Two encouraging accomplishments to finish up the week of running:
1) 3 x 1M: Friday's run was three one-mile runs, with walking in between. For a variety of reasons, these had to be done on the treadmill. So I decided to make it fun, where 'fun' means 'let's see if we can get through this or not.' I decided to try and do the three at a pace of 10-minute miles. I don't usually run this fast. Definitely, in the hot weather, I come nowhere near running this fast. But everyone should have some 'fun' sometimes.
And I did it! Of course, there were walk breaks between them, but that was the whole point. It feel like a major accomplishment even if it did knock me out later. This was definitely a 'fun' week of running! Okay, it was actually very challenging. That is the better word.
2) Long run: this week was 9 miles. I followed the route suggested by my friend and yes, I did run up the Rocky steps. I also saw the Rocky statue, along with many other scenic Philly sites. The run along Ben Franklin Parkway is fantastic!
And then....and then....and then.... there were boathouses along Boathouse Row (pretty ones too) and I got to watch rowers on the river while I was running. Yay. I thought I might run into something, actually, because at times I got pretty obsessed with this. But it was super nice to have this kind of distraction during a run.
Besides the scenery and the rowing, the route had one more major advantage: strategically placed drinking fountains with cold water. It was slightly warm this morning, although nowhere near the oppressive ick of Florida. The temperature was in the 80s but -- get this -- the dewpoint was in the low 60s and the humidity was around 50%. My GOD. What a difference these conditions made. Add in some strategically placed drinking fountains and life is beautiful.
I liked it so much, I ran 9.01 miles.
This run was very encouraging and made things much better after the frustrations earlier in the week. Also, I think I have solved my running distances in Florida problem. I shall run strategically planned laps around the drinking fountain!
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
A week of ups and downs
Okay, there have maybe not been ups and downs this week, but more 'up' and 'down.' Here's the breakdown:
Up - treadmill running. Ran 3 miles yesterday like it was nothing. No need to walk or anything. Sweet! I suspect the gym temperature is more amenable than last summer.
Down - running that takes place outside.
I decided to modify this week's schedule since I am traveling on Saturday and have to be at the airport relatively early -- too early for me to be motivated to get up and run. So this week is 5-3-5-3x1, running from Tuesday to Friday. Tomorrow I have to do the treadmill due to other obligations, but for 3M x 1 that won't be bad at all. On Sunday, I have my long run, which will be in Philly and I get to run up the Rocky steps. For real. It pays to know runners in other cities who can let you know about the best routes!
Back to Tampa: there was some good news about the outside runs that were ick. Both were 5 miles and both required some walking. During the first one, I ran into Stephanie, who is famous from my previous blog because I would randomly run into her (Random Stephanie Encounter or RSE). I'm not sure if our meeting on Tuesday constitutes random since she does live in that neighborhood and takes a walk with her baby in the mornings. But it was relatively random. Certainly it was not planned. Anyway, I used my RSE to walk for a bit, then stood and talked to Stephanie and her husband. Also, I got to see their dogs, yay! But anyway, you might think that standing around and talking was ill-advised because it would get too hot, except that while we were standing there, it got much cloudier. The overcast made a big difference to finish the run. Sure, there was ominous thunder in the distance, but no bad weather while I was out.
Yesterday, for various reasons, I chose the treadmill. In part, this was due to the fact that I had scheduled a yoga class for 11am. The other part is that I can be lazy in the mornings.
This morning I had high hopes since the weather looked somewhat more manageable than most days. But around the half-way point, I felt the urge to walk, then got super annoyed and tried to figure out why. The answer came to me when I reached the water fountain at around 4.25 miles, drank about a sports bottle's worth of water, filled my bottle, and managed to finish it during the last 0.75 of my run. In short, I don't think I'm hydrating enough. I'm going to try and be better by drinking more water during the day and am currently having a debate with myself as to whether I should try Gatorade again. Gatorade used to upset my stomach, but I figure if I have it on a semi-regular basis, I should be okay. I can think this over while I'm running up the Rocky steps in Philly.
Up - treadmill running. Ran 3 miles yesterday like it was nothing. No need to walk or anything. Sweet! I suspect the gym temperature is more amenable than last summer.
Down - running that takes place outside.
I decided to modify this week's schedule since I am traveling on Saturday and have to be at the airport relatively early -- too early for me to be motivated to get up and run. So this week is 5-3-5-3x1, running from Tuesday to Friday. Tomorrow I have to do the treadmill due to other obligations, but for 3M x 1 that won't be bad at all. On Sunday, I have my long run, which will be in Philly and I get to run up the Rocky steps. For real. It pays to know runners in other cities who can let you know about the best routes!
Back to Tampa: there was some good news about the outside runs that were ick. Both were 5 miles and both required some walking. During the first one, I ran into Stephanie, who is famous from my previous blog because I would randomly run into her (Random Stephanie Encounter or RSE). I'm not sure if our meeting on Tuesday constitutes random since she does live in that neighborhood and takes a walk with her baby in the mornings. But it was relatively random. Certainly it was not planned. Anyway, I used my RSE to walk for a bit, then stood and talked to Stephanie and her husband. Also, I got to see their dogs, yay! But anyway, you might think that standing around and talking was ill-advised because it would get too hot, except that while we were standing there, it got much cloudier. The overcast made a big difference to finish the run. Sure, there was ominous thunder in the distance, but no bad weather while I was out.
Yesterday, for various reasons, I chose the treadmill. In part, this was due to the fact that I had scheduled a yoga class for 11am. The other part is that I can be lazy in the mornings.
This morning I had high hopes since the weather looked somewhat more manageable than most days. But around the half-way point, I felt the urge to walk, then got super annoyed and tried to figure out why. The answer came to me when I reached the water fountain at around 4.25 miles, drank about a sports bottle's worth of water, filled my bottle, and managed to finish it during the last 0.75 of my run. In short, I don't think I'm hydrating enough. I'm going to try and be better by drinking more water during the day and am currently having a debate with myself as to whether I should try Gatorade again. Gatorade used to upset my stomach, but I figure if I have it on a semi-regular basis, I should be okay. I can think this over while I'm running up the Rocky steps in Philly.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
If at first you don't succeed....
....come home, lie under the ceiling fan, and mope about the fact that you didn't finish your run.
Eventually, get up, go to the gym, and finish the remaining two miles on the treadmill.
On your way to the gym, see people outside, running, in the afternoon, looking perfectly content with their lives. Wonder why you can't be one of these people.
Next time: start earlier. Any running after 9:30am is probably pushing your luck.
Boo.
Next week's long run is in Philly. Please may it be more reasonable weather. Pretty please.
UPDATE
I just checked this morning's weather:
Yeah, that's considerably worse than normal. A dewpoint of 77 is just cruel.
Eventually, get up, go to the gym, and finish the remaining two miles on the treadmill.
On your way to the gym, see people outside, running, in the afternoon, looking perfectly content with their lives. Wonder why you can't be one of these people.
Next time: start earlier. Any running after 9:30am is probably pushing your luck.
Boo.
Next week's long run is in Philly. Please may it be more reasonable weather. Pretty please.
UPDATE
I just checked this morning's weather:
 |
| This explains a lot. |
Yeah, that's considerably worse than normal. A dewpoint of 77 is just cruel.
Friday, July 22, 2011
When it rains, it gets humid
I really wanted to go running yesterday. Honest. But I was zonked from yoga. I also thought about doing a pool run, but then decided that it was probably better to just wait and run today instead. My last three runs for this week are 3, 3, and 7, so not overly oenerous.
I really wanted to go running this morning...but I didn't. No good reason for that except that I stayed out talking to friends for maybe too long. Then maybe stayed up reading. Hey, this is still a better reason than one of the mornings that I slept in last summer because I stayed up watching Cheers reruns.
I finally got around to running today after a yoga class. Hurray! The good news: it was stormy this afternoon, so the sun wasn't powerful (and we all learned yesterday about how the sun distorts the heat index). The bad news: the lack of sun didn't burn away the humidity. So the humidity was still over 80% even at 7pm. In fact, although it felt considerably better than a normal run due to the lack of sun, it still managed to be over the threshold of ick since the temperature was 80F and the humidity 83%.
I got going a bit too fast today and wound up having to walk because I was starting to get a side stitch at around 2.25 miles. After walking for a bit, I slowed my pace down considerably so that I could complete the run (and I did). The humidity was deceptive because it really did make things seem better. Looks like Mr. Florida Humidity poses its own separate challenges from Mr. Florida Sun.
I really wanted to go running this morning...but I didn't. No good reason for that except that I stayed out talking to friends for maybe too long. Then maybe stayed up reading. Hey, this is still a better reason than one of the mornings that I slept in last summer because I stayed up watching Cheers reruns.
I finally got around to running today after a yoga class. Hurray! The good news: it was stormy this afternoon, so the sun wasn't powerful (and we all learned yesterday about how the sun distorts the heat index). The bad news: the lack of sun didn't burn away the humidity. So the humidity was still over 80% even at 7pm. In fact, although it felt considerably better than a normal run due to the lack of sun, it still managed to be over the threshold of ick since the temperature was 80F and the humidity 83%.
I got going a bit too fast today and wound up having to walk because I was starting to get a side stitch at around 2.25 miles. After walking for a bit, I slowed my pace down considerably so that I could complete the run (and I did). The humidity was deceptive because it really did make things seem better. Looks like Mr. Florida Humidity poses its own separate challenges from Mr. Florida Sun.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
This explains a lot
The heat index is calculated with the assumption that the person is standing in the shade. No wonder being in the sun makes it so much tougher!
I'm not crazy! Thank you, Mental Floss.
Incidentally, yesterday I ran 4 miles without stopping. Yay! The weather was still a bit nicer than usual. Went around 9am. I had planned to go this morning, but was feeling worn out from a yoga class last night. Instead, I'll go either tonight or tomorrow morning.
What difference does being in the shade make?
Quite a big one. All of the National Weather Service’s charts for calculating the heat index make the reasonable assumption that folks will look for shade when it’s oppressively hot and muggy out. Direct sunlight can add up to 15 degrees to the calculated heat index.
I'm not crazy! Thank you, Mental Floss.
Incidentally, yesterday I ran 4 miles without stopping. Yay! The weather was still a bit nicer than usual. Went around 9am. I had planned to go this morning, but was feeling worn out from a yoga class last night. Instead, I'll go either tonight or tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Wait.....what?!!
The dew point this morning was in the 60s.
Really.
Unprecedented.
When I first looked at the weather, I thought that I was misreading it or something. But no, it was actually not so humid. There was no sweat pooling at my elbow, for instance. It was actually pleasant, believe it or not. I still can't.
The reason for the better weather is Tropical Storm Bret, which is currently off the east coast of Florida and soaking up a bunch of the humidity. Go Bret!
Today was hills, so I went back to the golf course neighborhood and added another hill. They went pretty well. Everything went pretty well. Much better than normal!
Only one problem: I wore a pair of those little running socks. I should know better since they almost always cause issues, but I thought that for such a short run, it would be okay. And now I have blisters on my heels as a result. With any luck, they won't affect tomorrow's run. Otherwise, there might be another Curt Schilling incident.
Really.
Unprecedented.
When I first looked at the weather, I thought that I was misreading it or something. But no, it was actually not so humid. There was no sweat pooling at my elbow, for instance. It was actually pleasant, believe it or not. I still can't.
The reason for the better weather is Tropical Storm Bret, which is currently off the east coast of Florida and soaking up a bunch of the humidity. Go Bret!
Today was hills, so I went back to the golf course neighborhood and added another hill. They went pretty well. Everything went pretty well. Much better than normal!
Only one problem: I wore a pair of those little running socks. I should know better since they almost always cause issues, but I thought that for such a short run, it would be okay. And now I have blisters on my heels as a result. With any luck, they won't affect tomorrow's run. Otherwise, there might be another Curt Schilling incident.
Completing two more runs
Last weekend's runs were a 3 mile and an 8 mile as the long run (I'm getting caught up now, but have been staying on schedule, even if I haven't been blogging). I was determined to complete the 3 miles without having to walk and fortunately, I accomplished this goal. The weather seemed slightly more amenable than last Thursday, so maybe there was something particularly awful about that day. It's encouraging that I completed the run since last week was getting frustrated.
Sunday I decided that even though I completed the 3 miles, I still wasn't ready to run 8 miles straight. So I opted instead to do 0.05 walk/0.35 run throughout. It went pretty well, although it was still extremely challenging. No guilt about walking when conditions are that tough. I also planned the run pretty well because I looped around a water fountain and I definitely took advantage. Amazing how much liquid you can drink when it is hot out.
It felt funny doing a real long run again. I wore my running belt, got my all-natural energy drink, took along some sport beans, and finished by downing a chocolate milk. It's been a while since I needed all of these extras--since I was training for the marathon in fact. It took me a little bit to remember the routine, but everything went quite well from the preparation standpoint. Next week's long run goes down to 7 miles, although I think that I will probably run-walk it regardless.
One thing that I did not anticipate was that I need to go earlier because there is less shade than there was in winter. As a result, I was in the sun more often, which I find challenging. I think that I was accustomed to the sun being less fierce, but then again, the last long runs that I was doing were back in November, so things are a bit different.
Sunday I decided that even though I completed the 3 miles, I still wasn't ready to run 8 miles straight. So I opted instead to do 0.05 walk/0.35 run throughout. It went pretty well, although it was still extremely challenging. No guilt about walking when conditions are that tough. I also planned the run pretty well because I looped around a water fountain and I definitely took advantage. Amazing how much liquid you can drink when it is hot out.
It felt funny doing a real long run again. I wore my running belt, got my all-natural energy drink, took along some sport beans, and finished by downing a chocolate milk. It's been a while since I needed all of these extras--since I was training for the marathon in fact. It took me a little bit to remember the routine, but everything went quite well from the preparation standpoint. Next week's long run goes down to 7 miles, although I think that I will probably run-walk it regardless.
One thing that I did not anticipate was that I need to go earlier because there is less shade than there was in winter. As a result, I was in the sun more often, which I find challenging. I think that I was accustomed to the sun being less fierce, but then again, the last long runs that I was doing were back in November, so things are a bit different.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Two incomplete runs, blech
I decided that this week was the week to stop with the walk/run and just go with running. I think I have to retract that decision. Today was better than yesterday, but both were not very good. Blech. It's frustrating to think that a month ago in Germany, I felt like I was running pretty well and now I feel like a failure.
Yesterday, I had things to do in the morning, so I waited until the evening to run. I knew that this would be challenging because it would be hot and I expected to hit my two-mile wall, which occurs after running 2 miles before I heat adapt when I simply need to walk. The weather last night was 89.6F with humidity of 62% when I went and the dew point was 75F. That is not a nice dew point. Also, the temperature and humidity definitely put that near the threshold of ick (when humidity + temperature > 160). But I didn't even get to two miles. After one mile, I had to start walking. I think that I started too fast considering the conditions, which didn't help, but I was still frustrated by the result.
On to today. Admittedly, I did get started a bit later than I would have liked, but I thought that the reduced humidity would make up for my tardiness (around 9am instead of 8am). The dew point, according to Accuweather, was 77F, the temperature was 81F and the humidity was 86%. Okay, so that's nasty. But I'm still annoyed at myself for having to walk and not making it through my four miles. I feel like I used to be able to get through these things but this year I have no capacity or stamina or something. It's probably just no adaptation to the heat since I was gone for a while. I'm still irritated about it.
So it will be treadmill later today to finish off the 2 miles that I didn't get done this morning. And I've accepted that I will have to walk on Sunday during parts of the long run or I won't make it. But it is really bugging me.
I mean, I guess the good news is that I got further today than yesterday before having to walk? That's not really consolation.
Yesterday, I had things to do in the morning, so I waited until the evening to run. I knew that this would be challenging because it would be hot and I expected to hit my two-mile wall, which occurs after running 2 miles before I heat adapt when I simply need to walk. The weather last night was 89.6F with humidity of 62% when I went and the dew point was 75F. That is not a nice dew point. Also, the temperature and humidity definitely put that near the threshold of ick (when humidity + temperature > 160). But I didn't even get to two miles. After one mile, I had to start walking. I think that I started too fast considering the conditions, which didn't help, but I was still frustrated by the result.
On to today. Admittedly, I did get started a bit later than I would have liked, but I thought that the reduced humidity would make up for my tardiness (around 9am instead of 8am). The dew point, according to Accuweather, was 77F, the temperature was 81F and the humidity was 86%. Okay, so that's nasty. But I'm still annoyed at myself for having to walk and not making it through my four miles. I feel like I used to be able to get through these things but this year I have no capacity or stamina or something. It's probably just no adaptation to the heat since I was gone for a while. I'm still irritated about it.
So it will be treadmill later today to finish off the 2 miles that I didn't get done this morning. And I've accepted that I will have to walk on Sunday during parts of the long run or I won't make it. But it is really bugging me.
I mean, I guess the good news is that I got further today than yesterday before having to walk? That's not really consolation.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Hills, Florida-style
This morning's workout was 4-6 long hills. Before you scoff, I did pretty well as far as hills in Florida go, I think:
There is a definite upwardness to the land here. It's about as hilly as I'm going to get in this part of Florida, I think. Also, it is conveniently located in the golf course neighborhood across the street and offers some hills on the way there and back from where I parked today. All in all, I felt like hill training went okay. Also, I felt like I ran the hills okay, so maybe I learned something while in Pittsburgh.
It was warm, but not as bad as it could have been. Also, the shade--which is ample, as you can see from the photo--was extremely helpful.
 |
| Florida hill |
It was warm, but not as bad as it could have been. Also, the shade--which is ample, as you can see from the photo--was extremely helpful.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Split run
Today's run was supposed to be 6M. Instead, I treated that like two 3-mile runs, completing one in the morning and the other later on. Then I treated those like two 3-mile runs when I am adapting to Florida heat. To finish, I treated the second one of these shorter runs to a run preparing me to stop walking during my adapting. Confused yet? Here's how it worked out:
Run #1 (AM): 6 intervals of 4 minute run/1 minute walk
Run #2 (PM): 5 intervals of 5 minute run/1 minute walk
I'm not really sure where I go from here in modifying, except that 30 is a great number for toying around with stuff. The plan is to be running throughout by next Saturday's 3-mile run. I just need to figure out how to pull that off most effectively. Or I could suck it up for this week, which may have to be the answer, as icky as that may feel.
Modifying isn't really relevant for Tuesday since Tuesday is hills and I already have that scoped out. I'm going to go to the Florida hill in the golf course neighborhood, which likely has an elevation of about 25 feet or so. A marked change from Pittsburgh, I can promise you that.
As for today's runs, both were somewhat hot and sweaty. Not as bad as they could have been, particularly the PM one since it was overcast. It would have been horrid with Mr. Florida Sun out. But I could have done with less humidity since it was in the 75% range. You can't have it all, though, and all things considered, I think I prefer humid over searing heat.
Run #1 (AM): 6 intervals of 4 minute run/1 minute walk
Run #2 (PM): 5 intervals of 5 minute run/1 minute walk
I'm not really sure where I go from here in modifying, except that 30 is a great number for toying around with stuff. The plan is to be running throughout by next Saturday's 3-mile run. I just need to figure out how to pull that off most effectively. Or I could suck it up for this week, which may have to be the answer, as icky as that may feel.
Modifying isn't really relevant for Tuesday since Tuesday is hills and I already have that scoped out. I'm going to go to the Florida hill in the golf course neighborhood, which likely has an elevation of about 25 feet or so. A marked change from Pittsburgh, I can promise you that.
As for today's runs, both were somewhat hot and sweaty. Not as bad as they could have been, particularly the PM one since it was overcast. It would have been horrid with Mr. Florida Sun out. But I could have done with less humidity since it was in the 75% range. You can't have it all, though, and all things considered, I think I prefer humid over searing heat.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Tired legs
Yesterday, I did my first yoga class in a good long while, and I have to say that while it wasn't overly challenging, it was somewhat challenging, and I am definitely feeling tired in different places than normal today. I thought that this would lead to a good night's sleep, but unfortunately I woke up at around 4am very thirsty.
Note to self: do not forget water when running on treadmills, then attending yoga classes. Water is your friend.
I was hoping to get up bright and early today to do half of a 5-mile run, but unfortunately, my 4am wake-up did not help things. Instead, I wound up getting out of bed closer to 10am (this was after being up for a while after 4am), which is too late to actually run. Also, there are still storms circling around in deceptive ways. For instance, earlier today it was sunny and seemingly nice, when I heard ominous thunder. Right now it is raining. Again. You might be noticing a pattern here.
I did get myself to the gym and I tried the weird treadmill that I described yesterday, the Woodway Curve. The jury is still out on this one. It supposedly goes as fast as you are running, but I found it considerably more challenging to get a regular pace than on a conventional treadmill (or just plain running outside). It feels very heavy and I was running about 0.5 mph slower than I was yesterday on the normal treadmill. I got through about 1.2 miles with a couple of walk breaks; it was considerably warmer and more humid today than yesterday, and I got pretty sweaty even just doing that.
My gym recently acquired some rowing machines, like real Concept 2 rowing machines as opposed to those 'replicating water' ones that are actually toys. I decided to do two 500m intervals with a 1-minute rests in between. Considering that my legs were already tired from yoga, treadmill running, and wacky treadmill running, I think I did okay. By the standards of actually erging on the machine, I did not do all that great.
I forgot that this week is a semi-taper week and my long run tomorrow is only 6 miles, instead of upping from the 7 miles last week. So I think it's okay to skip the second half of my run this afternoon, especially since I am feeling tired. Tomorrow, I will set the alarm and get half of the 6 miles out of the way early, then do the rest later (possibly on a treadmill, depending on storms). Next week I should be able to get back on track with the schedule. I do have to say that I've been more excited about things than I am for next week's 8-mile run. Time to stock up on healthy Gatorade and caffeinated runner's jellybeans.
Note to self: do not forget water when running on treadmills, then attending yoga classes. Water is your friend.
I was hoping to get up bright and early today to do half of a 5-mile run, but unfortunately, my 4am wake-up did not help things. Instead, I wound up getting out of bed closer to 10am (this was after being up for a while after 4am), which is too late to actually run. Also, there are still storms circling around in deceptive ways. For instance, earlier today it was sunny and seemingly nice, when I heard ominous thunder. Right now it is raining. Again. You might be noticing a pattern here.
I did get myself to the gym and I tried the weird treadmill that I described yesterday, the Woodway Curve. The jury is still out on this one. It supposedly goes as fast as you are running, but I found it considerably more challenging to get a regular pace than on a conventional treadmill (or just plain running outside). It feels very heavy and I was running about 0.5 mph slower than I was yesterday on the normal treadmill. I got through about 1.2 miles with a couple of walk breaks; it was considerably warmer and more humid today than yesterday, and I got pretty sweaty even just doing that.
My gym recently acquired some rowing machines, like real Concept 2 rowing machines as opposed to those 'replicating water' ones that are actually toys. I decided to do two 500m intervals with a 1-minute rests in between. Considering that my legs were already tired from yoga, treadmill running, and wacky treadmill running, I think I did okay. By the standards of actually erging on the machine, I did not do all that great.
I forgot that this week is a semi-taper week and my long run tomorrow is only 6 miles, instead of upping from the 7 miles last week. So I think it's okay to skip the second half of my run this afternoon, especially since I am feeling tired. Tomorrow, I will set the alarm and get half of the 6 miles out of the way early, then do the rest later (possibly on a treadmill, depending on storms). Next week I should be able to get back on track with the schedule. I do have to say that I've been more excited about things than I am for next week's 8-mile run. Time to stock up on healthy Gatorade and caffeinated runner's jellybeans.
Friday, July 8, 2011
The Little Runner Who Could (finally get herself motivated to leave the house)
Today is rainy. I mean all day, tropical-level rainy. I thought about running this morning, took at look at the weather radar, and thought again (weirdly, I woke up during one of the few points when it was not raining today). My next plan was to hit the treadmill, but it was super-downpour rainy. So I decided to have breakfast instead.
This decision complicated the situation since I'm adding something new to my workout plan, which is lots and lots of yoga. I got an unlimited membership to a local studio for the next six months. Because I have more time in the summer, I am going to try to take advantage as much as I can over the next few weeks. My first class is today. What does this have to do with running? It means that I will have to be more careful about scheduling. I thought about running tonight, but I am doing a class from 4:30 - around 6pm, and this seemed hazardous to leave it until after a yoga class.
Finally, at some point this afternoon, the rain seemed less tropical and more normal, so I finally ventured out from my house and went to the gym (I realize that this is a luxury that not all of us have. I won't have it always either). Did three miles on the treadmill, with one walk break. The treadmill is much more reasonable when it is not in the 90s outside. I barely overheated, except near the middle (hence the walk break). I also cheated a bit, since I went over the 30-minute limit at my gym for cardio equipment, but there were two empty treadmills so I really didn't feel too guilty about that.
The gym has a new, wacky treadmill called a Woodway Curve. There is no motor, so it goes at your speed, which is a bit weird if you are accustomed to normal treadmills. I tried this for about 0.2 miles or so, but I just couldn't get a feel for it. I like the principle and maybe with some more practice, it will make more sense to me. For today, I stuck to the traditional treadmill for the workout.
This decision complicated the situation since I'm adding something new to my workout plan, which is lots and lots of yoga. I got an unlimited membership to a local studio for the next six months. Because I have more time in the summer, I am going to try to take advantage as much as I can over the next few weeks. My first class is today. What does this have to do with running? It means that I will have to be more careful about scheduling. I thought about running tonight, but I am doing a class from 4:30 - around 6pm, and this seemed hazardous to leave it until after a yoga class.
Finally, at some point this afternoon, the rain seemed less tropical and more normal, so I finally ventured out from my house and went to the gym (I realize that this is a luxury that not all of us have. I won't have it always either). Did three miles on the treadmill, with one walk break. The treadmill is much more reasonable when it is not in the 90s outside. I barely overheated, except near the middle (hence the walk break). I also cheated a bit, since I went over the 30-minute limit at my gym for cardio equipment, but there were two empty treadmills so I really didn't feel too guilty about that.
The gym has a new, wacky treadmill called a Woodway Curve. There is no motor, so it goes at your speed, which is a bit weird if you are accustomed to normal treadmills. I tried this for about 0.2 miles or so, but I just couldn't get a feel for it. I like the principle and maybe with some more practice, it will make more sense to me. For today, I stuck to the traditional treadmill for the workout.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Hills and Heat
Two of my favorite things so far this week:
Tuesday was hills. It was my last Pittsburgh run, so I did the worst hills that I could find in my immediate vicinity. It wasn't a very long route, just over a mile, but the icky hills definitely made up for it. The one in the previous picture was actually not the worst of them. However, it doesn't matter because no more elevation for me for a while!
This morning, I did one of my '3 mile' Florida adaptation runs. I actually was hoping to get the 5 mile for this week out of the way by splitting the run in half (3 in the morning, then 2 later), but this afternoon was rainy and I decided to pass. It was beyond the icky zone (over 160 when you total temperature and humidity), but it was overcast so actually this didn't feel as awful as it might have. That being said, it was still pretty sweaty and I'm glad it didn't have to go on for any longer. I'm going to try and do four straight days to make up for missing yesterday, although I plan to split the long run up on Sunday into two 4 mile runs instead of one 8. Then next week, I plan to actually try running the full route. We will see.
Tuesday was hills. It was my last Pittsburgh run, so I did the worst hills that I could find in my immediate vicinity. It wasn't a very long route, just over a mile, but the icky hills definitely made up for it. The one in the previous picture was actually not the worst of them. However, it doesn't matter because no more elevation for me for a while!
This morning, I did one of my '3 mile' Florida adaptation runs. I actually was hoping to get the 5 mile for this week out of the way by splitting the run in half (3 in the morning, then 2 later), but this afternoon was rainy and I decided to pass. It was beyond the icky zone (over 160 when you total temperature and humidity), but it was overcast so actually this didn't feel as awful as it might have. That being said, it was still pretty sweaty and I'm glad it didn't have to go on for any longer. I'm going to try and do four straight days to make up for missing yesterday, although I plan to split the long run up on Sunday into two 4 mile runs instead of one 8. Then next week, I plan to actually try running the full route. We will see.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
In response to my question
Running Times--the much crazier running magazine (compared to Runner's World)--has investigated the question of just how nasty hills are. Of course, this being Running Times, they then give you tips to prep for nutty marathons. Enjoy.
Past week
There was an impromptu trip to Chicago this past week, so I changed my running schedule. The plan was to do the following (hills were Tuesday):
Wednesday: 5M
Thursday: off (travel day, which started stupid early)
Friday: 3M
Saturday: 3M
Sunday: 7M
This plan did not go exactly as scheduled, but the main parts of it were accomplished.
WEDNESDAY
I decided to do the 5 mile in Pittsburgh because at least I know where I am going, even if I am physically incapable of completing this distance with the hills. And again, I was physically incapable of completing this distance. Needed to do some walking between 3-4 miles. This was the same trail that has proven challenging before. Apparently, it is a 213-foot gain, and this doesn't take into consideration the up/down on the rest of the route. I have no idea what that actually means, but I can assure you that it feels really awful. Also, as you can see from that profile, it is pretty much a straight 213-foot gain and you run it up on the way back. Nasty.
THURSDAY: Day off
FRIDAY
I got to run in Chicago! By the lake! Just like you want to! And to get to the lake, I got to run here!
Chicago weather forecasting is distinctly Germanic in that it's not very accurate. It was supposed to rain on Thursday, be hot on Friday, then rain on Saturday. Instead, it was lovely all day Thursday, rained Thursday PM to Friday AM, and finally got hot. That being said, it was a titch warmer than I would have liked on my run. Just a slight bit. It was in the low 70s, though, so I really can't complain. The actual run (by the lake!) went very well, probably my best 3M so far this training session.
SATURDAY
I woke up Saturday morning and my legs were just not interested one bit in running. Quite a bit of walking had been done the day before, plus a trip to the Art Institute (=more standing). I decided that my legs had earned a day off, especially since more walking was going to be done.
Also, it was hot. The morning wasn't so bad, but the afternoon was almost too much for me--it was in the high 80s and if you were to check Accuweather, I'm sure that they would claim it was in the 90s. So I think it's better that I took a break.
SUNDAY
After last week's debacle, I really wanted to get back on track for the long run. And I did! I found a trail in Pittsburgh that is relatively flat called the Eliza Furnace Trail. I drove over because it is by the river (although not as nicely as in Chicago) and requires a pretty severe slant to get there. Finding the trail turned out to be a bit of a challenge, so I first ran around my parking lot a bit, then got on track. Some of the trail was closed, although this didn't really affect my plan; I've never been so happy to see 'trail closed' signs as I was at the 6.5-mile mark, since that was the indication that I only had 1/2 mile left.
I wound up running along the trail, then crossing a bridge and running on the south side of Pittsburgh for a bit. It was an incline, even though they claim that this neighborhood is the 'Southside Flats.' I mean, I guess these are relative flats, if you compare them to the 213-foot gain on the trail in Schenley Park. But I don't think that most people--particularly people from Florida--would consider it flat.
I realized two things during my run today:
1) I need to take my long runs more seriously. Because I've completed these distances before, I think that I've had a 'meh, this won't be so bad' attitude. Seven miles is still a distance to run. So it's important to remember that these are challenging.
2) Running in the summer is just harder, no matter where you are. I think that almost all of my runs over the past week would have been better if the temperature were slightly lower. Of course, it's nowhere near Florida conditions, but it can still be a challenge. This morning, Accuweather seems to think that it was between 73-83F with the RealFeel and although I think that these numbers are a bit inflated, that is still warm (humidity was in the 80% range too). Not ideal conditions. The magic number for ick while running is when humidity and temperature add up to 160: that is total, complete ick. It wasn't quite that bad this morning, but it started in the 150s when I began my run. Definitely not ideal conditions. But the important thing is that I persevered.
Tomorrow is off, Tuesday I will do my hill training again, then it is back to Florida, where the ick shall prevail.
Wednesday: 5M
Thursday: off (travel day, which started stupid early)
Friday: 3M
Saturday: 3M
Sunday: 7M
This plan did not go exactly as scheduled, but the main parts of it were accomplished.
WEDNESDAY
I decided to do the 5 mile in Pittsburgh because at least I know where I am going, even if I am physically incapable of completing this distance with the hills. And again, I was physically incapable of completing this distance. Needed to do some walking between 3-4 miles. This was the same trail that has proven challenging before. Apparently, it is a 213-foot gain, and this doesn't take into consideration the up/down on the rest of the route. I have no idea what that actually means, but I can assure you that it feels really awful. Also, as you can see from that profile, it is pretty much a straight 213-foot gain and you run it up on the way back. Nasty.
THURSDAY: Day off
FRIDAY
I got to run in Chicago! By the lake! Just like you want to! And to get to the lake, I got to run here!
 |
| On the way to the lake. By the river. Could not be more perfect. |
SATURDAY
I woke up Saturday morning and my legs were just not interested one bit in running. Quite a bit of walking had been done the day before, plus a trip to the Art Institute (=more standing). I decided that my legs had earned a day off, especially since more walking was going to be done.
Also, it was hot. The morning wasn't so bad, but the afternoon was almost too much for me--it was in the high 80s and if you were to check Accuweather, I'm sure that they would claim it was in the 90s. So I think it's better that I took a break.
SUNDAY
After last week's debacle, I really wanted to get back on track for the long run. And I did! I found a trail in Pittsburgh that is relatively flat called the Eliza Furnace Trail. I drove over because it is by the river (although not as nicely as in Chicago) and requires a pretty severe slant to get there. Finding the trail turned out to be a bit of a challenge, so I first ran around my parking lot a bit, then got on track. Some of the trail was closed, although this didn't really affect my plan; I've never been so happy to see 'trail closed' signs as I was at the 6.5-mile mark, since that was the indication that I only had 1/2 mile left.
I wound up running along the trail, then crossing a bridge and running on the south side of Pittsburgh for a bit. It was an incline, even though they claim that this neighborhood is the 'Southside Flats.' I mean, I guess these are relative flats, if you compare them to the 213-foot gain on the trail in Schenley Park. But I don't think that most people--particularly people from Florida--would consider it flat.
I realized two things during my run today:
1) I need to take my long runs more seriously. Because I've completed these distances before, I think that I've had a 'meh, this won't be so bad' attitude. Seven miles is still a distance to run. So it's important to remember that these are challenging.
2) Running in the summer is just harder, no matter where you are. I think that almost all of my runs over the past week would have been better if the temperature were slightly lower. Of course, it's nowhere near Florida conditions, but it can still be a challenge. This morning, Accuweather seems to think that it was between 73-83F with the RealFeel and although I think that these numbers are a bit inflated, that is still warm (humidity was in the 80% range too). Not ideal conditions. The magic number for ick while running is when humidity and temperature add up to 160: that is total, complete ick. It wasn't quite that bad this morning, but it started in the 150s when I began my run. Definitely not ideal conditions. But the important thing is that I persevered.
Tomorrow is off, Tuesday I will do my hill training again, then it is back to Florida, where the ick shall prevail.
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