Saturday's race went great! The weather was good- sunny, if not a bit cold, and the race was bigger than ever. The 30K group started 1/2 mile back from the rest, and the fact that there were 5K folks, 1/2 marathon runners and walkers made things interesting to say the least.
Finally got my splits this morning and YEA! the 15M went at average pace of 8:34, but more importantly the 5M splits were: 43:08,43:06, and 42:16, so the last 5 miles of the 18 were faster than any of the previous 5M splits-- yea! Most importantly, I felt great the entire time!
Got 2nd in my AG, and 75th out of 131 30K runners-- not bad considering the first 3.6 miles were at a very slow pace-10 minutes miles. I am so fired up!
This really gets me fired up for the last two hard weeks of training--
NRR: went out to Bistro 19 with a very fun group of friends-- had an amazing time, but was way overserved... then came home to a l-o-n-g discussion with SIL and DH about MIL b-day dinner and how messed up their family is. UGH--- as my mom would say-- they are my 'cross to bear'.
RR: not sure how am going to modify this week's mileage. Sadly, a good deal of it depends on what time the dishwasher guy shows up, and how much time I have left. Oh well.
Yea!
Monday, March 31, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
More thoughts on 30K
OK- so I've been thinking a great deal about this race/run tomorrow. According to the McMillan calculator, my 1/2 time of 1:40:45 (which felt great in the fall) predicts a same-effort result of 3:32 in the marathon. Well, there is no way I'm going to be able to handle 26.2 miles at 8:07 pace, not in this training cycle.
I have to remember my #1 goal for the Flying Pig marathon is to BQ: which is 3:50, which if I run all the miles at 8:45, gets me my goal. Often I think this goal is too conservative, given the training program I am working on, but I have to make sure I get my #1 goal.
So- I am going to play it a bit more conservatively tomorrow, especially during the 1st 10 miles of the 15M at MP. I am going to try and do the 1st 5M at 8:45, 2nd 5M at 8:40, and then give the last 5M whatever I might have left, but staying between 8:30-8:45. This is not my goal race, but I really, really want that BQ!
Interestingly enough, a 5-second per mile increase, from 8:45 to 8:40, only translated into a 2-minute difference in time. So- I'm going to take it nice and slow during the 1st 3.6 miles, then ramp it up for the remaining 15M.
I have to remember my #1 goal for the Flying Pig marathon is to BQ: which is 3:50, which if I run all the miles at 8:45, gets me my goal. Often I think this goal is too conservative, given the training program I am working on, but I have to make sure I get my #1 goal.
So- I am going to play it a bit more conservatively tomorrow, especially during the 1st 10 miles of the 15M at MP. I am going to try and do the 1st 5M at 8:45, 2nd 5M at 8:40, and then give the last 5M whatever I might have left, but staying between 8:30-8:45. This is not my goal race, but I really, really want that BQ!
Interestingly enough, a 5-second per mile increase, from 8:45 to 8:40, only translated into a 2-minute difference in time. So- I'm going to take it nice and slow during the 1st 3.6 miles, then ramp it up for the remaining 15M.
Back in the Saddle
RR: Got back into the Pfitzinger training program this week: runs past few days
T: 8M at 9:20- GA pace, felt great-nice day
W: 8M w/ 5 x 600 at 5K pace: 7:03, 7:03, 6:58, 6:5, 6:45. Found out later had misread schedule-they were supposed to be 5 x 1000. Guess I'll have to make that up next week!
Th: 8M on treadmill- 4M were hill workout. LR pace: average 9:45
Went to pick up my packet for the 30K this weekend. I am getting more nervous about this race/training run. If I can do the 15M at MP, I will feel so confident about the Flying Pig marathon. Am going to shoot for the 15M as 5M at 8:40, 5M at 8:35, and 5M at 8:32ish. Should be ok weather. Got some new running shoes also.
NRR: ran into a snafu with pricing for MIL's b-day party. Going to be much more $$$$ than we originally thought. Oh well- if somebody else wants to plan something else, they can.
Should be a great event. Still have to find another babysitter, and had to buy a new dishwasher this week. Oh joy, Oh bliss, oh rapture.
T: 8M at 9:20- GA pace, felt great-nice day
W: 8M w/ 5 x 600 at 5K pace: 7:03, 7:03, 6:58, 6:5, 6:45. Found out later had misread schedule-they were supposed to be 5 x 1000. Guess I'll have to make that up next week!
Th: 8M on treadmill- 4M were hill workout. LR pace: average 9:45
Went to pick up my packet for the 30K this weekend. I am getting more nervous about this race/training run. If I can do the 15M at MP, I will feel so confident about the Flying Pig marathon. Am going to shoot for the 15M as 5M at 8:40, 5M at 8:35, and 5M at 8:32ish. Should be ok weather. Got some new running shoes also.
NRR: ran into a snafu with pricing for MIL's b-day party. Going to be much more $$$$ than we originally thought. Oh well- if somebody else wants to plan something else, they can.
Should be a great event. Still have to find another babysitter, and had to buy a new dishwasher this week. Oh joy, Oh bliss, oh rapture.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Re-entry and Easter...
NRR: Re-entry from Colorado was relatively easy- DH picked us up at the airport, and we went directly to the hockey rink for a Development League game-- good for the kids to get moving again, good for DH to see boys play hockey.
Saturday MIL and SIL took boys for the Easter-egg dying, and to see Horton Hears a Who. DH and I went to see the Penguins crush the Devils 7-1. First true Date Night in some time-- very fun- sushi beforehand for dinner. Had wine for first time since Lent began- yum!
Danny got his glasses on Saturday- things are going well-- he seems to be adjusting to them well, and thanks to Harry Potter, thinks he's quite the thing!
Today- Monday still no school so took the kids to the Zoo with JE and LE-- due to weather saw some great Zoo action! Very fun.
RR: snowing Saturday here- couldn't bring myself to run outside. Did 12M on treadmill with 3 miles of good hills, followed by the last 3 miles at increasing pace-- up to 8:20/mile. Felt good!
Sunday- 5M easy- GA pace- 9:35 or so. Total for the week a weak 22 miles, but felt it was a needed break. Skied hard 2 days as well. I feel as though the flu has finally taken its leave.
Back to the Pftiz plan tomorrow-- I haven't even checked the book lately! Have JASR Saturday, which will be 30K with 15 miles at MP. Hope it goes well!
Saturday MIL and SIL took boys for the Easter-egg dying, and to see Horton Hears a Who. DH and I went to see the Penguins crush the Devils 7-1. First true Date Night in some time-- very fun- sushi beforehand for dinner. Had wine for first time since Lent began- yum!
Danny got his glasses on Saturday- things are going well-- he seems to be adjusting to them well, and thanks to Harry Potter, thinks he's quite the thing!
Today- Monday still no school so took the kids to the Zoo with JE and LE-- due to weather saw some great Zoo action! Very fun.
RR: snowing Saturday here- couldn't bring myself to run outside. Did 12M on treadmill with 3 miles of good hills, followed by the last 3 miles at increasing pace-- up to 8:20/mile. Felt good!
Sunday- 5M easy- GA pace- 9:35 or so. Total for the week a weak 22 miles, but felt it was a needed break. Skied hard 2 days as well. I feel as though the flu has finally taken its leave.
Back to the Pftiz plan tomorrow-- I haven't even checked the book lately! Have JASR Saturday, which will be 30K with 15 miles at MP. Hope it goes well!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Colorado was... an experience! Got the flu/altitude sickness the second day, and, for the first time in 12 years of vacations, skipped a day of skiing due to MY illness. YUCK!
Started feeling better Monday, which led to a 4-day ski-fest with great weather and snow! Tommy and Danny really both made big strides-- Tommy ended up in Copper Bowl with his ski school class... one of my best memories was when I was waiting in line for the Poma lift, and I hear this 'Hi Mama' as Tommy and his class skied by into Lower Enchanted Forest. Had great times skiing solo with both boys the last two days.
Started feeling better Monday, which led to a 4-day ski-fest with great weather and snow! Tommy and Danny really both made big strides-- Tommy ended up in Copper Bowl with his ski school class... one of my best memories was when I was waiting in line for the Poma lift, and I hear this 'Hi Mama' as Tommy and his class skied by into Lower Enchanted Forest. Had great times skiing solo with both boys the last two days.
For Danny's black diamond experience, we mistakenly took a very hard mogul run-- he did great! He 'rested' a few times, and had a BIG smile on his face when he was finished.
RR: only ran once while in Colorado, 5 miles in a blizzard- really! Felt good to be off schedule for a few days, and I think I needed to fully recover from what was ailing me! Skied hard 2 days, so that must count for something.
I am looking forward to getting back on schedule for next week.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Hilly LR and Packing for Colorado!
RR: Yesterday Danny was not feeling so hot in the am, so I let him sleep in, and he just went to kindergarten, not K-Plus. So, my am LR became a PM LR, and the weather was great! Very windy, and I ended up doing a very hilly run-- into Mt. Lebanon- I ran most of the Martha's Run course, up and down Bower Hill Road, and also near Coffee Tree in Mt. Lebo. Made it back to my car (parked at school) just in time to see the boys get on the bus. The hills/wind slowed me down a bit, but I am starting to fear the hills in the Flying Pig- not for difficulty, but for time. 16 miles!
Today I am going to do an easy 6 on the trail-- give the legs a break.
Am in the process of packing for our Colorado trip- leave tomorrow for skiing with mom and dad! Looking forward to it, and I think the timing is great as far as training goes. I'll have an easy week, get two good runs in next weekend, then have 6 weeks to go until the race! YEA!
Also, going away with the kids during this part of tax season is a stroke of genius! Note to self: always go somewhere for Spring Break, even if its just to my parents for a couple of days, or Chicago.
Today I am going to do an easy 6 on the trail-- give the legs a break.
Am in the process of packing for our Colorado trip- leave tomorrow for skiing with mom and dad! Looking forward to it, and I think the timing is great as far as training goes. I'll have an easy week, get two good runs in next weekend, then have 6 weeks to go until the race! YEA!
Also, going away with the kids during this part of tax season is a stroke of genius! Note to self: always go somewhere for Spring Break, even if its just to my parents for a couple of days, or Chicago.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
50 MPW
RR: Last week I ended up logging 50 miles-- that has to be the most I've ever run in a week! The sinus infection kept me dragging a bit, but I got through it.
Weekend was great-- I had the boys for Floor Hockey and Ice Hockey practice Saturday, then went to see the Other Boleyn Girl- solo. OK movie-- the Showtime Tudors is better.
Sunday was the boys parent/child hockey game. DH played, and had a huge smile on his face the entire time. One of the other moms and I ran the bench, which was quite a challenge. I think all the parents involved gained new respect for the coaches/kids who make up the team.
One thing we learned later that day was the boys will not be on the same team next year. It is best for them, however, will be a real extra time commitment for Bob and I.
Gotta go- Tommy needs me-- he's outside playing hockey-- off course!
Weekend was great-- I had the boys for Floor Hockey and Ice Hockey practice Saturday, then went to see the Other Boleyn Girl- solo. OK movie-- the Showtime Tudors is better.
Sunday was the boys parent/child hockey game. DH played, and had a huge smile on his face the entire time. One of the other moms and I ran the bench, which was quite a challenge. I think all the parents involved gained new respect for the coaches/kids who make up the team.
One thing we learned later that day was the boys will not be on the same team next year. It is best for them, however, will be a real extra time commitment for Bob and I.
Gotta go- Tommy needs me-- he's outside playing hockey-- off course!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
I just ran 20 miles!
Wasn't sure if I was going to go for it today, after the sinus infection, and being on antibiotics, but decided to go ahead and try. The weather was supposed to be great, and was- low 30s at the beginning, and in the mid 30s by the time I finished. Ran to the HS track- did a few miles around the track, then had to make a pit stop at Westminster Church. Went up by Eisenhower, then down a few miles into Mt. Lebanon, and back. The hill on Rt. 19, which I hit at mile 17, was a KILLER, but I powered through it, knowing it will help on race day.
My pace was slower than I would have liked: 10:03/m average, but my goal was to get in the miles. I think I will do the next 20 miler on the trail- easier on the knees.
I felt pretty nauseous a couple of hours after the run, but drank some gatorade, and feel better. Still have a headache. I might post on RW about running and antibiotics.
NRR: Tommy is going to a b-day party today at the Sno Zone- tubing. Bob is in Ohio for the night, so Danny and I will have a 'date' for dinner. Gotta go get them ready for tubing!
My pace was slower than I would have liked: 10:03/m average, but my goal was to get in the miles. I think I will do the next 20 miler on the trail- easier on the knees.
I felt pretty nauseous a couple of hours after the run, but drank some gatorade, and feel better. Still have a headache. I might post on RW about running and antibiotics.
NRR: Tommy is going to a b-day party today at the Sno Zone- tubing. Bob is in Ohio for the night, so Danny and I will have a 'date' for dinner. Gotta go get them ready for tubing!
Minor Setback?
RR: Today is Wednesday, a 'rest' day in what is supposed to be my high-mileage week for this training cycle. Monday did 5 recovery. Yesterday did a hard 11M w/7M at 1/2 marathon pace. Since I am training to run technically slower' than my ability (according to the McMillan calculator) I wasn't sure which 1/2 marathon pace to use. The 1/2 pace based on my goal time is 8:09 per mile, but I started at 8:00, ended at 7:30, with the average pace per mile at 7:47. A pretty good workout, especially considering I found out later in the day I have a sinus infection.
Got my meds, am feeling better today, and am still going to try my 20miler tomorrow. If I feel really badly, I will cut it back to 17, and do the 20 next week. Am not going to obsess about it.
Family news: Danny is getting glasses! He is excited, and I of course am taken back to every taunt and negative comment that was directed my way as a child. Hopefully Harry Potter has helped make glasses less of a stigma. He does not have to wear them for hockey, so we'll see how it goes. He got some sturdy glasses that do make him look like HP, so we'll see how it goes. They won't be in for a week or so.
Am planning a 70th b-day dinner for my MIL-- things are going along nicely, so we'll see how it all turns out. Interesting how I end up handling most of this....
TTFN!
Got my meds, am feeling better today, and am still going to try my 20miler tomorrow. If I feel really badly, I will cut it back to 17, and do the 20 next week. Am not going to obsess about it.
Family news: Danny is getting glasses! He is excited, and I of course am taken back to every taunt and negative comment that was directed my way as a child. Hopefully Harry Potter has helped make glasses less of a stigma. He does not have to wear them for hockey, so we'll see how it goes. He got some sturdy glasses that do make him look like HP, so we'll see how it goes. They won't be in for a week or so.
Am planning a 70th b-day dinner for my MIL-- things are going along nicely, so we'll see how it all turns out. Interesting how I end up handling most of this....
TTFN!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Hockey Weekend!
So... last weekend was the year-end Hockey Tournament for the boys. Two days... three games- lots of great fun! They beat their rival team (if 7 yr. olds can have rivals), and Tommy scored his first goal! I must admit, I involuntarily teared up when he scored. I actually saw the shot, the goal, and his elation! He had two assists also. Danny also played well, and has earned great respect from his coaches. Saturday was capped off by a fun dinner at Molly Brannigans restaurant with two other families.
RR: Ran 5 miles early Sunday easy. Total for the week: 39.5. It was a cutback week.
Today starts the highest mileage week I will run during this training cycle: 50M. Did 5 easy today outside-- the weather was awesome! Tomorrow is 11 w/ 7 at 1/2 marathon pace: I will most likely to the warmup/cooldown outside the the tempo part on the treadmill.
Found out today that Danny needs glasses: we ordered them. He is excited. I am in a bit of a crisis. I have to digest this a bit. Good thing they will take a week to arrive.
RR: Ran 5 miles early Sunday easy. Total for the week: 39.5. It was a cutback week.
Today starts the highest mileage week I will run during this training cycle: 50M. Did 5 easy today outside-- the weather was awesome! Tomorrow is 11 w/ 7 at 1/2 marathon pace: I will most likely to the warmup/cooldown outside the the tempo part on the treadmill.
Found out today that Danny needs glasses: we ordered them. He is excited. I am in a bit of a crisis. I have to digest this a bit. Good thing they will take a week to arrive.
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