Virtual Running Buddies - Week of 10/17

[Natasha]

Hi all!

Well, it's Friday, and I thought I'd take the liberty of starting us off a new thread.

Kristi, the Burlington marathon sounds great - what a pretty place to run!

I'm also going to carry over your question about our families and physical activity. My family is on the whole moderately physically active - with some more active members and some less so - but I'm the only runner I know of. They are supportive of my endeavours, though; they just don't want to do these activities themselves. ;) My husband is like me in that he's very athletic and "into" outdoor activities of all kinds.

Les, that's good that the chiro was able to help! I typically walk out of my chiropractor's office literally sighing with delight because I feel sooo much better after going. It's a good thing. Oh, and enjoy your rest day today!

Scout, sorry to hear about the work stress. :( Hope it improves soon. What line of work are you in, by the way?

Laura, thanks for asking about Thanksgiving. My husband did survive the turkey-less feast on Monday, but it probably helped that we made and had our own Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday, complete with 13-15 lb turkey (for two of us - really smart). I have learned this week that I don't like turkey as much as I always thought I did. It's only the white meat I really care for.

I did weights and abs and went for my walk yesterday, and my question for you all is this: Does anyone actually LIKE doing ab exercises? :p :) Someone must, but it sure ain't me (most of the time). To me, they're a necessary evil. Satisfying to see and feel results, sure, and necessary for many sports, but not very fun. In fact, "odious" was the word I kept using as I went through my regimen last night. :)

Hoping to get in some good activities (running and hiking, primarily) this weekend. I think it'll be cool but that's all right, especially since my husband surprised me with new gloves last night. I have to try them out, right? ;)

Natasha

[Laura]

Hi Natasha, thanks for getting us started.

Well, I had a good 4 mile run last night, and had thought about doing speed today, but I think I will take it easy and just grab the kids and maybe go for a walk downtown and then stop at the local homemade ice cream store.

I don't have a lot of plans this weekend, I am watching SO's daughter's soccer game tomorrow, and running 7-8 on Sunday, and other than that I might try and clean my garage. We are having an Indian Summer though (mid-upper 70s today and this weekend), so I definitely want to spend most of my time outside.

I would say my family is generally not very active. I am the youngest of 5 girls, and I was probably the most active (swimming and tennis) growing up, and still am. My dad does do 45 minutes of basic calisthenic type exercises every morning and it has kept him in amazing shape. I have a sister who will ski occasionally in the winter, and another sister used to hike, but not so much anymore. I am definitely the only runner. I get frustrated with them only b/c my mom had a number of health related problems that were related to lack of exercise, and 2 of my sisters are very overweight. I wish I lived closer to them so we could do more stuff together. They have been very supportive of my most recent running endeavors though. :)

Natasha, I glad you and Phil had two nice Thanksgiving dinners. ;) My sister only likes white meat as well, so when it was just her and her DH she would just buy two large turkey breasts and roast those. Now she has two teenage boys who eat the turkey down to the bone, so she doesn't have to worry about leftover dark meat. :D

Regarding ab exercises, well I don't "hate" them. What I hate is lunges. I think I get myself through them by saying "at least I am not doing lunges!" :p

Hope everyoone has a great weekend!

[SusanMac]

Great question about families! DH and I both come from inactive, lethargic, overweight families. Kind of odd actually, I guess. I was not athletic as a kid, as it just didn't interest or occur to my parents to point me & sis in that direction. I think that's why I enjoy it now (no bad memories of coaches & endless drills after school). When I did my first marathon, no one in my family said anything except Mom (who said "don't get too skinny"!) They have since accepted that this is not a passing fad. They now ask about various sports and activities. My mom is even sending us articles she finds on the Ironman (in support of DH's training). It's very cute. Mom walked her 1st 10K this summer & I was very proud! We convinced FIL to do a 5 mile Turkey Trot with us last year. And, both MIL & FIL have said they'll come watch & cheer on DH in his Ironman. So, at least they're seeing that we have fun with all these activities -- it's not just because we "have to," you know? Hoping it rubs off and gets them interested in moving a bit more themselves!

Yesterday went for my very first swim! I lived at the pool as a kid, but haven't swum (swam??) for fitness as an adult. A bit nervous, but it was great! It came back a bit more naturally than I expected. Geez, it's exhausting. I'm looking forward to having a good winter workout alternative to the treadmill (I respect all of you who can do that!) also looking forward to buffed arms? maybe one day, even though it goes against my genetic doe!

Today I should run....but not feeling like it. Cloudy & dreary. Anyone got some inspiring words to get me out the door :-)?

[Laura]

Originally posted by SusanMac

Today I should run....but not feeling like it. Cloudy & dreary. Anyone got some inspiring words to get me out the door :-)?

Susan, just focus on how great you will feel when you get back.

[Natasha]

Laura, your weekend sounds like fun! :) And I think I've said it before, but I'll say it again -- your dad sounds like a true inspiration. I hope to be that active when I'm his age. That's funny how your sister used to just buy the turkey breasts and roast them -- that's what my family always did growing up too (before my sister became such an adamant vegetarian!). Now I'm thinking of going back to that for Christmas, though Phil prefers dark meat so maybe not.

Funny about you disliking lunges but not minding abs; I usually enjoy squats and lunges. It's interesting to see how everyone's likes and dislikes differ! :)

Speaking of family members and fitness, I would like to get my mother more active but it's not easy to motivate her to go for more walks. I'll keep trying, though!

Susan, as Laura said, just think of how energized you'll feel when you get home, and also think about how we'll all nag you and ask if you went or not! :p Knowing that I'm accountable to you guys has gotten me out there a couple of times when otherwise I may have bailed. Have a great run and let us know how it went. :) Running in cool and damp weather can be refreshing at times, right?

Natasha

[MaryH]

Interesting thread. I have one brother who is moderately active, likes to ski, used to bike a lot (in high school I thought he was just strange because he went on these LONG bike rides.) My parents are much like Susan's and just sort of shake their heads when I tell them I need to do a 3 or 4 mile run in the moring. They also thought I was quite off when I told them I was doing a century bike ride three years ago. One other brother who is not active at all and the youngest brother is fairly so, as he is a police officer. As for DH, let's just say physical activity is not a word you'd use with him. He'll garden but that's about it.

Got in my 6 this morning and have 12 scheduled tomorrow. I know I must be getting "runner's vision" (illusion/delusions??) when I start to think 6 is not that long or difficult.

I sent in my application for the San Diego 1/2 marathon (in January). So Scout, are you doing that one (in Carlsbad)? :cool:

[Laura]

Wow Mary, I am impressed, you have already signed up for another 1/2?? I am just not ready to get back into training mode. And you ran 6 the day before your solo 12 miler??? I promise I won't complain about my solo 7-8 miler tomorrow.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Thanks Queen!
{b]Mary H -[/b] Becoming a runner are we. Good for you. Sounds like running is becoming a fun thing for you. Best of luck in training for the San Diego 1/2 marathon. When I was there (SD) I didn't run races that long - just limited myself to 10k races. Those were the days. :D
Laura - Highs in the 70s - that's amazing. It may be highs in the 50s today here. Fall is definitely hit Norfolk.
Natasha - I'm not sure whether the adjustment or the therapy is my favorite part of visiting the chiro. I get a hot pack on my neck and 15 minutes on the "massage" table (mechanical roller that kneads my back - :D) A great thing.

Another long run in the bag today. 12 miles - and there are only 3 more long runs before my race. 23 next weekend then TAPER! I think I'm ready to taper too but I still have to get through next week - ~54 miles.

Off to get new shoes to break in before the race - I think the NB 752s I'm wearing will not make it through the next 4 weeks and the marathon.

Cheers to all - have a great weekend,
Les

[Natasha3]

Mary, that's great that you've reached the stage where 6 miles seems like a short run. :D Good luck with the 12-miler. I'm impressed too that you're already signing up for another half. Definitely bitten by the running bug, you are (not that that's a BAD thing or anything) :p

Laura, hi!

Les, new shoes already? I know it makes sense mileage-wise; just seems like you just bought them! Anyway, at least it seems that you have found a pair that (knock on wood) works for you. :) Oh, and I hear you on how great the mechanical roller is. It rocks! I don't get it every time, though.

Well, it's kind of cool and damp here, but we're planning to go for our hike after a late lunch. I debated doing the Toronto 1/2 marathon tomorrow but don't think I will. Probably not the smartest thing to do at this point in my training, though I think I could have finished it. It was pretty tempting! :)

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Natasha3
Les, new shoes already? I know it makes sense mileage-wise; just seems like you just bought them! Anyway, at least it seems that you have found a pair that (knock on wood) works for you. :) Oh, and I hear you on how great the mechanical roller is. It rocks! I don't get it every time, though.

Hard to believe that I'm already in new shoes but by my calculations I've run about 275-300 miles in these and I've got at least another 150-175 before the marathon which will put me on the upper end of the typical mileage I get from a pair of shoes. I figure this way I can get a few runs in with the new shoes to break them in and get the laces figured out (again) before the race - no need to wear them for the first time in the race (like I did for the Rock 'n Roll half). I think the machine I use is called an "Anatamotor" - and I've told my chiro that if his is ever found missing he can probably come to my house and find it here. :D There are times that I'd rather have the Anatamotor than the adjustment (ok the hot pack is pretty good and calming too).


Well, it's kind of cool and damp here, but we're planning to go for our hike after a late lunch. I debated doing the Toronto 1/2 marathon tomorrow but don't think I will. Probably not the smartest thing to do at this point in my training, though I think I could have finished it. It was pretty tempting! :)

Natasha

Too bad - but if you're like me you really can't go through a race without racing it. The only way that I can keep myself from racing a race is to run before the race starts (I've done that on days where I have 22+ scheduled and there's a half marathon going on nearby). Once I've started and done 8 or 9 miles at long run pace I can't race. Like you said... probably safer not to even be tempted.

Everyone have a good remainder of the weekend.
Les

[MaryH]

Originally posted by Natasha3
Mary, that's great that you've reached the stage where 6 miles seems like a short run. :D Good luck with the 12-miler. I'm impressed too that you're already signing up for another half. Definitely bitten by the running bug, you are (not that that's a BAD thing or anything) :p

Oh yeah. :D I ran my 12 this morning. I've noticed that when I run 5Ks I tend to go out way faster than I should and end up losing steam the rest of the way. Lately I've been trying to keep the beginning slower and feel like I'm stronger at the end. Yestderay and today my times bore that out. I know I finished my last three faster than my first three on Saturday and today I managed to run the second 6 almost a minute per mile faster than the first six. (This is yet another sign that I've been bitten bad because I sit there and analyze my times. :cool: ]Can anyone say anal retentive?? ) As I sit here and can just hear your response Natasha. :cool: :) :cool: :D

[Natasha3]

Hi guys!

Les, that's exactly it for me too -- I knew I couldn't be in the race environment and not RACE, and in the circumstances, I didn't think that was too smart. I did my 9 mile run today and while it was no problem, my body seemed to be telling me that it wouldn't have appreciated doing the extra 7 km without being prepared for it, and at a faster speed. So it was a good call. When my body talks, I listen, or try to, anyway. :) How was your run today?

Yay, Mary!!! Good for you on finishing your 12 in such style. I love to go out slower and then speed up towards the middle and end. It really does seem to work for me (though it means that I don't usually do well in 5k runs because it takes me too long to get going :rolleyes: ). That's some negative split -- your last 6 miles being a minute per mile faster than the first six. Again, good going!



Can anyone say anal retentive?? ) As I sit here and can just hear your response Natasha.

:D :D He he he. You know me so well. Speaking of anal retentive, I'm sitting here with the map book in front of me, calculating my mileage to make SURE I really did the whole 9 miles. :p I also plan to do up a detailed training schedule for the next couple of weeks later today.

Oh yeah, one question before I go: How many of you do a training schedule every week (or longer), and how many of you keep a running log? In the past, my training schedule was mostly in my head, but now that I'm incorporating more weights and abs and such, I'm going to write it down to make it easier to keep track of it all. Nothing will be written in stone, but I think the schedule will help. I used to keep a running log but haven't lately. Plan to start again this week, though; I've found them very helpful (and motivating) in the past.

Anyway, off to market I go. I was in the middle of making soup for my post-run lunch when my neighbour showed up with a big Tupperware of fresh chili -- yum! It was a fantastic post-run meal. Good neighbours rock.

Have a good day, all!
Natasha

[Jodi]

Hi, everybody!

DH and I went for a hike this morning before taking my nieces and nephews apple and pumpkin picking -- I cannot imagine a more perfect fall day!

Les, I can't believe you're in need of new shoes already. I feel like I'm still breaking mine in, and I think we got them around the same time. :o :D

The posts about family activity are really interesting. Growing up, my family was really active but all in different ways. My dad was a semi-pro baseball player until a knee injury got the best of him; now he's practically a full-time golfer. My mom was a runner -- competitively and leisurely. One of my brothers and my sister were very much into organized sports (baseball, track, wrestling, etc.), but my youngest brother and I always preferred to do our own thing. I ran track for a few years but hated it (still not sure why!), and my brother was big into snow- and skateboarding as well as street hockey.

Natasha, I do keep an exercise log of sorts. I keep track of my exercise for the day (running and otherwise), whether or not I took my multi-vitamin (you'd think it'd be second nature at age 29, but it's somehow not :rolleyes:), how much water I drank, etc. I also keep general notes in it about new exercises I've tried, whether I liked them, how many I did -- that sort of thing. I don't have a set routine or order of exercises simply because I get bored easily.

Have a great week, all!
Jodi

P.S. I HATE ab exercises :p

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Natasha3
Hi guys!

Les, that's exactly it for me too -- I knew I couldn't be in the race environment and not RACE, and in the circumstances, I didn't think that was too smart... When my body talks, I listen, or try to, anyway. :) How was your run today?

I knew that you and I were cut from the same bolt of cloth - can't get near a race without going out with the ponies. No run today - Sunday is my XT day when I do weights (legs and some upper body) in prep for the upcoming week.


Oh yeah, one question before I go: How many of you do a training schedule every week (or longer), and how many of you keep a running log?

Schedule - one of the benefits of having a coach and a definite goal (Boston Qualifing time) is a detailed schedule. I've been working a schedule for the last 15 weeks and will be doing it until 15 November. As for a running log - I did for a while but I got tired of writing the same basic stuff down all the time so I just do some mental calculations and call that good. I really have no idea how many miles I run anymore - but that's okay.


Originally posted by Jodi Les, I can't believe you're in need of new shoes already. I feel like I'm still breaking mine in, and I think we got them around the same time. :o :D

I think we did but when your a running fool (or that may just be a fool) like me you go through shoes quickly. I just reflected that I've run over 100 miles in the last 2 weeks alone. :rolleyes: And I've got over 50 this week. Hard on the shoes that way but still a cheap sport if you ask me.

Off to the land of nod. Need my rest for the upcoming week...

Peace,
Les

[Kristilyn1]

I've mentioned before that I'm following a schedule to train for the marathon. I decided to repeat week 5 and work from there because I have the time to do it, and with the knee issue---I was off kilter all last week. I don't keep a log though. I keep starting one and then blowing it off.

Christmas help. DH and I are trying to decide on a piece of cross-training equipment. Ok, I'm deciding--- he knows he has little say in it. LOL. We have an awesome treadmill, a universal weight "thing", and now want to add either a recumbent bike or a rowing machine for cross training days. I'm leaning towards a Water Rower as I really don't enjoy biking indoors---I try to get out once a week for at least a couple miles on a regular bike (with my four year old on the back who is pushing the envelope on weight allowed on the back of a bike). What do you think would be the most beneficial for overall health and cross training? For those who haven't heard of a water rower---it uses water for it's resistance and it's smoothness and noise is very much like a real rowing experience.

Good luck on everyone's goals this week and I've enjoyed hearing about everyone's progress last week.

Kristi

[Laura]

Kristi,

I would definitely go with the water rower. It is going to give you a better workout overall, and I agree, I love the sound it makes. My sister has one and I use it when I go to visit her. I think it is very cool.

[scout1222]

Natasha, I work as a budget analyst for a pharmaceutical company. Right now we're in the heat of preparing next year's budget. October and November are probably the busiest time of the year. :(

MaryH, I won't be doing the San Diego races this year. I've signed up for the Rock & Roll marathon in Arizona, which is the week before. Since I'm a coach for USA Fit, I'll go to the start of the marathon (and thus the half as well) to cheer my pace group on and give some moral support. But running? Nope, I'll be in glorious recover mode then. :cool:

My immediate family is just mom, dad and I. Mom and dad are divorced and remarried, and of the 5 of us, I'm really the only one that does real vigorous regular exercise. My dad and his wife have been on Weight Watchers recently, and have really done well losing weight. They have done some walking and some exercise videos, so they're getting good about it. My dad is an electrician by trade, so he's often had an active work life, though not much pure exercise. Mom and her husband are severely overweight and inactive. Mom does work as nurse, and so is therefore on her feet for 12 hour shifts.

Somehow all the activity genes passed through them and landed in me! (of course, it took about 23 years for me to figure out they were in there!!!)

This weekend's runs were good ones (finally!) and despite staying up an hour later last night than usual, I actually got up and ran this morning!!!!. So this week should be a better running week than last week was. Getting a run in on Monday AM usually sets me up for a productive week of running.

[SusanMac]

Just had to say that, yes, I *did* get out and run last Friday. Thanks to everyone for the encouragement! Had a good day of intervals. The rest of the weekend was rowing, as I have my last race of the season this coming weekend. We have a heat wave of 80 degrees right now, so I'm itching to run again if I can squeeze it into the schedule today. It's just so gorgeous outside!!

Kristilyn1 - I'm a rower and haven't even heard of the water rower! Who makes it? Concept II? Would love to learn more. Our rowing club must be too poor to have those :-) But, I will put in a vote for a rower/ergometer. For some reason, I find treadmills unbelievably boring, but have fun on an erg. Sprinting and variable workouts are a pain on a treadmill, but easy on an erg because you're in control. And, it's awesome for...how to say this...keeping your backside fit! I'd think it would be a nice balance to weights and running.

I've also really enjoyed learning about everyone's families and fitness genes!

[msxy75]

Hello all, no I didn't get lost out here on the west coast, just been busy and didn't realize that I hadn't checked into the thread in almost two weeks.:rolleyes: Bad Michelle!

Anyhow about the family question, my dad has always been a walker, he loves to walk and I definitely picked that up from him. My oldest brother is an avid golfer and hockey player, mom used to be a runner a long time ago but hasn't since she hurt her back, she occasionally goes out for a walk. My other brother he is a golfer also and on the rare occasion he runs too. I myself wasn't super athletic in high school, I always was on the track team but never really thought about running outside of school events.

I have been doing some interval training to increase my distance as well as looking for a fulltime job in a busy ER. So that has kept me busy for sure, I will try to check in a little more often.

Boy is it soggy out here, it has been raining for at least the past week. It has been pouring all day so far but after catching up on last weeks thread and this weeks thread I think I may go out and brave the rain. Last week Sierra and I started out on a run and got caught in a downpour but it was still lots of fun. Little bit muddy but that was all part of the fun of running in the rain.

Hope your all having a good week, will let you know if I actually do go out and run this afternoon in this lovely downpour.

michelle:)

[Kristilyn1]

Originally posted by SusanMac

Kristilyn1 - I'm a rower and haven't even heard of the water rower! Who makes it?

It's made by a company called Water Rower. I guess it's made here in RI. I've seen them on different fitness websites as well and I just checked it out this weekend at a fitness store. It's also made of wood and can be stored upright. I just couldn't get over how smooth it is. The only drawback is that since it is using water resistance it's not as simple as turning a knob to change the resistance.

Anyone else weighing in on the recumbent bike vs. rower for cross training?

Kristi

[msxy75]

So I braved the pouring rain and went for my run, boy did I get soaked but when all was said and done I feel good now that I got my run in for the day. :D. On my way back another runner passed me and I could've swore he was laughing at how drenched I was, oh well I did look a bit like a drowned rat.:D

Oh hey about the running logs, I do actually keep a running log and then it gives me a kick in the pants when I haven't gone out to run for a few days. I also keep a bit of a training schedule too.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by msxy75
So I braved the pouring rain and went for my run, boy did I get soaked but when all was said and done I feel good now that I got my run in for the day. :D.

And I bet you had a great time splashing in the rain - just like a kid - didn't you? I know that I'm always happiest when I get a chance to splash around in the rain and mud (ok - hard to get away from the 4 year-old).

Today's run was 8 x 800 m at 6:32/mile pace. Boy was I bushed when I was done. But I can proudly say that I did them all and this is the last set of 800m repeats before the race. WOO HOO! Trying to keep stretched out so I can sleep - but I'm stiffening up a little (shoulders). Thank good ness the chiro is coming on Friday.

To pop a couple ES-tylenol and to bed. Peace and happy trails,
Les

[Natasha3]

Kristi, I would vote for the water rower, though I've never seen one (would like to try one, though!). I never seem to get much of a workout on the recumbent, so that's colouring my opinion on this one. ;)

Scout, that sounds like a demanding job for sure -- especially this time of year. Good luck getting through the rest of Oct. and Nov., and congrats on getting out for that run! :D It must have felt great.

Michelle, good to see you back. Running in the mud and rain can be extra satisfying, I think - ESPECIALLY when people give you the "you're crazy" looks. :D

Jodi, good to see you back as well. :) And thanks for disliking ab exercises with me. :p I knew I couldn't be the only one!

Les, sounds like you will be more than ready for the chiro app't on Friday. I went yesterday and my chiro said that that rolling machine I really like is called the "Thumper". Not sure if it's the same as the machine you mentioned, going by another time, or if it's yet another cool tool in the chiropractor's arsenal. In any event, it's all good. :cool:

Susan, good going on getting out for that run the other day!

Thanks for everyone's comments on the log and training schedule so far. I've enjoyed hearing what works for all of you. I started a new log on coolrunning.com the other day, and wrote up my training schedule for the next little while last night.

Yesterday was a full set of upper body and lower body weights, and abs. Monday is hopefully going to be my day each week to focus on weights. Today is either running or going to the gym to cross-train.

Have a great day, folks.
Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Natasha3
Les, sounds like you will be more than ready for the chiro app't on Friday. I went yesterday and my chiro said that that rolling machine I really like is called the "Thumper". Not sure if it's the same as the machine you mentioned, going by another time, or if it's yet another cool tool in the chiropractor's arsenal. In any event, it's all good. :cool:

I'll have to check when I go on Friday because there are two machines in his office and they're each a little different. Amen to the needing the visit on Friday - it may be hard to make it that far but I'll just have to slug it out until then.

Happy trails all - "just" 5 easy miles today, my one break in an otherwise difficult week.

Les

[SusanMac]

I had forgotten about the log question....

In general, I keep a log that tracks some basic info (time, HR, type of workout - recovery, LSD, intervals, and calories burned). I don't prepare a training schedule ahead of time unless I have a specific race I'm training for. But, with my regular log, it reminds me that I shouldn't go more than a few days without doing some kind of activity.

Would be interesting to share logs, though for comparison. Mine's an Excel spreadsheet that I made to accommodate the different sports I do. PM me if you're interested in a copy.

I'd love to see others, as well, if they are in a word doc or something that you can email.

[Natasha3]

Les, hope the easy 5-miler was fun. As we all discussed a couple of weeks ago, it's hard sometimes to "go easy", but it can be great in its own way, can't it? I like my Friday easy runs a lot.

Susan, my new log isn't much at this point, but when it gets more involved, I might make it into a word file or spreadsheet. My old logs were online and I think they've vanished into cyberspace. ;) Good idea, though, to compare logs.

I went to the gym today and cross-trained: intervals on the elliptical, and then a little while on the bike. Busy day tomorrow, but I fully intend to get in that 8-9 km run!

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Originally posted by Natasha3
Les, hope the easy 5-miler was fun. As we all discussed a couple of weeks ago, it's hard sometimes to "go easy", but it can be great in its own way, can't it? I like my Friday easy runs a lot.

I find them a lot easier to enjoy the later in training I get. Early on, when I'm fresh it's really hard to slow down. In fact my easy runs really are "only" about 30 seconds slower than marathon pace. By my coaches schedule they should actually be closer to the fast end of my long run pace - about 60 seconds slower than Marathon pace. But today's was a good pace - about 40 seconds slower than Marathon pace. Needless to say the easy run today was nice - it is turning cool out and there was a little breeze (but nothing too terrible).

Half way through the week's work on the track/roads. Hope everyone else is doing well.

Happy trails,
Les

[msxy75]

Hey have a question, wondering what kind of weight training everyone does on a weekly basis?

I don't do nearly enough I think, this last year I have slacked off, anyhow, I do abs (Natasha I'm one of those freaks that loves ab workouts), I do some arms but I need to start back doing my legs exercises again, oh yeah and I do back. I haven't found a gym out here to join anyhow just wondered what everyone else does.

This mornings run went well, I'm trying a new program that I set up for myself and I can tell that I took some time off a few weeks back as it's taken me a bit to get back on track. Anyhow gang that's about it from out here. How is everyone elses week going?

michelle

[Leslie Ferguson]

Michelle - My workout focuses strangely on my legs. I do a fairly balanced weights workout in the gym once a week. I try to get put some attention on my quads (don't get a lot of strengthening when running on the flats). But that said I try to hit all aspects of my legs. I also do an upper body workout that is more of an endurance type workout - getting my arms ready for 3-4 hours of running (which is hard on your arms). I am one that does abs work every day (or nearly so), again helps with endurance running and strengthening my back (after years of personal abuse on the football field). As long as my shoulder supports it I will normally do sets of push-ups (another of the things I have to do as part of my semi-annual physical readiness testing in the Navy) 2 out of 3 days. Hope that helps.

Today's 50 minute tempo run went well - definitely starting to peak for the Marathon. Two more to go this week - 10 miles at race pace tomorrow (maybe the hardest run remaining) and 24 at long run pace on Saturday (difficult just because of the distance but there is no speed requirement).

Peace,
Les

[Natasha]

Hi guys!

Michelle, my weight training usually consists of the following:

lower body weights for hams and quads, lunges, squats, etc.: 3x/week

upper body weights: biceps, triceps, lats, etc.: 2x/week - occasionally pushups - need to do these more

abs: 6 exercises from the Complete Book of Ab Exercises (or whatever it's called): 3x/week - I'm going to start introducing a new exercise each week

stretches: after running & working out (especially after running)

Natasha :)

[MaryH]

Just checking in to report that I got in 5 miles on Tuesday and about 4 this morning. The race is a week form Sunday and I have a 3 miler planned for Saturday and 8 on Sunday. Then it's a minimum mileage week (even though the plan calls for me to do an 8 miler that week - don't get me started on the whole "a 1/2 is just training for a full marathon" mentality).

As for workout routines MWF are strength workouts with weights alternating between upper and lower body. T,Th, S, and Sun are run days. As far as a journal, I used to keep a sheet everyday as to what exercises I did on the strength training with number of reps and weights. I have fallen off that but do mark on my calendar a "W" for workout and then a note like how many miles or if it was an UBW - upper body workout or LBW - lower body workout - that way I can look at the month and see how many days that month I got a workout in. (This idea came courtesy of the HLSG thread.)

[Natasha3]

It may be cold, and I may be a bit tired, but I am going out to RUN.

Okay, now I have to do it, because I told you guys I would. :D I'm off (my rocker, I think sometimes, but that's another story... :p)!

Natasha

[msxy75]

Natasha did you go? If your off your rocker than I am totally out of my mind, lol.:D

I got in 4 runs this week so I'm all proud of myself as I normally only run 3 times a week. Today was keep the heart rate at a good rate kind of day:rolleyes: not sure it that made any sense but I decided to not walk any part of my run but not exert myself too too much. I tend to be an overachiever and like to push myself further than my limits but I decided that I would stick to my little training plan.

michelle:)

[Natasha3]

Mary, yay!! Good going on your runs. :) I like the idea of marking the workouts on the calendar, but that's a good idea so you have all the info handy. I tend to get kind of wordy in my log, so that wouldn't work too well in calendar format, but I suppose I could do the calendar (maybe just colour-coding) for easy reference. Something to think about.

Michelle, LOL!! Guess we should get along really well, then! :) And yes, I did go for my run, thanks for asking. I did a 5-mile-and-change run at a pretty quick pace, and am pleased that I went out. It's odd that I have a lack of inspiration when it comes to running, but today I needed to push myself out the door a tiny bit. Congrats on your 4 runs and your fine run today, and yes, your description made sense to me. I hear you on the pushing oneself part. It's hard sometimes for me to hold myself back, too -- I want to accomplish so much and it's not always possible in the short run (no pun intended). It can be hard to be patient, but I'm learning.

Hello to everyone else, and I hope you had a great day too.

Natasha

[Leslie Ferguson]

Michelle and Natasha - Great job on your runs. If either of you are off your rocker then where am I? :confused: I probably traded my sanity for a sunny day in Corvallis OR in November when I was in college years ago. I think the calendar things you talk about are neat - and it would be really neat if I kept a log/calendar. But I'm just too "lazy" to keep track any more. And so far this week I'm glad to report that I'm 4 for 4 - and just about 34 miles (more or less). Tomorrow - a much needed and demanded rest. 24 on Saturday - next weeks run I guess.

Tonight's 10 at race pace was a taxer. My biggest problem was starting after work and running for 11+ miles. When all was said and done I didn't finish until about 7:20. WAY TOO LATE. Oh well - don't have to worry about another long late run this marathon. :)

Mary - Take it easy and get ready for the race. There's really nothing you can do except hurt yourself before the race now. Take your 8 miler this weekend then be good to your body and keep stretched out.

To sleep perchance to dream - Bill said it well. Until tomorrow (and next week's thread)... peace,
Les