So what keeps you motivated?
I decided (as many of you know) that I won't drink coffee if I don't go running. That limits my coffee to a few days a week and keeps me motivated to run. This morning was like Saturday morning- I got up at 5:30, put on my running stuff... and then saw that it was raining. Not storming, but raining nonetheless.
I would have gotten back in bed if it wasn't for the coffee rule. I did make it a short run, only a mile, but I made it a speed-work mile, switching between sprinting and jogging. I hate those, but they're great for a short run.
Thanks for keeping up with the posts- it definitely keeps me motivated.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
And our 6th buddy is...
...Lyndsey! We are now complete and registered with 74 days left to train.
Thanks for the info about running uphill, Nat. There will likely be a fair amount of uphill in the race. Does anyone have any advice for biking uphill? When I have a bit of time I'll look up some info on it and share.
I ran my 3 miles this morning. It was harder today than last week. I felt slower too. Maybe not enough sleep last night. Had the cycling class this evening. It was also harder. I think I need to be more disciplined about getting enough sleep, like Nat's post mentioned. I'll make that happen tomorrow and then see how my Friday run goes.
How was your run today, Shonda?
Thanks for the info about running uphill, Nat. There will likely be a fair amount of uphill in the race. Does anyone have any advice for biking uphill? When I have a bit of time I'll look up some info on it and share.
I ran my 3 miles this morning. It was harder today than last week. I felt slower too. Maybe not enough sleep last night. Had the cycling class this evening. It was also harder. I think I need to be more disciplined about getting enough sleep, like Nat's post mentioned. I'll make that happen tomorrow and then see how my Friday run goes.
How was your run today, Shonda?
Wednesday Morning May 12
Today I ran on Eddy Road. The other day I read an article from Trail Runner that had interesting suggestions for running uphill. I tried the last suggestion and could really feel the benefit in my lower legs.
Sidestep Tough Climbs
Danny Dreyer, author of Chi Running and a renowned coach who integrates tai-chi principles into trail running, recommends turning your hips to the side to take the workload off your quads and hamstrings, and better engage your core muscles when going up steep inclines to avoid exhausting your legs.
Facing uphill with your feet pointing at 12-o'clock, turn only your feet to 10-o'clock. Keep your feet at this angle as you run, slightly crossing your feet in front of each other. "The key," says Dreyer, "is to engage your side (oblique) stomach muscles, by accentuating the motion of the downhill arm. Swing this arm strongly across your body and up to your chin, just like an upper cut." After about six to 10 steps, switch sides by moving your feet to a two-o'clock position.
If you click the Trail Runner link above, you can read the entire article.
This morning I did speed work on the flat part of the road in anticipation of decreasing my mile time. I think instead of Monday, I will run my two miles on Sunday and take Mondays off from now on. Tuesdays and Thursdays are becoming my weight training days. Tomorrow I am meeting with a personal trainer to help with strength training.
Sidestep Tough Climbs
Danny Dreyer, author of Chi Running and a renowned coach who integrates tai-chi principles into trail running, recommends turning your hips to the side to take the workload off your quads and hamstrings, and better engage your core muscles when going up steep inclines to avoid exhausting your legs.
Facing uphill with your feet pointing at 12-o'clock, turn only your feet to 10-o'clock. Keep your feet at this angle as you run, slightly crossing your feet in front of each other. "The key," says Dreyer, "is to engage your side (oblique) stomach muscles, by accentuating the motion of the downhill arm. Swing this arm strongly across your body and up to your chin, just like an upper cut." After about six to 10 steps, switch sides by moving your feet to a two-o'clock position.
If you click the Trail Runner link above, you can read the entire article.
This morning I did speed work on the flat part of the road in anticipation of decreasing my mile time. I think instead of Monday, I will run my two miles on Sunday and take Mondays off from now on. Tuesdays and Thursdays are becoming my weight training days. Tomorrow I am meeting with a personal trainer to help with strength training.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Getting There
I looked up how to get to the park. Click on the link to see the recommend routes from my house.
Harriman State Park.
When you are asked to choose a starting location, choose 13494 Eddy Road Amesville (Apparently google maps doesn't know our address is Athens)
It is little less than 10 hrs from my house.
Harriman State Park.
When you are asked to choose a starting location, choose 13494 Eddy Road Amesville (Apparently google maps doesn't know our address is Athens)
It is little less than 10 hrs from my house.
Yes, I finally did.....Get my run in.
I feel that I can finally show my face on our Got Your Run In blog--because I am finally running. Not far and not fast, but running again. As you know, my first run in about forever was last Thursday with Natalie on a bike trail here in Columbus.
We were hosting the CO for week and had guests from Cameroon for the weekend and the SAD on Saturday--so like Julie, life was busy. Unlike Julie, I did not run before the SAD. However, I was very active all day Friday (cleaning is similar to interval and strength training don't you think?) and Sunday Francois and I did a fair amount of walking/hiking including hills and a cave (note: although it was fun for us because we just stumbled upon it, I cannot recommend the Olentangy Indian Caverns tour of the cave unless you really enjoy retro 60's era tourist sites that haven't been well-maintained). We had no meeting Sunday-so we just took a day to relax. Stayed home in the morning and then ended up exploring parts of Columbus and discovering things to do. As we were taking the back way to the far side of the Hoover Reservoir to take a hike we drove through Powell, so, we stopped. We took a walk around the antique and other shops there then got back in the car and kept going. That's how we found the Indian Caverns. Then as we continued we saw the Alum Creek Damn and stopped to hiked around there. We never made it to Hoover. It was a good day.
But this is about running. Yesterday morning I went out for another run. 2 miles. Twice around a park near my house. Like Natalie, I am taking it slow the first couple of weeks. I am planning on running again tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and would appreciate it if someone checks up on me. It makes me feel more accountable.
So, it's great to finally be here and not just looking in on all your activity!
We were hosting the CO for week and had guests from Cameroon for the weekend and the SAD on Saturday--so like Julie, life was busy. Unlike Julie, I did not run before the SAD. However, I was very active all day Friday (cleaning is similar to interval and strength training don't you think?) and Sunday Francois and I did a fair amount of walking/hiking including hills and a cave (note: although it was fun for us because we just stumbled upon it, I cannot recommend the Olentangy Indian Caverns tour of the cave unless you really enjoy retro 60's era tourist sites that haven't been well-maintained). We had no meeting Sunday-so we just took a day to relax. Stayed home in the morning and then ended up exploring parts of Columbus and discovering things to do. As we were taking the back way to the far side of the Hoover Reservoir to take a hike we drove through Powell, so, we stopped. We took a walk around the antique and other shops there then got back in the car and kept going. That's how we found the Indian Caverns. Then as we continued we saw the Alum Creek Damn and stopped to hiked around there. We never made it to Hoover. It was a good day.
But this is about running. Yesterday morning I went out for another run. 2 miles. Twice around a park near my house. Like Natalie, I am taking it slow the first couple of weeks. I am planning on running again tomorrow morning (Wednesday) and would appreciate it if someone checks up on me. It makes me feel more accountable.
So, it's great to finally be here and not just looking in on all your activity!
SECRETS OF SPEED
(August 2009 Runners World)
Lose Weight
A five-pound weight loss can take more than two minutes off your half-marathon time. Plus, weight loss can reduce your injury risk and improve your biomechanics.
Wear Less
Don't wear things that will slow you down. That means no fuel belt, no headphones, no iPhone, no long-sleeve shirt around your waist, and no heavy shoes.
Sleep More
Research from Stanford University indicates that athletes who get more sleep during training have better reaction time and speed. Even if you can't get 10 hours of sleep like the study subjects, the researchers say that just a 20-minute nap can help performance.
Drink Caffeine
Not only is caffeine credited with improved alertness and increased focus, newer research suggests it can improve pain tolerance and help you fatigue less quickly. To get the most out of caffeine, down a cup of plain tea or coffee (not a mocha frappuccino) 30 to 60 minutes before a race or hard workout.
Limit the Junk Food
Sugar can actually trigger hunger, which can lead to weight gain. Plus, you'll get more out of your mileage with long-lasting staples like whole-grain rice and pasta than with sugary foods that can cause sluggishness—not what you want if you're pushing for speed.
Lose Weight
A five-pound weight loss can take more than two minutes off your half-marathon time. Plus, weight loss can reduce your injury risk and improve your biomechanics.
Wear Less
Don't wear things that will slow you down. That means no fuel belt, no headphones, no iPhone, no long-sleeve shirt around your waist, and no heavy shoes.
Sleep More
Research from Stanford University indicates that athletes who get more sleep during training have better reaction time and speed. Even if you can't get 10 hours of sleep like the study subjects, the researchers say that just a 20-minute nap can help performance.
Drink Caffeine
Not only is caffeine credited with improved alertness and increased focus, newer research suggests it can improve pain tolerance and help you fatigue less quickly. To get the most out of caffeine, down a cup of plain tea or coffee (not a mocha frappuccino) 30 to 60 minutes before a race or hard workout.
Limit the Junk Food
Sugar can actually trigger hunger, which can lead to weight gain. Plus, you'll get more out of your mileage with long-lasting staples like whole-grain rice and pasta than with sugary foods that can cause sluggishness—not what you want if you're pushing for speed.
Monday, May 10, 2010
My Second Goal Met
This morning I ran from Alvis Auto Supply to Blaze Linton's house. My two miler without stopping. I did it in 22:14. My goal for next week is to run two miles again but at a faster speed.
Then I will run three miles the following Monday. I'm trying to build a good base and not injure myself now that I'm old. (hehehe)
I've been able to run virtually every day. I didn't run last Tuesday but did every other day last week. I'm going to the gym ("oh a gym"-Homer) this afternoon and see about weight training. That is something I am not very good at. I definitely do not feel strong. So I'll let you know how it goes.
Then I will run three miles the following Monday. I'm trying to build a good base and not injure myself now that I'm old. (hehehe)
I've been able to run virtually every day. I didn't run last Tuesday but did every other day last week. I'm going to the gym ("oh a gym"-Homer) this afternoon and see about weight training. That is something I am not very good at. I definitely do not feel strong. So I'll let you know how it goes.
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