Scotland 10k

I like to think that everytime we run, we learn something new (about ourselves, Central Park, etc - click here for previous lessons learned).

This weekend I ran the Scotland 10k in Central Park. That's 6.2 miles. I ran it with Jenny. Luckily it was at 10am, so I didn't have to get up too early. The race went ok. On Saturday night was my friend Jaclyn's birthday (10 points if you know where I am going with this), and despite my best efforts, I drank slightly more then I should have. Incidentally, didn't feel 100% on Sunday morning. Surprisingly though, I did not run as badly as I imagined. The first 2 miles were rough, but then I got in the groove and felt fine. Ended up running a 1:00:17 - 9:43 pace per mile. Not great, but considering my state, not bad.

Lesson learned: running a 10k in CP does not cure a hangover!

Bike gear

Got some stuff for my bike that I'd been needing. Went to Toga - we get a Terrier Discount there (and they are super nice and helpful!) I finally got a bike pump, so now I never need to worry about my tires not have pressure (and he showed me how to use it, which was helpful). I also got a saddle bag (to carry my spare tube, tire lever and tools in, plus money, license, etc). And I bought a CO2 cartridge for flats on the road. Good bit of supplies in :) Hoping its nice this weekend and I'll be able to get a ride in.

Tuesday night run

Last night was my Terrier run. It was a little colder out then I would have liked - I feel like its almost April, why isn't it warmer? Although, come August, I'll be praying for the cold air! Anyways...

Last night, was a good workout. We did drills and pushups before our run. Did a mini farlek workout. Base run for 20 mins followed by 4 x 1:00 at 85% with 3 minutes at 65% in between, followed by a 20 min base pace. Felt good!

I'm running the Scotland 10k this weekend with Jenny. Although, I'm supposed to run long, so I think I am going to go and run 4 miles before the race. That's the plan at least.

Mt Penn Mudfest Recap

So, this weekend I ran the Mt. Penn Mudfest. It was interesting to say the least. It was much harder then I anticipated - the course was not like what I imagined. In some sections, it was more like hiking up a mountain - literally, you could not even run. Let me give you a breakdown of the morning:

8:15am - Put my stuff in the car, think to myself, its not as cold out as I anticipated, awesome.
8:24am - Pulling out of the driveway, I realize there are small white things falling from the sky. Yes, its snowing
9:35am - Pull into Rotary Park where the Mudfest is taking place and its still snowing. Also realize its only 28 degrees out. Begin to think I'm insane
10:05am - Waiting for the race to start, it starts snowing harder - think white out conditions
10:10am - Race starts in snow. Awesome.

The race was much more then running. At points, you were required to climb over or under fallen trees, around roots and rocks and through 4 rivers. I am not kidding about that last part. I knew there were "water crossings", but I assumed (foolishly), it would mean sticking your toe in the water, while you crossed on rocks. Nope. They were ACTUAL rivers. Like 5 feet weight and 3 feet deep. And no way to get across without getting wet. Nothing like jumping in a river in the snow :) Surprisingly, not as cold as I imagined it to be, lol.

Never the less, it was a lot of fun. Not sure I would do it again (at least not when its so cold out), but a fun experience. I took some pictures, so I will try and post them soon.

Mt. Penn Mudfest this weekend!

It's here! The Mt. Penn Mudfest is tomorrow! I am getting excited! I still have my concerns regarding the weather, but I am trying not to panic about it (full forecast: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/vacationplanner/wxdetail/USPA1348?dayNum=1&from=weekend)

Last night was my Terrier Swim Workout. Got a really good workout in - did about 2,560 yards (1.45 miles) with 1,500 continuous (almost .93). Felt really good in the water and that I got an excellent workout in.

I'll update on Monday regarding the Mudfest!

Run Workout

Last night was a Terrier Run practice. I enjoy our run practices (I enjoy them right now - I'm not so sure I'll enjoy them as much when we start doing hills and speed work). Last night we did drills and an easy base run with 6 :30 speed pickups to start working the fast twitch muscles in our legs. Ran about 5.25 miles. Felt good!

Just checked the weather for this weekend's race. Apparently there is a chance of snow showers or rain. Just what you want for a TRAIL race =( Keep your fingers crossed it doesn't snow or rain!

Disney Half Marathon

So, Jenny and I signed up to do the Disney Half Marathon again next year! Already looking forward to some warm weather and sunshine in January! Last year we didn't sign up until the end of April (after the NJ Marathon) and when we did it was 65% sold out. We signed up last month for next year b/c we already knew we were going to run it. I just checked the website - it's already sold out! How crazy is that?

i know, i know...

I did not get to run this weekend. I know, I know... don't even ask. I'm super annoyed with myself because I don't even have a good reason for it. I've just been in a funk and I can't seem to snap out of it. I'm headed home this weekend for the Mt. Penn Mudfest (which I definitely don't feel as prepared as I would have like without a run this past weekend) and I am hoping getting out of the city will snap me out of my funk and get me back to normal.

This week I have Terrier run on Tuesday night and Terrier swim on Thursday. Going to focus on the gym the other days: elliptical and bike, plus some abs/BOSU work.

Tonight is Terrier retail night :) Going to purchase my first official uniform for the Terriers! I'll post pictures as soon as I can!

Update

So I know its been a while since I've posted...my un-motivated week continued into the weekend. I decided not to do a long run at all. I was feeling sick again and just wanted to rest. I think it was a good idea. I was much more ready to workout this week because of it. On Monday I did some solid cross training at the gym. Then on Tuesday, I worked out with the Terrier for a run workout. We did drills and a 60 minute base run. Coach Josh talked about our long runs and doing them. He said unless we're sick there's no excuse. Yea, yea. Thanks Josh :)

Then on Wednesday, I did more cross training (elliptical and bike), plus some BOSU trainer work focusing on abs and inner thighs and some additional abs work (planks, ball situps, etc). I really enjoy doing stuff on the BOSU trainer - I feel like it really makes you work. Don't know what a BOSU trainer is? It's like half a balance call with a plank on it (don't think that really described it, lol, so here's a picture:

Thursdays are usually Terrier swim nights, but the pool was closed this week for cleaning, so we had a dryland swim clinic - exercises to do to strengthing shoulders. Was good. Tonight I have my JackRabbit swim class so I'll still get some pool time in.

This weekend is St. Paddy's day (ok, so its actually Monday, but we're celebrating this weekend). Because I know I am going to be hungover on Sunday and won't get a run in, I'm going to force myself to get up tomorrow morning and do a run. It's going to be hard, but I have to do it. If I don't, all I'll hear in my head in a small voice is Coach Josh telling me to run!

Taking a rest week...

I know its been some time since I updated, but I'm having an unmotivated week, so I am taking it as a rest week. It's always good in long term training to take a week off of running and just recover, so thats what I am doing. For me, its more of a mental recovery - getting ready for the intense training thats going to start soon. I've just been exhausted this week and wanted to rest. I did workout still though, including a bike ride on Monday night (it was gorgeous outside, I couldn't rest). I also did some swimming - my JackRabbit swim class workout. And last night was my Terrier swim class. Had a good workout out - swam a total of 1.37. Our main set was 1,600 yds hard - almost .93 of a mile (olympic distance swim). Felt good afterwards. I always love my Terrier workouts. Everyone is so nice and we have a good time. A couple of us have been talking about possibly doing a tri together.

This weekend going to do a long run and rest. Nothing special planned :)