Today's scheduled run: 5 miles
Today's completed run: 5 miles
Pace: 8:30 avg
A good morning run. Although I don't normally run in the morning, I always love the feeling of finishing before 8 am. The day feels that much more productive, no matter what happens. It was another good time of thinking and praying and listening and finding silence even as rush hour was beginning to pick up.
It's a beautiful day in Baltimore. Thankfully, over the course of this blog and winter, I've been able to say that often. It'll be in the 60's today and tomorrow, barring a weird weather crisis. I'll take winters like this any time. It was chilly when I set out this morning, hovering at about 40 degrees, but the sunrise across the water made it well worth dragging myself out of bed, which is no small feat since I can't seem to get to bed before midnight these days.
Enough with the weather talk, though. I'm off to resume with the normal Tuesday crazy. Be well, blog readers!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Day 78 - Friends
I hope you have friends as awesome as mine; but my suspicion is that you don't, because mine are really, really, really awesome. Really awesome. Friends who read this: thank you! With you, life is half as hard and twice as good.
Thank you for reading this life-related, running-unrelated post. I shall resume with the running thing tomorrow.
Thank you for reading this life-related, running-unrelated post. I shall resume with the running thing tomorrow.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Day 77 - Nothing but the Sound of My Feet
Today's scheduled run: cross-training
Today's completed run: 5 miles
Pace: 8:33 avg, with a sub-8:00 for the last mile
I tacked on these miles after yesterday's run, which was a little weird because it's been years since I've run on a Sunday. Aside from a Sunday morning race, Sundays have always been rest days. Other than feeling strong, especially compared to yesterday, there was something really cool that happened.
I ran downtown, which is usually pretty busy, or at least carries with it the ambient noise of city life. Today, however, there were some points during my run that the only things I could hear were my breathing and my feet hitting the ground. Baltimore was absolutely silent, void of cars and other people. Much of this happened while I was running along the water. It was so serene and peaceful. Really, it was a gift. This run gave me the chance to think and pray and be silent. I'm so thankful for that.
Today's completed run: 5 miles
Pace: 8:33 avg, with a sub-8:00 for the last mile
I tacked on these miles after yesterday's run, which was a little weird because it's been years since I've run on a Sunday. Aside from a Sunday morning race, Sundays have always been rest days. Other than feeling strong, especially compared to yesterday, there was something really cool that happened.
I ran downtown, which is usually pretty busy, or at least carries with it the ambient noise of city life. Today, however, there were some points during my run that the only things I could hear were my breathing and my feet hitting the ground. Baltimore was absolutely silent, void of cars and other people. Much of this happened while I was running along the water. It was so serene and peaceful. Really, it was a gift. This run gave me the chance to think and pray and be silent. I'm so thankful for that.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Day 76 - The Day Running Broke Me
Distance and pace are insignificant here, just know that I didn't meet my goal for today. But something important did happen.
Today was a beautiful day in Baltimore, and I was excited to run. I headed out toward the airport, where there is a paved trail that circles the airport grounds. It's about 12 miles around, so I planned to run the full circle and then do an out-and-back on a portion of it to get in my full miles. I was excited, too, because I'd be running with GU for the first time.
Other than a few sore muscles from yesterday's Pilates class, I started off feeling good about running. Still, I was struggling to keep target pace. In fact, I was struggling to stay in the 9:15-9:30 range, which is a good 15-30 seconds slower than where I normally run for long runs. This was disheartening and compounded by some lower GI issues and some side cramping. I pressed on. Then, everything sort of fell apart.
I felt like I didn't know where I was or that I'd taken a wrong turn. I was winded. I couldn't pick up my pace. I was lonely. I didn't want to be running anymore. Eventually, the melodramatic side of my brain convinced the rational side that I was lost (on a circular trail, mind you) and that I would never make it home, or at least that the sun would set before I could make it back to my car. And I was despondent.
But only for a moment, because I soon realized how ridiculous (and wrong) it was that I was so upset about not getting in the miles I'd planned. It would be okay to be disappointed about that, because it's kind of a bummer; but I felt like a failure. Not just a failure as a runner, but a failure. That was when I knew that somewhere in the last few weeks, especially since I'd started upping my mileage, running had become something I didn't want it to be -- a priority above the rest, a god, an idol. It began to define me, and I began to derive from it a sense of self-efficacy that should only come from an identity sure in the Lord.
I sat down on a bench, regrouped and prayed, and continued on. I was still feeling directionally challenged, but I was able to pick up my speed a bit. I thought I might be able to make it the full miles I'd intended, but then I realized that the point of my miserable run's lesson was that my greatest discipline and obedience be rightly placed, not misplaced toward running. I'm not to be mastered by running, because in the end it's just another thing that I do.
So, I stopped. And tomorrow, with my priorities better placed, I will finish the mileage.
Today was a beautiful day in Baltimore, and I was excited to run. I headed out toward the airport, where there is a paved trail that circles the airport grounds. It's about 12 miles around, so I planned to run the full circle and then do an out-and-back on a portion of it to get in my full miles. I was excited, too, because I'd be running with GU for the first time.
Other than a few sore muscles from yesterday's Pilates class, I started off feeling good about running. Still, I was struggling to keep target pace. In fact, I was struggling to stay in the 9:15-9:30 range, which is a good 15-30 seconds slower than where I normally run for long runs. This was disheartening and compounded by some lower GI issues and some side cramping. I pressed on. Then, everything sort of fell apart.
I felt like I didn't know where I was or that I'd taken a wrong turn. I was winded. I couldn't pick up my pace. I was lonely. I didn't want to be running anymore. Eventually, the melodramatic side of my brain convinced the rational side that I was lost (on a circular trail, mind you) and that I would never make it home, or at least that the sun would set before I could make it back to my car. And I was despondent.
But only for a moment, because I soon realized how ridiculous (and wrong) it was that I was so upset about not getting in the miles I'd planned. It would be okay to be disappointed about that, because it's kind of a bummer; but I felt like a failure. Not just a failure as a runner, but a failure. That was when I knew that somewhere in the last few weeks, especially since I'd started upping my mileage, running had become something I didn't want it to be -- a priority above the rest, a god, an idol. It began to define me, and I began to derive from it a sense of self-efficacy that should only come from an identity sure in the Lord.
I sat down on a bench, regrouped and prayed, and continued on. I was still feeling directionally challenged, but I was able to pick up my speed a bit. I thought I might be able to make it the full miles I'd intended, but then I realized that the point of my miserable run's lesson was that my greatest discipline and obedience be rightly placed, not misplaced toward running. I'm not to be mastered by running, because in the end it's just another thing that I do.
So, I stopped. And tomorrow, with my priorities better placed, I will finish the mileage.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Day 75 - Pilates
For the longest time, I have stereotyped Yoga and Pilates instructors as flexible people who meditate but could be snapped in half if pushed too hard. I know instructors like this exist, and they may even be the majority, but my Pilates instructor is not one of them. Despite the huge pile of dreadlocks that sits atop her head and the hippe-esque jewelry she wears, she's a rough-tough-cream-puff. I mean, seriously, the woman could probably dropkick Chuck Norris.
Today's class was my first Pilates class ever, and I had no idea what to expect. In fact, I may have even asked my friend what the difference between Pilates and Yoga was. Now I know. I enjoyed the exercises for the most part, though it definitely would have helped to be more familiar with the positions and transitions. I suppose that comes with time. I was overzealous with my weights. Silly me; I know I have zero upper-body strength. That made some of the positions very challenging, but I felt really good otherwise. I think this could be a great way to strengthen and build my core, which is pretty pitiful at this point.
I kept thinking, "If I could only be doing all of these things with my legs, then I'd be good to go." Alas. I was relieved that we focused on upper body. On the offhand chance that I'm sore tomorrow, I'd rather it be up there than in my legs, which need to carry me 20 miles tomorrow.
Today's class was my first Pilates class ever, and I had no idea what to expect. In fact, I may have even asked my friend what the difference between Pilates and Yoga was. Now I know. I enjoyed the exercises for the most part, though it definitely would have helped to be more familiar with the positions and transitions. I suppose that comes with time. I was overzealous with my weights. Silly me; I know I have zero upper-body strength. That made some of the positions very challenging, but I felt really good otherwise. I think this could be a great way to strengthen and build my core, which is pretty pitiful at this point.
I kept thinking, "If I could only be doing all of these things with my legs, then I'd be good to go." Alas. I was relieved that we focused on upper body. On the offhand chance that I'm sore tomorrow, I'd rather it be up there than in my legs, which need to carry me 20 miles tomorrow.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Day 74 - Recovery Food, Not Fuel
Today's scheduled run: 5 miles
Today's completed run: 3 miles
Pace: 9:07 avg, on the treadmill
This is my third post in a row about food. It would be cool if I was a nutritionist or dietician and actually knew what I was talking about. Instead, I come to you only with my own empirical research, both good and bad. Yesterday, you may recall, was a day of good fueling and, consequently, excellent running. Today started off as a good fueling day, until some friends invited me for Mexican food after class. I knew it was a bad choice, but I literally cannot say no to Mexican food. (Well, that's obviously an exaggeration. The truth is, I choose to never say no to Mexican food and friends.)
Anyway, the nachos were just a bit too much to take with me for five miles tonight. In addition to stuffing my face, I had to hit up the treadmill because it was dark and raining by the time I was ready to run. I really despise the treadmill, so on top of feeling very full, my run was less than stellar, because I couldn't get out of my own head.
I'm doing Pilates with a friend tomorrow, as well as going with her to pick out her first legitimate pair of running shoes, i.e. shoes that she is fitted for by people who know what they are talking about. This is exciting! Then, Saturday holds 20 miles for me -- let's hope they aren't 20 burrito-laden miles. I promise I won't eat Mexican food until I finish.
Today's completed run: 3 miles
Pace: 9:07 avg, on the treadmill
This is my third post in a row about food. It would be cool if I was a nutritionist or dietician and actually knew what I was talking about. Instead, I come to you only with my own empirical research, both good and bad. Yesterday, you may recall, was a day of good fueling and, consequently, excellent running. Today started off as a good fueling day, until some friends invited me for Mexican food after class. I knew it was a bad choice, but I literally cannot say no to Mexican food. (Well, that's obviously an exaggeration. The truth is, I choose to never say no to Mexican food and friends.)
Anyway, the nachos were just a bit too much to take with me for five miles tonight. In addition to stuffing my face, I had to hit up the treadmill because it was dark and raining by the time I was ready to run. I really despise the treadmill, so on top of feeling very full, my run was less than stellar, because I couldn't get out of my own head.
I'm doing Pilates with a friend tomorrow, as well as going with her to pick out her first legitimate pair of running shoes, i.e. shoes that she is fitted for by people who know what they are talking about. This is exciting! Then, Saturday holds 20 miles for me -- let's hope they aren't 20 burrito-laden miles. I promise I won't eat Mexican food until I finish.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Day 73 - Goodbye, Slump; Hello, Power
Today's scheduled run: 8 miles
Today's completed run: 8 miles
Pace: 8:25 avg
There are several important thingsyou need to know I need to remember about today's run:
1. It rocked.
2. I wore shorts. In January.
3. I hit a personal record (PR) for my mile time - 7:41 min. And I did it on mile 7.
4. I ate well all day leading up to the run.
5. I got enough sleep last night.
6. Matt Chandler's sermons on Ecclesiastes continue to rock and challenge me to think deeply. I listened to the second one today.
Numbers 2, 4, and 5 are a magical combination of wonderfulness (yup) that lead to numbers 1 and 3. First of all, running in shorts today made me realize that I may have been overdressing. Suiting up for winter runs is hard for me, because I spend most of winter being extremely cold. My internal thermostat is wonky; I wear leggings under my pants as soon as it gets to be 45 or below. This constant coldness likely has been leading me to wear too much while running for fear of being cold. Today, it was 48 degrees - the temperature where I never know what to wear. But it wasn't windy, so I went with shorts; and it was the best decision, as I kept a wonderful body temperature the whole time.
As for numbers 4 and 5, I know what you're thinking -- Duh! And you're right; these things are obvious to most people. If you eat well and sleep enough, your performance will improve. For some reason, I'm still learning this.
Number 1 is most important because, as of yesterday, I felt like I was in or heading into a slump. Apparently, I just needed some sleep and some fuel. As for number 3, well, it's just exciting. I've really enjoyed improving as a runner this year, but I don't have aspirations of being ridiculously fast. I don't have the body type (i.e., long legs) that runners who were clearly born to run possess. I'm okay with this; I run for distance, not for speed. Still, it's exciting to run a sub-8:00 mile, on mile 7 of 8, no less.
I needed today's run to propel me forward in training. We all have days where the run is miserable, but the days where the run is amazing significantly outweigh those. A run like today will carry me through several miserable runs in the future. (Please remind me of that after Saturday's 20-miler.)
Today's completed run: 8 miles
Pace: 8:25 avg
There are several important things
1. It rocked.
2. I wore shorts. In January.
3. I hit a personal record (PR) for my mile time - 7:41 min. And I did it on mile 7.
4. I ate well all day leading up to the run.
5. I got enough sleep last night.
6. Matt Chandler's sermons on Ecclesiastes continue to rock and challenge me to think deeply. I listened to the second one today.
Numbers 2, 4, and 5 are a magical combination of wonderfulness (yup) that lead to numbers 1 and 3. First of all, running in shorts today made me realize that I may have been overdressing. Suiting up for winter runs is hard for me, because I spend most of winter being extremely cold. My internal thermostat is wonky; I wear leggings under my pants as soon as it gets to be 45 or below. This constant coldness likely has been leading me to wear too much while running for fear of being cold. Today, it was 48 degrees - the temperature where I never know what to wear. But it wasn't windy, so I went with shorts; and it was the best decision, as I kept a wonderful body temperature the whole time.
As for numbers 4 and 5, I know what you're thinking -- Duh! And you're right; these things are obvious to most people. If you eat well and sleep enough, your performance will improve. For some reason, I'm still learning this.
Number 1 is most important because, as of yesterday, I felt like I was in or heading into a slump. Apparently, I just needed some sleep and some fuel. As for number 3, well, it's just exciting. I've really enjoyed improving as a runner this year, but I don't have aspirations of being ridiculously fast. I don't have the body type (i.e., long legs) that runners who were clearly born to run possess. I'm okay with this; I run for distance, not for speed. Still, it's exciting to run a sub-8:00 mile, on mile 7 of 8, no less.
I needed today's run to propel me forward in training. We all have days where the run is miserable, but the days where the run is amazing significantly outweigh those. A run like today will carry me through several miserable runs in the future. (Please remind me of that after Saturday's 20-miler.)
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