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Tag Archives: workouts

NYCM Training Week 3: Race Tuneup and Miles

October 21, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
NYCM Training Week 3: Race Tuneup and Miles

It’s hard to believe in 2 weeks I’ll have (hopefully) run my next marathon. Training is going as best as it can in a short period. This 5-week buildup has been different than any other marathon because it’s short and I’m feeling undertrained. My goal is to get to both the start and finish line healthy. I don’t have a goal to run X time, but I solely want to run healthy and enjoy myself.  I am contemplating running the marathon more like a long run than race as a hard race. I would appreciate it more as well as recover faster.  I haven’t fully decided though yet.

Monday Easy 50 minutes
Tuesday: Easy 50 minutes
Wednesday: 10 miles averaging 8:19 with a fast finish
Thursday: Easy 4 miles with Jen M.
Friday: Swim 3000 meters
Saturday: Easy 60 minutes
Sunday: AC Half Marathon+ 7 miles for 20 total miles

 

Thoughts:

The goal on Sunday was to test my hamstring with 20 miles. It felt 100% fine for the entire race and miles afterward. It was the best-case scenario. It feels good that I’m able to push runs I couldn’t a few weeks ago. Fast and track style workouts are what aggravate it the most. Long runs and marathon paced work doesn’t seem to bother it anymore.

The Progression of my Hamstring (High Hamstring Tendinitis stemming from the glute medius). 

5 weeks ago, I couldn’t run.

3 weeks ago, I could only run very slow.

2 weeks ago, it was noticeable to run fast.

1 week ago, it was somewhat noticeable to run fast.

This week it fine to paces up to 6:55. (I just haven’t done anything faster than that)

So there is progress when I type it out like that.

From here, I’ll run a fairly similar run next week (not 20 miles though) and do a short taper. I’m also realistic that my training cycle has been nothing close to ideal. That’s okay, that’s been the theme of the entire 2019.

I am trying to find the best words to say: I just don’t like marathons. I don’t like the training and I feel like it’s not the right fit for me. After NYCM, I doubt I’m going to train for another for a while (I am talking years). I would need a good reason to want too. Truthfully, if NYCM wasn’t such a prestigious race and big deal, I probably wouldn’t run, but I like New York.  I like the race, the environment, and everything else.  I just don’t like marathons or marathon training.  As you can see, I need to find better ways to convey those thoughts.

In all, it was a good week and it was the best case scenario at Atlantic City.

Posts from the Week:

Gritty 5k (20:45)

Heroes to Hero 5k (20:30)

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you dealt with hamstring pain?

Do you like marathons?

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Gritty 5k (20:45)

October 17, 2019 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments
Gritty 5k (20:45)

Gritty 5k (20:45)

After running the Heroes to Hero 5k the day before, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the Gritty 5k fun run on Sunday, October 13. The Gritty 5k seemed like it would be a lot of fun and no pressure. There were zero awards for race winners of the Gritty 5k, just most Gritty themed and for Gritty Costumes. All of the proceeds for the Gritty 5k go to the Philadelphia Flyers Charity.  My two good friends Danielle and Amelia, also came down to do the Gritty 5k so it was awesome to catch up with them too.

Danielle and I wanted to do a long run that day to get ready for the NYCM so long run was our primary goal and racing fast at the Gritty 5k was our secondary goal. Since the Gritty 5k starts at the Wells Fargo Stadium, there is plenty of parking.

We got to the Gritty 5k around 7:30 warmed up 4 miles and got to the start around 8:20.

Of course, I left my bib at the car so I had to run back before getting to the Gritty 5k starting line.  I panicked but luckily the Gritty 5k didn’t start on time…at all.

I wasn’t surprised that the Gritty 5k started about 20 minutes late from the warmup and race announcements. I hope next year they either state the true start is 8:50 or do all of the warmups, stretches, dancing, etc beforehand. Anyway, after that, we were off.

Even though the Gritty 5k was massive, the majority of people participating were not weekend warrior road racers. There were more Flyer fans at the Gritty 5k than people who identified as “runners.” More people dressed up as Gritty himself, then didn’t. My feet cringed, seeing people running in converse, basketball shoes, and vans but more power to them or being active and supporting a charity.  There was a huge after-party celebrating the Flyers Home Opener at the Xfinity Live and Wells Fargo Center. If you are looking for a no-pressure, party race, the Gritty 5k is for you.

The first mile of the Gritty 5k was filled with people that took the race out too fast. It goes through the Philadelphia Flyers Stadium. While I know many people don’t love that course, I do. I think it’s well marked and wide.

During the first mile of the Gritty 5k, Girard went by me wearing a full Gritty outfit and wig. I was loling. I felt comfortable and like I was pushing it, but not too much. I considered adding a second race+long run a “danger zone” weekend for me and made sure to listen to all cues from my body.

I hit the first mile of the Gritty 5k in around 6:40 and it felt comfortable. I saw two females running side by side just up ahead and I was hoping to catch them. Around 1.5, I caught them and didn’t look back. We traveled through the Navy Yard. It was windy, but not too bad.

I hit mile 2 in 6:43 and felt comfortable. At the Heroes to Hero 5k, I ran mile 2 in 6:35 and thought I would keel over.

The last mile of the Gritty 5k went by quickly. During the final mile of the Gritty 5k, there was a hot dog stop (instead of water stop). I tried to grab a hot dog but was too far over. I was happy my hamstring felt the same whether I was running or walking. It didn’t seem to get worse, albeit still noticeable. I crossed the Gritty 5k finish line in 20:45 which I was pleased with.

Gritty 5k Thoughts:

It’s been rough not comparing myself to previous years and previous fitness levels, but I know it will come back when it comes back.  I’m happy with my results for where I am right now. Plus, it was fun to get 15 miles in with Danielle, which was the primary goal of Sunday anyway. I had an enjoyable time at the Gritty 5k and I highly recommend it. The Gritty 5k was a well-organized race and a lot of fun.

Have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you done a Charity race? 

Are you a Gritty fan?

Heroes to Hero 5k (20:30)

October 16, 2019 By in Running, Running Reads Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
Heroes to Hero 5k (20:30)

Heroes to Hero 5k (20:30)

The Heroes to Hero 5k is well put together, the money raised goes to a good cause, and you get a cotton long-sleeve T-shirt. I always see a lot of friends and coworkers so I enjoy it. Even though it was my slowest Heroes to Hero 5k yet, I had an enjoyable time with friends.

Anyway, as I get back into my running my body feels like it’s taken 12 steps back. In the last couple of weeks, I can’t seem to get into a groove or fitness back. I haven’t run anything fast in over a month, and my body felt that. I was hoping I would be faster than 20:30, but that’s all my body had for the day.

With the Heroes to Hero 5k, you must take a bus over from Glouster to the start in Audubon.  The bus ride was easy and we made it to the start with about 20 minutes to spare. The race went off a few minutes late and before I knew it, we were of.  I got to chat with a lot of friends in the beginning which is always fun.

The Heroes to Hero 5k started fast. I felt like I was flying. I crossed the first mile in 6:20 and thought it would be awesome to break 20 minutes. My body quickly reminded me I hadn’t done any speed in a few months and my calves were stiff. I began to feel the tightness of my hamstring, but it was a different tight than it’s been.

Around mile 2, I passed a few men. I could see the first place female (a 13-year-old) way out in front and I knew I wasn’t in shape to catch her. I just progressed on. My body hurt after mile 1 and it felt like a death march for miles 2 and 3. I could have finished the race at mile 1 and been perfectly content.

I hit mile 2 of the Heroes to Hero 5k in 6:35 and I thought I was going slower than that. My legs were stiff and I was tired. My body just wanted to be done.

We ran under the giant firetruck and flag and I was counting down the final mile. .9 to go,  then .89. I had taken out the race entirely too fast for where I’m at with life now and it bit me in the butt. I crossed the Heroes to Hero 5k finish line in 20:30.

 

Heroes to Hero 5k Thoughts:

I’m not thrilled with a 20:30 time but for now that is the shape I’m in. After my marathon, I’m looking forward to getting back into speed and working on that.

Questions for you:

Do you have a favorite local 5k?

Do you prefer loop courses or point to point? 

NYCM Training Week 2: Building Back

October 7, 2019 By in NYC training cycle Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment
NYCM Training Week 2: Building Back

Getting Back into shape is tough.  Adding a marathon in less than a month doesn’t make it any easier.

The goal was to slowly add mileage and see where time takes me. As I mentioned in my September training log, my goal for the New York City Marathon is to start and finish healthy.  I don’t have a time goal and I’m not going to cram my month with too many miles. I know I’ll find myself injured with something else if I do that.

Monday: 6.5 miles with Haley
Tuesday: Easy 30 minutes
Wednesday: 6.5 miles with strides
Thursday: Easy 6.2 miles with Jen M.
Friday: Swim 3000 meters
Saturday: Easy 45 minutes
Sunday: Cow Town 10 miler (1:15.00)+wu/cd 15 miles

 

Thoughts:

The week itself went fine. I’m still having some hamstring tightness (not hurt, just tight). I’m hoping it slowly goes away with a few more ART sessions with Dr. Craig from Dr. Kemenosh.

It was fun to run with a don’t have a lot else to say about the week. I’m happy to be running healthy again.

Cow Run 10 Miler (1:15.00):

This race was rough in many ways. First, it was my first run “fast” in 5 weeks. Second, since it was a point to point, we dealt with a headwind most of the race. Third, I opted to run in a costume which I quickly discovered was not breathable. During the race, I decided 7:30 was what my body felt like and I stayed there. Hopefully, fitness comes back soon.

I had a lot of fun running and even though it was a PW (personal worst), I don’t regret doing it and ripping the bandaid off. As far as my hamstring goes, it is sorer than I hoped, but it’s not terrible.  I don’t feel it when I walk or live life, but did feel it during our running cool down.

Posts from the Week:

On Cloudstratus Shoe Review

Running Books

Hiking Sunrise Mountain at State Forest

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Question for you: How was your week of workouts? 

Big Cottonwood Week 7: Swim Races and Running for Toilets

July 15, 2019 By in Big Cottonwood Marathon, Running, Training Tags: , , , , , ,
Big Cottonwood Week 7: Swim Races and Running for Toilets

This week was full of challenges, in a good way. I had a lot of fun traveling down to see my family and running two unique but fun races.

Monday: Easy 60 minutes running
Tuesday: AM: Easy 60 minutes running
PM: 3000-meter swim
Wednesday: 4X1 mile repeats (total mileage 10)
Thursday: 3000-meter swim
Friday Easy 10 miles with Alexis
Saturday: Allen Stone Run Swim Run (with wu/cd total mileage 8)
Sunday: Run for the Toilets (Total mileage 15)
Total: About 56

Week 1: Hello Humidity

Week 2: Half Marathons and Workouts 57 mpw

Week 3: Travel and More Travel 53 MPW

Week 4: Training: Beach Runs and Long Runs 52 MPW

Week 5: Training: Workouts and 10ks 46.5 MPW

Week 6: Big Cottonwood Week 6: Firecracker 5ks 47 MPW

Thoughts:

What a week!

Swimming:

I mentioned a few weeks ago, that swimming fits best in my schedule 2X a week. For a while, I was doing 3X, but I don’t want to burn out. Swimming twice a week keeps me engaged and enjoying it without feeling forced. This week was different with a bonus 1000 meter swim in the open water.

Workout Wednesday: 4X1 Mile Run

I’m happy I’m able to get back on the track. Since the students are out, it’s easier to use the track and not worry about team sports. Anyway, the workout felt difficult.

My legs have struggled to get any turn over in them. I didn’t realize how humid it was on Wednesday (around 98%), but I’m happy with my effort.

Allen Stone Run Swim Run:

I will have a full recap of this soon, and I surprised myself. The race is 1k on the beach, then swim it back, then 5k on the boardwalk. I was 55th person after the first 1k on the beach, and I ended up having the 22nd fastest swim of the day, which surprised me the most!

Then when we went into the 5k on the boardwalk, I went from 12th women to 4th. If I had been another mile, I could have been the second woman. No one (male or female) passed me on the run, and I’m proud of that. I all, I am thrilled with how the week went.

Run for the Toilets 5k:

My dad found this race in the local paper. They have a house up in Onancock (the house with the pet donkey), and he thought it would be funny to do. When we found out winners got plungers, we knew we had to do it. I ran the entire race alone, and it was more of a workout. I wanted to get a long run 15 miles), so I was careful not to hurt myself. I averaged about 7:15 miles and ended up breaking a toilet paper tape.

In all, I’m happy with how the week went. It was nice to relax and hang out with my family. Next week will be back to the regular grind.

Posts from the Week:

29 Years Old

New Balance FuelCell Rebel Shoe Review

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

What’s the funniest race you’ve ever done?

What is the coolest race award you’ve gotten?

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