First Half Marathon

Back out there - goodby holidays!

NY Resolution - 5 running days a week with one long run - 10 + miles and build gradually from there.  I can't run long runs too close together yet, as I found out today.  I finished the run but was pushing it!  So it just takes time to increase mileage - and consistency.

So I continue with my resolution to run 6 times a week - the long run yesterday.  I was tired at the end of the run today, but kept on and finished.  From here - lose weight!!!  Better for the joints and risk factor for alot of disease.  I am not getting younger - just keeping active to stay healthy!!!

I ran later in the day - so it was pleasant.  My legs felt like rubber at about mile 3 so I walked a few paces - amazing how that helped.  I am going with this 6 day a week thing - we will see - so far all I feel is much more energized.  That says alot. A touch of neck pain that I attribute to tensing up - yoga on Friday!  Of course, I have no speed yet - well, for me, I have more speed than I had.  Just put one foot in front of the other...  I want to get more sleep - 7 hours would be better if it was 8!  Eating the right foods - that is getting easier also, I just can't think of pigging out.

Better sleep.  Ran 2 early AM and three after lunch, feel much stonger today.  Tired now, so AM running is better for sleeping. Also, running more often  - 6 times/week - is seeming to be much better for endurance if today's running is the result - will have to start timing myself - but felt fast today.

Played 3 sets of tennis - no run.  A little off today - must be that wine I drank last night at friend's birthday party.  Clearly that is off limits - too flaky this morning...

Weight - all over the place.  Played tennis this AM - decided this could count as walking some miles but I'm not counting any sports as miles.  I ran 2 on the treadmill this PM 1stmile 11 and second mile 9:30.  The second mile was very hard but shows I can do it faster.  Why it is so difficult I do not know...Could be age...

First 6 day run week of the year and it is so much better.  I was a little fatigued before I went out to run and some of the run was a push, but by the end I felt better.  Must be my no sleep night last night.  Well, off to reread Heart of Darkness.  This Caitlin's (daughter) exam week and maybe we can have a fun discussion about it!!!  Or not.

Long run but worth it. Beautiful day to run - about 60 with a very light rain - drizzle.  Almost got rear-ended by a bike, but he swerved so we didn't collide - bad thing about no hearing anything with the ipod. 

I read a study that says that women need to run at least 29 miles/week or do aerobic exercise for 45-60 minutes/5 days a week to lose weight.  Well, I am the perfect case study - 5-6 days a week at least 5 miles with one long run.  Plan on staying the course - NY resolution.  Determined to be fitter when Cait graduates from high school on May 21 that when Kirsten graduated from the same school 10 years ago!!!!! And training for a half marathon that happens in 5 weeks.

5 on the treadmill - averaged 11 minutes - pushed and then slower.  I will get there - losing the pounds I have gained back - but this time it has to be permanent!!!  So - 6 days/ running and decrease my times are the goals.

Treadmill again - worked late and didn't want to run outside in the dark - went to yoga and then ran - a little backward maybe.  Hard run again - late is not good I guess. Aiming for early tomorrow.

Activity filled day - tennis in AM, garden installation (OK, I supervised the install), ran 5 at 11 minute miles, then this evening I did a cross-training dance exercise class called Dance Trance.  Great workout to loud, fun music.  Race (5K) on Saturday...

Very exciting  -  a perfect race day.  Great weather (40) and felt great.  This was a PR for me - at this age anyhow.  Long, long ago, I did run abit (alot) faster.  Reading this running blog and seeing how hard everyone works and being inspired by the incredible dedication to running has made me get going.  Thanks to all!!!

Had a nice lunch after with my husband and then had to buy a new clothes dryer - ours no longer worked and was 18 years old.  Sticker shock - but can't run in wet clothes!

Lon slow run.  Nice relaxed no neck stress today - I am trying hard to keep this at bay - got into trouble a while ago - neck tension when I tried to do too much.  It seems okay.

Tennis - 3 sets doubles, 5 miles OK pace, yoga - enough exercise for one day.

Cold (40) for here today - very enjoyable weather for a run.  Going along minding my own business - great song on ipod - and splat, I'm on the ground.  Great save because my face and teeth didn't get it.  So much for the relaxed run - hobbled for a minute and then back at it.  Only a skinned knee and elbow, but I am a little nervous because we are travelling to Massachusetts this weekend for Bob's mother's 90th birthday and I haven't run in the snow and ice for years.  Maybe because I got the fall out of the way, I'm okay...

Walked today - 2 plus hours.  Too afraid to run around the area that Bob's uncle has his office = near a major hway so not sure where I was going  and did get a little lost....

Ran on the Cape to Chapin Beach.  Not too cold about 34 and snow is melting.  Great run and hills a novelty for me... 

Around Sesuit Harbor and back for 5 miles, a good run.

I was very surprised, my run in 20 degree weather was great.  I was frozen so that made it easier! 

Crappy run - too hot today -75 - my last run it was 15, and I liked 25 better.  I think I was slightly dehydrated,,,,,

5 on treadmill - rainy day.  Fastest was a 9.50 minute and could do it for .25 miles.  Tomorrow try again.  Averaged 11/minute miles.

Another difficult to like run.  Basically, I hate the treadmill.  I need a new attitude - the treadmill is my friend.  I just barely got through the run - either due to fatige, boredom or not eating enough - but I am annoyed that the weight is coming off so slow!!!  But I did sit in the hottub and use my bucky for my neck - so that was a positive.   And the weight is coming off slow.y - also positive - maybe it means it will stay off?

Sick - I got whatever Cait had - so laying low for today.  I need a long run - hopeful for tomorrow --- maybe!

Wanted to do 15 - but Superbowl cooking called - oh well - there is always tomorrow.

Treadmill - 5 slow miles - forgot my ipod and a towel...But got to a 9 minute mile.  Slow - but getting there!

Bad run - on treadmill and not enough sleep...Nice Yoga session after.  Race this weekend so slower is good.

Intervals on treadmill - getting better at knowing how to use it- 5 miles.

Ran 1mile on the treadmill at 10:20 and then 4 outside - I guess I should start timing my miles - never do but this is a good process for learning.Reading about what other much more experienced racers do is very helpful! Beaches Winter Run tomorrow.

On the beach at low tide in Jacksonville Beach.  Temperature - 66.

1st mile - 9:36,  3 miles - 30:12, 5 miles - 52:00, 10 miles - 1:47:15.  Sand was mostly hard, with a beautiful, cool breeze coming off the ocean.  Small race - 5 and 10 mile - and alot more women than I expected in my age group.  I felt great the whole race, but more of a push at mile 6 and 7, trying to keep the around 10 minute per mile pace.  Happy with my time - not used to beach running.  I kept trying to find people to pass.  One older (than me) gentleman and I kept passing each other.  He finished about 40 seconds behind.  We congratulated each other ath the end to have finished! This Sunday is the Donna Hicken Half Marthon - I am entered.  Training this week per Hal Higdon - will see how it works.

1 hour singles and 2 hour tennis clinic - that's it - still tired from Sunday race.

Ate ice cream before bed then could not sleep - what is that?  I never eat before bed or eat ice cream, but for whatever reason, couldn't fall asleep.

Did 2.5 on the treadmill. 1st mile - 10 average, 2nd mile - 9 average.  1/2 mile cooldown, doing the half marathon this week - so am trying to taper...

Tempo run at 9:30/mile.  Ran 3 miles, slower for the .25 warmup/cool down.  Trying hard to run a faster time because I know I can, just not sure about the whoel pacing thing so I will try and use the treadmill.

Beautiful conditions - mostly cloudy and cool - about 50.  I felt really well prepared.  Slow start - just a wall of people, but could pick up the pace about a mile into it.  Had a little trouble on the sand - but a beautiful race with the beach and the bridges.  Best time ever in this, my third half-marathon. (10:06/mile) I believe the taper does work.(And the preparation, of course) I almost missed the race because I did not read the part about getting to the bus by 5:50 AM- I and two other women pleaded with the bus driver and he kindly brought us over, even though he was instructed not to - thank you!!!  Not as many people as last year I don't think and definately not as many spectators, but the race was an hour earlier.  I did faster mid-race times which was my plan because I knew the start, the sand and the bridges would slow me down.  I am so happy that Jacksonville and Donna Deegan have stood behind this race to make it such a great event - and all the proceeds go directly to breast cancer research!

7 miles on treadmill - I am getting closer to being able to sustain a 9:30 pace - did it for about 2.5 miles....Did 3.5 at 10/mile and one slower.  Starting to like the treadmill more because I think it was a big factor in the race yesterday - and I was not too sore today - maybe the yoga or maybe I am not going fast enough!

10 slow but nice pace miles.  Tomorrow, I need to get out there early because Caitlin and I are going to Tampa to watch Nick play for the State Championships - High School Soccer.  I signed up for the NYC Marathon lottery today - I hope I get in.  If so, its Nov. 1, 2009.  I guess if I do not make it, I am guaranteed a slot in 2011 - that is if I am also rejected in 2010.  I am hoping if I sign up this early - 3 hours after it was announced, I have a better shot.  But if it is a true lottery - then I have the same chance as anyone who signs up by May 1.  I have always signed up for Falmouth (Ma.) the first day and have always gotten in, but NY is maybe different.

First day back after an earache - didn't see a doctor - just fluids and rest, now better I think.  At least the ear pain is gone.  I probably had a little fever.  Bad run - upset stomach - acidy. So tomorrow is another day...

3 at 11 minute miles and a yoga class.

10 at 11 minute miles on the street - don't know if that was the right time - just getting in the miles...After I ran, I stopped to talk to the AT&T guys outside of my house - said the phones all around were out and were trying to find the break - amazingly deep hole and it seems like the cable is not in conduit...Have Comcast service - lucky for once. Played 2 hours of tennis before I ran - now I must WORK!!!!!

Gate River Run is next week - mileage this week.  Perfect runnign conditions here and hopefully will last for some time.

30 minute tempo run at 10:04 - 1- 10:10, 2- 9:55, 3 -10:02

1/2 mile repeats - between 9:48 - 8:36 for 2 miles

10:04/mile

weight loss helping - feel like my joints are not getting stressed...

Trouble getting ou there - too many interruptions - and sighs - oh - she's running again.  I need to get up early...

Raining/treadmill/10:40 minute average - 1. - 11:30, 2 - 10:30, 3 -

10:15, 4: 11:00, 5 - 10:45. 

Absolute worst run of my life - it was hot and I must have been a little dehydrated!  Or the "energy drink" thing I bought at Costco is not so great for hydration.  I will check it out - but the sometimes heat definately is a factor.  It is getting hot and humid in Florida.  That means either early morning runs or late evening.  Oh well - it can't be cool all of the time - but it is supposed to get down to the 30's later in the week!

Having trouble finding time to do anything but work - that time of year again. 

ran 10 today and it is suddenly HOT!  Thirsty about at 5 and struggling through.  I thought I was hydrated but I am going to start hiding drinks along the way because I hate to carry anything.  I am going to try going out early tomorrow AM and see if that is better....

Got out earlier - better plan because not so hot.  Windy!  Not thirsty - so I was better hydrated or didn't get dehydrated.  Upping mileage this week and next - then starting training for NYC - about 30 weeks out.  That is, if I make it into the lottery.  If not, I will find another marathon - maybe Cape Cod in late Oct.  In any event, I will know by June 1 - one way or another!

Tempo run - used mailboxes, I guess I am a run by feel kind of person at this point.  3 mailboxes and increase up - made the time go by faster.  Ran at 7 PM which really works with the heat - windy today~

slept badly - kept waking up because I was going to do an early run.  Then when the alarm went off, I didn't go.  Thought I would be late for my 8:30 appt....and don't like running in Am in dark by myself...so ran at 1 after the appt. and it was 85.  i have to figure something else out.

I admit to a rough month where running was not a priority.  So much going on and finally, despite the fun of all of it, I am happy to get back into a more settled routine.  I am learning to run either very early or late at night - the heat in Florida in the summer is just unbearable.  Tonight, I ran at 9 PM and despite almost falling flat on my face due to tripping on uneven pavement, it was still a great run.  I am going to try early tomorrow.  Alot of work this week, but I need to learn how to fit the long runs when work gets busy.  It is so easy to just not run, yet I feel so much better when I get it in.  So, now the challenges are the heat and my desire to not run on the treadmill.  I am needing to kick it up a bit also, the training for the marathon needs to start tomorrow - June 1 - that is assuming I get in the lottery for NYC (Nov. 1).  If not, the Cape Cod Marathon is the week before and I will do it, so either way, I am going to go for it!!!  Two halfs - one in September and one in October are the other races.

In D.C. for business - nice run through the city this AM.  Warm but not hot - what a relief.

Officially in training for the Cape Cod Marathon 0n Oct. 26 since I did not make the lottery for NYC - bummer.  Next year!  On Cape Cod where the temp is 60, rainy and there are hills!!!  Great run - slow and easy.  I am going to try for 35 miles this week and then build up, and do weights and core exercises.  Add yoga and it will be a full day!!!

60 degrees - great run!!!

Rain has stopped and it was humid but cool for today's run.  Did great for the first 9 miles and struggled for mile 10. Great to be running the hills. No sun so that was nice - temp about 70 and windy.  Good beginning for July!

Great run today - did the Sesuit Loop and Oliver St - cool weather.  Not sure if the yoga is helping or hurting but no yoga thus far this week.  Plan on Fri AM and Sat AM.

Mariah and Chris got married last night at the Edson Hill Manor =it was so wonderful. un in the Stowe 8-miler this AM - very hard butI am glad I did it.  A few hills, pretty scenery and a bit of humidity, but the big factor for me was I was not rested!  Time - 11 minute miles!!!! Oh!

Between 10:30 and 11 minute miles.