorrow...I am nervous....but a little hopeful as well.....
Sorry I have been bad about updating...I am hoping to be better...thanks for reading!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
This week
I was able to run 5 Monday. Tuesday we had a snow storm and I had to get to Cheyenne for work and didn't get in six...then I got snowed in Cheyenne and didn't make it back to Laramie until 11....so I did not get in 5 today. Blah. Gonna do 5 tomorrow, 3 Friday, and 13 Saturday....I hope.
Monday, March 22, 2010
18 Mile Saturday
Well, Friday was a very long day, so I slept in a little on Saturday. I wasn't out the door until after 9. Even with the sun up the temperature was -6 with a windchill of -19. It really is time for some spring weather.
The first couple of miles did not feel good...so much so that I decided to do a 3 mile loop first before heading out for the tour of laramie. By the time I had hit mile 7, I felt like I was going to be able to do the full 18.
Heading into west Laramie was a little more nerve-racking than usual. I am guessing it had to do with it being so late and with so many people heading out to go snow-mobiling. I was happy to be off the really busy roads when I turned onto Welsh Lane.
ended up stopping around mile 12.5 and using the facilities at the Petro truck stop. I stopped for a bit....it certainly took a long time to warm-up again with my running gear soaked and the windchill...but I really got my second wind around mile 14. I kicked up the pace a bit and continued on.
By mile 16 the ITB on my right leg was really hurting. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and tried to push it out of my mind. I don't normally look at my pace...but I did just to make sure I wasn't trying too hard. I was a hair under 10 minute miles and decided to give a little more effort.
The last two miles felt like they took a long time...but they were good miles. I was very very sore, but again, it felt like I still had some left in the tank. I stretched a bit...but my legs were very tight....so I decided to pass on the yoga.
The Garmin really kind of led my astray for that run....by the time I was dead at 18.00 miles...it said my pace was 9 minute and 40 second miles...but my actual time for the run was 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 34 seconds...are a 9 minute and 58 second per mile pace...I am a little baffled and annoyed...I would have pushed a bit more to drop the numbers a little.
The legs were dead the rest of the day and most of Sunday. I have also been sneezing a lot due to allergies, but I am feeling like I am back on track and that feels really good. Thanks for reading!
The first couple of miles did not feel good...so much so that I decided to do a 3 mile loop first before heading out for the tour of laramie. By the time I had hit mile 7, I felt like I was going to be able to do the full 18.
Heading into west Laramie was a little more nerve-racking than usual. I am guessing it had to do with it being so late and with so many people heading out to go snow-mobiling. I was happy to be off the really busy roads when I turned onto Welsh Lane.
ended up stopping around mile 12.5 and using the facilities at the Petro truck stop. I stopped for a bit....it certainly took a long time to warm-up again with my running gear soaked and the windchill...but I really got my second wind around mile 14. I kicked up the pace a bit and continued on.
By mile 16 the ITB on my right leg was really hurting. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and tried to push it out of my mind. I don't normally look at my pace...but I did just to make sure I wasn't trying too hard. I was a hair under 10 minute miles and decided to give a little more effort.
The last two miles felt like they took a long time...but they were good miles. I was very very sore, but again, it felt like I still had some left in the tank. I stretched a bit...but my legs were very tight....so I decided to pass on the yoga.
The Garmin really kind of led my astray for that run....by the time I was dead at 18.00 miles...it said my pace was 9 minute and 40 second miles...but my actual time for the run was 2 hours, 59 minutes, and 34 seconds...are a 9 minute and 58 second per mile pace...I am a little baffled and annoyed...I would have pushed a bit more to drop the numbers a little.
The legs were dead the rest of the day and most of Sunday. I have also been sneezing a lot due to allergies, but I am feeling like I am back on track and that feels really good. Thanks for reading!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
10 mile Tuesday and 5 mile Thursday
So much going on on my world right now...most of it good...just being pulled in a lot of directions and I keep forgetting to update. I was able to get my run in on Tuesday. It was a very long day for me and getting up that early is not something my body enjoyed. It felt really good to get it in. The right IT band was not as good as I had hoped. The yoga I did afterwards helped quite a bit. My legs were very stiff for most the day, but by late afternoon they felt decent.
The run this morning was pretty sore, and mentally I was not quite as into it as I should have been. Seemed like I was having a hard time focusing while I was out which isn't usually a problem for me. I think it is just all the outside things going on and the lack of sleep. I will probably sleep in a little bit on Saturday to try and stay healthy. The weather has stayed cold in the morning, and we are supposed to get hit with a snow storm tonight. I am guessing Saturday's 18 mile effort will be in some serious snow. So it should be interesting. Thank you for reading!
The run this morning was pretty sore, and mentally I was not quite as into it as I should have been. Seemed like I was having a hard time focusing while I was out which isn't usually a problem for me. I think it is just all the outside things going on and the lack of sleep. I will probably sleep in a little bit on Saturday to try and stay healthy. The weather has stayed cold in the morning, and we are supposed to get hit with a snow storm tonight. I am guessing Saturday's 18 mile effort will be in some serious snow. So it should be interesting. Thank you for reading!
Monday, March 15, 2010
5 Mile Monday
Sorry I have not been as good about updating. I have been a little down lately and so I haven't been as reflective about the running. I also have gotten in the habit of putting things up on Dailymile...where you just do the distance, time, and a brief description. I will try to be better about sharing with all of you people, kind enough to follow my running, how things are going.
So, I really want to get close to my old schedule going again. I want to do Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, then the Saturday long run until my next tapper week. Then start slowly...very slowy....adding shorter Friday runs and moving the days back to as the are supposed to be (M,T,W,F,Sa). That is the plan right now....
I got up a little late, but wanted to rest because I had a job interview over in Cheyenne (got the job by the way and I am very happy). When I finally was dressed and ready I went outside and was a little surprised by how cold it was. Heard yesterday that it was supposed to warm up today...and it did....but not much in the morning.
Stretched well and started on my way up the hill. The right IT was there immediately...but it was just an ache...so I continued on and made it to the top and started going a little faster. Not sure if I mentioned it...but ESPN is back on the radio and that makes me very happy.
Thought about just doing three and calling it a day...but I need to keep making strides forward. And as a wise runner once told me....3 miles is just a warm-up. So 5 it was....
End of the run I stretched a bit. I haven't been able to do quite as much core work, because having my legs bent to do crunches really aggravates the ITB. I am hoping to slowly put them back in on non-yoga days. The run itself was pretty nice. I like the cool weather and I am sure I will miss it. My time was 48 minutes and about 30 seconds I believe. My pace was 9 minute and 31 second miles. If the legs can hold up...I know the engine likes the pace....fingers crossed...10 tomorrow! Thanks for reading.
So, I really want to get close to my old schedule going again. I want to do Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, then the Saturday long run until my next tapper week. Then start slowly...very slowy....adding shorter Friday runs and moving the days back to as the are supposed to be (M,T,W,F,Sa). That is the plan right now....
I got up a little late, but wanted to rest because I had a job interview over in Cheyenne (got the job by the way and I am very happy). When I finally was dressed and ready I went outside and was a little surprised by how cold it was. Heard yesterday that it was supposed to warm up today...and it did....but not much in the morning.
Stretched well and started on my way up the hill. The right IT was there immediately...but it was just an ache...so I continued on and made it to the top and started going a little faster. Not sure if I mentioned it...but ESPN is back on the radio and that makes me very happy.
Thought about just doing three and calling it a day...but I need to keep making strides forward. And as a wise runner once told me....3 miles is just a warm-up. So 5 it was....
End of the run I stretched a bit. I haven't been able to do quite as much core work, because having my legs bent to do crunches really aggravates the ITB. I am hoping to slowly put them back in on non-yoga days. The run itself was pretty nice. I like the cool weather and I am sure I will miss it. My time was 48 minutes and about 30 seconds I believe. My pace was 9 minute and 31 second miles. If the legs can hold up...I know the engine likes the pace....fingers crossed...10 tomorrow! Thanks for reading.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
17 Miles!
Made it. Still a little out of it. Will post a ful recap later. 17.00....2 hours 49 minutes and 30 seconds. 9 min 58 sec per mile pace.
Friday, March 12, 2010
5 Mile Thursday
Did 5 miles yesterday. It was nice with the snow falling and still not deep yet. The legs were pretty good to be honest. The yoga went well afterwards and I am excited to do 17 miles tomorrow. We will see how it goes. Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
5 Mile Tuesday
I was able to get out yesterday and get 5 miles in. Still having a bit of pain, but it has periods when I think it might be getting better. I can tell that the yoga is starting to pay off already. I decided to bail on doing a 4 mile run today so I can do it tomorrow and do more yoga after I run when the pain is the highest. I am still holding out faint hopes of getting in 17 on Sunday....so think good thoughts. Thanks for reading!
Monday, March 8, 2010
4 Mile Monday
Well, I got out and put in the miles...my right leg really hasn't been doing to well since. Decided to do 4 miles and while I did get it in....with a time of a bit over 39 minutes....I am worried again about the IT. I have been stretching, but there is only so much I can do. I am going to also try to use the prescription topical again and see what that does. Would really like to get 5 in on Tuesday, but if it hurts at all when I wake up, I am going to take the day off. Either way I will be sure to do some yoga and stretching....think happy thoughts for me....
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Not quite 11 Saturday
I realized I forgot to get my run blog posted for yesterday...sorry. The legs have been sore, but it has been something that I am hopeful I can work with. The orignal plan was to do 11. It snowed quite a bit of the day Friday and some of that night. By the time I had woken up Saturday, the wind and snow had really made for some deep white stuff. Many people had not cleared their walks, and large chunks of the campus were covered in snow. I was a human snow plow for much of the run. I most definitely was very tired by the end. I also added a couple of bridges to try to push the effort level. Usually I would feel bad about hitting 10.52 miles rahter than 11, but I am sure the effort was much higher than the miles would indicate. Any run over 10 miles is something to be happy about. And although it was not easy, I am glad to have accomplished it. I will add a few more miles this week and see how I feel by Friday for my long run of 17 on Saturday. My time was 1 hour, 51 minutes, and 55 seconds. A bit off pace, but again, I was pleased with the effort. Thanks for reading.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
4 Mile Thursday
I decided I really needed to get out the door today. Felt bad about not going out yesterday...even if I was just trying to help my leg. Running really helps me get centered and focus...I definitely notice when I don't get a run in midway through the day. So it meant a lot that I was able to get out and put in some miles.
The weather is just about to the tweer stage...where I can stop wearing most of my winter gear and maybe wear shorts or t-shirts...but in the morning it is not there yet. I will be honest and say I like the feeling of the tights on my legs. The compression feels good most of the time. So I am not sure how I feel about switching up clothes...it would be nice to not take 10 minutes to put on all the layers....
I stetched again with the special IT stretch that I do and then headed up the hill. The legs felt ok for the most part that first mile. There was some mild pain that continued throughout the run. It was nice to see so much snow had melted since Tuesday, but there was still a ton of ice. The local ESPN radio station has been broadcasting since Sunday...so I am not sure if we no longer have a station or what...but it messes with my rhythm that first mile. Anyway....
I originally planned to do three, but partway through I figured that I would be taking off Friday so I thought I would go a bit further. I had to keep pushing the pace to keep one step ahead of the pain, and that is a little disconcerting, but it has worked for me up til this point, so I will keep trying this plan.
After I got home I did my stretch again and also did the yoga for IT band sufferers in the new Runners World. Cards on the table...they are all the same poses that I did when I was trying yoga last summer...but I am hoping with less intensity, shorter duration, and the pattern they are performed will help my IT. I am going to stop with the hip flexor raises to see how this works. I don't want to put too much pressure on doing too much...especially after a run. My thinking is core work...Monday, Wednesday, Friday....and yoga...Tuesday and Thursday. If I feel up to it after Saturday's long runs...I might do it then too. So we will see.
Run took me 36 minutes and 13 seconds or 9 minute and 3 second miles. The pain has crept back in the last few hours...but I have been sitting doing work and stuff so that is to be expected. Next up...11 miles....
The weather is just about to the tweer stage...where I can stop wearing most of my winter gear and maybe wear shorts or t-shirts...but in the morning it is not there yet. I will be honest and say I like the feeling of the tights on my legs. The compression feels good most of the time. So I am not sure how I feel about switching up clothes...it would be nice to not take 10 minutes to put on all the layers....
I stetched again with the special IT stretch that I do and then headed up the hill. The legs felt ok for the most part that first mile. There was some mild pain that continued throughout the run. It was nice to see so much snow had melted since Tuesday, but there was still a ton of ice. The local ESPN radio station has been broadcasting since Sunday...so I am not sure if we no longer have a station or what...but it messes with my rhythm that first mile. Anyway....
I originally planned to do three, but partway through I figured that I would be taking off Friday so I thought I would go a bit further. I had to keep pushing the pace to keep one step ahead of the pain, and that is a little disconcerting, but it has worked for me up til this point, so I will keep trying this plan.
After I got home I did my stretch again and also did the yoga for IT band sufferers in the new Runners World. Cards on the table...they are all the same poses that I did when I was trying yoga last summer...but I am hoping with less intensity, shorter duration, and the pattern they are performed will help my IT. I am going to stop with the hip flexor raises to see how this works. I don't want to put too much pressure on doing too much...especially after a run. My thinking is core work...Monday, Wednesday, Friday....and yoga...Tuesday and Thursday. If I feel up to it after Saturday's long runs...I might do it then too. So we will see.
Run took me 36 minutes and 13 seconds or 9 minute and 3 second miles. The pain has crept back in the last few hours...but I have been sitting doing work and stuff so that is to be expected. Next up...11 miles....
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
4 Miles
Got my 4 miles in today. Wasn't as good as yesterday. The legs were both a bit sore although the right was quite a bit worse. The pain once again stopped after walking...and the stretching gave me relief for quite a bit of the day. My time was 37 minutes and 16 seconds. The pace ended up as 9 minute and 19 second miles. I am going to try to do 3 tomorrow.
Monday, March 1, 2010
3 Mile Monday
Well, I am going to try to slowly work my mileage back up over the next week or so. I decided to do 3 today and building from there. The run was ok. The pain is still there, but I am doing a lot of stretching and I think that is helping my endurance a little bit as far as the IT goes.
I have spent a lot of effort making sure that the pace I am running varies. It seems like when I look in, the range of motion and speed make the pain worse. So today I pushed pretty good. I ended up at 27 mintes and 14 seconds for the run. Or a 9 minute and a 4 second pace. The pain stopped as soon as I started walking again. After more stretching, the legs have been feeling decent. So knock on wood...maybe I am on the way back...thanks for reading!
I have spent a lot of effort making sure that the pace I am running varies. It seems like when I look in, the range of motion and speed make the pain worse. So today I pushed pretty good. I ended up at 27 mintes and 14 seconds for the run. Or a 9 minute and a 4 second pace. The pain stopped as soon as I started walking again. After more stretching, the legs have been feeling decent. So knock on wood...maybe I am on the way back...thanks for reading!
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