Pushing the limit

Yesterday, I ran 4 miles on the treadmill.

I was “scheduled” for 5, but when I was closing in on 4, I figured I’d better quit while I was ahead. My knees were starting to hurt and I was feeling fatigued. A sure sign that I need to start refueling during longer runs, perhaps around mile 3?

I also felt like my “limit” on the treadmill was pushed a bit. I like to reserve it for short and speedy runs but today it was just too cold and I was in no mood to dodge snow and ice on the street and sidewalks. So getting to 4 was actually a big accomplishment, in my mind.

I took a short walking break in the middle to drink some water and catch my breath, so this pace is a bit slower than usual. But it was still a good run and I was proud afterwards!

Distance: 4 miles

Time: 45:11

Pace: 11:18/mile

My iPod was not working, so I had a lot of time to think during this run. Actually, that is what I prefer to do most of the time but the treadmill sometimes calls for distractions

On this run, I got to thinking about the word training.

After some runs, I’m discouraged when my pace is slower than normal or when I can’t meet a distance I had set out to do. But isn’t that the point of training?

I can’t be at my best right now. I’m working towards it. It takes time, practice, patience. That is what training is all about! I’ll get there, it just won’t happen overnight. I have to keep at it.

So, I’m hopeful that even though the past few weeks have been challenging with the snow/ice and other conditions that have kept me from running as much as I would like, I can still train from here on out and do the best that I can considering the circumstances.

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Back in the saddle

Oh, thank heavens I got to go to the gym again!

I’m praying that we don’t get anymore significant snowfall this year. It has really put a damper on my training efforts. I’m actually starting to get worried that I might not be ready for the mini marathon, but I still have a little over 2 months to go.

After a full 7 days of not running (gasp!) I finally got back on the treadmill for a quick 2-miler!

Distance: 2 miles

Time: 21:15

Pace: 10:38/mile

Then I followed that up with a quick upper body weights workout. Two sets each, 15 reps, except for side bends which were 25.

• Chest presses (15 lbs)
• Shoulder shrugs (20 lbs)
• Bicep curls (10 lbs)
• Tricep extensions (12.5 lbs)
• Side bends (12.5 lbs)

It felt so good to work up a sweat again. I can’t wait to get in a good cardio session today, hopefully another run!

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Snowman Shuffle 4-miler 2010

Fear. Disappointment. Frustration. Those are just a few of the words that describe the run that did not happen today.

Today was one of the worst racing experiences I’ve ever had. I should have just stayed home to be perfectly honest.

The park roads were still covered with a lot of packed down snow and ice. I saw people slip and almost fall just walking to the start line. It was ridiculous, but then again some people were able to run 5:30/miles with no problem?

But me? I was so afraid of falling and hurting myself that I decided to walk. I was so mad, not that I had to walk, but that the course was in such poor condition. Shame.

Walking is great and I enjoy it, but it was so cold and miserable. I’m still chilled as I type this because it was one of those colds you just can’t shake all day.

Distance: Somewhere around 3.6 to 4 miles, who knows?

Time: 1:00:30 (minus a minute or two since they don’t use “chip” timers)

It’s behind me now and I’m still proud for going out there and getting a good walk in this morning. I’m definitely feeling it (hills) but I am so NOT feeling doing any more races before March from now on. I’m done!

I don’t like to dwell on the negative, but please tell me your bad racing experiences! I want to know I’m not alone

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New obsession?

Yesterday afternoon I headed to the gym for yet another indoor workout. In addition to the snow still on the ground that hasn’t gone anywhere yet, we are expecting another 5-10 inches of snow starting tomorrow night!

Ugh. So now I have to break my positivity rule and just say it: “WINTER SUCKS!” Whew, glad I got that out.

But I got in another great workout nonetheless. I attempted to hop on a treadmill but they were all taken, the sign up sheet was full for another 30 minutes and I didn’t have time to wait.

So I elliptical-ed again!

I love how each time I use this machine, it’s a different experience. I went a lot faster this time so my time and mileage almost lined up with how fast I run on average.

I also gradually increased the ramp and resistance (every 5 minutes) and then cooled down the last 5 minutes.

Even though I’d rather be running outside or on a decent treadmill, I’ve enjoyed my time on the old elliptical. I used the elliptical trainer quite a bit when I first started working out again during my big weight loss and lifestyle changing period.

Afterwards, I did a few quick upper body moves (bicep curls, tricep extensions, shoulder shrugs, dead lifts, lateral raises, front raises) and called it a day.

I’m trying not to worry about my training right now but I do need to start thinking about increasing my mileage during the week if I’m not able to get it in elsewhere. The elliptical is a great workout but it’s not a running substitute.

Do you use the elliptical? What do you like or dislike about it?

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Now that’s a workout!

This city is still freezing cold and snow-covered, which I have finally decided is NOT meant for me to be running in.

I can do cold, to an extent, but I’m tired of dodging ice patches and snow piles on the sidewalks and streets!

So, in lieu of running outside yesterday, I chose to stay indoors, which was almost a disaster. When I walked in, every single cardio machine in the room was taken! I know the weather had a lot to do with that.

I walked into another room and did an abbreviated abs session and came back…still full!

So I waited a few more minutes and FINALLY someone hopped off an elliptical machine.

Remembering my experience on the elliptical last time, I knew I didn’t want to fall short on my workout this time around.

Check that out vs. last time!

I believe it is good to up the resistance on the machine to an extent but you should still be able to maintain a decent speed.

I am glad that my stats on the machine today were only a little bit slower than my normal running speed. Every 10 minutes, I increased the resistance (started at 5 and went up to 8) and then from 30:00-35:00, I did an awesome climb and cranked the resistance up to 12!

I was totally covered in sweat when I was done, which to me, is always a good thing. It was exactly what I’d hoped to achieve yesterday and it’s exactly what I did!

What was the last satisfying workout you had?

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Not slacking off

I ended up having a snow day from work today, but instead of sitting around watching bad television, I made the best of it!

I ended up cleaning my entire apartment, did the laundry and dishes. I even packed my lunch for tomorrow, this afternoon!

I also did 20 minutes of yoga (Gentle Hatha #1 program) which was nice now that I finally cleaned out my second bedroom and have the space to do it more comfortably than in my living room

Then later in the evening, I did a strength training program!

I did 2 sets of each exercise. Everything was 15 reps per set, except for the calf raises and abs which were 25 each. For the moves requiring weights, I used my 5 lb dumbbells.

• Plank ups (INSANE!)
• Squats + Shoulder presses
• Lunges + Bicep curls
• Lunges + Tricep kickbacks
• Bent over row
• Upright row
• Lateral raises
• Front raises
• Side bends
• Calf raises
• Toe touch crunches
• Side crunches
• Reverse crunches
• Oblique twists
• V-crunches
• Side to side reach

Whew! That looks like a lot and I definitely worked up a sweat, but it still didn’t seem to bad. Except for those plank push ups, I definitely need to practice those.

Hopefully I’ll be able to get back to work tomorrow and get to the gym at some point. But if not, I’ll have to improvise at home again. Should be interesting, either way

How do you stay motivated when you have to work out at home?

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Outrunning the snow

I am so glad that I was able to get a good run in today because we’re expecting quite the snow storm tonight and into tomorrow afternoon.

This pic is from Saturday!

We did a similar path as last week, going downtown and back, which is easily becoming one of my favorites!

We were a bit slower today but it was awfully cold, plus I hadn’t run since Friday so I was a bit rusty

Distance: 5.01 miles

Time: 50:03

Pace: 9:59/mile

I’m thinking if we are completely snowed in tomorrow, I will do Jillian’s 30 Day Shred at home if it is still on Exercise TV!

Is it snowing (or has it snowed recently) where you are? What do you do when you’re snowed in?

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Not just 2 miles

On Friday, it rained all day long!

But, since the treadmill and I are slowly becoming friends again, I did a nice two mile workout on her at the gym after work

Distance: 2 miles

Time: 20:49

Pace: 10:25/mile

I was really excited to complete this two mile run and I think it was the first time in a long time that I haven’t thought of it as “just 2 miles” which I get in the habit of doing too often. Being able to run 2 miles comfortably is a huge deal and I’m thankful that I can!

It was a little bit slower than my last two mile treadmill run, but I am getting more comfortable with it and I have certainly been able to stay in the 10 minute range on most of my runs, which is a little goal of mine throughout this training process.

It ended up snowing here on Friday night and into Saturday, so I haven’t ran since then, but today I am going for a nice long run after work. Can’t wait to tell you all about it!

How is your training going?

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My new program

After I chickened out and did the elliptical trainer yesterday, I decided I needed to review my current training plan and perhaps adjust a few things.

Here are the problems I’ve been encountering so far:

• Running too many days a week (could lead to mental burnout)
• Saturdays have not been good for long runs due to snow
• Yoga keeps getting pushed back
• I want/need to do more strength training
• Need a true core workout, more than just a set of crunches here or there

So, I took a look at my training page and made some adjustments for next week. (This still won’t be a typical week since I have a race next Saturday)

Week 11 (Feb 7 – 13)

Sunday – Core workout (at home)

Monday – Run 5-6 miles

Tuesday – Weight training

Wednesday – Yoga

Thursday – Run 5 miles

Friday – Weight training

Saturday – Run Snowman Shuffle race (4 miles)

That looks a lot better

I think I may just have to take it week by week but these adjustments are necessary and hopefully I will still get a good amount of training in and be ready for the mini marathon on April 24th!

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Chickened out

I was supposed to run 4 miles today. Hmm…

I had actually not felt like doing it all day but I thought it was just because I was doubting myself or just being lazy.

But when I left work, I actually felt really good and had my route all planned out, so I was ready to go!

Then, as soon as that cold air hit me as I walked outside, I said “Uh, no!” I chickened out!

I ended up visiting an old friend I hadn’t seen in a loooong time.

I did the elliptical trainer for 45 minutes!

I felt like I went pretty slow, but I had it on the “fat burning” program, so the resistance was intense. But I noticed that I did not burn as many calories as I normally would. I thought it was just this machine, but apparently it is a big ol’ fitness fallacy!

I’m glad I still got a workout in today, even if it wasn’t a 4 mile run. I just wasn’t feeling it today and I’ve found that it’s always better to go with your gut.

I’m starting to think that this program has me running too many days per week. I think I’d be more comfortable at 3 or 4 days/week (as opposed to 5), I just need to figure out the miles spread.

It’s not that I can’t run 5 days a week. In fact, I have felt pretty good, no soreness or anything lately. It’s just that mental burnout I am afraid of. I don’t want to get tired of running!

I haven’t been able to do a long run on a Saturday in a few weeks now and this week isn’t looking much better. We are expecting more snow!

Runner: How many days a week do you run? Mileage?

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