Officially completed week 1 of Fleet Feet's half marathon training!
Speed training on Thursday evening was a first for me. We did a 15 minute warm-up and then did fartleks - a 2 minute fast run, followed by a 2 minute slow run. It actually felt good to run hard knowing I was going to be able to rest a little after it but 2 minutes is no joke and a long time. We ended the workout with a 15 minute run back to the store. Felt good after the workout but was sore that night. Surprisingly woke up fine on Friday with no soreness. Very curious to see how speed training workouts will impact my running - we'll see.
Enjoyed my rest day on Friday and felt like I earned it. Saturday's long run was 7 miles. Again we started out in the dark but this time it was also foggy - fantastic. Got through the run fine but definitely need to start eating prior to my long runs as I kinda pushed myself to the limit on this one and was starving afterwards and at lunch. Felt fine last week when I didn't eat anything for 6 miles, but was a little drained after 7 miles this week. Was just too lazy to get up earlier to eat something - it's a bad habit of mine.
Here's the training program for this week:
Monday: 3.5 miles
Tuesday: cross-train
Wednesday: 3.5 miles
Thursday: speed workout
Friday: rest
Saturday: 8 miles
Sunday: cross-train
This week I also need to buy some new running shoes - I'm thinking something pink or purple.
Countdown - 3 weeks until the Davis Stampede half marathon and 8 weeks until the Shamrock half!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Monday, January 17, 2011
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Suzanne: Week 1 of Half Marathon Training Program
On Saturday, I officially started my half marathon training program with my local Fleet Feet. At 6:30 am I started on my long run with the training group. It was cold - cold for a California girl that is - and dark but I successfully completed a 6 mile run. Felt good, had a great run with Judy and Morgan and then had the rest of my day in front of me. Definitely makes a difference to run with people as I always run faster. It was a good start and we'll see how the rest of the training goes and what difference it makes.
Here's the training program for this week:
Monday: 3 miles (completed)
Tuesday: cross-train (completed)
Wednesday: 3 miles
Thursday: speed workout
Friday: rest
Saturday: 7 miles
Sunday: cross-train
Every Thursday will be the speed workout in the evenings. Curious to see how these go but evidently we're doing 4-6 miles of speed work - that should be interesting.
Also, I think my days of running on the treadmill are numbered. I used to LOVE running on the treadmill and actually preferred it to running outside. However, since I've been training I now prefer running outside. My last few treadmill runs have been HORRIBLE! They seemed to last forever and I just wanted to stop. Just dreadful!
This training is preparing me for the Shamrock half marathon on March 13th with our longest run being 13 miles - more than I've trained for in the past. However, I'm also scheduled to do a half marathon on February 6th - my training will be up to 10 miles prior to that race (what I normally trained up to for my past 2 half marathons).
That's it for now!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Here's the training program for this week:
Monday: 3 miles (completed)
Tuesday: cross-train (completed)
Wednesday: 3 miles
Thursday: speed workout
Friday: rest
Saturday: 7 miles
Sunday: cross-train
Every Thursday will be the speed workout in the evenings. Curious to see how these go but evidently we're doing 4-6 miles of speed work - that should be interesting.
Also, I think my days of running on the treadmill are numbered. I used to LOVE running on the treadmill and actually preferred it to running outside. However, since I've been training I now prefer running outside. My last few treadmill runs have been HORRIBLE! They seemed to last forever and I just wanted to stop. Just dreadful!
This training is preparing me for the Shamrock half marathon on March 13th with our longest run being 13 miles - more than I've trained for in the past. However, I'm also scheduled to do a half marathon on February 6th - my training will be up to 10 miles prior to that race (what I normally trained up to for my past 2 half marathons).
That's it for now!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Suzanne: I Skipped My 5k!
Yes, I skipped my 5k this past Sunday. Was gung ho about running in the rain until I woke up early on Sunday to check out the weather and it was raining heavily, windy and cold. I should clarify that it was cold for this California girl - not for anyone who lives in the Northeast or Midwest. Ha! So I decided to NOT go and went back to bed. You'll be happy to know that I did run a 5k but in the comfort of the gym. In checking out the results of the race and it did seem that there was a fair number of runners that made the same decision as me.
So far this week my training is going to plan. Ran 4 miles on Monday on the treadmill at work, rested today, and plan to run 5 miles on Wednesday, 3 miles on Thursday, cross train on Friday and run 6 miles on Saturday morning with the Fleet Feet half marathon training group. Did I mention the training group runs at 6:30 am in the morning? Oh my! Well at least I'll get it done first thing in the morning and check it off my list.
Happy new year everyone! I hope everyone is off to a great start and making progress on their resolutions. On that note, I figured I'd share my 2011 running/exercise goals.
- Run 4 half marathons (doubling my 2010 total)
- Improve half marathon PR by 15 minutes
- Join half marathon training group
- Try Bikram Yoga
- Continue to strengthen core through personal training workouts and/or classes
- Consistently workout 5 days a week
- Lose 5 lbs (stretch goal: lose 10 lbs)
- Eat better by reducing portion size and limiting consumption of ice cream, pizza, and bread
It's always good to have goals to shoot for so I'm excited to work towards achieving mine.
Happy Running,
Suzanne
So far this week my training is going to plan. Ran 4 miles on Monday on the treadmill at work, rested today, and plan to run 5 miles on Wednesday, 3 miles on Thursday, cross train on Friday and run 6 miles on Saturday morning with the Fleet Feet half marathon training group. Did I mention the training group runs at 6:30 am in the morning? Oh my! Well at least I'll get it done first thing in the morning and check it off my list.
Happy new year everyone! I hope everyone is off to a great start and making progress on their resolutions. On that note, I figured I'd share my 2011 running/exercise goals.
- Run 4 half marathons (doubling my 2010 total)
- Improve half marathon PR by 15 minutes
- Join half marathon training group
- Try Bikram Yoga
- Continue to strengthen core through personal training workouts and/or classes
- Consistently workout 5 days a week
- Lose 5 lbs (stretch goal: lose 10 lbs)
- Eat better by reducing portion size and limiting consumption of ice cream, pizza, and bread
It's always good to have goals to shoot for so I'm excited to work towards achieving mine.
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Suzanne: Back in Training Mode and My First 5k of 2011
Well, I’m officially back in training mode! A little tough to get back into the routine of running but it’s actually been going well. I expected it was going to be a little more difficult but I’ve been feeling good and have been able to build up my mileage faster than planned. I’m attributing this success to the shape I’m in from personal training and other non-running workouts.
This Sunday I will run in the My First 5k Race, which will be my actual first 5k (I’ve only run in a 10k and two half marathons to this point) and my first race of 2011! I’m excited and a little nervous as I know a lot of people run fast in 5ks. I’ve been working on speeding up my pace – easy to do with my new Garmin – but my worst nightmare is to go all out and then die before the end of the race.
Speaking of the Garmin – I absolutely LOVE it! So easy to use and really a “must have” for any runner (don’t know why it took me so long to get one). I love how easy it is to upload my running data so I can keep track of all that information.
After the race this Sunday, I’ll post a race recap and hopefully some pictures. I’m just hoping it won’t rain, but I survived the rain (which never stopped) at Disneyland last week so I’m pretty sure I’ll survive whatever happens.
As far as training for this week, I’m focusing on two things: (1) speeding up my mile pace for the 5k and (2) continuing to build up my mileage base for my half marathon training. Need to build up to 6 miles (for long run) for Fleet Feet’s half marathon training groups officially starts on 1/8 at 6:30 am.
Races update – added the Davis Stampede half marathon on February 6th to the race calendar. The half marathon training group will be up to 10 miles before that race, which is what I’ve usually done in the past, so I’m adding the half marathon as a warm up to the Shamrock Half in March.
Hope everyone had a wonderful holidays and here’s to a healthy and wonderful 2011!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
This Sunday I will run in the My First 5k Race, which will be my actual first 5k (I’ve only run in a 10k and two half marathons to this point) and my first race of 2011! I’m excited and a little nervous as I know a lot of people run fast in 5ks. I’ve been working on speeding up my pace – easy to do with my new Garmin – but my worst nightmare is to go all out and then die before the end of the race.
Speaking of the Garmin – I absolutely LOVE it! So easy to use and really a “must have” for any runner (don’t know why it took me so long to get one). I love how easy it is to upload my running data so I can keep track of all that information.
After the race this Sunday, I’ll post a race recap and hopefully some pictures. I’m just hoping it won’t rain, but I survived the rain (which never stopped) at Disneyland last week so I’m pretty sure I’ll survive whatever happens.
As far as training for this week, I’m focusing on two things: (1) speeding up my mile pace for the 5k and (2) continuing to build up my mileage base for my half marathon training. Need to build up to 6 miles (for long run) for Fleet Feet’s half marathon training groups officially starts on 1/8 at 6:30 am.
Races update – added the Davis Stampede half marathon on February 6th to the race calendar. The half marathon training group will be up to 10 miles before that race, which is what I’ve usually done in the past, so I’m adding the half marathon as a warm up to the Shamrock Half in March.
Hope everyone had a wonderful holidays and here’s to a healthy and wonderful 2011!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Suzanne's Early "Running" Christmas Present: A Garmin Watch!
Oh yeah baby, Christmas came early! I'm at Costco doing my shopping and I just happen to notice a Garmin Forerunner 405 CX. Let's just say the price was one that I couldn't resist (we all know how expensive Garmin's are) and I snapped one up. Isn't it pretty? Ha!
To try out my new toy, I actually ran in the rain! That was a first and it was only a light drizzle. The watch is awesome - it tells you your pace, how far you've run and your time. You even can program it so you're running against a time and it will show if you're behind or ahead. And it all can be uploaded wirelessly so you can continue to track your miles and times. Can you say awesome?
This week marked the official start of my training. Three weeks until My First 5k Race. And four weeks until the training begins for the Shamrock half marathon. I have to build my base up to 6 miles by then which shouldn't be a problem.
It's been a struggle to get back into "running mode" but I have to admit I missed it. While I've been doing different types of workouts it still feels great to just get out there and run...and let my mind go free. Running really helps me de-clutter my mind, organize my thoughts and just think through whatever is going on. As many working moms can attest - we have way too much in our heads at any given moment, so I'm happy to be training again.
Wishing everyone a wonderful holidays - is anyone doing any Christmas/Holiday runs? Good luck if you are!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
To try out my new toy, I actually ran in the rain! That was a first and it was only a light drizzle. The watch is awesome - it tells you your pace, how far you've run and your time. You even can program it so you're running against a time and it will show if you're behind or ahead. And it all can be uploaded wirelessly so you can continue to track your miles and times. Can you say awesome?
This week marked the official start of my training. Three weeks until My First 5k Race. And four weeks until the training begins for the Shamrock half marathon. I have to build my base up to 6 miles by then which shouldn't be a problem.
It's been a struggle to get back into "running mode" but I have to admit I missed it. While I've been doing different types of workouts it still feels great to just get out there and run...and let my mind go free. Running really helps me de-clutter my mind, organize my thoughts and just think through whatever is going on. As many working moms can attest - we have way too much in our heads at any given moment, so I'm happy to be training again.
Wishing everyone a wonderful holidays - is anyone doing any Christmas/Holiday runs? Good luck if you are!
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Friday, December 3, 2010
Oh Right, The Pact
I saw the link to Suzanne's blog post in my Facebook feed and my first thought was oh good, Suzanne wrote a post. Then I thought, crap how long has it been since I've posted*. Then I read Suzanne's blog post and thought, oh right, the pact. We both said when we met in November that we would be better about the blog. Call it our early New Year's resolution. So here we are. I'm kind of lazy today (even though I worked out this morning, weird) so I'm going to loosely follow the format of Suzanne's latest post.
Chicago Marathon
I've been a bad blogger, but I did update why the Chicago Marathon dream was unrealized, once again, here. Somehow I also managed to position myself as the poster child for most unfullfilled marathon attempts via The New York Times.
Twitter
I haven't been blogging, but I've been tweeting! Follow me here.
Training
Started personal training again and so far, so good. I really like my trainer. She's friendly and enthusiastic but not annoyingly so, you know what I mean? And, even though she is much younger than me, I don't feel ancient around her.
WW At Work
Two work friends and I have started Weight Watchers at Work. Very convenient to have the meetings during Monday lunch. Plus, the meetings are providing the accountability that I desperately needed. For me, getting on the scale in front of someone keeps my eating in check much more so than getting on the scale in the privacy of my own bathroom. Three weeks in and four pounds down. Might not seem like much, but slow and steady wins the race. Plus that include one week of Thanksgiving, a family Christmas party and a get together with Suzanne and friends. Somehow I managed to lose 1.6 pounds the holiday week. Without WW, I most likely would have gained 2.6 pounds with all of that going on. My goal is to lose 40 - 45 pounds because let's face it, the "baby" from my "baby weight" is now 6 years old, not 6 weeks.
Running
Getting back to a consistent running schedule;ran a couple time last week, three times this week
2011 Races
I have a few:
Chicago Shamrock Shuffle (April 10)
This is a couple weeks later this year, so better chance for better weather. It's usually the Shamrock SlushFest.
CARA Lakefront 10 (April 16)
This is a maybe . . .
Chicago Spring Half Marathon (May 15)
Also a maybe . . .
Soldier Field 10 Mile (May 28)
This one more likely than the Spring Half.
Need to convince my husband to do this one too.
Playlist Additions
Not a heck of a lot, but I do like the Pink song Suzanne mentioned too.
I've been on a One Republic kick lately, but others are:
"I Want It That Way" - Allister (note, this is NOT the Backstreet Boys version)
"Evacuate the Dancefloor" - Cascada (this song is so atypical for me, but it makes me run faster every time it comes on)
"I'm Not Over" - Carolina Liar - - Still a favorite running song
"When You Were Young" - The Killers
"Missing" - Flyleaf
*By the way, I still haven't been able to bring myself to look to see how long it's been since I posted.
Jenn
Chicago Marathon
I've been a bad blogger, but I did update why the Chicago Marathon dream was unrealized, once again, here. Somehow I also managed to position myself as the poster child for most unfullfilled marathon attempts via The New York Times.
I haven't been blogging, but I've been tweeting! Follow me here.
Training
Started personal training again and so far, so good. I really like my trainer. She's friendly and enthusiastic but not annoyingly so, you know what I mean? And, even though she is much younger than me, I don't feel ancient around her.
WW At Work
Two work friends and I have started Weight Watchers at Work. Very convenient to have the meetings during Monday lunch. Plus, the meetings are providing the accountability that I desperately needed. For me, getting on the scale in front of someone keeps my eating in check much more so than getting on the scale in the privacy of my own bathroom. Three weeks in and four pounds down. Might not seem like much, but slow and steady wins the race. Plus that include one week of Thanksgiving, a family Christmas party and a get together with Suzanne and friends. Somehow I managed to lose 1.6 pounds the holiday week. Without WW, I most likely would have gained 2.6 pounds with all of that going on. My goal is to lose 40 - 45 pounds because let's face it, the "baby" from my "baby weight" is now 6 years old, not 6 weeks.
Running
Getting back to a consistent running schedule;ran a couple time last week, three times this week
2011 Races
I have a few:
Chicago Shamrock Shuffle (April 10)
This is a couple weeks later this year, so better chance for better weather. It's usually the Shamrock SlushFest.
CARA Lakefront 10 (April 16)
This is a maybe . . .
Chicago Spring Half Marathon (May 15)
Also a maybe . . .
Soldier Field 10 Mile (May 28)
This one more likely than the Spring Half.
Need to convince my husband to do this one too.
Playlist Additions
Not a heck of a lot, but I do like the Pink song Suzanne mentioned too.
I've been on a One Republic kick lately, but others are:
"I Want It That Way" - Allister (note, this is NOT the Backstreet Boys version)
"Evacuate the Dancefloor" - Cascada (this song is so atypical for me, but it makes me run faster every time it comes on)
"I'm Not Over" - Carolina Liar - - Still a favorite running song
"When You Were Young" - The Killers
"Missing" - Flyleaf
*By the way, I still haven't been able to bring myself to look to see how long it's been since I posted.
Jenn
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Sorry! Update! 2011 Races!
It's been awhile I know and I'm SORRY. Let's just say life got in the way! It's been a busy few months but I'm back and promise to get back to regularly blogging. Jenn promises too (we made a pact) but I'll let her do that in her own posting.
Speaking of Jenn, we actually got to see one another twice in the last month! The first was for dinner while I was in Chicago on business and the second time when we were in Chicago for Thanksgiving (an annual family trip). Always a treat to catch up with Jenn in person and eating fabulous food! Oh and guess what we forgot to do?? Take a photo so we could post on the blog - shame on us we know!
OK, so here's a recap of what's been going on:
TRAINER
As I mentioned in my last post, I joined a gym and started working with a trainer. She has kicked my butt and yes there were times I thought "I can't do this" but continued on. I'm proud of myself as this really pushed me outside of my "exercise comfort level" and the great news is that it's really made a difference. I feel stronger and this definitely (I would think) will only help with my running.
RUNNING
So have I been running? Yes and no. Yes, I've been running but not as consistently as I planned. This month my goal is to work back up into 8 mile shape. And the plan is to post a weekly update on how things are progressing.
TRAINING
I've decided to join a half marathon training group! Fleet Feet offers one where I live and I thought why not? So starting in January I will start training with a group on Saturdays (6:30 am for long runs) and Thursdays (6:15 pm for speed workouts). Last year I trained solo for my two half-marathons. While I will admit I prefer to run by myself I wanted to take my training to the next level and figured this made sense. It certainly can't hurt and I'm curious what impact it will have on my running. Time will tell. Anyone else have any thoughts/experiences with running groups?
2011 RACES
Research and identified some races for the first half of 2011:
January 2 - My First 5k
March 13 - Shamrock Half Marathon
May - Loop the Lagoon 10k
May - Fiesta Days Half Marathon
MUSIC
And here are some new songs that I enjoy working out to:
Pink "Raise Your Glass"
Katy Perry "Firework"
Taylor Swift "The Story of Us," "Better Than Revenge," "Mine" (note: I pretty much LOVE her new album)
Mariah Carey "Oh Santa"
Linkin Park "The Catalyst"
That's it for now. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is enjoying the holiday season.
Happy Running,
Suzanne
Speaking of Jenn, we actually got to see one another twice in the last month! The first was for dinner while I was in Chicago on business and the second time when we were in Chicago for Thanksgiving (an annual family trip). Always a treat to catch up with Jenn in person and eating fabulous food! Oh and guess what we forgot to do?? Take a photo so we could post on the blog - shame on us we know!
OK, so here's a recap of what's been going on:
TRAINER
As I mentioned in my last post, I joined a gym and started working with a trainer. She has kicked my butt and yes there were times I thought "I can't do this" but continued on. I'm proud of myself as this really pushed me outside of my "exercise comfort level" and the great news is that it's really made a difference. I feel stronger and this definitely (I would think) will only help with my running.
RUNNING
So have I been running? Yes and no. Yes, I've been running but not as consistently as I planned. This month my goal is to work back up into 8 mile shape. And the plan is to post a weekly update on how things are progressing.
TRAINING
I've decided to join a half marathon training group! Fleet Feet offers one where I live and I thought why not? So starting in January I will start training with a group on Saturdays (6:30 am for long runs) and Thursdays (6:15 pm for speed workouts). Last year I trained solo for my two half-marathons. While I will admit I prefer to run by myself I wanted to take my training to the next level and figured this made sense. It certainly can't hurt and I'm curious what impact it will have on my running. Time will tell. Anyone else have any thoughts/experiences with running groups?
2011 RACES
Research and identified some races for the first half of 2011:
January 2 - My First 5k
March 13 - Shamrock Half Marathon
May - Loop the Lagoon 10k
May - Fiesta Days Half Marathon
MUSIC
And here are some new songs that I enjoy working out to:
Pink "Raise Your Glass"
Katy Perry "Firework"
Taylor Swift "The Story of Us," "Better Than Revenge," "Mine" (note: I pretty much LOVE her new album)
Mariah Carey "Oh Santa"
Linkin Park "The Catalyst"
That's it for now. Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is enjoying the holiday season.
Happy Running,
Suzanne
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