TexasLindsey

I have been stuck inside since Monday.  We got some snow and ice on Tuesday and it hasn't melted yet.  The roads are super icy.  All the school districts in the Dallas -Fort Worth area have called off school for 3 days in a row.  Probably be called off tomorrow too.  I have never known this many days in a row to be called off.  We were having energy blackouts too. 

My gym membership is not of use if I can't get to the gym.  I need a treadmill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   It is really difficult to run in the winter without a treadmill.  I know some people do it... I'd love to meet someone who runs in this weather and have them give me a pep talk. 

I'm considering trying to drive to the gym when my husband gets home from work.   My husband has not been required to go to work because he can telecommute from home... however, he has opted to drive there everyday.  I think he is one of about 10 people in the 20,000 person company who went.  That's how much he wants to get away from the stress of a 3 year old boy and a 1 year old boy with full cabin fever.  I'm walking into rooms to witness people jumping furniture and trying to "swing like Diego" from the cords of the blinds.  Yes, my 3 year old did that... the blinds did not survive.   I imagine my husband is sitting there peacefully at work...  listening to music... maybe working a little... able to concentrate... no yelling or food flinging...   That sounds like paradise to me right now.  

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PM  

I made it to the gym!!  It only took me 30 minutes to get up the hill of my neighborhood (about 400 feet) because it was covered in black ice.  I was having trouble.  A nice man and his wife stopped and taught me how to do it.  He said they were just driving around "playing" on the ice, practicing going up hills and doing doughnuts in parking lots.  We just don't get snow or ice that frequently in Texas. 

Ok.  So the gym run I did was 6 miles.  

Mile 1 and 2 - 8:20/m pace. 

Mile 3- Picked up the pace gradually until I was running at 7:00/m pace. 

(walked for .1 mile) 

Mile 4- 8:20/m pace.

Mile 5- Picked up the pace gradually until I was running at 6:40/m pace.

(walked for .1 mile)

Mile 6- Ran 1st quarter at 8:00/m pace, 2nd quarter at 7:30/m pace, 3rd quarter at 7:00/m pace, 4th quarter started at 6:40/m pace but it up to 6:00/m pace

Good workout. 

Ran 12 miles at Trinity River trails by myself today.  Average pace = 8:29/m.

Mile 1- 8:45

Mile 2- 8:58

Mile 3- 8:29

Mile 4- 8:45

Mile 5- 8:58

Mile 6- 8:58

Mile 7- 8:27

Mile 8- 8:18

Mile 9- 8:06

Mile 10- 8:19

Mile 11- 7:59

Mile 12- 7:52

It snowed on Tuesday about 3 inches and temperatures stayed below freezing for 4 days so the ice and snow didn't melt.  Then it snowed again yesterday morning about 4-5 inches.  However, today the temps got up to 50 degrees!!  So it was all melting fast. 

Good thing because the Super Bowl is in Arlington (which is in between Fort Worth and Dallas) this year.  Tomorrow!!!  The Steelers are staying in Fort Worth.  The Packers are staying in Dallas.  This weather has really been causing some problems for all the plans this week.  We've been hearing on the news that the out-of-towners are more impressed with Fort Worth.  Hee, hee!  It's cuz we're better...  : ) 

I went to the river around 1:30 pm.  First part of the route was pure muddy slush.  My shoes and socks got wet.  After the first 3 miles the trails were fairly dry.  I was WAY over dressed.  I had to wrap my jacket around my waist which was annoying to deal with.  It was funny because the river had ice on it, there was snow on the grass... and yet everyone was wearing t-shirts or even sports bras and shorts!  Texas for ya. 

So good run.  Pleasant.  LOTS of runners out today -probably because everyone has been stuck inside for days.  First miles I was uncomfortable because of the jacket situation and I was dodging alot of slushy mud.  I figured out that I was not running with my usual form because of the jacket.  Finally, around mile 4-5, I fixed the form thing and the trails improved so I started getting into a rhythm. 

8 miles today at 11 am.  Average pace=8:32/m.  Weather= 45 degrees, wind 10 mph, sunny, some snow slush still on ground.

Mile 1- 9:05 

Mile 2- 9:02

Mile 3- 8:33

Mile 4- 8:10

Mile 5- 8:14

Mile 6- 8:57  Two dogs who apparently got free from their backyard ran toward me.  The big one looked to be a boxer/great dane mix.  They ran with me about 1/2 mile.  It was making me nervous because they kept running into the street.  A car slowed down and the annoyed driver stared me down as if to say, "Why aren't your dogs on a leash??!"  This kinda messed up my momentum for a couple miles.

Mile 7- 8:41

Mile 8- 7:35

6 miles at the gym this morning at 5:30 am.  

The workout was:

2 miles easy at 6.5 speed (9:13/m) 

1 mile increasing speed every quarter mile to 7.0 (8:30/m), 7.5 (8:00/m), 8.0 (7:30/m), 8.5 (7:00/m)

2 miles easy at 6.9 speed (8:45/m)

1 mile increasing speed every quarter mile to 7.5 (8:00/m), 8.0 (7:30/m), 8.5 (7:00/m), 9.0 (6:40/m)

Worked out pretty good to get there early... got home before anyone woke up.  Yesterday I was planning to run when my husband got home from work but things came up and I wasn't able.  I decided I need to try to get the run done early.  Thing is: "When something is important, you find a way.  When it's not, you find an excuse."   I just need to wake up at 4:30 or 5:00 and go to the gym early.  It's the only way I can for sure get a run in.  Just Do It. 

AM

Ice and snow again.  Sigh.  Schools called off.  Wrecks all over the freeway.  Unable to get to the gym or run outside.  Once again, the need for a treadmill is reinforced.  Not going to let it get me down though.  Concentrating on positive attitude. 

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PM

Most of ice melted on streets.  Was able to get to gym for a quick run.  3.1 miles on treadmill.  1 mile easy at 7.0 speed (8:34/m) and 1 mile easy at 7.2 speed (8:20/m).  Then I turned on the techno and decided to run the last mile fast.  I cranked it up to 8.0 (7:30/m)  for a 1/4 mile... then I ran 9.0 for 1/2 mile... then with .35 mile to go I punched it up to 9.5 (6:40/m), 10.0 (6:00/m).... then finally 10.8 (5:30/m).  I concentrated on form and breathing.  I had my eyes fixed on this sticker on the machine in front of me... the faster I went and the more I focused on my form, the less the sticker was bouncing, if that makes any sense.  Mentally, I was just in the "zone"... my thoughts stopped racing... everything around me faded to the edges of my consciousness...  I have heard that the point of meditation is to get this same thing... seems to me that running and meditation are alot alike, although I've never meditated.

It was FUN to run so fast!  I finished 3.1 miles in 24 minutes... but the first two miles were done slow.  If it took me roughly 17 minutes to finish the first two, then that means the last 1.1 mile was done in 7 minutes which is about 6:30/m pace.  Pretty good.  Of course, it was on a treadmill... less resistance... but also difficult because so boring... 

I think the woman next to me thought I was nuts during the last mile... she was just walking and she kept looking over at me... not impressed-like... more like, well, she thought I was nuts.  Reminded me of my mother... she seriously does not understand why anyone would actually want to run... and even if they did run, why would they want to run far or fast???  It's so odd to her.  When I told her I wanted to run a marathon, she said, "WHY???!!"  She was under the impression (and it took me a year to convince her otherwise) that people kill over all the time while running marathons... she thought people only run marathons so they could play chicken with death.  Seriously, that's what I deal with!  Ha, ha!  

My Dad is more supportive because he is a lifetime athlete.  Was a pitcher on the TCU baseball team in college.  His college coach made the pitchers play handball in the off season to keep their arms strong.  My Dad got so good at handball, he started playing it full time.  He's been playing several times a week ever since.  He told me once that he could never be a runner because he needs a sport that's more competitive to keep him interested.  I said, "Dad, are you kidding me?  Maybe some people just run for the joy of it... but ME, what I enjoy is the competition.. and there's opportunity for tons of competition in this sport... every single run you are in competition with with your mind...  There's always that thought in your head that tries to convince you to not run or to quit or to slow down... every time you defeat that voice and do what you thought you couldn't, you win!  And it's so satisfying!!  Then of course, there's the clock and the other runners to compete with... "

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Got some great plans coming up...  10 mile race on Saturday morning with my running group.   I think my goal is 7:30/m pace, which would be 1:15:00. 

Next weekend on Sunday I'm running a 5k with the Fort Worth Running Club. My goal for the 5k is to get 21:something or better... which is about 7:00/m pace or better. 

I ran a 5k less than two weeks after my marathon and I got a time of 21:15 (6:50/m) but I think the course was short so I doubt that was my real pace.  Also, I'm not in as good of shape.  I'll be really happy this weekend if I get 21:59. 

My friend, Stephanie, is planning on running the 5k with me.  She was my best friend in elementary, middle school and HS.  Then in 11th grade, we had a falling out over a GUY  (how silly)... and we lost touch for like 10-12 years.  Just found each other again about a year ago via Facebook.   She's really into running now too!  She runs halfs all the time.  When we were friends, she always played soccer while I was in cc.  She still plays club soccer but now she also runs.  She lives in New Jersey and whenever she comes in town, we have decided to make it a tradition to run races together.  Fun!

10 mile race tomorrow morning.  When my husband got home today, I went for a fast 2 mile run.  I didn't want to tire my legs out but I wanted them fast for tomorrow.  

Out and back - mostly downhill on the way out, mostly uphill on the way back

Mile 1 - 7:09

Mile 2 - 7:03

Great race today!  I am very happy.

Race started at 7 am.  Temperature: 30 degrees, not much wind.  Ran 1.5 mile warm-up.

Goal was to do 7:30/m pace.  Average pace ended up being 7:25/m.  Very even.  1st half average = 7:24/m, 2nd half average = 7:25/m

Mile 1	7:11
Mile 2	7:27
Mile 3	7:23
Mile 4	7:29
Mile 5	7:34
Mile 6	7:34
Mile 7	7:23
Mile 8	7:19
Mile 9	7:25
Mile 10	7:26

I had a pretty good pre-race routine today which I think contributed to my meeting my goal.  Went to bed at 9:30 pm.  Woke up at 4:30 am.  Ate breakfast and got ready leisurely.  Got to gym at 5:45 am.  It was so cold outside, I decided to do warm-up at gym. Ran 1 mile at 9:15/m pace.  Ran quarter mile at 7:35/m pace.  Ran a quarter mile at 6:40/m pace.  Walked for a quarter mile.   Drank about a half gallon of water between 4:30 and 6:00 am.  I stopped drinking before I left gym and made sure to go potty....   Got to race by 6:30 am.  Race started at 7:00 am.  Took caffenine gu right before race start, another at mile 4, and another at mile 6.  I bypassed all water stops on the course because I was super hydrated.   Dispite much effort, I have yet to figure out how to drink while running.  Decided it was too cold to risk water all over my face and shirt.

Felt strong whole race.  I think all this speedwork I've been doing on the treadmill is paying off.  I haven't been running near enough miles though - between 15-30 miles a week these last couple months.  I'm very happliy surprised I did this well.  Makes me wonder how much faster I could get by increasing my milage to like 50-60 miles a week.  I heard that Emily just ran a 70 mile week (her peak training week for the Cowtown Marathon) and now she's running her long runs with the 7:00/m guys.  At this point, she's probably the only girl in my running group faster than me.  It would be cool to get that good and run with the fast guys...  

The only possible way I could do this is if I got up at 4:30 am everyday and ran 10 miles before my husband and children woke up.  I have to just get the miles in first thing, because if I try to wait until my husband gets home from work, there's just too much that can happen later in the day to ruin my best intentions.   That is alot of effort but it will get easier as the weather gradually improves.  I'm thinking about it....  hmmmm

6.4 miles around my neighborhood at 5:30pm.  Average pace= 8:09/m.  Weather= 65 degrees, wind 10 mph.  

Sunset tonight was gorgeous!  The clouds looked like flowing red lava. 

Mile 1- 8:01

Mile 2- 8:13

Mile 3- 8:17

Mile 4- 8:03

Mile 5- 8:18

Mile 6- 8:14

Last .4 mile - 7:29 pace

Forcast is temperatures in the mid-60's or 70's all week!!!!!!   I am SOOOO Excited!!!!!!!   

4.8 miles around my neighborhood at 1pm.  Average pace =8:29/m  Weather = 78 degrees, wind 18 mph, sunny. 

Mile 1- 8:36

Mile 2- 8:18

Mile 3- 8:29

Mile 4- 8:48

last .8 mile- 8:10

It was so hot today!  I felt like I was going so slow... I kept looking at my watch expecting to see 10 min miles.  I was shocked I kept it in the 8's the whole run.  That's a testament to how fit I am, I guess.  I had to dig down deep to not quit on Mile 4... that mile was uphill, against the wind.  I forgot how difficult the heat makes things. 

Still, after you run in the heat and sweat so much... you feel GREAT!  I am very happy I got to run today.  The difficulty of it just was exercise for my will power.  

Ran 8 miles at 6:10 am around my neighborhood.  Average pace=8:36/m. Weather= 65 degrees, wind 15 mph, dark.

I had to give myself a pep talk this morning.  I had set my alarm for 4:30 am.  The plan was to run really early.  However, I had to get up twice in the night to tend to the baby so when the alarm went off, I started negotiating with myself.  It was so dark... maybe I could call my sister and see if she would babysit for me later today so I could run in the light... or, maybe I could run with the double stroller today.... or, maybe I could just run when my husband gets home from work this evening....   

Thing is: all of these options mean that I have to spend a significant portion of my day planning, preparing, and working hard .  All other things I had planned for the day would probably not get done because so much of my time would go to trying to run.  Or else, I'd have to scrap plans to run... or run less miles than I wanted.

It took me about 30 minutes of laying in bed having this conversation with myself before I finally just said, "Shut up, Lindsey!  Get up!  And JUST DO IT.  Now is the best time.  It's 65 degrees outside for heaven's sake!!  Stop your whining!"

Worked out great.  I got ready and made breakfast for everyone before I left.  I started running at 6:15 am.  Ran 8 miles.  Sunrise was at 7:00ish.  Returned at 7:20 am...  only my husband was up and he was already eating breakfast.  I was able to take a shower while kids ate.  In the past, I ran first and then made breakfast when I got home... but I think this way is better.

Mile 1- 9:05

Mile 2- 8:56

Mile 3- 8:55

Mile 4- 8:21

Mile 5- 8:36

Mile 6- 8:19

Mile 7- 8:29

Mile 8- 8:06

AM

Ran 8 miles along the Trinity river trails with Brenda and Ashley today.  It was really fun.  We talked the whole time.  We went slow because the two of them are running a half next weekend and they wanted to take it easy.  I was content to take it easy because I'm doing a 5k tomorrow morning.  Average pace = 8:30/m.  This is the pace I run around my neighborhood most days.  Actually, today was easier though because there are no hills by the river and my neighborhood has several.  I don't even feel like I ran today. 

Now my husband and I are going to meet up with my friend, Stephanie, and her boyfriend for lunch....  at the Rahr Beer Brewery!  Steph just flew in from New Jersey and I hadn't seen her since September.  And the best part is.... I've got a babysitter!!!!!!!!  I mean, of course I do... I wouldn't be going to a brewery with kids!  Ha, ha!  We are so excited because this is the first time since January 1st my husband and I got a babysitter.  And we're going out!  With other adults!!!   As exciting as this is, I've got to take it easy cuz of the 5k tomorrow.   I have to be back by 4 pm anyways, so how crazy could I get.  

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PM

The Brewery was fun!!  Not what I expected.  There was a band and food...  and you could sample different beers and there was a tour of the brewery to see how they made the different kinds.  So cool.   Then afterwards we went to eat mexican food... no, I mean seriously pig out on mexican food.  So fun. 

So when I got home at 5:30pm, I started thinking about the race tomorrow.  Stephanie talked my husband into coming... and get this!! ... bringing my kids... something that he has done exactly once in my entire running career.  I am excited now.  I want to do good.  However, to do good, maybe I shouldn't have had 3 beers.  Ok... so maybe I could do a quick 2 mile run and see how fast I am.  Maybe it'll help burn some alcohol off.  

Mile 1- 7:17

Mile 2- 7:28

So not as fast as last Friday when I averaged 7:09 for my 2 mile fast run.  Oh well, at least I had fun.  I don't know what the goal tomorrow should be.  I want to do at least 21:30.  I hope that is feasible.

Weather = 63 degrees, wind 20 mph gusting up to 24 mph, cloudy.  Out and back course... 1st half was with the wind, 2nd half against the wind.

Mile 1- 6:38

Mile 2-7:11

Mile 3- 7:25

Final Time = 21:26

I plugged my race from last week into a race predictor and it said I should be able to run a 5k in 21:30.  So officially that was my goal.  Thanksgiving I ran a 5k in 21:15 and I figured I'd be happy if I did as good today.   Therefore, I would say "officially" I am satisfied with the result today. 

However, I "feel" like I was not at the top of my game today...  I did not feel as strong as I normally do.  I feel like I could have pulled out a 20 minute race had I been stronger today and been able to hold my speed.  There was some major wind to content with, but I slowed down because I was tired.  Yesterday afternoon I went out with friends and had a couple beers and I think it affected my performance today.   

Ah well.  Room to improve.  I'll do better next time. 

11.8 miles at 1pm around the park by my sister's house.  Average pace=7:40/m.  Weather=60's, mostly sunny, wind 10mph. 

Mile 1- 7:30

Mile 2- 7:39

Mile 3- 7:56

Mile 4- 7:38

Mile 5- 7:40

Mile 6- 7:32

Mile 7- 7:38

Mile 8- 7:58

Mile 9- 7:48

Mile 10- 7:46

Mile 11- 7:30

Mile 12 - 7:23

Great run!!   I decided to run The Cowtown Half Marathon this Sunday.... so I felt like I needed a long run of 12 miles to build  my confidence for that.  I am pleased with 12 miles at 7:40/m.  My goal for the race is at least 7:30/m for 13.1 miles.  I think it's a realistic goal. 

Today, I felt pretty good for 10 miles... The last two miles were difficult, but I did speed up which may have contributed to that.  I just wanted to get them over with.  

Ran 3.5 miles at 6 am.  Average pace=8:58/m.  Weather= 59 degrees, 6mph wind, cloudy, humidity=80%

Went really easy today because of the long run yesterday.  Actually, even if I wanted to go faster, not sure if I could... the 9 min pace felt kinda difficult today. 

ABOUT HILLS:

It's funny... there's this hill about 1/2 mile long and 2% grade on my route today.  Normally, I charge it and try to go at least 8:00-8:30 pace up it.  Today, I just chugged it up at like 9:30/m.  It felt more difficult today.  I think because it took soooo much longer to get to the top.  

My theory on hills is that it is not good strategy to slow down going up a hill... the reason is because a hill is hard no matter how fast you go up it, why not just charge it and get it over with?  Tell yourself that you can slow down when you get to the top if you want.  I think running fast helps to distract me from pain of the hill.  I just concentrate on form and controlled breathing when going up a hill and I just stare at the top thinking that the faster I go, the faster this is over with.  

Sometimes I'll see people walking up a hill.  If you are tired and need to take a walk break, a hill is the worst possible choice of a walk break.  It's not like you are going to get to catch your breath walking UP a hill.  To me, it makes more sense to just run the thing, get it over with, and then reward yourself at the top with a walk break if you need it.  Walking downhill will allow you to catch your breath much better.  (Then again, I suppose some people are walking the hills because of injury... in which case, I say whatever works).

My other theory is that hills are a metaphor for challenges in life...  

4 miles at 5:30pm.  Average pace = 7:32/m.  Weather=81 degrees, wind 24 mph, sunny.

The Cowtown Half Marathon is on Sunday morning.  I thought today would be a good day to do a tempo 4 miler. 

Mile 1- 7:37

Mile 2- 7:29

Mile 3- 7:32

Mile 4- 7:33

All things considered I'm pretty happy that I sustained a 7:30ish average through this run. The route had 4 hills: 2 steep and short, 2 long and gradual.  Plus, it was eighty degrees outside, sunny and the wind was pretty strong.  The last mile was the most difficult as it was against the wind and mostly uphill.  The second mile was with the wind at my back and downhill. 

My goal on Sunday is to break 1:40 for the half.  This would be about 7:30/m pace.  The course is mostly flat and roads.  The forecast has Sunday morning at 60 degrees (high is 80 something)... pretty warm weather we are having lately... I am NOT complaining.  It's like spring is already here.  I'm wearing tanks and shorts to run in.  So anyways, don't know about the wind.  I'm hoping the conditions are right for me to meet my goal.  I'm a little concerned I haven't been running enough miles or long enough long runs.  Oh well.  Too late now. 

Chip time 1:39:29  

Race distance according to my Garmin =13.16  

Average pace for first 7 miles = 7:23/m

Average pace for last 6 miles= 7:46/m

Average for whole race = 7:34/m

Mile 1	7:11
Mile 2	7:20
Mile 3	7:29
Mile 4	7:19
Mile 5	7:31
Mile 6	7:29
Mile 7	7:27
Mile 8	7:46
Mile 9	7:50
Mile 10	8:02
Mile 11	7:41
Mile 12	7:37
Mile 13	7:41
Final .16 mile	6:19

The Fort Worth Cowtown Marathon!!!  My city’s biggest running event!  There were 15,000 runners in the various races.  8,000 in the marathon events.  It was at a new location and new route this year.  I really like what they did.  It was a great race! 

My only complaint was the weather.  66 degrees, 90% humidity, wind 20 mph gusting up to 24mph.   Yuck!  Normally, the weather for this race in February is cold so this was a really strange year.

My official goal was 1:39:59 or better.  I thought I was capable of 1:37 if the conditions were perfect, but the humidity and wind were an issue so I was being realistic and sticking with 1:39.  So I taped a pace band to my wrist that had the times for 1:39 (7:33/m) and I lined up in corral 1 in between the 3:10 (7:26/m) and 3:20 (7:38/m) marathon pace groups. 

It was fun waiting for the race to start because there were a lot of people I knew from other races standing around me.  One funny thing happened: I told a girl standing next to me about my goal being 1:39 officially and 1:37 if I have a great day.  Her facial expression was kinda cocky and then she said, “Oh 1:37 is easy. I break that all the time.”  Hmmm.  Well, good luck to you in the humidity then…   

Wind was at our backs for miles 1-7.  There was one challenging hill about a quarter mile long in mile 5, but other than that, the first 7 miles were pretty easy. 

Mile 8 we turned into the wind.  I literally kissed my favorite visor goodbye and threw it in the grass.  It will be missed…  It was amazing how the wind made even the downhills feel difficult.  Mile 9 had a huge hill.  It was rough!!!  Mile 10 should have been easy because it was downtown and there were big crowds lining the street, but I was still hurting from the mile 9 hill.  I did an 8:00 min mile, my slowest of the race.  About this time the 3:20 marathon pace group passed me and my friend, Greg, who was leading it taunted me about slowing down.  My leg muscles felt like jello as I was trying to run faster.  I stopped caring about what time I was going to finish in or what my time for each mile was and I started thinking that I just wanted to finish. 

Then, suddenly, at the beginning of mile 11 something happened that woke me up from the painful haze I was in:  I saw that cocky girl from the starting corral.  She was about 100 yards ahead of me going up a hill and I could tell from her form that she was struggling.  I decided to catch her.  It was pretty satisfying to pass her and it made me get a second wind.  I don’t think I would have done as well in miles 11-13 if it had not been for her.   Funny how things work out!  I sprinted the final .1 as fast as I could.  I had no idea what my time was until the final few yards when I saw the clock.  I was elated that my time was going to be under 1:40. 

Emily from my running group ran a 3:21 marathon and was the 4^th place girl overall.  She looked great!  Most people in my running group said the weather made them miss their original goals for this race, though. 

The wind sucked but truly I believe the reason I slowed down in the second half was because my legs are not strong enough.  Cardio-wise, I was doing well.  I actually think I could hold a 7:20/m pace for an entire half marathon at my current level of cardio-fitness… BUT I don’t think my legs are strong enough yet.  Something to work on.   I need to do some strength training if I’m going to take myself to the next level.