Outdoor Running

Had a fantastic long run yesterday...the weather was "warm", in the sun with the wind at my back, it felt great. Heading into the wind with the sun hiding, a tad cold. But it was still so fantastic to be running outside. Have I mentioned how much I hate the gym and treadmill running?

I ran along a well traveled road, and as the banks of snow are inching away, they are revealing the trash that people have been tossing out their car windows all winter long. People are slobs. Diapers, juice bottles, wrappers--you name it, I saw it.

I also ran sans Garmin, which was a terrifying thought since I have become a slave to the Garmin. Which is prohably part of the problem. It felt great to just RUN. And I ended up having a fantastic run--well under target but yet felt fantastic.

Can't wait to run outside again...tomorrow I think. Conference week this week which means getting creative with my work out schedule. Ok. Not really creative but I can't run at the times I normally do...but the extra light in the evenings should allow me to do my runs no problem. 

Oh and I continue to follow a training program that coincides with the 1/2 in May. Which I haven't signed up for and I really am not sure if I am doing it. But if I don't follow a training program? I won't run.

Good luck everyone trying to get into B2B--trying to get a number is more anxiety provoking than the actual race!!!

Turning

I am feeling stronger each run. I had a great 8 mile run this morning--I love starting my Saturdays with a nice run--energizes me for the day and always puts me in a more patient mood as well.  My leg feels good. I do have twitches of pain from time to time but I am not sure if it is phantom pain or psychosomatic or something. Probably.

The "warm" temps today makes me think that outdoor running will be back quite soon--roads around here are finally clearing--can't wait to say goodbye to the treadmill!

Ramblings...

I just found out the other namesake to this blog, doesn't even read it anymore.

I programmed in a running program for a half in May. Today I had a very disappointing tempo run--a 5 miler that I made into 4. Normally I never allow myself to cut a workout short because I am all too aware that giving yourself permission just once to stop opens the door...And shit. I have opened that door I guess.

This training program has me running the half at an unrealistic time...8:40s for a 1:53 or something. While that would be lovely to do--it is doubtful. I did not hit my goal times for the last half, and while the race was somewhat influenced by injury, I am not sure I would have been able to do it much faster. But this program is based on the 1/2 time...

Whenever I train I always run faster than the target pace for every single run (easy, tempo, long)--the slated times seem too slow to me, so I just ignore them---I am wondering if it is possible that I set myself up by doing that? Logically I wouldn't think it would hurt to run at a faster pace but maybe it does?

I love running

I do. I feel better when I run. A morning run means a more patient Amy. And a more energetic one. I hit the treadmill this morning at the gym...I realized that when you are sick, it really does impact how you feel exercising. Now that I am healthy (KNOCK ON WOOD. I am actually beating on the coffee table with a baseball bat to cover myself) I have felt fantastic running.

And Russ's ipod selection is far superior to my own. I guess it is time to figure out how to sync up to his library? Is that even how I say it? Russ wiped out my entire ipod a few months ago (accidentally. I think)--since then he uploaded some music--but not a lot, and I have yet to build any new playlists. Today I remembered--music is very important to me when running.

Very non-Zen thoughts on the gym:

They should have running zones and walking zones for treadmills--it is really distracting to run between two walkers.

And with that, if you plan to walk and have a choice, please don't choose to start walking next to someone running.

If you are walking at a 2.5--just stop. It isn't doing you any good. (apologies if you are just starting off with exercising or if you are recovering from something--I guess I will let it slide for some people).

If you are walking and talking the ENTIRE time you are on the treadmill, just stop. It isn't doing you any good.

We all know how I feel about cell phones at the gym--no need to go there.

Just a question--what is the benefit of hopping on a treadmill and running at 8.0 for two minutes and then walking away?

Set your incline to at least 1.0.

Stop looking at my numbers on my screen.

Brush your teeth before going to the gym to huff and puff. And please limit garlic intake the night before. And don't wear perfume. But DO wear deodorant.

Wipe down the machine. Even if you didn't touch it. Just do it. (Russ!).

Based on this--I think I need my own treadmill.

Still kicking!

I think being sick for pretty much weeks on end was a blessing in disguise. Ok I don't believe in blessings in disguise, but what it did do was allow my shin even more time to heal. As a result I have not had any pain while running OR after running.

I am off the Chi Marathon--and Erin and I are looking at a spring half. I cannot wait to "train" with my Bud! I think I have figured out a way to run 4 days a week at the gym, and of course whenever the roads are clear enough I can get runs in right after school any day of the week (spring, please hurry!). So I think we are starting training soon. Like tomorrow, Erin?

Funny how one second you are set on one thing and the next, you can completely turn your back on it. Luckily in this case there is nothing life altering about one's choice in regards to exercise focus.

Other ideas

So I guess my body decided that 6 day a week work outs weren't in the cards last week. Nothing like being knocked down by the flu to put a real damper in your working out. Luckily, I am feeling much better. And believe I will be able to do some sort of workout by early to mid week.

Chicago 2011 is looking more and more realistic. Looks like my friend Christine and I will be the ones hitting the Chi in October. We plan to talk in detail about it on Monday--race registration begins in February.

Thinking of doing a half in the spring...will try to get in for the B2B also. Eyeing a couple of 5Ks with some school friends.

One minor glitch in it all?...oh yeah, gotta get back in running shape. Yikes.

And so it goes....

I think anyone who reads this blog knows how the weekend went. I am so proud of Erin and Russ!

Erin and I have our eye on a couple of halfs (halves?) this spring. I thought I was going to go for a tri, but now I am not so sure. I am seriously contemplating Chicago Marathon 2011. Which means focusing on running. However, if my shin does not like running that much, then perhaps a tri is in order. DOES ANYONE EVEN CARE?

I find myself being mildly appalled at how quickly one can lose toning and conditioning but I am able to very quickly replace that feeling with excitement because I know I have been in a place of solid fitness before. And I am on my way to getting there again. Which is exciting.

I am going to try very hard to work out 6 days a week. I am still alternating running days, but I imagine that within a month (or sooner) I can handle back to back days as long as the mileage isn't too high. I am also tossing some P90x workouts in there because I love me some P90x!

I plan to maintain this blog. So if you care to check in periodically. Go for it.