Yesterday I accidentally ran almost 9 miles. Having a destination in mind makes it all the more fun for me. My friend S who is getting married next weekend needed some help putting together placetags and programs, and like all brides-to-be, I'm sure she relished the thought of some hands-on help from a sweaty, stinky running pal. Soooo, off I went to Davis Square with my carefully mapped 7.1 mile route.
My schedule said 7, and I was nervous because that would be the longest distance I'd run in training (not counting the Falmouth Road Race). My legs felt like lead and it was pouring rain, but I slogged along through Southie, through downtown, through the North End, through Beacon Hill, over the bridge into Cambridge, up over the ever-sketch McGrath Hwy bridge, and when I got under said bridge and felt too much like I was going to end up in the opening scene of an episode of CSI, I hightailed it down Somerville Ave and got lost. I just kept pathetically chugging down Mass Ave until I started to feel like maybe I was about to end up in Medford, and that was Not Good. It was a tough run, but I was not expecting to see 9.2 miles when I looked at my iPod. Luckily, I called S and she directed me down a side street and I only had to backtrack a bit. I stopped by the corner store to get a delicious Gatorade G2, only to find they had a debit card minumum and I had no cash. I must have looked so crushed, drowned-ratty, and bedraggled, because the cashier gave it to me for free and said I should just get him "next time". Of course I'll be taking the T out to Davis again to give him his 1.25, because that kind of awesomeness is rare these days. And it was a DELICIOUS beverage.
Tonight I WILL do my Stretch & Strengthen, even if that's just a couple downward dogs and some pushups.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Iron unpumped
At my weekend gym, someone colorformed a pumpkin face onto a big orange kettlebell. There is no way I would ever be able to lift that kettlebell, but part of me feels like I am neglecting it anyway, because of that cheerful pumpkin face. I've been running regularly, and apparently it's paying off, but I haven't done any cross-training in weeks and I should really remedy that.
One of my major problems with weightlifting is that I go all out, and that results in serious pain in a couple days. If I continued to workout regularly, I would get used to it and wouldn't be in agony for five days after I did squats, but doing aforementioned squats makes my lower body hurt so badly that I can't do squats for five days. It's a vicious cycle. Here's a tip that is SO EASY and works SO WELL and yet for some reason I don't do it - Do squats while brushing your teeth, and counter pushups while swishing mouthwash (if you use it). If I do this regularly, it seriously helps me keep my legs and arms used to these movements without adding extra weight, when I do add the weight for a real workout my resulting pain level a much more manageable "Badass" rather than a crippling "Geriatric".
One of my major problems with weightlifting is that I go all out, and that results in serious pain in a couple days. If I continued to workout regularly, I would get used to it and wouldn't be in agony for five days after I did squats, but doing aforementioned squats makes my lower body hurt so badly that I can't do squats for five days. It's a vicious cycle. Here's a tip that is SO EASY and works SO WELL and yet for some reason I don't do it - Do squats while brushing your teeth, and counter pushups while swishing mouthwash (if you use it). If I do this regularly, it seriously helps me keep my legs and arms used to these movements without adding extra weight, when I do add the weight for a real workout my resulting pain level a much more manageable "Badass" rather than a crippling "Geriatric".
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Are you ready for some FOOTBALL?
Yesterday marked the first of my fall running adventure expeditions. I'm always pretty excited for football season, not because I'm a huge football fan, but because I always go to my brother's house and watch the Patriots while drinking craft brews and eating pizza. It's always a good time, and even though we're have now entered the Matt Cassel Zone, there's still beer and pizza and my brother & friends.
When I started training for this half thing, I devised the brilliant plan to take the T out to a certain pre-decided stop and run the rest of the way to his house, and then watch the game. It's the perfect Sunday plan!
I have to say, I was in absolutely no mood to run yesterday. But I threw on all my "fancy running gear" (which is what my brother calls spandex) and set off. I'd mapped out a 6-mile route that started at Coolidge Corner in Brookline and ended up at Pat's house in Newton Upper Falls. Since I'd only really been running the same Southie loop, this was a nice change of scenery. The weather wasn't great, it was disgustingly humid but also really windy and occasionally rainy. I'd worn a light jacket, which made things even stickier, but I didn't want to get caught in the rain or a sudden change in temperature. I struggled up Beacon Street and past the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, but once I got around the Reservoir and started getting into new territory, things started looking up. Especially after the big hill right after the Reservoir. It was mostly flat or downhill after that, and I got into my groove, listening to the latest podcast of "This American Life". By the time I got past the 4 mile mark, I was breezing along and enjoying the unique scenery of Newton. By the time I got to 6, it turns out I'd overrun my destination and ended up trying to crawl through some overgrown vines and muddy puddles near the route 9 bridge. I had to backtrack and treated myself to a tasty grape gatorade G2 and a couple of bananas.
And Lance Armstrong came on my iPod and congratulated me on my longest workout yet :)
6.04 miles
56:28
9:20/mile
(though it was probably inflated by that liar Nike+, I'm pretty proud of myself.)
When I started training for this half thing, I devised the brilliant plan to take the T out to a certain pre-decided stop and run the rest of the way to his house, and then watch the game. It's the perfect Sunday plan!
I have to say, I was in absolutely no mood to run yesterday. But I threw on all my "fancy running gear" (which is what my brother calls spandex) and set off. I'd mapped out a 6-mile route that started at Coolidge Corner in Brookline and ended up at Pat's house in Newton Upper Falls. Since I'd only really been running the same Southie loop, this was a nice change of scenery. The weather wasn't great, it was disgustingly humid but also really windy and occasionally rainy. I'd worn a light jacket, which made things even stickier, but I didn't want to get caught in the rain or a sudden change in temperature. I struggled up Beacon Street and past the Chestnut Hill Reservoir, but once I got around the Reservoir and started getting into new territory, things started looking up. Especially after the big hill right after the Reservoir. It was mostly flat or downhill after that, and I got into my groove, listening to the latest podcast of "This American Life". By the time I got past the 4 mile mark, I was breezing along and enjoying the unique scenery of Newton. By the time I got to 6, it turns out I'd overrun my destination and ended up trying to crawl through some overgrown vines and muddy puddles near the route 9 bridge. I had to backtrack and treated myself to a tasty grape gatorade G2 and a couple of bananas.
And Lance Armstrong came on my iPod and congratulated me on my longest workout yet :)
6.04 miles
56:28
9:20/mile
(though it was probably inflated by that liar Nike+, I'm pretty proud of myself.)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Things I need
1. A plan.
Last night as I was running around in the dark, I was reminded yet again that I need to formulate a different strategy for the coming months. It's not going to be smart or even possible at times to do 4-mile runs at 10:30 pm in November. It's going to be extremely cold, dark, and unpleasant. On the upside, there probably won't be as many ne'erdoell youngsters hanging about under the streetlamps.
My options are few. I can just continue to run at night, I can run indoors (UGGGGHZ), or I can run in the morning before work (DOUBLE TRIPLE UGGGGHZZZZ). In addition to the night bit, I'm going to have to worry about the cold and snow soon. Cold air + my lungs = sometimes severe coughing fits due to something a Scottish doctor called "reactive airway disease" (which I developed over ten years ago while living in a country where everyone smokes in public). It is NHS diagnosed so I take it with a grain of salt, but still. Something to think about. I'll at least be purchasing some nice winter running clothes - mainly tights, gloves, and something for my ears. So at least I get a field trip to the New Balance Outlet out of this.
2. New shoes.
While they're generally fine, my Asics Equation 2s need to be replaced and upgraded. After going through several pairs of unsatisfactory shoes, I've found that the Asics fit my feet the best by far of any, but they still aren't exactly what I need. I need more cushioning, especially in the forefoot. Sometimes my current sneaks make me feel like I am forcefully applying the ball of my foot directly to the concrete of the sidewalk. The girl at Marathon Sports told me I have perfect biomechanics, but I think I might need a touch of stability because of how small my feet are - when I get fatigued they tend to roll in to take the pressure off my ankles. I'm going to look at the Nimbus (though it might as well be plated in solid gold) and the Adidas Supernova Cushion (which I had good luck with back in college, I memory serves me correctly).
3. A crazy running buddy (or several).
I don't need someone to train with - while I've gotten over my complex about running with people, I mostly prefer to run alone, especially given my preference for wacky running conditions (dark, rain, large bridges with water on both sides and no lights). But I would really like to have a buddy who would do races with me, and not just local ones. For example, I'd love to know someone crazy enough to take the ferry out to Martha's Vineyard this Sunday to run the the Vineyard Haven Run to the Chop 5k with me. Or go to Portland, Maine. It's not that I mind racing alone, it would just be more fun travel-wise. My bro is too cranky and I always have to pay his race fees (though he is my best running pal), roommate C is too fast and she's busy training for a tri, roommate D is also too fast and training for a marathon. Nobody else I know runs. Or like to take crazy random road/ferry trips.
4. Speed.
I have a need for speed. Not for any real competitive reason, I'm never going to be FAST. It's just getting slightly ridiculous that no matter what I do and how long I've been running, I'm still stuck at a 10 min/mile average (Nike lies so I try not to listen to its sweet siren song of 8:30 miles. Last night I did some intervals at the end of my run and let me tell you, I was blaaaazing along. Still, it was just under a 10 minute mile average for those four miles. What gives? However, speed intervals are definitely a faster way to get home, so I'll be keeping those in my arsenal. Perhaps I also have to find a track? We shall see.
5. Better food.
When I first starting "seriously" training (anything that involves a calendar with stuff written on it that regards some action on my part I consider "serious") I went first became totally ravenous. It's settled down a bit now, and I've gone back to my ways of eating candy for at least two meals per day. Not okay. I need to base my diet around healthy things. Luckily, I have access to the school cafeteria for cheaps and can get on a decent meal plan for staff and load up on salad and delicious veggie pastas and perhaps take a banana for the road.
Last night as I was running around in the dark, I was reminded yet again that I need to formulate a different strategy for the coming months. It's not going to be smart or even possible at times to do 4-mile runs at 10:30 pm in November. It's going to be extremely cold, dark, and unpleasant. On the upside, there probably won't be as many ne'erdoell youngsters hanging about under the streetlamps.
My options are few. I can just continue to run at night, I can run indoors (UGGGGHZ), or I can run in the morning before work (DOUBLE TRIPLE UGGGGHZZZZ). In addition to the night bit, I'm going to have to worry about the cold and snow soon. Cold air + my lungs = sometimes severe coughing fits due to something a Scottish doctor called "reactive airway disease" (which I developed over ten years ago while living in a country where everyone smokes in public). It is NHS diagnosed so I take it with a grain of salt, but still. Something to think about. I'll at least be purchasing some nice winter running clothes - mainly tights, gloves, and something for my ears. So at least I get a field trip to the New Balance Outlet out of this.
2. New shoes.
While they're generally fine, my Asics Equation 2s need to be replaced and upgraded. After going through several pairs of unsatisfactory shoes, I've found that the Asics fit my feet the best by far of any, but they still aren't exactly what I need. I need more cushioning, especially in the forefoot. Sometimes my current sneaks make me feel like I am forcefully applying the ball of my foot directly to the concrete of the sidewalk. The girl at Marathon Sports told me I have perfect biomechanics, but I think I might need a touch of stability because of how small my feet are - when I get fatigued they tend to roll in to take the pressure off my ankles. I'm going to look at the Nimbus (though it might as well be plated in solid gold) and the Adidas Supernova Cushion (which I had good luck with back in college, I memory serves me correctly).
3. A crazy running buddy (or several).
I don't need someone to train with - while I've gotten over my complex about running with people, I mostly prefer to run alone, especially given my preference for wacky running conditions (dark, rain, large bridges with water on both sides and no lights). But I would really like to have a buddy who would do races with me, and not just local ones. For example, I'd love to know someone crazy enough to take the ferry out to Martha's Vineyard this Sunday to run the the Vineyard Haven Run to the Chop 5k with me. Or go to Portland, Maine. It's not that I mind racing alone, it would just be more fun travel-wise. My bro is too cranky and I always have to pay his race fees (though he is my best running pal), roommate C is too fast and she's busy training for a tri, roommate D is also too fast and training for a marathon. Nobody else I know runs. Or like to take crazy random road/ferry trips.
4. Speed.
I have a need for speed. Not for any real competitive reason, I'm never going to be FAST. It's just getting slightly ridiculous that no matter what I do and how long I've been running, I'm still stuck at a 10 min/mile average (Nike lies so I try not to listen to its sweet siren song of 8:30 miles. Last night I did some intervals at the end of my run and let me tell you, I was blaaaazing along. Still, it was just under a 10 minute mile average for those four miles. What gives? However, speed intervals are definitely a faster way to get home, so I'll be keeping those in my arsenal. Perhaps I also have to find a track? We shall see.
5. Better food.
When I first starting "seriously" training (anything that involves a calendar with stuff written on it that regards some action on my part I consider "serious") I went first became totally ravenous. It's settled down a bit now, and I've gone back to my ways of eating candy for at least two meals per day. Not okay. I need to base my diet around healthy things. Luckily, I have access to the school cafeteria for cheaps and can get on a decent meal plan for staff and load up on salad and delicious veggie pastas and perhaps take a banana for the road.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Race report - Thompson Island 4k
Busytimes.
I didn't even ask for the afternoon off, but I had roped my bro into doing the Thompson Island 4k, which kicked off at 3:30. We had to both sneak out of work to make it to the ferry, which took us on a leisurely ride out to the island. Pat was super cranky because his knee has been hurting for a really long time, and because he was hungover, and because he hadn't asked for the day off. When we got there, I made him go over to the sports chiropractors table. The girl helped stretch him out and massaged his leg and just like I had thought, he has ITB syndrome. In fact, so bad that the chiro girl was calling over all her co-workers to feel his scar tissue.
So hey kids, don't run on old crappy shoes for a year. Mkay?
The race itself sucked. I'm not going to mince words here. It was severely unfun. I took off too fast, there were tonnnns of hills (as it was a trail race on an island) and it was possibly one of the hottest days this summer despite being September. My lungs were burning. I managed to get through a mile without walking, but after that I had a couple spots when I just had to stop. My mouth was full of dirt, I was sweating like a hoss, and I couldn't even enjoy the beautiful view because I had to look at the ground to make sure I didn't step into a hole or on a rock.
I honestly thought I might not make it. Also, probably should have eaten more than a slice of watermelon and a hunk of cheese all day. Oops.
Soon enough, it was over, and I'd earned myself a nice crappy time but not anything to be proud of. Not last though.
It's always the races with free beer and food that I do the worst at.
But I still get the free beer and food and t-shirt, and in this case, and awesome picnic on a friggin' island on a Thursday when I otherwise would have been at work.
So, awesome.
I need to find a running club or something. I just need to get better, take it to the next level, whatever you want to call it. I shouldn't be crapping out on a 2.5 mile run.
Anyway, back to watching the politics!
I didn't even ask for the afternoon off, but I had roped my bro into doing the Thompson Island 4k, which kicked off at 3:30. We had to both sneak out of work to make it to the ferry, which took us on a leisurely ride out to the island. Pat was super cranky because his knee has been hurting for a really long time, and because he was hungover, and because he hadn't asked for the day off. When we got there, I made him go over to the sports chiropractors table. The girl helped stretch him out and massaged his leg and just like I had thought, he has ITB syndrome. In fact, so bad that the chiro girl was calling over all her co-workers to feel his scar tissue.
So hey kids, don't run on old crappy shoes for a year. Mkay?
The race itself sucked. I'm not going to mince words here. It was severely unfun. I took off too fast, there were tonnnns of hills (as it was a trail race on an island) and it was possibly one of the hottest days this summer despite being September. My lungs were burning. I managed to get through a mile without walking, but after that I had a couple spots when I just had to stop. My mouth was full of dirt, I was sweating like a hoss, and I couldn't even enjoy the beautiful view because I had to look at the ground to make sure I didn't step into a hole or on a rock.
I honestly thought I might not make it. Also, probably should have eaten more than a slice of watermelon and a hunk of cheese all day. Oops.
Soon enough, it was over, and I'd earned myself a nice crappy time but not anything to be proud of. Not last though.
It's always the races with free beer and food that I do the worst at.
But I still get the free beer and food and t-shirt, and in this case, and awesome picnic on a friggin' island on a Thursday when I otherwise would have been at work.
So, awesome.
I need to find a running club or something. I just need to get better, take it to the next level, whatever you want to call it. I shouldn't be crapping out on a 2.5 mile run.
Anyway, back to watching the politics!
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