laziness

IT has been six days since I have run.  I don't really want to run.  I don't know why.  I think I am having a tough time with my work schedule and trying to fit in a good time to run, either before or after.  It's all excuses, I know this.  I need to get back into it!  But I just don't feel like it.  Waaaaaaah.

I didn't post my last run, which was an 18-miler on Wednesday, before Thanksgiving.

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	3:04:34.4	18.00	10:15
1	9:35.4	1.00	9:35
2	9:59.2	1.00	9:59
3	10:04.2	1.00	10:04
4	10:01.9	1.00	10:02
5	9:47.3	1.00	9:47
6	10:35.3	1.00	10:35
7	9:53.6	1.00	9:54
8	10:08.3	1.00	10:08
9	11:02.1	1.00	11:02
10	9:53.9	1.00	9:54
11	11:16.4	1.00	11:16
12	9:54.9	1.00	9:55
13	11:29.1	1.00	11:29
14	10:33.4	1.00	10:34
15	10:05.1	1.00	10:05
16	10:29.7	1.00	10:30
17	10:00.4	1.00	10:01
18	9:42.2	1.00	9:42
19	:02.1	0.00	8:09

This run I just went nice and easy.  I left my house at around 9:30am, which is very unusual, considering I live in Florida - it means winter is almost coming!  I decided to walk when I was eating, which I did at every fifth mile.  Sometimes, I just stopped and walked for a little bit.  

I did feel good though.  It just got a little boring.  These long runs tend to get boring - I just need to get faster so they go quicker.  But to get faster I need to run more, not be so lazy.  Argh.

fueling the long runs

I am lazy.  I know this.  I am (sometimes) ok with it.  I did not want to get out of bed to do a long 10 miles in 70 degree weather, and something ridiculous like 98% humidity.

  

So, I went on the treadmill before work to battle it out.  Even in the gym it was hot!  At my work we are lucky enough to have a small gym, equipped with a treadmill, a bike, weights, and a few other items.  There is a thermostat, and I always thought it controlled the temperature of the room, so I go in, put it down as low as it can go - 65 degrees.  It seemed to be broken, it was still saying 80 after I finished my run!

Running on the treadmill gave me the opportunity to try out gels again.  I tried one once before, last year during my marathon training - it almost made me throw up.  It was so sweet, the consistency was gross.  Yuck.  I have had a Vanilla Cliff Shot sitting in my cupboard since I got it at one race or another and thought, a treadmill long run is probably the best place to try it - I'm close to bathrooms if I need it! At about mile 6, I teared open the package, not looking forward to swallowing it - with a water bottle in  hand - I did it.  Held my nose and gulped. And you know what?  It tasted like pudding!  I was amazed.  What have I been missing out on in all my long runs and races.  They are so easy to open, the are so easy to eat.  And vanilla tasted amazing!  I am back on the gel bandwagon!

Treadmill run:

0-1 miles - 6.0

1-3 miles - 6.3

3-5 miles - 6.5

5-7 miles - 6.7

7-9 miles - 6.9

9-10 miles - 6.5 (this last mile I increased the pace towards the end, but cannot remember how much exactly.  I know I did the last 0.1 at 7.5)

Total Time: 1:32:14, average pace 9:13min/mile

I wasn't planning on upping my speed so much, it was just so boring, I needed some excitement, that and the fact I wanted to get off as quickly as possible.  

My legs are still tired, and this run was two days ago!  Ooops!  I am resting up, over the next few days I am planning a 3 (maybe 4) miler, 8 miles, then 18 miles.  The 18 miles has to be done!  Even if I walk all of it!

unmotivated

I know I complain a lot, but this weather is killing me.  I can deal with the heat and humidity in summer.  But it is the middle of November!!!!  It should be cooler!  I am over it.  I think it is making me really unmotivated to run.  I am sick of waking up really early, and I can't run at night, as it is dark at 5:30pm.  Blah.

I did do a treadmill interval run today, it was good, my legs were getting a little tired at the end.  This is what I did:
5 minute warm up at 6.0 (10min/mile pace)
3 x 1.5 mins @ 8.5 (7:04min/mile) with 1.5 mins at 6.0 (recovery)
3 x 1 min @ 8.5 (7:04min/mile) with 1 min at 6.0 (recovery)
3 x 45 secs @ 8.5 (7:04min/mile) with 45 secs at 6.0 (recovery)
3 x 30 secs @ 8.5 (7:04min/mile) with 30 secs at 6.0 (recovery)

That brought me to about 27:30mins, so I ran at 6.0 until 30mins, then at my 'race pace' to get to about 4.5 miles, then upped the speed a little for the last 0.5 mile.  In total I ran 5 miles in 43:30.

It was good, very do-able, which may mean I can increase my 'run' effort.  I think I will keep the recovery effort the same, and just try to go a little faster.

Maybe tomorrow I will go out for a run… A cold front should be coming next week - in time for Thanksgiving!!!

instagram

I decided to join instagram.  I have no idea why.  I will see what the fuss is about.  I don't really know how to use it.  We will see how long this lasts for.  I think my name is brightsuzanne…

I went for a run this morning.  I love it when I can go out at 10am and it isn't too hot.  74 degrees, and only 38% humidity!!!  Amazing!  It was windy, which actually felt really nice.

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	36:31.9	4.00	9:07
1	9:24.0	1.00	9:24
2	9:04.6	1.00	9:05
3	9:11.0	1.00	9:11
4	8:49.8	1.00	8:50
5	:02.5	0.00	8:39

I was going for an easy run, but I felt good, so tried for 'race pace'.  Which I now know will not be this marathon coming up.  There is no way I can run a half marathon the day before, and then break a 4 hour marathon.  I think my latest goal is under 5 hours - but if I complete it I will be so happy.

Shoes!

All my running shoes since I started running.  My first pair where Nikes - just a cheap version from a normal shoe store, then went into the Nike Frees, then to the Lunar Glides.  Then I feel in love with the Saucony Kinvaras - now I am trying out the Brooks PureFlows.

I have only run 6.5 miles in the PureFlows - but they felt amazing.  I ran about a mile on the treadmill, then remembered I was meant to be seeing how they felt on my feet.  I had completely forgotten that I was wearing new shoes, they are so comfortably.  I will try them out for an 8 miles run tomorrow, then possibly my 11 mile run on the weekend.  Love new shoes!