Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Here Comes the Sun [And More Training Thoughts on the 26.2]


It never occurred to  that I might need sunglasses at 5:45am.  The sun doesn't come up this early in Texas, not even on the longest day of the year, so the early sunrise and late sunset are things I'm still getting used to here in the Chi.  And you wanna know the best part?  It goes up even earlier here in a month or so!  I woke up last year around 4:30am, and the dang 'ole sun was already up.  It kind of reminds me of when I lived in Germany (2001-2003); but I really only remember the sun going down around 10:00pm.


Just a few short miles.  I actually got scared at one point that I was going to be late getting back home and getting ready for work since the sun was coming up so quickly.  That didn't stop me from taking pictures.


My legs feel great!  I feel like my effort on Saturday for the half marathon was just right.  I'll explain more about it in my next post, but my pacing was really spot-on.  For this run, I kept the pace easier than my "easy" pace.  Harry has been trying to get me to slow down for forever (seriously...we've known each other for almost five years, and the Kid has always suggested that I tone it down for easy runs), and after looking through some pacing plans, I really believe now that it will benefit me to SLOW DOWN.  After my run, I stretched for about 10 minutes.  I really, really, really need to keep this up.  I have a stretching routine that I have fallen out of recently in the past few several months, and I'm definitely feeling the effects of that fallout.

My delicious breaky.  I haven't been into cereal in a super long time, but I found this new cereal (Pomegranate Wheat-Fuls)  at the grocery store.  It sure is yummy with some vanilla almond milk.


I'm still in the process of organizing my thoughts and emotions about the marathon in October.  I'm stressing over it ever-so-slightly, and I'm a month away from actually beginning a training cycle for it.    As I suggested before, I run too fast during easy runs that should be WAY EASY.  Is it the Sprinter in me?  Is it a quick spirit in me that longs to feel a breeze that cannot be found at a 9:20 pace, but only at an 8:45 pace?  *le sigh*  I have run too fast in the past (fat rhyme) during marathon training, and I cracked when it came down to the actual 26.2.  What I need to remember is that it's not about overload, nor is it about speedwork, during marathon training; it's about endurance.  A little bit of speedwork won't hurt, which is why I will keep up with the /R/iver /R/unners Wednesday night track sessions.

The realization of slowing down and two other training bits might very well be the key to me getting past the idea that "I'm not built for the distance".  The other two things are going to be cross-training and stretching/Yoga (like I said above!).  Swimming and cycling/spinning are included in my training plans, as well as Yoga, and keeping the regular stretching routine after running.

So all I have to do is eat well, train hard, stay consistent, slow down, and stretch.  It all sounds pretty easy, huh?  In all of the chaos of these overwhelming thoughts of which way to go, or how fast to run that way, I feel like I'm finally getting a toe-hold.  That makes me even more excited!


CHICAGO PEEPS:  Y'all don't forget about my Energizer Night Race Entry Giveaway!  
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Do you have a post-workout stretching routine?

How can you best describe your "easy" effort?  
-I can have a conversation at this pace, without shortening my sentence due to being out of breath.  I can sing along to my music (or RAP, which goes over well in the 'hood!).

Favorite cereal, grown-up or kids?
-Mine might forever be Cocoa Pebbles.

10 comments:

  1. I don't have a post workout stretch routine but I definitely have a preworkout and a prerun routine. I think I will talk about it on the blog soon--it is pretty freaking ridiculous. IT IS GOING TO BE 70 TODAY can you believe it????

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    Replies
    1. I can't wait to see your routine! <3

      I'm going out in a minute to do speedwork in this thing we call "Spring". It is "Spring," right? ;)

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  2. I'm not a fast runner at all so my easy pace would be like going backwards for you! I don't race that often so I'm rarely in a strict training plan, but I've found that I really enjoy going sans gps on my easy or fun runs. Then I can just run easy without the pressure of seeing my pace.

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    Replies
    1. I didn't race that often, either. It wasn't until I started dating another runner (whom has nearly 100 races ranging from 5K to marathon under his belt!) that I started really caring about pacing. I used to just run for effort, but effort + WEEEEEEEEE factor. Does that make sense? :P

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  3. Running 'easy' is a struggle for me too. I love a little speed! Oh, and yoga is da bomb for a killer run! I swear by it. I do have a pre dynamic stretch (ankle rolls, leg swings front and across, lunges) and post static stretch (pigeon stretch, etc) routine I use for runs. I keep it short and simple and works wonders. Aaand lucky charms be delicious!!! Even though I haven't had them in too long. But still my fav. :-) if you figure out the trick to slowing down on easy runs lemme know ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Fantastic! I honestly want to call someone while I run and see if that helps. However, I don't know anyone who's willing to listen to me *le pant le pant le pant* at 5:30am. :\

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  4. Love the sunrise pictures! It motivates me to want to be up with the sun, too!

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    1. Before it was fully up this early, I felt like I was racing the sunrise. It got intense. :D

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  5. Yay Portage Park! I spent lots of time around there growing up as my grandparents lived close. Yeah, lots of sun, and at least today, some heat too! I am guilty as charged with running too fast most of the time. 80% of your runs should be at conversational pace. Shocking, yes?

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    Replies
    1. That's awesome!

      Maybe I should call you while I'm running. <3

      Delete

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