Saturday, July 31, 2010

Long Run, Leadbetter to Douglas Preserve to San Ysidro & Back

I have raised $1085 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 7:00am, 2 hours, 15 minutes
Distance: 15 miles
Meal: Brown rice cakes with peanut butter and a cup of coffee.


I was so exhausted this week, and I felt it during today's run. I'm definitely a bit slower than I've been. Also, I'm getting up to the 15 mile mark (actually, I got there), which was where I hit my "wall" back in 2007 at my last marathon.

The wall is this mental place where suddenly it dawns on you that you've been running for X distance/time and you have X distance/time left and (a) you don't really want to do it and (b) you're not even sure you physically can. It's where focus is critical because the mind starts getting bored. And the legs start screaming and the body begins to breakdown in all forms. It's when exhaustion begins to set in.

My goal is to beat the wall, or at least push it back. Secondarily, its to overcome the wall.

So, I'm okay with moving slowly and gracefully through the wall during my training...it will better prepare me for the real thing come the marathon in November.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Run, Gutierrez/State/Beach Loop

I have raised $1085 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 4:20pm, approx. 35 minutes.
Distance: 3.85 miles


I have been so TIRED this week. I so did not want to do this run, but I did and I'm proud of myself. Slowly, mind you, but I did it.

SOO thankful tomorrow is an off day!!

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Nite Moves 5K

I have raised $1085 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 6:00pm, 18 minute warmup, 5K finish time 24:05
Distance: Approx 5 miles total (warmup 1.95, race 3.1)
Meal: Protein shake at 5pm

Warmup

Race

I couldn't be more thrilled about my 5k finish time...24:05! I looked at my history and I ran my last Nite Moves 5K on 6/2/2010 at 26:44. A HUGE improvement! (OK, I could be more thrilled. I have to admit I was a little bummed about those extra 5 seconds.)

I warmed up longer (and probably a bit harder) than usual because I'm trying to increase my weekly miles in preparation for the full Marathon in November. I think I'm at a point where I can push the limits of the regular Team in Training calendar to be a bit stronger for the race. All, of course, with the help of my friends and primary Healthcare professionals at Barry Family Chiropractic.

This might be a little too much info for my .5 readers of this blog, but I've noticed that running gets a bit more sluggish at this point in my monthly cycle. I tend to be more tired, more hungry, and easily nauseated the week before...well, you know what I'm saying. Not much I can do about it except be aware, but I'll definitely be asking around.

Maybe that means next Nite moves I'll kill it even more??!!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Coached Training, Leadbetter Beach

I have raised $1060 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 6:00pm, approx 25 minutes
Distance: 2.75 Miles
Meal: Handful of nuts and dried fruit on my way to the beach

They mellowed things out tonight to compensate for Saturday's long run. Just some speed work, which consisted of running 200 meters at about 75% max pace and focusing on short and quick strides.

I learned that, with speed work, the optimal number of steps is 180 in any given minute. As a group we counted steps, and the first time I was right at 180. The second time I was a bit faster, around 195. Coach Neal even mentioned to me that I might be over doing it, but could tell that it would get more natural with a bit more practice.

I had to cut it short tonight since I had dinner plans with my friend Ken. Oh happy Santa Barbara summer!!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Long Run, East Beach to Crane School & Back up to Shoreline

I have raised $935 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 7:00apm, approx 2 hours
Distance: Just under 14 miles
Meal: Two brown rice cakes with peanut butter, One cup of coffee

Had a hard time sleeping last night again. Lots of reasons, but I was aware that I was excited to run this distance in the morning (proof that I AM crazy). I was thinking about my goals, and couldn't wait to find out what my half marathon time is currently.

And the answer is...1:53!! That's nearly 10 minutes shorter than my best half time at 2:02. My average pace was 8:40, I am seriously blowing myself away! I felt it in my legs for the first time, though. Stairs are tough and I'm trying to take it easy on myself. But, overall I feel great. New shoes ought to help as well. :-)

In honor of the fact that I'm kicking ass and taking names, I just registered for the Santa Barbara International Marathon in November. That's right, I am doing a full marathon again this year. And, yes, that's right...I am crazy!

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Run, Elite Office to Bird Refuge

I have raised $935 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 4:30pm, approx 35 minutes
Distance: 4 miles
Meal: Handful of nuts and dried fruit

Had my work meeting via a run this afternoon in lieu of our Friday check in over coffee. It was great running with Brad - I definitely am learning more and more to love running with other people, especially when they push me. It was a great run, solid pace, 4 miles in 35 minutes!!

Still feeling good!

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Coached Training, Leadbetter Beach

I have raised $915 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 6:15pm, approx 25 minutes
Distance: 5k (3.1 miles)
Meal: Nature Valley Granola Bar

My head was not screwed on straight today (probably due to lack of sleep!) I was late to practice because I forgot my wallet at home, then I left my Garmin at home when I went back to get it! I missed the warmup and my head wasn't really in the game this evening.

We practiced drafting tonight, running what they call Swiss Drills (though I can't find any info on this via a Google Search). Essentially we run together in a straight line, and the person in the back runs up to the front to take the lead. This rotation occurs throughout the run and our group did this for a full 5K in under 25 minutes. I was even late and I caught up to the group...besides missing the warm up and being worried about that I felt pretty strong.

Today was the first day my legs started to feel tired. I think that's a good thing...being tired is definitely a good thing!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Easy Run, Gutierrez/Beach Loop

I have raised $915 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 7:00am, approx 35 minutes
Distance: Just under 3.5 miles
Meal: Nothing

Sleep and energy are still challenging me...I don't know what's going on! I'm still restless at night but practically jumped right out of bed into my running shoes, eager to work off the energy. What is this? Anticipation? Anxiety? Excitement? I'm not exactly sure. I suppose there has been a lot going on with work and my otherwise ongoing personal journey...probably I'm overstimulated by the recent events as of late.

The run went well, nonetheless. I'm glad I took it a bit slower since, technically, a run wasn't on the training calendar for today. I took a bit shorter route this morning, cutting down to the beach via Garden instead of State. I figured it would knock more than a couple of minutes off my time but it really didn't...I think next time I might as well keep on going.

Legs are strong, no injuries to speak of...feeling good. Now if only I could sleep!!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Cross Training, Bike to and From Hope Ranch Annex

I have raised $915 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 12:00pm, approx 1 hour, 40 minutes
Distance: Approx. 18 miles total
Meal: Protein Shake


I am still struggling with sleep, and not exactly sure what I've got on my mind that's causing these restless nights. On top of that, I am waking up with huge amounts of energy. So, today I decided I would do my best to wear myself out!

A great ride, but challenging in the heat of midday. I rode to Neal and Nicole's new home to help them with demolition - removing electric face plates and dismantling the fireplace (no pun intended). It sounded like a good idea in theory, but the route I chose to get there cut the amount of time I was able to actually help. Going home via State Street cut at least 20 minutes off the commute!

I love being on my bike, and my legs feel strong. Let's see if this will help me to sleep tonight!

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Long Run, La Mesa Park to (almost) Biltmore

I have raised $915 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 7:00pm, approx 1 hour, 35 minutes
Distance: Approx. 10.25 miles
Meal: 2 Brown Rice Cakes with Peanut Butter & a cup of coffee

I have not been sleeping, and Thursday night was the worst with probably only about 3 hours of sleep. I was completely wrecked yesterday and didn't get anything done...so I was very, very nervous about this morning's run.

I am continuing to amaze myself, however, with the amount of energy and strength I am able to muster up in my training. I got a halfway decent night's sleep (still woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't fall back asleep), yet I managed to run a consistent pace and come back even stronger than I'd left. Even after 10+ miles of running my legs are not burning or tired or feeling any real residual effects. I feel like the bionic woman!

It was a beautiful run...one of my favorites. We start at the top of La Mesa Park and follow the coastline the entire time. On such a beautiful morning its impossible to run this trek without feeling overwhelmingly blessed!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Easy Run, Gutierrez/Beach Loop

I have raised $915 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 4:00pm, approx 35 minutes
Meal: Handful of nuts and dried fruit on my way home

It is HOT today, which made for a little bit of a challenge on this mid-afternoon run. But even in the heat, something I usually have trouble with, I am feeling strong and comfortable. This was a great run, and I especially like the way home along the beach in the loop.

Looking forward to Saturday's long run!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Coached Training, Speed Work at Ledbetter Beach

I have raised $915 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 6:00pm, approx 1 hour total
Meal: Handful of nuts and dried fruit on my way to the beach
Total Distance: About 4 miles

Tonight we worked on focusing on shorter strides for a faster pace. This was a pretty intense workout! Short strides meant keeping your feet nearly behind you...and of course there was a hill involved.

We started out at about an 8:15 pace, but at the end we ran the last hill to the top around 7:15. My calves are sore...but feels great!

Monday, July 12, 2010

Quick & Easy Run, West Beach

I have raised $865 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 5:00pm, approx 20 minutes
Meal: Handful of nuts and dried fruit on my way to the beach
Total Distance: About 2.25 miles

OK, wasn't really planning on running today but the sun came out! It was BEAUTIFUL! I had to get outside, especially after having a tough and really anxious Monday. I had a little too much fun (again) this weekend...I'm too old for it and it takes me a few days to recover. But frolicking on the beach in the sunshine sure can't hurt!

Afterwords Angela went on a long walk up State Street. It's so great to be outside. JUST what the doctor ordered!

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Long Run, Goleta Beach to Modoc

I have raised $865 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 7:00am, approx 1 hour, 30 minutes
Meal: Two brown rice cakes with peanut butter, 1 espresso (new for me)
Total Distance: About 10 miles

Wow, this was my best run ever! Maybe it was the espresso, or the massage yesterday, or perhaps just because I'm actually on track and in shape with my training...but I kicked ass! I started out mellow, about 9-9:30 pace, and ended strong at about 8:15! I've never run so fast for such an extended period of time, I'm excited!

Again, coach Tek is really great. He's a good encouragement and really helped me keep that pace. He's trying to convince me that I should strive for a better 1/2 marathon goal than 1:59:59...we'll see I guess.

And I'll definitely do the espresso thing again. OK, this is overshare but it helped me hit the bathroom before my run so I wouldn't be otherwise distracted. That's been one of my annoyances as a runner...have I found the cure?

Great run!

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Quick & Easy Run, West Beach & Kickball Game

I have raised $615 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 6:15pm, approx 25 minutes
Meal: Nature Valley granola bar on my way back to Santa Barbara from Carp.
Total Distance: About 2.5 miles

I was running late from work this afternoon, so had to squeeze in what I could before my kickball game at 7pm (understanding full-well that the kickball game would be more of a workout for the ol' liver than the muscles).

The run was nice, and I suppose the weather is perfect for it but MAN do I wish the sun was out! There's so much happening in this wonderful town...I ran down the beach where there were kickball games, soccer games, people skateboarding at the skate park, and a free concert in the park. Man, am I lucky to live here or what?

But kickball was COLD! Not a lot of moving around in that game. My teammates put a dent in the "Fadorade", lucky for me it wasn't tempting. This was my first kickball game and it was...ummm...interesting. Fun, though, but a little intimidating since I don't really know too many people, nor do I know what I'm doing. Afterwards the teams challenge each other to a game of flip cup at the neighborhood...yha, I know how that ends so I opted to sneak out at 9:30pm and go home. Thursday night debauchery is not something I need to add into my social calendar, so I have a feeling I'll be a "stick in the mud" this season as far as my team in concerned. :-)

Good times, though!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Easy Run, Foothill Road

I have raised $590 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 8:20am, approx 30 minutes
Meal: Oatmeal with egg whites, cinnamon and Truvia at 7:30am
Total Distance: About 3.25 miles

I am house-sitting in San Roque this week and decided to run Foothill. When I got to the top of Ontare I debated left or right for a minute, then chose left.

I chose...poorly.

Just kidding, but there were some major hills! Especially after those hill repeats the night before...killin' me! Also the traffic was a little sketchy on this road. With no sidewalk, not sure I'll do it again.

Feelin' great though!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Coached Training, Ledbetter Beach (Hill Repeats)

I have raised $540 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 6:00pm, approx 40 minutes
Meal: Been eating about every 3 hours - usually my afternoon involves some Cottage Cheese with Blueberries around 2pm and a handful of nuts and dried fruit at 5pm.
Total Distance: About 4 miles

Tonight's coached training involved six hill repeats at .25 miles each. Looking at my Garmin data, it is definitely not correct...these hills were more than 10 feet! Not sure what the elevation gain was for each sprint, but my legs are feeling it!

We ran the first hill at a 2:00 pace, the last one at about 1:30! I felt that last one, but Tek is a really great coach and pushed us through it. Feels great! Glad to be back to my normal crazy self again!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Long Run - 1:00 East Beach to Danielson and Back

I have raised $540 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 7:00am, approx 50 minutes
Meal: Two Brown Rice Cakes with peanut butter.
Distance: About 5 miles

(sorry, forgot to wear my Garmin...somehow).

Ugh, still not feeling it. Seriously, stress, no sleep, no exercise...all work and no play make J.J. go CRAZY! My body is just having a difficult time...its amazing how much more aware of the physical toll that stress takes on my body when I am training for an event like this. A real motivator to treat myself much better...I felt so great 2 weeks ago!

I'll normalize, I know I will. I just have to take it easy on my body so I don't get sick on top of it all. I am at least glad the run this morning was good and short, and I've had a pretty productive and alive day.

Next week is a new one. July is the new April...