Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Wednesday Workout Update

I am very grateful for my exercise routine during the holidays - with Jeff off work and the kids home, my normal routine is definitely off, but having my set "run days" in place, and doing them - no matter what - is helping to keep me sane and alleviate the guilt of lazing around while we watch tons of movies.

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Is it wrong that I feel like I beat Jeff the other morning, when my alarm went off and he heard the wind howling outside, said "I'm not running in this wind" and I still did?  Hah!  Wind to him is what hills are to me - we all have things we hate to deal with in running.  But the windy day was Thursday, and Erica and I run on Thursdays.  She showed up at 6:00 am and we did our normal run, in the wind.  Booyah to Jeff!  (Why yes, there *might* be a tiny bit of competitiveness between Jeff and I - and I so rarely win that I have to note it when I do!)

On Saturday morning, we met up with about 10 of our running club peeps and set out to run 5 miles.  Jeff and I were joined by Will and Amy in doing 3:1 intervals while everyone else did their own thing.  This was my first time doing intervals for a long distance (I did them when I was first getting back into running), and I really had no idea how it would go.  It was 33 degrees when we started out, and it definitely took me a while to warm up, but once we got moving, my running pace picked up.
I wore my Garmin to track the distance, but used a Gymboss for the intervals.  The Gymboss was super easy to set, and very simple to use.  I clipped to to the handle of my water bottle, which worked out great - we all could hear the beeps clearly.  We did the 5 miles in 1:08, and in looking back at my training history, I've been averaging 1:05 for a 5 mile run, so this wasn't too far off.  At this point, I'm more interested in being able to make it through a long, long run without wanting to quit at the midpoint, than I am in speed, so I'm OK with that pace.

I ran Monday morning, just doing a 2 mile loop in our neighborhood.  Jeff, Sam and I are going to run this morning, but we are waiting until the temps warm up - and by that I mean get at least close to freezing...although with the sharp north winds we're having, it will feel like the teens - BRRR!  We are going to do our long run this week on Friday morning, since we'll be traveling on Saturday.  Plans are to do 7 miles with the same 3:1 intervals - here's hoping that it goes well and my brain cooperates with running that far!

19 comments:

  1. I think that interval thing really works. During one of my first half marathons, there was a couple interval run/walking that kept leap frogging with me (running a steady pace). They beat me...so, keep it up! Use what works.

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    1. I've had those leapfroggers next to me during races...annoying, aren't they? And now I'm going to be one of them, lol!

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  2. Oh yeah, you beat Jeff. Getting out there in that wind and cold. You beat me too. I can deal with some weather, even rain. But once it gets below a certain temperature all bets are off. And I am inside.

    And your time on the intervals is incredible. I'll be interested to see if it works for the longer distances.

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    1. I'm telling you, the cold cold cold makes it REALLY hard to get out in it. While I do like cooler temps, it's very hard to talk myself into getting out there in them!

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  3. Way to go! Once again, you've inspired me. I was sitting here in my running clothes, trying to decide whether to go out for my planned run. It's snowing lightly and I'm thinking maybe the path might be icy. Nope, I'm going to finish this comment and then go! I know how to get around icy patches (run on the grass). Thanks!

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    1. Good going, Trish - I'm not sure I'd run in the snow and ice!

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  4. I LOVE intervals!! Ive actually used them during longer runs!! I need to use them during my half marathons!! I always say Im doing that, and then the morning of the race I change my mind. STICK WITH THE PLAN DEB!!!!

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  5. I like intervals too - because you know you can stop soon! Great job on the time though!

    My Mom is in Austin, and she didn't prepare for such cold temperatures - I think it was 30 degrees this morning!

    Great job on sticking to your running routine!

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    1. It was freaking COLD here in Texas this morning...your poor mom, not catching a break with getting some warm weather here. Hope she's having a great time, regardless!

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  6. It's funny how this is different for all of us. My exercise generally stops or is very intermittent between Christmas and New Year's. The dojo is closed so no night time Muay Thai and I'm usually up too late at family gatherings to get myself out of bed at 4 am for a run. So, I let it go. It's more important for me to have time with Little Helen. As I'm good about getting right back on track it's really no big deal.

    I know people who have actually ended up faster using the Galloway method. Something about the walk breaks keeping their minds and legs fresher for longer distances. But, you really do have to practice them. Otherwise I think the temptation to keep walking is very strong. I hope you find that they work well and remove any negativity your brain is feeing you!

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  7. I say go ahead and gloat over you beating Jeff. It's the little victories that do it, you know? :D

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  8. I did run/walk/run intervals on the Richmond Half this November. I loved it. I felt good the whole time. I could give shout outs and encouragment to the other runners who were hurting at the end. I even felt fine walking up the mile long hill to where the car was parked. I like intervals!

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    1. That's want I'm looking for to - feeling more human during and after the run!

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  9. I was lapped lapped lapped at the one and only race Ive done by the smart walk runners!

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  10. What a pussy is Jeff LOL

    Well done for sticking to your schedule. I worked out both Christmas days and am very proud of myself.

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