Marathon Training Week 3 | 5K numero tre: Firecracker 5K Run
Welcome to week 3 of marathon training! If you click on the activity links after the dates, it will take you to the Garmin connect website for full stats.
Day 15 | Monday, June 29: Cross-train for 30 minutes
The only cross-training I felt like doing when I got home on Monday was moving back and forth from the pantry to the couch*.
But, there was an intervention by the US Postal Service! Jen generously offered to send me her yoga DVD after my “Yoga fail” post, and it arrived! I was too excited not to try it.
She included a nice letter, telling me how happy she was knowing the DVD would go to good use. She mentioned that another friend sent her some books, and this was her way of returning the random act of kindness by “paying it forward.” I will have to do that as well!
A letter and DVD from Jen!
The DVD is Louise Solomon’s Total Body Toner. She mixes yoga and pilates and calls is “Yogalates.” The DVD is set up into 4 segments – abs, upper body, lower body, and total body. I decided just to start with abs (which she called “abdominals/waist/pelvic floor”). I even got Steven to try it.
Louise Solomon is fairly annoying, and we both felt like she was forcing us to breathe and go through the moves too fast, but I felt like it was a good way to force myself to stretch. Because sometimes, I don’t stretch before or after running.
My favorite yoga pose – nap time
*I didn’t get to do this cross-traning. I feel asleep after dinner while Steven was watching Valkyrie, and woke up to him making popcorn for us and Data**. Yum!
**Data LOVES popcorn. It is the only human food he eats, besides fish.
Yoga time: 20:00 (est.)
Day 16 | Tuesday, June 30: Run 3 miles
Tuesday was another speedy 3-miler with Erin. I think we should do a 5K together. I bet we could push each other to sub 25:00. I wrote that crossed out section on Tuesday night, then read her Wednesday post and she suggested the same thing! We signed up to run the Rally for Autism 5K together on August 15th! She also had the idea to volunteer with the PAWS group at the Elvis is Alive 5K on August 6th. I am so excited! I have been wanting to volunteer at a 5K for quite some time.
It was 65°F and overcast when we ran – perfect conditions for a run if you ask me! I think I do best in cooler temps. We ran hard, but I didn’t get as sweaty as I normally do, so I skipped the shower (shh!!!), changed right back into my work clothes (another skirt) and went back to my desk. I know hotter days are ahead, so I am grateful for a simple workout like this! And I am really starting to get into the swing of the midday workout. I really look forward to it – it’s a nice break!
As a side note, perfect running weather does not translate into perfect sand volleyball weather. I am in a Tuesday night league with some coworkers, and it’s been gloomy every time we have played so far (okay, just two times).
Wonderful volleyball weather! Not!
Distance: 3.09 miles | Time: 26:42 | 1: 8:23 | 2: 8:56| 3: 8:35 | 4: 00:46
Volleyball time: 45 minutes
Day 17 | Wednesday, July 1: Run 5 miles
Wednesday was another day of shockingly cool temps. Steven joined me for the first two miles and the fourth mile of this run, then did sprints while I did the fifth. And that is after he did P90X Legs & Back and Ab RipperX. He is hardcore.
My splits are all over the place. Oh well. It was supposed to be a comfortable run, and I did what felt comfortable! It was almost like a tempo run. Almost. Okay, a BIG almost.
I wore one of my anti-nip shirts. I am nipping out, but you can’t tell, because the shirt is so swirly!
Distance: 5.01 miles | Time: 45:16| 1: 9:15 | 2: 9:24 | 3: 8:46 | 4: 9:39 | 5: 8:09 | 6: 00:02
Day 18 | Thursday, July 2: Run 3 miles
Since we were driving to Guttenberg, IA on Thursday night, I decided to save time in the evening by running during lunch. But sadly, without my lunchtime running buddy, Erin.
I was super hungry before my run (after having oatmeal, cereal, a banana, and an apple) so I had a pack of Watermelon Luna Moons. I like the way the Luna Moons taste, but they are impossbily chewy! The only way for me to eat them is before a run when I can pick the bits out of my teeth!
I ran to the Adler Planetarium and back. I think it might be time to take this “comfortable” pace advise more seriously. I think I am pushing myself too hard. I feel fine now, but don’t want to get burned out.
I had my cell phone with me, so I took some crooked pictures while I was running! (Like in that movie Yes Man, Steven pointed out.)
Crossing Lake Shore Drive is a royal pain in the a$$. I had to stop both times. This is the only time the Chicago crossing guards have come in handy, in my experience!
I see my goal…
…and back to Chicago!
It is SO windy right by the lake! This definitely slowed me down!
The Ferris wheel at the Taste of Chicago
The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies
Distance: 3.01 miles | Time: 25:22 | 1: 8:25 | 2: 8:31 | 3: 8:22 | 4: 00:02
Day 19 | Friday, July 3: Rest
Day 20 | Saturday, July 4: Run 5 miles at marathon pace
I just can’t say no. My grandma called me on Thursday and said, “There is a 5K in the neighboring town of Garnavillo at 8:00 am on the 4th! Do you want me to call and get the info?” How cute. Of course I want you to, Grandma. Even though I wasn’t planning on running a 5K!
My parents, grandparents, aunt, sister and her boyfriend, and Steven walked the 5K while I ran it. I started off entirely too fast. I am not really sure what I was thinking. I know I was expecting less people to be running, but there must have been at least 50 people there, and at least 10 finished in front of me.
My grandpa, aunt, me, Steven, my mom and grandma
I won my age group with a time of 24:51 (a new PR), but was the only one in my age group! I won a free pancake breakfast, which I gave to Steven.
After I was done with the 5K, I ran back to Steven and we finished together. Then I finished off my scheduled 5-miler pretty far away from my 9:00 minute mile marathon pace goal.
Distance: 5.01 miles | Time: 43:33 | 1: 7:46 | 2: 8:12 | 3: 8:17 | 4: 9:44 | 5: 9:29 | 6: 00:02
Day 21 | Sunday, July 5: Run 6 miles
This run was super slow, because I ran so hard the day before and because my wrist hurt. Steven kept me company by riding a bike with me while I was running.
Distance: 6.01 miles | Time: 01:03:45 | 1: 10:47 | 2: 10:48 | 3: 10:59 | 4: 11:00 | 5: 10:34 | 6: 9:30 | 7: 00:04
Week Summary: 22 Miles
I have stuff to say, but am having such a hard time typing with one hand, it will have to wait.
Themocracy
Great details about your running progress. You go girl!
My wife is starting to do yoga now, doctors orders since she found out she has a crushed sciatic nerve. I’ve talked about joining her, but needing to continue my progress of getting back into a regular routine of exercise.
“Anti-nip shirt” is cracking me up! I think I need to get some like that though.
Wow, that was a lot of typing for one hand! I love your cute running shirts that hide nip action.
Oooh, you ran south on the lakefront path? We’ll have to try that next time we run together. I’ve never gone south on the path. Also, I am jealous of your ability to take photos with your camera phone while running. Mine always turn out super blurry.
And 24:51? Oh my god. That is an AMAZING time. Seriously.
I’m intrigued by the Yogalates. Sounds like the combination would be right up my alley. Although, I get irritated when the instructors go too fast. Sometimes I think it’s best to watch the video through a few times before actually attempting it so that you don’t spend half your time trying to figure out what you should be doing.
I loved running on the lake path…so jealous!
Congrats on winning your age group! No need to tell anyone that you were the only one in the group.
You may have read about them on my blog, but I HIGHLY recommend Honey Stinger energy chews. I used them for my marathon, which you saw worked well for me. 🙂 I’d tried Clif Shot Bloks and Luna Moons, but they’re all way too chewy for me. The Honey Stingers are easy to chew and don’t stick to your teeth, especially if you’ve been carrying them close to your body…they kind of melt a little in your mouth since they’re already warm! I need a Honey Stinger sponsorship, haha.
Awesome week of running–especially your 5K PR! I’m sorry that I missed you on Friday in Chicago–we got in around noon. 🙁 I ran by Adler on Friday morning at 7am, what a coincidence (I guess?). I remember thinking, “Geez, it really curves a lot down here by the planetarium.” We’ll have to get together again for a run together–for real. That is, if I can keep up with you.
Congrats on the 5-K – that is awesome!!! Your grandma is adorable…I couldn’t turn that down, either.
Sorry about your wrist. 🙁 But that looked like so. much. fun. I did something similar in high school (but it was just on a random grassy hill) but I’m such a weenie these days. Old age, maybe??
i want want want want to get into running like you have, but i’m just not sure i have it in me! the last two runs i’ve taken i get these flashes of “hey! this isn’t so bad! i could keep doing this for a while!” moments….. right before i have to grind to a halt and walk for a minute or 2 because i’m about to die. soooo i’m not sure what my brain is trying to convince me of.. 😉
martymankins – I am the same way – if I am going to be working out, I want to do cardio, not slow stretching!
tori – I got that top from the Kohl’s on Rollins. They have a fun workout selection!
Holly – Don’t worry, I had it almost entirely typed up! Phew!
Erin – We WILL have to go south! It’s just so windy! But fun for something different. Thanks! I bet our 5K time will be right around there! I think I should have watched the video first. It’s so silly to be laying on the floor, craning your neck trying to see the screen!
Susan- Thanks 😉 I have been looking for the Honey Stinger Chews since you mentioned them. Where did you buy them? I saw that brand at Dominick’s, but they didn’t have the chews. Steven and I have been keeping an eye out for them since we want to try them!
Mica – I hope you had a fun time in Chicago! We will meet up for sure! Or at least I will cheer you on when you are running the marathon!!!
Holly – Not old age – it’s sense! LOL! And thanks 🙂 I thought it was cute that she called, all excited!
Alice – That’s how running starts! It takes awhile to build up your endurance. Keep at it, it’ll get easier! 🙂
Awesome job on the training and the AG award AND PR. 🙂
Haha! Wow, I feel so famous with my shout out and picture. Thanks! I knew you’d find her annoying. I actually really disliked her ab workout, she just talks and talks… No yoga until that wrist heals though! She doesn’t yap as much on the other ones.
Lol at the anti-nip shirt! Too bad you can’t get Data to go on your runs with you. My cats go on the dog walks and get quite a work out. When we get home they flop onto the floor panting. I wish I could tell you how to get them to do it, but they just started following us one day!
Jeri – Thanks 😀
Jen512 – I am sad I cannot do yoga for awhile 🙁 Does she talk less in the other workouts? I hope so! I wish Data would run with me. We take him out on the leash, but we follow him, not the other way around! 😉
Lol! Data on a leash, please take pictures next time! My husband tried that with Ecko, but she wasn’t having it. BTW, love your new header, such a pretty boy!
Jen512 – Check it out – a pic and vids – http://www.ilaxstudio.com/blog/2009/04/11/walking-data/! Work on it with Ecko. She’ll start to like it! And thanks 🙂
P.S. I hope you don’t mind that I am totally stealing your photos of the to and from Adler for my post on today’s run. I’ll credit you, I promise! And I’ll save them to my own hosting place, too 🙂
Erin – Don’t mind at all! 🙂