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January 31, 2006

Knowing what you are going to do!

"If you know exactly what you are going to do, what is the point of doing it?" Pablo Picasso

This is the way I feel about my runs some days and why in the end sometimes the most spontaneous adventurous oblivious run become the most fufilling and rewarding of all of them.

Today was one of those days when I was not feeling especially inspired to log in my "10" miles of running that I aimed to do. I did not know where I would run, how I would feel, or if I would make my goal.

I was surprised to find out that my lone running buddy, Jen, here in Vermont was available to run which excited me because it added some motivation. When we began our run at 5 it was snowing slighty and the streets were damp and slushy. It was a dark night and most of the visible light we had was booming from our headamps and resulted in cool shadows off of snow banks and dark shadows on the watery roads. The 10k Fitzgerald loop that we ran fley by as we rambled about my unmet weekend goals for running, the upcoming state of the union address to be given tonight by our President, and the room mates we had in college! What a motley collection of stories and experiences we shared.

I did not even know I was running so it was a totaly unexpected feeling and I felt very alive and fresh.

When we returned I took our dog, Seb, and his buddy Jazz for a mile and a half run. The dogs were wet and dirty by the end so I dropped them off and found my self exploring some cool side streets that I have never really ventured down before. I felt like I was in an entirely different town even though I was only less than a mile from where I lived. The extra three miles were a pleasant surprise and also flew by as I was sight seeing and enjoying the peaceful solitude of the falling snow.

Total Weekly Mileage: 29
Up Next: Wednesday is my workout day at Johnson, most likely some 800's or 400's for a total of a 7 mile workout, followed by weights, and 40 minutes of pool running!

Posted by mary at 7:05 PM | Comments (1)

January 30, 2006

Easy Day at Johnson

I had a little less time than I expected today to work out but I tried to make the most of the time I had at the gym. I had the choice to run outside but it was wet and rainy and cold about 38 degrees which for a real "Vermonter" is warm but for me it still quite damp! I also don't love to run someplace new when I am by myself or when I am not really in the mood to run. I did not feel completely inspired to run today because it was a Monday and we had a teacher's meeting after school and it was one of those days when you just feel like going home and watching a movie and having popcorn. I resisted the urge and stuck with my plan.

Once at the gym I hopped on the treadmill and ran the first 2.5 miles really easy at 8 minute pace and then I increased the pace every half mile and finished with a 6.30 half mile at my last mile, 5 miles total. I was sweating so much when I finished. It reminded me of when you are a child and you get the feeling of accomplishment after running around because you have sweated so much. Sometimes a good sweat can be so cleansing.

After the run I did three sets of pull ups and dips on the gravitron and then did 3 sets of lat pull downs. I did a few legs ups to work my abs as well. I then went to the pool and pool ran for a half hour.

I was hoping for a 10 mile day with at least 40 minutes of pool running but hopefully I will do a morning run tomorrow to make up for the low mileage day today. I am glad I increased the pace on the treadmill. I was getting a bit bored with the 8 minute pace. I did get to watch a good soccer game below as I ran so that was fun.

Total mileage is at: 19 miles so not too bad. I usually do not include my pool running mileage for my total mileage.

Posted by mary at 9:28 PM | Comments (1)

January 29, 2006

Week 1: 24 weeks to go!

This is my first official week of training for the VT 100 mile race on July 15th! My first 100 mile race. I have been planning to run a 100 mile race the year I turned 30 and that time has at last approached.

My plan is to build a solid base of long runs, some interval work, and gradually work into some high mileage week with technical trail running to be included once the snow has melted from the trails.

This week my goals are to run a 70 mile week, one track workout (most likely on the treadmill), and one long run of three hours on Friday or Saturday.

Today I ran 10-11 miles in the morning at an easy pace. It was so warm and I felt good. I probably ran the second half faster than the second half but it was all very modest. This evening I ran an easy 3.5 miles with our dog Seb. There was a light snow falling and it seemed as if we were the only two out running.

Total mileage for today: estimated 14 miles

Monday's and Wednesday's are my college days. I usually go over to Johnson State college and run on the treadmill or outside depending on weather, lift, and pool run. I am looking forward to some pool running tomorrow.

Glad to be back on line and excited to catch up on the lives and training of the other eliterunning bloggers.

Posted by mary at 7:26 PM | Comments (5)