In my attempts to broaden my exercise regimen, I have been using the weight room at the Y to do heavier lifting than I had done at home during my ultra training. Thanks to my oldest brother's friend, who acted as my pro bono personal trainer during my college summers, I have good technique. BUT I keep making myself incredibly sore.
I lifted on Monday, ran an hour on Tuesday, and swam for 40 minutes this morning (with bicycle commuting thrown in). This isn't an unusual schedule for me, but today I'm walking stiff-legged around the office, massaging my left butt cheek.
I don't think I'm over-doing it at the time. I'll feel great doing my 3 or 4 sets of 5 reps (and I'm not reaching my max), then the next day I'll be all achy. What the hell's my problem? Is this just another example of my perfectionism come to fruition? Ahhh!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
OMG! Sarah Palin is Totally Like My Hero
I was the captain of the speech team in high school. I know, I'm a dork. But I was GOOD, unlike some people...
I'm Back in the Blogosphere
I've taken a break from more than training it seems. Oops!
The fall is beautiful here, and I'm trying to take full advantage of it. I've been running, walking, cycling, swimming, lifting weights, and loving the lack of pressure (pressure that I have applied to myself in the past).
I have even been staying up past my bedtime occasionally. This weekend Dave and I trekked to Charlottesville to visit his sister in her gorgeous apartment. We ate out at a tasty Mediterranean restaurant and strolled around the Downtown Mall like tourists. In running news, I discovered a new trail quite by accident. I was feeling down about having to run on sidewalks (gasp!) on a major road when I saw a little sign just beyond the guardrail. It read "Rivanna Trails", so I followed it. Soon I was taken out of the grime and noise of the city street to a green valley full of babbling brooks and leaping white tail deer. It may sound like a Disney movie, but it was really like that. So, my spirits were lifted. It's the simple things...
On a more negative exercise note, my bike is ill. I've been having a lot of trouble with flat tires, and I finally determined that the walls of the tires are deteriorating, causing the tubes to pop when inflated or compressed. Since the bike is my method of transportation, I've been left taking the bus, which isn't so bad but costs money. I'm going to take poor Blue into the shop to see if he needs to be put down, salvaged, or replaced by a more virile cousin.
The fall is beautiful here, and I'm trying to take full advantage of it. I've been running, walking, cycling, swimming, lifting weights, and loving the lack of pressure (pressure that I have applied to myself in the past).
I have even been staying up past my bedtime occasionally. This weekend Dave and I trekked to Charlottesville to visit his sister in her gorgeous apartment. We ate out at a tasty Mediterranean restaurant and strolled around the Downtown Mall like tourists. In running news, I discovered a new trail quite by accident. I was feeling down about having to run on sidewalks (gasp!) on a major road when I saw a little sign just beyond the guardrail. It read "Rivanna Trails", so I followed it. Soon I was taken out of the grime and noise of the city street to a green valley full of babbling brooks and leaping white tail deer. It may sound like a Disney movie, but it was really like that. So, my spirits were lifted. It's the simple things...
On a more negative exercise note, my bike is ill. I've been having a lot of trouble with flat tires, and I finally determined that the walls of the tires are deteriorating, causing the tubes to pop when inflated or compressed. Since the bike is my method of transportation, I've been left taking the bus, which isn't so bad but costs money. I'm going to take poor Blue into the shop to see if he needs to be put down, salvaged, or replaced by a more virile cousin.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A Much-Needed Break
I haven't written in a while because I've had actual "work" to do at my "job". Geez. Who do they think I am? A slave?
The Monday before last I made a big decision: I would join a gym for the first time. So I went to my local YMCA, proved to them that I made very little, and was given my membership at a whopping $15 a month. Since then I've been there twice to swim and once to lift weights - I think I'm getting my money's worth.
Belonging to a gym and having lots of workout options - should I take a yoga class? swim laps? lift? shake my butt on the elliptical? - has given me a whole new perspective. I'm still running, but doing other stuff means I'm running a little less and enjoying it a lot more.
The first time I got back in the pool after a two-and-a-half year break was "interesting" (a.k.a. hilariously pathetic). My new swimsuit was too big, I swallowed too much air and water, and I forgot how to turn. Basically, I was a five year old in a much bigger body. Luckily, the second attempt was better.
The Monday before last I made a big decision: I would join a gym for the first time. So I went to my local YMCA, proved to them that I made very little, and was given my membership at a whopping $15 a month. Since then I've been there twice to swim and once to lift weights - I think I'm getting my money's worth.
Belonging to a gym and having lots of workout options - should I take a yoga class? swim laps? lift? shake my butt on the elliptical? - has given me a whole new perspective. I'm still running, but doing other stuff means I'm running a little less and enjoying it a lot more.
The first time I got back in the pool after a two-and-a-half year break was "interesting" (a.k.a. hilariously pathetic). My new swimsuit was too big, I swallowed too much air and water, and I forgot how to turn. Basically, I was a five year old in a much bigger body. Luckily, the second attempt was better.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Recovery
I took three days off from running after the race, enjoying walks in the beautiful weather we've been having.
The next few runs were semi-painful - not surprising, as I had still been going down the stairs backward to keep my knees from buckling. (This is a good trick for anyone with sore legs.)
More precisely, three out of the four runs since the race were too much too soon. On Thursday, two speedy friends, with whom I met by accident, pulled me along through the streets of pre-dawn Richmond for 30 minutes. That Saturday a local group met for a 12-miler. I lasted for about 4, then spent the next 5 miles finding my way back to the car. Finally, this morning I ran alone. I thought I could handle an hour, throwing in some pick-ups for good measure. Well, I suffered. It was stupid. I'm taking tomorrow off, dammit!
The next few runs were semi-painful - not surprising, as I had still been going down the stairs backward to keep my knees from buckling. (This is a good trick for anyone with sore legs.)
More precisely, three out of the four runs since the race were too much too soon. On Thursday, two speedy friends, with whom I met by accident, pulled me along through the streets of pre-dawn Richmond for 30 minutes. That Saturday a local group met for a 12-miler. I lasted for about 4, then spent the next 5 miles finding my way back to the car. Finally, this morning I ran alone. I thought I could handle an hour, throwing in some pick-ups for good measure. Well, I suffered. It was stupid. I'm taking tomorrow off, dammit!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Post-Race Reflections
One of the best parts of the Renegade 50 was how proud and excited everyone was (and is) to be a part of that experience. We worked together - not having known anyone before the disappointment of finding out that the official race was cancelled - and we had a successful race of our own. My attitude now is something like: You think running an ultra is badass? Try doing it in a Tropical Storm, bitches!
A fabulous runner has dedicated a website to our trials here.
Alas, my thirst to run a ridiculously long distance has not been quenched. I am looking for good, local races that will fit into my schedule. I am also looking to relax...which is hard. This means not having a detailed plan, perhaps doing other activities (swimming, etc.), and being flexible. I mean this next statement with all seriousness: relaxing may be more difficult for me than training for a 50-mile race.
A fabulous runner has dedicated a website to our trials here.
Alas, my thirst to run a ridiculously long distance has not been quenched. I am looking for good, local races that will fit into my schedule. I am also looking to relax...which is hard. This means not having a detailed plan, perhaps doing other activities (swimming, etc.), and being flexible. I mean this next statement with all seriousness: relaxing may be more difficult for me than training for a 50-mile race.
Monday, September 8, 2008
One Addition
I forgot to mention my time. Or "time".
I ran approximately 50 kilometers in approximately 5:37:00, which is approximately 10:52 per mile.
This picture is a perfect illustration of the race.
Notice the wide eyes, wet clothes, and face being stuffed full of anything and everything.
I also might be giving someone the finger.
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