Race Goals

May 27, 2011 by 13 Comments

After signing up for this race back in December, I can’t believe Sunday’s almost here. My first half marathon – I am beyond excited!

My goals for Sunday:

  • Enjoy the moment! To appreciate the fact that less than a year ago, the thought of running my first 5k was a big deal, and now I’ll be running another 5k…just running another 10 miles first!
  • Finish strong! I will not let concern about my knee consume me. I know that if my legs can’t carry me any further, my heart will.
  • Be consistent! In all my long runs I had a tendency to go out too fast. On Sunday, I’d like to strive for consistency mile over mile – I think it will help me to have enough in the tank at the end.
  • Be proud of the effort! I’m trying not to get too caught up in having a goal time – it’s my first race at this distance so whatever the time, it’s a PR, right 🙂

Send some good vibes my way on Sunday, ok? And have a great weekend!

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    Filed Under: goals, Half marathon, race

    Monday Motivation – Rain edition

    May 16, 2011 by 5 Comments
    “Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how they can go.”
    — T. S. Elliot
    A crazy rain system settled over our area yesterday and according to the local weather man, it’s going to camp out all week. So I’m trying to psyche myself up for a lot of running in the rain this week. Yes, I could go to the gym and hit the ‘mill, but as my Hyannis snow race taught me, I need to be prepared for any kind of weather come race day. 
    I hit 24 miles last week – my biggest training week to date – and I’m happy to say my legs feel pretty good.
    On the plan this week:
    Monday — Yoga
    Tuesday — Tempo run (6)
    Wednesday — Easy run (4) and strength training
    Thursday — Rest
    Friday — LSD (10)
    Saturday — weekly Pilates reformer session
    Sunday — Easy run (3 or 4)
    What do you planned for this week? Make it a good one!

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    Filed Under: Monday Motivation, Quotes, race, training, weather

    Odds and Ends

    January 28, 2011 by 3 Comments

    I’m trying to not let cabin fever set in here! We got more snow yesterday so instead of running I cross-trained by shoveling and playing in the snow with my dog – always a good workout!

    It was back to the treadmill today – I had thought about running outside but most of my routes are still being dug out and I just wasn’t up for playing Frogger with the morning commuters 🙂 I’m just trying to look at this time on the ‘mill as an opportunity to work on maintaining a consistent pace….but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m starting to go a little stir crazy. I’m crossing my fingers I can get outside for Sunday’s run. My hubs and I were laughing the other day about the fact that it’s turning into one of the snowiest winters on record and we’ve got a race on the decks at the end of February! Truthfully I’m really glad I’ve got this race coming up otherwise it would be just a little too easy to hibernate and wait for spring.

    Speaking of races, I’ve just added another race to my 2011 schedule. Jeff at Detroit Runner is sponsoring the “I Just Felt Like Running” virtual 5k on March 5th. He’s got a good group of participants so far and is trying to get at least one runner from all 50 states. Stop by to check it out!

    Also, I have been meaning to say a big thanks to Jake at Broken Hearted Runner for including me in his list of top Running Blogs. He’s got a great mix of blogs on the list and I’m honored to have been included. I really enjoy reading about others’ ups and downs, challenges and successes and I can always find something to draw inspiration from!

    Have a Great Weekend!
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    Filed Under: race, running community, treadmill run, weather

    Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 Things)

    January 20, 2011 by 6 Comments

    Fear of black ice drove me back to the ‘mill today for my speedwork. This marks my 3rd run on the mill which I consider a big accomplishment in my ongoing effort to overcome ‘millphobia!

    After some interesting tweets and some great tips posted by Amanda at Run to The Finish, I was motivated to revisit my ChiRunning DVD. Admittedly, I have this video for a while but with all the ‘mill running I find I’m paying more attention to my form and that combined with my ITB issues, has me more motivated than ever to improve my form to run as injury-free as possible. More on this to come….

    I’ve been hesitating about registering for the RnR Half in Providence in August. It will be the inaugural race – I’ve been wanting to run one of the Rock n Roll races and this one is right in my back yard (read no travel expenses). Yet, the thought of 13.1 in August is a little daunting — it would be my 2nd half this year. Decisions, decisions….

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    Filed Under: 3 things, ChiRunning, race, RnR, treadmill run

    Reflections and a First Run

    January 3, 2011 by 5 Comments

    Got out today amid the fog and light rain to log my first run of 2011!

    I have been resting my left ITB for the past two weeks — though I did sneak in 2 miles on the dreadmill on NYE’s day ’cause I really didn’t want to end the year on injured reserve if I could help it.  So the hope today was to just get out on the road and run a slow and steady, pain-free 5 miles. Mission accomplished!

    I was also itching to try out some of the new gear I got for Christmas – especially my new Garmin Forerunner 305 (courtesy of my wonderful hubs J)! I am so excited to figure out how to use it to help with my pacing – which, according to my new little running partner, can be a bit erratic.

    It felt so good to be out there this morning – I kept thinking about how far I’ve come since that first “run” last January…where 1 mile felt like it went on forever …..and, then I didn’t try to run again until March! Hmmm, yeah I can definitely say I’ve improved in the dedication department 🙂

    But thanks to the C25K plan, that 1 mile turned into 3 and I ran my first 5k in June! Followed by:

    In between there were miles in the crazy heat, rain, bitter cold and…yes, even on the dreadmill. There was an off and on argument with my angry left leg. There were goals met…and some not. I discovered a wonderfully supportive and inspiring running community. And, I found a piece of myself that I hadn’t tapped into in a long time.

    Can’t wait to see what 2011 brings!
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    Filed Under: C25K, injuries, race, running community, Tufts 10k, Turkey trot

    First Half Marathon on the Horizon

    December 21, 2010 by 4 Comments

    After some quiet murmurings and occasional declarations that I want to run a half marathon “at some point” — I have finally taken the leap and registered for my first half!

    On Memorial Day Weekend, I’ll be taking part in Boston’s Run to Remember. The race is a half marathon through the City of Boston in honor of fallen law enforcement officers. I’m both psyched and nervous to actually have a half on my 2011 schedule!

    So I’ll kick the year off with the Hyannis 10k in February and I’m still looking at a bunch of other races for next year, including a couple of other halfs. But first thing’s first….and my first half is finally on the horizon!

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    Filed Under: goals, Half marathon, Hyannis 10k, race

    Shaking off the funk!

    November 17, 2010 by 2 Comments

    I’m happy to say that I’m starting to come out of my mini motivation funk! I finally got back out on the road on Sunday for a nice four mile run — family commitments made a long run not possible. But it was nice to be out running! This morning I followed up with another three — legs were heavy, but moving. Tomorrow I’ll be back in the Pilates studio and then will run again on Thursday.

    And, while I’m looking to jump back on that motivation bandwagon, I’ve decided to run another 10k race! I picked one at the end of February — part of the Hyannis Marathon series — I figured post holiday madness is best! And my hubs J announced that he wants to run it with me!

    Hello Motivation!

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    Filed Under: Hyannis 10k, motivation, race

    November – Now What?

    November 4, 2010 by 4 Comments
    October is now in the rearview mirror but it will be missed!

    While I didn’t continue my “more mileage each month” trend, I did run two races this month including my first 10k and I saw my pace start to get faster. I even had a 4 minute PR in my 5K!

    But now there is no training plan to greet me each morning. Instead there are frosty temps and total darkness that could easily leave me clinging to my blankets and hitting the snooze button.  As a newbie runner my big fear is shrinkage…mileage shrinkage that is! Yeah I know that there’s always the treadmill. And, despite how much I loathe the ‘Mill, I will probably have to embrace it at some point. BUT…let’s just say that I don’t see the ‘Mill being a shrinkage cure-all for me! 

    Without a race to train for, I need to set some new goals:
    • Improve my core strength
    • Get back in the gym and hit the weights
    • Improve my flexibility….Ok who are we kidding? My hamstrings are so tight this goal should probably just be “find some flexibility!”
    • And, yes maintain my mileage base…and dare I say, increase it?!
     For a little added incentive, I’m joining the Holiday Bootie Buster Challenge hosted by Amanda at RuntoTheFinish. Check out her challenge here.


    I’m still toying with the idea of a Turkey Trot or Jingle Bell Run but haven’t decided yet – stay tuned!

       

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    Filed Under: goals, Holiday Bootie Buster, race

    The knee watch continues

    October 29, 2010 by 3 Comments

    So far, so good….

    I managed to string together a couple of runs and a killer Pilates class this week, and the good news is any discomfort in my left knee was mild!

    So barring any changes in the next couple of days, I’m going to run a local race on Sunday. I’m planning to just go easy, have fun and be moral support for a friend who’s running her very first race after completing the Couch to 5k plan! I’m really psyched for her!  (Isn’t it funny how once you start running, you want everyone else to run too!)

    A huge Friday Shout Out to all the runners racing this weekend!

    Enjoy the Halloween Weekend!

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    Filed Under: C25K, injuries, race, Shout-outs

    Week in review

    October 24, 2010 by 2 Comments

    On Monday it was time to see what a week of babying my knee had done for me. I got out early and went for 4 miles and felt good when finished. Quickly followed up with Yamuna Body Rolling and ice. Life got in the way and it was clear Wednesday’s run wasn’t going to happen.  Continued the Yamuna and ice.  It took till mid-day on Friday, but I did get 5 more in. Hmm… the knee still feels ok, a little sore by the evening but not painful. Quick more Yamuna and more ice! Yesterday I went to my weekly Pilates Reformer class and then headed to see my massage therapist — a treat and so worth it!

    I knew I would have a crazy day ahead of me today and that the only way to get a run in was to go early. So after a Sybil-like debate with myself, I dragged myself out of my warm bed and into the cold morning. It was the first time I’d started a run while the street lights were still on! The sun finally decided to join me at the half way mark. I finished just over 6 and all’s well with the left leg! Yes I’ll be back to the Yamuna and ice tonight – why mess with a formula that seems to be helping?!

    On tap for this week is more of the same with hopefully a little more Pilates thrown in. Depending on how things go, I’ll decide on whether I’m going to run the local 5k on Sunday.

    Happy Running!

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    Filed Under: injuries, race, Yamuna Body Rolling