400M Repeats

Today was my first 400M repeat workout, it actually went really well and I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. It was a relatively short workout, but the speed bursts were challenging. I used to do speed work on a treadmill in my previous training plans, 2 min on and 2 min off, this was very similar. The only difference was trying to keep a steady pace, not having the treadmill to set the speed made it difficult. Sometimes I think I miss running on the treadmill... not having to deal with weather factors, clothing, etc. Unfortunately my mindset has changed in that I am starting to feel like treadmill running is kinda like cheating and that I shouldn't really do it. My other problem though is that I'm doing an indoor triathlon soon and I'll have to run on a treadmill for that. My plan is to do some bricks on non-running days, incorporate short runs after spinning and swimming. We'll see how it all goes!

2 x 3 Tempo Run

Today was my first 2 x 3 tempo run... last week I did my first 2 x 2 run and I really liked it. Today however, was quite a bit more challenging and I think maybe that's why I didn't like it AS much as the previous one. It might take some getting used to as well. It was chilly today also, I'm still working on figuring out the best way to dress as the temps continue to drop. I ran all last winter, but its amazing how bad my memory is because I can't seem to remember what I would wear when I went running in the dead of winter! Today I had a headband covering my ears, gloves, tank top, long sleeved top and long pants. I would say for most of the run I was in good shape, but there were some times where I was pretty cold. After my run I did some stretching for about 10 min, that was all it took for my fingers and lips to turn purple! It's amazing to me how cold I can get, inside, after running. I took a nice long, hot shower and then layered up in some comfy clothes for the rest of the night.

Next run is 400 meter repeats on Thursday, I've not done these before either, so this will be interesting!

Windy and Cold

So the temps were about 43 degrees and windy when I went out for my 8 mile run today. I was planning to head to a local park to make the miles go by faster but I opted to save drive time and just run in the neighborhood. Bbrrrr! The sun barely peaked out from behind the clouds and I felt forever in a head wind that chilled me to the bone. I was going for an easy run, about an 11 min pace, just to get the miles in and feel good. I ended up averaging a 10:35 just to keep my heart rate up and hope for an increase in my body temp. It sort of worked, I was still pretty cold during the run, but better than if I had stuck with the 11 min pace. I think its going to take some time for me to get used to the winter weather running again. I remember enjoying it last year as long as I dressed properly. It's been a mild fall so far, but this was a pretty chilly run. All that said, I finished and I feel great. Looking forward to stepping up my intensity next week as I charge into my 10K training and prepare for the Detroit Turkey Trot!

A Running Blog?

I was out running today, one of my new favorite things to do, and a thought crossed my mind. Maybe I can blog about my running?! Sometimes I just want to get a bunch of words out on "paper" but I feel like my Facebook page probably isn't the best place for it. I'm sure all my FB Friends are sick of hearing about all my running, training, etc. So anyways, maybe I'll try to start writing a blog about my running. I will update my calendar with reminders so that I actually do it. I think it will be nice for me to go back later and review how I felt a year ago versus now, etc. So anyways, here's to running and blogging!! ~Cheers :)

A New Look

I decided to give my blog a new look to go along with my "new look". It's very summer-ish, which I like, and 'tis the season! MY new look isn't quite done yet, but I'm getting close. Going strong for about 6 months now, a couple more and I should be there. I'll have to go on a mini shopping spree once I am there, to help me fully transition into the new look ;)

Trying this out again...

I am so NOT consistent when it comes to this blogging thing. Sometimes I think it would be a useful place to get all my irritations out, other times it seems like it's more work than it's worth. I don't know. Today probably isn't the best day to try and jump on the wagon again either... I've only got a couple hours left at the office before it's time to hit the road. Finally going on a climbing trip, it's only been like a year since the last one due to my newly diagnosed wrist tendinitis. And, to top it off, the darn thing is acting up again in the last couple of days. I've had no problems with it for 2 full months, then two days before a climbing trip it has to get sore? Oh well. Even though it's a 3-day weekend/trip I'm only planning one day of climbing anyways. And of course I'll be getting in a couple runs and other workouts while we are there. Maybe go swimming, do some hiking, lay around, etc. Ok, maybe laying around isn't a workout, but it's still something I plan to do. Maybe I'll even bring a book to read. It should be a nice and relaxing weekend. :)

Other generic info to update the world about, I ran my first half marathon last month and participated in my second indoor triathlon as well. A couple weeks ago I got a PR in a 5k, that was pretty awesome too. Next month I've got a 10k planned, hoping to PR that one. Then, I'll be doing what I said I wouldn't... train for another half marathon! This one will be in October, likely it will be relatively warm still, so that kind of sucks. I'm not a huge fan of warm weather when it comes to running. I rather enjoyed my winter runs, nice layers, cool air to breathe in! This warm weather sucks, it makes me go slower than I want to and feel more tired than when I run faster in cold weather. I read another blog earlier and he was talking about warm weather blues as well, and the consensus from other runners was to simply suck it up and just do it. :) So I guess I'll shut it for now and just do the damn runs. lol.

Next week will be busy after we get back from climbing. We'll be going on another trip, celebrating our 10 year anniversary (holy crap!). Then we come home to get ready for a graduation party on saturday and then the mother-in-law's 50th on sunday, of which I'm making the cake. Busy, busy, busy!

Time to get back to work... 2 hours and 8 min before I get to leave...

Francis

My cat drives me nuts, but he is also the cutest cat ever!


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