Alright, the real "excitement" of Week 15 was me completing my first Duathlon (Run, Bike, Run) which I will blog about in my next entry (great pics included). Before I get to the race itself, I thought I would talk about the week in general. I met my weekly mileage goal, and did so without any really long runs. The longest was actually just over 7 miles. I did manage a little over 8 on Thursday, but that was broken up over 3 runs. Aside from the Duathlon which was a new event for me, I also ran for a short distance (3.7 miles) on a treadmill. It's been a long time since I've done that, and my primary reason for doing it was to get my speed up. As I had noticed the day before, and mentioned in my last post, I've been struggling with trying to get my speed up since I came back from Texas. I figured the best way to do that was to force myself to run faster on a treadmill. It definitely does the job, but I was definitely feeling it too, and it's clear I need to work on getting faster. It is a strong possibility I'll be using a treadmill in more of my workouts. That being said, still a good week for running.
My Totals for Week 15 were:
Total Runs Logged: 7
Total Miles: 26.07 (the 5Ks in the Duathlon weren't exactly 3.1 miles)
Total Time Spent Running: 3 hours, 14 minutes, 08 seconds
Average Pace: 7:27 (min/mile) (the race definitely helped improve my overall pace)
My new "as of" totals are:
Total Runs Logged: 79
Total Miles: 452.57
Total Time Spent Running: 58 hours, 49 minutes, 02 seconds
Average Pace: 7:48 (min/mile)
REFLECTION TIME: It's clear that for most people there will be some sacrifice in speed as you increase your distance. What I want to avoid is sacrificing too much speed. While I can run 1 mile in under 6 minutes, my real goal is to run 10+ miles in under a 7 min/mile pace. The Boston Marathon was held this past Monday, and when looking at the qualifying times for 2013 I noticed they had made them harder. For my age group, in order to qualify for the Boston Marathon I have to run another marathon in 3 hours, 5 minutes. That is just over a 7:03 min/mile pace. Interesting enough, the winner of this year's Boston Marathon completed the race in 2 hours, 3 minutes, 2 seconds. That equates to an average pace of 4:41 min/mile. It's insane, and I can't fathom running one mile at that speed let alone 26 of them. Interestingly enough, there is quite a bit of controversy right now regarding his finishing time. It's the fastest time ever recorded for a marathon, but it might never be considered a world record. You can read more information on it HERE.
As for me, I'm not looking to set any records...I'm just trying to get a little faster.
1200 in 2011
Showing posts with label Recap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recap. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Week 13 and 14 Re-Cap (28 March - 10 April)
Following my rather "insane" weekend in Week 12, I took a proper 180 degree turn, and let my body rest. Now, it was far from a complete lack of inactivity, but as far as running goes, I definitely backed off of it. In paste extreme physical events, I have not let my body rest enough afterwards, and it has cost me. Trying to pick up my running schedule as it was before my races tends to be detrimental and prolongs my recovery time, and general feeling of not being at 100%. Truth be told, I probably could have taken it even easier than I did, but I really felt better after a few days, and I didn't want to get out of the habit of running. As it was, I wanted to stay loose without putting too much strain on my worn-out body. I kept the miles low, and the pace slow, and I think that all-in-all it was a good post-race week.
My Week 13 totals were:
Number of Runs Logged: 5
Total miles: 13.8
Time Spent Running: 1 hour, 50 minutes, 57 seconds
Average Pace: 8:02 (min/mile)
With Week 12 down, and my recovery period over, Week 13 was about getting back into running. Now, I wasn't training for any specific race, so my mentality with regards to running, was to merely get my 25 miles. With my longest run in Week 12 being just over 6 miles, I knew I needed to get a couple of longer runs in too. As such, I managed to work in 2 eight-milers (on Wednesday and Sunday). I've noticed that my pace on the runs greater than 8 miles haven't been that great over the past couple of months (really, since I came back from San Antonio). While I had some amazing runs in the colder weather, even before I left, I managed to get a few 8+ mile runs with a faster than 7:30 pace. Since, I been back, that has only happened once. I'm not really sure what the cause is for my slower pace. Slower pace or not, my goal is still to get out and run, which is what I'm doing, and what I did during Week 14. I think the best thing I can do right now is keep at it, and push myself a little harder on the longer runs. I know I'm capable of running faster, I just need to do it. Regardless, I met my goal in Week 14.
My Week 14 totals were:
Number of Runs Logged: 6
Total miles: 26.1
Time Spent Running: 3 hours, 19 minutes, 21 seconds
Average Pace: 7:38 (min/mile)
That brings my "as of" totals to:
Number of Runs Logged: 72
Total miles: 426.5
Time Spent Running: 55 hours, 34 minutes, 54 seconds
Average Pace: 7:49 (min/mile)
REFLECTION TIME: At the start of the 2011 I had one BIG goal in mind (run 1200 miles), but I also had smaller goals to help me along my way such as completing my first Olympic Triathlon (20 Feb), and of course my Insane XTERRA/Guam Marathon Weekend (26-27 March). With both of those events over, and the year not even 1/3 of the way over, the question now is:
"HOW DO I STAY MOTIVATED?"
While I still have my 1200 mile goal, the monotony of running can take it's toll on even the most dedicated of runners. Although I love the challenge, I am far from a dedicated runner (at least as I see myself). I suppose as with any long-term goal, you have to have smaller goals a long the way to serve as "check points". There are still several triathlons scheduled for the year, so hopefully that will keep my focused on staying on top of my running game. As for other events, I just need to keep my eyes open, and be ready to try something new.
My Week 13 totals were:
Number of Runs Logged: 5
Total miles: 13.8
Time Spent Running: 1 hour, 50 minutes, 57 seconds
Average Pace: 8:02 (min/mile)
With Week 12 down, and my recovery period over, Week 13 was about getting back into running. Now, I wasn't training for any specific race, so my mentality with regards to running, was to merely get my 25 miles. With my longest run in Week 12 being just over 6 miles, I knew I needed to get a couple of longer runs in too. As such, I managed to work in 2 eight-milers (on Wednesday and Sunday). I've noticed that my pace on the runs greater than 8 miles haven't been that great over the past couple of months (really, since I came back from San Antonio). While I had some amazing runs in the colder weather, even before I left, I managed to get a few 8+ mile runs with a faster than 7:30 pace. Since, I been back, that has only happened once. I'm not really sure what the cause is for my slower pace. Slower pace or not, my goal is still to get out and run, which is what I'm doing, and what I did during Week 14. I think the best thing I can do right now is keep at it, and push myself a little harder on the longer runs. I know I'm capable of running faster, I just need to do it. Regardless, I met my goal in Week 14.
My Week 14 totals were:
Number of Runs Logged: 6
Total miles: 26.1
Time Spent Running: 3 hours, 19 minutes, 21 seconds
Average Pace: 7:38 (min/mile)
That brings my "as of" totals to:
Number of Runs Logged: 72
Total miles: 426.5
Time Spent Running: 55 hours, 34 minutes, 54 seconds
Average Pace: 7:49 (min/mile)
REFLECTION TIME: At the start of the 2011 I had one BIG goal in mind (run 1200 miles), but I also had smaller goals to help me along my way such as completing my first Olympic Triathlon (20 Feb), and of course my Insane XTERRA/Guam Marathon Weekend (26-27 March). With both of those events over, and the year not even 1/3 of the way over, the question now is:
"HOW DO I STAY MOTIVATED?"
While I still have my 1200 mile goal, the monotony of running can take it's toll on even the most dedicated of runners. Although I love the challenge, I am far from a dedicated runner (at least as I see myself). I suppose as with any long-term goal, you have to have smaller goals a long the way to serve as "check points". There are still several triathlons scheduled for the year, so hopefully that will keep my focused on staying on top of my running game. As for other events, I just need to keep my eyes open, and be ready to try something new.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Week 3 Re-Cap
Hooray, another week down, and so much closer to my goal. Before I recap the last two days of the week (Saturday and Sunday), here are the new numbers.
My Week 3 Totals are:
Total Number of Runs Logged: 6
Total Miles Logged: 37.4
Total Time Spent Running: 4 Hours, 35 minutes, and 2 seconds
Average Pace: 7:21 min/mile
That brings my new "as of" total to:
Total Number of Runs Logged: 22
Total Miles Logged: 121.3
Total Time Spent Running: 15 hours, 19 minutes, and 38 seconds
Average Pace: 7:35 min/mile
As you can tell, 23 days into my first month, and I've already surpassed my monthly goal of 100 miles. I'll keep my goal "as is" for now, because I know as the year progresses, I'll dedicate more time to the Triathlons on Guam, as well as other activities. Until then, I'll continue to reap the benefits of running.
Alright, so Saturday morning, I left Guam early in the AM, and after about 18 hours of flying, layovers, and more flying, I arrived in San Antonio, TX mid-morning on Saturday (got to love the time change). For the next two weeks I'll be at Lackland studying AF Logistics. Not long after arriving in SA (but after I had eaten a feast of a Mexican Meal) I decided it would probably be a good idea to get a run in. This was not only to combat the food I had just eaten, but also to get my legs loosened up after sitting for so long (plus remember I was still feeling guilty about not running on Friday). While not as cold as other areas of the country, SA is a good 20-30 degrees colder in Guam. Similar to my Hong Kong experience, I noticed an increased effort in my breathing as I was sucking in the cold air. It wasn't overly difficult, but it was very different than what I was used too. Still after my Saturday PM run of 6+ miles, I noticed that I had managed to keep a good pace throughout the run (about 7:23 min/mile). Perhaps, while there was perceived increase in effort, there was no really increased exertion of energy.
On Sunday morning I went for run around 9:30, during which time I completely smashed my perception of cold weather running. Given that I had flown for most of the day yesterday, was still operating (mentally) in a different time zone, and was facing a different climate, I was expecting to struggle. When I looked at my GPS watch around the 5 mile point I noticed that less than 35 minutes had elapsed. 3.5 miles later (bringing my total run to 8.5 miles), my clock said 58:41, a 6:54 min/mile pace. Now, I've run faster before, but for that distance, I cannot recall the last time I maintained a pace below 7 minutes. To go from a 7:14 pace on an 8-mile run earlier in the week, to a sub-7 min pace is pretty darn remarkable. I would expect improvement, but not on that scale, so I have to attribute my speed to the cold weather. We'll see over the next couple of weeks if I can repeat that pace.
REFLECTION TIME!!
3 Weeks Down and 49 more to go, but I say that without any since of eagnerness or anticipation to see this year end. As I've said before, the past two weeks were hectic with travel, work, and preparing for my travel. It makes it hard to find time to not only run, but also write about it. That being said, I need the blog because it keeps me motivated. I know that if it weren't for me advertising my running to the world wide web, that I normally wouldn't make time to run on Vacation. The same goes for working long days. I'd make an excuse on why I couldn't run before or why I could skip the next day. 1 or 2 days is okay, but how many missed opportunities would that up to over the course of a year? The blog keeps me focused on my goal, and although there are days that it may be much easier to slack off, I'll feel like a slacker if I do. So even though it may be hard, I'll suck it up and keep running.
My Week 3 Totals are:
Total Number of Runs Logged: 6
Total Miles Logged: 37.4
Total Time Spent Running: 4 Hours, 35 minutes, and 2 seconds
Average Pace: 7:21 min/mile
That brings my new "as of" total to:
Total Number of Runs Logged: 22
Total Miles Logged: 121.3
Total Time Spent Running: 15 hours, 19 minutes, and 38 seconds
Average Pace: 7:35 min/mile
As you can tell, 23 days into my first month, and I've already surpassed my monthly goal of 100 miles. I'll keep my goal "as is" for now, because I know as the year progresses, I'll dedicate more time to the Triathlons on Guam, as well as other activities. Until then, I'll continue to reap the benefits of running.
Alright, so Saturday morning, I left Guam early in the AM, and after about 18 hours of flying, layovers, and more flying, I arrived in San Antonio, TX mid-morning on Saturday (got to love the time change). For the next two weeks I'll be at Lackland studying AF Logistics. Not long after arriving in SA (but after I had eaten a feast of a Mexican Meal) I decided it would probably be a good idea to get a run in. This was not only to combat the food I had just eaten, but also to get my legs loosened up after sitting for so long (plus remember I was still feeling guilty about not running on Friday). While not as cold as other areas of the country, SA is a good 20-30 degrees colder in Guam. Similar to my Hong Kong experience, I noticed an increased effort in my breathing as I was sucking in the cold air. It wasn't overly difficult, but it was very different than what I was used too. Still after my Saturday PM run of 6+ miles, I noticed that I had managed to keep a good pace throughout the run (about 7:23 min/mile). Perhaps, while there was perceived increase in effort, there was no really increased exertion of energy.
On Sunday morning I went for run around 9:30, during which time I completely smashed my perception of cold weather running. Given that I had flown for most of the day yesterday, was still operating (mentally) in a different time zone, and was facing a different climate, I was expecting to struggle. When I looked at my GPS watch around the 5 mile point I noticed that less than 35 minutes had elapsed. 3.5 miles later (bringing my total run to 8.5 miles), my clock said 58:41, a 6:54 min/mile pace. Now, I've run faster before, but for that distance, I cannot recall the last time I maintained a pace below 7 minutes. To go from a 7:14 pace on an 8-mile run earlier in the week, to a sub-7 min pace is pretty darn remarkable. I would expect improvement, but not on that scale, so I have to attribute my speed to the cold weather. We'll see over the next couple of weeks if I can repeat that pace.
REFLECTION TIME!!
3 Weeks Down and 49 more to go, but I say that without any since of eagnerness or anticipation to see this year end. As I've said before, the past two weeks were hectic with travel, work, and preparing for my travel. It makes it hard to find time to not only run, but also write about it. That being said, I need the blog because it keeps me motivated. I know that if it weren't for me advertising my running to the world wide web, that I normally wouldn't make time to run on Vacation. The same goes for working long days. I'd make an excuse on why I couldn't run before or why I could skip the next day. 1 or 2 days is okay, but how many missed opportunities would that up to over the course of a year? The blog keeps me focused on my goal, and although there are days that it may be much easier to slack off, I'll feel like a slacker if I do. So even though it may be hard, I'll suck it up and keep running.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Week 3 Thus Far
As for my 3rd week of running, like I said before, on Monday we were in Hong Kong, so I ran 5 miles along the waterfront that morning. We left Hong Kong LATE Monday night and didn't make it back to Guam until about 6am on Tuesday. Unfortunately, that put a slight damper on my running/workout plans. Still, I managed to run a little more than 2 miles Tuesday night. Wednesday I had another "great" 8 mile run. Thursday morning, anticipating very busy day at work, I actually managed to get out of bed at 5am, and ran 6+ miles. It was great running, despite a lot of rain, but work was very busy and I didn't get home until very late. Because I got home so late I opted to sleep in a bit on Friday before going to work. As such, I was not able to get a run in on Friday.
I would say that I missed not running, but truth be told I was REALLY tired. I can honestly justify my break by saying that I've ran or worked out every day for quite some time (Saturday in Hong Kong we did a LOT of walking). That being said, I still feel a little guilt about not working out. I'll probably more than make up for it this weekend (in SAN ANTONIO), and then I'll feel better. In all honesty, I know the break will probably be better for me in the long run (haha) too.
While the past 10 days or so have kept me very busy, hopefully I'll se a bit of reprieve over the next few weeks. this may allow me to not only keep up the running schedule, but also keep my blog updated. I've enjoyed writing thus far, and hopefully as I continue on my running journey, I'll get into a better groove with my writing. Hopefully, with more travels planned, multiple triathlons, and a general willingness to embrace new adventures I'll be able to keep the blog exciting. I suppose running and writing a blog are both similar in the fact that if you don't mix it up every once and a while, it can get boring pretty quick. I'm going to definitely try to keep that from happening. So I'll keep running, but keep it fun too.
I would say that I missed not running, but truth be told I was REALLY tired. I can honestly justify my break by saying that I've ran or worked out every day for quite some time (Saturday in Hong Kong we did a LOT of walking). That being said, I still feel a little guilt about not working out. I'll probably more than make up for it this weekend (in SAN ANTONIO), and then I'll feel better. In all honesty, I know the break will probably be better for me in the long run (haha) too.
While the past 10 days or so have kept me very busy, hopefully I'll se a bit of reprieve over the next few weeks. this may allow me to not only keep up the running schedule, but also keep my blog updated. I've enjoyed writing thus far, and hopefully as I continue on my running journey, I'll get into a better groove with my writing. Hopefully, with more travels planned, multiple triathlons, and a general willingness to embrace new adventures I'll be able to keep the blog exciting. I suppose running and writing a blog are both similar in the fact that if you don't mix it up every once and a while, it can get boring pretty quick. I'm going to definitely try to keep that from happening. So I'll keep running, but keep it fun too.
Major Catching Up to Do
Wow! It would be an understatement to say the last week and a half hasn’t been busy. Work (lots of it), travel, preparing for travel, and of course a fair amount of running. I suppose I should start out by recapping my running for the past couple of weeks.
Week 2:Total Number of Runs Logged: 8
Total Miles Logged: 34.5
Total Time Spent Running: 4 hours, 20 minutes, and 19 seconds
Average Pace: 7:31
That makes my new "as of" total after 2 weeks of running:
Total Number of Runs Logged: 16
Total Miles Logged: 83.9
Total Time Spent Running: 10 hours, 44 minutes, and 36 seconds
Average Pace: 7:41
Now, my 2nd week of running had my first “great” run, but the real highlight of the week was not the distance but the location. Friday night Stephanie I flew to Hong Kong for the three-day weekend. Later on I’ll post pictures and blog about our adventures (Check it out on my Stephanie's Blog here), but for now I’ll just talk about the running. While most studies would probably say that running in a colder climate is easier than the hot and humid of someplace like Guam especially with regards to muscle fatigue and endurance. That’s probably true; however, after nearly a year and a half of running in Guam, I’ve come quite accustomed to it. Going from running in 80+ degree weather one day to around 50 degree weather the next is quite a shock to the system. . I am really not sure about the air quality in Hong Kong compared to Guam, but I will say that it was noticeably harder to breathe in the very “crisp” air. I ran about 5 miles on both Sunday and Monday and although the cold air provided a new challenge, it was great running in a new environment. Hopefully in future travel adventures I’ll continue my running as well. The running blog and goal for 1200 miles this will hopefully encourage me to maintain an active lifestyle even when on “vacation”.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)