Time: 21:45
Distance: 4.935
Average Speed: 13.6 mph
Max Speed: 22.4 mph
Calories Burned: 170.6
Fat Burned: 19.8
Wow, it felt great to commute today! My husband had to drive to a conference today, so I had to ride my bike home. I am very happy about that! It's been too easy to just commute to and from work with him, even though I often have to stay later than I want to. I'm going to make a better effort in October to commute home more. (Too dark to commute in, plus I'm already getting up God-awful-early to go to the gym with Rohini.)
Today's weather was perfect. Chilly, fall weather. I just wore my work clothes, no changing in the bathroom today. It was fantastic. I've missed my bike.
In related news, I'm pretty sure the Hilly Hundred in two weeks is going to kick my butt.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Run Report
I decided to do a real run today since I always run out of time on the treadmill. So I mapped out a route around campus.
I was great to run for real! I was slow. It took me about 40-45 minutes to run this, but considering the hills and unfamiliar territory, I think it was pretty good. It was nice running by all the sorority houses on Jordan and seeing the stadium bright and early in the morning. The only bad thing is that some of these streets are severely lacking in sidewalk!
I was great to run for real! I was slow. It took me about 40-45 minutes to run this, but considering the hills and unfamiliar territory, I think it was pretty good. It was nice running by all the sorority houses on Jordan and seeing the stadium bright and early in the morning. The only bad thing is that some of these streets are severely lacking in sidewalk!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
CycleFit
Good mix of speed work and climbing in CycleFit today, with a slight lean toward speed work. It felt good to be on a bike. I can't believe I've ridden my bike so little this month! 418 kJ today.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Gym Report
2.5 miles on the treadmill this morning. 30 minutes. Pitiful. I even walked a couple times. Early morning workouts are just hard. And I suck at making playlists. Seriously. Don't ever let me near your iTunes. And I packed my bag last night in hopes of not being late today. My priorities are all out of order given that somehow my belt made it into the bag, but socks and underwear did not. Ugh. Maybe I should stick to running in the evening.
Also pitiful... I want to work in some strength and stretching to this regime I'm doing. Like weight lifting and yoga. Yesterday I did some stretches and just a little weight lifting (bicep curls and bench press) and some ab exercises (sit ups, crunches, plank). My arms and abs hurt today. Like I'm scared to laugh because it hurts. I apparently have a lot of work to do.
In good news though, it's officially fall and I can eat all the pumpkin I want. I had it in my oatmeal this morning. Pumpkin is my favorite time of year. The apple cider isn't bad either. :)
Also pitiful... I want to work in some strength and stretching to this regime I'm doing. Like weight lifting and yoga. Yesterday I did some stretches and just a little weight lifting (bicep curls and bench press) and some ab exercises (sit ups, crunches, plank). My arms and abs hurt today. Like I'm scared to laugh because it hurts. I apparently have a lot of work to do.
In good news though, it's officially fall and I can eat all the pumpkin I want. I had it in my oatmeal this morning. Pumpkin is my favorite time of year. The apple cider isn't bad either. :)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K
Woot!
I had a blast at the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K!
Being my first 5K ever and really not being a runner (despite how much running I've been doing lately), I was feeling pretty nervous about this event. Nervous and excited. I set some tentative goals. I definitely wanted to finish in less than 36 minutes and decided I could buy the Garmin Forerunner I've been wanting if I finished in less than 33 minutes. Seth said he'd buy it for me if I won. :)
We picked up our bibs and tshirts yesterday afternoon. I got #1499 and Seth was #1775. This morning, we got to the IU Stadium about 45 minutes before the start of the race. We watched the kids start their fun run. Then we lined up with a ton of other people for the 5K run/walk (map). Although the morning was pretty chilly, it was warm in the crowd. We situated ourselves pretty much in the middle. Then we were off!
It was crazy being in a mass start. Pretty slow going at first. I figured I'd take it easy and just see how it went. We were really going slower than I wanted to be at first, but eventually we found ourselves behind the IU Ladies Rowing Team. They were all wearing crimson shirts and I figured I'd just follow them as they were easy to see. And they ended up being pretty good pacers for me. :) About 1/2 to 3/4 mile in it started thinning out a little as people needed to start walking or had sped ahead of the crowd. Seth said we reached the first mile marker in 9:05!
The rest is kind of blurred together. I really enjoyed running with 1500 people through the streets of Bloomington. People were outside on their balconies cheering for us. People parked their cars along the way and had their radios going. My favorite was playing "Eye of the Tiger". Also, all the middle schools in the area had their cheerleading teams along the route cheering for us. I thought that was really nice. It was also really touching to see all the people running in honor or in memory of someone they loved who has battled cancer.
There were a couple of water stations. I discovered that it is really difficult to run and drink water out of a solo cup. I had to walk to drink my water. I think next time I'll just take one of my little fuel belt hydration bottles. Other than to drink water though, I ran the whole thing.
We made it back to the stadium and got the finish line in sight. We made the turn into the last straightaway and saw 32 minutes on the clock. We did a sprint and made it in 32:54! I knew I had definitely beaten my goal! And not even just my easy goal! Yay!
This comes out to a 10:37 min/mile pace and placed me 40/95 in my age group. Top half! I was 873/1500 overall. Not too shabby for a first 5K! I will definitely be doing more of these. :)
I had a blast at the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K!
Being my first 5K ever and really not being a runner (despite how much running I've been doing lately), I was feeling pretty nervous about this event. Nervous and excited. I set some tentative goals. I definitely wanted to finish in less than 36 minutes and decided I could buy the Garmin Forerunner I've been wanting if I finished in less than 33 minutes. Seth said he'd buy it for me if I won. :)
We picked up our bibs and tshirts yesterday afternoon. I got #1499 and Seth was #1775. This morning, we got to the IU Stadium about 45 minutes before the start of the race. We watched the kids start their fun run. Then we lined up with a ton of other people for the 5K run/walk (map). Although the morning was pretty chilly, it was warm in the crowd. We situated ourselves pretty much in the middle. Then we were off!
It was crazy being in a mass start. Pretty slow going at first. I figured I'd take it easy and just see how it went. We were really going slower than I wanted to be at first, but eventually we found ourselves behind the IU Ladies Rowing Team. They were all wearing crimson shirts and I figured I'd just follow them as they were easy to see. And they ended up being pretty good pacers for me. :) About 1/2 to 3/4 mile in it started thinning out a little as people needed to start walking or had sped ahead of the crowd. Seth said we reached the first mile marker in 9:05!
The rest is kind of blurred together. I really enjoyed running with 1500 people through the streets of Bloomington. People were outside on their balconies cheering for us. People parked their cars along the way and had their radios going. My favorite was playing "Eye of the Tiger". Also, all the middle schools in the area had their cheerleading teams along the route cheering for us. I thought that was really nice. It was also really touching to see all the people running in honor or in memory of someone they loved who has battled cancer.
There were a couple of water stations. I discovered that it is really difficult to run and drink water out of a solo cup. I had to walk to drink my water. I think next time I'll just take one of my little fuel belt hydration bottles. Other than to drink water though, I ran the whole thing.
We made it back to the stadium and got the finish line in sight. We made the turn into the last straightaway and saw 32 minutes on the clock. We did a sprint and made it in 32:54! I knew I had definitely beaten my goal! And not even just my easy goal! Yay!
This comes out to a 10:37 min/mile pace and placed me 40/95 in my age group. Top half! I was 873/1500 overall. Not too shabby for a first 5K! I will definitely be doing more of these. :)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Run Report
Another treadmill run. Although this time, I almost made it the intended 4.5 miles before they kicked me off at 8:00! I could have made it if 1.) I wasn't running late this morning 2.) I didn't leave my water bottle in the locker room and have to stop running and go to the water fountain to get something to drink. At least I remembered my ipod this time though! It was nice running with the ipod, but I definitely need to make some running playlists so that crazy slow songs don't come on and mess me up. And I wore the new running skirt that Seth got me for my birthday. I felt really cute. I'm planning to wear it to the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K this weekend.
3.76 miles in 39:56 for a 10:37 min/mile pace.
3.76 miles in 39:56 for a 10:37 min/mile pace.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Swim Report
Swimming is hard work.
I'm getting to work super early and walking to the HPER with my friend Rohini. I don't want to run everyday, so today I decided I'd try swimming again. If I'm going to be an Ironman, I need to learn to love swimming too! I've also been considering adult swim lessons to refine my form and be more efficient in the water, but hadn't fully decided if I wanted to do that or just wing it.
I lose count of swimming laps even worse than running laps. I have no idea how much I swam. Definitely more than 5 laps (there and back, not lengths that are just there), maybe even 10. But not more than that. I think I did okay, but it definitely makes you tired. But I'm sure that, just like running and cycling, it will get easier the more I do it.
I like sort of have a plan to Ironman. Exciting.
I'm getting to work super early and walking to the HPER with my friend Rohini. I don't want to run everyday, so today I decided I'd try swimming again. If I'm going to be an Ironman, I need to learn to love swimming too! I've also been considering adult swim lessons to refine my form and be more efficient in the water, but hadn't fully decided if I wanted to do that or just wing it.
I lose count of swimming laps even worse than running laps. I have no idea how much I swam. Definitely more than 5 laps (there and back, not lengths that are just there), maybe even 10. But not more than that. I think I did okay, but it definitely makes you tired. But I'm sure that, just like running and cycling, it will get easier the more I do it.
I like sort of have a plan to Ironman. Exciting.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Run Report
Treadmills are weird.
I got up super early, had my breakfast (currently addicted to Nutella), and headed to the HPER. I swung by lab first to put my lunch in the fridge and pick up my ipod since I already knew treadmills are boring as hell. My lunch made it in the fridge, but I forgot my ipod. So I had to go back to get it. Made it to the HPER, found the treadmills, and dropped my stuff in the locker room. I made it all the way to the treadmills and discovered I left my ipod in the locker room. Ugh. I ran without it.
I was supposed to run 4.5 miles, but apparently the HPER has classes in that room at 8:00. So about 2.5 miles in (just as I was getting good!), a guy comes to tell me that the room was closing in five minutes! So I cranked it up to 9 min/mile pace and ran fast (for me) for half a mile. It ended up being 2.6 miles in 30 minutes (11:30 pace overall... I started really slow while figuring out the treadmill).
My legs felt really weird when I stopped. Sort of like when I started CycleFit or after walking on land after being on a week long cruise. But I felt good about keeping up that fast pace. I definitely can't do it for many miles (yet), but I am pretty certain I could/should be running harder than I have been. So even though the treadmill is dreadfully boring and the HPER needs to think about their scheduling, I think this was beneficial and I may try to learn to like the treadmill. I think it could help me become a faster runner.
And maybe next time I'll remember my ipod. Now taking suggestions for good running songs!
I got up super early, had my breakfast (currently addicted to Nutella), and headed to the HPER. I swung by lab first to put my lunch in the fridge and pick up my ipod since I already knew treadmills are boring as hell. My lunch made it in the fridge, but I forgot my ipod. So I had to go back to get it. Made it to the HPER, found the treadmills, and dropped my stuff in the locker room. I made it all the way to the treadmills and discovered I left my ipod in the locker room. Ugh. I ran without it.
I was supposed to run 4.5 miles, but apparently the HPER has classes in that room at 8:00. So about 2.5 miles in (just as I was getting good!), a guy comes to tell me that the room was closing in five minutes! So I cranked it up to 9 min/mile pace and ran fast (for me) for half a mile. It ended up being 2.6 miles in 30 minutes (11:30 pace overall... I started really slow while figuring out the treadmill).
My legs felt really weird when I stopped. Sort of like when I started CycleFit or after walking on land after being on a week long cruise. But I felt good about keeping up that fast pace. I definitely can't do it for many miles (yet), but I am pretty certain I could/should be running harder than I have been. So even though the treadmill is dreadfully boring and the HPER needs to think about their scheduling, I think this was beneficial and I may try to learn to like the treadmill. I think it could help me become a faster runner.
And maybe next time I'll remember my ipod. Now taking suggestions for good running songs!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Run Report
Things I learned today:
1. Running shoes are pretty heavy when they're soaking wet.
2. Moisture wicking socks don't do much when they're soaking wet.
3. Rain makes you run faster.
It was sort of drizzly and cold this morning, but weather.com said it was going to go away and be nice after 10:00 or so. So, I put off my long run, went to church, spent some birthday money, and watched Toy Story 3. I finally decided to stop being lazy (I mean I already cut both my runs this week in half; there was no way I was going to feel good about not putting in these seven miles.) and headed out. I put on some tight capri length pants and my new fuel belt and set out. Then about two miles in, it started drizzling. Fine, whatever. About another half mile and it started raining pretty good. I persevered. I ran by some graffiti that said "Fake it til you make it." I decided that was a pretty good idea. Soon it was just me and other miserable looking people running on the B Line Trail. I have definitely become assimilated... they all waved at me in mutual hey-we're-hardcore-running-in-the-rain-ness. I was feeling pretty good. I hit the halfway point (3.5 miles, the Grimes St bridge) in 34 minutes. I decided to do some mini-intervals on the way back. For fun. I ran hard from one streetlight to the next, then my normal (slow) pace to the next, and so on.
I'm pretty proud that I sucked it up and did it. In the pouring rain. Seven miles in 75 minutes (10:42 min/mile pace!).
1. Running shoes are pretty heavy when they're soaking wet.
2. Moisture wicking socks don't do much when they're soaking wet.
3. Rain makes you run faster.
It was sort of drizzly and cold this morning, but weather.com said it was going to go away and be nice after 10:00 or so. So, I put off my long run, went to church, spent some birthday money, and watched Toy Story 3. I finally decided to stop being lazy (I mean I already cut both my runs this week in half; there was no way I was going to feel good about not putting in these seven miles.) and headed out. I put on some tight capri length pants and my new fuel belt and set out. Then about two miles in, it started drizzling. Fine, whatever. About another half mile and it started raining pretty good. I persevered. I ran by some graffiti that said "Fake it til you make it." I decided that was a pretty good idea. Soon it was just me and other miserable looking people running on the B Line Trail. I have definitely become assimilated... they all waved at me in mutual hey-we're-hardcore-running-in-the-rain-ness. I was feeling pretty good. I hit the halfway point (3.5 miles, the Grimes St bridge) in 34 minutes. I decided to do some mini-intervals on the way back. For fun. I ran hard from one streetlight to the next, then my normal (slow) pace to the next, and so on.
I'm pretty proud that I sucked it up and did it. In the pouring rain. Seven miles in 75 minutes (10:42 min/mile pace!).
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
CycleFit
Today was Power Challenge day in CycleFit. On Power Challenge day, we warm up with easy stuff for about ten minutes, then do four minutes at 100% effort. We measure our average power output over those four minutes. Then we recover and repeat and average the two four-minute challenges together to get our 100% effort number, or upper Zone 3 range. We fill in the rest of our power zones from a chart.
The very first time I did a power challenge last January, I was at 150 Watts. My second power challenge was in March and I was at 180 Watts. Today, 205 Watts. It's awesome to see steady improvement. :)
The very first time I did a power challenge last January, I was at 150 Watts. My second power challenge was in March and I was at 180 Watts. Today, 205 Watts. It's awesome to see steady improvement. :)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
"Run" Report
What a craptastic run. More on that in a minute.
Yesterday was my birthday. I'm feeling pretty old at 26. I'm pretty sure I peaked at like 16 and it's all gone downhill since then. I'm hoping the 30s have something better in store for me.
I am happy though that my husband got me the sparkle heart running skirt that I wanted, as well as some colorful New Balance running socks. We also went out to dinner (Uptown Cafe... the gorgonzola filet was delicious) and I got drunk off my first ever martini at the Serendipity Martini Bar.
So it was a late night and I had a hard time getting up before the sun to run this morning. So this evening, I set out for two 2-mile loops through the neighborhood. I skipped my new skirt for now, but did wear the bright yellow pair of socks I got. However, I have a blister on my left pinky toe and that may not have been the best idea ever. It was hot and I was slow. My toe hurt, my ankle hurt, my hips hurt. And then I got lost. In my own neighborhood. Well, okay, not lost exactly, but I couldn't remember the simple route I had planned out. So I ended up doing most of one loop and then cut it short. 1.9 miles
I need to figure out what to do about blisters.
Yesterday was my birthday. I'm feeling pretty old at 26. I'm pretty sure I peaked at like 16 and it's all gone downhill since then. I'm hoping the 30s have something better in store for me.
I am happy though that my husband got me the sparkle heart running skirt that I wanted, as well as some colorful New Balance running socks. We also went out to dinner (Uptown Cafe... the gorgonzola filet was delicious) and I got drunk off my first ever martini at the Serendipity Martini Bar.
So it was a late night and I had a hard time getting up before the sun to run this morning. So this evening, I set out for two 2-mile loops through the neighborhood. I skipped my new skirt for now, but did wear the bright yellow pair of socks I got. However, I have a blister on my left pinky toe and that may not have been the best idea ever. It was hot and I was slow. My toe hurt, my ankle hurt, my hips hurt. And then I got lost. In my own neighborhood. Well, okay, not lost exactly, but I couldn't remember the simple route I had planned out. So I ended up doing most of one loop and then cut it short. 1.9 miles
I need to figure out what to do about blisters.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Run Report
What is it about Sunday morning runs that make them so much better than any other day's run?
It was pretty foggy when I got up this morning and I really didn't want to go out. So my husband made us some coffee and told me to have some food and wait thirty minutes to see if it cleared up. I ate my toast with Nutella (mmmm Nutella) and, sure enough, it cleared up a bit. I laced up my shoes, said "You can do this," and set out for six miles.
Before I even hit the B Line Trail, I saw some ladies who go to my church walking their dogs. I ran by and said hi and realized I missed my turn! So I said Good Morning to them twice and got a little bonus distance. :)
I hit the B Line Trail right behind a group of three girls, so I trailed them for a while, but they continued over the bridge past the roundabout, while I ran around the roundabout and headed back north. Soon, coming towards me, I saw a fast woman wearing what reminded me of an Olympic runner's uniform. A USA tank and bikini type bottom to match. The outfit seemed vintage/retro and she was an older lady. Maybe I was sharing a trail with an Olympic medalist! Even if not, she was inspiring. I hope to be able to run and be active for a long time to come. Finally, around the 4 mile mark, I got passed by a guy who was going a little faster than me. I decided to try to keep up with him. I pushed and stayed pretty close for a mile, but then I headed back towards my neighborhood. He was a good carrot and I tried to keep that pace until I had to go up the huge hill.
I made it home after 6.3 miles in 1:12, an 11:25 pace! My husband was a little surprised to see me and told me I made good time. It was an excellent run. It's nice to have other people out there to help keep it interesting and for little moments of motivation.
I was also thinking about the movie The Spirit of the Marathon, which I watched yesterday. When I got tired, I just thought about running a marathon and becoming an Ironman, and reminded myself that it would be worth it. I recommend this movie. It's on Netflix instant queue.
Finally, I decided that carrying a water bottle for more than 3-4 miles is kind of a PITA. So, I got me one of these today. Can't wait to try it out.
It was pretty foggy when I got up this morning and I really didn't want to go out. So my husband made us some coffee and told me to have some food and wait thirty minutes to see if it cleared up. I ate my toast with Nutella (mmmm Nutella) and, sure enough, it cleared up a bit. I laced up my shoes, said "You can do this," and set out for six miles.
Before I even hit the B Line Trail, I saw some ladies who go to my church walking their dogs. I ran by and said hi and realized I missed my turn! So I said Good Morning to them twice and got a little bonus distance. :)
I hit the B Line Trail right behind a group of three girls, so I trailed them for a while, but they continued over the bridge past the roundabout, while I ran around the roundabout and headed back north. Soon, coming towards me, I saw a fast woman wearing what reminded me of an Olympic runner's uniform. A USA tank and bikini type bottom to match. The outfit seemed vintage/retro and she was an older lady. Maybe I was sharing a trail with an Olympic medalist! Even if not, she was inspiring. I hope to be able to run and be active for a long time to come. Finally, around the 4 mile mark, I got passed by a guy who was going a little faster than me. I decided to try to keep up with him. I pushed and stayed pretty close for a mile, but then I headed back towards my neighborhood. He was a good carrot and I tried to keep that pace until I had to go up the huge hill.
I made it home after 6.3 miles in 1:12, an 11:25 pace! My husband was a little surprised to see me and told me I made good time. It was an excellent run. It's nice to have other people out there to help keep it interesting and for little moments of motivation.
I was also thinking about the movie The Spirit of the Marathon, which I watched yesterday. When I got tired, I just thought about running a marathon and becoming an Ironman, and reminded myself that it would be worth it. I recommend this movie. It's on Netflix instant queue.
Finally, I decided that carrying a water bottle for more than 3-4 miles is kind of a PITA. So, I got me one of these today. Can't wait to try it out.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Run Report
Today I finally managed to get up ridiculously early and get out the door to run. I wanted to try out the Woodlawn Track on campus. I arrived and it was still dark with a slight drizzle. It was also fairly chilly, but amazingly, there were a handful of other people out running on the track. I figured I was in good (crazy) company. I set in for my ten laps (4 miles).
Running on the track was pretty nice. It's a very finely crushed gravel track (easy on the joints) which was nice except in one spot where the gravel was a little looser or deeper or something that made me a little nervous. I learned to avoid that spot. Not too long after I started, a girl passed me at a pretty good clip, getting out a "Good job" between breaths. That pretty much made my day and when it got hard around lap 8, I remembered her and kept pushing as I didn't want to let her down (even though she had already left the track). It was also really nice to watch the sun rise over a quiet campus and see it come to life as students made their way to 8am classes.
Getting up early was painful, but I managed to do my 4 miles in 45 minutes, and it was totally worth it. The only thing I would change would be to wear running socks (I ended up with a blister... ouch) and to get a clicker or something because I lose track of what lap I'm on way too easily!
Running on the track was pretty nice. It's a very finely crushed gravel track (easy on the joints) which was nice except in one spot where the gravel was a little looser or deeper or something that made me a little nervous. I learned to avoid that spot. Not too long after I started, a girl passed me at a pretty good clip, getting out a "Good job" between breaths. That pretty much made my day and when it got hard around lap 8, I remembered her and kept pushing as I didn't want to let her down (even though she had already left the track). It was also really nice to watch the sun rise over a quiet campus and see it come to life as students made their way to 8am classes.
Getting up early was painful, but I managed to do my 4 miles in 45 minutes, and it was totally worth it. The only thing I would change would be to wear running socks (I ended up with a blister... ouch) and to get a clicker or something because I lose track of what lap I'm on way too easily!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
CycleFit
First CycleFit of Fall semester. Woo Hoo!
My only complaint... I wish they could be longer. I love Judy and the way she makes me work so hard. :)
No PR today... only 430 kJ. I forgot to eat beforehand and someone stole "my" bike! But still not bad. And I'm looking forward to the Power Challenge next week!
My only complaint... I wish they could be longer. I love Judy and the way she makes me work so hard. :)
No PR today... only 430 kJ. I forgot to eat beforehand and someone stole "my" bike! But still not bad. And I'm looking forward to the Power Challenge next week!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Run Report
4.2 miles in 45 minutes through the neighborhoods and up the B Line Trail. I'm pretty happy with that, considering there are some not insignificant hills on this route and it is windy today. I have to say that uphill in a headwind while running is just as sad as on a bike.
And holy happy fall, Batman. It's like someone flipped a switch after the Popcorn Ride. Summer to Fall overnight. I'm. LOVING. It.
I think the other runners are loving it too. Up until recently I sort of thought runners were sort of jerks. I try to smile or nod or say 'Good morning' to people I encounter when I run. Usually cyclists will wave or nod back, but I usually get nothing from runners. But with the cooler weather, I've had much friendlier encounters! Either that, or I'm starting to be assimilated into their culture.
And holy happy fall, Batman. It's like someone flipped a switch after the Popcorn Ride. Summer to Fall overnight. I'm. LOVING. It.
I think the other runners are loving it too. Up until recently I sort of thought runners were sort of jerks. I try to smile or nod or say 'Good morning' to people I encounter when I run. Usually cyclists will wave or nod back, but I usually get nothing from runners. But with the cooler weather, I've had much friendlier encounters! Either that, or I'm starting to be assimilated into their culture.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Run Report
I'm apparently not over this lazy thing quite yet. I was supposed to run 5 miles yesterday (my current long run), but instead spent the day on the couch eating pizza with my husband watching Castle on the new plasma screen tv he bought on Saturday (practically a necessity compared to the ancient monstrosity we had been watching, which I'm sure is on its last leg). So I decided I could do my 5-mile long run this morning, since it's Labor Day and parking on campus wouldn't be insane.
So I headed out right about sunrise. It was pleasantly cool this morning. If it had been like this on Saturday, I definitely could have made a century ride. I headed through the neighborhood and hooked up to the B Line Trail. I continued on to the roundabout connection to the Clear Creek Trail. And then it all went downhill. I don't know what it is about the Clear Creek Trail. I can ride my bike on it just fine, but for some reason it is absolutely miserable for me to run on it. A mile seems SO. LONG. Also, I confused myself on the mileage and I thought it had taken me 45 minutes to run 3 miles, but really I had gone 4. So I ended up cutting my run short because I thought I still had two miles to go and it was later than I wanted it to be (even though it's Labor Day, I decided to go to work and didn't want to be too late... even though late was based on my own made up time schedule and not, for example, my boss's). Now I'm mad because I definitely could have run one more mile. And, as soon as I hit the neighborhood and got off the Clear Creek Trail, everything was fine. So I think I just won't run there anymore, even though it's a really nice trail.
I also learned that pomegranate is just not my flavor. I had pomegranate passion Honey Stinger chews this morning before the run and they were pretty gross. I'll stick with pink lemonade. And that sports bra is okay for cycling, but can't handle the pressure of running.
What do people who run in the morning do? Do they eat breakfast? What do I do when it's dark outside? Why aren't there more porta potties placed randomly around town or even just at trail heads? Why is running, a seemingly uncomplicated activity, so hard?
I swear I will eventually not be a wimp. One day.
So I headed out right about sunrise. It was pleasantly cool this morning. If it had been like this on Saturday, I definitely could have made a century ride. I headed through the neighborhood and hooked up to the B Line Trail. I continued on to the roundabout connection to the Clear Creek Trail. And then it all went downhill. I don't know what it is about the Clear Creek Trail. I can ride my bike on it just fine, but for some reason it is absolutely miserable for me to run on it. A mile seems SO. LONG. Also, I confused myself on the mileage and I thought it had taken me 45 minutes to run 3 miles, but really I had gone 4. So I ended up cutting my run short because I thought I still had two miles to go and it was later than I wanted it to be (even though it's Labor Day, I decided to go to work and didn't want to be too late... even though late was based on my own made up time schedule and not, for example, my boss's). Now I'm mad because I definitely could have run one more mile. And, as soon as I hit the neighborhood and got off the Clear Creek Trail, everything was fine. So I think I just won't run there anymore, even though it's a really nice trail.
I also learned that pomegranate is just not my flavor. I had pomegranate passion Honey Stinger chews this morning before the run and they were pretty gross. I'll stick with pink lemonade. And that sports bra is okay for cycling, but can't handle the pressure of running.
What do people who run in the morning do? Do they eat breakfast? What do I do when it's dark outside? Why aren't there more porta potties placed randomly around town or even just at trail heads? Why is running, a seemingly uncomplicated activity, so hard?
I swear I will eventually not be a wimp. One day.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
The Popcorn Ride
The Popcorn Ride was the second event that I had really wanted to do. Mostly for the super sweet jersey. Also, it's really pretty out that way. Today it finally arrived.
My plan was to do all three loops and then ride home to make it my first century. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. I hope this does not become a pattern. So far every time I've planned to do a century, it has been ridiculously hot and humid. Maybe in the next couple of months, when the fall weather settles in, I'll just up and go spontaneously on a 100-miler. Take that, weather. (Please don't be 95* until November and suddenly be in the 30s just because I wrote that. Sorry, Btowners, in advance if that happens.)
So I got up and had the oatmeal with PB and banana and gathered my stuff and Seth and I headed to the Harrodsburg Community Center. While I was getting checked in, our friend Laurence showed up. I didn't know she planned to do the Popcorn Ride! So I convinced her to let me ride with her (i.e. I asked if she wanted to ride together) and waited on her to get checked in. In the meantime, I put on my sweet new jersey (more important than my cycling shoes, according to the photo!).
Soon we were headed out to do Loop #1 the Dam Delight.
I was pretty impressed with the route choices. While in the Goat Ride they mapped out the most brutal hills possible (Boltinghouse, anyone?), there were many times today that I would see a big hill looming in the distance, only to turn right before it. We also went down some big hills we normally go up (Victor Pike), which was just crazy! And a nice change. I normally don't really mind climbing, except for super steep hills which kill me, but with the ridiculous weather today (seriously it was like 98* with really high humidity; heat index over 100*), not going uphill was really nice.
Anyway, Laurence and I set out and I was going at a snail's pace. I just could not convince my legs to go faster. I could tell Laurence wanted to go at a faster pace, so I told her she didn't have to wait on me and hopefully I would wake up eventually. She dropped me pretty fast and I was on my own. But then I could stop at my leisure to take pictures. I really wanted to make this a touring ride compared to the faster rides I've been doing with the OWLS.
I saw a couple of hot air balloons as I set out, but they were too far away to get a good picture. It was a beautiful morning to be in the sky with all the pinky and purpley clouds and bright orange sun. I watched them as I made my way to the quarry on Victor Pike where I stopped for some pictures.
I continued on and crossed 37 and went through the little town of Smithville, again missing the bigger hills that direction. They were having their Saturday morning Farmer's Market. I thought about stopping, but decided against it. As I got closer to Lake Monroe, I got to ride by the big fancy houses out that way. There really are some beautiful homes around here. I eventually made it to the Dam. I had never ridden on the Lake Monroe dam before, so this was extra exciting.
I don't look excited, but I was. :)
I turned before going up that hill in the last picture! But this time, I was greeted with an even bigger hill on Valley Mission. I think it was the hardest hill today. I saw lots of people going the other direction and started wondering if I had somehow managed to go the wrong way. I think I decided that those people just knew better than me. :)
I rode through some farmland and was soon back at the Community Center in Harrodsburg. I did the, according to my cycle computer, 28.5 miles at a 12.8 mph average pace. I was a little disappointed that I was going so slow. I mean, I had wanted to take it slower, but not that slow! But, I decided that I was happy just to be riding my bike at all.
As I filled my water bottles and had a banana, in walked Laurence! I thought maybe she had gone nuts and already completed two loops, but turns out she had missed a turn (from Victor onto Fluck Mill) and did some "bonus" miles. She did some refueling and we decided to head out for Loop #3 The Popcorn Trail together.
I maintained my slow speed and Laurence dropped me pretty fast again. I just don't do heat and especially humidity so well. So, I was on my own again.
As I was riding through this farmland, I saw lots of cows. Pretty soon I started to notice that the cows were smarter than me. They were all hanging out in little streams and watering holes to keep cool. I almost missed about thirty of them because all you could see were their heads poking up out of the water. The only reason I saw them at all is because the young cows were all standing around the water, presumably too short to be in it. Either that or it was adult swim time.
I see cows all the time and I love riding through the farmland. I don't know why I never seem to take a picture of them. Probably because I'm too busy talking to them. I really liked this loop though. It reminded me of cycling in Wisconsin, except the roads in Wisconsin are better, more smooth.
I made it to the town of Popcorn, and stopped to take a picture of its landmark.
While I was stopped at the church, another popcorner passed me and I decided to hop on and follow her for a while. She was a great carrot! I never got very close to her, but kept her in my sight, which was good enough for me. We went roughly the same speed and she helped keep me on track and not give in to being wimpy. I wish I could have talked to her, because I feel like I would have liked to ride with her if she lived near here. Here's a picture of my carrot as we rode by a cemetery.
Soon, I was back at the community center again, with a mileage total for the day of ~53 miles and an average speed of 13.4 mph. No real hills and a good carrot helped me a lot!
The plan, as mentioned, was to do all three loops. I was going to do the first two loops and my friends Brett and Anne were going to join me for the third loop. Anne is visiting from Colorado and had rented a bike from Revolution Bike and Bean for the occasion, since I had convinced Brett that this ride would be so awesome. They (and Laurence, that speedy minx) were waiting for me at the community center and we were only slightly behind schedule (due to me being slow). I ate a little bit of food and had a Coke and Brett, Anne, and I set out to do Loop #2 the Injun Joe loop. (I have no idea where this racist moniker comes from.)
We headed out, taking it really slow. I snapped a picture of Brett and Anne.
Anne had just a little trouble with her rental bike as we started out. The shifting was making a funny noise and the chain was rubbing a bit. Then her chain fell off as we started to go up a little hill. We got it on and Brett and Anne looked at me as I looked at this barely-a-hill and asked me if I was sure I wanted to do the loop. Apparently I looked dead. I was starting to feel that doing this loop was a bad idea, even though it was the easiest and, we were told, most shaded route of the day. I think my body had just had enough sun and heat and humidity and I was beat. I had wanted to stick to the plan, after all I had convinced them to do this in the first place, but Brett told me he would feel better if I didn't do it than to do it for their sake against better judgement. So, two miles in, I called Seth to come pick me up, and I turned around and headed back.
I really think that was the wisest decision. It was better to quit while I was ahead. I had done pretty well staying hydrated and eating something (mostly pink lemonade Honey Stinger chews) every so often, but in the end, it just was not the day for a century ride for me. And I'm okay with that. I had a great time. I feel bad about abandoning Brett and Anne, but I'm pretty sure they're not making voodoo dolls and cursing me as I type this.
In the end, I did 57.404 miles in 4:26:24 for a 12.9 mph average. And I got two completion coins to add to my collection.
My plan was to do all three loops and then ride home to make it my first century. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. I hope this does not become a pattern. So far every time I've planned to do a century, it has been ridiculously hot and humid. Maybe in the next couple of months, when the fall weather settles in, I'll just up and go spontaneously on a 100-miler. Take that, weather. (Please don't be 95* until November and suddenly be in the 30s just because I wrote that. Sorry, Btowners, in advance if that happens.)
So I got up and had the oatmeal with PB and banana and gathered my stuff and Seth and I headed to the Harrodsburg Community Center. While I was getting checked in, our friend Laurence showed up. I didn't know she planned to do the Popcorn Ride! So I convinced her to let me ride with her (i.e. I asked if she wanted to ride together) and waited on her to get checked in. In the meantime, I put on my sweet new jersey (more important than my cycling shoes, according to the photo!).
Soon we were headed out to do Loop #1 the Dam Delight.
I was pretty impressed with the route choices. While in the Goat Ride they mapped out the most brutal hills possible (Boltinghouse, anyone?), there were many times today that I would see a big hill looming in the distance, only to turn right before it. We also went down some big hills we normally go up (Victor Pike), which was just crazy! And a nice change. I normally don't really mind climbing, except for super steep hills which kill me, but with the ridiculous weather today (seriously it was like 98* with really high humidity; heat index over 100*), not going uphill was really nice.
Anyway, Laurence and I set out and I was going at a snail's pace. I just could not convince my legs to go faster. I could tell Laurence wanted to go at a faster pace, so I told her she didn't have to wait on me and hopefully I would wake up eventually. She dropped me pretty fast and I was on my own. But then I could stop at my leisure to take pictures. I really wanted to make this a touring ride compared to the faster rides I've been doing with the OWLS.
I saw a couple of hot air balloons as I set out, but they were too far away to get a good picture. It was a beautiful morning to be in the sky with all the pinky and purpley clouds and bright orange sun. I watched them as I made my way to the quarry on Victor Pike where I stopped for some pictures.
I continued on and crossed 37 and went through the little town of Smithville, again missing the bigger hills that direction. They were having their Saturday morning Farmer's Market. I thought about stopping, but decided against it. As I got closer to Lake Monroe, I got to ride by the big fancy houses out that way. There really are some beautiful homes around here. I eventually made it to the Dam. I had never ridden on the Lake Monroe dam before, so this was extra exciting.
I don't look excited, but I was. :)
I turned before going up that hill in the last picture! But this time, I was greeted with an even bigger hill on Valley Mission. I think it was the hardest hill today. I saw lots of people going the other direction and started wondering if I had somehow managed to go the wrong way. I think I decided that those people just knew better than me. :)
I rode through some farmland and was soon back at the Community Center in Harrodsburg. I did the, according to my cycle computer, 28.5 miles at a 12.8 mph average pace. I was a little disappointed that I was going so slow. I mean, I had wanted to take it slower, but not that slow! But, I decided that I was happy just to be riding my bike at all.
As I filled my water bottles and had a banana, in walked Laurence! I thought maybe she had gone nuts and already completed two loops, but turns out she had missed a turn (from Victor onto Fluck Mill) and did some "bonus" miles. She did some refueling and we decided to head out for Loop #3 The Popcorn Trail together.
I maintained my slow speed and Laurence dropped me pretty fast again. I just don't do heat and especially humidity so well. So, I was on my own again.
As I was riding through this farmland, I saw lots of cows. Pretty soon I started to notice that the cows were smarter than me. They were all hanging out in little streams and watering holes to keep cool. I almost missed about thirty of them because all you could see were their heads poking up out of the water. The only reason I saw them at all is because the young cows were all standing around the water, presumably too short to be in it. Either that or it was adult swim time.
I see cows all the time and I love riding through the farmland. I don't know why I never seem to take a picture of them. Probably because I'm too busy talking to them. I really liked this loop though. It reminded me of cycling in Wisconsin, except the roads in Wisconsin are better, more smooth.
I made it to the town of Popcorn, and stopped to take a picture of its landmark.
While I was stopped at the church, another popcorner passed me and I decided to hop on and follow her for a while. She was a great carrot! I never got very close to her, but kept her in my sight, which was good enough for me. We went roughly the same speed and she helped keep me on track and not give in to being wimpy. I wish I could have talked to her, because I feel like I would have liked to ride with her if she lived near here. Here's a picture of my carrot as we rode by a cemetery.
Soon, I was back at the community center again, with a mileage total for the day of ~53 miles and an average speed of 13.4 mph. No real hills and a good carrot helped me a lot!
The plan, as mentioned, was to do all three loops. I was going to do the first two loops and my friends Brett and Anne were going to join me for the third loop. Anne is visiting from Colorado and had rented a bike from Revolution Bike and Bean for the occasion, since I had convinced Brett that this ride would be so awesome. They (and Laurence, that speedy minx) were waiting for me at the community center and we were only slightly behind schedule (due to me being slow). I ate a little bit of food and had a Coke and Brett, Anne, and I set out to do Loop #2 the Injun Joe loop. (I have no idea where this racist moniker comes from.)
We headed out, taking it really slow. I snapped a picture of Brett and Anne.
Anne had just a little trouble with her rental bike as we started out. The shifting was making a funny noise and the chain was rubbing a bit. Then her chain fell off as we started to go up a little hill. We got it on and Brett and Anne looked at me as I looked at this barely-a-hill and asked me if I was sure I wanted to do the loop. Apparently I looked dead. I was starting to feel that doing this loop was a bad idea, even though it was the easiest and, we were told, most shaded route of the day. I think my body had just had enough sun and heat and humidity and I was beat. I had wanted to stick to the plan, after all I had convinced them to do this in the first place, but Brett told me he would feel better if I didn't do it than to do it for their sake against better judgement. So, two miles in, I called Seth to come pick me up, and I turned around and headed back.
I really think that was the wisest decision. It was better to quit while I was ahead. I had done pretty well staying hydrated and eating something (mostly pink lemonade Honey Stinger chews) every so often, but in the end, it just was not the day for a century ride for me. And I'm okay with that. I had a great time. I feel bad about abandoning Brett and Anne, but I'm pretty sure they're not making voodoo dolls and cursing me as I type this.
In the end, I did 57.404 miles in 4:26:24 for a 12.9 mph average. And I got two completion coins to add to my collection.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Run Report
I decided to be lazy yesterday, so I had to get up and run this morning. I've been having trouble getting to sleep running in the evening (too jazzed to sleep!) and I don't like to eat before I run and eating dinner after 9:00 isn't super exciting either, so I had been wanting to rearrange my schedule anyway. So this morning I got up early and came to campus to run 3.5 miles and shower at the HPER before work.
The best laid plans of mice and men...
I'm seriously in danger of becoming one of those old people that sit on the porch and shake my cane at whippersnappers while yelling "Get off my lawn, you kids!" I had mapped out a 1.8 mile loop and was going to run it twice. However, there were so many undergrads. I don't know where so many of them were going at 7:30 in the morning, but it made running more difficult than I wanted it to be. I only ran one loop (18 minutes). However, I did notice the Woodlawn track with no one on it. I might have to check that out. I just can't bring myself to run on the treadmill when I could be running outside. It's so boring; I get distracted and almost fall off like every time. Besides, pretty much all running events are outside and I should try to run in a similar environment to how I want to "race."
The best laid plans of mice and men...
I'm seriously in danger of becoming one of those old people that sit on the porch and shake my cane at whippersnappers while yelling "Get off my lawn, you kids!" I had mapped out a 1.8 mile loop and was going to run it twice. However, there were so many undergrads. I don't know where so many of them were going at 7:30 in the morning, but it made running more difficult than I wanted it to be. I only ran one loop (18 minutes). However, I did notice the Woodlawn track with no one on it. I might have to check that out. I just can't bring myself to run on the treadmill when I could be running outside. It's so boring; I get distracted and almost fall off like every time. Besides, pretty much all running events are outside and I should try to run in a similar environment to how I want to "race."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)