Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Wednesday Workout Update

Yowza, I don't know if it was the hills, or the miles, or the combination of both, but my legs were feeling that 9 mile run all day on Saturday...and even into Sunday as well!  Whatever crazy person who chose that route (disclaimer...that would be me) was not being very kind to our running group.  Sure, the race we're training for has some hills and therefore we need to practice them, but this was tough.  I'm thankful that I was doing the intervals because honestly, I know I would have walked up those hills had I not been on the 2:1 schedule.

Still, I have to say that I'm really, really pleased with how much better the long distance runs are going for me.  Running intervals isn't easy once you get a couple of miles in - even though our overall pace looks slow (because we're walking at least 4 times each mile), when we are running, we're running at a pretty fast pace.  But I'm doing it, and I haven't been plagued with the "I hate this, I want to quit" moments like I was last fall.  It's really nice to finish a long run and not feel bad about my attitude.

By the way, our group is back to running out of our regular meeting place - while it was fun to run with the local running store owners, that part of town is really crowded with traffic and it's not as enjoyable.  The official USAFit training program is over, but we still have access to the routes on Map My Run, so I've been picking one and posting it on our Facebook page, and one person drops a couple gallons of water along the way so we can refill our water bottles - it's worked out well.  Honestly, it's just fun to start out together - most of us end up separating out within the first half mile, but the camaraderie is there, and it's great to finish and compare how we all felt during the run.

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Tomorrow is the last day of the Planks-A-Lot challenge.  Not going to lie - this one has been tough for the the last week!  But, I am proud to say that I've done each and every one (a couple of times it's been close to midnight, but I've squeaked them in), and my abs and arms are thanking me for it (that is, when they aren't screaming in protest).  Did anybody else do this challenge?  I know Julia has posted about it - let me know in the comments if you did, too.  As for after this month, I plan on keeping up with doing them, but I think instead of doing one really long plank, I'll break it up into two shorter planks - maybe 45 seconds each? 

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The park where Jenny and I do our Tuesday morning runs at is also where a couple of running classes from the local colleges meet.  We were laughing yesterday during our run, because every time one of the coaches would call out to her runners, we'd do what she said - mostly it was "backs straight!" - not sure if she'd said "sprint" we would have done it, but hey - free training!  And yes, it did remind me of that scene in Bridesmaids, where the two main characters were sneak working out behind a tree at an outdoor boot camp! 

18 comments:

  1. OMGOSH I LAUGHED OUT LOUD at the bridesmaids comparison.
    I need you to live near me.

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  2. I remember that scene, it was so funny.

    The intervals seem to work perfect for you, smart decision of you to do this. When I was training for a half I used to break up the runs in pieces before I went, like 4 x 3 miles or something like that. Or from corner to corner. It's so much easier that way for me.

    How cool that you finished the plank challenge, can't believe the month is already over. It went by fast again.

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    1. My favorite run was mailbox to mailbox...but I have to say, I seem to keep on track with the interval timer much better - no slacking.

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  3. I'm not sure, in terms of core strength, what the purpose of really long planks would be. Probably better to do more of them at a shorter time. While I didn't do your challenge, I do a lot of planking at Muay Thai. I almost prefer planks to situps!

    I think it's great that your running group has loosely stayed together. Each person needs to train for their own race but how fun that you start and end together. That kind of camraderie will definitely keep you going as the runs get long!

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    1. I definitely prefer planks to sit ups. And yes, I think several shorter ones are the way to go, long-term...Jenny suggested doing a 1 minute, then a 45 second, then a 30 second one. I will probably die. ;)

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  4. I'm so glad that you are enjoying your running again. And no matter how you got there, 9 miles is A BIG DEAL!! I think about you every time I take my now shortened walks.

    And the planks--congratulations! I didn't do the challenge, but you have reminded and encouraged me to keep them in my workout. I think they are a great core workout (judging by how SORE it makes my core.)

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    1. Sometimes just being reminded of a certain exercise is what I need (my CRS seems to be in overtime lately) - glad the plank challenge helped you with that! :)

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  5. So glad that you made it through the challenge, Shelley! Glad to know they have been helpful for you! Thanks for sharing it with your readers!

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    1. Thanks for starting the challenge - it was just the kick I needed to get back to planks!

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  6. Free training? Very neat. Clearly, I need to go run by our college.

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  7. I am glad the running isn't as mental for you - just think 5 years ago you never thought you'd run 9 miles and like it!

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  8. I love the "free training". And I really must see Bridesmaids.

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  9. I didn't do the plank challenge. I like to do 3 planks of between 1 and 2 minutes each. That seems to be enough for me :D

    I notice that your blog title numbered your post. This is your 30th Wednesday workout update. Or least from when you started calling it that.

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    1. I'd do three planks of 1 minute each - three times 2? My abs say no. ;)

      How interesting that my post is numbered...where do you see that (which reader)? It feels like way more than 30 WWUs - maybe just 30 that don't have anything additional in the title? I used to do a lot more "Title - " in the past.

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  10. I am in awe of your running, biking and planks! Seems like you're really rocking it on all fronts. And I love the thought of you guys sneaking free training tips!

    Hmm, I could be holding my back straighter right now too, thanks for the reminder!

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    1. For a really fun time, we SHOULD get to the park earlier and sneak a boot camp workout!

      On second thought...am I crazy?!

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  11. I just have to say, your blog is refreshing to read. I've been reading it for a little while now (as well as several others), and I always read yours first.

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    1. Thank you, Deborah - you are so sweet to say this! :)

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