Along the high tech lines, I’m thinking about getting a heart rate monitor, hoping that maybe it’ll inspire me to actually run seriously (or as close to seriously as I get) again. (I’ve been off the idea for about 5 months, and only been able to do about a mile or two, with the exception of races for which I’m ill prepared.)
So far, the Polar A3 looks good any reason to get anything with more features (and higher costs?)
I got a new pair of tights and a new pair of shoes last night…
I get to try them out tonight on my ten-miler… Eeek!
As far as carrying water on a run… yuck. I have a hard enough time getting my lazy butt out the door; now you want me to carry something? I have a fake Camelbak I’ve never used. I should probably fill it up and use it tonight. Can I tell you how little I want to? If I could only figure out how to use the dang fountains that are along the route I run… They’re these old-fashioned hand pump deals.
Arrrgh.
It was pouring when I got home last night so I did my ten-miler on the treadmill. It wasn’t bad! I love my new shoes.
Dreamt of the half-marathon all night long…
Can’t wait 'til next weekend!
Race Report:
Over in another thread, I mentioned I’d be running the “RC Cola & Moon Pie” 10 miler yesterday, in Bell Buckle TN. It turned out great.
This is a 10 mile race that’s held in a 2 mile town, so most of the course is rolling Tenessee countryside, complete with mooing cows, crowing roosters, horses at the fences looking at the runners, and kids with garden hoses along the route giving you a welcome shower.
A year ago, I was still new to running and I ran this race in 1:38:30. It was my first real test of endurance, and an important milestone on my quest for a marathon.
This year, I blistered it in 1:32:16. I planned to run a negative split (not something I’m used to). The halves were 47:52 and 44:24 - a greater difference than I expected. It’s a great feeling of control where you find that you’re able to hold back just the right amount in the first half of the race, then let it out at the end. And, seeing people pass you by in miles 3-4, then passing them up for good in miles 6-7 is pretty cool too.
I did a 5km race last weekend (the Moon in June run) and I did a 5km race this morning. My knees are killing me, I’m unhappy with my time and I didn’t meet any women there. But I’m really glad I did it, I’ll do some weights tomorrow and I’m trying to figure out which 5k race I’ll do next.
Global Citizen
The only problem that I have with races is that everybody is always so friendly and supportive. Everybody’s saying “Good job,” and “looking good,” and “you got it.”
Perhaps I was raised wrong, but all that feel-goodness just sucks away my energy and saps my will.
What I really need is some younger, good-looking guy to blow pass me, give me the finger and say “eat dust, sucker. See you at the finish line! I’ll be the one fondling your wife.”
If somebody did that I bet I could a full minute a mile off my half-marathon time.
Hey kelly! I agree on the passing thing… It’s such a cool thing to be controlled about how fast you’re running and confident that you’ll keep it up. I love passing people who do just the opposite. Hee hee!
I ran a 5 miler this weekend and improved my previous PR by 2 minutes! Well, don’t be too impressed. I ran a 54:55 in March and a 52:36 this weekend. Perfectly beautiful weather: 60s, sunny and a slight breeze - just enough to cool us off.
bump to wish Canthearya well in tomorrow’s half marathon in a town near and dear to my heart, Duluth.
Also to complain about 90+ degree heat and humidity making my running seem like torture. Just when I was really beginning to enjoy it, too!
That fitsense watch looks kick ass. Although I don’t really like to wear a watch while I run. Hard enough to juggle the mp3 player, headphones, extra bandaids for my (TMI ALERT) bleeding, raw nipples, and kleenex for my terminally runny nose. Gee, what a pretty picture I must be…
Canthearya - I’ll throw in some well wishes for you too. Have a great race.
emulsified - have you ever tried Aquaphor or something similar for your nips?
–scout, who knows her some chafing
Alright, after laying off of long runs for awhile, and working on my 10k time I think I maybe closing in on this summer’s goal of breaking 50 minutes. I’ve been running intervals on a treadmill (indoors to avoid the heat) and last week I did 5.9 miles in 50 min. Also ran 5km in 24 min. I’m going to sign up for a race on Labor Day weekend, and I’m optimistic.
But then, I went and gave a pint of blood Friday. The Red Cross has my number, and I have CMV neg blood, so I can’t refuse (only once did I put them off, when I had a marathon planned within 3 weeks).
I tried an outdoor 6 miler Monday, probably too soon after the blood thing, and a bit too warm (about 78 deg F, dewpt. 72). I struggled to get it over in 60 min. My heart rate was up, but felt OK. My legs felt like I was running through 3 feet of water, however.
Now I’m starting to dream about doing another marathon, probably in April. I look forward to training long in the cool months.
I just read the well-wishes above… Thanks, emulsified and scoutybaby! It turned out to be one of the best days of my life. I’m doing my second half-marathon on September 7.
Good luck on breaking 50 minutes, kelly… you go!
I’m doing the Hennepin Lake Classic 10K on Sunday morning. ::::::praying for low humidity:::::
kelly, I’ve had much the same experience after giving blood.
I never would run on the same day AFTER giving, but figured the next day ought to be fine. Wrong. I had the worst run of my life [maybe an exaggeration] the day after giving blood once.
It’s almost to the point where I don’t want to donate, because I can never find a good time that won’t affect my runs. And that makes me feel a little selfish. 
Seeing this thread again motivated me to look for 5K’s in my area, and I actually found one for this weekend! So I signed up. Should be interesting. I’ve been doing 3 miles or so every other day, so it shouldn’t be too hard, although my speed sucks. My goal is to not finish last in my age group. 
One question though… the registration form just had the race starting time. How much earlier would you normally show up?
What a perfect thread to ask this question in!
Okay–I’ve recently (about two weeks ago now) started trying to run. I say trying, because I’m big and clumsy, and have had no regular exercise since I was a senior in high school. I go out every other night, sometimes more often, and just go for about 30-40 minutes. In that time I can do about 3 miles (Quit Laughing!). This is because I’m frequently stopping, walking through cramps, catching my breath, etc. and I end up walking quickly for a few minutes, running for a bit, slowing to a walk again, jogging for a few, back to a run, and so forth.
(Last time I went out I did a whole mile without having to stop once because I really focused on controlling my breathing. It’s pretty lame but I was so proud I could burst)
Here’s my question–is this worth it? Am I getting any benefit from this stop/start method of jogging that I wouldn’t get from a plain old walk? In case it matters–my main goal is to lose a bit of extra baby-weight, and get strong. I used to play soccer, and I miss my sleek, strong legs.
Also, if I stick it out, how long until I can expect my body to allow me to run for over a mile without a meltdown?
bella
SmackFu, I’m pretty anal, so I like to show up really early. Depending on the parking situation, and traffic leading into it, it’s best to give yourself more time than you think you need.
I’d probably end up showing up at least 30 minutes before the start time, maybe more if I know it’s logistically hairy.
bella - I started running by doing the stopping/starting thing, too. Eventually I worked up to enough running that it can now be considered all starting & no stopping. If you’re looking to get to a point where you can run continuously, I’d definitely keep it up - you’ll get there in time.
belladonna - what you’re doing is fine, as long as you’re not killing yourself. Don’t feel embarrassed about your time - I need about that much time to run three miles, when I’m not really pushing hard, and I’m doing it continuously - that means I’m running just a little faster than a brisk walk.
Running results tend to come in bursts - one day, you’re huffing and puffing through your entire routine, and the next, it’s easy. You don’t get a smooth, sliding scale of improvement - it comes in leaps. Keep with what you’re doing, and you’ll be fine.
I’m male, 34, 6’ and 165 pounds.
Last week I did a 5km race in 23:24. I was pretty happy with that time as it was the best for this year.
I went out and did 5 miles last night so I’m resting today as I’m kinda sore in my joints.
Good luck to all of the new runners!
Global Citizen
Early enough to find parking close enough not to mind the walk back to the car at the end of the race.
More precisely, I’ve shown up anywhere from an hour before to running to the starting line - usually I’m about 20-30 minutes beforehand, which gives me enough time to stretch and get comfortable.
SmackFu, I agree with amarinth’s advice… If you’re pre-registered. You might want to show up 45 minutes early if you have to register on race day.
belladonna, I run about the same speed as you. My PR for a 5K is 32:35. It is worth it! The key for me is good running weather. I’m jonesing to get out there today - it’s 60 degrees out right now!
Oh and I should say that I am about 8 pounds above the maximum I should weigh for my height and age… So I have some extra poundage to slow me down.
Keep it up, belladonna!