Sunday, October 31, 2010

I have a running problem!


 Sat. I had a 19-20 mile run planned.  The plan for the week was to end with 70 miles, and have Sunday off from running.  I use the  “I Just Ran” app on FB, and noticed after my Sat run that I had 248.72 miles for the month of Oct.  Yikes, what now?  250 would be nice, a new record high for me, and I may never get this high again.  I asked the question on fb, and of course it was unanimous to go for the 250.  It’s just 1.23 miles after all.  A good way to stretch out the legs after a 19 miler, right? 

So then I look at the weekly mileage and I have 71 miles, so if I add the 1.23 miles or 2 miles to make it even, then I am very close to 75 miles for the week, a new high, also.  What to do, what to do?  I posted the 2nd question on fb, and my enabling friends suggested I go for the 4 miles.  I enlisted the help of a friend to help with a slow 4 miler, and Vicki volunteered.    So we did it.   It was a sunny beautiful run and it was nice to stretch the legs out. 
(Thanks to my fb friends for the encouragement)

New personal records:
This week - 75 miles
This month - Oct. – 253 miles

I will honor my body with a day off on Monday, instead of Sunday.  Thank you body, for carrying me through my insane quest, to a new high.

Sat. long run data:
1st 6 miles – 9:20 pace
12 miles – 8:47 pace
1 mile c/d @ 10:30 pace
Avg. for 18 miles was 8:59 pace

This was the first real test of my training this cycle, and testing the higher mileage. 19 miles - the goal was to run 12 @ MRP (marathon race pace - 8:45) First 6 on rolling hills - 9:20 avg, 12 @ 8:47 avg pace - just west of Epley to USM, 1 mile c/d @ 10:30. 18 miles - 8:59 avg. Ran on the flat asphalt trail to "up the odds" of hitting my goal, but this run was NOT easy. If I'm being honest, it was a little tougher than it should have been for 12 miles @ MRP, on a flat course. Currently, I'm sticking with the plan, and hoping my body adjusts to the higher mileage, and when I get to the taper I will reach a new level of fitness. I feel good as far as handling the mileage, but I think my key runs should be a little faster and a little easier, considering the mileage. I started this as an experiment. I may be too old experienced for the higher mileage, but I'm not giving in yet. I want to go through with the full test, and then evaluate. Chad even mentioned it may take 2 marathon training cycles for my body to adjust to it....YIKES! (I could totally see that may be true, BUT) I dunno about that.... to be continued...

 Thankful that I am healthy, and able to go after silly, meaningless goals.


 I'm also thankful for friendly dogs.  I hate I couldn't get a good pic of him.  He was a cutie X 10.  If he was a mean dog, I would have been toast.  He came running up behind me at high speed, but it was all good.  He wasn't to sure about my camera.  I snapped a couple of bad shots, and then he ran home as fast as he ran up behind me.  



15 comments:

Julie said...

Wow Ginny!! You are a running machine:) Awesome miles that you have busted out for the month of October! Your training is going well and your pace is impressive:) Keep up the great work!

Chris K said...

Rock solid run and week. I'm impressed with your 19 mile avg pace. Looks like you are in great shape for you Marathon in Dec!

Jennifer said...

Wow! What a week! What a month! Glad I could be part of it in some small way. Hope next week is excellent too.

Lindsay said...

whoa crazy mileage!! nice job girl! i would've had to round it up as well :)

glad that dog was friendly - those can be some stressful moments where a strange dog is running up after you.

Unknown said...

YOU-ARE-AMAZING. What a strong body and mind you have, truly an inspiration!!! You will be so fit and ready for your marathon!!

Pining for Pinterest said...

It always freaks me out when there are dogs outside! Way to go on that mileage! Have a wonderful week :)

HappyTrails said...

Great job on your big week! You will do just fine on your long runs - the body will adapt - not only will you be physically ready but the mind will be, too. Just remember to take your rest days to avoid any little injuries. I, too, love FRIENDLY dogs! Have a great week!

Robbie said...

Can I borrow half your brain?? Sometimes getting mine to do what I want it to is troublesome; my body wants to run things my mind questions.

WOW!! What a fantastic week you had! Congratulations x 100!!!! You so deserve it. Don't know that I would have made it passed the dog; especially one "running" up to you. I probably would have died and never reached my goal! Then probably eaten and no one would have known I was trying to accomplish the mileage. Great job!

Jill said...

Oh, I need to get on FB more - I miss all the good stuff. I'd have definitely voted for the added mileage...just be careful and back off if you feel an injury coming on (such as heel pain - ha). You're going to be so so soooo ready for Huntsville!! So wish I was going ...maybe one day soon :).

Bethany + Ryan said...

wow!!! thats A LOT of miles!!!! my highest monthly mileage was 202! thats impressive!!! WTG! :-)

RunToTheFinish said...

oh my gosh that is hilarious!! runners are so funny with our numbers! glad you are healthy and loving your running

Emz said...

Holy crazy awesome!!
75 in a week!!
Awesome.
Freaking awesome!!

RunToTheFinish said...

here is a link to last years spreadsheet https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AhbETT30s23EdG9KVHZtRXdjcnFIUXFlUFlWYkRabmc&hl=en

Adam Culp (Crazy Floridian) said...

Nice job on the mileage. I am amazed at how good high mileage feels...or it may be the Udo's Oil. I am giving it a try for a month, but so far it is living up to the claims. Cut my recovery time by 1/3rd.

Unknown said...

that is a WHITE dog....... and you are amazing!! Ruth