Well...my adult onset ADD has kicked in. I've decided that the marathon plan I printed off the internet was just not complicated enough so I bought myself a little book, Marathoning for Mortals. I LOVE THIS BOOK and recommend it to anyone thinking about running a marathon! I am actually reading it from cover to cover, which is a rarity for me and any book! It has alot of really great information but not in the "you have to have a PhD to understand anything" language. And, it features 8 different running plans....a walk, walk/run, run/walk, and run program for the half-marathon distance and the marathon distance. I've picked out the marathon plan for me and am starting fresh! BUT, this new plan is quite a bit more complicated and required me to go to Academy (Darn!) and purchase a new running accessory (Double Darn!). I now own a heart rate monitor (HRM). Notice how I put the initials in parenthesis like I'm big stuff and this is official. Anywho, Marathoning for Mortals had a whole chapter about heart rate, target heart rate, max, yada yada yada. There are different levels of heart rate that you should work out at based on what you are trying to achieve. If you are trying to run a marathon without keeling over dead, you should run at 65-75% of your max heart rate. They call this "endurance pace". So, the first time I set out with my HRM I ran a few laps around the gym at my normal pace, checked my heart rate and was a little shocked to see that I was at 88%. For those of you who know me and have seen me run, you know that I am NOT a fast runner. So, now, I'm realizing that I have to slow way down to get to my target of 65-75%. I'm still working on this. It doesn't get much slower then I'm already going so it's a little harder then it sounds. The good news is, the longer you train at this level, the more weight you lose and the stronger your endurance level will be so you can eventually increase your pace and still stay within the range (I know..it doesn't make sense when I say it which is why you have to get the book!). I will not have to speedwalk through my marathon just to stay in my range and I'm not looking at an 8 hour finish time. And, my family will appreciate not having to stand at the finish line all day.
If marathoning is not in your line of vision right now, the authors also have a book called Running for Mortals. I haven't read it but it got great reviews on Amazon and that's what matters. So, go out and get it!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Here's the lowdown.....
IT'S HOT OUTSIDE!!!!!
My schedule for this inferno season is basically: run until I almost heat stroke then stop. Sometimes it's alot...sometimes it's a little.
No really, I've been running at the LIFE center and since it's almost impossible for me to count laps around a gym floor I'm just going off of time. 30 minutes to an hour every time I run equals at least 3 miles, maybe more. It's just going to have to be this way for awhile.
Hopefully when school starts, I'll be able to get up at 5am and get my run out of the way. I can't imagine having to do my long 20 mile runs on a walking track at the gym.
Until next time.....
My schedule for this inferno season is basically: run until I almost heat stroke then stop. Sometimes it's alot...sometimes it's a little.
No really, I've been running at the LIFE center and since it's almost impossible for me to count laps around a gym floor I'm just going off of time. 30 minutes to an hour every time I run equals at least 3 miles, maybe more. It's just going to have to be this way for awhile.
Hopefully when school starts, I'll be able to get up at 5am and get my run out of the way. I can't imagine having to do my long 20 mile runs on a walking track at the gym.
Until next time.....
Monday, June 13, 2011
Life happened. I ran 1 time this week!! That's not so good. So, I am redoing last weeks schedule and not letting life get in my way this week! I'm also going to get a bike so I have something different to do on the weekends and my rest days. I'm also going to start lifting weights every morning at 5:30 or 6:00 when I get to work. There is a weight room and noone is in there that early so it will be all mine! I don't like lifting weights and I'm not really sure what I should do in there but I'll figure it out. I need to build my core muscles especially. So, if you have any good routines or tips....lay 'em on me!
Happy Running!
Happy Running!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
This week's schedule (a little late...but you'll get used to it!)
Monday - 2 miles
Tuesday - 3 miles
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - 2 miles
Friday - rest
Saturday - 3 miles
Sunday - walk
Another easy week.
Last night my kids went with me again. I love it when they go! Luke is an awesome runner and hilarious to watch and Haylee is my biggest cheerleader! She holds my hand and drags me around the jogging trail because she's so much faster then me. She is faster then a cheetah!!
I think it's so important they see us doing active things and trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I was NOT an "outside" kid growing up so running and eating healthy is definitely outside the box for me but it's something I'm learning to love. I hope my kids will grow up loving it too! And, the memories I will have of this time with my kids will be something I always cherish. Especially if they grow up to be track stars!! I can take all the credit! :)
Monday - 2 miles
Tuesday - 3 miles
Wednesday - rest
Thursday - 2 miles
Friday - rest
Saturday - 3 miles
Sunday - walk
Another easy week.
Last night my kids went with me again. I love it when they go! Luke is an awesome runner and hilarious to watch and Haylee is my biggest cheerleader! She holds my hand and drags me around the jogging trail because she's so much faster then me. She is faster then a cheetah!!
I think it's so important they see us doing active things and trying to live a healthy lifestyle. I was NOT an "outside" kid growing up so running and eating healthy is definitely outside the box for me but it's something I'm learning to love. I hope my kids will grow up loving it too! And, the memories I will have of this time with my kids will be something I always cherish. Especially if they grow up to be track stars!! I can take all the credit! :)
Friday, June 3, 2011
Well, I'm already off schedule. My 2 miles from yesterday will have to be done today. We had to have an ice cream party for my son last night after he finally (after 3,147 hours) pooped on the potty! There was dancing and cheering. I was that excited to not be changing a poopy diaper! So, I'll run tonight.
Tuesday's run was awesome! My family went with me which is another benefit of this little trail loop. They played and ran around and set up water stations and cheered me on! Haylee and Luke ran with me for a little while and boy, can they run!! Luke hung in there for over half a mile total. And, it was HOT! We had to get Snowies when we were done so Haylee could "rehydrate". I love it when she has no clue what she's talking about but throws around her big words anyway!
I get daily running quotes emailed to me from Runner's World. Usually I don't stop to read them but I really liked this one.
"Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself."
John Bingham, "Tools and Rules," Runner's World
Try to get out and run this weekend!! Or, walk with your kids, go for a hike, get on your bike.....just get out and get going!!
Robyn
Tuesday's run was awesome! My family went with me which is another benefit of this little trail loop. They played and ran around and set up water stations and cheered me on! Haylee and Luke ran with me for a little while and boy, can they run!! Luke hung in there for over half a mile total. And, it was HOT! We had to get Snowies when we were done so Haylee could "rehydrate". I love it when she has no clue what she's talking about but throws around her big words anyway!
I get daily running quotes emailed to me from Runner's World. Usually I don't stop to read them but I really liked this one.
"Believe that you can run farther or faster. Believe that you're young enough, old enough, strong enough, and so on to accomplish everything you want to do. Don't let worn out beliefs stop you from moving beyond yourself."
John Bingham, "Tools and Rules," Runner's World
Try to get out and run this weekend!! Or, walk with your kids, go for a hike, get on your bike.....just get out and get going!!
Robyn
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
This Week in the Life of My Feet
I found a marathon training schedule online by a running coach, Hal Higdon. I sort of combined a few schedules and switched the days around to fit my family's activities better and have come up with a schedule I think will work. It starts off VERY SLOW which is good for me. I do not progress very quickly. Jamie can tell herself "I'm going to run 8 miles today because my calendar tells me to" and then just go out and do it. She is amazing! Seriously, she could be an Olympic runner if she had a coach and sponsors and a nanny to keep her kids.
I have also sworn off all road running for practice purposes. I just don't understand why people enjoy pounding pavement when there are other alternatives out there! It must be my infant-like attention span that sees a long stretch of road during practice runs and decides I no longer need to practice. So, I'm going to be doing all my runs on a 1-mile trail loop in our town. It will help build strength in my legs faster and make me focus for longer then 30 seconds so I don't break an ankle. I'll get out on the road when I absolutely have to! Also, probably a week or two before a race so I can get used to the pavement again.
Mon: 2 miles
Tues: 3 miles
Wed: rest
Thurs: 2 miles
Fri: rest
Sat: 4.5 miles
Sun: I'm supposed to just walk on Sundays...I usually don't do this. I'm just not a big fan of walking. I'm usually cleaning house all Sunday afternoon, so I think that's a good substitute.
I told you it's a slow moving schedule but very good for beginners!
I did my 2 miles yesterday at Turkey Mountain in Tulsa. We were there visiting my family and I've been really itching to get out to Turkey Mountain and try it. They have 3 marked trails of varying lengths and hundreds of unmarked trails. I tried to stay on the marked ones since I lack a sense of direction, but will be taking my husband with me next time so I can run wherever I want and he can get me back to my car!
There is just nothing like being deep in the woods with nothing around you but God's creations! The only sky you see is what peeks through the tree branches. It is awesome! I stopped a few times to just look around and thank God for His handiwork and allowing me to be healthy enough to enjoy it!
"The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy." Psalm 65:8
I have also sworn off all road running for practice purposes. I just don't understand why people enjoy pounding pavement when there are other alternatives out there! It must be my infant-like attention span that sees a long stretch of road during practice runs and decides I no longer need to practice. So, I'm going to be doing all my runs on a 1-mile trail loop in our town. It will help build strength in my legs faster and make me focus for longer then 30 seconds so I don't break an ankle. I'll get out on the road when I absolutely have to! Also, probably a week or two before a race so I can get used to the pavement again.
Mon: 2 miles
Tues: 3 miles
Wed: rest
Thurs: 2 miles
Fri: rest
Sat: 4.5 miles
Sun: I'm supposed to just walk on Sundays...I usually don't do this. I'm just not a big fan of walking. I'm usually cleaning house all Sunday afternoon, so I think that's a good substitute.
I told you it's a slow moving schedule but very good for beginners!
I did my 2 miles yesterday at Turkey Mountain in Tulsa. We were there visiting my family and I've been really itching to get out to Turkey Mountain and try it. They have 3 marked trails of varying lengths and hundreds of unmarked trails. I tried to stay on the marked ones since I lack a sense of direction, but will be taking my husband with me next time so I can run wherever I want and he can get me back to my car!
There is just nothing like being deep in the woods with nothing around you but God's creations! The only sky you see is what peeks through the tree branches. It is awesome! I stopped a few times to just look around and thank God for His handiwork and allowing me to be healthy enough to enjoy it!
"The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy." Psalm 65:8
Upcoming Races
Here is a list of what I'm definitely doing this year. I'm trying to do something every month so I may be adding some. It would be awesome to have a bunch of people there running with me (hint, hint!) so come on out and join me!
July 9th ~ 1st Annual Blazing Sun Run for Freedom 10k in OKC: This benefits a group that sends care packages to the military personnel stationed overseas. A very good cause and one close to our hearts! This race is still a maybe because it would probably mean a night in a hotel and away from my kiddos. It's not a big deal but we will be gone alot this summer for a few concerts and other races...so we'll just have to see about this one.
August 6th? Watermelon Festival 5k in Rush Springs: This is a definite! This race was our first race last year. It is a very hard course with very big hills! You are either crawling uphill or flying downhill. Jamie kicked it in the teeth last year and got 4th place in our age group. I did not. Hoping to make a better showing this year!
September 17th Chase the Skirts 5k at the Scottish Games in Tulsa: I've never ran this before but I think it will be fun! The women start 3 minutes before the men to even the playing field. You also get free admission to the Scottish Games and, since I'm Scottish, I think I'll take my dad and my kiddos and enjoy the day! There is also an award for the best kilt in the race...I'll have to see what I can find.
October 22nd Tulsa Run 15k: I was going to run the 5k last year but my kids were crazy, wouldn't sleep, drove me nuts and we ended up sneaking out of my parents house and driving home at 4:00am. They will never let me live that down! But, if I had stayed they would have had 2 less grandkids so off into the night we went. This year, I will be running the 15K whether I sleep the night before or not!!!!
November 20th Route 66 MARATHON in Tulsa: Excuse me, I just had a small heart attack. My goal is to complete this marathon in one piece. 26.2 miles! I have, however, talked myself in and out of this plan many times! Plan B is to do the half marathon this weekend and do a full marathon in April but my family, husband and kids won't be able to be in OKC in April and I want them to be there when I do my first marathon. Sooo, for that reason alone, I'm going to try my hardest to do the full at the Route 66. I only consider the half when I start to chicken out and get scared! Which happens often.
I have nothing planned for December and January because I will be relearning how to walk.
February 25th Post Oak Challenge 10K Trail Run: This is my favorite event EVER!! I ran it last February just to see what off road running was like and I fell in love! It was sooo amazing and the hardest thing I had ever done. I grew up in that area but where I live now we don't have many wooded mountain areas so I had no idea what was in store for me! The majority of the 6 mile course was single person trails winding through the mountains outside of Tulsa, through creeks (that were quite full), mud, sticks, rocks, boulders, trees, thorns, and anything else nature threw at you. At one point, while I was literally climbing up a mountain side on my hands and feet I think I prayed for the rapture! I was ready to go! But, when I finished I was wet, cold, tired and ready to run it again!!
April 28th Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon: This weekend is still undecided. If I chicken out in November then I will run the full marathon this weekend. If I don't chicken out in November then I will probably run the half marathon again. This year I was signed up for the half, convinced Jamie to run the half with me, did NOT train for it, went with the intentions of switching to the 5K, let my pride get the best of me, ran the half and finished the whole race with no walk breaks!! It was awesome!! Jamie, again, kicked it in the teeth and finished a few minutes over 2 hours. I ran a respectable time of 2 hours 33 minutes. If I run the half I will have to try to beat my time this year.
WOW! This list makes me tired!! I have ALOT of work to do. But, my advice for the day....SIGN UP FOR RACES if you want to start running. It is great motivation because noone wants to make a fool of themselves. Also, I promise, you will NOT come in last place. There are always walkers who will bring up the rear!
"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Robyn
July 9th ~ 1st Annual Blazing Sun Run for Freedom 10k in OKC: This benefits a group that sends care packages to the military personnel stationed overseas. A very good cause and one close to our hearts! This race is still a maybe because it would probably mean a night in a hotel and away from my kiddos. It's not a big deal but we will be gone alot this summer for a few concerts and other races...so we'll just have to see about this one.
August 6th? Watermelon Festival 5k in Rush Springs: This is a definite! This race was our first race last year. It is a very hard course with very big hills! You are either crawling uphill or flying downhill. Jamie kicked it in the teeth last year and got 4th place in our age group. I did not. Hoping to make a better showing this year!
September 17th Chase the Skirts 5k at the Scottish Games in Tulsa: I've never ran this before but I think it will be fun! The women start 3 minutes before the men to even the playing field. You also get free admission to the Scottish Games and, since I'm Scottish, I think I'll take my dad and my kiddos and enjoy the day! There is also an award for the best kilt in the race...I'll have to see what I can find.
October 22nd Tulsa Run 15k: I was going to run the 5k last year but my kids were crazy, wouldn't sleep, drove me nuts and we ended up sneaking out of my parents house and driving home at 4:00am. They will never let me live that down! But, if I had stayed they would have had 2 less grandkids so off into the night we went. This year, I will be running the 15K whether I sleep the night before or not!!!!
November 20th Route 66 MARATHON in Tulsa: Excuse me, I just had a small heart attack. My goal is to complete this marathon in one piece. 26.2 miles! I have, however, talked myself in and out of this plan many times! Plan B is to do the half marathon this weekend and do a full marathon in April but my family, husband and kids won't be able to be in OKC in April and I want them to be there when I do my first marathon. Sooo, for that reason alone, I'm going to try my hardest to do the full at the Route 66. I only consider the half when I start to chicken out and get scared! Which happens often.
I have nothing planned for December and January because I will be relearning how to walk.
February 25th Post Oak Challenge 10K Trail Run: This is my favorite event EVER!! I ran it last February just to see what off road running was like and I fell in love! It was sooo amazing and the hardest thing I had ever done. I grew up in that area but where I live now we don't have many wooded mountain areas so I had no idea what was in store for me! The majority of the 6 mile course was single person trails winding through the mountains outside of Tulsa, through creeks (that were quite full), mud, sticks, rocks, boulders, trees, thorns, and anything else nature threw at you. At one point, while I was literally climbing up a mountain side on my hands and feet I think I prayed for the rapture! I was ready to go! But, when I finished I was wet, cold, tired and ready to run it again!!
April 28th Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon: This weekend is still undecided. If I chicken out in November then I will run the full marathon this weekend. If I don't chicken out in November then I will probably run the half marathon again. This year I was signed up for the half, convinced Jamie to run the half with me, did NOT train for it, went with the intentions of switching to the 5K, let my pride get the best of me, ran the half and finished the whole race with no walk breaks!! It was awesome!! Jamie, again, kicked it in the teeth and finished a few minutes over 2 hours. I ran a respectable time of 2 hours 33 minutes. If I run the half I will have to try to beat my time this year.
WOW! This list makes me tired!! I have ALOT of work to do. But, my advice for the day....SIGN UP FOR RACES if you want to start running. It is great motivation because noone wants to make a fool of themselves. Also, I promise, you will NOT come in last place. There are always walkers who will bring up the rear!
"I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Robyn
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