It was a freezing cold box of drink and energy mixes and an awesome technical shirt (that is not too big!) - plus a hand-made card!
Thank you!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Secret Santa Gift!
I received my Secret Santa Gift from Kovas yesterday - man $11.45 on postage! (I'm happy, but Mr. Mailman is super happy!)
It was a freezing cold box of drink and energy mixes and an awesome technical shirt (that is not too big!) - plus a hand-made card!
Thank you!
It was a freezing cold box of drink and energy mixes and an awesome technical shirt (that is not too big!) - plus a hand-made card!
Thank you!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Some Favorite Blogs: Run With Jill
Background:
When I wanted to start to learn about running this summer, I searched for a few words ("training", "schedule", "marathon", "sprint", "5k", "10k") used in blogs hosted on blogspot.com. I found a bunch and I began to follow them and the blogs that followed them. Jill's was one of these first blogs.
Blog: Run With Jill
I did a tag cloud of one of some of her last posts
ascent blog blogger boston colorado dream endurance evans fat follow fran fun gift girl greetings guy halloween happy holiday jill journey life list longer marathon mile mother mt paint post race random results rocks rr runner running san season site stuff tall taper tis training weather week weekend welcome widget
created at TagCrowd.com
and as you can see the blogs about running!
Jill's blog is also about
- Marathoning (but only the ones that are 26.2 miles long!),
- her heel and the struggles with insurance,
- her family, and
- maybe dualthon or triathon in the future!
"Run like a girl" is part of her email address, and I already have been thinking of buying a running skirt! Jill also hosted a very successful* gift exchange this month.
As of writing she:
- has 321 blog followers
- has a RRCA certified coach designation
- runs in all distances and has done a du
- has run Boston in 2009 at
3:51:55(corrected to 3:51:32)
4 Questions for Jill (responses in fuschia!):
1. How long have you been blogging? Do you have any blog post memories, comments or post from other sites that stick out in your mind?
I started blogging two years ago this January 1st. My then-personal trainer wanted me to write out my thoughts, as sort of a daily journal, about my training as a way to analyze and understand a little more, and to see if we saw patterns in performance due to daily activities/nutrition/sleep, etc. It was a great little experiement at first but then he never really read it daily and the whole thing ended up being more of a personal journey describing my thoughts on my running. After about 6 months of blogging, people started following me and making comments - which I didn't even know was an option - and I thus have found a world of support, encouragement, and true friendships.
2. Have you ever trained someone who was really poorly adjusted to running? How did that go?
I obtained my personal training cerification because at one time I thought it'd be pretty cool to be one, and I was aimlessly going to the gym and ramdomly doing whatever, having no direction or guidence whatsoever (before I hired a personal trainer. Which, btw, I no longer have); I wanted to know more about weight training and the proper exercises and techniques to fuel my running. I achieved the latter, but after I worked with a few people for stricly weight loss, I quickly realized this was not an area I wanted to spend much time in. Non-runners do not want to run, not even for weight-loss. Cardio is a scarey word to may of them and I got really tired really quick of constant excuses. I do have one person I work with right now who hired me to give her a 6-week program of nutrition and exercise for weight loss, despite my hesistation not to. The first time I put "run 2 minutes..." on the plan, suddenly she had a slew of medical conditions which prohibited her to run. Funny, cuz she never mentioned them on her pre-screening questionnaire :). I'd much rather stick with runners/athletes.
3. What's a common mistake you see with people who self-train? Do you have any advice for them?
I see many but one big one is no strength training. Advice: strength train. It will make you a more efficient runner by helping your running economy and making you stronger for those last hard miles in a marathon - and will make you faster!
4. How much time do you spend on treadmills and how much running on ground that doesn't move?
I actually do a lot of treadmill running because 1) I have horrible allergies and living in a semi-arid climate causes a lot of dust and allergens in the air which play havoc on my sinuses. 2) I have been hospitalized twice for dehydration so to abate carrying so much water with me, the treadmill allows me to refuel frequently. But when I am marathon training, I do like to run along trail on a creek, it's very pretty with great views of the Rockie Mountains - and there are frequent gas I have marked out so I can stop to refuel my water. And in the summer, I do love to run in the mountains as much as possible. It's a commute, though, so do not get up there as often as I wish - but it also makes it that much more special when I do.
Recommendation:
I started working with Jill 12 weeks ago. In that time I've improved my PR in the 5k by 40 seconds and in the 10k by 5 minutes!
Jill was able to build up my confidence with her deep experience. She exposed me to the proper race-time demands, an energy- and muscle-building nutrition plan, a cross training plan to build up my strength and aversion to injuries, and a varied and interesting weekly plan that altered based on my progress and my overall time constraints. She help me understand the basics of running including the exercises, tools, and drills involved. Not only was she a help in training, but here confidence in me before races and before some of the more demanding training weeks helped me strengthen my own desire to improve and tackle objectives that would have been impossible even a few months ago.
I would highly recommend her to runners that have a desire to experience professional guidance and want to improve their running abilities to reach - what seem to be - impossible goals.
Merry Christmas Jill, this is my gift to you!
1. How long have you been blogging? Do you have any blog post memories, comments or post from other sites that stick out in your mind?
I started blogging two years ago this January 1st. My then-personal trainer wanted me to write out my thoughts, as sort of a daily journal, about my training as a way to analyze and understand a little more, and to see if we saw patterns in performance due to daily activities/nutrition/sleep, etc. It was a great little experiement at first but then he never really read it daily and the whole thing ended up being more of a personal journey describing my thoughts on my running. After about 6 months of blogging, people started following me and making comments - which I didn't even know was an option - and I thus have found a world of support, encouragement, and true friendships.
2. Have you ever trained someone who was really poorly adjusted to running? How did that go?
I obtained my personal training cerification because at one time I thought it'd be pretty cool to be one, and I was aimlessly going to the gym and ramdomly doing whatever, having no direction or guidence whatsoever (before I hired a personal trainer. Which, btw, I no longer have); I wanted to know more about weight training and the proper exercises and techniques to fuel my running. I achieved the latter, but after I worked with a few people for stricly weight loss, I quickly realized this was not an area I wanted to spend much time in. Non-runners do not want to run, not even for weight-loss. Cardio is a scarey word to may of them and I got really tired really quick of constant excuses. I do have one person I work with right now who hired me to give her a 6-week program of nutrition and exercise for weight loss, despite my hesistation not to. The first time I put "run 2 minutes..." on the plan, suddenly she had a slew of medical conditions which prohibited her to run. Funny, cuz she never mentioned them on her pre-screening questionnaire :). I'd much rather stick with runners/athletes.
3. What's a common mistake you see with people who self-train? Do you have any advice for them?
I see many but one big one is no strength training. Advice: strength train. It will make you a more efficient runner by helping your running economy and making you stronger for those last hard miles in a marathon - and will make you faster!
4. How much time do you spend on treadmills and how much running on ground that doesn't move?
I actually do a lot of treadmill running because 1) I have horrible allergies and living in a semi-arid climate causes a lot of dust and allergens in the air which play havoc on my sinuses. 2) I have been hospitalized twice for dehydration so to abate carrying so much water with me, the treadmill allows me to refuel frequently. But when I am marathon training, I do like to run along trail on a creek, it's very pretty with great views of the Rockie Mountains - and there are frequent gas I have marked out so I can stop to refuel my water. And in the summer, I do love to run in the mountains as much as possible. It's a commute, though, so do not get up there as often as I wish - but it also makes it that much more special when I do.
Recommendation:
I started working with Jill 12 weeks ago. In that time I've improved my PR in the 5k by 40 seconds and in the 10k by 5 minutes!
Jill was able to build up my confidence with her deep experience. She exposed me to the proper race-time demands, an energy- and muscle-building nutrition plan, a cross training plan to build up my strength and aversion to injuries, and a varied and interesting weekly plan that altered based on my progress and my overall time constraints. She help me understand the basics of running including the exercises, tools, and drills involved. Not only was she a help in training, but here confidence in me before races and before some of the more demanding training weeks helped me strengthen my own desire to improve and tackle objectives that would have been impossible even a few months ago.
I would highly recommend her to runners that have a desire to experience professional guidance and want to improve their running abilities to reach - what seem to be - impossible goals.
Merry Christmas Jill, this is my gift to you!
* because I sent my gift and it was received already and I don't really care about anything else!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Clever Story of the Nativity and Appeal
I received this link from Peter a friend of mine from school, definitely pass it along if you think it's a clever commentary of how we do things online today.
=====
On Monday I'll review Jill's blog and have a short little interview with her. Then I recommend a few other blogs for you that you may have missed (I like snooping and reading everyone's blog but these are a few that have helped me improve my running).
Appeal:
Drop me a note if you think I need to follow a blog. I definitely don't follow back all my followers (although I want to) because not all of them have a way of finding their own blog. So please include your blog below in the comments. I thank you and will check it out. Others will find it interesting too.
Regardless of whether you know I visit regularly, advertise your blog in the comments!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Some Favorite Blogs: SUAR (UPDATED)
Background:
I have a few very favorite blogs that I visit, and I remember the urls by heart - and they coincide with my early blog readers! One is not boring, one guy talks about Dairy Queen (DQ or something), another the guy can't afford shoes, still another is a fast runner from Minnesota that chicks everyone but does it cutely, then there's the quality assurance guy that runs beside elephants and gazelles in the off-season. Then there are a bunch of friends of these people from Phoenix, Socal, mid-west, Canada - then there are all those young runners, one known by one letter (usually followed by a "u"), or abfest from the southwest, or the runner that doesn't run in races but has a laundry basket for everyone ... the list goes on and on.
But I thought I would wax poetic about a blog I read on a regular basis (but comment on a little less): Shut up and Run.
Shut up and Run:
Beth, the author, is currently suffering from an injury and is trying to maintain her sanity by doing pool workouts. She posts at least 6 times a week, and runs contests often.
If I could describe her blog in three phrases that would describe at least 75% of the posts I remember it would be:
1 . How has blogging improved your experience as a runner?
Blogging has made me a better runner (emotionally, mentally and physically) for two reasons:
#1 The incredible support of the blogging community. I know if I get a PR, run a solid race, have a great training run, crap in a tree or BQ there will be comments of sincere heartfelt congratulations (or pity when it comes to the crap). Yet, on the flip side, if I incur a stress fracture in my hip the week before my marathon, there is even a more significant outpouring of support. When I got my injury, I had almost 200 comments within a few hours. It blew me away. I just sat at the computer, tears rolling down my face.
#2 - The blog keeps me honest, accountable and motivated. I'm pretty disciplined and don't have much trouble getting out there to do my workouts. However, if there is something I'm scared to try or if I'm thinking about quitting a workout, race or anything, I remember the blog community and feel them rooting for me. Weird to be so impacted by so many people I've never met, but it's a powerful posse that way.
2. What do you find tough about blogging?
Not much. It's my most favorite thing to do. A hobby, really. I get lost in it. The writing never feels forced or strained. I will say, that every time I publish a post I take a deep breath wondering how it will be received. Will people think I've finally lost my mind? Will they identify with even a smidge of what I'm saying? Will they be offended? You would be surprised how much I care about what people think. However, just because I care does not mean I censor or change what I write. Everything I write is completely 100% authentic and from the heart. I think when you put yourself out there, you have to be prepared to be criticized and judged. 99% of the time this doesn’t happen, but when it does I try to take it with a grain of salt. And a glass or two of wine.
3.Do you meet regularly with other runners that you met first through blogging?
No, not often. I have gotten together with local runners/bloggers a couple of times (Jill & Tara) and I got to meet boring Adam in Denver this fall. This past weekend I met Chris K (BQ or Die) in Boulder, which was really cool. What I can’t wait for is the Boston Marathon in April – it will be the blogger meetup of the century. I’ll get to see some favorites in the flesh (Emz, Misszippy, Meg, Tall Mom, Hungry Runner Girl, Aron, Marathon Maiden, Bethany & Ryan to name a few). I really want to organize a blogger flash mob. In the nude.
I have some bloggers/readers contacting me and we email pretty regularly, but I don't necessarily get together with them. It's not that I don't want to, it's just that I can barely keep my head above water as it is with family, work, blogging, working out that it is tough to set up times to meet people. Plus, I'm pretty sure no one wants to run in the deep end with me. Maybe when I get my new bathing suit.
I have a few very favorite blogs that I visit, and I remember the urls by heart - and they coincide with my early blog readers! One is not boring, one guy talks about Dairy Queen (DQ or something), another the guy can't afford shoes, still another is a fast runner from Minnesota that chicks everyone but does it cutely, then there's the quality assurance guy that runs beside elephants and gazelles in the off-season. Then there are a bunch of friends of these people from Phoenix, Socal, mid-west, Canada - then there are all those young runners, one known by one letter (usually followed by a "u"), or abfest from the southwest, or the runner that doesn't run in races but has a laundry basket for everyone ... the list goes on and on.
But I thought I would wax poetic about a blog I read on a regular basis (but comment on a little less): Shut up and Run.
Shut up and Run:
Beth, the author, is currently suffering from an injury and is trying to maintain her sanity by doing pool workouts. She posts at least 6 times a week, and runs contests often.
If I could describe her blog in three phrases that would describe at least 75% of the posts I remember it would be:
- toilet humor,
- endurance running,
- Dean Karnazes
She's been getting very deeply thoughtful in her writing every few days, and I'm enjoying it more.
As of writing this post she:
- has 1025 blog followers,
- is the Boulder Colorado Running Examiner
- is a RRCA running coach
- runs in all distances and has done a tri
- has done over 20 product reviews of interest to female (and male) runners
- is also pretty famous outside of her blog on newspapers, tv, radio, road signs ...
3 questions for Beth (Beth's responses in yellow):
1 . How has blogging improved your experience as a runner?
Blogging has made me a better runner (emotionally, mentally and physically) for two reasons:
#1 The incredible support of the blogging community. I know if I get a PR, run a solid race, have a great training run, crap in a tree or BQ there will be comments of sincere heartfelt congratulations (or pity when it comes to the crap). Yet, on the flip side, if I incur a stress fracture in my hip the week before my marathon, there is even a more significant outpouring of support. When I got my injury, I had almost 200 comments within a few hours. It blew me away. I just sat at the computer, tears rolling down my face.
#2 - The blog keeps me honest, accountable and motivated. I'm pretty disciplined and don't have much trouble getting out there to do my workouts. However, if there is something I'm scared to try or if I'm thinking about quitting a workout, race or anything, I remember the blog community and feel them rooting for me. Weird to be so impacted by so many people I've never met, but it's a powerful posse that way.
2. What do you find tough about blogging?
Not much. It's my most favorite thing to do. A hobby, really. I get lost in it. The writing never feels forced or strained. I will say, that every time I publish a post I take a deep breath wondering how it will be received. Will people think I've finally lost my mind? Will they identify with even a smidge of what I'm saying? Will they be offended? You would be surprised how much I care about what people think. However, just because I care does not mean I censor or change what I write. Everything I write is completely 100% authentic and from the heart. I think when you put yourself out there, you have to be prepared to be criticized and judged. 99% of the time this doesn’t happen, but when it does I try to take it with a grain of salt. And a glass or two of wine.
3.Do you meet regularly with other runners that you met first through blogging?
No, not often. I have gotten together with local runners/bloggers a couple of times (Jill & Tara) and I got to meet boring Adam in Denver this fall. This past weekend I met Chris K (BQ or Die) in Boulder, which was really cool. What I can’t wait for is the Boston Marathon in April – it will be the blogger meetup of the century. I’ll get to see some favorites in the flesh (Emz, Misszippy, Meg, Tall Mom, Hungry Runner Girl, Aron, Marathon Maiden, Bethany & Ryan to name a few). I really want to organize a blogger flash mob. In the nude.
I have some bloggers/readers contacting me and we email pretty regularly, but I don't necessarily get together with them. It's not that I don't want to, it's just that I can barely keep my head above water as it is with family, work, blogging, working out that it is tough to set up times to meet people. Plus, I'm pretty sure no one wants to run in the deep end with me. Maybe when I get my new bathing suit.
* * *
I thought I would help you all shop for blogs this Christmas. I recommend you check out Beth's blog. you will definitely enjoy yourselves!
Merry Christmas Beth, this is my gift to you!
Monday, December 13, 2010
with head full of brains and shoes full of feet
As you all know Jill is taking me places I haven't been before.
I have revealed a few things about my coaching, but since J.P. has been on the case, I've actually posted a lot less running stuff on the site. The following is an excerpt of my training. It is something that has framed my attention to my plan, the weight I place on each week in the big plan, and the desire and drive I bring to each run, drill, exercise, stretch, nutrient, breathe and stride.
On the surface you will laugh at this, but it is sheer brilliance. Watch this when you think you've lost your mojo.
=====
P.S. Thanks for all the great comments on my Video Race Repot
I have revealed a few things about my coaching, but since J.P. has been on the case, I've actually posted a lot less running stuff on the site. The following is an excerpt of my training. It is something that has framed my attention to my plan, the weight I place on each week in the big plan, and the desire and drive I bring to each run, drill, exercise, stretch, nutrient, breathe and stride.
On the surface you will laugh at this, but it is sheer brilliance. Watch this when you think you've lost your mojo.
=====
P.S. Thanks for all the great comments on my Video Race Repot
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Burlington 5k Race Report
Target pace: 6:11 (9:57 / mi)
| Split | pace/k | pace/mi |
| 1 K | 5:53 | 9:24 |
| 2 K | 6:12 | 9:56 |
| 3 K* | 6:22 | 10:12 |
| 4 K | 6:09 | 9:51 |
| 5 K | 6:07 | 9:47 |
Avg HR: 150
Max HR: 166
I fought with myself from about 3.5k to about 4.75k. But a strong (coaching!) voice kept telling me "you've been killing your speed work" and I kept speeding up to match/surpass my target pace.
It was AWESOME !!!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Burlington Santa Suit 5k Race Result
Improved on my 11 week old PR by 35 seconds! Thanks Jill!
Thanks for all the well wishes everyone. I read them this morning when I was getting dressed.
Full race report tomorrow with videos!
My sportstats results are here.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Take a Deep Breath!!!
The race strategy will be to run at least 3.5 k at 6:11 min/k or 9:54 min /mi. Then to use Jill's words, "Finish Strong!".
The Bib is cool, is says "Santa Andrew" on it and the race chip for my shoe is a throw-away with a Santa face on it!
There are 2709 people registered for the race so far!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The Pre-Race Report: Santa Suit 5k
Here's the route and a couple of videos from the last two years of this race.
The route is a little confusing ... from the start we run through the finish, then take a loop out on Lakeshore to make up the length properly, then loop through the downtown, and through the start again to the finish at the end of the street.
Still lots of spots to sign up - there's no limit to the sign-ups.
Here's the video's from the previous two years:
2008:
2009:
I'm still trying to get Jill to get me a race strategy.
I think it will be "Run Fast in a Santa Suit".
Still lots of spots to sign up - there's no limit to the sign-ups.
Here's the video's from the previous two years:
2008:
2009:
I'm still trying to get Jill to get me a race strategy.
I think it will be "Run Fast in a Santa Suit".
Friday, December 3, 2010
30:46 - Performance Anxiety
I have 7 more days left until my next race - the Santa Suit 5k.
When I ran my first 5k, I ran a 5k race every Wednesday of every week of the 7 that preceded the race week. I started my watch, and then ran the 5k distance as fast as I could. I did see a lot of progress in my running. However, in the last 9 Weeks I have been "scientifically" training so I don't actually do a no-holds-barred gut-wrenching Tempo run once a week. I don't think my first 5k training plan got me super ready in the best way possible, but I didn't know what I didn't know and I was blissfully unaware of lots of things and therefore a little less anxious. My training helped me prepare mentally for my result. I think that I don't throw myself into the uncomfortable running zone enough in my training - but maybe because I am more fit and don't need to.
...
One thing I did do before my first 5k was visualize the whole race, look at the elevation map, plan out how I will run, at what pace, where, etc. Now I have no idea about the route, temperature and how it will feel running in a Santa Suit. This race is given through the Running Room and they are usually a little weak on this type of information.
...
I also have no real pre-race ritual. I still don't know how to fuel and hydrate properly for these things, but the one thing I know is that for the short 5k and 10k distances I'm not going to run with music.
...
This week (Week 10 in my coached training) is going to teach me how to fuel properly, how to visualize, and how to have less worries about my training preparation. So my 5k goal is 30:46.
I'm starting to gain confidence by re-reading this.
Congrats Adam!
I initially said this training period under Jill would concentrate on weight-loss and improving fitness, with the added benefit (hopefully) of increased speed. These two goals are being attained regularly so I am happy of my progress. I also some-what jokingly said that I wanted to run 5k at 16 minutes on my 50th birthday. So this means I need to improve my 5k time every week by running just 4 seconds faster! That's it. 52 weeks times 5 years times 4 seconds is about 17 minutes improvement. That means that this 10 weeks I need to see an improvement of 37 seconds to stay on track!
But I am anxious about the race. I want to do well. I want a new PR.
...
When I ran my first 5k, I ran a 5k race every Wednesday of every week of the 7 that preceded the race week. I started my watch, and then ran the 5k distance as fast as I could. I did see a lot of progress in my running. However, in the last 9 Weeks I have been "scientifically" training so I don't actually do a no-holds-barred gut-wrenching Tempo run once a week. I don't think my first 5k training plan got me super ready in the best way possible, but I didn't know what I didn't know and I was blissfully unaware of lots of things and therefore a little less anxious. My training helped me prepare mentally for my result. I think that I don't throw myself into the uncomfortable running zone enough in my training - but maybe because I am more fit and don't need to.
...
One thing I did do before my first 5k was visualize the whole race, look at the elevation map, plan out how I will run, at what pace, where, etc. Now I have no idea about the route, temperature and how it will feel running in a Santa Suit. This race is given through the Running Room and they are usually a little weak on this type of information.
...
I also have no real pre-race ritual. I still don't know how to fuel and hydrate properly for these things, but the one thing I know is that for the short 5k and 10k distances I'm not going to run with music.
...
This week (Week 10 in my coached training) is going to teach me how to fuel properly, how to visualize, and how to have less worries about my training preparation. So my 5k goal is 30:46.
I'm starting to gain confidence by re-reading this.
Congrats Adam!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Congratulations Adam!
I've just received a telegram ... ok a Facebook post:
"I would like to introduce you to Hayden. He was born on December 2nd at 10:25am. He was 6 pounds, 7 oz and is 19" long. From what I can tell he likes sleeping, watching his parents, and cat calling the new-born girls in the nursery."
source: Adam the boring runner!
"I would like to introduce you to Hayden. He was born on December 2nd at 10:25am. He was 6 pounds, 7 oz and is 19" long. From what I can tell he likes sleeping, watching his parents, and cat calling the new-born girls in the nursery."
source: Adam the boring runner!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
My November Totals
| Sep | Oct | Nov | |
| Total Kms: | 102 | 174.7 | 203.4 |
| Total Miles: | 63.75 | 109.2 | 127.1 |
| HCC/Core Drills: | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Weight Workouts: | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| 5K Races | 1 | - | - |
| 10K Races | - | 1 | - |
| Fastest 500 m | 2:49 (9:00/mi) | 2:43 (8:41/mi) | 2:44 (8:44/mi) |
| Longest Run | 11 km 6.9 mi | 13.02 km 8.14 mi | 16.55 km 10.3 mi |
| End of Month Weight | 263 lbs. | 255 lbs. | 248 lbs |
Since I'm actually not trying to run fast for just 500m, my lack of progression in that category is not yet worrisome. Both October and November have been scientifically coached months for me. I have a 5k race this month in a Santa Suit on Saturday Dec 11 in Burlington.
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