Running to Inspiration

Today was not a great day to be outside running. I am not complaining about the snow. I can run in the white snow even when it is blowing in my face.

I am talking about the frigid temps. The temps this morning for our weekly temps had the wind chills near zero. We have spoiled this winter with the awesome temps. I can not complain about it. In fact, I have been enjoying it. Unfortunately, the result is that my body does not acclimate very well when the colder temps come back overnight without the usual SLLLLLLOOOOOWWW adjustment. It is literate shock to my system. Plus add having cold weather-induced asthma and recovering from starting my week with the 24-hour flu from HELL, it is not pretty. PERIOD!

Thus in short, I chose to run on the treadmill over running outside. I honestly don't mind it. In fact, I had a good reason to run inside - the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon. So I did my 8 miles on the treadmill while watching the men and women compete for the six spots on the Olympic team.

The experience was completely inspiring. During the first 6 miles of my run, I was completely inspired and pleasantly distracted by Meb, Kara, Deena, Ryan, and the others. It helped me to continue on during my run and do well. I watched their cadence as they ran and as I ran on the treadmill. It was exciting to watch them cross the finish line. It was heartbreaking to see those who missed their opportunity to get on the team.

Now I have 8 miles done and written on the wall. I am looking forward to getting back outside to do it again next week.

1st Round of Speedwork - DONE!!

This MNFirefly is DEFINITELY back!

I started my 5 mile speedwork with a mile warm-up at 5.2 MPH. Then I did my 1st mile interval at 6 MPH (10:00/mi) before bringing it back down to 5.4 MPH for a 1/2 mile. I started my 2nd and final interval at 6 MPH and then brought it up 6.2 MPH (9:40/mi) for the last 1/2 mile before bringing it back down to 5.4 MPH for a 1/2 mile. Then I did a mile cooldown at 5.2 MPH. I felt really good during the entire run and very strong. I made sure that I did a TON of stretching and hit the foam roller afterwards.

One year ago, I could barely do 15 minutes and was on my way for my 2nd knee surgery. Today, I am stronger than EVER even though my speed could use some improvement in order to return to my pre-surgery self. But I am happy with what I see so far.

In the words of Elton John: "The B**** is BACK!"

Last run before LONG run - DONE!

You follow desire, and you are not satisfied.
Again you follow desire, and again you are not satisfied.
Again you try, and again you are not satisfied.

-Lama Zopa Rinpoche, "Transforming Problems Into Happiness"

What do I desire?

Right now, I desire being able to finish my taper without any more plantar fascitis pain in my LEFT FOOT. I have rolled with my favorite miracle foot ball, but it has been BEGGING and PLEADING for some Advil and Ice. Nothing else. Well, a day's rest from running so I can get my 10 miler done on Sunday morning.

I got through a 40 minute run on the treadmill. I survived. Now I can REST!

Tommmorow - Listen to the FOOT....and REST!

35 minute run....DONE!

And I am back in my groove. Now if I can get Mother Nature to cooperate and allow me to run 50 minutes outside tommorow. I did 35 minute on the treadmill. I am just happy to get myself out for a run. It helped with the PMS and made it easier to bear. I still feel bloaty and bitchy at times. I believe that extra time last night to sleep really, really helped.

Tommorow - 50 minute run (hopefully outside!)

Another great HILL training workout

I ROCKED!

It's my third hill training workout. It's slowly getting easier especially because I have the two minutes of 8% incline hell. I switched the hill workout from last week to this week due to the Shamrock Shuffle. I want to have fresh legs for the race so I can kick a**.

I can not believe that it's going to SNOW on the FIRST DAY OF SPRING! That's SO wrong! I am so sick....and tired of the snow.

Tommorow - 40 minutes EZ run

Another good treadmill day

Yes, I could have been outside, but took in comfort of the treadmill where I can run with some control of my speed. Then Josh met up with me to take the bus to the bike shop to pick up our bikes. My bike feels SO much better now. Today's workout 30 minutes - Treadmill run 2.52 mile 11:54/mile - A little bit slower than yesterday, but still good.