I think today's run was the most important one in all of my training for the Chattahoochee Challenge 10K. The goal was 16 x 400's--essentially, four miles of speedwork--between 8:45-8:50 pace. A pretty narrow goal (2:11-2:12 per split), so I was actually glad my iPod decided to flake out during the first set, because it really forced me to pay attention to my body and get comfortable with the pace--which, as my genius coach had worked out--is exactly the pace for a 54:30 minute 10K. It felt easy and comfortable, and I held back. I'm really feeling confident about this race and looking forward to testing myself. It's hard to believe that two years ago, my 10K time was 1:17:43. I've already bested that by 15 minutes, and now, I'm trying to shave another eight minutes off my PR (set on just three weeks of training).
This training process has been easy and very, very rewarding. I don't feel tired or burned out. I'm excited about every run. I learn something at every run. And I'm anxious to prove myself---knowing that this is just the beginning of my running career!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Countdown!
We've had some freezing temperatures to make up for those days I was wearing shorts. I'm finding the cold affects me less than it did a year ago--I'm generally quite toasty and ready to toss off the gloves about 15 minutes into my workout.
GTS was cancelled this weekend, so I did my six mile run solo yesterday. It had warmed to about 38, and I actually wasn't cold, though my legs were a bit stiff. I tackled a pretty tough course (including an evil half mile hill on Bohler Road) and averaged just under my targeted 10:00 pace! I love the Garmin--it's great to be able to track my pace and distance. My first mile was a bit slow--around 10:45, so I think I'm going to do a half mile warm-up lap before the Chatthoochee Challenge to loosen up.
I'm feeling really confident about the race, which is less than three weeks away! When I set the goal, I thought it would be a stretch, but now I think it's a definitely possibility. Probability! :)
20 more days...
GTS was cancelled this weekend, so I did my six mile run solo yesterday. It had warmed to about 38, and I actually wasn't cold, though my legs were a bit stiff. I tackled a pretty tough course (including an evil half mile hill on Bohler Road) and averaged just under my targeted 10:00 pace! I love the Garmin--it's great to be able to track my pace and distance. My first mile was a bit slow--around 10:45, so I think I'm going to do a half mile warm-up lap before the Chatthoochee Challenge to loosen up.
I'm feeling really confident about the race, which is less than three weeks away! When I set the goal, I thought it would be a stretch, but now I think it's a definitely possibility. Probability! :)
20 more days...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
I Have Confidence
I love the Sound of Music. In fact, my first-ever blog was called "I am the Baroness." So, while I may identify more with the scheming, self-interested Baroness (Can you blame her? Christopher Plummer is HOT!), Maria definitely got the best songs.
One of them is "I have Confidence," and while it's quite silly to be "trapezing about Salzburg" not only in old rags, but twirling around in circles and bursting into song, that's about the way I feel about my running right now. Confident.
Everything feels easy. Anything seems possible. Somewhere along the way, I'd convinced myself that I was an 11:00-11:30 minute miler, and with lots of training and Tim's encouragement, I've realized it's not true. That I've only begun to tap my potential as a runner.
I did a five mile tempo run today. I was supposed to average 9:45 pace, and I averaged 9:42. Without a ton of effort. Like a lot of things in my life these days, it was fun, easy, light, amazing, joyful.
I heart running.
One of them is "I have Confidence," and while it's quite silly to be "trapezing about Salzburg" not only in old rags, but twirling around in circles and bursting into song, that's about the way I feel about my running right now. Confident.
Everything feels easy. Anything seems possible. Somewhere along the way, I'd convinced myself that I was an 11:00-11:30 minute miler, and with lots of training and Tim's encouragement, I've realized it's not true. That I've only begun to tap my potential as a runner.
I did a five mile tempo run today. I was supposed to average 9:45 pace, and I averaged 9:42. Without a ton of effort. Like a lot of things in my life these days, it was fun, easy, light, amazing, joyful.
I heart running.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Eight Mile
Today, I did my first eight mile run since June. It was a busy day up at the River--pretty much like the packed gyms at the beginning of the year. I guess people were keeping up with their New Year's resolutions.
I had a great run and enjoyed catching up with several friends, including Jaclyn, Roger, Beth, Hannah, Daria, Ally, Randi, Yujin and Sara. I wish more of my Country Music team had shown up, but I'm hoping we'll be back in full force next week.
It was a leisurely, chatty day, and I found my pace was mostly in the comfortable 10:00 to 11:00 minute mile range. It was my first time using the Garmin to track just how inaccurately the TNT course maps are (in case you're interested, the 8 mile turn around is actually at 3.87, not 4.00), and it was fun to track the pace and distance.
After the run, a bunch of us headed over to the Flying Biscuit for some breakfast. It's amazing how hungry I am these days!
Also, Hannah and Yujin talked about going to JeJu Sauna tomorrow, which Tim and I plan to do next month. Hooray for saunas and massages!
I had a great run and enjoyed catching up with several friends, including Jaclyn, Roger, Beth, Hannah, Daria, Ally, Randi, Yujin and Sara. I wish more of my Country Music team had shown up, but I'm hoping we'll be back in full force next week.
It was a leisurely, chatty day, and I found my pace was mostly in the comfortable 10:00 to 11:00 minute mile range. It was my first time using the Garmin to track just how inaccurately the TNT course maps are (in case you're interested, the 8 mile turn around is actually at 3.87, not 4.00), and it was fun to track the pace and distance.
After the run, a bunch of us headed over to the Flying Biscuit for some breakfast. It's amazing how hungry I am these days!
Also, Hannah and Yujin talked about going to JeJu Sauna tomorrow, which Tim and I plan to do next month. Hooray for saunas and massages!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
I Heart Speed Workouts (and my 2009 Race Schedule)!
I wasn't really in the mood to run today. I was exhausted from all of our travels and slept to after 1 p.m. I really just wanted to lounge around and be lazy. But, I didn't get my speed workout in yesterday due to travel, and Tim and I actually have identical workouts all week, so he pursuaded me to get my lazy butt off the couch and get out for a run.
And I'm so glad I did. I LOVE speed workouts! They go by quickly, and they stretch out your legs, particularly welcome after sitting on a plane for a few hours yesterday. And they always boost my confidence--making me feel strong and fast.
Today's workout was no exception. After an easy jog down to Defoor from our house at about 11:00 pace, we did 6 x 400's. My target was between 2:00-2:10 per segment, while Tim's was around 2:00. My splits were 2:02. 2:04, 1:58, 2:00, 1:57 and 1:56 (thanks, Garmin!). Just fast and easy. I've have about five weeks left to prepare for my 10K, and I'm feeling really confident at this point. We jogged back to our place at around 9:30 pace, and it felt easy. I'm really looking forward to running in 2009!
Here's what I have on tap:
February 7: Chattahoochee Challenge 10K, Roswell, GA
Goal: sub 55:00
March 15: Shamrock 'n' Roll, Atlanta, GA
Goal: sub 55:00 IF I don't beat that at the Chattahoochee Challenge; otherwise, sub 1:00:00.
March 29: ING Half Marathon, Atlanta, GA
Goal: 2:10:00
July 4: Peachtree Road Race, Atlanta, GA
Goal: 54:00
October 25: Marine Corps Marathon, Washington, DC
Goal: 4:30:00
November 26: Atlanta Half Marathon, Atlanta, GA
Goal: 2:10:00
There's a possibility I'll swap Chicago for Marine Corps if my sister and future brother-in-law end up in Chicago. Also, I will probably add a few small races here and there--I'd love to do a sub 25 minute 5K and get in a fall 10K so I'm not out of practice.
But I'm well on my way to finishing my first marathon! I'm looking forward to the year and miles ahead!
And I'm so glad I did. I LOVE speed workouts! They go by quickly, and they stretch out your legs, particularly welcome after sitting on a plane for a few hours yesterday. And they always boost my confidence--making me feel strong and fast.
Today's workout was no exception. After an easy jog down to Defoor from our house at about 11:00 pace, we did 6 x 400's. My target was between 2:00-2:10 per segment, while Tim's was around 2:00. My splits were 2:02. 2:04, 1:58, 2:00, 1:57 and 1:56 (thanks, Garmin!). Just fast and easy. I've have about five weeks left to prepare for my 10K, and I'm feeling really confident at this point. We jogged back to our place at around 9:30 pace, and it felt easy. I'm really looking forward to running in 2009!
Here's what I have on tap:
February 7: Chattahoochee Challenge 10K, Roswell, GA
Goal: sub 55:00
March 15: Shamrock 'n' Roll, Atlanta, GA
Goal: sub 55:00 IF I don't beat that at the Chattahoochee Challenge; otherwise, sub 1:00:00.
March 29: ING Half Marathon, Atlanta, GA
Goal: 2:10:00
July 4: Peachtree Road Race, Atlanta, GA
Goal: 54:00
October 25: Marine Corps Marathon, Washington, DC
Goal: 4:30:00
November 26: Atlanta Half Marathon, Atlanta, GA
Goal: 2:10:00
There's a possibility I'll swap Chicago for Marine Corps if my sister and future brother-in-law end up in Chicago. Also, I will probably add a few small races here and there--I'd love to do a sub 25 minute 5K and get in a fall 10K so I'm not out of practice.
But I'm well on my way to finishing my first marathon! I'm looking forward to the year and miles ahead!
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