Mother Talkers

Race training diary w/o Feb 11

by Rachel

Mon Feb 11, 2008 at 04:36:45 PM PDT

This is an open thread for those who are training for a race of any shape or kind. Post your training regime for this week and come back to report on your progress. Got a question on training, walking, running, biking, swimming or anything to do with race preparation? Post it here - someone will know the answer!

What's up with you this week, Running MTs? Hey, lurkers, let us know you're here!

Tags: race, running, excercise, health (all tags)

Permalink | 52 comments

  • my week (0 / 0)

    Same old, same old, not surprisingly. Missed my Monday gym session as Jess was recovering from a cold and just wasn't in the mood to go to the creche. Seeing as how we'd been up for a significant chunk of the night with her as she coughed and spluttered (poor thing), I wasn't to enthused about working the body, either.

    Tues: gym session - aiming for 90 minutes today.
    Wed: swimming with Jess
    Thurs: gym - run, bike, free weights
    Fri: easy run - 40 minutes - probably around 4 miles or thereabouts.
    Sat: rest
    Sun: long run. But seriously, yes.

    by Rachel on Mon Feb 11, 2008 at 04:37:34 PM PDT

  • me... (0 / 0)

    Today, I tried to run three, but in the first mile, my right shin was really warm and sore, so I backed off and walked briskly for the 2nd and 3rd mile.

    I was on a different treadmill than usual but I'm still not convinced that these new shoes aren't part of the problem as well.  Bleurgh!

    I will try to run again Wed (4 miles, hopefully) and Friday (another 4).  I'm also doing some upper body/abdominal strength training.  Then we'll shoot for a nice long run on Sunday (8-10).  We missed out on that this Sunday due to icy roads in the morning.

    I'm still really not feeling strong and fit like I did a year or so ago, such a drag.  But if I just keep muddling through I'm hoping I'll hit some watershed and get the feeling back.  In the words of Mr. Manilow:

    I been up!
    I been down...
    trying to get the feeling again...
    all around...
    trying to get the feeling again

    Miles and His Favorites: The World As Seen By a Seven Year Old

    by Hillary on Mon Feb 11, 2008 at 07:11:59 PM PDT

    • I think you might be right (0 / 0)

      your symptoms keep persisting from walk to walk; I think you're probably right. What to do?

      by Rachel on Mon Feb 11, 2008 at 07:33:05 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      • Go back to the store? (0 / 0)

        I just feel like my gait has changed, but again, I am heavier than I was a year ago as well (FRUSTRATING!).

        I just feel like I'm in a negative feedback loop right now.

        Blech.

        Miles and His Favorites: The World As Seen By a Seven Year Old

        by Hillary on Mon Feb 11, 2008 at 07:34:23 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

        • put the emotions aside for a moment (0 / 0)

          first of all, you did have an ankle injury in 2007; that in and of itself could change your gait. Perhaps it's the weight (who knows - I don't), but let's look at it this way: if you don't get the right shoes, you're significantly hampered in your quest to regain your optimal fitness and run the risk of further injury. So putting aside the emotional conclusion (which may not be correct, remember!), it's only logical that you try and find the right shoes/inserts/combination that will afford you a pain-free run!

          by Rachel on Mon Feb 11, 2008 at 07:37:26 PM PDT

          [ Parent ]

    • I posted a while ago (0 / 0)

      about the Pose Method of running.  Our insurance requires us to check in w/a health coach periodically and mine just happens to be a Pose coach.  He's been running for years and discovered this method 10 years ago.  He's been running injury free since then.  The idea of the method is to minimize injury.  

      I haven't actually gotten any of the materials, but he did tell me to be conscious of my stride... not making it too long, to minimize the possibility of injury.  I plan on getting the book in the summer to check it out.  Maybe something like this might help you?

      But, since you just recently changed shoes... maybe that's the problem?  That's got to be frustrating.  

      "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream..."

      by 1plain1peanut on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 08:11:36 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  • The sun is out! (0 / 0)

    The ground is drying!

    The kid is healthy and back in school!

    Whee!

    I'm going to make a suggestion. Maybe instead of calling it race training, what about 'Fitness diary' or something like that. Or maybe I'm the only one training for something that isn't a race. :-)

    by shenanigans on Mon Feb 11, 2008 at 11:08:42 PM PDT

  • commentary on the racing "off season" (0 / 0)

    I know that a couple of us (I'll stick my hand up for this) have been struggling with what to do when we're not training for races. I know I've felt guilty for not maintaining the same mileage as when I was training. Well, fear not - according to one coach, taking time off between training regimes is not only acceptable, it's healthy! "Coach Jenny" gives the following answer to a similar question that we've been kicking around at Runners World:

    ... I truly believe a few weeks (2-6) off running revives the body and mind and allows you to gear down from the demands of your normal training regimen.  The "off-season" is just like taking a vacation from work!

    The off-season can be a variety of things depending on the runner.  There is no one <del>size</del>fits-all for off-season training.  Some runners take up to two months off and cross-train with skiing, cycling and swimming.  This is especially useful if you're hurt or struggling with nagging aches and pains.  Others simply cut back the mileage and run easy for a few weeks.  This works well for those that have a lot of race goals and are running strong without injury or burnout issues.

    I had the chance to chat with marathon world-record holder Paula Radcliffe last year while in NYC for the launch of the Nike+ system and I asked what her post marathon regimen was.  She told me she takes one month completely off running (after the ice bath of course) and includes easy cross-training most days to allow her body to fully recover from the demands of her marathon training regimen.  It must work for her as she won the New York City Marathon in an amazing 2:23:09 last fall only nine months after delivering her first child, Isla.

    Since February is right around the corner, take the next two weeks and run easy.  The ideal foundation for your off-season should include several easy run days (2-4) plus a longer conversational run once per week.  For example, if you normally run 5-6 days during your "in-season" cut back to 4-5 days of running and go with time based runs of 40-60 minutes most days and one run of 50-75 minutes.  If you run 3-5 days a week during your "in-season" cut back to 3-4 days for 40-50 minutes most days and one longer run of 45-70 minutes.   Keep in mind  that the off-season will look different for every runner and the key is to cut back on intensity and mileage to allow your body and mind a little "Spa-break."  Now is not the time to run hard.  Run easy.  The hard stuff is coming soon.

    If you are into cross-training, now is the time to enjoy those activities and utilize other muscle groups in a variety of movements. ...

    by Rachel on Mon Feb 11, 2008 at 11:52:55 PM PDT

  • My plan this week: (0 / 0)

    Sunday Yoga
    Monday--30 minute run (unfortunately, skipped this yesterday because I've got a cold and decided a nap would do me more good than a run)
    Tuesday--No time for exercise because of multiple meetings
    Wednesday--30 minute run
    Thursday--Yoga
    Friday--30 minute run
    Saturday--Yoga

    Last week the second of my 30 minute runs went well.  I ran over two miles and only walked one short lap.

    As I was running, I thought back to the track/cross country practices I endured in high school--those were brutal: two mile warm up, ten 100-yard runs at 3/4 sprint speed, running hills, a two-three mile end-of-practice run.  When I flashed back to all that, I thought: "I can totally handle a few short runs a week at a liesurely pace"

    by mkkendrick on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 02:54:54 AM PDT

  • Running and Ego (0 / 0)

    In trying to train for a 1/2 marathon using the RW online plan, I discovered that I'm not quite ready for it yet.  Several people including Erika told me not to worry about the speedwork.  That's fine, but I'm also thinking that the mileage sounds like more than I'm willing to do in April.  I talked w/a couple of the running preschool moms at a birthday party this weekend and one of them told me I should go for it.  Apparently she ran the 1/2 in the fall and had only run 7 miles for a long run.  I asked her if she had to walk any of the 1/2, and she said no.  She finished in 1:43.  The other mom's normal pace is around 9:00.  I'm just not fast like these women, and it bugs me.  Sure... I can bust my butt to get faster.  But will it be enjoyable?  I like to run.  I think I just need to run my race, get out of my ego, and do my thing.  I'll run the 1/2 in October.  By then, hopefully I'll have more strength and stamina.  I'll have more time too as Madeline will be in kindergarten by then.

    So.....I'm still planning on running a 10K at the end of March.  It's the weekend after I get back from a week in FL, but I think it's doable as I've run 6 miles before.  I'm hoping that next month the weather will be better and I'll be running outside more.  Plus, running 4-5 miles in FL seems a lot more doable than 8-10.  My week:

    Mon: Ran 2 1/2 frigid miles outside.  I wanted to run more, but it was 14 degrees.  When I got back, my ankles were red!
    Tues:  Yoga
    Weds: 3-4 miles/Pilates XT
    Thurs: Yoga
    Fri:  3-4 miles/Pilates XT
    Sat: Yoga

    "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream..."

    by 1plain1peanut on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 07:00:40 AM PDT

    • dubious (0 / 0)

      She hadn't run more than 7 miles, and she did the 1/2 marathon in 1:43?  Sorry, I'm just going to say I am doubtful of her sincerity and leave it at that.

      It also bothers me that I'm not as fast as many people I know personally, but well, there it is.  I am bigger, I have less time to train, I didn't start running until I was 37 years old.  The deck is stacked against me.

      Hil, I think you should do whatever makes you feel good.  Finishing a half marathon, no matter how long it takes, is a great accomplishment.  We are all measured against the clock, but the clock is not the sole measurement of our victories.

      I still get choked up when I remember my second 5K the first summer I started running. My husband and sons came to watch.  I had run the first 5K in the series in about 35 minutes.  The boys were asking if I would win the race and I had to explain to them that, no, mommy would not come in first, but that if I went a little bit faster this time, I would consider it a victory.

      I finished that 5K in about 32 minutes and the boys were there, cheering me on at the finish line.  Eli, who was only about 2 1/2 at the time, grabbed my hand as we walked to the car and said, "You won, Mommy! You won!"  Miles then chimed in with a few "I'm really proud of you!" sorts of comments, and I felt like a million bucks!

      Anyway, pardon the self-indulgent reminiscence.  My point is that there are many ways to measure our accomplishments, but one sure way to feel like you'll never measure up is to compare your performance to others. You're only competing against yourself and striving toward your own goals.

      Miles and His Favorites: The World As Seen By a Seven Year Old

      by Hillary on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 07:43:17 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      • Yeah... (0 / 0)

        Maybe she meant 2:43... I'd be happy with that time!

        LOL... when they gave everyone medals at the race I ran on Turkey Day, my kids thought I won too.  And, I was on a high all day when I ran my best pace ever in December, 10:29 for a four miler.  I felt like a million bucks too.  :)

        And I agree... I was reminding myself of getting out of my ego, and just running my own race.  In that respect, running is a lot like yoga.  In one of my yoga tapes, the teacher says... "The idea is not to conform to the poses, but to have the poses conform to you".  I think running is the same.  

        "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream..."

        by 1plain1peanut on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 08:03:36 AM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    • I gotta agree with Hillary (0 / 0)

      Yes, it's possible to finish a half-marathon after only doing a max 7 mile long run. But I find it very dubious that she would finish it in 1h43. I run 1h30 minute half marathons (more or less), and I really have to bust my butt to get that; my worst times come when I fudge the long runs.

      I like running for a lot of reasons, even though I'll never class myself as a runner, just on looks alone. (I'm definitely a curvy girl - putting me next to Paula Radcliffe would be a great study in contrasts!) Running keeps me sane and keeps me trim. Running is one of the easier sports because it doesn't require a lot of equipment and I can just get out the door and enjoy it. But most of all, it's a very honest sport; you get out of it what you put into it. Once you're past the initial stage of getting into running, and the first rush of losing weight/gaining fitness, it's a long road to that first half marathon or full marathon! I say enjoy the journey. That 10k is going to be a lot of fun!

      Run your race, enjoy it and drink in the kids' praise! You will have earned it.

      by Rachel on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 02:06:13 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  • Trying to up (0 / 0)

    my mileage.  I am not anywhere near as serious as a lot of people who post here :)

    I checked my routes on Running map and found I was doing about 2-2.5 miles, which was what I figured, so I made up a couple of routes that are a 5k and I'm trying to start working on those.

    Not long, but it's something.

    Katherine

    by pat of butter in a sea of grits on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 09:10:30 AM PDT

    • that's good (0 / 0)

      building your mileage is a good thing, no matter what your starting base is from. The most important questions to answer about running are the following:

      1.) Are you enjoying yourself?
      2.) Are you improving your health/fitness?

      If you can answer both yes, then you're doing great! Everything else is just bonus and based on what you feel like doing, rather than comparing yourself to others!! ;-)

      by Rachel on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 02:00:33 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    • I agree w/Rachel... (0 / 0)

      Try not to compare yourself w/others.  As I posted above, I was falling into the trap of comparing myself with others who are faster.  I started running when I turned 40 almost 2 years ago, so the chances of me being really fast are slim.  Upping mileage takes time and it's something you don't want to do too quickly.  It sounds like you have the right idea... shooting for a 5K.  :)

      "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream..."

      by 1plain1peanut on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 03:58:57 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  • my training routine vs. husband's (0 / 0)

    Well, I am not exactly exercising,so it is like this:
    Monday: volunteer for US Senate candidate in am.
    afternoon: rest, help son with homework, errands,dinner,sleep.
    Tues: help at son's school with reading teacher in am
    Wed. campaign office again
    Thurs. reading teacher again
    Friday: meet with adults learning English. Practice conversation. Pick up son from bus stop. Do stuff around the house.

    My week included: take care of son with high fever, husband with high fever, self with sinus headaches from weird weather.

    Saturday my feverish husband runs the Myrtle Beach marathon, if anyone is going to be there.

    Need to work in some exercise. Wonder if I could get son to do homework while walking?

    by chun yang on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 12:59:37 PM PDT

  • My plan (0 / 0)

    Monday-2 mile run
    Tuesday-2 mile run

    both done

    Wednesday-family yoga with the kids
    Thursday-2 1/2 mile run
    Friday-running or yoga
    Saturday-running or yoga
    Sunday-running or yoga

    If I shoot for every day, I find I manage to actually make it more often.  Next week I'm going to start adult gymnastics.

    by Erin on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 05:13:38 PM PDT

    • hey (0 / 0)

      you're up to 2 and 2 1/2 mile runs!? Go you, Erin! You're making great progress!

      by Rachel on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 07:09:11 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

    • variety (0 / 0)

      is the spice of exercise! Let us know what the gymnastics class is like.

      I am starting a belly dance class on the 23rd. I signed up once before in Sacramento but the timing didn't work...required me to drive all the way home from work, have dinner, then drive all the way back for the class. I found I just wanted to stay home with my family at that point!

      This one is at a community college just 5 minutes from my house. I am looking forward to it...I hope the teacher is good.

      by Erika on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 07:24:52 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

  • hanging in (0 / 0)

    As I mentioned late in last week's thread, I am down 5 pounds in the 6 weeks since I recommitted to exercising and watching what I eat. Woo-hoo!

    So I am trying to remain steady in my exercise, as that is what seems to have made the difference.

    Mon: did 45 minutes on the elliptical
    Tues: ran 5K in 32:44, did some weights and abs

    Wed: more elliptical, 1 mile speedwork
    Thurs: 5K, weights, abs
    Fri: elliptical, speedwork, abs

    I am not really training for a particular race, so I am just concentrating on improving my 5K time. I figure that will give me a good baseline fitness for when I'm ready to train for another race (maybe a 10K?)

    I am tending to take the weekends off, which seems to just work for me. I also treat myself to the occasional dessert, which keeps me from bingeing.

    Yesterday, Sprinkles Cupcakes delivered one dozen of those calorie-laden treats to my office so we would write about their special Valentine's Day cupcakes! I had a half of one and enjoyed every bite.

    by Erika on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 07:22:48 PM PDT

  • Well, we'll see (0 / 0)

    Monday I did nothing.  I ate cookies.  :(

    Today I took all 120lbs of my bike out and did a ten mile ride.  Tomorrow, I'm running 2 miles and Thursday is a 14 mile ride.  Friday I'm resting (and cleaning) and Saturday I'll do my 3 mile run.  Sunday I rest.

    What do you mean, uh-oh? baby pictures

    by round peg inna square hole on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 07:51:25 PM PDT

  • Two hour delay (0 / 0)

    It snowed half the day (though not much accumulation, maybe three inches?) and it's been raining down ice since about 7:30pm, so tomorrow has already been called for a two hour delay at Miles school.

    I had to stay up late to write the business plan for my small business class I'm taking as well.  So, now I'm wiped and running tomorrow seems unlikely.

    Phooey. My windows of opportunity are fleeting and easily shredded by overtaking events....

    Miles and His Favorites: The World As Seen By a Seven Year Old

    by Hillary on Tue Feb 12, 2008 at 08:23:53 PM PDT

    • This (0 / 0)

      is a sucky time of year.  I'm longing for my outside runs.  I tried doing it on Monday, and it was just too darn cold.  I think we'll all be feeling much more positive when the weather's not cold, snow and ice.

      I didn't know you were taking a small business class.  Is this to start the coffee shop you were talking about a while back?

      "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dream..."

      by 1plain1peanut on Wed Feb 13, 2008 at 06:45:28 AM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      • actually (0 / 0)

        I have a new business idea and I'm really excited about it.  I'll post more about it when I am solidly started on it.  

        I did get a 100% on the assignment, which was great!  Of course, we haven't had to do financial statements or projections of any depth, so my business plan just says, "I think it will cost this much to start up and I need to make this much per day open to turn a significant enough profit to justify the store's existence."  But I think it's realistic that this store could work.

        We shall see!!!

        Ran four miles with my friend today.  Long run tomorrow.

        Hill

        Miles and His Favorites: The World As Seen By a Seven Year Old

        by Hillary on Sat Feb 16, 2008 at 01:01:18 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

  • followup to husband's run (0 / 0)

    He ran Myrtle Beach and called in to say he was slow, for him, but he ran 3:24, which is really awesome considering six days ago he had a raging fever. Flu took the strength from his legs, he said, just got tired way sooner than normal, but good training got him through.

    Only down side was the announcer(probably some local radio dude) made fun of runners carrying water bottles. Heck, if my husband does not get enough water, he would die on the track, and this guy acted like the runners were weaklings.

    by chun yang on Sat Feb 16, 2008 at 11:31:52 AM PDT

    • water (0 / 0)

      Gimmee a break!  Some folks prefer their own blend of whatever, and some just prefer to sip along the way instead of guzzle it at water stations.  

      3:24 is awesome.  I am in awe!!!  Well done to Mr. chun yang!

      Miles and His Favorites: The World As Seen By a Seven Year Old

      by Hillary on Sat Feb 16, 2008 at 12:59:10 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      • he is shooting for a sub-three hour (0 / 0)

        He is the same age as Obama, and trains very carefully, so I think he may make it in Boston when he runs there.  I just really admire him for his careful training, although if he did not run the stress of work would probably send him to a mental hospital.I just keep getting sidetracked by our son and don't get the exercise I need.

        by chun yang on Sat Feb 16, 2008 at 05:12:37 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

    • good for him (0 / 0)

      holy cow, I'm in such awe! And good job for you for nursing him through a flu! And poo=poo on the announcer. What a twit.

      BTW, when is the SC primary, again? When does your political marathon come to a pause!?

      by Rachel on Sat Feb 16, 2008 at 05:14:34 PM PDT

      [ Parent ]

      • sc primary already happened (0 / 0)

        The NC primary is May 6th, I think. My senatorial candidate has to win so he can go on to beat Liddy Dole. Latest poll has him virtual tie with other, more mainstream Democrat. Two other unknowns, one polled pretty well(8%). Still a big undecided number - just not paying attention. We have all kinds of elections,governor, lt. governor, plus the Prez. so people are distracted.

        by chun yang on Sun Feb 17, 2008 at 01:30:47 PM PDT

        [ Parent ]

  • not good week here (0 / 0)

    very suboptimal. I've been pretty pleased with my eating - I'm being careful of portion size, snacking between meals and the like - but the exercise part of it has gone totally to hell in a handbasket. I haven't made it to the gym once this week - I did brief, 20 minute runs on Tuesday and Thursday, just to keep things ticking along, but it's not enough. Monday, of course was Jess's illness; Tuesday and Thursday fell on the wayside because of work obligations and a failure to set concrete time into my agenda for the gym. I just kept postponing and postponing until it wasn't feasible and I had to make do with quick runs to at least be able to say I did something.

    Now that it's the weekend, DH is still bloody working - seven hours yesterday, eight hours today (it's Sunday here). I'm running him to and from work, shopping, doing the weekend things with Jess, and had a barbeque for a friend with kids (Jess's best friend, I reckon) whose husband is on a business trip. I'm planning to take Jess to the pool post-nap and will run with her in the Bob, but it's not going to be an 8 miles run by any stretch of the imagination!

    Oh, well. I've done a little bit at least. But boy, I'll be happy when DH stops these crazy, 65-70 hour weeks!

    by Rachel on Sat Feb 16, 2008 at 05:19:04 PM PDT

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