Greetings, runners! Please tell us about your past training week and upcoming goals
**This is a weekly thread maintained by myself, posted every weekend. Runners of all ages and abilities are encouraged to use it to document their training and goals. Feedback is also encouraged, which helps keep a sense of community - thanks!
**reminder: at the end of the month, I will be posting the 'Training Year' thread. For those that need info and preparation, the last couple years threads are in the memories section. I look forward to reading through the results for 2009!
Even though I don't always want to, I still run every day after school, even in the cold. I want to be in shape and ready for track season, and not even snow will stop me! I do have a confession though...I have not been running the distance my coach has told me to. Our coach wants us to run 6 miles on mondays, 5 miles on tuesdays, 8 miles on wednesdays, 5 miles on thursdays, and 6 miles on fridays. Honestly, I think that is a bit much for track training, considering the longest race in track is the 2 mile. Does anybody agree or disagree? Let me know. I have been running 4 miles on monday and friday, 3 miles on tuesday and thursday, and 4 or 5 on wednsday...is that enough for now or no? Let me know!!
A bit kudos goes out to dreamingwriter for being so strong through her broken ankle from soccer!!!!!!! I love you girl, stay strong!!!
Couple questions about heart rate training; I'm brand new to the heart rate thing, since I just got my Garmin 305 about 3 weeks ago. So far I've just been recording data to see what it looks like, for the most part.
I've discovered that my resting heart rate in the morning is between 54-57 bpm, and my max is around 208. Apparently it's weird that my max is that high and none of the standard heart rate zone stuff matches up with me (the standard calculators say my max should be 193). I used this guide to create a little chart that says which zones are what based on my max/resting. Chart looks like this: Zone 2, 60-70% of max (148-163 beats/min) Zone 3, 70-80% of max (163-178 beats/min) Zone 4, 80-90% of max (178-193 beats/min) Zone 5, 90-100% of max (193-208 beats/min)
It looks like on most of my runs when I'm not paying attention to heartrate, I'm running around 185-194 beats/min so mostly zone 4. Speed workouts put me in the upper 190s/lower 200s, sometimes up to 208 but not very often (usually up to about 203-204).
So here's my question: Sources I've read keep saying that easy and long runs should be at 65-75% of your max. Two weeks ago I did a 9 mile run while trying to keep my HR under 170, and it was the hardest workout I've ever had. I think I was using different muscles trying to run that slow, my feet got beat up from my shoes... I didn't feel like I was exerting myself that much, but my muscles sure did. My muscles were killing me. KILLING. Is that really how a long run is supposed to be??? I've been running for almost 2 years with long runs and stuff and I've never done them that slow and they don't feel that way normally. Why on earth is it that much work to keep my heart rate low? Does that mean I'm hideously out of shape, or am I doing something wrong or something?
I have to run 11 miles tomorrow and I'd like to be doing this right so I'm actually getting something out of the training... advice? I've still been doing kind of a sloppy job with my other runs, so i suppose I should start making sure my tempo runs are in the right zone(s) as well.
Training for a half marathon, btw. ETA: sorry about the formatting fail.
Good morning runners! Here's the daily training thread!
Plans changed a bit because of the late night we had yesterday and the impending blizzard we're supposed to get later. hbfs and I are heading into NYC probably around 12:30-1pm where we will do some lovely holiday-in-the-city stuff. I'm hoping that NYRR headquarters still allows runners to change and leave their stuff there while we go run in Central Park. We'll probably do the 6ish mile outer loop of the park and whatever the distance is from HQ to there (twice, obv).
So what is everyone else up to today, training and otherwise?
Selfish question! For those of you who live in or have been to NYC, what's your favorite thing to do/see/place to eat/place to drink beers/favorite anything? For those who haven't been, what is the one thing you'd WANT to do if you went?
I just thought that since THE ENTIRE WORLD is telling me that the DC/NOVA area is supposedly going to DIE under 16-24" of snow today, I would share it with you. I went out for a brief walk/run (um, does running in Uggs count? lol) and it was *awesome* - it's a bright as day outside and quiet! I will definitely be spending my Saturday running in the snow (right after I build a fort! :).
Also, a random question!
For the Nike+ / iPod users out there, has anyone had Paula Radcliffe (or some other interesting person) tell you 'Congrats on another 500k!' after every single run? I've tried resetting, reformatting, and replacing the foot-battery-chip, but Paula still isn't convinced that I'm not superhuman. I actually bought another plug for the iPod in case it's a hardware issue (which is looking more and more likely), but I'm afraid of losing my history. Any idea if all my runs will be wiped off the iPod, or if they're stored on the individual chip, or what?
So yesterday was my first treadmill day in a very, very long time. This obviously mean that it was also the first time that I've worn a running tank top and shorts since...oh, August. Between June and now I've managed to lose 35 pounds, and I've definitely noticed that my muscles and bones are more prominant now then they were before.
Well, after getting home from the gym last night I got out of the shower and looked in the mirror and saw a NASTY red/purple/black bruise the size of a silver dollar on my left collarbone. Apparently when I was running the first 4 miles of my 8, I wasn't running with my headphones on (which is typical - I put them around my neck and then slap them on on the second half of my run) and as a result they were bumping up and down on my collarbone, enough to cause this crappy bruise. I recall that it did hurt a little when I first started running, but then I obviously ignored it. This hasn't been an issue before because from September through now when I've been running outside, I've been wearing thicker tops and/or zip-up turtlenecks with my shorts or tights.
I wear the wrap-around type of headphones because the earbuds simply will not stay in my ears. Are there other types to try? I don't think I could deal with a thicker shirt while running indoors. Since I'm confident that this winter will bring more treadmill runs, has anyone had this happen before, and what else could I do to prevent it? I had to wear make-up over the bruise with a neck scarf to work because it looks like a GIANT hickey, and hi, I'm a senior manager. I can't be walking around with that crap on my neck - what will my employees think!?
Good morning runners! Happy weekend! Here's the daily training thread!
Today I am working at the zoo in the morning. At some point I want to get in at least 6 miles and also some strength training. Probably won't be til sometime later this evening though.
So how is everyone else starting off their weekend, training and otherwise?
And it's Friday so -- weekend plans? After work, which should end relatively early, I'll be headed to Philly to pick up the girlfriend. We're going to New York for the weekend as sort of a late birthday/early Christmas celebration. Seeing as she's never been to the city, I figure Christmastime is the perfect time for a first time. There will be running in Central Park, exploring the museums, Times Square, good bars, and a bunch of other fun things. I'll also show her around my hometown on Long Island as she's never been there either. Should be a stellar weekend.
Finally, a BIG GOOD LUCK to anyone racing this weekend or otherwise going for some sort of PR!!!
I was wondering if any of you had any tips for how to practice a piece where the melody is in the left hand. I've played piano for many years, but this is something I still struggle with. I'm so accustomed to trying to bring out the melody in the right hand that it becomes a huge problem for me when the music calls for the reverse. Short of playing right hand over left hand, what can I do to improve this skill?
I've recorded myself playing this piece and you can hear the melody a little, but you have to really be listening for it. It's not nearly as clear as it needs to be.
Good morning runners! Here's the daily training thread!
Today will I'll be running 8 or so miles, nice and easy, after work. I'll also be doing a ton of pull-ups and push-ups and something with the medicine ball and/or truck tire,
So what is everyone else up to today, training and otherwise?
so when my boyfriend goes down on me, when it builds up and i'm digging it, it starts to get uncomfortable where it feels like a tickle fight and i feel like i need to pee really badly (but i don't); is this considered a normal part of climaxing? do other girls enjoy this? i just feel like i need to stop but like that's a bummer, not being able to get off on oral. now i just feel hesitant about being eaten out and i don't want this sensation to ruin oral for me. when i end up doing is biting my hand and wait until he does something else.
and not really a concern but a curiosity, how long until it stopped hurting for girls after they started having sex or how long until they started enjoying it?
I searched the memories and didnt find any on this topic.
I happen to be a girl who enjoys giving head as if it were a favor to me (unless being forced to do it) I get a rush from it and it definitly never feels like a chore. I have met others who agree but not many. any one else?
So, I looked in the memories and I couldn't exactly find a story that fit my situation so I figured I'd give it a shot. Let me give you guys a little bit of a back story. I'm 22 and my boyfriend is 28. We've been together for 7 months and we've known each other for 6 years. We've been throw alot in the last 6 years. I was with another guy for the last 3 years, that was very abusive and ended in a rape and a pfa. He has survived cancer twice. We dated once when we were younger and we decided to give it another go.
After my long term relationship ended, I wanted nothing to do with a serious relationship. So I dated casually and I did have one or two one night stands. They were fun, the sex was great and I didn't have to commit to any of them. When I was in the 3 year relationship, the sex was horrible. I felt trapped, like I was an object, I was resentful and I had no drive at all. And Now that I am out of that relationship, my drive is amazing. While I was casually dating when I was with someone, I could tell them exactly what I wanted, how I wanted ect. I had no problem. I was not self-conscious at all. I was actually very dominant.
When the boyfriend and I started dating, that all changed. When we started having sex, I got nervous. Foreplay was no big deal, I had no problem making out and all that, but when it came to the part where he pants actually came off, I found myself being very nervous and unsure of myself. I of course pushed through it, thinking it was maybe me just liking him to much, that I didn't want to mess anything up or me trying to be perfect. I've always been very comfortable with sex. With the people I've been with, being able to openly discuss it, and now its all changed.
My boyfriend on the other hand, is completely different. He is shy even though he says he isnt. He is on celexra, which is an anti-depressant, which I thought could be the problem too. When we first started to sleep together, you could tell that he was nervous, and usually its a big turn on when a guy is intimidated by me, but not this time. And yes, he has called me intimidating. I of course was very dominate, because if I wasnt, I feel we would have gotten no where fast. The first couple of times, I was very dominate and then I started to ease off, giving him more control and such, which is a nice change of pace. Well, that is were it all went downhill, I think.
We started to have a shot or 2, before anything sexual started. I think it calmed both of our nerves and everything seemed to be ok. Pictures were taken, videos were made, we openly discussed things we wanted to try. This went on for awhile, then we hit a dry spell. He told me it was his medication and after a about 3 weeks, we were back to normal. We then started to drink more. Well, he did. We'd drink and play cards or whatever and then I couldn't keep his hands off me. The in October, we stopped drinking. We still had sex and I was honestly still nervous. I still could not bring myself to tell him what felt good and what didn't. Was I scared I was going to hurt his feelings? Yes. He was already shy, I didnt want to make it worse..well I did. Early November, after a night of drinking and from a dry spell of 2 weeks, we had sex, or at least tried. He might have lasted all of 5 minutes. Which could have been the liquor or the dry spell, either way I let out a very aggravated, drunk "You've got to be kidding me". And yes, I understand how horrible that was and I apologized the next day. I honestly wouldn't have cared, if he was like "let me finger you to get you off" or something but he doesnt offer. And he knows how much I love it. But then I have to show him what to do, which I am getting better at. So I can see where I'm at fault too.I know he does masturbate, cause he used to be very open with it. So I dont think its his endurance? We've had sex once after that, and I we were sober, took about 45 mins to actually start having sex and we might have been 10 mins in when he asked if I got off because he did awhile ago and didnt want to tell me. I pretty much rolled off him, said that wasnt cool and told him we'd discuss it later.
We'll we never did. And everytime I try, we get no where. Its almost like he doesnt hear me and changes the subject. We are a very strong couple besides the whole lack of sex. We are very close, we dont see each other everyday, mostly on the weekends but talk all the time. When we first started out, we used to dirty text each other, send pictures and make out. God, I love to make out, we never do anymore. We Kiss, but it goes no further. We still cuddle and sleep in the same bed and we're very affection otherwise. I've tried everything, to skimpy clothing, doing things that usually used to initiate sex, like kissing his neck or touching on of his hot spots. Nothing. And now when I mention something dirty or send a dirty text, it gets ignored.
I am now getting self-conscious. I invited him in the shower the other night, and I get "Im not the shower kind of guy" when he used to text me all the things he wanted to do to me in the shower. Heck, all he wanted for his birthday was sex, and he spent the whole night playing warcraft. I'm out of ideas. I don't want to badger him or make it seem like its all about sex, cause it isnt, but I don't want to be missing out. lately he has grinded with me when we've cuddled and I've grinded back and it ends there. I know, He's turned on and that he's hard but its like he won't take the next step. And I've been rejected to many times that I just can't take it anymore. The Old Me would have been able to come out and say "let's F*ck" and for some reason I cant.
I understand its all about communication, we ourselves have said that to each other. We talk about everything, personal or not. It just when it comes to sex, it's like we're both scared and I don't understand why. I'm sorry if I confused anyone, I just have alot on my mind and I just want to give enough information as possible. Does anyone have any experience with this?
At the event a week and a half ago, they told us that registration for next year's race will be $145 for either the half or the full marathon; however, their web site says $135.
If you register by May 1, 2010 and use the code "OWNTHESTRIP", you will get a $10 discount off registration.
(Registration for the first 1,000 people to register on site at this year's race for next year was $95.)
(Sorry LJ doesn't want to do 'cuts' at the moment? Go figure?!)
I was to go and pace my good friend Mr W around this course. He wanted a sub 1:40 time, which was do-able for me. As for him, well as a member of a decent running club, and a keen competitive runner it was on the cards -probably!
I stayed over night and had lots of fun with his 3 year old, ate lots of pasta the night before and generally enjoyed mesel. The day dawned bright and early for pre-race breakfasts, and general coming rounds. The weather was 'fresh' to say the least. It were more than a little bit cool!
We set off for the car park to join the bus shuttle to near the start of the race. I kid you not, all a bit of an effort but ultimately sensible. Arriving in plenty of time I hit the portaloos, already a good queue building from the promised 2,000 runners that were expected. We were on our own at this race so we dumped bags in to the baggage area (very smooth and efficient) and clad in the customary pre race bin liners (it was cold!) we set off for the car park to warm up.
When I say 'warm-up' its more a figure of speech than an actual physical manifestation! Man it was cold. I'd already planned to race in gloves and hats with shorts and t-shirt, vest on. Glad I did. We soon warmed up, but, well as I said - IT WAS COLD!
The race plan went - Mad mile at the start, steady till mile 3, very steady and work hard at the hilly bit all the way till mile 9, then enjoy the downhill section and try for a final kick depending on how Mr W was feeling to the end.
The Mad Mile was just that! How people don't trip over and fall ALL the time at the start i do not know! The steady to mile 3 was a bit rich, but he looked fine coping well with the sub 7:30 a mile pace; and in fact managing even quicker speeds. The working hard up the hills was just that, steady and work for him. But with lots of cajouling, abuse and general helping along he did well! The downhill section was EXCELLENT! Very quick, and lots of 'just let go' ('Luke!') relax and peg it down the hill. A slight shower at mile 9 was refreshing but not too bad and was quickly over. From mile 12 the field started to really thin out and it was evident that we were doing well for time, and that people were finding a kick to the end. Not convinced that Mr W did. He was starting to tire at this point, but having ran amazingly a sub 1:40 was looking on the cards. The last mile to the finish was hard work, but I tried to help, dropped right back and pushed, and helped in my own little way (read: 'shouted abuse a lot!' LOL!) The run in to the finish was strong and we crossed the line in a new personal best for Mr W with 1:36.29. BRILLIANT!
Personally I finished feeling fresh, happy and well in control. It hadn't really stretched me too much, but that wasn't the point. The point was a new way to experience a race through beautiful wintery scenery with low lying Winter Sun at some points. Running down quiet little roads with bleak open farm fields on either side. The icing on the cake was his jubilation at acheiveing such a good time for himself and within his standing in his running club.
A cool race which I think I'll have a real run at next year! And a few piccies... I'm the guy in front with Mr W in the club vest.. waving at the official photographer within the last mile and a half! and even Mr W managed a wave!
Good morning runners! Here's the daily training thread! Today I'll be doing about seven miles on some trails at my park right after work, with some hill sprints after. So what is everyone else up to, training and otherwise? Question! What temperatures correlate to what types of running attire for you? Discuss... and HAPPY RUNNING!
So. The treadmills are broken at the weight room at my appartment complex. Well, one of the three works but it doesn't make it easy for 2 roommates to go running together on them. So I ended up going 5 miles on the bike, 1 mile on the eliptical, and then I got a new PR of 7 min 15 sec for one mile on the treadmill. I was excited about that but I definitly had wheezing afterwards. I think part of it may be that I didn't really have a cooldown after that mile. And because it was the fastest mile I've ever run...yeah. I also lifted weights...but mostly just did the weights for my legs. It was a good workout overall though. A good variety.
And I tried out my new running shoes my mom bought me for christmas because my feet have been killing me lately and I took at least a week off from running. I never realized how expensive running is when you are supposed to replace your shoes at least every 450 miles you run and really more frequently than that. That's at least 3 shoes per year. I'm glad I went to the 3 rivers running company because I knew I was overpronated (despite having moderatly high arches) but I'm actually only overpronated in one leg and reglar pronated in the other. Weird but it explains why one foot has been killing me and the other hasn't really been bothering me. I push off hard with my big toe and that ball of my foot just on the right side. It's been bugging me ever since my second half marathon and that was a month ago now. I was pretty worried about my food since I've only been running for a year and don't knwo all the ends and outs about it. I mean, I just figured a person's feet really hurt after a mini marathon but when my friend said hers hardly hurt at all I knew that there was a problem.
Yep, I christened myself that. Question for those of you coming back from an injury, especially ITBS. How often should I try to run to see if the ITBS has subsided?
I have taken six weeks off now, give or take, going to the gym instead of running. I miss running. I miss it terribly and want to get back into it. However, my ITBS flaired up ridiculously bad at my last half marathon in October and I'm scared. What kind of run should I do to assess accurately my recovery process? Should I try to run once a week to see if it's getting better?
I'd like to thank everyone for their kind words of encouragement on my earlier post. Today I went out there and tried again... this time on the road... and sad to say, I felt terrible. After a mile I was nauseous and felt like my first day ever ever running... at this point, I'm thinking I must be coming down with a tummy virus or something. Anyhow, I tried, walked for a bit, ran for a bit, got about 30-45 mins in and called it a day. Tomorrow I'll try again. On the brighter side... I did take advantage of the Garmin 305 offer on amazon! Hope everyone had a great day. Mariana
I signed up for the inaugural LA County Half Marathon last month to get back on track after a slow running year (injury in March sidetracked me a lot!). I had a relatively short timeline in which to train, but I'm pretty quick at getting back up to an okay half marathon performance as long as I've been running at least 10 miles a week consistently. This was going to be the first race where I actually knew someone else who was running it too! My coworker, who got inspired by my running, was going to do it, and at the time I signed up, my old friend from elementary school was as well!
I was really looking forward to this race because it passed through some of my old high school cross country stomping grounds - a park where I'd gotten my best ever cross country PR (race completed with an EPIC bloody nose that showed up really well all over my white and lavender uniform)!
So, positive notes about how wonderfully the inaugural race was put on, as well as the well organized parking and race start: - The mile markers were the most accurate I've encountered - There were water/powerade stops where they said they'd be! - There were bathrooms every mile, and since we were in the park, many of them were real flushing toilets. When those weren't available, there were portapotties with no lines! - The course was clearly marked and every switch off had someone standing there making sure you went the right way. - On some of the steeper downhills, with wet ground, there were volunteers standing there to warn you of slippery turns ahead. And med golf carts waiting nearby just in case! - Signs for dips in the road, etc. were out for the bike tour people who'd started before us!
It really was a lovely run. Once I got over my initial disappointment, I loved it! I will definitely be doing this one next year!
Total ascent/descent: 2500 ft. My splits were in the 8:50-9:10 range until mile 9 where the leg acted up and I started getting above 10 minute miles. Average pace 9:42.
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