26/30 Group: 26/31January2008

Great to hear from some of you, great that we get to take on this new challenge together in January.  This morning I ran w/about 10 people dn the Rose Parade route after walking thru the staging area and seeing the floats up close.  What a cool run dn the middle of the boulevard as the crowd awaited the start of the parade.   By the time we got to the very end, 5 mi later, the F-14 Jets flew over to signal the start of the parade.  Coffee and comradaree followed at Starbucks and then I was fortunate enough to be able to get a ticket to the Rose Bowl Game in the afternoon to see my Trojans beat on the Illini.  Tomorrow I continue with a hilly tempo run w/my coach.  should be a good butt kicking time for me.

Happy New Year and lets have a great month of working out.

-marvin

So, went on my four mile run tonight. Hit the pavement in a sideways driving rain. As I turned the corner, a 30 mph wind blew from behind, giving me quite a boost! What luck! Then...I turned another corner and wham, that same wind hit me full on. Felt like I was running into a hurricane...okay I exaggerate but it was quite a resistance workout! I actually enjoy running in foul weather. It's peaceful and I feel like I have the whole world to myself. I only came across one other runner tonight, and he was in SHORTS. Oy.

I agree with you Margo, the Nov. run was certainly a great boost pre-holiday. I also gained three lbs in Dec. and now hope to lose them and several more between now and my half marathon in March.

Keep dry everyone!
Ingrid

Dec was a 24/31, 211.75m for me.  I'm going for a 27/31 for Jan. A big goal for me is stretching after every workout. 

I love the rain. It's very peaceful. It's tough keeping my partner dry in her jogger though. She loves to peal her gloves off and lean forward.

shaka 

 

Hi all,

Training is going well. I am battling a fever and awful sore throat today though, and have a seven mile run to do tomorrow, so wish me luck. Our Seahawks went down hard to Green Bay today...so I guess I won't have football parties getting in the way of my training!

Nan, I've tried spinning, and it IS hard. Good for you!

My just turned four year old son had his first ski school class last night. HilARious to watch those little tykes try to ski.

Take care,

Ingrid

since my last posts:

7th - run 5

8th - Bike hills ~20

9th - run 6

10th - run 8

11-13 vacation in Lake Arrowhead, unless Saturday snow play counts

14 - run Hill climb 5

15 - Bike, intervals (puke!)

16 - run hilly 7

17 - run 6

makes it 12 out of 17 so far, a little off pace of 26/31

Hey Check MMR new 100/30 and 300/30 challenges.  sound familaire?  notice the "Group" competition.  you know if we included our group in the competition we would prpbably win it.  It would almost be unfair!  did you know that we by far are the largest and most active group on the whole site?  What you all think?  should we enter ourselves?

 

 

I don't think I'll reach 26/31, but I'll get close.  Now that school is back in session, I found some things to keep me busy...and everything is on a schedule now!

On Sundays, I practice basketball with my intramural team at Caltech, then we play on Monday nights.  Nothin Tuesday (yet), then on Wednesday night I have been joining the Rose Bowl Hockey (they're on Yahoo groups) at the indoor rink in West Covina for a 2-hour pickup game.  Man, that's a leg workout! And I suck down three bottles of energy drink during.  Nothin yet on Thursday, then on Friday I've been running for about an hour.  Saturday is for some type of biking (road, mtb,...does motorcycling count??).

My run today was interesting...I ran up Los Robles, to Woodbury, to Lake, up to just past Altadena and back...nothing too exciting until I came back down Los Robles.  I had another encounter with a rogue chihuahua.  It stared me down when I approached him, he backed up as if to give up to my dominance over him, then wehen I passed him he threw it in fifth gear and was on my heels for a whole block!  I am not kidding when I say that I was sprinting for a whole block to outrun this vigilante chihuahua, and when he finally gave up my run was ruined...I couldn't hold a pace and I kept looking back thinking he was still behind me.  That little sucker's got some speed!  I was just about to run out of steam, and if I did, I was gonna punt that runt back up the street.  (Sorry animal lovers, but I don't love animals when they attack).  And I sure as hell didn't taunt him before he came at me (lesson learned from tiger attack at SF zoo)!

LJLucas,

I am an animal lover but I don't condone rogue animal attacks! I have a running battle with two golden retrievers on one of my routes. Golden Retrievers, you may ask? those innocent, hairy, friendly beasts? Yes, they are mean, nasty and snarly and they rush down their driveway at me and my leashed labrador every time I jog down "their" sidewalk. frustrates the heck out of me and I yell at them every time.

Hey, question for the seasoned marathoners and half marathoners. I am training diligently for my first half on March 9. On two different Sundays, i am supposed to run a 5k and a 10k...but there are none scheduled in my region. Is that a big deal? Will it really hurt my training if I don't include two races in my training?

 

Mixed up my days and ran 12.25m today after a 10m fartlek yesterday, oi. Now I’m ready to begin tapering for a 50k in 17 days. The week before last family time bumped my long run into my rest day and then last week I cut my long run short because of the mrs’ schedule, but didn’t mind so much because of the weather and mileage.

 
1/15-1/20: T 3.5, W 10.25(w/10x880) Th 5.25, F 9.75, Sa 5.25, Su 3.5=39.25m

1/21-1/27: M 20, T 3.5, W 9.25(w/8x880) Th 9.75, F 5.25, Sa 3.5, Su 24=75.25m

After spending a few hours with hawks, cows, and hopefully not cougars, the crazy animals driving in their cars are what freak me out. 

 

 

 

Hi there,

I finished at 26/31. Yey. Marvin, thanks for the info, that is very helpful. I will be at 11 or 12 miles two weeks from race day, as you mention. Then I am not sure about tapering? I am following a race training plan, and I think it tapers on the very last week...is that enough? I've only run one race this past year, the Maui 5k. But I used to run many short races...I sure hope my nerves don't get the best of me. I am getting nervous just sitting here waiting for my nine mile run (supposed to leave in about 20 minutes but waiting for the thermometer to nudge from 29 to 30 degrees). I don't know why I'm nervous...except that I still can't believe that I have progressed to the point of running this far and worry that it's all a big mistake and I will just poop out two miles into it. Last Sunday's eight mile run was actually (knock on wood) fairly easy.

BTW - I love the kitty pic...but wasn't it a little scary/dangerous to get that close? Kitty doesn't look very happy...

-Ingrid

Hi there! Glad you are beyond the wall you hit last week! What race do you have in four days? My 9 mile run was great, and then I did a 10 mile run this past Sunday. I think that's the first time I've ever run 10 miles non stop. I've hiked much further, but not run. It went really well, even the steep hills. The only prob was the last mile (uphill), I had a really tight muscle in my shoulder/neck. Seeing my massage therapist tonight, so that should help.

Funny story...I was on the last mile, feeling fairly proud of myself and amazed at what I was able to accomplish, when the song, "Ten miles from Nowhere" by Five for Fighting came on my iPod. I started giggling and almost had to stop to catch my breath. The lyrics?

How have you been
in the shape you were in
I'm suprised that you got where you're going
 

For those of you who run to music, I suggest this song for a great pick me up

And thanks Marvin, for posting the pic of my boy Max.

Have a great race at the Sequoia 50k!!

 

Went on a really beautiful trail run today with ultrarunning friend. 10 mile loop from Chantry Flats. It was a gorgeous day to go, too.

 

Been doing the bike, run, swim thing since January...going on a big cycling tour/camp next week. Not really in great bike shape for it, but looking forward to 4 days of nothing but riding and watching the pros do their thing. I'm pretty sure I'm going to come away from the trip very tired but also very inspired...

 

Cheers,
Sue

Congrats on the Sequoia 50k. Wow, that's cool. I bet YOU feel like there's nothing you can't do now!

hey hey team 26/30, i'm 24/29 190.25 m for february. yeah dogsports, digging deep to finish that 50k has given me that feeling.  good luck on the little rock, william! 

 

Hey guys,

Drift, congrats on the half marathon!

I am running my first half marathon on Sunday. I've never run 13 miles! I have been training and last weekend hit 11 miles without too much trouble...except...I have blisters on my right foot. I have gone through two new pairs of shoes where, after mile seven or so, I got blisters on my right foot. I am praying they heal by Sunday and I am back in my old (worn out) shoes for the race. At least I know they won't give me blisters...but I am worried I will have ankle pain or some other foot pain because the shoes are old. Also, mole skin just doesnt work on these blisters, it just comes off. I am going to use body glide instead, and "The Wright Sock" (a double layer sock to minimize blisters).

Any other suggestions? I know I can run the distance....just hoping I can do it without unexpected pain or injury

Also, I have been a solo runner to date and haven't done any races during my training (ran the Maui 5k in Sept., which doesn't really count). Any advice on how to tune out the people around me so I don't get tired? I tend to subconsciously pace myself with the people around me, which is not good. I will wear my Garmin and watch my pace that way, and will also turn on my iPod once the crowd thins out.

I'm probably overthinking this and stressing for no good reason. Right?

-Ingrid

Hi William,

Thanks for the vote of confidence! I guess physically I know I can do it, even if I have to run through some blister or foot pain. It's the mental game I am not used to, but I am going to watch out for the "pretenders" and then pretend I am on one of my peaceful long runs near my house. Do you ever get tired in the initial zig zag and then worry you won't fall into your pace? 

It's funny that you mention negative split running. I had no idea what that meant but it is what I usually do on my 10-12 mile runs. I start out slower, get up to my goal pace after about two miles, then I always speed up the last couple of miles. My last half mile is always a sprint too. It feels good!

I think this race has about 3000 to 3500...according to their Website. It's also a 5k and 10k.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Ingrid

Yippeee, finished my first half marathon last Sunday. It was awesome. Well, except at mile 9 or 10, I got a massive cramp in the muscle above my left knee and had to stop and stretch it half a dozen times before the end of the race. Really trashed my otherwise good time. I literally couldn't take a single step when it seized up (and it seized up a good half dozen times). That's never happened to me before. Does anyone know why or how to guard against this in the future? I drank at every water station. I WAS wearing my old, old shoes, because I kept having problems with the new ones at longer distances.

My husband and four year old son were waiting near the finish and my four year old ran out and grabbed my hand and we ran across the finish together. The photographer got some cute shots of that.

I'm already planning my next half on June 29...and wondering how crazy I would have to be to think I could possibly train for the Portland Marathon in early October.

Sorry you are ill. There are some nasty bugs floating around this season. I have a four year old in preschool, so am pretty much guaranteed exposure to almost every illness that makes the rounds. Which race are you doing on May 18?

Could have been electrolytes but since you mention a concave...Miles 2-5 were on a very sloped road with tight switchbacks. I was warned about it. Could be the cramp originated from that section of the run, even though I didn't feel it until a few miles later. I will also have to look for nuun water. I was about to say I didn't run the day before, but I competed in agility with one of my dogs the day before, which means I ran around an obstacle course for half a day. Hmmm  

I just got new shoes (again) so now it's time to train for my next half in June!

Is everyone healthy now? I sure hope so!!!

Found this article, thought you all might enjoy it:

New York Times

Yes, Running Can Make You High

The runner’s high: Every athlete has heard of it, most seem to believe in it and many say they have experienced it. But for years scientists have reserved judgment because no rigorous test confirmed its existence.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/health/nutrition/27best.html?_r=1&ref=health&oref=slogin

Ready to run?  Read Ryan Halls account of his first marathon last year in london.

http://web.wcsn.com/article/news.jsp?ymd=20080408&content_id=61300&vkey=athletics_news&id=34003&dpre=

Couldn't get the link to work right, so just copy and paste to get there!

Later,

William

March 22/31 for 187.5 m and April 21/30 for 192 m. 

Both months had some downtime for sick and work travel days. A solid winter base sure helped with recoveries (thanks here to Marvin with a great start in Sept). Feel like I'm on track again for May. Endurance is good, although legs feel slow.

So where the heck is the rest of the 26/30 crowd?

Time to get high, um er I mean go running. 

Hi Yall!! been m.i.a.  Tri season picked up a few months ago and got in the "selfish" tri zone. sorry i miss you guys and am so glad to see that a few of you have been carrying the 26/30 banner for the rest of us. 

First Congratulations to Rob 50k, William on the 1/2 and to Ingrid for your fisrt half.  So proud of all of you.  Ingrid i want a fin pic of you and your son crossing the line together.  Rob you are an animal with the consistent running. 

My 3 events since the Dec 1/2 mary have been, Agura 1/2 Mary, Apr 5, PR the course by 1 min (1:42) from last year, then my "A" race, Wlid Flower Long course Tri (1/2 Ironman) on May 3.  went really well, my 2nd race at that distance and PR on the much harder course, and then just last week did this funky earthy race call El Preito Climb.  Check this out...it is a seeded race, you submit your PR's at a few distances, they seed you slowest to fastest, and recognizing the ones who cross the fin first ect...shuttle you to the top of a mountain, race dn hill on very technical single tract (4.2) miles, have post race breakfast spread, afternoon bbq at the race directors house, race t-shirts, race bib w/you name printed on it.  All for FREE.  cool huh.  just for the love of running and putting on cool events.  my legs are sore.  Sue was volunteering, met trail runners- a cool and differet bunch.

now i'm sighed up for nothing except for a bike century all the way in August.  will do something just not sure what.  Still working out multi-sport mostly to keep my buddies company who are training for more 1/2 irons or full Iron's.  Suckers!  i got no stress just do it for fun and health.  will tell you more about what i up to in my next post want to hear more from you guys. go ahead someone start a new thread.

-Marvin

Ingrid,

My opinion.  since your Marathon is your AA race, ignore the fact that you are racing the 1/2 and train right thru it.  Treat it as a weekend long traning run.  Perfect spread btw the 2.  1/2's are always used as training step events to the full.  Wether you start the full mary plan now or start it after the 1/2 it does not make too much difference cause the full plan probably has reduced mileage in the frist several weeks anyway. 

Now if your goal is to "race" the 1/2 follow the 1/2 plan. but then you will need to do a proper taper and recovery.

Congratulations on making the decision to step up to the Marathon.

Rob,

no IM for me this year, and i love it! this is when sport transcends into lifestyle and you do it, just for fun, challenge, health, friends, to feel good.  i am doing a Olympic distance tri June 29th. but again just because a group of friends are and i think it would be fun to drive up race and then eat together.  I and 7 other club members have just launched a mentor program to guide people to their first Olympic distance tri.  Your sister, Tammy, is considering. nudge her.  We have set up a simular site for the team at MapMyTri.com.

-marvin

what's up! 

finally have a chance to chill out and check out the mapmyrun.  so how was that 1/2 marathon this past sun, Ingrid?  and i see what you mean, Marvin. for the life of me i've been trying to figure out a way to get the kids and mrs in together for some family athleticism - something we can all enjoy and participate in. 

 

Hey Ingrid! Bummer on the cramps. Maybe nutrition, especially electrolytes could be the key. I like drinking nuun water and can notice the difference in my legs when I've gone on long runs with water only. Hilarious on the home stretch! I had a fall close to a finish too. Every muscle in both my legs, it seemed, seized with cramps when I hit the ground. I really thought for a moment that I was going to have to crawl it in. Running form can also be key. Have you checked out Chi Running? I think it can help find a groove without using so much lower leg effort. I'm jealous on the mountain biking. And yes, no headers!