Sunday, January 30, 2011

Training Plan 01/31-02/08

If you follow my log, you'll notice that last week's training didn't pan out exactly as I wrote it. I ended up skipping out on pilates after deciding to work from home to avoid campus Tuesday (classes are back in session and campus is a zoo) and Friday I didn't run as I was busy getting ready to have some friends over. The decision to not run Friday was also motivated by the fact that I was just damn tired. This was particularly true for my legs which have felt heavy since I started running again after the 1/2. I am seeing some improvements in the fatigue but I think I may have jumped back on the road a bit after sending my body through that 13.1 mile hell two weeks ago today. Taking Friday off thus seemed like a good way to give my body an extra day to recover without setting me back too far.

That was the thought anyway until I ran on Saturday AND today. I guess I just really wanted to get the miles in. In some respect, this attitude is great as it gets me out the door. However, it also could very likely lead me to injury, especially given that I'm clearing not recovering so well right now. That being said, this week I will to take an extra day off. I may do some light cross-training on this day but most likely I'll just take it off. With that in mind, here's how the week's shapin' up:


Monday -- 01/31 -- OFF or Bike Easy 20 minutes, Stretch

Tuesday -- 02/01 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Strength (I wanted this to be pilates but, as of today, my ID doesn't work at the gym (probably due to some registration issues I've been having) so I wouldn't be able to get in to the class. Hopefully this'll change in the next couple weeks.), Stretch

Wednesday -- 02/02 -- OFF

Thursday -- 02/03 --OFF or Bike Easy 20 minutes, Stretch

Friday -- 02/04 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Stretch

Saturday -- 02/05 -- OFF

Sunday -- 02/05 -- Run Long 6 miles, Stretch


Total: 12 miles

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Training Plan 01/24-01/30

Per usual, there may be some changes due to weather this week but such is winter!


Monday -- 01/24 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Stretch

Tuesday -- 01/25 -- Pilates

Wednesday -- 01/26 -- OFF

Thursday -- 01/27 -- Run Moderate 3 miles, Stationary bike 20 minutes, Stretch (may move to Wednesday if it looks like a storm's moving in on this day)

Friday -- 01/28 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Strength, Stretch

Saturday -- 01/29 -- OFF

Sunday -- 01/30 -- Run Long 5 miles, Stretch


Total: 13 miles

Friday, January 21, 2011

Snow Day Race Calendar Update

What a better way to spend the third snow day of the year then pondering and updating one's race calendar?

After the Phoenix fiasco I have decided to hold off on any half marathons for a while until I get some solid training under me. Instead, I'm going to aim to do what I set out to do at the beginning of 2010: PR in the 10K. The 10K of choice? Boston's Tufts 10K for Women in October. I decided to do this race after talking with my friend and mentor, Ruth, who has a set a goal to run a 10K this year. Ruth started running last year to lose weight and in addition to already losing over 40 pounds (40 pounds!), she's completed at 5-mile race and a 5K. Talk about inspiring! The Tufts 10K for women is her race of choice so for the sake of supporting her and a good cause as well as carpooling, I've made it mine as well!

Other updates:

1) Reach the Beach is off the table. I gave putting a team of lady UNH XC/Track alums together one last go a couple weeks ago to no avail; many people just couldn't commit right now and, with the race selling out typically in the Spring, I needed commitments. It's a bummer but such is life! There's always next year!

2) I nixed the Saunder's 10K in August in favor of the CIGNA/Elliot 5K. I ran this race last year and clocked my fasted time since 2008. I credit not only the fast course, but also the timing of the race; the race starts at 6pm which better matches my training schedule than the usual early AM starts. If all my training goes as planned, I should be able to go even faster this year.

3) Without the half, I won't need to focus on getting extra-long long runs in which means I can add in an extra race in September. I did just that: now on the calendar is the Fox Point 5-miler. I signed up for this race a couple years ago but couldn't do it because of an injury. This was a major bummer because I really like the look of the t-shirts! Another bonus: just like CIGNA/Elliot, this race starts in the evening which should mean a better race for me.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Training Plan 01/17-01/23

Given how yesterday transpired, my original training plan for this week had to be modified slightly. The only major thing is that I am no longer running today. This is fine for multiple reasons including that today's my birthday! Here it is:


Monday -- 01/17 -- OFF

Tuesday -- 01/18 -- OFF (Flying back to NH... hopefully anyway. Sounds like more bad weather's on the way)

Wednesday -- 01/19 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Stretch

Thursday -- 01/20 -- Pilates (This'll be dependent on how I'm feeling)

Friday -- 01/21 -- Run Easy 3 miles, Stretch

Saturday -- 01/22 -- OFF

Sunday -- 01/23 -- Run Long 5 miles, Stretch, Core work

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Stupid and Somewhat Scary...but also Fun

Today was the Phoenix Rock N' Roll 1/2 Marathon and, despite my greatest efforts, I ran too far. This is mostly due to the the fact that, up until Friday, I thought the course was an out-and-back, not a point-to-point. HUGE oversight. If it were an out-and-back, the plan was to run the first 4 miles of the race with my sister and then turn around. Instead I ended up run the first 6 with my sister, from the 10K mark to the 8-mile mark, then for the last 5.1 miles I did a walk/run bit with 2-3 minutes of running for 3-5 minutes of walking. My total for the day was definitely well over 8 miles which is much farther than I both wanted to run and thought I could do. While I was somewhat impressed that I could lay down that many miles off of nothing, I was kicking myself a bit for pushing myself beyond what was safe. This stubborness actually landed me in the ER at the end of the race, the result of one of the worst SVT attacks I've ever experienced.

Last winter I was formally diagnosed with Supraventicular Tachycardia, or SVT. I have had symptoms for several years (atleast since 2006) that include a sudden onset of a "fluttering" feeling in the chest and light-headedness, both which are due to a rapid increase in heart rate to 180-200bpm (atleast in my case) not associated with exertion. These episodes are very infrequent (I only get one maybe 2-4 times a year) and random and were extremely short (10's of seconds to a couple minutes tops). Even the episode that drove me to the ER and then to a cardiologist last February was only a few minutes long.

Then there was today. I started having some SVT symptoms today actually in the race, probably starting around mile 8 or 9 (oddly, this was right after I snagged a Gu--my first ever. Maybe this was part of the problem?). This was a first in that I never really had episodes while exercising in the past; they always came when I was at rest. I did walk when they surfaced but, as soon as the symptoms diminished, I'd try and run for a bit again. This was probably, no DEFINITELY, a stupid move. As soon as I felt them coming on, I should've pulled off at the nearest medical tent. Alas, that's not what happened, so no point in dwelling. What did end up happening was that I finished the race, started to head towards the exit, but then decided I ought to get my heart checked out since I was still symptomatic. As soon as I said "heart" and "SVT" I was shuffled to the back of the medical area, given a cot, and hooked up to an EKG. Yup. With a heart rate over 190 while I was lying down, I was definitely in Tachycardia. First we tried my usual "home" remedies to get out of these episodes (coughing, squeezing the core muscles, etc.) but those, for the first time, didn't work. So next came out the big guns: the IV. The goal was to get one in place so they could hit me with Adenisone to essentially restart my heart in normal mode. Before the meds though, I would be getting a healthy dose a fluids which was more the necessary fresh off the course. I was down with all of this until they took FOREVER to find a vain. I do have terrible vains that are likely extra terrible when I'm dehydrated so I don't blame the medical staff too much but holy hell did that process hurt. They tried each mid-arm twice (the second try on the left was the winner), my left forarm, my right hand, my left hand and even my ankle. My ankle! I've never seen or heard of that and you would think something of that sort would altleast be on Grey's Anatomy. I guess vains are just too blah for Meredith and McDreamy. Anyway, once they locked in to my circulatory system they administered the medicine. As soon as it hit my heart it felt like I was punched in the chest, but then, all was normal including my heart rate; after the Adenisone, I was clocking a healthy 90-100 bpm. Great! I'm thinking. Now I can find Kendra and get my free beer! Ohhh no. I guess after they restart your heart they like to monitor you for several hours. The news that I would now be heading to the hospital brought tears and panic and demands for my sister. Fortunately they did get a hold of her and she came along with me in the ambulance , only to spend 3 hours in the Tempe ER supporting me as I went through another bag of fluids, got blood drawn (more poking!), and more heart screening. That sister of mine is a gem.

On a lighter note, despite this heart fiasco, in terms of my legs, I probably felt the best I've felt during a 1/2 marathon today. This is funny considering I haven't run more than 5 miles since my last 1/2 in November. I credit the significantly slower start pace. On average, the first 6 miles were just around 9:00/mile which is the pace I've been running at for the past few weeks. Not surprisingly, this slower running with the walking did result in my slowest half time (2:19:14, officially) but since I hadn't been training, I'm 100% fine with that.

Still, the fact that my legs felt looser this time around doesn't excuse the fact that I completely ignored my heart. In general, I really need to be better about listening to my body and adjusting my workouts to it's need. Another goal for 2011!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Local Running Clubs

Often when I seek advice on how to stay motivated and get in shape I get told I should join a local running group. This makes sense in that such groups usually have a few group runs a week which would,as one friend put it, "keep me on my feet" . Local running groups are also made up of, well, people; people to run with and that could keep me accountable for my training. However, I've always been fairly resistant to the idea for some odd reason. I imagine this mostly has to do with my previous running group experience.

A few years back when I was living in CO, I joined a local running club in attempts to find a training partner or two. Seeing as I was in a college town, I was hoping there'd be a least a few younger ladies and gents that I could pair up with, but no dice. What I found instead was a group of older folks, primarily men, who were all friends with one another and didn't run very fast. While everyone was very nice and gungho about running, I felt extremely awkward and out of place. Admittedly, this all came after one group run, so it's very possible that I just went on a night that had an old-bias. But it has been hard to shake that first impression. (On a positive note, I did end up hooking up briefly with a young woman at a club sponsored event who was a middle school teacher in the area, but seeing as she was not a club memeber at the time, I don't think it really counts.)

Most recently, however, I've decided to give the local running club another go. While I'm still wary, I found comfort in learning that a few grad. student lady friends (who are much faster than me at the moment) have joined one. My (and their) club of choice? The Coastal Athletic Association. I'm officially a member as of yesterday. Just looking at their website this group seems both more organized and significantly larger than the CO group. Additionally, the CAA seems to have a members with a wider range of abilities as well as ages compared to my first group; two things I'm definitely looking for. Other major bonuses:

1) From mid-April through mid-October, the group holds coached track workouts on Tuesdays,
2) There are three group runs a week: Monday nights, Thursday nights, and Saturday mornings,
3) The group sponsors a few large and fun local races a year,
4) The $20 membership fee includes discounts to local running (Runner's Alley) and bike (Papa Wheelie's) shops,
5) The group holds monthly pub runs which entail a 4-6ish mile run to a local bar followed by club-provided apps (I think this is my favorite perk),
6) There are actual club uniforms and gear that can be purchased at Runner's Alley.

Pretty sweet if you ask me. Ultimately, I would like to be able to join a more competitive local running club, such as the Greater Boston Track Club. Such a club would give me the opportunity to hit the track again as well as to race for a team in higher profile races , two things I'm hoping to do in the future. But given my fitness, that's a good year or more out. For the runner I am now though, the CAA is perfect.

In other news, it's snowing! I do love the white stuff. This does mean however that I will not be running today. Probably not the worst thing since the post-tibial tendonitis I have on my right leg has been acting up lately. Hopefully the roads'll be clear tomorrow so I can sneak in a quick run before the long flight to Phoenix!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Training Plan 01/10-01/16

Those that know me, know I am an extreme planner. I thrive off of schedules and routines and deviations from them can sometimes send me in a frenzy. Maybe it's the capricorn in me.

One of my favorite things to plan out is my training and race calendar; currently I have my daily workouts and racing schedule set until October 2011. This might be taking things a little far but that's me.

In attempts to both post more and keep myself more accountable to my plan, I've decided to post my running schedule every week. I recognize there's probably only a handful of folks who follow my blog but feel free to make comments/suggestions on my plan. Don't suggest anything too drastic though; otherwise I'll freak out! I kid. The plan for next week is below. To see my progress, click on the link to my logarun training blog to the right.


Monday -- 01/10 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Stretch

Tuesday -- 01/11 -- Strength Class 30 minutes

Wednesday -- 01/12 -- Run Easy 20 minutes, Elliptical 20 minutes, Stretch (This is weather pending. They're calling for snow on Wednesday but not saying how much just yet. If I can't get to the gym this day, I'll run Thursday before taking off and move the elliptical to Friday's workout. This may happen anyway if I'm extra sore/tired from the prior days.)

Thursday -- 01/13 -- OFF (Flying to Phoenix to visit my sister!)

Friday -- 01/14 -- Run, Easy 20 minutes, Strength (Core + free weights), Stretch

Saturday -- 01/15 -- OFF

Sunday -- 01/16 -- Run, Easy 4 miles, Stretch (I will be running the 1st 4 miles of the Phoenix Rock n' Roll 1/2 Marathon this day. I was supposed to do the full half but an early winter injury and illness required a lot of unplanned time off. I just hope I don't get excited and try to do more than 4!)

Saturday, January 8, 2011

One Year Later

Yet again, I managed to drop the ball on blogging last year. This is mainly due to the fact that 2010 didn't exactly shape up to be "the" year for my running that I hoped. While I didn't shed a pound nor dip under 7:00/mile in races as planned, I will say last year was MUCH more productive than 2009. Though it took a last minute decision to run a fall 1/2 marathon, I did manage to get in several 20+ mile weeks, something I hadn't done for quite some time. Along with those weeks came some of the longest long runs I've done in a while (10 miles!) and a notable drop in pace of my easy runs (under 9:00/mile!). Not too shabby, but still, fairly disappointing.

Last year showed me that I can, in fact, motivate myself to get out the door and run pretty far; something I wasn't sure about before. Running regularly also brought back a sincere appreciation for the sport. There have been points over the past 4.5 years where I thought I was really starting to love running again but then I'd get injured or bored or frustrated and I'd forget about how great running was. However this fall I actually wanted to get out the door most days. This was shocking for me. Not since maybe middle school had I felt that way. Maybe I'm actually recovering this time from years of resentment for the sport and learning to like it again. I think mostly this stems from the fact that this fall, I wasn't running for anyone but myself. No coaches, no team. Just me. Now if only all that training and new-found appreciation had turned into an excellent 1/2 marathon race. (Ok, I did PR (1:58:11 down from 1:59:42) but given how much work I was doing I would've liked to see more than a minute and a half shaved off.)

I suppose this is where 2011 comes in. With last year teaching me how to train and like running for myself again, this coming year I will look how to train smart, efficiently, and consistently to ensure improvements in races. I'm also looking to expand my training to include more strength and conditioning which'll help my overall fitness. Last week I took a first stab at a 30-minute strength class at the student fitness center. What a workout! I'll definitely be returning this week. These training plans along with a plan to cook more and eat out less (probably the biggest reason for the lack of weightloss last year) I will hopefully drop some pounds too. Then maybe, just maybe, by year's end I'll be ready to seriously tackle some PRs.

So here we go again. Take 957 on Chelsea's grand return to running. Truthfully though I do believe good things could happen this year. I know, I know. We've heard this before but I believe it for this year more than ever.