More Running

I thought I should update my blog and hopefully I can stay awake at my computer. Today was not fun but a good solid workout. Tuesday always kicks my butt. Anyway I got in 10 quality miles today and hopefully I can get myself out of bed tomorrow for another 12 or so. I thought it was supposed to rain today, let's hope it stays dry tomorrow. I am thinking of doing a 10K this weekend for a little speed work. I don't even think I know how to run a 10K at this point. Most likely I will just go out at marathon pace and end up with a really sucky 10K time. I guess a good goal would be 30 seconds or so faster than marathon pace? Who knows, perhaps just find someone I know has a decent time for that distance and try to hold on to them as long as possible. Sounds good to me.

Something else I was thinking about today. I realized my PR marathon was the first and only marathon I listened to music the whole time. I regret not doing this in Houston. The music helps me get in a zone and just stay in my own world. I really hate to hear breathing and stomping during a race(my own or others). I am getting my music together for Surfside and I hope it helps not only with drowning out the breathing but taking my mind off the wind and sand in my face.

More Hills and Rain

I ran the parking garages again this morning in some really wonderful Houston weather. I guess I should be glad it wasn't pouring rain but it seems the warm weather is showing itself again. Not too much to write about lately just trying to keep up the training and getting back to the gym after a long layoff. When I went to the Y yesterday morning I attempted to log on to the electronic weight system they use and it said I had been terminated as a user. I had to find a trainer and re register. Man I didn't realize it had been that long, I guess I have been slacking in that area.

Now I am looking forward to my next marathon on February 9th in Surfside. I feel pretty good with Houston behind me and my legs seem ready to go again. I was tired at the end of our hill repeats today but the pace was a little faster than usual. I didn't do much recovery running after the uphills like I usually do and I had to just push myself to finish. All in all it was a productive workout and I know I have faster marathon times waiting for me. I would love to be able to get a fast enough time this year to qualify for New York without the lottery( 3:23 for my age female). I would like that to be my next traveling run. I must go now, hope everyone has a great night!

Back to the Treadmill

I am back to running again after three days of rest. I ran 4 miles yesterday and another 4 today both on the treadmill at home. I really want to incorporate more treadmill running into my schedule. There are several good things about the treadmill such as knowing exactly how fast you are going at any given time. On the roads I think I have a tendency to overestimate how fast I am going but the treadmill forces me to be honest with myself. I never have a false sense of fitness this way. Also like many this time of year I have the heater running in my house most of the day. When I am working out it does get hot but I feel like it is better to train in the heat whenever possible. So this along with a few outdoor runs will be my training plan for the next few months. We will see how it goes, it seemed to work a few years ago when I was training to qualify for Boston. Since that time I feel I have reached a plateau that I need to break free of. My longer runs outside are going to be at a faster pace to get me used to running at or close to marathon pace. I know many programs tell you to run slower for long runs but for me anytime I have done this it results in a slower marathon time. I just have to do what works for me so hopefully 2008 will be a fun year to race!

Marathon Blues

Another Houston Marathon has come and gone. Congratulations to all the runners! I have mixed feelings about this race. I trained harder for this race mileage wise and sacrificed speed work. I now see this is something that needs to be changed. I was on track until 15-16 miles in and then everyone but the kitchen sink started to pass me. I think even the sink was gaining at the end. Either way I finished and enjoyed seeing everyone out there. The crowd was tremendous. This was the best part at the end and they really kept me going when I wanted to throw in the towel and just walk off the course. After this marathon I said no more. I actually have at least one more because I signed up for Surfside last week. I think it will be a fun low key run. When Surfside is done I think the focus will be on shorter races and getting some speed back in my legs. I may do Houston half next year and then come back to the marathon the next year fresher and hopefully faster. I hope everyone has a great day and isn't in too much pain!

Tapering

I suppose the resting phase has begun which leaves some of us with extra energy to burn. I decided to rent a pressure washer this weekend and clean our driveway and patio. Wow this job was really painful. I was so focused on getting done I didn't think about how achy my arms and back were until afterwards. I could barely move this morning and I was supposed to run for an hour. I skipped the run and ended up going at lunch. My back and arms still ache but I didn't notice it while I was running. The conditions were hot and humid and I was dreaming of cold weather for Sunday. I have decided to not get my hopes up for the marathon and just run how I feel. This will be my first marathon in two years so I would like to do better than the last one (3:29 in Austin '06). I think I can do that. I never seem to race well and so this year I am just going to enjoy it and see what happens. I hope everyone has a great run on Sunday!