I started the new year off right- running (and in Huntsville, not Lubbock, since we are down here visiting for a few days; but don’t worry- I’ll be running in Lubbock this year too :-P).
Before we came down, I noticed the upcoming Seven Hills Running Club club run and mentioned it to Becky, curious if she would be interested. She thought it was a great idea, which is how I ended up getting my butt kicked by Hans and Lavonne in the New Years Resolution Run 5k at Veterans Memorial Parkway. The only way I caught up to them in the last tenth or two of the race was because I had some fast sprints in the last half mile. Yay for fast twitch fibers and being in my twenties so they work without too much speed training.
I was proud of myself for running the whole 5k despite the hills and going to sleep at 4am and waking up at 10am. It would have been so easy to say I was too tired to run and should stay home instead, to have signed up for the 1 mile run or walk, or to have walked the hills- but I didn’t. I signed up for the 5k and ran it for a time of 34:54 ( not too bad).
My friend Becky walked the 1 mile and got first place with a time of 14:40 (I think). She told me after she wished she had signed up for the 5k walk instead because when she got to the turn around point, she was still more than ready to go.
When we were leaving, she asked if I wanted to walk some more and I said sure, so we went walking in the Rolling Brook neighborhood for 2 miles. On the route we saw Marisa in her truck. She was understandably surprised to see me since I live in Lubbock now. I told her we were in town for a few days and I plan to run at the park on Sunday. She said she might be there before driving off in her truck so she could get home and we could finish walking (and so none of us were blocking traffic anymore).
After that we came back to Becky’s house and that is where I am now. If this account is incoherent in any way, I am blaming it on my need for sleep. :-P
Friday, January 1, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Since November 7th: The Highlights
In no particular order, here are some of the highlights of my running since November 7th:
-ran for the first and second time ever through snow (brrr...)
-saw a turkey in a neighborhood twice (a female turkey; it was after the Thanksgiving break)
-ran by one of the playa lakes and saw a blue heron scoop up a large goldfish
-ran with John and Hans at Huntsville State Park during our Thanksgiving break
-ran with a friend before and during the Carol of Lights at Texas Tech
-ran on one of Houston's hike and bike trails near Andrew's parent's house and saw three nutria rats on the other side of the Bayou
-kept running despite the holidays (always a challenge)
-got new winter running gear (tights and 1/4 zip top, both coldgear underarmour)
-found out my good friend and running partner is moving back to Spring in the next week and a half (boo)
-signed up for Loop the Lake (a 2 or 5 mile run hosted by the West Texas Running Club January 9th at 10am; I'm running the 5 mile route)
More later! :-D
-ran for the first and second time ever through snow (brrr...)
-saw a turkey in a neighborhood twice (a female turkey; it was after the Thanksgiving break)
-ran by one of the playa lakes and saw a blue heron scoop up a large goldfish
-ran with John and Hans at Huntsville State Park during our Thanksgiving break
-ran with a friend before and during the Carol of Lights at Texas Tech
-ran on one of Houston's hike and bike trails near Andrew's parent's house and saw three nutria rats on the other side of the Bayou
-kept running despite the holidays (always a challenge)
-got new winter running gear (tights and 1/4 zip top, both coldgear underarmour)
-found out my good friend and running partner is moving back to Spring in the next week and a half (boo)
-signed up for Loop the Lake (a 2 or 5 mile run hosted by the West Texas Running Club January 9th at 10am; I'm running the 5 mile route)
More later! :-D
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Mon. 11/2 - Sat. 11/7
My running and walking mileage for the past 6 days (Mon.-Sat.):
Monday:ran 4.08 (on my own in the evening)
Tuesday: walked 4.26 (with Natalie and Bailey)
Wednesday: ran 3.18 (with Megan and Ace)
Thursday: none
Friday: walked 1.42 (with Kara and Conner)
Saturday: ran 6.12 (with Megan, Ace, and Zach)
Total running: 13.38 miles
Total walking: 5.68 miles
All of these run/walks were at the 19th Street Park except for today's late morning run which was at Mackenzie Park. It was the hardest run of the week due to its length, the 80 degree heat, lack of shade, and more cross country terrain (hills, rocks, grass, and asphalt mixed throughout). I tried to minimize the effects of heat and dehydration by drinking enough water during the run and Gatorade after, but I still felt ugh later and had a headache. Yay.
Random things I saw on the run today:
a regional cross country meet in progress
CDs placed at intervals along the road
golfers
Lubbock's version of an amusement park- Joyland
prairie dogs
I hope all who ran Rocky Raccoon had a fun and safe run!
All for now!
Monday:ran 4.08 (on my own in the evening)
Tuesday: walked 4.26 (with Natalie and Bailey)
Wednesday: ran 3.18 (with Megan and Ace)
Thursday: none
Friday: walked 1.42 (with Kara and Conner)
Saturday: ran 6.12 (with Megan, Ace, and Zach)
Total running: 13.38 miles
Total walking: 5.68 miles
All of these run/walks were at the 19th Street Park except for today's late morning run which was at Mackenzie Park. It was the hardest run of the week due to its length, the 80 degree heat, lack of shade, and more cross country terrain (hills, rocks, grass, and asphalt mixed throughout). I tried to minimize the effects of heat and dehydration by drinking enough water during the run and Gatorade after, but I still felt ugh later and had a headache. Yay.
Random things I saw on the run today:
a regional cross country meet in progress
CDs placed at intervals along the road
golfers
Lubbock's version of an amusement park- Joyland
prairie dogs
I hope all who ran Rocky Raccoon had a fun and safe run!
All for now!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Running Update
The last time I posted I was running with the early morning crowd. This ended sometime in September when Andrew developed what we assume is a bunion on his right foot, and he put away his running shoes for an indeterminate amount of time. Shortly after this, I stopped getting up for these early morning runs too.
There were several reasons I switched my schedule. While I love running with a group and the motivation it provides, I was feeling more dread and frustration than motivation. At that point I was getting up an hour early to eat breakfast then drive to a neighborhood to run in the dark and the cold while trying to keep up with runners who were easily faster than me. Plus, my heels and arches had begun to ache, and I was concerned that if I kept pushing myself to maintain this much faster pace on concrete and asphalt after only recently switching from trails, I would be joining Andrew on the running bench.
This was the start of a very sporadic running schedule in regards to time and place. Some of my runs were with my friend Megan and her dalmatian, Ace. We would run a route that took us through neighborhoods and streets near our complex. We tried running in one of the larger parks but after having some junior or high school kids squeal their tires and try to talk to us we decided that was not a good fit. I did not want to run the morning crowd route since it crossed several major streets and was highly trafficked later in the day. Ideally I wanted to find something resembling trail running. I figured that the combination of new running shoes and a softer running surface would help me feel better sooner.
Then my upstairs neighbor Mike told me about a park off of 19th Street that had a 0.7 mile gravel jogging track and a 0.8 mile runner-made wider loop of dirt and grass. I ran my first run there on my birthday, October 13th. While nothing like Huntsville State Park, it had its perks. I liked the scenery of the playa lake with trees in and around it, the location in a nice neighborhood not too far a drive from my complex, the size, and the variety of people and pets. It even had some minimal lighting as dark approached. Since then most of my runs, by myself or with Megan and Ace, have been at this park. I also walk there on days I do not run with my friend Natalie and her dog Bailey.
I varied a little when Megan, Ace, and I ran in the park and the neighborhood surrounding it recently. The older houses with their trees crowded close to them made me miss runs in the Avenues of Huntsville. Still no hills, but I miss the trees more than the hills anyway. And then Saturday I ran with Kelly at a place called Ransom Canyon that had hills (*gasp!*). So yes, they apparently do allow some variation in landscape near Lubbock.
Today I ran in the 19th street park for 4 miles, following the runner-created trail while listening to my ipod. I forced myself to stick below a 12 minute pace for most of the run (I had been running as slow as a 13 or 14 minute pace recently) and see how my feet would handle it. Finally my feet are starting to feel good again with no twinges.
For now I plan to keep running with various friends and on my own at least 3 days a week so I can be ready to run a few races next semester. Fun times.
There were several reasons I switched my schedule. While I love running with a group and the motivation it provides, I was feeling more dread and frustration than motivation. At that point I was getting up an hour early to eat breakfast then drive to a neighborhood to run in the dark and the cold while trying to keep up with runners who were easily faster than me. Plus, my heels and arches had begun to ache, and I was concerned that if I kept pushing myself to maintain this much faster pace on concrete and asphalt after only recently switching from trails, I would be joining Andrew on the running bench.
This was the start of a very sporadic running schedule in regards to time and place. Some of my runs were with my friend Megan and her dalmatian, Ace. We would run a route that took us through neighborhoods and streets near our complex. We tried running in one of the larger parks but after having some junior or high school kids squeal their tires and try to talk to us we decided that was not a good fit. I did not want to run the morning crowd route since it crossed several major streets and was highly trafficked later in the day. Ideally I wanted to find something resembling trail running. I figured that the combination of new running shoes and a softer running surface would help me feel better sooner.
Then my upstairs neighbor Mike told me about a park off of 19th Street that had a 0.7 mile gravel jogging track and a 0.8 mile runner-made wider loop of dirt and grass. I ran my first run there on my birthday, October 13th. While nothing like Huntsville State Park, it had its perks. I liked the scenery of the playa lake with trees in and around it, the location in a nice neighborhood not too far a drive from my complex, the size, and the variety of people and pets. It even had some minimal lighting as dark approached. Since then most of my runs, by myself or with Megan and Ace, have been at this park. I also walk there on days I do not run with my friend Natalie and her dog Bailey.
I varied a little when Megan, Ace, and I ran in the park and the neighborhood surrounding it recently. The older houses with their trees crowded close to them made me miss runs in the Avenues of Huntsville. Still no hills, but I miss the trees more than the hills anyway. And then Saturday I ran with Kelly at a place called Ransom Canyon that had hills (*gasp!*). So yes, they apparently do allow some variation in landscape near Lubbock.
Today I ran in the 19th street park for 4 miles, following the runner-created trail while listening to my ipod. I forced myself to stick below a 12 minute pace for most of the run (I had been running as slow as a 13 or 14 minute pace recently) and see how my feet would handle it. Finally my feet are starting to feel good again with no twinges.
For now I plan to keep running with various friends and on my own at least 3 days a week so I can be ready to run a few races next semester. Fun times.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
4th Run in Lubbock
We ran our 4th Lubbock run this morning. I kept to a pace of roughly 11:08 and completed 4.38 miles. So far so good...
Sunday, August 23, 2009
6am...I mean 7am...I mean 6am...um...7am?
Last night I remembered weekend runs are at 7 NOT 6 which was a little frustrating since I had told one of my neighbors (Hayden, owner of Loki) earlier in the day that I would meet her at the dog park at 8am and to knock on my door if we weren't out already. It wasn't a big deal really- we were only 10 minutes late- but it was a little annoying to me nonetheless. I don't like forgetting things. :-/
The dogs (Loki, Molly, and Annie) played for about an hour while Andrew, Mike, Hayden, and I watched them and chatted...and tried to keep Molly and Loki, the two puppies, from rolling in the puddles from the sprinklers. I see puddles all the time here- NOT from rain but from the elaborate sprinkler system that seems to exist all over Lubbock. Loki has a habit of finding a puddle and just plopping into it while the rest of us try to entice him away from it. Oh well. I think Hayden and I have both gotten used to sometimes having to hose our respective puppies off after visiting the dog park.
Unfortunately, this has been a morning of running a little behind (no pun intended). We woke up at 6:30, ate breakfast, got ready, and left at about 6:50. Andrew tried to take a slightly different route which then ended up being a slower and longer rather than a faster route. We ended up weaving through the named and numbered streets, trying to get to 20th and Elgin by 7am. We made it there at 7:07 and Suzanne and Terry were still there.
We ran 4 miles of which I ran a 11:43 pace so not as fast as earlier this week. I had a better idea where I was going today, and actually having light to see by helped drastically on figuring out where I was. Terry, Suzanne, and Andrew stayed ahead of me for most of the run. I kept an eye out for Suzanne's lime green running shirt. Overall it was a decent run for a Sunday morning on roads. I hope all the trail runners in Huntsville enjoy their 9:30am run.
The dogs (Loki, Molly, and Annie) played for about an hour while Andrew, Mike, Hayden, and I watched them and chatted...and tried to keep Molly and Loki, the two puppies, from rolling in the puddles from the sprinklers. I see puddles all the time here- NOT from rain but from the elaborate sprinkler system that seems to exist all over Lubbock. Loki has a habit of finding a puddle and just plopping into it while the rest of us try to entice him away from it. Oh well. I think Hayden and I have both gotten used to sometimes having to hose our respective puppies off after visiting the dog park.
Unfortunately, this has been a morning of running a little behind (no pun intended). We woke up at 6:30, ate breakfast, got ready, and left at about 6:50. Andrew tried to take a slightly different route which then ended up being a slower and longer rather than a faster route. We ended up weaving through the named and numbered streets, trying to get to 20th and Elgin by 7am. We made it there at 7:07 and Suzanne and Terry were still there.
We ran 4 miles of which I ran a 11:43 pace so not as fast as earlier this week. I had a better idea where I was going today, and actually having light to see by helped drastically on figuring out where I was. Terry, Suzanne, and Andrew stayed ahead of me for most of the run. I kept an eye out for Suzanne's lime green running shirt. Overall it was a decent run for a Sunday morning on roads. I hope all the trail runners in Huntsville enjoy their 9:30am run.
Friday, August 21, 2009
My 2nd Lubbock Run
This morning was my second 6am run with the E20s, and today there was 4 of us (with none of the 3 from Wednesday). This time Drew and I knew that the dark corner with the flickering streetlamp was the right corner, so I felt a little less like I was entering the beginning of a horror flick. Although one of the runners did tell us an interesting story...apparently (I think recently?) they found a guy lying face up in the ivy of the yard below the freaky lamp. The runner checked to make sure he was breathing (which he was) and left him to sleep off his partying. Fun times.
I felt more comfortable for this run. The runners had a pace slightly faster than mine, and so I did not feel like I was constantly trying to catch up or holding the group back. I walked a few times but not as much as on Wednesday, and according to my GPS I ran 4.39 with a pace of 10:43 whereas Wednesday I ran 4.29 with a pace of 11:01. Both of my paces are faster than I have recorded since I started keeping track in February but I am guessing that the low humidity and lack of hills is at least partially to blame. In the early morning here it is actually a little chilly...Anyway, all for now.
I felt more comfortable for this run. The runners had a pace slightly faster than mine, and so I did not feel like I was constantly trying to catch up or holding the group back. I walked a few times but not as much as on Wednesday, and according to my GPS I ran 4.39 with a pace of 10:43 whereas Wednesday I ran 4.29 with a pace of 11:01. Both of my paces are faster than I have recorded since I started keeping track in February but I am guessing that the low humidity and lack of hills is at least partially to blame. In the early morning here it is actually a little chilly...Anyway, all for now.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A Day in Lubbock
No running for me today unless you count running around in the dog park, trying to wear Molly out. Andrew and I plan to run either tomorrow or the next day with the Elgin and 20th group (I need to find out what they call themselves or come up with something myself...20 Elgins perhaps? Or the Elgin 20s? jk).
My day thus far has involved taking care of Molly, unpacking boxes, putting stuff away, watching a few episodes of How I Met your Mother from season 1, and going to see District 9 (a good movie but much more violent than I expected, even from Drew's description of it). We might do some more exploring tonight or tomorrow. It's weird living somewhere new after 18 years in the Goliad/Victoria area and 6 years in Huntsville. It just doesn't feel like home yet...but then again, we have been here less than a week- what do I expect?
Anyway, I should get back to unpacking. All for now!
My day thus far has involved taking care of Molly, unpacking boxes, putting stuff away, watching a few episodes of How I Met your Mother from season 1, and going to see District 9 (a good movie but much more violent than I expected, even from Drew's description of it). We might do some more exploring tonight or tomorrow. It's weird living somewhere new after 18 years in the Goliad/Victoria area and 6 years in Huntsville. It just doesn't feel like home yet...but then again, we have been here less than a week- what do I expect?
Anyway, I should get back to unpacking. All for now!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Slightly Homesick Already...
On Friday Andrew and I moved to Lubbock so he can start working on a Ph.D. in English at Texas Tech. Our moving crew consisted of us, both sets of parents, and Andrew's brother Kevin and his girlfriend. We also had the two cats and puppy with us who were not especially pleased about the 8 plus hour drive even with medication. Molly slept most of the way but the two cats would occasionally burst out with a nice solo or duet expressing their ire. I think it is safe to say they were relieved to finally arrive at the new apartment.
Our family moving crew left Sunday morning, and Andrew and I got to work unpacking...so much so that when my mom called later that evening to say they were not far from home, I had to remind myself that yes, this was the same day. There's just something about unpacking that makes time feel sooo slloooooowww. On the bright side, we have the kitchen basically set up, the office and bedroom in progress, the living room almost complete, and the dining area does have a table in it (and an exercise bike that does not have a spot yet). Moving is fun! :-P
In regards to running, we ran this morning for the first time since our last run with the Renegades on Tuesday. Apparently the informal group runs are Monday through Friday at 6amand Saturday and Sunday at 7am and vary in distance but are primarily on roads. The five of us (more runners participate on the weekends and during the school year they said) started running when it was dark and finished when there was some light. I'm already nostalgic for the evening weekday runs and late morning Sunday run at the park. :-P But I must say not feeling like I need flippers or Curtis to throw me a life vest or something to get through a run (or with that level of humidity more like a swim) was nice.
In other news, Molly is loving the dog park at the apartment complex that is probably 20 feet from our door, the cats have found new hiding places, and Andrew and I are slowly getting used to it here. All for now, and we miss you all!
Our family moving crew left Sunday morning, and Andrew and I got to work unpacking...so much so that when my mom called later that evening to say they were not far from home, I had to remind myself that yes, this was the same day. There's just something about unpacking that makes time feel sooo slloooooowww. On the bright side, we have the kitchen basically set up, the office and bedroom in progress, the living room almost complete, and the dining area does have a table in it (and an exercise bike that does not have a spot yet). Moving is fun! :-P
In regards to running, we ran this morning for the first time since our last run with the Renegades on Tuesday. Apparently the informal group runs are Monday through Friday at 6amand Saturday and Sunday at 7am and vary in distance but are primarily on roads. The five of us (more runners participate on the weekends and during the school year they said) started running when it was dark and finished when there was some light. I'm already nostalgic for the evening weekday runs and late morning Sunday run at the park. :-P But I must say not feeling like I need flippers or Curtis to throw me a life vest or something to get through a run (or with that level of humidity more like a swim) was nice.
In other news, Molly is loving the dog park at the apartment complex that is probably 20 feet from our door, the cats have found new hiding places, and Andrew and I are slowly getting used to it here. All for now, and we miss you all!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Long Absence
Okay, so we got a Labrador Retriever puppy named Molly a little over three weeks ago which is why we have been very scarce and have hardly been running. Before that I had stopped keeping up with the blog because of the stresses of work and class. However, I plan to try to be a little better, posting randomly and at various intervals, but at least once a month or once every week or two. :-P
Anyway, Molly will be 11 weeks old June 2nd. She has a ton of energy as can be expected with a puppy and one of her breed. In a year or two we hope to be able to take her running with us...but for now, she's simply too little.
Anyway, all for now!
Anyway, Molly will be 11 weeks old June 2nd. She has a ton of energy as can be expected with a puppy and one of her breed. In a year or two we hope to be able to take her running with us...but for now, she's simply too little.
Anyway, all for now!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Huntsville State Park
Hans, John, Curtis, Ken, Andrew, and I ran the trails yesterday (about 4.5 miles). We completed it in under an hour. The bottom of my feet (my arches) were hurting by the end...I'm guessing because of pushing myself for yesterday's long run and then running again today along with breaking in new running shoes.
Today I am giving my feet a running break. We may run tomorrow's suggested 4:30pm 7 mile run at the trails...depends on my feet.
And my shoes remain a little white, lol.
Today I am giving my feet a running break. We may run tomorrow's suggested 4:30pm 7 mile run at the trails...depends on my feet.
And my shoes remain a little white, lol.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Today's Run at the State Park
Ran about 8 or 9 miles today at the park starting at 1pm. Marisa and I ran together with Hans and Chris catching up to us at the road (we had passed Amy's Crossing to continue on...and they had added on an extra two miles which is why they were behind us). Andrew went straight instead of turning in towards the dam then took the service road to the dam and back out again, and I have no idea what Phillip and Norman ran or Ken. Basically today was one of those days where we all ran the route...they just happened to vary between individuals or small groups. :-P
I saw Andrew when he came in via the service road to the dam and then as a quickly fading red dot, lol. He's trying to push himself, walking less and increasing his distance.
The weather was in the upper 40s or low 50s think...I wore the gardening gloves Phil gave me, earmuffs, a beanie, a long sleeve tech shirt, a t-shirt, and pants. Early on I took off the beanie and earmuffs (got too hot within the first few miles) and I took off the gloves a little after that only to put them back on for the last mile or two. I really need to figure out how to dress for this weather...
Oh, and I wore my new shoes today. They are slightly dusty but the white parts are still practically blinding. I figure if I run at Pritchett anytime soon though, that will change quickly. Good old red dirt. :-P
I saw Andrew when he came in via the service road to the dam and then as a quickly fading red dot, lol. He's trying to push himself, walking less and increasing his distance.
The weather was in the upper 40s or low 50s think...I wore the gardening gloves Phil gave me, earmuffs, a beanie, a long sleeve tech shirt, a t-shirt, and pants. Early on I took off the beanie and earmuffs (got too hot within the first few miles) and I took off the gloves a little after that only to put them back on for the last mile or two. I really need to figure out how to dress for this weather...
Oh, and I wore my new shoes today. They are slightly dusty but the white parts are still practically blinding. I figure if I run at Pritchett anytime soon though, that will change quickly. Good old red dirt. :-P
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Valentine's Weekend Plans
Andrew and I signed up for the 25K for the 14th annual East Texas Ultra Runners 25/50K held at Tyler State Park. This will be our second 25K (our first being Rocky Raccoon in November). We plan to camp at the park the night before and the night after...hopefully the weather won't be too miserable. Andrew was all for driving in that morning, but if the race starts at 7am, I do not want to be leaving Huntsville in the wee hours of the morning and then attempting to run a 25K.
I would like to beat my previous time at Rocky (3:22:49) or at least be under 3:30:00. Then after the race, Andrew and I can drive in to Tyler to wander around or something...*shrug*. At the very least we won't have to worry about trying to get back to Huntsville quite yet.
We are also considering running one of the races on The Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon Weekend. It's the last weekend of our spring break. After completing two 25Ks, the half marathon wouldn't be so bad...right? They have a neat thing they call the Pelican Challenge where you can run a half marathon on Saturday and another on Sunday and get a 10 dollar discount for signing up and an extra medal. It sounds intriguing...if only I could be certain my legs would move the next day! :-P
Oh...and today I got new shoes!!!!!!!!!!! :-D Yay! Perhaps I'll post a picture later when they aren't so new and shiny...:-P.
I would like to beat my previous time at Rocky (3:22:49) or at least be under 3:30:00. Then after the race, Andrew and I can drive in to Tyler to wander around or something...*shrug*. At the very least we won't have to worry about trying to get back to Huntsville quite yet.
We are also considering running one of the races on The Seabrook Lucky Trails Marathon Weekend. It's the last weekend of our spring break. After completing two 25Ks, the half marathon wouldn't be so bad...right? They have a neat thing they call the Pelican Challenge where you can run a half marathon on Saturday and another on Sunday and get a 10 dollar discount for signing up and an extra medal. It sounds intriguing...if only I could be certain my legs would move the next day! :-P
Oh...and today I got new shoes!!!!!!!!!!! :-D Yay! Perhaps I'll post a picture later when they aren't so new and shiny...:-P.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Short and Sweet
Andrew and I ran the City Hills on Wednesday and 6 or 7 miles at the park on Monday. Yesterday afternoon Andrew went running on his own because I was not home yet. And that is pretty much it in regards to running....for now. :-P
Oh, and to make it sweet...cupcake! ;-)
Oh, and to make it sweet...cupcake! ;-)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Over a Month Later...
And a month later...err, over a month later...
Andrew and i ran the City Hills route Monday and Wednesday with our fellow renegades. I tried to push myself on the hills yesterday and on the downhills. Our running this past month has been existent but random and spotty unfortunately. But hey, we were with family for about 8 days in a week and a half, then another day with some friends, and another 3 or 4 days in San Antonio with more family. It's amazing we ran at all. :-P
I think Andrew really has his heart set on participating in the 25k or 50k run in Tyler on February 14th. I will most definitely run the 25k if we do. I don't feel confident that I could finish the 50k considering how lax my running schedule has been. However, if I make a point to get back to running consistently, then the 25k should be fine.
Anyway, I'll write more sooner rather than later hopefully...all for now.
Andrew and i ran the City Hills route Monday and Wednesday with our fellow renegades. I tried to push myself on the hills yesterday and on the downhills. Our running this past month has been existent but random and spotty unfortunately. But hey, we were with family for about 8 days in a week and a half, then another day with some friends, and another 3 or 4 days in San Antonio with more family. It's amazing we ran at all. :-P
I think Andrew really has his heart set on participating in the 25k or 50k run in Tyler on February 14th. I will most definitely run the 25k if we do. I don't feel confident that I could finish the 50k considering how lax my running schedule has been. However, if I make a point to get back to running consistently, then the 25k should be fine.
Anyway, I'll write more sooner rather than later hopefully...all for now.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
An Actual Update
Remember how I mentioned on past posts how my frequency of posting fluctuates with my schedule? Clearly this little hiatus I have been on is such an indication. Andrew and I have both been swamped with work to do and will continue to be. However, here's at least a brief blurb.
Andrew and I went running Sunday morning at the park (about 7 miles). It was weird seeing all the Sunmart aide stations up yet. At one near the dam they had over a dozen canned pepsis. I joked with Andrew about those and the port-o-potties still around. As we were looping back to Amy's Crossing (ran the usual 4.5 but went straight to the dam via the service road, past onto the c trail (?) and looped to go down Amy's) we saw people coming to clean up.
Today 8 of us met up at 4:40pm at Pritchett. Hans, Chris, John, Lavonne, Ken, Ron, Andrew, and I all braved the cold wind. We ran two loops of a very hilly 1.5 (?) mile course with two laps at Pritchett between them. We showed John the gargoyle on Robinson Way which Lavonne and I named "Hans". My left side started to cramp up after the second loop past Hans, but I kept going with a little more walking.
Overall, Andrew and I are struggling to maintain some resemblance of staying in shape despite our schedules. The earlier nights do not exactly help since neither of us is especially inclined to run the streets with a flashlight or run only at Pritchett or the HKC. However, we are hanging in there.
I think we will try to run Thursday, but I doubt we will attend the jingle run thing in The Woodlands. Anyone else up for running in town or at the park...?
Andrew and I went running Sunday morning at the park (about 7 miles). It was weird seeing all the Sunmart aide stations up yet. At one near the dam they had over a dozen canned pepsis. I joked with Andrew about those and the port-o-potties still around. As we were looping back to Amy's Crossing (ran the usual 4.5 but went straight to the dam via the service road, past onto the c trail (?) and looped to go down Amy's) we saw people coming to clean up.
Today 8 of us met up at 4:40pm at Pritchett. Hans, Chris, John, Lavonne, Ken, Ron, Andrew, and I all braved the cold wind. We ran two loops of a very hilly 1.5 (?) mile course with two laps at Pritchett between them. We showed John the gargoyle on Robinson Way which Lavonne and I named "Hans". My left side started to cramp up after the second loop past Hans, but I kept going with a little more walking.
Overall, Andrew and I are struggling to maintain some resemblance of staying in shape despite our schedules. The earlier nights do not exactly help since neither of us is especially inclined to run the streets with a flashlight or run only at Pritchett or the HKC. However, we are hanging in there.
I think we will try to run Thursday, but I doubt we will attend the jingle run thing in The Woodlands. Anyone else up for running in town or at the park...?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Updates...Gah!
Wow I am behind on posting...definitely a sign of my schedule! *sigh* Well, here's an update...err, several updates...
Andrew and I ran the 25K for Rocky Raccoon. I finished at around 3 hours and 25 minutes or so. I did walk up the hills and run everything else when I could, and I had enough energy to do that throughout the entire race and even sprint the last 200 yards or so. I do not know my official time since I am not sure where to look for that information. Andrew finished at least 5 minutes ahead of me. He had kept me company for all but the last few miles past the final aid station.
My two main goals were to finish (running and walking dispersed throughout, not walk in the last few miles) and to not be last, both of which I achieved. Yay!
We were fairly sore, but not absolutely miserable. However, we were supreme bums and did not run again until yesterday...and that was about 3 miles at Pritchett. As the semester draws closer to the end, it becomes more of a struggle to properly fit in anything consistently.
I do not think we will be doing a marathon anytime soon (or at least not me), but I am up for a half marathon sometime. If I can make it 15.5, I think 13.1 is possible.
Andrew and I ran the 25K for Rocky Raccoon. I finished at around 3 hours and 25 minutes or so. I did walk up the hills and run everything else when I could, and I had enough energy to do that throughout the entire race and even sprint the last 200 yards or so. I do not know my official time since I am not sure where to look for that information. Andrew finished at least 5 minutes ahead of me. He had kept me company for all but the last few miles past the final aid station.
My two main goals were to finish (running and walking dispersed throughout, not walk in the last few miles) and to not be last, both of which I achieved. Yay!
We were fairly sore, but not absolutely miserable. However, we were supreme bums and did not run again until yesterday...and that was about 3 miles at Pritchett. As the semester draws closer to the end, it becomes more of a struggle to properly fit in anything consistently.
I do not think we will be doing a marathon anytime soon (or at least not me), but I am up for a half marathon sometime. If I can make it 15.5, I think 13.1 is possible.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Rocky Raccoon and SunMart
Gah! With my schedule being what it has been this past week, I did not run as much or regularly as I would have liked. I missed the long run this morning since we were in Houston, and all we had time for was the avenues route. I really need to pick it up!
I was looking forward to running/walking 10 miles tomorrow, but I work until 6pm. My game plan is to run at least 3 tomorrow and then Tuesday go running at like 5:30. Anyone interested? I am up for doing this in town or at the park. Just keep in mind I am kind of slow.
Andrew and I signed up for the Rocky Raccoon 25K which is both exciting and intimidating. I don't expect to run the whole thing, but I want to get to where I can at least semi-comfortably walk and run it. My farthest distance to date is only a little under 9 miles at the park...and November 8th is approaching fast!
I would also love to participate in SunMart...another reason to keep putting in the mileage. Any words of wisdom from those who have run these?
I was looking forward to running/walking 10 miles tomorrow, but I work until 6pm. My game plan is to run at least 3 tomorrow and then Tuesday go running at like 5:30. Anyone interested? I am up for doing this in town or at the park. Just keep in mind I am kind of slow.
Andrew and I signed up for the Rocky Raccoon 25K which is both exciting and intimidating. I don't expect to run the whole thing, but I want to get to where I can at least semi-comfortably walk and run it. My farthest distance to date is only a little under 9 miles at the park...and November 8th is approaching fast!
I would also love to participate in SunMart...another reason to keep putting in the mileage. Any words of wisdom from those who have run these?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Quick Update: Go!
Quick update:
Sunday: ran about 9 miles in a little under 2 hours at H.S.P., have now ran over 200 miles at least (as of when I started counting on my blog)
Today: ran an old 1.8 mile route we had around our neighborhood, only took about 20 min. to complete...amazing how much easier it is now
Sunday: ran about 9 miles in a little under 2 hours at H.S.P., have now ran over 200 miles at least (as of when I started counting on my blog)
Today: ran an old 1.8 mile route we had around our neighborhood, only took about 20 min. to complete...amazing how much easier it is now
Saturday, October 18, 2008
A Thursday Run and My First 5K Race!!!
Gah, I'm behind on posting once again!
So on Thursday we ran a 5.6 mile course that took us down Robinson's Way (further than we had been before), through the avenues, and around campus. We managed to time this so that we got to listen to and see some of the preparation for the homecoming parade but finish before it began and trapped us on one side of Sam Houston Avenue
The run lasted about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and we may have gone a little farther than the orginal 5.6 due to a course change spur of the moment...but not by too much. I ran the first 31 minutes with no walking breaks, and I walked very little (if at all) for the rest of the run as well.
Then this morning I ran my FIRST 5K race!!! I was really nervous, silly as that is since I have run much farther than 3.1 miles at once before. All the same, I couldn't help anxiously adjusting the tongue of my shoes, glancing at my watch, and furtively watching the other runners. My one real hope was to run most (if not all) of the route and finish before at least one person. I had other minor wishes, like managing to evade side stitches, that I also kept in mind.
I think I spent the first mile convincing myself not to worry about the pace the other runners were setting and to be in the moment, not concentrating on the distance. This was extra challenging since the route started at the HKC and went up Bowers...and I was quickly left behind. However, all that practice with the renegades paid off. I decided to stick to my motto of "my pace and live" rather than trying to maintain someone else's pace and dying. Also, each hill I tackled wasn't really that horrible. I conquered them one by one without walking, even Bowers.
Towards the end I did walk, but that was due to a lot of confusion on my part. As we neared the 4 way stop by the HKC, I thought we were almost done and sprinted, found out I had further to go, relaxed back into my pace, sprinted again thinking I was near the end, realized no, need to go to this next location, got to where we finish, only to find out that I had to run more then come back diagonally to the finish. At this point I walked then went on my merry way. I know that does not make sense in writing...but yeah, that's a glimpse of my confusion. I DID sprint in though (with all I had left)! Ask Andrew, lol. He has pictures to prove it. :-P
Overall, I finished in 32 minutes and some odd seconds (11 or 15...?). I passed probably around 5 people during the course of the race, and my time was under 35 minutes. I think for my first 5K I can call this a success.
P.S. Has anyone else seen the funky gargoyle-monkey statue on Robinson Way? That was bizarre...
P.P.S. Oh, and the run was the Raven Run 5K that Recreational Sports put on for homecoming. Cool, huh?
So on Thursday we ran a 5.6 mile course that took us down Robinson's Way (further than we had been before), through the avenues, and around campus. We managed to time this so that we got to listen to and see some of the preparation for the homecoming parade but finish before it began and trapped us on one side of Sam Houston Avenue
The run lasted about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and we may have gone a little farther than the orginal 5.6 due to a course change spur of the moment...but not by too much. I ran the first 31 minutes with no walking breaks, and I walked very little (if at all) for the rest of the run as well.
Then this morning I ran my FIRST 5K race!!! I was really nervous, silly as that is since I have run much farther than 3.1 miles at once before. All the same, I couldn't help anxiously adjusting the tongue of my shoes, glancing at my watch, and furtively watching the other runners. My one real hope was to run most (if not all) of the route and finish before at least one person. I had other minor wishes, like managing to evade side stitches, that I also kept in mind.
I think I spent the first mile convincing myself not to worry about the pace the other runners were setting and to be in the moment, not concentrating on the distance. This was extra challenging since the route started at the HKC and went up Bowers...and I was quickly left behind. However, all that practice with the renegades paid off. I decided to stick to my motto of "my pace and live" rather than trying to maintain someone else's pace and dying. Also, each hill I tackled wasn't really that horrible. I conquered them one by one without walking, even Bowers.
Towards the end I did walk, but that was due to a lot of confusion on my part. As we neared the 4 way stop by the HKC, I thought we were almost done and sprinted, found out I had further to go, relaxed back into my pace, sprinted again thinking I was near the end, realized no, need to go to this next location, got to where we finish, only to find out that I had to run more then come back diagonally to the finish. At this point I walked then went on my merry way. I know that does not make sense in writing...but yeah, that's a glimpse of my confusion. I DID sprint in though (with all I had left)! Ask Andrew, lol. He has pictures to prove it. :-P
Overall, I finished in 32 minutes and some odd seconds (11 or 15...?). I passed probably around 5 people during the course of the race, and my time was under 35 minutes. I think for my first 5K I can call this a success.
P.S. Has anyone else seen the funky gargoyle-monkey statue on Robinson Way? That was bizarre...
P.P.S. Oh, and the run was the Raven Run 5K that Recreational Sports put on for homecoming. Cool, huh?
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