Heather's Training - Week 9

Training Day #22 - July 19, 2010


Lots of cute boys at the gym tonight. Lots of cute boys to distract me. Unfortunately, they couldn’t quite distract me enough to get my mind off of running. I’ve decided to start doing the full 3.1 miles from now on in whatever time it takes me. I shouldn’t have any problems keeping that under 36 minutes at my current pace, so I don’t see a reason not to strive for it each time now. I need to run that much anyways, so I might as well get used to it now. I’m sure I will eat these words though.

I only did a 2-minute warm up to start and then punched my 36 minutes in and away I went. I was kind of random tonight in my intervals. I started with 2-min walk/4-min run, then 1-min walk/5-min run, and then from there it was all over the place from anywhere between 1-2 minute walk and then run for as long as I could. I hopped off the treadmill a few times to catch my breath rather than switching to a walk. I’m not sure that’s the best approach because I should be trying to build up my lung capacity, but I really don’t give a rat’s behind.

I did have a bit of motivation when a cutie patootie hopped on the machine next to me. I had just started a run segment and thought he might motivate me not to stop. That idea didn’t last long. I realized when he was bumping his speeds up to 9.5 for a minute at a time that I really wasn’t going to be impressing this guy with my measly 5.6 pace, red face and raspy breath. Oh well. It was worth a shot.

In 30 minutes, I finished 2.67 miles and completed the 3.1 miles in 34:45 minutes. Another day, another run down.

Side note: The guy at the treadmill next to me when I first got to the gym was wearing big dark J-Lo type sunglasses and a thick sweatband. He looked like a 70s porn star. Awesome.

Training Day #23 - July 21, 2010

Thanks to my sister for her inspiration today. She texted me after her run today and I was incredibly proud of her dedication and results. I decided to kick things up a notch myself and see if I could keep up with her. :)

I headed to yoga first, which is always a nice de-stresser and then hit the treadmill. I started with a 5-minute warmup and then set the timer to 36 minutes. I didn’t even start with a walk. I just punched 5.4 into the speed and off I went. I was incredibly surprised with myself. I ran for 10.5 minutes without even really realizing it. This could be contributed to the fact that my towel was covering the monitor. I realized I needed a drink and was curious as to how much time had gone by. I was expecting 6-8 minutes, so I was pleasantly surprised at that number. I hopped off for a few quick seconds to grab a drink and towel off. I have found that trying to do these things while at a full run is not recommended.

I ran for another 7 or so minutes and needed a break, so I slowed down the speed to a brisk walk and pounded that out for 2 minutes. Then, I was back at the run and finished with 2.71 miles in 30 minutes. I probably could have finished a bit more if I upped the speed, but I didn’t want to pass out. I walked two more minutes and then ran to finish the 5K in 34:31, beating my time from Monday. Score.

I owe you one sis!

Side note: Mini Almond Joys are a fabulous after-run snack!

Training Day #24 - July 24, 2010

It is effing hot outside. Good grief. I need to start running outside, but I didn’t make it up early enough to miss the fireball blazing in the sky. So back to the gym I go. Saturdays at the gym are my favorite. Very few people to get in my way and no waiting on any of the machines.

I drove to the gym since I had an errand to run afterward (and perhaps because I didn’t feel like sticking to the pavement while I walked), so my warm up walk was a bit longer than I have been doing. Then it was game on. 36:00 on the clock and 5.4 on the speed. I made it a little over 13 minutes today without having to stop, lean on the treadmill, take a drink of water or towel off. Sweet sweet progress. What helped that was covering the timer with my towel and pushing myself to finish 4 songs before I even attempted to look at the time. I was so proud of myself.

I took a moment to pause the treadmill, wipe the sweat and take a few deep breaths, then I set the speed to 4.5 and continued with a brisk walk for 2 minutes. After minute 15:00, I started up with the running again.

Unfortunately, the second half wasn’t as pretty as the first half. It seems like after the first break, I felt the need to take more breaks than I really needed to. So, the last half was definitely a mind game. I didn’t walk too much more, but I did pause another time to catch my breath, but not let the time tick away. A few times using the handrails to support myself, but all in all, it wasn’t super ugly. I finished, didn’t I?!

I cleared 2.73 miles in 30 minutes with my total 3.1 completed in 33:42. Sweet sassy molassey kids. I think that calls for some ice cream, don’t you?

Side note: When you’re working out or running with your iPod, do you ever catch yourself kinda groovin’ to the music? Well, I do. And it looks pretty ridiculous when I’m trying to run AND subtly jam to the beat of Tone Loc. I must look like I have some kind of nervous tic or something.