Laurie's Quest Continues....two more marathons in one year!!

[hockeygirl]

Well, i have seriously slacked on keeping up with my journal this past week or so...and like my posting, my training has been NOTHING!!! I did play a few hockey games this week, so that counts for something, but things have been very hectic.

WIth school ending next week, there has been alot of end of the year stuff going on which consumes my time, and to top it off, training/orientation for my summer camp job started last week...so needless to say not much time for training!

However, I did run today!!!

I only got out there for 2 miles, since there was an impending thunderstorm that I didn't want to get caught in. I really want to try working on my speed so I did a run 3/walk 1 workout, in which I really push myself for the 3 minutes of running and then walk easy for one minute and then repeat. Well, I felt great and finished 2 miles in 18:05 for a 9:05 pace!!!

I need to study up on some speed workouts for the summer months to add into my distance run. That is a goal of mine for the summer to build up some speed!

Carole--Yes, I am the only girl on my team. I used to play on an all women's team but the practice/game times were not so good, so I couldn't really do that anymore. My teams are really a lot of fun, one of the reasons I like playing is because the guys are not that competitive to make it not fun. They are great fun to play with so that is what makes it worthwhile for me.

Tracy-Thanks for checking in! I had a great weekend...it was my niece's 2nd birthday so I had a lot of fun hanging out with her!!

Amy--I hear you on the speed work...it is going to be interesting. I just found out that there is a group that runs in Ridgewood I believe and they have coached speed workouts twice a week. I think it is the Ridgewood Road Runners (I am not positive on the name)--I may look into that because I think I would be more motivated if I had a group to do a speed workout with...we will see what happens with that!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Way to go on your run today! That's nice and speedy for sure!!!

Keep me posted on your running group. Since I start all my runs there in Ridgewood I'd be interested to hear how they are . I could use a little speed work myself. Would love to push into the next level...but I seem to be stagnant.

Good luck with end of year. It is a CRAZY time lol. All kinds of stuff going on in the school.

Great to hear from you . Keep us posted on your training

 

[hockeygirl]

Well, it has been a couple of days since I last updated my training.

I did 3 miles of a interval workout on thursday. I did run 3/walk 1...like tuesday, I pushed myself hard during those 3 min runs, and took it really easy on the walk 1. My first mile was 9:29 and the second 8:40, the last was at 9:15. So, a pretty good workout for me.

Today, I did long slow distance. I did 5 miles in just over 50 mins. for just over a 10 mpm pace. It was really hot here this morning, and I didn't hydrate properly (shame on me!), and I felt a bit dehydrated following the run. That will teach me to bring water with me even on a 5 mile run.


I found a local race to run on the 28th. It is a 5 miler in Bloomfield, NJ on a thursday night. Since it is only right up the street and I feel more motivated to run when I know I have a race coming up, I have decided to do it. I want to try to find several races to do over the summer to keep my motivation up before my formal marathon training starts in september.

Amy--I haven't had time to look in the New jersey Masters running group in Ridgewood, I hope to give them a call this week for some information. The have a website with a great local race calender at www.njmasters.com It also has information about their group runs, etc. I may give a try especially for the track workouts that they have. Looks like they run in the saddle river park during the summer months. I will keep you updated if I do it!

 

[CaroleD]

Smart move getting into another race. I think it is too easy to get unmotivated otherwise. My ten K is next weekend. Your times are great BTW!

 

[toystoryduo]

A new race sounds great , Laurie! Your times are really good! Keep up the good work!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Laurie

Sounds like you had a solid week of training!!! Your interval run sounds like a total success! I am going to be throwing in various forms of speed work beginning this week too. I'll keep you updated on my progress as well. I sure as heck hope it gradually increases my overall speed!!!

Sorry about your tough run yesterday. It was SOOO humid out there wasn't it? I ran the saddle river trail too...started early myself...but it was very very hot by 9 am when i was finished. Gonna' be a long hot summer of training I fear.

Your LSD run wasn't too bad...the pace was really decent all things considered. Wanna' see a slow pace...check out my run from yesterday. YES...it was purposely slow as I'm testing the old..."90 sec slower than expected marathon pace" theory. I find it VERY hard to swallow...felt like a slacker....but I have to say my legs feel great today so maybe there is something to slowing down that pace . We'll see

 

[hockeygirl]

Well, I haven't been so good at keeping up with my journal lately, and quite honestly I haven't really been keeping up with my training! But I have been trying to get back on track this week to some extent and hope to keep it up. With school ending last week, and my summer job starting this week, it has been a bit of a challenge. Plus, we have had ridiculous temperatures this week--in the 90's! Not fun running in that heat.

Tonight, I ran the Sunset 5-miler in Bloomfield, NJ. Today during the day it was about 93 degrees with very high humidity, so I was hesitant to run, considering they were predicting severe thunderstorms for the early evening. Around 5pm, I decided to head out since the weather looked like it was going to hold off....boy was I WRONG!!!! I get to the race, and the rain begins. I registered and got my cool t-shirt and backpack, and then waited around for about an hour before the race start, luckily the rain had slowed down somewhat. During that time, I was able to warm-up a little and stretch out good, which felt great for me! I headed to the starting area around 7 to get ready for the start.

The race started at 7:30, and we were off. There was only about 700 runners in the race, so the course was not that crowded at all. The first mile was really flat, but then as soon as you hit the one mile mark, you make a left turn and go up a BIG, STEEP hill!!! It was definetely a challenge, but I refused to stop on the way up the hill, and I didn't. From the end of the big hill, the rest of the course was somewhat flat, with smaller hills here and there, and of course one big downhill section. Since the course was through a residential area, there was people all along the course handing out water in addition to the water stops manned by the event volunteers. I really thought this was cool, since it was a steady rain for the entire race! God bless those people standing out there in the rain handing out water to all the runners--that's awesome! I kept a great pace the whole way and was determined to finish in under 49:00 minutes. I got to Mile 4 at just about 39 minutes, so I knew I could make it! I picked up the pace a little bit and started passing people one by one. The end of the race involves 3/4 of a lap around the high school track to the finish. When I got to the track I really picked up the pace and pretty much sprinted to the end. Not sure where all the energy came from but I felt great afterwards. And my finish time was 48:16!!!!!!!!

I was so excited to have that time especially on such a hilly course and in the rain.

All in all it was a very nice race, great organization, and I definetely look forward to doing it again next year, hopefully with better weather conditions!!

 

[hockeygirl]

Yesterday, I ran 6 miles. I was looking back at my training log and that is the first time since my half marathon in April that I have run more than 5 miles. I couldn't believe it. The run went well, only problem was the my Right calf muscle was really tight. This doesn't really ever happen to me, so it was a strange feeling. I had to stop a couple of times to really stretch it out. After stretching it felt good for about a mile or two and then tightened up again. I stretched it out again last night and twice today already, so I hope that if I continue to stretch every day that will go away.

Today was a rest day from running, although i have a hockey game to play in tonight. So, that will be my XT for the day.


I plan on doing 4 miles tomorrow as I start to get back into a routine of running on tues, wed, and thurs each week. I started my camp job last week, and I am only working part-time and I get out of work each day at 1, so that should help me to get my workouts in each day. I just have to hope it isn't too hot and humid!!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Laurie

GREAT job on getting back into your training! Make sure you stretch good...those calf pains can be brutal! Maybe look into your potassium intake as that seems to affect the calves (lack of) more than any other muscle group.

You did awesome in the Bloomfield run...wanted to do that race myself but my schedule didn't allow for it . Are you doing the Westfield Pizza run? It's in late July.

Take care and have a happy 4th.

 

[toystoryduo]

Great job in Bloomfield Laurie! Great time you posted too!

Hope you have a safe and Happy 4th!

 

[hockeygirl]

I had planned to do 4 miles on Tuesday and then 3 wednesday and 4 thursday, but I ended up having a low tire on my car on tuesday after work, so I ended up having to take care of that and didn't get to get my run in. So that pushed everything back a day. The one good thing was that I ended up playing hockey on tuesday night, so at least I got some exercise in.

Yesterday, I did my 4 mile run. I finished in just over 41:00. I ended up walking the last bit, because my calf muscles were a little sore. They are definetely getting better with stretching, but I think I need to get different shoes. I used to wear NIke Pegasus and never had any problems, and now with the new Mizuno shoes I have, my calves have been bothering me...so I think I may go back to the Nike.

Today, I was scheduled to do 3 miles, but only ended up doing a little over 2. I just wasn't feeling it today for some reason. Not sure why. It is a bit frustrating and times feeling like that, but I try to remember that some days are going to be harder than others, and for me it is a bit of a mind game at times, because I know I can do it, I just have to get that into my mind.

Oh well...tomorrow is a new day. The plan is to do 4 miles tomorrow and then 6 on sunday.

Amy--Thanks! Bloomfield was a nice race, I will definetely try to do it again next year! Hadn't heard about the Westfield Pizza Run....how long is it?? I will have to look into that one...although the end of July is kind of busy for me right now, but I would do anything to fit a race in.

tracy-Thanks for stopping by! 4th of July was pretty relaxing for me, being during the week, I decided to just relax, since the family had our BBQ last weekend.

 

[goldcupmom]

Just popping in to catch up, Laurie. Looks like you're doing GREAT!

Have a good weekend!

 

[ScoJo15]

Hello Laurie...

I wanted to stop in, say hello and offer my support and encouragement on your way to WDW '08. I'm good friends with Amy..and as you know we completed our first marathon in WDW last year and she somehow convinced me to do Goofy with her this year

Congrats on running such a great Half back in April, and running a great race last month I'm with you on the shoe situation...seems that whenever I have issues with the feet, it's always relates back to needing new shoes and I'm sure that switching up brands impacted your issue. Hope you are able to switch back to the Nike soon to see if that helps.

Also, have you thought about separating out your runs a bit? Running three days right in a row could be very tough (especially during marathon training this fall)...can you get an off day in there between each one? That may also help your calves recover after doing those runs.

Anyway...good luck with everything and keep up the good work!!

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Laurie

Following Scotty around the boards today! And...not to hijack your thread but he's a liar!!! I place all the blame of Goofy on him .

Anyway...sorry to hear about your sore calves and tough run. Just shake that run off. A new day, a new run!! Hope it's a great one!

As for your leg pains...my guess is that you're right on with the shoe issue. I'd definitely try to switch back as soon as you can. It's amazing how those shoes can affect our runs.

Good luck and have a great weekend!!! Oh...that Westfield run is a 5K .

 

[keenercam]

Hi, Laurie! Just wanted to WISH you a fabulous weekend leading up to an AWESOME Monday!!!
I'll be thinking of you!

 

[hockeygirl]

Well, I never got out to do my 4 miler yesterday. I got home from work around 2 o'clock and I was wiped out. I ended up taking a nap, and before I knew it, it was dinner time, so I never made it out for my run.

I went out this morning early before it got too hot, and did my 4 miler. I finished in just over 41 minutes, with an average pace of 10:13. I wore my old Nike Pegasus to see if there was any difference in my calf muscles, and low and behold, they felt MUCH better. They were still a little tight, but nowhere near what they have felt like the last few weeks. So, that means, I will make a trip to my local Fleet Feet and buy a new pair of Nike Pegasus. I am going to continue to stretch but I am hoping the new shoes will help out A LOT!

Still plan to do my 6 miler tomorrow. I will have to get out early since it is supposed to be VERY hot and humid here tomorrow!!


Julie--Thanks for stopping by! The encouragement from everyone always helps!!

Scott-Thanks for stopping by my journal! Shoes are definetely an issue for me right now, the plan is to head out for a new pair this afternoon. I am actually following the Hal Higdon plan for my marathon training. I followed his half marathon plan for my half in April. His plan calls for runs on tues, wed, and thurs each week. It seemed to work well for me the spring for my half, so I am going to stick with it for the marathon training.


Amy--I am thinking about doing the Westfield Run. Are you definetely doing it?? We should meet up if you do!

Cam--thanks for stopping by!! I can't wait for Monday night!! I am so excited already!!!

 

[hockeygirl]

Today's training update:

I went out this morning before it got too hot and did 6 miles. I finished in just over 1:12 for an average pace of just about 12 min/mile. This wasn't one of my best runs ever, but the bottom line is that I finished the distance. First of all, yesterday, I bought a new pair of running shoes. I got the Nike Pegasus and already I can feel the difference. My legs felt so much better today!!

So, I started out and jogged the first two miles, then walked the third mile, jogged that 4th and half of the 5th mile, and then walked the rest of the time. I just wasn't feeling it today for some reason. But I am glad that I finished the distance, and I am not overly concerned about the times right now. My ultimate goal is to finish the marathon this year, so as long as i continue to do the distance, I know I will be OK!!!

Not sure how much training I will be getting in this week, as I have a busy week ahead!! Tomorrow will be a rest day, since DBF and I are going to see Tim McGraw and Faith Hill!! I can't wait for that!!! Tuesday night, we have an early hockey game, so i probably won't be doing any running. I will try to get some sort of workout in on wednesday, then probably won't run again until sunday, since we have hockey again on Thursday night, a BBQ on Friday night, and then Saturday we are heading to Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut to see Rascal Flatts on Saturday night!!!

So, we will see how much training gets done this week!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Rascal Flatts all in one week?!?!? You are a lucky girl!

I am right there with you about Nike shoes.... Ever since high school, I have been wearing Nikes. I veered off the path and bought New Balance and Asics a few times, but always come back to Nike. Glad to hear that your new shoes are working out!

Have a great week Laurie!

 

[hockeygirl]

Tracy--yes, I am very excited about the concerts!! In addition to those, we are going to see Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, and Brooks and Dunn next week. My DBF knows how much I love country music and since my birthday is next week, these are for my birthday, so I am really psyched!!

As for the shoes, I have really determined that I will not try any other brand of shoes, I am sticking with Nike! I should have just gone with my gut feeling when I bought the mizunos, but I figured I would give them a try. Oh well, no more trying new shoes! I guess I shouldn't mess with something that works right!

Ok, off to get situated before the concert!!!

 

[toystoryduo]

Tracy--yes, I am very excited about the concerts!! In addition to those, we are going to see Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, and Brooks and Dunn next week. My DBF knows how much I love country music and since my birthday is next week, these are for my birthday, so I am really psyched!!

Have a great time, Laurie and Happy Birthday!