New Running Shoes

In honor of starting a new year and a training for a new race, I bought a new pair of running shoes yesterday. I'm back to Brooks, this time the Ghost. Something has been going on with my feet in the past year, and I had really bad luck with my last pair of shoes, so I'm hoping these will work out. My old Mizuno Wave Riders just can't take any more miles! I ran a couple miles in the new kicks today and they felt great, but we'll see how I feel tomorrow and on subsequent runs.

Here's what they look like...

One of these days I'll have a pair of blue and white running shoes...

Baltimore Half Marathon 2009

I did it! 13.1 miles in 2:26:45 at the Baltimore Half Marathon.

Race Day: Warm, about 70 degrees but drizzling.

Miles 1-6 were great. I was keeping my pace of just over 10:00/mile and met the "Miami Crew" - a bunch of great girls!

Around mile 7 I gave in and used the porta-potty. I had really wanted to avoid this, but alas, it was not meant to be. After that, I had a hard time staying in a groove. The rain was intermittently light and heavy, sometimes sideways. It was still warm, but I could feel myself tensing up and my muscles tightening. I had to stop almost every five minutes to stretch my legs and it was making me crazy. It just felt like my knees refused to bend.

When we got to Eutaw Street, with about 1 mile left to go, I just couldn't give it the kick I wanted to. I ran the last .5 or so strong, but was kind of disappointed.

A big shout out to Erin and Jeramie for making a kick-ass sign and being there for me all weekend. They are the best sister and brother-in-law you could ask for!

Overall, I'm really pleased that I finished under my goal time of 2:30. But I just felt like I had more to give and I couldn't reach down and get it. The good news: I can't wait to try it again!

Running: Saturday, September 19

Yesterday was the big run, the longest of my training plan - 12 miles. It was actually pretty uneventful, which surprised me. I think I did a good job of prepping myself during the week, both mentally and physically, and it paid off during the run. I'm still having a problem with miles 3 and 4, but less so yesterday. I think it was easier because I knew I had to run so much further than that, so I didn't have to be looking down at my watch all the time during that part of the run and could just power through it.

I decided for the long run I needed to plan a route that involved multiple stages so I could keep myself entertained. I ran from my building through Brighton center, down to Commonwealth Ave, then over Storrow at St. Mary's Street to the Charles River and all the way down to the Museum of Science. That's six miles exactly, so then I just turned around and headed home! I felt really good when I got to the halfway point, and I was on pace to keep up a 10:00 mile. Then at mile 7 I got the worst cramp I have ever gotten. I had to stop and walk for about 5 minutes as I walked through it. I was able to pick up the pace again pretty easily once it subsided so that was good. At about mile 9 I decided I needed to take my gel. I have not mastered the art of running while doing this so I had to take another quick break. The gel definitely gave me a boost! The only problem I had at the end was that I was tightening up so much I could feel my stride getting shorter and it felt awkward. I finished in 2:09:18, which I am pretty excited about!

The big question is, did I have another mile in me? The race is 13.1, so being able to push through and get that final mile in is critical. I think I could have done it, and I KNOW I will be able to do it on race day. I'm a little sore and stiff today, but I actually feel great!

I know I've skipped some workouts and not taken the best care of myself during my training, but I'm still proud of all the work I've put in and I'm really excited to finish the race. The next couple of weeks are a bunch of short runs then some rest before the big day!

Running: Friday August 21

I haven't been writing, but I promise I have been running! I rearranged the week to get my long run in on Friday because I went to a wedding this weekend. I was scheduled for 9 miles and I thought it would be absolutely impossible. I woke up at 5:30 hoping to be able to run outside, but the humidity was just too much. And I realized I also hadn't hydrated or eaten very well the day before. So, I drank lots of water in the morning, and had an egg and cheese sandwich.

At 11:30 I got on the treadmill at 49 Lynn Street. And at 1:15 I got off, having just run 9 freaking miles. It was the first long run where I needed to worry about mid-run nutrition. I had a Gu after running for an hour (about 60 minutes) and it seemed to go well. I didn't eat the whole thing, just about half, then I finished it during my cool down and it was great.

Miles 3 and 4 were tough (as always), but once I got through them, I was really fine. I took a couple 1 minute walk breaks during the last 2.5 miles or so, but still finished in about 93 minutes. I felt great yesterday too, no soreness really at all. None today either. During the run my hamstrings were a little tight, but nothing a couple quick stretches didn't fix. My left ankle was a little tender, but again, didn't stop or slow me down. The only other problem was my right lower shin. It felt fine when I was running, but then during my pedicure massage, it was incredibly tender and sore - but only when you touch it. So, I'm not touching it! My back felt really good, I think because I've been doing the exercises to strengthen my core.

I took a walk instead of doing my recovery run, which I think is ok. I like that my schedule is now on a Friday long run instead of over the weekend. I think it will work out better for me. Tomorrow is 7 miles, which hopefully I'll be able to do outside. I am actually looking forward to it!

Running: Thursday, August 13

I think I might actually be a runner. If you had told me even four weeks ago that running six miles would be just another item on the list of "to do's" for the day I would have laughed at you. But yesterday, I was looking at my calendar and saw that 6 miles was on the schedule. I just kind of shrugged and worked it into my plans for the day. I decided to run on the treadmill because I hadn't had the best day up to that point, and the weather was threatening, so I didn't want to run away from home and feel like I couldn't get back.

The first two miles were fine, miles 3 and 4 were a struggle, and 5 and 6 were actually kind of fun (71 to go for the month...which I might need to recalculate based on my revised schedule). Yes, I said fun. And during those miles I was thinking, I think I might have time to fit in a couple miles tomorrow...even though I am running 8 on Saturday! What has happened to the old Lynn?!

Some thoughts about today's run:

• My foot hurts from something I did playing tennis yesterday. It didn't impede my running (actually feels like more of a bruise than a sprain), but I definitely need to work in some more cross-training, especially stuff that involves lateral movement.
• My back hurt less than usual. I am going to do some stretching and strengthening exercises tomorrow, but I was pleased that it felt as good as it did.
• Miles 3 and 4 really sucked and I don't know why. I didn't feel particularly fatigued or out of breath. When I stopped to take quick (~1 minute) breaks, I actually wanted to start running again right away. I am going to try be more aware to see if this happens a lot or today was just that kind of day.
• I know I'm repeating myself, but I felt like an actual runner today. My foot was actually really bothering me all day, but I still ran. Those 2 middle miles were awful but I kept going. This is a major milestone and worth a second (and possibly a third and fourth) mention.
  

I think that's all for today. I'm tired, but the good kind. I'll report tomorrow on my level of soreness. Two preventive ibuprofen and I'm off to bed.

Running: Monday, August 10

Today was a "recovery run" of 4 miles (77 to go for the month). While I'm definitely getting into this running thing, I am still not convinced running 4 miles the day after running 7 is a good way to "recover", but my goal is to follow the plan. The plan said 4, so 4 it was.

Today was one of the hottest days of the summer - with the humidity it apparently felt like over 100 degrees. I really wouldn't know, because I avoided going outside and am currently camping out at my parents' house taking advantage of the central AC.

Anyway, today's run was on the treadmill at Work Out World in Nashua, while Mom had her personal training session with Gary, and it went shockingly well. I actually wanted to keep going since the run started at the top of the hour and I was watching a Law & Order episode. I'll always wonder who did it... Anyway, I'm just waiting for the terrible soreness to set in...hopefully all my stretching and hydration (although I admit I'm treating myself to a Stella right now - running 11 miles in 36 hours is cause for celebration!) will prevent that from happening. When I woke up this morning I dreaded attempting to get out of bed and take that first step, but it was actually fine...

One other note - my Mom's trainer gave me some tips to strengthen and stretch my back, so I am looking forward to taking advantage of those! Thanks Gary! Tomorrow is a fantastic day of rest and focus on the other August goals. Updates soon!

Running: Sunday, August 9

As promised, I ran my seven miles today (81 to go for the month). I may be delirious, but I think it actually felt good. I didn't take any breaks along the way, and at the end I felt like I could go farther. It wasn't a fast run my any means, but I felt strong and kept a steady pace. This is the farthest and longest I have ever run!

I think that today I also broke a psychological barrier. As I wrote about yesterday, I was really nervous about going so far. I wasn't sure if I could do it and I had visions of being far away from my apartment, hurt, limping home. That really wasn't the case at all, and I think moving forward I can build on this.

A few notes about the run:

• we are definitely at the point where I need to think about mid-run nutrition; I felt good during the run, but I could tell my overall energy level was waning
• the outer part of my right knee hurt during my cool down after I stopped running; feels fine now (it's been about 25 minutes including stretching time)
• my back is still bothering me; it felt tight during the run and I have a feeling it is going to be tight and sore later today/tomorrow
• Cross-training: focus this week will be on strengthening my core and on my glutes/hamstrings so I can be stronger on the hills
  

(Not) Running: Saturday August 8

Today is supposed to be my long run day, 7 miles. I was really looking forward to it all week, but as it approached I got more and more nervous. I have never run that far before, and I was worried about finishing it. Then my sister mentioned that she wanted to go out last night, and I jumped at the chance, sabotaging the run.

We stayed out pretty late, so this morning I woke up a little after 8. When I saw the time, I was immediately disappointed in myself. I thought, "I could have been finished with my 7 miles by now!" I am a morning person, I love waking up at 6 and getting things done, especially running. The weather is finally gorgeous - dry and cool enough to run outside, so there are no excuses. I've learned my lesson.

The plan for today is to rest, drink lots of water, stretch, clean up the apartment, and run a few errands. Then tomorrow morning get up at 5:45 and run to Fenway Park and back, conquering those 7 miles! I know I can do this, and I will.

Running: Wednesday August 5

Whew. Only 3 miles today (88 to go for the month), but it was extremely humid and about 79 degrees this morning when I went out. I'm very happy though: 3 miles at about 9:20 steadily without any breaks! That means if I did a 5K right now I could actually break the 30 minute mark, which I've never done in a race before, so I feel pretty good about that.

Today's run was in Nashua, from my parents's house out to Main Street, down to my aunt's house, and back for the total of 3 miles. Steady slow downhill grade on the way out, and uphill on the way back. Reminded me of when I was a little kid riding my bike saying to myself, "If I can just get up this last hill [on Taylor Street] without getting killed by a car or truck coming around the bend, I can get to the downhill on Lynn Street and not have to pedal again!"

Back is still bothering me a little, but didn't feel bad at all during the run today. I have a little tightness in my hamstrings, but nothing some stretching can't fix. Had LOTS of water yesterday and I think that helped today. Tomorrow is a cross-training day, and the plan is yoga after work. I can't wait!

Running: Tuesday August 4

This morning I ran 4 miles on the treadmill at the gym. That means 91 left to go for the month. I am going to have to sneak in a mile or two here and there to make up for a few miles lost this weekend. My back has really been bothering me, so I am trying to rest when I can and stretch as much as possible. Plus, the humidity and I really aren't getting along, so I have to do a better job planning when I can run outside or get to the gym.

Today's run: tough, but not too bad; pace: between 9:45 and 10:20 or so; lungs: good; legs: a little heavy but not bad; flexibility: not as loose as I would like to be after a run, so spent an extra five minutes or so stretching and foam rolling.

Tomorrow's either another 4 or 3, we'll see how I'm feeling. Yoga is planned for Thursday night and I can't wait!

Trading a Run for a Massage

My training has been going very well...shockingly well as a matter of fact. That is not to say it has been easy, because it hasn't. But I have been really good about stretching, using my foam roller, staying hydrated and well nourished, and getting lots of sleep. So while some of the miles have been slow, I have finished them. I ran five miles on Saturday and felt great!


But, of course, there has to be a wrench. I have been using my backpack from school even since graduating, and I know that it is not the most stylish accessory in the world. A couple of weeks ago, I found a great bag at Target for only $29.99 and thought it was the answer! It is a one shoulder bag that fits an enormous amount of stuff, which I thought was fantastic. Well, I used it yesterday, and paid the price for it.


I woke up in the middle of the night with a pain in my lower back that radiated down my legs. I couldn't get comfortable and it progressively got worse throughout the day. I was scheduled to run 5 miles this afternoon, but when I got to the gym, I saw that the massage therapist had an opening and figured that it was probably a good idea to switch my run for a massage. Let me tell you, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. An hour later, I was still sore, but I felt like she had put me back together.


Tomorrow the training plan calls for another 5 mile run, which I would love to do, so we will see what happens. Did I just say that I would love to run 5 miles tomorrow? Yikes! Where has the old Lynn gone?!

Training: Prep for Weeks 1 & 2

I had intended to blog about my training for the Baltimore Running Festival half-marathon last week, since my training program was scheduled to start on May 31, but alas, that would not be the case. I was sick all week: the lay on the couch, wish I didn't live alone, barely even used my laptop kind of sick, so figured running wasn't such a good idea. I've heard and read that the rule is if you are having symptoms only above the neck, running is ok, anything else and you should rest. Thankfully, I was never really nauseous, but there were definitely aches below the neck and lots and lots of coughing.



Therefore, I am going to have to accept that week 1 is gone. I have been doing "week 1" of the program for the past few weeks in preparation for training, so I think it will be ok. I'll let you know how it goes! Unfortunately, the weather in Boston is not going to cooperate, so looks like it will be lots of treadmill and gym time for me. Is it a sign - sick for a week then rain every day at the beginning of training? I hope not!

Here's the plan for week 2*:

Monday: rest (this, I can do)

Tuesday: 35 minutes**

Wednesday: 40 minutes

Thursday: cross-train

Friday: rest

Saturday: 50 minutes

*The week really begins on Sundays for the program, so starting next week that will be included. I just wanted to be clear that I do in fact know there are 7 days in a week! :-)
**For the first few weeks, the focus is on time, not mileage to get into things. I'm going to try and run about 80% of the time and will include this in my weekly updates.

Tomorrow will definitely be interesting, given that I haven't run in about 10 days. Wish me luck!

Getting Lost on a Run

This morning I went out for my morning run/walk feeling pretty good. I woke up a little before six, figuring that would give me plenty of time to fit in my scheduled 40 minutes, a stop at Dunkin Donuts on the way home, and even have time for some real stretching. I decided to head towards Brookline instead of my typical Newton runs. At about 18 minutes in, I got bored with the main road and took a right.


Well...one hilly and curvy side street led to another, then a big downhill and all of a sudden I was on a major road that I am familiar with, but couldn't figure out where on said road I had ended up. Since I knew I would have trouble retracing my steps (and was really opposed to re-climbing the hill/mountain I had just come down from), I decided to pick a direction and go. Thankfully, I picked the right one and it was only a 15 minute "diversion".


I have learned my lesson: plan routes ahead of time if you aren't completely sure where you're going. If you are going to break that rule and explore new territory, do it at the beginning of the run, NOT at the end. Otherwise you will end up lost, tired, miserable and late. The only upside is I ran more than I had planned to in an attempt to get out of this mess! Oh, and it also helps to live next door to one of the tallest buildings in the neighborhood!

First "Run"

I put "run" in quotation marks because I don't know if it's fair to call what I did today a run. The schedule (the official training starts June 1, but I am doing week 1 for the next couple of weeks to get back into things and to try and prevent injury) calls for 35 minutes of running/walking and that's what I did - 5 minutes running, 2 walking, repeat x5. I felt a little lethargic when I was out, but better than I expected so I consider today a success! A little tight tonight and my knees hurt a little bit, but I think that's to be expected. I should also mention that this little excursion took place basically on the Heartbreak Hill section of the Boston Marathon course. No excuses, just saying...

40 minutes tomorrow so it will be another early morning! I'm looking forward to cross-training on Thursday, most likely a strength session.