3 Feb 2009

All day I felt I was in the midst of fighting of a cold or somesuch ailment. With that in mind, I decided to not run, but to stay in, eat, hydrate and go to bed early. That accomplished, I feel worlds better today. Unfortunately, I neglected to remember I have an appointment at my office's blood drive this morning, so running may not be encouraged. I'm going to ask, but I'm not holding my breath they'll tell me, "Yeah, go ahead and run 7 miles today. It's only 1/6th of your blood we're taking out; you'll be fine." Either way, I'm going to get out and take a nice long walk or something. I hate missing days.

2 Feb 2009

What a day! The weather was absolutely wonderful! Shorts and t-shirt weather! I could tell by the end of my run, though, the temperature was dropping and the wind was picking up, preparing to bombard us with a deluge of... half an inch of snow? Still, it was nice to run in the warm weather and then get to wake up to see the cars and trees and houses painted with snow.

31 Jan 2009

I finally get it. I understand what Coach Chuck means when he says "There are no hills in Richmond." Compared to Charlottesville, a mere hour's drive away, there really are no hills in Richmond. None.
The run itself was a lot of fun, though! We met the Charlottesville Team at UVA's U-Center, and after some introductions and a Mission Moment, we briefly reviewed our route and set off. The course of our run covered a lot of different areas, including the UVA grounds, the downtown mall, the Rivanna Trail (where there were a few ice-related slips and falls - but no injuries!), even some residential neighborhoods.
I ran most of the way with a group of Charlottesville runners: Emily (center, pink earband), Molly (center, white fleece), Vanessa (left, green fleece) and Renee (left, pink fleece). (I'm front and center, lounging - ahem - gracefully, and holding up the sign with Amber - that asphalt was COLD, by the way! And thank you, Art, for the photo!). They are all wonderful folks, and I owe Emily, especially, a great big huge thank you, because when I fell behind (those hills! I love em, but boy are they tough!), she stuck with me. It didn't keep us from getting lost, mind you, but at least neither of us was lost and alone.
There were a few wrong turns (one group ended up adding almost two miles onto their run), but everyone made it, and was smiling at the end. After the run, we all went to Panera Bread for lunch and socializing. We left just in time, though, as the long-run-plus-food weariness was beginning to set in, and I think people would have started falling asleep in their food soon.
In all, a great run ("Yeah, yeah, Dave," you're saying, I know, "They're ALL great runs, aren't they?" To which I respond, heartily, "YES!"). I hope to see more of the Charlottesville folks, either here in Richmond or back out in C-ville. Hills ARE our friends, after all. Why wouldn't we visit?

29 Jan 2009

Hills last night with Coach Chuck. We did three reps on the hill, a leeeetle bit fast on the first (1:05), but pretty consistent on the second two (1:10 each). Chuck suggested we try for a fourth, and I declined; but today I really wish I hadn't.
These hill workouts are (I'm told) THE best way to build the muscle necessary to improve my endurance and speed, as well as build my cardiovascular endurance. Speed is probably the least important of these factors, to me. My goal for race-day is not so much centered on a goal time (the closest to a goal time I have is "under 5 hours," but really, if I'm over that, that's fine), but more on the idea of simply finishing, and doing so with a smile on my face. But speed work (and hill work) are both good for your breath, which has always been my number 1 boondoggle, when it comes to running. My legs get tired, yes, but I've always been KO'd more by a lack of oxygen than muscle fatigue. Working on this makes me happy, especially when I have those moments when I can look back and actually see where I've improved.

26 Jan 2009

A pretty good run yesterday, but I'll be honest, I'm not really looking forward to today's. Cold rain is my least favorite kind of weather, and it's been nothing but cold and rainy all day today. Sigh. I guess this is just one of those things, though. I didn't sign up to train over the winter thinking I would never have to run in unpleasant conditions, so I can't really complain.
I guess it'll be a good opportunity to test the wind- and water-resistance of my new running jacket...
Okay, enough negativity. It is what it is. I'm smiling now; I'll keep smiling while I run, whatever the weather.

22 Jan 2009

HILLS! Coach Chuck couldn't make it out last night for our hill training, but since I was already in my running togs and at UofR, I went ahead and just ran them by myself. I was unable to time my repetitions (I seem to have misplaced my running watch), but whatever my time was, I pushed myself pretty hard. I decided to play it safe, since I was by myself, it was dark, and cars don't like to, you know, NOT hit you, so I only did two reps. Next week, I'll do more.

21 Jan 2009

I think it can be safely said our Silent Auction was a rousing success! The place was PACKED, and lots of great items were sold. (I think) everyone had fun - I know I did. A great big enormous giant thanks to Nikki, Amber and Jen
for putting this thing together, and for making sure it all ran smoothly! You guys are the best!