Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Rough Running
I have had quite a few rough patches with my running lately. Garmin broke, Chris has sore ankle and we are not sure why, my running has been horribly horribly horribly slow on my long runs especially. And the weather hasn't even been that bad yet. I am nervous due to the fact that my next 10k race is on Saturday evening. I typically do not run well in the evening. I am a morning runner. I want to do well and was hoping for around 1:06:00 but I am just going to settle on doing my best and in the meantime I am going to run very easy and try to refresh before then.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Work vs. Secret Goals
It looks as though we are going back to work on June 29 for two weeks to clean out the line for the upcoming model. Our plant is one of the lucky ones chosen to surv:45ive the bankruptcy. Then we are off for two weeks and when we return it is looking as though shiftsmoothing will be in effect for the month of August in order to allow those eligible to post on jobs to do so and make the necessary moves. Why is this important to running?
I figured if I was going to be laid off then I was going to ramp up my training and try to achieve a secret goal. Ok, I will lay it out on the line. I think if the weather cooperates then I can achieve the 5 hour goal but I am secretly aiming for closer to 4:45:00. Granted this is a stretch but if I can get even under 4:55 I will be ecstatic. Well going back to work after so much time off, while welcome to the bank account, is going to take some adjustment and I am not sure how it will affect my training. I will indeed be able to get in my required mileage but I am not sure if I can get in the midweek long runs or if I will feel able to get the speedwork in. But I sure am going to try.
I figured if I was going to be laid off then I was going to ramp up my training and try to achieve a secret goal. Ok, I will lay it out on the line. I think if the weather cooperates then I can achieve the 5 hour goal but I am secretly aiming for closer to 4:45:00. Granted this is a stretch but if I can get even under 4:55 I will be ecstatic. Well going back to work after so much time off, while welcome to the bank account, is going to take some adjustment and I am not sure how it will affect my training. I will indeed be able to get in my required mileage but I am not sure if I can get in the midweek long runs or if I will feel able to get the speedwork in. But I sure am going to try.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Running Partners and New Routes
I have running partners. The first and by far the most important is Chris. He runs fairly consistently 3 days per week for a minimum of usually 5 miles. His long runs are now at 7 miles and they are fairly strong miles. Also Karen has come out a couple of times since our mutual layoff. She is consistent on the TM but only ventures outside to run sporadically. I pushed her to 5 miles last week. Her previous long run was 4 miles on the TM and a 5k race outdoors. Both Chris and Karen are naturally faster runners than I but for the most part I speed up or they slow down. There is also the Social Running Group that meets on Saturday mornings. These local runners are ALL too fast for me. I show up at the same time as they but go out alone because I have no hope at this time to be able to keep up with them. It would be nice if other slowish runners were to go out there on Saturday mornings but it looks as though for now I am the token Penguin. So I do my own thing on Saturdays but pretend I am with the SRG.
Now all this being said, I now have somewhat regular running partners. I ran for nearly three years entirely by myself with no problems whatsoever. Now I find it difficult mentally (which does indeed translate to physically) to get out there and run by myself when I have no other choice.
Yesterday, Chris and I checked out a new (for us) trail. The Ganatchio Trail. I am very familiar with the riverfront portion of this path. It is a manmade bike/running path but am not familiar with the route we took yesterday. We went south on the trail and it ran past some kind of wooded area. It was absolutely pouring rain (with the odd thunder and lightening) so we didn't want to venture into the treed area but opted to stay on the paved path. This paved path took us out to the new Spitfire Arena, aka the WFCU Centre. Cool. Then we headed back. Geese, protecting their babies, even hissed at me. Weird. And there were swans and baby swans!!!!!! I didn't know the city hosted swans. I thought that was county domain!
Anyway, I didn't recognize the wooded area until the way back but our route took us past where I ran the last of my trail races this winter. It sure looks different without snow. So I told Chris that when the ground dries up that I would like to go out there and run and explore the wooded and unpaved paths. I am thinking that even though trail running is so very not my forte that I would like to give it a try. Maybe it can help my road racing not to mention show me new routes to break up some of the monotony associated with urban running.
Windsor is a very urban city, situated directly south of Detroit. Windsor is the city that I have lived in my entire life. Even so, who would have thought that there was so much more God-made scenery still left to explore in this city. I am so glad that I became a runner. I would have never come across this otherwise.
Now all this being said, I now have somewhat regular running partners. I ran for nearly three years entirely by myself with no problems whatsoever. Now I find it difficult mentally (which does indeed translate to physically) to get out there and run by myself when I have no other choice.
Yesterday, Chris and I checked out a new (for us) trail. The Ganatchio Trail. I am very familiar with the riverfront portion of this path. It is a manmade bike/running path but am not familiar with the route we took yesterday. We went south on the trail and it ran past some kind of wooded area. It was absolutely pouring rain (with the odd thunder and lightening) so we didn't want to venture into the treed area but opted to stay on the paved path. This paved path took us out to the new Spitfire Arena, aka the WFCU Centre. Cool. Then we headed back. Geese, protecting their babies, even hissed at me. Weird. And there were swans and baby swans!!!!!! I didn't know the city hosted swans. I thought that was county domain!
Anyway, I didn't recognize the wooded area until the way back but our route took us past where I ran the last of my trail races this winter. It sure looks different without snow. So I told Chris that when the ground dries up that I would like to go out there and run and explore the wooded and unpaved paths. I am thinking that even though trail running is so very not my forte that I would like to give it a try. Maybe it can help my road racing not to mention show me new routes to break up some of the monotony associated with urban running.
Windsor is a very urban city, situated directly south of Detroit. Windsor is the city that I have lived in my entire life. Even so, who would have thought that there was so much more God-made scenery still left to explore in this city. I am so glad that I became a runner. I would have never come across this otherwise.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Lessons Learned.--5k Report
Short version: I set a course PR (by1:01) and a 5k PR (by 32 seconds).
Long version: Had I wrote this RR yesterday immediately following the race you would be reading an entirely different report. I needed the night sleep and reflection to give me a better perspective of this race and my performance. Yesterday I was utterly disappointed in my race even though I achieved a PR. I KNOW that I have a faster time in me. This race course was similar to last year's course but different enough. While last year's race took us through the same park and hills, this year it seemed much harder. Last year was a mix of trail and pavement. This year was almost entirely trail. I think this made a profound difference in my pace. Also I allowed my DH to use my Garmin, so I could not see if I went out too fast or my pace throughout. Doing this gave my mind permission to play games with me.
The first leg of the race took us through a small wooded area. Again this portion was different than last year. It was a much smaller section than previously (probably due to recent rains making the regular route yucky). It was a very narrow trail and I wasn't impressed when we turned into it and had to slow down because others up ahead had apparently decided to walk. But I didn't let this discourage me. There was still plenty of time. I think I did ok on this part.
But when we got out of the woods was where my wheels, so to speak, fell off. We had to run up Soap Box hill, a steep paved hill (used previously for soapbox racing) which ALWAYS takes a toll on me. Then we headed onto the grassy portion of the hill where there were many up and down portions. This was much longer than last year (I believe due to the fact that the wooded leg had to be shortened) and my paced suffered. BRUTAL. Thankfully we finally made it to the downhill portion. I so much like more to downhill run. It was after this portion that I was finally able to pick up a little bit of time I had lost (I think). There was one lady in a blue running skirt who kept playing leap frog with me. She would pull ahead. I would pull ahead. Finally she must have tired because I was able to keep my lead on her and even managed to pass a couple of more people. But I still knew that the hills had taken a toll on my pace even without my trusted Garmin. This was evidenced when I rounded the final corner and saw the clock. Ugh 34 minutes and change. I had really hoped for and expected a sub-33 minute race. But I poured on the gas for the final stretch and crossed in 34:15 chip time which is just over one minute from last year and a PR by 32 seconds. Chris, who had already finished his race was waiting for me.
Incidentally, I refused to start with him because he would have waited for me (he is too kind) when I lagged and then he would not have raced his awesome time of 30:26. Had the course been flat or not trail I know he could have achieved his elusive sub-30 minutes. I couldn't be more proud of him.(for him this was even better PR...5 minutes off the course and 3 minutes overall).
What did I learn?
a) first and foremost, I need more hill training. Even though I regularily run at this park I need to start incorporating hill repeats into my routine. While going downhill is fun for me going up is EXTREMELY difficult to the point where I often have to walk.
b) The garmin stays on MY arm next time. Chris didn't even consult it during his race. He ignored it. Right now, it is a big part of my training and too important a tool for me to give up. Maybe at a later time. But not now.
c) This course was challenging for me but I do think that had it been flatter or a road race I could have run faster so I do think that despite my whining I am getting faster.
d) I am stubborn. This very morning I went back out to that very same park and ran those stupid hills so that I could show them who was boss.
Long version: Had I wrote this RR yesterday immediately following the race you would be reading an entirely different report. I needed the night sleep and reflection to give me a better perspective of this race and my performance. Yesterday I was utterly disappointed in my race even though I achieved a PR. I KNOW that I have a faster time in me. This race course was similar to last year's course but different enough. While last year's race took us through the same park and hills, this year it seemed much harder. Last year was a mix of trail and pavement. This year was almost entirely trail. I think this made a profound difference in my pace. Also I allowed my DH to use my Garmin, so I could not see if I went out too fast or my pace throughout. Doing this gave my mind permission to play games with me.
The first leg of the race took us through a small wooded area. Again this portion was different than last year. It was a much smaller section than previously (probably due to recent rains making the regular route yucky). It was a very narrow trail and I wasn't impressed when we turned into it and had to slow down because others up ahead had apparently decided to walk. But I didn't let this discourage me. There was still plenty of time. I think I did ok on this part.
But when we got out of the woods was where my wheels, so to speak, fell off. We had to run up Soap Box hill, a steep paved hill (used previously for soapbox racing) which ALWAYS takes a toll on me. Then we headed onto the grassy portion of the hill where there were many up and down portions. This was much longer than last year (I believe due to the fact that the wooded leg had to be shortened) and my paced suffered. BRUTAL. Thankfully we finally made it to the downhill portion. I so much like more to downhill run. It was after this portion that I was finally able to pick up a little bit of time I had lost (I think). There was one lady in a blue running skirt who kept playing leap frog with me. She would pull ahead. I would pull ahead. Finally she must have tired because I was able to keep my lead on her and even managed to pass a couple of more people. But I still knew that the hills had taken a toll on my pace even without my trusted Garmin. This was evidenced when I rounded the final corner and saw the clock. Ugh 34 minutes and change. I had really hoped for and expected a sub-33 minute race. But I poured on the gas for the final stretch and crossed in 34:15 chip time which is just over one minute from last year and a PR by 32 seconds. Chris, who had already finished his race was waiting for me.
Incidentally, I refused to start with him because he would have waited for me (he is too kind) when I lagged and then he would not have raced his awesome time of 30:26. Had the course been flat or not trail I know he could have achieved his elusive sub-30 minutes. I couldn't be more proud of him.(for him this was even better PR...5 minutes off the course and 3 minutes overall).
What did I learn?
a) first and foremost, I need more hill training. Even though I regularily run at this park I need to start incorporating hill repeats into my routine. While going downhill is fun for me going up is EXTREMELY difficult to the point where I often have to walk.
b) The garmin stays on MY arm next time. Chris didn't even consult it during his race. He ignored it. Right now, it is a big part of my training and too important a tool for me to give up. Maybe at a later time. But not now.
c) This course was challenging for me but I do think that had it been flatter or a road race I could have run faster so I do think that despite my whining I am getting faster.
d) I am stubborn. This very morning I went back out to that very same park and ran those stupid hills so that I could show them who was boss.
Lessons Learned.--5k Report
Short version: I set a course PR (by1:01) and a 5k PR (by 32 seconds).
Long version: Had I wrote this RR yesterday immediately following the race you would be reading an entirely different report. I needed the night sleep and reflection to give me a better perspective of this race and my performance. Yesterday I was utterly disappointed in my race even though I achieved a PR. I KNOW that I have a faster time in me. This race course was similar to last year's course but different enough. While last year's race took us through the same park and hills, this year it seemed much harder. Last year was a mix of trail and pavement. This year was almost entirely trail. I think this made a profound difference in my pace. Also I allowed my DH to use my Garmin, so I could not see if I went out too fast or my pace throughout. Doing this gave my mind permission to play games with me.
The first leg of the race took us through a small wooded area. Again this portion was different than last year. It was a much smaller section than previously (probably due to recent rains making the regular route yucky). It was a very narrow trail and I wasn't impressed when we turned into it and had to slow down because others up ahead had apparently decided to walk. But I didn't let this discourage me. There was still plenty of time. I think I did ok on this part.
But when we got out of the woods was where my wheels, so to speak, fell off. We had to run up Soap Box hill, a steep paved hill (used previously for soapbox racing) which ALWAYS takes a toll on me. Then we headed onto the grassy portion of the hill where there were many up and down portions. This was much longer than last year (I believe due to the fact that the wooded leg had to be shortened) and my paced suffered. BRUTAL. Thankfully we finally made it to the downhill portion. I so much like more to downhill run. It was after this portion that I was finally able to pick up a little bit of time I had lost (I think). There was one lady in a blue running skirt who kept playing leap frog with me. She would pull ahead. I would pull ahead. Finally she must have tired because I was able to keep my lead on her and even managed to pass a couple of more people. But I still knew that the hills had taken a toll on my pace even without my trusted Garmin. This was evidenced when I rounded the final corner and saw the clock. Ugh 34 minutes and change. I had really hoped for and expected a sub-33 minute race. But I poured on the gas for the final stretch and crossed in 34:15 chip time which is just over one minute from last year and a PR by 32 seconds. Chris, who had already finished his race was waiting for me.
Incidentally, I refused to start with him because he would have waited for me (he is too kind) when I lagged and then he would not have raced his awesome time of 30:26. Had the course been flat or not trail I know he could have achieved his elusive sub-30 minutes. I couldn't be more proud of him.(for him this was even better PR...5 minutes off the course and 3 minutes overall).
What did I learn?
a) first and foremost, I need more hill training. Even though I regularily run at this park I need to start incorporating hill repeats into my routine. While going downhill is fun for me going up is EXTREMELY difficult to the point where I often have to walk.
b) The garmin stays on MY arm next time. Chris didn't even consult it during his race. He ignored it. Right now, it is a big part of my training and too important a tool for me to give up. Maybe at a later time. But not now.
c) This course was challenging for me but I do think that had it been flatter or a road race I could have run faster so I do think that despite my whining I am getting faster.
d) I am stubborn. This very morning I went back out to that very same park and ran those stupid hills so that I could show them who was boss.
Long version: Had I wrote this RR yesterday immediately following the race you would be reading an entirely different report. I needed the night sleep and reflection to give me a better perspective of this race and my performance. Yesterday I was utterly disappointed in my race even though I achieved a PR. I KNOW that I have a faster time in me. This race course was similar to last year's course but different enough. While last year's race took us through the same park and hills, this year it seemed much harder. Last year was a mix of trail and pavement. This year was almost entirely trail. I think this made a profound difference in my pace. Also I allowed my DH to use my Garmin, so I could not see if I went out too fast or my pace throughout. Doing this gave my mind permission to play games with me.
The first leg of the race took us through a small wooded area. Again this portion was different than last year. It was a much smaller section than previously (probably due to recent rains making the regular route yucky). It was a very narrow trail and I wasn't impressed when we turned into it and had to slow down because others up ahead had apparently decided to walk. But I didn't let this discourage me. There was still plenty of time. I think I did ok on this part.
But when we got out of the woods was where my wheels, so to speak, fell off. We had to run up Soap Box hill, a steep paved hill (used previously for soapbox racing) which ALWAYS takes a toll on me. Then we headed onto the grassy portion of the hill where there were many up and down portions. This was much longer than last year (I believe due to the fact that the wooded leg had to be shortened) and my paced suffered. BRUTAL. Thankfully we finally made it to the downhill portion. I so much like more to downhill run. It was after this portion that I was finally able to pick up a little bit of time I had lost (I think). There was one lady in a blue running skirt who kept playing leap frog with me. She would pull ahead. I would pull ahead. Finally she must have tired because I was able to keep my lead on her and even managed to pass a couple of more people. But I still knew that the hills had taken a toll on my pace even without my trusted Garmin. This was evidenced when I rounded the final corner and saw the clock. Ugh 34 minutes and change. I had really hoped for and expected a sub-33 minute race. But I poured on the gas for the final stretch and crossed in 34:15 chip time which is just over one minute from last year and a PR by 32 seconds. Chris, who had already finished his race was waiting for me.
Incidentally, I refused to start with him because he would have waited for me (he is too kind) when I lagged and then he would not have raced his awesome time of 30:26. Had the course been flat or not trail I know he could have achieved his elusive sub-30 minutes. I couldn't be more proud of him.(for him this was even better PR...5 minutes off the course and 3 minutes overall).
What did I learn?
a) first and foremost, I need more hill training. Even though I regularily run at this park I need to start incorporating hill repeats into my routine. While going downhill is fun for me going up is EXTREMELY difficult to the point where I often have to walk.
b) The garmin stays on MY arm next time. Chris didn't even consult it during his race. He ignored it. Right now, it is a big part of my training and too important a tool for me to give up. Maybe at a later time. But not now.
c) This course was challenging for me but I do think that had it been flatter or a road race I could have run faster so I do think that despite my whining I am getting faster.
d) I am stubborn. This very morning I went back out to that very same park and ran those stupid hills so that I could show them who was boss.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Roller Coaster Continues.
Well, lots of ups and downs lately.
Work is down. Literally. It went bankrupt and closed down for 30 to 60 days. This may very well run into when my indefinite layoff begins. I guess running is my full time job right now. If so, there is no excuse not to complete my next marathon (Toronto Waterfront) in sub-5 hours. In fact, with all the anticipated extra down time, who knows, maybe I can run even better.
The 5k race is on Friday. I have been out running alot with Chris. Wow, has he improved. He actually looks forward to his long runs which are now up to 10k. He even went out on his own in the wind and rain and ran 5 miles at a 10:52 pace. Bastard. Anyhow, the last couple of times out together, we ran 5 miles at 11:15 pace and 10k at 11:20 pace. The 10k even included a hill at 5 miles which he sprinted up (I had to walk) like it was nothing. He is aiming for around the 30 minute mark (his PR is roughly 32 minutes) while I am aiming for 33 minutes. We are going to start at different places so that he isn't tempted to wait for me. I want him to run his own race. He will use my Garmin. I was kind of hoping to use it to monitor my own pace but hey, if it gives him added motivation to run, then great. I hope we do well.
Work is down. Literally. It went bankrupt and closed down for 30 to 60 days. This may very well run into when my indefinite layoff begins. I guess running is my full time job right now. If so, there is no excuse not to complete my next marathon (Toronto Waterfront) in sub-5 hours. In fact, with all the anticipated extra down time, who knows, maybe I can run even better.
The 5k race is on Friday. I have been out running alot with Chris. Wow, has he improved. He actually looks forward to his long runs which are now up to 10k. He even went out on his own in the wind and rain and ran 5 miles at a 10:52 pace. Bastard. Anyhow, the last couple of times out together, we ran 5 miles at 11:15 pace and 10k at 11:20 pace. The 10k even included a hill at 5 miles which he sprinted up (I had to walk) like it was nothing. He is aiming for around the 30 minute mark (his PR is roughly 32 minutes) while I am aiming for 33 minutes. We are going to start at different places so that he isn't tempted to wait for me. I want him to run his own race. He will use my Garmin. I was kind of hoping to use it to monitor my own pace but hey, if it gives him added motivation to run, then great. I hope we do well.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Exceeding Expectations
Wow! It sure has been awhile. It is amazing how little time one has even when laid off. Well, not exactly laid off entirely just yet. Right now we are still shift smoothing so I am only laid off here and there for a week at a time. It isn't until June that I expect to be laid off entirely. But that said, it is still amazing how little time I have to get online and post an entry. Life.
Chris seems very committed to his half marathon training. I made him up a very basic schedule based on his running three times per week. He won't run any more often than that. I figured the official training wouldn't start until mid June and am trying to concentrate on his base mileage. I figured we would start with 3-4 miles a session until June when we would begin with long runs of 4.5-5 miles to start. Well, needless to say, he is months ahead of schedule already. He is running the three times per week with some pushing on my part to get out the door. But once outside he started insisting on a minimum of 4 miles and now we are up to a minimum of 5 mile runs. His long run is now up to 6.2 miles. This is still just shy of his 7ish longrun PR that he posted last November during the miscalculated 10k race we ran but he is doing awesome. He is slower than he wants to be but fast in my opinion. I have to chase him during any uphill climbs and he often has to slow up for me. So I want to register us for the next 5k race in May and let him run as fast as he can and not wait for me.
I know, I know...I gave myself a self-imposed race moratorium until my marathon for financial reasons. But I am asking the kids to give me that for my Mother's Day gift (the race is on May 8 and Mother's Day is May 10 so it fits perfectly). And maybe if I am really careful with the $$$$$ then I can even get in the rest of the series. There are 4 races left which should total only about $100 for registration fees which is manageable. I am itching to see if I have improved. I have continued to run on a very regular basis with long runs back up to and consistently at 13-14 miles. I am comfortable heading out on a regular basis for these 13 miles and am thinking of amping my long run mileage up slightly ahead of schedule to say, 15-16 miles. And what with the projected layoff looming I may even finally incorporate those midweek midlength long runs that everyone says I need to get faster. I don't want to be laid off but if I have to be then my speed had better improve. Because I will have oodles of time to train. I really want to break that 5 hour barrier. And besides, some day I want to qualify for Boston and preferably before I reach the age of 60 which is what my present pace dictates.
I think I can do it. I know I can do it.
Chris seems very committed to his half marathon training. I made him up a very basic schedule based on his running three times per week. He won't run any more often than that. I figured the official training wouldn't start until mid June and am trying to concentrate on his base mileage. I figured we would start with 3-4 miles a session until June when we would begin with long runs of 4.5-5 miles to start. Well, needless to say, he is months ahead of schedule already. He is running the three times per week with some pushing on my part to get out the door. But once outside he started insisting on a minimum of 4 miles and now we are up to a minimum of 5 mile runs. His long run is now up to 6.2 miles. This is still just shy of his 7ish longrun PR that he posted last November during the miscalculated 10k race we ran but he is doing awesome. He is slower than he wants to be but fast in my opinion. I have to chase him during any uphill climbs and he often has to slow up for me. So I want to register us for the next 5k race in May and let him run as fast as he can and not wait for me.
I know, I know...I gave myself a self-imposed race moratorium until my marathon for financial reasons. But I am asking the kids to give me that for my Mother's Day gift (the race is on May 8 and Mother's Day is May 10 so it fits perfectly). And maybe if I am really careful with the $$$$$ then I can even get in the rest of the series. There are 4 races left which should total only about $100 for registration fees which is manageable. I am itching to see if I have improved. I have continued to run on a very regular basis with long runs back up to and consistently at 13-14 miles. I am comfortable heading out on a regular basis for these 13 miles and am thinking of amping my long run mileage up slightly ahead of schedule to say, 15-16 miles. And what with the projected layoff looming I may even finally incorporate those midweek midlength long runs that everyone says I need to get faster. I don't want to be laid off but if I have to be then my speed had better improve. Because I will have oodles of time to train. I really want to break that 5 hour barrier. And besides, some day I want to qualify for Boston and preferably before I reach the age of 60 which is what my present pace dictates.
I think I can do it. I know I can do it.
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