Dang Flat Tire, Went on a Run Instead

The weather was absolutely beautiful today, everyone was outside. It was a teacher work day and I guess a lot of Moms and Dads decided to take the day off too because it seemed like everyone was out going for bike rides or walking.

I had plans on going cycling since I just ran yesterday and didn't want to risk injury again. I got my cycling gear on (which is really running gear), went out to the garage and there it was...a flat rear tire! Thinking it just went flat because I haven't ridden in a while, I pumped it up and I could hear the air escaping. It wasn't holding air at all. I was so pissed off that I just went inside and put on my running shoes and headed out for a 3 mile run.

I kept the pace slow and easy and decided to run the opposite direction that I normally do. Running it counter-clockwise is much harder because of the long and steep hill near the park. I normally run down it but going the other way, it's a hard climb to the top.

Overall it was still a decent run with a time of 34:27 (11:27 pace). Not bad for an easy (60-70% effort) 3 mile run.

Weather: 73°F Sunny, light breeze
Workout: cycling 6 miles 3 mile easy run

Half Marathon Training - Week 4, Day 4

I met a group in downtown Greenville to run the last 3.5 miles of the Reedy River 10K course. Great group to run with and very friendly and welcoming! We started off at the Reedy River bridge and went through Cleveland park which to my surprise was much flatter than I expected.

We kept a comfortable 11:00 - 11:40 pace during the entire run for the exception of a few hills at the end that did slow me down to a walk. My hip flexor starting hurting big time which made the last mile and hill even tougher.

I feel pretty about the course but I think the final half mile is what is going to be the toughest part.

Today's Workout: 3.5 Miles Easy
Weather: 44°F Sunny

Back on Track, Sort Of

It's been 5 days since I went on my last run which was a slow and painful 3 miles. The last few days I have suffered from severe lower back pain which I think was in part of trying to walk my brother's 90 lbs German Shepherd. It wasn't her pulling but her stopping suddenly that I think did it in for me and then the tugging to get her moving again.

Tuesday, I decided to give inline skating a go for the first time in probably over 5 years. That helped worked my glutes and thighs while keeping my back from hurting as much. In fact, I think it helped loosen it up. I'm definitely going to incorporate more inline skating as a form of cross-training along with cycling once the weather warms up.

But today, I decided to try a short and easy 5k run on my normal neighborhood loop. I started the first mile at what I felt was a very easy pace only to realize I clocked a 10:39 first mile, must faster than my usual "easy pace". I felt really good and had no lower back pain so I kept going only to clock an even faster 10:07 2nd mile. At 2.3 miles, I hit the first steep uphill and decided to just walk up it and for a little while to catch my breath some. With 1/2 mile left to go, I started jogging again, this time clocking a slower 11:13 third mile. With about .2 miles left to go, I started to get a painful side stitch which prevented me from finishing strong as I normally do but to my surprise, I finished in 33:01, just 34 secs slower than my 5K personal record and I wasn't even trying to run fast! It felt good to get a great run in, especially since the last week and half hasn't gone as plan.

Then when my husband got home from work, we went on a 1.5 mile walk around the block so I got in a total of 4.6 miles today. Woohoo!

I'm planning to get back on my half marathon training on Sunday and with temps expected to be in the low 60s, I'm super excited!

Today's Workout: 5K Run - Easy Pace
Weather: 55°F, Sunny, Winds NNE 8mph

Half Marathon Training - Week 3, Day 3&4

This entire week got messed up due to the weather and I haven't been running well either since that 7 mile run. Thursday, I attempted to run with my brother's German Shepherd but she kept stopping and it was a lot of tugging on her to get her to keep moving. Today, I was suppose to run 90 mins or 8 miles, whichever is longer but after 2 miles I started getting really bad lower back pain and hip flexor pain. That caused my form to change and every step it felt like someone taking a knife in my back so I decided it was probably best to just end my run early rather than risk further injury. I'm just sick of all the winter weather and cold. It's supposed to be in the upper 50s this time of year and we've barely broke out of the 40s. There is even the threat of light snow showers tonight. I'm so ready for spring and after today's run, I just don't know how many more cold weather runs I have left in me. I was really hoping to be running in shorts again by March but we'll see.

Today's Workout: 3 mile run
Weather: 43°F Cloudy, Winds 5 mph

Half Marathon Training - Week 2, Day 3

This week is slightly off schedule because of the weather and with rain approaching this afternoon, I went ahead and did my run before lunch. So instead of the 4 miles + speedwork, I went ahead and just did an easy 5k run, focusing on form and breathing and not worrying about pace much.

It was cold. At least compared to yesterday's mid 50s and sunny where I was in shorts and a tee shirt. Today I was back in my running tights and long sleeves today which made it feel like I was running through mud. From the first step to the last, I didn't really enjoy this run at all and just wanted it to be over with. Still it feels good to get my run in and not make the excuse to skip it because of the weather.

Workout: 3 Mile Run - Easy
Weather: 38° F, Overcast. Winds NNE 6 mph.