Running Uneasy

April 5, 2016 by 20 Comments

So for this week’s Tuesdays on the Run, Erika, Marcia & Patty are asking everyone to share one word that describes your running lately. I’ll be very interested to see what words are chosen….

My word?  Uneasy.

According to Dictionary.com,

  1. not easy in body or mind; uncomfortable; restless; disturbed; perturbed.
  2. not easy in manner; constrained; awkward.
  3. not conducive to ease; causing bodily discomfort.

Yep…”not easy in body or mind…uncomfortable…not conducive to ease…” that pretty much sums up my running right now.

View from the top

Most of my runs lately have been a struggle … I’m feeling restless that I’m not making as much progress as I’d like. But Saturday’s run…in wind-swept rain, no less, gave me a much needed boost. Let’s hope this is the beginning of a trend.

What one word would you use to describe your running? #TOTR #runchat Click To Tweet

What one word would you pick?

Be sure to head over to the link-up and see what others had to say.

Tuesdays revised

 

signature
Filed Under: one word, tough runs, Tuesdays on the Run

Training Check-in Week 6

April 14, 2014 by 5 Comments

check inSo for a brief moment I thought about skipping this week’s check-in – Why? Because I didn’t want this to turn into a whine-fest about what a disaster my 10-mile attempt was on Saturday. I’ll not bother to re-hash the details accept to say that I really need to get out of my own way sometimes!

But, for as down as I was about it on Saturday morning, I went on to have a great weekend and I’m over it and moving on. I think I would have been less upset about the way things went if it weren’t for the fact that I really wanted to get one double-digit run under my belt before Newport. No point dwelling on it right? Besides if I let one run define me I’d really be in a world of trouble!

Apart from Saturday, last week shaped up to be a pretty good week.  I had blocked out forgotten how hard 1000 meter repeats can be! But there’s no better motivator than knowing a massage awaits! And now two classes in, I’m completely in love with my Pilates barre class!

So up for this week?

After Saturday’s meltdown, Coach Bennett advised two days off – and for once I didn’t fight him on it. So no workout today, but I am going to take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend some more time on garden clean-up.  Then along with daily core work and rolling, the rest of the week should look like this:

Tuesday — 8 mile progression run

Wednesday — Pilates Barre class

Thursday — Track work (a ridiculous number of 400 m repeats!)

Friday — Cross-training

Saturday — B.A.A. 5K

Sunday — 6 miles

How was your weekend? What have you got planned for the week?

signature
Filed Under: tough runs, track work, training, week ahead

Monday Motivation: Each run gives you something

July 16, 2012 by 12 Comments
You know those runs where you feel like you’re just flying…the wind is at your back, your legs are firing on all cylinders and you could just keep going long past your target miles for the day?

Yeah…well this morning for me was NOT one of those runs! It was already pushing 80 at 6:15 this morning and when I stepped out my door my arch enemy humidity was waiting for me. Less than a mile in, I was a drippy, sweaty mess and I knew this was going to be one of those runs where I’d do a lot of bargaining with myself…”just 3 more telephone poles,” “OK, just get to the next stop sign.”

The good thing about this morning’s run? I pushed through and finished it. And, no matter how bad it felt while I was in the middle of it, it felt really good to have gotten it done.

After having a string of really good runs all last week, this morning’s run was a reminder that not all runs are great…but each run gives you something. This run made me focus more on my form, it tested my will when I just wasn’t feeling it and it kicked off my 3rd week of training…getting me just a little closer to my goal.

What did your run give you today?

signature
Filed Under: mental toughness, Monday Motivation, tough runs

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

April 5, 2012 by 4 Comments
1.

So today my plan called for 6 miles with negative splits. You know those runs where you feel like you’re flying, like you could just go forever…that everything’s in sync. Yeah well that was NOT today’s run! “Holy Craptastic Run Batman!” I will get no style points for today’s run – but negative splits were achieved. Runs like this will make me stronger…or at least that’s what I kept muttering to myself during the run.

2.

I’m trying to keep strength training interesting so I’ve been mixing it up where I can. The latest addition is my TRX Rip Trainer class. The Rip Trainer provides a mix of rotational resistance and core stability which I figure will give me a chance to really work my weaker left side, plus get the added core work I need. I haven’t been the most consistent with my strength work as I want to be so I like the idea of the class to help hold me accountable. I’m in for at least the next 6 weeks.

3.

Going for my first run with my son tomorrow! Cannot wait to see how he does!

 

signature
Filed Under: 3 things, family running, tough runs, TRX

Rock n Roll USA Half recap

March 19, 2012 by 22 Comments

There are some races where despite how well training goes, things just don’t come together on race day…this was one of those races for me.

Off to race

I was awake by 4:30 but forced myself to lay in bed until 5:30. I went through my usual routine and was off to catch the Metro by 6:30.  I then spent almost 1 1/2 hours trying to get to the race! I caught the first train fine, but when I got to Metro Center to change train lines, there were already too many runners standing on the platform…not a good sign. As we waited and waited the crowd grew, we were easily 8 deep. I chatted with others as the time continued to pass. Finally a train pulled in and it was fairly crowded but I and my newly formed crew made our way on. A mere 2 stops later the train had door issues and the next thing I knew they announced the train was going “out of service” and everyone had to get off – You’ve got to be kidding me! Back to waiting and trying not to freak out…a few of us started debating the likelihood of finding a cab when another train slowly rumbled towards us. Yep it was packed. But after 7+ years of living in NYC, I know how to work my way on to a crowded train! The group I was with made it on and the train lurched and sputtered its way through the next 5 stops. When we finally reached the Armory stop, it was this crazy scene of runners scaling the escalators and stairs to get to the street, then to the Armory for gear check.

I got my gear checked, opted for the indoor bathrooms and then headed for the corrals. We quickly shuffled to the start and were off. I was feeling pretty good as we crossed the 5k mat but unfortunately that didn’t last long. As I reached the 4 mile marker I was feeling overheated and a little light-headed…a headache was forming. I took a GU and more water and kept going. I spotted J & the boys around 5 and loved getting a high-five from my guys (unfortunately thanks to the efficiency of the Metro this was the only time I saw them). The next few miles are a bit of a blur, I just tried to focus on the sights, the crazy race outfits, the crowds, my  tunes and the occasional band along the route – anything to ignore the growing headache. By the time I crossed the 10k mat I knew I was a couple of minutes behind where I wanted to be. By mile 8 I had a brief moment where I wondered if I was going to have my first DNF – it was so frustrating because my legs were feeling pretty good!

But just then I spotted the 2:30 pacers. “Nope not stopping so pull it together girl!” I ignored my Garmin and just did what I could to stalk the pacers for as long as I could. The crowds really picked up in the final couple of miles and they were into it – a great boost! As I reached the final stretch I just started to smile – no there would be no PR today, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed….but I was about to cross the line of my 4th half marathon in less than a year and I hadn’t let a crappy headache or some moments of self-doubt from keeping me from pushing forward.

I happily collected my medal, posed for a Finisher’s photo and grabbed some much needed food and chocolate milk. I found my guys and took a little time to stretch out on the lawn before heading back on the lovely Metro to the hotel.

All-in-all I think the race was well-organized, from the expo to finishers area. And, the family had a great time in DC – in fact the kids asked me where we are going to race next 🙂

signature
Filed Under: Half marathon, race report, RnR DC, tough runs

Comfortably hard

July 14, 2011 by 5 Comments

“Comfortably hard” – if you look up the definition of a tempo run, you will inevitably find these words to help define the effort to put forward for these steady pace runs.

Well, the truth is comfortably hard is a moving target…depending on the day; what body parts are cooperating…or not; whether Mother Nature is cooperating…or not.
Some days, comfortably hard can feel like  you’re flying…working at it, but flying – firing on all cylinders. And, other days, comfortably hard is any movement after you drag yourself out of bed for your run.

Like so many aspects of running, what constitutes comfortably hard is relative. It varies from runner to runner, and for each runner it can vary from run to run. Sure you set out with a target pace in mind, but that pace is yours alone. And, sometimes you hit it consistently…enjoy it and take note of what worked. Other times you won’t – don’t beat yourself up over it…also take note of what didn’t work and accept that this was today’s definition of “comfortably hard.”

signature
Filed Under: observations, tempo runs, tough runs

A little Friday randomness

May 13, 2011 by 5 Comments

Thanks to Blogger’s little meltdown yesterday, my Thursday post vanished into cyberspace and by last night I was googling how to transfer from Blogger to WordPress!

This was one of those weeks that flew by in a blink – there were lots of meetings, school events and sports for the boys, along with all the usual stuff that makes up life. I did manage to hold to my training plan too, though I could have done with more yoga and yamuna body rolling – my hamstrings and calves are ridiculously tight!

And speaking of calves, I have discovered relief in the form of Zensah compression sleeves. After using them post-run a few times, I’m wondering what took me so long to buy a pair!

Another first today – first 11 mile run. I’d be lying if I said it was a pretty run. I haven’t been sleeping great this week and it definitely caught up with me in today’s run. But I got the distance and that’s what counts. Every run teaches you something, and this one taught me most that I can push through when I really feel the tank’s on E.

I have only one more long run before my half. One more “test” run to figure out fueling, clothes options, socks and play list. I’m close on the play list, but if you have any suggestions, especially for those last few miles, please pass them along. I think on the fueling front, I’m going to stick with a couple of Chomps around mile 5 and then depending on how I feel, a couple more around 9. Still working on my chewing and running at the same time 🙂

“It costs nothing to dream…And everything not to.” — this was in my inbox this morning and I love it and just had to share.

Have a Great Weekend!
signature
Filed Under: fave things, firsts, general musings, Quotes, tough runs, training, Yamuna Body Rolling

The little things…..

May 9, 2011 by 6 Comments

Some days it’s the little things that help get me through a run, especially when I’m not feeling it.

Sometimes it’s the right song that helps me pick up the pace (right now for me that song is Jay-Z’s “Run this town”).

Sometimes it’s seeing a friend along the route.

Sometimes it’s the policeman working a detail on my out and back who cheered me up the hill.

Sometimes it’s finding the right mantra (of late, I have two: “Fight through” and simply “Believe”).

Sometimes it’s the mental negotiations — “get past the next 3 telephone posts;” “ok, now get to that mailbox;” etc.

Sometimes it’s the realization of how close I am to a particular time goal if I just push a little.

Sometimes it’s my neighbor telling me how proud she is of the progress I’m making.

Sometimes it’s remembering another blogger’s post about a tough run/race and drawing a little inspiration.

The more I run, the more I marvel at how much of a mental sport running really is.

 

signature
Filed Under: mantras, observations, tough runs

Today I learned….

January 30, 2011 by 6 Comments


…. how much staying up with a sick little one can take a toll on the next day’s run

…. it is important not to short-change hydration just because it’s the dead of winter
 
…. I should not pick the treadmill closest to the wall at my gym because there’s no air circulation

The Bourne Supremacy (Widescreen Edition)…. how much I miss Patriots football

 …. watching Matt Damon (ala Bourne Supremacy) certainly helps to pass the time

….  some days running is as easy as putting one foot in front of the other

…. and sometimes it’s as hard as putting one foot in front of the other

 …. I would be in big trouble without ice, compression socks and a foam roller 🙂

 What did you learn today?

signature
Filed Under: foam roller, general musings, Matt Damon, tough runs, treadmill run

Beauty of short-term memory

September 19, 2010 by 3 Comments

One thing I’ve learned as I’ve started to work to increase my mileage, is how important it is to have a short-term memory. If you dwell on a bad run, that run’s impact can last for more than for just those few miles…and self-doubt is not a pretty thing!

Nope one of the keys to running I’ve discovered is to have a short-term memory – the ability to chalk up a bad run for exactly was it was a Bad Run… not a signal of your failure to train properly, or your inability to run an upcoming race…or to be a runner at all for that matter. It’s just a bad run.

I had one of those really bad runs on Friday – truly craptastic! But today was a new day…and a new run! Today my 6.2 miles felt easy and smooth. Today I finished strong and with a smile on my face….ah yes, the beauty of short-term memory!

signature
Filed Under: observations, tough runs, training