2013 was pretty good for me for running. The best ever, I'd say. Here's mileage, by month:
January: 0
February: 2.74
March: 3.85
April: 2.4
(Okay, done laughing now)
May: 33.67
June: 64.35
July: 62.66
August: 70.39
September: 87.75
October: 61.25
November: 79.23
December: 73.73
Total miles ran 2013: 542.02
I want more months like September, and better. It's interesting, seeing it written down and quantified. I did a little better than I thought I did, but not as well as I wanted to.
For 2014, I'm signed up for the Wings for Life World Run in May, and hoping to sign up for the Detroit Half Marathon (with my dad) that's in October. I'm doing the Hal Higdon Novice 2 training plan (12 week plan) for both. For the Wings for Life, I start training on February 9. It's interesting, because I was talking with Dad about the training plan. It has mostly 3 mile runs in it. I told him I would be lowering my mileage (I'm mostly 4.5 mile runs, sometimes 6 mile runs...). He pointed out that I'm supposed to aim for a 9mm race pace. Oh. Now THAT is a whole 'nother ballgame, and I'm interested to see what that's like. Currently, I run a 9:30 on a good day - but mostly right around 10:00/10:20.
For Christmas, I received running tights, and two running shirts, and then I found a windbreaker-type thing for $15. I no longer look homeless when I run. :)
This will be the first year ever that I run through the winter, and I'm really excited about it. I've already run in 3* weather. I'm looking forward to running while it's snowing.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Last Night's Run
Last night's run was amazing. It had been cool and drizzly all day (a welcome rarity here on the Front Range). At the outset, I really wasn't feeling it. Almost didn't go out for a run. I knew I'd likely feel better after, so just laced up and went, at about 7:00 PM. The husband and oldest son were still not home from helping friends pack out an elk by Breckenridge, and the youngest was working on homework. No reason not to go...boy am I glad I did. It felt WONDERFUL. It started sprinkling right at the end. It was all I could do not to lay down in the street and just fee it.
Decided I'm going to start adding some mileage, too. It dawned on me that I didn't have to run the skankier route to add mileage - I can run along the nicer sidewalks, closer to our neighborhood - and the map angles of the streets actually provide more distance than the alternate, scarier way. This made me very happy. I'll use those routes to up my mileage this fall/winter. I'm trying to wait till spring to start speed work. Want to make sure I have a really solid base, first.
I'm really excited for my run tonight. I'm going to add a little - maybe half a mile? - and see what the new, slightly extended route is like. With this new area I'm going to incorporate, I have several options - up the street past where I normally turn off, then left, and then cut left onto the trail and I can either go through the elementary school yard (shortest addition) or continue on the trail and come out by where I would normally turn off (medium) or pass the trail and run on the sidewalk, take another left, and head on the downhill, then left and uphill to the middle school. I'm excited to see what the various mileages are for these three alternatives.
Decided I'm going to start adding some mileage, too. It dawned on me that I didn't have to run the skankier route to add mileage - I can run along the nicer sidewalks, closer to our neighborhood - and the map angles of the streets actually provide more distance than the alternate, scarier way. This made me very happy. I'll use those routes to up my mileage this fall/winter. I'm trying to wait till spring to start speed work. Want to make sure I have a really solid base, first.
I'm really excited for my run tonight. I'm going to add a little - maybe half a mile? - and see what the new, slightly extended route is like. With this new area I'm going to incorporate, I have several options - up the street past where I normally turn off, then left, and then cut left onto the trail and I can either go through the elementary school yard (shortest addition) or continue on the trail and come out by where I would normally turn off (medium) or pass the trail and run on the sidewalk, take another left, and head on the downhill, then left and uphill to the middle school. I'm excited to see what the various mileages are for these three alternatives.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Running Apps
I'm thinking of changing from MapMyRun ("MMR") to Runmeter. There's a couple reasons for this - first, the reviews on the App Store were amazing. I've never seen reviews that good. The second reason is it's only on the iPhone. That means I can see all of my run details on the phone, instead of having to log in. I'm kind of excited about that, because I purchased the Runner's World Running Log for 2014. It would be really cool to actually use that, old-school style. However, this second reason is also one of the drawbacks - I can't "log in" online and see an expanded view, on the computer. With MMR, you can also enter in things like what you've eaten, how you feel, how much you weigh, how much sleep you got, etc. The Runmeter is ONLY activity. This is probably not a big deal, because in the several years I've used MMR, I've only used that feature a handful of times.
I'm nervous about switching - because what if I don't like it and decide to stay with MMR? Then I'll be missing the runs from Runmeter, in MMR. Oh, first world problems.
I'm nervous about switching - because what if I don't like it and decide to stay with MMR? Then I'll be missing the runs from Runmeter, in MMR. Oh, first world problems.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Comparison. Then and Now.
Here is info pulled off of my first blog post. This is what my running was like, when I first started keeping track with Nike+ (a mother's day gift from my husband and sons):
Nike+:
2009: 36 runs, av 2.2 miles
2010: 37 runs, av 2.4 miles
2011: 16 runs, avg 3.1 miles
2012: 1 run, 2.8 miles
Here is the info from MapMyRun (there's some overlap with the two devices, but I only had one run in 2012 on Nike+ anyway).
2011:
February: 4 runs, 13.4 miles
March: 6 runs, 20 miles
2012:
February: 2 runs, 4.68 miles
March: 13 runs, 46.4
April: 8 runs, 32.6 miles
May: 8 runs, 28.6 miles
June: 5 runs, 19 miles
July: 5 runs, 16.70 miles
August: 1 run, 4.27 miles
September: Nada.
October: 5 runs, 19.9 miles
November - December: Zilch.
2013:
January: Nothing.
February: 1 run 2.74 miles
March: 2 runs, 3.85
April: 1 run, 2.4 miles
And here we go:
May: 16 runs, 38.4 miles
June: 22 runs, 70.8 miles
July: 18 runs, 70.6 miles
The above isn't all the same form of measurement, so not as easy to get - I barely ran prior to this year. So, I'm "new" to running, to being committed to mileage and sticking with it. This winter is going to be quite an experiment. I'm determined to burst forth in the Spring, way ahead, way fitter, and way ready for more. Next fall, I hope to run a half marathon. I figure if I stick with it, by then, I'll have an actual base to train off of. Being old and frumpy now, I can't just go rushing into things. Slow and steady, and stick with it...
Nike+:
2009: 36 runs, av 2.2 miles
2010: 37 runs, av 2.4 miles
2011: 16 runs, avg 3.1 miles
2012: 1 run, 2.8 miles
Here is the info from MapMyRun (there's some overlap with the two devices, but I only had one run in 2012 on Nike+ anyway).
2011:
February: 4 runs, 13.4 miles
March: 6 runs, 20 miles
2012:
February: 2 runs, 4.68 miles
March: 13 runs, 46.4
April: 8 runs, 32.6 miles
May: 8 runs, 28.6 miles
June: 5 runs, 19 miles
July: 5 runs, 16.70 miles
August: 1 run, 4.27 miles
September: Nada.
October: 5 runs, 19.9 miles
November - December: Zilch.
2013:
January: Nothing.
February: 1 run 2.74 miles
March: 2 runs, 3.85
April: 1 run, 2.4 miles
And here we go:
May: 16 runs, 38.4 miles
June: 22 runs, 70.8 miles
July: 18 runs, 70.6 miles
The above isn't all the same form of measurement, so not as easy to get - I barely ran prior to this year. So, I'm "new" to running, to being committed to mileage and sticking with it. This winter is going to be quite an experiment. I'm determined to burst forth in the Spring, way ahead, way fitter, and way ready for more. Next fall, I hope to run a half marathon. I figure if I stick with it, by then, I'll have an actual base to train off of. Being old and frumpy now, I can't just go rushing into things. Slow and steady, and stick with it...
Preparing for Winter...
I grew up in Michigan, and started running there, in middle school. My most distinct memory is the 6-mile loop I used to run, when I was 15-16. The heat and humidity of the brutal summers didn't bother me - that's all I knew, climate-wise. I wasn't a "serious" runner, anyway, so it's not like I ran a ton. I've gotten more "serious" as I've gotten older. I enjoy looking at my calendar, and seeing more days marked with running, than not.
The one thing that's always sidelined me is getting sick (I'm a mild asthmatic, so everything goes to my lungs and it sucks), and winter. This time that I've started running again, I'm working on getting myself into the mind set that I'm not going to quit again over the winter. I'm not going to be so "all or nothing." Even if I can't run (due to -15* temperatures, or illness) I can do *something*. I've resolved to try cross-country skiing, and get back into the gym (for weightlifting, not cardio). During the summer, I "cross train" (if it can be called that) with my mountain bike. I figure if I have other stuff planned for "cross training" with running in the winter, I'm set. I'm also planning on starting yoga.
I don't want to start over. I don't want to quit and have to build back up again.
The one thing that's always sidelined me is getting sick (I'm a mild asthmatic, so everything goes to my lungs and it sucks), and winter. This time that I've started running again, I'm working on getting myself into the mind set that I'm not going to quit again over the winter. I'm not going to be so "all or nothing." Even if I can't run (due to -15* temperatures, or illness) I can do *something*. I've resolved to try cross-country skiing, and get back into the gym (for weightlifting, not cardio). During the summer, I "cross train" (if it can be called that) with my mountain bike. I figure if I have other stuff planned for "cross training" with running in the winter, I'm set. I'm also planning on starting yoga.
I don't want to start over. I don't want to quit and have to build back up again.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Running Downtown (Well, Almost...)
Had to run downtown today ("Uptown," technically) because we're taking a buddy out to dinner tonight (Twin Peaks) and I wanted to get my four miles in.
Previously, in my old Nikes, for some reason the dirt trail was making the top of my feet, in front of my ankles, hurt. I thought that was weird, because I've run in the park (Cheesman) off and on for years, and never had a problem. I'm pleased to report that either I'm in better shape from running at home, or the new shoes did it - but no problem today.
Denver is weird. Most people exercising in Cheesman don't say hi or wave or otherwise acknowledge other exercisers there. I chalk it up to snottiness (it's surrounded by super expensive, very old, gorgeous homes). How hard is it to wiggle fingers in an abbreviated "hi"? Don't other people exercise for the joy of being able to? Aren't they happy to be out there? I can see a few way-too-serious people - but the majority? It's a fairly crowded park. Anyway, I digress.
The downside to running at work...sweat. I sweat a lot for a chick. That, and sitting at my desk for the rest of the day.
Previously, in my old Nikes, for some reason the dirt trail was making the top of my feet, in front of my ankles, hurt. I thought that was weird, because I've run in the park (Cheesman) off and on for years, and never had a problem. I'm pleased to report that either I'm in better shape from running at home, or the new shoes did it - but no problem today.
Denver is weird. Most people exercising in Cheesman don't say hi or wave or otherwise acknowledge other exercisers there. I chalk it up to snottiness (it's surrounded by super expensive, very old, gorgeous homes). How hard is it to wiggle fingers in an abbreviated "hi"? Don't other people exercise for the joy of being able to? Aren't they happy to be out there? I can see a few way-too-serious people - but the majority? It's a fairly crowded park. Anyway, I digress.
The downside to running at work...sweat. I sweat a lot for a chick. That, and sitting at my desk for the rest of the day.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
The Start of Something...
In the interest of simplifying, I decided to start a running blog. Anticipated audience: Me. It's too much of a pain to post a blog on SparkPeople, and MapMyRun doesn't really have a "diary" option. I tried to upload my old Nike+ info into MapMyRun, but it was too old.
Long story short: It seems while I've been thinking I'm behind how I was...I'm actually ahead. This is great news.
I retrieved my old info off of Nike+:
2009 to 2012 is when I used it.
2009: 36 runs, av 2.2 miles
2010: 37 runs, av 2.4 miles
2011: 16 runs, avg 3.1 miles
2012: 1 run, 2.8 miles
There is some overlap, though, with MapMyRun. I signed up for MapMyRun in June of 2008 - I think for tracking food of all things. I started using MMR to log runs in February 2011, apparently alternating with Nike+ in February, March, and April, and then moved away from Nike+ and to MapMyRun exclusively in March of 2012.
So far, in 2013 up through yesterday, I've completed 58 "workouts" - mostly runs, a few hikes, a bike ride here or there.
I've also lost 10 lbs. I'm back snugly into my size 10 - which is a size bigger than "normal" for me. I'm really focused on that right now, because we're heading out to Michigan to the lake next week, and I want to be comfortable in the new swimming apparatuses (no more bikinis for me) that we purchased. Plus, I feel like if I really dig in, I can drop this weight and move on as lighter, and more active - and maintain easier.
I'm going to be looking into cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing this winter.
My family, while not unsupportive (they don't complain about weird/late dinner hours, or eating Chipotle a lot), is NOT into the exercise thing like I need/want to be. Kind of a bummer, but I can't sit around and give into the couch potato thing any longer, either. I need to do this for me.
Oh, also, my last drink of Dr. Pepper was June 3, 2013. I have been Dr. Pepper, and Mountain Dew-free since June 4, 2013. Not even a sip. The only stuff I've had since is Dad's Rootbeer. I'm not worried about succumbing to that, so it's OK. I'll probably partake in some Vernor's while we're in Michigan.
Now, I run a 4 mile route by the house, and try to do this every day, with a day off a week or so. The run is incredible. I worry that I'm maybe getting myself into a rut, being so fond of a particular route - but at this point, I don't care, because it's serving my goals well - and it makes me so happy. It's such a great run.
I'm also hiking with Mom - this is something we just started doing - this Saturday will be my third or fourth with her. I think we're pretty much going once a week. I hope to keep this up, but with the family obligations, and Jeeping, I'm not too hopeful...we've wheeled a LOT less this year, due to being busy with other stuff - but I'm not sure how long that's going to last.
Skyler just got spiffy new running shoes (at Kohl's). I told him that if he keeps running, he can pick whatever he wants at Road Runner, where Chris and I just got new running shoes after talking with the "consultant." Chris for custom insoles, me to move away from Nike and into another brand. I chose Brooks for the roomy toe box, and that's what Chris wound up getting, too (along with the schmancy insoles). So far, Skyler has run one mile with me. Granted, we've been too busy the two following days - hopefully he'll go with me again tonight, after my four. I've been making him ride his bike with me on my runs, since he's WAY too sedentary.
Long story short: It seems while I've been thinking I'm behind how I was...I'm actually ahead. This is great news.
I retrieved my old info off of Nike+:
2009 to 2012 is when I used it.
2009: 36 runs, av 2.2 miles
2010: 37 runs, av 2.4 miles
2011: 16 runs, avg 3.1 miles
2012: 1 run, 2.8 miles
There is some overlap, though, with MapMyRun. I signed up for MapMyRun in June of 2008 - I think for tracking food of all things. I started using MMR to log runs in February 2011, apparently alternating with Nike+ in February, March, and April, and then moved away from Nike+ and to MapMyRun exclusively in March of 2012.
So far, in 2013 up through yesterday, I've completed 58 "workouts" - mostly runs, a few hikes, a bike ride here or there.
I've also lost 10 lbs. I'm back snugly into my size 10 - which is a size bigger than "normal" for me. I'm really focused on that right now, because we're heading out to Michigan to the lake next week, and I want to be comfortable in the new swimming apparatuses (no more bikinis for me) that we purchased. Plus, I feel like if I really dig in, I can drop this weight and move on as lighter, and more active - and maintain easier.
I'm going to be looking into cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing this winter.
My family, while not unsupportive (they don't complain about weird/late dinner hours, or eating Chipotle a lot), is NOT into the exercise thing like I need/want to be. Kind of a bummer, but I can't sit around and give into the couch potato thing any longer, either. I need to do this for me.
Oh, also, my last drink of Dr. Pepper was June 3, 2013. I have been Dr. Pepper, and Mountain Dew-free since June 4, 2013. Not even a sip. The only stuff I've had since is Dad's Rootbeer. I'm not worried about succumbing to that, so it's OK. I'll probably partake in some Vernor's while we're in Michigan.
Now, I run a 4 mile route by the house, and try to do this every day, with a day off a week or so. The run is incredible. I worry that I'm maybe getting myself into a rut, being so fond of a particular route - but at this point, I don't care, because it's serving my goals well - and it makes me so happy. It's such a great run.
I'm also hiking with Mom - this is something we just started doing - this Saturday will be my third or fourth with her. I think we're pretty much going once a week. I hope to keep this up, but with the family obligations, and Jeeping, I'm not too hopeful...we've wheeled a LOT less this year, due to being busy with other stuff - but I'm not sure how long that's going to last.
Skyler just got spiffy new running shoes (at Kohl's). I told him that if he keeps running, he can pick whatever he wants at Road Runner, where Chris and I just got new running shoes after talking with the "consultant." Chris for custom insoles, me to move away from Nike and into another brand. I chose Brooks for the roomy toe box, and that's what Chris wound up getting, too (along with the schmancy insoles). So far, Skyler has run one mile with me. Granted, we've been too busy the two following days - hopefully he'll go with me again tonight, after my four. I've been making him ride his bike with me on my runs, since he's WAY too sedentary.
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