what an inconsistent run that was

Ugh. I tried so hard this morning, but I could not keep up a decent walking pace. I did really good maintaining a one to one ratio (walk one minute, run one minute). There was only one point where I was too lost in my thoughts to realize it was time to run, and that made a two minute walk, but that only happened once. The problem today was my walking pace; I could not get faster than a 17 minute mile. And, it killed my overall pace.

Distance: 4.83mi
Duration: 1:09'06"
Pace: 14'17"/mi
Calories: 801

Now, look at this run:


Holy crap! While I thought I was doing a really consistent run, in that I kept my 1:1 ratio, it turns out my run was all over the place. Super suck.

I can take comfort, I guess, in knowing I at least got out there, and I feel pretty good after the run.

But, the truth is, I'm really bummed now that I can see just how inconsistent this run was. I'm better than that. Or I was. Shame on me for not being at the same level I was at just two short months ago. Hey dumbass: get out there more than once a week!

I have completed 68 workouts for a total of 377.27mi. My average pace is 14'30" per mi.

Sunday Sunday Sunday!

Militaryman invited me to join in for a run this morning. He took pity on me after making me try to run too late in the day last week and proposed an 8a start time. Eight is so much better than ten. I was determined to do better than last week, which was a pathetically slow run.

Distance: 4.80 mi
Duration: 1:10'36"
Pace: 14'40" min/mi
Calories: 797

How could that only be 4.8 miles? Gah! Re-calibrating my iPod has made my former five mile route short. Dammit.

I tried to keep us on a run 1 walk 2 ratio. How the hell did I do a marathon in January? Good gravy I'm hot and tired! And it wasn't even five miles!

Militaryman said he ran the entire route without having to walk. Must not compare myself to others. He's a military man; of course he's able to run more than me. I'm just pleased to have company on my run, and having someone who forces me to get my lazy ass back out there.

Updated to add:

good gravy, it's hot out there

My neighbor asked if I wanted to go for a run this morning at around 10a. In my world, 10a is far too late in the day to begin a run, but I'm anxious to have a running buddy, especially when running at home, where I have that creepy guy on my radar. Militaryman wanted to know the route I run, since the route around the lake is not obvious until you've gone on that route. I warned him in advance that I was slow, but I was slower than normal trying to run in the heat.

Yes, yes, I realize 10a today is still cooler than any time of the day in July or August, but I am a Northern girl, and I feel the heat. Around mile 1.5, NeighborBoy looked at me and commented about how red my face is. That's because it's hot!

Enough making excuses for my ridiculously slow "run," here's the details:

Distance: 4.14 mi
Duration: 1:05'44"
Pace: 15'50" /mi
Calories: 687

Ugh. What a slow pace. That kills my overall average.


Still, getting out and moving my body for an hour is much better than sitting my happy ass down on the couch and watching inane television. Also, I promised a friend I would do a 5K today to support her as she completes a 5K to help fight colon cancer in her town. Mission accomplished.

I have completed 66 workouts for a total of 367.62 miles. My average pace is 14'30" per mile.

one mile at a time

I re-calibrated my Nike+iPod doohickey this morning. I walked for .3 and then ran for .3. Frankly, I was worried about running for .3 because while that doesn't sound like a long distance, it kind of is. But, a couple weeks ago, I ran .6 without walking, so I knew I could do it. Anyway, my iPod is now re-calibrated. And, of course, that .6 did not count in my run this morning.

To be fair, though, I didn't really go very far. I was disinclined to leave my neighborhood, and only did one lap. I haven't downloaded it yet, but here are the details of this run.

Distance: 1.00 mi
Duration: 15'00"
Pace: 14'55" min/mi
Calories: 166

I also lowered my weight by 10 pounds on my iPod, because I am at least 10 pounds lighter than I was whenever I entered that weight. I'm sure weight plays a role in however the iPod figures calories burned.

Like I said, it was a very short run, only a total of 1.6 miles when you add in the calibration.

So, let's analyze my problem, I've had an unusual rash type skin affliction in a very personal area. For a week and a half I have been applying a salve trying to heal this affliction. The problem: my underwear rubs directly on the area. I keep trying different styles of underwear hoping it will avoid aggravating the area, but nothing has worked yet. Husband has suggested I go commando. I will likely do that once it is no longer tuesday.

Anyway, I don't generally chafe while running, but with this very personal, irritating affliction, I chafed and chafed and chafed on this run. So, a mile of chafing was all I was willing to commit to. Because I promise you, this skin irritation hurts like crazy, and trying to run was so not fun for that particular area of my body.

Thus the short run. Pity, too, because it's gorgeous weather for a run.

I'm off to shower, and apply more salve to my poor afflicted skin.

Updated to add the graph:

post marathon blues

So, I did my marathon on January 11th. I followed that up with a solid month of sloth. Then, last Tuesday, I did a quick, roughly five mile run. Then, a week of sloth with lots of yard work mixed in. And now, this morning, I finally got my lazy ass out there for a run.


I need a running buddy or an accountability person, because I'm not doing very well at self-motivation.

And I do love running, you know, except that I hate it. Until I find gainful employment, I can't register for the races I want to do. And, really, races are the best motivation to keep running.

At least I got back out there this morning. And two of those miles were surprisingly fast! Yay for that. But I could totally tell I haven't been as active; my body is sluggish and loathe to move.

Wondering if I need to buy new shoes

They say you only get 400-500 miles out of a pair of running shoes. My coaches are telling us now is the time, six weeks before the marathon, to start breaking in a new pair if we're going to need new shoes. This has been weighing heavily on my mind, as I'm unemployed and running shoes are not cheap.

So, I logged into Nike+, since it tracks my miles for me. And, when you subtract out the miles I had accumulated before acquiring my new shoes on August 24th, I think I'm okay.

246.21 miles to date
40.88 miles before these shoes

205.33 miles on these shoes.

I'll be cutting it close, but I should be able to just eek by with these shoes.

I'll do 10 more miles this week.
And probably an average of 20 miles per week for the next five weeks.
That's about 110. And let's round up, it'll be more like 130 miles in five weeks. That'll have 335 miles on the shoes come marathon day.

I'll take my chances. My shoes still feel good, as they should with only 205 miles on them. Since shoes are not in the budget, it'll be okay.

seeking medical help

I don't want to blog about this on my main blog because I am so down about this. Today the tears started. Self-pity, I guess.

I'm going to try to get an appointment today to see a sports doctor about my right leg. We need to rule out stress fracture. We need to come up with a treatment. Because I'm having a hard time walking, and that completely interferes with my marathon training.