No-No's!

It appears that quite a few of the things I've done during my marathon training so far have been complete no-no's.

I shouldn't have tried switching shoes. The Brooks to Minuzo incident lost me a week of training due to the sore ankles and knees; not to mention the popping of the right knee. I'm so glad this didn't hurt me too much. It seems I'm back on track and was able to finish the 16 miles fairly easily this past weekend.

I shouldn't have been racing. First of all, I'm prone to injuries. Secondly, I did notice that the days after I raced, my regular runs were a bit harder.

I shouldn't have ventured out on a mini-long run during the week without knowing the path. This was a no-no because, as I've mentioned, last Wednesday's run was a bit rough as the path was...errr...ummm...crap! I've determined that uneven surfaces are not good for me...again, prone to injuries. For my mini-runs, I really need to find a route that will take me on flat asphalt and that is safe to run on.

I stopped strength training. I think I should be incorporating this into my routine...at least a few times a week. But time has been an issue and strength training hasn't been a priority. I was at the gym yesterday cross-training and had to use the 10 lb weights for my bicep curls. A few (?) months ago, prior to becoming completely engrossed in running, I was using the 15 lbers. Hmmmm... :( I have 10 lbers at home...I just need to use them! And find some leg exercises, probably squats or lunges, to help strengthen my quads.

I have found the perfect pre-long run energy source. For my last two long runs, I've been drinking Genisoy Protein Powder with milk. I drink three-four heaping scoops with a cup of water and a cup of milk before I go to bed. Then if I wake up, I have two scoops with a cup of water. In the morning about an hour or so before I run, I have the same combo as before I go to bed. This weekend, rather than drinking an entire bottle of water with a Zipfizz, which is my normal pre-run drink, I had a 5-Hour Energy drink instead. I think the less water made for less bathroom breaks. ;P And I wasn't thirsty - stopped twice and got some water at the rest areas along the route.

I wonder how far along I'd be if I hadn't been making all these mistakes. I just can't wait to cross the marathon finish line.

So no more no-no's for me! ;)

Week in Review.

I really need to be more diligent about posting entries... Seems my marathon training is cutting into my blogging time.

Speaking of which...Tuesday I ran an 8K (5 miles) - came in 3rd in my age group with a 0:42:06 overall time and 8:28m pace. And yesterday I ran 16 miles in 2:50:00 - 10 minutes better than my 15 mile run last weekend! :) I had myself completely stressed out about yesterday's long run. I was up until midnight the night before. Woke up several times during the night with an upset stomach...I swear I lost 5 lbs! But hey, at least I didn't need to make any stops during my run! LOL!!! Sorry, but there's always a positive side to everything, right? I was so freaked that all I kept saying to myself was...what have I gotten myself into? Nothing like talking yourself into a tizzy, right?

My marathon training is really going to start ramping up. I'm a little nervous about getting in the mini (ha!) long runs during the week. I'm using Hal Higdon's training plan for the novice and so far, so good. This is the beginning of Week 12. I just need to find a place where I can run 8 - 10 miles on asphalt. My last 8 mile run on Wednesday was awful. I took a path and it was really bad around mile 4 - my knees and ankles hurt like the dickens afterwards. Guess I know trail running is out for me! ;P I'll have to see how traffic is, maybe I can get a stick on deflector and run against traffic on the shoulder when I'm not on the path???

Wow...six more weeks to go until the marathon. WOW....scary and exciting!

On a different note, Paul is back in town. He met me on the road around mile 8 yesterday with his roller blades which was very nice. :)

I have to say that I'm feeling a little uneasy about our relationship. Part of me thinks I expect too much, but a part of me thinks that I deserve what I expect. I dunno. I do know that we are two extremely different people in many ways including the way we communicate. I think that is what is on my mind the most...communication. It's key and part of the foundation of all relationships. I guess I'm just frustrated with the past several weeks - him being out of town, his not being able to commit to plans/times, not really talking to him (we talked, but we didn't really talk), the incessant texting vs calling... I guess it just leaves me with the feeling that I am not that important...but then he does things that surprise me.

::sigh:: I could say more, but I don't need to be negative. Positive, positive, positive!!!!!

Guess I'll go ponder things while I'm cross training at the gym. Nothing like a good workout to clear the mind! :)

Alone

I'm really missing Paul. He's been gone almost this entire month for work. I've seen him maybe three days...

I'm tired of being alone...

I'm lonely.

1/2 Marathon Plus

Got up this a.m. and went out and ran 15.2 miles. It was under 70*F and I was wishing it was even a little cooler towards the end of the run. This run was soooo much easier than my 10 and 12 mile run in 90*F heat!

The marathon is only a few weeks a way. I'm pretty excited. :)

I'm pretty dang proud of myself. I completed my longest run yet...longer than a half marathon!

Goooo Brooks!

Ran four miles down the path today...after taking three days off.

So far NO PAIN!!! :)

I love my Brooks Defyance...so much so, that I may just sleep with them tonight!! ;P

From here on out, it's Brooks all the way!

Gooooo Brooks!!!!!!!!

Knee Pain - New Shoes or Runners Knee???

Okay, so I'm training for the Detroit Marathon (my first) and so far (knock on wood) no injuries or pain even after my long runs - longest was 12 miles in 90* F. I've been very careful about my training as I stress fractured both ankles, at the same time, last summer by too much running on pavement.

I have two pairs of Brooks Defyance - love them. Wanted a new pair of running shoes, so I thought I'd try the Minuzo Wave Riders. The fit and feel of the two shoes - completely different.

Sooo...I ran four miles in the Minuzo's on Thursday; it was hot and humid, but my time was pretty good. Something was off. The run was hard and I felt like I was struggling...but again, time was good, so I just chalked it up to the heat. No pain after the run.

Took Friday off - rest day.

Yesterday, Saturday, I ran a 5K (on pavement) in my Brooks Defyance. I came home changed and decided to put on the Minuzo Wave Riders for a long, slow run – 8.86 miles. I felt like could feel every step of the long run, but I was feeling really good. No pain during the run.

After the run, I did a couple hours worth of errands, then relaxed for the rest of the day. Around 9:30 / 10 p.m. I noticed something odd with my right knee. It seemed a bit stiff and hurt every once in a while when I walked. Uh, oh! I did a little self diagnosing research on the web, popped a couple motrin and went to bed.

This a.m. got up and knees were throbbing ever so slightly. Iced them about 10 minutes.

Of course I’m freaking out because I don’t want this to be an injury like last year. I’m hoping it’s the new shoes and praying it’s not runners knee.

Falcon 5K - Rocked it! :)

Had a 5K yesterday a.m. - 0:25:09 overall with a 0:08:05.7 min. mile average!!!!

First mile was the quickest at 0:07:41 - who'd of thunk I had it in me???