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The truth and some redemption…

October 16, 2011 by Kristy 10 Comments

10/16/11
13 miles / 1:48:55 / 8:23 avg pace

I ran last Friday and didn’t even blog about it. Who cares, right? Yes, but I want this blog to be an honest look at my running. I was too frustrated and pissed off to even mention Friday’s run. I set out to run 13 miles and ended up with 9 at a slow 9:24 average pace. I never cut a long run short. I can run through blood, freezing temps, boiling hot temps but I never cut a run short. So I was clearly PO’d enough to call it quits.

Friday’s run basically went like this: 9:00 pace (normally my LSD pace) felt labored. Maybe I needed to warm-up? Nope. After 5 miles, I passed my car and was ready to throw in the towel. But I didn’t. Two miles later I was officially DONE and turned around and headed back to my car. I was more frustrated than anything. What the hell was going on?

As I posted earlier this week, I’ve been having trouble breathing when running. It just feels way more labored then it should. I’ve already mulled over the possibility that I’m completely out of shape but I realize that is irrational and just plain crazy. The more I thought about it the more I kept thinking it was my asthma. My asthma is never an issue anymore, due to some incredible medications that keep it under control. But I got a cold a few weeks ago and it started drifting into my chest which is never good for my asthma.

I took Saturday as a mental health day from running. And vowed to come back strong on Sunday.

I used my inhaler pre-run on Sunday (I did the same on Friday). I generally use it pre-run when I’m sick or when it’s very cold out. I was determined to make this a good run. I started out at MP (8:30), dropped the pace slightly, and then stayed consistent. I felt great and my breathing was right where it should be. Ah, redemption tastes so sweet 🙂

It’s funny that I finished right around my half marathon PR. I’m now ready for the Philly Half. Bring it.

Got any redemption runs this weekend to brag about? I have to give a shout out to Kara and Alyssa for going sub-4:00 at the Baltimore Marathon yesterday. Way to go ladies!

Friday Favorites

October 14, 2011 by Kristy 15 Comments

10/14/11

I’m bringing back Friday Favorites…at least this week anyway. Months ago I ran out of things that could be “favorite” worthy so I stopped posting about it. Matt suggested Friday Rants, where I could probably go on and on, but I thought that would be too negative. Here goes…

Chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream
Delicious! One of my favorite desserts, aside from my beloved DQ Blizzard. And it MUST be served with vanilla ice cream…whipped cream would be nice too.

Molten Chocolate Lava Cake — A larger scoop of ice cream is necessary

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Deep tissue massage
I got my first deep tissue massage last night and it was heavenly. In the past I stuck to the traditional Swedish massage but for my hamstring’s sake I went with deep tissue. It was fabulous but the massage therapist could have dug a little deeper, especially on my right hammie, hip, and glute. I wanted it to hurts-so-good. Unfortunately, it’s an expensive favorite too 🙁

Pinterest
I’m not crafty or creative in the least so it’s a shock that I enjoy perusing Pinterest. I don’t even use it to its full potential but I love just looking at all the home ideas. We are re-doing both of our bathrooms and it’s great to visualize different colors and ideas. Using door knobs as towels hooks? Genius (pic here if you think it sounds weird)! Search on “running” and you may lose your mind. So many great quotes. A few of my favorites…

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Your turn! Share a Friday Favorite or two!

Back On Track

October 13, 2011 by Kristy 10 Comments

10/13/11
6 miles
*3 x 1200 @ 10K pace…a mini speed session.

I was winded during Tuesday’s tempo run (3 miles at 8:00 pace). Breathing labored, wishing the run was over, and hating life. That kind of run. I kept thinking how the hell am I going to run faster than this next month (at the Philly Half)? And…how out of shape did I manage to get in 4 short weeks post-marathon?

My 4 weeks after the Lehigh Valley Marathon looked like this:
Week 1 – race a half marathon (bad idea)
Weeks 2 and 3 – take it easy because of bad idea (and by “take it easy” I did run…just 2-3 times a week and nothing over 6 miles)
Week 4 – 34 miles of easy runs

I’m not out of shape. Seeing it written out in black and white makes it more clear. You’re supposed to rest after a marathon, lay off the speed work, and just enjoy not training for a bit.

BUT…

It took me sooo long to get my speed to this point, I’m terrified of losing it. I worked so hard and I want to further build on the foundation that I have now.

So I made it back to the track today to prepare for the Philly Half. I’m staying away from the crazy speed work I once did (running until my lungs screamed). For now, 10K pace is adequate and will allow me to improve and maintain, which is all I can really ask for.

AND I’m chalking that tempo run up to a bad run day. Yep, just like a bad hair day.

Have you ever been afraid of losing fitness, endurance, speed, etc. after a race that you trained months for? I must admit, I’m a little nutso about it right now.

Summer In October

October 11, 2011 by Kristy 18 Comments

10/11/11
5 miles / 44:10 / 8:50 avg pace
*1 mile WU, 3 miles at 8:00 pace, 1 mile CD

Happy Tuesday friends! After a long weekend of sun and fun, it’s back to reality.

Matt and I headed to Brigantine, NJ on Saturday for a long weekend. Saturday through Monday were perfect beach days…days you dream about during the summer…much less in October. We could not get over how unbelievably warm it was.

Hawk thoroughly enjoyed himself. Loved the sand, but water…not so much.

DSCN1867 — Hawk enjoyed snacking on shells

We sat on the beach until 5pm on Sunday. It was too gorgeous to leave.

DSCN1890 — Miller Lite makes everything better

Before we hit the beach on Sunday, I was glued to my computer watching live coverage of the Chicago Marathon. It did not disappoint. Moses and Liliya were fascinating to watch but did you read about the pregnant woman (very pregnant, as in 39 weeks) that ran the marathon and gave birth later that night (article here)? Holy crap! She ran the first half and walked the second half, finishing in an impressive 6:25! UNREAL!

Big Marathon Weekend

October 7, 2011 by Kristy 8 Comments

10/7/11
10 miles / 1:30 / 9:00 avg pace

Brr, it was cold this morning but I loved it! Despite being someone who is always cold, I think the best running weather is about 47-50 degrees. Very technical, I know. Perfect for shorts, a long-sleeve tech T, and gloves.

I had a great run this morning. Me and the right hamstring have made amends. I decided to run on the trail for a change of scenery. For some reason, they keep laying down more and more rocks on the trail. Aren’t trails supposed to be left alone? Isn’t that the appeal of running on them? This trail seems more man-made…and I kept rolling my ankle on those damn rocks. I will make a terrible ultra runner.

Matt and I are headed to Brigantine this weekend for some R&R. It’s supposed to be a beautiful, warm weekend. Perfect for the shore! Since dogs are allowed on the beach after October 1, Hawk is heading to the beach for the first time!

I’ll be stalking (er, tracking) like a crazy lady on Sunday with Chicago, Portland, and Steamtown all taking place on the same day. I wish everyone good weather and a great race if you are running!

A few shout-outs…

Chicago: go Larry…think and believe sub-4:00!
Portland: go Claire go! You will, you can, do this!
Steamtown: Candace, enjoy your first marathon! Celia, 3:34:59, go get it!

Random Thursday Thoughts

October 6, 2011 by Kristy 13 Comments

10/6/11
6 miles / 54:40 / 9:06 avg pace

1. Kara Goucher posted this on her FB page yesterday:

As some of you may have already read, Alberto and I are no longer working together. He has been a vital part of my running career and life, and helped me to achieve many of my goals. However, we both felt it was time to go in separate directions. I do not yet know what my future coaching situation will be, but I look forward to exploring the next chapter in my running career.

Hmmm…scandalous! I haven’t had time to investigate. Does anyone know why?

2. These are delicious. I ate my way through 2 bags already.

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3. I wore gloves this week when running. I love it…it’s a true sign that Fall running weather is here. I don’t love cold hands.

4. I need to get to lululemon. My wish list is rather extensive: Run: Inspire Crop, Run: Swiftly Tech Long Sleeve, etc, etc.

That’s all I got today, folks!

Got the scoop on Kara? Broke out the gloves yet? Got a random thought to share?