Day 68: 5.5 PR!

AWESOME run this morning! 5.5 miles again... our time was 56:22. That's 1:49 off Tuesday's time! And we ran our first 2 miles in under 10 minutes each! It was crazy... I looked at my watch after the first mile... 9:36, even with 2 major hills. Second mile was 9:49. Third was 10:13. So great. The 5th mile I thought I might die, and it was much slower, but the last half mile wasn't too bad, since we had a slight downhill, so I was able to recover enough to push through. Our average pace was 10:14/mile... we're getting so close to that 10 min/mile goal! That will probably be the best run of our 5.5 mile set... it seems I have 1 really good, 1 really bad, and 2 ok per distance set. But if this is our best, I'm ok with that. And since my pace improved from my best 5 miler to my best 5.5 miler, I think there's hope for further improvement.

I celebrated tonight with some much deserved beer and pie. All the hard work is worth it for days like today. :-)

Day 67: Best stretch EVER!

So today for my "cross training" I did another yoga class through Active Sol, except it wasn't at the studio. Instead, it was in Peidmont Park. The though of yoga outdoors seemed a little weird to me, but it was amazing. It was so nice out, not too humid or hot with a good breeze, and the distant sounds of flag football teams and passing cars and barking dogs provided a surprisingly soothing soundtrack. The class was a "yin" yoga class, so instead of a lot of flowing poses, we held deep stretching poses for several minutes each. It was really intense, but my hips and thighs and and knees feel a ton better. Best stretch I've done all training. Probably best stretch I've ever done. Which hopefully means a good run tomorrow, right? It was very peaceful to settle into the end meditation with the sun beginning to set, the sky turning pink and purple and orange, and the city lights starting to turn on. I didn't want to leave when the class was over, so I took a little jaunt around the park as well. It's such a great place, full of runners, walkers, bikers, dogs, frisbees... it's green with plenty of trees, a lake, and endless possibilities of paths... everything you could want from a city park. I think we might have to do a run there sometime. I forgot how great it was. Perhaps Sunday... might make the long run feel less long.

Day 66: I definitely need more sleep...

... because getting up for these early morning runs just keeps getting harder. Once I get going, I'm alright, but bed is just so comfortable and it's so hard to open my eyes.

5.5 miles this morning. Our time was pretty good: 58:11, so about 10:34 min/mile. Always room for improvement, but it was a good, hard run. I can definitely tell our hill training is paying off now, and our speed is getting better, because we can maintain about 10:05 on flat parts of the course. So... yay! I'm feeling pretty good today.

Also went to a yoga class (and the addiction begins again...). The class today was kind of like a lighter version of the Ashtanga classes I took at UBS, which is actually perfect. The Ashtanga is tough and I'm feeling pretty sore, so this provided just the right balance between stretching and strengthening, a good workout but without wearing me out completely.

Feeling pretty tight in my hips... need to get that straightened out before Thursday. And sleep! Must do that as well...

Day 65: New yoga studio!

Stretch and strengthen. So good for my tight calves.

I got one of those coupons again for an awesomely discounted month-long membership at a new yoga studio called Active Sol Yoga, so for the next month that's where I'll be doing my stretching, strengthening, cross training, etc. Today was a basic "power flow" class... a sort of conglomeration of different styles good for a well-rounded yoga experience. It was actually pretty similar to what I would do during my class on campus, but a little longer. And a change of scenery is always nice. Some of their classes sound pretty interesting though, so I'm excited for some new experiences and to expand my yoga horizons. I see more double workout days in my future... running and yoga... looks like Chris might have to take me to those Athletes Anonymous meetings after all...

Days 61 - 64

Sorry, I've been a little Faily McFail with the blog recently. So busy. Time to get caught up.

Thursday morning we did our last 5 miler. I was feeling better than Tuesday, although my lack of sleep all week prevented me from feeling super, but we tied our first time, so we ended that segment of training on a positive note. Friday was a rest day, and, since this was an "easy" week, so was Saturday. I probably should have done some cross training Saturday to make up for my laziness last Saturday, but... I went shopping and to see Inception instead (totally worth it... got an amazing dress and Inception is incredible... go see it... right now, what are you waiting for?!).

Our "easier" long run this week was a 15k, which we did today. We tried to wait out the heat a little, but it's really just not possible right now, so we waited out the sun and ran a little later in the evening. 94 degrees, 3 water stops, no stomach pain, no twisted ankles... we got through it in 1:53:00. Our goal for long run pace is 12 min/mile, because our buddy Hal Higdon, who created the training plan our plan is based off of (and all the training plans we've used so far), suggests that long runs be done at a pace at which we can carry on a conversation. Plus, it's hot and hilly. So I feel 12 min/mile is a good goal, and our average over our whole run today was 12:08, so we're right on target. Maybe when the weather gets better we can work on improving our time, but for now I'm definitely satisfied.

Day 60

Well, 2 months in. I can't believe it's been that long.

Cross training day. Just did yoga. But Chris came, so it was extra fun! And my legs feel tons better, finally... just in time to go beat them up in the morning. Oh well.

Last 5 miler in the morning. Not sure how hard we should push yet... I'll have to see how I feel in the morning. I'm not hopeful for the weather, however... I was outside at 5:30 this morning and it was 77. So even our mornings aren't that cool anymore. But... 77 is better than 97, so early mornings continue until the fall. It's sad that sleeping until 8:00 is becoming "sleeping in"...

Day 59: Legs of Lead

3rd 5 miler this morning. Thankfully Chris' ankle is fine, so we were able to run together. We were both still pretty sore from Sunday, so we decided it was ok to just get through the run and not go for a PR. As Chris said, "We can't do that every time." The temperature was perfect, if only the humidity would go away. I felt really heavy and slow though; it was like my quads and calves were rubber bands wound tight, and I had to seriously force my legs to move. Also, now that our "short" runs aren't really so short anymore, I think we might have to start taking water with us. It's bad when you fantasize about swimming in a pool of Gatorade during your run. Anyway, hopefully with the shorter distance today and more stretching in yoga tomorrow, I'll be a little less sore on Thursday.

Oh yeah! I forgot to mention Sunday that I got a coupon for Big Peach Running Co, so I got myself some snazzy new running shorts, which are excellent. Definitely a good thing I had the coupon, because nice shorts are apparently expensive. But worth it for running in this intense summer heat and humidity.

Time for stretching and bed. These 6:00 a.m. mornings are wearing me out. Not sure how I'm ever going to survive in the real world when I have to wake up at that time every day...

Day 58: Much needed stretching and strengthening

My stomach recovered sometime during the night, and boy was I hungry all day. I also feel sort of fish-like from all the rehydrating I've been attempting to do. Took it easy and just did yoga today; I was super tired and tight from yesterday (although not too sore, surprisingly), so it was much needed. Altogether feeling better now and ready to tackle tomorrow's 5 miles, although probably won't go for a PR. Still waiting to hear from Chris... hopefully his ankle is ok and we can run together...

Day 55 - 57: First Wall

Friday was a rest day, which I gratefully took. Saturday, however, was supposed to be cross training, but I didn't get there. There just aren't enough hours in a day. Work and errands consumed all the time I had. Chris did try to convince me that going to the Farmer's Market should count as a workout, because people probably train for it in order to ensure they'll get out alive. Really, it's kind of true... you work on reflexes and agility dodging old ladies trying to take you out with their shopping carts, people stopped in the middle of aisles, and screaming children who have wandered away from their parents. And lugging an overstuffed basket through the giant warehouse because it's easier than trying to maneuver a cart provides decent strength training. But I don't think it really counts. Fail for the day.

10 miler today. Terrible. The 10 miler is my least favorite run of half marathon training. It's my first "wall"... that distance that makes you feel like you're probably going to die before you make it to the end, like there's just no way you can get through it. I don't know why. 9 miles is hard but fine, but that 10th mile is just a huge struggle. To make matters worse, I didn't hydrate or eat properly today, so I ended up dehydrated and with terrible stomach pain and had to keep stopping. Pretty sure Chris will never want to run with me again. And, for added fun... Chris stepped in a hole and rolled his ankle. When he got home and got his shoe off, his ankle started swelling and it hurts to walk. The 10 mile run is cursed, I swear. Despite our adventures, we finished in 2:02:49. Just over 12 minute mile average, which is the goal for our long runs (well, really our goal is just to finish, but it'd be nice to do it in about 12 minute miles if we can). Probably could have been faster if I wasn't about to die. Better luck next time.

Hopefully our short runs are excellent again this week so I feel more optimistic. These long runs are seriously making me question whether or not I can get through a whole marathon...

Day 54: 5 mile PR!

Second 5 miler today, which, sadly, I had to run without Chris. But the weather was excellent, and even though dragging myself out of bed at 6 a.m. was almost impossible, it was totally worth it. I finished in 52:24! That's a minute and 16 seconds better than Tuesday! I've been excited about it all day, I couldn't wait to post. My slowest mile was my last, by a lot. So I think if I can work on finishing stronger, I'll be really close to my 10 min/mile time goal. I hope I can run next week's just as well, if not better, although I thought I might pass out when I got done today, so I'm not sure how much faster I can go. But even a couple seconds would be a big accomplishment. Anyway, that's next week, so I'm just going to be excited about today's run right now.

Rest tomorrow, undecided on cross training Saturday... I need to come up with something new and interesting. Then 10 miles Sunday... I REALLY hope it's not too hot...

Day 53

Cross training day. I'm slightly swamped at work, so I was just going to do yoga. But then I ate way too much pizza tonight and was looking for an excuse to not have to read papers, so I did a 30 minute ab and arm workout too. I tend to neglect those areas other than during yoga while I'm training anyway, so it was probably needed.

Ok, I REALLY need to get to bed so I can get up early for 5 miler #2...

Day 52: First 5 miler!

Today was a great run! Chris and I met this morning, and the temperature was perfect, although the humidity was a little intense. We completed our run in 53:40! That's a really good first run, and definitely presents us with a big challenge to improve on that time. I think we're up for it though. As much as I hate getting out of bed in the morning, these early runs have me feeling much more positive about our progress. Maybe I should try going to bed earlier... it would probably make it easier to rise and shine and jump into those running shoes before the clock says 7:00...

Day 51

Yoga today. I swear my instructor can read my mind. My back and hips were killing me from my run yesterday, and we did a ton of back bends and hip openers, so I'm feeling much better. My whole body is actually pretty sore... I think it was a pretty intense weekend with the 1.5 mile swim and the 9 mile run. Maybe take it a little easier next weekend. We up our weekday run to 5 miles bright and early tomorrow morning (if it's not raining, that is...)!

Day 50: 9 miles

Day 50, woo!!! I feel like it hasn't been that long...

I am going to the Sun Dial tonight (very excited, only time I'll ever get to go in my whole life probably) so I had to run this morning, and very sadly, without Chris. Unfortunately, I overslept, so I didn't get started quite as early as I should have, meaning my run was much hotter than I'd hoped. Also, I forgot how far 9 miles is, and I definitely did not hydrate appropriately yesterday. So my run was pretty slow: 1:56 and some seconds. I don't think being lonely on my run helped much though either. I'm REALLY tired, but thankfully not too sore. I hope being back with my running buddy and eventually some cooler weather will help improve my long run times. Until then, I'm just going to keep working really hard on my shorter weekday run times to try to at least get those distances up to speed. I'm considering building some speed work into our training schedule, but I really think we just need to get through this ridiculously hot summer before we add any more running in. We'll see what happens come September.

Day 48 & 49: Rest and Cross

Nothing exciting to report for Friday. Typical rest day. Ate way too much pizza for not having worked out.

Today was a cross training day. I had to work this morning, and it's supposed to thunderstorm today, but thankfully I got to the pool in time to swim 1.5 miles while it was still sunny (actually it's still sunny now, so I think they lied about the storms and there was no reason for me to rush around today). I might have pushed it a little too hard; I was really exhausted by the end. So hopefully I'm not too sore for my 9 miler tomorrow. Ugh.

Gonna have to carb up at dinner and stretch a lot before bed...

Day 47: Last 4.5 miler

Chris and I met bright and early this morning for our last 4.5 mile run. It was already pretty warm, but better than the 99 degrees that hit this afternoon, so I can't complain too much. I failed to plan a new route, so we ran our Tuesday route backwards, which was actually kind of nice because it made our times more comparable. We took 57 seconds off Tuesday's time, running a 48:05! It was good to hear Chris say he felt our training really was paying off; I've been feeling that way since the Peachtree, so I'm glad he's finally there too. Now we're both motivated.

I'm super sore, especially since I not only ran today, but walked the stairs at work several times (needed to wake my brain up after reading all those papers) and spent the evening walking around the Atlanta Botanical Gardens (my first time there! Pretty awesome, highly recommend it). Need to do a lot of stretching before bed, and definitely looking forward to two days off from running before 9 miles on Sunday.

Days 45 & 46

Well, I'm feeling much better than I was Monday. Tuesday morning Chris and I were finally able to run together again, and even though I was really sore from Sunday, we had a good run, 4.5 miles in 49:02. The best part was we got to see how much our hill training is actually paying off. At the beginning of our training, our uphill pace, especially on the hills toward the end of our runs, was about 12 minute miles. But Tuesday we powered through all the hills at 10:45 - 11 minute miles. Still slow, but what an improvement! I noticed it during the Peachtree too... I handled the one long hill really well, and I think that's what helped my time so much. Motivation to keep up the hard work. Our downhill pace Tuesday was awesome... 9:18 or something. Too bad we can't run the whole time that fast... Anyway, if I hadn't been so sore and needed a slow warm up, I think our time Tuesday would have been even better, but we were both happy with the run, and I actually felt less sore later that day.

Today I used yoga for my cross training, since I'm still feeling a little tight. Lots of hip stretches and lower back work made for a perfect class.

Glad I'm less cranky than on Monday. Last 4.5 miler tomorrow! Good thing Chris' class schedule changed, cuz tomorrow afternoon it's going to be 98 degrees. So definitely running in the morning. Guess I should get to bed, huh.

Day 44: Post-race reluctance

I don't know if I'm tired from the race or tired from all the festivities yesterday, or both, but I so did not want to work out today. It was especially difficult since there was no yoga due to the holiday. I eventually ran out of excuses, however, so I dragged myself to the gym and did 20 minutes on the bike and 25 minutes of weight lifting. I'm glad I did, as I usually am after forcing myself to work out on lazy days, but I'm still feeling pretty unenthusiastic. I need to get the stretch part of my stretch and strengthen day in before bed; I'm feeling some pain in my left ITB... the dreaded site of previous injury. Probably just the strain of the race, and lack of appropriate stretching and nutrition afterwards (beer probably not the best option for race recovery). Definitely not excited about my run tomorrow either, but thankfully Chris has a new class schedule, so he can meet me for an early morning run. So I have no choice but to do it. Hopefully a good night's sleep will have me in a better, more motivated mood tomorrow.

Day 43: Peachtree Road Race!!!!!!!

Atlanta is a city obsessed with fitness. There are more fitness studios than Starbucks, and every day no matter the weather people are out walking, biking, running, etc. Hence, we celebrate all of our holidays with races with lengths proportional to the amount of food and drink that will later be consumed. Attending a 4th of July cookout? Better run a 10k. Thanksgiving day? Half marathon.

Yesterday was the 41st Peachtree Road Race 10k. 55,000 runners and walkers travel 6.2 miles down Peachtree St. through the center of the beautiful city of Atlanta to earn their hamburgers and beer. If you're looking to make a PR, it's probably not the race for you. But if you're looking for one of the most fun races you'll ever run, then I highly recommend it. Spectators line the road and sit out on their balconies cheering participants on. There are live bands and radio station trucks stationed at various places throughout the course for a soundtrack sure to keep you pumped up, and restaurants and other companies throw T-shirts and samples, like a sort of backwards parade. Participants even dress up to run: I think I saw Superman, the Statue of Liberty, and a bunch of boys dressed up in hula skirts. At the end, participants receive the highly coveted Peachtree Road Race T-shirt. There is a design competition every year: local residents design locos for the T-shirts, and people can vote online for their favorite. I really love the design this year, and I feel very lucky to have 2 years' worth of shirts. (Although I ran behind an older woman whose shirt said this was her 30th Peachtree in a row. That is pretty awesome.)

Sadly, 3 of my friends who were supposed to run it with me ended up not being able to. But I met up with a coworker and some other friends in my start wave, and we all met at the end for pictures and to celebrate our accomplishment. The toughest part of the race was probably having to walk back to the MARTA afterward. You know you're running 6.2 miles, but what they don't tell you is you walk another 6.2 getting to the race start and getting back to MARTA after the race (ok, maybe not 6.2, but it feels far). The race itself though was awesome. The course isn't too hilly, and it's impossible not to smile and feel good nearly the entire time because of all the craziness going on around you. I'm so happy with my time: 1:02:03. That's 50 seconds off my time from last year, for a 10k PR for me!!! That's almost perfect 10 minute miles, and includes all the people-dodging that has to occur when you and 49,999 other runners are all packed onto the same street.

So overall, a fun, successful race, which was, of course, followed with much Independence Day celebrating. I feel I earned my holiday fare. And a great run like that is definitely motivational for continuing with my training. Good thing I have the 13.1 to look forward to in October!

Days 40 and 41: Rest and race prep

Peachtree Road Race Eve. I'm getting so excited! I remember before my first race ever, the Race for the Cure 5k here in Atlanta, and before the Peachtree last year, and before my first half marathon, I was so nervous, and all I could think about was how much I wish I hadn't signed up because it was going to be terrible and I clearly must be crazy for wanting to run so far. But now I'm just really really really excited. I love races: they give your training purpose, and it's a great way to see how much your hard work has paid off. There's a strong sense of community among runners, and it's fun to hear everyone's stories, whether it's their first race or their one hundred and first. The Peachtree is especially fun; it's laid back but exciting, and seasoned Peachtree veterans wearing shirts from Peachtree races in the 70s eagerly share stories from races past to help pass the time traveling on the crowded MARTA or stretching at the start. Then there's all the 4th of July fun to look forward to afterwards... I can't wait. Is it tomorrow yet?

I have enjoyed two workout free days, although "enjoyed" might be a little strong... I really didn't have time to work out at all the past couple days, so it's a good thing I didn't need to. I actually feel kind of lazy though; I'll be glad to run again (I think maybe I'm an addict). Today, my coworker and I went to the race expo to pick up our numbers. I love race expos! There's tons of free sports food and drink samples, information on tons of other races, and all sorts of running gear available to try and buy. It's like a barbeque festival or state fair for runners. I usually try not to spend money, but today I made an exception. Last year, the 13.1 Marathon series held a race in Atlanta for the first time. The series is held in several major cities, and is becoming pretty big. It's supposed to be a ton of fun. This year, the race in Atlanta is on Sunday, October 3rd, which, conveniently, falls in an "easy" weak for our training (meaning the week before we are running 17, and the week after 18, so that week is a fall back week with two rest days and a slightly shorter run... originally 14 miles). I thought adding in a race might help keep Chris and I motivated, so I suggested we run it as our "short" run. At their booth at the race expo they were offering a discount to anyone who registered, so, I'm all signed up! And I'm already excited. (Addict. Seriously.)

But first I gotta focus on the Peachtree. I've been drinking tons of water all day, and Randy took me out for a pasta dinner to carb up. Just need to do a little stretching, then get to bed. If I can even sleep because I'm so excited!

Days 38 & 39: Last workouts before the Peachtree!

Wednesday was cross training, which I limited to yoga. I'm just feeling a little tired this week, so yoga was all I could make happen. But thankfully, my teacher can apparently read my mind. I was feeling like my abs were being a little neglected lately, and we did a ton of ab work, in addition to a bunch of hip opening, which is fabulous for my running.

I did my second 4.5 miler this morning. Unfortunately, during my run, I ran face first into a spider web... spider included. But despite having to wipe web and spider off my face, I ran my 4.5 miles in 47:25. That's almost 6 minutes off my previous time of 53: 02. 6 minutes! That's crazy. I swear the temperature makes a ton of difference; this morning was humid, but so much cooler than the 90 degree afternoons and there was a lovely breeze. Tackling my run before tackling an entire day of work probably also helps. Either way, I'm super excited and proud of myself.

Now, I get to enjoy two glorious workout-free rest days to prepare for the Peachtree 10k. Let's just hope I didn't use up my awesome run today, and my run Sunday will be equally as excellent.