end of school year

end of school year + crazy teacher = no running.

Decision 2012

Savannah

i am the most indecisive person

Seriously, I am the most indecisive person in America. I have to research everything to the core. And so picking a fall marathon is not easy. Especially with my parameters...mostly flat and cold. Living in the south...that poses a problem. I am trying to decide between Columbus in October and Savannah in November. Columbus is almost always perfect weather and a great course. Savannah...good course but you just never know about the weather in the south in november. I would have to fly and leave Cupcake at home for Columbus but we could drive to Savannah and bring my best cheerleader. What to do, what to do. This might just drive me cray cray in the head. I seriously think about this way too hard.

Great long run and such

Only got in 2 runs last week. Busy with some teacher stuff. Had a program for the kids and had to set up Thursday afternoon. We had a poetry reading Friday cause I am hip like that. Well, guess I am getting old because I was completely worn out Friday afternoon and had to take a quick nap before I pick up Cupcake. Pathetic. Tried a new pre-long run meal Friday night...some kind of grilled panini sandwich from Panera. I was all okay with it until I look up nutritional value. Yikes. Glad the London the next day was so good. We decided to do the very hilly 10 mile route. I also decided it was time to cut the walk breaks. If I am shooting for these goals...no more walkie breaks. Durn. Coach joined us for some of it and we got to talk and he threw out some suggestions and beliefs he has about training. I agreed with them and agreed with this one big belief...not to change form...as in running form. My form is ugly but I get from A to B. Also, looks like I am possibly targeting a different race other than savannah. I was on the fence with savannah because of temps. I am not a hot weather running...het definitely affects me. So there is another one in october that I am looking into...mre to come. But if it pans out, traing starts June 3rd...yikes! That's soon.

Time Trial-complete plus a running coach

Here is what I emailed my coach...yep, i said coach.  I "hired" someone who won't let me pay him.  Guess I will pay him with dinners and Patron. :)

"Ok, time trial ( I feel very tour de France when I say that) is complete. Ran 3 miles and felt the pace and time represents my current fitness well. I don't think race atmosphere would produce that much better of time...maybe a few seconds. But my quads are quite tight right now so I know I pushed it.  It didn't make me puke but it was hard effort.
That being said, was it stellar. No. But it is a starting point.I do think weather plays a factor or at least is affects me negatively.

I ran 3 miles in 28:27.
Mile 1: 9:35
Mile 2: 9:22
Mile 3: 9:32

I didn't go out as fast as yesterday and I think it helped...especially not being warmed up.
This is also the time I have been getting on the treadmill when I have been doing speed work...so that makes me feel like that is working a bit.

I plugged that time into McMillan running calculator and it projects a 4:47 marathon time. I totally think I could do that now with run/walking. So who's to say what I could do with proper training, weight loss and taking the walk breaks out?

My first goal is a 4:30... That is not my lofty goal this fall but I wouldn't be disappointed.
My other goals are (PR) 4:26, 4:20, 4:15... If I can reach one of those this fall, it will be time to go to the next level. ;)
BUT, I am not sure if I can get myself in goal shape for the fall. I am going to try."

Here is his reply:
" Good for you. Ok let's work on a plan. Just make sure you only move up in small increments.  I'm a believer in that. In miles, long run, and more importantly for you - increase in speed.

And make sure you listen to the aches and pains you feel. You know they can lead to injuries. Not so good ones.

Ask Amy about the foam roller we've been doing with P90X2. I think that's a huge benefit for runners.

Good for you. Good run today. Hope to run on Sat."

time trial = epic fail

So I went and got me a coach.  He's a runner friend that I have decided to use as a coach to reach some lofty goals I have set for myself.  After yesterday, not sure if I can possibly reach them.

My first assignment...time trial.  So, yesterday, all ready to go...I decided to do a 3 mile, relatively flat time trial. 
1st mile: 9:20.  Feeling good, confident that my splits were going to be good. 
2nd mile:  first part, look down, I am running 9:15...nice. 
then...about a quarter mile, it all fell apart.  Right calf on verge of cramping.  Just no go. 
3rd mile: walking mostly.  Then, last mile, run at about 9 minute pace because there were some creepy people on the path I was running and I wanted to get to my car, stat.

So, will attempt again today and try to hydrate better throughout the day. 
oh yeah, temps were about 89 yesterday...May 1st....89.  nice and H.O.T.

confidence is not high at this point.  ugh. 
Today is a new day and I am going to see what I can do.  Also, logged all my food yesterday.  Let the training begin!!  running and weight loss training....