Mileage reporting 14th week 2014

Nick, squats are awesome. the soreness that may follow, not so much.

sat-lil yog with da dogs. saw a friend moving back into his childhood home. saw my cousin warming up to play soccer. well, she saw me. my glasses don't define faces so far away. lil body weights. dogs kept running off so no pistols, yet.
That's what everyone tells me, but I have never liked squats, nor lunges for that matter. I guess I like squats more now than I ever used to, but it's still one of those exercises I only do because it's good for me.
 
Ran a 5K race today, Chester County Hospital's Dash 4 Diabetes. The last time I had run it was back in 2009. I wasn't able to race it hard, I had that upper respiratory infection a few weeks ago and guess what I got to wake up to yesterday morning? Another faint tickle of a sore throat and presently my nose tends to dribble slightly over the last 2 days. So yeah, I'm sick again. Damn, I had realized last December that I wanted to come to this race today and be all ready to go hard. But then this winter it was tough to do anything besides easy runs while bundled up to stay warm. I've learned I like to easy run when it's cold, but I don't like to work at running hard in the cold. But I thought I got a good start on it at the beginning of March, then got sabotaged by the weather and getting sick.

So today, I just ran to be there and enjoy myself as much as I could while somewhat under the weather. I ran an 8:30 first mile which surprised me that it was that fast all things considered, but didn't try to gun it hard and see if I could go after a PR today. Crossed the line in 26:45, although I hit about 6:30 mpm pace over the last tenth of a mile as I figured I could handle that much hard running. I know I had a few big smiles cross my face when I heard some of the volunteers shout to me. And I smiled at other times when passing by the 2.5K walkers and I could overhear them exclaiming to others, "That guy's running barefoot!"

Not exactly what I wished for, but it was a quality run and I had fun at it.

Now on the other hand, there was an incident before the race that pisses me off some and I might write some more about it later as I think about it.
 
Thursday 10.2km/6.4mi, again along the Brisbane river. I met with Peter Robinson on Wednesday and we walked about 5km/3.1mi, maybe we'll organise a run one of these days, it looks like I will be in Brisbane for at least another 2 weeks

Today I did 22km/13.7mi, it was a rainy and fresh morning. It is the first time I eat something 2h before the run (a yoghurt), I was worried it would be too heavy, but I was surprised, it felt good. About 5km/3.1mi was light trail, which was very enjoyable, wet but soft ground all the way !

Hopefully I will have time this week to get 2 runs again, despite the temperature and humidity being much higher than Sydney

Half marathon is in May, and I am really looking forward to it, temperatures should still be very nice (probably around 19C/66F in the morning)
 
am: 4 mi run, slow, legs felt tired, maybe from a little bit of weights last night, dunno.
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lunch: some abs, a few weights
afternoon: took kids to the aquatic center. 1.5 hrs, lots of little breaks, laps, then one trip on the obstacle course.

tired, cooties nearly gone, need sleep now
 
2 miles today just as the sun was coming up, no radiant heating today of pavement. It was -8C this morning but once the pleasant sensation of numbness set in there was not too much of a problem. I actually prefer to run in the temperatures like today then yesterday +4C. The grit and and sand on the roads felt more pronounced in yesterdays warmer temps. And it is official, this year was the coldest winter in 116 years here in Winterpeg according to yesterdays paper. It sure has felt great to be STG the last 3 weeks even though the temps are still in the "Winter Challenge" zone.
 
Finished up the week with about 12.5 barefoot miles on a beautiful Spring day. The pace felt really easy so I was surprised to see I'd run at about 7.35 pace when I checked at home. 137 AHR.

How long have you been running with the maf heart rate approach? Do you mind me asking what speed you started out at?
 
Saturday - mild strength training as I helped hubby build my birthday gift, approx 8 hours; also some impromptu yoga/disco on a low balance beam as he asked me to stand on boards to hold them in place, about 45 minutes.

Then, dancing! I tried earlier in the week to contact the establishment about being barefoot, as the bouncer has asked me to put on shoes before. At first they seemed to be ignoring me, then I called yesterday afternoon and talked to a manager. She kind of gave me the brush-off, so I figured that was the end of it, but in a couple of hours the owner called me, but not to change their stance. To be very firm with me. Sigh. When I tried to kindly respond to her concerns, she got quite angry with me. Something about someone once sued for getting a splinter there and SHE wouldn't want (Implied: to be stupid and) walk around barefoot on all the glass and stuff that is "in there." She proceeded to tell me that no one would let me dance barefoot at their places, to which I could honestly reply that many do, which she was surprised into speechless by. But she went on to say that her insurance company will not cover them unless they require footwear. I asked if I could talk to her provider, but she took them as fighting words and got quite belligerent. So, I tried to end the conversation nicely and put it all out of my mind.

I danced about 3 hours in my Lunas, having some trouble slipping on their very smooth, faux-wood pergo floor. Not a speck of glass or debris anywhere in there that I could see, but you knew that was probably the case... Great comments from spectators. One older gentleman said he just felt joy watching me. A younger gal said, "You've got some moves girlfriend! You look like you are having so much fun!" My hubby and I were the only ones out there dancing to Lynyrd Skynyrds "Call Me the Breeze" when the band played that. It was perfect. So, it was a great time, in spite of the bad phone call.
 
That's what everyone tells me, but I have never liked squats, nor lunges for that matter. I guess I like squats more now than I ever used to, but it's still one of those exercises I only do because it's good for me.
I feel the same way Nick. I always ignored squats, and rebelled against the notion of doing something I didn't like just because it's good for you. But I'm starting to dread the squats a little less these days, especially as my form and balance improves.

I think all heavy lifts require extra motivation, both physically, because they use more muscle mass, but also mentally, because they require a lot of coordination, balance, focus, and effort. It's so much easier just to yank on cables. The heavy lifts are performances.

You also mentioned lunges. I've been even worse about those, but I did my plyometrics/mobility workout a few hours ago, and did lunges using my medicine ball with a twisting pullover motion, side-to-side. Oh yeah . . . mos' excellent! I can feel it in my butt and quads and obliques and back.

I'm starting to think plyometrics/mobility-type exercises need to be about equal to my running and st time, if I really want to be generally fit. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to work them in though. Twice a week, full sessions? Or 10-15 minutes a day, just a few exercises each time?
2 miles today just as the sun was coming up, no radiant heating today of pavement. It was -8C this morning but once the pleasant sensation of numbness set in there was not too much of a problem. I actually prefer to run in the temperatures like today then yesterday +4C. The grit and and sand on the roads felt more pronounced in yesterdays warmer temps. And it is official, this year was the coldest winter in 116 years here in Winterpeg according to yesterdays paper. It sure has felt great to be STG the last 3 weeks even though the temps are still in the "Winter Challenge" zone.
I just looked ours up. Ninth harshest. And two years ago was the mildest. No wonder I took to winter barefoot running so well that first winter!
 
How long have you been running with the maf heart rate approach? Do you mind me asking what speed you started out at?
I don't think I do a strict Maffetone approach to my running. My raw Maf HR, by his formula, is 121, modified to 126, as I have no recent injuries, and possibly up to 131 as I'm approaching 60. I do most of my running between 125 and 135 as I don't find it too depleting.

When I started running minimalist, almost 5 years ago, I seem to recall that my AHR for an 8 minute pace was around 140. On a really good day now its down to 121 - more normally 123 or 124. I tend not to look at my watch too much when I'm running but it does provide some interesting information when I'm done. Mostly I run by feel and keep it feeling very easy.
 
I don't think I do a strict Maffetone approach to my running. My raw Maf HR, by his formula, is 121, modified to 126, as I have no recent injuries, and possibly up to 131 as I'm approaching 60. I do most of my running between 125 and 135 as I don't find it too depleting.

When I started running minimalist, almost 5 years ago, I seem to recall that my AHR for an 8 minute pace was around 140. On a really good day now its down to 121 - more normally 123 or 124. I tend not to look at my watch too much when I'm running but it does provide some interesting information when I'm done. Mostly I run by feel and keep it feeling very easy.

By MAF, I mean 'maximum aerobic function'. Maybe I'm using it wrong? I thought that was how it was being used generally, although it does fit with his name, too. I've been running "by feel" lately, as you may have noticed from my posts. Sometimes, lately, I do "feel" like doing a bit of a faster section, but I really want to see if I can get my speed up gradually! Patiently. I checked my heart rate by counting once and found that "feel" seemed to be a good enough indicator for now. :) Maybe if I used a HR monitor that way, only for feedback after the run, the idea wouldn't stress me out like it does now. I probably need to increase my mileage, as much as anything, which I will be trying to do to prepare for this marathon in October. Have you written anywhere about your running history and process with the HR monitor? I'd be interested in reading about it.
 
Ya Lee I despise lunges and they really hurt my knees, so I refuse to do them. I agree about plyometrics, but I am only introducing one day a week of those. Only so much time during the week and I want to run 4 days of it. Really interested in the long term benefits/negatives of my new workout schedule. First week in so I don't really know yet, but I think I may have been doing too much weights before which held me back from my goal of losing weight. The plan is Mon run, Tues weights, Wed run, Thurs plyo, Fri run, Sat run & weights (if time permits).
 
By MAF, I mean 'maximum aerobic function'. Maybe I'm using it wrong? I thought that was how it was being used generally, although it does fit with his name, too. I've been running "by feel" lately, as you may have noticed from my posts. Sometimes, lately, I do "feel" like doing a bit of a faster section, but I really want to see if I can get my speed up gradually! Patiently. I checked my heart rate by counting once and found that "feel" seemed to be a good enough indicator for now. :) Maybe if I used a HR monitor that way, only for feedback after the run, the idea wouldn't stress me out like it does now. I probably need to increase my mileage, as much as anything, which I will be trying to do to prepare for this marathon in October. Have you written anywhere about your running history and process with the HR monitor? I'd be interested in reading about it.
I don't really do "training" - I just run a fair bit!
Increase your mileage gently, don't try too hard, and you'll be fine! You've already done some triathlons, your husband sounds like a good coach, you've got plenty of time to work on longer runs. 26.2 is just a number. Have fun playing with longer runs but don't get stuck into a training plan 'cos you'll feel guilty when something comes up that prevents you following it.
A heart rate monitor is a useful accessory but not essential to your marathon preparation - run for joy and you'll be fine!
Take Bourbonfeet as your inspiration. Lots and lots of 12 - 14 minute miles and gie it laldy on the day.
 
I don't really do "training" - I just run a fair bit!
Increase your mileage gently, don't try too hard, and you'll be fine! You've already done some triathlons, your husband sounds like a good coach, you've got plenty of time to work on longer runs. 26.2 is just a number. Have fun playing with longer runs but don't get stuck into a training plan 'cos you'll feel guilty when something comes up that prevents you following it.
A heart rate monitor is a useful accessory but not essential to your marathon preparation - run for joy and you'll be fine!
Take Bourbonfeet as your inspiration. Lots and lots of 12 - 14 minute miles and gie it laldy on the day.
The voice of reason. thanks. I did go look at the blog, too.
 
Laura, read the book from the man himself, or his blog. don't read things from other people. it's confusing enough already.

Nick, i despise lunges too. seem too dangerous to me to be of much use. squats i've never done until recently. i should say done with any consistancy. always did leg presses.

s-1hr45min run with da boys. old man got tired so i walked back down the road instead of running down the trail. saved a good 20 mins.
 
Laura, read the book from the man himself, or his blog. don't read things from other people. it's confusing enough already.

Nick, i despise lunges too. seem too dangerous to me to be of much use. squats i've never done until recently. i should say done with any consistancy. always did leg presses.

s-1hr45min run with da boys. old man got tired so i walked back down the road instead of running down the trail. saved a good 20 mins.

Thanks, Migel - I meant the blog that Chris linked to in his comment. I have the book by Maffetone. If you know of one by another author, I'd be interested in that, too. I like to get more than one perspective on these things. :)
 
Ended up with 80 miles for the week with the last four days working the Zion 100 race. Only that one barefoot mile and a few sandal miles, so this week killed my goal of at least 25% barefoot miles. It was good Ultra training though, I had big days on Friday and Saturday being completely physically and mentally exhausted. Worked though the night Thursday and had a few hours of sleep Friday night. A few complaints about the course marking and signage, but many positive comments. Next course I will be marking is: http://ultra-adventures.com/events/grand-canyon/ and I decided to enter the Bear 100 race in the fall: http://71.18.239.111/index.html Check out the profile.
Bear%20100%202009%20profile%20graphic.png
 
Saturday - mild strength training as I helped hubby build my birthday gift, approx 8 hours; also some impromptu yoga/disco on a low balance beam as he asked me to stand on boards to hold them in place, about 45 minutes.

Are you going to leave us in suspense, or did I miss something?
What's the gift??????

Then, dancing! I tried earlier in the week to contact the establishment about being barefoot, as the bouncer has asked me to put on shoes before. At first they seemed to be ignoring me, then I called yesterday afternoon and talked to a manager. She kind of gave me the brush-off, so I figured that was the end of it, but in a couple of hours the owner called me, but not to change their stance. To be very firm with me. Sigh. When I tried to kindly respond to her concerns, she got quite angry with me. Something about someone once sued for getting a splinter there and SHE wouldn't want (Implied: to be stupid and) walk around barefoot on all the glass and stuff that is "in there." She proceeded to tell me that no one would let me dance barefoot at their places, to which I could honestly reply that many do, which she was surprised into speechless by. But she went on to say that her insurance company will not cover them unless they require footwear. I asked if I could talk to her provider, but she took them as fighting words and got quite belligerent. So, I tried to end the conversation nicely and put it all out of my mind.


I danced about 3 hours in my Lunas, having some trouble slipping on their very smooth, faux-wood pergo floor. Not a speck of glass or debris anywhere in there that I could see, but you knew that was probably the case... Great comments from spectators. One older gentleman said he just felt joy watching me. A younger gal said, "You've got some moves girlfriend! You look like you are having so much fun!" My hubby and I were the only ones out there dancing to Lynyrd Skynyrds "Call Me the Breeze" when the band played that. It was perfect. So, it was a great time, in spite of the bad phone call.


You tried. Good for you. I admire that. And although they were nasty enough about it that I doubt you planted a seed, at least you know what they are about.

And Happy Birthday!!! May there be many many more that only become more fun!
 
Are you going to leave us in suspense, or did I miss something?
What's the gift??????

haha, I didn't think people here would be that excited about outdoor plants shelves. :) Anyway, if you want to see how he did it, there should be details on my blog soon. I think they are wonderful!
 
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haha, I didn't think people here would be that excited about outdoor plants shelves. :) Anyway, if you want to see how he did it, there should be details on my blog soon. I think they are wonderful!


I will check it out.
I haven't had the time nor the space in a while, but I love all things gardening, chicken-raising, food-making, and you seem to do a lot of it.