Training and Treadmill Thoughts

Another week is in the books. It was a crazy Midwest weather week, including a temperature change from 60 one evening to a windchill of 0 the next morning. Due to this crazy weather,  training this week included a mixture of indoor and outdoor runs.

Tuesday and Thursday I rushed home from work for my week-day long runs. On Tuesday I was set to run indoors, then realized it was actually warm (for the Midwest in February) and the wind was tolerable. Toward the end of the run the temperature started to drop, the wind picked up, so my cheeks were a little red by the end! Thursday's outdoor run was much better, with a little rain but warm temperatures. Two days of outside running felt wonderful.

I'm not anti-treadmill; in fact I'm just the opposite. I think it's a great tool when circumstances make an outdoor run not possible, for whatever reason. It can be weather related, health related, time related, or anything else. My advice to anyone is to not think of using a treadmill as a failure, or not a "real" run. It's a good way to stick to a training plan and keep on going. I believe a run is a run, and better than no run at all.

One thing I have realized as I have matured is that running doesn't have to be something to suffer about. I don't mean that training should be easy. In order to get better, I need to push myself. What I mean is that if I feel the weather is too cold for me, I should not feel it's a training failure to use the treadmill. Some runners may look down on others as "fair weather" runners or even not a "real" runner, but I am my own self and will do what works for me. A few years ago I had a cold virus and continued to run outside (because isn't that what "real" runners do?) during an spate of unusually cold, windy spring weather. These were the types of runs where the cold/wind takes your breath away and can make your chest hurt. As I was at the peak of marathon training, these were 18-20 mile runs. I ended up with bronchitis and lost three weeks of training. It wasn't worth it just to prove I was a "real" runner. Not so coincidentally, my running partner also ended up with bronchitis.

Another use of a treadmill is for hanging wet running clothes :) Since it was wet on Thursday, I used my treadmill as a running clothes drying rack!

This weekend I had to run Saturday morning, instead of the warmer afternoon, because of family obligations. I felt it was too cold and windy in the morning, so I put on a good movie and got my miles in on the treadmill. Sunday was a shorter, on tired legs run, and again I ran on the treadmill. And I don't feel like it was a failed training weekend. I was able to break in some new, different brand and heel drop shoes on Saturday without the worry that I'd have no way to stop and change them if I had issues. And I accomplished my scheduled miles.

So far, the running plan is working. I have completed every training run I have scheduled. I know circumstances in the future might cause me to make adjustments, but it's a great beginning. Also, by running four days a week, I'm not feeling any unusual muscle strain. I'm taking my non-running days more seriously this time!

I haven't been as faithful to the strength training. Sometimes life just gets in the way. My goal over the next few weeks is to find a strength training schedule that works for me, and add it in a more concrete way to my training schedule. I find if it's written down and I can cross it off as I accomplish the goal, it keeps me motivated.

On to another week!

No excuses/Gotta Run

Training Plan and execution - the beginning

Plan

From the reading I've done about training for an ultra trail marathon, learning to run on tired legs is important.  Many of us are busy with life and cannot always spend an entire Saturday executing a long run. One way to gain the experience of running on tired legs is to run a medium to long run on Saturday, and then a shorter run on Sunday. As a more "mature" runner, this works well and gives me the rest days I need.

Execution

This was the first week of concentrated training on tired legs. Due to the weather (hello Polar Vortex), I've been running on the treadmill this week. Sticking to the plan, I ran on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, each a medium run (7-11 miles). Saturday was a little over 11 miles. It's hard to keep it going on the treadmill, but a few good movies help! As a side note, that's why Saturday's run was a little over 11 miles. I was engrossed in a movie and didn't keep track of my mileage.  Oops!

Today was a beautiful day in the Midwest. I headed out the door, eager for a nice outdoor run. I met up with a running friend, and the plan was to run 5 miles. I figured it would be an easy run - 5 miles isn't much for us long distance, crazy runners, right? I was wrong! First of all, it was rough getting started. I could definitely feel that my legs were not fresh. In fact, for the first mile I had doubts I could even do 3 miles, let alone 5. Luckily for me, as the run continued, my legs warmed up and I was able to enjoy the run. In fact, it felt so good to be out and about, I ended up going a bit extra, and my friend went even further.

Takeaway

I honestly thought that doing back to back runs on the weekends wouldn't be as difficult as it turned out to be. I'm used to doing two to three 20-mile runs when preparing for a marathon. So, I figured I would need to do two or three 35-mile runs in order to be prepared for the 50-mile run. After today's first experience, I think these back-to-back runs will accomplish the goal of conditioning my body to run on tired legs. 

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I hope to keep up this blog with (mostly) weekly updates. Even if it's not read by many people, it is a way of keeping myself accountable.This is going to be a fun journey, and I hope some readers come along for the ride!

No excuses/Gotta run

And So It Begins - Again

It's amazing how time flies.  It's now February and that ultra marathon is even closer!  Since the last post listed steps one through five, I'll start here with the next steps.

Step Six - Make a plan (and stick to it)
After buying a book and reading some of it (I'll get to more of it, I promise), I created a plan.  This plan was a combination of a few I looked at and some I have used over the years. The plan includes training runs, a few races, and strength training. I have learned a lot (I hope) over the years about training and training plans. For example, I know that I need more recovery days than a younger runner.  I know what days of the week work better with my work schedule for long training runs. I built the plan around those parameters.

The number one thing I have learned is to be flexible. I was aware of a few events I have between now and the race, so I incorporated those. For example, I took a trip to Austin, Texas in January. I knew that running was not a top priority on the trip.  So, I planned training runs before and after the trip, and didn't feel like I was failing when I didn't do any Texas runs. I did a LOT of walking though! If something unexpected comes up during the rest of the training, I will adjust as needed. I have learned that missing a training run here or there makes no difference in the grand scheme of things.

I have a few favorite races during the year, so I adjusted my plan to accommodate those distances. So far I have managed to stick to the training, even through the bitterly cold weather. That's something else I have learned - it doesn't matter if I have to run on the treadmill; a run inside is better than no run at all. The important thing is getting running time on my feet.

One thing I have been inconsistent with is the strength training. I included that in the plan, but I have skipped many sessions during the first month. I am going to make that more consistent starting now!  I know that strength training, especially core, helps me run better. That is particularly important as I age and it takes longer to build those muscles.

One part of the plan is lacking, and that is nutrition. My training runs will gradually increase in miles/time, so this will be very important. I have noticed that as I mature, I run out of fuel during long races. I will feel great the first several miles, then suddenly feel like I have no energy. With a 50-mile trail race, fueling my body will be critical. I have stomach issues if I eat much at all the day before and day of the race and that is also detrimental. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Step Seven - Enjoy the Process
I believe this is the most important step. Training for any race, but a long race in particular, takes significant time and dedication. If I didn't like the process, it would be very difficult to pull myself out of a bad run, and to keep going when there are so many other things happening in my life. It's not about the goal, it's about the journey.  So, here are a few stories of the journey so far. I technically started on New Year's Eve!

New Year's Eve Midnight Special 5K
This year the weather was warm, almost too warm. The wind began to pick up, but it didn't feel cold at all.  I enjoyed running in the dark and seeing the different ways people lit up their clothes.

Hangover Classic 5K
This race was exactly 12 hours after the Midnight Special. The weather was cooler, and wind made it feel even colder.  Since I rarely drink, I wasn't hung over :)  It was so much fun seeing some of the costumes people wore. I think the people wearing fuzzy bathrobes over their running clothes were the smartest!

Dave's Ten Miler
This race was in mid January, the week before the big freeze.  Even then, the weather was so bad, there was some doubt the race would be held. They lifted the road emergency just in time for the race.  It was very cold and the wind was brutal. We ran in a pattern that was a series of rectangles. Running against the wind was very cold and I felt under dressed. When the wind was to my back, I was too warm and felt over dressed. It was back and forth - too warm and perspiring, then turn into the wind and my wet gear would freeze and I'd be too cold. Nevertheless, I finished. I was surprised at how many people were able to make it to the race. There was even a Yeti :)

I hope to keep posting my jouirney.  Until  next time . . .

No Excuses / Gotta Run

What?

Step One
Spend the year after turning 60 feeling defeated

Step Two
Also spend that year running races, struggling, and not running a single marathon

Step Three
A few days before turning 61, decide to sign up for a an ultra marathon

Step Four
Buy a book

Step Five
Begin to panic even though the race is not until the end of Summer 2019

Further steps - TBD
Stay tuned for more!  Hopefully I'll be able to keep up the blog as I go through this journey.  Actually, the next step along the way is a marathon in April, so we'll see how that goes!

No Excuses :)

Really, Well Maybe

I was planning to start posting again, and I see my last post was in August! 

This summer has been a struggle.  This is the first year in a long time that I have not run a single marathon.  I've moved them all to half marathons, and finished, so I see that as a good thing.  I struggled both physically and mentally.  After I took a tumble, I was afraid of falling again, and it took a while for me to feel comfortable running again. I think I'm on my way back now.

I'm working on a new plan (I'm always trying to find a way that works).  I joined a local fitness club, and I'm going to concentrate on strength training. No matter how hard I try, I just can't keep motivated enough to do this at home.  I figure if I'm paying for something, I'll do my best to get my money's worth!  I'm also changing my diet.  I'm gravitating towards a vegetarian diet.  I still include chicken, for now, and I'll see how it goes.

This was short, but it's just the beginning.  Stay tuned for a new type of running adventure!

No Excuses

Long Time, No Post

I need to get this started again.  Maybe in another month or so :)

Stay tuned!

Indianapolis Marathon

This was one of my worst best marathon experiences.  Let me explain :)

On Saturday, November 4, 2017, I ran my 12th marathon.  It also happened to be my 60th birthday.

I'd been sick for a few days before (cold virus) and woke up marathon morning feeling dehydrated.  That, coupled with a few days of very little sleep, meant I started the race feeling run down with little energy. I didn't feel my normal pre-race excitement. The weather was not too bad, so I figured I would feel better as the day progressed.  It wasn't too hot like some race days have been.  However, there was a slightly damp chill in the air and a little wind.  For most runners it might be considered nearly ideal conditions. But, many years ago I had an issue with hypothermia while snorkeling in a spring fed river (in Florida, of all places).  Ever since then, my body has been more sensitive to cold, especially in my legs. I believe this contributed to the issues I had during the race.

The first 16 miles of the marathon went well.  My pace was good, perhaps even slightly faster than planned, but not by much. Since waking, I had worked on hydrating with some electrolyte replenishing drinks and water, so I thought things were good and I was going to meet my marathon finish time goal. I should have know better.  Shortly after mile 16,  my legs started cramping.  I believed that it was the issue mentioned previously.  Whenever it's cold and damp, even if it's not freezing, a wind can send a chill through my legs and cause them to cramp.  I figured I would warm up again soon, so I started walking, and I would stop every once in a while and try to ease the cramps. After attempting to run several times with no success, I noticed my arms starting cramping and feeling a little tingly. Thus, in addition to the cold sensitivity issues, I believe I was still experiencing dehydration. 

Under different circumstances, I likely would have pulled out of the race and experienced my first DNF.  However, to repeat, this marathon was on my 60th birthday. I ran NYC Marathon on my 50th birthday, so I couldn't stop the tradition.  Additionally, for the first time ever, I had more than one family member waiting at the end.  My husband is at every marathon, but this time two of my children came to town to see me finish.  Also, my nephew ran the same race, so I knew he'd be at the end too.  I couldn't let anyone down.  It was a painful race.  There was one point I broke down in tears, but I still had miles to go.  At mile 23, my headphones stopped, so I could not listen to any motivating music or podcasts.  I was so grateful to see the finish line.  As I was hobbling to the end, I saw my family.  The first thing I said was "I'm sorry it took me so long".  At that point I felt it was one of the, if not the worst marathons for me ever, even though it was not my slowest marathon finish time.  I barely got my medal and marathon hat, and then headed back to the hotel. I didn't visit any of the post marathon activity booths.  I just wanted to take a warm shower. As a side note, as I was taking a post-race shower, I noticed my palms had a slightly bluish tint. It quickly went away in the warmth.

Why did I change from thinking it was one of my worst to thinking it was one of my best? The more I thought about it, the better I felt about my experience.  I am grateful that my family was there and they were proud of me for finishing it, and even for just starting this running path I'm on. I didn't start running until my late 40's, and I finished my 12th marathon!  At 60 years old!  Before I started running,  I would never have foreseen myself accomplishing even one marathon.

But, the most important reason I consider it one of my best marathons, is because I persevered in spite of the pain.  No matter how much I wanted to stop at one of the aid stations and have them take me to the finish, I kept going. It's a good life lesson, too.  I'm considering buying the marathon photo of me crossing the finish line as it shows how much pain I was in.  It is a reminder that I have more strength than I give myself credit for.  On to the next race!

No Excuses; gotta run