Week 7: Day 1: Time-crunch run

As usual, I couldn't get up when my alarm went off...hmm, maybe I'll just get up and do yoga. Okay, if I have time to do 15 minutes of yoga, I have time for a short run. The only thing holding me back is the prospect of having to change my clothes and lace up. Sooo...I decided the only way to make it easier would be to quickly jump into my Sketchers (no laces!)...yes, I risked blisters, but so be it. I managed to get out there for a two-miler. As I ran, I realized that I HAVE to start budgeting my time better in the morning. The dishes don't have to be washed if Andy's home and says not to worry about them. I have to start putting out my running gear the night before, unlacing my shoes and everything. I even realized that I could get my breakfast and Buddy's lucnh ready the night before. I managed to save about 5 minutes this morning, which is the difference between getting to work at 9:15 and being the first one there. Hopefully, tomorrow I can buy myself another 5 by a little creative advanced planning. All this to squeeze in a run!

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Run time: 00:20:02

Distance: 2.12 miles

Avg. Pace: 9:28/mi
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Mile #1: 09:31
Mile #2: 09:24
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Week 6: Day 3: Easy run

I did another easy run this morning. I figure if breaking up my runs into several shorter ones is the only way to get them in, so be it. I have so much to do in the morning, and getting up earlier isn't an option (until I start going to bed at 9pm...and if I do that, I'll never see Andy!), so it's hard to run during the week. It felt good to run this morning...the weather is cooling down and pretty soon I won't be able to wear my shorts. I hope I can get up early enough for my long run tomorrow.

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Run time: 00:30:01

Distance: 3.12 miles

Avg. Pace: 09:37/mi
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Mile #1: 09:58
Mile #2: 09:32
Mile #3: 09:18
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Fair, 68 degrees F
Dewpoint:
Humidity:
Pressure: 30.08 in.
Visibility: 5.0 miles
Winds: Calm

Week 6: Day 2: Hill repeats

Today was the first time I tried to run before work (yes, I'm finally working full-time again! It's a wonderful thing!). But now that I have to be out the door by 9, and it's still dark until well after 7am, it's sooooooo hard! I managed to get up at 6:35 (oh, and going to bed at 11 because Andy doesn't get home until either 9pm or 10pm certainly doesn't help!), but wasn't out the door until 7. Whew. Talk about cutting it close. I did an easy mile until I got to the golf cart tunnel and did my 10 hill repeats. Or, I thought I did. When I checked the Garmin, it looks like I only did nine, which I can't figure out. Anyway...I tried to run a little faster on the uphills. By the time I got home I had gone almost 2.5 miles, but didn't have much time left. I think I'll stick with getting my runs in on Sat/Sun, but if I can do just one during the week, I'll be golden. ;)

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Run time: 00:25:01

Distance: 2.43 miles

Avg. Pace: 10:18/mi
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Mile #1: 09:37
**10 hill repeats**
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Hill #1
Length: 81.52 m.
Speed: 31 sec.
Pace: 10:24/mi
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Hill #2
Length: 83.84 m.
Speed: 33 sec.
Pace: 10:57/mi
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Hill #3
Length: 84.03 m.
Speed: 31 sec.
Pace: 10:08/mi
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Hill #4
Length: 73.46 m.
Speed: 32 sec.
Pace: 11:59/mi
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Hill #5
Length: 81.73 m.
Speed: 32 sec.
Pace: 10:32/mi
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Hill #6
Length: 83.96 m.
Speed: 30 sec.
Pace: 09:47/mi
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Hill #7
Length: 84.14 m.
Speed: 31 sec.
Pace: 10:02/mi
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Hill #8
Length: 79.09 m.
Speed: 32 sec.
Pace: 11:09/mi
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Hill #9
Length: 76.59 m.
Speed: 28 sec.
Pace: 10:02/mi
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Mile #2:
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Fair, 70 degrees F
Dewpoint: 70 degrees F
Humidity: ?
Pressure: 30.04 in., rising
Visibility: 10.0 miles
Winds: calm

Week 6: Day 1: Easy run

I'm still recovering from Saturday's race, which clearly means I'm rustier than I thought I was. Blah. We went to the gym yesterday and I did only upper body work because my legs were so tired. It's been over a month since I've lifted, so I could barely move my arms and shoulders this morning! I think I finally shook off the soreness in my quads, though. I was bad this morning and hitched a ride to Starbucks with the mother- and brother-in-law (all for Andy, I swear!) instead of stretching. I'll pay for that tomorrow! Good thing tomorrow starts my new weekly yoga class. I'm terrified and excited all at the same time. Hopefully, it'll help me with my daily practice.

I started off pretty slow today...half trying to shake the cobwebs off and half starting at the awesome sky. The sunrise looked like an ocean with huge mountains rising in the distance. I LOVE running in the morning!

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Run time: 00:30:01

Distance: 3.06 miles

Avg. Pace: 09:49/mi
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Mile #1: 10:13
Mile #2: 09:37
Mile #3: 09:35
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Fair, 73 degrees F
Dewpoint: 73 degrees
Humidity: ?
Pressure: 29.95 in., rising
Visibility: 10.0 miles
Winds: From SW, 5 mph

Week 5: Day 2: 5k race

Today I ran the Silver Springs 5k Run for Autumn in Ocala. The whole gang came with me, even Andy! His first race! It was a blast, but I was sooooo out of practice. I was sure I was going to bonk! Luckily, it didn't happen, and I finished in a decent 26:30. But I know I could have done better. I came in 4th in my age group.

I realized today just how country this place is...about 5 mins before the start of the race, I realized I hadn't collected my Chip, so I ran to the registration tables to find out. "What's a Chip?" What's a Chip?????? So funny. I asked the nice lady how we would be timed. She said someone would tear the bottom of our bib number off as we crossed the finish line. You gotta be kidding me. Talk about low-tech! And sure enough, as I crossed the finish line, I heard, "Please wait your turn in line as we collect your number." Stand in line the second I crossed the finish line?? I wanted water! I wanted to keep moving. I hope they upgrade soon!

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Run time: 00:26:30

Distance: 3.1 miles (5k)

Avg. Pace: 08:27/mi (unofficial)
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Mile #1: 08:08
Mile #2: 08:37
Mile #3: 08:20

Week 5: Day 1: Hill repeats

Today I tackled the hills again. And once again, I was only able to do one set of 10 reps. But I did try to hussle and run them a little faster! I was so winded and lightheaded afterwards...I have to remember to bring my water bottle next time.

Yesterday Bennie & I went swimming for an hour. It felt great, and, surprisingly, it erased all the muscle soreness lingering after Sunday's long run. Amazing! Of course, I do have sore back muscles today. Oh well. I hope I can continue to work on my technique, because as of right now, I still pretty much suck. I can swim under the water, but can't come up for air! And I'm convinced that I am that rare 1 in 100,000th person who just does NOT float! Practice, practice. My mother-in-law is going to put me in water wings...I'm sure that will help my self-esteem. Hey, whatever takes to learn, because I'm starting to love being in the water.

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Run time: 00:30:58

Distance: 3.01 miles

Avg. Pace: 10:18/mi
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Mile #1: 10:06
**10 hill repeats**
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Hill #1
Length: 127 m.
Speed: 52 sec.
Pace: 11:01/mi
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Hill #2
Length: 92 m.
Speed: 37 sec.
Pace: 10:54/mi
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Hill #3
Length: 82 m.
Speed: 35 sec.
Pace: 11:36/mi
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Hill #4
Length: 92 m.
Speed: 33 sec.
Pace: 09:52/mi
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Hill #5
Length: 86 m.
Speed: 36 sec.
Pace: 11:14/mi
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Hill #6
Length: 79 m.
Speed: 32 sec.
Pace: 11:01/mi
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Hill #7
Length: 79 m.
Speed: 34 sec.
Pace: 11:39/mi
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Hill #8
Length: 87 m.
Speed: 32 sec.
Pace: 09:56/mi
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Hill #9
Length: 100 m.
Speed: 35 sec.
Pace: 09:28/mi
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Hill #10 (Whew!)
Length: 86 m.
Speed: 30 sec.
Pace: 09:31/mi
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Mile #2: 10:54
Mile #3: 10:32/10:01

Week 4: Day 2: Long run

Yes, I skipped my 2nd run and went straight to my 3rd, my Sunday long run. I don't know what happened Friday morning. I just couldn't get out of bed. Then Friday night we celebrated Andy getting his license, which, of course, involved alcohol. That led to me not being able to get up Saturday morning. I almost didn't make it this morning either! I told myself we could go to the gym, where I could run my 7 miles on a cushy treadmill instead of pounding pavement. I turned off my alarm and lay down again. As usual, feelings of guilt kept me from falling asleep again, so I dragged myself up. My reward these days for a run is a bowl of hot and yummy oatmeal with peanut butter! If I don't run, no oaties, as Buddy calls them. I guess I really wanted my oaties!

I hit the trail today, and discovered something incredible. If I go the opposite way, it's all downhill!! Woo-hoo! It was awesome. I still took 1-minute walk breaks every mile and had a small 8oz bottle of H20 with me. All in all, a great run.

Instead of laying around all day waiting for my legs to stop feeling like jello (like I usually do), we decided to go to Silver Springs to scope out the site of my upcoming 5K. We ended up walking the 2.4 mile "River Trail" (I saw a box turtle! So cute!). I am POOPED.

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Run time: 01:12:01

Distance: 7.0 miles

Avg. Pace: 10:17 / mi
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Mile #1: 10:01
Mile #2: 09:59
Mile #3: 09:50
Mile #4: 10:12
Mile #5: 10:23
Mile #6: 10:32
Mile #7: 10:48

Week 4: Day 1: Hill repeats

I took advantage of living in a golfing community today to do my hill repeats. The golf cart tunnels (allowing golfers to cross the road without being killed) are awesome, easily-accessible hills. I ran to the tunnel and did 10 reps...1 downhill and 1 uphill, and repeat. My goal was 1-2 sets, but it just didn't happen. My quads were hating me and I chickened out. But I will definitely make this a part of my routine. It was a great workout. The hill was probably 100-200m, which isn't too bad.

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Run time: 00:30:17

Distance: 3.05 miles

Avg. Pace: 09:55/mi
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Mile #1: 09:46
Mile #2: 10:12
Mile #3: 09:45
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Week 3: Day 3: A Long(er) Run

I haven't run long in a long time. Today I felt like hitting the trail again, to see if it would be a longer route if I came back a different way. It was. Last time the loop was less than 4.5 miles; this time, it was exactly 5 miles. Not bad. The only bad thing about it was the HILLS. Yikes. In between the two gates of our community is one killer, obnoxious hill. Which is why I usually plan my runs from the top of the hill to the bottom. But not today. My only reward (which I had to keep reminding myself of) was that once I got to the top of the hill, it would be smooth, flat sailing. My quads didn't quite believe me, but I finally got through it. I did six miles total. I can't believe six miles miles used to be my "easy" run! Oh well. I know I'll get back there. The good news is that I managed to run the last 3 miles of my run quicker than the first three.

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Run time: 01:00:15

Distance: 6.0 miles

Avg. Pace: 10:02/mi
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Mile #1: 10:33
Mile #2: 10:06
Mile #3: 10:09
Mile #4: 09:48
Mile #5: 09:52
Mile #6: 09:41
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Fair, 72 degrees F
Felt like: 72 degrees F
Dewpoint: ?
Humidity: ?
Pressure: 29.97 in., steady
Visibility: 7.0 miles
Winds: calm
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TOTAL MILES THIS WEEK: 12

Week 3: Day 2

Luckily, I had no cramps today and felt good enough to get out for an easy 2-miler. I entertained the thought of going further, for about 30 seconds. Then I flashbacked to the time I went for my long run on the first day of my period and had to cut it short because of severe cramping. Two miles was just enough to make me feel better, catch a beautiful sunrise, and make it home before Andy left for work.

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Run time: 00:20:01

Distance: 2.07 miles

Avg. Pace: 9:39/mi

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Mile #1: 09:46
Mile #2: 09:26
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Haze, 73 degrees F
Felt like 73 degrees F
Dewpoint:
Humidity:
Pressure: 29.92 in.
Visibility: 4.0 miles
Winds: South, 4.6 mph