Virtual Running Buddies - 10/23

SusanMac · #1 10-23-2009, 11:35 AM

Happy Friday runners! I like business travel, but always love coming home to DH, the kids & relaxing time around the house.

I'm kicking off the week b/c I have a race tomorrow! I'm very excited, even though I haven't been training enough & know it will be harder than it should. Oh well. Will be fun anyway. It's the North Face Endurance Challenge trail run at a nearby state park where I've never run before. The name is due to the fact that there's a 50K distance as part of the series. I'm doing the 10K. After the last 2 days, it should be a mudfest! I'm wearing the new tights anyway, tho. This will also be my first race w/the new trail running shoes. Woo hoo!

Les - I'm so fascinated by the medical aspect of what you do. I'm also tempted to make a Death Panel joke, but will refrain :-)

TKay - I can't believe your pup is already 1 y.o.! Have fun on the bike. I'm too nervous to do that with Bode

Robyn - Compliments on your rear?? I'm now sold on Lucy!!

Vicci - That's so fantastic that you're felling well. No, it's not age at all....my god, you're not even old yet

Howdy to everyone else I forgot. Any good weekend plans??

Kathy B · #2 10-23-2009, 12:57 PM

Just got off the TM, and also got in some yoga this AM. Decided not to go to the CC today, because I really have no other reason to go out. Guess I'll save the weights for Monday.

Have fun at your race tomorrow Susan, and breaking in all your new gear.

Working all WE, so I'll check back at the beginning of the week. Take care all!

Robyn1007 · #3 10-23-2009, 05:46 PM

Susan, have fun tomorrow!!! And next time you're in a town with a Lucy give it a try. I don't know what it is about the design but they do it well.

Robyn1007 · #4 10-23-2009, 11:19 PM

So, no run today as promised but I did do something running related. I am fortunate that my new running store is owned by a pretty big hitter in the running world, Alan Culpepper. And he's in the store often. I had gone to their website today at work to check their hours as I wanted another long sleeve running shirt and Lucy doesn't have any of what I wanted and I like the idea of supporting the local shop. So, while on the website I saw that Jeff Galloway was speaking at the shop this evening. So, I went to talk to hear what he had to say, saw a few people from my running group and the fabulous coach. I really, really like her. Anyhow, I am intrigued although not sold on Galloway's Run-Walk-Run method which suggests at my speed I should run 3 minutes and walk 1. I may give it a try on one of my upcoming runs to see how it goes. And talk to the coach for the group as I'm planning on signing up for her half marathon training plan and sessions next season. (GASP did I just say that out loud?

)

Leslie Ferguson · #5 10-24-2009, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robyn1007

So, while on the website I saw that Jeff Galloway was speaking at the shop this evening. So, I went to talk to hear what he had to say, saw a few people from my running group and the fabulous coach. I really, really like her. Anyhow, I am intrigued although not sold on Galloway's Run-Walk-Run method which suggests at my speed I should run 3 minutes and walk 1. I may give it a try on one of my upcoming runs to see how it goes. And talk to the coach for the group as I'm planning on signing up for her half marathon training plan and sessions next season. (GASP did I just say that out loud?

)

Well, you've said it so you're on the hook.

I've been working with the Galloway program for years and only recently an active run/walker. My running coach has been doing Galloway and/or run/walk since ~2000 and he's been very effective getting people through races (half and full marathons) without injury or issue. He uses intervals in all the races he's run since I've known him. It's a little odd at first but once you get used to it you'll be comfortable with the process.

Muggy and gacky outside right now - ride sounds like a deal.
Happy trails,
Les

Robyn1007 · #6 10-24-2009, 04:45 PM

Les thanks for your thoughts on the Galloway system. Not sure I'm going to go with it regularly but it is interesting and I will take some parts of it.

Susan looking forward to your race report!

I loved my run today. You start out going up, and up, and up. I got a mile in and was alone as I expected. I decided I would turn around and take a different spur that was flatter. I got about 50 feet down the trail and there was the coach doing a walk run (she'd stopped at the bathroom and we'd all lost her) so she convinced me to join her and go back up. Oh, I should mention she's 5 months pregnant so hill running is tough on her right now. So, we turned back around and headed back up in a run/walk until we hit 2 miles. It was so pretty and I'm really glad I did it. We talked a lot about training methods, life, goals etc. When we turned around and came back down I led so that she could watch my movements and hopefully not fall (I'd have felt so bad if she fell pregnant!). Coming down of course we ran the whole way. I really, really like running with her. She's fun, knowledgeable and really motivating. While the overall run was not at all fast it was just different and fun and I can't wait to do more of this trail as my fitness improves and in the spring with wildflowers and such.

Leslie Ferguson · #7 10-24-2009, 07:58 PM

Robyn - That's a neat report and I'm gald the coach can still run hills at 5 months. I'd be leery to see her do that but I'm sure she's talked to her doctor. A little clarification on run/walk for me. I won't typically run/walk unless I'm going more than 10 miles and don't run/walk in most of my half-marathons. If I'm going to be able to comfortably move around following a long run (more than 13-14 miles) I have to run/walk to protect my arthritic ankle.

I got out a little for a ride today. Not as long as I would have typically done on a Saturday but I had to get out between rain storms and among all kinds of other things on the plate today. I practiced my sermon for tomorrow and did some other run around things (needed). Then had dinner with my running coach and another friend from Norfolk who are up for the Marine Corps Marathon (tomorrow morning). It's always good to have dinner with Charlie.

Off to finish getting ready for a long day tomorrow. Happy trails all and have a great weekend.
Les

Robyn1007 · #8 10-25-2009, 12:56 PM

Les Your run/walk makes more sense to me now. My coach is very careful about making sure her heart rate is under control so even though it's hard for her she definitely does take it easy. I'm sure that'll probably the last time she does Dowdy Draw until after Baby comes. Sounds like a lovely dinner with your coach.

I did an easy 32 minute recovery run today. And actually did a recovery run pace this time.

It felt good to get out and loosen things up as I was a bit sore after yesterday's hills. There was a light snow falling which was just a precursor to the bigger storm coming in this afternoon/evening.

I'm hanging out waiting for my friend who got the liver in March to pick me up to go to lunch. Looking forward to giving him a hug. It'll be nice to be reminded of the positive side of organ donation.

VictoriaL · #9 10-25-2009, 07:21 PM

Soooooo, Susan, how was the race???

KathyB, hope that your weekend at work went swiftly by...

Robyn, I dare say that a half-marathon is not only doable but that you will have a blast and coast on through. I mean, look at all you have done already!

Les, I hope that you're able to get out in the next few days-- your weather should be even more gorgeous than ours has been!

I ran a little over 4 miles on the trail (4.13 to be exact) and it was beautiful with the leaves and sun and blue skies... why does winter have to come????

Kathy B · #10 10-26-2009, 10:34 AM

Vicci, your fall run sounds really nice. I had the dogs out in the yard a little bit ago, and they stayed out for a long time. We have lots of fall foilage going on here, too. So nice!

My weekend did go by swiftly, but I am exhausted. I need to go into the office today, but I cannot bring myself to go back this soon. TM and some light cooking are in order for a complete recovery! Maybe tomorrow....

SusanMac · #11 10-26-2009, 12:51 PM

Happy Monday runners! My weekend went by too quickly, too :-(

The race was super fun! The skies dried up for us, and the trails weren't nearly as muddy as I expected. The runners coming in from longer distances had more mud on their legs, so they must have hit some messier patches. This trail race wasn't as tough/steep as the one I did in June, but there were still 5-6 hills where you had to walk. They were short, though, so I could quickly regroup & get going again. My finish time was only 7 minutes more than my typical road-race time, so I was pretty pleased. Fun crowds, good food, great race announcer, good race tshirt from North Face. It was really windy & cold standing around the start/finish, but the race itself was really great temps & blocked from the wind. And the trail shoes held up well. I had fun.

Sun was an autumn colors hike w/DH & Bode on a new trail we had never explored. Very fun! I was feeling a bit yucky yesterday, but better today. Hoping the flu & cold germs stay away from our house!

Robyn - your trail run sounds awesome!

Les - You've been getting lots of time on the bike lately! The Marine Corps is definitely on my long-term to-do list one day. Is it really hard to get into that one? Hope your friend had a good race

Vicci - I'm with you on winter. I love it, but always want autumn to last longer than it does

Howdy to the rest of the gang. Planning to head out for a light run this afternoon once it dries up. Did I mention that DH & I have another trail race this Sun? :-)

VictoriaL · #12 10-26-2009, 07:14 PM

Susan, another trail run this weekend? You go! And your run this past weekend sounded like great fun.

Kathy, hope that you've recovered...

Another run today, 2.88 miles, and the weather/ trails were just as gorgeous as yesterday. We are going to visit my parents for a long weekend, so I hope to get at least 1 more run in before Thursday and then one while we are there, on Saturday perhaps.

Elisabeth13 · #13 10-27-2009, 08:55 AM

Hi all! Susan, congrats on a great run, and another one coming up?! Wow!

Robyn and Les, had not heard of Galloway or the run-walk method prior to reading this thread, but just Googled it and am off to check it out. Sounds like what I am doing (although my training is on a much more amateur scale) with the Couch to 5K. Interesting.

Thanks to everyone for your advice on running clothes last week. My birthday is next week and I asked for a gift certificate to REI so I could pick out some new gear, so hopefully I'll have that taken care of soon!

I think I've finally hit the point in my running where it feels really, really good. It's definitely still challenging, but I'm no longer hitting a point midway through a run where I feel like I'm crazy for running in the first place and can't wait to be done. Does that make sense? I ran last night and it felt like everything finally clicked. I even had dreams about running when I slept last night.

Maybe I'm getting a little too excited.

Hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!

KristiB · #14 10-27-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elisabeth13

I think I've finally hit the point in my running where it feels really, really good. It's definitely still challenging, but I'm no longer hitting a point midway through a run where I feel like I'm crazy for running in the first place and can't wait to be done. Does that make sense? I ran last night and it felt like everything finally clicked. I even had dreams about running when I slept last night.

Maybe I'm getting a little too excited.

Hope everyone is having a great Tuesday!

As a new runner that totally makes sense. I'm doing a program similar to C25K and when I look at some of the weeks ahead I think, "I'm gonna run how long? "

As for clothing weather isn't much of an issue here. I do find I really like running skirts better than shorts.

When I finish the half marathon in January I might splurge on one of those Garnin GPS, HRM thingamajigs. I like my pedometer but it tried to committ suicide yesterday by flying off my waistband and into traffic.

SusanMac · #15 10-27-2009, 01:50 PM

kristi - that's hilarious about your pedometer suicide!! I have yet to find a skirt that works for me. Grrr. Darn waist/hip/thigh ratio!

Elisabeth - your 'amateur' scale is the exact same one that everyone uses, so no worries. That is so fantastic that you've hit that point in your training. My sister tried running about a year ago and gave up so quickly b/c it always hurt. I so wish she had stuck it out to get over that hump

Robyn - I forgot about your publicly stated commitment to do a half marathon :-) That is so awesome that you're thinking about it. You have such a great fitness base, it's just a matter of getting your mileage up, which you are totally capable of doing. The run 3:walk 1 ratio sounds a bit brief to me, given your fitness level. But, I haven't officially done Galloway before so will defer to others. I'm sure you'll get a feel for what works best for you. I used to think the run/walk approach was just for beginners until I learned that a few of my super fast friends walk through *all* aid stations during marathons to ensure they get fluids/calories. And they finish in 3:00!

No run yesterday as the rains never stopped. Today is absolutely gorgeous, so DH & I will hit the roads shortly.

Leslie Ferguson · #16 10-28-2009, 12:54 PM

Quick check in - if you believe it, the run/walk interval I should be using is either 4/1 or 4/35 seconds. When I do long training runs I normally do 5/1 or 6/1 and end up with a 9:40 pace. I'd have to do some number crunching to figure out what that means if I were doing shorter running intervals. The other premise behind Galloway's method is the interval should carry you through the whole 26 mile race, so 3/1 may be short at the beginning but by the end of the race a runner may be challenged to really want to hold 3/1. If I'm not in the Galloway program I'd experiment with intervals but when I'm pacing I'm willing to hit the ratio as identified. Over the years I've done out to 7/45 seconds or 7/30 seconds for my pace.

Need to finish my last paper and the quarter is over.

Happy trails all and I pray I'll get a run (or ride) today.
Les

TKay · #17 10-29-2009, 11:27 AM

Hello runners. I've been out of the loop around here and just reading everybody's updates.

Susan - Your race sounds like a blast. Enjoy the one this weekend, you stud.

Robyn - The words are out there. I know you'll do great with the half. You have been so committed and so consistent. Hope you had a great time with your friend.

Les - Happy end-of-the-quarter. Progress.

Elisabeth - Congrats on getting over the hump! Oh, it's so nice when running is actually enjoyable. I still go through periods of time when I don't have anything to give during a run and it's just work. But it's so nice when you are running and loving it. Keep up the great work.

Kristi - You'll be surprised by how long you can run. Sorry about the HRM. It must have been depressed.

Vicci - Glad you're feeling better. Enjoy your weekend.

KathyB - Hope you got some rest. What did you cook?

I may have mentioned that dh had a conference in Palm Springs. I drove out and joined him for two nights. Oh, it was divine. The weather was warm enough to sit by the pool and I had nobody around asking me for anything (read that: the kids stayed home). I read and relaxed and slept in. Also got in some TM workouts. Lovely.

I'm headed up for another go on the TM. Thank goodness for the DVR. Keeps the boredom at bay.

SusanMac · #18 10-29-2009, 01:24 PM

Tkay - you were in PS w/out kids & still used the TM? You are a sadist! The trip sounds divine, tho!

Les - your quarter ends early. Very nice! Do you get much of a break before the next one starts?

Had a good run on Tues. DH brought his Garmin and turned it into a tempo run. 45 min. Very fun! Wed I flaked out. Today was a hilly trail run at the dog park w/Bode. 45 min (which includes potty stops, sniffing & romping around w/puppies :-)

Leslie Ferguson · #19 10-29-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SusanMac

Les - your quarter ends early. Very nice! Do you get much of a break before the next one starts?

I'm back at it on Monday. Quarters here are ~7 weeks long. Our next quarter ends around Dec 21 or 22. It's actually pretty nice to push through - you don't get out of the rhythm of classes. We have a long break between semesters though, we finish at the end of December and don't start back until the first full week in February.

In my 2 day break I'm headed out for a run. It's not perfect but it's in the lower 60s and overcast (and not humid).

I'll post a better update when I return.
Les

Leslie Ferguson · #20 10-29-2009, 07:46 PM

Elisabeth - You shouldn't worry about dreaming about running. I'd be a little concerned if you weren't at this time considering you just started running. Sounds like you're having a great time.
Kristi - Pedometer suicide.

what a wild image!
TKay - welcome back from PS, good that you had a quiet time away from the kids and even had some "me" time.

A shout out to the rest of the gang. I did get out for a run this afternoon, just over an hour. It was a little brisk when I stopped for lights but it was pleasantly warm. Probably in the upper 50s - I was out in shorts and a tank top - go figure! It is the end of October isn't it?

Tomorrow may be a bust - I'm going in for the first step for my dental implant. I'd assume the dentist will tell me no running or strenuous exercise for a day or so - stitches will do that.

Happy trails all and I'll see you on a new thread.
Les

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