Training Recap: Week Six: (July 20-July 26)

This week was a little crazy. There are some changes going on in my home so I haven't been sleeping really well. I am still trying to adjust but it has definitely taken a toll on my energy level. I have actually been taking naps on the weekend to get back some of those lost hours of sleep. I guess that would explain why I woke up late on Saturday and missed my 5K!

Here is a recap of Week Six:

Monday: Strength Training: I made the mistake of coming home, eating dinner and then telling myself that I was going to lay in my bed and rest for an hour before heading to the gym. The gym never happened so I did my own thing at home. My stomach was sore the next day from those leg lifts!

Tuesday: 6.33 Mile Speedwork:  I was a little nervous going into this one because it was the hardest one yet. I nailed all of my intervals but boy was I glad when it was all over.

Wednesday: Strength Training: I worked out with a friend who goes to a much fancier fitness center than I do. They have Woodway treadmills at her gym so I ran on a Woodway for the first time. It felt much harder than the treadmills that I am used to running on so it was a new experience for me. I am not sure how @runemz does it! I guess she is just a ROCKSTAR!

Thursday: 3.63 Miles Easy. I broke in a new pair of Brooks Glycerin 13's and I love them. They have so much cushion that I feel like I am running on a cloud. I have been running in the 12's for the past few months and I love them but the 13's have a lot more cushion than the 12's. Transitioning from an old model to a new one is always scary and I have had some bad experiences in the past so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Friday: REST DAY: I decided to rest my legs before my 5K the following day.

Saturday: Well the 5K did not happen. I did not set my alarm because I never need it. I automatically wake up at 4-5am everyday but was awakened by a 4.3 earthquake at almost 6am instead. I did not have enough time to get ready and head to the race because it was not local.

I felt really guilty about missing the 5K so I got up and ran my 11 mile long run instead which I was planning to do on Sunday. I was already a mess about missing the 5K and the earthquake so it did not go very well at all. It was hot and I was dragging but I finally got into my run the last 6 miles. These kind of runs can be real confidence killers but you have to move on and take the good with the bad.

I wasn't sure how I was going to explain to my coach that I missed the 5k because I overslept but then I got this text message from him. 

Sunday: Strength Training

TOTAL MILES: 21 

My mileage is going to increase a bit this coming week and I am excited about it because it will be a challenge for me. The weekly mileage will be very close to past training cycles but will now include the strength training. I have a 16 miler coming up so I am looking for some new scenery to run in since my running club will only be doing 6 miles this weekend. The weather is not looking very promising so I have to start planning it all out.

 

 Do you look at the weather forecast and plan your weekly runs or do you just go with the flow?

Training Recap: Week Five: (July 13-July 19)

This was a tough week. My energy level seemed to be really low and I really had to push myself to stick to the schedule. I haven't been sleeping well so training becomes even more challenging when you are lacking the energy you need. The highlight of my weekend was the long overdue rain that we finally received.  We really need it so it was a true blessing!

Here is a recap of Week Five:

Monday: Strength Training: Monday's are always tough but a new week means a new start and I always want to start my week out right.

Tuesday: 5.06 Mile Speedwork: My legs were super sore from all of the squats that I did the day before so this took some serious mental toughness. It was also 90 degrees when I started so I almost thought about not doing it but the guilt set in and then off I went.

Wednesday: Strength Training: I decided not to go to the gym and do a workout at home. I think I did a 20 minute upper body workout and called it a day because I was feeling so tired and my legs were so sore from my Monday workout combined with speed work on Tuesday.

Thursday: 6 Miles at Marathon Goal Pace. This run was not good at all. It was hot and humid and I just had no energy. I took so many breaks and I felt pretty defeated but it happens and we have to move on and hope for better days.

Friday: REST DAY: I headed back to the dentist to finish up this whole root canal process. This whole process has been stressful and expensive. I am so done with it. I have one final visit and hopefully I never have to go through this ever again!

Saturday: 14 Miles: I was able to run with my running club again. They had 11 miles on their schedule so I ran a few more miles by myself in the end to get to 14. I had a good run. The route is mainly rolling hills but I enjoy the change since I don't have a lot of hills to run near me. We got caught in a downpour around Mile 9 but it did not last long. It was really refreshing and we really need the rain because the drought situation is pretty bad here in Southern California.

Sunday: Strength Training: This was supposed to be a rest day but my Wednesday workout was so not great that I decided that I needed to make it up today. 

TOTAL MILES: 25.06

I am a little nervous about the upcoming week. My speed workout will be 7 miles and up until now I haven't done more than 5 miles of speedwork. Those workouts are the most challenging for me but I plan to hit it hard and give it my best effort. 

It is doesn't challenge you it doesn't change you, right?

Did anyone hear about the situation/cancellation of the Revel Rockies race in Colorado? What are your thoughts on the situation?

I am registered to run another one of their events in November and the whole situation made me really nervous since all of their race require bus service to get to the start. I am curious to see how they deal with the situation and with all of the unhappy runners.

Training Recap: Week Three (June 29-July 5)

This week was all about balance. I took a few days off of work with the hopes of going to Las Vegas to spend some time with the family but that did not happen. I did not want to leave my Grandma since she has not been feeling well. It is always challenging to stick to the training schedule and balance all of the other stuff in your life but it always comes together in the end.

I also decided on a last minute 10K on Independence Day since we were in town. 10K's are probably my least favorite distance which is why I chose it. I think the last one that I ran was in 2013 and I don't think I have ever ran a race on this holiday because of the summer heat.

Here is a recap of Week Three:

Monday: Strength Training: I am getting more comfortable in the weight area of the gym now but working out with my other half is kind of nice because we spend

Tuesday: Speedwork 3.48 Miles: This week was a little bit harder but I know in the end this stuff is really going to pay off for me. I think the heat has a lot to do with it.

Wednesday: Strength Training: I think squats are one of my favorites but I need to get better at them. I can't lift much but I am determined to get better at it.

Thursday: 12 Miles: This was an easy paced long run so I decided to change things up and run in one of my favorite places. The hills and the scenery were necessary to keep my mind occupied because I knew I was going to be out there longer than I wanted to be. I am really slowing down these longer runs and it can be tough.

Friday: REST DAY

Saturday: La Palma Fitness Run for Fun 10K: I wanted to run a race on Independence Day so I swapped out my goal pace run for this event. I definitely did not race this 10k but did run it at comfortable pace (8:09) that was faster than marathon goal pace. It was overcast and humid so I was seriously sweating after this one. It was a small race and most people run the 5k and not the 10K. I ended up placing 2/8 in AG. Gotta love those small races!

Sunday: REST DAY

TOTAL MILES: 21.73

Independence Day aka "Scare the Crap Out of Dogs Day" was a lot of fun. After the 10k, I went home and rested for a little bit and then spent some time with Grandma and BBQ'd. After Grandma time we spent some time with some other family members and watched fireworks from their front yard since they live near a school that does a firework show.

Did you celebrate Independence Day? If you did, how did you celebrate?

Did you run a race for the holiday?

Goodbye June and Hello July!

I can't believe that we are half way through 2015. Before we know it, Thanksgiving and Christmas will upon us. I love the holiday season and I cannot wait for it to arrive since I get to visit with a lot of my family.

Ever since I hired a running coach, my focus has not really been on the number of miles that run even though it is quite a change. June was a very low mileage month but what a blessing it was. I have not had any hip pain for almost 3 weeks and that is a wonderful thing!

Running lower mileage is a big change for me because I am used to running a lot more than I have been. The trade off is the strength training/cross training that I do three times a week. I have noticed that my body feels just as tired with the lower mileage combined with the strength training so I know that I am still putting in the work. I am starting to get a little more comfortable in the weight area of the gym with big boys but working out with my other half is kinda nice since he helps me out so I think we are going to stick with it.

I have to trust my the training, my coach and more than anything I have to believe in myself. I just keep telling this myself that so I don't get too worried about it. I am also slowing things down a lot. My runs are at much easier paces as well which is sometimes hard for me. I just like to get out there and get it done but not anymore. Sometimes I feel like I am hardly moving but after all of the time that I spend on my feet I still feel accomplished in the end. The trade off is the speedwork where I am hitting paces that I have never even attempted to hold before. There are days for easy running and then there are days where I really have to step out of my comfort zone and push myself.

I am looking forward to some time off from work next week which will allow me more flexibility with my training schedule. I haven't been to my running club in a while and really miss running with them. I am going to try to meet up with them on one of the days where my long run distance is the same as theirs.

Happy Canada Day to all of my Canadian friends!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Training Recap: Week Two (June 22-June 28)

Happy Monday! I have to say that I am really enjoying my training lately. I think what I love most about it is that I am never doing the same workout twice. My coach really changes things up so I actually look forward to my runs and trying new things each week. I am not running as many miles am I am used to which is a little scary but I have to trust the training. The good news about the lower mileage is that I have not had any hip pain in the last 2 weeks. Getting me back to running pain free is the priority so I am easing back into things slowly.

I had to juggle things around this week because my 87 year-old Grandma was not feeling well and needed me. My family comes before running so this week was all about getting back on track and juggling my personal life with my training schedule.

Here is a recap of Week Two:

Monday: Strength Training: I love this stuff but dislike how crowded the gym can be after work. I try to get there early so I can get in and out and beat the crowds.

Tuesday: Unplanned Rest Day: My Grandma was not feeling well so I did not make it to the track. We ended up at the Urgent Care instead and found out that she has a very severe Urinary Tract Infection. She is on medication now and feeling better. We are praying that she is 100% again very soon.

Wednesday: Speedwork (4.19 Miles): These runs have been a little challenging because of the heat. I try to get to the track as late as possible but it is still in the high 80's at 7:00pm. I have been hitting my goal paces/times so I am pretty happy about that!

Thursday: Strength Training: My other half has committed to working out in the weight area of the gym with me since I feel weird around all of the men. 

Friday: 8 Mile Endurance Run

Saturday:Strength Training: My legs were still a little sore from my strength training on Thursday so I took this workout a little easier. The gym is pretty empty on Saturday morning too so we were able to get in and out of there.

Sunday: 4.34 Miles: This run was short but it wasn't an easy one. I was a sweaty mess but felt accomplished when it was over.

TOTAL MILES: 16.53

I am already looking forward to my workouts for Week Three and haven't felt like skipping a workout yet. I guess it is different when you have a coach who is working with you. You want to be even more accountable than you ever were before. 

Do you change your workouts up and try new things?

This has really made a difference for me because I actually look forward to my runs because I am not doing the same thing over and over again. It is even better to try the new workouts in new places instead of the same routes I usually take.

Training Recap: Week One (June 15-June 21)

I survived my first week training with my new running coach. I was really nervous about starting my new training plan this past week because I wasn't sure if I could hot all the paces. I did not run a lot of miles but strength training combined with the running made my legs feel like I did. My legs were a little sore this week but nothing that I could not  work through. I have to say that being sore beats being in pain. It is a totally different feeling and my hip did not hurt at all this week. I am not sure I should even say that. Fingers crossed.

I have signed up for a few more races to add into my training cycle and I am excited but nervous about the goals that my coach will set for me. I signed up for a 5K and another half marathon so as those races approach my coach will set my goals for those races. I am looking at a November-December marathon as my goal race but will have to see if I am ready as the time approaches. I am already registered for Revel Canyon City so that may be the race. I want to stay local if possible but the elevation drop at Canyon City is pretty scary .

Week One went really well but I think that my coach took it easy on me and then it is going to just get harder from here on out. Here is a recap of my training for Week One:

Monday: Strength Training: training with a physio ball is harder than I thought and it a great option for strength training. Using the equipment I have at home changes things up and also makes it convenient for me if I can't make it to the gym.

Tuesday: 4.26 Miles Speedwork: I am not a big fan of speedwork but I know it is the only way to get faster. I am going to commit to going to the track on Tuesday nights once it cools down a little. I like the surface on the track and I like the idea of changing things up. My running club goes to the track every Tuesday so I also have the option of meeting up with them.

Wednesday: Strength Training

Thursday: 5 Miles @8:23

Friday: Rest/Strength Training/Cross Training of Choice. Friday is my "day of choice." I decided to go to the gym with my other half for more strength training because I know I need it. I feel kind of weird doing weights at the gym since there is nothing but men in the weight area so I feel more comfortable when he works out with me.

Saturday: 10 Miles-One thing that I have to work on is running my longer runs at an easier pace. I have a hard time with that because I want to be done especially during the summer months. I have to really slow myself down and I feel like I am barely moving at times. I wish my goal marathon pace felt that way for 26.2 miles!

Sunday: REST DAY- I was really looking forward to my rest day. My legs were feeling pretty tired and I needed it! We celebrated Father's Day and shared this amazingly delicious peach crumble! Life is Good!

TOTAL MILES: 19.26

My coach sends my training schedule two weeks at a time to give me a chance to review it, ask questions and work it into my schedule. I do have some flexibility with my training but I am trying to stick to it as closely as possible. I will be back next week to let you know how things go. Have a great week! Here are some questions for you too.

Do you mind being one of the only women in the weight training area of the gym?

Are  you training for anything?

Speedwork: Love it? Hate it?

I Hired a Running Coach

I haven't done a race recap on Mountains 2 Beach Marathon because it was such a bad experience that I am trying to forget about it for now. I know that finishing a marathon is a huge accomplishment but I just feel like I threw away what could have been a good race for all of the wrong reasons.

Those last six miles of my last marathon included a lot of walking and a lot of thinking too. Most of those thoughts were not very positive. I was in a lot of pain and I allowed myself to fall apart mentally on a very high level. I gave up and that should not have happened. I should have been able to hold it together better than I did. After running six marathons, I should have handled it differently. I walked away from that marathon feeling pretty defeated. I don't think I have ever felt that low after a marathon and that changed me. Pain changes you.

I questioned myself on so many levels and decided that I really needed to get myself together and start working towards a goal and running smarter. My biggest goals by far are to qualify for the Boston Marathon and stay injury free so I can eventually get there in one piece. I don't think I have ever trained at a level that was going to get me there. I have been enjoying running and in the back of my mind I always wondered if the thrill of running goes away once you get that BQ. 

I decided that it was time to start preparing myself and working towards my goals. I have worked with a running coach in the past and I have always been my own coach. I write my own training plans by piecing together different parts of cookie cutter plans. They have worked for me and I make them fit into my busy little schedule but I just knew that something was missing. I also told myself that when I made the decision to get serious I would consider hiring a running coach. I wasn't looking for a coach to babysit me because it is my job to keep myself accountable to my goals. I hired a coach because I wanted someone to: help me improve my running performance, evaluate my running history and design a proper training plan that minimizes my risk of injury and for the support, advice and motivation needed to help me achieve my goals.  

I shopped around and asked all of the relevant questions that a runner should ask when hiring a running coach and finally found one that I feel comfortable with. My coach is out of state so our interaction will be via email, phone and Training Peaks where all of my training is uploaded and reported. My coach has given me my training paces, goal race times and my first two weeks of workouts which start today. We will be doing a lot of things differently so I am excited and nervous all at the same time. Coach knows all about the hip issues I have been dealing with and we are going to work on building me up through strength training which I haven't taken too seriously.

With these changes and challenges ahead, I am hoping to get back to blogging and sharing more information and updates on how my training is going.

Do you have a running coach or have you ever worked with one?

What have you found to be the most beneficial part of hiring a coach?

Please share your experiences both negative and positive.

My Plans for that BQ!

 

Over the past month or so it is so motivating and exciting to read all of the blog posts from those who has been accepted into the 2014 Boston Marathon. Just seeing all of these posts really gets me motivated and thinking about my dream to someday run the Boston Marathon. I don't talk about this subject enough because to be honest, it scares me to death! The whole purpose of this blog is to document my journey to qualify for the Boston Marathon so I should probably talk about this topic more often than I do.

I did mention that my goal race for my attempt at a BQ will be the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon on May 25, 2014. I chose this race because I really like the course and race day weather was perfect when I ran it earlier this year. I also like that it is a smaller race with about 1500 other runners. Big races are a little overwhelming for me. I prefer a smaller crowd since the whole experience seems to be a little less chaotic. I like that the crowds are thinner at the expo, getting to and from the start is much easier, and securing a hotel room is also easier even if you do it at the last minute.

I started training for the LA marathon a couple of weeks ago so training for my goal race will kind of overlap. I want to allow myself 20 weeks to train for this race just in case life happens and I have to skips some long runs. I will use the LA Marathon as a training run to keep myself familiar with the distance and to gauge where I am at. The fear of the distance also seems to settle in when I don't run 26.2 miles a while. I never feel like it gets easier so I feel like I have to stay with it yet be careful not to push myself into an injury.

I am not sure what training plan I will follow but I know that I want to get back to doing speedwork. I am currently about 4 minutes away from my qualifying time of 3:45 but I know that my qualifying time will not be enough to get me there.  I pretty much need to run about 15 seconds faster per mile based on my current PR. Running 26.2 miles at an 8:30 pace is easier said than done but I am going to give it my best shot.

I don’t have a back up plan as of now should I fail to BQ in May. I guess I am trying to stay positive for now but I am sure that as the time gets closer I will start to formulate a back up plan which may include hiring a running coach. More than anything, I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. I love running and I want it to stay that way :) I just have to believe that one day it will happen for me!

Any suggestions on training plans?

Any suggestions on a good running coach in the Southern California area? 

What about an on-line coach?