Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Wednesday Workout Update - Dribs and Drabs

I can tell that all of my dribs and drabs of running are making a difference - I had a FANTASTIC 4 mile run on Saturday.  The same 4 mile route that, last time I ran it (on March 10th), I was still doing 4:1 intervals, fought every hill, and only ran the last mile without stopping.  This time?  Not only did I run the entire distance, but the "hills" that were so challenging two months ago were nothing.  Amazing how things have changed in two months.  It really shows me how if I just keep at this, even with the little bits that I do, improvements happen.

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Monday's run was nice in that it was only 63 degrees...relatively cool!  I'm sure that helped contribute to my best time so far - two miles in 24:15.  In order to avoid that panic breathing, I start out pretty slow, but even my "slow" is getting faster.  My first mile was 12:28; my second mile was 11:48!  Woohoo!!!  I broke the 12 minute mark!  I realize that to most "real" runners, this is still incredibly slow, but for me?  I'm thrilled.

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Commitment?  Check...in the form of a, well, it would flow better to say "check" but in reality, it was a credit card since I did it online.  Did what, you ask?  Register Jeff and I for the BCS Half Marathon.  I'm excited!  This time around, I'll have a lot more time to train for the race, and plan on really easing my way into the longer distances - that, plus being a little more proactive on taking care of my legs and any aches and pains I have, will hopefully get me to the start line in one piece.  Hurray - finally, I have another half marathon in my future!!!

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I quit the gym over the weekend - with all the running, I just have no desire to swim.  Had the gym been closer to my house, I might have kept my membership, but it's a 20 minute drive each way, and that's not what I want to spend my time, or money (both gas and membership fees) on.  Glad I had it when I couldn't run, but it's just not needed now.  In the words of my son Max, "see ya, see ya, wally wally be ya!" *

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So after last Saturday's run, Jeff and I met my uncle for breakfast at Blue Baker - he went for a bike ride while we ran.  It's still amazing to me that we do this...just a few short years ago, planning a run/bike route was not anywhere on my agenda.  And look at us now:
Uncle Phil and me - sporty and stylin'!

*He came up with that phrase a long time ago...one of the many "Maxisms" that we still repeat to this day!

19 comments:

  1. *scowling at computer screen*

    Please stop saying "real" runner when you refer to everyone but yourself. YOU are a real runner. I have runs that I do at 12 minute miles and I have runs that I do at 10:30 minute miles and everything in between. It's running. If you do it you're a runner dammit!!

    Years ago Asics ran a campaign that I still have a postcard from, "To be a better runner, you have to run." You're running, unless you're getting injured, you're getting better.

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    1. I think I've been reading too many of the wrong running blogs lately...comparisons are never good, you know?

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    2. "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

      And YOU are a runner. Stop reading those blogs. Read mine instead :D

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  2. What Helen said! You ARE a real runner!
    Hell, I think that I am a real runner....
    And birds walk faster than I run!
    You look wonderful!

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  3. Good for you! You are a runner. You look just so happy!

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  4. Cool my sister, again we are doing something together: that half marathon. Your comeback, my debute. Now we can train together for it too (mine is in October). I'm so happy for you.

    And I'm with Helen: you're a runner. Everyone who puts on their running shoes once a week or more is a runner. No matter what shape we are in, no matter how slow or fast we are going: we are runners!

    And I think it was a smart decision to quit the gym. I don't like driving that long for a gym and besides you're totally back at doing what you love: run!

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  5. This is an awesome post! Hearing about your running success is SO COOL. I am EXCITED for your next half marathon. You are gonna slaughter it! GO SHELLEY!

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  6. Look at you go! I am so impressed with your perseverance. Plus you know me, I'm glad you will be paying attention to the aches and pains. Good job on saying 'bye to the gym. Sometimes I think I should give it up to save the money, but I really like working out on the weights too much. Plus, I'm there 3 days a week with my job anyway.

    Love that pic of you and your uncle.

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    1. Well yeah, it would be kind of awkward for you to not belong to the gym when you work there, lol! Plus, you actually use the weights and machines there - and like you said, you like that, so absolutely, keep going! :)

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  7. Hmmmm.... what would it take for you to consider yourself a real runner? Doing a half marathon already doesn't qualify for that?

    Hooray on having another one scheduled and a new goal to reach!

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  8. Hooray for signing up for another race! I have to tell you though - doing those 30 minute Classical stretch every day (mostly) is really strengthing muscles I didn't even know I had. This morning I did a new one for me, and she basically was saying that if your muscles are weak, you are prone to injury - today's focus was on hips, anterior muscles and achilles tendon - she kept saying "a strong foot is your best asset!"

    I am going to try to see if I can copy the DVR classes to a DVD since I know not everyone can get it on their public access.

    Love the Maxism! :D

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  9. Sweetie, you are a REAL runner...you might as well accept that fact...it isn't how fast you run, it's that you run...proud of you for signing up for your next half...woohoo! Mine is in Sept. and I'm so excited! Love the pic of you and your Uncle...that is so cool!

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  10. wow that's a huge deal!! As a 14-15 minute miler I can't begin to imagine :) I'm so glad you're increasing distance slowly. I'm reading a great book about preventing injury while running and that is the main message in every chapter!!

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  11. You are definitely a real runner. I've really been enjoying these cooler mornings also! I wouldn't belong to a gym with a 20min drive either. Mine is 5 minutes from the office and 10 from home. I'm determined to get a new treadmill so I can get back to running. You just inspire me to keep going.

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  12. You are SO a runner Shelley!!!! Yay for all the running you do and for signing up for the half marathon. FUN!!! Love the Maxism!! Have a great Wednesday.

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  13. Yeah for a December half! I am motivated by your reminder of how much you can improve in two months.

    Oh, and love the skirt in that last picture. Love.

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  14. How funny Max says that. I say it too but "See ya See ya Wouldn't want to be ya!

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  15. SEE? now I lost my comment with the rushing back of memories thanks to Katie J above.
    THE HOURS I SPENT CHASING MY OLDER SISTER and then making her CHASE ME :) shouting SEE YA WOULDNT WANNA BE YA!!!


    ahh childhood.

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