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February 28, 2006
From 60 to 10
My vacation is over and now I'm back to reality. I can see how beneficial not working is to your running, but not to your wallet. I was able to get plenty of sleep and relax, resulting in more running than I typically do.
On Thursday, I was still in Northampton. I did a 60 minute recovery run, running on a route that was basically the same as the Wednesday evening runs I used to do with Alison and Mary (only shorter). After my run, I met up for a nice lunch with a couple of friends and former co-workers. I ended my short trip in Northampton with a hike up to the Summit House at Skinner State Park. I took the scenic way home because I needed to go to a track/xc alumni meeting in Lowell. I haven't gone that way in years. I used to go that way every Friday when Brad stayed at Lowell for an extra semester to finish his degree.
Friday was a 70 minute run, followed by a double on Saturday of 60 minutes in the morning and 46 minutes in the evening. After the second run, we (I ran with Brad) had to hurry to get ready for "Game Night" at Brad's brother's house. It was tons of fun, even though we only ended up playing one game. My team won, perhaps because my mind is filled with useless trivia that you only need to pull up for Trivial Pursuit "Pop Culture".
On Sunday, I did a long run/workout. It was the weekend for me to do a long run, but since I'm running a 30k this weekend, I needed to make some adjustments. I was able to get in 16 miles though in the bitter cold. I warmed up and cooled down for 30 minutes. My workout was 9 miles of alternating miles (10 seconds faster than marathon pace vs. 20 seconds slower than marathon pace). It was done at my projected marathon pace since my actual marathon pace was the same as any other run I do on a daily basis. It's one of my favorite workouts, and it's easy until those last couple of miles when you get fatigued. The workout was somewhat boring, but I was mildly entertained by a couple of guys who came to the track to throw around a football. The nicest surprise was when Brad showed up after finishing his long run. Thankfully, knowing how cold it was, he brought a hat (I only had an ear wrap) and a neck warmer with him. I could have used another pair of gloves and a jacket since I was wearing a vest. Definitely one of the two coldest days of this winter.
Yesterday was a 45 minute recovery run and today is my day off. I should be getting some things done around here since I have extra time. However, I need to finish a movie so I can return it to the library before they close.
Posted by Caitlin at 06:09 PM | Comments (1)
February 22, 2006
Home in Northampton
It's a good thing that I'm not working this week because I'm staying up very late watching the Olympics. I really should get to bed because I can't really sleep in tomorrow because I have a lot to do before I leave to go back to Medway. I'm in Northampton now visiting my family. I arrived yesterday a little later than I had planned. Some of that was because I wanted more time in between my two runs and the rest was because I always think I can shower, get ready, and pack in 45 minutes or less.
Yesterday I did a double since I had time on my hands. I also felt a little guilty about losing a few miles last week to blood-sugar issues. I felt good on both of my runs despite only having 3.5 hours in between them, which was my fault. I slept in and then didn't get right out the door. My first run was 60 minutes followed by a 36 minute run, giving me at least 11 miles.
It was nice to do my 70 minute run today on the roads I've been running on for the last 18 years or so. The only difficult part was finding a slight downhill for my 10 downhill strides. Brad's idea worked out pretty well. The hill was a little more of a decline than my usual hill, so I could feel it by the 8th one. I haven't noticed any soreness since finishing the run, so as long as I don't wake up tomorrow with any, I should be fine. Off to bed...
Posted by Caitlin at 11:02 PM | Comments (4)
February 20, 2006
Always Catching Up
As usual, I am behind in my entries. So here's a "brief" summary of each day:
Friday- I didn't feel particularly better on Friday. In the morning I made the decision to run on the treadmill later so I could stay at work for a while to get some things done before the February school vacation started. At first, I was a little disappointed by my decision because the weather was so gorgeous in the morning. That changed when by mid-afternoon, it was pouring and the wind was gusting. We lost power at the school for a while. It was ridiculously cold, so I was relieved knowing I would be warm on the treadmill. My legs felt great, but I continued to have blood sugar issues. I had to stop in the middle of the run to eat something.
Saturday- I had really wanted to run a 10 mile race in Foxboro on Sunday, but we were going to a surprise 30th birthday party in Schenectady, NY. Therefore, I did a workout on Saturday before we left. Again, I was worried about the low blood sugar problems, but this time I was smart enough to bring glucose tablets with me in case. I warmed up for 20 minutes and then took my time doing drills and strides and stretching. The workout was 7 x 1200 with 3:30 rest, which resulted in more than 7 miles on the track (and a good hour). When Brad stopped by on his cool-down from his tempo run, I told him he was insane. Anyways, it was a long workout and I had to battle the strong winds. I finished with a 20 minute cool-down and got in about 12 miles total. My legs were trashed (probably a little too strong of a word), so I had trouble taking a nap. Even though I was just laying there staring at the ceiling, I was so comfortable, but Brad had me get up and take all kinds of recovery concoctions. Remarkably, later that day, I didn't even feel like I had run.
Sunday- We got home from NY around 11:30am and I immediately did my 45 minute recovery run. I felt really awesome with no lingering effects from the workout. Right after the run, I went to Bridgewater and picked up my little sister from college. We went to the mall and came back and had chinese food. Then, we went candlepin? (small balls) bowling, which was new for me, with 4 other people. It was a lot of fun! I actually remember the exact date of the last time I went bowling. It was August 9, 1997. The only reason I even remember was because it was also the day of my brother's memorial service, and some friends took me bowling to get me out of the house.
Monday (today)- Rest day! I have to bring my sister back to school this afternoon and then I have a massage!! Tomorrow I'm heading "home" to Northampton for a few days to see my family. Can't wait!
Posted by Caitlin at 09:52 AM | Comments (1)
February 16, 2006
Good Runs, Lousy Runs
I guess I'll start with today's run, which was lousy. I didn't feel great from the beginning, and about 20 minutes into the run I came to the conclusion that it had to do with low blood sugar. I made a turn to head out for a larger loop, but began to feel extremely weak, so I turned around. I took 2 glucose tablets when I got home and was planning on finishing my run (which ended up being 32 minutes) on the treadmill. However, I didn't feel any better, so I basically laid on the couch until now. I'm guessing I'll feel better tomorrow.
Yesterday I ran for 70 minutes and did 10 downhill strides. I didn't feel that great yesterday either, but that was more running-related---my legs felt like bricks. Things loosened up during the strides and I ran fairly quickly on my cool-down. I was originally scheduled for a longer interval workout, but we changed some things around in my schedule and I'm doing them this weekend instead of a long tempo run.
Then there was Tuesday. I had one of those runs where I wished I was racing because I felt so unbelievably good. I didn't necessarily run fast, but everything felt perfect for the entire 70 minutes. If only I felt that way every day, but then running would be too stagnant.
As far as Valentine's Day, Brad and I don't really celebrate it much and he was off at practice anyways. I was surprised though when I got home and checked the mail and found a couple small gifts inside of the mailbox.
Before I forget, today I ran by a woman pushing a small child in a stroller. Often when I run by a small child, they ask their parents what I am doing. This mother answered with the usual, "She's running." Then the child usually asks "Why?" Anyways, after the child asked what I was doing, the mother added something like, "That used to be me." I just hope that when I have children I still have some time to run. I don't have to train seriously, but I would like to keep running in some capacity. After all, I've been doing this since I was 10!
Posted by Caitlin at 10:06 PM | Comments (2)
February 13, 2006
Day Off Double
When I woke up yesterday morning, I continued to experience the soreness in my legs after my long run. I decided to get right out and start shoveling in an effort to keep up with all the snow that was coming our way. Since it was only 7:30 and we only have one shovel, I let Brad sleep in while I went out and made a path for the sidewalk, got the snow off of our cars, and started shoveling around our cars. I knew running (and my double) wasn't in store for me, but I still had hope that I could do a run later on.
I was very anxious to do something, but it would not have been safe to drive anywhere. Instead, I kept going into the cellar to visit Brad while he did his long run on the treadmill. Such an exciting life! The rest of the day we were either watching a movie (thankfully I had a few from the library) or going out to shovel. After our last trip out, we saw the snow plow driver and got him to let us move our cars, so he could effectively remove the snow. He had already been through a couple of times, leaving a large pile of snow behind our cars.
Later that afternoon, my legs felt fine to run, but I had already seen the announcement tht school was cancelled, so I decided to save it for today. Both runs were on the treadmill--60 minutes this morning and another 45 minutes this afternoon. We ended up with about 19 inches of snow, but it seems to be melting already. I'm just waiting for someone to clear the sidewalks, which probably won't happen.
Posted by Caitlin at 06:56 PM | Comments (2)
February 11, 2006
Change in Plans
I guess it really is winter after all because we're about to get hit with a nor'easter. On Sunday I was going to meet one of my teammates from UML to run the Boston course from Hopkinton, but we switched it to Saturday (today) to avoid the storm. I was disappointed in not getting to see the early miles of the course, but knew I would be relieved come Sunday morning when it might be impossible to run.
We met in Boston around 12:30 because we were both going to be there already. Michelle had class and I was at BU for the Valentine's meet, in which Brad was running the 5k. We were practically on Commonwealth Ave., and then had to run a little bit to meet up with the course at Chestnut Hill Ave. We ran the course backwards, turning around somwhere in Wellesley. We ran for 2:43. Except for the small distance between Chestnut Hill Ave. and St. Ignatius Church at the bottom of the downhill immediately following the Newton hills (Did you follow that?), I didn't get to see anymore of the course. Believe me, I was just psyched to have someone to run with and happy to not have to worry about the weather and running all those miles on the treadmill.
I usually take my day off after my long runs, but with the switch in long run days, I'm going to lose my double. If I had known about it, I would have tried to double on Friday, but I only did one 45 minute run. Therefore, I may try to double tomorrow (most likely on the treadmill). I'll have to see how I feel though, because right now my legs are extremely sore. It was difficult to even walk after because my legs were so tired. I was able to quickly forget about it for a little because Brad had gone out with a friend while they were waiting for me and had gotten me a canoli from an awesome pastry shop. It didn't last very long.
Posted by Caitlin at 05:01 PM | Comments (1)
February 09, 2006
In Need of a Kick in the Butt
When I don't feel like running, just getting out the door is the biggest battle. Once I'm on my way, I'm fine. Today and yesterday were those kinds of days. You wouldn't think I would have those days since I take a day off every week, but I do. They don't happen that often, but this week was a killer.
I didn't run on Tuesday, which probably helped me get over my cold. Yesterday, I ran for 70 minutes. Besides having to push myself out the door, it was an enjoyable run. Well, except for the dead animals that I encountered. On the way out, I started gagging at the smell of a skunk. I had seen it in the road on my way to work, but it was nowhere to be found, but I could sure smell it. Seconds later I saw an opossum. If anyone was to ask me (and why would they) what the ugliest animal was, I'd say an opossum without hesitation. They are so nasty and I'm annoyed that there is an "o" in front of the word because you don't pronounce it that way (or at least I don't). Anyways, on the way back, I passed the opossum again. I always forget about it until I almost step on it. Then, I spotted that skunk, which had apparently been moved to the sidewalk. Thanks!
Today was another 70 minute run, but with my ten downhill strides. I think I'm just sick of doing the same loop for this workout. I really like it, but I just wanted to do something different today.
I think part of my problem is the amount of time it takes to train for a marathon. I get restless. I feel like I've been getting ready forever, and yet the big day is still 9 or so weeks away. Just bring it on whether I'm ready or not.
Posted by Caitlin at 08:06 PM | Comments (1)
February 05, 2006
Race Report
I had a long tempo run on my schedule for today, so I decided to do another 15k race as a workout. The trouble was that we had plans Saturday night with friends, so I knew I wasn't going to get a lot of sleep. I also have a killer cold and it was supposed to rain. After 6 hours of sleep, I crawled out of bed to look out the window at the pouring rain. The alternatives were to get more sleep and do it on my own or do it later on the treadmill. I decided to just suck it up and by the time we got to the race, it had stopped raining anyways.
I warmed up for about 13 minutes with Brad, who had decided to run with me since he's tapering this week and wasn't doing a long run. The goal was 7:24-7:28 pace, but once the race began, I knew I'd be happy with 7:30's. My splits were: 7:21, 7:27, 7:18, 7:34, 7:45 (hills), 7:33, 7:25, 7:30, 7:24, 2:11. My time was 1:09:32 (7:28 pace) compared to 1:09:39 (7:30 pace) from 3 weeks ago. 3 weeks ago it was easy. Today was not as fun. I really think it was my cold, especially considering my nose was like a faucet (sorry) for the last 3 miles. Luckily, Brad was carrying tissues for me. I finished off the day's running with 16 minutes of the slowest running I've ever done, which should give me at least 12 for the day.
I had originally hoped to run again in the evening, but it's not even a consideration right now. I feel horrible and should probably stretch and use the foam roller, but don't have the energy. We took a long nap this afternoon, but I kept waking up because my legs hurt so much. I felt fine all week, so hopefully I will feel better once I shake this cold, which I think is my fourth cold of this winter. They've all been minor colds though, and I haven't had to take any additional days off due to them. I just hope I don't get another one for a while!
Posted by Caitlin at 07:58 PM | Comments (3)
For the log...
Friday-70 minutes
Saturday-55 min. AM/ 35 min. PM (with Brad)
Posted by Caitlin at 07:29 PM | Comments (0)
February 02, 2006
Recovery
My legs felt great when I woke up this morning, leaving me confident that my legs weren't trashed from yesterday's workout. I have my foam roller to thank for that. I haven't really talked much about my new best friend, but I think it helps, so much, that it will be coming with me on any trips I might take. I discovered at a meet a couple weeks ago (from Ryan's wife), that there is one that is more portable, as it is about 8-10 inches long.
My 45 minute recovery run was less than stellar, leading me to realize that my legs didn't feel as great as I thought. The weather was great though. It was about 55 degrees when I went for my run, but much cooler when I got back since it was getting dark.
During my run I saw a sundae dish from Friendly's. That made me crave a sundae from there with tons of peanut butter. Luckily, I was too lazy to act on that craving. Instead, my craving switched to pickles, which I thankfully have. As I was eating one, I remembered how my father used to have us drink the pickle juice when we had a sore throat. I happen to have a sore throat now, but was easily able to restrain myself from drinking the pickle juice. Has anyone else heard of or done that before?
Posted by Caitlin at 08:29 PM | Comments (6)
February 01, 2006
Back at the Track
Monday and Tuesday's runs were 70 minutes and 60 minutes respectively. Both were on the treadmill because of the weather and late hour. Monday it was raining with thick fog and Tuesday had quite the wintery mix.
Today on the other hand, was a workout of shorter VO2 max intervals. Nothing like tapping into a system that has not been touched for a while. Thankfully, next time the intervals will be longer, but at 10k pace. We had to be conservative though. When I was training for 5k's this summer, this workout seemed like nothing. When you're training for a marathon--ouch. Anyways, I warmed up for 20 minutes and then started my workout without doing drills or strides. I guess I'm just out of practice. The workout had a range: 8-10 x 2minutes at 5k-10k pace with 90 seconds rest. My original goal was to do 10 at 5k pace. However, for the first two, I could not turnover and ran more like 10k pace (I was at a track). After that, I was able to get closer to 5k pace, eventually going a little too fast, but trying to slow it down and run relaxed. I decided to stop after the ninth one. I finished with a 15 minute cool-down. Now I'm tired in a way that's quite different than after a 20-miler. Time for bed.
Posted by Caitlin at 09:47 PM | Comments (3)