Runners: Tearing up the Track, Trail, and Treadmill 5/25/2009 - 5/31/2009

[ab1ht]

I haven't been around for a while, so I thought I'd start this week. Hope nobody minds...

Finally getting my butt in gear and started running at work today. There's really no place to change and no place to shower. I got a few funny looks as I walked through the halls in running cloths and a gym bag.

Funny thing: After my run (near end of lunch hour), I see people going back to their desks with chips, soda, etc. Some get this look like "What's he doing? Trying to make me look bad?"

[mrgarak]

Hi ab1ht - Good to see you back. I see people at their desks at my job with tons of snacks and junk food. It amazing because they bust on me because I refuse 99% of the time. I get comments like "stick figure won't eat it" which I find amusing since nearly all of them are overweight.

Jen - I saw in the last week's thread you ran 5 miles. You go girl!

Bill - That sounds like a long weekend of trail running. I think I would have been spent after Saturday.

I wasn't online yesterday due to being busy and a runner's party for Memorial Day. I bought my State Park Summer Membership so now I don't have to pay when going there to swim and stuff. I jumped in the lake yesterday and swam 33 minutes. The water wasn't too cold (after getting over the initial shock).

Today I hit one of the trails and went for 53 minutes. I ran a few miles at brisk pace and felt good. The weather wasn't as nice as yesterday. It was in the early 60's and gloomy which is fine for running.

I'm toying with the prospect of running the Sparta Day 8 Mile Run Around Lake Mohawk this Saturday. It isn't on my calendar since it was moved to May this year. It is usually in June. I guess with the holiday being early, they decided to run the race before June. Since I ran my best half marathon on the 3rd and a strong 5K two weeks later, I don't want to risk overdoing it. However, I am feeling great and my friends at the party yesterday are all planning on going. They were coaxing me to come out Saturday.

My going will depend on what I do Friday night. I'm off for the first time in ages for a Friday. If I do an early dinner and movie with friends, I should be fine for getting up early to run the race. There's a chance I will ask someone I met online out for Friday (depending on how our next phone call goes). If we go out and it is a great time, I don't plan on cutting it short. We shall see.

Have a great night all. Time for me to get back to work.

Dean

[debbiedo]

didn't see the new thread start. thanks Paul for starting it and Bill for passing on we are here now.

Paul, did you do the marathon you were training for? At least I think I remember you training for one.

Dean, I am sorry but that lake must be very cold. They had a tri here two weeks a go and they wore wet suits in the lake they used. I here the water isn't really for swimming but they do a few tri's there every year.

I know our pool isn't really very warm but my son is there swimming. Not me.

I will run tonight.

[ab1ht]

Hi Deb,

Yes, I ran the Maine marathon back in October with TNT. Was going to do the St. Louis marathon, but couldn't get the miles in during the winter, so I did the half. It was fun.

[mrgarak]

Deb - The lake water is probably colder now. The past two days were cooler and it got into the 40's last night. At this rate, I probably won't swim in the lake until next week. Oh well, there is still the YMCA.

Today I ran 53 minutes in the trail leading to the next town. On the way back, I saw deer, a bear and was chased by three playful dogs. Life as a runner can be very exciting.

Dean

[Fitterly]

Aw crap. Major budget cuts. Co-worker is cut and I may be next. My funding source has been cut by 72%. On top of that my unemployed man just found out today from a hopeful 2nd interview that he didn't get the job. I applied for another job a month ago just in case and got a 2nd interview. I heard back today (after the 2nd interview) that the job is no longer being offered.

I only ran 30 min today. I was going to be late for work otherwise. I'll try to run longer tomorrow. We'll see. :-)

Thanks for the props everyone. I am beat and I wish I had more to say but life is pretty gnarly now.

[ab1ht]

@Fitterly:

Been there done that. Three times in the last three years. Feel like it should happen again any day now. Things will pick up.

[Fitterly]

Good morning . . .

Well today should be very interesting. We're going to be addressed by the main man to see what is going to be the future state of affairs.

Debbie, thanks for the warm welcome back! I also like how you are encouraging me and I feel very comfortable with going lower mileage than before. I am trying to shed a few pounds so I want to stay active but not so much that I wind up overeating from exhaustion. I'm sure you've got to feel so much better now with your back? You sound good! 40-50 mpw isn't a joke! You'll be great though, you're easing into it. How is your son doing?

Paul thanks for the thread start! Glad to see you around!

Dean, good luck with your date! I hope it turns out the way you want it to. Sounds like you're in racing mode still. Awesome!

Suzanne, I do hope you're feeling better. I know you were under the weather recently and I hope it's passed. Keep us posted!

I am a bit tired today. I think I am going to cross train. Yup, that sounds perfect actually!

TTYL

[westside]

Debbie,
40-50 mpw is pretty good mileage for a first marathon. It's a good thing that you're taking the time to build up to that kind of mileage.

Jen,
Just ease back into running. I know a few runners who are training for WS and they raised their mileage up to high levels too soon and their either injured or showing signs of overreaching, like dead legs or that wiped out feeling. They go to 50-60-80 mile weeks on no real base and after a month or two, it catches up.

Nice to see some new people around here.

[mrgarak]

Jen - I'm sorry about the budget cuts and the effects. I'm rooting for you in all areas. It looks like I will be meeting my prospective match on Wednesday which works great. I can have my cake and eat to. Now I'm definitely doing the Sparta Day 8 mile race Saturday. As the week has progressed, I've been getting hyped to run it. I've even been tapering as well - no running today or tomorrow.

Today was just a gym day. Tomorrow will be taking it easy outside of laundry and a movie with friends.

Have a great night all.

Dean

[debbiedo]

Jen, I hope all works out for you at work. We are in some really tough times. I worry all the time about finances and my husband's job. He seems safe but one never knows.

I am increasing my miles very slowly. Maybe 1-2 mile a week right now.

My run was messed up tonight. It started storming. Major rain, thunder and lightening. I should have gone to the gym but my friend and I saw that it cleared and I headed to the trail. She never came as she said she would. I waited for her when I could have used the treadmill.So now I will have to run tomorrow morning before work. I can run at 5am with the club group or run here at 8am when my son gets on the bus. I am thinking running here is fine. Now I have to pray for no more storms.

Paul congrats on your marathon. You did it for a specific cause if I remember correctly.

[ab1ht]

Originally Posted by debbiedo

Paul congrats on your marathon. You did it for a specific cause if I remember correctly.

Yes. Team In Training.

I'd like to do Boston with TNT, but it's a lot of money to raise. $3000.

But I might just do it anyway even if I have to pay a bunch out of pocket. It would be worth it.

[Fitterly]

Hi Everyone!

Thanks for being the most supportive group-- wow! I am so grateful to have you here...

Paul, glad to have you back and that's wonderful you ran for a cause! Sounds like you're getting back into the groove!

Bill, you're right. I need to chill out on upping mileage. I am much lighter than I was a year ago and I totally feel the difference. I think that being about 13 pounds lighter will help me stay injury free. It's amazing how lugging those extra pounds around makes it so difficult. Regardless, I need to be careful and mindful. Thanks for the reminder!

Deb your run sounds very event-filled! You are such a trooper through the weather. You are totally cut out for marathoning. You've got such determination. I know you'll do great. I think a few of us have been waiting for you to make the big jump. You are so ready! How is your running club btw? Due to budget cuts, the running club I used to hang with is no longer! Isn't that crazy? Eghhh it was a huge club too.

Where is Suzanne?

Dean do tell how the match goes. Nice how you can have your fitness and your fun! Thanks for the support. Times are weird and I'm feeling like they'll get worse before they get better.

So my brain book is so interesting. I'm learning how to run with my butt. LOL. Seriously it's interesting. I think that's going to help me learn how to run with more muscle engagement rather than wearing down certain groups which can cause inflammation. Remember I had compartment syndrome? My calf muscles get overused and so I am learning to use more hamstring in my stride so that I don't get pinched nerves.

Okay off to hit the road.

[westside]

There is this body image of what a runner is suppose to look like. If you want to run well, you have to have some muscle. You don't have to get your bodyfat% down to a bodybuilder. Carrying around some fat isn't bad healthwise for a long distance runner. I know of a few runners who finish in the front of the pack in trail races who get comments like "you don't look like a runner". Melissa who I train with is starting to kick butt, especially on the uphills. I wouldn't be surprised if she 'buckles' (sub-24) at Western States. She's 5'7"-5'8" and 145.

I don't have any data but I seem to notice that the ones who pick up stress fractures tend to be skinny. Over the years, I just notice that when one says they got a stress fracture, they tend to be on the lighter side. I know a few 'heavy' runners who put in big miles but it seems like their not the ones getting stress fractures or breaking down in general.

Okay, out for 10.

[debbiedo]

ran hot and humid 6.05 in a nice 11:14 pace. there is the one stretch of up hill that goes for a mile. I need to do it more because my hamstrings don't like hills.

I have to get ready for work. Very little time so need to go but wanted to drop in quickly.

Jen, my club has so many members and does race management so they are pretty flush.

[Mysticsky]

Hi everyone!!

Pretty much just getting back from out of town. While I was gone, I was able to continue running!! It has been really relaxing. I started to run at a slower pace (4.7-5.0mph on treadmill) and I am really enjoying running again! I am able to go longer without getting tired when I stay at a slow pace, and I feel great!! Last week, I logged about 10 miles and this week doesn't end for me until tomorrow, but I have already logged 9 miles.
I'm taking Suzanne's advise about putting short sprints in as well to get my fitness levels back to pre-baby. it seems to be working.
I'm loving my treadmill more and more, but I am considering getting a baby jogger and take it outside. Only because I think that it would be good to get outside sometimes.

My boss and I was debating about getting good training by only running on a treadmill. He seems to think that it slows you down in the long run, I'm not sure what I think about that, since i prefer the treadmill, but I want to test his theory.

[debbiedo]

I think the treadmill is fine but you will want to get out side. Even if you can do it when your husband is home on the weekend or when a friend or baby sitter can watch the little one. The thing about the treadmill is I need to play around with the pace all the time or I am bored. I agree that running slower you can go longer. That should be your goal right not. Speed can come later. Of course you can throw in the sprints because they are short and then you can slow down again. Could job on upping your miles. It sounds like you are much more fit and things are clicking.

I am off to run in around 45 minutes. I am meeting at least one person for my 10 miler. Next week I am due to run on Sundays with the rest of the group. Tomorrow I will be working. It is cooler out this morning but still seems very humid.I ran last Sunday so this is my second long run in 7 days but this is not going to happen again for a long time. I also ran the day after my long run Sunday and ran yesterday. Back to back runs with a long run being one and 6 miles being the other isn't usual for me either. Totally messed up week with Memorial Day Holiday, company, work and rain.

[westside]

We're off to Yosemite for a few days. Getting a late start but we should be able to get in a good hike today. Have a good weekend everyone.

Sydney,

There's something called the specificity of training. If you're going to eventually run a race on streets or trails, you need to train on streets and trails. But you can get a lot done on a treadmill.

[Fitterly]

Have a good weekend Bill!

I just woke up here... drinking coffee and writing my final exam.

[mrgarak]

Hello All,

Today I ran the Sparta Day 8 Mile Run Around Lake Mohawk race as a fun run. If I had pushed my hardest it would have not been one of my most triumphant adventures. This is the ninth time I have run this hilly course. Initially I was not going to go this year due to other important races this month (Long Branch Half Marathon and Stillwater Stampede 5K) and the race was moved from June to May. However, coaxing from my friends and a love for the course pulled me out again.

The course rolls around the lovely Lake Mohawk in Sparta. The first mile has some killer hills and it is important not to go out too hard. I went out in around 7:49 for the first mile. The next three miles were kept at a comfortable quick pace and I think I got to mile 4 in 31:06. I thought about picking it up, but I got slowed by bad stomach cramps that went to my lower abs. I think I ate too much Penne Vodka and garlic bread last night. I thought if I could find a porta potty to either throw up or go to the bathroom, I might feel better. However I didn't see any and didn't really want to stop.

Thus I picked up the pace here and there and slowed down when the cramps got worse. My legs felt strong for the most part and I was taking most of the hills well. I crossed the finish line in 1:02:49 (7:51 pace) which is my exact time from when I ran this race in 1997. That time was my fastest of the 90's times at this race. Since today was a fun run and I wasn't feeling my best I can't rally complain about the time. However I am already planning for next year - No heavy eating the night before.

I'm off to take a nap. I have to work from 4 to midnight. Hope everyone is having a great day.

Dean

[Kamalam]

Thought I would jump in and ask a few questions... I'm looking into starting running using the training program on Jeff Galloway's website (has anyone heard of him?). I'm going to take it slow, but wondered about a few things:

Shoes? I'm not in a big town, so I don't think there's a "runners" shoe store. I might have to figure this out on my own...

Is the run-walk-run technique good to start? I haven't really done this before. I'm not overweight, but I'm not terribly strong (5'8" about 122). I don't want to get shin splints if I can help it...

Thanks so much... if another running thread starts, perhaps I can join and report on my progress?

Edited to add: I'm really (stressing this as *really*) hoping my legs become toner from this - I've done other things to help them along, but so far my results have been rather so so. I've got some good hills that I can take advantage of... and I'd LOVE to see an inch off each thigh. Am I being totally unrealistic?

[ab1ht]

New week started:

Runners: Tearing up the Track, Trail, and Treadmill 6/1/2009 - 6/7/2009