Yesterday I felt like one of those bumper stickers. It was 17 degrees when I left the house for a run. I could not wait to get out there. I love running in cold weather. But being the first real cold run of the year, it was a little shocking. Overall it went great! I wanted to run 10 miles, but the weather (and lack of sunlight) has forced me to the treadmill for several days in a row, so just getting outside was a success. I made 8.25 miles before deciding to call it a day.
I couldn't find my running gloves, so I ended up wearing just regular winter gloves. My hands were on fire! I kept switching between putting them on and taking them off (when I wasn't running into the wind). Near the end of my run, I tried to pull one off and my other hand slipped and I punched myself right in the gut. Nearly knocked the wind out of me.
I'm still struggling with a comfortable fit of my shoes. The next size up feels too big, but with my socks the size I have feels a little too small after a lot of miles. So lately, I've been wearing them without socks. I actually like it. The fit finally feels right (but I still hate the laces). But in 17 degrees, I wasn't about to go sockless. I wore a pair of socks I bought for my bike shoes, and everything was fine.
I ended up registering for one more race this year....a 5K at the Y on Thanksgiving. Actually the whole family is registered, so that is a first and should be fun. We'll see how little legs do for 3 miles.
Monday, November 25, 2013
Friday, November 15, 2013
Racking My Bike
It's been awhile, two weeks at least, since I've been on my bike. All week I had been planning on trying to get in a 20 mile ride, which would be my longest ride to date. Yesterday I had a chance to get out. It was windy, and about 45 degrees. That ride taught me a lot about riding a bike...
1. 45 degrees is cold on a bike. I would probably still wear shorts to run in 45 degree weather, but I was underdressed for a bike ride (in shorts and compression socks, gloves, and a jacket). My hands, face, top of my legs, and feet were freezing.
2. I almost scrapped the ride altogether because it was so windy. But then decided to go for it because it could be windy on race day (that's what I always say about X element: It could be hot on race day, raining on race day, etc), so if you don't practice in it, you won't really be ready. Wind on my bike makes me a little nervous for a couple of reasons. First, because I ride on the road, and wind blows me all over the place. Second, wind gusts make me feel unsteady, and unsteady with my feet clipped to the pedals makes me feel like I could go down.
3. A headwind is basically like riding up the longest hill you can imagine. I had to ride 3 gears higher on the way back because the wind was so strong.
Basically, I have no idea how to dress for riding in the elements. I don't know what is proper for cycling. Running outside is acceptable year round, but I certainly wouldn't dream of taking my bike out if it was snowing, and the cold of yesterday sealed the deal for me. No need to punish myself by riding outside in freezing cold winter. I hope to acquire a bike trainer for this winter, and (if the Y would offer a spin class at a normal time) take a spin class or two. While my bike is up for the winter, I definitely need to take it in for a tune up. It's always had a rattle in about 3rd gear and it's getting worse, and sometimes feels like it shifts more than one gear going up. I don't know enough to know if it's a bad part or if I'm doing something wrong.
Tomorrow is race day again...Girls on the Run 5k!
1. 45 degrees is cold on a bike. I would probably still wear shorts to run in 45 degree weather, but I was underdressed for a bike ride (in shorts and compression socks, gloves, and a jacket). My hands, face, top of my legs, and feet were freezing.
2. I almost scrapped the ride altogether because it was so windy. But then decided to go for it because it could be windy on race day (that's what I always say about X element: It could be hot on race day, raining on race day, etc), so if you don't practice in it, you won't really be ready. Wind on my bike makes me a little nervous for a couple of reasons. First, because I ride on the road, and wind blows me all over the place. Second, wind gusts make me feel unsteady, and unsteady with my feet clipped to the pedals makes me feel like I could go down.
3. A headwind is basically like riding up the longest hill you can imagine. I had to ride 3 gears higher on the way back because the wind was so strong.
Basically, I have no idea how to dress for riding in the elements. I don't know what is proper for cycling. Running outside is acceptable year round, but I certainly wouldn't dream of taking my bike out if it was snowing, and the cold of yesterday sealed the deal for me. No need to punish myself by riding outside in freezing cold winter. I hope to acquire a bike trainer for this winter, and (if the Y would offer a spin class at a normal time) take a spin class or two. While my bike is up for the winter, I definitely need to take it in for a tune up. It's always had a rattle in about 3rd gear and it's getting worse, and sometimes feels like it shifts more than one gear going up. I don't know enough to know if it's a bad part or if I'm doing something wrong.
Tomorrow is race day again...Girls on the Run 5k!
Friday, November 8, 2013
What's the deal with swim caps?
Another day, another great workout!
In order to catapult my triathlon training, we got a family pass to the YMCA. At first this seemed brilliant. They offer childcare during the day, so I could work out, the kids could play. But, one small hangup, one of the kids refuses to stop screaming at the top of his lungs in the toy room, and so it hasn't worked out exactly as planned...yet.
The point is, I've been fitting in trips at other odd times. Bright and early this morning I went up for a 800m swim and 5 mile run. The swim was ok. My arms felt tired, and when that happens I can tell that I really overcompensate with my legs. Knowing basically nothing about swimming, I am not sure if that's what I'm supposed to do or not, but I feel that trying to save my legs for pedaling a bike and then running would be optimal. And, despite overall great conditioning, I get so easily winded in the pool. I think it has to do mostly with the odd breathing pattern.
Speaking of that, I am feeling more comfortable all the time swimming with my face down, and have been practicing taking breaths on both the left and right (I read this is helpful to be good at in a group swim in case there is a body where you want to breath, or a flailing arm or leg).
What I really don't get about swimming is the point of a swim cap. I have been wearing one because I believe you have to wear them during Ironman events, and well, because I'm trying to preserve my hair color (hey, don't judge!). But it looks so weird, it doesn't keep my hair totally dry, it doesn't keep water out of my ears, and it really pulls my hair going on and off. So, someone please tell me what gives!
By the way, it took me just about 20 minutes to swim 800m. I took a few breaks at the end of every 200m set, so all total about 23 minutes. I have no idea if that's good, bad, or average. It does feel a little easier to swim that distance than it did 10 days ago, so that's a great sign! And my run, 5 miles in 39:44 (7:58/mi) immediately after the swim. I feel really good about that time.
Looking forward to getting a bike ride in this weekend! Anybody out there racing this weekend?
In order to catapult my triathlon training, we got a family pass to the YMCA. At first this seemed brilliant. They offer childcare during the day, so I could work out, the kids could play. But, one small hangup, one of the kids refuses to stop screaming at the top of his lungs in the toy room, and so it hasn't worked out exactly as planned...yet.
The point is, I've been fitting in trips at other odd times. Bright and early this morning I went up for a 800m swim and 5 mile run. The swim was ok. My arms felt tired, and when that happens I can tell that I really overcompensate with my legs. Knowing basically nothing about swimming, I am not sure if that's what I'm supposed to do or not, but I feel that trying to save my legs for pedaling a bike and then running would be optimal. And, despite overall great conditioning, I get so easily winded in the pool. I think it has to do mostly with the odd breathing pattern.
Speaking of that, I am feeling more comfortable all the time swimming with my face down, and have been practicing taking breaths on both the left and right (I read this is helpful to be good at in a group swim in case there is a body where you want to breath, or a flailing arm or leg).
What I really don't get about swimming is the point of a swim cap. I have been wearing one because I believe you have to wear them during Ironman events, and well, because I'm trying to preserve my hair color (hey, don't judge!). But it looks so weird, it doesn't keep my hair totally dry, it doesn't keep water out of my ears, and it really pulls my hair going on and off. So, someone please tell me what gives!
By the way, it took me just about 20 minutes to swim 800m. I took a few breaks at the end of every 200m set, so all total about 23 minutes. I have no idea if that's good, bad, or average. It does feel a little easier to swim that distance than it did 10 days ago, so that's a great sign! And my run, 5 miles in 39:44 (7:58/mi) immediately after the swim. I feel really good about that time.
Looking forward to getting a bike ride in this weekend! Anybody out there racing this weekend?
Sunday, November 3, 2013
2013 Race Recap
2013 has been a great year all around. It has been a long haul in terms of returning from a fitness level of basically zero after having a baby last October, so logging several personal bests. After having my last race of year two weeks ago, I am happy to have a bit of a break, but also full of excitement and anticipation for next season. I have some really big goals and exciting ideas for 2014. But before all that, here's a recap of my 2013 racing season:
Mercy Health 15k: This was my first official race back. It was freezing cold and snowing at the start. It is one of my all-time favorite races because I ran with my sister, side by side the entire race. It was the longest she has ever run and it was so amazing to finish it with her!
Smokey Mountain Relay: 212 miles through the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina. This was a tough, but fun relay. We finished in a solid time, and the hills kicked my butt. And I got a $260 speeding ticket.
Girls on the Run 5k: I was a running buddy for a 4th grader. She finished in 32 minutes and some change. I was so inspired by her!
Flying Pig Half Marathon: I love the Flying Pig, kind of like my "home turf." It's the third year out of four that I've done an event there (full marathon in 2010, half marathon in 2012). I walked away from this one with a brand new PR of 1:50:18!
Summerfest Rock n Sole Half Marathon: A last minute entry, but well worth it. Decided on this one because it was part of the M2 challenge with the Madison Mini later in the summer. The start of a fun summer of racing in Wisconsin...got another half marathon PR of 1:49:45!
Canoefest Biathlon: First time entry in this race that included a 9 mile canoe and a 6.7 mile run with a partner. By the way, we won the all female division! (And flipped our canoe into ice cold water, got a lovely bruise that lasted about a month that took up my entire shin!)
Madison Mini Marathon: I deferred my entry into this race from last August...this is a family affair! I did not feel well before and during the race, did not make it into my start corral before the race, stopped to help a struggling runner on the course, and (best of all) got to finish holding hands with my 2 year old daughter....oh, and scored another PR: 1:49:42!
Brewers Mini Marathon: I set a goal for this race...finish under 1:48. I started out a little too fast on a course that was harder than I thought it was going to be. I did not make my goal, and I paid for my fast start at the end, but still had fun. Finished in 1:49:51.
Bourbon Chase: 200 mile relay with a great group of people...another solid team performance, and a great personal performance. And another race with my husband (who vowed that he did not want to become a runner--he ran the Smokey Mountain relay and the Brewers Mini, as well). I ran 19.4 miles in all, and averaged 7:43/mile over that distance! This was a great way to end 2013.
So, what's in store for next year? Fewer races, bigger challenges. Why am I already thinking about next race season?
1. I need a goal.
2. It's exciting!
3. I am a cheapskate and I like early-bird prices.
4. I work a lot of weekends, and I have little kids, so racing takes planning.
I am already registered for two races: Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon (I hear just wonderful things about this race, and I love the scenery of the Bourbon Chase, so this was a no-brainer), and the Flying Pig Marathon Relay with a group of girls that absolutely rock. I decided not to run the half or full at the Pig because...I am aiming to make the jump to triathlon for next season!
I am really, really excited about this. I'll always be a runner first. I love cross-training on my bike. And I think I'll barely survive the swim. This idea was born out of an impromptu race in the lake this summer. Could I complete a triathlon? Swim, bike, AND run?
My goal (having never done any distance of triathlon before, this seems a little nuts) is to complete a half ironman (70.3 miles) in July 2014. I have not registered yet; I have time before the price increase. I know I can finish, I think I can post a reasonable time, but I'm a little worried about finding the time to train with two small children. So, registration is going to wait, just a bit, while I change up my training now to fit in "multisport" workouts (this week I've done a bike/run, swim/run, swim/run, and long run....and, I'm sore!)
Second, I want to tackle a full marathon, my third. I have my eye on Twin Cities next October. I want a new race, and there is a high percentage of Boston Marathon qualifying times that come from Twin Cities (as IF that is possible--but, hey a girl can dream, and I might as well set myself up for success if I am going to put in the time to train).
I want to try to add in a sprint triathlon or two, and a relay or two, but those are not yet set. I can't wait!
And, I hope to use the blog to document my training more. If I'm going to be spending even more time training, I will have lots of time to think about aspects of training, and this will be a nice avenue to share it.
Do you have any goals for 2014? Triumphs from this year to share?
Mercy Health 15k: This was my first official race back. It was freezing cold and snowing at the start. It is one of my all-time favorite races because I ran with my sister, side by side the entire race. It was the longest she has ever run and it was so amazing to finish it with her!
Smokey Mountain Relay: 212 miles through the Smokey Mountains in North Carolina. This was a tough, but fun relay. We finished in a solid time, and the hills kicked my butt. And I got a $260 speeding ticket.
Girls on the Run 5k: I was a running buddy for a 4th grader. She finished in 32 minutes and some change. I was so inspired by her!
Flying Pig Half Marathon: I love the Flying Pig, kind of like my "home turf." It's the third year out of four that I've done an event there (full marathon in 2010, half marathon in 2012). I walked away from this one with a brand new PR of 1:50:18!
Summerfest Rock n Sole Half Marathon: A last minute entry, but well worth it. Decided on this one because it was part of the M2 challenge with the Madison Mini later in the summer. The start of a fun summer of racing in Wisconsin...got another half marathon PR of 1:49:45!
Canoefest Biathlon: First time entry in this race that included a 9 mile canoe and a 6.7 mile run with a partner. By the way, we won the all female division! (And flipped our canoe into ice cold water, got a lovely bruise that lasted about a month that took up my entire shin!)
Madison Mini Marathon: I deferred my entry into this race from last August...this is a family affair! I did not feel well before and during the race, did not make it into my start corral before the race, stopped to help a struggling runner on the course, and (best of all) got to finish holding hands with my 2 year old daughter....oh, and scored another PR: 1:49:42!
Brewers Mini Marathon: I set a goal for this race...finish under 1:48. I started out a little too fast on a course that was harder than I thought it was going to be. I did not make my goal, and I paid for my fast start at the end, but still had fun. Finished in 1:49:51.
Bourbon Chase: 200 mile relay with a great group of people...another solid team performance, and a great personal performance. And another race with my husband (who vowed that he did not want to become a runner--he ran the Smokey Mountain relay and the Brewers Mini, as well). I ran 19.4 miles in all, and averaged 7:43/mile over that distance! This was a great way to end 2013.
So, what's in store for next year? Fewer races, bigger challenges. Why am I already thinking about next race season?
1. I need a goal.
2. It's exciting!
3. I am a cheapskate and I like early-bird prices.
4. I work a lot of weekends, and I have little kids, so racing takes planning.
I am already registered for two races: Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon (I hear just wonderful things about this race, and I love the scenery of the Bourbon Chase, so this was a no-brainer), and the Flying Pig Marathon Relay with a group of girls that absolutely rock. I decided not to run the half or full at the Pig because...I am aiming to make the jump to triathlon for next season!
I am really, really excited about this. I'll always be a runner first. I love cross-training on my bike. And I think I'll barely survive the swim. This idea was born out of an impromptu race in the lake this summer. Could I complete a triathlon? Swim, bike, AND run?
My goal (having never done any distance of triathlon before, this seems a little nuts) is to complete a half ironman (70.3 miles) in July 2014. I have not registered yet; I have time before the price increase. I know I can finish, I think I can post a reasonable time, but I'm a little worried about finding the time to train with two small children. So, registration is going to wait, just a bit, while I change up my training now to fit in "multisport" workouts (this week I've done a bike/run, swim/run, swim/run, and long run....and, I'm sore!)
Second, I want to tackle a full marathon, my third. I have my eye on Twin Cities next October. I want a new race, and there is a high percentage of Boston Marathon qualifying times that come from Twin Cities (as IF that is possible--but, hey a girl can dream, and I might as well set myself up for success if I am going to put in the time to train).
I want to try to add in a sprint triathlon or two, and a relay or two, but those are not yet set. I can't wait!
And, I hope to use the blog to document my training more. If I'm going to be spending even more time training, I will have lots of time to think about aspects of training, and this will be a nice avenue to share it.
Do you have any goals for 2014? Triumphs from this year to share?
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