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September 30, 2004
Community
Thanks so much to everyone who wished me good luck and congratulations for the 20 miler on Sunday. Seeing all the messages in my inbox, and reading everyone's kind words, made me realize what a cool thing Alison has started here. A group of people who have never met each other, and may never meet each other, care about and encourage and advise each other. We're excited for the successes and commiserate about the less-than-successes. Simply because we all like to lace up our shoes and head outside. We've created a community--thanks to you all for being a part of it.
Posted by jessie at 8:44 PM | Comments (1)
Jinx?
I'm a little freaked out by how good I feel this week-I'm worried that if I talk about it I'll jinx it. I can't believe that a week ago I was writing about how awful I felt. I think it's a combination of taking better care of myself and the training finally starting to kick in. But whatever the cause, I feel great.
Last night's workout was 2 x 15 minutes at tempo pace. The high school track we usually run at was closed becuase of a football game, so we met in the parking lot and ran on the nearby bike path. I wasn't planning to go all out because I'm running a half marathon on Saturday, so I started at 7 min/mile. But I quickly dropped to 6:40 and felt very comfortable. It's been so long since a 6:40 mile felt easy-and what a good feeling it is! I had planned to get a ride home from someone (I live 2.5 miles from the track, so I usually run there as a warmup) but I had so much energy left I ran home. My legs felt really fresh and bouncy-not at all like I had just done a workout.
I'm pretty excited for Saturday. I don't know what I'm capable of for a half-marathon right now, but it seems like things are starting to come together. I'm planning to start out on pace for a 1:32, and then see what happens. Pretty much anything will be a PR for me. I've only run two half-marathons, both on incredibly slow courses--one was in the Adirondacks, and the other was the trail half-marathon (the year I didn't fall and almost bleed to death!). Saturday is a challenging course, but not Adirondack Mountains challenging.
Today I ran 5 miles and did 30 on the elliptical. Tomorrow I plan to run a very easy 4 or 5 with no cross-training to rest up for the race.
Posted by jessie at 7:34 PM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2004
Finger Crossing Works!
Okay, so crossed fingers might not have had anything to do with it, but whatever the cause, the 20 miler on Sunday was fantastic. I finished in 2:35:13, which is 10 minutes off my PR but 10 minutes faster than I had planned to run. Considering how worried I was about finishing at all, I am absolutely thrilled with my time. I think "ebullient" was the word I used when I called my mom after the race.
According to plan, I started the race with the group I'm mentoring for the marathon training program. They were aiming for 8:20s, and I thought that was probably all I could hope for. Well, that plan went out the window within half a mile. I tried to slow down, but around the first mile I realized I was far ahead of the group and staying there. There weren't mile markers until mile 3, which I crossed in 23:48. I felt really comfortable, and thought that sticking with 8s would be fine. Except I kept getting a little quicker--7:50, 7:47, 7:42...I managed to slow myself down to 8 twice, but in the next mile I'd go 7:45, and finally I decided that it was more effort to slow myself down than to just go with it. I was scared of blowing up at the end, but being scared doesn't get you very far, so I decided to have some guts and confidence and just run. I kept waiting to feel bad, to start really laboring, but it never happened--instead I felt smooth and loose, everything clicking the way it should. Around mile 15 all the people who went out too fast started slowing down, and I started picking them off, which made me feel even better. I ran the last three miles in 7:32, 7:25, and 7:01, and moved from being the 16th woman to the 12th. I finished feeling like I could have run a lot faster, which gives me such a huge confidence boost for the marathon. My PR isn't in danger, but I'm going to finish, and finish strong.
In addition to self-confidence, I also got an important lesson. I really made an effort to eat a lot, and well, in the days before the race, and I have no doubt it made a big difference. I've been making the effort since the race, too, and had awesome runs both Monday and today (8 and 10 miles, respectively) and the energy to cross train. But even though I've had a few good days, I'm still going to see the nutritionist because I don't trust myself to keep it up in the long term without some reinforcement. Feeling like a runner again is sure great motivation, though.
Posted by jessie at 7:04 PM | Comments (7)
September 25, 2004
Keeping my fingers crossed!
Not that crossed fingers will be much help if the race tomorrow goes badly! Well, technically it's a race, but I am most definitely not racing it. It will be my first 20 miler of the season, and that fact, combined with the way I've been feeling lately, means that I will be thrilled just to finish it. To be honest, I don't know that I can, which is a strange feeling. In past races I've worried about my goal htime, about the weather, about the course, about everything-but I can't remember ever doubting my ability to finish (certainly there have been times during races when I doubted, but never beforehand). I should stop psyching myself out, though-all I can do is try my hardest and see what happens. It doesn't do me any good to be a nervous wreck now.
My plan for tomorrow is to run with 2 of the women I'm coaching/mentoring for our marathon training program. They are both hoping to qualify for Boston, and they're looking to run the 20 miler at around marathon pace, 8:20ish. That "should" be a really easy pace for me, so I'm hoping I can keep it up for 20 miles. Wait-not "hoping"-no more psyching myself out! I will keep it up for 20 miles.
Yesterday I had to run at 5 am because I had to be at work really early. It was still dark when I got home, at the time I usually get up. I was very unhappy when my alarm went off, but it was fun to be out that early in the morning-me and the garbagemen and some college students just stumbling home (that sure made me feel old!) I felt very safe, too-security in DC has been even more intense than normal this week. The Iraqi Prime Minister and several hundered thousand participants in the opening of the American Indian Museum were in town, so there were cops on literally every corner of the city, even at 5 am. Most of the time I feel weary and saddened by the "city under siege" feeling of downtown-concrete barriers, cops with machine guns, blockaded monuments-but in the dark, by myself, I was glad for the extra police presence. I could just run, and enjoy being outside in the relative quiet, without feeling like I had to keep looking over my shoulder.
The run was 7 miles, and I felt strong the entire time-what a nice change! I had made a real effort nutritionally the day before, and felt much better than the previous few days. I don't know how much affect one day can actually have, so it may have been largely psychological, but whatever the cause I'll take it.
I didn't run today because of the race tomorrow-instead I went to the gym and then rode my bike for a while. It's gorgeous out today-sunny, 77 degrees, no humidity. It's been like that all week, and I love it. It's nice and cool in the morning, but still sandal weather during the day. I do wish it was going to be cooler tomorrow-the high is 80-but DC in September can still be 95 with 95% humidity so I won't complain.
Yikes-sorry for the length of this entry! I need to get back to posting every day so I don't write a novel each time.
Posted by jessie at 4:34 PM | Comments (3)
September 23, 2004
Is it still called "bonking" after 2 miles?
I've been delinquent about posting this week, I think because my workouts have been awful. Not just having-a-bad-day-awful, but like something-is-really-wrong awful. I'm dying before I even get started-I feel like I'm at mile 20 when I'm at mile 2. Last night we did mile repeats at the track, and I struggled through three, each one ten seconds slower than the one before, and I was dizzy and nauseous when I finished. I was definitely not running fast enough to feel that bad. Today, I was dizzy and nauseous at the end of a 6 mile run during which I could barely maintain an 8:30 pace. For more than a week I've felt like I'm working a lot harder, and feeling a lot worse, than I should be. My friends have tried to cheer me up by telling me about slumps they've had, but I know my body and this is more than a slump.
I think it's nutrition-related. I eat a variety of foods and I take a multivitamin, but I think I'm just not eating enough in general. Not to delve too deeply into my "issues," but I have a pretty rocky relationship with food. It's a lot better than it used to be, but it used to be non-existent. So even though I feel like I eat a lot, I have to admit that I am not the right person to make that judgement. I eat a "normal" amount, but "normal" probably just isn't cutting it for the amount I work out, and the level I want to reach. Telling myself that isn't quite enough, though, so I got some recommendations for nutritionists and I'm trying to get an appointment next week. I think the advice of a professional will make the difference. Plus, I'd like help analyzing and planning a diet specifically from the point of view of being an endurance athlete. Until I can see someone, I'm making an effort to eat more, and more nutritiously-especially since I have to make it through a 20-miler on Sunday. Bring on the chocolate chip cookies!
Posted by jessie at 8:14 PM | Comments (2)
September 20, 2004
Quick Update
I'm really busy at work today, so here's just a quick summary of the weekend:
Friday: made it through the 18 miler without too much pain; drove through Hurricane Ivan remnants and tornadoes to get to Virginia Beach for weddding.
Saturday: easy run with another wedding attendee; trip to the hotel gym for weights/elliptical; beautiful wedding ceremony; afternoon of college football and beer; fun reception at which I ate and drank way too much.
Sunday: drove back to DC while recovering from hangover; upon return was recovered enough for a surprisingly good 8 mile run; spent afternoon watching the Redskins' humiliating loss to the Giants; depression ensued.
Monday: decent tempo run; trip to the gym pending.
More to come later!
Posted by jessie at 4:41 PM | Comments (1)
September 16, 2004
Consistency
I had a good workout last night-consistency was my goal, and I was very consistent. I think one thing that made a difference was that I stopped comparing myself to the past, and instead focused on where I am now. No, I'm not in the shape I was a year ago, and yes, I wish I was. But instead of being frustrated, I should cut myself some slack--I was out for six months with a serious injury, and I've had some complications coming back. I've decided to be proud of myself for doing as well as I am. I'm also proud of myself for being careful--it's tempting to rush it, but pushing too hard won't make me faster. Taking time and being smart about building back up will.
So, oh yea-the workout. 16x400 with a 100 meter jog. (A note on my track workouts-I just do whatever my club's group workout is. I eventually want to get a coach and do workouts that are actually targeted to me and my goals, but for right now any speedwork is fine.) That's a lot of 400s so I didn't want to do them too fast. I wanted to run 6:30 pace, and I nailed it. I was between 96 and 98 on the first 14, and ran the last two in 94. My first one felt hard, and I thought I was in for a really long night, but I just wasn't warmed up enough. Once I got going, I felt pretty comfortable, working hard but running relaxed. I finished wishing I'd hammered more on the last few-I had more left than I thought. But that's not a bad way to feel!
In fact, I think it's a good thing I didn't run harder--I ran 6 easy at lunch today with my coworker, and I was definitely feeling it. I'm hoping I feel more recovered by tomorrow-I'm doing my long of 18 tomorrow instead of Saturday because I have a wedding to attend on Saturday. I thought I was going to have to do the whole thing alone, but my friend also needs to get his long run out of the way before the weekend, so I'll have someone to suffer with. This will be mylongest run since before I was hurt-I'm really nervous. But I'll be fine. I just need to keep telling myself that. I'll be fine.
Posted by jessie at 3:22 PM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2004
Giving Back
In the scale of things I could be doing to improve the world around me, mentoring participants in my running club's marathon training program is pretty low on the totem pole. But it is very rewarding, and I do feel like I'm giving back to the local running community by encouraging new people to be active in it. Plus, it's really fun to watch my mentees' progress! I am "coaching" 4 women, who came into the program with varying degrees of talent/experience. One of them I have my doubts about-she doesn't show up to the group runs, and it's like pulling teeth to get her to respond to my emails-but the other three are kicking butt. Two have gone from saying "I just want to finish" to saying "I want to qualify for Boston" and I think they can do it. The third had never run more than 30 minutes on the treadmill at her gym, and is out there doing 20 milers in the rain. It's exciting to watch people achieve things they never thought they could achieve, and it feels great to help them do it. Answering all their questions about the track workout tonight has also helped distract me from the fact that I have to do a workout myself...2 hours and counting. I sure hope it goes better than last week!
Posted by jessie at 3:28 PM | Comments (1)
September 14, 2004
Awesome Run
I had a fantastic run this morning-I'm still exhilarated. I had that great, smooth, effort without labor (to borrow a phrase from jenandmats) feeling.
I was still sore when I woke up, but I couldn't stand to not run for one more day. I decided to give it a shot, and if I hurt too much I could turn around. It hurt some, and my stride was a little weird until I got warmed up, but once I got going I was fine. It was a great morning--cool, no humidity, and I was actually a little chilly in just a sports bra at first. It was still dark, too, which I like. Running in the early morning, I feel like I'm the only person on the roads, maybe the only person in the world--absolute solitude is a rare luxury in a crowded metro area.
But I digress. My route was one of my favorite 10 mile loops. The first half is VERY hilly-if you're feeling good it's a great workout, and if you're not it's torture. Well, I had a great workout, just attacking (and winning!) every hill. The last few miles are on a flat, crushed gravel path, and you can just cruise all the way home. My legs, my arms, my hips, my shoulders--everything was working together just right. Sometimes it clicks. I love it. I'm excited and happy now, 14 hours later, thinking about it.
Tonight, instead of a second run, which I had foolishly been considering, I did 30 minutes on the elliptical and some lifting. I've been a slacker about lifting the last couple of weeks--I'm going to make an effort again. It's tough to fit in regularly, but I feel good when I do.
Posted by jessie at 8:25 PM | Comments (1)
September 13, 2004
What to do?
Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and advice--you're definitely helping me get over my debacle of a weekend. It is true that a few days off won't kill me, and in fact may just make me feel fresher. At least I am going to have a great story to tell--and having blood stained running shoes makes me look pretty tough!
I wasn't sure what I was going to do this morning when I went to bed last night, so I just set my alarm and decided not to make a decision until I woke up and saw how I felt. I was still really sore when I got up. I tried to jog a few steps in my apartment, but every step jarred my side. So instead of running I went to the gym and did an hour on the elliptical and 20 minutes on the bike. It hurt a little bit but not much, and it didn't exacerbate the wound at all. I'm hoping that by tomorrow I'll feel okay to run, but the problem is deciding what to run. I hate when my schedule gets thrown off--do I try to make up the mileage and workouts? Do I just write it off? Six months ago I would have been able to cram in a few more miles, but now I'm so fearful of getting hurt. I'm trying to work out a compromise--a little extra, but not too much--but I wish I had more guidance. I've been thinking for a while about getting a coach, but decided not to pursue it this fall--it makes more sense to find a coach next year, when I'm ready to start training hard and chasing PR's again. But I sure wish I had one to tell me what to do this week!
Posted by jessie at 4:49 PM | Comments (3)
September 12, 2004
Recuperating
In a way it's a good thing that I woke up this morning feeling like I'd hit been a truck, because it kept me from attempting a workout. Giving my body a day of rest is the smart thing to do, so it's good to not really have any choice. I did take a short walk, about 40 minutes, because even just a small amount of activity and sunshine makes a big difference in my mood.
Interestingly, considering I could only sleep in one position, I got the best night's sleep I have gotten in a month-a full eight, uninterrupted hours. Maybe I should subject myself to major trauma every day!
Today is a very important day--the first NFL Sunday of the season! I'm a huge football fan, and spend the months of February to September at a total loss. College b-ball gets me through March, but it just doesn't fill the void. My friend D. and I have been counting the days-I'm off to meet her at a sports bar right now. Go Redskins!!
Posted by jessie at 11:18 AM | Comments (4)
September 11, 2004
Thank you
First, congratulations to everyone who did finish the race today--you worked your butts off, and managed to keep smiling!
But now I would like to thank the absolutely wonderful volunteers: Robert and Valerie, if by some chance you're out there, thank you sitting with me and cleaning all the dirt and blood off of me and understanding why I was crying about not being able to finish (and thanks for not letting me finish). I'd also to thank the two women I was running with when I fell, for stopping to help me up and staying with me until the next aid station. As upset as I am about the race, it was a great reminder of why I like runners and the running community so much.
Posted by jessie at 11:20 PM | Comments (0)
The Unluckiest Girl in the World
So, I know !#@ happens, but I am ready for it to start happening to someone other than me: today was my second trip to the emergency room in three months. At least this time I drove myself-the first time, in June, I was brought in an ambulance. I was biking home from my gym, which is in downtown DC, when I was hit-and-run by a taxi (they never found him). I was knocked unconscious for about 45 minutes, had a concussion, and also got 20 stitches on my face (which miraculously left almost no scar). That's enough accidents for one summer, wouldn't you think? Someone doesn't--because the finish line of my race today was not exactly where I wanted it to be.
The race started well--it was a nice morning, and I was feeling very strong and happy with my position. The 1st woman had a good lead, but I was happy to let her stay there because the second half of the course is a lot tougher than the first and I didn’t want to expend the energy running her down. I was more concerned with placing than winning anyway. I was running with 2 other women, and we were trading 2, 3, and 4 without really thinking about it--more like we were just out for a run together than in a race. One of the women was really chatty, which was actually pretty annoying, but I thought she could just talk herself out of breath and that would be fine with me! It was nice to share the work, though, and I was pretty confident that I would be able to lose them in the second half. But I didn’t make it to the second half.
About five miles into the race, I tripped on the way down a steep hill. I have no idea on what--I was watching my footing, being careful of my balance, and I just went down. I landed on my back and slid a few feet—I’m lucky I didn’t tumble a lot further. Both women stopped to help me up, and waited a few seconds while I recovered from the shock and could tell that nothing was seriously wrong-no sprains, nor broken bones, etc. I was scraped up and bleeding, but whatever. We set off, and I actually picked it up a little—I think the adrenaline kicked in. I was starting to really bleed, though, and the woman behind me said I had a good gash in my side. But I still thought I would get to the aid station a mile ahead, get cleaned up and get a band aid, and keep going—I would lose my place, and I’d probably slow down some—I was starting to hurt--but I was fine with revising my expectations and finishing.
At the aid station, my shorts were soaked through with blood, and it had run down my leg and filled my shoe. A closer inspection revealed that the cut on my side was a finger-sized hole, and with my heart rate elevated it was pumping out blood. Like a good runner, I argued with the volunteers about continuing on, but the more bandages I soaked through the less I argued. I actually started to feel kind of cold and dizzy, and finally agreed that bleeding to death on the trail was not the way to go. I sat down and elevated my feet, and eventually the bleeding slowed. I managed not to cry (very much) in front of the volunteers, but when I got in my car to drive to the hospital I started sobbing. I was, and am, so upset and disappointed. I was so nervous and excited for this race, and was feeling so good, and I just can’t believe it ended this way. I keep repeating the platitudes—I did the smart thing, there’s always next year, or the next race, it could be a lot worse, these things happen—but they’re not really helping. I know it’s not important in the long run—technically, in the grand scheme of things, it’s not important right now—but it sure feels important.
I checked the results a little while ago and I'm pretty sure I would have place, maybe even won. The winner slowed down and finished in the same time that got me 3rd last year, and the two women I was running with slowed down also. They stayed 2 and 3, but 2 was more than five minutes behind the leader and 3 was five minutes behind her. My race strategy would have been perfect.
Now that I'm home and the adrenaline has worn off, I’m in a lot of pain. The entire left side of my body is sore, and the wound itself hurts when I move. It turned out they couldn’t stitch it up because of the "tissue loss" (it’s like a marble was taken out of my side) so I just have to keep changing the dressing, taking antibiotics, and hope it heals. I'm going to have a big scar—so much for my underwear modeling career.
I'm also freaking out about not getting in a long(ish) run this weekend. I already feel like I'm barely training for New York and I can't afford to miss anything. I was entertaining the thought of running tomorrow, but without stitches, I’ll just start bleeding again as soon as I move around and my heart rate goes up. Plus, just walking is painful right now, and I’ll probably hurt more tomorrow. I am promising myself (and I just promised my friend M.) that I will not do anything stupid--bleeding out on the bike path would certainly hinder my training. I really, really, don't want to not run, but I’m trying to adjust to the idea. Maybe an option is to do a longish run, 12 or 14, on Monday or Tuesday, and then do a longer run next weekend. Even worse than not running, though, is the thought of not exercising at all—I suspect even biking or the elliptical will be too much of a strain on the wound. But even thinking about not working out brings on a whole new level of panic (a topic which is probably worth a post of its own). I can't remember the last day I didn't work out. I ALWAYS work out. I don't know what I'm scared will happen if I don't, but I'm scared of something. I guess tomorrow I’ll find out.
Posted by jessie at 6:06 PM | Comments (3)
September 10, 2004
My First Race!
I am trying not to be nervous about my race tomorrow. I shouldn't be nervous, because I don't think it would be possible to find a more low-key, fun, supportive event--if there's any race to just run and have a good time, it the Women's Trail Half Marathon. As the name suggests, it's an all-women half-marathon on the trails in Fountainhead National Park. The course is the toughest I've ever run--the hills are absolutely brutal--but it also has the nicest volunteers, the best aid stations (M&M's and oatmeal cookies--you can tell this club usually puts on ultras!), and the most supportive participants. It's two out-and-backs, and the back of the pack cheers more than the spectators do at some races. They also have all kinds of funny awards-for carrying a giant teddy bear for a few miles; for wearing a goofy hat the whole time; for the best male cheerleader. So not a race to stress out about. But I am stressing-I came in third last year, and I really want to place again. The first, second and fourth place women from last year aren't registered, which is making me think about winning. Which I shouldn't do-I don't want to go into this with any expectations. Except to have fun. I just have to keep telling myself that. Fun. Fun. Fun.
Posted by jessie at 1:48 PM | Comments (0)
September 9, 2004
Ugh
I think I must be coming down with something--in fact, I hope I am! It would explain my absolutely dismal running the last two days. I feel really run down, and like my legs are made of rubber. Or cement. Maybe rubberized cement? Whatever the cause, I hope this feeling goes away soon--I'm hoping that if I can get a few good nights' sleep I'll be okay. I have a race on Saturday (more on that tomorrow) so I'm really going to try and get rested before then.
Last night was a track workout--4 by 5 minutes at 5k pace. I like this workout, but I was nervous because it was my first attempt at anything faster than tempo pace. I wanted to run 6:30's, which is slower than my "old" 5k pace so I thought it was a conservative goal. I made it through the first two intervals okay, but on the third I really, really struggled. I kind of felt like I was going to throw up, and I had to fight myself to not stop. When the five minutes finally ended I declared that I was done and started walking a lap. But quitting makes me want to cry, which I decided was worse than wanting to throw up. So I finished walking the lap, and then ran the last interval slowly, at about 6:50 pace. I think partly it just wasn't my night, partly I'm exhausted in general, and partly I am expecting too much of myself too soon. It's only been 6 weeks--maybe my body is just reminding me to be patient.
"Dismal" is actually too strong a word for my run this afternoon-it just wasn't great. One of my coworkers has been asking me to run with him, and he likes to run at lunch. I don't like running in the heat of the day, but I did want to run with B., so we ran for 40 minutes around the Tidal Basin and Jefferson Memorial. My legs were actually okay, it's just the heat that kills me. But I did enjoy spending time with B.--it was nice to talk to him out of the office and I think he could be a good friend.
I'm going to the gym tonight for 40 minutes on the ellipitcal, and maybe some lifting if I get motivated. Then it's home and into the pajamas--maybe if I try to go to bed at 8 I'll actually be able to fall asleep by a normal time.
Posted by jessie at 4:15 PM | Comments (1)
September 7, 2004
Getting...very...sleepy...
I am so tired. I think I might be asleep as I type this. I don't know how I'm going to make it through my run tonight. I guess I'm going to lower my expectations, and just be proud of myself for getting my shoes on.
I have struggled with insomnia for years-there were stretches when I was in college that I would get three hours of sleep a night for weeks in a row, and not because I was out partying. It's not as bad now as it was, but I'm excited if I get six hours a night. My running suffers for it-on the rare occasions I am actually rested, the difference in how I feel makes me so aware of how much I'm dragging the rest of the time. I had gotten somewhat caught up this weekend, but last night I was awake for several hours in the middle of the night, and then I had to wake up at 5 am to drive back to DC from the beach in order to make it to work at a decent time. My work right now is a major contributor to the not-sleeping-I'm not happy with what I'm doing, but I'm trying to figure out what it is that would make me happy. Nothing like existential angst to keep you company at 3 am! I think I had an epiphany yesterday, though--now it's a matter of taking the plunge. I'll keep you all posted-maybe I'll have another breakthrough on my run tonight. Assuming I do, in fact, manage to get my shoes on.
To be continued...
Well, I did it. Put the shoes on, took a deep breath, and ran for 60 minutes. It wasn't pretty, but it was better than nothing, which is all I was hoping for.
Posted by jessie at 3:08 PM | Comments (0)
September 6, 2004
Picking 'em Off
Hmmm...I think perhaps it's been too long since I was in a competitive situation. I did an easy 8 mile run today and found myself pretending to be Deena, picking off all the other runners on the bike path. Which is kind of pathetic--most of the other people this morning were out-of-shape vacationers and couples with baby joggers--not exactly difficult to run down. But it still gives me a boost to pass them. I feel like a little bit of a jerk being happy about passing old people, but oh well--I'll take my motivation from wherever it comes. One guy said "go speedracer" as I went by him--I wasn't going fast, but who am I to correct him? Besides, "speedracer" is kinda catchy.
I was signed up for the Rock & Roll half marathon in Virginia Beach yesterday, but decided last week not to run it. I had registered in the spring, thinking it was far enough in advance to be a good comeback race, but I'm definitely not in shape yet. It might have been fun to just run, but driving for hours and paying for a hotel seemed like too much trouble to just do a kind-of long run. I also thought there was a good chance I would go out way too hard and get hurt. I'm really glad I decided to come to Bethany and spend the weekend with my folks instead--running, reading, sleeping, and eating too many cookies adds up to a perfect weekend.
Back to the run this morning-I really enjoyed it. It was windy, which I hate, but there was no humidity and the sun was shining (now it's cloudy, of course-so much for one last day at the beach). My legs were tired from the long run and from lifting yesterday, but they were good-tired, not dead-tired. It was just solid, relaxed, stretch-out-the-legs run. Normally I wouldn't do any leg strength stuff the day after a long run, but since I'd had to pay a $10 walk-in fee at the Bethany Fitness Center, I thought I might as well get my money's worth. Now, if I could just get some more beach time!
Posted by jessie at 12:13 PM | Comments (0)
September 4, 2004
Props to My Parents
Thank you, thank you, thank you, to my parents, who have not ridden bikes in 10 years but braved them this morning to keep me company for the end of my long run. I'm in Bethany Beach, DE at my parents' condo for the weekend, and while I am thrilled to be here it's a terrible place to run. Flat, yes, but very boring--there are some 3 and 5 mile loops that I just run over and over and over, and I don't have anyone to run with. I had been dreading my long run all week, but it occurred to me on Thursday that I might be able to convince one or both of my parents to dust off the "Beach Cruisers" in the garage and make my last few miles a little less painful. They were game, and thank goodness they were-I had a couple of tough miles and was so grateful for the support. I got started later than I intended to, and it was really hot, and I hate carrying water with me (usually there are water fountains or convenience stores on my routes so it's not an issue). I went through the first 10 miles with no problem and stopped back at the house for a drink and to pick up my companions, but by 12 I could tell I hadn't had any water for the first 10. More of a problem, though, was that I had been psyching myself out for a week that I was going to have an awful run--and there's nothing like self-fulfilling prophecies. While bi**hing to my mom, though, I decided to change my mind. I decided that all I was doing was psyching myself out, and that dammit, my legs felt fine and I was going to have a good run. Then I was OK--still thirsty, still hot, but OK. I finished strong, and now, gallons of water and a 2 hour nap later, I'm thinking I had a great run.
Posted by jessie at 6:24 PM | Comments (0)
September 2, 2004
Better Than Expected
It's always nice when a workout goes better than you expect it to-and last night's, 3x2000 at tempo pace, went well. I was planning to run around 7 min pace since I'm still taking it easy, but of course I went out faster than that. But I felt good-comfortable and smooth. It helped that there was a new girl, C., at the track-she just moved to the area and it was her first time running with the club-and I didn't want to let her beat me! We ran the entire workout together, trading leads, and I ran 8:20, 8:23, and 8:22, about a 6:45 pace. C. and I exchanged phone numbers after the workout and are planning to meet up for morning runs-I'm excited to have a new running buddy. Now, if I could just get a guy's phone number...
I slept badly again last night, but made it out of bed for an easy 45-minute run. Given the lack of sleep and a workout less than 12 hours before, my legs felt surprisingly fresh. Then I went to the gym at lunch for a hard 40 minutes on the elliptical. My energy is waning now, though...I'm not looking forward to my bike ride home. But I don't want to sleep in my office so I guess I have no choice.
Posted by jessie at 4:38 PM | Comments (1)
September 1, 2004
Focus
Or total lack therof...I'm having trouble getting my act together at work today. I'm looking at my watch every five minutes, checking my personal email, posting blog entries...I'm blaming it on the fact that I have a track workout tonight, 3x2000 and some strides. Nothing unusually grueling, but I'm always kind of nervous before workouts, worrying about how I'm going to feel, if I ate well during the day, etc. I haven't been sleeping well this week, so I'm already expecting not to feel good-not exactly the best attitude to start with. Oh well-if I run badly I can always blame it on being out of shape. I'll have to post the results tomorrow-I spilled coffee on my computer at home. I'm hoping it will dry out and start working again, but until then my only internet access is at work.
I went to the gym at lunch today and did 40 minutes on the elliptical and some abs/core exercises. I wanted to lift but didn't feel like I could take a 2 hr lunch-even though I've accomplished nothing today. I've got 2 hours left, though-I guess I should make one last attempt at productivity.
Posted by jessie at 3:21 PM | Comments (17)