Yet another new schedule

I have decided to change my training schedule for what will hopefully be the last time. I set my sights too high and as a result I am behind training and need to re-evaluate my plan of attack. I have reduced my running to 4 days a week instead of 5, 2 rest days and a cross training day. I may alter the day that I do my long run if Saturday does not prove to be efficient for me. Here is the new schedule:

I actually turned out to be almost right where I needed to be in this novice training program, so hopefully I can keep up with it and no longer have any fatigue issues.

I am going to eat a big pasta meal Friday nights as well as getting a large amount of carbohydrates Saturday evening so I can recover better. I am going to really concentrate on hydrating on a consistent basis and cut back on my fatty intake - more or less I am going to try and get more veggies and fruits and stop eating junk food. (I don't eat much, but I am going to cut it out of my diet completely) I am going to make use of the blender as well - from what I've read smoothies can be very helpful. Going to pick up some protein powder, flax seed & wheat germ as well.

behind schedule

Well I am behind schedule. I was supposed to run 11 miles last Friday, and it didn't happen. I didn't do a long run at all last week, and attemped one today... decided to run 9 miles and keep up with my schedule Friday and attempt 12. I think I am going to have to reassess my training once again and figure out what I need to do to get back on track. I had difficulties today - around the 6.5 mark I started getting pretty bad stomach cramps and had to stop and use the bathroom. After I used the bathroom my Ipod stopped working and I kind of felt sick everytime I attempted to run. I probably ran another mile, and walked another mile. At least I got through it - but it was a struggle. I am starting to get a little discouraged and am also starting to realize I need a serious change in my diet if I am going to be able to do this. Going to work on some research this evening and will post afterwards with updates.

WELL! I haven't posted in awhile, sorry to leave all my avid readers in the lurch... lol.

Its not that I haven't been training, I just haven't really had much to report. I am in my 9th week of training, and all is well - I am just where I need to be. I can complete 9 miles (that's the farthest I've gone so far) with little to no problems - I have walked a few minutes here and there (my last one I walked probably 5 or 6 minutes total throughout the run) but I have been told its OK and actually helps with the training. It's better to walk when you want to, not when you HAVE to. I guess?

I have changed my schedule around a bit, however. Doing two of my longer runs on the weekend just wasn't working with my lifestyle and schedule. The schedule I borrowed from Hal Higdon was for intermediate runners - I thought if I followed this schedule I might be surprised at the time I finished during the race. I now realize that the two runs, the long and the pace back to back, is definitely for INTERMEDIATE marathon runners, not a novice like I am. Its OK though, I caught the mistake early enough in my training where I do not think it will affect any of the outcome. I have decided to isolate the long run. I moved the day of the long run to Friday, because for some reason I am just motivated to work out at the begining of the weekend. The marathon pace runs are now reserved for Sunday, which I personally think just makes the best sense. Here is my new schedule:
I am a little worried that the race is on a Sunday and my long runs are all on Friday now... I will have to see as the time gets closer if I should adjust my long runs to Sunday again. Any input on this matter would be appreciated!

Getting ready for a nice easy 3 miler... I remember the day when 3 miles was tough!

It's been awhile since I last posted, probably because not much has been going on since last week...

I think the last day I updated on was last Thursday or Wednesday. Either way last week was bad. Being sick took a lot out of me - I tried to run 5 miles Friday and it got reduced to barely 3, and I walked a good portion of that. Saturday (after DMB) I only ran a mile, only really to get the blood pumping and get moving for that night's show. Sunday could hardly move, Monday similiar, Tuesday I ran 5 miles, pretty decent after being sick and not running for awhile. Yesterday I skipped (too tired again) and today... well I ran about 9 miles, because I got lost again. I set out to do 7, and despite my setbacks in direction my run was actually pretty good. It was a true test of my stamina - I kept running most of the way (I only stopped a few times to get my bearings). Overall though I am happy with my progress even though I haven't really been feeling too great lately. I think I will bounce back and hopefully have some better updates with times and all that good stuff soon!

man oh man...

Well, its been awhile since I last posted.
Last Friday I did a 3 miler in Rehoboth. Nothing really to remark on - it was incredibly hot and I didn't do too well.
Saturday... well a few people know the whole truth on this one - I'll keep the details to myself - but needless to say a 4 mile run turned into 3 because of stomach issues. Enough said.

Sunday was my birthday, didn't feel like doing 7 miles because of the day before.. Took Sunday and Monday off, and yesterday was sick as a dog...

Today I attempted a 7 mile run and didn't realize that part of my route was blocked off, so I had to improvise... I had to walk a few times and the total run was like 6.8 miles. So I would say total I probably ran 6.5. Nothing to laugh at, but I need to do better on my 2nd try. I think most of it had to do with the fact that I was sick yesterday. I think I am going to run 3 miles tomorrow, then 5 on Friday... DMB concerts this weekend so I am not sure what my schedule will actually be for the weekend. I am going to try and stick to schedule and do a 5 miler on Saturday... I will probably delay the 2nd 7 miler until Monday. Until then...

blisters are the death of runners

I have a blister on my right heel. It didn't occur to me that if you have a hole in your sock you will pretty much be in agony for the next three days... at least. haha! seriously, I didn't really realize there was a hole in my sock, but I definitely felt the blister coming on around 4 miles on my 6 mile run on Tuesday. I have never regretted not checking my socks before wearing them more in my life!

My run was actually really good Tuesday, probably can chalk that up to the fact that I took 3 days off in a row... gotta stop doing that btw... I am starting to notice how tired I get after stuff!

4 miles yest... pretty good run, the blister totally put a damper on it. I got pretty tired on my last mile... but I get pretty motivated thinking that if I push harder on this run, it will be just that much easier next time.

Today was like 90 degrees. I waited until after 730 to do my run, and I could already tell 1/2 mile into my run it wasn't going to be fun. I felt pretty good until I got to like 2 miles... The last mile was pretty rough. I think it was a combination of coming off of 2 relatively longer runs and the heat that got me. I pushed through but the last mile I was struggling, a lot. Usually I feel pretty strong the majority of my runs. Anyways 3 miles was not as fun as it usually has been, lol.

Trying to push through the weekend, we'll see how that goes, with the birthdays and all :-)~

i need to stop partying... lol

well another weekend and no running. ran last friday @ mike's, beautiful run, 3 miles... good time, think I ran in about 24 minutes. Could not bring myself to run Saturday, (late night Friday) and went to an all day concert on Sunday, so I had no time to run then... Monday I was absolutely exhausted, and not feeling well (I actually got sick for the first time in years) so I took 3 days off in a row. So I'm a little behind... but I looked at it this way, I ran 5 days in a row last week, and my schedule calls for 5 runs a week... so I think I may be just a day behind schedule. I ran 6 miles this evening, and it was wonderful!! Ran in just under an hour, and I felt great the whole time... can definately feel my endurance building!

So instead of trying to play catch up, I am going to do the scheduled 4 mile run tomorrow and take it from there. I figure missing a few 3 milers here and there isn't going to affect my training all that much. I think I also may go back to my original schedule and keep track of what I actually ran in like red or something. More on that tomorrow!

sweet, nice run

I almost didn't go running this evening, because I was planning on taking a rest day before the weekend.. I was going to take the rest day tomorrow, but I decided since I took 3 days off of running last weekend I should try and run straight through and instead of cross training on Monday just taking the day completely off.

So I kept going with the next run on my schedule... 4 miles. It felt really good, its amazing how short it seems now than just like 3 weeks ago. Crappy weather out, and had to wear a long sleeve shirt for the first time in weeks. (felt kind of weird!!) Ran in approx. 40 minutes, not sure, wasn't keeping track. Sometimes its just best for me not to...less distracting!

Well yesterday's run was very successful... completed 6 miles in under an hour! The route I chose was OK... I had to add a little loop around parker st to complete the full 6, which felt so tedious and I just wanted to turn on Tremont but I still kept going.

Today was supposed to run 3 miles, but I was still tired from the 2 long runs in a row and ended up stopping around 2.5 ish. Figured that it was a step up from 2 miles, so I'm OK.

Not much to report... 4 miles tomorrow

long time no talk

ooo wow, its been awhile since I last posted. Lets see...

Last Thursday, ran 2 miles, don't really remember what my time was or how it went.

Friday did cross training, did the bike for 35 minutes, ran for 5.

Saturday & Sunday took time off, went home and just wasn't feeling up to it. Cannot get in a habit of doing this!

Ran 4 miles yesterday, instead of cross training... I am just a day behind now, so I am going to try and go straight through Sunday without a break. Yesterday's run was not that good, I think I started off too quick and I chose a route with A LOT of hills. Big ones.

Going to run 6 miles today, will update after my run.

getting lost = running an insane amount fast haha

well, i tried a new route today. and i did it after dusk, and I guess I didn't really look at the map too well. Because I got lost, and ran probably close to 2 miles out of my way. Was supposed to be a 4 mile run was probably 6, but the good news is I ran it in under 50 minutes!! I think its definitely the shoes, because I was feeling pretty tired when I left my apartment. I do like running in Brookline though, and I ran along Jamacia Pond, which was really pretty. I will definitely need to take a better look at the map next time!

Overall though, the run was a great success. I am surprised and encouraged by my increased speed and stamina. Maybe this training won't be as painful as I thought it was going to be!

2 miles

2 miles today & with the new shoes! Tons of energy, noticed a difference in the shoes... problems with my right foot seem to have disappeared, but I was feeling something kind of funky in my left foot,... hoping it is just from not being used to running normally (perhaps before I was doing something to compensate for my problems and now I need to recorrect the problem) Overall, very good though! Soles are the same as my other shoe, so no difference through the arch... I did notice more support in the middle of my foot though!

No idea on my time today, but I felt like I was cruising the entire run. The big test will be tomorrow for my 4 miler!

get your dancing shoes on

Well, I got my new running shoes!! Thank you aunt Laurie :)
Very comfortable! Will post an update after my run tomorrow.

Took yesterday off. Just didn't feel into running 5 miles, lol. Made up for it today, ran in 48 minutes. Really enjoyed the route I chose!! Ran down Columbus Ave until I got to the commons, crossed over to the charles and at mass ave ran down to huntington. The blossoming trees are gorgeous in the back bay... and on the charles!! Really asthetic running this time of year!!!!! I am feeling great in my longer runs too! New gear & increased staminia are really getting me pumped up for this marathon!

beautiful day

Ok, didn't post yesterday... did the bike for 30 minutes (hills) and ran 1/2 mile just for kicks. Today ran 4 miles, about 38 minutes... gotta keep in mind I have to stop at some lights, I think that accounts for at least a minute... still, its a little rest I get and my time would probably be close to the time I actually run because I do get the rests.

Ran the same route as Wednesday, and it was even more beautiful at this time of day. Run wasn't nearly as easy as it was Wed, but still wasn't as terrible as Thursday's. Cannot wait to get my new shoes, think it will make a big difference!!!!

ick

well yesterday's high wore off and today's run was painful - I think I start off running too fast on these runs, because by 1 mile today I was ready to throw in the towel. Ended up running in like 18 minutes. Maybe I was just tired from running 4 days in a row... lets hope so. Not much new to tell - going out to dinner with DJ so I don't have a lot of time to update anyhow. Day off tomorrow! I might actually do the gym or something, a little bike action maybe?

in the ZONE

Ran 4 miles tonight, and I don't know if it was the fact that I ran an entirely new route, my pace, the food I ate today or the fact that I am finally catching up with my training... but it was awesome. I wasn't fatigued at all - it felt great. I felt great. Ran in about 40 minutes, I think a little under that but its hard to tell without a watch. The route I ran today was really nice too, through Brookline (Huntington to Washington to Harvard to Longwood and up Riverside) and the temperature was beautiful. I have a feeling I am going to be doing most of my running in the later evenings, especially when it starts to stay light out later.

Also, my aunt has offered to buy me a pair of running shoes for my birthday!! We are going shopping next Tuesday. Really excited to get out of this crappy old pair.

I also have to mention - I got my car today!! Many many thanks to my wonderful grandparents for all of their help and the wonderful birthday present :) I love you!!

GEL-Kinsei® 2

This is ASICS premier running shoe, a stylish performance gem whose features include the Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.®), which enhances gait without detracting from natural foot movement. The discrete forefoot set-up actually mimics connective tissue to create propulsion during toe-off, and mesh lining keeps your feet cool and dry.

SUMMER IN APRIL!

I had to wait all day today just to run 2 miles... and even at 730 I was overheated. I was running pretty quickly up until the 1.5 mile mark... that's when I really started to overheat and take the pace down a few notches. Finished in a little under 17 minutes... would have been around 16 if it hadn't have been for the heat. These shorter runs you would think I would enjoy more because its less time, but the increased speed really takes it toll... I am not a speed runner!!

Also, I saw on a running message board that I may not be able to run with music during the marathon... don't know how I feel about this. I NEVER run without music, so I'm wondering if I should stop using my ipod... I honestly don't think I can run 26 miles without something keeping me occupied. Hafta do some more research before I really start to panic.

week 1 over - 23 weeks left

Well I screwed up my training a little this weekend - I took 3 days off in a row. I couldn't really help it though, New England got hit with a major heat wave and my body is barely used to 60 degree weather... let alone 90 degree weather. So Saturday I missed my 4 mile run, and yesterday I missed my 5 mile run... so today instead of cross training I did my 5 mile run, and I accounted for my missed 4 miler with the extra 5 miles I did last Monday. So overall, I think it evened out. I will probably take it somewhat easy tomorrow (run slower than usual) on my 2 mile run so I don't wear myself out for the longer Wednesday run.

Today's run was good - ran in about 49 minutes (not counting my walking time). I took a quick break at about the 4 1/2 mile mark - walked about a tenth to two tenths and then sprinted the rest of the way home. My hips were really killing me so I figured it was best to take it easy instead of strain myself because I do not have the best shoes and still need to see a specialist.

This week's training is identical to last week's - my last chance at an 'easy' week. I need to get used to increased mileage and really start to push myself the next few weeks so I am prepared for the heat and stepping up the mileage. I don't think I fully have the marathon training 'mindset' and hope I can really get into it when the time calls for it. That's all for now folks!

day off

Today is my rest day... and thank god. Pulled an all nighter last night to study for my physics exam (not sure if it payed off) and I had to work. I guess I walked about 2 -21/2 miles today so I guess you could sort of count that as cross-training. GO SOX!

day four

Before I start, I realized on my run today that I posted the incorrect time for my run yesterday, and it was driving me absolutely crazy when I was running, haha. I meant 38 minutes, not 48 minutes. 48 minutes would be a terrible time!!

Anyways, today was another short one, 2 miles, at a pretty competitive pace. I don't know my time because I was wearing a long sleeve shirt over my ipod (which has a clock on it) and didn't get to see when I stopped. I'm guessing it was under 20 minutes at least. I really need new running shoes, I think its having a really devastating effect on my stride. Overall though, the run wasn't bad. Better than Tuesday's.

Also need to hydrate myself throughout the day -- I noticed I've been having random headaches lately and I can probably blame them on not having enough water. Day off tomorrow - I will probably get some walking in due to the fact that I am working - its about a mile and half away!

day three

4 mile run today - once again in the pouring rain! At least it was warm, I ran in a sport tank top. My time was about 38 minutes, not bad, not good either. Definitely felt fatigued the majority of the run... sometimes when I run, no matter how long I have been going for, it feels like I'm fighting the wind or something. And then other times, I feel like I could run a 7 minute mile for 5 miles and still keep going. I guess it all depends on diet, rest and stretching. Gotta find my medium.

I also need to find some new running routes - I ventured off my normal track towards the end of my run to make it an even 4 miles - and I noticed it was less difficult to keep moving. I think maybe part of why I have been struggling to keep going might have to do with boredom - mixing up my routine and maybe changing my workout play list might help. We will see! At least I have a few weeks of shorter runs to get into the swing of things...

Also, I have been having some serious problems with my right leg, especially my knee. I noticed that I often land on the outside of my foot. I think I need to get that checked out asap. Maybe get some sort of knee brace thing so keep my leg straight when I run.

day one (technically day two)

Started my official training today!! I started on the first Tuesday on my chart, since I did run yesterday... I ran about 5 miles yesterday so my first week will be a little off... ran 2 miles today in the pouring rain, haha. Not sure what my exact time was, took me around 15-16 minutes though. Its funny, the whole time I was kind of struggling (probably because I wasn't fully recovered from yesterday's disaster run) and I kept thinking, wow I can barely make it through 2 miles! How am I going to get through 13 times this? I kept pushing on though, and hopefully can keep up some positive thinking instead of dreading the long distances. Also did some grocery shopping, picked up some healthier foods - bananas, nutrigrain bars, jello!! When my mileage starts increasing I will need to do some heavy duty nutrition research and figure out a good diet to keep me moving!

2009 Portland, ME marathon!

After watching the Boston Marathon yesterday, (and from having the urge to run a marathon for quite some time) I have decided to train for the 2009 Portland Marathon in Maine. The date of the event is October 4th, 2009, 7:45 AM (I know, yikes!) This gives me roughly 6 months to train, and I decided to make an online journal of my struggles and triumphs for my family and friends to follow.

I have chosen a 24 week training schedule - hence, there are 24 weeks till the race:My marathon goal is to complete the race in under 4 1/2 hours. This means I need to be running at roughly 10 min/mile. The long runs will all be on Sunday. I will be running the long runs about 45 seconds slower per mile than I intend to run the marathon. My cross training will on Monday... I will probably mix it up between walking and biking. The runs midweek are going to be dedicated towards building up my speed. I will shoot to run these from between 8 & 8:30/mile. (nothing fancy like my little sister!) The runs on Saturday will be at the marathon pace - 10 min/mile. Rest on Fridays!
Before I start my long(er) runs I am going to need to get new running shoes. Would be a great birthday gift, seeing as my birthday is in 4 weeks!! *hint hint* I also need to get myself a water resistant stop watch so I can record my time. I have a pedometer but I don't think it is very accurate. I am extremely excited about this, and hope you will all come to watch!!