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November 30, 2005
How Slow Can You Go
For some reason, I must be the slowest treadmill runner that ever was. I'm always reading on other runner's blogs about how fast they ran on the treadmill, whether it was from boredom or not. This is quite the opposite of me. I can't seem to run anywhere near the pace I run outside. Today I did a 70 minute run and only did 7.25 miles instead of the usual 8.5+ miles. It was my first time on the treadmill since last winter, and I only ran on it today out of laziness. I just didn't feel like running in the rain and dark even though it was so warm out.
Speaking of being so warm out, on Monday I ran 45 minutes in the morning. Since my morning runs have been so cold, I wore all kinds of clothes, only to continually peel layers off. By the end of the run, I was carrying way too much, including a flashlight. Later that day, I had a massage. The massage therapist spent a lot of time on my legs because there are a lot of issues there right now, but nothing horrible. Tuesday was a day off, and a day that should have been spent stretching and using the foam roller, but I got engrossed in my latest book, A Million Little Pieces, which is really good.
Ok Audrey, it's time to get ready for Lost.
Posted by Caitlin at 08:44 PM | Comments (1)
November 27, 2005
Bouncing Back
After Wednesday's horrible workout, I had no difficulty with my runs on Friday (70 minues) or Saturday. On Saturday, Brad and I both had a double. We did the first run at home, and the next one in Northampton because I had my 10-year high school reunion. The first run was 45 minutes and I was moving! I did an out and back and came back 1:30 faster because I was chasing down a woman. The second run was a little different because there was more snow and worse road conditions in Western Mass. I ended up running for 55 minutes instead of 45, so that I could run with Brad, who was running easy after doing his long run in the morning.
The reunion was pretty much what I expected. It was a small crowd (50? people including spouses/significant others), but that made it easier because I was able to talk to pretty much everyone that was there. Only a few people asked if I was still running. I had told Brad that that would be the first thing most people would say. Guess I was wrong.
We left Northampton somewhat early today because Brad didn't have his running shoes, and had already run once in other shoes. My sister came along because I was bringing her back to school. She stayed at our place and watched a movie while we ran.
I had another 3 mile tempo run, which I always do at the track for pacing. After my 20 minute warm-up and drills, I realized there was snow on most of the turn after the start/finish area. I didn't have the energy to switch tracks, so I walked back and forth on it a couple times, dragging my foot, hoping to make it less slippery. It was definitely better, but that part of the track was physically and mentally tougher. I still managed to run the same time as usual including a 6:58 last mile. I finished with a 20 minute cool-down.
I really enjoyed this "long weekend", but it's time to get back to reality.
Posted by Caitlin at 10:00 PM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2005
Winter Wonderland
The last few days have marked a distinct change in weather. On Tuesday, it was very, very cold during my 70 minute run, which meant I wore more clothes than I had for any other run this year. Wednesday's hill workout (9 x 60 sec. hill) was also cold, and I had difficulty choosing the right combination of clothes. I did my 20 minute warm-up with a jacket on, but got warm quickly, despite my face being frozen. I took the jacket off after drills, but then I was too cold. The workout was miserable anyways. My legs are quite fatigued, and I'm blaming it on the extra running I did over the weekend. At least I had fun doing it. The hill workout was all about the games our minds play. Here were my thoughts:
After the 1st hill: That didn't feel too good. I'm sure it will get better.
After the 2nd hill: If I do one more, I will be 1/3 of the way there.
After the 3rd hill: I need to get as close to half-way as possible.
After the 4th hill: Ok, when I'm half-way up this one, I'll be half-way done with the workout.
After the 5th hill: If I can do one more, I'll be 2/3 of the way there.
After the 6th hill: If I make it through this one, I'll have spent about the same time on the hill as my last workout (9 x 45 sec. hill).
After the 7th hill: If I can do one more, I'll only have one left.
After the 8th hill: I'm actually going to finish this workout??!!
After the 9th hill: Why did I sprint up the hill when I'm dead?
Today's Thanksgiving run was much better. It was snowing when we woke up in Northampton, and there was at least a couple inches on the ground. My Dad said the same thing he always says when we head out in the snow: "You're not going to run in this, are you? You're nuts." I was so excited to do my first run in the snow while it continued to snow. Luckily for me, since it was snowing, Brad decided not to run hard, and he ran with me for 45 minutes. We had a lot of fun, but I was tired by the end from having to use different muscles. Now I'm just tired from all the traveling and delicious food I ate. I think it's time for bed.
Posted by Caitlin at 09:11 PM | Comments (0)
November 21, 2005
Weekend in Rochester
First, I need a summary for my log since I haven't posted in a while:
Wed.- 70 minutes
Thurs.- 70 minutes (with 10 downhill strides)
Fri.- 45 minutes AM/ 60 minutes PM at the course preview
Sat.- 1:40 at the race
Sun.- 60 minutes FAST (for me)
Monday (today)- OFF!!
I got up at 5:30am to run on Friday so we could head to Rochester, NY for the USATF National Club Cross-County Championships(otherwise know as Fall Nationals, Club Nationals, etc.). We headed right to the course in Genesee Valley Park and started running because we were so stiff and cold. We had already run for 30 minutes when Brad's teammates arrived, so we ran with them (well, the women's team)for another 30 minutes. The course is mostly a 2k loop, so we kept looping around. I didn't mind at all, because the atmosphere was very motivating and exciting.
On Saturday, I started running as soon as we got to the race. I did a short out and back because the women's race was starting soon after we arrived. While the women raced, I looped around the course backwards and cheered for everyone. It was really exciting because one of Brad's teammates finished 4th. I cooled down with the women which mostly consisted of cheering on the men, which meant more loops, but I still didn't mind. The men's race had well over 300 runners, which was too crowded, and made it difficult to find people. When the women were done cooling down, I headed back over to the 2 golf courses that were in the park to finish up my run.
On Sunday, we headed out for a run with most of the team on a path that runs along the Genesee River. I had heard that people were just doing a 30 minute run. About 5 minutes into the run, we were going no slower than 7:30 pace, so I told Brad that I couldn't wait until they turned around in 10 more minutes, at which time I would continue on my way. At 15 minutes, no one turned around. It wasn't until 30 minutes or so that they turned around. At this point they had dropped me a little, but Brad was keeping me company. On the way back, I slowed down to 8:00 pace, and I was left in the dust. Boy, was I dead when I was finished and happy to be done. When we got back to the room, I got a little sad about the fact that 7:30 pace used to be easy for me eons ago, but I'm just happy that I can run at all.
I'd go back to Rochester in a heartbeat. What I saw of it, looked like a great place to train for runners, but I know they get a lot of snow. Nevertheless, it was a really fun weekend!
Posted by Caitlin at 07:31 PM | Comments (1)
November 15, 2005
Morning Run Dilemmas
On Monday morning, I got out of bed at 5:15 for my 45 minute run. I couldn't run after work because I had a dentist appointment for a filling. The weather turned out to be warm and gorgeous, which meant that I overdressed. It was dark when I started, which isn't a problem, except for the fact that I run SOOO slow in the dark. I'm sure it doesn't help that it's 5:30 and I'm barely awake. I've always felt like I'm running faster in the dark, when in fact, I'm running slower. What do I do about this? After two miles, I was 2 minutes behind the time I normally hit at this point. I tried picking up the pace, but it wasn't a huge difference. I guess it's okay since most of my running last year was in the dark. The difference last year was that all my routes were very lit up. No such luck with that here.
I feel like 45 minutes is extremely do-able in the morning/dark right now, but 70 minutes is another story. I'm in trouble tomorrow. I just can't get up at 4:45 (going to bed early doesn't help) and it's hard to loop around in the dark before or after work for that long. I know, suck it up. I'm going to have to get used to my new situation. I'll have to flip a coin tonight for tomorrow's run. One side will be 4:45 am and the other 4:45 pm.
I'm thinking it would be better to consistently choose morning runs or afternoon runs to keep the rest consistent. Since I ran yesterday morning and had today off, it seems like I haven't run in days. OK, I'll stop complaining.
Speaking of complaining, I had an ice bath last night. I don't think I'll ever get used to them. I can tell the difference though, so I'll keep doing them. It would be embarassing if someone walked in on me for the obvious reasons, but also because of the crazy person shaking violently (maybe a little strong) with a winter hat, neck warmer past the nose, and a t-shirt on. The things we do for running...
Posted by Caitlin at 07:13 PM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2005
Working My Way Up
Once again, I let too many days go by without an entry, so there's way too much to write about. Therefore, here's the short version:
Thursday- 45 min. at 5:30 am
Friday- 70 min.
Saturday- 46 min. AM/ 50 min. PM--with Brad
**47 miles (Sun.-Sat.)
Sunday- 20 min. warm-up; strides/drills; 3 mile tempo (7:10 pace); 20 min. cooldown
Today was gorgeous. I was smart enough to run in short sleeves, but I definitely could have worn shorts. I only had a 20 min. tempo, but I felt good, and only had less than a lap left, so I did the whole 3 miles. My warm-up was horrible, but somehow everything managed to click. Now if I could just get faster...
Posted by Caitlin at 05:59 PM | Comments (0)
November 09, 2005
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
On Monday, I had the day off from running, but I had a massage. My legs were so tight/sore that the massage therapist stretched me out some before the massage. Every time she touched my legs, I was ready to scream and jump off the table. I love the benefits of a sports massage, but those relaxation massages sure are nice too. Later that night, I had another ice bath. This time I took my husband's advice and wore a t-shirt, neck warmer, and a hat. All that helps, but I still freeze my butt off. We added blankets to the bed, but I couldn't fall asleep because I was shivering, so I also had to add more layers.
Yesterday, I ran for 72 minutes. Today, I had a hill workout (9 x 45 sec. hills). I had to stay at work until 4:00. Since I usually park at my school anyways, I brought my running stuff to work and ran from there since it was going to get dark soon after I started. I made it through a 20 minute warm-up and half of the hills before it was fully dark. The hills felt great and I cooled down for 20 minutes. I'm very surprised, but relieved, that I wasn't tight during the workout. It was raining and I forgot to do drills and stides because I was concentrating on beating the darkness.
I can't believe it, but I'm going to get up early tomorrow morning for my run. I don't have time to run after work because I have to get a flu shot before I head to a fundraising meeting (UMass-Lowell Track/XC alumni). I hate fundraising (I'm too afraid to ask people for money), but it's for a good cause, Brad can't make it, and there were complaints about the fact that there are no females involved, so I have to represent.
Posted by Caitlin at 08:32 PM | Comments (1)
November 06, 2005
Motivation
I haven't blogged in 5 days, so in order to track my own running, I'm going to list my runs since the last time I had an entry.
Wed.- 70 minutes
Thurs.- 70 minutes
Fri.- 70 minutes (with 7 "strides")
Sat.- 35 minutes AM + 35 minutes PM (both with Brad--kind of)
Today I started getting back on track with "long runs." I just ran for 80 minutes, but I got to do it at Franklin Park while Brad ran USATF New Englands. It was such an awesome day with so many runners around, that I ended up running pretty fast. I just kept looping around everywhere, and now my hip flexors are paying for it. Afterwards, we stayed and watched the NCAA Division 2 Northeast Regional in which UMASS-Lowell was running. Then when we got home we watched the New York City Marathon highlights that we had taped. Just an all around awesome running day. (Note to self: That's the second time in this entry that I used "awesome." Do I talk like that?)
Posted by Caitlin at 08:00 PM | Comments (2)
November 01, 2005
This and That
Yesterday I ran for 45 minutes and my hamstrings were killing me (sore, tight, etc.) I should have stretched after the run, but I headed off to the grocery store because I felt guilty for not having any Halloween candy. Since Brad wouldn't be home and I don't know anyone in the neighborhood, the plan was to hide in my house. Pathetic, huh! I'm the Halloween version of Scrooge. And to think I'm a teacher.
When Brad got home, he recommended that I take my first ice bath. Brad puts two frozen water jugs in the tub, so you don't have to sit in ice. After numerous shrieks, I somehow made it into the 50 degree water. My legs were so red and I was shaking beyond belief. I told Brad that I would be a visitor vs. a regular attender (think church). I will only do it here and there. The worst part was definitely the toes (in college we had toe protectors when we had to put our feet in the cold whirlpool). When I got out after 10 minutes, I immediately had to put layers and layers on and have hot chocolate. Brad has it worse because he's so skinny. He has to layer up like the Pillsbury Dough Boy and wear a hat and gloves (to bed too). I recovered a lot quicker than that.
Today I had a day off from running and am very bored. After the power went out twice and I had to read by a candle, I wished I had gone to practice with Brad. I didn't want to be standing around outside though, because I have laryngitis, but feel fine (so far). I should start thinking about my running schedule and see when (if) I need to switch over to morning runs. I think I can still wait a little longer. I've done it before, but right now I can't bear the thought of running at 5:00am. Yuck!
Posted by Caitlin at 07:38 PM | Comments (1)