"Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one." - 1st Training Journal (comments welcome!)

[Livelovedance]

Tuesday, September 1, 2020
My first run for the month of September was an easy 2 mile run. I was thankful for this, because I went to bed late the night before and was tired that morning. I started with a little knee pain, but it went away after awhile. The forecast called for a chance of rain (story of my life lately) and it was pretty dark and cloudy, so I went out there with my umbrella again and ended up not needing it. Running with an umbrella in hand started to become an annoyance, so I ended up putting it down near the end lol. Lately I've been running focusing on how it feels, but today I went back and tried to focus on my time in each interval. Not that I constantly looked at it, but I tried to make sure when I got the pace reminders, it wasn't telling me to slow down by over a minute each time. Even though it was a cloudy day, it ended up being a pretty enjoyable run because there was hardly anyone out there. I guess they all stayed in due to the weather!

T+D: 134

Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Warmup walk
Distance: 0.50 mi
Total Time: 0:09:21
Avg. Pace: 18'23"/mi


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: Easy/LR - 2 mile @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 2.07 mi
Total Time: 0:29:39
Avg. Pace: 14'18"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 14'19"
Mile 2 = 14'17"
0.07 = 14'30"

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: Easy/LR - 2 mile @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 2.07 mi
Total Time: 0:29:32
Avg. Pace: 14'16"/m
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 14:13/16:45
Run/Walk: 12:58/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:52/16:45
Run/Walk: 12:22/17:52
Run/Walk: 13:05/15:28
Run/Walk: 14:29/16:05
Run/Walk: 14:07/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:52/15:10
Run/Walk: 14:22/14:07
Run/Walk: 13:31/14:54
Run/Walk: 14:07/16:45
Run/Walk: 13:38/15:10
Run/Walk: 13:05/17:07
Run/Walk: 13:31/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:59/15:46
Run/Walk: 12:58/19:37
Run/Walk: 12:46/15:28
Run/Walk: 13:38/15:28
Run/Walk: 12:58/17:07
Run/Walk: 12:52/end


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Cool down walk
Distance: 0.50 mi
Total Time: 0:08:42
Avg. Pace: 17'14"/mi

 

[Livelovedance]

Thursday, September 3, 2020
This morning I was exhausted, but I still found my way up and out the door. The sky was cloudy and gray, but I knew this run would be fairly quick so I went out without the umbrella this time. At one point it started to very briefly drizzle and I almost regretted that decision, but it stopped and by the end it was a beautiful sunny day.

T+D: 141

Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Warmup walk
Distance: 0.5 mi
Total Time: 0:09:33
Avg. Pace: 18'49"/mi


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: R Pace - 1.5 mile WU (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces) + 3 x 30 sec @ R w/ 2 min RI + 0.5 mile CD (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces)
Distance: 2.68 mi
Total Time: 0:37:08
Avg. Pace: 13'51"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 14'15"
Mile 2 = 13'38"
0.68 = 13'36"

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: R Pace - 1.5 mile WU (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces) + 3 x 30 sec @ R w/ 2 min RI + 0.5 mile CD (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces)
Distance: 2.68 mi
Total Time: 0:37:02
Avg. Pace: 13'49"/mi
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 14:36/19:09
Run/Walk: 13:45/17:29
Run/Walk: 14:14/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:38/18:17
Run/Walk: 12:52/14:37
Run/Walk: 13:45/15:10
Run/Walk: 13:11/16:05
Run/Walk: 12:52/15:10
Run/Walk: 13:52/15:28
Run/Walk: 12:28/15:10
Run/Walk: 14:45/16:45
Run/Walk: 14:54/16:45
Run/Walk: 12:40/15:28
Run/Walk: 13:24/15:28
Run/Walk: 12:58/17:52
R Run/2 min Walk: 7:58/16:15
R Run/2 min Walk: 7:35/15:56
R Run/2 min Walk: 7:27/14:41
CD Run/Walk: 12:46/14:22
CD Run/Walk: 12:17/15:28
CD Run/Walk: 12:22/16:25
CD Run/Walk: 12:52/14:07
CD Run/Walk: 13:38/end


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Cool down walk
Distance: 0.5 mi
Total Time: 0:09:13
Avg. Pace: 18'16"/mi


So as we get into September I'm looking at my new schedule and trying to figure out what days will work best for running. I'm looking at possibly switching from Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday to Tuesday/Friday/Sunday or Wednesday/Friday/Sunday. I was hoping to be able to find time to add a consistent 4th day, but it doesn't look like that will happen. I want to have a set schedule in mind so I can make sure I complete the plan and continue to move forward from there.


In other news, I found out about a live 5K race in my area for next weekend. It's only a 5K so it doesn't help me for POT, but I was so excited to find a live race nearby so I registered anyway! The race sold out in less than 24 hours (limited participants), so I'm glad I saw it when I did. My plan for now is to work it in as one of my training runs instead of running it for time. I'm hopeful that this will eventually lead to more live races in the near future, and maybe the October 10K I'm registered for could actually happen!

 

[Livelovedance]

Saturday, September 5, 2020
This morning was my second Galloway Magic Mile run, and I feel a million times better about this one! To start, I already knew what to expect so I didn't let myself get crazy the night before. Before I started I came up with a different plan for the WU - I decided to include an R Pace interval in the 10 min WU for a change of pace. It was a beautiful morning, and actually a little cooler than usual, which I'm sure was also a factor.

T+D: 120


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Quick warm up
Distance: 0.5 mi
Total Time: 0:08:52
Avg. Pace: 17'38"/mi


After the half mile walk I started the 10 min WU. I did three 60/30 intervals at 14:00/17:00 paces, one 30 second at R Pace w/ 2 min RI, and two more 60/30 intervals at 14:00/17:00 paces:


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 10 min WU (3 x 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces + 1 x 30 sec @ R w/ 2 min RI + 2 x 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces)
Distance: 0.75 mi
Total Time: 0:10:09
Avg. Pace: 13'32"/mi
Splits:
0.75 = 13'32"

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: 10 min WU (3 x 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces + 1 x 30 sec @ R w/ 2 min RI + 2 x 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces)
Distance: 0.74 mi
Total Time: 0:10:01
Avg. Pace: 13'34"/mi
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 13:38/14:37
Run/Walk: 12:58/15:46
Run/Walk: 13:52/16:05
R Run/2 min Walk: 7:39/15:37
Run/Walk: 11:50/17:07
Run/Walk: 12:34/15:46


As I finished the WU, I thought about how I should attempt this MM. Instead of running as fast as I could, I decided to try to run with a pace I could maintain as long as possible so I'd take minimal walk breaks. I ended up running until 0.51 mi, walking until 0.59, and then finishing the mile at a run. This strategy worked SO much better for me. With more training, a new mindset, a new approach, and better weather than the last time, I felt SO much better in the end!


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: Galloway Magic Mile (95% effort)
Distance: 1.00 mi
Total Time: 0:10:30
Avg. Pace: 10'25"/mi
Splits:
1 = 10'22"


After finishing the MM (and mentally celebrating the improved time ) I took a short walk break before starting the official CD. (I didn't realize I had done the exact same thing the last time until I looked back at my last MM post ).


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Short walk break
Distance: 0.15 mi
Total Time: 0:02:53
Avg. Pace: 18'26"/mi


Then I started the 10 min CD (60/30 intervals at 14:00/17:00 paces):


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 10 min CD (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces)
Distance: 0.76 mi
Total Time: 0:10:08
Avg. Pace: 13'18"/mi
Splits:
0.76 = 13'18"

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: 10 min CD (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces)
Distance: 0.76 mi
Total Time: 0:10:01
Avg. Pace: 13'12"/mi
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 13:18/14:37
Run/Walk: 13:11/15:46
Run/Walk: 12:17/13:52
Run/Walk: 12:28/15:28
Run/Walk: 12:22/13:38
Run/Walk: 12:58/13:38
Run/Walk: 12:46/end


After the CD I ended with my 0.5 mile walk.


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Cool down
Distance: 0.5 mi
Total Time: 0:09:07
Avg. Pace: 18'10"/mi


This week starts my new schedule, which means I'll likely be running Tuesdays/Fridays/Sundays from now on. I'll have to switch to afternoons twice a week, which is going to have a completely different feel, but I'll be getting it done and that's what counts! Looking forward to continued improvements, and my first live race since the 2020 Princess Half Marathon weekend next Sunday! (I have to figure out how to factor that 5K into my training plan for next week!)

Week 8

 

[DopeyBadger]

 

[Livelovedance]

I'm back! My new schedule started this week, which meant a change to my running routine. I ran Tuesday and Friday afternoon this week:


Tuesday, September 8, 2020
This run was fine. I'm more of a fan of morning runs, so the change in time and temperature wasn't preferable. The accomplishment for me was actually getting out there and getting the run done in the afternoon!

T+D: 145


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Quick warm up
Distance: 0.5 mi
Total Time: 0:09:03
Avg. Pace: 17'58"/mi


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 2 mile @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 2.12 mi
Total Time: 0:29:37
Avg. Pace: 13'56"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 13'54"
Mile 2 = 13'51"
0.12 = 14'58"

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: 2 mile @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 2.13 mi
Total Time: 0:29:32
Avg. Pace: 13'52"/mi
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 14:28/14:54
Run/Walk: 13:18/16:25
Run/Walk: 14:14/17:29
Run/Walk: 12:34/17:07
Run/Walk: 12:28/16:25
Run/Walk: 11:34/16:05
Run/Walk: 13:18/16:05
Run/Walk: 13:18/16:05
Run/Walk: 12:52/15:46
Run/Walk: 13:38/17:07
Run/Walk: 14:07/17:07
Run/Walk: 12:28/17:52
Run/Walk: 12:17/15:46
Run/Walk: 12:58/14:54
Run/Walk: 12:28/18:17
Run/Walk: 13:05/15:10
Run/Walk: 13:05/14:07
Run/Walk: 12:28/20:07
Run/Walk: 12:06/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:38/end


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Cool down
Distance: 0.51 mi
Total Time: 0:08:50
Avg. Pace: 17'17"/mi



Friday, September 11, 2020
This run was difficult to schedule in. I got out of work late, it was the end of the week and I was exhausted, and a couple other things came up that made me wonder if I could even finish the run planned for today. I was so flustered I even forgot to check the weather before I started, so I don't have a T+D note for this one. This run took place in a different location, and was much more crowded. I got it done, but without a cool down walk because it was too late and too dark by the time I finished.


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Quick warm up
Distance: 0.5 mi
Total Time: 0:10:00
Avg. Pace: 19'55"/mi


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 2 mi @ WU (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces) + 7 x 30 sec @ R w/ 2 min RI + 0.5 mi @ CD (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces)
Distance: 3.80 mi
Total Time: 0:55:07
Avg. Pace: 14'30"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 15'12"
Mile 2 = 14'53"
Mile 3 = 13'14"
0.80 = 14'41"

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: 2 mi @ WU (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces) + 7 x 30 sec @ R w/ 2 min RI + 0.5 mi @ CD (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces)
Distance: 3.80 mi
Total Time: 0:55:02
Avg. Pace: 14'29"/mi
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 15:00/18:17
Run/Walk: 13:52/16:45
Run/Walk: 14:29/17:07
Run/Walk: 13:45/20:37
Run/Walk: 13:38/17:29
Run/Walk: 14:45/17:52
Run/Walk: 13:59/18:42
Run/Walk: 14:37/17:07
Run/Walk: 14:45/16:45
Run/Walk: 14:14/18:42
Run/Walk: 14:45/16:05
Run/Walk: 14:14/16:05
Run/Walk: 12:46/18:17
Run/Walk: 13:45/16:05
Run/Walk: 13:59/16:45
Run/Walk: 13:45/19:09
Run/Walk: 14:54/16:45
Run/Walk: 13:38/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:18/19:09
Run/Walk: 14:45/18:42
R Run/2 min Walk: 7:58/16:56
R Run/2 min Walk: 8:28/15:24
R Run/2 min Walk: 8:44/15:37
R Run/2 min Walk: 8:56/15:51
R Run/2 min Walk: 8:33/16:05
R Run/2 min Walk: 7:44/16:40
R Run/2 min Walk: 7:58/17:18
Run/Walk: 12:34/19:09
Run/Walk: 12:58/15:46
Run/Walk: 13:31/17:07
Run/Walk: 13:31/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:05/15:46


Today is my first live race since Princess Half Marathon weekend, and I'm really looking forward to it. It's a 5K with staggered starts. I'm going to run it as a training run, so I can keep on track with my plan. I'm scheduled for a 5 mile run today, so I'm going to try to add in the last 2 miles at the end if I can. I'll see how that goes with the race set up. I'll try to get back on here later today with another update.

 

[Livelovedance]

Sunday, September 13, 2020
This morning I finally got to run a live race! It was a 5K with a limited number of people. Before the start of the race I took a walk around the paths and used that as my warm up. (In all the excitement I forgot to check the weather prior to the start. I didn't actually look until closer to the end of my run.)


T+D: 136


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Warm up
Distance: 1.85 mi
Total Time: 0:38:08
Avg. Pace: 20'35"/mi


Prior to the start of the race, we were asked to line up on marked 6 ft spots. I lined myself up in the back because my training plan called for 5 miles at Easy/LR pace, so I didn't want to be too far forward and be in the way or tempted to run faster. At the start time, they sent us off two people at a time. I still ran faster than I was supposed to, even when I tried to focus on the feel of my run and not the people around me. This race started later than my normal running time, which meant a lot of people were out and about. This caused a little issue for me with a number of people coming and going in different directions in one spot at the beginning of the race, but it cleared up later on. My pace improved when I finished the race and ran on my own in an open area for the last two miles.


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 5 mile @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 5.04 mi
Total Time: 1:07:46
Avg. Pace: 13'26"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 12'56"
Mile 2 = 12'51"
Mile 3 = 12'47"
Mile 4 = 14'10"
Mile 5 = 14'16"
0.04 = 17'49"

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: 5 mile @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 5.02 mi
Total Time: 1:07:36
Avg. Pace: 13'27"/mi
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 12:23/14:37
Run/Walk: 11:34/14:22
Run/Walk: 11:15/17:29
Run/Walk: 11:24/14:37
Run/Walk: 12:40/15:10
Run/Walk: 12:34/15:28
Run/Walk: 12:40/15:10
Run/Walk: 13:11/15:41
Run/Walk: 12:22/17:07
Run/Walk: 11:29/14:22
Run/Walk: 12:34/14:07
Run/Walk: 11:15/15:10
Run/Walk: 12:11/13:38
Run/Walk: 12:22/14:37
Run/Walk: 11:55/16:45
Run/Walk: 11:55/14:37
Run/Walk: 12:06/13:52
Run/Walk: 11:39/15:46
Run/Walk: 11:50/14:37
Run/Walk: 12:11/14:22
Run/Walk: 11:15/15:46
Run/Walk: 11:24/14:37
Run/Walk: 11:55/14:37
Run/Walk: 12:06/16:25
Run/Walk: 12:06/15:46
Run/Walk: 13:18/13:38
Run/Walk: 11:10/22:21
Run/Walk: 12:52/15:46
Run/Walk: 12:58/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:38/15:28
Run/Walk: 13:59/15:28
Run/Walk: 12:40/18:17
Run/Walk: 13:38/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:31/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:11/16:45
Run/Walk: 13:38/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:24/15:46
Run/Walk: 13:18/15:46
Run/Walk: 13:52/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:24/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:24/16:05
Run/Walk: 14:22/16:25
Run/Walk: 14:07/15:46
Run/Walk: 12:58/16:05
Run/Walk: 13:11/16:05


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Cool down
Distance: 0.50 mi
Total Time: 0:09:30
Avg. Pace: 18'52"/mi


Lesson learned - apparently it's not easy for me to run at Easy/LR pace during a race. I didn't feel like I was running too fast, but the app was notifying me to slow down by over 2 minutes, and I was finding it difficult to find that pace. I didn't feel like I was running too fast, and perhaps my stride was longer than it should've been, but I didn't feel too tired to complete the last of my miles for the day. It probably had to do with the adrenaline and excitement for a live race. I'm hoping the success of this race translates to more live races in the near future!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Way to go! I too struggle with the whole "training run at a race".

 

[Livelovedance]

Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Back today with a disappointing update. It's becoming more difficult to fit runs in. This morning I planned to get up bright and early to get my next run in before work. When I woke up it was early, but the complete opposite of bright. It was way too dark to go out there. And so it begins...

I'm posting today for accountability. I don't want this one missed run to cause me to give up and derail all of the work I've put in so far. It's hard to stay positive but I'm trying! One day at a time...

 

[DopeyBadger]

So you've still got a few weeks of training left before the race day. What's the strategy to attack the night moving forward? I highly recommend the Noxgear Tracer 360. A ton of us have one and it's really awesome for allowing others to see you. I supplement it with another light I attach to the front so I can see as well.

 

[avondale]

So you've still got a few weeks of training left before the race day. What's the strategy to attack the night moving forward? I highly recommend the Noxgear Tracer 360. A ton of us have one and it's really awesome for allowing others to see you. I supplement it with another light I attach to the front so I can see as well.

I second this. I run a loop on sidewalks around my neighborhood with a reflective vest, a light on my front and on my back, and knuckle flashlights. I don't usually run with earbuds/music on these runs so that I'm more aware of my surroundings. It actually can be pretty refreshing to run in the dark.

 

[Livelovedance]

So you've still got a few weeks of training left before the race day. What's the strategy to attack the night moving forward? I highly recommend the Noxgear Tracer 360. A ton of us have one and it's really awesome for allowing others to see you. I supplement it with another light I attach to the front so I can see as well.

I second this. I run a loop on sidewalks around my neighborhood with a reflective vest, a light on my front and on my back, and knuckle flashlights. I don't usually run with earbuds/music on these runs so that I'm more aware of my surroundings. It actually can be pretty refreshing to run in the dark.

Thanks for the advice! To be honest, I'm not comfortable running in my neighborhood (night or day) so I always run in one of the state parks in my area. The problem with that now is they open at sunrise, but now sunrise is now too late for me to get a run in before work, especially as the runs in the plan are getting longer. I have to just get the runs in when I can, with a rest day in between. Missing Wednesday put my schedule off a little bit, but I got a run in today and I'm going to do another Saturday morning. We'll see what happens from there!

 

[Livelovedance]

Thursday, September 17, 2020
I finally got a run in this week! I was able to fit it in between jobs today, which was a little tight and resulted in me forgetting my headphones and sunglasses which made this run a little difficult. It was very difficult to hear the prompts on my watch, and I didn't have my playlist. It was certainly a challenge, but it's done and that's what counts!


T+D: 138


I shortened my walk before and after to make sure I had time to get the mileage in.

Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Quick, short warm up
Distance: 0.26 mi
Total Time: 0:04:53
Avg. Pace: 18'47"/mi


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 2.5 mi @ WU (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces) + 5 x 30 sec @ R w/ 2 min RI + 0.5 mi @ CD (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces)
Distance: 4.07 mi
Total Time: 0:57:39
Avg. Pace: 14'09"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 14'21"
Mile 2 = 14'37"
Mile 3 = 13'46"
Mile 4 = 13'41"
0.07 = 16'11"

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: 2.5 mi @ WU (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces) + 5 x 30 sec @ R w/ 2 min RI + 0.5 mi @ CD (60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces)
Distance: 4.07 mi
Total Time: 0:57:32
Avg. Pace: 14'07"/mi
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 15:08/15:28
Run/Walk: 13:18/17:52
Run/Walk: 11:55/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:18/16:05
Run/Walk: 12:28/18:17
Run/Walk: 14:14/17:07
Run/Walk: 13:52/16:45
Run/Walk: 12:58/17:52
Run/Walk: 13:38/18:17
Run/Walk: 14:14/15:46
Run/Walk: 13:31/16:45
Run/Walk: 13:05/15:46
Run/Walk: 13:52/14:37
Run/Walk: 13:45/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:24/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:52/17:07
Run/Walk: 13:24/19:09
Run/Walk: 12:52/17:07
Run/Walk: 15:10/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:18/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:45/17:07
Run/Walk: 13:38/15:28
Run/Walk: 14:14/18:42
Run/Walk: 14:14/15:10
Run/Walk: 14:37/16:45
R Run/2 min Walk: 6:59/15:51
R Run/2 min Walk: 6:59/16:35
R Run/2 min Walk: 6:45/15:46
R Run/2 min Walk: 7:35/15:37
R Run/2 min Walk: 7:03/16:10
Run/Walk: 14:22/16:05
Run/Walk: 13:59/17:29
Run/Walk: 12:17/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:18/16:45
Run/Walk: 14:22/16:05


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Quick cool down
Distance: 0.40 mi
Total Time: 0:07:17
Avg. Pace: 18'10"/mi




Friday, September 18, 2020
The October 10K race I signed up for has been cancelled. It seemed inevitable, but I was still keeping hope alive. I am slightly happy that it didn't become a virtual race. Virtual runs did keep me motivated this summer, but I've done enough of them now. Even though I know not having a POT race isn't a big deal, I was looking forward to potentially having one. Even though I'll be running my own 10K at the end of the training plan, I was looking forward to a live race to see what I can do now vs last year, with the live race excitement as an added bonus...

 

[DopeyBadger]

Bummer about the 10k race. Try and think of something that could incentivize you. Maybe rewards for hitting certain milestone times or splits?

 

[Livelovedance]

Bummer about the 10k race. Try and think of something that could incentivize you. Maybe rewards for hitting certain milestone times or splits?

Great idea! My goal is to get a new 10K PR. With all the work I’ve put in, I should be able to make it happen! I’ll have to start thinking of a good reward...

 

[Livelovedance]

Sunday, September 20, 2020
I was really looking forward to this morning's run. Running in the morning is so much more enjoyable. I had a little bit of a rough start because I couldn't find my headphones, and I wasn't running without them again. Luckily they were found and I got myself out the door, ready to go.


T+D: 91
The "feels like" temperature was 4 degrees cooler than the actual temp! Fall is definitely on the way!


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Quick warm up
Distance: 0.50 mi
Total Time: 0:08:42
Avg. Pace: 17'13"/mi


Today was a 3 mile Easy/Long Run. After finishing my half mile walk, I started my apps and got ready for what should've been a nice, easy paced run with gorgeous weather. I got 0.3 miles into the run, and the intervals app stopped working. I didn't realize it right away, but I figured it out when I wasn't hearing the alert for the next interval. I stopped the Nike app and figured I'd just restart since I wasn't too far into the run.


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 3 mi @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 0.36 mi
Total Time: 0:05:24
Avg. Pace: 15'01"/mi
Splits:
0.36 = 15'01"

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: 3 mi @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 0.3 mi
Total Time: 0:04:22
Avg. Pace: 14'22"/mi
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 13:44/14:37
Run/Walk: 14:22/14:37
Run/Walk: 15:02/14:04


Started the Nike app again, followed by the Intervals app, which resulted in the same problem again at 0.34 miles!


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 3 mi @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 0.38 mi
Total Time: 0:05:32
Avg. Pace: 14'22"/mi
Splits:
0.38 = 14'22"

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: 3 mi @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 0.34 mi
Total Time: 0:57:13
Avg. Pace: 15'12"/mi
Intervals:
No Data


I started to wonder if there was a glitch with that specific workout, so I stopped and made a new workout for today's run, and tried one more time, with no success. After this failed attempt, I just finished the run on my own, looking at my watch to determine my walk/run times.


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 3 mi @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 3.00 mi
Total Time: 0:43:49
Avg. Pace: 14'34"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 14'25"
Mile 2 = 14'36"
Mile 3 = 14'36"


By this point I was running out of time, so I skipped my cool down walk. It was an easy pace, so I felt fine.

That afternoon my watch started glitching a lot. I started to wonder if I'd have to get it replaced, but apparently it just wanted the new update. I have yet to try it again during a run, but it has been working a lot better.

 

[Livelovedance]

It's been a long time, but I'm finally back with an update. Since my last post, I've gone through a roller coaster of feelings and emotions about a host of different things. I'm reminding myself to take one day at a time, do what I can, and not stress over things I can't control. Here's an update on running related happenings since September 20th:


Tuesday, September 22, 2020
I had a meeting this evening, between my regular responsibilities, so I went for a very brief walk around the building to get some fresh air before the meeting started (0.4 miles, 0:07:51). As I walked, I checked my personal emails and found the email regarding the 2021 Princess Half Marathon Weekend. Although I knew there was a possibility that this race could be cancelled, I didn't expect it to happen 5 months prior to the race. The work day was already tough, so this news didn't really help the day improve.


Wednesday, September 23, 2020
I received the emails to make my choices for the now virtual 2021 Princess Half Marathon Weekend. I went back and forth about the different options. I had already done quite a few virtual races/challenges this summer, and now that finding time and energy to run has become more difficult, I wasn't sure if I would be better off just taking the full refund and waiting until next year to try again... One positive - at least now I didn't have to feel bad about the 10K race I had registered for to use for proof of time being cancelled.


Thursday, September 24, 2020
Before going to sleep this night, I decided to take the More Magic Options for both the 5K and Fairy Tale Challenge. I needed to turn the negative into a positive, and have something (even though it's no where near the same thing) to look forward to. Although it wasn't the best financial decision, I justified it by saying registration fees were already spent anyway. Even though I'm not getting the runDisney live race experience, I'm still getting a little bit of money back in gift cards that I will eventually use whenever I can get back to WDW. I'm saving money by not attending the expo, and depending on if I still decide to go to Disney in February, I may save a lot of money on the room/food/souvenirs/etc. Whenever I do get the medals/shirts/etc, I'm going to try to make it a fun, positive, and memorable experience. No matter what, it will make me appreciate live runDisney races when they finally return!


Monday, September 28, 2020
I had some time for a run today, so I went out to my regular spot with my training notebook to see how far behind I was and what I could get done. I hadn't run since September 20th, and my next scheduled run was 10K pace (1 mile @ Easy + 4 x 1 mile @ 105/30 sec @ 10:52/17:00 paces w/ 5 min RI + 0.5 mile @ Easy). I decided against doing this run because 1 - it was supposed to take about an hour and a half and I didn't have that much time, and 2 - I didn't think it would go well after not running for over a week. I decided instead to do a 2 mile Easy/LR to get myself back into it.


T+D: 142


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Quick warm up
Distance: 0.50 mi
Total Time: 0:09:43
Avg. Pace: 19'19"/mi


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 2 mi @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 2.01 mi
Total Time: 0:30:09
Avg. Pace: 14'59"/mi
Splits:
1 = 14'40"
2 = 15'14"
0.01 = 21'43"
Notes = The Intervals Pro app ended just before 2 miles, so I just walked until the Nike app hit 2 miles. I might need to add the last walk interval back into this workout.

(Intervals Pro)
Focus: 2 mi @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 1.98 mi
Total Time: 0:29:32
Avg. Pace: 14'53"/mi
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 15:00/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:45/17:07
Run/Walk: 14:29/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:52/17:52
Run/Walk: 13:24/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:18/18:17
Run/Walk: 13:52/15:46
Run/Walk: 13:59/14:54
Run/Walk: 13:45/18:17
Run/Walk: 13:52/17:29
Run/Walk: 14:37/17:29
Run/Walk: 14:07/17:52
Run/Walk: 14:22/16:45
Run/Walk: 14:37/17:07
Run/Walk: 13:59/18:42
Run/Walk: 13:38/15:46
Run/Walk: 14:22/17:07
Run/Walk: 14:37/15:28
Run/Walk: 14:14/16:05
Run/Walk: 14:54/end


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Cool down
Distance: 0.50 mi
Total Time: 0:08:52
Avg. Pace: 17'39"/mi


Tuesday, September 29, 2020
I received an email about four new upcoming in person races. One was a 10K and the other a half marathon, both minutes from my house. I could've signed up for both races and chosen the better one for proof of time... I briefly considered signing up for one of them anyway. The races are limited capacity and a little pricy, and because I'm having difficulty getting training runs in during the week I decided against it. Hopefully this is a sign that more in person races are to come!


Wednesday, September 30, 2020
I received the confirmation emails from runDisney to confirm my choices for the virtual 5K and Fairy Tale Challenge. I started to wonder if I should switch to a full refund or one of the other options. I'm not sure how motivated I'll be to run a half marathon virtually in the winter - the only half marathons I've completed were 2 princess half marathons in Florida! In the end I decided to just stick with it and see what happens.


Friday, October 2, 2020
I had time for a run after work today, but I was tired from the week so I just stuck with another 2 mile Easy/LR. I do want to get back on track with my training plan and finish it (even though I'm incredibly behind) whenever and wherever I can.


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Quick warm up
Distance: 0.50 mi
Total Time: 0:08:58
Avg. Pace: 17'44"/mi


Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: 2 mi @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 2.00 mi
Total Time: 0:29:55
Avg. Pace: 14'56"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 14'44"
Mile 2 = 15'04"


(Intervals Pro)
Focus: 2 mi @ 60/30 sec @ 14:00/17:00 paces
Distance: 1.99 mi
Total Time: 0:29:32
Avg. Pace: 14'51"/mi
Intervals:
Run/Walk: 13:59/15:46
Run/Walk: 15:10/16:05
Run/Walk: 14:07/16:05
Run/Walk: 13:38/16:05
Run/Walk: 14:29/17:29
Run/Walk: 13:24/17:52
Run/Walk: 14:45/15:46
Run/Walk: 14:22/18:17
Run/Walk: 13:59/16:45
Run/Walk: 13:52/14:37
Run/Walk: 14:37/16:45
Run/Walk: 13:59/15:28
Run/Walk: 14:22/16:45
Run/Walk: 14:14/17:07
Run/Walk: 14:07/16:25
Run/Walk: 14:37/16:25
Run/Walk: 13:45/16:25
Run/Walk: 15:02/15:28
Run/Walk: 13:59/16:05
Run/Walk: 13:45/end


Outdoor Walk:
Focus: Cool down
Distance: 0.50 mi
Total Time: 0:09:01
Avg. Pace: 17'55"/mi

 

[Livelovedance]

Brief Life Update:
It’s been almost 2 months since my last post here. I haven’t ran since my last posted run on October 2nd, and I miss it. I really do.

Race cancellations and work stresses and life challenges... it’s been a rough 2020 for all of us. Some days hit me harder than others, and I definitely let myself fall into dark times. Today I find myself in a walking boot due to pain that started a couple weeks ago (not broken, but I’m supposed to rest and take a steroid to reduce inflammation). Maybe this is what I needed to get myself back in a better place.

I plan to continue running again. I’m still registered for all 3 Princess virtual runs and I plan to earn those medals, even if I’m not as trained and as ready as I wanted to be. Healing (physically and mentally) will be my push to get myself back out there.

One lesson I learned is my commitments don’t allow me the time to get multiple runs in a week in a safe manner. And I’ve learned that that’s okay. Any running is better than no running. When the summer returns, I’ll start my training plan fresh, with new energy and understanding.

I’m really looking forward to finding some sort of normalcy soon. Thank you for supporting me this summer, and helping me find my way back into the light!

Running isn’t cancelled!

 

[DopeyBadger]

Great to hear from you again. You've got this!

 

[Livelovedance]

I’m back, with run updates!

I’ve been fairly motivated but wanting to avoid injury since the new year began. I had registered for a virtual run/walk 202.0 Winter Miles Challenge that started in December, but wasn’t able to start it until January. I’ve been walking to try to get the miles in, and I’m determined to finish it before the deadline! Since I’m on “vacation” (staycation technically) this week, I’m trying to get more miles in while I have the free time.

Monday, February 15, 2021
On Sunday I started to get low key depressed about not heading to Disney for Princess Half Marathon weekend. I have the runDisney bug, and not being able to run live races with thousands of runners is completely understandable, but still disappointing. I know at this point I absolutely would not be comfortable being in such large crowds right now, so I know they made the right call making it a virtual event, but I’m hopeful that live races will return soon enough!

Back to Sunday... that afternoon I decided I was going to try to run the virtual Princess 5K. Complete disclaimer, I haven’t run at all since October 2nd, and I was nervous due to the foot issue I’ve been having, but I’m cleared by my orthopedist to run so I was willing to give it a try. I decided to get out there with no goals in mind other than to try. If it was painful, or if I didn’t feel ready, I’d just walk it.

Monday morning I got out there and did an unstructured run/walk, and felt INCREDIBLE! I had forgotten how good running makes me feel, even when I couldn’t run as much as I wanted to. I’m completely undertrained and I was being cautious with my foot, but one simple run brought me so much pride and confidence. Runners high is completely real...

Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: TRY
Distance: 3.10 mi
Total Time: 0:46:32
Avg. Pace: 14'59"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 15'07"
Mile 2 = 15'11"
Mile 3 = 14'47"
0.10 = 13'38"

This run was everything I needed! My only goal was to try, and I was so proud that I was able to finish it without pain. I took it very easy, ran when I felt up to it, walked when I thought I should, and didn’t try to push myself too hard. In my excited mental state, I decided I’d take a rest day Tuesday to make sure I was okay, and then attempt the Fairy Tale Challenge that I’m also signed up for.

Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Today was a beautiful day. I started to say I should’ve made today my 5K, but I was still happy with my completion. I went about my day, and in the afternoon decided to check the forecast for the rest of the week. Bad weather is on the way, which would completely derail my Fairy Tale Challenge plans... I made a quick decision to lace up my running shoes and turn my rest day into a 10K!

To be fair, I was in no pain, but I also was not mentally prepared for another run day. I decided to do it because I wanted to be able to finish what I started, and my goal was exactly the same, to try, and walk it if I needed to.

I started late in the day, and it was extremely windy. Running with the wind was awesome, but running against it was complete torture, which definitely impacted my performance. It started to get dark in the second half and I just wanted to finish...

Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: TRY
Distance: 6.20 mi
Total Time: 1:27:36
Avg. Pace: 14'08"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 13'55"
Mile 2 = 13'57"
Mile 3 = 14'22"
Mile 4 = 14'11"
Mile 5 = 14'18"
Mile 6 = 14'11"
0.20 = 13'28"

If I was excited after finishing the 5K Monday, I was ELATED after the 10K! This was a last minute decision, and completing it felt incredible. I think a huge part of it is that I’m able to accomplish these runs without pain, but another part of it is that I’m virtually participating in a race weekend that I truly enjoy. This will sound incredibly cheesy, but knowing that I’m getting out there and other Princess runners are doing the same is very motivating. I put the virtual runDisney playlist on (with some modifications - the Disney Junior songs... ) and I did what I could virtually with the other runDisney runners!


Today’s plan is to attempt the half marathon before the bad weather starts to roll in. I’ve never run a half marathon outside of Disney, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous , but I’ve come this far and I have to try. As much as I’d rather be running it at Disney with the energy of thousands of runners, water/Powerade stations, and character stops, I think completing it at home will bring an even bigger sense of accomplishment! I’ll run when I can, walk when I need to, take my time, and try to have fun doing it!

 

[Livelovedance]

Wednesday, February 17, 2021
I did it! I ran the half marathon - my first half marathon that didn’t take place in Disney!

I got a little bit of a late start as I tried to decide what I wanted to bring with me. I wore some cold weather gear and was able to remove some and leave them in the car as I got started. The first half was great.

After the halfway mark, things started to go downhill. I started to hit a wall around mile 7. I probably I started too fast for the distance I was going to run. The sun disappeared behind the clouds. The wind picked up like yesterday while I was running against it. I got tired of the runDisney Virtual Princess playlist and decided to switch to my tried and true running playlist, only to find that half of it was missing. I started getting hungry, and I got into a bad headspace. I know a lot about running is mental, and I got a true taste of that today!

Running half marathons in Disney isn’t easy, but when you have the social, emotional, and mental support of a live race in the most magical place on earth with thousands of runners all striving for the same goal, it’s a little easier to stay positive. I found this to be a lot harder on my own. I know I was undertrained and I took on a challenging task, but I accepted that. I hit the wall around mile 7, and had to find ways to push through that second half of the run.

Outdoor Run:
(Nike Run Club)
Focus: TRY.. and finish!
Distance: 13.10 mi
Total Time: 3:24:06
Avg. Pace: 15'35"/mi
Splits:
Mile 1 = 16'16"
Mile 2 = 14'33"
Mile 3 = 14'57"
Mile 4 = 14'54"
Mile 5 = 14'30"
Mile 6 = 15'44"
Mile 7 = 16'26"
Mile 8 = 15'39"
Mile 9 = 15'42"
Mile 10 = 15'40"
Mile 11 = 15'45"
Mile 12 = 16'33"
Mile 13 = 15'49"
0.10 = 16'02"

Despite my second half struggles, I’m very proud of what I was able to accomplish. I finished with no pain; I was honestly just tired. I completed all three Princess Weekend races virtually three days in a row, which was not planned, and I did them all with an “easy run” mentality. So what’s next?

My next running goal is the WDW Marathon in 2022. I’m hoping that the race is able to be held live, because I’m not doing my first marathon virtually! If the race is able to happen, I’m also hoping I’ll be able to train for, find and complete a live race for POT.

Once I complete the winter miles challenge that I’m working on, I’m hoping to build in time to restart my DopeyBadger 10K training plan. I’m hoping to start in the spring, but if not, definitely in the summer!

These past few days have been a whirlwind, but I’m proud of my accomplishments! It felt great to find the joy of running again, and I look forward to strength and improvement over time!