Archive for May, 2004
Last Training Run Before The Race
I woke from dreams of sharks. I often dream of sharks. In this case, it was about a hole we’d dug for one purpose, but that someone had altered and now sharks could get in and attack… don’t ask. Just suffice to say I woke from dreams of sharks.
I’m heading over to the woods to do my last training run before the race on Sunday. I’m going to approach it the way I’ve done all my training runs, which is to make THIS the run that matters, and not do things differently than I will on my first race. I’m hoping this training method will work well for future goals, too.
Boy, I didn’t want to get out of bed. But here I am, and I’ve had some oatmeal, and some water, and some Flonase, and a multi-vitamin, so I might as well get running. Besides, Kat bought me an Under Armour shirt, and now that I have superhero clothes, I have to go be a superhero.
Go Gym Date
Kat and I went on a gym date tonight. Go figure. Instead of going out for dinner, we went to the gym, worked on some cardio machines for a while, and then hit the weights. She then did 20 minutes of sauna and cold showers intermingled (you have to try this, if you haven’t; it works wonders on your muscles), and I did some heavy ab work, then went and watched people play racquetball.
It’s a rest day officially for running, so that’s all I did. However, I sure felt like tearing it up out there. That’s the second time. Earlier today, Kat took our daughter to a kid’s museum, and I hung out around here reading a book.
Man, that place had some nice paths to run.
What’d you do today?
Rest Mornings
It’s getting to be that on recovery mornings, I feel all antsy and restless. I want to get out and run. Instead of feeling accomplished or somehow rewarded by the resting, I’m feeling like I’m not doing the work. This, of course, is a false feeling. I know that the “real” work of training happens on the rest days, because my body is processing all that I did to it yesterday. Just the same, I’m antsy.
I’m reading this book, which was written by a coworker’s cousin-in-law (husband’s cousin). It is REALLY well written. Every page makes me want to dig in deeper, and the story of her training is great.
New Heart Rate Monitor & Night Run
Katrina surprised me with a new heart rate monitor.
The old one was okay, and we bought them because they were strapless. You just touched the two silver studs on the face plate to get a reading.
The only problem was that it was really hard to get the reading, and there were all kinds of variables involved. For instance, if you were jostling too much, no reading. If your fingers were too cold, no reading. Not wet enough, you had to spit on them. You get where I’m going?
But the new watch has the strap and is automatic. It does all kinds of calculating and is generally good at what it’s doing. The only downside to this new watch is that there are only two buttons. Programming in data for the first time was a real pain in the ass. So much so that I almost gave the watch back. I was going to get the Polar S120 instead, as they’re about the same price. In the end, though, I think this’ll do the deal. It was just an early annoyance with the buttons.
So, then I went off for a night time run. This will be my last double training session before the race on Sunday. It was okay, except that the route was kind of lame. I don’t run where I like to run at night (too secluded), so I mostly follow streetlights around. Not bad, but after reading a post in Mark’s journal, I was a little bit spooked out.
One last thing: I was brave and called a friend who ran the last two Boston Marathons and asked him to go to the 5K with me. He readily agreed, and seemed casual but perhaps mildly impressed that I was going to run a race. I think he’ll be a fun guy to run with, if he doesn’t mind following my pace (currently still Run 4, Walk 2 for the next week).
Wish you well.
Brief Snatch of Conversation
Me: So, I got lost in Maudslay this morning when I went out running.
K: When did this happen?
Me: This morning. I felt like a goon. I mean, I wasn’t lost lost, but–
K: Wait. This morning?
Me: Yeah.
K: When?
Me: Around 5?
K: A.M.????
Yeah.
Well Then
Despite getting temporarily lost (in that sense of “Do I go right or left here?”), I had a really fruitful trail run. I felt strong, didn’t mind NOT having my iPod along for the ride, and had the sense I could run longer than necessary. In fact, except for my really cold fingers (typing is difficult), I feel like I could go run another half hour.
Closing In
I’m going out to run this morning on the course the race will take on Sunday. It’s a really nice wooded park with lots of color and beauty. This is just another part of the mental preparation, though it’ll also be physical. It’s amazing how running doesn’t take care of itself for you.
Inner Workings
It’s Tuesday night and I run my first official race on Sunday. I’m already beginning the mental preparations that will accompany all the running work I’ve done over the past weeks. It’s so important to start visualizing now.
For one, I’m reading this book:
For another, I’m starting to think about the course. I’m saying, “It’s a really nice trail, and it’s there for people to have fun. The high school team runs cross country here. It’s through a nice set of gentle rolls, and nothing too tricky. You’ll love it!” In my mind’s eye, I’ve got the muggy morning weather, the feel of my feet getting a little wet in the tall grass, the sense of slipping a bit on the mud. I build into the experience all the things that might trip me up (literally and otherwise).
When I build in all the stuff that could be jarring or stressful, I envision myself getting through it. I talk myself up as being a very good new entry to the sport of running. I give myself credit for all the core and strength training I’m doing, and tell myself that my legs are far stronger than a street-only runner, as I’ve even done beach running.
Hopefully, this will pay off. I’m definitely feeling confident with my goal (finishing), and just curious to see what time I come up with for this first race. Oh, and I’ve already raised $120 so far for the charity. Not too shabby, eh?
Pic
I snapped something recent, and so did Kat.
I seem to be nearly serious, and yet, playful.
Kat, on the other hand, is all playful.
Nuts Part Two
So, after a fairly grueling 1+ hour workout, what do I do? Yep, I put on too many layers and run out into a thunderstorm to finish my night time running. Yep, didn’t even get as many miles as my morning run, but I did my time. My pace was slower for lots of reasons. For one, it was a loop track around the churchyard next door. For another, it was pouring and thunder and lightning were all around. Finally, I had on my LEAST suitable running attire and got double soakers in short notice.
And yet, I feel magical.
Race THIS Sunday, boyos. I’m sending out the pre-registration tomorrow.
Provided I can hobble to the mailbox.
