This week's weather was not friendly to Boston runners. Temperatures didn't crack the 20s the last few days, and with the windchill, they didn't crack zero. It has not been fun to walk to the car, much less go for a 5 mile (or <gasp> longer) run.
Still, I struggled last night as I decided to head to the gym and complete my run on a treadmill. I had hoped to meet friends for a run outside, but after some car troubles kept me from that option, the idea of running alone in the ridiculous cold was too much.
I described my treadmill option as wimping out, but as I thought about it further, it actually made for a more challenging run in several ways.
1. Instead of just struggling to complete 8 miles outside last night I put in quality miles, running fartleks for 5.5 of my 8 miles. It was a strong workout and I felt really good at the faster paces.
2. I RAN ON A TREADMILL FOR 8 MILES! I have friends who have stated they would rather stick a fork in their eye than run on a treadmill. My feelings are not quite so strong, but 65 minutes on a treadmill is not exactly my dream run. But the discipline required for that alone makes me feel like the mental workout may have been tougher than the physical last night.
3. The over-cologned man next to me for the middle 30 minutes of my run did not improve the air quality around me. (I swear I think I am a magnet for these guys!)
So while I didn't tough it out and freeze my face, and other body parts, off last night, I would argue that running indoors may not be as wimpy as I thought.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Harder Better Faster Stronger
It's been at least 4 months since I have run more than more than 12 miles. Fighting with a strained hamstring this fall, I decided to ease back on running and focus on getting that hammie feeling better. As a result, as I began my training for the 2013 Boston Marathon, I have been determined to build back up slowly.
I have started to come to terms with the idea after I remembered my best Boston marathon came after my slowest start training for that race. I was recovering from a stress fracture in my right foot the previous fall. I went for my first 3 mile run Thanksgiving weekend that year and added miles cautiously. Still feeling the disappointment of missing the New York City Marathon that year, I was determined to be healthy when I arrived at the starting line for Boston that spring.
Different injury, same plan. I have been gradually building both my weekly mileage and long runs. I've also been less concerned with pace than with how I (and specifically my hamstring) feel during a run. I have been often running watchless, (which as a numbers geek basically feels like I'm naked) when running a familiar route, only concerned with enjoying my run.
Last week's 11 mile run was a blast. I felt good before, during an after and had fun running with my pal Dale. Our pace was nothing special, but comfortable. This weekend I planned for 13, my largest jump in mileage by far the last 6 weeks. But the plan was fun and easy again, so the 2 mile increase seemed reasonable.
Again I ran with Dale. He and I seem to have a good thing going. He tells lots of stories and I laugh at his jokes. Win-win. We started out feeling pretty good, and as the first 2 miles are downhill, not surprisingly a bit fast. But we never really slowed down.
"I think we're a bit faster than last week."
"How fast was that last mile?"
"We're on pace for a negative split."
"Are we done yet?"
Thirteen miles at a pace 19 seconds faster per mile than the week before. And while it felt like a tougher run, it certainly was not bad. Perhaps we were really coasting the week before. Or really pushing it this week. Or maybe a bit of each. But I can't argue there was some improvement that occurred.
While my competitive side struggles to be patient and not run as far as everyone else in our group, seeing my own progress helps make it a little easier to swallow. The miles will add up quickly, and in a few weeks I'll be wishing I was running "only" 13 miles. I'm keeping my eye on the prize - a healthy training season and successful race day.
In addition to training, I'm still fundraising as well. If you'd like to donate, please visit http://alz.kintera.org/boston2013/runchrissyrun
I have started to come to terms with the idea after I remembered my best Boston marathon came after my slowest start training for that race. I was recovering from a stress fracture in my right foot the previous fall. I went for my first 3 mile run Thanksgiving weekend that year and added miles cautiously. Still feeling the disappointment of missing the New York City Marathon that year, I was determined to be healthy when I arrived at the starting line for Boston that spring.
Different injury, same plan. I have been gradually building both my weekly mileage and long runs. I've also been less concerned with pace than with how I (and specifically my hamstring) feel during a run. I have been often running watchless, (which as a numbers geek basically feels like I'm naked) when running a familiar route, only concerned with enjoying my run.
Last week's 11 mile run was a blast. I felt good before, during an after and had fun running with my pal Dale. Our pace was nothing special, but comfortable. This weekend I planned for 13, my largest jump in mileage by far the last 6 weeks. But the plan was fun and easy again, so the 2 mile increase seemed reasonable.
Again I ran with Dale. He and I seem to have a good thing going. He tells lots of stories and I laugh at his jokes. Win-win. We started out feeling pretty good, and as the first 2 miles are downhill, not surprisingly a bit fast. But we never really slowed down.
"I think we're a bit faster than last week."
"How fast was that last mile?"
"We're on pace for a negative split."
"Are we done yet?"
Thirteen miles at a pace 19 seconds faster per mile than the week before. And while it felt like a tougher run, it certainly was not bad. Perhaps we were really coasting the week before. Or really pushing it this week. Or maybe a bit of each. But I can't argue there was some improvement that occurred.
While my competitive side struggles to be patient and not run as far as everyone else in our group, seeing my own progress helps make it a little easier to swallow. The miles will add up quickly, and in a few weeks I'll be wishing I was running "only" 13 miles. I'm keeping my eye on the prize - a healthy training season and successful race day.
In addition to training, I'm still fundraising as well. If you'd like to donate, please visit http://alz.kintera.org/boston2013/runchrissyrun
Saturday, January 5, 2013
I'm back, Boston!
The greatest race with the greatest people for the greatest cause. That's why I am running the 117th Boston Marathon this year.
After a brief hiatus, I'm back. Last year I thought I'd change things up a bit and for the first time since I ran my first Boston Marathon in 2004 (and was not injured) chose to run a different spring marathon (or marathons as it turned out). And although I remained involved and even trained with the team from the Alzheimer's Association, I missed being a part of the big day, even if it was 90+ degrees.
So it was a no-brainer for me to decide I wanted to run the marathon in 2013, and raise money for the Alzheimer's Association yet again, in honor of my grandfather, Felix Iovino. For me, this year's race is all about having fun and raising a lot of money for an amazing organization.
The having fun part will be easy. I spent about 2 hours Saturday morning laughing with my running pal, Dale. I didn't stress about the headwind or the sometimes icy, unshoveled roads slowing my pace. And to be honest, I felt great the whole run.
The fundraising will be the tougher part, but just as rewarding as crossing the finish line on April 15th. As this January is the 8th anniversary of my grandfather's death, I am pledging to raise $8000. Donations to help me meet this goal can be made at http://alz.kintera.org/boston2013/runchrissyrun.
Looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead of me this winter. And hoping for mild weather to get it all done!
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