Twelve Months of Training and Travel

[annmarieda]

This week was pretty much uneventful in training. Still working on negative splits, running 2 - 45 minute runs and then one long run. Long run this week was 5 miles. So this week got in approximately (a little more than) 15 miles. Weather got a tad warm here this week and so that made for some interesting runs. I promised Cynthia I wouldn't bail on running in the heat though.. but 70 bout killed me so what will I do when it hits 80?

Thursday was another adventure run put on by Roadrunner Sports. This time, it was just three of us. We all arrived separately. It was just Steve, Zach and myself. It was a fun evening. Zach arrived first and then waited for me. He and I then checked in and then hit the vendor fair. There were lots of vendors so we got to try honey sting products and vitacoconut water. There were race promoters and my interest in a couple was peaked. Steve arrived in time to enjoy each booth as well. During the prerun festivities, Steve won a Brooks brand shirt. (that was a race shirt for a local race) Too small for him but perfect for me. It is black with a pirate on the back.

Finally, the map was released. We spent a lot of time trying to figure out where to go. For the last year, the map has been almost the same. Various shops/merchants all within the same general area. Often times, round trip the run may be about 2 or 3 miles (a tad further if you hit the far outlining point) So the map just didn't look right to me. Normally there are tons of points all around the start and finish point. This time there were only a couple. I was sure I was missing something. We ended up just trying to follow some people. That took us to a large fountain where (for extra tickets) people were running through. Steve and Zach ran through. We continued on to a point that is normally on the edge of the map. This is a cross fit gym. Zach did the required burpies to get extra tickets. We then had to attempt to find another point. Only this point was even farther away from the start and finish. It was about a mile and a half out. So there and back and some running around to other points could easily hit 4 miles. It was hot but we had a lot of fun.

We returned to the start/finish and went straight to the beer garden. One nice thing about these runs is that you can purchase a ticket(or two) for the beer garden. The ticket (good for one beer) only costs a buck! We then divided up our ticket (one side to keep, the other to turn in for the raffle).

Not sure why we didn't take any pictures of us ourselves, but here is one that was taken of me. (there are other pics that we are partially in but at least this one you can see it is me)

The beer garden was lively. Lots of hooting and hollering. Overall just fun. The three of us did not have any of our tickets called, but we did snag quick the number of packets of various gel products. (mostly cliff shots). Swag is thrown into the crowd inbetween tickets being called. Zach was excited that a lot of the gels thrown hit him in the head. I guess the benefit of being over 6' tall?

We decided to go to the after party. These are always fun too. A great way to have an extra chance at some prizes as well as get some dinner. I had won a gift certificate to the place last month so it was an added bonus that we would eat there.

Steve had his ticket called during dinner. He won a certificate to the restaurant and a tanning gift card. Immediately Zach snagged the tanning GC for Kimberly. Then Zach's ticket was called and he won a free entry into the Dirty Dash. This was so exciting! Turned out the race promoter was there and had an extra free entry. So in exchange for Steve's restaurant GC, she gave him (which he then gave to Zach for Kimberly) the entry into the Dirty Dash. THEN the promoter gave us a 30% off code for the rest of our family (should we want to go)

What makes this neat is the event will be on Zach and Kimberly's 2 year anniversary weekend. AND the first real girl friend/boy friend thing the two did was the Dirty Dash two years ago. I use to have a great action shot of them at it... but can't seem to scavenge one from their facebook so this will have to do.

I am not sure that Steve and I will go. Mud? Obstacles? Could be fun though.

So I am pretty happy with how this run turned out. We got a bit more running in than in previous runs (oh yeah and they offered pacer groups this time. I could not figure out why they were doing that... but given the distance involved it made sense. Next month I am going to join a pacer group!) Steve was probably the "big winner" Sadly though.. he really didn't get to keep any of his prizes.

 

[eandesmom]

I just wish that Steve had communicated better with them in advance so that they were not forced to make that kind of decision.

that is the story of my life with Jeff and his folks. Graduation drama over here so I feel your pain!

Well, I am trying to work on them. I have yet to get a really good negative split on any of the runs I have been doing. Today was much more warm and humid than I am use to. I am trying really hard to avoid going out too early. 70 with 60% humidity really isn't too bad... but it KILLED ME. So believe me... I will not be waiting on you.

The humidity is tough, worse than the temp I think and hard to get used to. I am definitely not acclimated to it yet.

I definitely PR'd the course, but again... weather? I really think that played a pretty large role. I would like to think my ability has improved but the fact is I see in my training runs that my pace is much slower than it was a year ago.

It was a great run! Just enjoy it and your time. Sometimes all the stars align and ability is definitely one of them! Mood, weather, ability, all of it. Great race and wonderful time! Significantly faster than my 8K on Sunday that is for sure.

As for your training runs, are you really comparing apples to apples? Shorter runs will be faster and you've changed up your schedule. Training runs, especially longer ones are not necessarily supposed to be "fast". But you know that.

It is kinda one of those weird.. it is ok for him to know they are flaky and for him even say they are... but for me to point it out is too far.

Yep, and that's just how it goes. We have the same dynamics over here and I have to be careful.

The trip.. well, not a lot of availability when it comes to DVC for fall. I don't want to add one night at one resort and another at a completely different. So that leaves

1. paying oop... which I would be fine with if I could book POFQ.
   
2. Staying at an off property... which I am less fine with.
   
3. Staying down in Tampa.. which would work too, but I have no experience with hotels there so I would need to do some research.
   
4. Staying on Siesta Key ... which I think would be more costly so probably out.
   
5. Staying in Sarasota.. most cost effective but it could be a pain to have to go to and from Siesta Key. I also would worry that we would be in the way. OR that Steve would feel sensitive to the fact that I was right in his parents lack of availability.
   
6. Staying up near US and trying a day at WWOHP.. since we have never been, maybe this would be a fun option.

Oy! Is Siesta Key where you will need to drive back and forth to? That'd be a bit of a haul from US as fun as that might be. Tampa itself wouldn't be much of a draw for me. I love Clearwater and Indian Rocks beach but that's heading the wrong way. Sarasosta seems like a good option if Siesta is where you'll be driving to.

Good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

You guys are so cute with your adventure runs! Looks like fun.

A mud run? No thanks. I know lots of folks love them but...not for me.

I truly love my mom. However, I too laugh at much of the things she does. I am not kidding or exaggerating when I say that when Kira was about to get married, she did not come because she truly felt that she would die any day. Why would she think or say this you ask? She is quite healthy. She just tends to like to think she is too old for anything and that her age would indicate an imminent departure from this world. She hasn't been complaining about being so near death lately..not since I ran that race in March where I could not for the life of me catch up to a lady that was my mothers age.

Still though, that had to be SO frustrating at the time!

That is awesome! And to get it done in the heat AND humidity?

I am going to try really hard to fight the urge to go out before it gets too hot this summer. I may attempt early morning runs just on my long saturday runs. Then I will attempt to brave the heat during the week. I think early morning it tends to be more humid here... but then the afternoons will be warmer. Maybe that will be a good balance

The mornings are far more humid here. It was something like 77% for the race on sunday. Only upper 50's but you noticed the humidity for sure, especially when the sun came out from behind the clouds! I'd worn capri tights and was wishing I had shorts on about a mile in for sure.

In the summer heat we do our long runs early on Sunday and our weekday runs at night. We don't have a choice on the weekday ones so the heat is what it is but on Sunday we do try to beat it. Or on the flip side if it's colder, run a little later so it warms up some.

Maybe cause it was getting hotter by the second half?

Or that we'd been out late and had too much food and drink the night before.

Man that pool felt great! Yay for sports bras that are designed to be worn alone. That's all I have to say about that.

 

[Ariel484]

Sounds like a solid week despite the warmer weather. I'm not looking forward to those 80-degree temperatures either...

Adventure run sounds fun!! You guys seem to have pretty decent luck when it comes to winning prizes at these events! Hopefully Steve will get to keep one next time!

Way to go on the burpees, Zach!! Burpees are sooooo hard.

Cute picture of you! I like your purple headband and skirt.

Kudos to Zach and Kimberly for doing the Dirty Dash (and to you and Steve as well if you decide to do it)...not for me!! I'd break an ankle or something.

Have a great week!!

 

[TigerTown]

Weather got a tad warm here this week and so that made for some interesting runs. I promised Cynthia I wouldn't bail on running in the heat though.. but 70 bout killed me so what will I do when it hits 80?

I'm not really a warm weather runner either. I'll do it when necessary but I usually end up slowing my pace down to compensate for the heat.

Thursday was another adventure run put on by Roadrunner Sports.

This race sounds like a ton of fun. It makes me wish we had a Roadrunner shop up here in MI.

Next month I am going to join a pacer group!).

I used a pace group for my current PR race. It really helps with the motivation!

 

[annmarieda]

that is the story of my life with Jeff and his folks. Graduation drama over here so I feel your pain!

I think when family is concerned there is always drama... even with the best families.

The humidity is tough, worse than the temp I think and hard to get used to. I am definitely not acclimated to it yet.

Yesterday's run was not horrible... I checked when I got back and the humidity was only at 68% so probably a tad higher when I went out. Either about 70% isn't bad or I am getting acclimated because it wasn't too rough.

It was a great run! Just enjoy it and your time. Sometimes all the stars align and ability is definitely one of them! Mood, weather, ability, all of it. Great race and wonderful time! Significantly faster than my 8K on Sunday that is for sure.

Well...I didn't stop to take pictures of anyone crossing a bridge. Something tells me that has an affect on your time.

As for your training runs, are you really comparing apples to apples? Shorter runs will be faster and you've changed up your schedule. Training runs, especially longer ones are not necessarily supposed to be "fast". But you know that.

Oh... I don't know. I think year one... I saw marked improvement. I mean... I think I was up over 14 minutes per mile when I first started. A year later and I was about where I am now. Then I got down a tad. So my fastest 5 mile time is about 30 seconds faster than I currently am averaging. And it wasn't a one time deal either. Maybe this is just what pace I will always be... I suppose I need to just accept that. I mean, I always knew I wouldn't be a 6 minute mile runner...nor 7... but I kinda thought I might get down to 8 minutes for those 4 or 5 mile runs... and 9 for long ones like a half marathon. And you are right though... longer training runs aren't suppose to be fast... I know.

Yep, and that's just how it goes. We have the same dynamics over here and I have to be careful.

I guess that is pretty normal. I think most people are like that. Although... I think he may say my family are crazy more often than I do, and I tolerate that just fine - because it is the truth. Maybe some people just can't handle the truth.

Oy! Is Siesta Key where you will need to drive back and forth to? That'd be a bit of a haul from US as fun as that might be. Tampa itself wouldn't be much of a draw for me. I love Clearwater and Indian Rocks beach but that's heading the wrong way. Sarasosta seems like a good option if Siesta is where you'll be driving to.

Well, all the what ifs and drama were unnecessary. They are keeping the house on Anna Maria Island. Had we decided to just do US, we would have just picked a place in orlando to stay. Tampa is where we fly home from...so that was the only draw there really. (to make it easier to get to the airport) If mil and fil change their minds again (which is their right and honestly I am not sure it isn't the better choice for them given that they need to tend to mil's dads affairs in Sarasota) Staying in Sarasota with them at the house would certainly be a good option to be able to spend time on Siesta Key.

You guys are so cute with your adventure runs! Looks like fun.

I enjoy them. Most real races I go to are "all business". The only one that even came close to being a bit more... "rowdy" was the Seahawks 12k. I enjoy that kind of prerace/postrace atmosphere. I think that is why Disney races are so fun for me AND why I like the adventure runs. I love the camaraderie and the hooting and hollering. Normally there isn't a ton of running though... this last time though there was. It was like after we started running. NEVER do they ask if we want to be in a pacer group. I just kinda scoffed and said no this time. My thought was you barely run...why would you need a pacer group. Then I realize it was like doing a 5k or longer. PLUS you need to navigate. The pace leaders have the map so there is no need to think about where you are headed. I think this would make for a far less stressful time.

A mud run? No thanks. I know lots of folks love them but...not for me.

Yeah... I had tried last year to get Steve to do one. They looked like fun...kinda. Then I started to realize that I really wouldn't be up for the climbing and slipping and sliding. I am not so young ya know. I did have fun at the color run.. but even that... the powder was irritating to my lungs. Maybe an electric run would be fun... but then again... maybe I would feel old and out of place.

Still though, that had to be SO frustrating at the time!

It was. I had more important things to tackle though. (note to self... never try and do the job of a DOC when you are mother of the bride.)

Or that we'd been out late and had too much food and drink the night before.

Man that pool felt great! Yay for sports bras that are designed to be worn alone. That's all I have to say about that.

I think that is awesome you could do that. I am a tad jealous... I can't remember the last time I could wear a binki... maybe it was never My big old gut... well... maybe not HUGE... but I definitely do not have a pretty tummy after 4 kids. Still... to be able to just shed some clothes and jump in must have been fantastic!

Sounds like a solid week despite the warmer weather. I'm not looking forward to those 80-degree temperatures either...

Yeah... 80 is just too hot for me. I am terrified it will be 80 during the DLH. Course the humidity is likely to be near 0 (at least that is what I am telling myself)

Adventure run sounds fun!! You guys seem to have pretty decent luck when it comes to winning prizes at these events! Hopefully Steve will get to keep one next time!

We as a group have pretty good luck. When we have at least 4 of us there...we are bound to have someone win something. They advertise that they give out $3000 in prizes every month. I imagine that is true. I think most people come away with at least some swag.

Way to go on the burpees, Zach!! Burpees are sooooo hard.

OMG! He made them look easy. Zach is a pretty big dude. Over 6' and over 200 pounds. Yet he popped up and jumped so high he looked like he had little trouble getting that size or weight into the air. I guess now that he is back to the military full time and he gets to work out during the day (while being paid) it helps him be able to do things like this more easily.

Cute picture of you! I like your purple headband and skirt.

Thanks! I tried to be a tad stylin. If you notice... the laces on my shoes match the florescent shirt.

Kudos to Zach and Kimberly for doing the Dirty Dash (and to you and Steve as well if you decide to do it)...not for me!! I'd break an ankle or something.

You bring up a great point! I would be sure to turn an ankle!! Zach and Kimberly though... they are both rough and tumbley people.

I'm not really a warm weather runner either. I'll do it when necessary but I usually end up slowing my pace down to compensate for the heat.

I think most people do. I need to look up what is said about it.... something like you lose 30 seconds for every 10 degrees over 60. Is that right?

This race sounds like a ton of fun. It makes me wish we had a Roadrunner shop up here in MI.

RR isn't the closest store to me but it is well worth the drive. Not only do they have this great (as well as others) event, but they have great customer service.

I used a pace group for my current PR race. It really helps with the motivation!

I have never used one. I will next month at the adventure race just to be able to follow and not try and navigate a silly map. I can manage it if the check points are pretty close together...but spread out.. I got all confused.

 

[swwake]

Annie, I got a RK PR today on my interval run. It's not fast, not even as fast as my 5 mile race finish lat November, but for intervals, I'll take it. I race this Sunday an 8k. Even though I've been training 2.5/1 intervals, I think I'm going to try to run the whole thing. Goal is to finish under an hour, which I think I'll have no problem with. Maybe I should stretch goal

 

[annmarieda]

Annie, I got a RK PR today on my interval run. It's not fast, not even as fast as my 5 mile race finish lat November, but for intervals, I'll take it. I race this Sunday an 8k. Even though I've been training 2.5/1 intervals, I think I'm going to try to run the whole thing. Goal is to finish under an hour, which I think I'll have no problem with. Maybe I should stretch goal

That is awesome! Sounds like your training is paying off! I get all sorts of notifications when you use RK. Makes me smile each time I see one come through :

Have fun at your race on Sunday! I hope to see/read something about it. Be sure to at least share on Facebook . Funny- seems like last year I didn't see hardly any 8k races.... Now seems like there are more and more. Maybe cause 5 miles is a nice distance. I personally really like 5 miles

As for you goal- you got this!!! I know you can sub an hour :

 

[TigerTown]

I think most people do. I need to look up what is said about it.... something like you lose 30 seconds for every 10 degrees over 60. Is that right?

You're close I've hired Jeff Galloway to help me get through my half marathons and Dopey training this year. His rule of thumb for me is to slow down by 30 sec/mile for every 5F temperature increase above 60F.

RR isn't the closest store to me but it is well worth the drive. Not only do they have this great (as well as others) event, but they have great customer service.

They do have great customer service and I order most of my shoes from them with the VIP discount. I'm just a bit sad that they don't have any stores by us

 

[annmarieda]

You're close I've hired Jeff Galloway to help me get through my half marathons and Dopey training this year. His rule of thumb for me is to slow down by 30 sec/mile for every 5F temperature increase above 60F.

Holy cow that is even more substantial. So if I can do 9 in 60 degree weather it would be 10 in 70... 11 in 80 ???!!!! Yikes!!!

They do have great customer service and I order most of my shoes from them with the VIP discount. I'm just a bit sad that they don't have any stores by us

that is sad... But at least there is the online store that you can still use. :

 

[eandesmom]

I think when family is concerned there is always drama... even with the best families.

Yep. I guess the key is whether you still speak to each other, get over it an move on. Or in our case, laugh it off.

Yesterday's run was not horrible... I checked when I got back and the humidity was only at 68% so probably a tad higher when I went out. Either about 70% isn't bad or I am getting acclimated because it wasn't too rough.

Tuesday's wasn't bad for me. I did a bit of an odd run though so it's hard to measure. I don't want to overdo it with the 15k on Sunday so decided to do a about a 4.25 mile course but break it into a 2 mile run at normal pace, walk, 1 one mile run at a slightly faster one, walk and then a short sprint just to see where my times would be.

Overall I thought it was a good training exercise but man was I wiped out later that night. I seriously hit a wall at about 9:30 pm! I'd gone out for the run straight from PT where they kicked my behind with a slew of new things. The downfall to improvement (which I chalk up to vacation and that SSR massage) is they jumped on it and had me doing things I've not done in ages. Which then meant I was sore yesterday. Good workout sore but yikes. I have PT again today, followed by a run so am really not sure what I should do run wise. I'll have 2 days off but...

Well...I didn't stop to take pictures of anyone crossing a bridge. Something tells me that has an affect on your time.

LOL. Yeah. Multiple stops. Stop to high five him, stop to take the phone out, get situated, run ahead of them a little and then run around and run backwards to take the pic. Then phone off and rezipped up. I am guessing that cost me a minute. If I take the minute off my final time I'd have been at a 8:59 pace. Which seems about right given the water walks.

Oh... I don't know. I think year one... I saw marked improvement. I mean... I think I was up over 14 minutes per mile when I first started. A year later and I was about where I am now. Then I got down a tad. So my fastest 5 mile time is about 30 seconds faster than I currently am averaging. And it wasn't a one time deal either. Maybe this is just what pace I will always be... I suppose I need to just accept that. I mean, I always knew I wouldn't be a 6 minute mile runner...nor 7... but I kinda thought I might get down to 8 minutes for those 4 or 5 mile runs... and 9 for long ones like a half marathon. And you are right though... longer training runs aren't suppose to be fast... I know.

I'd like to be under 9 but I have no greater aspirations than that unless I seriously change my training effort. Which I don't intend do. LOL!

I guess that is pretty normal. I think most people are like that. Although... I think he may say my family are crazy more often than I do, and I tolerate that just fine - because it is the truth. Maybe some people just can't handle the truth.

I hear you there

I enjoy them. Most real races I go to are "all business". The only one that even came close to being a bit more... "rowdy" was the Seahawks 12k. I enjoy that kind of prerace/postrace atmosphere. I think that is why Disney races are so fun for me AND why I like the adventure runs. I love the camaraderie and the hooting and hollering. Normally there isn't a ton of running though... this last time though there was. It was like after we started running. NEVER do they ask if we want to be in a pacer group. I just kinda scoffed and said no this time. My thought was you barely run...why would you need a pacer group. Then I realize it was like doing a 5k or longer. PLUS you need to navigate. The pace leaders have the map so there is no need to think about where you are headed. I think this would make for a far less stressful time.

You would have enjoyed Beat the Bridge. Tons of fun but also sort of serious running to...at least if you wanted to beat the bridge. I expect Sunday to be much more "all business". Hoping the costume aspect helps.

I think that is awesome you could do that. I am a tad jealous... I can't remember the last time I could wear a binki... maybe it was never My big old gut... well... maybe not HUGE... but I definitely do not have a pretty tummy after 4 kids. Still... to be able to just shed some clothes and jump in must have been fantastic!

Well it was that or go for the wet tshirt (tank top) look. I figured it was the lesser of evils. It was nice though to just take off shoes, shirt, sunglasses and go in. I even left my watch on!

Yeah... 80 is just too hot for me. I am terrified it will be 80 during the DLH. Course the humidity is likely to be near 0 (at least that is what I am telling myself)

I don't think it will be 80 if we finish on time. 70 for sure. If we are lucky, mid to high 60's at race start. At least that's my hope as I'll have plenty of training runs in those temps.

I think most people do. I need to look up what is said about it.... something like you lose 30 seconds for every 10 degrees over 60. Is that right?

Yeah, something like that

 

[annmarieda]

Yep. I guess the key is whether you still speak to each other, get over it an move on. Or in our case, laugh it off.

We don't laugh it off..that is for sure. More like we act like there is nothing to say. However we do move on so that is at least good.

Tuesday's wasn't bad for me. I did a bit of an odd run though so it's hard to measure. I don't want to overdo it with the 15k on Sunday so decided to do a about a 4.25 mile course but break it into a 2 mile run at normal pace, walk, 1 one mile run at a slightly faster one, walk and then a short sprint just to see where my times would be.

Sounds like you are working on some speed work. Oh..and are you dong the 15k? I thought you were doing the 10k for some reason.

Overall I thought it was a good training exercise but man was I wiped out later that night. I seriously hit a wall at about 9:30 pm! I'd gone out for the run straight from PT where they kicked my behind with a slew of new things. The downfall to improvement (which I chalk up to vacation and that SSR massage) is they jumped on it and had me doing things I've not done in ages. Which then meant I was sore yesterday. Good workout sore but yikes. I have PT again today, followed by a run so am really not sure what I should do run wise. I'll have 2 days off but...

With the PT, it must be like just one more training routine to fit in. Especially if you end up sore at the end of it. I imagine that it leaves you tired on those days you "double up" I know when I do my own run and then go out with Steve too... those are the days I am most tired by the evening.

LOL. Yeah. Multiple stops. Stop to high five him, stop to take the phone out, get situated, run ahead of them a little and then run around and run backwards to take the pic. Then phone off and rezipped up. I am guessing that cost me a minute. If I take the minute off my final time I'd have been at a 8:59 pace. Which seems about right given the water walks.

Even with stops/walks/pictures.. you did awesome! Plus you now have a great family memory. Definitely a great race!

I'd like to be under 9 but I have no greater aspirations than that unless I seriously change my training effort. Which I don't intend do. LOL!

I think that you will continue to improve and definitely will see a pace closer to 8 - especially on shorter runs.

I hear ya on not changing effort though. I have really been making an attempt. Today I realized it would be a fail so I decided to just enjoy the run. I may have spoke way to soon about being acclimated to 70% humidity. So while I have a plan that will include taking those steps... I really just am happier to just "kick back" and run what feels comfortable.

I expect Sunday to be much more "all business". Hoping the costume aspect helps.

I looked at the number of participants last year and it didnt seem like it was an absurd amount. It was called by a different name last year... a different theme, I think. I was looking through pictures... it was funny to be able to recognize someone.

Well it was that or go for the wet tshirt (tank top) look. I figured it was the lesser of evils. It was nice though to just take off shoes, shirt, sunglasses and go in. I even left my watch on!

I bet it was far more comfortable to ditch the tank and shoes. What a way to end a run!

I don't think it will be 80 if we finish on time. 70 for sure. If we are lucky, mid to high 60's at race start. At least that's my hope as I'll have plenty of training runs in those temps.

I hope you are right. If the temp is in the mid 60s before the sun comes up I should be ok.

 

[swwake]

That is awesome! Sounds like your training is paying off! I get all sorts of notifications when you use RK. Makes me smile each time I see one come through :

Have fun at your race on Sunday! I hope to see/read something about it. Be sure to at least share on Facebook . Funny- seems like last year I didn't see hardly any 8k races.... Now seems like there are more and more. Maybe cause 5 miles is a nice distance. I personally really like 5 miles

As for you goal- you got this!!! I know you can sub an hour :

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement, Ann. That's why I share my run stuff with you

Holy cow that is even more substantial. So if I can do 9 in 60 degree weather it would be 10 in 70... 11 in 80 ???!!!! Yikes!!!

that is sad... But at least there is the online store that you can still use. :

Whew! Now I feel better about my 12 minute miles at 85F on hills. Maybe I could run at a sub 9 pace at 60F with no hills

 

[eandesmom]

We don't laugh it off..that is for sure. More like we act like there is nothing to say. However we do move on so that is at least good.

That's how Jeff's family is. Well except for the moving on part with one of them. Sigh.

Sounds like you are working on some speed work. Oh..and are you dong the 15k? I thought you were doing the 10k for some reason.

I would definitely not call it that. If I did it on a recurring basis, maybe. It would have to be speedier in the first place to count. LOL!

15K for me. Jeff (and Michelle too) are doing the 10. Jeff's goal was to win his age bracket but he's backed off of that. He has a pulled groin muscle so is a little wary of going all out. He did come in 3rd at Beat the Bridge and that constant 3rd or 4th place is driving him nuts. LOL!

As for me, I see it as a training run. I really really really hope to improve on my 15K time but I just can't truly see it being fast enough (there are a few hills lol) to improve my POT enough for submission. I did Birch Bay in 1:26:xx. To use for a new POT I think I'd need it to be at 1:22:xx. Shaving 27 seconds per mile off, over 9.3 miles....yeah, don't see it happening. I do think it will be a better time, it certainly should be, but probably more in the 1-2 minutes improvement category.

With the PT, it must be like just one more training routine to fit in. Especially if you end up sore at the end of it. I imagine that it leaves you tired on those days you "double up" I know when I do my own run and then go out with Steve too... those are the days I am most tired by the evening.

Generally it doesn't leave me sore like that. Worrying about what to do for a run last night was a moot point. Eric's track meet went until 7:30 and by then I was done. So it will just be the gym tomorrow and race sunday. More of a taper than I'd planned, hopefully that will be a good and not a bad thing.

I think that you will continue to improve and definitely will see a pace closer to 8 - especially on shorter runs.

What is short?

I rarely do anything less than 4 miles and I don't see that turning into a 8 min/mile pace. Could it move to consistently under 9? Yeah, maybe. I tend to take them all pretty easy and just enjoy. But, do I want to give up that aspect? Not really. Could I do a mile at 8? Maybe. 8:30? Probably. 2 miles? No.

I looked at the number of participants last year and it didnt seem like it was an absurd amount. It was called by a different name last year... a different theme, I think. I was looking through pictures... it was funny to be able to recognize someone.

oh how funny! Yes, it was called "Seattle's best 15K". I don't know if they had a 10 as well in the past. It looked to be in the 300 range last year which is a nice size. It will be interesting to see what it ends up being size wise.

I bet it was far more comfortable to ditch the tank and shoes. What a way to end a run!

Yep, I'll need to do it again someday, it was very fun!

I hope you are right. If the temp is in the mid 60s before the sun comes up I should be ok.

I hope I am right too!

 

[annmarieda]

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement, Ann. That's why I share my run stuff with you

I hope to be encouraging. It is my intent any way. If I ever make you feel like I am not being supportive or rather not being helpful...just know my intentions are good

Whew! Now I feel better about my 12 minute miles at 85F on hills. Maybe I could run at a sub 9 pace at 60F with no hills

I am thinking... YES! OMG, I think I would drag myself to a finish with 85 degree weather and hills. (thus I would be well over a 12 minute mile. )

That's how Jeff's family is. Well except for the moving on part with one of them. Sigh.

I think that moving on part can be the hardest part.

15K for me. Jeff (and Michelle too) are doing the 10. Jeff's goal was to win his age bracket but he's backed off of that. He has a pulled groin muscle so is a little wary of going all out. He did come in 3rd at Beat the Bridge and that constant 3rd or 4th place is driving him nuts. LOL!

Ok, for some reason I had it backwards. I thought he was doing 15k and you 10. Who knows though... maybe even with the pulled groin he will be able to win in his bracket. I will be rooting for him (and you and Michelle too of course) I bet you all will have an awesome time!!! (I am of course a tad jealous...but I can get over it )

As for me, I see it as a training run. I really really really hope to improve on my 15K time but I just can't truly see it being fast enough (there are a few hills lol) to improve my POT enough for submission. I did Birch Bay in 1:26:xx. To use for a new POT I think I'd need it to be at 1:22:xx. Shaving 27 seconds per mile off, over 9.3 miles....yeah, don't see it happening. I do think it will be a better time, it certainly should be, but probably more in the 1-2 minutes improvement category.

Even if you don't make it a better POT... I bet you totally PR that distance!! Birch Bay was windy after all!!! So maybe shaving 4 minutes off wouldn't be too outside the realm of possibility! I can't wait to read how the race went. Take some pre race shots for me, okay? If I can't be there for the fun, maybe I can at least live vicariously.

Generally it doesn't leave me sore like that. Worrying about what to do for a run last night was a moot point. Eric's track meet went until 7:30 and by then I was done. So it will just be the gym tomorrow and race sunday. More of a taper than I'd planned, hopefully that will be a good and not a bad thing.

You will do awesome!!

What is short?

OMG, right? I feel like such a slacker right now running 5 miles. 5 miles is a short run? Use to be a long run I think.

I rarely do anything less than 4 miles and I don't see that turning into a 8 min/mile pace. Could it move to consistently under 9? Yeah, maybe. I tend to take them all pretty easy and just enjoy. But, do I want to give up that aspect? Not really. Could I do a mile at 8? Maybe. 8:30? Probably. 2 miles? No.

Well, if you went out for just a 2 mile run I bet you could sub 8 it. If I can... I am sure you can.

oh how funny! Yes, it was called "Seattle's best 15K". I don't know if they had a 10 as well in the past. It looked to be in the 300 range last year which is a nice size. It will be interesting to see what it ends up being size wise.

I noticed there was a cap, but I don't think they came close to it. (just a feeling given that registration was still open this close to the date)

 

[annmarieda]

I apologize in advance. I will post this to various threads I am sub'd to. So if you see this more than once...

Anyway, who doesn't love a deal? So while it does not work for me I thought it might for some. There is a seriously deal on a couple of the brooks pure line here

The two shoes (flow and cadence) are both from the "2" line. The pure flows are just $39.95. Shipping I think is free. The Cadence is just $10 more. I did wear the 1's and now the 3's (2's didn't work - gave me blisters) Makes me wonder though if for $40 I shouldn't try to make them work.

Hope it works for someone.

 

[eandesmom]

I think that moving on part can be the hardest part.

Very true!

Ok, for some reason I had it backwards. I thought he was doing 15k and you 10. Who knows though... maybe even with the pulled groin he will be able to win in his bracket. I will be rooting for him (and you and Michelle too of course) I bet you all will have an awesome time!!! (I am of course a tad jealous...but I can get over it )

And as you can see...he did! Brat.

Even if you don't make it a better POT... I bet you totally PR that distance!! Birch Bay was windy after all!!! So maybe shaving 4 minutes off wouldn't be too outside the realm of possibility! I can't wait to read how the race went. Take some pre race shots for me, okay? If I can't be there for the fun, maybe I can at least live vicariously.

It was a PR but not a better POT. It was a great race. I ran with another woman for the first 10k and it was AWESOME, we both totally helped each other out and our pace was perfect. So much fun. Very pretty course, I liked it alot...until the end. But....I had to go to the bathroom and at the 10K point I knew I would not make it all the way without dying, it was seriously becoming an issue.

Super bummed to have to stop as it was nice the way we pulled each other along. Caught up with her and her boyfriend after, it was cute, he'd done the 10K too while she did the 15K, just like Jeff and I. I hope we see them at other races, she was a perfect running partner, I've never run "with" someone for that that long before and it was cool.

Super frustrating but you have to do what you have to do. Oh well. Still an improvement over Birch Bay. Definitely hills at the end of the race though, that kind of sucked, though I did know they were coming...as did the blister that burst right about the 9 mile mark. The combo wasn't great for my pace for sure. LOL. Still, outside of the darn stop I am quite pleased with my pace and happy honestly to kind of test and see what stopping to go to the bathroom (including having to wait as someone was in there) did to the overall time, kind of nice to know as that could definitely happen at the half!

At the end of the day I am ok with where it ended up. 1:25:XX, 75/263 overall, 5/24 for my age bracket and 40/187 for women. 9:13 pace. Not exactly what I was hoping for but not horrible either. Best part was knowing I was on pace to match my current 10K PR at the 10k mark. That made me happy. Other than the stop, I stayed on pace. And honestly the person who placed in 4th in my bracket was at a 8:43 pace for 1:21:xx. Even without the potty stop I'd have not hit that so in a weird way, that makes me feel better.

Darn bladder. Super annoying as I went twice before the race!

Kind of cool too, saw another friend and her son there. Her son is Evan's age, they've done sports together over the years and are in band together. Not super close friends but not "not" friends either. He won his age bracket too! Smoked Jeff. LOL.

OMG, right? I feel like such a slacker right now running 5 miles. 5 miles is a short run? Use to be a long run I think.

I don't feel like a slacker running 5, I just feel like it's a normal weekday run.

Well, if you went out for just a 2 mile run I bet you could sub 8 it. If I can... I am sure you can.

Not sub 8. Nope.

I noticed there was a cap, but I don't think they came close to it. (just a feeling given that registration was still open this close to the date)

I don't think so either, I know Michelle had someone join her this morning and she did a day of registration. Looks like there as 263 for the 15K and 381 for the 10K.

 

[annmarieda]

And as you can see...he did! Brat.

That is great though that he did!!!

It was a PR but not a better POT. It was a great race. I ran with another woman for the first 10k and it was AWESOME, we both totally helped each other out and our pace was perfect. So much fun.

That is cool you had a running partner. and congrats on the pr!

Very pretty course, I liked it alot...until the end. But....I had to go to the bathroom and at the 10K point I knew I would not make it all the way without dying, it was seriously becoming an issue. Super bummed to have to stop as it was nice the way we pulled each other along. Caught up with her and her boyfriend after, it was cute, he'd done the 10K too while she did the 15K, just like Jeff and I. I hope we see them at other races, she was a perfect running partner, I've never run "with" someone for that that long before and it was cool. Super frustrating but you have to do what you have to do. Oh well. Still an improvement over Birch Bay. Definitely hills at the end of the race though, that kind of sucked, though I did know they were coming...as did the blister that burst right about the 9 mile mark. The combo wasn't great for my pace for sure. LOL. Still, outside of the darn stop I am quite pleased with my pace and happy honestly to kind of test and see what stopping to go to the bathroom (including having to wait as someone was in there) did to the overall time, kind of nice to know as that could definitely happen at the half!

Bio breaks definitely can be a bummer! Glad you were able to meet back up with the gal after!

At the end of the day I am ok with where it ended up. 1:25:XX, 75overall, 5/24 for my age bracket and 40/187 for women. 9:13 pace. Not exactly what I was hoping for but not horrible either.

That is great! And you had a stop in there! Those are amazing stats!!!

Best part was knowing I was on pace to match my current 10K PR at the 10k mark. That made me happy. Other than the stop, I stayed on pace. And honestly the person who placed in 4th in my bracket was at a 8:43 pace for 1:21:xx. Even without the potty stop I'd have not hit that so in a weird way, that makes me feel better. Darn bladder. Super annoying as I went twice before the race!

Bottom line you did great- with or without the stop.... But I know how easy it is to scrutinize. Bio breaks (or even just the need for one) have caused me issues on more than one occasion.

Kind of cool too, saw another friend and her son there. Her son is Evan's age, they've done sports together over the years and are in band together. Not super close friends but not "not" friends either. He won his age bracket too! Smoked Jeff.

So cool to run into people you knew!

I don't feel like a slacker running 5, I just feel like it's a normal weekday run.

For my week day runs I don't- but for my weekend run to only be 5 makes me feel like one. I am trying reAlly hard just to stick with the plan and remember that it won't be ling before my mileage jumps way up. Finally this weekend I am scheduled for a 7 miler... So I know the long miles are coming.

Not sub 8. Nope.

You are speedy!! If I can sub 8 on a 2 mile then I asm sure you can!!

 

[eandesmom]

That is great though that he did!!!

Yes, I was happy for him!

That is cool you had a running partner. and congrats on the pr!

It was fun how it worked out

Bio breaks definitely can be a bummer! Glad you were able to meet back up with the gal after!

me too

That is great! And you had a stop in there! Those are amazing stats!!!

lol. I would not put them in the category of amazing. But they will do. It was a bit fascinating to me that even without it, it wouldn't have made a difference in my bracket. Overall of course but interesting.

So cool to run into people you knew!

The funny part was that she'd been asking me on FB the day before if we were doing Seattle RnR and I'd mentioned Emerald City. Surprised to see them there but it was kind of neat. It's interesting though, 2 weeks in a row I have found myself at events with women I've always thought of as runners. One probably more casual but I've seen her out here and there and the other two I know trains quite consistently and has run for years. For whatever reason I've always just assumed those people must be on the faster side, I guess because they have done it for years and in the case of 2 of them, have done a number of events. It is interesting to see the results as it does kind of help me redefine my mental definition of a runner and maybe get over some internal barriers there when it comes to pace and speed and the like.

For my week day runs I don't- but for my weekend run to only be 5 makes me feel like one. I am trying reAlly hard just to stick with the plan and remember that it won't be ling before my mileage jumps way up. Finally this weekend I am scheduled for a 7 miler... So I know the long miles are coming.

So I take it you are doing the speedwork on the alternating ones? Bleh. You go! I will definitely be waiting for you. I do know what you mean, 5 is the usually the minimum for me on a weekend run and I have to wonder...why does it have to be less, what does that really accomplish?

this is what I tentatively mapped out for my "long" runs

6/1: 6 miles (have some blister/callus issues so this could change, see a podiatrist on the 4th)
6/8: 8 miles
6/15: 10 miles
6/21: 10K race
6/29: 6 miles
7/6: 11 miles
7/13: 6 miles
7/20: 12 miles
7/26: possible 8k race, not registered yet. If we don't do it, I may do 13 this week and 6 the next.
8/3: 13 miles
8/10: 14-17 miles. 14 for sure, more will be entirely mood dependent.
8/16: possible 10K race, not registered yet
8/24: 5 miles
______________

You are speedy!! If I can sub 8 on a 2 mile then I asm sure you can!!

If I want to kill myself. For a mile, yes. 2...no.

 

[sumlee]

Hi annmarieda! Subbing!