Detroit Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 9

Six days until the half marathon! It’s finally almost here. And just in time, too.

Monday -

After running 12 miles last Sunday (the longest run of the training cycle) I took Monday as a rest day. My legs felt stiff and heavy.

Tuesday -

Took a little coaxing to get me out of bed but once I started my run I felt great! I was really surprised how easily it came Tuesday morning and how quickly it was over. Yes, it was only 3 miles, but still flew by.

Wednesday -

So, I admit it. I took another rest day. My legs were still feeling really heavy and stiff and I thought it would be best to get more rest. My week was turning out to be pretty exhausting and stressful at work, so I thought the extra sleep might be what I needed more than a x-training session. Looking back it might have been better to go and spend a little time on the bike loosening up my legs.

Thursday -

Still feeling tight, I got up and went for my run. It was a beautiful morning and the weather was incredible. One of those runs that made me really thankful to have the opportunity to watch the sun rise. I couldn’t help but stop and take a picture.

Friday -

It is unheard of for me to take 3 rest days in one week when I’m not on vacation, sick or injured, but that’s exactly what I did this week.

Saturday -

Easy three mile run that took me to Whole Foods. I needed to do a little grocery shopping and wanted to get it done early, so why not combine a run and errand?

Sunday -

While I guess I’m technically in taper mode, I had one last long run to do. 9 miles on the plan and 9 miles is what I did. My legs were still really tight and heavy so the last few miles were a bit tough. I have trouble pacing, so I also kept having to remind myself to slow down. It was really warm on Sunday as we’re having a summer like weather this weekend and I definitely prefer to run in cool weather. I finished the 9 miles, put some ice packs on my legs and drank mint tea (the tea, and eating a low fiber dinner the night before is helping my post-run stomach!).

Overall it was a good week of training but I wish my legs weren’t so stiff. I stretch morning and night and before and after my runs, so I’m not too sure what else too do except keep stretching! Other than that, I’m feeling pretty good about this race on Sunday. I’m excited to go home, see my family, see some friends, go to the Michigan State football game, and maybe a visit to a cider mill even!

• What was the best part of your weekend?
  • Mini-golf with Woody on Pier 25, finding a random hidden community garden on Houston St and taking the east river ferry to the Brooklyn Flea! (more tomorrow)
• Do you ever combine your run with errands?
  • Sometimes, like Saturday.
• Do you love or loathe taper?
  • I have no strong feelings one way or the other, especially when taper is only a few days long for a half marathon

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Today’s workout -

• stretching
• ab exercises

Sometimes A Run Can Surprise You

I woke up this morning with stiff and aching muscles still from my 12 miler on Sunday. It was cold and dark outside. I was not all that enthusiastic about this run. Truthfully, my first instinct was to stay under the covers and go back to sleep. When I trained for the marathon I hit a point where I was on the edge of being burned out. It might not happen for everyone, but I found that following a training plan week after week and really got to be exhausting. I just wanted to wake up and do what I wanted to do – be it a run or the elliptical a class or just sleep in. I did get over that bump then and at first when I woke up this morning I felt that burn out coming on now that I’m in my 9th week of training. BUT, I reminded myself that I only have one more week after this one and I only had 3 miles to do so I got up and got ready!

Today was the first time this season I wore capri pants and a long sleeve top for my run. It was only 50 degrees and the sun wouldn’t be up before I finished so I decided to go with it. Thankfully I did because it was pretty windy out there.

Right from the start my legs felt pretty fresh and I was feeling much better than I had expected. I cruised along and before I knew it I was done! After running 12 miles two days ago, 3 miles is nothing. It’s funny how that happens, right?

This is big news for me, probably not for most of you, but yesterday it was announced that the Michigan State/U of M football game that we are going to the day before the Detroit Half Marathon is going to start at NOON!! This was the best possibility and I’m SO unbelievably relieved it isn’t a night game or even a 3:30pm start. This means we’ll get to the hotel in Detroit at a fairly reasonable time and I’ll be able to get to sleep before midnight! I had such a huge feeling of relief when I read it on twitter!

Okay, pumpkin banana oatmeal time! Have a great day!

• Do you sometimes have to push yourself to get out there for a run, only to have a great one?
• Are you a pumpkin person or not?

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Today’s workout -

• 3 mile run
• ab exercises
• stretching

Detroit Half Marathon Training Recap: Week 8

Only two weeks till the Detroit Half Marathon!!!

Monday -

After the 10 mile run last Sunday I took a rest day on Monday. I did do about 15minutes of stretching on my yoga mat when I first woke up to get my muscles moving and flexible for the day.

Tuesday -

3 mile run. I took a new route that basically hits all the hills downtown, one twice. I need to do some hills and while these aren’t big ones, it’s the best I can do down here. It was a pretty warm and humid morning. There had been a chance of rain but I missed it.

Wednesday -

Cross training day. Went to the gym and spent about 40 minutes on the stationary bike and did a bit of strength training. Even though I know it’s not good, as I run more, I strength train less. Once the race is over, I definitely need to pick it up when it comes to strength training.

Thursday -

6 miles on tap. I did the same route I had done the week before, which I really like. Again, really warm and humid, but it didn’t rain. I almost wish that it had rained a little, because there’s always a chance it could rain on race day and it would be good to get that practice in.

Friday -

It had been a long week at work and knowing what was ahead, I took my usual Friday rest day with stretching.

Saturday -

Easy three mile run. It was a bit cloudy but didn’t rain. We had an apartment guest this weekend so I was glad this run was on the short side so I could get back and go to brunch with her.

Sunday -

Longest run of the training cycle – 12 miles! I mapped out a route that was similar to my 10 miler last weekend but ended closer to home. Absolutely gorgeous morning. Only 51degrees when I started out and not much warmer at the end. I wore my new Oiselle arm warmers, which were absolutely perfect. My pace was all over the place but my legs felt pretty strong until the last mile. I finished my run near the Staten Island Ferry so I could walk back home and stretch out. I’d been really worried about the stomach cramps coming back, especially with our apartment guest in town, so for the 24 hrs before my run I drastically cut back on the amount of fiber I ate and cut out dairy completely. I also had a cup of mint tea Saturday night and one before my run, several after too. Seems to have done the trick!! Now I just have to figure out how to make it work when we’re in Michigan spending the afternoon at the MSU football game and then driving to Detroit and staying at a hotel. Hmmmm.

TOTAL MILES: 24 Miles

So, I’m feeling pretty good about things. My long run next weekend is only 9 miles then it’s just a matter of days until the race. Crossing my fingers that nothing crazy happens between now and then. This is when I really start to get nervous that I’ll get hurt walking down the street or something random like that (but so like me).

• What was the best part of your weekend?
  • Having a family friend stay with us, getting to catch up and show her a part of the city she’s never seen. Oh, and finishing my 12 miles!!
• What’s one trait of runners (or some runners) that annoys you?
  • When runners discard their empty gels by dropping them on the sidewalk or leaving them on the drinking fountain. Really not cool.
• Apple cider – hot or cold?
  • Love it both ways – depends on my mood!

Detroit Half-Marathon Training Recap: Week 7

I’m another week closer to the half marathon with another bump up in the mileage and (thankfully) I’m feeling pretty good!

Monday -

Went to the gym and spent a good 45minutes on the stationary bike then finished up with a short strength training session. I always do a little stretching at our apartment before we head to the gym so I can jump right on the machines when we get there,  not wasting any time.

Tuesday -

Easy 3 mile run. Took my new morning route that stays on the main streets most of the way. Had to pass the protesters camped out in Zuccotti Park and all the cops watching them, then found out the water fountains in City Hall park have been turned off. Overall, it was a good run.

Wednesday –

Back to the gym for some more quality time with the stationary bike. I’ve decided to forgo the elliptical on my x-training days so I give my legs a bit of rest from the impact as the mileage increases. I don’t want to risk another injury. Especially this close to the race!

Thursday –

It’s been a while since I’ve done more than 5 miles before work. I mapped out a route that combined two 3 mile routes, which meant I doubled up on a small section. This was good because I needed to stop at the Wall Street pier to grab a drink from the drinking fountain. What I didn’t need though, was to see the naked man standing by the pier. Thankfully it was still dark and he was turned towards the water. Overall, it was a good run and I’m glad it wasn’t raining.

Friday –

Rest day!!

Saturday –

This was an odd workout because it was race day! I had 3 miles on the calendar but, well, the 5th Avenue Mile is only 1. I’m not sure how many miles I ran, exactly, because I warmed up around the area then ran the race. It was definitely different than any other I’d done, and it was a lot of fun. (race recap to come tomorrow)

Sunday –

This was a big run for me. 10 miles. My longest in a long time. I was nervous about this, especially since the forecast again called for rain and it’s been warm and insanely humid this whole week. I really wasn’t sure how it would turn out. Thankfully, it didn’t rain, but the humidity was pretty wretched. It was warm and sticky, the area was pretty busy with the protest and thousands of runners for the Tunnel to Towers 5, and I was running into the wind for several miles as I went uptown, but I finished the 10 miles! Woohoo!

So, here’s the big question I have for you. After my longer runs – about 7 miles or longer – for several hours, almost the rest of the day, I get on and off stomach cramps. It’s the weirdest thing and pretty much sucks the fun out of the rest of the day. One minute I’ll be fine, the next in pain. Do you know what I’m talking about? Any tips on how to stop this? (other than not running longer than 7 miles) This happened when I was training for the marathon too. It doesn’t seem to matter what I eat the night before, or pre-run, or during the run, it just happens.  I’d love any suggestions!!

Next Saturday will be my longest run before my race – 12 miles. I’m trying to figure out how I can run my six miler on Thursday in Central Park before work to get in some more hills.

• What was the best part of your weekend?
• Have you ever run a 1 mile race?
• How do you spend the day after a long run?

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Today’s workout –

• stretching, REST DAY!

Detroit Half-Marathon Training Recap: Week 6

One more week down, 4 more to go! Good thing I have my passport ready to go!

Monday -

Definitely took a rest day on Monday. Woody got up way too early to fly to Minneapolis for a business trip and I went back to sleep. The 8 miles of Central Park hills (which I am no longer used to) convinced me that a rest day was necessary.

Tuesday -

Tried a new 3 mile route that’s better for really dark mornings, as they all are now that it’s Fall. HERE’S my post about the new route and staying safe when running early in the morning. Just in case you missed it!

Wednesday -

Hit the gym for a date with the stationary bike. I did about 12 miles in 40 minutes. I was definitely lacking in enthusiasm for this workout and didn’t put all in. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that Woody was still gone and I had to get myself up at 5:00am.

Thursday -

I was exhausted after hardly any sleep. Do you ever wake up multiple times throughout the night for absolutely no reason at all? That was how my night was and it was not cool. Still, got up for a 4 mile run. It was okay, but not the best.

Friday -

Another rest day.

Saturday -

3 miles on the plan but I did 4 instead. It was a beautiful morning and I wanted to take advantage of it. While my legs were feeling good, this run was really annoying. I’ve mentioned a few times that ever since my surgery in 2009, my sinuses sometimes go a little crazy on runs no matter what the temperature, but especially when there’s a drastic change in temps, like yesterday when it was only 52’ when I started out. It was not fun at all. But the weather was great!

Sunday -

On the plan was 6 but I wanted to do 7. I had hoped to do the miles in the park to get the hills again, but then found out the Susan G Komen race was going to be Sunday and changed my mind. I’ll let the amazing 20,000 runners and walkers enjoy the park for the day! I came up with a 7 mile route along the water but staying downtown. The weather could not have been any better. Perfect as far as I was concerned. When I got to my turnaround point I was feeling a lot better than I had at that same point on my first 7 mile run two weeks ago. I even had a little kick left in my legs at the end, which was awesome. I really could not be more happy with this run. It definitely gave me the confidence boost I need going into the 10miler I have ahead of me this coming Sunday.

I got myself a little delicious treat at the New Amsterdam Market for the great run – a donut peach and ginger popsicle from People’s Pops! Yum! Ginger is an anti-inflammatory, so it’s good for me!

I’m ready for week 7.

Oh, watch out cause I have a really cool announcement to make later this week!

• What was the highlight of your weekend?

For me it was enjoying the great weather.

• What song gives you energy the moment you hear it?

If I only have to choose one, it’s “Party Rock Anthem” by LMFAO

• Are you totally excited that Fall TV shows are starting this week? Like “How I Met Your Mother”?!?!

Please, please, please tell me I’m not alone here!

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Sunday’s workout -

• 7mile run
• stretching

Today’s workout -

• 40min stationary bike
• ab exercises
• stretching
• 2x18 overhead tricep extension
• 2x20 weighted side bends
• 2x20 resistance band woodchop
• 2x16 lateral arm raise

Late Sunrises Mean Running in the Dark

I had an easy 3 mile run on the schedule Tuesday morning but because it’s now super dark in the morning when I wake up and get going, I wanted to try a new route that keeps me in well-lit, public spaces. When running early in the morning, it’s really important to be smart and stay safe. There aren’t a whole lot of people out and about yet, so you can’t zone out and fall into your own little world when running at 5:30am. Running in the morning doesn’t do you any good if you’re not safe!

This is the route I took (thanks for the map DailyMile!)

I started at my usual point, ran along the water, then up Broadway, around City Hall Park, back towards the water and finished in a small park near our building. I have mixed feelings about this route.

Pros:

• Safer in the dark
• Nice to mix things up
• More hills than my usual route

Cons:

• More people to dodge
• Have to contend with traffic lights and construction
• Loud trucks and cars

So, I guess there are as many pros and cons about the new route and it evens out. I know the safety factor trumps the smelly trash on the sidewalks and having to dodge people on their way to/from work or the bar. At least fewer people honk their horns at that time of day!

Today I tried another version of this route to add on another mile. I don’t mind running the streets too much, but I much prefer to run along the water or in the park. It’s just more relaxing.

• Do you change your route depending on what time of day you run?
• What do you prefer? City streets, parks, or rural roads for your runs?
• What safety precautions do you take when you run?

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Yesterday’s workout -

• 40min stationary bike
• 2x20 seated row
• ab exercises
• stretching

Today’s workout -

• 4mile run
• ab exercises
• stretching