Week 1: 10x800 workout with 400m recovery jog, warm up and cool down. 9 miles.
Lunch: Peanutbutter and banana sandwich and carrots
Last snack: Luna bar at 4:30
Week 2: Fartleks. 7.5 miles with warm up and cool down.
Lunch: Leftover tofu stir fry
Last snack: Odwalla bar at 4:00pm
On the surface these 2 workouts and diets appear somewhat similar. What was different was the impact on my stomach afterwards.
Last week, following the 800s workout, I came home and tried to eat. Recognizing the total failure of this attempt, I climbed into bed, unshowered, curled into a ball and prayed I would fall asleep before the awfulness in my stomach made me feel any worse. No such luck. Add a few more sprints to the bathroom that night to my speed work for that day.
Fast forward to tonight. Reasonably difficult workout and a somewhat "less-safe" lunch. I won't lie, I was a bit nervous how my stomach would fare on my run tonight. Unnecessarily, apparently. I came home and scarfed down some left over baked ziti. I don't get it.
Similarly, I've had races where I ran hard and then enjoyed a few beers immediately after. And then there was the 2010 BAA Half. I had to have a friend drive me home AND we pulled over on the side of Soldier's Field Road so I could puke. I couldn't even keep water down.
I don't get it, as there really is no predictability to the gut reaction I have following races or training runs. Yes, usually it happens when I run harder. I try to run on a somewhat empty stomach but 2+ hours to digest a granola bar should be sufficient. I've eliminated certain foods from my pre-race or run meals, some obvious (burritos) and some a result or trial and error (I still blame the salmon I had for dinner the night before for the BAA Half incident). But who would have thought green beans, squash and tofu today would be a winner?!
I'm sure again at some point, I will have another sensitive stomach experience. For now, I'll continue to try to eat those foods that have been consistently tummy-friendly before races and harder workouts. And I'll be thankful my belly waits until after the run to let me know if it disagreed with my choices.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
When life feels upside down...stand on your head
Like a great run, sometimes life seems effortless. Each good thing that happens breathes energy into my body to make more good things happen. Pieces fall into place and I make decisions with confidence. The train arrives just as I get to the platform. The sun is shining and if not, I remember my umbrella.
Other times, life can be clunky and challenging. These days usually start with someone beating me to the open parking spot and spilling coffee on myself. It's like the run that I just never settle into; the run that seems like it will never end. Of course I get to the finish line eventually, but sometimes I have to plow through a little longer than I'd like.
Kind of like my race this weekend. Without much explanation it just was not my day. Although I felt I set realistic expectations for myself, I just couldn't make it happen during the run. I returned home disappointed, frustrated, sad and puzzled. I still need to think through a bit more what I did before and during the race that may have helped or hindered my performance, though it seems lately I can't find the answers for a lot of things.
Except how to do a headstand. While I'm feeling a little lost about how to make my body work with my feet on the ground, I never really thought about how good it might feel to stand on my head instead. I approached my first lesson with a nervous excitement; excited for the challenge and nervous I'd topple over like a lopsided Jenga tower.
But somehow I didn't fall at all. In fact, I floated up with ease, and with guidance from my wonderful yoga instructor and some support from a nearby wall, hung out with my feet in the air for quite a while. It felt pretty great.
Some new perspective might be just what I need. Who knew I'd find it standing on my head?!
Other times, life can be clunky and challenging. These days usually start with someone beating me to the open parking spot and spilling coffee on myself. It's like the run that I just never settle into; the run that seems like it will never end. Of course I get to the finish line eventually, but sometimes I have to plow through a little longer than I'd like.
Kind of like my race this weekend. Without much explanation it just was not my day. Although I felt I set realistic expectations for myself, I just couldn't make it happen during the run. I returned home disappointed, frustrated, sad and puzzled. I still need to think through a bit more what I did before and during the race that may have helped or hindered my performance, though it seems lately I can't find the answers for a lot of things.
Except how to do a headstand. While I'm feeling a little lost about how to make my body work with my feet on the ground, I never really thought about how good it might feel to stand on my head instead. I approached my first lesson with a nervous excitement; excited for the challenge and nervous I'd topple over like a lopsided Jenga tower.
But somehow I didn't fall at all. In fact, I floated up with ease, and with guidance from my wonderful yoga instructor and some support from a nearby wall, hung out with my feet in the air for quite a while. It felt pretty great.
Some new perspective might be just what I need. Who knew I'd find it standing on my head?!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Post-run recovery
"Rest is the sweet sauce of labor" - Plutarch
I ran 15 miles for the first time in a month today. The run was at a very comfortable pace and the weather was highly cooperative, sunny and around 40 degrees. I was back on the hills in Newton, kind of home base for training runs. It was the first long run of my official marathon training plan. Off to a good start.
Also impressive (to me) was the energy I had after the run to complete my list of errands. In the hour that followed my run, I made it to Trader Joe's, the dry cleaner and post office. Check, check, check. Perhaps the employees at each of these places would have preferred if I had gone home and showered first, but I was happy to plow through while I was still out and about. I know myself too well by now, and especially on a winter day, it takes a LONG time for me to get moving after returning home, showering, eating and if I'm lucky, napping.
Today was a lucky day too. Following my productive morning, a shower and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I crawled into bed. I started reading, just waiting to feel my eyes get heavy. Ten minutes later I was out. For 2 1/2 hours. It was outstanding. There could have been an earthquake and I'm pretty sure I would have kept sleeping.
Researchers have shown that physical activity can promote better self reported sleep quality. I'm generally a good sleeper. I rarely wake up in the middle of the night, and when I do, usually can fall right back asleep. Even when I am stressed, once I fall asleep, I don't often have stressful dreams, or wake in a panic an hour before my alarm, unable to fall back asleep.
My problem is more often getting into bed. My guess is the exercise helped facilitate my nap this afternoon, but a few extra hours of sleep during the week may also be a good idea. I'll keep trying. However, when I have a Saturday that allows for a 2 1/2 hour nap, I'm also not going to pass that up.
I ran 15 miles for the first time in a month today. The run was at a very comfortable pace and the weather was highly cooperative, sunny and around 40 degrees. I was back on the hills in Newton, kind of home base for training runs. It was the first long run of my official marathon training plan. Off to a good start.
Also impressive (to me) was the energy I had after the run to complete my list of errands. In the hour that followed my run, I made it to Trader Joe's, the dry cleaner and post office. Check, check, check. Perhaps the employees at each of these places would have preferred if I had gone home and showered first, but I was happy to plow through while I was still out and about. I know myself too well by now, and especially on a winter day, it takes a LONG time for me to get moving after returning home, showering, eating and if I'm lucky, napping.
Today was a lucky day too. Following my productive morning, a shower and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I crawled into bed. I started reading, just waiting to feel my eyes get heavy. Ten minutes later I was out. For 2 1/2 hours. It was outstanding. There could have been an earthquake and I'm pretty sure I would have kept sleeping.
Researchers have shown that physical activity can promote better self reported sleep quality. I'm generally a good sleeper. I rarely wake up in the middle of the night, and when I do, usually can fall right back asleep. Even when I am stressed, once I fall asleep, I don't often have stressful dreams, or wake in a panic an hour before my alarm, unable to fall back asleep.
My problem is more often getting into bed. My guess is the exercise helped facilitate my nap this afternoon, but a few extra hours of sleep during the week may also be a good idea. I'll keep trying. However, when I have a Saturday that allows for a 2 1/2 hour nap, I'm also not going to pass that up.
 |
| Me, sleeping on the bus ride out to Hopkinton last April |
Monday, January 16, 2012
At least I beat the dragon
It was a great day to run. I was in Phoenix this weekend, escaping the New England winter for the Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon on Sunday. Fifty-five degrees and overcast. Seriously, I could not have asked for better conditions.
It's too bad my legs did not agree.
I started well, running right on pace for the first 3 miles and feeling good. Then in the middle of mile 4, my quads started to tense up. Like a light switch, the loose, relaxed and smooth run I had started disappeared. I tried to run through it until mile 5 where I stopped to stretch for a minute. I jumped back in and felt a bit better, but soon enough my quads felt like bricks again.
At that point, I knew my race goal was pretty much gone, as was probably the chance of a PR. So I readjusted my plan. My goal was to hit my goal pace for one mile. I would focus on just one mile at a time. Between miles 6-13, I came close twice, though never quite hit it. Surprisingly though, it didn't stop me from trying with each next mile.
I'm not extremely proud of my finishing time this weekend, 1:45:33, but I am proud that I kept my head in the race. Once I lost my original goal, I tried to focus on achieving something on this less-than-ideal race day.
Today, my legs are sore. Like I ran hard sore. So I know my effort was there, the execution just was not. I'm still puzzled by the leg thing however. In training run after training run, my legs have never tensed up quite like that. Yet, I have had a few races where this has happened, to various degrees and at various points in the race. I'm not sure if there is a link, nor how to prevent it in the next race. I've got some work to do on that piece.
It's too bad my legs did not agree.
I started well, running right on pace for the first 3 miles and feeling good. Then in the middle of mile 4, my quads started to tense up. Like a light switch, the loose, relaxed and smooth run I had started disappeared. I tried to run through it until mile 5 where I stopped to stretch for a minute. I jumped back in and felt a bit better, but soon enough my quads felt like bricks again.
At that point, I knew my race goal was pretty much gone, as was probably the chance of a PR. So I readjusted my plan. My goal was to hit my goal pace for one mile. I would focus on just one mile at a time. Between miles 6-13, I came close twice, though never quite hit it. Surprisingly though, it didn't stop me from trying with each next mile.
I'm not extremely proud of my finishing time this weekend, 1:45:33, but I am proud that I kept my head in the race. Once I lost my original goal, I tried to focus on achieving something on this less-than-ideal race day.
Today, my legs are sore. Like I ran hard sore. So I know my effort was there, the execution just was not. I'm still puzzled by the leg thing however. In training run after training run, my legs have never tensed up quite like that. Yet, I have had a few races where this has happened, to various degrees and at various points in the race. I'm not sure if there is a link, nor how to prevent it in the next race. I've got some work to do on that piece.
The PF Chang's dragon. It ran the half and those who beat it were awarded restaurant coupons. Unfortunately, I was a little too distracted at the finish to pick my coupon up, but at least I beat the dragon.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Short and Sweet
Much like my runs this week, I'll keep this post short and sweet.
The week before a big race can bring nerves, excitement and a bit of hypochondria. But it also brings a drop in mileage. While I look forward (usually) to my runs each week, it has been kind of a treat to do a "long" run of 8 miles on Saturday and a 4 mile run this evening. And not because I cut my regular run short.
The weather Saturday was great for a run of any distance in Boston. While I was done before the high temps of 57(!) degrees hit, I was hardly cold on my run. Not bad for January 7. Not at all the same as last January when I did a 15 mile run out and back twice on a 3.5 mile stretch because it was the only stretch of road that was reasonably clear of snow and ice.
But despite the unseasonable weather in Boston, I still plan on appreciating the warm weather in Phoenix when I run the Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon on Sunday. If the weather forecast holds, it should be a lovely 48-52 degrees during the race. Sounds like a great day to run.
The week before a big race can bring nerves, excitement and a bit of hypochondria. But it also brings a drop in mileage. While I look forward (usually) to my runs each week, it has been kind of a treat to do a "long" run of 8 miles on Saturday and a 4 mile run this evening. And not because I cut my regular run short.
The weather Saturday was great for a run of any distance in Boston. While I was done before the high temps of 57(!) degrees hit, I was hardly cold on my run. Not bad for January 7. Not at all the same as last January when I did a 15 mile run out and back twice on a 3.5 mile stretch because it was the only stretch of road that was reasonably clear of snow and ice.
But despite the unseasonable weather in Boston, I still plan on appreciating the warm weather in Phoenix when I run the Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon on Sunday. If the weather forecast holds, it should be a lovely 48-52 degrees during the race. Sounds like a great day to run.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Imperfectly Welcoming 2012
Hello again! I apologize for the longer-than-I-liked hiatus in posts. Life got crazy and some things, well, just had to give. Unfortunately, since no ones pays me to write this blog, I had to set it aside for a bit (however, if you know someone who would pay me...let's talk!)
I did keep running however. You didn't miss too much - a great 6.6 miler Halloween weekend, a few mildly disappointing 5Ks and most recently a few successful long runs. Oh, and all this is leading up to the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Arizona in 2 weeks. But more to come on that.
One thing I realized about not writing the last few months was part of the motivation for my New Year's resolution. You might remember my resolution last year was to sleep more. Er, let's just hope this resolution lasts a bit longer...
My resolution for 2012 is to not let the inability to do something perfectly keep me from doing, or trying to do it perfectly at all. I have a problem with this. I'm not perfect nor was this a giant revelation. But sometimes I set high standards for myself and rather than fail trying to reach my goals and learn from the process, I sometimes just shut off completely. For example, please let me know if any of the following reasons will keep you from reading this blog:
1) My blog design has not been updated.
2) A post it too short.
3) The post comes later than I would have liked to write it.
Dealbreakers? Probably not? But in part, why I have waited almost 3 months to write again. I bet I would have enjoyed writing short, late posts on my outdated blog, but I didn't think it was what my blog should look like, so I waited. And waited. I started this blog because I like writing and as result of my perfection obsession, instead of writing a little and enjoying it, I haven't been writing at all.
And it's not just writing. I started working on this with my running a few weeks ago and it also led me to translate it to life in general. As for running, I'm trying to learn from the process of training or races, rather than have the outcome of any one run or race determine what I think of myself as a runner. And that means missing the mark sometimes.
As 2012 is only a few hours away, I can't help but think of the year ahead. I wish you a very happy and healthy new year and I hope you'll keep reading in 2012. I'm looking forward to it and sticking to this resolution/experiment. I'm sure I'll do so...imperfectly.
I did keep running however. You didn't miss too much - a great 6.6 miler Halloween weekend, a few mildly disappointing 5Ks and most recently a few successful long runs. Oh, and all this is leading up to the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Arizona in 2 weeks. But more to come on that.
One thing I realized about not writing the last few months was part of the motivation for my New Year's resolution. You might remember my resolution last year was to sleep more. Er, let's just hope this resolution lasts a bit longer...
My resolution for 2012 is to not let the inability to do something perfectly keep me from doing, or trying to do it perfectly at all. I have a problem with this. I'm not perfect nor was this a giant revelation. But sometimes I set high standards for myself and rather than fail trying to reach my goals and learn from the process, I sometimes just shut off completely. For example, please let me know if any of the following reasons will keep you from reading this blog:
1) My blog design has not been updated.
2) A post it too short.
3) The post comes later than I would have liked to write it.
Dealbreakers? Probably not? But in part, why I have waited almost 3 months to write again. I bet I would have enjoyed writing short, late posts on my outdated blog, but I didn't think it was what my blog should look like, so I waited. And waited. I started this blog because I like writing and as result of my perfection obsession, instead of writing a little and enjoying it, I haven't been writing at all.
And it's not just writing. I started working on this with my running a few weeks ago and it also led me to translate it to life in general. As for running, I'm trying to learn from the process of training or races, rather than have the outcome of any one run or race determine what I think of myself as a runner. And that means missing the mark sometimes.
As 2012 is only a few hours away, I can't help but think of the year ahead. I wish you a very happy and healthy new year and I hope you'll keep reading in 2012. I'm looking forward to it and sticking to this resolution/experiment. I'm sure I'll do so...imperfectly.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Happy Anniversary!
Distance running and I celebrated our 10th anniversary when I ran the BAA Half Marathon this morning. In the summer of 2001, a coworker told me about this new half marathon in Boston that would take place Columbus Day weekend. I had been running a bit and decided training for this would be a good goal. Mind you, I had never run more than 7 or 8 miles before. But, why not?
Since then, my relationship with running has been one of the most consistent things in my life. We've had some rough patches - a stress fracture in my foot in 2007 and the torn labrum in my hip that had us together and apart for over a year and a half. But we have survived.
And there have been plenty of good times too - now 3 fantastic Reach the Beach relays, the 2008 Boston Marathon PR and last year's return to racing at the 2010 BAA Half Marathon to name a few. Running has also introduced me to many great friends and has shaped many important memories from the last 10 years for me. We spend more time together every week than I do with just about anyone else on a regular basis, except maybe my office mate, Maya, who gets to see me for the better part of 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Recalling this anniversary has also helped me get over a bit of a disappointing race today. I had trained and felt pretty well prepared to run what I hoped would be a PR today. I started off feeling good, running my goal pace comfortably for the first 6 miles. I'm not sure what happened at mile 7, but I started to slip and slowly lost a bit of time with each subsequent mile. I hung in there but just could not pick it up enough, for a long enough stretch of time, to get me closer to my goal. I finished 3 seconds slower than last year, and over 3 minutes slower than I had been hoping for this year's race.
I'm still frustrated and need to think over a bit more what I could have done differently and what I need to work on going forward. But, I did realize as I sat down to write tonight that in my first 1/2 marathon, 10 years ago, my goal was to finish, and secondly to try to finish in 2 hours. I ran that race in 2:01.
This afternoon, I sat on the couch and questioned myself and whether or not I was meant to run any faster than I had this morning...maybe today's race was a accurate reflection of all I have. Ten years ago I never could have imagined I would run a half marathon at a sub-8 minute/mile pace. While I couldn't do it today, I did accomplish this earlier this year. It was a reminder that with motivation and preparation, I have made it this far. I'm not ready to be satisfied with my time today as the best I can do. I'm pretty sure I have some motivation and preparation left in me to show myself I don't have to be.
Since then, my relationship with running has been one of the most consistent things in my life. We've had some rough patches - a stress fracture in my foot in 2007 and the torn labrum in my hip that had us together and apart for over a year and a half. But we have survived.
And there have been plenty of good times too - now 3 fantastic Reach the Beach relays, the 2008 Boston Marathon PR and last year's return to racing at the 2010 BAA Half Marathon to name a few. Running has also introduced me to many great friends and has shaped many important memories from the last 10 years for me. We spend more time together every week than I do with just about anyone else on a regular basis, except maybe my office mate, Maya, who gets to see me for the better part of 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.
Recalling this anniversary has also helped me get over a bit of a disappointing race today. I had trained and felt pretty well prepared to run what I hoped would be a PR today. I started off feeling good, running my goal pace comfortably for the first 6 miles. I'm not sure what happened at mile 7, but I started to slip and slowly lost a bit of time with each subsequent mile. I hung in there but just could not pick it up enough, for a long enough stretch of time, to get me closer to my goal. I finished 3 seconds slower than last year, and over 3 minutes slower than I had been hoping for this year's race.
I'm still frustrated and need to think over a bit more what I could have done differently and what I need to work on going forward. But, I did realize as I sat down to write tonight that in my first 1/2 marathon, 10 years ago, my goal was to finish, and secondly to try to finish in 2 hours. I ran that race in 2:01.
This afternoon, I sat on the couch and questioned myself and whether or not I was meant to run any faster than I had this morning...maybe today's race was a accurate reflection of all I have. Ten years ago I never could have imagined I would run a half marathon at a sub-8 minute/mile pace. While I couldn't do it today, I did accomplish this earlier this year. It was a reminder that with motivation and preparation, I have made it this far. I'm not ready to be satisfied with my time today as the best I can do. I'm pretty sure I have some motivation and preparation left in me to show myself I don't have to be.
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