Once again, I've been bad about posting. My runs have been going great- my longest is 13. The leg feels awesome! I've been swimming 3x a week and feel pretty good about that too. The problem is the bike. I haven't been out on the road in over 6 weeks. I've been on my trainer 2x a week for 45-50 minutes but it's not the same.
My goal for this tri was to use it as a training run for the Columbia. I wanted to get some open water swim practice in and also get on my bike. I knew I'd get killed on the bike but at least I'd be getting an actual bike ride in. I wasn't worried about the run.
I drove up to Culpeper Saturday afternoon to pick up my packet and look at the race course. It's a 16 mile bike course and it was very pretty. It starts out on a big hill and is rolling from there. There are some sharp turns along the way, but it didn't seem too bad. The run was hilly, but again, I wasn't worried about the run.
Sunday morning we left the house at 5:50 and the sky was very overcast. I was stressing about the weather all week because I didn't want to ride my bike on wet roads. We got all settled with about 15 minutes to spare and hung out by the water. My goal for the swim was to do more freestyle. I wss the 4th wave and I started on the outside because I didn't want to get kicked. The swim actually went pretty well. Except for a few wayward swimmers running into me, I didn't get stuck. I swam way more freestyle which was good, I think. My dilema here is that I swim breast stroke about as fast as I swim freestyle. Not a good thing. I figure with both being equal, I'd pick breast every time because I can see. I'll have to work more on that. I was encouraged because when I did do free, I swam really straight.
I took my time in transition because I wasn't "racing" and I didn't care. Also, apparently my oldest daughter has been using my bike helmet. Because I haven't actually been riding my bike, the first time I put it on was as I was about to start the bike leg. It was way tighter than I usually wear it. There was no time to fix it so I wore a super tight helmet. It was lightly raining as I started the bike. This turned into pouring and I got to the point when I just wanted it to be over. I got passed so many times it started making me mad. I knew I wasn't going to do well, but I still hate to get passed. I don't mean just someone getting in front of me. These people were flying by me like I was standing still. Not fun. There is a very sharp turn at the end of the bike that I was praying about as I was riding. I didn't care how slow I went, I just didn't want to fall off my bike. I made it and off to the run I went.
My transition was good- except for getting the helmet off. I couldn't. It was tight and I actually contemplated what I would do if I had to run in it. Luckily, I managed to get it off. When I started, my legs were dead. I seriously couldn't feel my toes. My socks were soaking and I felt like I was shuffling. I haven't practiced any "bricks" and I can tell I need to. It took about a mile to get feeling back in my legs, but then I felt pretty good. I passed tons of people which felt good. I finished strong and as usual had way too much energy when I finished.
I was completely exhausted after I was done. I was just so happy to have it over with. I need to seriously work on my bike in the next three weeks. I also need to work on some bricks to get my legs used to going from one event to the next. On a good note, I'm not sore today. I was going to swim this morning but decided my body would appreciate the rest.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Hanover Liberty 10K Race Report
I was in PA this weekend and planned on running a 10K to replace my tradition of running a local 5K. (I tried really hard to find a 5K, but had no success. In fact, we had to drive over 30 minutes just to run this one. I am spoiled living in such a running community.) The plan was for DH and I to run the 10K and my SIL was going to run the 2 miler with my two oldest. Well, DH got sick a few days before the race and bailed on me. (I actually really encouraged him to only run the 2 miler because he has a nasty head cold and I don't want him to get sicker.)
Anyway... back to the 10K. I wasn't feeling great. I was super tired and my legs were a bit jittery. I don't know what that was all about- it has never happened to me before. My plan was to not really race it but not jog it either. I was going to go out slow the first mile and then see how it went.
I was intimidated at the start when I saw only super fit people line up. I'd say there were probably about 70 people lined up. These are the two conversations I overheard:
Conversation #1
Man to lady who was sweaty: How far you running today?
Sweaty lady: 17- I just finished 10 and I'll use the race for my other 7.
me (in my head)- Are you crazy?
Conversation #2 as I was lining up toward the back of the starting blog
Man #1: What's your pace today?
Man #2: Oh, I'm running an 8 minute mile so you better get in front of me
Me (in my head, again- 2 thoughts): #1 I'm ahead of you both- What are you doing starting so far back? #2 I hope all those people ahead of me aren't running way faster than the two of you!
So, my first mile I tried to be slow. The problem was.. I have no idea where the first mile ended. There were no mile markers or timers on the whole course. I was a little frustrated with that. So, I just kept on running. The course was rolling. Parts of it were really pretty. It was warm but there was a good breeze at times. I passed some people the first few miles but was feeling pretty good. I walked the first water stop. Mostly because my throat was really dry and I wanted to make sure I got a good drink.
I'd say around half-way through we hit this really long hill. I mean REALLY long. It wasn't super steep, but it just kept on going. I really thought it wouldn't ever end. I'd say I was running up that hill for 7-8 minutes. Oh, and that wind that was cooling me off earlier? It was now in my face. I know I slowed down significantly.
After the hill we must have repeated the first part of the route because the rolling hills were back. I was looking for the next water stop, but it never came. I was really disappointed in that. Had I know that beforehand, I would have worn my bat belt. The only other thing that frustrated me was that I had no idea when the finish was coming. Volunteers on the course kept saying "You're almost there." when we really weren't. I walked a little bit more on a rolling section (again, my throat was super dry) and then just put one foot in front of the other. By the last mile there wasn't anyone running with me. I could see the person in front of me, but they weren't close, and there wasn't anyone close behind me either.
I could tell I was close when I saw our car and picked it up the last maybe quarter mile. I didn't think I'd be able to do that, but I always surprise myself. My time: 54:38. I didn't remember the time of my last 10K but now I know that's a PR (personal record). 8:48 minutes per mile.
Some reflections:
- I learned it's good not to always rely on time to gauge how you're doing. I had no idea where each mile started or ended and just ran to how I felt. I think it was a good thing.
- The 11 mile long run helped me with endurance, but I'm lacking speed. I knew that already but this race confirmed why you need to do long slow runs and speed work too. My quads are sore today and I know it's from lack of speed.
- I need to always bring my own water.
Anyway... back to the 10K. I wasn't feeling great. I was super tired and my legs were a bit jittery. I don't know what that was all about- it has never happened to me before. My plan was to not really race it but not jog it either. I was going to go out slow the first mile and then see how it went.
I was intimidated at the start when I saw only super fit people line up. I'd say there were probably about 70 people lined up. These are the two conversations I overheard:
Conversation #1
Man to lady who was sweaty: How far you running today?
Sweaty lady: 17- I just finished 10 and I'll use the race for my other 7.
me (in my head)- Are you crazy?
Conversation #2 as I was lining up toward the back of the starting blog
Man #1: What's your pace today?
Man #2: Oh, I'm running an 8 minute mile so you better get in front of me
Me (in my head, again- 2 thoughts): #1 I'm ahead of you both- What are you doing starting so far back? #2 I hope all those people ahead of me aren't running way faster than the two of you!
So, my first mile I tried to be slow. The problem was.. I have no idea where the first mile ended. There were no mile markers or timers on the whole course. I was a little frustrated with that. So, I just kept on running. The course was rolling. Parts of it were really pretty. It was warm but there was a good breeze at times. I passed some people the first few miles but was feeling pretty good. I walked the first water stop. Mostly because my throat was really dry and I wanted to make sure I got a good drink.
I'd say around half-way through we hit this really long hill. I mean REALLY long. It wasn't super steep, but it just kept on going. I really thought it wouldn't ever end. I'd say I was running up that hill for 7-8 minutes. Oh, and that wind that was cooling me off earlier? It was now in my face. I know I slowed down significantly.
After the hill we must have repeated the first part of the route because the rolling hills were back. I was looking for the next water stop, but it never came. I was really disappointed in that. Had I know that beforehand, I would have worn my bat belt. The only other thing that frustrated me was that I had no idea when the finish was coming. Volunteers on the course kept saying "You're almost there." when we really weren't. I walked a little bit more on a rolling section (again, my throat was super dry) and then just put one foot in front of the other. By the last mile there wasn't anyone running with me. I could see the person in front of me, but they weren't close, and there wasn't anyone close behind me either.
I could tell I was close when I saw our car and picked it up the last maybe quarter mile. I didn't think I'd be able to do that, but I always surprise myself. My time: 54:38. I didn't remember the time of my last 10K but now I know that's a PR (personal record). 8:48 minutes per mile.
Some reflections:
- I learned it's good not to always rely on time to gauge how you're doing. I had no idea where each mile started or ended and just ran to how I felt. I think it was a good thing.
- The 11 mile long run helped me with endurance, but I'm lacking speed. I knew that already but this race confirmed why you need to do long slow runs and speed work too. My quads are sore today and I know it's from lack of speed.
- I need to always bring my own water.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Yankees and more....
Here are some highlights from my NYC trip....
I went out exploring BY MYSELF! I have it admit, it was awesome. I was so proud of myself. The only bad thing is that it was during a torrential downpour. I had an umbrella and a rain coat and I was still soaked. I stepped in two huge puddles and my left foot got soaked. So.. I wasn't out for as long as I'd hoped.
Thursday afternoon we spent 4 hours waiting through a Yankees rain delay. I was freezing and hungry and Kev didn't want to eat at the ballpark. After much deliberation (and calling friends and family to check the weather for me) we decided to leave. You need to know the Yankees have a policy that once you leave the stadium you can't get back in. Well, of course, it stopped raining and they played the game after almost 5 1/2 hours. We were bummed because our seats were awesome. However, I did not come to NYC to sit watching a baseball game for over 8 hours. We went back to our hotel room and watched it on TV. They lost.
Yesterday we decided to get my long run in. It was supposed to be today but weather.com was predicting 80% chance of rain. We headed to Central Park to do a 5.25 mile loop 2x. It started out overcast and very humid and the sun eventually came out. Kevin did the first loop with me but I was on my own for the second. It was really tough. I was soaked- completely. I ran the whole thing and it was such a good feeling to finish. The best part about that run was finishing it! I feel bad for the people on our subway car who had to smell us. On a side note- I got some very interesting looks on the way to Central Park because of my "bat belt" as Kevin calls it.
It was funny because I was thinking "Of all the strange things I've seen, you people think my fuel belt is weird?"
I went out exploring BY MYSELF! I have it admit, it was awesome. I was so proud of myself. The only bad thing is that it was during a torrential downpour. I had an umbrella and a rain coat and I was still soaked. I stepped in two huge puddles and my left foot got soaked. So.. I wasn't out for as long as I'd hoped.
Thursday afternoon we spent 4 hours waiting through a Yankees rain delay. I was freezing and hungry and Kev didn't want to eat at the ballpark. After much deliberation (and calling friends and family to check the weather for me) we decided to leave. You need to know the Yankees have a policy that once you leave the stadium you can't get back in. Well, of course, it stopped raining and they played the game after almost 5 1/2 hours. We were bummed because our seats were awesome. However, I did not come to NYC to sit watching a baseball game for over 8 hours. We went back to our hotel room and watched it on TV. They lost.
Yesterday we decided to get my long run in. It was supposed to be today but weather.com was predicting 80% chance of rain. We headed to Central Park to do a 5.25 mile loop 2x. It started out overcast and very humid and the sun eventually came out. Kevin did the first loop with me but I was on my own for the second. It was really tough. I was soaked- completely. I ran the whole thing and it was such a good feeling to finish. The best part about that run was finishing it! I feel bad for the people on our subway car who had to smell us. On a side note- I got some very interesting looks on the way to Central Park because of my "bat belt" as Kevin calls it.
It was funny because I was thinking "Of all the strange things I've seen, you people think my fuel belt is weird?"
Thursday, June 18, 2009
NYC
I'm in The Big Apple for the weekend with my hubby. We got in yesterday and promptly went for a run in Central Park. 7 miles. It was actually more than 7 because we got into a disagreement over whether or not we were going the right way. I said we were, he said we weren't. Because I'm such a submissive wife, I agreed to do what he said and we ended up back out of the park. It turns out I was right after all.
Today it's pouring. I'm getting ready to head out to explore the city by myself. YIKES! I know Kevin will be proud of me though. We're supposed to go to a Yankees game this afternoon, but I have a feeling it will be cancelled due to rain.
I'm pretending to be a vegetarian for the weekend. I thought it would be fun. I tried to talk Kevin into joining me but he's not interested. This morning I had a spinach omlette (no, I"m not going vegan), and some yogurt with granola. I'm actually excited about it. My only question- do vegetarians eat seafood? I can't remember.
Today it's pouring. I'm getting ready to head out to explore the city by myself. YIKES! I know Kevin will be proud of me though. We're supposed to go to a Yankees game this afternoon, but I have a feeling it will be cancelled due to rain.
I'm pretending to be a vegetarian for the weekend. I thought it would be fun. I tried to talk Kevin into joining me but he's not interested. This morning I had a spinach omlette (no, I"m not going vegan), and some yogurt with granola. I'm actually excited about it. My only question- do vegetarians eat seafood? I can't remember.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Biggest Loser Challenge
I joined "The Biggest Loser Challenge" on sparkpeople.com. I first joined this website when I started training for the Princess Half. I've had between 10-15 pounds to lose for a while now and thought this might be the way to get it off. Today is the second day.
So far it has worked. Today I didn't want to get out of bed. In fact, I was planning on not getting up when the alarm went off at 5:10. With a little shove from my husband (okay, several little shoves), I got out of bed and stumbled to get ready. I was so tired I was dizzy. (My little one was up coughing late last night.) What really got me out of bed though, was my team and how I couldn't bail on them on only the second day. I still don't get the whole thing, but I do know I need to lose weight and the only way that's going to happen is if I get myself out of bed.
So, 30 minutes of swimming today. It seemed especially hard. The pool was long (50 m instead of 25). I was sweating when I was done! Sweating in water is pretty hard so I must have really been working. Tomorrow is strength training and this weekend is another 19 mile bike ride and a 5 mile run.
So far it has worked. Today I didn't want to get out of bed. In fact, I was planning on not getting up when the alarm went off at 5:10. With a little shove from my husband (okay, several little shoves), I got out of bed and stumbled to get ready. I was so tired I was dizzy. (My little one was up coughing late last night.) What really got me out of bed though, was my team and how I couldn't bail on them on only the second day. I still don't get the whole thing, but I do know I need to lose weight and the only way that's going to happen is if I get myself out of bed.
So, 30 minutes of swimming today. It seemed especially hard. The pool was long (50 m instead of 25). I was sweating when I was done! Sweating in water is pretty hard so I must have really been working. Tomorrow is strength training and this weekend is another 19 mile bike ride and a 5 mile run.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Time Trial Done
I finished my 2 mile time trial in 16:28 which translates to an 8:14 mile. I'm happy. I could have run faster, but I'm still happy.
I showed up 25 minutes early to get a warm up run in. I was thinking maybe a mile and a half. As soon as I started running I knew I had to make a trip to the bathroom. (Those nerves!) Now, another quirk about me is that I refuse to go to the bathroom in a port-o-potty unless it's absolutely necessary. My gym is close to the track so I thought I'd just run there and run back in time. After going just a little way I realized it was further than I thought. So, I ran back to my car and drove to the gym. I headed back to the track with 12 minutes to spare. I saw everyone heading to the track so I did a 3 minute warm up and then headed over myself. I missed all the instructions and got there about 2 minutes before it started. I asked the lady next to me what I needed to know and she just said "Stay out of the fast people's way.". I can do that. Off I ran.
My pace was steady throughout. In fact, my first mile was 8:15. I really don't know how to pace myself for that distance, so I was being conservative. I sprinted the last eighth of a mile. I do know that at the end of a 2 mile race you should NOT be able to sprint at the end. Oh well, live and learn I guess. I'm excited to have this behind me and get my training program soon.
I showed up 25 minutes early to get a warm up run in. I was thinking maybe a mile and a half. As soon as I started running I knew I had to make a trip to the bathroom. (Those nerves!) Now, another quirk about me is that I refuse to go to the bathroom in a port-o-potty unless it's absolutely necessary. My gym is close to the track so I thought I'd just run there and run back in time. After going just a little way I realized it was further than I thought. So, I ran back to my car and drove to the gym. I headed back to the track with 12 minutes to spare. I saw everyone heading to the track so I did a 3 minute warm up and then headed over myself. I missed all the instructions and got there about 2 minutes before it started. I asked the lady next to me what I needed to know and she just said "Stay out of the fast people's way.". I can do that. Off I ran.
My pace was steady throughout. In fact, my first mile was 8:15. I really don't know how to pace myself for that distance, so I was being conservative. I sprinted the last eighth of a mile. I do know that at the end of a 2 mile race you should NOT be able to sprint at the end. Oh well, live and learn I guess. I'm excited to have this behind me and get my training program soon.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Marathon Training?
I took the plunge and decided to officially sign up for our local marathon training program. I've been contemplating it for a while. I'm so afraid I'm going to get hurt in the process that I don't want to make it "official". Whatever, Lisa.
Tomorrow morning at 6:30 I have a two mile time trial at the local track. I've heard from someone who's done it that it's very official (they have a real time clock). I know I shouldn't be nervous but I wouldn't be me if I wasn't. I really have no idea what to expect. I can run an 8:35 pace for 3.1 miles- can I run an 8 minute mile for 2? My biggest fear is that I'll start out too fast and die at the end. Or else, start out too slow and be mad at myself because I could have run faster. It doesn't matter- at the end of it I'll be able to get a customized training program. I'd prefer it to be more conservative anyway, so it's probably better if I'm not too fast.
On another note- I biked 19 miles last weekend and got an 8 mile run in. My leg feels good, just a slight tightness that I'm keeping my eye on.
Tomorrow morning at 6:30 I have a two mile time trial at the local track. I've heard from someone who's done it that it's very official (they have a real time clock). I know I shouldn't be nervous but I wouldn't be me if I wasn't. I really have no idea what to expect. I can run an 8:35 pace for 3.1 miles- can I run an 8 minute mile for 2? My biggest fear is that I'll start out too fast and die at the end. Or else, start out too slow and be mad at myself because I could have run faster. It doesn't matter- at the end of it I'll be able to get a customized training program. I'd prefer it to be more conservative anyway, so it's probably better if I'm not too fast.
On another note- I biked 19 miles last weekend and got an 8 mile run in. My leg feels good, just a slight tightness that I'm keeping my eye on.
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