So MANY thoughts today. Will try to keep it brief, but ....warning...brief - not my strong point.
First, I want to say, I realize I repeat things on this blog, often. I am not totally crazy yet, I repeat because there may be a new person reading this blog for the first time. So if you read this blog often, I'm sorry for the repeats.
Yeah, you got it, I'm about to repeat something.
Heat has a huge negative affect on me. (weekly post, sorry)
The data!Roots & Shoots 5k last Sat.- I ran the 5k - the temp was warm, the course was easy rolling hills. 23:25 MHR 166 - 90% (7:39, 7:39, 7:49, :25)
Gimme Shelter 5k today (1 week later) - the temp was cooler and less humidity - more challenging course,( in my opinion) 23:06 - MHR - 163 - 88% (7:29, 7:29, 7:34, :32)
So even with the course being a little more difficult, this week, with the slightly cooler temps., I was able to run a much better race.
Note: (there was one other subtle difference - prior to the Roots and Shoots 5k I had 40 miles , because I'm tapering a little for the Snickers marathon, prior to the Gimme Shelter race, I had 30 miles. I'm sure the 10 mile difference helped today, but overall, I believe, the difference in the heat and humidity was the biggest reason for the improvement)
* it was interesting to me that miles 1 and 2 in each race, were the same.
Now for the BEST part.
The 23:06 5k time from the Gimme Shelter race, tied my 2008 5k PR (personal record). Yes, it's been a LONG time since I ran a PR in the 5k. If only I could focus on the 5k, I KNOW I can go sub 23 (marathons "suck me in" and take my focus away from the 5k training).Had I realized I was so close, I KNOW I could have run 23:05, ha! I wasn't expecting to run that much faster than last week. But I am happy to be back to - "near 5K PR land."
What does it mean? I use the 5ks as quality workouts, but I also use the 5ks to judge my level of fitness for my upcoming marathons. So with the results from today, and Snickers being 1 week away, I am VERY happy with it. I'm peaking at the RIGHT time. Now just need some good racing weather in Albany, GA next Sat.
Speaking of Albany and the Snickers marathon,
I'm asking everyone to "Pick a Mile" again.
A few of you will remember, I did this prior to the St. George marathon 2009. This was my BIG race, my BIG BQ attempt, attempt number 15 - ha ha (seriously - it took me 15 marathons to BQ). So prior to SGM, I asked bloggers, friends, family, etc. to pick a mile from miles 18-25. These are the TOUGH miles for me. So I asked people to pick a mile, and to think of me on race day , and to send good thoughts my way. Apparently it worked because I did, in fact, BQ on that day.
So, I'm seriously feeling like I CAN PR in this race, (if the stars, moon, etc. are in alignment) but I'm asking for assistance again.
******Please pick a mile, any mile 18 - 25. These are the tough ones, and I need your help. If you use mantras, please share one with me, if not, any encouraging words will do. ******
Snickers 26.2 is SATURDAY March 5th 7:00 am EST
Other random thoughts from today:
* after a WISE blogger's recommendation, I bought some new running shorts. I ran the 5k in them, so they are now lucky shorts. I will run a few more runs in them, but so far - I have a new LOVE! They are so comfy! I may live the rest of the summer in them. I will do the test runs, and then do a follow-up report with the brand....hint be saving your pennies.
* the much mentioned "race weight" - I managed to drop the Christmas weight and then I was "stuck", with 3 lbs to go. I'm ok with it, in fact, I've been lifting a fair amount of weights, so it's ok, but the thought DEFINITELY entered my mind today...."if I had lost the last 3 lbs., to get to MY preferred race weight, I WOULD have a new PR in the 5k instead of a tie. :) :)
* I have poor man's TV and I forgot to stop and pick up movies after the 5k today. Do any of you know exactly HOW VERY SAD POOR MAN's TV is on the weekends?
What I'm doing right?
* I replenished the veggies and fruit today. Will have a very healthy final week before the race next Sat.
* I've been MUCH better about lifting weights this year - yay!
* still drinking at least 64 ounces of water each day, and limiting the diet drinks to 1 per day, (except the 1 day, I had 2 - it was a race day - I splurged)
32 comments:
Yea Ginny! I can't believe matching your 5K PR, I know how much that means to you! I had totally forgotten about this race, gosh I am getting old, didn't we just talk about it?.. Wow, I know how happy you are, bodes well for Snickers! Next weekend will be fun for many of us! BTW I pick mile 24.
I'm definitely feeling the heat! I read about the Snickers marathon on your blog earlier and I really wanted to do it - unfortunately that's my weekend to work :( But I can't wait to hear your race report; maybe I can do it next year. Outstanding 5k!
I pick mile 23. My mantra is: Only 3 more miles; anyone can run 3 miles. You've got this!
Can I pick mile 25, the one after Jenn?
Here's what I want you to think about...
"Quick leg turn over, knees up, smile on my face and I charge on!"
Big hugs, I'm so excited for you!!!
** The quick leg turn over has worked 100% percent for me this training period when I get to the fatigue part of any workout. Totally works, I promise!!
:)
Your 5K time is AWESOME, Your running accomplishments are an inspiration, and You are going to rock the Snickers 26.2! I pick mile 20. My mantra is "Think Strong, Be Strong, Finish Strong". I have a few friends that are running the Snickers as well so I will be sure to add you to my list of "sending good running vibes" on Saturday! I was hoping to do it but opted for a bike race in Valdosta. Best of luck to you girl! Happy Running.
I'll chat you up on mile 21!
Here is hoping for cool weather next weekend.
Great job on your training, you are ready for the marathon!!!! Good luck!!
Hi there! For your tough miles, do what i do and 1. tell yourself you are Superwoman and 2. remind yourself of all your accomplishments. It always works for me, because I get an instant confidence boost and am reminded of all the races it took me to get to that tough spot in the race. If you look back on all the other tough spots and remember how you broke through them, I guaratnee you'll get through that rough spot.
Darn! I wanted mile 25 :) Ok - I'll take mile 20 - only a 10k to go. Piece of cake (or a snickers bar...)
Karen - I hope to have several people for each of the miles, so pick any mile that you want.
Assign us your hardest mile and we're there cheering you on! I am not a huge mantra person but I do have my little 'reminders' like "hills only make me stronger, hills only make me stronger, hills only make me stronger" - I think you can figure out the appropriate application! :-) Try this one when the going gets tough, from Ken Chlouber, director of the Leadville Trail 100:
"You are better then you think your are and you can do more than you think you can!" You will do great!
Heat is a killer for me too, I totally understand!
Some of my mantras are:
"This is the hardest thing you have to do all day."
and
"This is where the growth happens!"
Good luck with your race! I'll be thinking of you at Mile 19 :-)
Nice job on the 5K. I need to try one of those one of these days. I'll take any mile that's left, but don't you want a picture of me? Let me know.
Thanks everyone - this is great - keep them coming. Need lots of names, for each mile.
Happy Trails - I put you down for 19 - not real close, and SO FAR away! lol! Ouch!
Chris K - a pic of the Manly BQ'er - of course, I want a pic. - send me your most motivating pic
Mile 22 is when it starts to get a little tough so I'll take that one ... but I will be thinkng about you on every one!
Excellent job on the 5K...I always wonder how different weights wil change my pace - they say about 8 minutes for 10 lbs loss for a marathon, so I guess you could do the math as I don't want to. Ha.
Enjoy your last week of taper, your veggies and fruit are perfect!! Yum!
I pick mile 26. I want you to make it your FASTEST, to ask yourself if you can hurt more, and push no matter the answer, push more than ever, go, go, go!
3lbs less would not make a difference in a 5K. Might not even matter in the marathon, if it is muscle (might actually help, more power); I run fast and am not as skinny as other runners who are slower than me:) Good lucK!
I'll be running my first marathon this Saturday! See you in Awl-binny is the way the locals pronounce it, I believe.
You always remind me that i need to drink more water! I have a tune up 5k as part of my training in a few weeks. Ugg, 5ks hurt! I want to get a new pair of running shorts from lululemon that Jenn from running sane mentioned but I know they are pricey! I'm saving up though! :)
Jill - awesome - thanks!
Running and Living - will use your mental strength to pull me to the end.
Runwithme - so awesome! hydrate this week, and on Sat. ENJOY the moment. It will be tough, but you can do it. When you get to the tough miles, think about how many people would love to be able to say they completed a 26.2 mile race.
"If you're going through Hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill and
"this is totally do-able damnit"
Amanda - you guessed it, I have worn them 2 times and they are worth every penny so far. Want to run a longer run to be sure. So far I ran the 5k and an 8 miler. PERFECT so far!
You really do write awesome thought provoking posts! Always a good read. I also love how you analyze things and learn from them. SO interesting. Great job on the 5K.
OK-pick a mile. This is just a fantastic idea. What an encouragement at the tough parts! I'm picking 24. With a 5K to go in Boston, I had a moment of weakness where it all hit for about 10 seconds. I will be sending you a mountain of good thoughts all through the race:)
Race weight. Don't lose sleep over 3 pounds. I'm with AM here. Sometimes muscle has more of a benefit anyway. 3 pounds is not 15 pounds and I really doubt it would affect your marathon much, if at all. Nice work on dropping the Christmas weight!
Read the comments and I'm guessing the Lulu shorts worked out for you! They are perfect race shorts and I love them. EVERYTHING Lulu rocks!
Good run on Saturday! Hope the weather is good this weekend. I pick mile 18, thats when the "DAMN BRAIN" needs to start doing its job. HaHa!
lol i am assuming "poor man's cable" = no cable. we have that too, but it's my preference. josh would love to have it haha. if i have too many options i will sit on the couch allllll day! so, that's my excuse :)
i'll take mile 18.
"go big or go home"
"Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion." – Muhammad Ali
"in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort."
-jesse owens
i gave you options, didn't how how long of a sentence you would want :)
Jenn - thanks - my "moments" seem to last longer than 10 seconds - lol and yes - I'm LOVING the LuLu shorts. Thanks for the most excellent tip.
Anomymous - I've "got it" this time - I'm sure! Wish you were joining us.
Lindsay - yes, PMTV = no cable. I suppose it's my preference too, my hubby would surely enjoy, but then I would have to watch WAY too much ESPN or we would be in separate rooms all the time. It's easier with only 8 channels, we NEVER have to fight over what to watch. Nice options - thanks!
The heat is really hard on me, too. Great job on the 5K! It sounds like you're doing so many things right. All of your hard work is inspiring. Put me down for mile 25. I hope the weather is perfect and there are no walls for you!
I choose mile 22...that's when I need encouragement! Remember this...."You are an awesome coach and mentor" "You are an amazing encourager!" "You are so strong!" "You are well-prepared!" "You are woman!!!" "YOU are a MARATHONER!"
Tina - thanks - the weather is looking warm, I'm still hoping the front will move fast. The race is Sat, but Sun. looks great. URgh!
Laura - thanks so much my sweet cousin Laura. Wish you were running this one too.
Hi Ginny, I'm so sorry I missed this. I always read your blog, but I was really busy this weekend and have been catching up. This is one of the best ideas I've seen. Really cool. Um, gimmee 23 'cause that's when I usually crash! I have no doubt you'll PR at this one! Be Great Today!!!
Thanks for the great comment Ginny! Good luck to you! Positive vibes coming your way!! You will be awesome. Just remember that you've done the work...now enjoy!!
Hey girl....
Thinking of you and wanted to send you the bestest wishes. Rock that thing right outta the water!!!!!!
(hugs)
Good luck this weekend! You'll do great. I'll be thinking about you from mile 1 thru 22 then you'll be so excited about finishing, you'll knock off the last 4.2 easily.
Remember, IF the running gets tough, keep thinking that it's only a few hours of the rest of your life. YOU CAN DO IT!
Wanted to stop by and let you know I'll be thinking about you tomorrow!!! I guess I'll go low and pick mile 13 only because that's the 1/2 way mark. You are going to do great!!!
I really like this idea of asking people to pick a mile late in the race, those miles are when your body starts to lose it both physically and mentally. And that is great that you saved the piece of paper from the St. George marathon. Having a name (or names) in your head while you are running makes it so much more real because you are running for more than yourself. I might have to use your idea for my next marathon at Chicago!
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