Wednesday is Sneaky

Seriously, how is it mid-week already?!

A couple weekends ago, after my three hour long run, Matt's paddling friends invited me to go along. Some of the other wives were going, and they're not big paddlers like Matt and the guys, so they were wondering if I'd like to join. I'm happy to branch out and make new friends, but paddling after three hours of running sounded like torture.

So I promised to go this weekend. And I did. It's been ages since I last paddled and it showed. I was slow and unsteady. I may have even had a panic attack...there may have been tears, which I haven't experienced while paddling since my very first time going.

There's no better way to enjoy a cold front than getting completely sunburned like a moron. Note to self: cool weather doesn't mean weaker rays.

The good news is that I did get to meet new people and they were pretty awesome. And even though I fell off my board when a double-wake hit me, I dealt with it much better than last time I fell. We saw one dolphin but no manatees, thank goodness.

After three days straight of working out, I chose to push my run from Monday to Tuesday to give myself some recovery time. I took my short recovery run to the golf course, as usual, and it was pretty empty except for a surprising abundance of gnats. 

Is it just me or does one of my eyes like weirdly blurry in this pic?!

Afterward, I hopped in the pool and spent a little time with Archie. I feel bad when I'm so busy that he's in the cage all day. Luckily he doesn't seem to mind hanging out when I'm sweaty.

His fondness for sweaty sports bras is actually kind of disgusting.

We spent some quality time taking selfies. Here's one of us making the same face:

Don't be fooled by his apparent inability to change facial expressions; he's totally posing here.

Remember a few weeks ago when I was debating what to do as far as fall races go? Well, a decision has been made! After staging a very clear and logical argument about the need to race pre-marathon and my love for repeating local races, Matt buckled and decided we could afford for me to do both races I was hoping for! 

So in a couple weekends, I'll be running a 10k Saturday and 10-miler Sunday. I haven't decided on goals or strategy yet. Seeing as I'll be running 15 miles the weekend before and 20 the weekend after, I don't want to push too hard, but because the distance of my "long run" will be split up that weekend, it means I don't have to go as easy as I usually do.

I think weather will dictate some of it, too! Our cold front lasted all of 24 hours; it got steamy again PDQ. Come back, fall. I miss you already.

How many days in a row do you usually work out?

Long run experts, how would you strategize for these races?

Do you read more into your pet's personality than might be considered "normal"? Yes, and I'm complete unapologetic about it. Deal with it.

ABK

"I'm housebreaking a tornado."

With only a quarter of 2014 left, I had to take a look at my resolutions from last year. I've had to readjust some due to moving and our finances, but one I let fall by the wayside simply due to laziness is cross-training. So Friday I forwent my usual after school nap and worked out with a couple teachers instead.

Arms and core...my armpits are killing me!

This week, I downloaded Matthew Inman's (better known as The Oatmeal) new book The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances. If you're unfamiliar with The Oatmeal, it's a website of informational/hilarious comics. Inman writes and draws them all; he also runs marathons and ultras. This book is a collection of comics - some already from the website and some new material - about his experiences with running.

I was crying/laughing my way through it; there are also some poignant moments that made me pause and go, "Yeah, I get that."

One such page from Inman's book.

 I think reading it just before my medium-long run was a good idea; today's run was easy. I mean, 9 miles is never easy, but my head was in the right place for it. And I had great company.

I know some of you up north are starting to see wintery weather; we're due for a cold front Sunday!

It was 79 when we started, and 75 when we finished!

Kristin met me just after mile 1 and stayed with me until mile 8. We chatted the entire time; good companionship can seriously make the run.

It sprinkled on us at mile 4. We paused at the park so I could eat a Gu and get a drink. It's so nice to not have to carry water or wear a belt when I'm running this particular route.

I highly recommend this flavor!

My new strategy is to not carry water if I can help it; instead I've started experimenting with hydrating really well the day before and sucking on hard candy during the run to keep my mouth from feeling dry.

So far, these have been working!

After Kristin left me, I finished my run with a smile on my face. We kept the pace nice and even. I couldn't have asked for a better recovery-miles week.

Mile 9, feeling fine!

 Of course, I treated myself to a nice breakfast after the run. 

Eggs over-easy and a waffle. Yum!

(Usually I'd be fasting today for Yom Kippur...this is the first year since 1999 that I haven't. Last year I fasted and moved my long run to Sunday...of course I was exhausted and depleted and nothing good came of that. I've missed too much training this year; I decided not to fast, but it wasn't a decision I made lightly.)

On a final note, Kristina's first marathon is TOMORROW! Head over to her blog and leave her a comment...she's worked really hard and is going to kick serious tuchas!

How do you like your eggs?

Do you eat candy on the run? Any recommendations?

Are you experiencing wintery weather yet?

Wishing good luck and speedy legs to everyone running the PDX Marathon tomorrow!

ABK

 

Be Proactive

After my last post, I've been thinking a lot about paces. I secured my first PR for a half marathon by running four days a week broken down into three four-milers and one long run.

I got my most recent half PR by training for a bigger race (Ragnar) and running on tired legs but with a renewed sense of accomplishment and confidence.

So what matters more, the mileage or the attitude?

This was my plan just a couple weeks ago.

My training plan right now only calls for three runs a week. I feel like my mileage is so low for marathon training. I don't want to add a fourth run a week because I want to avoid injury, and I think three runs cut out any "junk" miles. (I don't believe in junk miles unless I'm training for something specific. Sometimes we just want to run!)

Anyway, after reflecting on Saturday's super slow long run, I reassessed my training and realized I've been neglecting my speedwork. And what better time to rectify that than now? I've decided to be proactive about my finishing-after-the-line-closes fear and be more diligent about my speedwork.

A post-run dip in the pool, complete with Matt's iconic pirate face.

Monday Matt joined me for my golf course run. It's become my go-to for my shakeout runs after a long run. I love the silence and the openness of the course. I don't have to have it planned out; I can just run until my legs feel done, then run home.

Wednesday called for 400 repeats.

Wednesday I put my money where my mouth is and did my speedwork. I was going to run the parking garage but after Nessa posted about 400s, I had an urge to visit my loop in the park. I warmed up with a mile on the street, then did 400 repeats on the circle. They felt amazing.

I've shifted back to evening runs during the week because I need the extra sleep; I'm really enjoying shedding the day's stress at night, but I do miss the convenience of morning runs.

By the time I finished, it was so dark on the track (it's not lit) that I couldn't tell if the critter that crossed my path was a rat or a really tiny, fast possum.

I was beyond excited to end the week with some quality girl time. Some of the Girls Gone Miles Ragnar team met up for dinner Thursday night. It's so hard to schedule a time when we can all be there, but I'm trying to make it a monthly thing. 

Naples Flatbread is the best...I had the Spinarti (artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, mozzarella, and a balsamic reduction sauce) on gluten free crust.

It's seriously so uplifting and fulfilling to spend time with women you respect and love and who get running!

I wore heels all day to take some pressure off my left heel, which hurt after speedwork. Worked like a charm.

I'm looking forward to working on my arms Friday and a shorter long run Saturday. I finally feel like I'm embracing training and enjoying it again. The last couple weeks have made me really happy, despite (or maybe because of) how tough they've been.

What do you think matters most for speed: training or attitude?

What's your favorite pizza topping? 

 Have you ever worn heels to make your feet feel better? This was a first for me!

ABK