Saturday, March 15, 2014

Wind, rain, Sleet?!! Aint no thang!!

Once again it was a nasty day for a long run. Im just dying to have some good weather where I don't have to put 15 layers on to go outside.

I looked at the weather report and it didn't seem to bad at 7 this morning. it read 40 degrees, "real feel" 36, wind 8-10mph, occasional rain.

I decided that we would be running by the lake so it was going to be colder. Ditched the shorts, Went for tights, 2 shirts, hat and gloves. I am so glad I did!

The plan was to run a hour with a fellow Y runner that was training for the Syracuse half and then turn back and run another hour with a little group.

The first half was great. We managed to negative split our training run which is a positive for me! Started slow, worked into a great pace and had almost 6.5 done in 1 hour.

Then, all hell broke loose. The wind picked up and then the sleet came. It took all of my energy to even run in the wind and try to stay warm at the same time. I was losing steam. I kept saying, "Im warm, its 80 degrees out here, its so Hot Im sweating!" Well that worked for a whole 2 minutes.

The last 15 min seemed like 45. The wind, sleet and cold was blowing from the lake and actually pushing us sideways as we ran. I kept saying to the end of the Light poles, then we are done. Keep moving.

Finally- I was done. Couldn't feel my hands or half my face for a good 5 min, But was so happy to be finished!

12.18 miles complete in 1:56.

Ill take it for the crappy day that it was.

Easy runs, add up and speed will be there for the race next week!! So excited!




Saturday, March 8, 2014

Tipp HIll Shamrock Race Recap

Today marks my calendar for the coming of Spring!! I always do this race as an entrance to Spring training, looking at how much more work I need to to for the Tri season coming up!

I needed to get a long run in as I am training for the Syracuse Half marathon in 2 weeks. I decided I would do an easy 8-9 with a few friends, then head up to the race and finish the last 4 with a tempo run.

I started my morning out as always for race day. My morning rituals never change. Its kind of a mental thing if I envision a good race and follow through with the ritual- Applesauce, Banana, Almond butter all mixed into a yummy little smoothie. I did add some raisins this morning to keep me going.

I am training on a Whole 30/Paleo diet. So, with that being said, I did substitute my protein powder with Almond butter and haven't had an issue with this yet!

I met a few ladies that are in the Y running program for a good 8 miler this morning. We ran the Creekwalk in Syracuse which is a cute little trail that runs around the inner harbor. It was a breezy run this morning and did feel a bit cold, but knew as the miles kicked up that I would be fine.

The Temps were holding low 30s this morning with a 8-10 mph wind. YEAH SPRING!! Ok, well close to spring?!

After the run, I quickly changed into a new set of clothes and headed up to the start line which was a mile away from the Car. I ran it. With a bag of groceries to feed the needy also. I looked like I was running from the local convenience store, but hey, I was helping the Hunger Project!! Good cause.

I dropped my bag off just in time to line up for the race. I lined up towards the front. Almost in the elite line, because that's how I felt this morning. I met up with a few friends from Lake Effect Run club. We gabbed about our expected times and huddled to warm ourselves up.

The Gun went off and I had to swerve around people to get to my comfortable pace. I felt like I was FLYING!! I was thinking, can I keep this pace up?! I'm sure the hell going to try!

Mile 1- 7:18. All downhill and a little up. Felt great, Average HR 154. I can keep this pace!!
Mile 2- 8:05- a little steeper, little downhill..OK, what the heck happened?!- Average HR- 165
Mile 3- 8:43- WTH?!! All up and down with a Steep hill at the end?!! I tried to keep a good rhythm going, not worrying so much about pace and chugging up the hill. I was going to conquer this *itch and not stop on this hill like I do every year. I made it!!-Ave HR 166
Mile 4- 8:14- Settling back into my race pace again. Feeling good. Oh, you guys wanna pass me now?! OK, I'm feeling good, Ill speed up a little more!! Ave HR 166
Last .10- Kick it into gear!! - 7:18- Of course the race is over!! Woo hoo!!

Time- 33:08
Average pace- 8:04  Max pace- 5:16 (Don't know when and for how long?!)
Miles 4.10

34/321 - AG 30-34
132/1961 Females
560/3508 runners

I say that was a good run especially when it was a PR!!!!

Total mileage today: 13.8 miles

Happy SPRING!!!



Sunday, March 2, 2014

Masters swim

Dolphin Uglies Bathing suits. Do they make them European sizes?!

Today I wore one at the pool and felt like I was a sardine in a tight can!! Although I can honestly say I felt less drag than the last one I had on!

Masters swim went well today. I arrived late and ended up in a fast lane. My lungs were screaming for the first half of the class. I had to actually change lanes because I knew I would not be able to keep up.

3x200 Pace
3x100 Pace
3x50 Pace
50 BK
3x100 Decend
3x200 Decend
4 (3x50) Mix

2600yd total- All in a good days training!!

Pretty tough workout for sure!





Saturday, March 1, 2014

Cold Bitter temps..the story of my life!

http://bcove.me/lbr1sz5j

Winter storm Titan is making its way across the West, Midwest and North East. Todays cold air definitely made that apparent!

Made a trek outside, bundled up, looking like the Michelan man this morning. The weather was actual real feel -4.

With these temps, I have to play it on the warmer side as I have a touch of Raynauds (why I live in CNY, I do not know!!) I wore 2 fleece lined pants, Omniheat top, fleece top and then a Storm Fit jacket on the outer shell. Fleece hat, 2 gloves, Woolie socks.

I got out to run with a group of people from the local Y running group. Unfortunately, my friend who is on the faster side of the running group decided she was going to push the pace. I didn't want to tell her I was secretly dying inside while she continued to talk like she was walking as we were pushing 7:45-8min pace.
Mind you, this was supposed to be our LONG easy run. I thought, oh god, am I going to be able to hold this pace for 2 hours?!! Luckily she realized we were pushing the pace and backed off to a 9min mile which was a lot better for me. We decided to do some of the Empire State Marathon Course. Well, I can honestly say I hated the beginning of the course. Hayes Road, I give you the middle finger. Its not that it is hard, its the pitch of the road. It tore up my legs. It slants on every curve. I think it is mainly because it is so close to the lake for the runoff I'm sure. I have decided I will never to this race today. (I may change my mind, but for now, it stands!)

We ran a out and back course. My running buddy had to stop at 1:20. I proceeded to do my 2 hours. By this time I was getting cold, so I tried to pick the pace up a bit to stay warm. Finished 13 miles today.

I was happy to be done. I had some aching in the back of my legs which I knew was from the darn road!

I am pretty confident in running Syracuse Half in 3 weeks if everything goes right. I am playing it by ear as I don't know the times of my daughters Gymnastics competition yet! Ugh.

Next up is Tipp Hill Run Next weekend!! Ready to beat my time from last year for sure!!

Happy Training.