The forecast for Saturday called for rain, rain, and more rain. The ride forecast called for our longest ride of the season - R2R was offering 50 or 70 mile routes.
They altered the course again the day before, having us ride the 12 miles to rest stop 1, then turn around for a 24 mile route that we could then repeat if we chose to.
I was hoping I'd go for 48, but standing at the start line, cold, knowing it was going to rain, watching riders opt out of riding in favor of being SAG support.... I just knew 24 was all that was in the cards. And that is frankly ok, because I rode freakin' 62 last weekend.
Then I remembered my post about worrying about not being fast enough for tris, and I thought, ok, let's go for it, Lets kind of blow our wad today. Try to get in 60 miles of pain in only 24.
And so it was. I actually think I could have happily gone for the 48 if it wasn't so absurdly windy and if somehow we weren't riding into the wind for like the ENTIRE route (except for maybe the 2 most glorious miles I've ever experienced). It was just soul sucking. And it didn't matter how hard I freaking pushed, 12mph into the wind was all I had. All. I. Had.
The whole MS150 isn't going to be into a headwind, is it?
Showing posts with label Weather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weather. Show all posts
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Monday, March 16, 2015
Ketchup
Once again, I've been remiss.
A quick run down: The weather has been less than ideal, shall we say.
The week after the ride with Adron, I rode on the trainer because I was worried about riding in crappy weather. 2 hours on Saturday followed by 1 hour on Sunday, just to try to get my rear ready for back-to-back days. While I like being able to watch TV and read while riding, it doesn't really simulate the road sufficiently for me to feel like I'm getting in great training, soooo....
The following week I went out despite the crappy weather. It was around 50 and drizzly. I had on 4? yes 4 layers including a somewhat waterproof windbreaker and I was MISERABLY cold. R2R prides itself on safety so they modified the ride to 12 mile loops so that they could more closely monitor us in the crappy conditions and SAG us all quickly if lightning came into the area. I think they said only 200 brave souls showed up. Most quit after the first loop. I went out for a second. I actually really liked the little loop. It was a nice rural area, some hills but not crazy, only a few turns, all right handers, and able to stop at my own car for each rest stop = good stuff. This was also the very first ride where I spent almost all of my time in the big chain ring and really started trying to push on some parts for some speed. (By no means am I fast, but I did start trying a bit.) I really actually wanted to go for 3 loops but by the end of the second one it was openly raining and it just would have been stupid. I must say I was so impressed by R2R's level of support. I stopped at a stop sign on one of the right hand turns because I can get spazzy when there is traffic. A few cars pulled up behind me and I was motioning them to go so I could take my time with my remount and feel mentally comfortable and I was asked by no fewer than 3 people if I was ok in the like 2 minutes I was stopped. Now that's service! As I said this was my first rainy ride, but other than the slightly slick road and need for more layers than would be expected from the temperature, it was pretty normal. Oh! I should also say, dry clothes are needed for after. I had an hour's drive home and I didn't have anything dry. I drove the whole way with my seat heater on and my heater on HIGH, as hot as it could get, and I was still shivering with blue lips when I got home. I couldn't have known any better, but sheesh, that was messed up and probably dangerous and I need that to never happen again.
The week after that we headed to Huntsville for a little hill training. They were only offering 30 and 50 mile routes and I was totally torn because I was really hoping for a 40-something to bridge the almost-40 I did with Adron and the 60 I wanted to do for the Tour de Houston. I ended up settling on the 32 mile route, and BOY was I ever glad I did! It is the first truly hilly route I've done and it SLAUGHTERED me. It was awful. I was having a really bad time shifting, and the first rest stop wasn't until 18, so I ended up essentially stuck in the big chain ring and blowing out my quads. I stopped by the most excellent bike mechanic and he mostly fixed it. By mostly I mean he got the rear shifting completely fixed, but the front chain ring still was a total bitch when I was trying to shift into the big ring, so after trying it twice, once again I was stuck in the big ring for the rest of the hills. Oh, the hills. First, within a mile of that rest stop, there was a beast of a hill. One chick I spoke with at the rest stop said she thinks it is the hardest hill she rode in all of training last year. So there's that. It was sooooo long and steep. I think I was going like 4mph when I got to the top. Then I had to grump and plead and cajole my bike back into the big ring, arg! They called the last part of that ride the "roller coaster" and it was so totally apt. Endless upping and downing. I was almost crying by the end. Then when I had time to reflect on it later in the week it completely freaked me out, that I wanted to ride 60 miles in the TdH and I barely finished 32 the week before.
Next up: TdH recap.
A quick run down: The weather has been less than ideal, shall we say.
The week after the ride with Adron, I rode on the trainer because I was worried about riding in crappy weather. 2 hours on Saturday followed by 1 hour on Sunday, just to try to get my rear ready for back-to-back days. While I like being able to watch TV and read while riding, it doesn't really simulate the road sufficiently for me to feel like I'm getting in great training, soooo....
The following week I went out despite the crappy weather. It was around 50 and drizzly. I had on 4? yes 4 layers including a somewhat waterproof windbreaker and I was MISERABLY cold. R2R prides itself on safety so they modified the ride to 12 mile loops so that they could more closely monitor us in the crappy conditions and SAG us all quickly if lightning came into the area. I think they said only 200 brave souls showed up. Most quit after the first loop. I went out for a second. I actually really liked the little loop. It was a nice rural area, some hills but not crazy, only a few turns, all right handers, and able to stop at my own car for each rest stop = good stuff. This was also the very first ride where I spent almost all of my time in the big chain ring and really started trying to push on some parts for some speed. (By no means am I fast, but I did start trying a bit.) I really actually wanted to go for 3 loops but by the end of the second one it was openly raining and it just would have been stupid. I must say I was so impressed by R2R's level of support. I stopped at a stop sign on one of the right hand turns because I can get spazzy when there is traffic. A few cars pulled up behind me and I was motioning them to go so I could take my time with my remount and feel mentally comfortable and I was asked by no fewer than 3 people if I was ok in the like 2 minutes I was stopped. Now that's service! As I said this was my first rainy ride, but other than the slightly slick road and need for more layers than would be expected from the temperature, it was pretty normal. Oh! I should also say, dry clothes are needed for after. I had an hour's drive home and I didn't have anything dry. I drove the whole way with my seat heater on and my heater on HIGH, as hot as it could get, and I was still shivering with blue lips when I got home. I couldn't have known any better, but sheesh, that was messed up and probably dangerous and I need that to never happen again.
The week after that we headed to Huntsville for a little hill training. They were only offering 30 and 50 mile routes and I was totally torn because I was really hoping for a 40-something to bridge the almost-40 I did with Adron and the 60 I wanted to do for the Tour de Houston. I ended up settling on the 32 mile route, and BOY was I ever glad I did! It is the first truly hilly route I've done and it SLAUGHTERED me. It was awful. I was having a really bad time shifting, and the first rest stop wasn't until 18, so I ended up essentially stuck in the big chain ring and blowing out my quads. I stopped by the most excellent bike mechanic and he mostly fixed it. By mostly I mean he got the rear shifting completely fixed, but the front chain ring still was a total bitch when I was trying to shift into the big ring, so after trying it twice, once again I was stuck in the big ring for the rest of the hills. Oh, the hills. First, within a mile of that rest stop, there was a beast of a hill. One chick I spoke with at the rest stop said she thinks it is the hardest hill she rode in all of training last year. So there's that. It was sooooo long and steep. I think I was going like 4mph when I got to the top. Then I had to grump and plead and cajole my bike back into the big ring, arg! They called the last part of that ride the "roller coaster" and it was so totally apt. Endless upping and downing. I was almost crying by the end. Then when I had time to reflect on it later in the week it completely freaked me out, that I wanted to ride 60 miles in the TdH and I barely finished 32 the week before.
Next up: TdH recap.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Summer Run
In February.
This morning I dragged myself out of bed to go for a run. Last night my phone said it'd probably be about 55, perfect for a run. When I grabbed my phone before I got out of bed (my new habit lately - seems to be helping me to resist the urge to go back to sleep) and checked the weather, it said 72. Seventy-freaking-two degrees. In February.
When I walked outside, it was the same temperature as my house. Only way more humid. In February.
I ran. I'm not gonna lie, it was rough. My benchmark was 3 loops in 27:10. Today it took me 27:33. With a walk break, so help me gods. I know this is just a preview for summer running. And I really want to stay strong as the hot mornings start coming up, because I think that may have been what I was doing wrong in past years: I need to run through the first few weeks of discomfort due to temperature so my body will adapt. I need to stay mentally strong. I can do this. Even if it is FREAKING FEBRUARY.
On the way to work this morning, the weatherman on NPR said today's low, 72, was higher than the normal high at this time of year, 69. And it's supposed to get to 80 today. IN FEBRUARY.
This morning I dragged myself out of bed to go for a run. Last night my phone said it'd probably be about 55, perfect for a run. When I grabbed my phone before I got out of bed (my new habit lately - seems to be helping me to resist the urge to go back to sleep) and checked the weather, it said 72. Seventy-freaking-two degrees. In February.
When I walked outside, it was the same temperature as my house. Only way more humid. In February.
I ran. I'm not gonna lie, it was rough. My benchmark was 3 loops in 27:10. Today it took me 27:33. With a walk break, so help me gods. I know this is just a preview for summer running. And I really want to stay strong as the hot mornings start coming up, because I think that may have been what I was doing wrong in past years: I need to run through the first few weeks of discomfort due to temperature so my body will adapt. I need to stay mentally strong. I can do this. Even if it is FREAKING FEBRUARY.
On the way to work this morning, the weatherman on NPR said today's low, 72, was higher than the normal high at this time of year, 69. And it's supposed to get to 80 today. IN FEBRUARY.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
In Which I Talk About Running
BECAUSE I'VE BEEN RUNNING.
Wahoooooo!!!!
Ok, so they have been short, tiny runs. But I've been running!
About a mile and a half yesterday morning. I didn't have much time, but I didn't use that as an excuse. That was the first best thing about that run. The second best thing was how I felt: which was not like I was going to die! THat is such an improvement, let me tell you! I mean, on the 3 miler last week I started bargaining with myself about not walking before I was a quarter of a mile in. But yesterday morning I never felt the need to walk, and I felt.... lighter, easier, more on top of my running. I was still slow as all get-out, but I ran and I didn't walk and I felt good. And for me right now, that is HUGE.
Then I decided to go again this morning. My logic: I'm going to be up late tonight watching MY Texas Rangers WIN THE WORLD SERIES (if you will it, it will happen!), so I'm going to want to sleep in tomorrow. So I need to run today. So I did. 2 miles this time. And while the legs were a little heavier from the day before, this was also a startlingly good and successful run.
I've decided that the current weather is perfect for my running habit. Not for running in, don't get me wrong - don't ever let anyone tell you that anything warmer than 60 is good weather for running - but for getting out there and just getting it done. Often. It is about 70 degrees out in the mornings right now, and there is an INSANE drought going on down here. 70 is perfect because I'm neither hot nor cold when I roll out of bed, and therefore there is nothing mentally holding me back from going outside. Obviously when it is hotter it is difficult because if you're hot standing still, you know you're going to be miserable while running. And when it is cold you know it'll be awesome while you're running, but there is the great freezing getting-out-of-bed issue, followed by the great freezing warm-up issue before you get to the good part. But right now... right now I just go. And once I'm running I'm hot but not miserable. And the drought is actually helpful just because rain never stops me either.
By the way, on the drought. So it rained down here the other week. Lots of rain. You know, for like the 5th time since Zoë was BORN. Apparently mosquito eggs down here lie dormant until a big rain. And since there had been no rain, when it finally happened, the ENTIRE SUMMER's crop of mosquitoes hatched SIMULTANEOUSLY. They may not be so big you can ride them, but there are certainly enough to create flying carpets to replace cars as transportation for every Houstonian. Which is another awesome thing about running at the butt-crack of dawn: it is too early even for the mosquitoes!
Wahoooooo!!!!
Ok, so they have been short, tiny runs. But I've been running!
About a mile and a half yesterday morning. I didn't have much time, but I didn't use that as an excuse. That was the first best thing about that run. The second best thing was how I felt: which was not like I was going to die! THat is such an improvement, let me tell you! I mean, on the 3 miler last week I started bargaining with myself about not walking before I was a quarter of a mile in. But yesterday morning I never felt the need to walk, and I felt.... lighter, easier, more on top of my running. I was still slow as all get-out, but I ran and I didn't walk and I felt good. And for me right now, that is HUGE.
Then I decided to go again this morning. My logic: I'm going to be up late tonight watching MY Texas Rangers WIN THE WORLD SERIES (if you will it, it will happen!), so I'm going to want to sleep in tomorrow. So I need to run today. So I did. 2 miles this time. And while the legs were a little heavier from the day before, this was also a startlingly good and successful run.
I've decided that the current weather is perfect for my running habit. Not for running in, don't get me wrong - don't ever let anyone tell you that anything warmer than 60 is good weather for running - but for getting out there and just getting it done. Often. It is about 70 degrees out in the mornings right now, and there is an INSANE drought going on down here. 70 is perfect because I'm neither hot nor cold when I roll out of bed, and therefore there is nothing mentally holding me back from going outside. Obviously when it is hotter it is difficult because if you're hot standing still, you know you're going to be miserable while running. And when it is cold you know it'll be awesome while you're running, but there is the great freezing getting-out-of-bed issue, followed by the great freezing warm-up issue before you get to the good part. But right now... right now I just go. And once I'm running I'm hot but not miserable. And the drought is actually helpful just because rain never stops me either.
By the way, on the drought. So it rained down here the other week. Lots of rain. You know, for like the 5th time since Zoë was BORN. Apparently mosquito eggs down here lie dormant until a big rain. And since there had been no rain, when it finally happened, the ENTIRE SUMMER's crop of mosquitoes hatched SIMULTANEOUSLY. They may not be so big you can ride them, but there are certainly enough to create flying carpets to replace cars as transportation for every Houstonian. Which is another awesome thing about running at the butt-crack of dawn: it is too early even for the mosquitoes!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Abs Abs Abs
So, day 1 of February plan complete. No ice cream. And I've told P not to give me any, either.
And when I swam yesterday morning, I tried to think about engaging my abs. It must have worked, because when I went to do my 100 crunches that evening, they were already sore!!
It was 70 yesterday morning when I left for the Y, and by the time I got to work it was 40. This morning it was 20! I'm patting myself on the back for the brilliance of going to the Y yesterday, because there is no way I'm leaving the house to exercise in this cold. This morning I did Tae Bo (trying to think about my abs), and tomorrow morning I'll probably do a spin on the bike.
In baby news, I'm worried about my milk supply. It seemed to take a bit of a dive over the weekend, Sunday specifically, and it hasn't really gone back up. I don't know if nursing exclusively on the weekend actually adjusted my supply down (as I was over producing before) to closer to what Z actually needs, or if the 5K screwed me up (don't really think so), or what... yesterday I pumped exactly what she ate, and that worries me! I tried eating oatmeal yesterday morning, but it seems to have a 12 hour delayed onset, so I filled up as I was going home. Might try eating some tonight so I'm nice and full tomorrow at work. I am also vaguely considering supplementary pumping on the weekends. Before I'd do my morning pump but then exclusively nurse through the day. It is nice to have a break from the machine! But if I have to, I can try to pump more on the weekend to try and up my supply. I know that I shouldn't really be freaking out yet, but it is just that when you go from oversupply to exact supply, another dive could mean you aren't making enough, you know? I want to nip this in the bud!
I'm tired. 5-7 hours of sleep each day... I'm built for 8!
What else? Oh, work has been frustrating. That's all I'm going to say about that.
142.0 yesterday and also today. Been floating around 142 for a week or so, hopefully I'll be looking at another drop soon.
And when I swam yesterday morning, I tried to think about engaging my abs. It must have worked, because when I went to do my 100 crunches that evening, they were already sore!!
It was 70 yesterday morning when I left for the Y, and by the time I got to work it was 40. This morning it was 20! I'm patting myself on the back for the brilliance of going to the Y yesterday, because there is no way I'm leaving the house to exercise in this cold. This morning I did Tae Bo (trying to think about my abs), and tomorrow morning I'll probably do a spin on the bike.
In baby news, I'm worried about my milk supply. It seemed to take a bit of a dive over the weekend, Sunday specifically, and it hasn't really gone back up. I don't know if nursing exclusively on the weekend actually adjusted my supply down (as I was over producing before) to closer to what Z actually needs, or if the 5K screwed me up (don't really think so), or what... yesterday I pumped exactly what she ate, and that worries me! I tried eating oatmeal yesterday morning, but it seems to have a 12 hour delayed onset, so I filled up as I was going home. Might try eating some tonight so I'm nice and full tomorrow at work. I am also vaguely considering supplementary pumping on the weekends. Before I'd do my morning pump but then exclusively nurse through the day. It is nice to have a break from the machine! But if I have to, I can try to pump more on the weekend to try and up my supply. I know that I shouldn't really be freaking out yet, but it is just that when you go from oversupply to exact supply, another dive could mean you aren't making enough, you know? I want to nip this in the bud!
I'm tired. 5-7 hours of sleep each day... I'm built for 8!
What else? Oh, work has been frustrating. That's all I'm going to say about that.
142.0 yesterday and also today. Been floating around 142 for a week or so, hopefully I'll be looking at another drop soon.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Running in a Winter Wonderland
Ok, well, to be honest, run/walking. With more walking than running.
So, on Friday, H-town was slated to get snow. My little weather bug in my iTouchy said 100%. Now, that takes balls. Any weather bug predicting *anything* 100% in Texas is a brave little mofo. But sure enough, it was right.
My area was one of the last to start snowing. I anxiously awaited the little white flakes while reading facebook statuses and twitter reports all morning about the heavy snow in other parts of town. You see, I wanted to go for a run in the snow.
Finally, around 12:30, I decided i couldn't wait any longer (due to my eating schedule), so I changed my clothes and got ready to run even though there was no snow yet. But when I walked outside, it was snowing!!!
I drove over to the little neighborhood crushed granite path because I wanted to try my Vibrams on it. I was the *only* person there. It was great! The snow kept coming down heavier and heavier while I laughed and ran and walked and chased snowflakes and tried to catch them on my tongue.
It was a beautiful run. It was a fun run. My knee didn't hurt at all, though my legs and feet were freezing!! (I wore 4 layers on top - it was about 30 degrees and I wore a compression shirt, long sleeved shirt, long sleeved shirt with built in mitten thingys, and windbreaker. I also wore a hat and gloves. My hands were toasty warm, as was my core. Only from the waist down was I cold. Probably could have easily gone with one less layer over core and hands if I was running the whole thing.) The Vibrams worked just fine on the crushed granite. Occasionally I'd feel something, but it was a totally run-able surface for me.
Sometimes you just need a fun run, you know? For a Texan, snow'll do it!
So, on Friday, H-town was slated to get snow. My little weather bug in my iTouchy said 100%. Now, that takes balls. Any weather bug predicting *anything* 100% in Texas is a brave little mofo. But sure enough, it was right.
My area was one of the last to start snowing. I anxiously awaited the little white flakes while reading facebook statuses and twitter reports all morning about the heavy snow in other parts of town. You see, I wanted to go for a run in the snow.
Finally, around 12:30, I decided i couldn't wait any longer (due to my eating schedule), so I changed my clothes and got ready to run even though there was no snow yet. But when I walked outside, it was snowing!!!
I drove over to the little neighborhood crushed granite path because I wanted to try my Vibrams on it. I was the *only* person there. It was great! The snow kept coming down heavier and heavier while I laughed and ran and walked and chased snowflakes and tried to catch them on my tongue.
It was a beautiful run. It was a fun run. My knee didn't hurt at all, though my legs and feet were freezing!! (I wore 4 layers on top - it was about 30 degrees and I wore a compression shirt, long sleeved shirt, long sleeved shirt with built in mitten thingys, and windbreaker. I also wore a hat and gloves. My hands were toasty warm, as was my core. Only from the waist down was I cold. Probably could have easily gone with one less layer over core and hands if I was running the whole thing.) The Vibrams worked just fine on the crushed granite. Occasionally I'd feel something, but it was a totally run-able surface for me.
Sometimes you just need a fun run, you know? For a Texan, snow'll do it!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Progressive Tempo Run
I started off this hot, humid morning just to run for 40 minutes or so. And to throw in something tough to the run, but tough is relative to how I feel on a given day, so I wasn't sure what, yet.
I'm not following the WFit Yellow Marathon schedule exactly, but I'm not running a marathon, so I figure it is ok. The schedule called for a 50 minute hill run. I figured 40 minutes with "something hard" would be sufficient.
So I ran my first mile slow, as usual in this weather. 11-something. But I felt pretty good, like I could go faster, and I had this brilliant idea for a progressive tempo run. Last week when I tried for a straight-up tempo run, I was toast after 1 mile at tempo, so I thought this might be a better way to go a little faster for a little longer. So at 1 mile, I upped the tempo with the goal of making mile 2 10-something. Success! Then upped the goal to 9-something for mile 3. Again, success! Then I just ran as hard as I could for the last half mile, but I was pretty toasty by then, so I reckon it was still 9-something average, though I did make a nice low 8-something for the final sprint.
All in all, I ran the exact same 3.5ish mile route as yesterday about 5 minutes faster than yesterday. Pretty satisfying.
But then I had 5 minutes to go before I got in my self-prescribed 40 minutes, so I did some drills.
Now my legs are so fried that I could hardly make it up the stairs at work, but that's actually pretty cool, you know?
I'm not following the WFit Yellow Marathon schedule exactly, but I'm not running a marathon, so I figure it is ok. The schedule called for a 50 minute hill run. I figured 40 minutes with "something hard" would be sufficient.
So I ran my first mile slow, as usual in this weather. 11-something. But I felt pretty good, like I could go faster, and I had this brilliant idea for a progressive tempo run. Last week when I tried for a straight-up tempo run, I was toast after 1 mile at tempo, so I thought this might be a better way to go a little faster for a little longer. So at 1 mile, I upped the tempo with the goal of making mile 2 10-something. Success! Then upped the goal to 9-something for mile 3. Again, success! Then I just ran as hard as I could for the last half mile, but I was pretty toasty by then, so I reckon it was still 9-something average, though I did make a nice low 8-something for the final sprint.
All in all, I ran the exact same 3.5ish mile route as yesterday about 5 minutes faster than yesterday. Pretty satisfying.
But then I had 5 minutes to go before I got in my self-prescribed 40 minutes, so I did some drills.
Now my legs are so fried that I could hardly make it up the stairs at work, but that's actually pretty cool, you know?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
You know it is hot when...
77 degrees at 5am feels *noticeably cooler*.
I have been a good girl so far this week. I was careful to not set my expectations too high: no hour-and-a-half workouts before work for me. Just whatever my Woodlands Fit marathon training schedule (though I'm not training for a marathon) says, and on the days it says OFF, 30 minutes of anything I want, as long as it is something. On Wednesday that was biking. I expect on Friday it might be swimming. Or lifting. Or core. Or maybe some DDR... Ah, the possibilities! Not training for triathlon can actually be quite liberating.
21 days to a habit all over again. Hang the fatigue. A habit can carry me though whatever crap life brings on.
Now, I need a hair cut. And can someone tell me when the jet lag will ease up??
I have been a good girl so far this week. I was careful to not set my expectations too high: no hour-and-a-half workouts before work for me. Just whatever my Woodlands Fit marathon training schedule (though I'm not training for a marathon) says, and on the days it says OFF, 30 minutes of anything I want, as long as it is something. On Wednesday that was biking. I expect on Friday it might be swimming. Or lifting. Or core. Or maybe some DDR... Ah, the possibilities! Not training for triathlon can actually be quite liberating.
21 days to a habit all over again. Hang the fatigue. A habit can carry me though whatever crap life brings on.
Now, I need a hair cut. And can someone tell me when the jet lag will ease up??
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Update, what's that?
Today I went to lunch with a colleague that is leaving. I've been lurking on her blog almost since she arrived, and I felt like I had to come out of the lurk closet. So I did. And in return, I told her about this blog. You know, to even out the embarassment.
The potential that the one person who reads this (Billy rocks!) could turn into two... well, it made me feel guilty for not blogging more.
That, and as I said before, I really hope the craziness that has been the past several months is over.
Annnnnd, I've just started to train for my winter of halfs! I signed up yesterday for Austin and Dallas Run the Rock when I heard that Houston is already sold out. (Took less than 48 hours, wtf?? Last year it took months!) I'm currently looking for another nearby option in January since not running Houston messes up my half-per-month concept. I'm thinking the Kingwood half that is on New Year's Day, but that would put a bit of a damper on my New Year's Eve, which we always spend with P's family... we'll see.
So, next up, London pice (probably this weekend), and a race report from the Winbledon Windmiler's 10K I ran while in the UK.
Btw, it is hot here. Really freaking hot. (81 degrees at 4am toay!) Like, an old lady who has been in H-town for 50 years said to me on Saturday that this was the hottest, most miserable summer she had ever seen in Houston. Seriously. The two weeks in the UK, where the air feels like it is conditioned, deacclimated me to the heat. I'm struggling in my runs so far this week, but I'm getting them done. Hopefully in a week or two my body will remember that I can actually run in the heat. Really!
I'm back, baby (I hope!).
The potential that the one person who reads this (Billy rocks!) could turn into two... well, it made me feel guilty for not blogging more.
That, and as I said before, I really hope the craziness that has been the past several months is over.
Annnnnd, I've just started to train for my winter of halfs! I signed up yesterday for Austin and Dallas Run the Rock when I heard that Houston is already sold out. (Took less than 48 hours, wtf?? Last year it took months!) I'm currently looking for another nearby option in January since not running Houston messes up my half-per-month concept. I'm thinking the Kingwood half that is on New Year's Day, but that would put a bit of a damper on my New Year's Eve, which we always spend with P's family... we'll see.
So, next up, London pice (probably this weekend), and a race report from the Winbledon Windmiler's 10K I ran while in the UK.
Btw, it is hot here. Really freaking hot. (81 degrees at 4am toay!) Like, an old lady who has been in H-town for 50 years said to me on Saturday that this was the hottest, most miserable summer she had ever seen in Houston. Seriously. The two weeks in the UK, where the air feels like it is conditioned, deacclimated me to the heat. I'm struggling in my runs so far this week, but I'm getting them done. Hopefully in a week or two my body will remember that I can actually run in the heat. Really!
I'm back, baby (I hope!).
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Cool Front
H-town is having what is probably its last cool front of the short Spring season. It was only about 60 yesterday morning and this morning, so I ran both days, my first two-in-a-row since the marathon! (Sad, I know, but progress!) 5 miles on Monday and 3.75 today, with core on Monday and lifting today. I'm gonna be sore, I already am sore, but it is good. It is the kind of sore that tells me I've gotten off my ass.
That's all I've really got time for right now, so I leave you with the marathon photo that I asked my parental units to purchase for me for my birthday. And so, with purchased permission, with a Texas flag short in front, and both feet off the ground:
Monday, May 11, 2009
Summer Has Arrived
My run at the CB&I was the first real heat I've run in this year. Of course, it was later in the day that I normally run. It had been being in the high 60's or low 70's before daylight, and I was ok with that.
After CB&I, I took a week off, and in that one week, I swear the morning temps got 10 degrees hotter and 50% more humid. This is the time last year when I truly lost my mojo. This year, my mojo has been a bit misplaced since January, so I figure now is when I get it back. If I can get through the next couple of weeks without walking on my runs, and without losing all of my speed, I can go into next winter in a much stronger position. So I figure, let's go 3-6 miles 3-4 times per week through the end of May, no walk breaks. I can run as slow as I need to (because speed can always be added back if you can sustain your heartrate in the "running zone"), but I can't walk. Started it off this morning with a 4 miler that took 45 minutes. Whatever, I didn't walk. Did a nice pick-up at the end to sub-9 pace and held for just a few minutes, to prove to myself that I could.
And I decided on this fall's racing plans. I'm going to do a whole load of half marathons, with the goal of improving my times at that distance. And with the goal of doing a half-iron in April. Bring it on!!
After CB&I, I took a week off, and in that one week, I swear the morning temps got 10 degrees hotter and 50% more humid. This is the time last year when I truly lost my mojo. This year, my mojo has been a bit misplaced since January, so I figure now is when I get it back. If I can get through the next couple of weeks without walking on my runs, and without losing all of my speed, I can go into next winter in a much stronger position. So I figure, let's go 3-6 miles 3-4 times per week through the end of May, no walk breaks. I can run as slow as I need to (because speed can always be added back if you can sustain your heartrate in the "running zone"), but I can't walk. Started it off this morning with a 4 miler that took 45 minutes. Whatever, I didn't walk. Did a nice pick-up at the end to sub-9 pace and held for just a few minutes, to prove to myself that I could.
And I decided on this fall's racing plans. I'm going to do a whole load of half marathons, with the goal of improving my times at that distance. And with the goal of doing a half-iron in April. Bring it on!!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The Great Nutrition Experiment, Take 4, and Miscellaneous
Cliff Shot Energy Gel - Razz: Nasty. I wanted to like this one, but no dice. No GI problems.
Cliff Shot Energy Gel - Mocha: Not quite as nasty, but I still wouldn't buy it again. No GI problems.
Speaking of GI problems, I had a big one on yesterday morning's run. These problems are becoming fewer, but more severe when they occur. And they are seriously frustrating. I ended up walking A LOT of that run because of the pain. I'll leave it at that.
In other news, it had been being quite nice in the mornings, post Ike. In the upper 50's and 60's. Really quite lovely. It was amazing to me the improvement that moving the mercury down below 70 would do for me. Not any more!! Yesterday morning it was in the mid 70's and humid, and this morning it was almost 80(!!!!!) and so humid that it is now raining. I looked down at one point and I was shuffling along at 12 minute miles, totally out of breath, and my heart rate was 209(!!!). UGH!!! I can't wait for the lovely fall weather to come back...
Cliff Shot Energy Gel - Mocha: Not quite as nasty, but I still wouldn't buy it again. No GI problems.
Speaking of GI problems, I had a big one on yesterday morning's run. These problems are becoming fewer, but more severe when they occur. And they are seriously frustrating. I ended up walking A LOT of that run because of the pain. I'll leave it at that.
In other news, it had been being quite nice in the mornings, post Ike. In the upper 50's and 60's. Really quite lovely. It was amazing to me the improvement that moving the mercury down below 70 would do for me. Not any more!! Yesterday morning it was in the mid 70's and humid, and this morning it was almost 80(!!!!!) and so humid that it is now raining. I looked down at one point and I was shuffling along at 12 minute miles, totally out of breath, and my heart rate was 209(!!!). UGH!!! I can't wait for the lovely fall weather to come back...
Thursday, July 24, 2008
WF3, and Dolly Run
First on last weekend's FIT run.... it was ok.... I'm still not totally convinced about this whole group thing. The Yellows and Reds were to run the same route, and the Reds started just a few short minutes before the Yellows. As a result, when we started, we were almost instantly all jammed together on this congested path. I was super annoyed. (I'm pretty pissed off at the universe in general on most mornings, but I feel like there were some real issues in play here.) First of all, the Reds needed to be running single file on the right side of the path. The path is only wide enough for 3 total, and that includes both directions, so you should never run more than 2 abreast anyways. That way the faster Yellows could have been passing on their left, and still left some room open for the poor unfortunate souls who were trying to go the opposite way. When this wasn't the way things went, however, I felt like it was totally unnecessary behavior on the part of several Yellows to actually run off-path on the left to try to get around the pile-up. There were trees there, for crying out loud, so they'd jump off, run a few feet, then jump back in in front of some poor sap, then do the whole thing again. Really dangerous. Oh, and just in general, it would be really helpful if people would put their conversations on hold for the first half mile of the run so some of these problems could be more easily alleviated. I'm just sayin'...
Anyways, when we got to the first intersection, most of the Yellows, including me, took the opportunity to jump around the Reds, and then we were running freely. I found myself about 5th from the "leader". Is this what it is like to be near the front of a race??? I'm not sure it is my favorite... near the front we were all running splits in the 8's. I realized that I was going out too fast, and made an effort to rein it in, but then I ran into a situation where I was the only one around. The fasties had all gone on, and the people who were going at a proper speed were way behind. This sucked for 2 reasons: I love to chase people, and run better when I'm doing it, and I don't really know the routes, so I didn't know where the hell I was going. Ugh!! I'm thinking I should print up a little map of this week's route, if it is posted in time, and use some tape to "laminate" it, and I could stick it into my wrist sweat band, because apparently, even though the point of group runs is to run with a group, I'm never gonna get to do that... (Now I'm just being bitter. I keep trying to keep an open mind and tell myself that it'll settle down and get better, but each week of same suckiness makes that harder.)
Anyways, this morning I went for my scheduled run. Like an idiot, I thought the outer bands of Hurricane Dolly had passed through yesterday, but when I stepped out into the humid morning, I noticed a cloud on the horizon. That bugger moved *fast*. Before I had run half a mile, the clouds were over me and the rain started falling. I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I turned around and ran about a quarter of a mile back to a little shelter in a local park, and just stood there for a minute or two. And standing felt so.good. Let me tell you. After that, I could hardly make myself run again. I've been really kind of tired and worn down feeling this week, and once I realized that the rain was from a hurricane band and would move through, so I decided to run in it, it took everything I had to overcome my lack of inertia and start moving again. Everything. Anyways, that feeling that the air was resisting me persisted for 2 miles as I ran in the rain. Grr. This tired thing - first I thought it was left over sick from last week. Then I thought maybe I'm not eating enough, so I started eating more. Now I don't know what I think, but I want it to freaking stop. That is all.
Anyways, when we got to the first intersection, most of the Yellows, including me, took the opportunity to jump around the Reds, and then we were running freely. I found myself about 5th from the "leader". Is this what it is like to be near the front of a race??? I'm not sure it is my favorite... near the front we were all running splits in the 8's. I realized that I was going out too fast, and made an effort to rein it in, but then I ran into a situation where I was the only one around. The fasties had all gone on, and the people who were going at a proper speed were way behind. This sucked for 2 reasons: I love to chase people, and run better when I'm doing it, and I don't really know the routes, so I didn't know where the hell I was going. Ugh!! I'm thinking I should print up a little map of this week's route, if it is posted in time, and use some tape to "laminate" it, and I could stick it into my wrist sweat band, because apparently, even though the point of group runs is to run with a group, I'm never gonna get to do that... (Now I'm just being bitter. I keep trying to keep an open mind and tell myself that it'll settle down and get better, but each week of same suckiness makes that harder.)
Anyways, this morning I went for my scheduled run. Like an idiot, I thought the outer bands of Hurricane Dolly had passed through yesterday, but when I stepped out into the humid morning, I noticed a cloud on the horizon. That bugger moved *fast*. Before I had run half a mile, the clouds were over me and the rain started falling. I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I turned around and ran about a quarter of a mile back to a little shelter in a local park, and just stood there for a minute or two. And standing felt so.good. Let me tell you. After that, I could hardly make myself run again. I've been really kind of tired and worn down feeling this week, and once I realized that the rain was from a hurricane band and would move through, so I decided to run in it, it took everything I had to overcome my lack of inertia and start moving again. Everything. Anyways, that feeling that the air was resisting me persisted for 2 miles as I ran in the rain. Grr. This tired thing - first I thought it was left over sick from last week. Then I thought maybe I'm not eating enough, so I started eating more. Now I don't know what I think, but I want it to freaking stop. That is all.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
More Crappy Weather and Some 10K Goals
Well, there's been no break in the weather, and as I've been saying, I'll run in the rain, and I'll run in the cold, but I'm sure as hell not running in cold rain, so no run again today. I think this is actually the longest I've gone without a run in MONTHS. Not cool to go this long, but absolutely sweet that I've been that consistent. I did do a little recumbant bike ride this morning, and will do another this evening.
One of the reasons this forced running break is ticking me off so much is that I am going to run my first 10K this weekend, and I want to do really well. Experimenting with tons of time off before the race isn't my idea of preparing well, but whatreyagonnado?
Nevertheless, I wanted to run some numbers before the race, just to get an idea... McMillan's running calculator predicts a 1:04:28 based on my most recent race, a 5 mile PR back in November, a 1:01:38 based on my 5K PR of 29:40, and a 59:58 based on my 1/1 1 mile time trial of 8:20. My latest 6 mile run at about 9:30 pace predicts closer to a 59 flat.
With that in mind, what are my goals for the 10K this Saturday?
1. To finish.
2. To finish in 62 minutes or less.
3. To finish in under 1 hour.
I know from training that I can go the distance. I honestly believe that I can pull off a sub-hour finish. I really really hope I can pull off a sub hour finish. Beyond that, let's just see what I can do.
One of the reasons this forced running break is ticking me off so much is that I am going to run my first 10K this weekend, and I want to do really well. Experimenting with tons of time off before the race isn't my idea of preparing well, but whatreyagonnado?
Nevertheless, I wanted to run some numbers before the race, just to get an idea... McMillan's running calculator predicts a 1:04:28 based on my most recent race, a 5 mile PR back in November, a 1:01:38 based on my 5K PR of 29:40, and a 59:58 based on my 1/1 1 mile time trial of 8:20. My latest 6 mile run at about 9:30 pace predicts closer to a 59 flat.
With that in mind, what are my goals for the 10K this Saturday?
1. To finish.
2. To finish in 62 minutes or less.
3. To finish in under 1 hour.
I know from training that I can go the distance. I honestly believe that I can pull off a sub-hour finish. I really really hope I can pull off a sub hour finish. Beyond that, let's just see what I can do.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wintery No-Run Weather
When I woke up this morning, I could hear the raindrops a-falling. I wasn't sure whether it was rain or just the breeze dislodging the drops from the trees, but either way I knew I wasn't interested in being out in the wet cold weather.
So, biked last night, Tae-Boed this morning, will lift tonight. That leaves the short run for tomorrow, and if I miss it then, I'll just skip it and have this week be my cut-back week.
So, biked last night, Tae-Boed this morning, will lift tonight. That leaves the short run for tomorrow, and if I miss it then, I'll just skip it and have this week be my cut-back week.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Rain, rain, go away...
Not much to report. Yesterday morning was Tae Bo. Yesterday evening we braved the rain for Preston to C25K and me to lift. As I dreaded, it was still raining this morning. Now, I've been known to brave the rain for a run, but not in freaking forty degree weather. I rode the recumbant for an hour instead. I will either run tonight or tomorrow morning, depending on the rain stoppage.
My secret is out at work, thank goodness. Perhaps now I can scrape some of this pizza off my chin. My start date in my new position is Feb. 4. Yay!!!
My secret is out at work, thank goodness. Perhaps now I can scrape some of this pizza off my chin. My start date in my new position is Feb. 4. Yay!!!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Wussed out, or Smarted out?
This morning the alarm went off at 4:15 for my run. The heater was running. I got up and went into the bathroom, where my running stuff was all laid out and looked at the outside temp. 32 degrees. And the thermometer is mounted on the house, which means it always reads a little warmer than the air.
I stood there shivering and staring at the clock.
I felt torn.
I felt cold.
I went back to bed and snuggled my Preston.
When I got to work the desktop temp alert said 27 degrees, and this is farther into the concrete jungle (and therefore warmer) than home.
Just now I checked the weather and it said 37 degrees, with a wind chill of 32.
I may have wussed out, but I'm glad of it! I did Tae Bo instead (after sleeping another half hour), and I'll do a short run over to the gym for my biking and lifting tonight, then a couple of runs this weekend, when it is light out, and therefore more reasonable in the temperature department.
I stood there shivering and staring at the clock.
I felt torn.
I felt cold.
I went back to bed and snuggled my Preston.
When I got to work the desktop temp alert said 27 degrees, and this is farther into the concrete jungle (and therefore warmer) than home.
Just now I checked the weather and it said 37 degrees, with a wind chill of 32.
I may have wussed out, but I'm glad of it! I did Tae Bo instead (after sleeping another half hour), and I'll do a short run over to the gym for my biking and lifting tonight, then a couple of runs this weekend, when it is light out, and therefore more reasonable in the temperature department.
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