Taking a Rest Day

I got up at my regular time this morning, but hit the shower instead of the gym, to make sure I'd take a rest day from exercising. Tomorrow's a scheduled 26 miler on the training calendar. Since I've already done 26, I don't know if I'll go the whole way. I'll see how I feel.

I'm glad I'm taking a break today, though, as my legs feel tired from yesterday's workout. Gotta rest up!

Back in the Gym

Had a really good workout at the gym this morning! I pushed the pace a bit, especially on the bike and the run. It was one of those sessions where I could've kept going if I didn't have to get ready for work. :)

1) Rode 5.56 miles (31:01 min) on the recumbent bike
2) Ran 1.55 miles (31:08 min) on the treadmill
3) Walked 0.60 miles (10:13 min) on the treadmill

I also took a walk this afternoon at work, after the drizzle stopped, and it felt refreshingly good to walk outside.

In the "equipment" department, I bought some WrightSocks last night at REI. I asked for recommendations for treating blisters after my first marathon earlier this month, and a couple of fellow runners in my Raleigh Galloway group recommended these socks. I have a mega-run Saturday morning, and I'm hopeful that they'll help.

More Running

I got a late start at the gym this morning, and had an early meeting at work, so I had to cut my workout short.

1) Rode 3.53 miles (20 min) on the recumbent bike
2) Ran 1.10 miles (15:16 min) on the treadmill

I didn't feel too bad about the short workout, as George and I had a surprisingly nice run/walk together last night after work. We ended up going 2.06 miles in 34:19 minutes near Brier Creek. It was the first time George had run in that area, and he liked it! It was a short run, but a good one. :)

Overslept

I overslept this morning. Still made it to the gym, but only did 30 minutes (5 miles) on the recumbent bike. Better than nothing.

Ahhh, Massage!

I had a massage this evening! Yay! What I want to know is, how can something feel so good and hurt so much at the same time?! I hope my upper back will feel as good as the rest of me does really soon.

Meanwhile, I did go to the gym this morning:
1) Rode 6.1 miles (36 min) on the recumbent bike
2) Ran 1.4 miles (20:11 min) on the treadmill
3) Walked 0.33 mile (6 min) on the treadmill

More Running Today, Plus the Gym

This morning I rejoined the Galloway running group for a 10-miler and the annual Scavenger Hunt. I was still feeling a little tired, but wanted to see everyone. I enjoyed talking about the marathon experience, though in retrospect I was pretty negative about it on the run. It was fun seeing everyone, though. The Scavenger Hunt allowed us to stop every so often and take pictures of our group in front of various things along the route. I enjoyed the chance to take a breather. The route was in two sections, and I decided to stop after 4.84 miles (1:31:31).

After the run, a number of us gathered at the Starbucks on Lake Boone Trail, and the marathon experience got retold there, with a more positive spin. It was nice to get some feedback and encouragement there, as well as to be a part of other running conversations. Good company.

After lunch, I decided I have some kick left in me, so I went to the gym and rode 6.25 miles (35:03 min) on the recumbent bike, followed by 1.05 miles (15:13 min) on the treadmill.

Short Bike Ride

Well, I made it to the gym for 2.02 miles in 15 minutes on the recumbent bike. My blisters are better, but my knee still hurts a bit, and I'm still kinda tired. Had leg cramps in the middle of the night last night for the first time in ages. *sigh* Still feeling a little more beat up than I'd like. Any suggestions out there?

Another Run

I went to the gym this morning, still a little creaky from the marathon. It felt a little strange, yet too familiar, to get back into my running shoes this morning. I walked 1.66 miles in 30 minutes on the treadmill, then ran/walked 0.66 mile in 10:02 minutes on the treadmill. At home now, I'm feeling tired, and I still have a full day's work ahead of me.

I wonder if I'll be ready for the Galloway group's 10-miler on Saturday. Hmm. Right now it's sounding a little painful, but it might feel differently when I'm with the group. Maybe.

Race Report: 2009 Triple Lakes Marathon

Well, I did it! My first marathon, the Triple Lakes Trail Race, is in the books! It's still a little hard to believe, eventhough I'm living through continuing, though subsiding, aches and pains.

I left home about 5:30 Saturday morning, and watched the nearly full moon set as I drove west towards Greensboro, North Carolina. I got there about 6:50, and learned that the race director had decided to let the early bird marathoners start at 7:00, rather than 7:15 (as published on the website). I had to hustle to get myself together at the start, but was happy to get the show on the road. I'm glad I got to see both Wendy (fellow Raleigh Galloway Group runner and social networking friend) and Amy (a coworker at Duke) before the start, as I didn't see them again on the trail.

The first mile plus was on pavement, but the rest of the course was on single-track trail. It was a very pretty course, taking in Greensboro's Watershed Trails, through the woods and around Lake Brandt. The course itself had a fair number of roots, rocks, holes, etc., enough that it took a fair amount of concentration to keep upright. I didn't do a very good job of that early on, falling three times in the first six miles of the course! Two falls were around mile 4, the other around mile 6. I walked it in after the second fall, and took advantage of first aid supplies at the next three aid stations. I decided that as long as I could walk on my bum knee without any pain below the skin surface, I'd try to keep going. It got to the point where I broke the race up into smaller goals. When concentrating on each mile ("Do the mile you're in!") got too tedious, I would shoot for the next aid station. I'd tell myself I could decide whether or not to stop for good at the next aid station. At the aid stations, I got more liquids and food, and where needed, I got extra water to clean out my knee wound, as well as antibiotic ointment. I decided to pass on the gauze and tape offer, for fear that the tape would restrict my movement.

The aid stations got better stocked as the day progressed--unusual, huh? (Most aid stations tend to run out of things for us back-of-the-packers.) There were more food choices, as well as gu gels, at the later stops. The last stop had some defizzed Coke, which was amazingly refreshing (partly because of the caffeine)! In addition to the extra nourishment, I got more chatty with the aid station volunteers as the day wore on, because I was out there on the trail for stretches all alone. Usually I savor running/walking time to myself, but I got pretty bored and lonely out there on the wooded trails.

As the miles wore on, I began to feel blisters form on my right foot. By then, it was hard to know which leg to favor, since my left knee was the injured one. I gritted my teeth and chugged on.

With a mile or so left to go, George showed up on the trail, and was a welcome sight! He had run with the Galloway group in Raleigh Saturday morning, and his mom (another saint!) brought him to Greensboro so he could drive me back home in my car! He came bearing an extra water bottle, and was great company for the end of the race! He told me that former coworker Gina and her husband Steve had stopped by to try to visit with me at the finish while I was still on the course. (What a shame that I missed them!) What a delightful surprise to find that Wendy (fellow Galloway runner) had stuck around to see me finish my first marathon! She finished about three hours ahead of me, so it was quite sweet of her to stay, considering her drive home.

It was such a relief to cross the finish line! I wasn't as emotional as I thought I'd be, just incredibly relieved to be at the end of the path. I ended up finishing in 10:55:43, a disappointing time and last place marathon finish, but I'm sooo glad I finished the distance. It would not have been a shame to stop early, but I do feel pretty satisfied to have logged the distance I said I would. This was a major athletic feat for me, no matter what the time.

[I learned afterward that my official time at the race was logged at 9:55:43, because I was rushed at the beginning and didn't realize that I needed to let a race official know I was starting early. NOW that makes sense, but I just didn't think about it at the time (nerves?), and nobody mentioned it! Also, the race director had decided not to bother with timing chips and mats.]

On the way home, George ordered me a tomato and mushroom pizza, and had it delivered as I took my ice bath. The 9:15 PM pizza meal was my first meal of the day (I'd had a banana with almond butter for "breakfast," and then the race course foods for the rest of the day), and it was the best pizza in the world right then!

I spent the day after the marathon resting, drinking liquids, soaking in the tub, and eating in bits and pieces. I also went to the CVS Minute Clinic for suggestions for my blisters and my knee. (I felt kinda like a wimp for going, but I was so uncomfortable!) The lady I saw just suggested soaking my blisters in Epsom salts and using detergent to scrub the dirt out of the knee I fell on (three times!). Soaking in a warm bath felt good, but the knee scrubbing fell short of a fun time.

Things I learned about myself by doing the Triple Lakes Race:

1) I can do 26.2 miles in one day. And I'm certain I can do it faster than I did last Saturday.

2) "The Wall" can happen earlier than Mile 20. For me, it happened after the second fall at Mile 4 in this particular race. The last 22 miles, they were very long. I hope that the "The Wall" will be MUCH later down the road for my next marathon.

3) I need to come up with a list of more things to think about when I'm running long mileage. I depleted my "alone time" topic reserves during this marathon, and that surprised me. (I usually exercise and run alone, except on Saturdays with the Galloway group).

4) I did pretty well last week with nutrition the week before the marathon. My gauge is that I utilized the two available porta-potties (only two, can you believe it?!), but didn't have to hold "it" uncomfortably for any of the race.

5) I ran out of water/Gatorade once on the trail, but made it to the next stop okay. Otherwise, I did a decent job of drinking and rationing my water/Gatorade between stops, which were usually about 4 miles apart.

6) Saying mantras on the trail helped a lot, but I had to change them up every so often. Being by myself for long stretches allowed me to say them outloud at times, which helped. The word "finish" factored in more than once. Popular ones for me were:

*Do the mile you're in.

*I-can-do-this.

*Fi-nish-line.

*Go-ing-home.
*Got-ta fin-ish

7) I have friends who care about me, and are happy that I've tackled this marathon thing. Their support before and at the end of the marathon (and since) have been heartwarming. I also got a good bit of encouragement from other runners along the trail, a number of whom asked me how my knee was doing.

8) I found a lot of extra determination on the trails, and what a pleasant surprise that was! Sometimes my feet were on automatic pilot, but I almost threw in the towel a couple of times. I'm glad that something deep down pushed me to keep going.

9) My blisters and bum knee have hurt worse than my muscles since the race, and I'm not as tired now, a couple of days out, as I was after my 18-mile training run. I can tell I put my body through some trauma on Saturday, but acute injuries aside, I don't feel as bad overall as I expected. I'm still getting to bed early, but I feel like I'm healing.

10) I'm not as fond of trail runs, especially single-track trails, as I'd hoped. I'm too new of a distance runner to be tackling challenging single-track trail runs, and the run/walk in the woods was less enjoyable than I expected. (I assumed the course would be a sufficient distraction.) Maybe it was the falling-down stuff that make it kinda miserable, but I'm not in a hurry to do another trail run like that. I'd signed up for another trail run, the Medoc 10-Miler in Hollister on October 17, and had an order in for a new book on trail running that's coming out in January 2010. I'm bailing on the 10-mile trail race in favor of training near home, and I've cancelled the book order. Training time is too precious (and so is new book money!), and I need to focus on getting ready for the Outer Banks Marathon early in November.

11) I have a lot of admiration for all the runners who finished in front of me, including my Raleigh Galloway Training Group friend Wendy, who walked a course PR by over 40 minutes on Saturday! I also have a lot of gratitude for the volunteers who talked with me at aid stations and checked up on me in the last miles, as well as for the race director, who allowed me to finish about three hours past the posted time limit for the marathon.

So, three days after Marathon #1, these are my thoughts. I'm certain I'll continue to process the experience for a while. Corny as it sounds, I do feel like my life's changed because of my first marathon adventure. It'll be interesting to see how my running changes because of it.

Back in the Gym

I returned to the gym today in my Teva sandals to ride the recumbent bike only. I still have blisters on my right foot, and my left knee, well.....

So, I went 7.5 miles in 45:04 minutes, and got caught up on some of my podcasts on the iPod. I was nice to get back to the gym! I hope to get to running again soon.

Meanwhile, I'm still working on my race report. Stay tuned!

First Marathon in the Books!

I finished my first marathon, the Triple Lakes Race in Greensboro, NC, yesterday! It was a tough one for me, but I crossed the finish line and got a finisher's medal. Today I'm nursing some blisters and a knee I fell on THREE (count 'em) times on the challenging trail course.

I started on a race report earlier today, but haven't been able to finish it yet. I plan to finish and post it here this week. Stay tuned!

Tomorrow's the Big Day

Okay, this is the final countdown! My first marathon is tomorrow! It's going to be a training run, but it's still exciting--and daunting!

Rest Day, Two Days to Go!

I'm not even getting near the gym this morning, and boy, it feels strange!! What's a gal to do?! My legs are feeling pretty tired, so I think that taking a rest day is good, especially since my marathon is TWO DAYS AWAY! Yikes!

Funny, I've been doing things this week that remind me of going on vacation. First, I've been obsessing over the weather on Weather.com! I'm pleased to say that the chance of rain on the marathon course is now 0%, but there goes the cloud cover too! Oh well!

I've also been running errands, things like grocery shopping, that I won't want to do for a few days after Saturday, if I can help it! I also got my car serviced last night--oil change and fuel system service. It got me home at 8:00, much later than I wanted, but this morning I'm glad that's out of the way. (The little "Maintenance Req'd" light had been flashing at me! I don't want any dashboard lights flashing at me on Race Day Saturday!) I've even been cleaning out the inside of my car over the past few days, and plan to take it to the fancy car wash today or tomorrow. Having a clean, organized, well-maintained car is a nice mental boost, and taking care of my car is a nice, productive distraction from the race.

Wednesday Workout

1) Rode 2.08 miles (15:01 min) on the recumbent bike
2) Ran 1.36 miles (20 min) on the treadmill
3) Walked 0.65 mile (11:03 min) at a 1% incline on the treadmill
4) Ran 0.76 mile (11:02 min) on the treadmill

I tried out my new running shoes today, trying to decide if I should wear them Saturday, or stay with my old ones. Same shoe model, just new. They felt good.

Treadmill Run

I hopped on the treadmill this morning and had a good run, 4.27 miles in 62 minutes. It felt good to run in air conditioning and have an easier time pushing the pace. Okay, I'm a wuss this morning, but I just wanted to get some easy mileage in! :D

Saturday's weather forecast calls for a 40% chance of rain, okay with me as long as it doesn't actually rain! The course is mostly on dirt trails, and I'm not interested in mud! But overcast, that would be great! Bring on the cloud cover!

Tired Workout

I thought I might run a little bit this morning, but ahhhh, I needed a rest. I was tempted to sleep in totally, but decided to go to the gym anyway. I rode 5.35 miles in 31 minutes on the recumbent bike. It was a tired ride, but I burned off a few calories!

Busy Exercise Morning

I started the day by running the Anna's Angel's 5K. (I'd registered to run the 10-miler, but decided earlier this week to back down to the 5K.) It was still raining a bit when I got there, but it slacked off, then stopped. It was still overcast and fairly cool, so I was happy about that. Still, it was just a so-so race for me, time-wise. I finished in a little over 47 minutes (still waiting for official time). It was a decent speed+miles workout for me, especially since I did 6 miles yesterday, but still, I'm a bit disappointed in my time. Need to work on my speed!!

So, after the race, I went to the gym, and rode 3.75 miles (21 min.) on the recumbent bike, then ran 1.12 miles (15:01 min) on the treadmill, while I brooded about my speed. The extra workout lifted my mood a bit!

One nice thing about the race--I got to see several fellow runners I know from Galloway, NC Roadrunners Club, races, and Web2.0 stuff. I always like running into other runners I know at races! :D

Short Long Run Today

This morning I ran 6.04 miles with the Galloway group, and I did it in 1:48:36. It was a pretty slow pace, but I was able to keep up with the group, and at the end, was even at the front of the pace group. It felt good to finish with the group, even if the pace was a little slower.

Our base mileage at this point is usually 10, but our small group today had various reasons for most of us being good with 6 today. (Two in our group kept going for 10, good for them!) I have a 5K tomorrow morning, so I'll push the pace then and see how I do. I'll finish up some mileage afterward, I hope, to round out 10 run/walk miles for the weekend.

Nice Thursday Run

I had a nice run in the Brier Creek Country Club neighborhood this morning! I ran/walked, usually at a 1:1 run/walk ratio, but sometimes I ran an extra minute or so. I ended up run/walking 3.68 miles in 60 minutes, for 16:17 average pace.

Mile Splits:
1) 16:47
2) 16:00
3) 16:32
.68) 10:41 (a 15:37 pace)

I enjoyed running into Brigitte while I was on the road! It's the first time I've seen her running by accident. Her bright smile boosted my pace a little, I think! :)

Light Bike Ride

This morning, I rode 5.52 miles in 41:01 minutes on the recumbent bike. I'm tired this morning, after having post-work meetings the past two nights, in addition to yesterday's speedier pace. I'm already thinking ahead to the marathon on October 3, and how I need to get more rest between now and then.

Just Runnin' in the Rain

I had a delightful run in the rain this morning, and to think I almost took a rest day! I overslept, feeling tired this morning, but I decided I'd go do SOMETHING at the gym. When I stepped outside, it felt so nice that I decided to run afterall. I ended up running 2 mile outdoors in 31:33, a 15:48 average pace, pretty decent for me outdoors lately. By the time I started running, it was starting to sprinkle, so I left the Garmin in the car, and both the rain and the quiet were refreshing.

After the run, I went inside the gym and rode 5.37 miles in 30:01 min. on the recumbent bike.

Monday Workout

1) Rode 5.2 miles in 35:03 minutes on the recumbent bike
2) Did 0.80 miles in 10:17 minutes on the elliptical machine
3) Walked 0.33 miles in 6:02 minutes on the treadmill

Still a bit tired from the weekend running and Rosh Hashanah services on both Saturday and Sunday, plus megacleaning our apartment last evening for a meeting at our place after work. Extra rest is not coming easily for me these days, which is a little worrisome, since I'm feeling pretty tired overall from pushing the running. *sigh*

Recovery Workout

This morning I did a short workout: 3.11 miles in 20 minutes on the recumbent bike, then 1.08 miles in 15 minutes on the treadmill. Probably would've gone longer if I hadn't had other plans for this morning. In retrospect, I feel like it was just the right amount of time. I've been pretty tired today.

I got an email back from the contact person for the Anna's Angels races next Sunday, and I will be able to switch from the 10 miler to the 5K if I want to. I think I'll probably do that! Whew! I don't think I want to be racing 10 miles six days before a marathon--what was I thinking?!

Hooray for Long Run Progress!

I had a 10 mile run scheduled for this morning, and almost backed out, or made it shorter, but I stuck it out and am glad I did! Yay! I ended up running the 10 at Shelley Lake in Raleigh in 2:57:42, a 17:46 average pace, the best Saturday long run training pace I've had since June, and that was when I was still building up to 10 miles (but hadn't made it yet)! I even had several sub-16 min. miles this morning!

All of this on about 4.5 hours sleep, to boot! Long day yesterday, plus George and I found out late that we were going to have to join his family for Rosh Hashanah services mid-morning. So, we started running early, though not as early as we'd planned. The first mile was a little tentative because it was so dark outside, and it had been raining, so it was a little hard to tell if the dark spots on the path were just leaves, or water puddles, or perhaps slippery mud/leaves/debris.

After about three miles, we took a pit stop at McDonald's, then George took off sooner and a bit faster, and I went at my own speed, sometimes doing 1:1 run/walk, sometimes doing extra running minutes. We met at McDonald's on the way back and ran/walked the final three miles together.

My mile splits:
1) 19:32
2) 16:44
3) 17:44
4) 16:56
5) 17:32
6) 17:36
7) 16:57
8) 18:29
9) 17:50
10) 18:17

Light Ride

I went back to the gym this morning, and rode 5.25 miles in 30 minutes on the recumbent bike. I was torn between taking a rest day, since I'm still kinda tired and have a 10 miler scheduled for tomorrow, and getting some exercise in hopes that getting the blood flowing might perk me up a little. On the back end, I'm not sure I did the right thing by going to the gym, but there it is.

Tomorrow's 10-miler may be a bit shorter, we'll see how I feel on the roads. I'm gonna get out there and do something though, as I need to keep up my endurance.

Back on the Bike

The recumbent bike seems to be my new best friend! While I am feeling better, I still seem to be in a bit of recovery mode from last weekend's running. I eyeballed the treadmill this morning, but just couldn't get back on it yet. So I rode 7.o1 miles in 46:02 minutes on the recumbent bike. I'll be running again soon, I know!

Catching up

Okay, I DID exercise yesterday, but wasn't in the blogging mood. I was still feeling pooped from the weekend, mostly, and felt like I did well to make it to the gym! I rode 4.63 miles in 36 minutes on the recumbent bike. Nothing spectacular. Bleh.

I had a 9:15 appointment with the orthopaedist yesterday to follow up on the IT Band Syndrome from the spring. She was glad to hear the leg is better, and was encouraging of my continuing to train for the marathon.

This morning, I headed for the gym again, planning to run some on the treadmill. I got there, and decided I couldn't pass up the cool temps and the big gray clouds. I was glad I had my Garmin Forerunner with me....I just put it on and started running in the neighborhood near my gym. It felt great to be outside, even if I still felt tired. My left foot's tender too, between the healing blister and the plantar fasciitis. I ended up going 1.75 miles in 31:12 minutes, pretty darn slow, but a good, head-clearing run/walk.

Afterward, I went inside the gym (finally!), and rode 5.81 miles in 30 minutes on the recumbent bike. Okay, my legs are a little sore from THAT! (It was a bit faster than I usually go!)

Ouch!

Okay, I am tired this morning. And sore. I think the adrenaline wore off overnight, and now I'm just beat! I did make it to the gym this morning, where I rode 6.73 miles in 41:01 minutes. *sigh*

I did eat better after this weekend's runs. I also took an ice bath almost immediately after I got home on Saturday. Still pretty tired, though. I also acquired three blisters from Saturday's running. Only one of them hurts, but that's plenty!! I'm a bit of a baby over blisters, partly because I don't get them very often (thank goodness!). I'm hoping it heals quickly.

Another Magnificent Mile!

I enjoyed last year's Magnificent Mile Race in Raleigh, NC, so much, that back in May, I registered for this year's Magnificent Mile, which was this afternoon! Little did I know in May that my training schedule would call for such a busy training weekend, but I had a good time anyway!

One of the highlights of the afternoon was meeting Sarah Witt, and her husband Jeff, before the race started! Sarah, a former runner, started the Mag Mile in 2006 to help raise money for monor neuron disease research, and has inspired so many people! (A little more about her story here.)

I was able to meet and chat with several other running buddies before and after the race, including Barbara, Pauline, Louise, and Ray. That's one of the things I love about running road races in the area--getting to see and encourage each other at these events!

Since I knew I'd be starting this race with the remnants of a cold, plus 20 miles on my legs from yesterdat, my expectations weren't very high. I was hoping to beat 15 minutes--seriously! I did a 1:1 run/walk ratio so I wouldn't die on the course, and ended up running the last bit, which was downhill--thank goodness! I ended up finishing better than I expected, 13:37 I think (best I could tell without my reading glasses). I finished last in the competitive division, but I'm not gonna let myself get discouraged about my time or my finishing place. I could've left a little more out on the course, I suppose, but not a whole lot, after yesterday's training run. My training is a work in progress, after all.

Next year!

First 20-Mile Day, including the Mebane on the Move 10K

I covered 20.10 miles today in 6:14:08, an average 18:37 pace when put all together! I started with a 1.1 mile walk warmup, then my first 10K in about 25 years! It was George's first 10K ever, so it was fun to be participating in the race with him! I finished in 1:39:11 (16 min. average), and he ran in 1:23:14--yay for George! :) It was a pretty course through a fairly small town, but it did have some unexpected hills. I was the last one to finish the 10K, and ended up merging a bit at the end with the kids and their parents in the Mad Dash--it was kinda cute, really!

I enjoyed meeting one of my Facebook buddies, Skylar, before the race. We also ran into Brad, current president of the North Carolina Roadrunners Club, and he took a couple of good pictures for us, one of George and me before the race, and another of me nearing the finish line! :) To top things off, we ran into a Duke classmate of mine, Greg, who lives in Mebane now. It was fun to catch up a tad and introduce him to George.

Afterward, I drove to the American Tobacco Trail in Durham, and finished off the mileage. It started out well, but then I sagged big time. George came to join me for the final miles, and his company (plus the water and cup of ice he brought) really saved the day! :) We finished with a good bit of walking, but we really picked up the walking pace for the last 5 miles or so. It felt good to finish strong, even if it was walking. Today's overall pace for the total 20.1o miles was faster than last week's 10 miler, as well as the 18-miler from two weeks ago. Of course, pushing myself in the 10K this morning helped with the average, and I did have a bit of a rest in the car, driving from Mebane to Durham to finish the mileage, but I'll take it--especially since I've been under the weather a little bit this week.

More Bike Time, Plus Garmin News

I went to the gym this morning and did an easygoing hour on the recumbent bike, covering 10.45 miles. My throat was a bit scratchy when I started, and I was hoping the exercise would scare it off, but no such luck. So, I decided to take a sick day today, and got lots of extra rest. I never did get any fever worth mentioning, but tonight, my throat still hurts, and my nose is getting stopped up. I wonder if it's sinusitis. Charming.

Meanwhile, my new Garmin Forerunner arrived today! Yippee! Just after it arrived via UPS, I decided to call the Garmin support number about my broken Garmin, curious about whether or not I'd thrown away money for the new running toy. The Garmin support guy was very patient, leading me through different things to try, and finally gave me the news that the internal battery was dead. I found out that I could send it back and get a replacement for $69! Heck of a deal! It turns out that George was thinking about getting a Garmin Forerunner, but was hesitant because of the price. Now he's paying the one they're sending back to me in a few days, so he'll have one too! Woohoo!

More Treadmill Running

My new Garmin Forerunner hasn't arrived yet, so I headed for the gym.

1) Ran/walked 2.5 miles in 36:12 minutes on the treadmill
2) Rode 4.4 miles in 25:09 minutes on the recumbent bike

I miss running outside, but am enjoying the improvement in my average running pace. The plantar fasciitis is still bothering me some, but I'm working on it. Finally got hold of the foot stretcher thingy, which had been delivered to the apartment complex front office. I tried it last night, and am a little awkward with it right now.

Light Bike Ride

This morning I rode the recumbent bike for 8.06 miles in 51:02 minutes. Not gonna light the world on fire with this workout, but it was something. I'm a little sore and tired from yesterday's treadmill run, so I'll chalk this up to a bit of a recovery workout.

Meanwhile, I checked Amazon this morning for the tracking of my plantar fasciitis toy, and it turns out UPS delivered it to the front office of my apartment complex Saturday morning after they tried delivering it to my front door. They didn't mention that on the sticker they left on my front door! The sticker said they'd try to redeliver today! I was in the process of signing the back of the UPS sticker to leave on my front door before I left for work, when I decided to check the tracking info out of curiosity. It's been a few yards from my apartment for TWO DAYS!! I could've been using it!!!! Arrrggghhhhh! *sigh*

Good Workout at UNC Wellness Center

I decided to visit UNC Wellness Center after sleeping in a bit on this Labor Day Monday. I ran/walked 2.5 miles in 35:21 minutes on the treadmill, a zippy (For me! I'm serious!) 14:08 average pace, then just walked 1.53 miles in 25:06 minutes, still on the treadmill. I really worked up a sweat!

Afterward, I enjoyed the sauna, whirlpool. and swimming pool there for about 30 minutes total. Now I'm ready for a holiday afternoon nap!

Light Workout

1) Walked 1.77 miles (30 min) on the treadmill
2) Rode 2.15 miles (12 min) on the recumbent bike

Had planned to do some treadmill running, but decided to pass. My legs and body are still pretty tired from yesterday's run, followed by an employee cookout and season-opening football game at Duke. George and I only had about 30 minutes at home between about 7 AM and 10 PM yesterday, and that half hour was spend rushing to shower and get ready for the afternoon and evening events. All good, but I've been pooped today.

Yesterday's 10-Miler

I did arond 10 miles yesterday, but it was such a Murphy' Law morning, that I'm tempted not to post about it.

George and I decided to run on our own, instead of with the Galloway group. We overslept, then George decided he needed new shoes before he ran. We went to Raleigh so he could buy new shoes. Extra late start. Then, we went on a route that George had seen part of and wanted to try. I was hesitant, since I lean toward running routes I'm very familiar with. Since I admire George's adventurous spirit, I decided I'd try his route with him. Part of the path was nice and shaded, but part was all sun (which was way up by then), and part of this route had no path at all, but was running along some major roads and state highways. Some of that grass was mowed, some hadn't been in a while. George enjoyed forging ahead on this sort of route, in a Daniel Boone sort of way. It irritated me a lot yesterday morning, perhaps more than it should have!!

To top it off, my Garmin Forerunner started acting up, and then totally died around mile #7. Before that, the plantar fasciitis in my left foot started acting up AGAIN, probably from last week's increased mileage. Grrrr! So, I was slower than usual, to boot.

To add to the frustration, when we got home, I had a UPS sticker on my door! Aarrrrghhh! I started feeling the plantar fasciitis earlier this week, so Friday I ordered a foot stretcher thing to help with the plantar fasciitis, and paid EXTRA to have it delivered Next Day (which was yesterday). Turns out that paying for the extra fast service meant I needed to sign for it at delivery, and they won't redeliver it until TUESDAY!

Okay, I DID get out and do the 10 miles to stay on my training schedule. The whole experience just left me stressed out when running is supposed to relieve stress. &^@Q$$!!*!*\^@^@*#$@

Yesterday's Run=Rest Day Today!

Yesterday I returned to the trails of Umstead State Park, and ran a sluggish 3.03 miles in 56:02 minutes. The weather was glorious, but the run was a tough one for me. I knew it would be hilly, and wanted the hills and trail practice, but my body didn't cooperate very well. I got slower with each mile, unlike the negative splits in other recent runs. I'm still feeling fatigued from last weekend's 18-miler, eventhough I've gotten more sleep this week than I have in a while. It's kinda thrown me for a loop, really, this slow recovery from a run, eventhough it WAS a personal distance record for me. I need to work on ways to recover more quickly.

So, today is a REST day! Maybe I should've taken one of these rest days earlier in the week! Usually, I'm a little antsy on rest days from exercise (unless I'm actually sick), but today I'm happy as a clam to be leaving the running shoes under the bed. Tomorrow's soon enough.

Biking at the Gym

I hit the gym this morning and spent the whole hour riding the recumbent bike. It was a pretty slow and easy 10.12 miles in 60 minutes. I got a ton of sleep last night, but still feel like my body's in recovery mode from the 18-miler. I don't think I felt the residual tiredness this long after 16 miles. I did push the 18 miles a little faster, though. Maybe that's part of it.

On the Road Again

Eventhough I woke up tired, I decided to do an easy run today. I was going to go run on the treadmill in the air conditioned gym, but when I realized how nice and cool it as outside, I decided to run outside at Brier Creek instead. I started out slowly, but eventually started feeling better and picking up the pace. I pretended that the last mile was my last mile of the marathon, and boy, that helped too! Negative splits again today! Woohoo! I averaged a 16:22 average pace today, not great, but okay considering I'm still recovering a bit from Saturday's 18-miler.

Mile Splits
1) 17:13
2) 17:07
3) 16:43
0.66) 8:57 (on target for a 13:28 mile)

Last Workout of the Month

I'm still a bit lethargic from Saturday's 18-miler, so I walked for 1.8 miles (35:03 min) on the treadmill this morning. I didn't know at the time that I've logged 98.8 running miles for the month of August (my best since February), but it's probably just as well. I'm bushed! I see an early bedtime in my future!

Slow Bike Ride

This morning I slept in and made it to the gym for an easy ride on the stationary bike, 9.2 miles in 55:06 minutes. I'm still a bit sore and rather tired from yesterday's 18-miler, but I'm glad I made it to the gym for a bit.

I'm off to stretch out and read, maybe even nap for a bit! :)

Another Personal Distance Record in the Books!

I rejoined the Galloway group this morning for the 18 mile long run/walk mileage. I wanted to see everyone in the group and wish 1st time racers in next weekend's Virginia Beach Rock and Roll Half Marathon well, and George also wanted to try running with a faster pace group for part of the morning. (George and I had done our own long run thing the past two Saturdays.)

So, George and I got to today's meeting place and started off with some other early morning starters at 5 AM, but the two of us kept a slower pace going and managed 3.9 miles before returning for the whole Galloway group check-in and send-off. From there, I started out with "my" pace group, but assured them that they didn't need to wait with me, as I was stocked with my Garmin Forerunner, a map, money, my cell phone, water and energy food, and my iPod.

Lo and behold, Jackie, one of the pace group leaders, and I started talking, and she ended up staying with me all the way until my mile 11.2! I kept trying to encourage her to go ahead with the rest of the group, but we had a fun time chatting all the way back to the Panera near our starting point (and a popular Galloway hangout after our long runs). George arrived at Panera shortly after we did, and after making a pit stop and refilling my water while George got something light to eat, we headed back out for the rest of my mileage. We ended up back at Panera with my mileage at about 16.7 miles, so I headed back out on my own while George headed into Panera to wait. I finished on my own, which felt both strange and refreshing. After expecting a lot of alone time and not getting any, I enjoyed both the unexpected company and the time at the end to dig deep by myself and gut it out.

So, I ended up finishing 18 miles using (mostly) a 1/1 run/walk ratio today, in 5:40:02, an average pace of 18:53. Yes, it's still quite slow, but the beauty of this number is that on my last personal distance record of 14 miles two weeks ago, I had an average pace of 19:06! Today, I averaged 13 seconds per mile faster, eventhough I was out on the course for an additional two miles. I'm pleased that the changes I'm making in my workouts overall are finally showing! I still have some hard work between now and the Outer Banks Marathon, but I am feeling encouraged.

Here are my mile splits:
1) 18:31
2) 18:06
3) 19:44
4) 19:58
5) 18:55
6) 18:03
7) 18:35
8) 19:04
9) 18:38
10) 18:47
11) 18:40
12) 19:02
13) 19:05
14) 19:25
15) 19:27
16) 18:46
17) 18:35
18) 18:38

Afterward, I finally had a bite to eat at Panera, and came home to a shower, then an ice bath! Ahhhh! Now I see a nap in my future! :)

Rest Day Today

No running or gym time for me today! My legs feel like lead, and I have an 18-mile run/walk on tap for tomorrow!

Part of the reason I have such heavy legs today is that I had a second run last evening, when George and I joined the North Carolina Roadrunners Club last evening for the last of their August Series runs at Umstead State Park. George still needed to get a run in, and I wanted some trail and hill work this week, but hadn't made that happen this week in a morning run.

Last evening's course was a 5K, but I turned around at "the bridge," and ended up clocking 1.9 miles in 32:06, a 16:56 average pace. I wasn't too disappointed, considering it was a second (and hilly trail) run for me yesterday.

Given the chance, I could lounge around in bed and read today, but alas, I'm off to get ready for work!

More Negative Splits!

I got a late start this morning, so I headed over to Brier Creek, and ran around that neighborhood. I tell ya, having my average pace display on my Garmin Forerunner is doing wonders for my training! I ended up running 3.07 miles in 50:01 minutes, an average pace of 16:16 min/mile, more than half a minute faster on average than Tuesday! AND each mile was faster, again!

Mile 1) 16:42
Mile 2) 16:29
Mile 3) 15:46
.07) 1:03 (on target for a 14:22 pace, but that was just me pushing at the end.)

Whew, good run!

Wednesday Workout

1) Rode 6.18 miles (35 min) on the recumbent bike
2) Did 2.03 miles (25:04 min) on the elliptical

It was the first time I'd been on the elliptical in a while, so it was a nice change of pace to spend some time on that machine.

Meanwhile, I've signed up for a couple of trail races for the fall, and I'm excited about those! The Triple Lakes Trail Race will be on October 3, and the Medoc 10-Miler will be on October 17.

Negative Splits Today!

This morning, I ran on the American Tobacco Trail again, and decided to take it easy, since I had a couple of challenging runs over the weekend, and have an 18-miler coming up on Saturday. I changed my run/walk ratio back to 1/1, with the option of running longer if I felt like it.

I ended up running 3.26 miles in 55:01 minutes, with negative splits on the miles! I was hoping for that, and worked on it a bit without doing the math in my head. I did do some extra running, and also did 4 fartleks, using different things (signs, trees, benches) as marks along the trail.

Mile
1 17:09
2 16:50
3 16:38
.26 4:23

It was a good run overall, though I'm still a little tired from the weekend running, and my knee is still feeling tender from last Thursday's spill in the state park. While the pace could've been faster, I am encouraged by the negative splits. With a distance PR coming up this weekend, I'm kinda in endurance mode this week, so I plan to get some extra rest and take care of my knee.

Monday at the Gym

1) Rode 6.3 miles (35:02 min) on the recumbent bike
2) Walked 1.8 miles (30:08 min) on the treadmill, with a 2% incline

I'm feeling a bit tired from the runs Saturday and yesterday, so today was a bit easier (and in the air conditioning!).

Things Are Looking Up

Eventhough I did a long run yesterday, and partly because I did a long run yesterday, I went back out this morning, with plans to do an easy run on the American Tobacco Trail. I put my iPod in the armband again, and clipped on my Gymboss--BUT decided not to turn it on. Oh, how the Gymboss has made my run/walk pacing easier, but I just needed a break from the beeping sound!

So, I decided to run for a while and see how I felt, taking walk breaks whenever I needed them. I set mini-goals for myself, picking off benches, trees, signs, and people as needed to get a relaxing run in. :) I ended up with my fastest outdoor average running pace of the year!! Couldn't believe it! I ended up with 3.17 miles in 50 minutes!

Mile
1 15:51 min.
2 15:56 min.
3 15:37 (came up with a new mantra there!)
.17 2.35 (a 15:26 pace)

I felt pretty okay afterward, but this afternoon, as I'm writing, I'm tired! My knee's also bothering me a little from Thursday's stumble. Gonna try to take it easy this afternoon and evening.

Meanwhile, last night I finished reading the Carolina Godiva Track Club's most recent newsletter, and my running horoscope said, "Think through your training regime and don't overreact when it doesn't go according to plan. Just keep running along." Huh. :)

10 More Miles in the Books

Well, today's 10 miles is in the books, and that's the best thing I can say about it, really. *sigh* Just one run, though, right? :> I think I had high expectations for it going better than it did, since I've gotten some great advice from fellow runnings, altered my mid-week workouts to include more and faster mileage as well as some hill work, lost some weight, AND took a rest day yesterday.

George and I set out 30 minutes ahead of the rest of the Galloway group, in part to try out a new run/walk ratio of 20 seconds running/40 seconds walking that Jeff Galloway suggested I use for long runs. (I emailed him a couple days ago about my struggles with my pace.) George and I decided we wanted to try going out slow, and going faster along the way, a try a negative splits. We walked the first mile, and started the 20/40 ratio in mile 2. My personal goal was to finish with an average pace of under 18 minutes/mile.

We both felt like we left a lot on the course, more than the numbers reveal. The heat and humidity did have an effect. One of my wishes is that we'd started out a little faster, walking less at the beginning.

Mile
1 20:45 (walk)
2 17:57
3 18:39
4 18:01
5 18:28
6 20:21 (after our McDonald's pit stop)
7 18:37
8 18:25
9 16:33 (Fastest mile, when we realized how slow our pace had been on G's phone calculator)
10 18:45 (Tuckered from picking up the pace in the last mile)
.38 6.26 (On target for a 16:51 mile, ran part of the way in)

Total for the run was 10:38 miles in 3:13:01, an average 18:35 pace, with 3109 ft. of ascent. I've put on a good face for George, but I'm pretty deflated about today's run.

Today was the annual Galloway pancake breakfast after the run. I had some orange slices and juice, but didn't feel like much else. *sigh*

I think I'll have a light run tomorrow to get back in the saddle. Meanwhile, I think I'll continue to tweak the run/walk ratio, as well as my workouts overall.

Rest Day

I skipped the roads AND the gym this morning, taking a rest day before tomorrow's long run. Feels a bit odd, but it's also been a relief. My legs are still a bit tired from yesterday's hill work, so it was nice to sleep in this morning. I also got into work earlier than usual, an added bonus! :)

Here's to rest!

Tackling the Hills of Umstead State Park

This morning's run was my first intentional mid-week hill workout, and it was an interesting one! I returned to Umstead State Park today, and instead of running the paved area this morning, I decided to shoot for the trails this morning. I missed the turnoff for the trails, but got a really good workout on the dirt and gravel roads instead.

I kept Tuesday's setting on the Gymboss pace timer to signal 2 minutes of running and 1 minute of walking. There were times when I was tempting to keep running after 2 minutes, but since this was my first mid-week hill workout, I decided to see how this worked out.

The temperature outside seemed a little bit cooler than earlier in the week. It was still plenty hot, but just a tad more pleasant. Of course, the area where I was running had plenty of trees, so I'm sure that helped. Umstead is such a pretty place to run! I saw a deer in the woods today--nice! There were a few other runners and bikers out this morning, and I enjoyed the company.

I tried out my new iPod armband this morning, and it worked pretty well! It was nice to have my hands free from carrying things. The only downside of my morning run was that once, while I was fiddling with the iPod on my upper arm, I tripped and fell! Ouch! My left knee got pretty scraped up, but otherwise I was okay. A park ranger happened to come into view just after I fell, so he stopped to check on me just as I got up. I was sooo close that I wanted to make it to my car, so I assured him I was fine. By the time I got back to my car (continuing my run/walk ratio), the blood had streamed all the way down to my sock! Charming. Thankfully, I had a clean towel in my trunk, so I was able to clean up a bit. I cleaned up the wound after I got home, and my knee doesn't seem to be too much worse for the wear, other than the scrapes. I'll probably ice it after work, though, just to be on the safe side.

My average pace per mile was 17:14, pretty slow, but faster than some of my other mid-week runs this summer. I was a little tentative, not knowing how my body was going to react, and then, of course, there was the fall. (I've learned how to make my Garmin Forerunner stop automatically when I do, so that feature came in handy!) As I write this, I'm feeling a little stiff (mostly in the knee that I fell on), but I feel like I could've given a little more out there. Now I know.

I ended up run/walking 3.48 miles in 60 minutes.

Mile Splits:
1) 17:25
2) 16:38 (Better pace there! Wonder why.)
3) 17:44 (the mile in which I fell)
Last 0.48 of a mile in 8:13 (On target to be my second best mile)

I think my overall training plan will include three runs--one speed workout, one hill workout, and then the weekend long run, and crosstraining on most other days, with a rest/easy day on the day before my long run (which usually falls on Saturday). I may do an easy run on a crosstraining day sometimes. I'll see how it all goes, and tweak things along the way. I'm so eager to improve my speed and endurance! (To do that, I need to stay healthy too!)

Tired Bike Ride

I went to the gym this morning and rode 6.06 miles in 36 minutes on the recumbent bike. It was a tired ride from the start, but I did toggle the resistance between 6 and 7 to make things a little more interesting.

I plan to run again tomorrow, and am looking forward to it.

On the Run Again!

I decided to hit the roads for a run this morning, determined to do something to run "outside my comfort zone." By the time I got to the neighborhood where I decided to run, I figured out I was going to set my Gymboss for 2 minutes of running, 1 minute of walking. I HAD been training at a 1:1 ratio, but I really need to work on both endurance and speed, and decided this was one way. Worth a try, right?

In addition to changing the run/walk ratio, I also reset my Garmin Forerunner this morning to record my splits for each mile as a lap time, something I had no idea the Forerunner could do! Thanks to this idea from Christina, I was able to find the Forerunner users manual online and figure out how to set that up (easy, by the way!). I can see how this will really help me analyze my training!

So, I set out on the sidewalks of a nearby Raleigh neighborhood I haven't run in for a while, eager to see how things would go. I decided to shoot for either three miles or 60 minutes of run/walking, whichever felt best, considering how I was already pushing myself with longer running segments. I noticed that the Forerunner screen flashed my mile splits for a few seconds each mile, but I couldn't make them out easily without my glasses. I could tell that the numbers were running in the 15s and 16s, so I knew I was doing pretty well (for me), though I was feeling pretty tired toward the end.

Much to my surprise, I ended up running 3.87 miles in 62 minutes, an average 16:01 pace! Okay, I'm really happy with that! It's my fastest outdoor running average in nearly a month, and the one time I averaged a faster outdoor average mile, I only ran 2.01 miles with an average 15:57 pace. I'm sure that, with more training and weight loss, this will improve soon.

My mile split times:
Mile 1 15:38
Mile 2 16:05
Mile 3 16:17
.87 14:00


One thing I'll work on in the future is doing negative splits, now that I've got the lap time feature figured out on my Forerunner.

Back at the Gym After a Rest Day

After taking a rest day from exercise yesterday, I headed back to the gym today. I'm still a bit tired from Saturday's 16 mile run/walk on the American Tobacco Trail, but not as sore as I thought I would be! Still, I decided to save another run for tomorrow, and did some crosstraining instead.

1) Walked 2.06 miles (35:01 min) on the treadmill. I pushed the speed a little, but left the incline alone.

2) Rode 5.42 miles (30:01 min) on the recumbent bike. I pedaled a little faster, and did the interval program on the recumbent bike.

I've exchanged a couple of emails with Christina recently, and she's really got me thinking about my training, and how I need to step it up a notch and get outside my comfort zone, both physically and mentally, when it comes to my marathon training. There is a balance between pushing yourself and resting your body and mind a bit, of course. I'll want to listen to my body and try to prevent both injury and burnout. That said, I'm excited about this attitude shift, especially on the heals of my personal distance record 16 mile run/walk last Saturday!

My First 16-Miler in the Books!

This morning, George and I decided to take a break from the usual run with the Galloway group run, and do today's scheduled 16-miler on our own. Actually, George hadn't ever planned on running 16 miles, but he decided yesterday that he'd run it with me, since I'd decided to strike out on my own this morning.

I decided I wanted to run on the American Tobacco Trail once again, but from the opposite end (of the Durham section) from where I usually start, near the Durham Bulls (local minor league baseball team--ever seen the movie "Bull Durham?") Stadium (they have a newer stadium, but the one in the movie has been renovated--yay!) and the American Tobacco Campus. I have to tell ya, it was a charmed run, even though my pace was slower than usual. (I know, I know, I've been complaining about my speed, BUT it was a nice run, nonetheless!)

We started the run about 5:35 AM, and it was still dark on the trail, which goes through some wooded areas (mostly) as well as behind some neighborhoods. As we started, it was a little creepy, so I was glad George was with me. It was another hour or so before we started having company on the trail, then it really got packed.

After walking as a warm-up for the first mile, we started our 1:1 run/walk cycles. While it was still dark, it felt like we were running through some cobwebs we couldn't see (which added to the creepiness we felt earlier)! Weird. Once the sun started to come up, we could tell it was an overcast morning, which was nice! On the first half of the run, we saw THREE rabbits, two together, then another one. We also saw a number of squirrels and birds, and heard a symphony of wildlife in the woods for a large portion of the morning. On a couple of occasions, I got chill bumps listening to the sounds around me on the ATT! George and I both took our iPods on this run, but never used them. (I'm glad!)

We made one pit stop at the Solite Park restrooms (a little smelly, but nice timing), then headed for the end of that segment of the American Tobacco Trail. There's a strip mall there, with a McDonald's in the parking lot, so we were aiming for that all along. After running 8 miles, we made a pit/refreshment stop there, which worked out really well, and then struck out again to complete the remaining 8 miles. Because the ATT in that area is 6.6 miles one way, we took a couple of detours along the way to make sure we got in the full 16 in one roundtrip.

George was such good company on this run. Toward the end, he made me start repeating mantras out loud, which felt silly at first, but it helped more then I expected! Even though he's a new runner (and maybe because he's a new runner), it was nice to continue discussing some of my recent frustrations about running--while running! I think that running this distance with me (a new personal distance for BOTH of us!) gave him a clearer perspective of what I've been going through.

Having George with me helped me to keep the 1:1 run/walk ratio going today, even when I got tired, and this was great mental as well as physical training. Once, toward the end, we walked two minutes in a row, but then started up again, and actually run the last quarter mile to the end of the trail without a walk break. More good mental training for pushing myself at the end of a run. I was surprised I still had gas in the tank to do that!

We ended up finishing the 16 mile run/walk in 5:05:36. About as slow as molasses, yes, but a good training run/walk, nonetheless. I'm feeling exhausted and rejuvenated, all rolled up in one! (Does that make sense?!)

Meanwhile, I've really appreciated recent comments here, as well as some helpful email advice from Christina. I'm looking forward to the challenge of fine-tuning my marathon training schedule. The running community (both virtual and in-person) is amazing, isn't it?!

Short Bike Ride, Plus Marathon Lodging Booked!

This morning I rode 5.25 miles in 30 minutes on the recumbent bike at the gym. Saving my legs for tomorrow's 16 miler! Holy cow, I still can't quite believe I'm doing it, but I AM!

I'm more determined now than ever, because I got an email from another one of my pace group leaders yesterday, suggesting I pull back from the marathon and go for the half marathon instead. I'm healthy (except for some extra weight), just SLOW right now, and the marathon is nearly three months away! Still a good bit of time to make improvements, in my book, plus it should be cooler in November--which will help!

So, two group leaders--in less than a week's time (see last Saturday's post)--are trying to wave me off an event that's almost three months down the road, and I'm about half way through the training program! I've been gracious to them, but I am a bit disappointed in their timing. It feels like an ill-timed and premature suggestion. I would've appreciated advice on speed drills to try, or nutrition tips, or something. Granted, they aren't getting paid to be group leaders, and they're regular runners like me, only faster. ;)

So, I'm feeling a combination of discouragement and determination this morning. And I'm going to run tomorrow's long run on my own in the morning, instead of with the group. I enjoy the time to myself that running affords, anyway. I'm an introvert at heart, and savor the recharging time that my morning exercise usually provides. George may run with me tomorrow, but it's still up in the air.

Meanwhile, I've started doing some mid-week speedwork, and am working on my nutrition and weight loss as well. I'm thinking about finding some hills over in Umstead for mid-week training. I'm determined to make this happen, or pass out from trying! Marathon training is a journey, and part of the experience is learning about myself--my body, my mind, and how I can push the total package.

Meanwhile, I have made our hotel reservations at the Outer Banks for marathon weekend!! Woohoo!!

Okay, I'm not giving up!

Back to the American Tobacco Trail

I decided to return to the American Tobacco Trail this morning for a run to help me shake last Saturday's long run there. Once I got into the groove, it felt pretty decent! I ended up going 2.42 miles in 41:03 minutes, definitely faster than last Saturday. The occasional sprinkle was refreshing. I also noticed a little more pinestraw and leaves on the trail. The season's starting to shift! Come on, cooler weather!!

I'm looking forward to returning there soon.

Rockin' Wednesday

1) Walked 1.47 miles (25 min) on the treadmill
2) Ran 1.10 miles (15 min) on the treadmill
3) Rode 3.6 miles (20:05 min) on the recumbent bike

It felt like a pretty strong workout, partly because I got to bed around 10:00 last night (which helped!). I'm excited that I've gotten past the 500 mile mark for the year now with this morning's run! I was hoping to get to that point a couple months ago, but got derailed by injuries. I'm making progress, though.

Walking at Work

I used to walk quite a bit at work, sometimes twice during the workday, but have gotten out of the habit. Well, today is the second day in a row now that I've walked at work, as I try to get back into the habit. Today's average pace was two minutes faster than yesterday's though I took a slightly hillier route. Some days are like that.

When I got back to my desk, someone passing by asked if it were raining outside, because my shirt was soaked with sweat! Charming. :)

Deer Spotting

This morning I returned to my nearby running route, as I was feeling a bit sluggish and didn't want to drive far. I also wanted to be near the gym as a default workout.

I ended up going 1.84 miles in 32 minutes, not my best performance, but not my worst either. It felt pretty decent, overall. One of the most pleasant parts of the run/walk was seeeing a deer cross the road (to get to the other side, I suppose :>). Afterward, I stopped at the gym and rode the recumbent bike for 2.7 miles (15:03 minutes).

It seems like my Saturday long runs throw me into a funk, which takes me a couple of runs to come out of. Then we're back to Saturday, long run funk, two runs to recover mentally, then repeat. Huh. Need to figure out a way to get out of this cycle, physically and mentally.

Back at the Gym

1) Walked 1.11 miles (20 min) on the treadmill
2) Rode 5.40 miles (30:08 min) on the recumbent bike

My left foot's still bothering me a little, but not too much. Ice and Advil are helping. Still a bit tired, too, but feeling better.

Light Bike Ride

I went to the gym late today, around 7:00 PM, and rode 5.31 miles (30:01 min) on the recumbent bike. It was a light ride, since I'm still pretty tired from yesterday's run, plus party prep, then dinner out and the party at our home last evening. Yesterday was interesting and busy, and the time with good company was fun, but I've been pretty wiped out today. (George too.)

Glad I went to the gym, though. It was nice to get out of the apartment for a little bit and move, after sleeping late, then taking an afternoon nap.

There's been a long line to get the book Born to Run for the public library, but I'm getting closer to the top spot. Looking forward to reading it!

Saturday Long Run/Walk on the American Tobacco Trail

Today I started my run on the American Tobacco Trail a little early, getting a mile in before meeting up with the group. (Since George and I are getting ready for a get-together at our home, I thought I'd finish up early with the running.) I ended up finishing with the group, though, and finishing well behind a lot of the group---again. :( With the occasional Garmin Forerunner "malfunction" (me forgeting to restart the Garmin after a water break a couple of times!) I ended up clocking 10.22 miles of run/walking in 3 hrs, 3 min, an 18:06 average pace.

At the end of today's run, one of my pace group leaders suggested today that I try another half marathon instead of going for the full in November. *sigh* I'm not ready to give up on the full marathon yet, not ready to delay the goal for another year. I don't want to be stubborn, but in a way I do want to be stubborn, ya know?!

Okay, so what do you do to get faster?

Speed work is an option, but I don't have access to a track. I've tried some of the electrolyte powders in water during running, but haven't found a flavor I like yet. Any thoughts?

Friday Workout (Plus Fitness Test)

I have today off from work, so I slept in and had a gloriously relaxing morning! I ended up at the UNC Wellness Center, and enjoyed a nice change of scenery from my normal gym, though I did a pretty normal workout (for me).

1) Rode 5.08 miles (30:03 min) on the recumbent bike
2) Fitness Test: I pressed the "FitTest" button on the treadmill I got on, and ended up running, then walking to cool down, for a total of a half a mile in 7:45. Odd time, huh?! All it told me was that my estimated VO2 Max was 50.0, which I assume to be pretty good for my age (45). I would've liked a little affirmation in flashing letters across the top of the treadmill screen, but oh well! :)
3) Walked 1.53 miles (25 min) on the treadmill at a 4% incline.

My legs are sore, and I'm a bit tired. Probably overdid it a bit before tomorrow's 10-miler, but I enjoyed the workout, all in all.

Thursday Workout

1) Walked 1.42 miles (25:01 min) on the treadmill
2) Ran 1.18 miles (15 min) on the treadmill
3) Did 0.80 mile (10:05 min) on the elliptical
4) Rode 1.06 miles (6 min) on the recumbent bike
5) Walked 0.80 mile (16:06 min) on a walk break at work

Lots of good exercise in today! Eventhough I didn't get to sleep until late last night, I must've had a hard sleep, because I feel pretty rested today. (I've remembered dreams two nights in a row now, but not sure if that means anything about my sleep.)

Low-Key Wednesday Workout

I got more sleep last night (yay!), but am realizing that it takes more than one night to catch up, especially when I want to push my body to its limits. I did take it pretty easy today in the gym, riding 5.25 miles (31:01 min) on the recumbent bike. I wanted to do more, BUT I know I need easy exercise days to recover from harder days.

Tired Tuesday

I went back to the American Tobacco Trail this morning, and ended up running 3.54 miles in 60 minutes. I felt sluggish at first, and it took me 18+ minutes to finish my first mile. I was able to pick up my pace, though, and finished with a 16:56 average mile/minute pace.

Still recovering a bit from the busy weekend, and then had a meeting last evening after work, arriving home about 9:30. The lack of rest is stacking up. :(

Tired Monday

I was a bit weary when I woke up this morning, but I made it to the gym anyway, and am glad I did!

1) Walked 1.68 miles (30:04 min) on the treadmill
2) Ran 0.53 mile (7:02 min) on the treadmill, breaking in my new running shoes
3) Rode 2.7 miles (15 min) on the recumbent bike

Afterward, I'm still feeling tired, but more awake.

Beach Walk

On the spur of the moment, George and I decided to join my sister and her family at Emerald Isle, NC, for the night last night. So, I had a nice, leisurely stroll on the beach this morning before the storm rolled in, clocking 1.11 miles in 27 minutes. It felt great to take it easy and enjoy the view and conversation! I'm not as sore as I expected from yesterday's run/walk, but I'm still pretty tired.

It's Miles in the Bank, Right?!

This morning I ran/walked 14.36 miles (4:34:36) with the Galloway group. Wendy and I started at 5 AM for 2 miles, and were joined at 5:40 by George and Ellen for 2 more miles. We joined up with the rest of our pace group at 6:30 for a 10-mile run. I was pretty strong at first, but started to fade, and pretty much walked the last few miles. Afterward, my legs and feet aren't hurting as much as I expected, I'm just worn out! Nap soon, I hope!

The weather was overcast, but humid, and the course was pretty hilly. Glad to have the mileage in the books!

Light Workout

1) Walked 1.12 miles (20 min) on the treadmill
2) Rode 2.64 miles (15 min) on the recumbent bike

Took it pretty easy today, as I had a busy night last night, and tomorrow's a 14-miler! That'll be the longest of the season for me. I'm meeting someone from my running group at 5 AM, as she's training for the same marathon I am! Others from the group will join us at 5:40 for some extra miles, and the rest will join us at 6:30. Crazy, but necessary in the July heat.

Low-Key Workout Today, Plus Running Shoes

This morning, I rode 8 miles (45:15 minutes) on the recumbent bike at the gym. No biggie, just staying active.

I have been having a challenging time getting new running shoes this week. Stores either don't have my size or have been too far away (AND closed too early) for me to get there on time after work! One response I got yesterday when I asked for a 10.5 in a women's running shoe: "That's big!" Charming.

Gonna try again this evening.

Switching Routes

I decided I needed another change of scenery this morning, so I ran on the American Tobacco Trail! It's a good bit flatter than the Umstead Park route I do, but it's still pretty, lots of trees. I even saw a turtle crossing the path this morning, and I thought, "Oh, that's me!" LOL Glad I was able to pass it! :)

My average pace this morning (16:50) was a little faster than Monday's (17:13), run/walking a total of 3.03 miles in 51 minutes.

Back Inside, Plus Butterflies

This morning I hit the gym, where I enjoyed the air conditioning and didn't miss yesterday's humidity!

1) Walked 2.01 miles (36 min) on the treadmill
2) Rode 2.66 miles (15 min) on the recumbent bike

Yesterday I plugged my Saturday long runs, including mileage, into my Google calendar, and could feel the butterflies in my stomach as I typed in the higher mileage. As George and I were getting ready for work this morning, I told him about it, and he didn't understand what the big deal is.*sigh* His response: "You're the one who wants to run a marathon, right?" Well, yes, but since it's my first one, I still get nervous about it sometimes! Am I the only one with the big mileage butterflies?!

Monday Run at Umstead

I had another nice run at Umstead State Park today, though it was humid!! I ran 3 miles in 51:40, a slower pace than last week, but I'm not fretting about it today. I felt pretty rested at the beginning of the run, but my legs felt a bit lead-heavy, and my hamstrings are still feeling tight like they did during the run. Hmmm.

Well, I'm happy to have this run under my belt!

Gym Bike Ride

I went to the gym this morning to ride the recumbent bike for a few minutes, and ended up riding for a whole hour (10.54 miles)! It wasn't a fast pace, but I did feel like I was working it hard at times. Eventually, I put the resistance up to 7, and did a couple of sprint minutes. Once I changed from podcasts to music on the iPod, I think that helped me go faster too.

One thing that kept me going longer is that I'm starting to think about doing triathlons, and what all that would take, in terms of training and equipment. Hmmmm.

I'm glad I stayed longer at the gym, because I got to see a former co-worker near the end of my workout. She continues to be one of my favorite co-workers, so I was glad to see her!

Today's Long Run

I've got another long run/walk in the books! Yay! Today we ended up going 10.42 miles in 3:13:01, an 18:31 average min/mile pace. It would've thought we were going faster, partly because I kept up with the group better today. Apparently it's because the group slowed down! Oh well. We did do something different today, something called "Indian runs," which is interval training for small groups. While we did the Indian runs, everyone in the pace group ran single file, and the person to the back ran to the front. Then the "new" person in the back ran to the front of the line, and so on. It was fun to do, and a nice change of pace.

It was a good run today, and now I'm ready for a nap! :)

Friday Bike Ride

This morning I hopped on the recumbent bike at the gym, and rode 6.23 miles in 35 minutes. Not a stellar performance, but I wanted to get a light workout in before tomorrow's 10-miler. My leg muscles are a bit sore, and I still have a bit of a cold, so tonight will be an early night (I hope!).

Speedy Gonzalez

Well, maybe I'm not Speedy Gonzalez YET, but I did go a bit faster today, a big surprise for me. I slept in a little due to this icky cold, so I ran a flatter course closer to home. I ended up run/walking 2.01 miles in 32:04, a 15:57 min/mile average pace, an average of 34 seconds faster than Tuesday's run. I did a 1:1 run/walk ratio, but did do some extra running at times.

Hope this cold is better before Saturday's long run! Surely...

Blah! Summer Cold!

I'd been planning to get another run in today, but when I woke up this morning, yesterday's sniffles had become today's stopped up nose. Ugh. So, I decided to head for the gym instead.

1) Walked 1.75 miles (30:07 min) on the treadmill, with up to a 1.5% incline
2) Rode 2.69 miles (15 min) on the recumbent bike, pushing the resistance up to 7.

I've decided to try to make the gym workouts a little more productive, without overdoing it. Right now, I feel tired and a little sore. I'll try to get to bed earlier tonight, in hopes that I'll feel better for tomorrow's run.

Last night, George and I joined the Raleigh Galloway group for a Happy Hour at the Twisted Fork in Raleigh, and had a good time visiting with folks. It was fun trying out a new (to me) restaurant, too!

Back in the Gym

1) Walked 2.42 miles (40 min) on the treadmill, some at a 1% incline
2) Did a 12-minute fitness test on the recumbent bike. 1.93 miles in 12 minutes, VO2 max 31, fit level=medium
3) Rode 1.07 miles (6 min) normally on the reumbent bike

I decided to try to step up my gym workouts a bit, to see if it helps with the running. Stay tuned!

Another Umstead Run

This morning I headed to Umstead Park again to get a training run in. This place is such a gem. How nice that it's so close! I ran/walked 2.68 miles om 45:01, a 16:47 average min./mile. I'm thrilled to have broken the 17 min. barrier on this hilly state park road! (No horse flies were chasing me today, either!) I had my Gymboss set for a 1:1 walk/run ratio, but I did some extra running, which helped. Now I'm shooting to break the 16 minute mark on my training runs.

After the run, I stopped at the gym to ride 1.8 miles (10:11 min) on the recumbent bike.

(Yesterday, I walked 0.27 mi. in 5 min. on the treadmill, then rode 8.1 miles in 45 min. on the recumbent bike.)

Today's Long Run

I enjoyed this morning's 10 mile long run/walk with the Galloway group a lot. We had a planned route in Cary that's famous for little shade and much concrete (lots of sidewalk running), but our group leader (who's from Cary) decided to take us on a different route that included Bond Park. Very nice! I was able to keep up with the group most of the time, and it showed in my pace, the fastest average pace I've had in 3 weeks! I ended up with 10 miles in 3 hours, an 18 min./mile average pace. Yes, I know some people walk faster than that, so it's a minor victory, but I'm gonna take it and run! (Okay, maybe I'll run/walk!)

Our group leader invited us over to her nearby home for a pool party afterward, which was a treat! In addition to inviting our pace group, she included some other Galloway runners, and it was such a nice chance to socialize and cool off at the same time.

Friday Workout

1) Walked 1.1 mile (20 min) on the treadmill
2) Rode 2.65 miles (15 min) on the recumbent bike

Had a pretty easy workout today, hope it helps me to be more energetic tomorrow for my scheduled 10-mile long run with the Galloway group. My non-running workouts have been a little punier this week--though my runs have been good. I wonder if that'll make a difference.

I made it back to Yoga for Athletes on Wednesday night, and haven't been as sore as I was last week. Not sure if it's because I'm stronger and more limber, or if I didn't push myself as hard this time. We did work on some different moves, so it's hard to tell.

I started measuring and tracking my food this morning. It's a bit of a pain, but I think it'll be worth it.

UPDATE: Took a 17 minute (0.84 mile) walk break at work. I should do that more often!

Just the Bike

I went to the gym and rode 6.81 miles (40 minutes) on the recumbent bike. Between yesterday morning's run, last night's yoga class, and getting to bed at midnight, I'm tired this morning! I hope to get some walking in this afternoon, though.

Meanwhile, I need to figure out how to get George and me to bed earlier at night on a regular basis. Well, I'm not really responsible for George's bedtime, but it sure helps when we're in sync about going to bed. He's such a night owl, and I used to be, but I'm a lot more fresh when I get to bed earlier! Help!

Umstead's the Charm

Well, I decided to return to Umstead State Park for my run this morning, to see if going back would be enjoyable. I was a little wary of the bugs, since I have two big bug (horse flies, I think!) bites on my legs from Monday! I'm so glad I went back, as I had another good run, this time sans bugs, and I had an even better average pace today than Monday! Plus, I went a little farther! Can you tell I'm excited?!

I also listened to music instead of podcasts today, and I think the songs on my workout playlist helped me pick up the pace a little.

On my way home, I stopped at the gym and rode the recumbent bike for a bit. Final result:

1) Ran/walked 2.13 miles in 36 minutes
2) Rode 2 miles in 11:11 minutes on the recumbent bike

Back on the Bike

This morning I went to the gym and rode 5.27 miles (30 minutes) on the recumbent bike. I have a scratchy throat and am a little tired this morning, so I'm glad I took it easy at the gym. I hope the sore throat is nothing serious. Heading to work, will see how it goes.

Thanks, Umstead!

I decided to get one of my mid-week runs in this morning, eventhough I'm still a little sore from the weekend. I got in the car, and decided what I need was a change of scenery from the gym and my normal running route. So, I headed to Umstead State Park! Man, what a nice change of scenery that was! It had rained in the night, so the trees and plants had that nice, post-rain-uber-green look to them. There was very little car traffic, so I had the park almost to myself. I listened to music, which as a nice change of pace from the usual podcasts too. The only out-of-the-ordinary thing was that these big, winged buggy things started coming after me after I turned around. (I think a couple of them were tag teaming me!) I tried to outrun them for a while, and thought I'd succeeded, but I learned the hard way that there was one still one me when I sat down in the car! (Yikes!)

After I got Big Buzz out of my car, I headed for the gym, and got a 2.32 mile (13 minutes) bike ride to go with my run/walk (1.94 miles, 33 minutes) in the park. Ahhh, I'm feeling better today!

Walk Today

I woke up pretty tired and sore, so I did a leisurely 2.44 mile walk outside in 52 minutes. It was sunny and slightly windy, a beautiful morning that lifted my spirits!

Yesterday's Long Run

While I was out walking this morning, I realized I never got around to posting about yesterday's long run with the Galloway group. Part of it, I think, is that I'm starting to feel and sound like a broken record! I ended up at the back of the pack AGAIN! Man, it's discouraging! I did go 12.5 miles, but in 3:48:00. (Okay, it's a bit of an estimate--but a darn good one, based on several Garmin Forerunner comparisons. I'd forgotten to turn mine back on after a water stop once.) Average pace stunk again! *banging head against palm of hand* Okay, I'm pouting about it again! For a little motivation this morning, I pre-ordered a paperback copy of Dean Karnazes' 50/50: Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days--and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance!
Have any of you read it?

After the run/walk that lasted forever, George and I joined some of the Galloway group at the Panera on Six Forks Rd., and a guy walked by on these strange leg-things. (See the picture above.) We were curious, so we all ended up having a nice conversation with him. The leg things, it turns out, are called power risers, and he walks around on them for exercise! He was very trim, so he was a good spokesperson for them. Here's a video from YouTube, demonstrating them.

Just a Walk

I decided just to walk from my apartment complex today. No frills, low key, since I had an early doctor's appointment this morning. I ended up walking 1.56 miles in 32:18 minutes. Was a pretty relaxing walk. I'm still a little sore from Wednesday's yoga class, and tomorrow's a long run with the Galloway group. Got 7 hours of sleep last night, and feel a bit better overall. I plan to get to bed early again tonight!

Can I Have a Do-Over?!

1) Ran/walked ca 0.84 mile in ca 16 minutes outside
2) Rode 3.6 miles in 20:04 minutes in the recumbent bike

Today's workout was pretty much a wash! I woke up sore in the hips and right hamstring from last night's yoga class, but I decided to run anyway. It took me a while to get out the door, as I'm still pretty tired in general. (I got to bed a little earlier last night, but still need to do better!) So, I got to the gym and was going to run/walk outside first. I realized, as I was getting out of the car, that I forgot my Garmin Forerunner! I'd also forgotten to start the brown rice (in the rice cooker) for the day's meals, so I drove back home, walked up two flights of stairs to my apartment, took care of business, and returned to the gym to start my workout. (Way late now!) My Garmin said the battery was low, but I was hoping I could coax it through the run today. About 8 minutes out, it died for good. :( So, I turned around and run/walked to the gym. Bummer.

I went inside the gym and rode the recumbent bike then. It helped lift my spirits a little, but I'm missing the run. I think my hamstring will benefit from the lighter workout today, though. Need to let it recover before I injure it!

I feel like I've been complaining a lot about my workouts, especially my run-related workouts lately. Need to think on that! (I did have an interesting conversation about running with Susan after yoga class yesterday.)

Oh wait! I forgot to mention that I went to yoga class again last night! The regular instructor for "Yoga for Athletes" was there this time, and she was so impressive! Wow. Great instructional demeanor, remembered students' names and issues, wow. Look forward to more classes with her. BUT my hips and right hamstring are sore. Gotta do something about that. Great class, though!

Wednesday Walk

I just walked on the treadmill this morning, 2.21 miles in 40:01 minutes. I'm feeling a bit tired from yesterday's run AND two late nights in a row. I must do better about to bed earlier!!

John "The Penguin" Bingham had a blog post yesterday about running in the heat that really spoke to me, and made me feel a little better about slowing down this summer. Read Bingham's blog post here.

Tuesday Run/Walk

I headed outside for a run/walk this morning. Eventhough I drove to the gym, I ran from there, and never made it inside. It was a foggy morning, and nice to be outside in it. I set the Gymboss for a 1:1 run/walk ratio, but sometimes ran 2 minutes, then walked 1, hoping to speed up my average pace. Maybe I did, but I ended up with a 17:13 average pace, slower than usual for my mid-week runs. Okay, I know I shouldn't be discouraged, but I am! Can I blame it on the heat? The fog? :) At any rate, I'll keep running, and hope things turn at some point.

Final total: Ran/walked 3.5 miles in 1:00:16.

Monday, Monday

I'm feeling a little tired this morning, so my workout was a little slow.

1) Walked 0.54 mile (10:06 min) on the treadmill
2) Rode 6.1 miles (35 min) on the recumbent bike
3) Stretched legs for about 10 minutes. Started with IT bands, and finished with a couple of yoga-pose-type things. My leg muscles are feeling pretty tight.

Got a nice boost from finding my race report from last year's Magnificent Mile race on the this year's race website. It helped remind me that I need to keep the speed thing in perspective. Eventhough I get grumpy sometimes about wanting to be faster myself, I get so much more out of running (including meeting great people!) than sometimes meets the eye.

Sunday Morning Workout

1) Walked 2.5 miles (45:08 min) on the treadmill, some of it at a 1% incline
2) Ran 0.37 mile (5:04 min) on the treadmill
3) Did 1 mile (12:15 min) on the elliptical
4) Rode 2 miles (11:10 min) on the recumbent bike

It felt good to shake the workout up a little bit this mornng. In other "shake up" news, I just registered for my first 10 mile race, the Anna's Angels 10 Miler on September 27. Come run with me!

Long Run Blahs

This morning I did a long run/walk with the Galloway group at Shelley Lake. The scheduled run was 10 miles, but I only did 8.43 miles in 2:32:00, about an 18:02 pace. Blah. Eventhough the distance was still the longest I've run this summer, I'm still pretty discouraged. I think I stopped short because the parking lot was close, George and Jacob had stopped at 6 miles and gone ahead to Panera, and most of the rest of the group was way ahead of me. Blah.

I did do a 1:1 run/walk ratio with the group for most of the first 6 miles, but walked a good bit of the last 2+ miles. Still, it was basically a fast walking average pace. Blah. And here I'm wanting to pick up my pace and be able to join and hang with the 13 minute pace group before the end of the season. Instead, I'm slippin' and slidin' back within my own pace group. Discouraging.

I think I need to work on an attitude adjustment, and remember the big picture. Building endurance without injury is key here. But when will speed come? I'm working on my diet, sleep, and hydration throughout the week, and I'm getting my mid-week training in. I must be missing something. Maybe it's just patience! ;>

On a positive note, we joined some other Gallowayers at Panera for brunch after the run/walk, and that was a treat! It's such an interesting, fun group of people who run with the Raleigh Galloway group!

Short Bike Ride

I went to the gym this morning and rode 5.3 miles (30 min) on the recumbent bike. I was still feeling kinda tired, so I decided to take it easy, since I have another long run scheduled for tomorrow. Still on vacation, I stretched out on the couch after I got home and fell asleep! A 30-minute workout usually doesn't wipe me out, but the nap sure felt good. Eventhough I've been on vacation from work, I've been busy with errands and stuff. Good to get things accomplished, but it's been kinda tiring.

Shelley Lake Run

Since I'm still on vacation, I slept in again, then put on my running shoes and the Garmin, and headed for Shelley Lake to run. I ended up run/walking 2.43 miles in 40 minutes, doing a 1:1 run/walk ratio. The pace is a little slower than I'd wanted, but I felt tired, probably from yesterday's long walk, a day full of errands, and a meeting last night. Maybe all of those are excuses, but they affected my energy level a bit this morning, I think.

Afterward, I stopped at the gym at rode 3.53 miles (20 min) on the recumbent bike, while watching Wimbledon.

Nice Walk Outdoors

1) Walked 3.37 miles in 1:06:00 outside, felt great to be outside!
2) Rode 3.05 miles in 17 minutes at the gym

I'm on vacation for the rest of this week, so I slept in a little, read a little, then went to work out. I was going to head inside the gym to walk, but decided to strap on the Garmin instead and walk for a while outdoors. Boy, it felt great! Caught up on several podcasts as well, an added bonus. :)