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May 29, 2005
I love trail running!
I drove to Quantico to run the 6-mile endurance course. If there's time during drill weekend (next week) after the rifle/pistol range, I want to take my new Marines on a little run. I needed to survey course conditions because it's been almost three years since I've done it. It was one of our physical fitness tests at officers' school to run the thing in uniform and boots (adds ~five pounds) and 35 pounds of combat gear - rifle, helmet, pack, full water canteens, etc. Today I only ran in running clothes and a water bottle, so I felt much swifter. It was great to not run on pavement. My legs were loving it and I felt like a total kid, reveling in nature and the mud. The first three miles were pretty easy - rocky and rooty but not too hilly - in comparison to the second half of the e-course. I saw a black snake and someone checking out the zip lines, which are not part of the run. On the second half, the only obstacles I did were the rope climbs and descents (six of them) because I had to do them in order to move on. I wasn't appropriately dressed to do the others, so I just ran by them. An especially challenging but welcomed part of the course (because it signals that the end is near) is the "yellow brick road". The footing is tricky on all the yellow painted rocks and there used to be a bench that taunted weary student officers (as if anyone would stop), but I didn't see it today. When I was done, I had so much adrenaline that I wanted to keep running forever, but I did have to get on with the rest of my day. I wish I could run off-road every day.
Posted by Leilani at 11:10 PM | Comments (1)
May 28, 2005
Sun's Out, My Mood's Up
I’m glad the sun has finally come out because I was feeling kind of down earlier this week. It was probably a combination of the dark skies, rain and PMS, but I was completely antagonistic about myself, running, and life in general. There was no real reason for me to feel this way; it just seems to happen the same time every month for a couple days (within the past year or so). I usually forget about these episodes, but R. graciously reminds me when the next “catastrophe” comes along. But really, there are no catastrophes and I have so much for which to be thankful.
Wednesday, May 25
I wasn’t in the mood to go to track on Wednesday since it was gloomy and my mental state was too. Instead, I hit the weights, and R. and I went swimming later. I noticed my lifting endurance has diminished slightly as I’ve been biking/swimming more and lifting less, which I don’t like. At minimum, I need to maintain my pull up-push up routine a few times a week to maintain strength (for my second job). I did my first swim “workout” on Wednesday. The warm up (600m) seemed to take forever, but after that, I enjoyed pushing myself and mixing things up.
Thursday, May 26
I was attending a class for work in Arlington, so it was convenient for me to get to the W&L track. My warm up consisted of jogging from the gym to the track and around the school. By the time I got to the track, a training group was finishing up their workout and some Army guys were getting ready to take their physical fitness test. They were good distraction because solo track workouts are never easy for me. I did 8 x 500m at 5k pace with 300 recovery, then 2 x 200 all out. My legs felt heavy from all the kicking the night before (swimming), but I managed fine. I sat impatiently in traffic (I despise traffic but become a germaphob on public transportation) for nearly an hour after class and then went spin class. My favorite instructor wasn’t there with her awesome music, so I wasn’t inclined to push myself as much. I would’ve gone road biking instead, but I didn’t want my first ride after R. reassembled it after St. Croix to be without him…in case it fell apart or something…not that I don’t have faith in his technical/mechanical abilities.
Friday, May 27
Just an easy two miles and a 1300m swim today. I thought I had swam a mile, but it wasn't until later I realized that I miscalculated my warm up. For dinner, I had two large slices of pizza, a tiramisu cup, and some of R's third slice and I was still hungry. We then went to Target to get R. a new sports watch and peruse the DVD, CD, and electronics section. I ended up with some cookies and that was the excitement for the night, since we had to get up at 5:30 for Saturday long run.
Saturday, May 28
I ran faster/harder than I really wanted to today (mostly due to the trails early on) since my legs were already beat(from Thursday) and I'm planning on a tough, technical trail run tomorrow, but I had fun and was overjoyed to run with a people from my group again. We ran through the zoo and stopped to see the cheetahs and the adjacent zebra. The four babies were so adorable, playing just like regular cats. Mom was being extra protective, pacing the grounds - no doubt who was in charge. Once the group returned to our starting point, I added on a couple more miles to make 15 for the day.
And today I met Nanda! She joined the running group for breakfast at Whitlows. It wasn't awkward at all; in fact, I felt like I was meeting an old friend. She is strong, independent, purposeful, insightful...oh yeah, and taller than I expected. We talked for quite a long time, even after the breakfast crowd abandoned us. It was a good time, and I'm glad she's local because I want to recruit her for a running partner.
Well, I'm going to tackle the dishes, maybe some work, and definitely self-massage. I hope everyone is having a nice, relaxing Memorial Day weekend!
Posted by Leilani at 03:36 PM | Comments (2)
May 24, 2005
Tennis, anyone?
No, I'm not taking up another sport, though I took some lessons while I was in college. What I'm referring to is my new favorite massage tool, a tennis ball. Actually, a friend clued me in on this one while we were at a carb loading party. It's great because it's small and portable, fits in my purse, and doesn't get me stopped by TSA at the airport. They almost took my stick once because they thought it was a weapon. I guess you could beat someone over the head with it, but I don't think the stick could take down an airplane. Anyhow, I carry my tennis ball *everywhere* these days. I massage my hamstrings and glutes while I plug away in the office, and when I go home, I roll around on the floor with it. It's wonderful for those crevices that the stick and foam roller have a hard time reaching deeply, like hips and glutes. I guess the best thing is that you can multi-task, which for friends who spend enough time around me, know that I am the multi-tasking queen. I'm massaging my right hamstring (just a bit irritated) as I eat lunch and finalize June's work schedule. My right hamstring is tight as well as my calf and shin. I hope that's due to breaking in a new pair of Grid Hurricanes. I ran 10 miles with them last night and then ~5 miles in the rain this morning, so my legs are beat at the moment. I think I'm going to take the night off and read the new Running Times.
Posted by Leilani at 01:58 PM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2005
A little bit of everything
Looking back at this week's running log entries, I'm happy to say that I'm about where I want to be mileage-wise when marathon training starts in June. Nothing crazy, but I feel a bit stronger than last November (when I started training for Austin). I was also able to bike twice, swim three times, and lift once this week, so I'm satisfied overall. I have to admit, though, that I'm very tired. Fortunately, nothing really hurts (knock on wood)...just minor shin soreness. I had to take a nap after my Saturday long run with the group because R. and I had a double date with our friends, which entailed staying out past my bedtime to watch the new Star Wars. It was better than I expected, even with the cheesy love scenes. I had to take another nap after church today when I started coughing and feeling achy and cold during the service. I felt slightly better later and was able to fit in a short run and swim after doing some work for my Reserves job. I do think that I could use more sleep, though. I have huge bags under my eyes and my shoulders feel very tight (as they often do). My goal was to get to bed by 10, but I need to finish up some performance evaluations first.
Posted by Leilani at 09:54 PM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2005
Sigh
Ever been so exhausted from a workout (or workouts) that your body just sighs? You take that deep breath where your shoulders come up to your ears, then you let it go, and you feel content, relaxed...What a great way to round out the day. I went for a medium-easy 7+ miles out and back on the W&OD trail in Ashburn and felt much better than yesterday, so I don't get what was wrong with me then. I welcomed that it was overcast because last time I ran there, it was freakin' hot and humid with not a drop of shade in sight. Not many runners out but plenty of bikers with some pretty defined calves. On the way back, I ran on the adjacent horse trail, which felt good to my knees and I was able to pick up the pace a bit. It was cool because I spotted two red robins and later, two hedgehogs chasing each other into a hole. It was so cute. I never realized how wide they were, or maybe these ones were overweight? Afterward, I went to spin class with an instructor I hadn't taken a class with before, T. She's definitely my favorite so far. She taught a tough class with lots of long climbs and kept us focused on correct form. And she played awesome music and was very friendly too. T. invited me to do a 63-mile bike ride to raise money for the American Diabetes Association, for which I think R. and I are going to sign up for. It's at the beginning of marathon training, so I'm not concerned about it taking away from running. I gotta check out the details tomorrow.
Posted by Leilani at 10:57 PM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2005
Another Cruddy Speed Workout
Today's workout was supposed to be on the track, but since the high school kids had a game on the infield, we took to the (hilly) trails again. The modified workout ended up being 5 x 4 minutes at 5k pace with 3 1/2 minute jog. In the beginning, I stuck with coach E. because I can usually keep up with him (or be in close vicinity), and today he had a large following...a lot of new people, which is always fun. We warmed up for 12 minutes and did the first repeat at a pretty easy pace, picking it up for the last 30 seconds. The following ones were faster and I kept up for the second and half of the third repeats, but then fell off pace as my cardio suffered. I mean, it hurt my lungs to breathe deep even though my legs were fine. It was a like last week's workout. I couldn't understand why. It was so frustrating because I don't feel that out of shape and I could only think of how everyone seems to be getting faster while I'm standing still, or getting worse. It's ridiculous to put so much pressure on myself, but I simply want to do the best that I'm capable of. It doesn't help that I'm not too keen on work right now. Three guys quit in the last two weeks, and they happen to be my swing and midnight shift analysts. Those people don't drop out of the sky too often, you know? Aaarrrgh. Oh yea, and I was quite hostile (accidentally) to a lady at the gas station this morning who was simply trying to make a joke. So, I'm feeling mean and slow and sorry for myself. I'll be back to normal in the morning.
Back to the workout. I ran into Jessie at the end of our cooldown who gave me some insight. I mentioned that I did a solid tempo run on Monday, and she suggested perhaps that's why my cardio's shot. If so, nix tempo for now and add it back in a couple of months, which is what my upcoming marathon training plan calls for anyway. Sounds like great advice to me. I think I will do that (at minimum, for a few weeks) to see if my track workouts improve. We'll have to wait and see...
Posted by Leilani at 11:45 PM | Comments (2)
May 17, 2005
Running Plans
There's a sense of relief and peace that comes with finishing up a training/race schedule. Even if I can't do everything exactly as planned due to life events, work, and other unforeseen circumstances, at least I have my summer and fall plan from which to adjust. I've never been a big "winging it" kind of person when it comes to getting things done. I've modified Pfitzinger's 18-week 70 miles or less per week plan to 60 miles, since that mileage (with lots of cross training) seemed to work for me several years back when I had my last marathon PR. My schedule's printed on two legal sheets with my major races annotated on thin strips of blue Post-Its. Two to three half marathons (one of which I've already registered for since it fills up quickly) and two sprint triathlons. I feel so much better now that it's all in black and white....and blue. Of course, this is all contingent on me staying healthy through summer training, which I will try my darned hardest to do! The only thing I'm a teeny disappointed with is not being able to do my favorite fall races like Quantico Half Marathon and the National Capitol 20-Miler because they're too close to Chicago. The good news is that Chicago is far enough away (time-wise) from the JFK 50 Miler in November that I've been wanting to do for years, so I'll weigh that option when it gets closer to registration time.
All this talk about the future. So, what did I do today? I ran an easy 40 minutes on Stringfellow Road before work. On this route, I have to run through a new housing construction site, and it's quite annoying what I have to put up with - gross men staring at me from the rooftops and bulldozers like they've never seen a woman in their life. Yuck, yuck! R. and I went to the pool tonight, and I swam 1300 meters. I was sharing the lane with two other women, one of which who did not know the rules of the pool. And one time I almost crashed right into her. I wasn't going to move because the third gal was inbound as well, and I had no where to go but the lane rope. Too bad you can't yell "lap!".
Ugh, it's past my bedtime. Gotta pack up my lunch and hit the sack.
Posted by Leilani at 11:41 PM | Comments (0)
May 16, 2005
Non-Running Weekend Update
My best friend's baby shower in North Carolina on Saturday went off without a hitch, though our return flight got delayed for three hours due to severe storms in DC. We didn't end up eating dinner until 11pm, and by then my blood sugar was real low and I was feeling quite horrible. I still felt low blood sugar-y on Sunday, even after eating lunch and dinner. In between nausea/headache and my confirmation in the Catholic church, I was stressed out all day about getting in a long run. Finally at 8pm, I decided to forego the run, much to my disappointment. Sometimes it's just better to listen to your body. So, I slept for 10 hours instead and felt much better this morning. I was covering a swing shift for a co-worker today and was able to run 10 miles before work, which included 2 x 15 minutes at tempo pace. The air was just a bit nippy, and I saw a red robin and geese around the lake with their cute (but soon to be evil) baby geese. I was really enjoying my peaceful surroundings until rush hour started. Sometimes I wish we lived in the mountains, but I'm so A-D-D that I'd probably get bored out of my mind because I can't sit down for one minute. However, I am proud to announce that I read a trashy novel (my first in a really long time) during our delayed flight: Bergdorf Blondes. It's mindless fun that I wouldn't normally pick up because I don't have time for pleasure or non-educational reading, but I didn't really feel like reading the military book I had.
After work, I rushed to spin class and arrived just a few minutes late. The instructor in the 5:30 class has better music, but at least there was a second class for me to attend. I started my lifting routine afterward with my pull ups and push ups, but then my hair rubber band broke (which I tried to fix) and I was feeling hungry, so I decided that I'd have to make it up some other time this week. I'm going to need to figure out a pretty regimented schedule if I'm going to train for both Chicago marathon and a couple triathlons this summer.
Posted by Leilani at 05:48 PM | Comments (0)
May 13, 2005
Feeling like a tortoise
I’ve had a rough time waking up for work and feeling energetic this week. I suppose it’s because my schedule was out of whack from vacation. I certainly haven’t been overly busy, since I get a couple weeks off until summer semester and I haven’t assumed command of my Reserve company yet. Anyhow, it’s kind of annoying, but I hope to feel like my old, run ‘em to the ground self again by next week. Except for Monday and today, my runs haven’t been that great either, but I’m happy to get them done and at least chalk up the miles in preparation for fall marathon season.
Tuesday, May 10
Run 40 minutes
Swim 1300 meters
My quads were a bit sore from Sunday's long run, so I took it easy.
Wednesday, May 11
12 x 90 seconds on/60 seconds off on hilly W&OD trail, with a 8 min warm up and 9 min cool down
My cardio was disappointing today. I don’t know if it was it was the warm temps (80+) or my tired state, but I was breathing sooo heavy on the recoveries.
Thursday, May 12
I didn’t feel much better on today’s run. My legs felt fine, but my cardio felt overly exerted on a relatively easy run. I had planned on going only for 30, maybe 45 minutes, but as I got closer to the end of my Stringfellow route, I felt compelled to go the entire way. I ended up with an hour and patted myself on the back for that. Then, I treated myself to my massage appointment, which was mainly for my right side piriformis pain.
Friday, May 13
My 43-minute run was rushed, since I'm getting ready to head out of town for my best friend's baby shower. I didn't have too much of a chance to think about how I felt because I was thinking about all the stuff I still needed to pack/do. I'm heading out the door. This was a quick, boring entry, but I'm hoping that I'll have more time to write something interesting after Sunday's long run. Have a great weekend everyone!
Posted by Leilani at 07:10 PM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2005
Long Day Back in the Real World
Yeah, it was a rude wake up call when the alarm went off this morning. If it wasn't for Ophelia was rubbing against my hand begging for attention, I could have easily slept for a few more hours. But alas, some bread must be won, so we and the kitties can fuel our healthy appetites. Anyhow, my workout plans were once again foiled by a co-worker who arrives late or calls in sick at least once a week. Whenever he does, I usually end up working a 11-12 hour day to back him up. As a result, I didn't have time to both lift and run. Running *always* takes priority over other workouts. R. and I must have spent the first ten minutes chasing each other down the trail trying to goose each other. He started it, but I wasn't going to let him have the last pinch. My legs were a wee bit sore from the speed at the end of my long run yesterday, but they gradually loosened up enough to get good turnover and strides. I ran for 70 minutes and felt marvelous. My piriformis and hamstring are still issues, but today they only bothered me when I wasn't running. I'm getting a massage later this week, which I hope will help.
Posted by Leilani at 10:02 PM | Comments (0)
May 08, 2005
St. Croix Roundup and My First Triathlon
I didn’t get a chance to update before we left for St. Croix, as everything got hectic with shipping our bikes, packing, running errands, etc. And why does it seem you have to work twice as hard before you go on vacation? Anyway, this is my disclaimer for lack of posting before vacation. I won’t bother to backtrack, since I didn’t get much running or other exercise that week – the last week of April, that is. Get ready to read a book length entry…
Sunday, May 1, 2005 St. Croix Triathlon
I completely underestimated the challenges of the sprint triathlon, which was a 750-meter swim, 8-mile bike ride, and 4 mile run. Easy stuff, right? My thoughts going into it were “It’ll take just over an hour. It won’t be hard.” or “The water is calm in St. Croix. The swim will be no sweat.” or “The short bike ride is flat. I’ve been spinning. No problem.” Okay, none of that was the case. Not only was the water very choppy, the bike course was hilly, the run was hilly too, and it was sunny, hot, windy, and humid. In fact, I almost did not start the tri. Everyone had to swim 200 yards over to a small island to the start. I started panicking because 1) it was my first open water swim ever and 2) the water was extremely rough. My two friends, C. and C., swam with me and encouraged me. Once we got to the island, though, I was like “I don’t think I can do this. I won’t be able to do the swim.” I was nearly crying. C. convinced me to at least start the race, not to make a panic-based decision. So, I did and I struggled through it, swimming buoy to buoy alongside a lady and her daughter in a kayak who mentally pulled me through my self-doubt. If it weren’t for my friends and the volunteers, I likely would have pulled my swim cap off and called it a day early. Even the locals and our friends who have done the (half ironman) race there before said the choppy water was unusual. The bike and run were challenging due to the weather conditions and hills, but I enjoyed them both and they were over really in the blink of an eye. The countryside was beautiful and the Crucians (St. Croix natives) were extremely friendly. I want to do more triathlons, even longer distance ones, but I need to overcome my mental inhibitions with the swim. I know I can swim, the kayakers even commented that my stroke looked very strong. I just need more open water swim time.
After our short race, we watched our friends and R. in the half ironman race. I was really inspired and in awe of all the pros and everyone churning along in those nasty conditions and especially on the Beast - a mile+ long hill on the bike course that ranges from an 18 to 21 percent grade and seemed unreal when we drove it the day before. And the pros were so muscular, fast, smooth, and focused. There’s definitely a lot more awareness required than for the marathon, because of the transitions and all your gear needs. You have to watch for other bikers, runners, cars, and listen for where to go, when to clip out, remember where your stuff is, don’t forget your tools, spare tubes, Gu, Powerbars, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc, etc. The chaos adds to the thrill of the day.
Monday, May 2, 2005 intro to scuba diving at Cane Bay
With all the birds chirping outside of our rental estate, I woke up raring to go at 6:30am. Since everyone was still asleep recovering their muscles, I went for a 50 minute run on the roads near our house. The outbound trip was completely downhill and my quads could definitely feel it. The scenery was so breathtaking, though, that I was reveling in the views of the trees, ocean, homes, and the sounds of nature – quite therapeutic. The return trip was a bit brutal on the winding uphill road, but it was fun, as I don’t get to run on hills that often anymore. When I got back, I did a few sets of pushups.
Once everyone got up, we headed down to the beach on the North shore. R., E., and I took our first scuba diving lesson – almost all our other friends were already certified. Our instructor predicted beforehand that R. was going to use up his air first, but he was wrong and I ended up being the weakest link. I was nervous and water kept getting into my mask. Even so, it was an amazing new world underwater with colorful and lively fish and beautiful plants.
Tuesday, May 3, 2005 more scuba diving at Cane Bay
No running today. I was finally feeling the effects of the triathlon and Monday’s run. We had two dives planned, but I only ended up doing one because I couldn’t equalize the pressure in my left ear. I kept floating up to the surface today, which was unnerving, but at least I did better on my usage of compressed air. We also got hooked up with a local fisherman (thanks to a recommendation from our dive instructor) who caught some spiny lobsters for us that morning, and we cooked them up for dinner. They were the best lobsters any of us had ever had…and for only $7 a pound, what a bargain!
Wednesday, May 4, 2005 couples run & dining in Fredriksted
R. and I went for a 75 minute run downhill toward Cane Bay with M. and S., his high school friend. Since we didn’t leave until after 9am, we roasted in the sun on the uphill return trip. Shade was non-existent. The usual temps are mid 80s, but with the heat index it feels like low 90s. Afterward, we had lunch at a French restaurant in Fredriksted and walked around, but there wasn’t anything impressive there. In fact, we felt like we were in the ghetto.
Everyone else had gone deep-sea fishing (We didn’t go because I get sea sick.) and caught several large mahi mahi that we had for dinner. R. and I felt so spoiled from all the great meals we were having thanks to our friends who were well versed in the kitchen. Fresh seafood, grilled veggies, bruschetta, mango salsa, tasty salads…we don’t eat this well back home.
Thursday, May 5, 2005 shopping in Christiansted
I just did a 30-minute run and some pushups today. My right piriformis pain reared its ugly head again and unlike in the past, the pain traveled down through my hamstring. I think running on the severe declines/banked roads made things worse, but I had no other choice than not to run. I would’ve gone stir crazy. While we were shopping in town, my hip and hamstring continued to ache/feel strained. At every sitting opportunity, I massaged my poor hammy with a tennis ball I brought along.
Friday, May 6, 2005 relaxing by the pool
I went for an hour run on the same route as Wednesday. My legs, hip, and cardio were beat from a tough week of running all down/up hills in hot conditions, so I had to do some walking on the way back home. Most everyone had gone on a boat dive at Salt River (like I said, I don’t do boats well), except for two of the guys who rode their bikes over to the Beast again. When I got finished, I enjoyed some alone time in and next to the pool with a professional military reading book – Company Command: The Bottom Line.
Saturday, May 7, 2005 snorkeling, the return trip home
I gave my legs a break today. Instead, R. and I got in one last trip to the water via snorkeling and swimming. I was surprised how many fish and sea urchins we saw even in the shallow parts. I wish we had all these diving and snorkeling opportunities closer to home. It’s so much fun, and I didn’t want it to end. This was definitely more of a relaxing vacation than Greece in September. There isn’t much to do in St. Croix besides water sports, shop, eat, and relax. We didn’t have email or cell phone connectivity to distract us.
Sunday, May 8, 2005 long run at Burke Lake Park
Whew! I can’t believe it’s over. R. and I felt groggy and not completely with it most of the day. After unpacking, I drove to Burke Lake Park and ran for just over two hours. Many families were out celebrating Mothers Day, as I wished I could have been doing with my mom and sister. I spent the first loop warming and waking up, but then I gradually picked up the pace for the second and third laps. I felt strong despite not having done much running the past couple weeks. I feel a bit congested, perhaps from breathing in so much pollen and debris this morning. We spent the rest of the day taking it easy, getting caught up around the house, and doing some errands for my best friend’s baby shower next weekend. Now I need to get to bed. I want to write more about the trip, our gorgeous house, old and new friends, but tomorrow brings an early workday. Must get some rest!
I’m looking forward to catching up on blogs this week and learning about our new bloggers!
Posted by Leilani at 10:24 PM | Comments (4)