A Tale of Two Halfs :)

shazkea

Yungwan I bring glucose sweets with me on the LSRs and I find them great. They last for a mile or so and I have one every 3 miles or so. I know at some stage I'm going to have to try some gels as I can only fit about 5 or so sweets into small zip pocket on the capris! I tried jellys but ended up eating the frigging packet in almost one go so found these good because they were individually wrapped!!

Also on pace, seriously don't stress yourself about it. At the start of my logs I wrecked my head stressing about my slow pace and got so frustrated because I could see no improvement. Then I stoppped caring and because I had relaxed I started to see progress! Pace will come so stick with it and see how you feel for Waterford after some good sessions in November.

yungwan

shazkea wrote: »

Yungwan I bring glucose sweets with me on the LSRs and I find them great. They last for a mile or so and I have one every 3 miles or so.

I tried this today as my son is diabetic so there are always glucose tabs lying around. But I totally misread it and took one every mile after 3 miles! Then I got indigestion/heartburn so laid off it abit. All in all I think I took 5 for an 9 mile LSR!! I also brought a 500ml bottle with diluted orange (with quite a bit of juice in) and a pinch of salt in.

They definately helped. I felt much less drained and all the laps felt fine, except the last.

shazkea wrote: »

Also on pace, seriously don't stress yourself about it. At the start of my logs I wrecked my head stressing about my slow pace and got so frustrated because I could see no improvement. Then I stoppped caring and because I had relaxed I started to see progress! Pace will come so stick with it and see how you feel for Waterford after some good sessions in November.

Thanks shazkea, but I find it difficult not to worry about it. Even though I felt stronger today and less weak today with the glucose and drink, I was still slow, and compared to others who started running round the same time, I havent improved at all really. I will give it all a good go for the next few weeks, and hopefully giving up the vino and eating healthy will help. Otherwise I am afraid I will get completely disheartened and quit, and I dont want that. :eek:

Thanks for the advice though!!

yungwan

Sunday: 9 mile LSR

Time: 1:59:26

Mile

1: 12:56
2: 12:52
3: 13:07
4: 12:45
5: 13:17
6: 12:30
7: 13:37
8: 13:49
9: 14:28

This week will see me taking to the gym on weekdays as it will be too dark. Ive never ran in front of people, or on a treadmill, so hopefully it isnt a disaster!!

yungwan

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 4.5 miles
Wednesday: 8 x 400
Thursday: Rest
Friday: 3 miles
Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 10 miles

dolliemix

Hi Yungwan thanks for your encouragement as always. I've only just found your thread now so I've just read through it. You're doing so well. Its so nice to hear how you're doing - your highs and lows! I know you get frustrated with your times, but honestly its your perseverance and determination that is what counts and what you should be proud of. I have a friend who doesn't post on boards and goes out running every now and then and still beats my ass every time with times. She didn't run for 2 weeks and felt a bit lazy so went out after two weeks and ran 8 miles in 1.11 this weekend. I'm so jealous of her! She doesn't have a running background at all and it all seems so easy for her. And she still smokes!!! And there's me with my plan and my staying off alcohol and watching my diet and my training log....and I'll probably never run the times she does.

Anyway I do have this I really want to speed up thing at the back of my head when she tells me her times but when I'm out running that I must try harder goes out the window because I remember

- I don't want to get injured
- I'm not racing anyone else (its too stressful and I'm using this to distress)
- I can get competitive in other areas. My body has been brilliant to get me this far and I'm not going to punish it by telling it its not going fast enough for me.

A few years ago I did the Inca Trail in Peru and I was much slower than everybody else except this couple who were on their honeymoon. One they caught up with me and I was crying because I was so frustrated (and wrecked) because I couldn't keep up with the others. I remember the girl just saying to me - 'who cares how long it takes to get there - its the fact that you've done it that is the achievement'. I always think of that when I'm out there now. I read in a book as well that your body will take a year to get used to the mechanics of you running so you should start working on speed AFTER your first year of running otherwise your efforts could be futile!

You're in the same boat as me so I hope this helps.

And I think you're a superstar to have actually covered a Half Marathon distance no matter what the time.

Good luck with your week!

yungwan

dolliemix wrote: »

You're in the same boat as me so I hope this helps.

And I think you're a superstar to have actually covered a Half Marathon distance no matter what the time.

Good luck with your week!

Thank you so much for your kind words Dolliemix.
It was lovely to arrive into work today to see such encouragement!

I definately have perservered with it, more than anyone around me would have, and you're right, I should be proud!

I realised last night what I lack in speed I have in endurance so I will use this year to build up on my mileage and next year I will set new goals for myself.

In the meantime I have a Half PB to work on!

shazkea

yungwan wrote: »

Thank you so much for your kind words Dolliemix.
It was lovely to arrive into work today to see such encouragement!

I definately have perservered with it, more than anyone around me would have, and you're right, I should be proud!

I realised last night what I lack in speed I have in endurance so I will use this year to build up on my mileage and next year I will set new goals for myself.

In the meantime I have a Half PB to work on!

That's the spirit, you should be really happy with the progress you've made - because you have made great progress. Did you think you could do a 9 mile LSR a few months ago - I'm guessing not so well done. You will get a PB in Waterford with the training you are doing so enjoy your running!

BTW sorry about the confusion on the glucose sweets; glad to hear they helped though

yungwan

4.5 miles on treadmill.

Time: 48.08

Took me a while to get into the treadmill to be honest, but I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It is very different though.

But somehow afterwards I felt like I hadnt done 4.5 miles at all, like I cheated or something as it felt easier than the road.

Maybe someone could advise me on this? I set the incline to 2 for the whole thing, but increased it to 3 for about half a mile. I felt a little dizzy though so I changed it back.

I actually dont think I completed it the way it is reading but heres my laps.

Mile 1: 10.44
2: 10:26
3: 10.32
4: 11:04
0.5: 6:06


Just how close can you measure/compare the treadmill to the road?

claralara

Hey Yungwan, well done on your progress so far. You're really doing great. +1 to all the words above. Keep it up You'll show those 13miles who's boss no bother!

Emer911

Fair dues on the LSR and on the treadmill run.

There's varying opinions on the differences in treadmill and outdoor running, but most agree that the treadmill does take less effort - for a variety of reasons. Increasing the incline is generally agreed as the way to go to try to attempt to resemble road running.
I think the varying surfaces and elevations are the key differences, but you have to factor in the elements too. Also, the treadmill dictates the pace and when you run outdoor you need to manage your own pace, so that takes energy too - and concentration!!


I personally hate treadmills and avoid them like the plague. Only to be used in extreme emergencies (like major storms or ice). But if outdoors isn't an option, then they're better than not running?!

yungwan

Emer911 wrote: »

There's varying opinions on the differences in treadmill and outdoor running, but most agree that the treadmill does take less effort - for a variety of reasons. Increasing the incline is generally agreed as the way to go to try to attempt to resemble road running.
I think the varying surfaces and elevations are the key differences, but you have to factor in the elements too. Also, the treadmill dictates the pace and when you run outdoor you need to manage your own pace, so that takes energy too - and concentration!!
But if outdoors isn't an option, then they're better than not running?!

Thanks Emer! You will soon have to start charging me for this advice!!

Yes its true, I would far prefer the outdoor running too, but it isnt possible at the moment, so the treadmill will have to suffice for my midweek runs. I do plan on doing my LSRs on road at weekends, so I will still be getting about 50% of my training on road.

Also, the better times on tread might give me confidence?! (even if a little untrue!)

As you say though, treadmill is better than no running!

Ill see how I go, and Ill continue to crank up the incline in the meantime!

Thanks again!

dolliemix

Hi Yungwan well done on that great time tonight. My brother says incline of two is about standard for people who need to use the threadmill to get some running in when they cant use the road. Or maybe you could vary it a bit. It might make it a bit more interesting for you.

yungwan

dolliemix wrote: »

Hi Yungwan well done on that great time tonight. My brother says incline of two is about standard for people who need to use the threadmill to get some running in when they cant use the road. Or maybe you could vary it a bit. It might make it a bit more interesting for you.

Thanks Dolliemix. Yeah I can definately feel the run in my legs today, so it mustn't have been too easy! I think I will vary the inclines alright, to try to simulate hills etc.

You know I think the treadmill will introduce a variety for me, which I think will motivate me a little bit more. I have fairly limited routes around me (particularly for long runs, which I always tend to do out and back runs on) and even thoough I vary them, I am becoming a little bored with them, and think it was contributing to my unmotivation.

Hopefully the variety in my training will keep me going for another while.

Rest day this evening - TV and fire... bliss!

P.S the OH told me yesterday he is only prepared to do all the housework twice a week so this will limit my training during week. (As in look after my son and put on the dinner etc). Unless I get in a session on Fridays (I get home slightly earlier) I might only fit in two sessions midweek, and the ould intervals might have to go out the window. (I shall remember this when GAA sesason begins again

yungwan

Aim: 3 miles & strength

Result: 3 miles on treadmill + 10 minutes on cross trainer. Run time: 29:47

Summary:

Mile
1: 10:27
2: 10.01
3: 09:18

Incline: 2 miles @2
1 mile @ 3

Nice run. Although I am already getting what ye mean about wanting the fresh air of the road. You dont feel as refreshed as you would after an outside run. I will look forward to my 10 mile LSR this weekend in the air.

yungwan

Aim: 10 miles LSR

Result: 10 mile LSR in Lough Key Forest Park. 2:19:23

Phew where to start.....

It was a beautiful morning and I felt in need of a new route to keep me motivated, so I decided on the lovely Forest Park, which is a beautiful forested estate centred around a lake, close to where I live.

I didnt have an exact route set out, but as I had my Garmin I figured Id just take it as it came and build up to my 10 miles - not the best plan.

While the surroundings were beautiful, I didnt enjoy this run, AT ALL.

The first 5 miles of the route was basically trail rather than road, and alot of it was wet, muddy and sloppy, not to mention hilly. I struggled, and after about 2/3 miles my right hip was hurting. It started in the front top area (where my leg meets my hip kinda thing) and gradually spread to the outside of my leg. It was pretty much there throughout.

Finally got the 5 miles done and had at this stage got back to my car. I decided to run out towards the road (hoping it would be a 2.5 out and back) but it was only 1.5 miles, so I had to take to the hard shoulder of the main Sligo/Dublin road, which was a welcome change in surface, but my this point I was realllly struggling. Hip was sore and despite eating several jellys along the way I felt sapped in energy. It was all too reminicent of my first half marathon, and I almost quit and walked. But I didnt.

Finally dragged myself back to my car and completed the 10 miles, but it was agony, demoralising and way too slow.

Im not too sure where this leaves me. I dont understand why this is happening to me. Today felt like ****, and I am afraid I am never going to improve. (BTW I am well on track to NOT beating my rather lame first time)

So I am unsure if I will do the Waterford half or not. Will decide in the next week or two. Also worried about my hip, but hopefully it will improve.

Anyway my times for today:

Mile:

1: 12:01
2: 14:03 (Hill!)
3: 14:14
4: 14:09
5: 13:56
6: 13:47
7: 13:58
8: 14:00
9: 13:43
10: 15:28

Average pace: 13:57

Week 7 miles: 17.5
Total miles: 96.5 miles

yungwan

Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 4.5 miles (Race pace)
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: 3 mile & Strength
Friday & Saturday: Rest
Sunday: 11 miles

yungwan

Week 8

Tuesday: Aim: 4.5 miles

Result: 4.5 miles on treadmill 40:59

Man I wish tread miles times could translate to road...

(Although I have just noticed this time is almost 7 minutes faster than last weeks, so thats something I guess...)

Mile

1: 09.56
2: 09:10
3: 09:08
4: 08:37
0.5: 04:06

Average pace 9:11
Incline 2%

Edit: On the hip - felt alot better today thank god. Felt a slight niggle at one point as I upped the pace, but I slowed down a bit and it stopped again. Hopefully the road running wont mean it will resurface.

I am a week ahead of my schedule anyway, so if the hip doesnt hold out for an 11 mile LSR at the weekend it wont be the end of the world.

dolliemix

Your ten miler sounds horrendous. Congrats on completing it! That hard work will surely pay off.

Glad to see you were happy with your run this evening. Great time!!! You deserved an easier run

yungwan

Aim: 3 miles & Strength

Result: 3 miles on threadmill, & 15 mins on cross trainer.

Run Time: 26:10

Laps:

1: 09:29
2: 08:27
3: 08:14

Pushed it tonight and enjoyed it.

Hoping I will get my 11 miles in on Sunday am.
I have a busy day planned so hopefully I fit it in.

Ive lost 4 pounds apparently! But the scales was probably wrong knowing my luck!! But if its true I credit it will giving up booze for Nov, the wine is a killer for the belly imo!

dolliemix

Very fast on those laps. Looks like something has clicked!! Good for you

Good luck with 11miler tomorrow

yungwan

Oh Hail Hal, messiah of running glory..... please forgive me, as I did not do my LSR this week!

Oops!!

If I am honest, I knew I wasnt going to have time to do it this weekend, and it kind of suited me. I have felt run down and crap all week (you know that feeling where you just always feel tired, no matter how much you sleep?) Well that was me all week. So I was happy enough to take a (large) step back week.

Anyway, I wont go on with excuses, I didnt have time to do my LSR and I am not going to beat myself up about it. As mentioned above, I am ahead of my Hal Plan by one week anyway, so it wont make any difference in the long run. (PUN-tastic!)

Plus I am not sure I am going to actually do Waterford at all, so I as well to enjoy it too, no? :rolleyes:

dolliemix wrote: »

Very fast on those laps. Looks like something has clicked!! Good for you

Good luck with 11miler tomorrow

Hi Dolliemix

Well done on your 10 miler! You have caught up with me now! I was very bold at the weekend, but it hey, it happens.

I dont know about the tread laps, they dont translate to road times, so they still arent great to be honest. But thanks for that anyway!

Another week ahead!

yungwan

My plan this week is:

Tuesday: 5 miles tread
Thursday: 3 mile & Strength
Sunday: 11 miles (I will do this!:p)

How is this race only 3 weeks away this weekend?! WTF!?

Where is time going?! :pac:

claralara

yungwan wrote: »

How is this race only 3 weeks away this weekend?! WTF!?

Where is time going?! :pac:

My sentiments exactly!! Yikes! Good luck this week!

yungwan

Tuesday - Week 9

Aim: 5 miles

Result: 5 miles on road

I was off today so I thought Id save myself €8 and get in my 5 miles this morning while my son was in school. (Even though my bed was calling me back into it!!)

Pushed myself today over a mostly flat course, mixed feelings on times as I pushed myself over the last 3 miles but I had to stop twice as I was exhausted. Still, if it doesnt kill it will make me stronger, right...right??! lol

1: 11:24
2: 11:27
3: 11:59
4: 10:37
5: 10:59

Time: 56:31

Avg pace: 11:18

Improvements are coming slowly. If I could just get my average pace down a minute and a quarter Id be happy. I dont think I will manage it before Waterford though, and thats my aim really, as anything less is not worth the effort in my opinion. Still to decide.

yungwan

Thursday - Week 9

Aim: 3 miles plus strength

Result: 3 miles on thread, plus 15 minutes on cross trainer (hills).
(0.5 miles cool down on thread, not incl. in time)


Laps

1. 09:11
2. 08:14
3. 07:52

Total: 25:49

Incline @ 2

Good session again on thread.
Good sweaty fun :cool:

If nothing else I will be in good shape for Xmas. Feeling toned and fit (and dare I say fairly happy with my shape at present :eek:)

I wont feel so guilty about all the eating over festivities if I manage to keep the healthy eating, no drinking and exercise up.

Plan to do 11 miles Sunday please God.
Will be doing it on main road in hard shoulder, no trail like sessions for me this time! Fingers crossed the hip holds up over LSR.

runrabbit

yungwan wrote: »

Laps

1. 09:11
2. 08:14
3. 07:52

Wow you are seriously getting fast - I never see the lower half of 8:xx on my watch much less sub 8-minute miles! I find the treadmill tough going, harder than the roads. So well done you - you are doing great! Good luck in the 11-miler!

jcsmum

Well done, you're doing great! Keep it up!

yungwan

runrabbit wrote: »

Wow you are seriously getting fast - I never see the lower half of 8:xx on my watch much less sub 8-minute miles! I find the treadmill tough going, harder than the roads. So well done you - you are doing great! Good luck in the 11-miler!

Thanks runrabbit.

Hmmm Im not sure on the "fast" part though. I find the tread much easier and always add at least 2 mins to my times in my head to compare them to my road times. So realistically these times arent really that fast.

BUT, I am (finally) seeing some improvements in my times, which is good.

I could be less happy after my 11 miler on Sunday though, we will see!

claralara

Go out and enjoy it regardless of the time. You’re running is going great these days – good work! And it’s great to see a bit of body image positivity! If I could give up the booze, I’d probably feel the same… Unfortunately the Christmas season appears to have already started! :pac:

maria74

Good luck with 11 miles!

ger664

yungwan wrote: »

Hmmm Im not sure on the "fast" part though. I find the tread much easier and always add at least 2 mins to my times in my head to compare them to my road times. So realistically these times arent really that fast.

Next outdoor run. Start the watch at your gate and leave it there, stop it when you get home and see if that makes a difference to your times !!

yungwan

Aim: 11 mile LSR

Result: 11 miles 2:11:30

Phew I got there, eventually!

I suffered what I am now refering affectionately to as the "First 3 mile depression" pretty badly. (I stopped twice and considered quitting :rolleyes:) but once I got into it I was fine from about mile 4 until mile 9, when I struggled for the last two miles (Stupid hills). I felt alot stronger today than my last LSR anyway, so thats good.

It was an ok run all round though, and it was a beautiful day for it, but I am questioning whether I really enjoy these longer runs. I am starting to resent giving up my Sunday afternoons with my son and OH, and am considering maybe just concentrating on runs up for 7/8 miles on LSR days, until the Spring. Will see though.

Anyway, my laps were as follows:

1. 10.24
2. 11.30
3. 11:18
4. 11:29
5. 11:25
6. 11:33
7. 12:17
8. 13:09
9. 13:28
10. 11.47
11: 13:01

Ave Pace: 11.57

Week 9 mileage: 19 miles (most ever in one week!)

maria74

yungwan wrote: »

Aim: 11 mile LSR

It was an ok run all round though, and it was a beautiful day for it, but I am questioning whether I really enjoy these longer runs. I am starting to resent giving up my Sunday afternoons with my son and OH, and am considering maybe just concentrating on runs up for 7/8 miles on LSR days, until the Spring. Will see though.

Well done on a great run! I feel your pain with the 3 mile depression!!:D

But also in agreement with your comments about the long runs..was 1.30pm by time I got home today and that is late on Sun aft really when there is little enough of the brightness to get out with the kids. Of course if I could get out of bed bit earlier on Sun that might solves some of that problem but not sure I am that motivated!

yungwan

[QUOTE=maria74;69139442


But also in agreement with your comments about the long runs..was 1.30pm by time I got home today and that is late on Sun aft really when there is little enough of the brightness to get out with the kids. Of course if I could get out of bed bit earlier on Sun that might solves some of that problem but not sure I am that motivated![/QUOTE]

Yeah, sometimes family commitments get in the way and you cant seem to fit it in. I didnt get out until 12.30 and with the drive to my route etc I wasnt home until 3.30.

I love running but it is alot of commitment sometimes.

Emer911

yungwan wrote: »

Yeah, sometimes family commitments get in the way and you cant seem to fit it in. I didnt get out until 12.30 and with the drive to my route etc I wasnt home until 3.30.

I love running but it is alot of commitment sometimes.

Not that I follow my own advice, but the LSR really needs to be started early to minimise impact on the rest of your day/ life/ family. Up and at 'em by 8:30:eek: run done by 10:30!:rolleyes:

(of course I'm never on the road before 10:30, but do as I say, not as I do...;))

yungwan

My Week 10 will be as follows:

Tuesday: 5 miles (T)
Thursday: 3 miles (T) & Strength (X trainer)
Sunday: 12 miles (R)

So... I still havent made up my mind on Waterford. Part of thinks "Ive done the training I should do it" and the other half thinks "Im not going to do myself justice so a Spring Half would be better". :rolleyes:

Some advice guys?

I really just cannot decide. Also with XMas coming up I am not sure I can justify heading to Waterford and paying for accommodation etc.

P.S My glutes and calves are SORE today

maria74

After a great run like that Id be saying do it! And imagine that as a conversation over christmas..I ran half marathon there last week...:D

You could always do another in spring with timing in mind??

shazkea

+1 I would say do it. I did my first (and only HM so far!) in May and the furthest I had done was 9-ish miles in training.
Now my time was rubbish but it was a great feeling crossing the line. Also the running bug kicked in majorly after that and I knew I wanted to do more and do it better!
You will do better next year but you will also have gained great experience in running Waterford and it will help you out for Spring halfs. Waterford will be my second and I'm looking forward to it (albeit a bit nervously!)

yungwan

Week 10 - Tuesday

Firstly... FFS, dont you just HATE when you write a long post and Boards crashes?! :mad:

Anyway,

Aim: 5 miles

Result: 5 miles on thread

Laps:

1: 08:48
2: 08:13
3: 08:00
4: 08:17
5: 07:57

Time: 47:24

Avg pace: 08.14/m

Found it quite tough this evening for some reason, but maybe the 11 miler was still in the legs? Helped the stiffness no end though I must admit.

Also, dont think I ate enough.

Anyway 5 miles in the bag

yungwan

Oh, and on the Waterford decision, I am going to wait until after my 12 miler on Sunday and will speak to the OH about it.

The 12 miler will be my longest run before it, plan to do maybe 8/9 miles the following week as my LSR.

I am 70/30 I will do it though Id say

rainbow kirby

Best of luck whatever you decide - you're certainly well able for it if you're getting to 11-12 miles in training.

maria74

You are doing great, dont think I could do 5 miles after my 9.6m on Sunday. Best of luck with 12!

yungwan

Decision made: I am going to do the Waterford Half. :eek::eek:

Oh God, now I have committed to it *GULP*

I have no idea why I am so nervous and wary about commiting to this damn race! I think I just dont want to do badly...

Anyway, spoke about it last night with the OH, and while he isnt too enthused about driving all the way down to Waterford, he said he will come with me.

I think I need to draw a line under 2010 and do this particular half so I can look forward to my 2011 goals without wondering how I could have done.

Now just to book accommodation so there truely is no backing out! :eek:

claralara

That's great, well done on the commitment and best of luck with training over the next couple of weeks! You'll be delighted you did it!

maria74

Great, cant wait to hear all about it.

yungwan

Week 10- Thursday

3 miles on tread - 24.42 & 20 mins on X-trainer

09:03
08:14
07:42

Avg pace: 8:14/m (seeing a pattern emerging!)

yungwan

No running for me this weekend unfortunately.

Very annoyed with the weather as I had a 12 miler planned but it wasnt to be.

I live in a rural area, and the roads were just not suitable for running.

I woke up yesterday morning and informed my OH I was planning on trying to run, and he looked at me like I had two heads.

"Do it at your own risk" he said, "but dont expect any sympathy from me if ya end up in A&E with a broken limb".

Charming eh?

Anyway I went for a walk yesterday afternoon with my dog and my MIL's dog and I was glad I didnt try to go out running. I felt like I was skiing with the dogs pulling me along.:p

Hopefully it clears by next weekend so I can get in a good run.

I admire anyones determination if you managed to get out and about.

yungwan

Week 11 Plan (Weather permitting :rolleyes:)

Tuesday: 3 miles (T)
Thursday: 5 miles (T)
Sunday: 8/12 miles* (R)

* Have to decide how many to do. I had planned on doing just 8 miles this weekend but having missed yesterdays 12 I dont know whether I should just do the 12 this weekend. (Waterford is the next weekend and I want to be rested, advice?)

Last week total mileage was a rather ****e 8 miles :rolleyes: Disappointed

claralara

PMA

yungwan

Oh no's....

My gym back stayed in the car yesterday evening as I had to leave work yesterday with a killer migraine. Not pretty.

Rescheduling 2 x gym sessions to Thurs and Friday instead (As my head is still painful today)

COuld do with some of that PMA right about now claralara!