I am becoming more and more convinced that with the LA Roadrunners and marathon training running it is indeed all or nothing. I always kind of had that attitude when I played sports in school; but, now, I have seen other groups lose people in the middle of runs (our pace leaders for Lucky 7 say they are pleased we all go out together and come back together).
So, this morning, I awoke to darkness as usual and rain as unusual. I decided that this was one of those test days, especially as the ante was being upped: longer minutes and faster pace, plus a bit of a sore knee. Anyways, I decided what the heck ... vamonos!
So, I set out with the addition of a Raiders little windbreaker to the normal gear. I had won it at a Super Bowl party a few years ago and finally have some reason to use it ... they had even won Sunday somehow and even my dislike for them could not counter its utility.
I started out decently and got to my faster pace pretty well.
I then found myself losing the new faster target pace as numerous stoplights, problems with sidewalks, etc. required a lot of stop-and-go running which made it hard to lock on to the speed. I also started thinking about the slick sidewalks as on Saturday a pace leader fell on a little bit of standing water on a dry day! So, visions of going facefirst onto cement at 4:30 a.m. were soon in my head. My knee also twinged a little.
I guess it was a so-so run. I am trying to evaluate it. I did 11:09 pace (faster by a lot over the aerobic pace goals; but, slower than 10:30 I wanted) for 4.15 miles in 46:16. My knee also gave me a little concern. So, those were the negatives. The positives were I ran pretty well considering the knee and the weather conditions as well as first time in a long time at faster pace (September!). I hope to get to the faster pace as soon as possible obviously; but, still some positive signs among the need to be improved signs. I hope when the group goes to the faster pace in a few weeks I will be alright. I am also pleased a bit that on a day when it would have been easy to make excuses and not go ... I did.
So, I hope things will get better and improve. I'm trying ... At least running in the rain is fun!
Showing posts with label marathon training. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marathon training. Show all posts
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Week 8: Halloween X-Rated Run!
Saturday marked my eighth Saturday training for the Los Angeles Marathon with the Roadrunners. It also marked Halloween! Even better, it was my X-Rated Run! Before I left home, I was happy to catch U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" on the radio and the line "I want to run ..." It will not be my "official" theme song for the marathon; but, i do like it and it fits.
It was a rather odd start with many runners and leaders missing. There was no rallying chant which was a bit disappointing.
It was just a beautiful day, unlike the previous week's fog, which would have been more fitting for Halloween. My group headed off to the north. One of the pace leaders was dressed in a 1970s disco-type outfit ... truly scary. Three of my old group's leaders dressed up as well. I was a bit more cautious and dressed as a marathon runner ... no one would believe it though. As the group headed off, I began wondering who in Venice was in costume and who was not. I also saw a friend from church and jokingly invited him to join the fun.
This was the longest run of my life, scheduled for 10 miles. I was a bit nervous; but, I also felt some excitement. It is obviously not 26.2; but, personal records still count in my mind.
My knee overall has been better the last few weeks. It has its odd flareups, especially after prolonged time in a seat; but, it is much better than before and my ankle pain from summer is gone thankfully.
The trip up the Santa Monica Pier and Ocean Avenue really felt comfortable. I was using a new type of energy food for a trial and it seems to work as well. The group headed to the new Totem Pole landmark (where I touched the claws for luck) and then on to Adelaide for the turning point.
This week, my line partner warned he was a bit cautious with his calf; but, he made it and we had a nice chat along the way on baseball, the McCourts, Alberta, etc. He did break off early at eight miles; but, he did well.
Then it was off into Venice's sidestreets, including the non-sprinting Speedway and eventually the turnaround point there at Lighthouse Street for the short return leg home.
My group, officially Lucky 7 or my Magnificent 7, went on a 11:48 pace for 10.24 miles in 2:00:53! (So sayeth my Garmin 305).
I was happy. It felt great to be able to go that far and feel like I could go even further! Later in the day I had a little soreness in my thighs and calves; but, I felt the return of the old track feeling of joy as it meant a good workout. Even better was it was not sharp or even lasting too long. So, that is my X-Rated run ... X being for the BIG TEN miles ...
It was a rather odd start with many runners and leaders missing. There was no rallying chant which was a bit disappointing.
It was just a beautiful day, unlike the previous week's fog, which would have been more fitting for Halloween. My group headed off to the north. One of the pace leaders was dressed in a 1970s disco-type outfit ... truly scary. Three of my old group's leaders dressed up as well. I was a bit more cautious and dressed as a marathon runner ... no one would believe it though. As the group headed off, I began wondering who in Venice was in costume and who was not. I also saw a friend from church and jokingly invited him to join the fun.
This was the longest run of my life, scheduled for 10 miles. I was a bit nervous; but, I also felt some excitement. It is obviously not 26.2; but, personal records still count in my mind.
My knee overall has been better the last few weeks. It has its odd flareups, especially after prolonged time in a seat; but, it is much better than before and my ankle pain from summer is gone thankfully.
The trip up the Santa Monica Pier and Ocean Avenue really felt comfortable. I was using a new type of energy food for a trial and it seems to work as well. The group headed to the new Totem Pole landmark (where I touched the claws for luck) and then on to Adelaide for the turning point.
This week, my line partner warned he was a bit cautious with his calf; but, he made it and we had a nice chat along the way on baseball, the McCourts, Alberta, etc. He did break off early at eight miles; but, he did well.
Then it was off into Venice's sidestreets, including the non-sprinting Speedway and eventually the turnaround point there at Lighthouse Street for the short return leg home.
My group, officially Lucky 7 or my Magnificent 7, went on a 11:48 pace for 10.24 miles in 2:00:53! (So sayeth my Garmin 305).
I was happy. It felt great to be able to go that far and feel like I could go even further! Later in the day I had a little soreness in my thighs and calves; but, I felt the return of the old track feeling of joy as it meant a good workout. Even better was it was not sharp or even lasting too long. So, that is my X-Rated run ... X being for the BIG TEN miles ...
Sunday, October 18, 2009
It's Not Always Fun
It has been a fair bit of physical effort to get ready to even prepare to train for the Los Angeles Marathon. It has helped me get in much better shape and honestly, even allowing for some injuries and pain, I have had fun.
Today, though, was a reminder it may not always be fun. The news reported three runners had died during the Detroit Marathon. An older runner fell and died from a skull fracture and two younger runners also died while running. What terrible news for their families and friends.
I guess it is a reminder that the training is done for a reason and it does take work to give each runner the best chance to succeed, finish, and even live. It is going to be a physical and mental challenge. Godwilling, I will pass it.
Today, though, was a reminder it may not always be fun. The news reported three runners had died during the Detroit Marathon. An older runner fell and died from a skull fracture and two younger runners also died while running. What terrible news for their families and friends.
I guess it is a reminder that the training is done for a reason and it does take work to give each runner the best chance to succeed, finish, and even live. It is going to be a physical and mental challenge. Godwilling, I will pass it.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Running in the Rain
Running in the rain, just running in the rain ... what a glorious feeling ...
This morning was the fun I had been anticipating ... running in the rain. It seems this is the largest October storm to hit Southern California in 45 years; so, I did the obvious ... I ran!
It was 45 minutes of running up and down the Pico Neighborhood with some little hills to boot. There were some massive ponds, er puddles, to cross/wade through along the way in the dark.
Still, it was so much fun. I was not completely inundated; but, I was definitely damp afterwards.
It was quite a different bit of marathon training; but, it all counts (I hope). Still, somehow this running through water did not quite match up to the opening of Chariots of Fire with the nice beach!
This morning was the fun I had been anticipating ... running in the rain. It seems this is the largest October storm to hit Southern California in 45 years; so, I did the obvious ... I ran!
It was 45 minutes of running up and down the Pico Neighborhood with some little hills to boot. There were some massive ponds, er puddles, to cross/wade through along the way in the dark.
Still, it was so much fun. I was not completely inundated; but, I was definitely damp afterwards.
It was quite a different bit of marathon training; but, it all counts (I hope). Still, somehow this running through water did not quite match up to the opening of Chariots of Fire with the nice beach!
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