Scheduled: 18
Actual: 18
RPE: 4
So, my last super long run until the marathon. It was hard. Really hard. But I think most of it was mental. My body wasn't in quite as much pain as it was last week, but I was really stressed out for a large part of the run. I chalk that up to it being my last chance to really push my body until the marathon and overthinking it. Thinking at mile 13 that during the marathon, I'll only be halfway there. At mile 16, during the marathon I'll have 10 more miles to go. At mile 18 that during the marathon, I'll I'll only be 75% finished. Then I started thinking, what was I going to do once I was finished training? So, needless to say, the last long run was the toughest I've ever had.
I can't believe that in three weeks, I'll be finished. Then what?
Monday, February 27, 2006
Week 13: Run 3
Scheduled: 5
Actual: 5
RPE: 5
I kept tripping on this run and kind of tweaking my knee, but nothing came of it. I'm fine.
Actual: 5
RPE: 5
I kept tripping on this run and kind of tweaking my knee, but nothing came of it. I'm fine.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Week 13: Run 1
Scheduled: 5
Actual: 5
RPE: 4
Not much to say about this run. Good, fast, no significant issues.
Actual: 5
RPE: 4
Not much to say about this run. Good, fast, no significant issues.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Week 12: Run 4
Scheduled: 18
Actual: 18
RPE: 4-6
Let's just sit back a minute and bask in the glory of my first 18 miler, shall we? I mean really. Who thought I could run 18 miles? Not me, that's for sure. But I did. And I have to say, recapping these long runs is kind of hard. I was talking to Louie about it last night and he, the good boyfriend that he is, wanted to know how the run was. And I said it was good. And then I said I'm really nervous about the marathon because it's 8 miles longer than what I just did. And he was like, but you just said that it was good! Which is where, I guess, one word answers can't really encapsulate a run that lasted just under 4 hours. That's half a work day. Spent running.
I'm trying to figure out how to explain why a run that made every muscle in my legs feel like they were broken and constricted and couldn't ever return to normal, could also feel good. I guess it's that even though your legs hurt and you're tired and it might rain, but it's also getting kind of hot in the sun, and you're sick of Fierce Melon Gatorade, but you need some carbs, that there are these moments, fleeting sometimes, but other times lasting 4 or so minutes where your body just moves. And there is no stopping it from moving. It's on autopilot. It doesn't stop hurting, but it doesn't matter that it hurts. This is what flow is. You know you're still in serious agony, and any sane person would just stop, but you keep going because pain means something different to you now. And you know that you are in charge of your body, but it is also in charge of you. Your brain and your extremities have somehow managed to work things out without you having to tell them to. It's amazing.
All that, but it's still really fucking awful too. There are moments lasting far longer than 4 minutes, if you let them, when you think about how crazy it is to spend half a work day running. How it isn't normal. How it isn't right. But you can't let those thoughts stay around for long. The most amazing moment during this run was after an hour I looked at my watch and couldn't believe that an hour had already passed. That first hour was so fun. Then things got bad, but then at mile 7 they got great again. I have to say that I think I hit a piece of the wall at mile 13, but after I drank more Gatorade and let my body do the work, I felt really good for the last two miles. Really good, but also in extreme pain.
"90% of the game is half mental," I think is the Yogi Bera quote.
Actual: 18
RPE: 4-6
Let's just sit back a minute and bask in the glory of my first 18 miler, shall we? I mean really. Who thought I could run 18 miles? Not me, that's for sure. But I did. And I have to say, recapping these long runs is kind of hard. I was talking to Louie about it last night and he, the good boyfriend that he is, wanted to know how the run was. And I said it was good. And then I said I'm really nervous about the marathon because it's 8 miles longer than what I just did. And he was like, but you just said that it was good! Which is where, I guess, one word answers can't really encapsulate a run that lasted just under 4 hours. That's half a work day. Spent running.
I'm trying to figure out how to explain why a run that made every muscle in my legs feel like they were broken and constricted and couldn't ever return to normal, could also feel good. I guess it's that even though your legs hurt and you're tired and it might rain, but it's also getting kind of hot in the sun, and you're sick of Fierce Melon Gatorade, but you need some carbs, that there are these moments, fleeting sometimes, but other times lasting 4 or so minutes where your body just moves. And there is no stopping it from moving. It's on autopilot. It doesn't stop hurting, but it doesn't matter that it hurts. This is what flow is. You know you're still in serious agony, and any sane person would just stop, but you keep going because pain means something different to you now. And you know that you are in charge of your body, but it is also in charge of you. Your brain and your extremities have somehow managed to work things out without you having to tell them to. It's amazing.
All that, but it's still really fucking awful too. There are moments lasting far longer than 4 minutes, if you let them, when you think about how crazy it is to spend half a work day running. How it isn't normal. How it isn't right. But you can't let those thoughts stay around for long. The most amazing moment during this run was after an hour I looked at my watch and couldn't believe that an hour had already passed. That first hour was so fun. Then things got bad, but then at mile 7 they got great again. I have to say that I think I hit a piece of the wall at mile 13, but after I drank more Gatorade and let my body do the work, I felt really good for the last two miles. Really good, but also in extreme pain.
"90% of the game is half mental," I think is the Yogi Bera quote.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Week 12: Run 3
Scheduled: 5
Actual: 5
RPE: 4
I got poured on for the first mile. Then it cleared up and the rest of the run was really quite nice, if a bit cold. I'm really liking the 5 milers now. I think I've said this before, but this will probably be 'my distance' for most of my runs post marathon.
Actual: 5
RPE: 4
I got poured on for the first mile. Then it cleared up and the rest of the run was really quite nice, if a bit cold. I'm really liking the 5 milers now. I think I've said this before, but this will probably be 'my distance' for most of my runs post marathon.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Week 12: Run 2
Scheduled: 8
Actual: 8.5 ish
RPE: 4
I was going to write a really long post about last nights run because I had kind of a scary thing happen to me. But after telling the story to Louie and him thinking it really wasn't a big deal, I'm feeling a little... like I overreacted. But then I have to always remember, men-they don't get it. They will try to understand what it feels like to be a woman running alone at 8:30 at night on a dark street and have a strange man run up behind you and 'try to start a conversation,' the same strange man you saw two miles earlier that made you think "that guy, I could totally take him" (which is some strange 6th sense thing working,) and they just won't get it. Not because men are insensitive, or can't understand what rape is (men go to prison, I think they know how rape feels) but because they aren't socialized the same way we are. They aren't warned to never walk alone at night because someone will rape you. They aren't cautioned against drinking too much at parties because someone will rape you. They aren't told to never walk to their car alone because someone might kidnap and rape you. It's just not in their 'fear psyche.'
So anyway, I got scared last night. So scared that I ran a half mile out of the way and after my run felt what I think might be a little what PTSD feels like. I didn't want to go out at night ever again. That's how scared I was.
But now that I got it off my chest, I'm not going to let a little dude who probably meant no harm keep me from enjoying my run. Especially because the first 6 miles of my run last night were so completely awesome, I will be able to use them for my 'visualization' during the marathon. I hit some major flow.
It's supposed to rain this weekend... And I have a 5-miler tonight and an 18-miler on Sunday. Think good thoughts.
Actual: 8.5 ish
RPE: 4
I was going to write a really long post about last nights run because I had kind of a scary thing happen to me. But after telling the story to Louie and him thinking it really wasn't a big deal, I'm feeling a little... like I overreacted. But then I have to always remember, men-they don't get it. They will try to understand what it feels like to be a woman running alone at 8:30 at night on a dark street and have a strange man run up behind you and 'try to start a conversation,' the same strange man you saw two miles earlier that made you think "that guy, I could totally take him" (which is some strange 6th sense thing working,) and they just won't get it. Not because men are insensitive, or can't understand what rape is (men go to prison, I think they know how rape feels) but because they aren't socialized the same way we are. They aren't warned to never walk alone at night because someone will rape you. They aren't cautioned against drinking too much at parties because someone will rape you. They aren't told to never walk to their car alone because someone might kidnap and rape you. It's just not in their 'fear psyche.'
So anyway, I got scared last night. So scared that I ran a half mile out of the way and after my run felt what I think might be a little what PTSD feels like. I didn't want to go out at night ever again. That's how scared I was.
But now that I got it off my chest, I'm not going to let a little dude who probably meant no harm keep me from enjoying my run. Especially because the first 6 miles of my run last night were so completely awesome, I will be able to use them for my 'visualization' during the marathon. I hit some major flow.
It's supposed to rain this weekend... And I have a 5-miler tonight and an 18-miler on Sunday. Think good thoughts.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Week 12: Run 1
Scheduled: 5
Actual: 5
RPE: 4
My week is cram packed. I didn't run Monday because I was feeling a little overworked and overtired. Then I couldn't run Tuesday because of Love Day celebrations, so my first run of the week was yesterday (Wednesday) and I was a little dehydrated (read: hungover) so I was nervous about a 5 mile run, which is unusual. But it had been 3 days since my last run and I haven't taken a break like that since my knee problem happened, come to think of it, isn't that long ago... I digress.
The run was good. I'm not looking forward to three runs in a row and running on a Sunday vs. a Saturday, but my body feels good (mostly) and I'm starting to feel really mentally prepared, which my training book says is about 65% of the work. So...there you have it.
Tonight: 8 miles
Actual: 5
RPE: 4
My week is cram packed. I didn't run Monday because I was feeling a little overworked and overtired. Then I couldn't run Tuesday because of Love Day celebrations, so my first run of the week was yesterday (Wednesday) and I was a little dehydrated (read: hungover) so I was nervous about a 5 mile run, which is unusual. But it had been 3 days since my last run and I haven't taken a break like that since my knee problem happened, come to think of it, isn't that long ago... I digress.
The run was good. I'm not looking forward to three runs in a row and running on a Sunday vs. a Saturday, but my body feels good (mostly) and I'm starting to feel really mentally prepared, which my training book says is about 65% of the work. So...there you have it.
Tonight: 8 miles
Monday, February 13, 2006
Week 11: Run 4
Scheduled: 16
Actual: 16
RPE: 4
What a nice run. Honestly. I never thought I would say that about a 16 mile run, but it was pretty great. Mile 5, 10 and 16 were amazing. I felt great and I really am enjoying this part of the training. As much as I complain, I really feel good running. The best feeling actually was on Sunday when I am required to 'rest' I felt like I needed to do something active. It was such a nice day out I was dying to go for a bike ride. That, my friends, is something that I never would have considered 11 weeks ago. Physical activity was so very low on my priority list as to not really even be included on the list.
Actual: 16
RPE: 4
What a nice run. Honestly. I never thought I would say that about a 16 mile run, but it was pretty great. Mile 5, 10 and 16 were amazing. I felt great and I really am enjoying this part of the training. As much as I complain, I really feel good running. The best feeling actually was on Sunday when I am required to 'rest' I felt like I needed to do something active. It was such a nice day out I was dying to go for a bike ride. That, my friends, is something that I never would have considered 11 weeks ago. Physical activity was so very low on my priority list as to not really even be included on the list.
Week 11: Run 3
Scheduled: 5
Actual: 4
RPE: 3
I cut this run short because I was just at the brink of pain in my calves. I'm really trying to prevent further injury, but it was an awesome run. I think after the marathon, 4-milers are going to be my distance. I really had a great time.
Actual: 4
RPE: 3
I cut this run short because I was just at the brink of pain in my calves. I'm really trying to prevent further injury, but it was an awesome run. I think after the marathon, 4-milers are going to be my distance. I really had a great time.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Week 11: Run 2
Scheduled: 8
Actual: 8
RPE: 22
Ok, it wasn't 22, but I was in some serious, serious pain for my entire run. It felt like my calf muscles were ripping out of my legs. Which, to say the least, was unpleasant.
I finished though. I didn't want to. But I did.
Actual: 8
RPE: 22
Ok, it wasn't 22, but I was in some serious, serious pain for my entire run. It felt like my calf muscles were ripping out of my legs. Which, to say the least, was unpleasant.
I finished though. I didn't want to. But I did.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Week 11: Run 1
Scheduled: 5
Actual: 5
RPE: 4
It's been really warm in LA the past couple of days, so last nights run was kind of a treat because I didn't have to bundle up. Also, the route I take lays next to Griffith Park, and there are interesting warm and hot pockets that you run through, I guess because of the canyons.
I managed to get really startled by a huge stompy man with wild dredlocks pounding down the sidewalk towards me. For some reason I was really involved in my own head and didn't notice him until he literally was right next to me. I clutched my chest and said something to the effect of 'my stars!' Actually, I think it was more like, "Holy Jesus shit!" Then I promised myself I would pay better attention so someone wouldn't be able to jump out of the bushes and murder me. And then I got startled again.
I really shouldn't run alone. I'm a danger to myself.
Actual: 5
RPE: 4
It's been really warm in LA the past couple of days, so last nights run was kind of a treat because I didn't have to bundle up. Also, the route I take lays next to Griffith Park, and there are interesting warm and hot pockets that you run through, I guess because of the canyons.
I managed to get really startled by a huge stompy man with wild dredlocks pounding down the sidewalk towards me. For some reason I was really involved in my own head and didn't notice him until he literally was right next to me. I clutched my chest and said something to the effect of 'my stars!' Actually, I think it was more like, "Holy Jesus shit!" Then I promised myself I would pay better attention so someone wouldn't be able to jump out of the bushes and murder me. And then I got startled again.
I really shouldn't run alone. I'm a danger to myself.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Week 10: Run 4
Scheduled: 16
Actual: 16
RPE: 5
I am so freaking proud of myself. I ran 16 miles on Saturday, I didn't have to walk. At. All. My calves were killing me, but I ran through it, and the pain came back and I ran with it.
I think I can do this thing. I really do.
Tonight: 5 miles.
Actual: 16
RPE: 5
I am so freaking proud of myself. I ran 16 miles on Saturday, I didn't have to walk. At. All. My calves were killing me, but I ran through it, and the pain came back and I ran with it.
I think I can do this thing. I really do.
Tonight: 5 miles.
Friday, February 03, 2006
Week 10: Run 3
Scheduled: 5
Actual: 1
RPE: 3
So, my leg was feeling awesome yesterday, I did a lot of stretching before my run and the second I started running my leg started to hurt. After a mile I decided to cut it short. I could have kept running but I wanted to save myself from serious injury and I want to run the 16 miler tomorrow. I did some more research and I'm almost positive it isn't my Achilles, which is a relief. I think it's a low calf muscle pull.
Hopefully I can do the 16 miles.
Actual: 1
RPE: 3
So, my leg was feeling awesome yesterday, I did a lot of stretching before my run and the second I started running my leg started to hurt. After a mile I decided to cut it short. I could have kept running but I wanted to save myself from serious injury and I want to run the 16 miler tomorrow. I did some more research and I'm almost positive it isn't my Achilles, which is a relief. I think it's a low calf muscle pull.
Hopefully I can do the 16 miles.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Week 10: Run 2
Scheduled: 8
Actual: 8
RPE: 5
Ok. Seriously. Can someone please give me a fucking break!?! I swear to all that is holy (I don't even believe in HOLY!) I'm up to fucking here (indicates outer stratosphere of Universe) of the goddamned injuries! This is all happening because when I first was reading my marathon training book where they talk about injuries, I was all smug and smirky, "I never get injured!" I played basketball for two years, and I did get injured, I had to have my ankles wrapped before every practice and every game. We had 2 weeks of intense practice before our season, and I got injured, I don't know how I thought I was impervious to injury, but somehow I did. Boy howdy, did the Universe show lil' ol' me.
I pulled my goddamned Achilles last night. At least that's what it feels like. I'm so irritated right now. I've gone 10 weeks, and it seems like every goddamned week it's something new. Week 1, my damned heart was all fluttery. Weeks 2-5 I had quad pain, Weeks 6-now my stupid knee has been acting up and NOW, goddamnit I can hardly walk because of my stupid Achilles tendon.
I'm about to give up. This is fucking ridiculous. It's a good thing tonight is a rest night.
Actual: 8
RPE: 5
Ok. Seriously. Can someone please give me a fucking break!?! I swear to all that is holy (I don't even believe in HOLY!) I'm up to fucking here (indicates outer stratosphere of Universe) of the goddamned injuries! This is all happening because when I first was reading my marathon training book where they talk about injuries, I was all smug and smirky, "I never get injured!" I played basketball for two years, and I did get injured, I had to have my ankles wrapped before every practice and every game. We had 2 weeks of intense practice before our season, and I got injured, I don't know how I thought I was impervious to injury, but somehow I did. Boy howdy, did the Universe show lil' ol' me.
I pulled my goddamned Achilles last night. At least that's what it feels like. I'm so irritated right now. I've gone 10 weeks, and it seems like every goddamned week it's something new. Week 1, my damned heart was all fluttery. Weeks 2-5 I had quad pain, Weeks 6-now my stupid knee has been acting up and NOW, goddamnit I can hardly walk because of my stupid Achilles tendon.
I'm about to give up. This is fucking ridiculous. It's a good thing tonight is a rest night.
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