Running in a Monsoon

The fog was as thick as pea soup, if not as green. And then as we began the run, the skies opened up and it started to rain. I think nature is conspiring with the coaches to get us to train in all possible weather conditions, so we're ready for anything on race day. We did 4 miles today, the longest yet, and I'm still feeling pretty good about it. I averaged about a 9 minute mile, which if I can keep it up for 13 miles means about 2 hours for the half-marathon. I have no idea if that's good or not, but the idea is just to finish, right? I think if I start getting competitive about this, I could have one good race and one divorce under my belt by April.

Third Week of Training Starts Today!

Today marks our third week training for the half marathon!

We ran our second team run on Saturday - it was really cold out! At least it wasn't in the single digits like it was on Sunday, we'd probably have frozen in midstride!

I have Reynaud's Syndrome, which is a fancy way of saying that my fingers and toes turn white when it's cold out. When they start to warm up, it feels like they've been slammed in a door. I try to avoid letting them get too cold. However, our coach gave us tips for 20 minutes before running, so my fingers and toes got too cold - the first mile I was in so much pain, and I really exhausted myself trying to get the circulation back into my hands and feet. After that, I was fine (and almost got too warm) but it really made the rest of the run difficult because I'd used so much energy flapping my hands around and stamping my feet. Matt thinks that I should get those gloves that are half gloves, half mittens, but I don't think that will help.

Matt decided to run four miles instead of three (which is what the half marathoners were running.) I thought he was showing off until he explained that he missed the turnaround mark and ended up running that extra mile on accident.

Today we have to run 30 minutes, which is about 3 miles for me, or 27 times around the track at the Park District.

- Lynette

Incorrect Calibration

If you've read Matt's last post, you probably looked at our little Nike+ Minis on the side of the page. My last run reads over 5 miles - well, I actually ran about 3 miles. I've run once more since then (but I haven't synched up with Nike.com to record it). I recalibrated my Nike+ during that very run and when I started to run my actual run, it said I only ran 2 miles when I actually ran 3. It's very frustrating because it is a whole mental thing - I want to make sure I'm running at the same pace, and if it says I'm running a 13-minute mile, I know that's wrong and I get frustrated. And if it is saying I ran further, then it tells me I ran a 7-minute mile (I run a 10-minute mile race pace.) Consequently, I get distracted trying to figure out exactly how far I've actually run, or how fast I'm going based on distance and time ... blech.

I am thinking of borrowing the measuring thingy from work and measuring and exact 400 yards around the track and recalibrating it that way. Maybe 1/2 mile is too long ... but the calibration has only been off for the last month or so, it was almost exact for the three months prior to that.

How annoying!!!

- Lynette

What's up with my avatar, Nike?

If you look to the right, you'll see we've added our Nike+ widgets to the blog. These display the data from our iPods, which helps keep us honest about our workouts. Ever since I got mine set up, Lynette and I have done approximately the same amount of running, so why is her character all running around like a champion, doing hurdles and kickboxing, while mine is slacking? Seriously - she's a little superstar and I'm playing video games? What's up Nike?

First Team in Training... er... Training

Today we had our first training session with the Team in Training (TNT) group and coaches. We met at a running store in Glen Ellyn, which actually gave discounts to anyone who is doing or has ever done TNT. So that was nice, even though we've already spent a crap-ton of money on cold weather running gear. I was afraid we'd show up and be the one yuppie couple who is decked out in all the gear, but can't run to save their lives. At least we didn't get matching outfits. I did win a drawing for a gift certificate, so I ended up getting another pair of wicking socks, some nutrition gel to sample, and a massage stick.
As for the actual running, we both held our own rather well. I found a pace that happened to be one of the fastest in the group, so we'll see if I'm able to sustain that for more than 3.5 miles, or if my natural instinct to be in the lead will require suppression.
Oh also, I've been told I have to get special stickers to put over my nipples so they don't bleed when we go past 8 miles. AWESOME!

Running in the cold

Today I ran outside in the cold for the first time ever - it was about 20 degrees out. I had on my special, expensive jacket, my special, expensive socks, and my special, expensive hat. I got a little cold in the 20 minutes that I was running, so I've decided I really DO need to get a special, expensive performance/technical shirt and pants.

But the run itself was fantastic. I could feel the muscles in my legs working in new ways as I had to run across some snow. I was being VERY careful not to run on any ice, even stopping and carefully walking over icy patches. I managed to do about a 10:22 mile, which wasn't bad, considering my normal workout pace is an exact 10-minute mile.

I think I'm going to try to do as many runs outside as possible, weather permitting. Something about running in the snow was really relaxing. I didn't even concentrate too much on my breathing, which is always a struggle with me, since I have asthma. Since I take my inhaler, I never have a hard time breathing, but it seems like I focus on it a lot, which can distract me from my run.

So I didn't freeze to death or get chapped cheeks, both of which were a real concern to me before I started out this afternoon.

- Lynette

Training day 1

We started our training today, running 25 minutes at the fitness center. I learned that if you're going to run after dinner, make it a light meal. Also, fish is apparently not light enough. Lynette's Nike+ said she ran 3 miles, but she doesn't think she was going fast enough for that, so some re-calibration is in order.
As I write this, I'm getting an early Christmas present of... some Under Armor and my own Nike+ for the iPod! I guess we can calibrate together next time we run (Tomorrow or Wednesday - I don't remember). No pain or anything yet, but I am hungry enough to eat another dinner.