Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Wednesday Workout Update - Last Easy Run

Our schedule for this training season is more intense than it's been in the last couple of years (read, when I was in charge and eased everyone into the long runs), and it ramps up the mileage very quickly.  Saturday's three miler was the last "easy" run...after that, we'll be doing 5, 6, and 7 miles - yikes.  I was determined to enjoy those three miles!

Loretta was back and ready to run, and run we did!  We did 1:30/1 intervals and she did great.  This run was fun because both groups (the half and the full) were doing three miles, and it was an out-and-back route, so we got to see everyone as they made the turnaround.  We started our run 30 minutes earlier than the previous two weeks, and that helped with it not feeling so miserably hot - plus there was a slight breeze, which also helped to cool down our sweaty selves.

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Hill workouts are on our schedule beginning this week.  So after running for 35 minutes on Monday morning, Julia, Loretta, CC, Cary, Brian, and I met early Tuesday morning at our hill and tackled it in various ways.  Loretta, CC, and I walked it twice before running it twice.  I'm more than a little paranoid about aggravating my hamstring with hill repeats, so I'm being extra cautious.  Same goes for Loretta with her hip, and CC with her foot - at least I have company with this.  I swear, once you've gotten a running injury, you go on high alert to avoid getting it again.

I have to say that waking up super early to go run hills doesn't sound like something anyone in their right mind would want to do, but we had such a fun time - the conversations happening as we walked to the base of the hill made it all worthwhile.  I'm really lucky to have such a good group of running friends.  Here's our sweaty, post-run picture:
Julia, me, Loretta, CC, and Cary - Brian was the man behind the camera.

14 comments:

  1. Do you use a phone app that makes a sound when you run/walk? How do you know a minute is up or a minute and a half is up? When I try estimating using telephone poles or city blocks or something, I know I mess up. Thanks!
    Chris

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    1. My Garmin has an interval timer that I can set, so that's what I'm using currently. But before I had this particular Garmin, I used a Gymboss interval timer and loved it. I highly recommend getting one - it's about 20 bucks, super simple to use, and the best part is you don't have to think about when to start and stop - it beeps at you (although it does feel a little Pavlovian at times, LOL). Here's a link to the one I have: http://www.gymboss.com/gymboss-classic

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  2. Love your running club! No 4 miles? From 3 to 5 in one step? Are there newbies in the training group this year or did everyone already a half so they are used to this training?

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    1. The schedule for our long runs is: 3, 4, 3, 5, 6, 7, 6, 8...so yes, we did have one 4 miler - but it is pretty intense. We do have running newbies in the group - I can only hope that they're not scared off by this!

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  3. Getting up early for me is one thing....doing it to run hills??? Amazing!!! You inspire me!

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    1. LOL - if I'm not running, I'm not getting up early...

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  4. I am joining a running club tonight Shelley and I couldn't help but think of you when I signed up! Just hoping it's not too hot at 6:30 pm!

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    1. YAY for joining a running club! I hope you love it!

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  5. Wow! Done with your run and its still dark outside! That is dedication. So five miles this Saturday? Hoping you get a little bit of cool :)

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    1. I have to say, there is a sense of general badassery among us when we finish a run and it's still dark. :)

      Yes, five miles this Saturday. Cool? One can hope?

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  6. IMHO so much better to run before the sun rises or just as it's rising. Since I was off the last couple of days I didn't go out to run until 10:30 on Monday and & 7:45 yesterday (I made myself get up a bit earlier). Holy sun, it was HAWT. Plus, once again, I forgot that meant I would sweat more and didn't wear body glide so you can only imagine where that went. OY.

    I've been wanting to ramp up my mileage again... maybe I'll see if I can manage 5 on Saturday. I'll be with you in spirit (and I'll be doing that very early!) :D

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    1. OMG, I see people running mid-morning (and even mid-afternoon, CRAZY) around here and I don't know how they can stand it! And yes, Body Glide is a MUST. ;)

      I'll be thinking of you on Saturday!

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  7. Way to GO getting up early to get that run in! Yea, I'm amazed when I see people out running in the middle of the afternoon when it's 100+ degrees out. I might walk when it's that hot, but even that's pushing it.

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  8. This is the first time hill work has ever sounded remotely fun. :) Having good company makes everything go smoother!

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