Confessions of a reluctant runner, a DL 1/2 & PHM PTR. 7/5 race recaps and final thoughts

[eandesmom]

I know you are frustrated not to be running further distances, but you short distance times are really impressive. Focus on the positive.

I just want a nice long run in, it feels like forever. It's one thing to have to stop because you know you are injured but another when you really feel like you could and should go longer, and want to, but can't. Hopefully PT goes well today, yesterday was not the best day for my home exercises. I am hoping to stick to my actual plan this week, speedwork tonight, a 3 mile tempo on Friday and then do that 12K on Sunday. Which will likely be really hard as I've not run that far in forever it seems!

I'm doing the long runs, but they feel pretty torturous right now and I have to remind myself that the sheer distance will not seem so crazy once I am in an actual race surrounded by people. Right now it just seems endless. ugh. We each have our own struggles.

I do know what you mean and am quite sure once I get back at them, especially the weeks that have 2 longer kind of back to back, I'll be wishing to be back at my 30 minute restriction.

You are running so many more miles than I, between you and Ann I am a slug!

Love the pics from Hawaii and its so cool you did that local race. How fun. I had a similar experience when I did my 10K race. Super small and this young girl kept stopping to walk. I would pass her and then she would regain her strength and just fly by me. It happened at least 6 times during the last couple of miles. Turned out to be a good, yet frustrating, distraction.

Well I had a few others blow past me and never look back that is for sure. I did have one guy after comment that it was nice to see me from the front as he'd been chasing me. LOL! Which was a first, usually I'm commenting to others on chasing them the whole time.

I have a day off today so I'm just about ready to start stretching and hit the road. I think its going to be more mild than usual so I'm HAPPY!

YAY for mild! Decent chance my next few will be soggy but not horribly cold...mid 40's which once you get going, feels pretty good most of the time.

Enjoy your run! And if you want to be really entertained, check out the video from our Blerch Run, it's wild! Go drone quadcopter, so entertaining!

https://vimeo.com/114720107

 

[Pinkocto]

Im sorry about all the frustrating set backs you've been having. Your run in Hawaii sounds great though, even after the late night before. I hope you're able to find a great shoe soon. That bit sounds super bothersome.

 

[eandesmom]

Im sorry about all the frustrating set backs you've been having. Your run in Hawaii sounds great though, even after the late night before. I hope you're able to find a great shoe soon. That bit sounds super bothersome.

Bothersome is a good word super annoying for sure. The ones I have now will do. Are they shoe nirvana? No. But I think they may be ok. I won't know till longer runs and then of course the trick is staying relatively uninjured as well.

I am glad I got up and did that race even if it was debatable at the time!

 

[Woth2982]

Way to go on starting your official PHM training! You are going to be done like 1.5 hours before me at the paces you're training at! I guess technically I am doing my PHM training. The marathon training schedule has me running my first back to back this week. I hate running back to back because I do need a bit more recovery time than most. I was supposed to do tomorrow and Saturday, but I am switching it to last night and today as my company holiday party is tomorrow. Just don't think Ill wanna run after that! Then Saturday is 7-9 miles. I'm gonna do 8, run to my parents house, take a water break, and then run back. There are a few good hills there which will help ease me into hill training. The week of PHM I am supposed to do 16, not sure if I will stick with the training plan or use this as a "drop back" week.

 

[Chilly]

What are you doing with all your running medals, have you hung them up?

In case I don't "see you" next week, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

[MEK]

Oh crap. I've got to get in the shower for work, but I'll come back and watch that video.

Here's to good running for all of us this weekend!

 

[eandesmom]

Way to go on starting your official PHM training! You are going to be done like 1.5 hours before me at the paces you're training at!

Yeah, not! Remember that those are super short runs, they are certainly not paces I'll be maintaining over 13.1 miles! Cool as that would be.

I guess technically I am doing my PHM training. The marathon training schedule has me running my first back to back this week. I hate running back to back because I do need a bit more recovery time than most.

I am not a fan of back to back either, I need recovery! It is why I've never signed up for a challenge. Maybe some day, if I can stay uninjured but right now that seems like a bad idea.

I was supposed to do tomorrow and Saturday, but I am switching it to last night and today as my company holiday party is tomorrow. Just don't think Ill wanna run after that! Then Saturday is 7-9 miles. I'm gonna do 8, run to my parents house, take a water break, and then run back. There are a few good hills there which will help ease me into hill training. The week of PHM I am supposed to do 16, not sure if I will stick with the training plan or use this as a "drop back" week.

I would not want to run after a company holiday party either!

Hills suck but yes, you definitely need to do some training on those for the marathon! Today's race had more hills than I realized (even though I did look at the course, I clearly didn't really pay attention). Bleh.

If you ask me, 13.1 plus walking in the parks is close enough to 16 to call it good!

What are you doing with all your running medals, have you hung them up?

They are hanging off of my dresser mirror at the moment. I want to do something with them, but can't land on what or where I'd put it when and if I do. I do have the DL one on my bathroom mirror though and PHM will go there. They don't give medals at all races though.

In case I don't "see you" next week, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

You too Claire! Enjoy Christmas, it should be a lot more fun this year for you, she's getting old enough to have some interest in things I bet!

Oh crap. I've got to get in the shower for work, but I'll come back and watch that video.

Here's to good running for all of us this weekend!

Yes, good running for all!

 

[eandesmom]

I am officially into my PHM training plan now!

I was looking at it for some reason, earlier in the week, and kind of freaking out about the miles I needed to do and where my paces were coming in at.

Then I realized two things.

1. I was a week off! Sound familiar Mary Ellen?
2. I had put together my plan based on a GOAL finish time, not necessarily what more recent results would have me at.

I decided to re-calibrate.

I went and looked at all my race results and figured those out as an average. Based on that, the paces I should be doing for this plan changed quite a bit.

Now it looks like this

400's (1/4 mile)
Original Goal 1:56 (7:44 pace)
Adjusted 2:02 (8:08 pace)

800's (1/2 mile)
Original Goal 4:02 (8:04 pace)
Adjusted 4:10 (8:20 pace)

1600's (one mile)
Original Goal 8:24
Adjusted 8:40

Tempo Runs
Original Goal 8:54
Adjusted 9:15

Long Runs
Original Goal 9:39
Adjusted 9:55

The new numbers are, sadly, a lot more realistic given how these last few months have gone. Let's see how the week went.

I got back from Hawaii late last Thursday night, I had done intervals that morning, my first speedwork run. Or so I thought at the time but I was actually a week ahead.

I did see PT and the Chiro that morning and they were NOT happy with how things looked. Traveling really does a number on my body...as does heels and lots and lots of walking in said heels. My restriction was held at 30 minutes.

Friday was a normal run night and I attempted to do a 3 mile tempo run.

Goal (this was before I re-calibrated) was 8:54 pace. Actual pace came in at 9:18. The reality is, attempting to maintain a certain pace in the dark and rain is difficult. And for me, right now, running back to back days does have an impact. I was less than thrilled but it was what it was.

Sunday we did the Blerch 5/10K. Which really was a bit less than that and it wasn't an official race, just a fun run. Kendall, who got home from college the night before, a friend of hers and Eric all joined us. It was an absolute blast. I ran with Eric, who had to walk after mile 2...he ignored his previous lessons and ate a cookie right before we headed out. It was SO much fun, it was like chasing Christmas trees!

The run was organized by a writer/cartoonist called The Oatmeal. He does a HYSTERICAL series on the terrible reasons he runs long distances which involve a cherub named The Blerch. He wanted it to be seen from outer space and so folks rigged up more battery operated lights on their bodies than I knew existed!

He had it filmed with a drone/quadcopter, it is surreal. You can see the video here (and will appreciate the music I promise!)









Next year I'll get more lights! The girls loved the LED headbands but we should have secured them better.

Next year hopefully Eric will remember NOT to eat a cookie before, no matter how small it is.



If you didn't see the E's xmas pic on my DL band trip TR, here it is again, these are actually Christmas Hawaiian shirts that I picked up while in Hawaii and I promise there was no bribing involved for them to wear them OR to go see Santa, they wanted to!



After that it was back to PT Monday am, and my home exercises over the weekend paid off. Things were better again and continued to be at the next appointment on Weds.

Wednesday night I attempted speedwork again. Which, in the dark is HARD to measure and manage. But I did it. YAY for the headlamp. My average pace was 8:02. Which, while not at the "stretch" goal pace, did come in under the revised upper target pace. Two of the intervals were very close to the stretch target so that made me happy.

Friday was a nutty day on a number of levels and I was short on time. I was supposed to do a 3 mile tempo but opted to do only 2. It's all I had time for and was better than nothing. Plus I also figured I would be running 7.5 on Sunday, a day I was only scheduled for 6 so it would add up about right for the week. That run came in at an 8:47 pace which was under both goals. YAY!

I did feel the left ankle but it's more of an ache than anything and moves around. I had PT and Chiro after and they were happy overall with my progress and cleared me to run longer than 30 minutes!

Today, Sunday, I ran a 12K. The 12k's of Christmas run to be exact. Honestly, I was worried. I haven't run that far since October and other than doing it once in October, I hadn't had a run over 5 miles since August!

Overall it went relatively well. There were a couple of hills that honestly were longer than I realized when I looked at the course. I did feel my ankle but it never got worse. I did one 30 second or so walk at the top of the last hill but other than stopping to push down my socks (it was 50, I got warm!) I maintained a relatively steady pace and came in at 1:07:54, or a 9:07 pace. It was kind of a PR. On paper, the 1:07 result would be my fastest 12K. However, the other 12K I ran, with Ann, really wasn't a 12K. It was 7.65 miles versus the 7.49 of a real 12K. My pace was better at that one. Still, all things considered I was happy to have it come close. My goal had been 1:06 -1:10 so I was pleased. It's in the middle of the tempo run range I have so that works. This was a FAST race pool. I knew it would be going into it. As a result my stats aren't all that exciting lol.

576/1365 overall
82/261 in my age bracket (a 9 year bracket never helps lol)
279/881 for women

Don't get me wrong, they are fine stats, I've just had better for sure. A former co worker smoked me by a solid 4 minutes and change with an 8:34 pace and even she only ended up 49/261 in our bracket.

Poor Jeff did the 5K and had a situation like the one I had back in October, where he missed a turn and ran too far before doubling back. As a result his time is WAY off.

The ankle feels tired and a bit achy for sure, but no more than that. I did feel the dumb left orthotic chafe so really need to get it in and tweak it. No PT all week, my main gals are out so it will be interesting to see how I do when I go in on the 29th, after 3 more runs this week.

Our FP window actually opened today but I think we are going to hold off for now. Ann still needs to get a ticket. I think we will be having lunch on Friday though so am sure there will be plotting then!

I am REALLY hoping to get caught up on everyone's threads over the next couple of weeks!

 

[PrincessInOz]

YAY for getting back to running for real. That's great news.
Your night race looks fantastic with everyone lit up.

And your FP window has opened up? Hope Ann gets a ticket soon.

 

[Pinkocto]

Congrats on being graduated from 30 minutes awesome you were able to do the 12K and the ankle didn't give too much trouble. You're getting there


Try and see if you can make the FPs even if Ann doesn't have a ticket. I thought I needed to wait until I bought moms on the last trip and just to see I tried to book one before buying the ticket, it let me. I was mad because I couod have been planning and thus missed out on getting TSM.

 

[afwdwfan]

I'm glad to see that you've graduated from the dreadmill and returned to running. Hopefully you'll continue to make some progress and the pain will continue to decrease.

 

[Poolrat]

Sounds like you are making some progress. You have a great plan and no doubt you will be fine.

 

[Steppesister]

Just wanted to let you know that I visited here too. So. Much. Running!

 

[KatMark]

Love the picture of the boys with Santa.

Wishing you, Jeff, and all the kids a very

​

 

[eandesmom]

YAY for getting back to running for real. That's great news.
Your night race looks fantastic with everyone lit up.

It was SO much fun!

And your FP window has opened up? Hope Ann gets a ticket soon.

You know, it's funny. I don't htink either of us are all that concerned about it. Without kids and agendas we have a TON of flexibility and have both done FP+ enough to know that we will be able to get something with only 2 of us.

That said, we did book some days just to have stuff ont he books and may tweak later. The big thing we NEED to do is get our ressies linked. Hopefully Friday but we may have to do it via conference call if not.

Congrats on being graduated from 30 minutes awesome you were able to do the 12K and the ankle didn't give too much trouble. You're getting there

Well my body certainly acknowledged it had been a bit since I'd run that far. It wasn't awful or anything but I do need to keep those miles back up and get used to it again.

Try and see if you can make the FPs even if Ann doesn't have a ticket. I thought I needed to wait until I bought moms on the last trip and just to see I tried to book one before buying the ticket, it let me. I was mad because I couod have been planning and thus missed out on getting TSM.

Your post made me go look at TSM specifically and i am glad i did. I coldn't get it at all for the day I thought I wanted so booked it, and other things for antoher day. Ann was able to copy them all over so we do have placeholders now at least. I am still not overly concerned but glad we booked a few things.

I'm glad to see that you've graduated from the dreadmill and returned to running. Hopefully you'll continue to make some progress and the pain will continue to decrease.

I hope so! Between Jeff and I we are keeping a few providers in business trying to make us "whole". Getting old really bites.

Sounds like you are making some progress. You have a great plan and no doubt you will be fine.

Oh I hope so, every twinge seems to make me nervous these days.

Just wanted to let you know that I visited here too. So. Much. Running!

LOL! It really hasn't been that much, I wish it was more. Hopefully in the new year. Welcome!!!!!

Love the picture of the boys with Santa.

Wishing you, Jeff, and all the kids a very

​

And the same to you my friend! I got a wee bit caught up on one of yours yesterday and then got pulled away. It is my mission over the holidays to get caught up on your reports! Have a lovely lovely Christmas!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Merry Christmas!

 

[MEK]

 

[eandesmom]

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you! I hope yours was wonderful

Merry Christmas Mary Ellen!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[franandaj]

I'm glad that you were able to get back to running. The Christmas lights run sounded like fun. I hope you are able to get caught up! I'm trying to do the same!

 

[eandesmom]

I'm glad that you were able to get back to running. The Christmas lights run sounded like fun. I hope you are able to get caught up! I'm trying to do the same!

Slowly!!!! Jeff had more events planned than I realized. Which has actually been nice and incredibly relaxing in its own way, serious quality family time, but it hasn't been as productive on the updating front as a result. But hey, there is always next week at work during the day. It is SOOOO busy that week.



Running was a mixed bag last week, tomorrow should be telling. But we did book some FP's and I started seriously looking at our Aulani plans so that was fun.