Cherry Blossom race update

Hi y'all,

Everything surrounding the race day was absolutely perfect.
Race day temps. around mid-fifties, sunny with a slight breeze. Cherry blossoms were just past full bloom and beautiful. Plenty of friends came out to cheer and support us.

My body? Wellll, that's another story. I was running at a comfortable pace all the way. It was tempting to run with the crowd who went out extremely fast. I stayed disciplined and followed my HR monitor and pace. I was running so well that I even thought about increasing my pace the last two miles.

Then, the five mile point came with a twinge in my right knee. I slowed down, then started walking because the pain was getting worse. I stretched for awhile and attempted to run once again, but the pain was not going away. I thought I might walk it off and so this continued for the next mile. Finally decided to quit the race at mile six. I was embarassed and dejected at the same time. I felt I had so much left in the tank.

Very unsatisfied, but I've decided to get my redemption by signing up for the same race next year. I'll have another year of training and should have a couple of 10K races under my belt. I am cursing my knee and feeling the pains of growing older. The pain is still faint in my knee so I am moving forward with caution. A steady diet of walking and stretching for a week.

Best of luck to you Steph, as you get ready for your race. Get plenty of rest, eat well and stretch a lot after workouts.

Ultra weekend

The music was incredible, food was excellent and my host (RW) took care of me.

So here is my exercise log of the week. rented a bike and traveled over to South Beach from mainland. Danced both days at Ultra. Ran back on the second day of Ultra b/c there were no cabs to be picked up-about ten blocks. The run back to RW's place was rough as I had been drinking prior to leaving and had to stop three times to catch my breath.

Final shout out to RW as he let me stay at his place and took care of me for the weekend. He took me to many solid restaurants for Cuban, Peruvian and diner food. Diner had good food, but was disappointed when they told me no shakes! C'mon, dude?!

Final week of training. Looking to go light with two runs of three miles and get plenty of rest.

Thanks for all your support, y'all!

Keeping pace

Today's five-miler was a good one as I ran it under the 11-min. pace. I'd like to make sure that I stick to a bpm of 170 in the latter miles of the race. That should keep me at a comfortable pace where I can finish it.
I REALLY have to keep my pace down during the first mile as adrenaline and the runners around me will push the pace. Emotions can definitely mess with discipline. I'll need my emotional reserves the last couple miles for sure.

Been running without a shirt the last couple of times out. Definitely thinking about running without a shirt on race day. I don't get as hot but risk exposure to the sun for close to two hours. We'll see what the temperature and forecast will be that Sunday. I'm hoping for 60-degrees and cloudy.

Miami Week

This week will be cut short for a long weekend at the music festival in Miami. Staying with a friend and meeting four others down there for a mean weekend with some sick music throughout. Truly excited and I'm gonna try to keep the alcohol intake to three during the day and five at night.

Saturday's long run had to be cut short because we saw a late showing of "Watchmen" in imax on Friday. Started at 10:30 and lasted almost 3 hours. The movie was awesome as I didn't expect the depth of the characters and storyline. Story lagged a couple of spots as you can imagine for a long movie. And a little too much blue penis. It's an action movie that incorporates real life characters with their own comic book twist. Definitely recommend it.

Oh, for my long run. I ran five instead of seven for the day. I heart rate averaged 164 and felt like I had more energy in the bank afterward. Pace was good at a little over 11-min. pace. Still hesitant about finishing but gaining confidence.

I'm really starting to enjoy my runs now.

Recap

Ran the three miler last week at a quicker pace than normal. Finished a bit over the 10-minute pace and felt pretty strong afterward. It was good to know that I am usually running at a comfortable pace and have some left in the tank.

Yesterday's five miler was not so smooth. I thought I was running at a comfortable pace around a 11-minute pace but my calves (especially left) were killing me!!! I thought to myself, "I only finished half the race, now"? Clearly, not a good sign.
So hungry during and after the run. So I'm going to try out one of the gels that Kris recommended to see if it'll go down the pipes smoothly. I'll take it as a "go" if I don't choke on it.

The sports gel is traveling with me wherever I go. Thank you tiger balm.

Minor aches and pains

I ran my four miler on Tuesday and my hamstrings were sore yesterday. Probably due to going a bit hard and finishing at a 11:40 pace. Sad, yes, but that's my brisk pace now. Felt very good afterward and thought I was fine, but as soon as I sat down on the sofa, went straight to nap for twenty minutes or so. What a show!

Decided to walk as my cross training instead of hitting the machines. I've heard that the body will adjust to increased stress, but trying to avoid injury as well. Going to try and run at the brisk pace again today for the three miler and gear up for my long run on Saturday. Lots of water is in store before and after the run so I can avoid anything tightening up. Well, besides my belly, that is.

Have a good time in DC, Steph! Walk lots so you'll get some exercise.

-Y-

Steady and climbing

I now use my HR monitor as a guide to how fast I'll run.

I just can't run any slower than 170bpm (is that unhealthy?) I'll chalk that up to me being really out of shape. I feel good after my runs and I can definitely talk if I need to do so.
Today's pace for the four mile run was 11:30. I think I'm running at a consistent pace as I ran 10:00 for the two mile, 11:00 for the three mile. Definitely feel like I can go faster but I'm trying to keep my bpm steady.

My race day strategy is to run at a consistent pace (whatever it may be that day) and go hard for the last mile as I know I'll be able to finish at that point. I'm hoping to irritate a bunch of runners by passing them by at a lightning pace. Hahaha.... I'm such an idiot at times. But that's why you love me, right Steph?

Steph, please leave yourself some time so you can rreellaaxx. Don't be afraid, I'm giving you permission. Much love from ATL!!!

-Y-