So since Chris has this super annoying thing called a job now, we can't run in the mornings anymore unless we want to run at like 5:00 a.m. I'd rather stab my eyes out with a spoon. So we have to run in the afternoons or evenings, and try to work around the heat. Also, I since I currently have back-to-back dance classes Tuesdays, we have to run Mondays until that's done. So yesterday we did our 8 miles. Unfortunately, it was storming, so we had to do it on the treadmill. Talk about miserable. We started at a 9:30 pace, and threw in some hill intervals. But my stomach was hurting, so I had to stop, and Chris got ahead, so then I upped my pace to try to catch back up. But then we both ended up pushing the speed, and the last mile was approaching sprint speed. Almost died. Thankfully, I had baked a delicious cake to come back to. Good reward.
Apparently, however, my body saved all of its hateful revenge for today. I felt every single workout from Sunday and the run. So sore and stiff and miserable. And I had dance tonight, as previously mentioned... my arms were hardly up to the task. I persevered, though. We started choreography for the African drum solo... I can only describe it as a joyful, happy dance. Love it. I'm also taking my first intermediate level class... I think the only real difference is less talking, more drilling. But it's good... I was feeling stalled in the beginner's classes. I'm ready for the step up. If only they offered more intermediate level classes...
Hopefully tomorrow my body is done punishing me so I can survive the awful day of work waiting for me and enjoy dance.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Days 68 - 70; What a weekend!
Friday I was tired and grumpy and my head hurt and my tummy hurt and... basically I was being a big, lazy baby. I ran some errands after work, and after that, I was so lacking motivation that I just gave up and watched Pride & Prejudice on my couch, talked to Randy, and went to bed. It's technically a rest day anyway, right?
Saturday was a 15 miler. The first 10 were actually really good. We stuck to the shady neighborhoods, so it was late enough that the early morning stickiness had worn off, but there was a light breeze and the shade kept it from being too hot. After a slight detour to feed my friend's cat that I'm sitting for, though, the temperature jumped, and of course it was the sunniest part of our run. My legs were on fire, and Chris was feeling the heat, and of course I had over planned the distance, so after the 13 mile mark, we ran/walked the rest and ended up doing a total of 15.65 in about 2:51. That's not terrible though, really... the strong first part really helped us. Next week we're going to start a little earlier, and maybe I'll try to keep it a little shadier... try to eliminate most of that sunny part.
Today I made up for Friday and fed my addiction: Dance, yoga, swim. Back-to-back-to-back. Shake it like Shakira class this afternoon--we learned a little combo to "Beautiful Liar" by Beyonce and Shakira using some moves that definitely worked the thighs. Then a friend of mine wanted to go to yoga, so I went with her to a Hot Power Class. The first 15 minutes were awful. I wanted to leave. The room was too hot and we were moving so fast there was no possible way to coordinate my breath with my movements. After that, though, the teacher turned the temperature down a little, and we started moving at a more normal pace, and it was actually great. It's harder than the regular Hot class, I think, because we're flowing the whole time. It requires a lot of arm strength, which I don't have, so it was an extra challenge. But we hit pretty much everything: balance, stretching, strength. I think I want to start going to more Power classes... the classes will get easier as I develop all those areas, and I think all are beneficial to me as a runner. Finally, since Chris and I have been trying to swim more, but I couldn't for awhile because of my thumb, we're trying to get back into it now, so we wanted to get a swim in today. I was pretty tired after dance and yoga, but once I got in the water I was so happy to be back in the pool that I got a second wind and ended up having a great swim. We also met a woman who apparently went to the Olympic trials awhile back, and she taught me how to flip turn. So that's exciting... although I need to work on it. But both Chris and I got in a mile, and I'm glad I went, even though now I'm so tired I might fall asleep any secccccccccccnnnnnnnnn..........
Just kidding. But seriously. I'm going to bed. After some well deserved ice cream... and another desperately needed giant glass of water.
Saturday was a 15 miler. The first 10 were actually really good. We stuck to the shady neighborhoods, so it was late enough that the early morning stickiness had worn off, but there was a light breeze and the shade kept it from being too hot. After a slight detour to feed my friend's cat that I'm sitting for, though, the temperature jumped, and of course it was the sunniest part of our run. My legs were on fire, and Chris was feeling the heat, and of course I had over planned the distance, so after the 13 mile mark, we ran/walked the rest and ended up doing a total of 15.65 in about 2:51. That's not terrible though, really... the strong first part really helped us. Next week we're going to start a little earlier, and maybe I'll try to keep it a little shadier... try to eliminate most of that sunny part.
Today I made up for Friday and fed my addiction: Dance, yoga, swim. Back-to-back-to-back. Shake it like Shakira class this afternoon--we learned a little combo to "Beautiful Liar" by Beyonce and Shakira using some moves that definitely worked the thighs. Then a friend of mine wanted to go to yoga, so I went with her to a Hot Power Class. The first 15 minutes were awful. I wanted to leave. The room was too hot and we were moving so fast there was no possible way to coordinate my breath with my movements. After that, though, the teacher turned the temperature down a little, and we started moving at a more normal pace, and it was actually great. It's harder than the regular Hot class, I think, because we're flowing the whole time. It requires a lot of arm strength, which I don't have, so it was an extra challenge. But we hit pretty much everything: balance, stretching, strength. I think I want to start going to more Power classes... the classes will get easier as I develop all those areas, and I think all are beneficial to me as a runner. Finally, since Chris and I have been trying to swim more, but I couldn't for awhile because of my thumb, we're trying to get back into it now, so we wanted to get a swim in today. I was pretty tired after dance and yoga, but once I got in the water I was so happy to be back in the pool that I got a second wind and ended up having a great swim. We also met a woman who apparently went to the Olympic trials awhile back, and she taught me how to flip turn. So that's exciting... although I need to work on it. But both Chris and I got in a mile, and I'm glad I went, even though now I'm so tired I might fall asleep any secccccccccccnnnnnnnnn..........
Just kidding. But seriously. I'm going to bed. After some well deserved ice cream... and another desperately needed giant glass of water.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Days 66 & 67: Tequila! (is a poor life choice)
Wednesday I was going to go to the pool after work, but it stormed. And then I was going to go lift weights, but I got held up doing errands and was exhausted when I got home. So I went with a one workout day and just headed to dance class. We started choreography for this dance to a song called "Blockhead." It's really modern, and the dance is kind of a belly dance/hip-hop fusion. Super sassy. I'm not sure that I can really pull it off. But most of us in the class are in the same boat--we got an extra workout from laughing at ourselves so much. At least it's fun!
Last night I met up with some friends for some birthday beverages. Because they know the people at the restaurant, my plan of a margarita or two turned into 2 - 3 margaritas, a tequila shot, and a beer. Don't do this, ever. I was still planning on running in the morning, until I woke up at 7:45 a.m. with a trail of my belongings all over my apartment, still wearing my jewelry and with my hair still done. Running clearly did not happen.
It actually worked out for the best, since Chris (who has been back since Tuesday, btw, and just hasn't felt like contacting me) texted me and hadn't run either. Unfortunately, since we missed out on early morning acceptable temperatures, we were stuck with a choice between a heat index of about 100 or the treadmill. It was only a 4 mile pace run, so we opted for the treadmills. We threw in a couple hill intervals (might as well multitask) and had plenty to talk about, so it went by pretty quickly. The silver lining is that with a treadmill, we could set the 9:30 pace and stay at the 9:30 pace without having to think super hard about it.
Well, that's it. Water and bed for me.
Last night I met up with some friends for some birthday beverages. Because they know the people at the restaurant, my plan of a margarita or two turned into 2 - 3 margaritas, a tequila shot, and a beer. Don't do this, ever. I was still planning on running in the morning, until I woke up at 7:45 a.m. with a trail of my belongings all over my apartment, still wearing my jewelry and with my hair still done. Running clearly did not happen.
It actually worked out for the best, since Chris (who has been back since Tuesday, btw, and just hasn't felt like contacting me) texted me and hadn't run either. Unfortunately, since we missed out on early morning acceptable temperatures, we were stuck with a choice between a heat index of about 100 or the treadmill. It was only a 4 mile pace run, so we opted for the treadmills. We threw in a couple hill intervals (might as well multitask) and had plenty to talk about, so it went by pretty quickly. The silver lining is that with a treadmill, we could set the 9:30 pace and stay at the 9:30 pace without having to think super hard about it.
Well, that's it. Water and bed for me.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Days 61 - 65: Just dance!
But not like Lady Gaga, k?
Friday I was going to go to yoga, but then I forgot my mat, and by the time I realized it, there was no way I was getting home to get it and then getting back to the studio in time. So I did nothing. Apparently my spirit is easily broken. Rest day anyway, right?
Saturday I was supposed to do a 5k "race," but since we hadn't signed up for anything and Chris was still out of town, I just ran a 5k in Lullwater with my coworker and her dog. It was actually quite cool, and a little misty... a welcome break from the intense heat. Time was 33 something... not really that important.
Saturday afternoon I had a special work shop for belly dancing: fan veil technique! 3 hour workshop, about 2 of those spent really dancing. It's hard! It looks so pretty and graceful and light when you watch dancers with the veils, but by the end, my arms were sore and my hands were on fire and all torn up from the wooden fan base. I can't wait until they offer a choreography though... it's totally the coolest prop. Well, except fire. But I'm not advanced enough for that yet.
Sunday I started a new 6 week course for dance: Shake it like Shakira! I'm apparently obsessed with Shakira, since this is my second Shakira-based class. I guess her music is just that awesome to belly dance to. She actually does belly dance... she is part Lebanese, so she's been belly dancing since she was really young. You can definitely see the influence in her videos. This class is a combination course, so instead of learning one big choreography, each week we'll learn some of Shakira's belly dance moves and then put them together for a short combination to one of her songs. Should be fun. I finally made it to yoga on Sunday, too. The thumb seemed to hold up fine, so I consider it healed.
Monday I was also going to go to yoga. I even remembered to bring my mat with me to work this time. But... then I went for margaritas with some girls from work instead. Almost the same...
Today the schedule called for a 7 miler. I was solo again, but it was actually a fantastic run. It wasn't hot, although it was humid. My joints were a little creaky getting started, but once I warmed up, I kept a pretty consistent pace, and it was a beautiful morning--I could see actual sun rays through the trees thanks to the slight haze from the humidity. It was quiet, and I was able to just listen to the sound of my own feet, meditate, and focus on myself for a little. Time was 1:06:57, without too much stress about it during the run, so I'm pretty proud of that.
Back-to-back dance classes tonight, too! (Yes, that is 3 classes and a workshop in 4 days. Yes, I have a problem.) In the African drum solo class we drilled chest drops and pelvic drops, so my uppermost and lowermost (is that a word?) abs want to cry right now. We also drilled knee shimmies. It's amazing how each class you can learn something different related to a move you've done a million times, just because it's explained a slightly different way. I've been doing knee shimmies since my very first class, but however the teacher explained it today just clicked, and I finally feel like I have the right technique down. I was super excited. I also noticed how much more flexibility I have in my chest now... no more pathetic lifts. You can tell I'm moving! In the second class we finished our Tahitian drum solo choreography. It's 2 and a half intense minutes of hip shaking! The last part is a little sketchy for me... I'm pretty certain I'm not doing it right and probably won't ever be able to, but I can fake it, so it's fine.
I'm pretty exhausted. I consumed 3 liters of water today. 3 liters! That's a lot. Even though it's only like 0.8 gallons, for all you non-metric people out there. I'm about to go drink more, so I might make a gallon today. Maybe have some ice cream too... I think I earned it. And hopefully sleep... too much work stress, even the exercise isn't helping. But I definitely need to try to sleep.
Friday I was going to go to yoga, but then I forgot my mat, and by the time I realized it, there was no way I was getting home to get it and then getting back to the studio in time. So I did nothing. Apparently my spirit is easily broken. Rest day anyway, right?
Saturday I was supposed to do a 5k "race," but since we hadn't signed up for anything and Chris was still out of town, I just ran a 5k in Lullwater with my coworker and her dog. It was actually quite cool, and a little misty... a welcome break from the intense heat. Time was 33 something... not really that important.
Saturday afternoon I had a special work shop for belly dancing: fan veil technique! 3 hour workshop, about 2 of those spent really dancing. It's hard! It looks so pretty and graceful and light when you watch dancers with the veils, but by the end, my arms were sore and my hands were on fire and all torn up from the wooden fan base. I can't wait until they offer a choreography though... it's totally the coolest prop. Well, except fire. But I'm not advanced enough for that yet.
Sunday I started a new 6 week course for dance: Shake it like Shakira! I'm apparently obsessed with Shakira, since this is my second Shakira-based class. I guess her music is just that awesome to belly dance to. She actually does belly dance... she is part Lebanese, so she's been belly dancing since she was really young. You can definitely see the influence in her videos. This class is a combination course, so instead of learning one big choreography, each week we'll learn some of Shakira's belly dance moves and then put them together for a short combination to one of her songs. Should be fun. I finally made it to yoga on Sunday, too. The thumb seemed to hold up fine, so I consider it healed.
Monday I was also going to go to yoga. I even remembered to bring my mat with me to work this time. But... then I went for margaritas with some girls from work instead. Almost the same...
Today the schedule called for a 7 miler. I was solo again, but it was actually a fantastic run. It wasn't hot, although it was humid. My joints were a little creaky getting started, but once I warmed up, I kept a pretty consistent pace, and it was a beautiful morning--I could see actual sun rays through the trees thanks to the slight haze from the humidity. It was quiet, and I was able to just listen to the sound of my own feet, meditate, and focus on myself for a little. Time was 1:06:57, without too much stress about it during the run, so I'm pretty proud of that.
Back-to-back dance classes tonight, too! (Yes, that is 3 classes and a workshop in 4 days. Yes, I have a problem.) In the African drum solo class we drilled chest drops and pelvic drops, so my uppermost and lowermost (is that a word?) abs want to cry right now. We also drilled knee shimmies. It's amazing how each class you can learn something different related to a move you've done a million times, just because it's explained a slightly different way. I've been doing knee shimmies since my very first class, but however the teacher explained it today just clicked, and I finally feel like I have the right technique down. I was super excited. I also noticed how much more flexibility I have in my chest now... no more pathetic lifts. You can tell I'm moving! In the second class we finished our Tahitian drum solo choreography. It's 2 and a half intense minutes of hip shaking! The last part is a little sketchy for me... I'm pretty certain I'm not doing it right and probably won't ever be able to, but I can fake it, so it's fine.
I'm pretty exhausted. I consumed 3 liters of water today. 3 liters! That's a lot. Even though it's only like 0.8 gallons, for all you non-metric people out there. I'm about to go drink more, so I might make a gallon today. Maybe have some ice cream too... I think I earned it. And hopefully sleep... too much work stress, even the exercise isn't helping. But I definitely need to try to sleep.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Day 60: Friendly 5er and frustration
My coworker is missing her regular running buddies too, so we teamed up this morning for a 5 miler. We brought her dog with us and just enjoyed an easy pace and good conversation. It was nice to slow it down for once and really just get into the run, not worry so much about time.
I also went to lift weights today, since I figure if I'm going to do it, I might as well do it right and try to get in at least 2 times a week. You know, until I'm so frustrated and bored I stop going. I hate the gym so much! Current pet peeve: super skinny girls with perfect bodies who run in only a sports bra and low rise short shorts inside on the treadmill. Outside, when it's 85 degrees and 80% humidity, you wear whatever you want, so you don't get all hot and pass out and stuff. Heck, even I ran once in only a sports bra (and shorts, of course) because the heat was almost unbearable, but we had to get the run in, and the only time that worked was during the absolute most miserable time of the day. Safety first. But inside, you have air conditioning and ceiling fans and unlimited access to as much free water as you can possibly drink without bloating your perfectly flat tummy. So wear clothes. Everyone else is already self conscious enough without having your perfect body flaunted in our faces. Plus, think of all the extra sweat that gets everywhere. Unless they don't sweat, cuz, you know, they're perfect... End rant.
Point is, got the run done, got the weights done. Tomorrow I'm working in the lab and going to yoga. Stupid finger. I don't care! It'll be fine.
I also went to lift weights today, since I figure if I'm going to do it, I might as well do it right and try to get in at least 2 times a week. You know, until I'm so frustrated and bored I stop going. I hate the gym so much! Current pet peeve: super skinny girls with perfect bodies who run in only a sports bra and low rise short shorts inside on the treadmill. Outside, when it's 85 degrees and 80% humidity, you wear whatever you want, so you don't get all hot and pass out and stuff. Heck, even I ran once in only a sports bra (and shorts, of course) because the heat was almost unbearable, but we had to get the run in, and the only time that worked was during the absolute most miserable time of the day. Safety first. But inside, you have air conditioning and ceiling fans and unlimited access to as much free water as you can possibly drink without bloating your perfectly flat tummy. So wear clothes. Everyone else is already self conscious enough without having your perfect body flaunted in our faces. Plus, think of all the extra sweat that gets everywhere. Unless they don't sweat, cuz, you know, they're perfect... End rant.
Point is, got the run done, got the weights done. Tomorrow I'm working in the lab and going to yoga. Stupid finger. I don't care! It'll be fine.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Days 57 - 59: Ouch
So since I can't do anything, Monday I sucked it up and went to the weight room and did every machine available, so about 45 minutes worth. And then I woke up Tuesday and wanted to die. I was perhaps a little over-zealous for someone who hasn't lifted since... um... I can't remember...
As punishment, Tuesday's run was a struggle. My legs felt heavy and dead. Plus Chris decided to go home and see his family this week instead of run with me. How dare he! So I was all alone, which leaves very little motivation to maintain any sort of respectable pace. Oh yeah, AND it was more humid than the rain forest. I was dripping, even though I ran early. Gross. With some pushing, I managed to finish the 5 miler in a quite respectable 47:36... almost dead on the 9:30 pace. Not bad for being sore, partnerless, and practically running through water. (Funny... last season I would have been like "WOAH 47:36?! That's AWESOME! I'm AWESOME!" And now I'm like "yeah, well, you know, it's pretty ok." Ah how times have changed.)
Tuesday I also had two dance classes: African drum solo and Tahitian drum solo. The thing about drum solos is... you shimmy. A lot. Everything: hips, shoulders, etc. All that shimmying combined with my soreness from lifting left my abs wishing they could curl up and cry. You know, in a good way. Or something. Anyway... 5 mile run and two dance classes made for one exhausting day. But I've got several more weeks of that ahead, so I better get used to it and stop whining. It just means I can take it easy other days, right? Psh... yeah right...
I was still sore today. I had my stitches taken out, but I still can't use my thumb for a few days, so STILL no pool or yoga. Gah. Also, they made me get the DPT vaccine (they are like REALLY worried about tetanus. Do people still get tetanus? Isn't there like 1 case a year or something?), which apparently will make my arm feel like someone's punched me. I have yet to feel pain, but I do feel tired, dizzy, and nauseous (stupid immune response), so I skipped the weight room after work and took it easy until dance. I figure three workouts yesterday makes it ok to do just one today. :-p Lots of hip circles today... worked the obliques pretty hard.
Early run tomorrow. If I still have an arm...
As punishment, Tuesday's run was a struggle. My legs felt heavy and dead. Plus Chris decided to go home and see his family this week instead of run with me. How dare he! So I was all alone, which leaves very little motivation to maintain any sort of respectable pace. Oh yeah, AND it was more humid than the rain forest. I was dripping, even though I ran early. Gross. With some pushing, I managed to finish the 5 miler in a quite respectable 47:36... almost dead on the 9:30 pace. Not bad for being sore, partnerless, and practically running through water. (Funny... last season I would have been like "WOAH 47:36?! That's AWESOME! I'm AWESOME!" And now I'm like "yeah, well, you know, it's pretty ok." Ah how times have changed.)
Tuesday I also had two dance classes: African drum solo and Tahitian drum solo. The thing about drum solos is... you shimmy. A lot. Everything: hips, shoulders, etc. All that shimmying combined with my soreness from lifting left my abs wishing they could curl up and cry. You know, in a good way. Or something. Anyway... 5 mile run and two dance classes made for one exhausting day. But I've got several more weeks of that ahead, so I better get used to it and stop whining. It just means I can take it easy other days, right? Psh... yeah right...
I was still sore today. I had my stitches taken out, but I still can't use my thumb for a few days, so STILL no pool or yoga. Gah. Also, they made me get the DPT vaccine (they are like REALLY worried about tetanus. Do people still get tetanus? Isn't there like 1 case a year or something?), which apparently will make my arm feel like someone's punched me. I have yet to feel pain, but I do feel tired, dizzy, and nauseous (stupid immune response), so I skipped the weight room after work and took it easy until dance. I figure three workouts yesterday makes it ok to do just one today. :-p Lots of hip circles today... worked the obliques pretty hard.
Early run tomorrow. If I still have an arm...
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Days 54 - 56
It's been 3 days? Wow, I thought it was only 2...
Friday I actually took a rest day in the real sense of the word. About time, I guess. I was going to lift weights, but then I went out for margaritas instead.
Saturday we had a 13 miler. I know I said not getting in the 12 miler wouldn't hurt us, and it won't long term, but man it didn't help us this week. The start of our run was great... we had a strong, consistent sub-10 first half. But it was humid, and all of a sudden the temperature sky-rocketed and the sun became brutal. And I apparently planned a super hilly route. And since we haven't run farther than 8.7 in a LONG time... we were hurting. It was bad news. But we finished. And actually, our time was 2:14:40, which, if we had run that extra 0.1, would only have been a minute slower than our current half marathon PR. So if we're starting close to PR level while fighting all those obstacles, it can only get better, right? Anyway, I enjoyed a thoroughly lazy afternoon to recover from the run, complete with AC, a gallon of water, and several episodes of Grey's Anatomy.
Today was my last upper body technique class for dance. She made sure we were going to remember everything though... my abs hurt so freakin' bad. We drilled and drilled and drilled. I don't think I ever want to do another camel. In fact, even the word camel makes me shudder. It's good though... improving my technique and working my core. Now if I could just get rid of some of this "lady insulation" so all that hard work would be visible...
Friday I actually took a rest day in the real sense of the word. About time, I guess. I was going to lift weights, but then I went out for margaritas instead.
Saturday we had a 13 miler. I know I said not getting in the 12 miler wouldn't hurt us, and it won't long term, but man it didn't help us this week. The start of our run was great... we had a strong, consistent sub-10 first half. But it was humid, and all of a sudden the temperature sky-rocketed and the sun became brutal. And I apparently planned a super hilly route. And since we haven't run farther than 8.7 in a LONG time... we were hurting. It was bad news. But we finished. And actually, our time was 2:14:40, which, if we had run that extra 0.1, would only have been a minute slower than our current half marathon PR. So if we're starting close to PR level while fighting all those obstacles, it can only get better, right? Anyway, I enjoyed a thoroughly lazy afternoon to recover from the run, complete with AC, a gallon of water, and several episodes of Grey's Anatomy.
Today was my last upper body technique class for dance. She made sure we were going to remember everything though... my abs hurt so freakin' bad. We drilled and drilled and drilled. I don't think I ever want to do another camel. In fact, even the word camel makes me shudder. It's good though... improving my technique and working my core. Now if I could just get rid of some of this "lady insulation" so all that hard work would be visible...
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Days 52 & 53: Gross
Man, I was really adjusting to that two workouts a day routine. I feel gross now :-( Doesn't help that I've been sitting a lot during the day since I can't do lab work. And it's not like I'm eating less... who can give up ice cream or Taco Mac? Fail. Heal more quickly, stupid thumb!
Yesterday I went to dance for my cross training, even though it hardly counts anymore. Not because it's not hard, just because... well... it's dance. It's just a part of my life now. But then again so is running, and that still counts, so... Anyway, yeah it was way hard. I guess after sitting around reading all day I needed a good ab-kicking, and that is precisely what I got. Upper and lower... my arms are sore too. The Wednesday night teacher is serious about drilling moves so that we get the technique down, and we do everything really slow, which works the muscles and is like strength training, and then pick it up, which gets your heart going like cardio. Best of both worlds. And you get to look fabulous while doing it. And no thumbs required. :-)
This morning Chris and I ran a 7 miler in 1:07:23. It was hill-tastic, so I'm pretty proud of that. We're settling in to a "comfortable" 9:30 - 9:45 pace, which is great. That used to be pushing it for us, so if that's now our easy pace, just imaging what we can do when we push. Like a sub-2 hour half. :-p (I can dream)
I want to get some sort of light workout in tomorrow, since normally I'd be going to yoga, and I've been a "slacker" this week, but what to do? Weights maybe? A walk? Pilates moves that don't require my hands? Hopefully I'll be inspired tonight or tomorrow.
Yesterday I went to dance for my cross training, even though it hardly counts anymore. Not because it's not hard, just because... well... it's dance. It's just a part of my life now. But then again so is running, and that still counts, so... Anyway, yeah it was way hard. I guess after sitting around reading all day I needed a good ab-kicking, and that is precisely what I got. Upper and lower... my arms are sore too. The Wednesday night teacher is serious about drilling moves so that we get the technique down, and we do everything really slow, which works the muscles and is like strength training, and then pick it up, which gets your heart going like cardio. Best of both worlds. And you get to look fabulous while doing it. And no thumbs required. :-)
This morning Chris and I ran a 7 miler in 1:07:23. It was hill-tastic, so I'm pretty proud of that. We're settling in to a "comfortable" 9:30 - 9:45 pace, which is great. That used to be pushing it for us, so if that's now our easy pace, just imaging what we can do when we push. Like a sub-2 hour half. :-p (I can dream)
I want to get some sort of light workout in tomorrow, since normally I'd be going to yoga, and I've been a "slacker" this week, but what to do? Weights maybe? A walk? Pilates moves that don't require my hands? Hopefully I'll be inspired tonight or tomorrow.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Days 50 & 51: Rollercoaster
10k PR YAAAAAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!
Chris and I ran a FANTASTIC Peachtree Road Race. The weather was perfect, I thought... much cooler and not as humid as last year. Although they apparently kept saying on the news that it was one of the hottest Peachtrees ever and I did hear a lot of complaints about the weather conditions. But I thought it was great. 60,000 runners this year... madness! The race was full of all the usual festivities: people in costumes, local bands, radio stations playing music, vendors throwing T shirts or serving samples, beer, etc. It was a crowded, slow start, but we pretty quickly made our way to more open space, and kept a pretty steady pace after that. We only had one mile over 9 min, and that was 9:03, and it was the mile with Cardiac Hill, a half mile uphill section, the worst of the race. It's good we train in such hilly neighborhoods, because it's no worse than what we usually run, honestly. It's not too steep, it's just long, and it's where we separate the men from the boys--you get to pass all those perky people who ran past you in the earlier miles as they slow down or walk, but you just keep chugging right along. Good for the ego.
Our fast past had me worried that I was going to fall apart in the last mile, but we had a super strong finish. The Garmin's time for 6.2 miles said 52:50. Weaving in and out of 59,998 other runners makes the run a little longer, so our official clock time was 54:11. That's 8 minutes better than my time last year. Incredible. Our average pace was 8:31... a minute faster than our goal. There's nothing new that I can say about how I feel, you know it all already. This is going to be a year of crushing any and all previous race times. I'm so happy and excited and proud of us. This race gave me this little glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, we can break 2 hours at the Wine & Dine half marathon. Maybe. Not gonna worry about it yet. Just gonna enjoy the glow of this fantastic race for awhile, and see where training takes us.
After the race we met up with some other Emory runners at the Emory Healthcare tent, where we were treated like VIPs. There was a line of volunteers in their Emory shirts applauding and congratulating us as we walked in, and there were bagels and bananas and oranges and muffins and granola bars and cold water (unlike the water that had been sitting out in the sun that everyone else got) for us. We admired the prize winning design on the coveted Peachtree shirt and shared race stories and took some pictures. Then Chris and I headed across Piedmont Park to Park Tavern for their race after party. Basically, we just sat around and enjoyed some cheap beer and took in the morning's events. Then we headed to Willy's for lunch, because they were giving $4 burritos to anyone who came in wearing their Peachtree shirt. As you can see, the sum of all these events makes Peachtree the most awesome race ever! And I will be very sad when I can no longer start my 4th of July with this race.
Sadly, during our 4th of July pool party and cook out, I sliced my finger open with a knife trying to cut a watermelon (more sadly, I wasn't even intoxicated, making this easily the most lame way I could possibly have injured myself on the 4th of July) and had to go get stitches. It was a late, exhausting night, and I'm banned from lab now until the wound closes (really, who wants to risk getting staph or meningitis or gonorrhoeae in their finger?). I'm also banned from swimming and hot yoga, so it's time for some creative cross training ideas. I might be doing a lot of dancing. Maybe some stationary bike or some Wii fit... as long as it doesn't involve my hands, it should be ok. But I'm pretty sad about it. One, because I'm stupid. Two, because I don't want to lose my momentum with swimming and yoga. And three, because, well, it really hurts and it sucks having only one useful thumb.
We made today a rest day, since we ran yesterday. But I had two dance classes tonight, so I still got some exercise in. The usual Tahitian drum solo, where we started our choreography, which is going to rock, and then started an African drum solo class, which could be fun, but it's too early to tell, since you never do much in the first class. But it got me out of the house and my mind of my hand for a little, and both classes involve lots of shimmying, so you can't help but feel happy.
Well, since yesterday was a late and traumatic night, I'm off to bed. Hopefully I'll dream of an entertaining cross-training regimen for tomorrow. Just because my Independence Day celebration ended early doesn't mean I didn't eat well... I definitely need to burn off this weekend's festivities! You know it's bad when even running a 10k can't keep you on track...
Chris and I ran a FANTASTIC Peachtree Road Race. The weather was perfect, I thought... much cooler and not as humid as last year. Although they apparently kept saying on the news that it was one of the hottest Peachtrees ever and I did hear a lot of complaints about the weather conditions. But I thought it was great. 60,000 runners this year... madness! The race was full of all the usual festivities: people in costumes, local bands, radio stations playing music, vendors throwing T shirts or serving samples, beer, etc. It was a crowded, slow start, but we pretty quickly made our way to more open space, and kept a pretty steady pace after that. We only had one mile over 9 min, and that was 9:03, and it was the mile with Cardiac Hill, a half mile uphill section, the worst of the race. It's good we train in such hilly neighborhoods, because it's no worse than what we usually run, honestly. It's not too steep, it's just long, and it's where we separate the men from the boys--you get to pass all those perky people who ran past you in the earlier miles as they slow down or walk, but you just keep chugging right along. Good for the ego.
Our fast past had me worried that I was going to fall apart in the last mile, but we had a super strong finish. The Garmin's time for 6.2 miles said 52:50. Weaving in and out of 59,998 other runners makes the run a little longer, so our official clock time was 54:11. That's 8 minutes better than my time last year. Incredible. Our average pace was 8:31... a minute faster than our goal. There's nothing new that I can say about how I feel, you know it all already. This is going to be a year of crushing any and all previous race times. I'm so happy and excited and proud of us. This race gave me this little glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, we can break 2 hours at the Wine & Dine half marathon. Maybe. Not gonna worry about it yet. Just gonna enjoy the glow of this fantastic race for awhile, and see where training takes us.
After the race we met up with some other Emory runners at the Emory Healthcare tent, where we were treated like VIPs. There was a line of volunteers in their Emory shirts applauding and congratulating us as we walked in, and there were bagels and bananas and oranges and muffins and granola bars and cold water (unlike the water that had been sitting out in the sun that everyone else got) for us. We admired the prize winning design on the coveted Peachtree shirt and shared race stories and took some pictures. Then Chris and I headed across Piedmont Park to Park Tavern for their race after party. Basically, we just sat around and enjoyed some cheap beer and took in the morning's events. Then we headed to Willy's for lunch, because they were giving $4 burritos to anyone who came in wearing their Peachtree shirt. As you can see, the sum of all these events makes Peachtree the most awesome race ever! And I will be very sad when I can no longer start my 4th of July with this race.
Sadly, during our 4th of July pool party and cook out, I sliced my finger open with a knife trying to cut a watermelon (more sadly, I wasn't even intoxicated, making this easily the most lame way I could possibly have injured myself on the 4th of July) and had to go get stitches. It was a late, exhausting night, and I'm banned from lab now until the wound closes (really, who wants to risk getting staph or meningitis or gonorrhoeae in their finger?). I'm also banned from swimming and hot yoga, so it's time for some creative cross training ideas. I might be doing a lot of dancing. Maybe some stationary bike or some Wii fit... as long as it doesn't involve my hands, it should be ok. But I'm pretty sad about it. One, because I'm stupid. Two, because I don't want to lose my momentum with swimming and yoga. And three, because, well, it really hurts and it sucks having only one useful thumb.
We made today a rest day, since we ran yesterday. But I had two dance classes tonight, so I still got some exercise in. The usual Tahitian drum solo, where we started our choreography, which is going to rock, and then started an African drum solo class, which could be fun, but it's too early to tell, since you never do much in the first class. But it got me out of the house and my mind of my hand for a little, and both classes involve lots of shimmying, so you can't help but feel happy.
Well, since yesterday was a late and traumatic night, I'm off to bed. Hopefully I'll dream of an entertaining cross-training regimen for tomorrow. Just because my Independence Day celebration ended early doesn't mean I didn't eat well... I definitely need to burn off this weekend's festivities! You know it's bad when even running a 10k can't keep you on track...
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Days 47 - 49: Rest, run, and race-day eve
T -11 hours until our Peachtree start time...
Friday was a "rest" day, and with the race coming up, I decided to take it easy, so I just went to a hot yoga class to get everything stretched out.
Saturday was supposed to be a 12 mile run. We had the most beautiful start ever. 3 nearly perfectly consistent miles, right around the 9:30 pace we're shooting for for the Peachtree. I had originally mandated that we take it easy, but we're not so good at that anymore. Chris laughed at me because shortly after we started, a woman turned the corner in front of us, and I promptly sped up to pass her. What can I say, I'm like a fox: sly enough to get Chris into the Peachtree, and I can't resist a rabbit! Hopefully that competitiveness will help us out tomorrow.
Unfortunately, our run didn't continue as excellently, as Chris ended up getting sick. We did a run/walk and finished about 8.7 miles. I was a little disappointed to not get the distance, but I've been there, and god knows Chris has dealt enough with me being sick on many a run. Besides, we're early enough in the training that missing the distance isn't going to hurt us. Next up is a 13 miler, which, after 4 half marathons and a full, we can basically do in our sleep. Better to take it easy right before a race anyway.
We went to the Peachtree expo to pick up our numbers yesterday as well. Oh, how I love expos! This one is huge, too. And... while we were there... we saw Jeff Galloway! Like the real, live person! He was at a booth for his training program. It was so awesome to see him in real life. I wish I had gotten a picture though. Darn. (If you don't know who that is, he's a big deal in the running world. Look him up.)
Speaking of pictures, I got an AWESOME new toy for races. It's a teeny tiny little camera and camcorder, slightly larger than a business card and super thin. So it fits perfectly into my little pouch without being big and bulky like the 90s-era disposable cameras we had to use for Disney. So hopefully now I can take more pictures at races and during training... it will make this thing a little more exciting, no?
Today was supposed to be a rest day so we're ready to go for tomorrow, but I had dance. It was the upper body technique class, so it shouldn't affect me too much. Got in some great ab and arm work though. I realized during class today that when I am in correct posture, I can literally feel each individual ab muscle. Now, if only I could move them each individually... We also tried something new, where we sat on the floor and practiced the moves. It actually amps it up a little, because you can't cheat and have any of your lower body help you. And it lets you focus on the actual move, instead of worrying so much about keeping everything isolated at the same time. So hopefully practicing like that will help get the muscles really strong so it will be easier to isolate when we're standing.
Chris and I made cauliflower macaroni and cheese tonight for our carbtastic dinner. (Recipe from Runner's World: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-303-504-13847-0,00.html. Delicious, and healthy, and doesn't taste like cauliflower, I swear). Now it's just bed and then the race! I'm sooooo excited!!!!! I've really come to love this race. I mean, it's the biggest 10k in the country, maybe the world. 60,000 runners... there's a lottery to get numbers. And it's just so much FUN. I'm seriously hoping we can break an hour tomorrow. I know physically we can run that fast, but with the crowds, we might not make it. It won't be the worst thing if we don't though... the experience is worth it no matter what the outcome.
Full race report to come. Catch you on the flip side!
Friday was a "rest" day, and with the race coming up, I decided to take it easy, so I just went to a hot yoga class to get everything stretched out.
Saturday was supposed to be a 12 mile run. We had the most beautiful start ever. 3 nearly perfectly consistent miles, right around the 9:30 pace we're shooting for for the Peachtree. I had originally mandated that we take it easy, but we're not so good at that anymore. Chris laughed at me because shortly after we started, a woman turned the corner in front of us, and I promptly sped up to pass her. What can I say, I'm like a fox: sly enough to get Chris into the Peachtree, and I can't resist a rabbit! Hopefully that competitiveness will help us out tomorrow.
Unfortunately, our run didn't continue as excellently, as Chris ended up getting sick. We did a run/walk and finished about 8.7 miles. I was a little disappointed to not get the distance, but I've been there, and god knows Chris has dealt enough with me being sick on many a run. Besides, we're early enough in the training that missing the distance isn't going to hurt us. Next up is a 13 miler, which, after 4 half marathons and a full, we can basically do in our sleep. Better to take it easy right before a race anyway.
We went to the Peachtree expo to pick up our numbers yesterday as well. Oh, how I love expos! This one is huge, too. And... while we were there... we saw Jeff Galloway! Like the real, live person! He was at a booth for his training program. It was so awesome to see him in real life. I wish I had gotten a picture though. Darn. (If you don't know who that is, he's a big deal in the running world. Look him up.)
Speaking of pictures, I got an AWESOME new toy for races. It's a teeny tiny little camera and camcorder, slightly larger than a business card and super thin. So it fits perfectly into my little pouch without being big and bulky like the 90s-era disposable cameras we had to use for Disney. So hopefully now I can take more pictures at races and during training... it will make this thing a little more exciting, no?
Today was supposed to be a rest day so we're ready to go for tomorrow, but I had dance. It was the upper body technique class, so it shouldn't affect me too much. Got in some great ab and arm work though. I realized during class today that when I am in correct posture, I can literally feel each individual ab muscle. Now, if only I could move them each individually... We also tried something new, where we sat on the floor and practiced the moves. It actually amps it up a little, because you can't cheat and have any of your lower body help you. And it lets you focus on the actual move, instead of worrying so much about keeping everything isolated at the same time. So hopefully practicing like that will help get the muscles really strong so it will be easier to isolate when we're standing.
Chris and I made cauliflower macaroni and cheese tonight for our carbtastic dinner. (Recipe from Runner's World: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-303-504-13847-0,00.html. Delicious, and healthy, and doesn't taste like cauliflower, I swear). Now it's just bed and then the race! I'm sooooo excited!!!!! I've really come to love this race. I mean, it's the biggest 10k in the country, maybe the world. 60,000 runners... there's a lottery to get numbers. And it's just so much FUN. I'm seriously hoping we can break an hour tomorrow. I know physically we can run that fast, but with the crowds, we might not make it. It won't be the worst thing if we don't though... the experience is worth it no matter what the outcome.
Full race report to come. Catch you on the flip side!
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