If I had to describe Saturday's group long run in one word, that word would be "fun." However, if you allowed me three words, the other two would be "frosty" and "hill."
It was cold, somewhere in the low 20's. Of course, I felt warmer once I started moving, but by the end I had frost in my beard and on the backs of my gloves, where I'd sweated through them. But I'm not complaining. There was a beautiful view off the Huguenot Bridge, which I would not have seen otherwise. I'm glad for the run, and for the cold.
The hill came at the very end of the run. I'm not complaining about the hill, either. From what I've been told (warned) by my coaches and those I know who have run the Country Music Marathon before, the entire course is rolling hills, so I need to work on these. I am happy for the hill. Really, I am. I conquered it, so why wouldn't I be happy?
And there I leave you for today. I had a great run, some great conversation, and the shoe clinic following the run was very informative.
Oh, and I got some running socks. I can't wait to try them out! Yes, I really am excited about socks.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
4 Dec 2008
Had a really nice run last night with my friend Heather. I struggled a bit at the end of the 4 miles, but that was just because the conversation was so interesting, and I was talking more than I am used to.
Heather is one of the most generous, positive people I have ever known, and while I have always considered myself an optimist, I have seen a decided uplifting of my attitude since knowing her. She is the one who introduced me to Team In Training, and who talked me into signing up to run this marathon in April.
"Stop thinking about it, and just DO IT," was her advice when I, a novice 5k runner, hesitated, intimidated by the immensity of the undertaking. That was some of the best advice I've ever received; this is already one of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences I've had, and I'm only two weeks into my training!
I really can't wait until Saturday's group run.
Heather is one of the most generous, positive people I have ever known, and while I have always considered myself an optimist, I have seen a decided uplifting of my attitude since knowing her. She is the one who introduced me to Team In Training, and who talked me into signing up to run this marathon in April.
"Stop thinking about it, and just DO IT," was her advice when I, a novice 5k runner, hesitated, intimidated by the immensity of the undertaking. That was some of the best advice I've ever received; this is already one of the most fulfilling and enriching experiences I've had, and I'm only two weeks into my training!
I really can't wait until Saturday's group run.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
3 Dec 2008
I've been spreading the word, and so I've found myself talking a lot about running. People want to know why I run, do I get bored, do I listen to music, all kinds of things. Here are answers to some of the questions I've been asked:
I run because I've grown to enjoy it. I think the reason I didn't enjoy it all the other times I started and then ran out of steam a few weeks later was because I never got to the point where I could run and NOT immediately be exhausted and out of breath. I actually have time now, when I run, to look around, to breathe easily, and to enjoy myself. When I DO start to get winded, now, I remind myself I am doing this because I enjoy it, and I make it a point to look around me, take in my surroundings, and smile. It makes a huge difference.
I started out listening to music, but that didn't last long. I found it too distracting. I would run at pace with the beat of whatever song I was listening to, and generally ended up running much too fast. Plus, having the music going kept me from really being present in the moment I was in, and being present in the moment is a big part of what I enjoy about running. Which brings me to...
No, I don't get bored when I run. Maybe this is because my long runs are still over after no more than 45 minutes, but I have not yet found myself sighing and wishing the run was over. Running for me has become almost like meditation (says the guy who does not meditate, and never really has), in that I am concentrating - on my form, on my breathing, on my footing - but not really consciously. Those things become like white noise when you fall asleep: they are there, I am aware of them, but they are in the background of my thoughts. It is incredibly relaxing, falling into this quiet mindspace where I am both aware of everything around me and isolated in my quiet mind at the same time. If you've never experienced it, well, I hope you do. It's pretty cool.
And so, there you have it. Why I run, whether I listen to music, and whether I get bored: answered. These have been the most common questions I'm asked. If any more crop up, I will address them directly. In the meantime, I'm off to run...
I run because I've grown to enjoy it. I think the reason I didn't enjoy it all the other times I started and then ran out of steam a few weeks later was because I never got to the point where I could run and NOT immediately be exhausted and out of breath. I actually have time now, when I run, to look around, to breathe easily, and to enjoy myself. When I DO start to get winded, now, I remind myself I am doing this because I enjoy it, and I make it a point to look around me, take in my surroundings, and smile. It makes a huge difference.
I started out listening to music, but that didn't last long. I found it too distracting. I would run at pace with the beat of whatever song I was listening to, and generally ended up running much too fast. Plus, having the music going kept me from really being present in the moment I was in, and being present in the moment is a big part of what I enjoy about running. Which brings me to...
No, I don't get bored when I run. Maybe this is because my long runs are still over after no more than 45 minutes, but I have not yet found myself sighing and wishing the run was over. Running for me has become almost like meditation (says the guy who does not meditate, and never really has), in that I am concentrating - on my form, on my breathing, on my footing - but not really consciously. Those things become like white noise when you fall asleep: they are there, I am aware of them, but they are in the background of my thoughts. It is incredibly relaxing, falling into this quiet mindspace where I am both aware of everything around me and isolated in my quiet mind at the same time. If you've never experienced it, well, I hope you do. It's pretty cool.
And so, there you have it. Why I run, whether I listen to music, and whether I get bored: answered. These have been the most common questions I'm asked. If any more crop up, I will address them directly. In the meantime, I'm off to run...
2 Dec 2008
Good run yesterday. Ran with Matt, and while we were jogging, the topic came up of the next 15 weeks of my training, and how many 3 mile runs are left. I checked the schedule when I got home, and saw there are eight 3mile runs left: one each of the next four weeks, then two each of the last two weeks. The rest of the runs are 4+. Progress.
Monday, December 15, 2008
1 Dec 2008
1 Dec 2008 - Yesterday was a Rest Day, so no entry for that day. Today is XT, Cross Training. I think I'm going to give yoga a shot. I have a book, and a mat and block and whatnot; at the worst, I'll be getting some use out of my investment, right?
On an exciting note, my page (this one, right here) was plugged on Jonathan Carroll's blog! For those who don't know, Jonathan Carroll is a wonderful author of fantastic fiction, and a terribly nice guy. His support in this challenge is incredibly inspiring, motivating, and you know, just plain cool.
So, I tried my hand at yoga today, and I have come to two conclusions: First, I enjoy yoga. The stretching feels good, and the positions engage muscles I don't normally use in walking or running, which also feels good. Second, I think I should probably find a class somewhere. I'm not sure I was doing some of the positions correctly, but it's really hard to know for sure, just from looking at a picture in a book. Like in The Karate Kid, when Daniel starts out, he's trying to learn karate from a picture book. It just doesn't work for him. When he meets Mr Miyagi, though, and begins more hands-on training, of course, things start to fall into place, and well, we all know how that one ends.
Many of the members of Team In Training have a very personal connection to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, either through loved ones and friends, or as cancer survivors themselves. Members often will run in honor of individuals who have battled cancer, pinning their names to their running jerseys, or recognizing them in some other way.
I recently learned my uncle's father, Roland Larmore, died of lymphoma. I was only 13 when he passed, but I have many fond memories of family gatherings; so I will be running this marathon to honor him.
On an exciting note, my page (this one, right here) was plugged on Jonathan Carroll's blog! For those who don't know, Jonathan Carroll is a wonderful author of fantastic fiction, and a terribly nice guy. His support in this challenge is incredibly inspiring, motivating, and you know, just plain cool.
So, I tried my hand at yoga today, and I have come to two conclusions: First, I enjoy yoga. The stretching feels good, and the positions engage muscles I don't normally use in walking or running, which also feels good. Second, I think I should probably find a class somewhere. I'm not sure I was doing some of the positions correctly, but it's really hard to know for sure, just from looking at a picture in a book. Like in The Karate Kid, when Daniel starts out, he's trying to learn karate from a picture book. It just doesn't work for him. When he meets Mr Miyagi, though, and begins more hands-on training, of course, things start to fall into place, and well, we all know how that one ends.
Many of the members of Team In Training have a very personal connection to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, either through loved ones and friends, or as cancer survivors themselves. Members often will run in honor of individuals who have battled cancer, pinning their names to their running jerseys, or recognizing them in some other way.
I recently learned my uncle's father, Roland Larmore, died of lymphoma. I was only 13 when he passed, but I have many fond memories of family gatherings; so I will be running this marathon to honor him.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
29 Nov 2009
I got up at 6 this morning, ate some breakfast, donned my cold weather running gear (mostly consisting of some running pants and a long-sleeved t-shirt), and headed out the door. Naturally, I forgot my gloves. But it was warmer than I'd expected, so it wasn't too uncomfortable.
I arrived to find a group of about twelve people there, and I finally met (in person) my two running coaches, Vicki and Chuck, as well as my other teammates. Everyone is incredibly nice and friendly.
We started with some light stretches, a Mission Moment, in which Chuck told us how he came to be involved with Team In Training, and a warm-up lap around Boat Lake at Byrd Park, and we headed out for our run. I started out behind a couple of ladies, and found myself being included in their conversation, which continued for about the first mile or so. After that, I don't know if I sped up or they slowed down, but I ended up moving ahead of them, and talked to Vicki for a bit. When she stopped to wait for the next cluster of runners, I moved on, and was soon caught up by Chuck, the other coach. When he moved ahead to check in on the front-runners and those at the water stop, I encountered my first real difficulty. I was running on my own, which left me not much to think about but, well, my running. It's amazing how tired you can feel just by thinking about it.
But I persevered. I kept going, determined to finish my scheduled 5 miles (a Personal Record for me, although this was the third time I'd done it). On the way back to Byrd Park, I was really struggling. As I neared the water stop, Chuck came back and ran with me for a while. We chatted, and I started to feel much better. Second wind, distraction from being tired, or just enjoying the conversation; perhaps all three. But I felt better.
I ran the last mile or so with Gina, who is training for the Virginia Beach Shamrock Half-Marathon. She kept teasing me about making me run slower than I wanted to, in order to keep pace with her, but really, I probably would have stopped altogether if not for our conversation.
As is my goal whenever I run, now, I finished strong, with a smile on my face, ready to do more (I didn't, though).
We ended the run with some socializing, some stretching, and some tasty vittles provided by Nicki.
My conclusion: I really like group runs. Everyone is awesome, and I can't wait until next Saturday's.
I arrived to find a group of about twelve people there, and I finally met (in person) my two running coaches, Vicki and Chuck, as well as my other teammates. Everyone is incredibly nice and friendly.
We started with some light stretches, a Mission Moment, in which Chuck told us how he came to be involved with Team In Training, and a warm-up lap around Boat Lake at Byrd Park, and we headed out for our run. I started out behind a couple of ladies, and found myself being included in their conversation, which continued for about the first mile or so. After that, I don't know if I sped up or they slowed down, but I ended up moving ahead of them, and talked to Vicki for a bit. When she stopped to wait for the next cluster of runners, I moved on, and was soon caught up by Chuck, the other coach. When he moved ahead to check in on the front-runners and those at the water stop, I encountered my first real difficulty. I was running on my own, which left me not much to think about but, well, my running. It's amazing how tired you can feel just by thinking about it.
But I persevered. I kept going, determined to finish my scheduled 5 miles (a Personal Record for me, although this was the third time I'd done it). On the way back to Byrd Park, I was really struggling. As I neared the water stop, Chuck came back and ran with me for a while. We chatted, and I started to feel much better. Second wind, distraction from being tired, or just enjoying the conversation; perhaps all three. But I felt better.
I ran the last mile or so with Gina, who is training for the Virginia Beach Shamrock Half-Marathon. She kept teasing me about making me run slower than I wanted to, in order to keep pace with her, but really, I probably would have stopped altogether if not for our conversation.
As is my goal whenever I run, now, I finished strong, with a smile on my face, ready to do more (I didn't, though).
We ended the run with some socializing, some stretching, and some tasty vittles provided by Nicki.
My conclusion: I really like group runs. Everyone is awesome, and I can't wait until next Saturday's.
28 Nov 2008
This was a scheduled Rest Day, so I didn't do much but try to stay off my feet and prepare myself mentally for Saturday's long run. I was excited about it, moreso than I was nervous. I was looking forward to meeting my teammates, and to my first group run.
Friday, December 5, 2008
27 Nov 2008
My mid-week mid-long run was yesterday; 4 miles. Before today, I had done 4 miles all of twice, and only once without stopping. It was both tougher and easier than I expected. Somewhere around the 3-3.5m point I started to flag, and I really had to dig to keep going; but I got a burst of energy after 3.5m, and I finished strong, with a smile on my face (if I can smile at the end of a run, I consider it a success).
There's something I'm discovering through my running - particularly in the last few weeks, when I've made my few attempts at either running farther or faster than the distance to which I've grown accustomed. I'm learning how to push myself, how to ignore that pesky little voice in my head who says "Hey, you've gone far enough, you can stop now," to continue moving beyond the point where I start to feel tired or winded. I'm learning to focus, not just on my breathing or my running form, but in a completely new way than I'd known before, and I'm starting to get an idea of why Runners (capital R) become - and remain - Runners.
I was really looking forward to today's run ("today" being 27 Nov 2008 the previous run was yesterday's). It being Thanksgiving Day, I saw today as my first true test of commitment to this training program. My family (those who were around) gathered at Virginia Beach, where we follow the tradition of warming up for the Big Meal by eating finger foods for hours beforehand. I knew when I got there the last thing I would want to do would be run, but I also knew, if I could get that run in (an "easy 3 miles") it would be a triumph I could celebrate (by eating several pounds of crab dip, turkey, stuffing and various pies and cakes).
Well, I did run, so there's that. I left the beach house and headed up the road that parallels the shore. I was enjoying myself, catching glimpses of the surf between the fantastic large houses. I found myself running through the tail end of the morning's Turkey Trot 10k, so I was smiling a lot, exchanging greetings with the last of the runners and walkers, including the guy driving the truck at the very back end of the race, blasting the Rocky soundtrack from his vehicle. It was cool.
But, at about my halfway point, I realized I'd been jogging much faster than my normal pace, and so I ended up walking for a block or two around the 1.5m mark. Disappointing, but I enjoyed seeing the other runners, it was a nice day, and I feel successful just for making it out there at all.
There's something I'm discovering through my running - particularly in the last few weeks, when I've made my few attempts at either running farther or faster than the distance to which I've grown accustomed. I'm learning how to push myself, how to ignore that pesky little voice in my head who says "Hey, you've gone far enough, you can stop now," to continue moving beyond the point where I start to feel tired or winded. I'm learning to focus, not just on my breathing or my running form, but in a completely new way than I'd known before, and I'm starting to get an idea of why Runners (capital R) become - and remain - Runners.
I was really looking forward to today's run ("today" being 27 Nov 2008 the previous run was yesterday's). It being Thanksgiving Day, I saw today as my first true test of commitment to this training program. My family (those who were around) gathered at Virginia Beach, where we follow the tradition of warming up for the Big Meal by eating finger foods for hours beforehand. I knew when I got there the last thing I would want to do would be run, but I also knew, if I could get that run in (an "easy 3 miles") it would be a triumph I could celebrate (by eating several pounds of crab dip, turkey, stuffing and various pies and cakes).
Well, I did run, so there's that. I left the beach house and headed up the road that parallels the shore. I was enjoying myself, catching glimpses of the surf between the fantastic large houses. I found myself running through the tail end of the morning's Turkey Trot 10k, so I was smiling a lot, exchanging greetings with the last of the runners and walkers, including the guy driving the truck at the very back end of the race, blasting the Rocky soundtrack from his vehicle. It was cool.
But, at about my halfway point, I realized I'd been jogging much faster than my normal pace, and so I ended up walking for a block or two around the 1.5m mark. Disappointing, but I enjoyed seeing the other runners, it was a nice day, and I feel successful just for making it out there at all.
Monday, December 1, 2008
26 Nov 2008
Last night's run was a good one; a real confidence booster. I have been doing about half my running with my friend Matt (far right in the picture), and it's been very helpful to my motivation to keep at it. Since we started running together, Matt has consistently outperformed me (both in pacing and endurance), but by just a wee bit. This has kept me working to try to catch up to him (metaphorically speaking), which serves as added motivation to keep running. Did I really just compare my friend to a carrot on a stick? I guess I did.
Matt and I run the same 3-mile route , usually twice a week. Our run typically follows this patter: I jog to the corner of his street, and we head out. We talk while we jog, usually for the first 1.5m, after which I begin to get a bit winded, and turn my concentration from talking to just finishing the run. Matt, however, continues talking, just to remind me how *not winded* he is.
Yesterday, though, as I said, was a really good run. I managed to keep conversing the entire run! Actual, tangible signs I am improving! Maybe this marathon idea isn't so crazy after all...
Matt and I run the same 3-mile route , usually twice a week. Our run typically follows this patter: I jog to the corner of his street, and we head out. We talk while we jog, usually for the first 1.5m, after which I begin to get a bit winded, and turn my concentration from talking to just finishing the run. Matt, however, continues talking, just to remind me how *not winded* he is.
Yesterday, though, as I said, was a really good run. I managed to keep conversing the entire run! Actual, tangible signs I am improving! Maybe this marathon idea isn't so crazy after all...
25 Nov 2008
So, as I said, yesterday was my first "official" day of training, and was listed on my training schedule as "XT" (Cross-training). Of course I had no idea what this means (I have since been informed it basically means any non-running form of exercise: biking, swimming, yoga, etc). But at the time, not knowing what to do other than "something," I decided to run some intervals.
I set the timer on my watch for 5 minutes, and set out into the night. Well, into the dark (it was only 630pm). I started with a slow slow warm-up jog for the first 5 minutes, then moved to a slow jog (my normal pace, about a 10-minute mile) for the next 5. Then I increased my pace to a fast jog; something strenuous, but sustainable. Or so I thought.
After my first 5 minute fast jog interval, I was ready to keel over, so I shortened the interval time to 3 minutes. That seemed to work a lot better, and I made it through the rest of my workout with a smile on my face, although I was pretty tired at the end! I'm looking forward to today's "short run" (i.e. it's just a straight 3 mile run, which is my usual routine, anyway).
I set the timer on my watch for 5 minutes, and set out into the night. Well, into the dark (it was only 630pm). I started with a slow slow warm-up jog for the first 5 minutes, then moved to a slow jog (my normal pace, about a 10-minute mile) for the next 5. Then I increased my pace to a fast jog; something strenuous, but sustainable. Or so I thought.
After my first 5 minute fast jog interval, I was ready to keel over, so I shortened the interval time to 3 minutes. That seemed to work a lot better, and I made it through the rest of my workout with a smile on my face, although I was pretty tired at the end! I'm looking forward to today's "short run" (i.e. it's just a straight 3 mile run, which is my usual routine, anyway).
24 Nov 2008
And so, to begin, here is just a little background on how I came to get involved with this organization...
Last Fall, I finally got up the motivation to remove my lazy posterior from the couch, turn off the television, and go outside and run around the block. It almost killed me. But I kept at it, and before I knew it, I was running my first 5k. Unfortunately, I stopped running after that.
Until this past August, that is. Motivation struck when a friend told me she was training for a triathlon with Team In Training. She invited me out to some of her fundraising events, and I found myself inspired by her enthusiasm, as well as by the other team members I met. I started running again.
I ran my first 5k of the season in September, another in October, and a third this past Saturday (22 Nov).
It was around this time I started considering some longer-term running goals. My first thought was to run a half-marathon. I knew I wanted to join Team In Training; the generosity and passion of the people I met made me certain I wanted to join their cause.
I contacted TNT, and in talking with their campaign coordinator, I decided to just go for it, and I signed up for the full marathon. This is a big goal, but I know I'm going to make it, with your help!
Last Fall, I finally got up the motivation to remove my lazy posterior from the couch, turn off the television, and go outside and run around the block. It almost killed me. But I kept at it, and before I knew it, I was running my first 5k. Unfortunately, I stopped running after that.
Until this past August, that is. Motivation struck when a friend told me she was training for a triathlon with Team In Training. She invited me out to some of her fundraising events, and I found myself inspired by her enthusiasm, as well as by the other team members I met. I started running again.
I ran my first 5k of the season in September, another in October, and a third this past Saturday (22 Nov).
It was around this time I started considering some longer-term running goals. My first thought was to run a half-marathon. I knew I wanted to join Team In Training; the generosity and passion of the people I met made me certain I wanted to join their cause.
I contacted TNT, and in talking with their campaign coordinator, I decided to just go for it, and I signed up for the full marathon. This is a big goal, but I know I'm going to make it, with your help!
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