Training at the beach!

Spent last week at Holden Beach, NC. It was dee-lightful, and I'd still be there enjoying the sun ad surf if I could. Not much to say, other than the fact that after every run I was nothing more than a feel good puddle of sweat. Humidity was insane, but then...that is the southern coast. As hot as it was, it was kinda neat being all sweaty wet. Made me feel like I really accomplished something. Strange, I know.

Ok, here's the training report...

Sunday, 7/19 - 10 miles (1:25), long run, flat road

Monday, rest day - walked about 6 miles with Mom (3 road, 3 beach)

Tuesday - 4 miles (32:42). Legs felt heavy.

Weds - ran 3 on road, walked 3+ on beach

Thursday - rest. Calf really sore.

Friday - ran 3, walked 1.5, ran 1 full speed (7:14), walked .5. I was in an experimental mood.

Saturday - walked 5 (leisurely with Aunt)

training post 1

Ok, so it seems I suck at this blogging thing. I think about it, really I do...but it hasn't been much of a priority. I suppose I didn't feel I had anything worthy of sharing, posting, writing, saying. Whatever. I'm here now, and it's 4 real this time. I'll sum up week one and two today.

Oh, btw...this is the training plan I'm following. So far so good!

http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/novices2.htm

Week 1:

M - rest (haha...nothing like starting out slow, eh?)

T - 5.5 m, road, hills

W - 5.5 m, road, hills

R - 3.5 m, road

F - rest (walk 5.5)

S - rest

Su - Herbert's Trail Run, 7.7 m (1:06)...this was crazy fun and I finished in a time I was happy with. It was loaded with hills, and I managed to fall crossing the creek. What a dork. The iPod suffered injury, but she's back in action after a long rest in a cup of rice. That seems to really help dry things out. I suffered bruising on my knee, shin, and thigh from my fall (nothing serious) and from something else that I can't remember. It was an awesome experience. After I get through the marathon, I'm definately going to take on some more trail races. They are so exhilirating!!

Week 2:

M - rest

T - 3.5 m, road + 10m leisurely bike (27:??)

W - 7.5m, road, hilly (1:02) + 8.5m bike, hilly...an almost dog attack, and another tiny dog running out in to the middle of the road. Had to stop 4 that one in the middle of the longest, steepest hill, while my legs were still shaking from the first (large, scary, growly) dog...ugh. Managed to get going again, only to fall like an idiot b/c I didn't have enough speed to get my foot back into the clip thing. Only thing hurt was my pride, as it happened in front of ppl. Blech.

R - 3.5m, road (27:??)

F - 4m, path (31:35)

S - rest

Su - next post. Shooting for 9-10m, flat road.

Race day

First, it followed a full night's sleep. That alone is sweet bliss!

Woke up ready to race, but unsure of what the "trail" run would be like. I was certain I would fall into a briar patch or poison or something uncomfortable, yet comical. I'm a clutz, and knew that this type of running would require sure footing and quick thinking, attributes I wouldn't necessarily scream out my name.

I was pleasantly surprised, as the run was fantastic!! It was tough, messy, and well, FUN. I never would have imagined trail running could be so much fun! I finished in 37 minutes and several seconds (which I don't believe I ever noticed). It's not a stellar time, but I knew that it would be slower than my usual 8 minute road pace, so I was happy with it. I felt great afterward, and wasn't the least bit sore, except in the nagging left calf. I had a sleeve on it though, which helped.

As it turned out, I finished first in my age category! I've never won an award for running, so I was thrilled to say the least.

The best part of it all was that I ran it with my dear friend and running buddy. We're training for our first marathon...coming up in November. It's amazing to have the support of a good friend while on this venture.

Finished the day with a trip to the Iron Pigs minor league baseball game...which for me is a guaranteed great time. It was a family affair, and as usual...the kids ate their way through it. I have no idea how such large quantities of food can possibly fit into such tiny stomachs, but it does. We got rained out in the top of the 8th, but for us it's par for the course. I'm stellar at picking the rainy games to attend. No one seems to mind though. Drenching rains on a warm night for some reason bring out the best in us.

And that's about it for this Saturday. Going to turn in now, so I can be well rested for a hilly run tomorrow morning. Nite.

First Friday

It's my first, and it's Friday.

Really dragging today, as I procrastinated terribly to complete a project for work and wound up awake far too long last night...or was it this morning? Whatever. I'm lacking sleep, mentally foggy, and a little grouchy.

Barely saw the kiddos yesterday or today, and I feel badly about that, but they don't seem to notice. I could be saddened by that, but I'll take comfort in the fact that their playing well together.

Race day tomorrow. My first trail run...4 miles. It said ideal for the beginning trail runner. We'll see. At least I'll have my dear friend to share the experience!

I must rest...now. More on the race tomorrow. And maybe something more interesting for the reader.

Turning in.