with great sloth comes crappy runs

I don't know why I expect the runs to get easier if I refuse to run regularly. Here's this morning's run details:

Distance: 4.4mi
Duration: 1:03'25"
Pace: 14'24"/mi
Calories: 729

I have completed 70 workouts for a total of 383.69mi. My average pace is 14'30" per mi.



So, let's talk about how inconsistent this run was. Overall, I think it was pretty good, because I pushed myself really hard during the first mile and leading into the third mile. As usual, I walked the first two minutes. Then, I ran five minutes. Five. That's a lot for me. I was debating with myself about whether or not I should push myself to run a full mile yet or not. In the end, I decided not to because I wanted to the full loop around the lake, and if I ran a mile at the beginning, there was absolutely no way I'd be able to do the entire loop, and I would have to double back. I don't enjoy the first mile and a half of the route, so doubling back and covering that same ground is not appealing to me at all. So, it was walk 2, run 5, walk 2, run 4, walk 2, run 2. In between mile one and two, I kept it at a 2:2 ratio. I was already lamenting having blown my wad in the first mile.

Then, I became aware of the duration, and I decided to try to push hard to do my mythical 5K in 38 minutes goal that is apparently only achievable in races longer than 5K. At around 28 minutes, I made myself run for five minutes. It was killer, and I knew it wouldn't make a difference; that the 5K in 38 minutes was not going to be possible. But, mile 3 registered as a ridiculously fast (for me) 8'40". That's blazing fast for me. Mile one was also pretty quick at 12'27". But I think 8'40" is now my fastest mile... let me see if Nike+ tracks that data... yes, it does, and it still has me as a 10'26" as my fastest mile, so maybe I'm misinterpreting all this data. That wouldn't surprise me at all.

Anyway, because I blew my wad early in the run, the end of the run was brutal, and it was very difficult for me to even do a 2:2 ratio.

Best part of the run: after I crossed the bridge, which means I was about 1.8 miles from home, a real runner came zooming up from behind me. This was as I finished 2 minutes of running and was beginning 2 minutes of walking. You could tell he was a real runner just by looking at him. And as he passed me by, he said, "Great job! Keep it up!" I needed encouragement so badly at that exact moment, and there he was, offering it to me! The running community is so wonderful. Then, .3 miles later, another runner approached (running the opposite direction). And as he passed me by, he said, "Good work! Keep going!" Verily, I needed his encouragement, too.

Yes, yes, I reciprocated praise to both of them. I'm nothing if not a great cheerleader for others. I'm just not so great at cheering myself on.

It was also a bit too warm to be running, at the late, late hour of 745a. But, I had to wait for my stomach to be sad before I could leave my house. I knew it was destined to be upset this morning and prefer it to be angry before I run. I was glad, however, that I remembered to wear my sunglasses.

There's a 5K coming up in a week or so. I really wanted to sign up for it, but... still unemployed. That'd be a totally frivolous waste of $19. This being unemployed nonsense is really screwing with my motivation to run.

after 4 weeks of excuses, I hit the pavement this morning

I told myself it was a two lap minimum, which can be stretched to two miles. I think two miles is the minimum I should allow myself to complete. But, getting up at 510a and running in the dark means I don't leave the neighborhood, for safety. My run was really slow, but that's okay; I have not run in four weeks.
Here the run:



I actually had a good strategy. I always walk the first two minutes to warm up. Then, I ran three walked one for the first lap. During the second lap, I sometimes walked two, and sometimes ran two. I took many peoples' advice and slowed my run down. I can jog an 11 minute mile, but I kept it at a 13 minute mile today. I was looking for duration, not speed. I have not set my ratio at a 3:1 before. I'd like to get my ratio higher than that before the fall. And, my current goal is to be able to run more than a mile without having to walk. I'm pretty sure I could do that right now, but I have not pushed myself beyond .6 of running. So, I think my real goal is to run two miles without having to walk. That seems like a good goal.

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.