1:42 hours, 2:3 minute run/walk ratio
I had a bad week this week, blew off my Thursday run because I felt so tired and dragged out. But today I felt fine! Set the alarm so I could get up by 7 am (and got up a few minutes early, so I didn't need it), then got ready and was at the mailboxes ready to run a little before 8:20. (If I really want to be out there by 8 am, I need to start getting ready by 7:40, I think. It takes a bit of time to change clothes, fill my water bottle, get my waist pack ready, and drive down to the mailboxes.)
I decided to run Dennison to Valley, Valley to Curry, then up Curry to Highline and back, instead of continuing up Valley to Tucker. I'd only done that once before, and I remember that I thought the hill up Curry to Highline was very hard, but this time it didn't seem so bad. I think running down and up the road for my midweek runs has been helping my ability to go up hills. Didn't even slow down much on the final mile. So yay!
I suspect I've been feeling tired and bad-tempered because I haven't been getting enough protein or fat in my diet. I've been living mostly on fruits and vegetables and rice, with a bit of cheese and soy dogs thrown in. Yesterday, I had lunch at Gracian's—cheese enchilada with rice and beans and two glasses of soda—and I even had chocolate last night. I decided, I'm not losing any weight anyway, so why deprive myself? And I feel so much better today. I'm going to try to boost my protein quite a bit, and be careful not to cut down on fat too much, and hope that increases my energy levels.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Tuesday
19 laps, 2:3 minute run/walk ratio, 34:18 minutes
Bleah. I got up late, only 7:20, but on Tuesday mornings, every 20 minutes count. So I pushed myself to get out there by 8 am anyway, barely finished my cocoa, and my stomach was still a little queasy. I didn't feel like running that mile back up the hill, so I decided to just run laps around the house. Time wasn't too bad; I felt slow but strong enough.
Mom did the laundry this morning, so I took a break between finishing my run and doing my ab work and stretches to hang clothes on the line. That used up any time I might have had to do morning practice; I'll just have to do evening practice instead.
And, it occurs to me that it's pretty unrealistic to expect to be able to do a two-mile run and morning practice on Tuesdays with any regularity; all it takes is sleeping late by half an hour or mom doing the laundry or getting a phone call or any of a number of things to eat up my time. But, it also occurs to me that, since I'm doing my long runs on Saturday this time, I can do my midweek runs on Monday and Thursday, and avoid having to do any runs on my 11–5:30 work days. Next week, I'll try that.
I still haven't made my hotel reservations for Long Beach. I'd probably better do that soon
Bleah. I got up late, only 7:20, but on Tuesday mornings, every 20 minutes count. So I pushed myself to get out there by 8 am anyway, barely finished my cocoa, and my stomach was still a little queasy. I didn't feel like running that mile back up the hill, so I decided to just run laps around the house. Time wasn't too bad; I felt slow but strong enough.
Mom did the laundry this morning, so I took a break between finishing my run and doing my ab work and stretches to hang clothes on the line. That used up any time I might have had to do morning practice; I'll just have to do evening practice instead.
And, it occurs to me that it's pretty unrealistic to expect to be able to do a two-mile run and morning practice on Tuesdays with any regularity; all it takes is sleeping late by half an hour or mom doing the laundry or getting a phone call or any of a number of things to eat up my time. But, it also occurs to me that, since I'm doing my long runs on Saturday this time, I can do my midweek runs on Monday and Thursday, and avoid having to do any runs on my 11–5:30 work days. Next week, I'll try that.
I still haven't made my hotel reservations for Long Beach. I'd probably better do that soon
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Week 3: Five miles
1:26 hours, 2:3 minute run/walk ratio
I made myself get up at 7 am so I could get out there before it got too hot. I was hoping to be ready to run by 7:30, but it was actually a little after 8 am by the time I was at the mailboxes. Oh well, still better than starting at 9:30! I ran on Dennison from Highline to Valley, Valley to Curry, Curry to Tehachapi Blvd and back. It was hot, but I kept up my pace pretty well and felt good the whole run. I drank water every mile and poured some over my head once to keep cool. I didn't slow down too much on my final mile back up Dennison. Good run!
I made myself get up at 7 am so I could get out there before it got too hot. I was hoping to be ready to run by 7:30, but it was actually a little after 8 am by the time I was at the mailboxes. Oh well, still better than starting at 9:30! I ran on Dennison from Highline to Valley, Valley to Curry, Curry to Tehachapi Blvd and back. It was hot, but I kept up my pace pretty well and felt good the whole run. I drank water every mile and poured some over my head once to keep cool. I didn't slow down too much on my final mile back up Dennison. Good run!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Thursday
2 miles, 2:3 minute run/walk ratio, 34:22 minutes
(*&#$ watch did it to me again—went into Recall mode instead of stopping when I hit the Stop/Reset button at the end. Finally got it stopped at 34:42; estimating that it took me about 20 seconds to fiddle it around and get it stopped, so I'm calling it 34:22. Guess from now on I'd better hit the Split button first, then stop the watch, so if it declines to stop I'll at least have the right time on the splits.
Probably the battery is getting low—I've had this watch since LA. I'll try to remember to take it in for a new battery soon.
Anyway, I pushed it a little today, trying to get my time down a bit, which I think I did, but I also really got hot and tired by the end. I couldn't finish my third run interval on the second mile. It was awfully hot out there, and I'd gotten a bit of a late start, getting up at 8 am so I wasn't ready to run until 9:30 am. And the summer is only going to get hotter for the next couple of months. I may have to start using the alarm clock to get up early for my runs. Or start carrying a water bottle on even the midweek two-milers.
But I did my run, and I feel fine now. My right shin is still sore. Hm. It doesn't seem to get any worse, but it doesn't get any better, either. I may have to take a few days off to let it heal up.
(*&#$ watch did it to me again—went into Recall mode instead of stopping when I hit the Stop/Reset button at the end. Finally got it stopped at 34:42; estimating that it took me about 20 seconds to fiddle it around and get it stopped, so I'm calling it 34:22. Guess from now on I'd better hit the Split button first, then stop the watch, so if it declines to stop I'll at least have the right time on the splits.
Probably the battery is getting low—I've had this watch since LA. I'll try to remember to take it in for a new battery soon.
Anyway, I pushed it a little today, trying to get my time down a bit, which I think I did, but I also really got hot and tired by the end. I couldn't finish my third run interval on the second mile. It was awfully hot out there, and I'd gotten a bit of a late start, getting up at 8 am so I wasn't ready to run until 9:30 am. And the summer is only going to get hotter for the next couple of months. I may have to start using the alarm clock to get up early for my runs. Or start carrying a water bottle on even the midweek two-milers.
But I did my run, and I feel fine now. My right shin is still sore. Hm. It doesn't seem to get any worse, but it doesn't get any better, either. I may have to take a few days off to let it heal up.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Tuesday
2 miles, 2:3 minute run/walk ratio, 34:45 minutes
About the same time as last time, but the difference is, I didn't feel like I was pushing it this time, I was just taking it easy. I didn't start to feel the hill on the way back until the last ten minutes or so, and didn't feel as though I slowed down too much (although it was still 16:20 out and 18:20 back).
The not-yay is that my right shin is sore. It's been hurting since yesterday, and now, after running, it's worse. I have a feeling it's the bowing I've been doing that's making it sore. Or maybe it was the drive into Bakersfield yesterday. I didn't use the cruise control as much as usual, so my right leg was doing a lot of work. Anyway, I hope it's better soon.
The new question is how I'm going to work daily bowing/chanting/meditation practice into my schedule, along with running. This morning it went well—I got up around 7 am, started practice at 8 am, went out to run at 8:30 am and am now finishing up breakfast and getting ready to go to work. Tuesday is going to be the tightest squeeze, with practice and running and getting to work by 11 am. Saturdays will also get tighter as my long runs get longer. But I am going to keep at it. My mind needs the exercise as much as my body.
About the same time as last time, but the difference is, I didn't feel like I was pushing it this time, I was just taking it easy. I didn't start to feel the hill on the way back until the last ten minutes or so, and didn't feel as though I slowed down too much (although it was still 16:20 out and 18:20 back).
The not-yay is that my right shin is sore. It's been hurting since yesterday, and now, after running, it's worse. I have a feeling it's the bowing I've been doing that's making it sore. Or maybe it was the drive into Bakersfield yesterday. I didn't use the cruise control as much as usual, so my right leg was doing a lot of work. Anyway, I hope it's better soon.
The new question is how I'm going to work daily bowing/chanting/meditation practice into my schedule, along with running. This morning it went well—I got up around 7 am, started practice at 8 am, went out to run at 8:30 am and am now finishing up breakfast and getting ready to go to work. Tuesday is going to be the tightest squeeze, with practice and running and getting to work by 11 am. Saturdays will also get tighter as my long runs get longer. But I am going to keep at it. My mind needs the exercise as much as my body.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Week 2: Four miles
1:08 hours, 2:3 minute run/walk ratio
I'm a bit annoyed at my watch... somehow, instead of stopping it at the end of the run, I got caught up in a recall loop where it kept showing me the minutes for each mile, and I couldn't figure out how to get back out to turn it off. So I ended up with an extra 30 seconds or so while I fussed with it.
But, close enough! I averaged just under 17 minutes per mile, running down Dennison from Highline to Valley, then up Valley to Curry and back. It was kind of fun getting back out on my old stomping grounds. It was hot—I didn't get out there until just after 9 am—but not too hot, and I felt pretty good the whole way. So, I'm on my way!
I'm a bit annoyed at my watch... somehow, instead of stopping it at the end of the run, I got caught up in a recall loop where it kept showing me the minutes for each mile, and I couldn't figure out how to get back out to turn it off. So I ended up with an extra 30 seconds or so while I fussed with it.
But, close enough! I averaged just under 17 minutes per mile, running down Dennison from Highline to Valley, then up Valley to Curry and back. It was kind of fun getting back out on my old stomping grounds. It was hot—I didn't get out there until just after 9 am—but not too hot, and I felt pretty good the whole way. So, I'm on my way!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Thursday
2 miles, 2:3 minute run/walk ratio, 34:44 minutes
Whee! I cut over a minute off my last run up and down the road. I pushed it a little bit today, but not too much. I'm getting my strength back after not exercising much at all since Honolulu.
My weight is bouncing around between 158 and 162. Every time I go below 160, I think, yay! I'm finally losing weight! and every time it goes over, I think, boo! I'm not losing any. I don't know. My pants feel looser. I think I'm gaining muscle so I must be losing fat just to stay even. I sure would like to get back down to around 140 lb. I'm exercising and watching what I eat. I should be losing, but my weight seems to be stuck. Oh well, I feel better anyway.
I've come thisclose to making my hotel reservations for Long Beach at least four times, and every time I bail at the last minute. I know I will eventually, but I can't quite bring myself to commit yet. I have a friend who might come with me; therefore, I feel that I should reserve a room for two with a double bed (costs the same as a single, so that's no problem). But, if I'm going by myself, I'd rather have a king bed (so I can sleep sideways and lean against the headboard. Don't ask). I can always ask for a different room when I get there, but there's no guarantee I'll get it. But if she does decide to come along at the last minute, I'll want the two beds. Hmm.
My mom has offered to pay for one night as a gift to me, which is very nice, but I hesitate to accept. I'm pretty broke right now, but by October I should be in good shape again. (Financially, I mean, as well as physically.)
Hmm again.
Whee! I cut over a minute off my last run up and down the road. I pushed it a little bit today, but not too much. I'm getting my strength back after not exercising much at all since Honolulu.
My weight is bouncing around between 158 and 162. Every time I go below 160, I think, yay! I'm finally losing weight! and every time it goes over, I think, boo! I'm not losing any. I don't know. My pants feel looser. I think I'm gaining muscle so I must be losing fat just to stay even. I sure would like to get back down to around 140 lb. I'm exercising and watching what I eat. I should be losing, but my weight seems to be stuck. Oh well, I feel better anyway.
I've come thisclose to making my hotel reservations for Long Beach at least four times, and every time I bail at the last minute. I know I will eventually, but I can't quite bring myself to commit yet. I have a friend who might come with me; therefore, I feel that I should reserve a room for two with a double bed (costs the same as a single, so that's no problem). But, if I'm going by myself, I'd rather have a king bed (so I can sleep sideways and lean against the headboard. Don't ask). I can always ask for a different room when I get there, but there's no guarantee I'll get it. But if she does decide to come along at the last minute, I'll want the two beds. Hmm.
My mom has offered to pay for one night as a gift to me, which is very nice, but I hesitate to accept. I'm pretty broke right now, but by October I should be in good shape again. (Financially, I mean, as well as physically.)
Hmm again.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Tuesday
2 miles, 2:3 minute run/walk ratio, 35:58 minutes
Did my 1 lap around the house, then ran down to the driveway just before dog hill and back. It was a good run. I slowed down on my way back up the hill, but not as much as before, I don't think. I feel pretty good.
Did my 1 lap around the house, then ran down to the driveway just before dog hill and back. It was a good run. I slowed down on my way back up the hill, but not as much as before, I don't think. I feel pretty good.
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Week 1: Three miles
52:06 minutes, 2:3 minute run/walk ratio
And, we're off! I did my three miles around the house, 28.1 laps as I calculated last time. It took me about a minute longer than it did when I started training for Honolulu last year, which is actually okay by me, since I've only been running for a week. For Honolulu, I'd started running three times a week for about a month before I officially began training, so I was already in better shape than I am now. This time, though, I decided to just jump right into it and see how far I could get before the race.
I got started at about 9 am, so I was done with my run before 10 am. When the runs get longer, I'll have to calculate how long it's going to take and make sure I get started in time to finish by 11 am. That will give me time for stretches and cool down and breakfast and a shower and so on, so I can be ready to head for work by 1 pm. It will also be better to get started earlier as the summer goes on and the weather gets hotter. It's already pretty warm out there, but we haven't hit the hottest part of summer yet.
Next week, four miles! I'm going to try to train at 2:3 this time, since it's a shorter race than the marathon. But we'll see. If I can do just as good a time at 1:3 as 2:3, why make myself more tired?
And, we're off! I did my three miles around the house, 28.1 laps as I calculated last time. It took me about a minute longer than it did when I started training for Honolulu last year, which is actually okay by me, since I've only been running for a week. For Honolulu, I'd started running three times a week for about a month before I officially began training, so I was already in better shape than I am now. This time, though, I decided to just jump right into it and see how far I could get before the race.
I got started at about 9 am, so I was done with my run before 10 am. When the runs get longer, I'll have to calculate how long it's going to take and make sure I get started in time to finish by 11 am. That will give me time for stretches and cool down and breakfast and a shower and so on, so I can be ready to head for work by 1 pm. It will also be better to get started earlier as the summer goes on and the weather gets hotter. It's already pretty warm out there, but we haven't hit the hottest part of summer yet.
Next week, four miles! I'm going to try to train at 2:3 this time, since it's a shorter race than the marathon. But we'll see. If I can do just as good a time at 1:3 as 2:3, why make myself more tired?
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Thursday
36:31 minutes, 2 miles, 2:3 minute run/walk ratio
Okay, this was another day that would likely have been blown off if I didn't have a race to train for. I had to get up early to take my truck in for service. My mom followed me in and drove me home. I was tired and would have liked to go back to bed, but instead I put on my running clothes and went out for my morning run.
Tuesday on the way to work, I measured off one mile from my place, which turned out to be just out to the curve near the top of what I call Dog Hill. (So Tuesday's run? About a mile and a half, at the most. And it was actually 2:3, not 2:2.) I decided to run just to the driveway before Dog Hill, starting off with one circle around the house to make up for cutting it a bit short (probably more than made up for it). It took me about 16:40 to get to my turnaround point, including the extra lap around the house, then 19:45 to get back, without an extra lap. Going uphill really makes a difference! But it was a good run.
Okay, this was another day that would likely have been blown off if I didn't have a race to train for. I had to get up early to take my truck in for service. My mom followed me in and drove me home. I was tired and would have liked to go back to bed, but instead I put on my running clothes and went out for my morning run.
Tuesday on the way to work, I measured off one mile from my place, which turned out to be just out to the curve near the top of what I call Dog Hill. (So Tuesday's run? About a mile and a half, at the most. And it was actually 2:3, not 2:2.) I decided to run just to the driveway before Dog Hill, starting off with one circle around the house to make up for cutting it a bit short (probably more than made up for it). It took me about 16:40 to get to my turnaround point, including the extra lap around the house, then 19:45 to get back, without an extra lap. Going uphill really makes a difference! But it was a good run.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Tuesday
My resolve was tested already this morning: the solar guys are here working on my new electric system (Yay!), and I really didn't want to go out and run around the driveway with them here. I thought about skipping the run and doing something else today, like T'ai Chi or trampoline; I thought about getting up early and doing it before they got here (ha!); but finally I decided to just run down the road and back for about thirty minutes, instead of running around the house, which is what I did. My time was 30:34, using a 2:2-ish minute run/walk ratio. I have no idea how far I ran—less than two miles, no doubt, especially considering that I stopped to chat with Merle for a minute or so (there have been bears and mountain lions spotted on the hills!), but close enough.
I've considered running on the road for my weekday runs instead of around the house before, but never actually tried it. Here's what I found:
1) The time goes by much more quickly when you're going someplace and back, instead of just around in circles.
2) It's downhill all the way out and uphill all the way back, which makes the return mile a lot harder than the outbound, but it's not as bad as I thought it might be.
3) There is the danger of being interrupted when people driving by decide to stop and chat. Oh well!
I think I will measure off a mile from the house in my truck this morning and try doing a real two miles on Thursday.
In other news, I did go ahead and register for the Long Beach Half Marathon. After counting up the months again more carefully, I realized that there are really just over four months until the race, which would definitely not be enough time to train for a full marathon. Maybe next year!
Then I choked on how expensive the hotels were. I may have someone who'll go with me (yay!), but if not, it's going to be about $200 a night for a good hotel within walking distance of the race start/finish. Oh well! This will probably be my only other weekend trip for the year, so I guess I can afford it. I need to make reservations soon, the hotels are filling up fast. The official marathon hotel, the Hyatt, is already sold out for the marathon.
I've considered running on the road for my weekday runs instead of around the house before, but never actually tried it. Here's what I found:
1) The time goes by much more quickly when you're going someplace and back, instead of just around in circles.
2) It's downhill all the way out and uphill all the way back, which makes the return mile a lot harder than the outbound, but it's not as bad as I thought it might be.
3) There is the danger of being interrupted when people driving by decide to stop and chat. Oh well!
I think I will measure off a mile from the house in my truck this morning and try doing a real two miles on Thursday.
In other news, I did go ahead and register for the Long Beach Half Marathon. After counting up the months again more carefully, I realized that there are really just over four months until the race, which would definitely not be enough time to train for a full marathon. Maybe next year!
Then I choked on how expensive the hotels were. I may have someone who'll go with me (yay!), but if not, it's going to be about $200 a night for a good hotel within walking distance of the race start/finish. Oh well! This will probably be my only other weekend trip for the year, so I guess I can afford it. I need to make reservations soon, the hotels are filling up fast. The official marathon hotel, the Hyatt, is already sold out for the marathon.
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