Getting in better shape?

Apparently what I've been doing on the elliptical is not enough any more. I've had to crank up the resistance to make it harder. Or hard enough - whatever... I've been doing an hour because I'm trying to build up my endurance for those longer runs.

I ran 4 miles yesterday. First of all, it was fantastic because I got to run outside which I haven't been able to do in what seems like an eternity. Secondly, it was just so easy. Unbelievable!! Seriously, it seemed about like the 3 milers I've been doing. I was trying to keep my pace nice & slow, slower than usual, but it wound up being the same training pace I've been doing on the shorter runs. There is no doubt that I'll breeze through the next couple of weeks. However, after that it gets interesting. That's when I start really cranking up the mileage (for me, anyway). April should be a challenging month.

A New Record!

Friday I ran 3.1 around the neighborhood in 30:03!!! I'm allowing myself some slack over the 3 seconds because at the end I had to keep checking my watch to turn it off at exactly 3.1 so that had to slow me down at least 3 seconds, right? I am so thrilled with this time, and know that if it had been a race, I would have made it in under 30.

Okay, so I guess it's time to share some of my New Year's Resolutions...

1. Run a sub 30 5K before the end of February - I'm considering that DONE!
2. Run a sub 28 5K before the end of 2008 - should be able to do this!
3. Run 800 miles in 2008 - ugh! Really?

#3 is a bit agressive. So far this year I've done just over 62 miles. A little low because of coming off injury. But I figured it averages out to 16 miles a week for the rest of the year. I running about 11 a week now, so obviously my weekly total will increase with the training I'm doing now. If I can keep those longer distances up after the Mini is over, I should be able to come close to the goal.

Bring on the miles, baby!

I'm very excited because I get to run 4 miles this weekend. I am really excited about bumping up the mileage, and the last few runs have been terrific. I'm feeling really strong. My leg is feeling really good. Ankles are bumming a little which is odd. It's like it's moving south again! Anyway, so, so, so ready for the miles...

I ran 2 days in a row last week. The second day was a short 1.5 miler outside, but it was a good test for the ol' bod, and a good exercise psychologically as well. The last time I ran 2 days in a row was at the end of last summer and that was when I hurt my ankle. So I've had this mental block about running 2 days in a row. I think I can definitely do it now. Once the half marathon is over, and I'm out of training, I think I could play around with the weekly miles and rearrange it so my body could adjust to consecutive days. Then I could continue to build those miles. If I could run 4 days a week instead of 3 days a week, I could build up some serious mileage.

Training Time!!

Let the training begin!!

That's right... after many weeks waiting in anticipation, I'm finally officially starting training as of tomorrow. I'm ready - so, so ready! But a little nervous overall. The next month should be a relative walk in the park for me. There's nothing there that I haven't already done. March, however, will be the month where I will really start to feel challenged.

The farthest I've ever run is 6 miles so once I get past that point, uh... well, I guess I'm not sure what to expect!! I'm just trying to NOT freak myself out too bad by realizing that I'll be running for 2 and a half hours. WOWSER!

Random Thoughts

The weather has been warmer but rainy, dark & depressing. I just cannot wait until spring!

My leg seems to be holding up pretty well. The true test will come in a couple of weeks when I really start increasing the mileage. I'm just never quite sure if I have the right shoes. I'm thinking about going back & get a pair of Nikes as well that I can rotate out with my current shoes. The Asics I have now just seem so loose, and Nike is what I'm used to which is a narrower fit, and I guess I'm used to that snugger feeling. The Asics are also very light, which is supposed to be good thing with running, but somehow I feel like I should have more support. I'm not sure what to do.

I bought a new yoga DVD - Yoga for "Athletes". I felt kinda funny buying it since I definitely do not consider myself an athlete! Anyway, it has stretches specifically for runners. Last night after my run, I did the long program and felt like I really got a good stretch. I think if I did this consistently, it would really help keep the injuries, aches & pains away. My leg was not screaming at me last night (or this morning) so this is a good sign. Maybe I'm on to something!