Today was supposed to be a rest day, but I as I posted earlier, it turned into a long run day. I won't lie - it was a struggle to actually do it. I was tired from being at work all day, full from supper and just overall wanted to lay on the couch. However, I knew that if I did that, I was only going to be failing myself.
So, I dragged my arse to the gym. Within the first 1/2 mile I had a stitch in my side. Lovely.
Thankfully, the "first" aid station was at the 1.12 mile mark, so I was able to swig some water, and then continue on my merry way on the treadmill to nowhere.
Next aid station was at 2.67 miles. The run "between" the two aid stations actually wasn't that bad. My right knee kind of had this weird tightness/pull to it, but nothing major. I found that if I changed my stride a bit, it helped.
However, the run between second and third aid station (4.53 mile mark) was brutal. I made it, but it was a huge struggle. However, I made it and realized I only had 1.5 miles to go! Only 12 minutes approximately!!
8 minutes later I was walking. My right leg had, what I term as, dead leg syndrome. It just didn't feel like a full extension. Not quite a numb feeling, but not quite "right". I walked for a minute, and then finished off the last 1/2 mile with no problems.
My right groin area was sore again, so I hit the mats and did some stretch and hit the area with the foam roller. There is nothing soft about that foam roller. In fact, I think it should be used as a torture device. That being said - it was effective. It seems to have really helped.
I keep thinking about what song I want to have playing when I cross the finish line in September. I really enjoy the song by Shakira (It's Time For Africa) as it talks about picking yourself up off the ground and continuing on.
Akon's One More Time song is good as well - it talks about what if this was your last moment and would you be proud of what you have done.
Maybe I'll make future blog posts about songs that have meaning or that I use while running. I try to have upbeat bpm songs to keep me moving - and so far it has worked.
A lengthy post this Day 8 one has been. Good thing tomorrow is a rest day.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Day 4-7
Day 4:
As mentioned on Day 3, decided to take this run outside and enjoy the nice weather. Overall, it was a good run. I seemed to taper off a bit at the end, but that could have been from running into a wind at the start.
Running around Wascana only reaffirmed my love for outdoor training in NICE weather. A bit of a wind I can handle. But when there's days where it's 40km/h winds mixed with +2 temperature? Pass.
Day 5:
Day off!! Well - day off from running anyways. Spent the day getting ready for a Scouts camping event.
Day 6:
Day off!! According to Hal Higdon's plan, this should be a long run day. I knew going into the weekend I wouldn't be able to do this, as I was out of town and wouldn't be able to escape for the hour required to run the 6 miles. However, Sundays (Day 7) are supposed to be cross training days, so if necessary, I can complete my long run on those days.
Day 7:
No long run. We got home from camp around noon and I was absolutely exhausted. You may be thinking, "Well - you should have had a nap and then got it in that night!". Yes, I agree, I could have had a nap. Except my daughter came over for a bit, so no rest.
As a recap of the 1st week of training, it started off well, but the camping trip really threw a wrench into my plans. I woke up this morning, contemplating disregarding the long run that I was supposed to do. I thought, "It's only 6 miles". This is dangerous thinking. To start missing training so early on, I believe, really sets the tone for the whole training plan - and in my eyes, it's not a good tone.
I've examined all my options (miss the training run, make the Tues/Wed/Thurs runs longer) but I think I found one that should work. I'm going to complete the long run tonight, take Tuesday off, run Wednesday, Thursday,Friday and then take Saturday off. Sunday should then be a long run and will put me back onto schedule.
After coming to this solution, it's the best solution overall, as I have to head out of town on Tuesday/Wednesday, so not having to run on Tuesday should be a big benefit.
As mentioned on Day 3, decided to take this run outside and enjoy the nice weather. Overall, it was a good run. I seemed to taper off a bit at the end, but that could have been from running into a wind at the start.
Running around Wascana only reaffirmed my love for outdoor training in NICE weather. A bit of a wind I can handle. But when there's days where it's 40km/h winds mixed with +2 temperature? Pass.
Day 5:
Day off!! Well - day off from running anyways. Spent the day getting ready for a Scouts camping event.
Day 6:
Day off!! According to Hal Higdon's plan, this should be a long run day. I knew going into the weekend I wouldn't be able to do this, as I was out of town and wouldn't be able to escape for the hour required to run the 6 miles. However, Sundays (Day 7) are supposed to be cross training days, so if necessary, I can complete my long run on those days.
Day 7:
No long run. We got home from camp around noon and I was absolutely exhausted. You may be thinking, "Well - you should have had a nap and then got it in that night!". Yes, I agree, I could have had a nap. Except my daughter came over for a bit, so no rest.
As a recap of the 1st week of training, it started off well, but the camping trip really threw a wrench into my plans. I woke up this morning, contemplating disregarding the long run that I was supposed to do. I thought, "It's only 6 miles". This is dangerous thinking. To start missing training so early on, I believe, really sets the tone for the whole training plan - and in my eyes, it's not a good tone.
I've examined all my options (miss the training run, make the Tues/Wed/Thurs runs longer) but I think I found one that should work. I'm going to complete the long run tonight, take Tuesday off, run Wednesday, Thursday,Friday and then take Saturday off. Sunday should then be a long run and will put me back onto schedule.
After coming to this solution, it's the best solution overall, as I have to head out of town on Tuesday/Wednesday, so not having to run on Tuesday should be a big benefit.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Day 3
Got in the 4 miles today and decided to do it on the treadmill. Toying with the idea of doing the Tues/Wed runs on the treadmill and then Thurs/Sun runs outside. Guess we'll see how it plays out. 99% of the time I'm going to attempt my long run outside, although, the way the weather is here that could prove very challenging at times.
I also worked in the aid station breaks into today's run. So, I ran for 1.8 km, walked for a minute, ran until I hit the 4.3 km mark, rested for a min and then finished off the rest of the run.
Overall - it felt pretty good. The time between the two "aid stations" seemed to be a bit of a stretch. I'll have to review the course and see what the layout is like between stations. I'm used to running a mile, resting for 30 seconds, and then repeating so having to run extra distances in between is definitely pushing me, but I think that's a good thing.
Tomorrow is a 3 mile run again. Mix that with a supposed high of 18 degrees and I think I will be for sure running outside.
I also worked in the aid station breaks into today's run. So, I ran for 1.8 km, walked for a minute, ran until I hit the 4.3 km mark, rested for a min and then finished off the rest of the run.
Overall - it felt pretty good. The time between the two "aid stations" seemed to be a bit of a stretch. I'll have to review the course and see what the layout is like between stations. I'm used to running a mile, resting for 30 seconds, and then repeating so having to run extra distances in between is definitely pushing me, but I think that's a good thing.
Tomorrow is a 3 mile run again. Mix that with a supposed high of 18 degrees and I think I will be for sure running outside.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Day 2
Today was a 3 mile run. According to the training plan I'm using (Hal Higdon Novice 1), if you do a run/walk, you're supposed to try and "time" it so that you're walks are at aid stations. Thankfully the QCM website has the distances posted (in addition to thankfully they are really on top of the social media game and are quick with responses - something other organizations could learn from *cough* *cough* Craven Jamboree *cough* *cough*).
3 miles is less than 5K so it flew by. I have decided to run a pace of 7.3mph for marathon pace with max of 1 minute break when walking. It was a nice quick run and felt pretty good.
Tomorrow is a 4 mile run and then another 3 mile run. I think this will be a bit of a test on the right leg, but it should easily hold up. Stretching will be key this year, I believe.
3 miles is less than 5K so it flew by. I have decided to run a pace of 7.3mph for marathon pace with max of 1 minute break when walking. It was a nice quick run and felt pretty good.
Tomorrow is a 4 mile run and then another 3 mile run. I think this will be a bit of a test on the right leg, but it should easily hold up. Stretching will be key this year, I believe.
Monday, May 23, 2011
QCM Marathon
Well - again I start my journey to running the Queen City Marathon (QCM). I'm going to be utilizing Hal Higdon's training plan this time. I was able to complete a half marathon on Good Friday in 1:49:51, which was a personal best.
I have concerns, mainly my right leg. The TFL muscle has proven problematic at times and after the Gopher Attack Half Marathon, my inner right groin area was very sore as well.
To accomplish this marathon will be a huge testament - not only to my desire to succeed, but also a testament to my family and friends, who will have to put up with me talking about running lingo (fartleks, long runs, etc) and the obsession that will consume me.
I ran 10K yesterday (May 22) and during that run, I thought about the question I get asked when I say I'm going to run a marathon: Why do such a thing?
I thought about it while running and had to go back in time to answer this question. I have to go back to when I was my oldest son's age (7/8) and when I would have a hard time even playing outside because of my asthma. We would have the Terry Fox Run around town, and to even complete that was only with the assistance of ventolin and somebody carrying me.
I had to back and remember during some fitness testing before Grade 7, that during a run (I think it was 1600M) that I couldn't finish 800M without being stricken with an asthma attack.
I remembered about when Grade 7 came along. Track and Field starts up. Long jump? Not a chance. I'm short. Shot put? Not a chance. Way to weak. High Jump? LOL. 50M running? Too slow. 400M, 800M & 1600M running? Now we're talking. But why is that we can talk about that? The medication I was on combined with growing up was starting to diminish the problems asthma posed.
I remembered that running those events allowed me to feel like I belonged and to feel like i was doing something I WASN'T supposed to be doing. I had severe astham and was running! Two things that I was always under the belief didn't belong in the same sentence.
I also remember when Grade 11 comes. I've been doing the track and field running for a bit. Then someone (I don't remember who) suggests cross country running. I'll be honest - I did that because really - not many people would do it, which makes reaching provincials pretty easy.
I look back though, and think of running it and how awesome it was. The courses, the scenery, the experience of it all. I think at that time it was 6KM and if I remember correctly, my times for those events would be 45 minutes.
Unfortunately, I also remember that after high school, running became a non-factor. Post secondary and defining a path in life was first and foremost. Fast forward approximately 6-7 years. Instead of a lean, non-muscular 130lb frame, I'm just shy of 200lbs and still non-muscular. Asthma still poses issues, but I won't lie - smoking was not helping.
I eventually quit smoking and in May 2009, I keep hearing ads for Queen City Marathon and I've also started doing HIIT at the gym to shed fat. I've heard of the QCM somewhat - that it's a Boston Marathon qualifying course and people of all shapes/sizes run it.
I remember that as I've been doing my HIIT, I've noticed my cardio improving. Lung capacity is improving and I just feel BETTER. I start training for the QCM half marathon and finish in 1:56:51. I run a 5K in December as the running bug is more than that now. I am starting to LIVE for running.
I decided in 2010 to train for the QCM Full Marathon. Unfortunately, due to injuries I'm relegated to watching friends start and finish along with watching oldest son run his mini marathon. I ran the last 100M with him, but all in all, I remember how soul crushing that day was. It was depressing watching all these people take off and all I could do was watch.
I laid off running for a while and during the winter started doing some strength training on my knees/legs and started doing 5KM HIIT sessions. In March 2011, I decided, to run the Gopher Attack Half Marathon and finished it with a personal best.
I remember during my run, that I run to not only stay fit, but because it't something I grew up with the impression that I shouldn't be doing it. I wasn't supposed to be able to run long distances. I run because during those times, I feel free and I feel great.
So why do I want to run a full marathon? Because when I was smaller, I couldn't run and now I can. I want to not only prove to my children that if you work at something, it can happen, but I want to complete my ultimate test - going from not being able to run 400 metres to finishing 42194.89 metres.
There will be people running the QCM to be the fastest or to win a bet. They may be trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon or looking to say they did it. I won't be running for any of those reason. I'll be running for me. I'll be running for my younger self that couldn't even play at recess.
I have concerns, mainly my right leg. The TFL muscle has proven problematic at times and after the Gopher Attack Half Marathon, my inner right groin area was very sore as well.
To accomplish this marathon will be a huge testament - not only to my desire to succeed, but also a testament to my family and friends, who will have to put up with me talking about running lingo (fartleks, long runs, etc) and the obsession that will consume me.
I ran 10K yesterday (May 22) and during that run, I thought about the question I get asked when I say I'm going to run a marathon: Why do such a thing?
I thought about it while running and had to go back in time to answer this question. I have to go back to when I was my oldest son's age (7/8) and when I would have a hard time even playing outside because of my asthma. We would have the Terry Fox Run around town, and to even complete that was only with the assistance of ventolin and somebody carrying me.
I had to back and remember during some fitness testing before Grade 7, that during a run (I think it was 1600M) that I couldn't finish 800M without being stricken with an asthma attack.
I remembered about when Grade 7 came along. Track and Field starts up. Long jump? Not a chance. I'm short. Shot put? Not a chance. Way to weak. High Jump? LOL. 50M running? Too slow. 400M, 800M & 1600M running? Now we're talking. But why is that we can talk about that? The medication I was on combined with growing up was starting to diminish the problems asthma posed.
I remembered that running those events allowed me to feel like I belonged and to feel like i was doing something I WASN'T supposed to be doing. I had severe astham and was running! Two things that I was always under the belief didn't belong in the same sentence.
I also remember when Grade 11 comes. I've been doing the track and field running for a bit. Then someone (I don't remember who) suggests cross country running. I'll be honest - I did that because really - not many people would do it, which makes reaching provincials pretty easy.
I look back though, and think of running it and how awesome it was. The courses, the scenery, the experience of it all. I think at that time it was 6KM and if I remember correctly, my times for those events would be 45 minutes.
Unfortunately, I also remember that after high school, running became a non-factor. Post secondary and defining a path in life was first and foremost. Fast forward approximately 6-7 years. Instead of a lean, non-muscular 130lb frame, I'm just shy of 200lbs and still non-muscular. Asthma still poses issues, but I won't lie - smoking was not helping.
I eventually quit smoking and in May 2009, I keep hearing ads for Queen City Marathon and I've also started doing HIIT at the gym to shed fat. I've heard of the QCM somewhat - that it's a Boston Marathon qualifying course and people of all shapes/sizes run it.
I remember that as I've been doing my HIIT, I've noticed my cardio improving. Lung capacity is improving and I just feel BETTER. I start training for the QCM half marathon and finish in 1:56:51. I run a 5K in December as the running bug is more than that now. I am starting to LIVE for running.
I decided in 2010 to train for the QCM Full Marathon. Unfortunately, due to injuries I'm relegated to watching friends start and finish along with watching oldest son run his mini marathon. I ran the last 100M with him, but all in all, I remember how soul crushing that day was. It was depressing watching all these people take off and all I could do was watch.
I laid off running for a while and during the winter started doing some strength training on my knees/legs and started doing 5KM HIIT sessions. In March 2011, I decided, to run the Gopher Attack Half Marathon and finished it with a personal best.
I remember during my run, that I run to not only stay fit, but because it't something I grew up with the impression that I shouldn't be doing it. I wasn't supposed to be able to run long distances. I run because during those times, I feel free and I feel great.
So why do I want to run a full marathon? Because when I was smaller, I couldn't run and now I can. I want to not only prove to my children that if you work at something, it can happen, but I want to complete my ultimate test - going from not being able to run 400 metres to finishing 42194.89 metres.
There will be people running the QCM to be the fastest or to win a bet. They may be trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon or looking to say they did it. I won't be running for any of those reason. I'll be running for me. I'll be running for my younger self that couldn't even play at recess.
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