Getting my rest on...

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Distance: 4 mi. (run; outdoors)

Because this week's a rest week and I haven't been getting uber early to run, it was more difficult to drag myself out of my "thursday afternoon is my saturday" lounging mode in to runner mode. But I did it just in time to prepare for Community Group tonight. It was my usual neighborhood run and it was pretty good, once I got warmed up. The weather was practically perfect.

There's this one hill (among many) on my typical run that stretches pretty much all the way through Japantown and then some. It's near the end of my run and so I hate it with a passion. It's slow and steady and tricks you because you think you've come to the top, but haven't. But I've noticed that even when I've finished with the hill, I mentally complain about the descent because the pounding hurts my knees and ankles (trying to work more on my form so that this won't be as much of a problem). I try to focus on other things instead of mental complaints, but it's hard.

Saturday I have another 4-miler then Sunday I'm supposed to do 8. Guess I'd better start preparing myself.

Today's soundtrack: Apples in Stereo. I used to listen to them all the time at the gym at SU, and now they remind me of my days in Syracuse. Ah, good times.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Distance: 4 mi. (run; outdoors)

This week is a "rest" week. that does not mean no running. That means I just slow it down and reduce mileage to allow my muscles to heal. And healing they are. This run was nice and pretty relaxing... as relaxing as my normal route of climbing nob hill first thing can be. Still, it was good.

I want to get some capri running tights from work. I have the full-length, thermal tights, which I love, and several pairs of shorts, but I'm missing that mid-length tight. I didn't know I'd love running in tights so much, but I do. Less swishing and bunching, I suppose. As I get into the higher mileage, I also want to get a portable water source. We have several options at the store, so I just need to decide. Lastly, if I start running trails semi-regularly, I need to get some trail running shoes. I'm thinking either the Asics Gel 2140 Trial, Asics Trail Attack, or the Brooks Cascadia.

I stocked up last week at the grocery store. I got lots of running-friendly foods, like plenty of carbs (noodles, potatoes, rice) and proteins (beans, tuna). I'm slowly learning how to fuel myself up properly.

You can't beat the views...

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Distance: 6.3 mi. (walk/run; outdoors)

Mapmyrun.com says it was something like 6.3 miles, but I'm not entirely convinced that the website has all the trails I went on. The running was rough again on my legs. I guess I just have to break them in some more. I'm reminded of how my legs felt after walking days on end on my pilgrimage.

Today's route, however, was something to behold. I took the 38 bus all the way to the coast and then hopped on the trail in Sutro Heights Park. It took me to Eagle's Point, where there's a spectacular view of the Golden Gate and the ocean, the Presidio, where I'm wouldn't mind owning a house with said view out back and a mini cooper out front, and Baker Beach, where some people were taking wedding photos. Needless to say, I found myself stopping quite a bit to take in the sights and snap pictures with my phone. They just don't do the sights justice:

This is from Eagle's Point. And that's my foot. My mode of transportation.

This is Baker Beach, where dogs frolicked and photographers took wedding photos (reminded me of my lovely former roomie, Mabyn).

And here's the sun setting over the beautiful ocean view. Don't you wish your runs were this scenic?

No pain, no gain?

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Distance: 4 mi. (run/walk; outdoors)

Monday was a rest day. Yesterday wasn't scheduled as one, but turned out being one when I woke up feeling sick (just sinus/cold/sore throat stuff). My body told me I should sleep instead of getting up at 6am to run, so I listened. I knew today would be hard after two rest days, but I didn't anticipate how hard.

My calves felt (and still kind of do feel) like tons of tiny hands were squeezing every muscle fiber. Starting the run was hard because I was wheezing from my cold-like symptoms and it was uphill. (My usual "from my front door run". Did I mention I live at the bottom of Nob Hill and therefore have to run uphill for several blocks before it evens out and descends again?) Continuing the run was harder because of aforementioned pain in calves.

I've come to some conclusions. 1) I'm not getting proper nutrition. I've been reading a bit today and will pick up some things at the grocery store tomorrow to make sure I'm well stocked on energy sustaining and recovery nutrients. 2) I'm not stretching properly after my long runs. Sunday I ran the longest I ever have: 8 mi. (I figured out it probably was right at 8). Afterward I stretched only a tiny bit before getting on the bus to head home and then leaving home for a friend's for dinner. Big mistake. And one I hope to not make again. My calves are still rather tight, but I'll take a long, slow run tomorrow to give them a break. Maybe flat, too.

The moral of the story is that I need to keep educating myself when it comes to training and nutrients. I was reading a book today and it said the most important question when training for a marathon is "How should I train?" The second most important is "What should I eat?" Lesson learned, I hope. Oh, also I'm popping the multi-vitamins, Glucosamine (for joint flexibility), and Omega 3 (fish oil for inflammation and recovery; the bad thing is it makes your burps smell and tast like fish... gross, I know). Anything I'm forgetting?

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Distance: somewhere between 7 and 8 mi. I think maybe 7.6ish (run; outdoors)

Did the Fort Maston to Golden Gate Bridge route again today, only this time I ascended the steep stairs to the bridge and ran a little on the bridge. (I figure I'll build up to going all the way across and back.)

I was back in my Inspires and it was a glorious run. I have noticed, however, that I'm a slow runner. I don't mind this, as I'm just starting my marathon training. Besides, I can work on speed (intervals) in my shorter distances for now.

Soundtrack: Rilo Kiley and Silversun Pickups.

Another beautiful day.

Oh, and no shin splints or painful feet to speak of. Yay, Mizunos!

The Inspires Have It

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Distance: 3 mi. (run; treadmill)

Tonight at the gym was just blah. I ran with shin splints and aching calves (probably due to the long distance thursday and rest day yesterday) and pained feet (I think due to my shoes). So, I've been alternating using my Mizuno Wave Inspires and Saucony Hurricanes on runs. The Hurricanes are a bit big, I know, but I figured they can still function for shorter distances. I think I was wrong. After running for a longer time on Thursday in my Mizunos, I realized that they make me feel as if they're not even there. They're just lighter and I feel like they let my feet do more of the work and not get too "lazy". Maybe that's all in my head, but either way I'm sticking with the Inspires from now on.

I did some free weights before leaving the gym in a blah mood. Just not a great workout. Not bad, but not great. Maybe it's because all of my other runs haven't been after a full day of work. Hm...

Hopper's Hands

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Distance: 6.8 mi. (run/walk... though mostly run!; outdoors)

Today's run went from Fort Mason along the coast to right underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. A beautiful run in beautiful weather. On the chain link fence at Fort Point hangs a placard: "Hopper's Hands". Ken Hopper, Golden Gate Bridge ironworker, is also a suicide prevention volunteer (unfortunately, a valued commodity at the GGB). He started noticing runners and walkers approaching the fence and touching it before turning around and had two placards (one for human hands, one much lower for dog paws) put on the fence. It's pretty cool to see everyone touching the hands before turning around to run back.

There was so much to see on the run (families playing on the beach, owners throwing balls with their dogs in the field, tourists taking pictures of everything) I found myself happily distracted. By that, and my constant soundtrack of Pacha Massive.

Today's run was a little longer than my training schedule called for (4 mi.), but since Thursdays are like my Saturdays, I wanted to take what time I had for a nice long run.

Great mid-week run

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Distance: 5 mi. (all run!; treadmill)

So, on the treadmill, I used to always start out my run at 10 minute miles. I could typically do 3 miles at that continuous speed. Today I had 5 miles to do, so I decided to go at a slower pace. The results? I didn't stop or slow down once! I hovered between 11 and 12 minute miles. Granted, it was on a treadmill without any hills, but it sure did boost my confidence for my outdoor run tomorrow. I even started chanting a mantra that coincided with my footfalls and inhaling/exhaling patterns.

Needless to say, the run felt great. I had a huge smile on my face when I hit the 5 mile mark. I felt as if I could've kept going forever! I didn't though; 1) because increasing one's distance so rapidly can lead to greater risk of injury and 2) I had to head home to get ready for work.

I started the morning out with 2 pieces of sourdough toast with margarine and my mother-in-law's apple butter (it's the best, seriously), a banana, and half a mug of white tea. That seemed to be just right to fuel me up.

The soundtrack for today's run was exclusively Mates of State. The weird thing is, many of their songs coincided so well with my pace, that I found myself adjusting ever so slightly on the treadmill just so I could run with the beat.

Particular songs: "Help Help", "You Are Free" and "Fraud in the 80's".

Till tomorrow...

Wake-up call

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Distance: 2 mi. (run w/ speed intervals; treadmill), 2 mi. (run/walk; treadmill)

The alarm was set for 5:45am. I used to get up nearly everyday at this time when I was in Syracuse. But I can tell now it'll be an adjustment. One thing I need to figure out is what I should eat in the morning (because I have to eat something before running) to give me enough fuel but not make me feel like I want to puke.

It was a pretty good run, and I've got another early tomorrow morning!

On the road again...

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Distance: 3.87 mi. (run/walk; road), 2 mi. (run; treadmill)

Today marked day 1 of Bethy's marathon training. How did it feel? Predictably rough. I didn't expect to feel spectacular. Don't get me wrong, I didn't collapse or anything, but my muscles were understandably stiff. I moved to the gym for the final 2 miles because 1) it got dark and 2) that's were my 3.87 ended.

I gotta say, I think running during sunset in San Francisco is just jolly. I stopped in Alta Plaza Park after the long climb up Jackson and watched the pink and orange streaked sky over the Marina and the seemingly calm Bay waters.

I scarfed some Gu before the run. (For those of you who don't know, Gu is energy... um... goo that athletes and runners use to give them the nutritional fuel for whatever exercise it is that they're doing. Scientific enough for ya?) It was my first time trying it (we sell it at the store), and I gotta say, I'm not a fan. I think I'll try some Clif Shot Bloks or Luna Moons next.

As for unusual aches and pains, I only noticed a slice aching in my left hip, which I've noticed for the past few days. My theory is that I danced too much during Clab's bachelorette party and wedding. I take that back. No such thing as dancing too much.

Anyway, I'll sleep soundly tonight knowing I got in a pretty good run and after the pasta I'm about to make for dinner.

28 Weeks till 26.2

Saturday, January 10, 2009

I signed up for the San Francisco Marathon on July 26th. I've been talking for several months about wanting to eventually do a marathon and it slowly and steadily dawned on me that now is the best time to do one. I'm in a great city for training (for any race...hello, hills!), I'm surrounded by seasoned runners and athletes, I'm learning new things everyday due to See Jane Run, and I'm probably in the best shape of my life (thus far). I knew that, unless I gave myself a goal to work toward, I'd never actually build the necessary mileage.

So I'm scared and I'm excited and I'm confident and I'm anxious.

And I think I'll use this blog to log my training: my successes and failures, my aches and pains, my emotional highs and lows, and just my general thoughts. In my limited time as a runner, I've noticed that running paves the way for very interested thought rabbit trails. Maybe I'll share some with you, reader.

In the meantime, stay tuned for my running shenanigans retold.

Training starts tomorrow.

(P.S. Above is a picture of me warming up (literally) for the only race I've run thus far: the Chilly Chili 5k in Chittenango, NY, last February.)