A story of going from being a non-runner to planning for a marathon in three years...

Thursday, October 29, 2009

TIART - Three Wishes



Today's Take it and Run Thursday question, brought to you by Runners' Lounge and Chocolate Shoestrings is:

If a genie were to appear and grant you any three running wishes in the world, what would you choose? It can be anything from superhuman powers, new running inventions, race entries, shoes, you name it!

What would be your three wishes?


After struggling through a 3.2 mile treadmill run last night, I immediately thought of my first two wishes:

Wish #1: That it stayed light outside until at least 8 PM every night all year long.

Wish #2: That running on the treadmill was as easy for me as running outside

Then, thinking about all the races I want to run in different places, I came up with the following:

Wish #3: That I could do well at every race I wanted to run without worrying about them being too close to one another.

And with that, I have nothing else to report for today. Other than I can't believe I did almost half my training last winter on the treadmill. Ugh. I am NOT looking forward to that again.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Who knew I'd miss you?




Ahhh, OPRC, I actually missed you!

I haven't run with them since we got our new greyhound. Instead, Monday nights have been devoted to obedience class. But last night class was canceled so I got to run!

And boy, did I run! I originally thought I'd be slow as molasses based on Sunday's run and the fact that I haven't run very much in the past week. I even told two new women that I'd be at the back of the pack keeping them company.

But then one of the regulars paired herself up with me stating that she wanted to "go slow."

She's a talker, that one. Managed to keep me distracted the entire time with her chatter. So distracted that it wasn't until mile 3 that I realized we'd left the "back of the pack" people in the dust and were running my hoped-for 10K race pace! Oops! I felt so bad about leaving the new people behind. So bad, in fact, that when we got to the park where we all stop to re-group I ran back aways to see if I could find them. Sadly, I couldn't. Another club member and I stood around hoping to see them but we never did. We were getting cold in the cool and drizzly weather, so we left. I still feel guilty.

However, other than the guilt, it was an AWESOME RUN. Oh, it was awesome. I have confidence now that I can kick this upcoming 10K's butt.

And then, after the run, we all went out for dinner and drinks to celebrate a club member's birthday AND the fact that she qualified for the Boston Marathon on her very first try! I even got to see some of the photos from our Chicago Marathon water station. Here's one (I'm on the far right):



We drank some drinks, ate some food, and even had cake! Yummy strawberry or banana cake that another of the members brought. Overall, it was a great evening.

****************

Stats


Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:628 ft
Location:Forest Park, ILElev. Gain:+0 ft
Date:10/26/09Up/Downhill: [+19/-19]
Time:06:35 PMDifficulty:2.1 / 5.0
 
Weather:Light Rain
 52 F temp; 92% humidity
 52 F heat index; winds SW 6
Performance

Distance: 5.51 miles
Time:0:50:31
Speed:6.5 mph
Pace:9' 10 /mi
Calories:655
Map
 
Elevation (ft)
 
Pace (min/mile)
 
Splits
MilePace (min/mile)Speed (mph)Elevation
Gain
actual+/- avgactual+/- avg
19' 30+0' 206.3-0.2-3 ft
28' 53-0' 176.8+0.2-9 ft
39' 00-0' 106.7+0.1+6 ft
49' 04-0' 066.6+0.1+3 ft
59' 12+0' 026.5-0.00 ft
end10' 14+1' 045.9-0.7+3 ft
Versus average of 9' 10 min/mile

Posted from bimactive.com

Monday, October 26, 2009

Season-Appropriate Running




After taking a week off from running, my legs felt a little rusty when I went out for my running yesterday. Typically I would go for a long run (that is, anything over 6 miles) on the weekend but I thought I'd take it easy after my little break.

However, I have to admit, I've been battling these thoughts that a short run isn't even worth it. Somehow I got it into my head that anything shorter than 5 miles is pointless for me to do.

So, my original plan yesterday was do to either 3.1 or 6.2 miles (preferably the 6.2). The Livejournal Runner's Community was hosting a virtual race for both of those distances. I figured I'd head out and see how I felt and then make my decision about distance.

The first half mile? Painful! My right hip hurt, my head felt heavy, and my heart was pounding. I could definitely tell that I'd taken a week off. I'm sure it didn't help that I'd woken up fairly dehydrated. Or that I'd made a rookie mistake and gone out too fast.

After that first half mile, though, I felt great. I decided to try a new route and see where it took me in terms of mileage. So, I crossed a street and went an entirely new direction.

And ended up in the graveyard pictured above.

I like graveyards. I think they are beautiful and peaceful. So, instead of being creeped out or scared, I enjoyed running alongside the gleaming headstones and admiring the fall leaves on the trees. I stopped to take a few more photos shortly after I hit the two mile mark.






After that, though, I felt horrible. I tried to pick the pace back up but it felt like a struggle. My head was pounding and I literally staggered the last few feet of my run. I didn't even make it to the 4 mile mark! I did, however, remember to glance at my watch at the 5K point (28:21, not including the stop for photography) so that I'd have a time to report for the virtual race.

I'm not sure what happened. Maybe I picked something up in the graveyard ;-) It is that time of year, after all!

****************

Stats


Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:620 ft
Location:Forest Park, ILElev. Gain:+0 ft
Date:10/25/09Up/Downhill: [+9/-9]
Time:11:06 AMDifficulty:1.9 / 5.0
 
Weather:Mostly Cloudy
 57 F temp; 57% humidity
 57 F heat index; winds S 16 G 23
Performance

Distance: 3.39 miles
Time:0:32:34
Speed:6.2 mph
Pace:9' 36 /mi
Calories:401
Map
 
Elevation (ft)
 
Pace (min/mile)
 
Splits
MilePace (min/mile)Speed (mph)Elevation
Gain
actual+/- avgactual+/- avg
18' 54-0' 426.7+0.5+3 ft
29' 15-0' 216.5+0.2-3 ft
310' 09+0' 335.9-0.30 ft
end12' 49+3' 134.7-1.60 ft
Versus average of 9' 36 min/mile

Posted from bimactive.com

Thursday, October 22, 2009

TIART - The Race is the Place



This week's Take it and Run Thursday question from Runner's Lounge is as follows:

We've all discussed why we run, but why do you RACE and how do you choose which races to run?

Do you look for certain distances, swag, location, start time, or something else? Tell me how you decide where and when to race. Also, I'm currently on a quest to run a race in every state. Please tell me--and others about a particular race you've run that is not to be missed.



So, first off, why do I race? Well, I race because it gives me a goal. It gives me markers on my progress. And because it's fun! There's nothing quite like race day atmosphere.

But how do I chose my races? As I mentioned in this post, my criteria for choosing a race tend to be based on how close the race is to my house, who the proceeds go to, and, of course, the distance. Of course, I made exceptions on the "distance from my house" thing this year for both my half-marathons. I really like the idea of combining running a race with a vacation. As long as you do the race at the beginning of the trip and aren't super worried about hitting a PR.

I also try to take the course into consideration. Will it be interesting? Does it have something unique about it? Or does the race itself have a unique theme?

Let's break down the races I've run so far this year and why I chose them:

Illinois Half Marathon - The inaugural marathon/half-marathon sponsored by the club that got me running in the first place. Held in my hometown. Free place to stay and lots of family and friend spectator support. Unique finish on the 50 yard line of the football stadium as well as the chance to run through my hometown.

Chase Corporate Challenge - Builds camaraderie with coworkers. Within walking distance of my office. Free entry!

SkirtChaser 5K - Unique theme. Great swag!

Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon - Running in one of my favorite parts of the country, ability to finally meet and run with (in person) someone I've been online friends with for years. Plus, an awesome vacation and spectator support.

Rally for Autism 5K - Running with another friend and the chance to possibly place in our age group (sadly, that was not meant to be, but oh well!)

PAWS Chicago Run For Their Lives 8K - My favorite cause! Great pre- and post-race activities for people and dogs alike.

Westchester VeteRUN - The closest 10K to my house


There you go. Why I chose the races I chose this year. I'm sure next year will be a little different. Still trying to decide on a marathon and I'm pretty sure that Holly and I will be running the Soldier Field 10-Miler in May. Sometimes you just have to shake things up a bit!

Saturday, October 17, 2009

My Happy Hour




Good thing I was running :-)

But seriously. After a long day of sitting in conference rooms I had several options: hit the bar by myself, take a nap, or go for a run.

I chose the run. Originally I was going to do it in the hotel's fitness room but the weather outside was too gorgeous. Who knew central Florida could be so lovely? Plus, even after rinsing out my workout clothes (I only packed one set) and letting them dry they still REEKED of b.o. I didn't think it was fair to subject the other fitness room users to that.

I ended up running around the cart path on the golf course at my hotel. 5 miles once around. I did one of the sections twice, though, for a total of 7 miles. Apparently you're not supposed to run on the cart path on the golf course. I suppose there's a chance you could get beaned by a errant golf ball or run over by a out of control golf cart. Luckily, at 6:00 PM on an October Saturday 2 miles from Disney World there aren't many golfers out and about and no one said anything to me.

It was a great run. There were few weird pangs in my shins and my left knee, but they went away as my muscles and joints warmed up.

And afterward I stretched while overlooking part of the hotel's grounds. Like being in a tropical paradise.



*******************

Stats


Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:101 ft
Location:Lake Buena Vista, FLElev. Gain:+0 ft
Date:10/17/09Up/Downhill: [+62/-62]
Time:05:56 PMDifficulty:2.1 / 5.0
 
Weather:A Few Clouds
 63 F temp; 58% humidity
 63 F heat index; winds NW 12 G 18
Performance

Distance: 7.19 miles
Time:1:09:46
Speed:6.2 mph
Pace:9' 42 /mi
Calories:852
Map
 
Elevation (ft)
 
Pace (min/mile)
 
Splits
MilePace (min/mile)Speed (mph)Elevation
Gain
actual+/- avgactual+/- avg
19' 31-0' 116.3+0.1+4 ft
29' 44+0' 026.2-0.0-3 ft
39' 45+0' 036.2-0.0-4 ft
49' 47+0' 056.1-0.1+3 ft
59' 50+0' 086.1-0.1-7 ft
69' 51+0' 096.1-0.1+10 ft
79' 55+0' 136.0-0.1-3 ft
end9' 52+0' 106.1-0.10 ft
Versus average of 9' 42 min/mile

Posted from bimactive.com

Friday, October 16, 2009

Over The Top

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Kim gave me this Over the Top Blog award. Since I'm traveling for work this week and I didn't know when I'd have a chance to run or workout next I figured this would be a good way to let everyone know I'm still around!

To accept this award, I have to answer the following questions with one word answers, and pass the award on to six others. I hate having to pass on awards, especially since I'm never sure which six people read me regularly! So, instead of passing it on to six people, I'm passing it on to my friend Holly who recently started a new blog to chronicle a new, huge step in her life!

So, without further adieu, here are my answers (as applicable at 3:30 PM on Tuesday)


1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? Long
3. Your mother? Supportive
4. Your father? Shrug
5. Your favorite food? Potatoes
6. Your dream last night? Unknown
7. Your favorite drink? Wine
8. Your dream/goal? Happiness
9. What room are you in? Office
10. Your hobby? Running
11. Your fear? Rejection
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happy
13. Where were you last night? Obedience
14. Something you aren’t? Patient
15. Muffins? Eh
16. Wish list item? Speed
17. Where did you grow up? Champaign
18. Last thing you did? Download
19. What are you wearing? Turtleneck
20. Your TV? Recorded
21. Your pets? Crazy
22. Your friends? Missed
23. Your life? Structured
24. Your mood? Irritated
25. Missing someone? Yes
26. Vehicle? Pragmatic
27. Something you’re not wearing? Nailpolish
28. Your favorite store? Limited
29. Your favorite color? Silver
30. When was the last time you laughed? Yesterday
31. Last time you cried? Recently
32. Your best friend? Tough
33. One place that I go over and over? Jewel
34. One person who emails me regularly? Comments
35. Favorite place to eat? Mom's!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

TIART - Yellow Brick...Treadmill?

Photobucket


I'm currently out of town at a conference for work. I'm spending 5 days in lovely Orlando, Florida where they seem to be experiencing heat and humidity that is abnormal for mid-October. So, although the grounds of my hotel are lovely I decided that a treadmill run was in order. In that lovely gym pictured above, actually.

What does that have to do with today's Take it and Run question from Runner's Lounge?

Well, here's this week's question:

Scarecrow asked for a Brain, Tin Man for a Heart, and Lion for Courage. If you could meet the Wizard of Running and ask for anything, what would it be?

When your wish was granted, how would your travels down the Yellow Brick Road of running be different?


If I could only ask for one wish, it would be speed. No, not the illegal substance. I just wish I could be faster without having to do all the speedwork. I attempted speedwork today on the treadmill. It was an abysmal failure. Actually, my run was pretty cruddy overall.

See?

Photobucket


I think the workout summary said my average pace was 10:31. Blech.

Although, I suppose that's not too bad for my first treadmill run in months, almost a week of no running (I haven't run since last Saturday) and while traveling. Plus, the fans on the treadmill didn't work and the gym itself was kind of warm and stuffy.

At least I got a run in! Now, if I could just figure out where that wizard is hiding so I could run faster....

Monday, October 12, 2009

Chicago Marathon Volunteer Report



Welcome to aid station 13 located at mile 18 of the Chicago Marathon! This was just one of many tables full of water we set up. For at least half a mile along the street there were water tables, Gatorade tables, and energy packet tables. Over 250 volunteers in our blue jackets manned these tables. We had a forklift, boxes and boxes of supplies, signs, rakes, trashcans, and shovels. What we didn't have? Food or bathrooms. Or heat.

The past two years the weather on race day has been dangerously hot. This year? Not so much. I arrived at the aid station shortly after 6:30 AM. After I got my volunteer gear I was wearing a fleece earband, a baseball cap, a short-sleeved t-shirt, a long-sleeved t-shirt, a long-sleeved fleece jacket, the polyester volunteer jacket, jeans, wool socks, mittens and rain boots. I wore the rain boots to keep my feet dry. They did not, however, keep my feet warm. At the end of my 6 hour shift my toes were so numb I could barely walk.

Sadly, I didn't bring my camera and my hands were so cold that I didn't bother to pull out my phone to take pictures. Besides, when you're handing out water to over 40+ thousand people, it's hard to take pictures!

Forty-plus thousand people. That's larger than some towns. I don't know if they all made it to mile 18, but, starting with the elites, we had runners non-stop from approximately 8:45 AM to noon.

At first you hold out your hand with a cup of water in it. Your arm starts to die from holding it out at your side. You cheer when people take water from you and not the person next to you. But as the race goes on more and more people want water. You get to the point where you are grabbing two or three or four cups of water at a time just to keep up with the demand. You trade raking responsibilities and try to clean up dropped cups while staying out of the way of the runners. And then, as your table empties of water, you break it down and move onto the next table. You watch in awe as the world championship male runners blow past. You crane your neck looking for the elite female runners. You cheer for all the other runners. You shout out the names that people have written on their shirts.

It's exhilarating. It's fun. It's awe-inspiring. For the first few hours. And then, when it's cold, you start to worry if your toes will ever be warm. You start to get hungry. You start to get tired. You talk yourself out of needing to pee. But you don't want to complain because the people running past you are also thinking all those things...except they're running 26.2 miles. Something you haven't done.

So, instead, you jump up and down. You joke with the other people at your table. You dance to the music on the loudspeaker. You rake up discarded cups. You fill up more cups with water. And when the "course closed" vehicle drives by, you look at the stragglers walking behind it, shake your head, and begin to clean up.

I made it home shortly after 1 PM. I made myself lunch and sat on the couch to warm up and watch tv. I didn't mean to nap. But, I fell asleep for about 45 minutes. I'm sure handing out water at the Chicago Marathon is nothing like actually running the marathon, but it wore me out just the same.

If you do want to see some photos, Kim has some good ones. She even got photos of the elites! And some of the people in costume. I saw one guy dressed as Minnie Mouse. I saw several Wonder Womans. I saw a few nuns. I saw people of every shape, size and color. It truly is as if an entire city decided they'd all get up and go for a run. Amazing.

******************************

Speaking of runs, I did 8 miles on the bike path on Saturday morning. The air temperature was chilly and the sun hitting the creek created a low-hanging steam rising off the water. There were fewer runners than usual out and about I'm assuming because many of them were doing Sunday's big race. But I did see one guy running barefoot on the asphalt path. I, on the other hand, was wearing my newest pair of Brooks Adrenalines.

Photobucket


It was a good run. Goal? 10:00 minute miles across the board. Managed that with no problems. And I got lucky and barely had to stop for traffic.

After my run I "recovered" with hot chocolate. Chocolate milk is the perfect post-run recovery drink. I figured on a chilly fall day that hot chocolate would be even better. Yum!


Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:621 ft
Location:Brookfield, ILElev. Gain:+0 ft
Date:10/10/09Up/Downhill: [+223/-223]
Time:08:15 AMDifficulty:3.1 / 5.0
 
Weather:Partly Cloudy
 40 F temp; 72% humidity
 40 F heat index; winds SW 6
Performance

Distance: 8.05 miles
Time:1:19:12
Speed:6.1 mph
Pace:9' 50 /mi
Calories:962
Map
 
Elevation (ft)
 
Pace (min/mile)
 
Splits
MilePace (min/mile)Speed (mph)Elevation
Gain
actual+/- avgactual+/- avg
110' 05+0' 156.0-0.2-4 ft
29' 47-0' 036.1+0.0+7 ft
39' 58+0' 086.0-0.1+10 ft
49' 45-0' 056.2+0.0-6 ft
59' 36-0' 146.2+0.1+4 ft
69' 36-0' 146.2+0.1-7 ft
79' 52+0' 026.1-0.0-7 ft
89' 53+0' 036.1-0.0+3 ft
end9' 10-0' 406.5+0.40 ft
Versus average of 9' 50 min/mile

Posted from bimactive.com

Friday, October 9, 2009

A Runner's World

So, I'm a runner. I think this means that I have to subscribe to Runner's World. At least, it does when I was able to get a one-year subscription for like $6.00. I signed up last November. I've been getting renewal notices with each new magazine for the past few months. I'm still debating whether or not to renew my subscription. Then, last night, I took a closer look at the renewal form. And at the little subscription card that fell out of the magazine.

Can you see the problem here?


Click to see full-sized. You may need to click the image again after it opens in a new window.



Jason and I had a good laugh about that last night. Guess I won't be renewing my subscription! I'll just get a new one.

******************

This weekend, for those of you that don't know already, is the Chicago Marathon. I'll be at mile 18 handing out water. You may recall that two years ago the Chicago Marathon made the news for it's record-breaking temperatures and lack of water. Last year they had more than enough water and it was hot yet again. This year, temperatures at the start line are supposed to hover around freezing. Much better weather for those of you that are running. Not so great news for those of us volunteering. I plan to wear my rain boots. Gotta keep those feet dry lest they freeze off!

Normally I don't follow the names of the elite runners. But, after hearing the Chicago Marathon director speak at the running club meeting in September I'm intrigued. Every one talks up volunteering at the aid station by saying that we get to see the elites up close. Looks like I'll get to see a blur of Beijing Olympic Gold Medalist Marathoner Sammy Wanjiru. He's hoping to set a world record.

For anyone else running on Sunday I'll be cheering for you just as hard. With water or Gatordae in my hand.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Setting the Stage

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The scene: my office at home around 6:15 PM. I'm debating whether to run outside where it's quickly getting dark or run on the treadmill. I decide to run outside.

The outfit: I put on black running shorts and my navy blue long-sleeved Illinois Half Marathon tech shirt. Realize that wearing two dark colors is probably not the best thing to do when running outside in the dark. Change to my red long-sleeved Westchester 10K tech shirt. Put on my white visor with the light clipped to it.

The route: Originally planning to do 4 miles. Start out feeling good. Can't see my Garmin after awhile since it's so dark. Give up and run by feel alone. Decide to shake up the route a little bit. Run past a cigar shop. Cough hack cough. Staring to get tired. Make it back to my neighborhood just as I hit the 4 mile mark. Decide to make a loop around the neighborhood before stopping.

The compliment: "Hey, does that hat have a light on it?" Yes, yes it does. "That's awesome! I like it!" Thanks, random dude.

The run: Positive splits all the way, but an overall fast time. Had some weird stomach gurgling issues (note to self: don't eat chili for lunch) and some strange pain on the outside of my right foot at the outset, but made it through just fine. Could have pushed it harder at the end, but it's just a training run, not a race. Overall, very pleased with this particular outing.

In general, life has calmed down somewhat at home. I'm sad that I missed running group on Monday night but proud that I ran essentially the same distance at the same pace all by myself on Wednesday night. The past few runs bode well for easily breaking an hour at my 10K.

On a cardio-related note, another blog I read recently linked to yet another blog whose author posted about cutting down the amount of cardio exercise you do. The author quit running and now gets all her exercise from yoga* and walking and has kept off all the weight she lost and has gotten more toned. She also mentions that she quit planning her workouts weeks in advance and dropped her gym membership. I'm definitely one of those people who feels they need at least 45 minutes of cardio 5 days a week to notice any significant benefits and I thrive on schedules. But, this post made me think about how I get overwhelmed by wanting to try all the different types of exercise that are out there. Sometimes I fantasize about what life would be like if I could just let myself go with the flow and not feel like I need to sweat to have a great workout. What about you?

*I find it amusing that I skipped my yoga class again to go for this run. Although, I'm thinking about switching gyms. If I do, I'll definitely try yoga again. I don't think I have the discipline to do it on my own...yet.


*************************
Stats


Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:626 ft
Location:Forest Park, ILElev. Gain:+0 ft
Date:10/07/09Up/Downhill: [+82/-82]
Time:06:34 PMDifficulty:2.2 / 5.0
 
Weather:Partly Cloudy
 57 F temp; 47% humidity
 57 F heat index; winds SW 10 G 20
Performance

Distance: 5.42 miles
Time:0:50:15
Speed:6.5 mph
Pace:9' 16 /mi
Calories:650
Map
 
Elevation (ft)
 
Pace (min/mile)
 
Splits
MilePace (min/mile)Speed (mph)Elevation
Gain
actual+/- avgactual+/- avg
18' 42-0' 346.9+0.4+3 ft
28' 46-0' 306.8+0.4+20 ft
39' 04-0' 126.6+0.1-16 ft
49' 15-0' 016.5+0.0-9 ft
59' 32+0' 166.3-0.2+3 ft
end10' 05+0' 496.0-0.50 ft
Versus average of 9' 16 min/mile

Posted from bimactive.com

Monday, October 5, 2009

PITA


And, no, not that kind either.


I think we should consider it a miracle that I ran at all this weekend. I think we should consider it an even greater miracle that my run was good!

See, on Thursday afternoon we got a new addition to our family. Meet Phil:



Phil is a 9 year old greyhound who we adopted from another family. Phil is taking awhile to settle in. Phil was getting on my last nerve. Saturday I had what I term post-adoption depression. My motivation to do anything was non-existent. I didn't want to run. I didn't want to clean. I didn't want to do errands. Plus the weather was crappy (cold and rainy) which decreased my motivation even more. So, in the end, instead of running, I did Level 1 and Level 2 of the 30 Day Shred.

Saturday night Phil howled in his crate all night. Finally, at 6:00 AM I dragged myself out of bed to deal with him. It was only 30 minutes earlier than I'd planned to get up. I had plans to go apple picking later in the day so I wanted to give myself plenty of time to get a run in. So, after dealing with the dog (who I think had an upset stomach) and taking a quick cat-nap on the couch, I got out the door for a run at 7:30 AM. The plan? 8 miles at 10:00 minutes per mile pace.

The outcome? 8.5 miles at just a hair under 10:00 minutes per mile pace. Success! This run felt awesome. I don't know if it was the cooler weather, the fact that I was escaping a stressful environment, or what. I ran from my house to the starting point for my usual Monday night runs, did the Monday night route, and came home. I had to stop at some intersections, of course, and at one point I had to stop and put a dog back in his yard. I paused briefly for a drink at a water fountain. But otherwise I was flying. I was in a groove. I could have gone for way more than 8.5 miles. In short, it was exactly the kind of run I need when I'm in a funk. I felt so good when I got home that I didn't even mind cleaning dog crap up off the kitchen floor.

Apple picking later that day, though, was a literal pain in my ass. I always forget how sneaky that Jillian is. My quads and glutes were so freaking sore after doing the DVD and running. At one point I squatted down to pick something up and could barely stand back up. I'm still sore today, actually. Normally I'd have a run tonight to work out the soreness, but I might not be running on Mondays for awhile. See, Phil doesn't know any commands. So, we signed him up for obedience classes. The only one that worked for us? On Monday nights. I might alternate with Jason and have him take Phil to class by himself some weeks so that I can still go running. I'm kind of irritated at having to miss running group but I know that, in the end, a well-behaved dog trumps running. I'll just have to figure out how to push myself on my own.

************************


Activity
Route:--Elev. Avg:626 ft
Location:Forest Park, ILElev. Gain:+0 ft
Date:10/04/09Up/Downhill: [+52/-52]
Time:07:30 AMDifficulty:2.4 / 5.0
 
Weather:Mostly Cloudy
 49 F temp; 79% humidity
 49 F heat index; winds W 10
Performance

Distance: 8.58 miles
Time:1:25:40
Speed:6.0 mph
Pace:9' 59 /mi
Calories:1016
Map
 
Elevation (ft)
 
Pace (min/mile)
 
Splits
MilePace (min/mile)Speed (mph)Elevation
Gain
actual+/- avgactual+/- avg
19' 53-0' 066.1+0.1+3 ft
210' 45+0' 465.6-0.4+6 ft
39' 54-0' 056.1+0.00 ft
49' 49-0' 106.1+0.1-9 ft
59' 54-0' 056.1+0.0+13 ft
69' 51-0' 086.1+0.1-3 ft
710' 21+0' 225.8-0.2+3 ft
810' 00+0' 016.0-0.0-13 ft
end10' 11+0' 125.9-0.10 ft
Versus average of 9' 59 min/mile

Posted from bimactive.com