Mid Way Through May

The month is already half over, which means it's a few weeks closer to all of my races.  I've had a few  rough weeks with training, not in the sense of getting out to run, but in the sense of I've had a lot going on in my regular life.  Between lots of overtime at work (which I have to take whenever I can because it's not usually offered so freely), working some special, but late night events, and trying to still be social, finding the energy to run has been tough.  The building heat isn't helping either...

I've still gotten out there and run though.  I just finished 3 days in a row this weekend and I'm hoping to do a 7 miler this weekend.  Overall I've been feeling pretty good on my runs, I just need to keep at the schedule.

The best new is that I get to run at one of my favorite places next week, Disney's Boardwalk Resort.  I love running between Epcot and Hollywood studios and it just holds quite  a few training memories over the years because regardless of what we're doing I always find time to get in at least one run.  That's also where I'm going to run my official runDisney virtual run.  I figured it was only appropriate...

Yup, It's Still Hot

I made the mistake of taking my time before heading out on my run this morning and I paid for it within my first few steps.  I felt lethargic and hot and just not good.  I hate to admit it, but I almost immediately started to talk myself into cutting my run short.

If I stopped at 2 miles I'd run another two this evening or I'd run 4 tomorrow... If I do 3 miles then I'll just run tomorrow after work...  However, I had 2 things helping me get to the 4.25 miles I needed to run today.

First, I had the Galloway plan.  I used his run/walk plan and it really helped me make sure I never became super fatigued.  It also gave me some rest to look forward to and my running pace managed to stay around the same.

Second, I had my handy dandy Nike+ app going on my phone.  I had set a 4 mile goal so my phone kept helping my count down.  I was definitely considering stopping just after mile 3, but when that monotone robotic voice came on to tell me "1 More Mile Left", well I knew I could do it so I kept on running, instead of heading home.

Now 4 miles is usually my first wall.  It's where I finally get really warmed up and I start feeling better after 4 miles.  I get into my groove I guess you could say.  The last .25 felt pretty good and I even turned around and had a nice walk to cool down after the run.

It's funny how some runs can start off terrible and end up pretty nice.  I guess it's really true that I would have regretted it if I had stopped earlier than I had planned on (and I'll totally admit to the fact I more than likely wouldn't have run tonight or tomorrow) and I'm happy I did get through the complete run.

Summer Running

It seems that while I have started to acclimate to the heat I work in daily, I'm still not used to running in the heat.  It's just zapping any energy I have and making my runs harder than they really need to be.  Within the first mile I'm dripping with sweat and if I don't have my water bottle with me, then I'm probably not getting more than 3-4 miles done.

Running in Florida is just so different compared to running in California.  In California, it was cooler in the mornings so I was able to get my run in and relax before the heat of the day really set in.  In Florida, it's just hot 24/7 during the summer.  Last year I ran on a treadmill during the hotter months, which I hated probably just as much as running in the heat. This year, I don't have that option.

I'm feeling confident with my training for the Tower of Terror 10 Miler and I'm pretty sure I've got the Wine and Dine Half Marathon training and execution figured out for November... by then my training should be getting some relief from the heat (or so I hope... watch, it'll be the hottest winter ever).  And of course in January is the Walt Disney World Marathon.  Today I am 25 weeks out from running that Marathon and while that means I still have plenty of time to train, I'm still nervous about it really.... with the heat and everything, do I really have enough time???

I've been debating whether or not I should just work on my endurance and get a few long runs in here and there while the heat is still pretty bad, or if I should keep trying to push my long runs.  My decision will probably change weekly, or by run.  I just tend to run in the moment.  I won't let myself do long runs during my work week considering I have work those days, but other than that, who knows how far I'll run.

I should be back to building up my long run again this week, up to 7 miles again to be exact.  Will I actually hit it?  Who knows.  I just have to get myself out of bed and onto the road first...

Back To The Heat

Arriving in Florida, I was greeted by the heat and humidity that's lacking in California.  Apparently it had been getting hotter and more humid the week I was gone, and considering we're only in the middle of the summer, it's not looking like it will get any better.

I was planning a 5 mile run yesterday, but a time limitation stopped me from getting that far and then the heat made me pull back to 3 miles, but the run still felt pretty good.  I was definitely sweating a lot more from the heat, but it was my fault because while I had set my alarm for an early run, it took me quite a bit to actually get moving, a lesson I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

The only sad part about the heat is that I'm not able to wear my new long sleeved running shirt.  Luckily, I did get a few other goodies when I was home and near a running store I had gone to for a while.  I got fitted for new shoes (I'm not in high arch support and stability shoes).  It was interesting getting fitted again because they went over pressure points, how my feet landed while I ran, and even what my Achilles tendon looks like (it visibly bends as each foot lands).  So now on at least one run a week I'll be running in the new shoes to get them broken in before my current shoes die.  It's always fun to get new running gear... it's like getting new toys!

On The Road Again

I was able to get back outside and run again today.  I didn't feel 100%, but I really wasn't expecting too.  I could still feel the fatigue and dehydration that I've been fighting since my flu, but it is getting better, and that's what I'm excited about.  Maybe now I can finally get back into a routine and get some work done!

While today's run was a short one (only 2.45 miles), it was also a hot run.  The sun was already coming up and I definitely felt it.  It's going to get harder and harder to beat the sunrise during the summer, or even wait till sunset since it sets so late in the evening.  It's looking like I might have to wake up early and get in the miles I can and then wait for cooler temperatures before really getting serious about my long runs for the marathon training (I still think I'm crazy for signing up for a marathon).

I don't know if it's summer or old habits trying to re-emerge, but after my runs I've been craving a smoothie, particularly a Jamba Juice.  Those who have gone to Jamba, I'm sure you understand how amazing they are after a workout or on a hot day.  I cannot tell you how often I went growing up and now I don't have any.  Funny enough, they don't have any in Florida, or at least close to Orlando.  Of course, I think this sucks because I'm severely missing them.  Fortunately, I'm already planning at least 1 trip to a Jamba while I'm home in a few weeks.  Still... I wish I could get my Matcha Green Tea Blast, or a Strawberry's Wild, or if I feel like indulging a Chocolate Covered Strawberry (it's on their secret menu...).

Dangers of Treadmills

Usually this close to a race I would be playing it safe and just trying to be relaxed as possible.  Things were going well... until today.

One of my greatest motivators is being frustrated with people or life in general.  Running has just always let me clear my mind and release those frustrations.  Yes, they might come back later, but that time hitting the pavement (or in this case treadmill) just gives me a sliver of peace in an otherwise hectic world.  It was exactly what I needed and got... well somewhat.

So, today was one of those days where I was just boiling inside and knew I needed to run to release everything.  I got home, got changed, put some new music on my iphone, and headed to the gym.  There weren't too many people and a single treadmill open so I jumped on and started running.

My mind was clear... I felt really good on my run (like, way better than I expected), my music was pushing me on, and I was letting go of all of that frustration.  Unfortunately, at 2.3 miles tragedy struck.

It would appear as though life was out to get me because my treadmill stopped.  The computer threw up an Error sign and the treadmill simply stopped.  No warning, no slowing down, but a hard stop.  I nearly ran into it since I was running a 9 min 13 sec pace.  Luckily I caught myself before any injuries happened, but still, it scared me for a bit.

I'm 6 days out from my race and the treadmill just tried to kill me... just what I needed.  But did I quite?

Of course not!  A women 2 machines over finished her workout and I was able to hop onto hers and get to the 5k mark without any other incidents. At the end I told management in hopes of preventing any other possible injuries.

Will I still run on treadmills?  Probably... but I'm still preferring to run outside.  The humidity is starting to go down so I'm thinking that might become more and more of a possibility as the heat index continues to drop!  I'll be avoiding that specific treadmill (probably even when it's fixed), but there's not much else I can do.  I know the possibilities and I'll be ready to catch myself the next time a treadmill decides it doesn't want to work...

Luckily my run did feel good and I'm still looking forward to the Disneyland Half.  I can't wait to get home and run in non-humid weather.  Only 6 days left!

Leaping Lizards!

Ok, here they're probably geckos.  But they are everywhere and they don't jump out of your way until you practically stepped on the little guys.  I swear, there have been runs where I've stepped on them, but I try not to!

There were quite a few little geckos out today, but I wasn't even planning on running outside.  I was hoping to do another brick workout with an abs focus in the middle instead of arms, but alas... the gate to get to the gym was jammed and I couldn't get to the gym.  So, I sucked up the fact it was later than I wanted to run outside, and hotter, and decided to take off down the sidewalk.

And was it hot... It was definitely a challenge just getting 2 miles in, but I did it.  I'm also running in my back-up shoes which are nice, but not the best.  I discovered they don't have the right support so I can't go long distances, but they're perfect for these small runs and gum workouts right now.

Yesterday was my 1 week till I fly back to California.  Today is the 1 week till I go to the registration/expo (aka shopping for tech shirts and whatever other goodies they have).  Tomorrow is the 1 week till the race!  I am getting excited, but again, my training does keep my nerves going.  We'll see how I end up doing, but I cannot wait to get out there!  Plus, I can't wait till the cooler weather.  I will actually get to wear my sweats and a new jacket from work because the heat index won't be in the triple digits!

What I also discovered by having a countdown on another page... I passed the 6 month mark for the Princess Half Marathon.  I believe today is 5 months, 4 weeks, and 2 days until that race.  I'll admit... I'm a bit more excited to run that race because 1) there's more characters and 2) I'm running it as a team with one of my friends!

The Best Way To Cool Down...

I was able to get back out on the road today.  I wish I could say it felt amazing, but in all honesty it really didn't.  My stomach was heavy from dinner the night before still, although running made it feel a lot better. I could tell I needed to drink more water and it was just plain hot.

Now, I knew coming to Florida in the summer meant I would be living in hot, humid temperatures and learning to run in them.  Just because I accepted that fact doesn't mean I like it or that I'm adjusting all that quickly.  My outdoor runs are better than the first one I had way back in June when I was staying at Saratoga Springs... still not enjoying the humidity or heat.

Considering I was forcing this run and just not feeling great, I originally told myself I only had to go 2 miles... just a quick out and back pretty much.  Ya, well I lied to my body and actually went 4.17 miles.  So I was at least a mile off from where I wanted to go, but over 2 miles more than I originally thought I would go this morning.

As I was walking back, a great idea struck me.  The best way to cool off... jump in the pool!  I mean, I sweated enough I already felt like I had been in a pool, but a nice cool refreshing dip was calling my name and I was more than happy to respond.  So I got home, changed into a suit, and made my way over to the pool... I don't think I've been happier to step into a pool...

So I've decided that the runs I do on my day off are going to end in the pool as a way to relax.  Might get some stretching in while I'm there or possibly some water jogging, which I've done in the past, so who knows.  It definitely made the end of my run a lot nicer and cooler.