Thursday, July 30, 2009

I'm Back! ...Finally!

So fortunately, I've been running fairly consistently since I last posted. I had an interesting time training solo for the first time for the Pgh Marathon. I was having a great week followed by a down week, pretty much the entire time...and I only got in three speed workouts (and rarely replaced them with another run). Somehow, on basically two runs a week and some cross-training I ran a sub-4 marathon. I don't think I'll be selling that plan to anyone.... But here's a photo from my long run on super bowl sunday (17 miles starting at the corner and running through the strip, past heinz field, south side, oakland...my shirt was quite popular in every neighborhood!)



So back to the heat and humidity of the summer....Things I've 'learned' this summer:
* I assumed training for a 5k would leave me unmotivated to get out the door for short/easy runs. It actually is much easier and enjoyable since I'm no longer intimidated by the long runs!
* When the humidity rises, always use Body Glide, no matter how short the run
* When the goal is a lazy Saturday morning, it is better to get up twenty minutes early to go run a quick 5k than to lounge around and end up doing 8 miles
* 5ks can be delightful at a run/walk pace - but ONLY with friends to enjoy the LONG time it takes to get to the finish
* My best runs happen after my worst work days (that one always amazes me)
* After June 20, the days get shorter. Going out for a run at 9 pm through Frick Park is still dark. Even though it seems ridiculous, I should consider bringing my head lamp.
*Even 1/2 marathon have long training programs. I should consider this well in advance before I'm more than a month late starting it!
That's it for now! Hopefully I'll be back soon!

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2 comments:

Amber said...

That was so cute and witty! I loved the tips...and I will remember the body glide. I don't do it as much out here in the desert. :) I'm still amazed by your sub 4 marathon. SO COOL!!! I've got to get there someday...the question is when will I be motivated to train that long again? So your Super Bowl run started at our old corner? Love it! So many good memories...

11:58 AM
Lisa said...

I think if you keep running with Ryan (or at his pace) your next marathon would be sub-4....there's just that weekend commitment for the long runs....

And Yes, I started a lot of my long runs from the corner. I tried to have all my long runs hit as much of the course as possible for that "home-court advantage". And it made it easier since I just thought about you guys and all our old runs and adventures for much of the runs and that makes me smile.

7:25 PM

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