A Strong 4 Miles

Time: 50:00 min.
Distance: 3.98 mi.
Pace: 12:33 m/mi
Time of Day: 6:20 a.m.
Weather: 63°F. cloudy, overcast, windy

I can't remember the last time I ran 4 miles. But I am working very hard to stick to my training schedule. I felt so good on my last 2 runs that I figured today would be a comfortable stretch and I was right. I should have eaten a banana before I headed out. I was feeling really hungry by the time I got back, even weak. I quickly ate a banana and drank some water but it took about 15-20 minutes before I felt better.  A lesson to be learned there.

Add Distance Slowly

Saturday, 09/04


Distance: 3.88
Time: 48:57
Pace: 12:37 m/mi.
Time of day: 10:35 a.m.
Weather: Absolutely fabulous! Mid-60's, sunny, bright, breezy


I was really looking forward to running Saturday. It was an absolutely fabulous day! A forecasted high in the low 70's meant I could run any darn time I wanted to. So while The Love was out getting a haircut, I was out running. 


I did pretty well. I upped my mileage from 3 to almost 4 miles. Probably I should have done just 3.5 miles, because I did have 2 1-minute walking periods. Not terrible, mostly an indication of too big of an increase. The good news is I felt great afterwards and all day. 


A bit of good news. I weighed and checked my body measurements. I have had a really stressful summer and with the heat & humidity keeping me from running I knew I had gained a couple pounds. The good news is that my body measurements stayed the same and the weight gain truly was just a couple of pounds. Although the stress is still with me, I believe I can manage it better with running thus eating less. I sure hope so anyway. 

Just a Quick 2 Miles

Distance: 2.1 mi.
Time: 24:14 min.
Pace: 11:32/mi
Time of Day: 11:15 a.m.
Temperature: 45°F, 40°F WC. Cloudy, cool, rainy

Just a short, quick 2 mile run today. I can't believe I can actually say that. Six months ago 2 miles seemed impossible. My pace was good especially since I ran on the road, not the track.

Had a great converation with Coach Jeni. We discussed different pacing philosophies when you race. She starts slower and saves energy and momentum for the last half. It is called negative split when you run a race faster in the last half than the first half. However some people run a steady pace. What will I do? Hmm, no clue at this point. We also discussed eating before the race. I know I will need to have some kind of nourishment before I race. (I wake up hungry.) So I need to figure out what works for me over the next few weeks. I'm thinking that pancakes are definitely out.

So here are the things I need to think about and work on to get race ready:

• stamina and endurance
• breathing
• form as it relates to my arms
• nutrition: before race, during race
• water intake

How silly I was to think that all you did was go out and run!

Also, kudos to my handsome son, Scott, who ran the St. Patty's Day 5-miler in 43:28!

To (Double) Knot or Not?

Saturday's Stats
Distance 5.24 mi.
Time: 1:05:11
Pace: 12:36/mi.
Time of day: 12 noon
Temp: 45°F, 39°F Wind chill; cloudy, cold, rainy

Today was a great run despite the cloudy and cold weather. I had a great pace and felt strong throughout the run.

I learned 2 lessons today.

1. I will double knot my running shoes from now on. This is the 2nd time I have had to stop to tie a shoe. I don't want that to happen during the half-marathon so the answer is, definitely double knot.
2. No pancakes before I run. I made pancakes for breakfast for The Love and me. I waited a good 90 minutes before heading out to run. Honestly, if I had had to run more than my scheduled 5 miles, I think I would have needed to stop and throw up. Despite 7-Up when I got home my stomach was upset most of the afternoon.

Today was a really good run and I'm pleased with my training progress.