More running... how is it going for everyone?

[Gina O]

Hey all you runners! Just wanted updates on how everyone is doing? Is everyone still getting in good workouts as the weather turns worse? Kim, how are you doing? I would love to hear updates from everyone.

I am almost done with my formal program... today I start running 13 and walking 2 minutes two times. This should be no problems. (I hope http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ) Yesterday was a rough day to get motiviated... it was cold out, and I was VERY lazy. But, once I got out and ran it felt sooooooo great... probably my best run to date. Gina

[Gina O]

The run today went great... Brian came out with me and walked while I was running, so passing him, running back to him, ect kept me mentally occupied. The 13 minutes were easy, I was happily surprised. I also timed a mile... it was about 50 seconds faster than Thanksgiving weekend. Very happy about that.

When the program is over (at which point I will be running 30 minutes without stopping, probably very close to 3 miles), I am going to start attempting to increase time and speed, but am totally open to suggestions on best ways. I also want to keep doing races... the sorta plan I have in my mind is a 5K on New Year's Eve. A 10K in February. Then a 1/2 marathon around June. After June, I would guess it would be straight training for either the Marine Marathon or Chicago in October. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Gina

[kwormann]

HI everyone

I finished my first week Friday. I should have started week 2 Saturday, but I baked all day (cheeper that buying presents for collegues) and today we had our first supper club meeting at my house. I am not giving up, though. I will start week 3 on Tuesday and still finish by Sunday. The last day was the hardest I had had starting out, but was the easiest at the end!

Fortuneately there are only 4 more days of school, then 2weeks off, I can concentrate on running..hopefully the weather in IN will cooperate while we are there....

Congrats to those of you who are doing long runs...the 5 minute run I will do on Tuesday will be a long run.... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Kim

[Natasha]

Gina,

Great to see your message and know that you re doing so well. Your best run ever - how exciting!!! How did it go today? What are you planning to do once your formal schedule is done?

Today I set out for my long run and just did not feel RIGHT. I was stiff and tired and sore-ish, and not at my best mentally either. I felt that if I pushed along and did my full run (which was supposed to be 12 1/2 miles) I would risk becoming injured as my form was not ideal. So I cut it short and did about 7 1/2 miles. Of course, I feel bad about that, but these days do happen, so I ll have to not beat myself up over it. Before next week s long run, I ll make sure to rest completely the day before (which I didn t exactly do yesterday), and maybe I ll hold steady with my hill training this week instead of adding an extra hill. The last 2 1/2 weeks or so have been so strong that I guess I had one of these days coming ...

Everyone else?


[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 12-10-2000).]

[emilycat]

Natasha,

Really, don't give yourself a hard time about cutting your run short...do you do long runs each week or every other week? I know you have a lot of dedication, and if you truly didn't feel like running the whole deal, your body was probably trying to tell you something. Also, I'm not sure what kind of training you did yesterday, but I try to fit my cross-training workout in the day before my long run. I've noticed that my legs feel soooo much fresher and I feel much more limber and mentally ready to run long if I didn't run the day before. I know how you feel, though. I always beat myself up about not running what I'd planned to, but there's really no point...when you make it up the next week, you'll wonder what the *&#@ you were so upset about.

I've been back up to my normal mileage for the past couple of weeks now, so that's great...and you all will hate me for this, but I've never, never I tell you, felt the Holiday Rush and Christmas frenzy of which everyone speaks. I feel happier and joyful and more appreciative of life during the holidays, so I can't say my running and workout routine suffers http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/redface.gif

Gina, I'm glad you started this thread...I was missing you guys! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Hope everyone has a great week; keep up your great work!

[Natasha]

Emily,

Thanks for the kind words http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Glad to know your running is going well too. Any races coming up?

I m fortunately not that upset about today because these days do come up. Like you, I see these days as a message from my body that I need to take it a bit easy. I remember one 11 miler last winter where I felt just awful for about 8-9 miles of it, and the next week I did a bit more than 11 and felt great!! If next week goes badly, I ll start to wonder, but otherwise, it s just par for the course ...

I don t run the day before my long run: I will either cross-train, or else take the day off (meaning go for walks but nothing else). Yesterday, though, I didn t do either of these, but danced for a long time! So I blame it on that http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

BTW, I agree with you about not stressing out during the holiday season. I enjoy running through decorated neighborhoods and love all the good things that the holidays bring (except huge snowstorms and black ice - ick...).

[Kerri]

I think I have been doing pretty well with my running. I had been running 3 miles pretty regularly. A few weeks ago, I added another mile and then saturday I added one more making 5 miles. I was really proud of myself saturday because I had run 4 miles before, but never 5. This weekend I am going to try to add on to get to 6. I feel really good after I finish one of these runs, but I am amazed how tired and sore that extra mile makes me! I hope I can keep it up. I have started playing on a soccer team again and I am afraid this will blow my running schedule. Soccer is so hard on my body that I find I will take more days off. However, just because I can play soccer for 45 minutes, doesn't mean I can survive a 4 mile run. (the reverse is true also, just because I can run for 45 minutes doesn't mean I can survive until halftime) I don't want to quit soccer, but I really want to run that marathon. I am thinking about skipping practices and just going to the games. I don't know. I think I am just thinking out loud.

Congrats to everyone. I love reading about everyone's experiences and I find it really inspires me to push myself. I don't know if it helps you more experienced runners, but I hope so!

[emilycat]

Kim,
Keep your motivation up; you sound like you're doing great! And besides, long runs are all relative...if your long run is 5 minutes and you've only been running 3, then that's an accomplishment -- after all, you have to start somewhere! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Kerri,

Congrats on upping your mileage -- that's wonderful! I remember when I first started running, I began running at the track, alternating running miles (or fractions of) with walking. After I got into it, the distance I could go without running just seemed to snowball...believe me, the more you do, the easier it gets. The feelings of euphoria you get from running a distance you've never run before, especially when you've not been a runner for long, is like nothing I can describe -- although I'm sure I don't have to tell anyone here that http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Keep up the good work, everybody, and have a great running week! And by the way, if you are one of those holiday rush victims, don't let it get you down...your running will only make you less stressful and able to handle all the tribulations (trite, I know, sorry) of the season.

Emily

[BernK]

I had my PB in a 5k yesterday - 27.44. I was thrilled with it even if I felt like throwing up near the end. My goal before I started was to do less than 30mins but I didn't expect to be that quick. I also came in 4th overall in the womens section but that wasn't as important to me. Keep in mind there was only about 50 people in the race.

[SusieO]

Wow! Sounds like everyone's doing really well. Congrats, BernK, on your new record, and to everyone on keeping up with running during this hectic season.

Parties and goodies this time of year make it difficult to train. My long run yesterday knocked me out after a weekend of too much fun. I don't know how far I ran, just went around the neighborhood for 90 minutes. Then spent the rest of the day doing nothing.

Let's all keep up the good work!

[Natasha]

Sounds like everyone is doing really well!

Gina, your plan sounds good! I hope your knee/IT problem clears up soon. BTW, if you re interested in doing the Marine Marathon, keep in mind that it fills up very quickly - it s one of the most popular races around.

Bern, congratulations on your new PR!

Well, although I wasn t really down on myself for last week s long run attempt (which I had to cut short), it was nonetheless at the back of my mind. But I conquered the beast today, so to speak. That is, I tackled virtually the same 12 1/2 mile course I was supposed to do last week, and finished it! I did almost the same course to prove something to myself. It wasn t pretty, and it wasn t fast, but, heck, it was a training run. The important thing was to do it and feel relatively strong.

Kind of unrelated point - when I pass a runner going in the opposite direction, I try to smile or say hi and appreciate it when they do the same. To me it s courtesy and a way of showing camaraderie since you re both (or all, in the case of a group) out there pounding the trails when most people would rather be doing something else. Besides, a friendly smile, word (or even a nod!) can give you a boost just when you need it most.

A lot of runners do this, but a lot don t as well. It s a shame, IMHO (though please realize that I m not saying that anyone should greet anyone who makes them feel uncomfortable). I know that an RW columnist lamented the same thing several months ago, so I m not alone on this point ... any thoughts?

[hhcowgirl]

Hi, everyone!
I have never posted on this thread/topic before, but I would love to share some of my experiences too. First of all, just so you'll sort of know where I am coming from, I fit in about 15-20 miles a week but would LOVE to do more--however, I am in law school (a TOUGH one) and I really think my studying would suffer. I would love to know, for those of you who run more than 10 miles at a time, how did you work up to such a goal? 10 is my definite limit. Also, just wanted to share a little winter-time motivational tip as well--I love to run outside, but seeing as how we've had SNOW for the past few days, that gets tough this time of year. SO I run on the treadmill, but it's definitely tough to get motivated. I have discovered, though, that when I run in front of a mirror for some reason, I am encouraged to go farther and faster. No CLUE why this works, but I won't question it as long as it keeps getting me back to the gym!

[Natasha]

Emily,

Thanks for your supportive words! Hope your running is going well these days.

Emily and Gina, thanks for your comments on runner etiquette. Emily, yes, it probably was Joe Henderson who wrote that column. And you re absolutely right: I can sure understand that people might have bad days where they don t feel like greeting anyone else, or else they re not comfortable with it. I can t expect everyone else to react to situations like I would...I just keep thinking, though, that if more runners got in the habit of being friendly or even civil with one another, they would realize that it makes the sport even more enjoyable than it already is. (Of course, this is coming from someone who would probably say hi to every telephone pole she passed, if they would only talk back...) http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

Good running, everyone. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 12-17-2000).]

[emilycat]

Natasha,

First of all, congrats on your run today..you knew you would!

Second, I remember that column, and I loved it! Was it not Joe Henderson's running journal? I, too, think it's a shame that more runners don't exhibit that "runner camaraderie" so to speak...and I must admit that I'm sometimes a little irked when the same person I smile at day after day ignores me repeatedly! I have to remember, though, that people can always be having a bad day, immersed in their runs, or just don't feel comfortable interacting (as small a gesture as a smile is, it can take a lot of effort for some people) with a total stranger.

Sometimes when I don't feel like smiling or waving at anyone, if I'm not in a good mood, for example, I try to remember how great it makes me feel when others offer me a friendly gesture...sometimes it can just make a person's day. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Gina O]

If I encountered other runners while running, I would definitely say hi. As it is now, I say hi to the squirrels, the neighbors dog and the 3 beagles at the end of the road. I also wave to every car that passes (usually 2-3 during my 30 minutes).

My reason for doing this derives from something I read in my Runner's World book. It said that a woman running alone should project an aire of confidence (something like that). Basically, the same safety stuff we have all heard before... look around, make eye contact, act confident,ect. I feel that if I am running along with my head down not looking around, I would be an easier target. If I am smiling and waving, people may realize that I know what I am doing, I belong there, others have seen me out, ect.

I realize that I am once again exhibiting my somewhat paranoid nature, but safely is a huge issue for me.

All that said... I would wave or say hi anyway. I like being friendly. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Gina

[emilycat]

Originally posted by hhcowgirl:
I would love to know, for those of you who run more than 10 miles at a time, how did you work up to such a goal? 10 is my definite limit.


First of all, I have to warn you...once you get sucked in to long-distance running, 10 miles will not be enough. I, too, once thought that 10 would be my limit...that I for one, could never run farther than that, and for another, why the heck would I want to?
Well, suffice it to say that that's changed. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

About building up mileage, it's really just that... doing a long run, which is a relative distance for every runner, each week or every other week, tacking on mileage each time, to comfortably up the total. And I must say that breaking a mileage milestone brings one of the greatest feelings of accomplishment out there. And then you just want to keep going after more, just to see what you can do. If you can find a way to make running more a priority, I would definitely give it a shot, especially since you sound like you enjoy it so much. In the meantime, happy running!

Em


[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 12-18-2000).]

[Kerri]

Hello fellow runners! I did run for 6 miles both saturday and sunday. I can't say it went all that well. See, I know my pace is about a 9 minute mile. Usually when I am figuring mileage I just figure for a 10 minute cause it is easier. So, Saturday, I ran for an hour. However, it was EXTREMELY WINDY (cold front coming through) and it slowed me down a lot. When I finished an hour, I just didn't think I got as far as I should have. I ran the same route sunday, but I was so tired from the day before (plus lots of ice) I ran even slower. Its good I reached my goal, but I think I need to stick with 6 miles for awhile to get used to it. I don't usually run long runs (long for me) 2 days in a row, but I wanted to try again before the holidays.

It has been cold here in Dallas and it has been really hard to get out there. Last monday it was pretty bad, but I went out anyways (without ear muffs, bad idea) but I pushed on. On the last leg of my run, I turned a corner and there was the most beautiful, huge, orange, harvest moon rising above the buildings. I just thought it was way cool and that I should share.

Happy running!

[Gina O]

Natasha-

Thanks for the info about the Marine Marathon... we are going to give it a try and see what happens. If we don't get into that one, we will probably do Chicago.

Is anyone else here planning on running any marathons next year? If so, which ones?

I ran at the gym again today... during the second 13 minute set, I pushed hard to see how close to 9 minutes I could do a mile in... I managed 9 minutes and 14 seconds!!!! I was so thrilled. I realize how nice running on a track is for increasing speed, it really helps to know the time and distance as I go along. Although, much fun as it is, I look forward to getting back outside someday. Gina

[hhcowgirl]

Help, everyone! I have a concern--I am plagued, as many of us are, by sinus infections and various illnesses as soon as the REALLY cold weather hits. I hate taking days off from running, but I know it is the best thing to do--last time I went running in the frigid air when I was feeling mildly sick I literally got pneumonia. Anyway, I would love to know how y'all make it through minor illnesses vis a vis your workout schedule and also how long you wait before exercising after your first signs of illness??

[Natasha]

Originally posted by Gina O:
I ran at the gym again today... during the second 13 minute set, I pushed hard to see how close to 9 minutes I could do a mile in... I managed 9 minutes and 14 seconds!!!! I was so thrilled. I realize how nice running on a track is for increasing speed, it really helps to know the time and distance as I go along. Although, much fun as it is, I look forward to getting back outside someday. Gina

Gina,

That is fantastic!! What a feeling, huh? I guess your leg is feeling better these days, then? Hope so...

Everyone,

How goes the battle?

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 12-21-2000).]

[Gina O]

Natasha-

The leg is feeling better, I have not had any problem with it since I have been running on the track. Still not sure exactly what it is, but did look at the RW site and it sure sounded like what Emily mentioned. Strangely, one of the things it said was to aviod running on tracks, but did not mention treadmills. Leaves me wondering. Either way, I am happy it is not bothering me. I may try the treadmill again today or tomorrow and see what happens.

Gina