It has been a week since my last post. I am sorry to anyone who checks this page. It has been a struggle to get my outdoor runs in. Wednesday I had a meeting so I was not able to go to the track. Then Saturday was snowy so the long run was postponed until Sunday. Of course Sunday is my Zumba class with Ryann, then this week was my first swim clinic class.
I don't have an issue with running in the cold weather, but I won't run when it's icy. My klutziness knows no bounds, so I am confident that I will slip on ice.
The recent weather has allowed me to focus on my biking and swimming, since I can do both of those things indoors. For some reason, I'm able to ride on my indoor trainer without an issue, but I am a mess on a treadmill. I can barely run a half mile on the treadmill before my head and body start telling me that I should stop. So now that I know I don't mind riding on the indoor trainer, am I still getting enough training for the half marathon?
As I mentioned, I had my first swim clinic on Sunday. It was AWESOME! I decided to register for the beginner level class. I walked into the pool and I was really nervous. Of course I had done some swimming classes back when I lived in Berlin, which gave me a little bit of confidence. But the swim during the triathlon had really put a doubt in my mind about my swimming ability. I needed to start at the beginning and really build my swimming habits correctly.
That was exactly what the swimming clinic did. The first thing we did was split ourselves up into ability levels. Lane 1 was supposed to be people who were very uncomfortable and Lane 6 was people who were really good. I put myself in Lane 4 but Anne (one of the instructors) moved me to Lane 5. We did a warm up where Anne and Pam (the other instructor) watched us and evaluated our stroke and breathing. Of course I was breathing all wrong. I knew it and was so out of breath by the time I was finished with a few laps.
So Pam taught us breathing techniques to help get the breathing right. As she explained, if we don't breathe right during swimming, we are wasting all our effort. So after the breathing drills, we did some body rotation drills. They were fun.
So by the end of the class, I was swimming WELL. I was breathing properly and I was feeling the rotation that I was supposed to. I really love the class. I am going to try to fit a swim in this week before my next swim clinic!
Read along with my blog as I discuss weight, schedule and life challenges as I try to get my triathlon training back on track. I will also discuss what I've learned along the way and what new goals I'm setting for myself.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Hilly and Chilly
As I am writing this entry, it's a beautiful, warm day for this time of the year. It's a balmy 55 degrees and the sun is shining brightly. However, this morning when I met some of my CCR buddies for our long run, it was a cold 31 degrees.
All the CCR locations were having a joint run at the Baltimore store. I didn't want to drive into the city since I had so much to get done today. Both of the little ones had birthday parties at noon and I hadn't gotten gifts for the birthday kids yet. So when Glenda asked if anyone wanted to run in Howard County, I jumped at the chance.
It was a struggle to get up this morning. I was tired and didn't sleep well...plus my bed was SOOO comfortable. I can honestly say that if I wasn't meeting a group of people, I probably would not have gotten up to run. After making my protein shake and getting my cold weather gear on, I hopped in the car and drove to Centennial Lake.
I met Glenda, Heather and Erin M. at Centennial. I had picked that location because it was the closest to my house. So we discussed the various routes we could take from the lake. The group decided on a route that I had never run before.
My knee was doing OK overall, however the route was very hilly. By the big, long hill up Centennial Lane, I was in need of a short walk break. Luckily Erin was willing to walk a bit with me. Heather and Glenda ran ahead of us. I enjoyed today's run. Erin had just completed the Goofy Challenge, which is a half marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday. So she chattered on about the race for most of the run. I was so thankful for this, because I was really struggling with my knee and it was better to not have to try to talk.
We ended up running 6.5 miles. I felt good when it was over. My knee didn't have a good day today. I'm hoping that it was just the cold weather that made it so painful. The band that worked so well the week before didn't seem to make any difference today.
All the CCR locations were having a joint run at the Baltimore store. I didn't want to drive into the city since I had so much to get done today. Both of the little ones had birthday parties at noon and I hadn't gotten gifts for the birthday kids yet. So when Glenda asked if anyone wanted to run in Howard County, I jumped at the chance.
It was a struggle to get up this morning. I was tired and didn't sleep well...plus my bed was SOOO comfortable. I can honestly say that if I wasn't meeting a group of people, I probably would not have gotten up to run. After making my protein shake and getting my cold weather gear on, I hopped in the car and drove to Centennial Lake.
I met Glenda, Heather and Erin M. at Centennial. I had picked that location because it was the closest to my house. So we discussed the various routes we could take from the lake. The group decided on a route that I had never run before.
My knee was doing OK overall, however the route was very hilly. By the big, long hill up Centennial Lane, I was in need of a short walk break. Luckily Erin was willing to walk a bit with me. Heather and Glenda ran ahead of us. I enjoyed today's run. Erin had just completed the Goofy Challenge, which is a half marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday. So she chattered on about the race for most of the run. I was so thankful for this, because I was really struggling with my knee and it was better to not have to try to talk.
We ended up running 6.5 miles. I felt good when it was over. My knee didn't have a good day today. I'm hoping that it was just the cold weather that made it so painful. The band that worked so well the week before didn't seem to make any difference today.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Biker Babe
My pretty new bike and I went to my Spin 90 class last night. John warned me that he was going to "tear apart my legs". I had no idea how much harder the class would be when I could actually participate!
I am getting really good at clipping into the pedals. My problem is getting out of them. This is a little troublesome since when I'm riding outside and not on a stable trainer, I will have to unclip before I fall over. This could be quite a challenge for a clumsy girl like me.
I felt really good about the class until he had us doing stand up drills. I couldn't hold myself up. I'm not sure if it's because we did this at the end of the class and my legs were jello by then, or if I am just really weak and not able to hold myself up. I think maybe it was a little of both.
Two big disappointments: First, my feet still went numb. I was really hoping that the fact that the new bike fits me so much better would alleviate the numbness. Second, my butt hurt badly. I know that "seat time" on a bike is not exactly the same as sitting on the sofa, but I didn't expect so much pain with the new bike.
Today my legs are pretty angry with me. It's partly the workout that Clara and I did on Monday, but most of it is the Spin 90 workout from last night. I hope I am able to walk tomorrow!
I am a little apprehensive about the upcoming workouts in Spin 90...I'm also very excited. I am enjoying discovering the good and the bad on the bike. This is fun!
I am getting really good at clipping into the pedals. My problem is getting out of them. This is a little troublesome since when I'm riding outside and not on a stable trainer, I will have to unclip before I fall over. This could be quite a challenge for a clumsy girl like me.
I felt really good about the class until he had us doing stand up drills. I couldn't hold myself up. I'm not sure if it's because we did this at the end of the class and my legs were jello by then, or if I am just really weak and not able to hold myself up. I think maybe it was a little of both.
Two big disappointments: First, my feet still went numb. I was really hoping that the fact that the new bike fits me so much better would alleviate the numbness. Second, my butt hurt badly. I know that "seat time" on a bike is not exactly the same as sitting on the sofa, but I didn't expect so much pain with the new bike.
Today my legs are pretty angry with me. It's partly the workout that Clara and I did on Monday, but most of it is the Spin 90 workout from last night. I hope I am able to walk tomorrow!
I am a little apprehensive about the upcoming workouts in Spin 90...I'm also very excited. I am enjoying discovering the good and the bad on the bike. This is fun!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Weekend Highs
Friday afternoon I went to Princeton Sports to look at a bike. John, my Spin 90 instructor, works there and showed me a few bikes that would meet what I'm looking for. I narrowed it down to my favorite bike, a Cannondale Synapse.
John got a grin on his face and asked if I wanted to take it for a test drive. Unfortunately it had been raining so the parking lot was wet. I knew the if I rode a brand new bike with brand new (slippery) tires on a wet road, I'd be in trouble. So we decided to wait until Sunday when the weather was supposed to be better. Today is Sunday. It's foggy and a little drizzly...which means wet roads once again. Boo...still no bike...but I am still SO excited about it. I love the bike and can't wait to bring it home!
Saturday morning I met the CCR group at the store for our weekly long run. Erin and I decided to run with Meghan and Andi during the first portion of their run. We were targeting about 7 miles and they were doing 15. I was testing the knee band that Dr. Grady had suggested for me. It worked really well when it stayed in place. Unfortunately I had to fix it several times. If it moved down even a centimeter, the knee pain came right back.
Whenever we run from the store, it's a super hilly course. These hills are good for training...they definitely prepared me for the hills in the Baltimore half...but they really took it out of me on Saturday. However, when Erin and I made it back to the store, I felt so good about finishing the distance. We had covered 7.7 miles...and even though it was a really slow pace, I was able to run the whole way with the exception of fast-walking the last hill.
I typically don't talk sports on this page, so I will just briefly note that a particular high occurred on Saturday when the Ravens beat the Broncos. GO RAVENS!
Sunday Ryann and I went to the Y and took a Zumba class. I would rank it pretty low as far as a workout, but it was fun to do something active with my oldest daughter. Hopefully the subsequent classes will get more challenging since this was only the first class. I do have to say that it was good for me since I went to the class with really sore hips from running hills...and I left with less sore hips. So that was a positive outcome.
So when I go to work tomorrow and people ask "how was your weekend", I can honestly say "it was great"!
John got a grin on his face and asked if I wanted to take it for a test drive. Unfortunately it had been raining so the parking lot was wet. I knew the if I rode a brand new bike with brand new (slippery) tires on a wet road, I'd be in trouble. So we decided to wait until Sunday when the weather was supposed to be better. Today is Sunday. It's foggy and a little drizzly...which means wet roads once again. Boo...still no bike...but I am still SO excited about it. I love the bike and can't wait to bring it home!
Saturday morning I met the CCR group at the store for our weekly long run. Erin and I decided to run with Meghan and Andi during the first portion of their run. We were targeting about 7 miles and they were doing 15. I was testing the knee band that Dr. Grady had suggested for me. It worked really well when it stayed in place. Unfortunately I had to fix it several times. If it moved down even a centimeter, the knee pain came right back.
Whenever we run from the store, it's a super hilly course. These hills are good for training...they definitely prepared me for the hills in the Baltimore half...but they really took it out of me on Saturday. However, when Erin and I made it back to the store, I felt so good about finishing the distance. We had covered 7.7 miles...and even though it was a really slow pace, I was able to run the whole way with the exception of fast-walking the last hill.
I typically don't talk sports on this page, so I will just briefly note that a particular high occurred on Saturday when the Ravens beat the Broncos. GO RAVENS!
Sunday Ryann and I went to the Y and took a Zumba class. I would rank it pretty low as far as a workout, but it was fun to do something active with my oldest daughter. Hopefully the subsequent classes will get more challenging since this was only the first class. I do have to say that it was good for me since I went to the class with really sore hips from running hills...and I left with less sore hips. So that was a positive outcome.
So when I go to work tomorrow and people ask "how was your weekend", I can honestly say "it was great"!
Friday, January 11, 2013
Thoughts on Strides
The weather has been decent recently, so I have noticed many more people running outside. It's great to see so many different types of people running.
There are some people who look so natural when running. They have long, beautiful strides and they look like running is the easiest thing in the world. These people make me envious because I do not look like this when I run.
Then there are people who are more shuffling than running. Every step looks like so much effort, but yet they are out there putting in the effort. Most of these shufflers actually look like they are enjoying it. These people make me remember that the run can be fun...even if it's not easy.
I don't really fall into either category. I'm not a shuffler, although some days I feel like it. I'm also not a natural runner. Running is not easy for me, but I do love it.
I work on my stride to try to make it more efficient, but I know that I will never look natural like some of those other runners. The natural runners will always be there...and they will always be faster than me. However, I didn't get into running to be better than other people. I got into running to better myself...physically and mentally. I compete with only myself...to get better times in the races I run and to continually try new things.
There are some people who look so natural when running. They have long, beautiful strides and they look like running is the easiest thing in the world. These people make me envious because I do not look like this when I run.
Then there are people who are more shuffling than running. Every step looks like so much effort, but yet they are out there putting in the effort. Most of these shufflers actually look like they are enjoying it. These people make me remember that the run can be fun...even if it's not easy.
I don't really fall into either category. I'm not a shuffler, although some days I feel like it. I'm also not a natural runner. Running is not easy for me, but I do love it.
I work on my stride to try to make it more efficient, but I know that I will never look natural like some of those other runners. The natural runners will always be there...and they will always be faster than me. However, I didn't get into running to be better than other people. I got into running to better myself...physically and mentally. I compete with only myself...to get better times in the races I run and to continually try new things.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Going for a Spin
Tonight I started my Spin 90 class. Now this is NOT a normal spin class. This class is a triathlon bicycling training class. I was SO excited until I woke up this morning. I got a small case of the nerves.
I called Princeton Sports to find out about getting cages on my pedals. Turns out the nice fellow who answered the phone (John) is the instructor for the Spin 90 class! Imagine my surprise. We talked for 30 minutes. I peppered him with questions about my bike and the class in general. He patiently answered all of my questions and even complimented me with a "that's a really good question". YAY ME!
Basically he said that I needed a cadence computer much more than I needed cages on my pedals. So I begged Stephen to take the bike over to Princeton Sports to get the cadence computer installed.
I drove into the parking lot REALLY early. I wanted to make sure that I was one of the first ones there so that I could get some help with setting up my bike on the trainer. John was so nice and helpful, although he did tell me that he laughed when Stephen brought in my bike. I knew at that moment I was in trouble.
Anne was in the class, which was a nice surprise. She is the lady who I met at a random event who told me about the training class and who teaches the swimming class that starts at the end of January. So it was good to see her. She set up her bike on the trainer directly in front of me.
Let me set the scene a little bit here...this class was held in a warehouse with the dock door opened up to get some cool air into the space. There were 3 rows of trainers and probably 15 people in the class. I was not the most out of shape person there, which made me feel more comfortable.
Everyone's trainers made a pleasant whirring sound as they pedaled...not mine...mine made what I can only describe as a siren. It was a quiet siren, but a siren none the less. Anne commented on how noisy my trainer was. I got self conscious and right before class started, I asked John if something was wrong with my trainer. He laughed and said "nope, the trainer is fine. You have bumpy tires. They make noise." Ugh. I imagined my siren being a warning to everyone else in the class...don't ride on bumpy tires, don't ride on bumpy tires. I need a new bike.
So the workout was really good. I am so excited for the upcoming workouts where I will learn proper pedaling technique, cadence control, how to tackle hills, and many other things that I can't quite remember now. As we started the workout, we warmed up and then started drills. I was fine until we did one legged drills and the pedaling techniques. John said "for those of you without clips, just keep spinning". I didn't like just spinning...I wanted to do the drills. I need a new bike.
The class is an hour long. Today's session was shortened because of how long it took to get everyone set up the first time and fill out the waivers. I was totally done when there were 15 minutes left in the class. I struggled through the last 15 minutes and was annoyed with myself for being so out of shape. It will not take me long to work up to a good level of fitness.
I also saw my PT today about my kneecap pain. The good news is that it's not anything serious! It's basically tendonitis. He did some therapy and ultrasound. It did not hurt at all during the Spin 90 class! I was very worried about that. I have it elevated with ice now. He also said that I am fine to train through this, which was the best news at all!
I called Princeton Sports to find out about getting cages on my pedals. Turns out the nice fellow who answered the phone (John) is the instructor for the Spin 90 class! Imagine my surprise. We talked for 30 minutes. I peppered him with questions about my bike and the class in general. He patiently answered all of my questions and even complimented me with a "that's a really good question". YAY ME!
Basically he said that I needed a cadence computer much more than I needed cages on my pedals. So I begged Stephen to take the bike over to Princeton Sports to get the cadence computer installed.
I drove into the parking lot REALLY early. I wanted to make sure that I was one of the first ones there so that I could get some help with setting up my bike on the trainer. John was so nice and helpful, although he did tell me that he laughed when Stephen brought in my bike. I knew at that moment I was in trouble.
Anne was in the class, which was a nice surprise. She is the lady who I met at a random event who told me about the training class and who teaches the swimming class that starts at the end of January. So it was good to see her. She set up her bike on the trainer directly in front of me.
Let me set the scene a little bit here...this class was held in a warehouse with the dock door opened up to get some cool air into the space. There were 3 rows of trainers and probably 15 people in the class. I was not the most out of shape person there, which made me feel more comfortable.
Everyone's trainers made a pleasant whirring sound as they pedaled...not mine...mine made what I can only describe as a siren. It was a quiet siren, but a siren none the less. Anne commented on how noisy my trainer was. I got self conscious and right before class started, I asked John if something was wrong with my trainer. He laughed and said "nope, the trainer is fine. You have bumpy tires. They make noise." Ugh. I imagined my siren being a warning to everyone else in the class...don't ride on bumpy tires, don't ride on bumpy tires. I need a new bike.
So the workout was really good. I am so excited for the upcoming workouts where I will learn proper pedaling technique, cadence control, how to tackle hills, and many other things that I can't quite remember now. As we started the workout, we warmed up and then started drills. I was fine until we did one legged drills and the pedaling techniques. John said "for those of you without clips, just keep spinning". I didn't like just spinning...I wanted to do the drills. I need a new bike.
The class is an hour long. Today's session was shortened because of how long it took to get everyone set up the first time and fill out the waivers. I was totally done when there were 15 minutes left in the class. I struggled through the last 15 minutes and was annoyed with myself for being so out of shape. It will not take me long to work up to a good level of fitness.
I also saw my PT today about my kneecap pain. The good news is that it's not anything serious! It's basically tendonitis. He did some therapy and ultrasound. It did not hurt at all during the Spin 90 class! I was very worried about that. I have it elevated with ice now. He also said that I am fine to train through this, which was the best news at all!
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Sunday Stroll
Because of my migraine yesterday, I didn't get anything athletic done. Today I slept in and met Glenda and Erin at Centennial Lake at 10 am. We ran one lap around the lake. My kneecap was starting to hurt again, so Glenda walked with me for about half a mile. Erin had to leave because she was having company over for the Ravens game. After we walked for a half mile, we ran for another mile. Then we walked about 3/4 of a mile back to the parking lot.
It was a really great day to run. The weather was perfect for a January day. I actually started to strip off layers. It was so nice to chat with Erin and Glenda. And even though my kneecap hurt and I walked a bit, I felt really good about the run.
This week I start the biking class. I'm SOO excited! Even though I feel like right now I'm slow and out of shape, I know that it won't take long before I will be keeping up.
It was a really great day to run. The weather was perfect for a January day. I actually started to strip off layers. It was so nice to chat with Erin and Glenda. And even though my kneecap hurt and I walked a bit, I felt really good about the run.
This week I start the biking class. I'm SOO excited! Even though I feel like right now I'm slow and out of shape, I know that it won't take long before I will be keeping up.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Why Running Friends Are So Important
This morning the CCR group was meeting at Lake Elkhorn for the long run. 6 miles were on the schedule. I knew it was going to be a cold morning so I planned out my attire the night before. I went to bed with a migraine, but normally it is gone when I wake in the morning...today was different...the migraine was still there in the morning.
So I very quickly realized that there would be no run for me today. I sent Meghan an email and Erin a Facebook message. I didn't want anyone worried about me or waiting for me.
After a run, I normally check Facebook for posts from my running group friends. I commented on Erin's post and said that the worst part about not making the run this morning was that I would have to run on my own later. Glenda immediately responded and offered to meet me tomorrow morning. Perfect! Then Erin said she would join us...even better!
My migraine finally subsided around dinner time this evening. I didn't get anything athletic done today, which is a further setback in my training for the DC Rock n Roll Half. But the fact of the matter is that I still have 10 weeks to get ready, and come race day, I will be prepared to cover the distance despite missing my long run today.
But without the support of my running friends, I might not have enough motivation to run tomorrow either. Knowing that they are counting on me to show up gives me just enough guilt to actually force myself to do things when I don't feel up to it. This morning was different. I couldn't function with the migraine, much less run several miles. You know that famous song lyric, "I get by with a little help from my friends"...well that pretty much sums up my entire running career!
So I very quickly realized that there would be no run for me today. I sent Meghan an email and Erin a Facebook message. I didn't want anyone worried about me or waiting for me.
After a run, I normally check Facebook for posts from my running group friends. I commented on Erin's post and said that the worst part about not making the run this morning was that I would have to run on my own later. Glenda immediately responded and offered to meet me tomorrow morning. Perfect! Then Erin said she would join us...even better!
My migraine finally subsided around dinner time this evening. I didn't get anything athletic done today, which is a further setback in my training for the DC Rock n Roll Half. But the fact of the matter is that I still have 10 weeks to get ready, and come race day, I will be prepared to cover the distance despite missing my long run today.
But without the support of my running friends, I might not have enough motivation to run tomorrow either. Knowing that they are counting on me to show up gives me just enough guilt to actually force myself to do things when I don't feel up to it. This morning was different. I couldn't function with the migraine, much less run several miles. You know that famous song lyric, "I get by with a little help from my friends"...well that pretty much sums up my entire running career!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Brrr Track
So YAY Track! turned into Brrr Track yesterday. It was showing 30 degrees on my car thermometer as I pulled into the high school. I was a little late so the group had already started their warm up laps. I joined in on lap 2. It was dark...and COLD.
I was dressed appropriately...layers...head covered...gloves...not too over dressed. But as I started the workout, I realized that I was still cold. My fingers went numb. My bones hurt. It was literally bone chilling cold.
We did what Meghan called Yasso 800's. (I have no idea if that's how you spell it. I copied the spelling from Andi's Facebook post since I just automatically assume that she knows what she's talking about!) Anyway, the idea is that you run an 800 at race pace, then run a SLOW recovery 800. Repeat that process for 4-6 rounds.
I only made it 3 rounds. My kneecap was hurting. Like I said, it was bone chilling cold. My right kneecap started hurting in the 2nd round and by the end of the 3rd, it was really painful. It didn't hurt at all if I walked, but as soon as I started running, it hurt. So I took that as a cue that I should stop. There is no need to push myself to injury this early in my training. Way too much to accomplish this year!!
Did I mention it was cold? I got in my car to leave and it was 26 degrees. Brrr. It took me a hot shower, 2 cups of hot tea and warm fuzzy socks before I could get rid of the chill.
So I have to say that I'm glad that I went to track practice. The thought crossed my mind several times to just blow it off. I'm glad that I ignored that thought. The beginning of the training program always makes me feel slow. I couldn't keep up with my regular group (Glenda, Heather, etc.). As soon as Meghan caught up with us, she and Andi took off and again I couldn't keep up. Thankfully Erin was nice enough to run slowly with me. I felt badly that when I stopped running because of my kneecap, she had to run alone for a bit until she caught up with the group in front of her.
But even though I was slow, it felt GREAT to see everyone again! This training group is made up of a lot of really good people. They are friendly, smart, funny and just downright good people. I'm so glad that I'm back and running with them again!
I was dressed appropriately...layers...head covered...gloves...not too over dressed. But as I started the workout, I realized that I was still cold. My fingers went numb. My bones hurt. It was literally bone chilling cold.
We did what Meghan called Yasso 800's. (I have no idea if that's how you spell it. I copied the spelling from Andi's Facebook post since I just automatically assume that she knows what she's talking about!) Anyway, the idea is that you run an 800 at race pace, then run a SLOW recovery 800. Repeat that process for 4-6 rounds.
I only made it 3 rounds. My kneecap was hurting. Like I said, it was bone chilling cold. My right kneecap started hurting in the 2nd round and by the end of the 3rd, it was really painful. It didn't hurt at all if I walked, but as soon as I started running, it hurt. So I took that as a cue that I should stop. There is no need to push myself to injury this early in my training. Way too much to accomplish this year!!
Did I mention it was cold? I got in my car to leave and it was 26 degrees. Brrr. It took me a hot shower, 2 cups of hot tea and warm fuzzy socks before I could get rid of the chill.
So I have to say that I'm glad that I went to track practice. The thought crossed my mind several times to just blow it off. I'm glad that I ignored that thought. The beginning of the training program always makes me feel slow. I couldn't keep up with my regular group (Glenda, Heather, etc.). As soon as Meghan caught up with us, she and Andi took off and again I couldn't keep up. Thankfully Erin was nice enough to run slowly with me. I felt badly that when I stopped running because of my kneecap, she had to run alone for a bit until she caught up with the group in front of her.
But even though I was slow, it felt GREAT to see everyone again! This training group is made up of a lot of really good people. They are friendly, smart, funny and just downright good people. I'm so glad that I'm back and running with them again!
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
YAY Track!
I can't believe I'm saying this...YAY Track!
It's cold and windy out, but still I'm saying...YAY Track!
I haven't run for 2 weeks, and yet...YAY Track!
I have a ton of things to do around my house...YAY Track! (OK, that one was easy....I'll do just about anything to avoid unpacking and cleaning.)
I'm not fully recovered from a bout with the stomach flu. This worries me a little, but I'm still saying...YAY Track!
I am not normally excited about track practice. I see track practice as something very important in my training program. As a matter of fact, I will miss my other scheduled runs, but there are 2 workouts per week that I rarely miss...the long runs on Saturday mornings and Wednesday nights at the track. In Ocean City, I saw track as a sprint workout. It was short, fast and really, really hard. We ran all out for each and every interval. Here we have a much more disciplined approach to speed workouts. We run more mileage and we run at race pace vs. the all out sprint I was doing in OC. I do have to say that my 5K times were much more impressive in OC, but my half marathons have felt better with this type of training.
But the real reason why I'm so excited for track is that I can't wait to see my running friends. I have missed them. I've missed feeling like part of a group. My motivation is stale and my training has basically stalled. I am so excited to go to track practice tonight and jump start my 2013 training! And see my friends...that's really important to me too.
My blog might take on a different form in 2013. I am going to track more of my training through my entries. So if you continue to read, you will see not only race recaps and random thoughts that I have about running, but you will get to read about my daily workouts...what I'm doing or NOT doing and why...what I like and what I really don't like...what seems to be working the best.
I will also be tracking my weight and BMI for my own purposes. I will indicate it here just to keep it with everything else, but I will not turn this into a diet blog. I am hoping that eating better and increasing my exercise level will lead to positive results in that area, but it is not my main goal. I am focused on becoming a better all around athlete and improving my performance in half marathons and triathlons.
So, I hope you have set some realistic but challenging goals for yourself in 2013. I will detail mine as we get into the year...I'm not so much a New Year's resolution type...but I am definitely a goal setter. Now I have to shut down my computer and head to the track. YAY Track!!!
It's cold and windy out, but still I'm saying...YAY Track!
I haven't run for 2 weeks, and yet...YAY Track!
I have a ton of things to do around my house...YAY Track! (OK, that one was easy....I'll do just about anything to avoid unpacking and cleaning.)
I'm not fully recovered from a bout with the stomach flu. This worries me a little, but I'm still saying...YAY Track!
I am not normally excited about track practice. I see track practice as something very important in my training program. As a matter of fact, I will miss my other scheduled runs, but there are 2 workouts per week that I rarely miss...the long runs on Saturday mornings and Wednesday nights at the track. In Ocean City, I saw track as a sprint workout. It was short, fast and really, really hard. We ran all out for each and every interval. Here we have a much more disciplined approach to speed workouts. We run more mileage and we run at race pace vs. the all out sprint I was doing in OC. I do have to say that my 5K times were much more impressive in OC, but my half marathons have felt better with this type of training.
But the real reason why I'm so excited for track is that I can't wait to see my running friends. I have missed them. I've missed feeling like part of a group. My motivation is stale and my training has basically stalled. I am so excited to go to track practice tonight and jump start my 2013 training! And see my friends...that's really important to me too.
My blog might take on a different form in 2013. I am going to track more of my training through my entries. So if you continue to read, you will see not only race recaps and random thoughts that I have about running, but you will get to read about my daily workouts...what I'm doing or NOT doing and why...what I like and what I really don't like...what seems to be working the best.
I will also be tracking my weight and BMI for my own purposes. I will indicate it here just to keep it with everything else, but I will not turn this into a diet blog. I am hoping that eating better and increasing my exercise level will lead to positive results in that area, but it is not my main goal. I am focused on becoming a better all around athlete and improving my performance in half marathons and triathlons.
So, I hope you have set some realistic but challenging goals for yourself in 2013. I will detail mine as we get into the year...I'm not so much a New Year's resolution type...but I am definitely a goal setter. Now I have to shut down my computer and head to the track. YAY Track!!!
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