So, I'm officially out-of-shape, but trying to get back into shape. At least I'm doing something, although it's pretty painful in the process. I'm also taking great measures to ensure that I'm not overdoing it at this (beginning) stage. The last thing I want is to start out all strong and gung-ho to find myself incapacitated in little time.
So, I thought I was going to ride Juniper to the gym, walk for 20 minutes, do a strength training class, and then bike home on Juniper. I got my times mixed up, however, and found myself at the gym 30 minutes too late for the strength training class. That's okay; there's a Pilates class at 10am. I can go to that after I walk/jog for now, I thought. So, I headed up to the track, and began the cardio workout. I walked 6 minutes for my warm-up, then proceeded with 3 minute intervals of walking and jogging. I did a cool-down of walking for 2 minutes before heading over to the Pilates class. I definitely forgot how hard Pilates was. I could hardly do anything! Planks had me trembling and down on my knees! My balance was non-existent! Forget using the ball when lifting and lowering my ankles ... I couldn't hack it and after 30 minutes, I realized that if I didn't stop, I was going to over-do it and/or hurt myself. So, after a valient and demanding half-hour, I packed it up and headed out. For the first time in a really long, long time, I was "that girl." On the plus side, I have to say that riding the bicycle was suddenly the (easy) highlight of the day's workout plan ...
I don't think of myself as quitting, but just being realistic. It's too early to push too hard. I'm actually glad I stopped when I did. The walk/jog went really well, actually. The jog was much, much better than I had expected it to be. My Pilates performance left me wanting, but I did get a lot out of it (and can be felt today). I'm not crippled, just pleasantly sore in all the right places. I'm planning to take time to go for an easy swim this afternoon to help work out all of the soreness and kinks in my neck and shoulders. I am going to have to work on getting back in the habit of relaxing my upper body during workouts since I find myself shrugging and hunching-up my shoulders when I'm really pushing the effort.
So, for a total of 20 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of Pilates, it was a bit painful, but worth every moment.
I bailed on the social ride today because I couldn't get home in time to change clothes and to meet up with everyone. Just so you know, the Tuesday social ride I speak of is actually NOT a club ride. It's just a ride that I've volunteered to lead for my friends and their families. We ride a local Rails-to-Trails route (Huckleberry Trail) and the average pace is 8mph on a "fast" day. :) Literally, it's an active rest ride for me, but I get a handful of women coming to this ride. They're interested in cycling, but are afraid to start (and confused by all the different options and "rules" of riding). I'm trying to help them out and get them comfortable and interested in road cycling. My goal is to one day incorporate them all into the local club social rides that happen on Wednesday and Saturdays around here. I'm sure it will be a while before that happens, though! The average pace for those rides tends to be 15 mph on hilly terrain (3000+ ft of climbing over 20-30 miles).
Anyway, I canceled today's social ride when I realized that I wouldn't be able to start it at the regular 6pm time. My normal carpool ride home couldn't leave work by 5pm and the bus wasn't going to arrive until 5:15pm (and then it took the LONG way home). By the time I stepped off the bus, it was 5:45pm an I still had a 20 minute walk home in my heels while carrying a laptop bag. Trust me, at this moment all I was thinking about was how I wished I had put together my commuter bike and rode it to work that day!
By the time I got home, it was already past 6pm. I took the dog out for a quick 20 minute walk, came home and suited up in spandex, and at nearly 7pm I headed out for a tempo ride with 30 seconds intervals of big chain (hard gear) followed by 2 minutes easy and then another interval of 30 seconds medium gear spinning as fast as I could go, followed by another 2 minutes of easy. I did this for 15 miles (less than 500 ft. climbing) for ~1 hour. It was tougher than I thought it would be, but I completed it. That's all that matters! 
As soon as I get my new commuter/touring bike put together, I think I'm going to try to start commuting to work. I only have 10 minutes to ride. It's sad. I usually either take the bus or get a ride from my boyfriend because I don't like being all sweaty for just 10 minutes of riding. I'm thinking about actively riding out of my way as part of my "commute" and then just shower at the gym that is only 3 blocks away from my office. The thing is ... I really like being able to get ready at home in the mornings. Damn, convenience! :) I almost wished I lived 15-20 miles away from work so that I really would have a good excuse to start commuting again (like I did in CA). Adding 15 miles to 3 miles every morning just seems a little ridiculous when I know I can skip it and sleep in for an extra hour. You know what I'm saying? I really do like my sleep.
I also need to remember to take it easy on the runs! I started out feeling really strong with them and then--WHAM!--the next day I feel shot! I have been more fatigued than I thought I'd be. I feel strong when doing it, but it's taking longer for my body to recover. I'm still working on finding the right number of recovery days and balancing when I should be doing what. So far, it's just chaos: I do the exercises/training as I can, and there's been 0% swimming done so far. That's okay ... I'm not the least bit worried. June was just getting started on routinely working out. (So far, very good. I'm averaging 4+ times a week!) I think I'm going to make July the month that I actually try to stick to the workout plan. We'll see what August may bring ...
How about you? How has your "workout stickiness" been?
It's still busy at work (now I'm conducting training 8-5 Tues-Thur), but at least I'll likely leave by 5pm today to do a super slow social/family ride with friends and co-workers. I rode 33 miles on Saturday and it nearly killed me. I was the slowest (and most tired) one in the group. It's been awhile since I've been *that* person. Oh, well. We all start somewhere, right? Despite being dead last and all, I still had a great time and took Sunday OFF to also sleep in (love those lazy Sundays!)
So, Monday I woke up too late to workout and then I worked really late and figured I'd just skip a workout day. Then, I found out that I had missed the last bus home and my boyfriend was also stuck at work. That meant I was either going to have to walk home or run home. Since I keep a stash of workout clothes and shoes at my office, I figured, "What the hell, let's run!" I donned the clothes and left my office and started jogging home. It was actually really awesome, except for the hailstorm 10 minutes into my run. (Ouch!) I should've known by the thundering rainclouds ... which followed shortly with big, fat, juicy drops of rain. :) In less than 2 minutes, I was SOAKED head-to-toe and still had a mile-and-a-half to go. At least it was a warm rain ... and I wasn't all hot and sticky when I was done. :D
Today, I woke up at 5:30 AM feeling lazy and was just about to go back to sleep when had this horrible half-awake/half-asleep realization: gaining 20 lbs. in 2 years means I'd be a huge disappointment to my friends and family back home. Following that thought was a phrase I like to repeat to myself, "If You Keep Doing the Same Thing, You'll Keep Getting the Same Result" Needless to say, I'm still not as heavy as before and I'm certainly more fit at my current weight then when I was previously at this weight. I'm ready for this change. It was all I needed to get my butt outta' bed and into my workout clothes. I got to the gym and lifted weights for an hour in the BodyPUMP course. It was great and I'm glad I went. Now, if only I'd stop being so hungry at lunchtime! (*grumbly belly*)
These are the tweets that I couldn't send via text messaging (for some reason or another). I'll write a longer, follow-up blog at some point, but for now, you'll get the picture:
07/25/07 7:04 PM
Had an apertif and appetizer, 3 course dinner, & a bottle of fine wine. European food is so good!
07/26/07 6:50 PM
I ran for 32 min (4 on/1 off) & ate a lot of bread, cheese, and coldcuts today. Yea!
07/27/07 5:08 AM
Just getting up to go walk. No running today; knees need a day off!
07/31/07 10:22 PM
Driving thru former eastern country, Romania. Truly astounding!
08/01/07 7:00 PM
The Romanian cntryside is incredibly beautiful. The home I'm in now is in the heart of the old city, Brasov. Wow!
08/03/07 2:00 PM
Visited Romanian Sinaia's castle Pelesh. Fantastic woodwork and marble structures.
08/04/07 10:49 AM
OMG, I'm glad I went running! Breakfast was bell peppers, feta cheese aged in pine bark, tomatos, cucumbers, 3 kinds of smoked ham, yogurt w/fresh honey, break w/fresh butter & homemade plum jam. I'm getting fat, but I think I'm ok w/that. :)
08/07/07 10:04 AM
Last night: Another evening of eating and drinking, but this time w/ppl my age. Yea! More shopping to do today.
08/08/07 9:00 AM
Departing Romania soon. Heading to Germany to see Uli & Max. Then back to Sweden to work. Then coming back to the good ol' USA.
08/11/07 9:42 AM
OMG. The car broke down. Stuck in Romania on the side of a narrow, winding, mountain road. Tow truck is 2 hours away.
08/11/07 5:44 PM
OMG, the car broke down outside of Cluj. Been stranded since 9:30 AM. Dealing w/repairs, insurance, and getting a rental car for over 8 hrs. Still waiting.
08/11/07 8:44 PM
OMG, the car broke down outside of Cluj, Romania. Stranded, but safe at least! Still dealing w/repair issues, insurance (jerks!) and trying to get a rental car. Fun stuff--not!
08/11/07 8:47 PM
@Uli It's Amber. I won't be able to visit u. Our car broke down. I'm stuck in romania until tomorrow and then we'll be catching a plane to Sweden. I'm sorry. Text me when you get this!
08/11/07 9:52 PM
I'm still stuck in Romania. Plane no longer an option--no seats available! May have to ride a minibus driven by a lunatic for 7 hrs to get to Budapest. Can get a rental car there, tho.
08/13/07 8:09 AM
Made it to Budapest! Got a rental car! Made it to Wurzburg, Germany last night. Filled up on bread, butter, liverwurst, and tea. Off to Sweden!
08/14/07 4:46 PM
Made it to Sweden. Packed up and am sooooo ready to come home! If only I was returning to Cali and not BBurg. Na, gut.
PODAGOGY (yes, with an "O," and not PEDAGOGY b/c it's coined after iPod+Pedagogy) has absolutely nothing to do with triathlons, training, or anything fitness related whatsoever. (Well, not yet anyway.) It has everything to do with the future of my 8 hour workday, however, and I am not only excited about what it means for me and my job in education, but it just sounds really cool to say, too! Podagogy. Sweet!
On a fitness level, I went running today. It was a good run. I only ran for 40 minutes doing a 3 minutes jogging, 1 minute walking thing. I kept thinking I was going really slow. According to my Garmin Forerunner 201, my pace was a decent and very consistant 9:30/mi. Maybe it’s all that cycling I’ve been doing …
Anyway, I’m still very carefully monitoring my hip and groin. Today was the first time I had 100% success! There was no pain, no flinching, no aches, nada. I thoroughly stretched after warming up and after cooling down. I feel like it was a “fantabulous” success! Hooray! The running can become regular once again! Hooray! Hooray! I’ve scheduled another one for Wednesday and an optional one for Saturday morning. That’s right. This woman’s run is ON!
"I'm in the land of the hillies."
Context
City, State: Blacksburg, VA
Location: City
Course: Harding --> Patrick Henry (Loop)
Terrain: Hilly. Paved. (HR 105-155 bpm)
Distance and/or Time: 2.34 miles, 65 minutes
Speed or RPE: 2.16 mph, 2 (very easy)
Friday, November 18, 2005
The Run
- 5 Minutes - Warm-up: 5 minutes at 5% grade.
- 45 Minutes - Intervals: 20 minutes at HR 155 bpm; 25 minutes at HR 105 bpm.
- 15 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 5 minutes at <5.0 mph;
Synopsis
- Upshot: Ridiculously easy workout; all walking.
- Downside: Dealing with Josh's asthma.
- What I'm most proud of: That I didn't just ditch my husband.
- What I would do differently: Enlist in a workout buddy that doesn't suffer from everything-induced asthma and/or forgets their inhaler.
Overall
I'm in the land of the hillies. Hills, hills, everywhere. I'm so down and ready to take them all on. I set out today to jaunt over to the grocery store with my newly-inducted-runner hubby in tow when he decides he wants to "take up the pace."
"Go for it," I say. I'm still doing base training. And in short time, I catch up to him. And pass him. And then lose him. And then had to run back looking for him. Found him. Silly man forgot his inhaler. That ended the trip. We never even made it to the store! Ended up driving the car because it's 22 degrees outside and very dark after 6 pm, and I no go solo even though I'm a tough chickie.
So, short run, but that's okay. Next one will be better.
"I got my man to go with me."
Context
City, State: Blacksburg, VA
Location: The Huckleberry Trail
Course: Library --> 2.5 Marker (Loop)
Terrain: Hilly. Paved. (HR 125-165 bpm)
Distance and/or Time: 5.0 miles, 60 minutes
Speed or RPE: 5.0 mph, 3 (easy)
Thursday, November 17, 2005
The Run
- 10 Minutes - Warm-up: 0-4% grade; 5 minutes at 4.0mph; 1 minute at 5.0mph.
- 45 Minutes - Intervals: 5 minutes at HR 135bpm; 10 minutes at HR 155bpm.
- 5 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 5 minutes at <5.0 mph;
- BPM: 135-155
Synopsis
- Upshot: Easy workout, could go forever at this pace.
- Downside: I look like a jogger.
- What I'm most proud of: That I got the hubby, Josh, to go with me.
- What I would do differently: Go further. I really wanted to, but my man isn't quite up to the challenge just yet. (For the record, his intentions are!)
Overall
I got my man to go with me. I haven't seen him in two months, and I step off the plane and "H-E-L-L-O! Who is the hottie waiting for me? Yeow!" He's been eating less and working out more, he says. That may be so, and I couldn't be happier. Talk about H-O-T. Muy Caliente, mi Babino! Funny thing is, I'm still kicking his butt on the road.
I was trying to explain this whole base training thing and he's like, "Oh, whatever. This isn't really hard. We could go faster." Being stubborn, I state that I'm sticking to my heart rate range and that I'd catch up to him later. Not long after, I caught up to him. And I passed him. And kept going. Eventually, he caught back up to me, breathless and suggesting we go back before I get too tired. Me tired? I wasn't tired. Huh, of course, I get it.
"I'm tired. Let's head back." I graciously say. Funny, and I was just about to suggest that we run/walk the whole 10 miles of the trail. Guess not today. :D
"It's 8 weeks until the end."
Context
City, State: Chico, CA
Location: Upper Bidwell
Course: Gobble Wobble Walk/Run
Terrain: Hilly. Rocky. (HR 111-125 bpm)
Distance and/or Time: 5k, a lotta' minutes
Speed or RPE: 3.0 mph, 3 (light)
Saturday, November 12, 2005
The Walk
- 60 Minutes - Easy Chatty Walk: 2-4% grade; all minutes at ~3.0 mph;
Synopsis
- Upshot: Super easy workout; all walking and talking.
- Downside: Somewhat hungover. Fear talking.
- What I'm most proud of: Sam and I really had a heart-to-heart about so many changes about to take place in both of our lives.
- What I would do differently: Absolutely nothing.
Overall
It's 8 weeks until the end. The end of my time with my sisters in California, that is. It's getting really hard to deal with. Sam and I are both excited and optimistic about Minnesota and Virginia, respectively. It's just that it's going to be such a major change for us. Diana doesn't live in the same town as us anyway, so it's not so severe for her, but even she gets really upset when we start to talk about moving away.
This walk-and-talk episode is really what Sam and I needed to do before we shove off. We're so scared in a way (even though we know we'll always be fine), and we're so worried about not keeping with our training or not having as good of Tri buddies to workout with (even though we'll always stick to it anyway).
I guess it's just harder to leave something so comfortable behind when you're not so sure the next thing is guaranteed to be better. It helps, though, to know that we'll get to spread our individuallity wings more. Diana blossomed into such an admirably strong and successful woman once she moved away and found her own path, so I'm anxious to see what greatness Sam will obtain when no longer subconsciously holding herself back. As for myself, I anticipate worthwhile academic rewards and a happy reunification with my husband, so in short, success as well.
But, just to be safe, I have my fingers crossed for all of us. ;-)
"So, I keep reading about this thing called base training and that's where you're supposed to work on your aerobic range."
Context
City, State: Chico, CA
Location: Chico Sports Club
Course: Treadmill
Terrain: Fitness Zone+ (HR 135-155 bpm)
Distance and/or Time: 45 minutes
Speed or RPE: 4.0 mph, 4 (somewhat easy)
Wednesday, November 9, 2005
The Run
- 10 Minutes - Intervals: 3-6% grade; 1 minute at 6%; 1 minute at 3%.
- 45 Minutes - Intervals: 5 minutes at HR 135bpm; 5 minutes at HR 155bpm.
- 5 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 5 minutes at <5.0 mph;
- BPM: 135-155
Synopsis
- Upshot: Easy workout; mostly walking.
- Downside: Boring. Not running.
- What I'm most proud of: That I stuck with it in the idea that I'm building base training.
- What I would do differently: Double-check my HR monitor to make sure it's working properly. I'm not sure if that's good or bad it says I'm 165-175 bpm whenever I'm running.
Overall
So, I keep reading about this thing called base training and that's where you're supposed to work on your aerobic range. I'm thinking, "Cool! I get to exercise at an easy pace and stay within my range and build up to be better and stronger next season." Sounds simple enough. It is. Too simple, if you ask me. I really can't get too excited about walking. :( An MP3 player may be a neccessity.
"I've been keeping up with crosstraining, but my recent "Social Tri" of
Eating, Drinking, and Dancing didn't prove to be helpful for this
particular event!" Plus, racing stats for the 2005 Almond Bowl Run ...
Context
City, State: Chico, CA
Location: Bidwell Lower Park
Course: One Mile --> Cedar Grove Bridge --> Freeway Bridge --> One Mile
Terrain: Flat. Paved
Distance and/or Time: 3 miles, 27:44.58 minutes
Speed or RPE: 6.49 mph, 8 (harder), 9:15 min./mile
3 Mile Race Results
Bib Number: 279
Age: 28
Overall Rank: 189/392
Division Rank (F 25-29): 4/15
Sunday, November 6, 2005
The Chico, CA 2005 Almond Bowl Run
- 27:44.58 Minutes - 0-2% grade; avg. 6.49 mph.
- 5 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 5 minutes at <5.0 mph;
- BPM: 160-177
Synopsis
- Upshot: It's the first race of the season!
- Downside: I drank too much only two nights ago (on Friday night). :(
- What I'm most proud of: I actually raced! Met and exceeded my goal of finishing 3 miles under 30 minutes! I got 4th in my age group! WOW!
- What I would do differently: Actually prepare and train for the race. ;)
Overall
I've been keeping up with crosstraining, but my recent "Social Tri" of Eating, Drinking, and Dancing didn't prove to be helpful for this particular event! Ha, ha! Ignoring that fact, I'm really pleased with myself. I made it under 30 minutes and had the chance to see many people that I know compete and finish. Brooke (the step instructor at CSC) was there and finished shortly after me. Steve Metzger (my favorite English professor at CSU, Chico) also came in just after me. He did particularly well as he shaved something like 3 or 4 minutes off his overall run time. It was so exciting!
That's not to say that it was easy. Sam and I were only going to run for the fun of it, and not race. We were going to take pictures and chat and just have an easy recoup day. And somehow, we decided right before the start (while we're in the very back of the pack) that we were actually going to put forth some effort and actually do some sort of racing. Hmmmmm ... Perhaps, we should've thought that one through a little better?
We started, and it was slow going nowhere. People were everywhere and always in the way! We must have weaved and wandered on and off road for the first 10 minutes vying for better positioning. Eventually, we got it and settled into a quick pace. There were times when I thought I might give up or pass out. Sam is such a dynamo. She's in ridiculously great running shape even if she's more hungover than I! She barely broke a sweat on the course. I was dying for parts of it. When my BPM jumped up to 177, I had to say, "Let's take it down a notch, and please start asking me questions so I don't hyperventilate." That did the trick, thank god! Still, seeing how I hardly ever run any faster than 5.5 mph, an average speed of 6.49 is remarkable. I have to admit, we were passing people all along the way. And we blew by a lot of folks in the last quarter mile. It was a bit of a rush! I've already signed up for more!
Training stats for the day's run...
Context
City, State: Chico, CA
Location: Chico Sports Club
Course: Treadmill
Terrain: Hill (Level 12)
Distance and/or Time: 35 minutes
Speed or RPE: 5.2 mph, 6 (somewhat harder)
Thursday, November 3, 2005
The Run
- 30 Minutes - Intervals: 3-9.2% grade; 1 minute at 5, 7, 8 and 9.2%; 1 minute at 3%.
- 5 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 5 minutes at <5.0 mph;
- BPM: Unknown (HRM broken)
Synopsis
- Upshot: Short, easy workout.
- Downside: It's late in the day, and it's just that much harder to do.
- What I'm most proud of: That I showed up. I was just going to skip out.
- What I would do differently: Go to bed earlier the night before so I can stick to the morning schedule.
Overall
Weather outside is icky. It's cold, rainy, and DARK. I want to run trails, but my shoes aren't good for it. So inside on the treadmill is where Sam and I will be for a while. It was a good run, but it took 20+ minutes for my high to kick in. That's too long. It's so hard when it's late in the day. The motivation just isn't the same. But, I am really glad I went.
Training stats for the day's run...
Context
City, State: Chico, CA
Location: Bidwell Lower Park
Course: One-Mile --> 5-Mile (Loop)
Terrain: Flat. Paved.
Distance and/or Time: ~6 miles, 1 hour 5 minutes
Speed or RPE: 5.5 mph, 5 (somewhat hard)
Saturday, October 29, 2005
The Run
- 60 Minutes - Intervals: 0-2% grade; 9 minutes at 5.7 mph; 1 minute at 3.5 mph.
- 5 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 5 minutes at <5.0 mph;
- BPM: Unknown (HRM broken)
Overall
Libor said it all when he wrote, "It's Great When it Clicks".
I had a great (social) evening the night before, and while I didn't get a lot of sleep, I did get great sleep. I stayed over at Sam's, the alarm went off, we weren't groggy, and we got dressed and walked over to the park to meet with the other running club members. The weather felt damp, but without rain clouds, the sun was shining. It was destined to be a glorious day. And glorious it was! I ran with Sam farther than we've ever run before (to the 5-Mile Bridge!) and continued to run back. We accidentally blew through two of our "rest" intervals because we were too busy talking about politics and coming up with an off-season plan. Chatty Cathys we were, but the sort-of-breathless kind. It was just perfect. We ran strong! Oh, how I love days like today!
Training stats for the day's run...
Context
City, State: Chico, CA
Location: Bidwell Lower Park
Course: One-Mile --> 5-Mile (Loop)
Terrain: Flat. Paved.
Distance and/or Time: ~6 miles, 1 hour 5 minutes
Speed or RPE: 5.5 mph, 5 (somewhat hard)
Saturday, October 29, 2005
The Run
- 60 Minutes - Intervals: 0-2% grade; 9 minutes at 5.7 mph; 1 minute at 3.5 mph.
- 5 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 5 minutes at <5.0 mph;
- BPM: Unknown (HRM broken)
Overall
Libor said it all when he wrote, "It's Great When it Clicks".
I had a great (social) evening the night before, and while I didn't get a lot of sleep, I did get great sleep. I stayed over at Sam's, the alarm went off, we weren't groggy, and we got dressed and walked over to the park to meet with the other running club members. The weather felt damp, but without rain clouds, the sun was shining. It was destined to be a glorious day. And glorious it was! I ran with Sam farther than we've ever run before (to the 5-Mile Bridge!) and continued to run back. We accidentally blew through two of our "rest" intervals because we were too busy talking about politics and coming up with an off-season plan. Chatty Cathys we were, but the sort-of-breathless kind. It was just perfect. We ran strong! Oh, how I love days like today!
Training stats for the day's run...
Context
City, State: Chico, CA
Location: Mom & Dad's House
Course: Munjar --> Tehama County Line (Loop)
Terrain: Flat. Paved.
Distance and/or Time: 6 miles, 1 hour 20 minutes
Speed or RPE: 4.5 mph, 5 (somewhat hard)
Friday, October 28, 2005
The Run
- 5 Minutes - Warm-up: 0-2% grade; 5 minutes at <3.5 mph;
- 65 Minutes - Intervals: 0-2% grade; 9 minutes at >5.0 mph; 1 minute at 3.5 mph.
- 10 Minutes - Cooldown: 0-2% grade; 10 minutes at <5.0 mph;
- BPM: Unknown (HRM broken)
Overall
Let me just say that I did not feel like strapping on the shoes and running. In fact, I really didn't feel much like doing any workout of any sort today. But I knew I ought to. I really should. It took me two hours to convince myself to get off my butt and into the gear. It took another 15 to convince me to step outside the house. Once I had the doggie leash in hand, however, I knew there was no going back. Calen was so excited, it would've broken his heart for me to back out. Thank goodness he's always willing to go! Chalk one for the dog!
Training stats for the day's run...
Context
City, State: Chico, CA
Location: Chico Sports Club
Course: Treadmill
Terrain: Hill (Level 12)
Distance and/or Time: 3.5 miles, 45 minutes
Speed or RPE: 5.0 mph, 5 (somewhat hard)
Thursday, October 27, 2005
The Run
- 40 Minutes - Intervals: 3-9.2% grade; 1 minute at 5, 7, 8 and 9.2%; 1 minute at 3%.
- 5 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 5 minutes at <5.0 mph;
- BPM: Unknown (HRM broken)
Overall
Skipping out on the weightlifting today enabled Sam and I to sleep in! Oh baby! Started running at 6:15 and had one hell of a good time. Sometimes, I just love running the treadmill. I get to watch the news (and scowl and get worked up), watch the (30+ year-old) hotties playing morning basketball, and lastly, just get to listen to myself run like a machine. I enjoy the self-attention sometimes. I work on my form, try different strides, change or modify my breathing, and work on a drink-timing schedule. When I'm outside, I'm so distracted by everything around me that I am rarely aware of me. It really was a great run even though I didn't go anywhere.
Training stats for the day's run...
Context
City, State: Chico, CA
Location: Lower Bidwell Park
Course: One Mile --> Manzanita Ave. --> One Mile (Loop)
Terrain: Flat. Paved.
Distance and/or Time: ~5 miles, 1 hour
Speed or RPE: 5.0 mph, 4 (somewhat light)
Saturday, October 22, 2005
The Run
Overall
- 5 Minutes - Warm-up: 0-2% grade; 5 minutes at 5.0 mph.
- 45 Minutes - Intervals: 0-2% grade; 9 minute at 6.0 mph; 1 minute at 3.5 mph.
- 10 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 10 minutes at <3.5 mph;
- BPM: Unknown (HRM broken)
Overall
Ugh. Don't know why or how, but I managed to keep good pace with my training partner, Sam. She's a much faster and spry runner than I. This time, I was able to keep in within at least 100 ft of her the whole way. I definitely felt it, though. I had to walk the last 10 minutes because I was so tight in my chest. Phew!
So, I'm sad Tri season is over. To avoid training depression and disappointment, I'm prepared to enter Running Season. The following event will get me started:
- The Chico Running Club Presents:
31st Annual Almond Bowl Run
3 Mile Run
Bidwell Lower Park, Chico, CA
Sunday, November 6, 2005
Register Online
Training stats on the day's run ...
Context
Location: Chico Sports Club
Course: Treadmill
Terrain: Hill (Level 12)
Distance and/or Time: 3.75 miles, 45 minutes
Speed and/or RPE: 5 mph, 5 (somewhat hard)
The Run
- 45 Minutes - Intervals: 3-9.2% grade; 1 minute at 5, 7, 8 and 9.2%; 1 minute at 3%.
- 5 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 5 minutes at <5.0 mph;
- BPM: Unknown (HRM broken)
Overall
First week inside because of weather. I want to keep up with the hill running, but I need some decent trail shoes if I don't want to be sliding all over the clay. So, inside I've gone (for now). It was still a great workout. I was shocked at how well I did--I ran the whole time! Not only that, but I was really able to focus on my running form and am getting a lot better at being more energy-efficient. Sweet!
Training stats on the day's run ...
The Run
Location: Bidwell Upper Park (North Rim Parking Lot)-->Power Lines-->Parking Lot. (California)
Distance: 3.0 miles
Terrain: Hilly, rocky dirt trail
- 5 Minutes - Warm-up: 2-4% grade; 5 minutes at 4.5 mph.
- 16 Minutes - Intervals: 2-4% grade; 7 minutes at 5.0 mph; 1 minute at 3.5 mph.
- 9 Minutes - Steady: 0% grade; 9 minutes at 5.0 mph;
- 3 Minutes - Cooldown: 0% grade; 3 minutes at 3.0 mph;
- BPM: Unknown (HRM broken)
Overall
WooooooWhee! What a butt-thumper! Sam and I tackled our town's own little off-terrain xcountry run: North Rim. Not for the faint of heart! This trail is uphill, dirty, and a bit rocky. It's a workout! I held on very well, although I was getting tired by the middle of the workout. Coming down the hill was almost as hard as going up it! Yikes! I wanna' do it again!
Training stats on the day's run ...
Sunday, October 9, 2005
The Run
Location: Harding Ave.-->Orchard View Ln.-->Harding Ave. (Virginia)
Distance: 2.0 miles
Terrain: Moderately hilly, paved
- 15 Minutes - Warm-up: 0-2% grade; 15 minutes: 3.5 mph.
- 15 Minutes - Intervals: 0-3% grade; 3 minutes at 5.0 mph; 1 minute at 4.0 mph.
- 10 Minutes - Cooldown: 0-2% grade; 10 minutes at <5.0 mph;
- BPM: Unknown (HRM broken)
Overall
For something as short as 2.0 miles, it was the hardest 2.0 miles I've done all week! I think I'm finally just fatigued and need some time off. The steepness wasn't bad, but I just couldn't seem to get myself moving. Nothing ever "kicked in" and I left feeling totally ambushed by the whole event. Even my hubby felt like it was near impossible to do it today. Well, at least we did something. Better luck next time, I suppose!