[chosha2002]

I ran my first 7miler yesterday and it went pretty well. Below is my run report that I posted in the RMAD's thread yesterday.<br><br>
My run started a little after 5 this morning. I walked out of my garage with my bottled water, cell phone, iPod, and stop watch. It was very quiet and it was a clear starry morning. Yesterday, someone reminded me to layer and I was very glad I remembered to do that. I got my stuff placed in various pockets and began walking to the start while donning my gloves. When I reached the starting point, I started the stopwatch and began slowly. Since 7 miles was a new distance for me, I didn't want to go too fast in the beginning (not that I run fast anyway - you KWIM). The first 3 miles were surprisingly easy. So I pushed a little on the uphills and tried to move a little faster on the downhills. On the flats, I tried to stretch out my legs a bit (kinda hard when you're short :rolleyes<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> or pick up the pace a bit. On my turnaround into Mile 4, I noticed the sky changing colors. It was beautiful. Just above the houses, you could see the horizon turning a beautiful pink/orangy color followed by lavendar and merging into the indigo morning sky with stars still dotting the canvas. It was gorgeous. Miles 4 and 5 weren't as easy, but they weren't as difficult either. I just tried to maintain a constant pace. Mile 6 I could feel myself slowing down. I took a few swigs of water and kept moving. Mile 7 I had alternating thoughts of 'it's almost over' and 'I ran 7miles'. I finished in 2:08:43. DH couldn't believe I did it. This is my peak week, but since I have several weeks btwn the end of this week and the 10K, I'll probably do the last three weeks again so I get to run the 7 again! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br>
__________________

 

[chosha2002]

Birdie! OMGosh! I can't believe you guys were running in lightning! I run in the rain, but not when it's lightning. Glad you had a good race eventhough conditions weren't ideal. You did great! I'm very proud of you! <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
I have to do upper body weights today since yesterday I wasn't able to do my usual weight workout. I babysat a 1yr old all day. Now I will be short, one lower body workout day. Bummer. I'll throw it in there sometime this week.

 

[Gingerbread]

Chosha, fabulous job on the 7 miles! That seemed like a huge milestone when I did it last year. It <i>is</i> a huge milestone <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> You'll do an excellent job on your 10K. Water tastes so good during a long run!<br><br>
I like your Louis L'Amour quote. I believe I've read all his books.

 

[Birdie]

Oh, it didn't lightning during the race...thank goodness. The reason that they started the race so quickly actually was to fit it in between storms. The sirens hadn't gone off in 15 minutes which is the rule of thumb down here. Thanks for the kudos though. Chosha, way to go on the 7 miles...I can't believe that in a few weeks I will be there too. I have been reading a Jeff Galloway book on running and he keeps emphasizing enjoying your runs and the scenery....it sounds like your runs exactly fits his descriptions of a successful long run. Intensebeet...I sure hope you shake that cold off soon. How are you feeling Gingerbread?

 

[chosha2002]

Hey everybody! It's Monday! I just finished 2w/hills. I am real glad it's done. I took a nap yesterday afternoon.This morning, I'm very glad I did. I love running in the morning before the sun comes up. It's so quiet. I didn't get my weights in last night like I had planned. I'll be working out for sure tonight upper and lower body.<br><br>
GB - 7 miles is a HUGE milestone for me. You are absolutely right. Water is delicious on a long run. <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"> Louis L'amour had to be one of the best western writers there was. I've read almost all of his books too a long time ago. Are you feeling better this week?<br><br>
Birdie - Can't wait until you finish your first 7 miles. I want to hear all about that run. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
Intensebeet - Haven't checked in all weekend. I'll check in tonight after my workout. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> How are you feeling?<br><br>
Have great runs and cross trains today!

 

[Birdie]

I got in wk5d1 this morning. We got a late start since we are still adjusting to the time change...thank goodness it was a cooler day today. I went really slow today...long run pace...for the scheduled 4 miles. I am still a bit tired and sore from this weekend. I need to rest the day before my 5 mile race and not worry about VRAA so much. I guess I just got caught up in the start of the game.<br><br>
This afternoon dd and I are going to try out the new bike rack I got for the car and take the bike to the blimp base. The Goodyear Blimps live near us and they built a 5.5 marked bike/running/skating path around the base. No intersections or cars sounds great to me. I also need to see how I am with speed and distance on the bike. I am contemplating a sprint tri in august so I really need to get out on that bike.<br><br>
I do my first hill workout tomorrow Chosha....<img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif"> I have zero hills nearby so I will be on the treadmill at the Y. I sure hope they go quick.

 

[Gingerbread]

OK, I responded, click on the Post button, and it never posted. Hours it sat there and didn't post. So, basically I said I'm feeling much better, thank you both, and that Elmer Kelton is another good western writer if you want something else to read.<br><br>
I'll be trying 5 miles today, hoping my running buddy is willing and not whiny about going a longer distance on a Monday, sometimes he is. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
Good workouts for all of you!

 

[Korbel]

What I love about reading any running reports is runing 1 mile is as important to an individul as running 26 is to another.<br><br>
congrats on your 7 miler Chosha...going even one step farther than we have ever gone before is so satisfying...it is pleasure to have you on my side in the VRAA

 

[Gingerbread]

Well, I hope everyone had a good day yesterday.<br><br>
I didn't get 5 miles in, just 4, but we were constrained by our route. Not a big deal. I did have to walk a couple times (hills! combined with lingering congestion kept me down) but I'm definitely much better. This is the first real week of getting on schedule for the 1/2 marathon at the end of May so no more slacking off for me <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[chosha2002]

Thanks Korbel! That means a lot!<br><br>
Woooo Hooo! GB is back! - Great job on your 4 yesterday. You'll be so ready for that HM <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[chosha2002]

Birdie - Great job on your 4. Listen to your body, if it says slower is in order, then run slower. You're doing great. How did the hills go today?

 

[Birdie]

Just got done with my first hill workout (wk5d2). I loved the hills! At first I was like, only two miles...but then once I got going I was sweating up a storm. It was such an awesome workout. I had to do the hills on the treadmill which I think works well for me since I am very particular knowing exactly how far I am going (I religiously map all running routes for as exact a distance I can manage). I did a 5 minute brisk walking warmup then started my usual running pace. Next I raised the incline 5% for 1/4 a mile then lowered it back down to zero incline for 1/4 and repeated 4 times. I didn't slow down my pace but it was funny cause usually that pace would really tire me out during my beginning running days but today it was a break like I was walking or something.<br><br>
Way to go Gingerbread! You'll be back into the swing of things soon.

 

[intensebeet]

Way to go on the 7 miles Chosha!! I'm trying my first 6 mile run tomorrow afternoon (half day at work gives me some free time, I just hope the weather warms up...). Pushing a new distance is continually exciting.<br><br>
Glad to hear you're feeling better GB, I've still got a lingering cough and a sore throat that won't go away.<br><br>
Great job on the hills Birdie! I'm the same way when it comes to mapping my routes out, if it is a 3 mile run I want it to be exactly 3 miles, my routes often have funny little side excursions as a result.

 

[Gingerbread]

Good luck on the 6, Beet! You'll do fine <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
I got 5 in yesterday, no hills, and it went OK. Walked a couple seconds past a dog which ignored me nicely, but I didn't know if she would, and she was off-leash. Otherwise, ran all the way. I only have a little lingering congestion which will probably be gone by the weekend.<br><br>
Today, I need to do some running to put in some VRAA points, but I don't know how far I'll go. My running buddy won't be running today, so my motivation lacks a bit of oomph <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[chosha2002]

Did 4 miles this morning. One more 4miler this week and wk9 is finished for me.<br><br>
Intensebeet - GL w/your 6 later today!<br><br>
GB - Nice job on your 5 Monday! I hate when I come across the unleashed dogs. Totally kills my rhythm. I don't take chances either. I just walk by them and never make eye contact. How far did you run yesterday?

 

[Gingerbread]

4 on Monday ('cause of the route change) and 5 yesterday (which was Tuesday <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">)<br><br>
I keep an eye on them, but don't stare them down. Just don't turn your back on an aggressive dog. That's when they are more likely to bite. This dog was doing her thing, but I wanted to be sure. I've come across some dogs (unleashed) who were quite aggressive, but not to the point of biting as long as I was facing them. I have cussed a woman out before for it. She was apologetic, but I was not giving her any slack. Told her I'd call animal control if it happened again.

 

[Birdie]

Sounds like everyone is having a better week than last week. I just finished up wk5d3 which was only a 3 mile run today. It just amazes me that now a 3 mile is a short easy run while a few short weeks ago it was hard to finish. I am really trying to keep my pace for my steady runs and long runs within the training ranges on the MacMillian predictor and today I did it no problem. I am hoping to shave some time off my next 5k. I have been doing long runs too fast and training runs too slow. I think some of it has to do with pushing the stroller on training runs and running alone on long runs...I just automatically go faster not pushing the stroller. This week I have another 4 mile run to go and next week is my 5 mile race...gulp!

 

[chosha2002]

I did 4 today to complete wk9! YAY!<br><br>
GB - Nice job on your Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 milers. I'll keep your advice w/dogs in mind.<br><br>
Birdie - I need to check and see what pace I should be running. I'll have a few weeks before my race after I've completed the 10K plan. I may be able to do some speed work to take off a minute or two from my time.

 

[Gingerbread]

Definitely better this week than last week, Birdie. It sounds like you are doing well, and managing your pace in training by trying to pay closer attention. I think you'll do really well in your race. I understand why you would go faster without a stroller, but I found that slowing down helped me a whole lot for the longer runs, and made my shorter runs faster without my trying as hard.<br><br>
Now, I have to get better about deliberately going faster on my shorter runs. That will take some work for me. It's more difficult because my running buddy's pace is about an 8-8:15m/m and I'm at about 10. So, I tend to start out too fast with him. But I'd rather have a fast buddy than no buddy at all, so I'll have to work it out somehow.<br><br>
chosha, dogs aren't usually too bad, but seeing someone running brings their chase and bite instincts to the fore, so you have to keep that in mind if someone doesn't seem to have their dog under control or a dog alone.<br><br>
Great job finishing week 9! <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br><br>
Last night was a 6 mile run, finished in 1:02:07, which is a pretty good pace for me over that distance. We're following a plan to work up to the 1/2 marathon at the end of May. That's the shortest long run on the plan, every week it increases (the long run) except for cutback weeks. Next week 7 miles, 8 miles the following week...etc.<br><br>
Good runs folks!

 

[Birdie]

Just a quick pop in to see how everyone's weekend was going. I did a last minute 5k this morning. It was along the beach during sunrise...so pretty. Anyways I hadn't planned on doing the race and dh asked me if I had a race this weekend and I said no. He said well, isn't there one? I said that there was one and he encouraged me to do it. Well I am glad I did because I got a PR! And better than a PR is that I reached my one year goal time. I still have a ways to go but I finally broke 30 minutes with a finish time of 29:41. Now I need to set a new goal time. I think I will set it at 27:30 for the next year.