Can I??

Wednesday's 14 mile run turned into a 12 mile trip of discomfort, weakness, and lack of energy.  I started out tired and decided to do 8 miles.  Knowing little brother, coach Jeff, would see it, I managed to get to mile 10 when my ego kicked in and shouted that I should go 2 more.  At 12 I was done.  "Sometimes it just isn't there. Don't worry." was Jeff's comment.  I am worried.  Can I really do this?!

So today's run was only 6 easy slow miles.  It was going fine until this creature decided to cross the path in front of me.  Scared me!

Hallucination

Hallucinations have started!  Today I ran 6 miles keeping my heart rate kind of under 140, so I was slow.  When I finished and downloaded the stats to my program for coach Jeff to see, I noticed that my run for the day should have been only 5 miles!  Yesterday I thought it said 6.  Oh, my.

Anyway, I think I need to get a sense of humor about this so I am looking for a running partner to do a run like this with me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUU3yenVH2U
Love their running clothes! Any volunteers? Carol and I could do it but could anyone else??

Seriously, you are doing great

Seriously, you are doing great - keep it up!!! Such simple words but I was excited - that's what coach Jeff wrote after I sent him my 13 mile stats from yesterday.  13 miles!  The Centennial trail was beautiful, the air was cool and I just kept on running. It was a great change from the high 90 degree temperatures I endured the past week while I was in CA. 

13 miles in 2 hours 21 minutes.  I stopped twice to fill water bottle, once to take a picture and slowed for a coyote crossing the trail.  That puts me at just about half way through a marathon.  Trying to stay positive.  Today did my core workout and tomorrow is a rest day!   

Can I?

Another week of training.  It was actually fun and easy until today.  I ran 12 miles in 2:09.  Coach Jeff wanted me to go faster but it just didn't happen.  I did keep my heart rate just under 160 bpm.  And then I started wondering if I could really do a marathon.  Doubts invaded my head at the finish of mile 12 as I realized I wasn't even at half way for the real race.  I drove home wondering if I was crazy and as I limped up the two steps into the house I figured I was dillusional.  I was tired, needed a nap and was cranky.  Bob went to work.  I was wondering where my support team was.  Negative thoughts were ricocheting, my body was moaning.  What did I do?  I got online and registered for the Honolulu Marathon, Dec 9, 2012.  I guess that makes it official and me totally crazy.

Help!

It was beautiful along the Centennial Trail this morning!

Today was my long, hard 11 mile run. I was supposed to keep my heart rate around 155 and probably do a 10 min. mile pace.  It was more like 11 minute miles.  I finished in 2 hours.  20 years ago that would have been slow, now it was just about all I could do.  So I have gotten older but at least I can do 11 miles.

What I figured out during today's journey is that I need a support crew.  I need people to tell me that I can do this.  I questioned why I am even trying around mile 11 and also again about 2 hours later when I needed a nap.  I guess I just need that cheering voice that affirms I am not too old, not too out of shape and not too crazy to try this now.  I have always thrived on the positive input from all my friends, family and students.  I really need it these next few months!

Funny

I'm a Runner

SLOW/fast

Technology sure has changed training.  Last week I ran 3 miles and was supposed to keep heart rate under 125 BPM It took me 42 minutes!  Then I had to run 10 miles as fast as I could: 1hour 46 minutes. I am not bored yet.  This week is harder.  I told coach Jeff I didn't like to run fast.   "You have to get used to running fast, its the only way you get faster."  Oh, yeah, I suppose he has a point...