I am still being active through playing Ultimate Frisbee. I love the game and its 2 games that start around 10:30 am and end around 2:30 pm. Also, I am now including running back in my weeks plus strength training.
My endurance is being heightened through the summer heat bearing down on me and I am still sprinting Saturday mornings and running 2 plus miles on other days!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Zen
After watching a special from National Geographic about how stress has become a serial killer in our nation it made me think about what I allow to be a stressor when it should NOT be. It discussed how our fight or flight system is charged up more than it should be. So, even when its something small we become pumped up with adrenaline and cortizon, which can kill brain cells and cause us to gain weight. Both to me is terrible. One last result of stress is when it continues the end of our DNA unravels, which is suppose to hold it together.
I knew stress was not good and that I needed to relax more anyways, but with these facts I made a mental decision to take control of my brain. In the end we can allow our brains to control us or we can control it. I guess if I wanted to travel into a philosophical discussion here I would go into what controls the brain...the soul? Since the brain controls the body? Anyways, this blog is about running and not about philosophy.
Recently I have found that I enjoy the quiet again. So, today after working for 7 hours and driving 2 I went on a 2 mile hill run. It usually takes me 25 minutes, but today I did it in 23. I found a beat in my steps and a breathing pattern that lasted me longer than I thought. I felt every little tug and ache. I felt every bead of sweat form and travel down my skin. I was so connected to myself connecting to nature. It became peaceful. I felt like walking around 1.5 miles since the heat was bearing on me, but at that a moment a fat cat stared me down. It was directly in my path and it crouched down while locking its eyes on me. It did not move. This gave me the mind set to finish the course. I did and strong with a sprint.
Learning to be connected with myself intimately and learning to control my fears and pains that can prevent myself from accomplishing my goals in running will later influence my everyday life. Running is 90% mental. Its amazing what our brains can imagine and how quickly it destroys its own dreams. So, I would like to say a new saying that running is 10% physical, 40% mental, and 60% soul!
I knew stress was not good and that I needed to relax more anyways, but with these facts I made a mental decision to take control of my brain. In the end we can allow our brains to control us or we can control it. I guess if I wanted to travel into a philosophical discussion here I would go into what controls the brain...the soul? Since the brain controls the body? Anyways, this blog is about running and not about philosophy.
Recently I have found that I enjoy the quiet again. So, today after working for 7 hours and driving 2 I went on a 2 mile hill run. It usually takes me 25 minutes, but today I did it in 23. I found a beat in my steps and a breathing pattern that lasted me longer than I thought. I felt every little tug and ache. I felt every bead of sweat form and travel down my skin. I was so connected to myself connecting to nature. It became peaceful. I felt like walking around 1.5 miles since the heat was bearing on me, but at that a moment a fat cat stared me down. It was directly in my path and it crouched down while locking its eyes on me. It did not move. This gave me the mind set to finish the course. I did and strong with a sprint.
Learning to be connected with myself intimately and learning to control my fears and pains that can prevent myself from accomplishing my goals in running will later influence my everyday life. Running is 90% mental. Its amazing what our brains can imagine and how quickly it destroys its own dreams. So, I would like to say a new saying that running is 10% physical, 40% mental, and 60% soul!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
ME Time!
I have been making more time to train and run. For example one morning I awoke at 5:30 am and could not go back to bed. Instead of being frustrated I just got up and did kettle bell training. It felt great. The best ME time I have gained has been this weekend! I kept having get togethers to attend and I would stay out super late, which I felt more exhausted from the weekend festivities than my busy weeks for the last couple of weeks.
This weekend I planned on just having it for "me." I have rested, but also ran my first "hot" run about 92 degrees. It was in the afternoon and I ran the hilly course. I finished without feeling sick and felt strong afterwards. I finished off with yoga to calm my muscles and breathing down from the heat. Saturday I woke early to run 9 miles. It has been over 2.5 half months since I ran more than a 5k and kept up with a work out routine. The run felt great and can't wait till my strength improves. I got to see many bikers and other runners on my course. Their strength gives me inspiration and hope that I will be there soon enough. At the end of the run I enjoyed seeing a site that I can't even really explain, but it is like parachutes powered by BIG fans. Than to end my weekend is having a rest day where I did only kettle bell training.
I hope to keep up a routine this summer and by the 2nd of October can say I am confident to have an improvement on my half marathon time. Also, looking at training to accomplish a marathon distant in training by some time in August. Might attempt a marathon race in November or March.
Keep running and smiling :)
This weekend I planned on just having it for "me." I have rested, but also ran my first "hot" run about 92 degrees. It was in the afternoon and I ran the hilly course. I finished without feeling sick and felt strong afterwards. I finished off with yoga to calm my muscles and breathing down from the heat. Saturday I woke early to run 9 miles. It has been over 2.5 half months since I ran more than a 5k and kept up with a work out routine. The run felt great and can't wait till my strength improves. I got to see many bikers and other runners on my course. Their strength gives me inspiration and hope that I will be there soon enough. At the end of the run I enjoyed seeing a site that I can't even really explain, but it is like parachutes powered by BIG fans. Than to end my weekend is having a rest day where I did only kettle bell training.
I hope to keep up a routine this summer and by the 2nd of October can say I am confident to have an improvement on my half marathon time. Also, looking at training to accomplish a marathon distant in training by some time in August. Might attempt a marathon race in November or March.
Keep running and smiling :)
Monday, May 30, 2011
Running Heat
I am not sure if anyone is following this still, but I am getting back to the days of joining nature. I am using the summer weather approaching as a new training goal. That is becoming more adapted to run in any temperature. I plan on running the 13.1 Atlanta Half Marathon again this year for my birthday. I am hoping to improve my time again.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Back on the Road
Yesterday the 19th of May I finally got myself going again. I ran my 5k course in about 30 minutes and almost threw up in the end. Felt great though! After having a 3 month and 2 day break I would of been happy just to finish in any time. I hope to keep it up. I miss running.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Changes
Last semester I accomplished some good training runs and decent race times. The two races I ran, the ATL 13.1 Marathon and the Serenbe Hill Country trail 15k, I set PRs. The half I did it 17 minutes faster than my first and the 15k was my first time running that distance. Even though I did have the training in my schedule it was extremely lower than what I was use to before school started. This resulted in a crash emotionally.
The lack of training was not the only factor that made the crash possible, the work environment I was in and also the schedule that both jobs, internship, and class/ class work took up. For this semester I have a new job and new internship. My week is a little bit busier with the travel time included, but I will have my Friday through Sunday open. This gives me time for long runs, which I did not have time for last semester.
With this yesterday I tried a route that I thought about for a while, but yet tried. Its a back road connecting my side of town to the other (so to speak). On the way home shopping I decided to measure the distance from the hospital to the end of the road. It measured about 4 miles one way.
I got home and decided to go run it. I have not ran more than a 5k distance since November 13th and still felt it would be ok since it was flat. This is when I learned that driving and actually running a course is a big difference. The whole route was riddled with rolling hills and at the last mile (I want to say) was an pretty intense incline. Of course the hospital was on the bottom of the incline, which meant my return route started with the "hill."
On the first 4 miles I passed a fellow runner who high fived me. This is the aspect of running I love as a sport. We are on it together, pulling each other up, while at the same time challenging ourselves continually to do better than last time.
With this route I ended up walking a couple of times after I started on the return route. My left knee on the back started to tense up and my right ankle started to hurt. My lower back and hips did too, but just like in a race I had to get back to my car to stop. This helped and I ended up doing the distance in about 1:21:00 subtracting the time spent in the middle of the highway waiting for the walking signal.
I finished the morning with a kettle bell work out, which is part of what I got for Christmas. I got Yoga Blocks/ belt, a new running shirt, balance half mini balls and more that is not related to working out.
This year is going to be different and excited for what will happen with my now weekends!
The lack of training was not the only factor that made the crash possible, the work environment I was in and also the schedule that both jobs, internship, and class/ class work took up. For this semester I have a new job and new internship. My week is a little bit busier with the travel time included, but I will have my Friday through Sunday open. This gives me time for long runs, which I did not have time for last semester.
With this yesterday I tried a route that I thought about for a while, but yet tried. Its a back road connecting my side of town to the other (so to speak). On the way home shopping I decided to measure the distance from the hospital to the end of the road. It measured about 4 miles one way.
I got home and decided to go run it. I have not ran more than a 5k distance since November 13th and still felt it would be ok since it was flat. This is when I learned that driving and actually running a course is a big difference. The whole route was riddled with rolling hills and at the last mile (I want to say) was an pretty intense incline. Of course the hospital was on the bottom of the incline, which meant my return route started with the "hill."
On the first 4 miles I passed a fellow runner who high fived me. This is the aspect of running I love as a sport. We are on it together, pulling each other up, while at the same time challenging ourselves continually to do better than last time.
With this route I ended up walking a couple of times after I started on the return route. My left knee on the back started to tense up and my right ankle started to hurt. My lower back and hips did too, but just like in a race I had to get back to my car to stop. This helped and I ended up doing the distance in about 1:21:00 subtracting the time spent in the middle of the highway waiting for the walking signal.
I finished the morning with a kettle bell work out, which is part of what I got for Christmas. I got Yoga Blocks/ belt, a new running shirt, balance half mini balls and more that is not related to working out.
This year is going to be different and excited for what will happen with my now weekends!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Nothing to Intense
I have noticed with my schedule making it impossible recently to keep a consistent work out plan that I go from doing nothing to everything full out.
On the 28th of December I joined my good friend who was leaving the next day and two of her sisters for a 13 mile bike ride. We did not plan on the ice and snow that covered the trail, but we road it anyway.
Yesterday, the 3rd of January I tried to go run a 5k. I only made it 2 miles after getting choked on my drainage from a lingering cold I had this past week.
Today, the 4th of January I got home from my first day of my new job and ran 2 miles. I ran it in different speeds of 6.5 to 7. I am usually running it in 5 to 6.5 at the fastest. I finished the 2 miles off on 8 mph in the end with it being 7:34 pace. After running my fastest tempo run on the treadmill I decided to try my new stability ball workout. After that I did a kettle bell (5 lbs) work out.
Intense and feeling amazing!
On the 28th of December I joined my good friend who was leaving the next day and two of her sisters for a 13 mile bike ride. We did not plan on the ice and snow that covered the trail, but we road it anyway.
Yesterday, the 3rd of January I tried to go run a 5k. I only made it 2 miles after getting choked on my drainage from a lingering cold I had this past week.
Today, the 4th of January I got home from my first day of my new job and ran 2 miles. I ran it in different speeds of 6.5 to 7. I am usually running it in 5 to 6.5 at the fastest. I finished the 2 miles off on 8 mph in the end with it being 7:34 pace. After running my fastest tempo run on the treadmill I decided to try my new stability ball workout. After that I did a kettle bell (5 lbs) work out.
Intense and feeling amazing!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
No Pain, No Gain
In the month of October I ran at least 10 to 15 miles per week. I only ran up to a 5k distance.
Yesterday I ran my first 15k trial hill country race. The race was 1.5 hours away from my cousins' house. We left at 6 am to get there about an hour or so before the race started. After getting my race bib I went to brave to potter potties to find that I could not get to them before 8.
I didn't go to the bathroom and went to wait 15 minutes past 8 to start the race. The first 5k portion of the race my toes were numb. I did not feel them at all and the first mile I clocked in right over 9 minutes.
The temperature started out about 39 degrees and ended at about 44 degrees. No wind and no clouds. Sunny skies made it feel a bit warmer.
Through out the course I kept staying with a pack, which I hate being in. I had to stay with them since it was my pace I wanted and then I let them pull out ahead of me. I wanted to be alone.
During the course we pass horse pastures. A donkey and horses were being chased by this long hair huge goat. We went through a chicken farm and all through this beautiful antique looking community. The colors of the leaves and the leaves all over the trail made it fall feeling and great.
My goal for this race was between 1:30:00 to 2:00:00. The best I could do if I had time to train (I didn't) is 90 minutes and the longest I would take even if I got hurt would be 120 minutes.
I finished the race at 1:53:59 and today I can barely walk. My pace was faster on the 15k trail race than the 13.1 road race.
Yesterday I ran my first 15k trial hill country race. The race was 1.5 hours away from my cousins' house. We left at 6 am to get there about an hour or so before the race started. After getting my race bib I went to brave to potter potties to find that I could not get to them before 8.
I didn't go to the bathroom and went to wait 15 minutes past 8 to start the race. The first 5k portion of the race my toes were numb. I did not feel them at all and the first mile I clocked in right over 9 minutes.
The temperature started out about 39 degrees and ended at about 44 degrees. No wind and no clouds. Sunny skies made it feel a bit warmer.
Through out the course I kept staying with a pack, which I hate being in. I had to stay with them since it was my pace I wanted and then I let them pull out ahead of me. I wanted to be alone.
During the course we pass horse pastures. A donkey and horses were being chased by this long hair huge goat. We went through a chicken farm and all through this beautiful antique looking community. The colors of the leaves and the leaves all over the trail made it fall feeling and great.
My goal for this race was between 1:30:00 to 2:00:00. The best I could do if I had time to train (I didn't) is 90 minutes and the longest I would take even if I got hurt would be 120 minutes.
I finished the race at 1:53:59 and today I can barely walk. My pace was faster on the 15k trail race than the 13.1 road race.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
I Live for Cold Running
From October 18th until today the 30th of October I have logged in 5 miles. I have been really busy, but the colder it gets the better I feel in my runs.
I plan on a 15k trail race on the 13th of November. I am running it with my cousin and his wife and daughter are doing the 5k portion of the race.
Can not wait!
I plan on a 15k trail race on the 13th of November. I am running it with my cousin and his wife and daughter are doing the 5k portion of the race.
Can not wait!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Running like a Dog
This morning I was debating skipping another day of running. I almost did, but decided it would make me feel better. As I was preparing to go run I was going to do my 2 mile course and that was it. Than I remembered that my mp3 player was in my jeep. This lead me to go to my 3 mile course instead.
As I ran I felt amazing in the crisp warming fall morning. Within my first mile, where I use to warm up, two dogs started chasing me. They didn't frighten me since they barely came up to my ankles. I started to sprint and they stayed right with me and I pushed myself. I started to laugh and had sheer pleasure at the feeling I was feeling. That feeling was strong.
I kept my pace at a minute faster than usual, at least. I started the course about 100 meters further back than normally. I finished it in 26 minutes! The dogs taught me I could pick up my pace and sprint at different times and it feels great to play.
Getting home I hopped on my bike since my front tire was re-blown up, which is good since it went flat a couple a days before. I road through the woods, dirt roads, and two neighborhoods near my home. 6 miles later I finished and did strength training for my upper body.
What a great day of Play!
As I ran I felt amazing in the crisp warming fall morning. Within my first mile, where I use to warm up, two dogs started chasing me. They didn't frighten me since they barely came up to my ankles. I started to sprint and they stayed right with me and I pushed myself. I started to laugh and had sheer pleasure at the feeling I was feeling. That feeling was strong.
I kept my pace at a minute faster than usual, at least. I started the course about 100 meters further back than normally. I finished it in 26 minutes! The dogs taught me I could pick up my pace and sprint at different times and it feels great to play.
Getting home I hopped on my bike since my front tire was re-blown up, which is good since it went flat a couple a days before. I road through the woods, dirt roads, and two neighborhoods near my home. 6 miles later I finished and did strength training for my upper body.
What a great day of Play!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Ironman at Kona
During these past two weeks I have accomplished running 7.3 miles after the half marathon race I ran. I strength trained at least three times, plus pilates once and also biked 15.69 miles since I finally broke down and purchased a mountain bike.
Along with this activity being back in my life I got to view the beginning and the end of the Ironman at Kona. I had to work, but I got to see Mirinda Carfrae finish for her world championship placement.
I will never get why I cry when I watch anything about the Ironman, but I do. I believe it makes me excited and inspired. Going with this feeling I am re-vamping my goals. I am moving the marathon back to whenever I feel I am ready, which to be honest I can not put a date on.
Running a half marathon without stopping or in 2 hours I am hoping to accomplish before or in about an year.
I believe this is attainable no matter what my training allows, because the more comfortable I become with the distance and the race itself I seem to improve each time.
Still waiting for my home gym to be finished and hoping it is soon since the winter is going to roll in soon and the sun will not rise early enough for me. With the tredmill I am going to train myself to just run 2 hours straight.
Along with this activity being back in my life I got to view the beginning and the end of the Ironman at Kona. I had to work, but I got to see Mirinda Carfrae finish for her world championship placement.
I will never get why I cry when I watch anything about the Ironman, but I do. I believe it makes me excited and inspired. Going with this feeling I am re-vamping my goals. I am moving the marathon back to whenever I feel I am ready, which to be honest I can not put a date on.
Running a half marathon without stopping or in 2 hours I am hoping to accomplish before or in about an year.
I believe this is attainable no matter what my training allows, because the more comfortable I become with the distance and the race itself I seem to improve each time.
Still waiting for my home gym to be finished and hoping it is soon since the winter is going to roll in soon and the sun will not rise early enough for me. With the tredmill I am going to train myself to just run 2 hours straight.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Journey Re-Routed
Life has happened and my journey to a marathon within a year is being re-routed. Working two jobs, attending graduate school, and interning has made it hard for me to figure out time to train for even a 5k.
I have had time to run small amounts here and there when it has stayed cool enough for me to survive. For my birthday I decided to sign up for the 13.1 Atlanta on October 3rd and give myself a PR of 2 hours. This was all figured out before "life happened."
In the end I still decided to do it. For some odd reason I knew I was going to be alright. I was still a little concerned about my knees and hip, but I still felt comfortable about my decision to do it. Even with the week before when I hurt my back from trying to play basketball.
October 2nd, Saturday, I went to run at a local park to see how my body would do. I made it 3.9 miles feeling amazing. I went to bed that night at 9 and woke at 4:30 am feeling very rested and excited.
On October 3rd, Sunday, I forgot my bid number on the kitchen table so my dad had to turn the car around to get it. Ended up leaving the house at 6 am. Arrived 10 minutes before the race started. My mom and dad dropped me off and I got ready to get going.
As the sun was breaking through the sky I noticed my headband was not on me. I had to run the race without it.
By mile 6 I felt good and strong. Hitting the maker around an 1:07:00 and got to high five my dad. After this point I had to start run/ walking. It felt like a roller coaster from this point on. The day was beautiful and cool. I was having a great time.
Walking the hills and running the flats and down hills I finished the half in 2:41:24 hours. Overall I ranked 2494 out 2864, with the females 1327 out of 1612, and with my age group (20 to 24) 142 out of 154. Not what I expected when I signed up, but I am still very proud.
It is 17 minutes faster than my first half marathon and I am physically and mentally stronger feeling afterwards instead of feeling broken.
I have had time to run small amounts here and there when it has stayed cool enough for me to survive. For my birthday I decided to sign up for the 13.1 Atlanta on October 3rd and give myself a PR of 2 hours. This was all figured out before "life happened."
In the end I still decided to do it. For some odd reason I knew I was going to be alright. I was still a little concerned about my knees and hip, but I still felt comfortable about my decision to do it. Even with the week before when I hurt my back from trying to play basketball.
October 2nd, Saturday, I went to run at a local park to see how my body would do. I made it 3.9 miles feeling amazing. I went to bed that night at 9 and woke at 4:30 am feeling very rested and excited.
On October 3rd, Sunday, I forgot my bid number on the kitchen table so my dad had to turn the car around to get it. Ended up leaving the house at 6 am. Arrived 10 minutes before the race started. My mom and dad dropped me off and I got ready to get going.
As the sun was breaking through the sky I noticed my headband was not on me. I had to run the race without it.
By mile 6 I felt good and strong. Hitting the maker around an 1:07:00 and got to high five my dad. After this point I had to start run/ walking. It felt like a roller coaster from this point on. The day was beautiful and cool. I was having a great time.
Walking the hills and running the flats and down hills I finished the half in 2:41:24 hours. Overall I ranked 2494 out 2864, with the females 1327 out of 1612, and with my age group (20 to 24) 142 out of 154. Not what I expected when I signed up, but I am still very proud.
It is 17 minutes faster than my first half marathon and I am physically and mentally stronger feeling afterwards instead of feeling broken.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Pressed for Time
I am picking up my running routine up again. I have ran 12 miles and biked 4.5 miles this week. It feels great to start back up again. Can't wait for my schedule to become set again. Can't wait for the weather to cool off. Can't wait for the basement to be remolded and to have a home gym again.
My knees did hurt badly the first day back on Monday (I made it 3 miles since I had a break to chase a dog for a neighborhood resident.) On Wednesday they didn't brother me at all and I ran my average time.
Thursday I ended up dropping 5 dollars to use the basic gym and loved it since I had ran a 5k in a tempo pace, then biked 4.5 miles mountain trail setting, and another 5k with in a interval style.
I am impressed on how I picked up with running my average race time and ran my fastest times on the treadmill as if it were normal pace for me.
My knees did hurt badly the first day back on Monday (I made it 3 miles since I had a break to chase a dog for a neighborhood resident.) On Wednesday they didn't brother me at all and I ran my average time.
Thursday I ended up dropping 5 dollars to use the basic gym and loved it since I had ran a 5k in a tempo pace, then biked 4.5 miles mountain trail setting, and another 5k with in a interval style.
I am impressed on how I picked up with running my average race time and ran my fastest times on the treadmill as if it were normal pace for me.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Run for my Sanity
After being out of running for a week or two I became out of sorts, but as I believed was use to it. The Peachtree Roadrace taught me better. Through out the 6 miles I could feel my body ease into the rhythm and enjoy the release of built up energy. I could not help, but smile and have fun no matter what my time came out to be.
The day after the race I felt energized to run again already, but my ankles were tight and sore. Then today came around. I woke up at 6 to watch the sun rise as I prepared myself for a great run or I hoped for one.
Starting at 7:30 I set out for my first 5k and feared for my long run that I felt I needed not for training and not for fun, but for my own sanity. The temperature was at about 68 degrees and my first 5k came to 29 minutes, which is my average time for that distance.
I went to the restroom and had some Gatorade to cool myself down. I set out on the 2nd round of the neighborhood and felt strong and faster. My muscles have been loosened up and my breathing became easy. The weather was still in a good place for me. Sun shining and rising in the East where two of the larger hills faced it. Sprinklers were nourishing the grass and glistening in the sun and moistening the air. Birds chirping and flying plus the Kites chasing the Crows away from their territory. Becoming part of the calm morning my run felt great and ended up being in 27 minutes.
Since the summer officially became hot my runs usually ended at 6 miles. This morning I replenished myself with more Gatorade and then poured iced water over my head, neck and chest. I set off on my 3rd round at a faster pace than intended, but felt amazing through it all. I walked once at the very end only for 30 seconds. I finished the last 5k in 26 minutes. I felt like I was about to throw up or pass out. My fingers bloated to the point of pain. I walked an 100 meters to calm off from that last lap in about 77 degrees weather.
Running 9 miles in an hour and 22 minutes and coming home and doing an hour of strength training plus 30 minutes of Yoga with relaxing Celtic music playing makes me realize I love running. Its not to be better than someone else, its not to prove anything to anyone...its my way to relax, escape, and to find out who I really am through pushing myself.
The day after the race I felt energized to run again already, but my ankles were tight and sore. Then today came around. I woke up at 6 to watch the sun rise as I prepared myself for a great run or I hoped for one.
Starting at 7:30 I set out for my first 5k and feared for my long run that I felt I needed not for training and not for fun, but for my own sanity. The temperature was at about 68 degrees and my first 5k came to 29 minutes, which is my average time for that distance.
I went to the restroom and had some Gatorade to cool myself down. I set out on the 2nd round of the neighborhood and felt strong and faster. My muscles have been loosened up and my breathing became easy. The weather was still in a good place for me. Sun shining and rising in the East where two of the larger hills faced it. Sprinklers were nourishing the grass and glistening in the sun and moistening the air. Birds chirping and flying plus the Kites chasing the Crows away from their territory. Becoming part of the calm morning my run felt great and ended up being in 27 minutes.
Since the summer officially became hot my runs usually ended at 6 miles. This morning I replenished myself with more Gatorade and then poured iced water over my head, neck and chest. I set off on my 3rd round at a faster pace than intended, but felt amazing through it all. I walked once at the very end only for 30 seconds. I finished the last 5k in 26 minutes. I felt like I was about to throw up or pass out. My fingers bloated to the point of pain. I walked an 100 meters to calm off from that last lap in about 77 degrees weather.
Running 9 miles in an hour and 22 minutes and coming home and doing an hour of strength training plus 30 minutes of Yoga with relaxing Celtic music playing makes me realize I love running. Its not to be better than someone else, its not to prove anything to anyone...its my way to relax, escape, and to find out who I really am through pushing myself.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
My First Peachtree Road Race Experience
4:15 I started to wake up and got out of bed at 4:30. At this time I noticed I was out of my black tea. I ended up getting a small bowl of cereal and water. My family left at 5:20 am.
We arrived at MARTA before sunrise and hopped on. We arrived at the race while the wheelchair racers were warming up.
I found my wave (E) around 6:45 am. I decided at 6:50 to leave my family to claim my spot in the line up. In the hour I waited with the many other racers I chatted with a woman near my size and we watched the helicopters fly around us.
Before my wave started I saw my cousin who was in wave J. That was exciting.
Dave Matthews was playing over the loud speaker at the starting line and my stomach felt as if I was at the top of a rollercoaster before it drops. In a couple seconds at the starting line, I was off.
Before the first 100 meters was up my family cheered me on. They cheered me on once I arrived at 10th Street. I did not see them, but apparently my mom was so excited she ran into a fence trying to make me hear her.
It entertained me every time everyone had a clear view of the runners ahead and it was just one huge mass of people moving forward. I found this interesting, now, because the race is held on the 4th of July and its also the worlds largest 10k race, the movement of masses coming together for a coming goal should be an example for every day life.
I hit Cardiac Hill and flew up it feeling strong and great. Plus, being soaking wet made it even better. The water stations every mile, the strong sprinklers, the on lookers squirting the runners and the music made the atmosphere fun. I started having a blast by playing in the water and slapping hands with the kids on the side lines.
I didn't expect a PR off this race since its my fist time running it, the amazing amount of runners (50044 finishers), my schedule didn't allow me to run for 2 weeks prior and being bloated since I will start in 2 days.
My feet started to ache and my lower back cramped up with sickness setting in my stomach I had to walk after finishing Cardic Hill a small Asian older woman comes up behind me and goes "Come on. Your fast. GO!" I started to pace with her and she went "NO! GO ON!" I went off.
That held out for a bit and then I had to walk again. She caught up and said "I caught you. NOW GO!" I went. She caught me one more time at mile 5 and pushed me on. I kept in front of her and pushed a follow runner on. She did the same for me and as always I sprinted to the end.
My stats:
Chip time- 63:51 minutes
Overall place- 16338 out of 50044
Gender placement- 5423 out of 24306
Age Grade- 47.5%
With all factors in place I am proud of my race and I had fun.
We arrived at MARTA before sunrise and hopped on. We arrived at the race while the wheelchair racers were warming up.
I found my wave (E) around 6:45 am. I decided at 6:50 to leave my family to claim my spot in the line up. In the hour I waited with the many other racers I chatted with a woman near my size and we watched the helicopters fly around us.
Before my wave started I saw my cousin who was in wave J. That was exciting.
Dave Matthews was playing over the loud speaker at the starting line and my stomach felt as if I was at the top of a rollercoaster before it drops. In a couple seconds at the starting line, I was off.
Before the first 100 meters was up my family cheered me on. They cheered me on once I arrived at 10th Street. I did not see them, but apparently my mom was so excited she ran into a fence trying to make me hear her.
It entertained me every time everyone had a clear view of the runners ahead and it was just one huge mass of people moving forward. I found this interesting, now, because the race is held on the 4th of July and its also the worlds largest 10k race, the movement of masses coming together for a coming goal should be an example for every day life.
I hit Cardiac Hill and flew up it feeling strong and great. Plus, being soaking wet made it even better. The water stations every mile, the strong sprinklers, the on lookers squirting the runners and the music made the atmosphere fun. I started having a blast by playing in the water and slapping hands with the kids on the side lines.
I didn't expect a PR off this race since its my fist time running it, the amazing amount of runners (50044 finishers), my schedule didn't allow me to run for 2 weeks prior and being bloated since I will start in 2 days.
My feet started to ache and my lower back cramped up with sickness setting in my stomach I had to walk after finishing Cardic Hill a small Asian older woman comes up behind me and goes "Come on. Your fast. GO!" I started to pace with her and she went "NO! GO ON!" I went off.
That held out for a bit and then I had to walk again. She caught up and said "I caught you. NOW GO!" I went. She caught me one more time at mile 5 and pushed me on. I kept in front of her and pushed a follow runner on. She did the same for me and as always I sprinted to the end.
My stats:
Chip time- 63:51 minutes
Overall place- 16338 out of 50044
Gender placement- 5423 out of 24306
Age Grade- 47.5%
With all factors in place I am proud of my race and I had fun.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
I I Do Not Believe There is Such Thing as a Summer Break
Currently 2 jobs that are falling back to back of one another and just having about 40 to 50 hours on average per week my running has fell on the back burner. I have logged in miles, but nothing like before now.
The peachtree roadrace is coming up shortly. I am in the wave that begins pretty early. Luckly its near the time I train on an average day, which means I should be use to the time and tempature.
This morning I went for a run after a full week with little running and after a jaw injury (almost healed). I left my ipod in the car and ran a 5k. I enjoyed it. At first I felt stiff and huffed and puffed, but I got into a rythem of my own and just cruised. I ran it in my average time.
Can not wait to run the next 2 days!
The peachtree roadrace is coming up shortly. I am in the wave that begins pretty early. Luckly its near the time I train on an average day, which means I should be use to the time and tempature.
This morning I went for a run after a full week with little running and after a jaw injury (almost healed). I left my ipod in the car and ran a 5k. I enjoyed it. At first I felt stiff and huffed and puffed, but I got into a rythem of my own and just cruised. I ran it in my average time.
Can not wait to run the next 2 days!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Summer Running
The hours I work plus the hotter days coming through is making my training more about fun runs than focused runs. I only ran 9 miles last week and each day only 3 miles each. I did set a PR in my training in one of these runs by running a 5k in 24 minutes, which is a 8 minute pace. I found this interesting since the night before I was reading the runners world magazine and it mentioned to have a faster marathon plan on running slower (10 minute pace) at the beginning of a long run than bump it up to a 8 minute pace at the end. I didn't even want to try that since I never even ran a 8 minute pace 5k once through. Now, I guess I should try it.
My training runs have been strong except the humidity is draining me. So, this morning I decided to try to beat the heat. Well, that failed to a point. I woke at 5:30 am and was running at about 6:45 as the sun was rising. It was about 70 degrees. The humidity was high though so I ended up with lots of sweat pouring out even my shins I had drops. I produced the amount of sweat as I use to do during the colder seasons when I ran about half marathon distances at a fast pace.
I ended up running a 10k in 55 minutes (another PR set during training) and would of continued to run longer, but I got dizzy. I got in my car to see the temperature and it was reaching up to 76 degrees already at 8 am.
Now, my plan is to learn to wake as it gets lighter and run. Plus, adapt to the heat.
My training runs have been strong except the humidity is draining me. So, this morning I decided to try to beat the heat. Well, that failed to a point. I woke at 5:30 am and was running at about 6:45 as the sun was rising. It was about 70 degrees. The humidity was high though so I ended up with lots of sweat pouring out even my shins I had drops. I produced the amount of sweat as I use to do during the colder seasons when I ran about half marathon distances at a fast pace.
I ended up running a 10k in 55 minutes (another PR set during training) and would of continued to run longer, but I got dizzy. I got in my car to see the temperature and it was reaching up to 76 degrees already at 8 am.
Now, my plan is to learn to wake as it gets lighter and run. Plus, adapt to the heat.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Winner is Not Always the Fastest, but the Person Who Keeps Running
Monday the 31st of May, also known as Memorial Day here in the United States is where we celebrate the right to be free and give thanks to those who fight for us to have that right. A good portion of these celebrations deal with getting drunk and big parties since the day is off.
On this day my friend decided to celebrate this day in a different fashion and allowed me to share this experience with her. She wanted to run her first trail run and first 5.32k race. She ran the Peachtree Road Race before. The race was scheduled for 3 pm (usually the hottest and muggest part of the day).
I actually was having trouble dealing with the low 70s and running in the morning with the heat. I was hoping she would back down, but I promised myself if she wanted to do it, then I would stick by her. She didn't back down and she was excited about it.
The race started up hill (which is bad because if your not trained to use up your lactic acid at the beginning than your can become fatigued faster and your muscles will cramp) than it looped through a trail twice. Stairs and a creek leap included. Than it finished down hill and looping around a lake.
My friend trained up to a mile before this race and also on road. During this race my goal was to stay with her (this sounds horrible, because it should of been the obvious choice, but I start running and I get in the zone and just go). I found it some what easy until the end. I wanted to just fly, but she had to remind to slow down. This race improved my mental run.
I am very very very impressed and proud of my friend. We didn't use MP3 players to distract us and she pushed on wards through out the race. Even through calf pain and numb feet she ran as much as she could. She was inspiring to see through all of this.
We placed 1st and 2nd in our age categories, but we were the only ones in it. I still believe she deserves that place because she pushed herself and conquered a new challenge.
On this day my friend decided to celebrate this day in a different fashion and allowed me to share this experience with her. She wanted to run her first trail run and first 5.32k race. She ran the Peachtree Road Race before. The race was scheduled for 3 pm (usually the hottest and muggest part of the day).
I actually was having trouble dealing with the low 70s and running in the morning with the heat. I was hoping she would back down, but I promised myself if she wanted to do it, then I would stick by her. She didn't back down and she was excited about it.
The race started up hill (which is bad because if your not trained to use up your lactic acid at the beginning than your can become fatigued faster and your muscles will cramp) than it looped through a trail twice. Stairs and a creek leap included. Than it finished down hill and looping around a lake.
My friend trained up to a mile before this race and also on road. During this race my goal was to stay with her (this sounds horrible, because it should of been the obvious choice, but I start running and I get in the zone and just go). I found it some what easy until the end. I wanted to just fly, but she had to remind to slow down. This race improved my mental run.
I am very very very impressed and proud of my friend. We didn't use MP3 players to distract us and she pushed on wards through out the race. Even through calf pain and numb feet she ran as much as she could. She was inspiring to see through all of this.
We placed 1st and 2nd in our age categories, but we were the only ones in it. I still believe she deserves that place because she pushed herself and conquered a new challenge.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Its All Mental
This week I accomplished 25.5 miles. I finally tapped into the power of waking up and running. I ran 2 miles Monday out of stress relief before a long day.
On Thursday I was off work so I decided to run my long run early. I ended up doing 3 miles, because I haven't yet bought hammer gels for the endurance.
Friday I tried again. In 3 hours I accomplished 6 miles. The reason it took so long was because I ran into two adorble boys who I subbed in pre-school who talked my ear off. Than I ran into a fellow runner who I ended up chatting with and hopefully set up a swimming routine with.
Today, Saturday, I woke up at 6:30 am and started running at 7:50 am. My muscles did not wake up unitl after the 1st 5k. I enjoyed the high 60s, muggy feel, overcast, and wind that accompanied me through out my run. During my frist 5k I saw 1 out of 4 of sisters that are my friends. During the 2nd round I saw the other (running with her for her first 5k race on Memorial Day. I am EXCITED for her!). On my 6 through 9 lap the youngest of them joined me for a little while.
During this lap my mp3 player died. I ran the last 1.5 miles without music. I swtiched to my iTouch for my 9 to 12 lap. I started running and couldn't get it on. I ended up running about 3 miles all together without music and loved it!
Facing my fear (after telling my friend that passing over mental blocks is key to running) I went out to run/walk the last lap to make it my first 15 mile run and I finished. I felt strong and at ease. I ran it in 2 hour and 28 minutes!!!
On Thursday I was off work so I decided to run my long run early. I ended up doing 3 miles, because I haven't yet bought hammer gels for the endurance.
Friday I tried again. In 3 hours I accomplished 6 miles. The reason it took so long was because I ran into two adorble boys who I subbed in pre-school who talked my ear off. Than I ran into a fellow runner who I ended up chatting with and hopefully set up a swimming routine with.
Today, Saturday, I woke up at 6:30 am and started running at 7:50 am. My muscles did not wake up unitl after the 1st 5k. I enjoyed the high 60s, muggy feel, overcast, and wind that accompanied me through out my run. During my frist 5k I saw 1 out of 4 of sisters that are my friends. During the 2nd round I saw the other (running with her for her first 5k race on Memorial Day. I am EXCITED for her!). On my 6 through 9 lap the youngest of them joined me for a little while.
During this lap my mp3 player died. I ran the last 1.5 miles without music. I swtiched to my iTouch for my 9 to 12 lap. I started running and couldn't get it on. I ended up running about 3 miles all together without music and loved it!
Facing my fear (after telling my friend that passing over mental blocks is key to running) I went out to run/walk the last lap to make it my first 15 mile run and I finished. I felt strong and at ease. I ran it in 2 hour and 28 minutes!!!
Monday, May 24, 2010
No Walls
On Monday I went out to run. About a mile and a half I got sick in the stomach and dizzy. This is the worse I ever felt it. I decided to stop and go to a friends house to cool down and get water/a banana.
I was nervous to run and finally decided to get myself up early and run on Saturday morning. My course in the neighborhood, 5k distance, was expanded by a neighborhood next door to it. My course became a 10k once through.
I ran a 10k straight through in abot 56 minutes. Than the only reason I stoped was for water to make sure I didn't get dehydrated. The last 10k felt great. I hit mile 8.5 and my mantra became "no wall, no wall!" It worked with the adding of the gu in moderation through out the rest of the miles. I ran all of it until I hit mile 11.5. I finished this distance in an hour and 52 minutes!
I enjoyed the course, because the first half is a neighborhood that is full of life and people. Plenty of distractions. The second half is empty since its not open yet. This is when I can become connected with myself and my surroundings.
Meditation is what I do when I run. Its my relaxion and my way to work things out. For example I woke this morning to stressful news. Before I went to work I went for a 2 mile run. What a great way to start the day!
I was nervous to run and finally decided to get myself up early and run on Saturday morning. My course in the neighborhood, 5k distance, was expanded by a neighborhood next door to it. My course became a 10k once through.
I ran a 10k straight through in abot 56 minutes. Than the only reason I stoped was for water to make sure I didn't get dehydrated. The last 10k felt great. I hit mile 8.5 and my mantra became "no wall, no wall!" It worked with the adding of the gu in moderation through out the rest of the miles. I ran all of it until I hit mile 11.5. I finished this distance in an hour and 52 minutes!
I enjoyed the course, because the first half is a neighborhood that is full of life and people. Plenty of distractions. The second half is empty since its not open yet. This is when I can become connected with myself and my surroundings.
Meditation is what I do when I run. Its my relaxion and my way to work things out. For example I woke this morning to stressful news. Before I went to work I went for a 2 mile run. What a great way to start the day!
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