Another Long Run, Galloway Style

Today I ran with the Galloway training group again, and I'm bone tired, but I did it! According to my Garmin, I went 6.31 miles in 1:35:03, a little slower than usual, but I'm glad I finished! And a 10K plus, to boot!

I tried a hydration belt today, but didn't like having something around my torso for that duration--it drove me a little nuts, and I didn't even use the water bottle, which was in the back. (Maybe I wore it wrong!) Anyway, I saw a couple of people with these handheld water bottles--I think I'm going to look for one of those.

I also need to buy a t-shirt that's not 100% cotton! I realy sweated a lot today. (Sorry for the charming image!) Several people commented aftward that I needed to get a wicking shirt, with the longer runs ahead this summer.

On a positive note, my new-ish haircut is finally long enough to *barely* fit into a ponytail for my workouts! Yay! I still have to clip the sides of my hair, but now it's a lot more comfortable. No more running with headbands, caps, or 5-6 clips in my hair! I probably sound vain for worrying about my hair for a running group. Mostly, I just wanted my hair to STAY out of my face, but I also didn't want to be remembered for having "bed head" for every Saturday morning run.

Part of our course today went around Lake Lynn, and that was very pretty!

Double Duty

This morning I started with the elliptical machine, 2.6 miles in 35:12 minutes. I was itching to get on the road, though, eventhough this chould be a rest day. Since I put new over-the-counter orthotics in my new-ish running shoes last night, I decided I should take the new set-up for a spin for tomorrow's long right--right?? I did trot around the area outside my gym for 7 minutes, going a whopping .56 miles. Not bad.

Tomorrow will be interesting, a 6 mile long run with the training group. It's been over 20 years since I've run that far! Yikes! :)

Back on the Elliptical

I did 35 minutes on the elliptical this morning, wish I'd gotten to the gym sooner for a longer workout. Blah!

Back Outside

This morning I decided to run to the nearby neighborhood I usually drive to run my morning run. Part of the way there, I ran in the grass, which was damp and a little "icky," so I was glad to get back on pavement. Otherwise it was a pretty good run, 2.93 miles in 40 minutes. I felt a little sluggish at first, but once I warmed up, it went smoothly.

Light Workout

This morning I did 20 minutes on the elliptical, then walked outside for another 22 minutes. I took it all pretty easy, which was relaxing. I needed the "rest."

Another Outdoor Run

This morning I slept in a little after a busy day yesterday, and decided to go for a run outside. I went to a nearby neighborhood and ran 2.75 miles in 37:31, a 13:35/mi pace. It was a beautiful morning for running, but I still felt a little sluggish and heavy-legged. It's probably because the past couple of workouts have been pretty hard. (Saturday was my long run with the Galloway group in Raleigh, and yesterday I did a fairly hard 46 minutes on the elliptical.) It's nice to know I have the day off from work and can get some rest today; tomorrow should be a lighter workout day, too.

Another Long Run

This morning I joined the Galloway group in Raleigh again for another long run. There was a chance of rain, but it ended up being great weather--overcast skies, a slight breeze, and occasional spits of rain.

I was glad to see my Junior League friend, Susan, and her husband there. She ended up trying the 13-minute pace group with me and had a strong run. I'd glad she decided to sign up too!

We ended up going at least 5.6 miles, which is what my Garmin said. (I waited until we started running before I got my watch going. We walked a few tenths of a mile beforehand to warm up.) Total time for me was 1:19:37! I know--moving forward for more than an hour in a run/walk/run pattern sounds like a long time (especially for me!), but the time went by very quickly! Yay!

On the Bike

This morning I did 30 minutes on the recumbant bike, and that was it. It's supposed to be a rest day, but I don't know how to do that yet, unless I am injured or sick! I didn't work up a sweat at all (which I missed!), and I didn't push very hard. Still, my quads feel a little sore, do I wonder if I did too much before tomorrow morning's 5 mile run. Time will tell!

Treadmill Run

This morning was a little chilly, so I decided to run on the treadmill. I started with a 10-minute warmup on the recumbant bike, then hopped on the treadmill. I surprised myself by running 35 minutes non-stop, for 2.82 miles! It reminded me that I am recovering and getting my fitness back, but it was also a reminder that running on the treadmill is easier than running outside. I didn't do any incline today, just did a plain, flat run. Still, it felt really good.

Elliptical Workout

This morning I did the elliptical for 45:07 minutes, doing the Gluteal #2 programmed workout that had me doing a variety of crossramps, plus forward and backward. I ended up going 3.5 miles, a little faster than normal for me on the elliptical. I listened to music the whole time this morning, instead of listening to podcasts, and I bet that helped. (I have a workout playlist that's pretty good.)

I know I intended on taking it easy in the gym this morning, but it didn't quite work out that way! Part of it, I think, is that I read in my Galloway book last night that, if following this program, you probably won't lose weight training for your first marathon, because of the reduced mileage. To be frank, I didn't like the sound of that! One of the several reasons I exercise is to lose weight. So.....I can either go against the training plan and run more miles during the week, or I can do the miles some other way, via elliptical, bike, or walking. I certainly don't want to go overboard and get injured again. That would stink! :-P But I need to come up with some sort of plan.

More Variety

This morning I did a variety of things, so between yesterday and today, I feel like quite the crosstrainer. I did 16:04 minutes on the elliptical machine for 1.20 miles. Then I got on the recumbant bike for 7 minutes and 1.22 miles. After that, I ran for 18:01 minutes and 1.35 miles. My legs are tired and a little sore now, so I hope to get to bed early tonight and take it a little easier in the gym tomorrow.

Yesterday I took a couple of walk breaks at work for a total of 1.57 miles, in addition to the elliptical and treadmill work that I did earlier in the day. No wonder my legs are tired now!

Combo Workout

This morning I started with 21 minutes on the elliptical machine for 1.57 miles, then decided to hop on the treadmill. Ended up going 15 minutes without walking (yay!) for 1.23 miles. In Jeff Galloway's book that I'm reading now, it says that it's okay to run your short runs without stopping, but that the long runs need to be the run-walk-run method. It's nice to have part of my weekly running done already. The Galloway plan suggests 60 minutes of running (or RWR) during the week, followed by the weekend long run. I am tempted to work toward running much more during the week, but I know that overtraining can lead to more injuried, and I need to work on crosstraining anyway.

Elliptical

This morning I did 45 minutes on the elliptical machine. I enjoyed it, eventhough I was a little weary from yesterday's run. I was tempted to get on the treadmill for a few minutes, but I knew I needed a break from running. I was also running short on time, as George and I were going to the early service at church.

I love being out of church early and having the rest of my Sunday to relax. This is something new George and I have been trying the past couple of weeks. The only thing I'm having trouble with is actually getting there on time! After getting up early on Saturday mornings lately to join the training group at 7 AM, I miss getting to sleep in at least one weekend day! Zzzzzz.... Part of it is that I'm still trying to get my exercise in before church. We'll see how it goes.

Galloway Run (-Walk-Run)

This morning I joined the Galloway training group again, this time for a 4-mile run. It was a pretty cool morning, in the 50s, which felt wonderful!

I decided to run with the 13-minute pace group today, just to see how it felt. I decided I wanted to push myself just a little bit more. All in all, I feel good about running with this new pace group. The people were friendly, and one older fellow named Butch ran with me for a bit and gave me some running form advice, which I really appreciated! I tended to be toward the back of this group when running, but not last. I ended up doing 4 miles in 54:59, a 13:45 minute average pace.

I did the timed mile (the Galloway program calls it the Magic Mile) in a little under 11 minutes (something around 10:47), running the whole way. That was at mile #2 of 4 today. The Magic Mile is formulated to help you decide which pace group it's best to run with. I think the 13-min. group will be good, at least for now. The run-walk ratio for this group is 1:1, which I handled fairly well today. The 12-min pace group, I overheard today, does a 2:1 ratio of running to walking. I'll be there in time, but it seems that the 13-min group is comfortable enough for me to train with, without being too comfortable or easy. Know what I mean?

Elliptical and Run

This morning I did 31 minutes on the elliptical for 2.33 miles, then I decided to hop on the treadmill for 5 minutes and did .37 miles I didn't want to run too much since I've got a long run coming up tomorrow with the Galloway training group.

I'm enjoying using the training log at BuckeyeOutdoors.com, as I'm able to enter my non-running workouts as well as my runs, and they show up in both daily and weekly workout summaries. I feel like I've got a new toy! It's neat! :)

Strength Training and Run

I shook things up a little this morning and started with 10 minutes on the recumbant bike, then did about 7 minutes of upper body strength training, thanks to inspiration from Jenny (her pullups) and Susan (her recent kettlebell class). Of course, Jimmy introduced me to kettlebells on his blog a few months ago. So, I did 3 reps of 10 swings with the 15-lb. kettlebell, then did some curls with the free weights.

Then I fired up my Garmin and went for a run outdoors for 35 minutes and 2.53 miles, a little slower than Tuesday. The weather was kinda sprinkly during my run, which felt good!

Good elliptical workout

This morning I did 50 minutes on the elliptical machine, a solid workout. I started out listening to podcasts on the iPod, but switched over to my workout playlist, and that helped a lot. As much as I like staying informed, the world news of late is a little discouraging, so I enjoyed the change of pace and motivation.

Outside Run

As I was getting ready to go work out this morning, I decided I just wasn't in the mood to go to the gym. Thankfully, it's a beautiful morning, so I fired up the Garmin and hit the roads! It felt really good!

So, I walked for a few minutes to warm up, then I ran 2.33 miles in 30 minutes. That's a distance record for me in these recent 30-minute runs! It's a 12:54 pace. I can't wait until I can do 3 miles in 30 minutes. Being able to average a 10-minute mile would be awesome! From there, I'd love to be able to break a 30-minute 5K.

More Elliptical

Yesterday I spent 45 minutes on the elliptical machine, this morning 20 more minutes on the elliptical. Nothing very exciting. I'll be fitting in a run soon--tomorrow?

Back from Galloway training run

Well, I'm back from my first Galloway training run! I met a lot of nice people this morning, and enjoying the run/walk/run with the 14-15 min. pace group. I feel a tad tired, but not much, like I still have some energy left. (I didn't sleep well last night, which probably accounts for the tiredness.) I ran strong, maybe fast enough for the 13-minute pace group, but was one of the slower walkers. Next week, we're having a timed mile as part of the workout, which will help with deciding which pace group to be with.

One of the guys I enjoyed talking to has the goal of running a marathon in every state, which is very neat! An older lady I talked to afterward shared that her goals are to finish and not throw up! Words to live by. :)

Since the group met outside of Raleigh Running Outfitters, the store opened early and gave us Galloway runnings some good discounts. I bought a running cap (thanks for the idea, Jennie!), some Body Glide, and the latest edition of Runner's World.

I wore my Garmin 205, but it ended up being almost pointless. I forgot to start it when we were warming up, and I forgot to turn it off for about 10 minutes after we were done, as I got too busy meeting and talking with more people, after which I went inside the store, shopped, and stood in line (where I realized my Garmin was still going!). Oh well. The plan was for us to run a long, slow 3-miler. I'll take their word for it and call it an enjoyable morning run. :)

Shorter Workout

This morning I did a 30 minute workout on the elliptical, just a "normal" workout and not one of the special programs on the machine (my favorite is the Gluteal #2, which I did yesterday). I'm feeling a little tired and still sore this morning, so I took it a little slow as well. Tomorrow's my first run with the Galloway training group, and I'm really excited about it!

Back on the Elliptical

This morning I did 45 minutes on the elliptical machine, going 3.36 miles. My muscles are a little sore from yesterday's exercise. I may take it a little easier during tomorrow's workout.

I do feel more rested this morning, though. I'm glad I went to bed early last night.

Big Crosstraining Day!

This morning I did a 30-minute workout on the elliptical, a pretty short workout. I was pretty tired, having had an after-work meeting each of the past 2 nights. I had physical therapy mid-morning, where she had me warm up on the bicycle for 7 minutes, then stretching. After work, I decided to go for a 30-minute run outside for 2.18 miles. I also walked to warm up and cool down after the run.

I might have a hard time convincing people that I was pooped when I got up this morning! I'm really tired now, so I'm going to bed very soon. Zzzzzzzzzz.........

Elliptical and Running

This morning I took my Garmin with me to the gym. I did 16 minutes on the elliptical machine first to warm up, then fired up the Garmin and went running outside once the sun came up. At first I was going to just run around the shopping center where my gym is located, but I realized that the trash bins on the backside of the shopping center were stinking, and it was taking away from the charm of the run! So, I headed to the side of the shopping center and discovered a sidewalk, so I decided to explore. I ended up running in a residential area, which was pretty nice! I did a run/walk combo for 3o minutes and 2.2 miles. I loved running outside in the morning! I feel really, really good.

I'm trying out a new online training blog at Buckeye Outdoors. One thing I like about it already is that it allows me to record the mileage and time I spend on the elliptical machine, in addition to running, and it keeps track of the running total of time and mileage for the elliptical, to boot. I'm thinking I might transfer my info from Running2win.com to Buckeye Outdoors. The only trouble I'm having with Buckeye so far is adding my running shoes to the "equipment" log so it can keep track of my mileage. Hoping I can figure it out.

Elliptical Workout

This morning I did 45 minutes on the elliptical machine for 3.36 miles. I felt a bit tired from yesterday's harder workout and going to bed a bit later than I wanted to, plus I have a meeting after work, so I'm anticipating a long day. I thought about stopping and 20 mins, then pushed on to 30. I was listening to some podcasts, so I stretched to 35, and it wasn't long before I hit 45 minutes and decided to stop there. (I needed to go home and get ready for work anyway!)

Part of what kept me going was the thought of joining the Galloway training group on Saturday and wanting to do "well." Kinda funny, huh? Who am I trying to impress there?! On a different level, I do want to jumpstart my diet again, so that I can be lighter on my feet. That's always a good thing.

Working Out the Stress

Last night George and I went out and socialized with another couple for supper, and then joined a larger group for a board games night. While parts of it were a lot of fun, parts of it were stressful because of someone's behavior towards me. I was relieved when someone else noticed it too, so I knew I wasn't crazy and/or overreacting inside. I'm still trying to hash through it in my head and decide handle similar situations on the future.

The stress from last night was still lingering this morning, so when I got to the gym, I hopped on the elliptical and went for a whole hour, going 4.67 miles and burning somewhere in the neighborhood of 620 calories. It really helped me mentally to push the workout, and I do feel better now, more in control.

There's a Running Theme Today

This morning I got up early, and decided once again that I just couldn't go to the gym. I putzed around the apartment longer than I should have after getting dressed for a workout, just feeling tired. I almost decided to give up exercising for today, but I looked out the window and decided I just had to get outside. So I fired up my Garmin, and ended up running 2 miles outside in 27:49. It felt slow, but really good! I've decided that while the treadmill is okay for running, and it doesn't drive me too crazy, running outside is sooo much better!

I did the first mile in 12:58, and it felt great to run a full outdoor mile. I did the run/walk combo for the remaining mile.

After that, I hopped in the shower and raced (by car) to Raleigh, where Jeff Galloway did a running seminar, and it was the kick-off for the current training group season. The auditorium at the NC Museum of Art was full, with some people sitting on the floor in the aisles. I enjoyed learning more about Galloway's run/walk/run method, and I was especially impressed by the energy in the room. It was apparent that there were a number of returning runners to the Galloway training group, which has been going on in Raleigh for a number of years. (It turns out that the Raleigh group is the largest Galloway training group in the country! That surprised me!) A number of people knew each other from previous years, and it was nice to see the comraderie. That's part of what I'm looking for--getting to know the local running community better, making connections. (I work out on my own every morning, and enjoy that alone time for the most part, but a little part of me has felt disconnected and in need of more running connections.)

After the talk and Q&A session, I decided to take the plunge and sign up for the training program, which costs $159, a pretty big financial commitment for me. I hope it'll be worth it; I think it will! The packet of goodies for registering included a book by Jeff Galloway, a training journal, and a t-shirt. Galloway stayed afterward to talk to anyone who wanted, so I waited in line to have him sign my copy of his book. It was fun to shake his hand, and he was very encouraging, telling me not to give up, and to walk as much as I needed to.

While I was waiting in line, I talked with some people around me in line. I asked someone (don't remember who) about whether or not I should train for the marathon or the half, and she said that at the 10-mile long (group) run point, the training groups split off into different training runs, and that I could decide at that point whether or not I still have the extra umph to do a lot more distance training for the marathon training, or I'll be good with the half marathon for this season. I ended up talking with a lady names Leslie for a good long stretch. It was so nice to talk with someone that I already had something in common with. She asked me if I felt nervous about doing this program, and I admitted that I had some butterflies, but that I was very excited too. She said all of that is normal. She was very encouraging as well. She even talked about how people can get to know each other in the different pace groups, and how nice that can be, but how cliques can form in running groups like anywhere else. I found her to be very insightful, all the way around. (We also talked about jobs, education, injuries, and other things.)

I also saw my Junior League friend, Susan, and her husband there. She's still considering whether or not to sign up. I hope she does! She expects to go to the session next weekend with her hubby to try it out.

Back on the Elliptical

This morning I did 46 minutes on the elliptical machine for 3.68 miles. I did the Gluteal #2 program again, so my legs are a tad sore.

I tried these little clippy things in my hair this morning, and they worked better than the headband, but I need to get some bigger ones, maybe barretts would work okay. Still getting used to the new haircut. ;-)

The Jeff Galloway workshop is tomorrow--I'm excited about going!

Good Run!

Yesterday I did a 5K (3.1 miles) on the elliptical in 42 minutes, a little slower than before, though I did use the Gluteal #2 program on the machine, which switches around the leg muscle groups and directs you to go forward and backwatd as well.

This morning as I walked into the gym, I decided I was a little bored with the elliptical machine, so I got straight on the treadmill. I didn't have any expectations, except that I was going to mix some walking in. I ended up doing a whole 3.1 miles in 37:57 (a 12:15 pace)! I ran the whole first mile in 12 minutes and change (for the first whole mile, which felt great--first non-stop mile I've run in a while), slowed down and walked until the 15 minute mark, then ran the rest of the way. Most of the way I had some incline, sometimes 0.5%, but mostly at 1%. Yay!

I tried a headband during my run to hold my shorter hair back, but it didn't work very well. It kept slipping backward. I'll have to experiment with different things.