Marathon Training has officially begun!! I am training with RunOn!, who designed the training plan, which is 20 weeks. We meet three times a week, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Long runs are always on Sunday. I will run on my own one or two times a week, and cross train (bike ride). To beat the heat, we run at 5:15am Tuesday/Thursday. I get to sleep in a little bit on Sunday, as the run doesn't start until 6am. HELLO early mornings!
Week 1 (7/22-7/28) Results:
Monday: 3 mile solo run (splits: 10:38, 9:45, 11:10; avg pace 10:32 min/mile)
Tuesday: 5 mile group run (splits: 11:11, 10:10, 11:10,10:20, 10:55; avg pace 10:47 min/mile)
Thursday: 5 mile group run (splits: 11:06, 10:59, 10:42, 10:27, 10:55; avg pace 10:49 min/mile)
Friday: 4 mile solo run (splits: 10:40, 10:44, 11:00, 10:59; avg pace 10:54 min/mile)
Weekly Mileage Total: 17 miles
Friday, July 27, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Marathon Monday
Today marks my first official run of my marathon training schedule! It was a solo run, which is symbolic, I think. I started running on my own in 2010. Now, four half marathons and two years later, here I am, training for a marathon. I'm not alone though. I'm on this journey, together with my family, my friends, and my training buddies and coaches. I'm supported in every way possible. I have the best cheerleaders. I am so thankful for everyone on my marathon journey with me! The support and encouragement is appreciated.
Over the past month and a half of Marathon Monday posts, I've enjoyed capturing my experiences training for a marathon.
Marathon Monday- June 4: The Beginning
Marathon Monday- June 11: Born to Run
Marathon Monday- June 18: Training Plan
Marathon Monday- June 25: Running while traveling
Marathon Monday- July 2: Marathon History
Marathon Monday- July 9: Olympic Running Gear
Marathon Monday- July 16: Too Hot to Handle
Twenty weeks from now, I will be writing a blog post about my experience running a marathon! It is crazy to think that between now and then, I'll run hundreds of miles, travel around the world to watch the world's greatest athletes compete, work my butt off, and sweat my butt off, and accomplishing one of the biggest dreams I've had.
My marathon training is more than a journey, it is 26.2 miles to a dream come true.
Over the past month and a half of Marathon Monday posts, I've enjoyed capturing my experiences training for a marathon.
Marathon Monday- June 4: The Beginning
Marathon Monday- June 11: Born to Run
Marathon Monday- June 18: Training Plan
Marathon Monday- June 25: Running while traveling
Marathon Monday- July 2: Marathon History
Marathon Monday- July 9: Olympic Running Gear
Marathon Monday- July 16: Too Hot to Handle
Twenty weeks from now, I will be writing a blog post about my experience running a marathon! It is crazy to think that between now and then, I'll run hundreds of miles, travel around the world to watch the world's greatest athletes compete, work my butt off, and sweat my butt off, and accomplishing one of the biggest dreams I've had.
My marathon training is more than a journey, it is 26.2 miles to a dream come true.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Marathon Monday
After 8 weeks of training, I ran in the Too Hot to Handle 15k at Norbuck Park on Sunday, July 15th! This was the first of a few races I'm using as part of my training before the BIG race on December 9, 2012!
It was a relatively 'cool' day in Dallas for July- which isn't saying much as it was still HOT. The high that day was in the low 90s, and the low was 73 degrees! The course was an 'out and back', and ran along the east side of White Rock Lake.
I ran the race with a couple of my running coaches from RunOn! and a couple ladies from my training group in Richardson! Amy is the left, I'm in the middle and DeAnn is the right, in both pictures.
Before the Race After the Race
It is a good thing the 'After' picture doesn't really show how wet and sweaty we are! It was a fun race and I am super happy I beat my goal pace, 11 min/mile!
Official Results 2012 Too Hot to Handle 15k
1 hr 41 minutes and 26 seconds (avg pace of 10:54 min/mile)
Too Hot to Handle Route
It was a relatively 'cool' day in Dallas for July- which isn't saying much as it was still HOT. The high that day was in the low 90s, and the low was 73 degrees! The course was an 'out and back', and ran along the east side of White Rock Lake.
I ran the race with a couple of my running coaches from RunOn! and a couple ladies from my training group in Richardson! Amy is the left, I'm in the middle and DeAnn is the right, in both pictures.
Before the Race After the Race
It is a good thing the 'After' picture doesn't really show how wet and sweaty we are! It was a fun race and I am super happy I beat my goal pace, 11 min/mile!
Official Results 2012 Too Hot to Handle 15k
1 hr 41 minutes and 26 seconds (avg pace of 10:54 min/mile)
Saturday, July 14, 2012
XTrain: Southfork bike ride
After over three weeks off the bike due to my vacation to Italy and Greece, I got back into the saddle and rode with my favorite training buddy Darrell out to the Southfork Ranch in Parker, Texas.
Route
Darrell and me in front of the house
The ride was adapted from the RMB ~30 mile route, and it ended up being just over 32 miles.
32 Mile Results (5 mile splits)
Mile 5: 16.64 mph
Mile 10: 17.45 mph
Mile 15: 17.30 mph
Mile 20: 15.53 mph
Mile 25: 17.34 mph
Mile 30: 16.48 mph
The overall ride average was 16.60 mph with a total ride time of 1 hrs and 58 minutes. It was really neat to see Southfork Ranch, the home on the original Dallas TV show, and the remake. I wasn't alive for the original, but I'm enjoying watching the new series.
Fit for Distance: 15k- Week 8
Week 8 (7/8-7/14) Results:
Sunday: 9 mile group run (my splits didn't work for this run; avg 11:12 min/mile)
Tuesday: 6 mile group run (splits: 11:25, 9:57, 10:28, 11:15, 10:48, 10:31; avg 10:52 min/mile)
Thursday: 5 mile group run (splits: 10:46, 10:47, 10:39, 10:35, 10:51; avg 10:44 min/mile)
Weekly Mileage Total: 20 miles
Sunday's run was my first long run since Week 5, I missed 2 weeks of long runs for my Italy/Greece trip! It was nice to be back and running with my group! This was the last Week of the 15k class- next up: the Full Marathon class!
Sunday: 9 mile group run (my splits didn't work for this run; avg 11:12 min/mile)
Tuesday: 6 mile group run (splits: 11:25, 9:57, 10:28, 11:15, 10:48, 10:31; avg 10:52 min/mile)
Thursday: 5 mile group run (splits: 10:46, 10:47, 10:39, 10:35, 10:51; avg 10:44 min/mile)
Weekly Mileage Total: 20 miles
Sunday's run was my first long run since Week 5, I missed 2 weeks of long runs for my Italy/Greece trip! It was nice to be back and running with my group! This was the last Week of the 15k class- next up: the Full Marathon class!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Marathon Monday
The Olympics are just around the corner and I couldn't be more excited. I am awe struck watching extraordinary athletes achieve their life long dreams of competing in the Olympics. As this year is the year of my marathon, I plan to watch both the women and men's marathon race.
I am extra excited this year as I will be attending the 2012 Paralympic Games in London August 27- September 3. I received the official announcement that I was selected to attend the Games the afternoon before I left for a two week vacation to Italy and Greece. Of course, the first thing I did was call my family to share the good news. The second thing I did was purchase a Nike USA dry-fit running tank-top!
I am super excited to wear my USA tank-top in London. I am also planning on taking my pair of Texas-flag shorts to run in, with leggings because the temps in London are about 40- 55 degrees, which is 35 degrees cooler than I'm used to running in!
I am extra excited this year as I will be attending the 2012 Paralympic Games in London August 27- September 3. I received the official announcement that I was selected to attend the Games the afternoon before I left for a two week vacation to Italy and Greece. Of course, the first thing I did was call my family to share the good news. The second thing I did was purchase a Nike USA dry-fit running tank-top!
I am super excited to wear my USA tank-top in London. I am also planning on taking my pair of Texas-flag shorts to run in, with leggings because the temps in London are about 40- 55 degrees, which is 35 degrees cooler than I'm used to running in!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Fit for Distance- Week 6 and 7
Week 6 (6/24-6/30) Results:
During Week 6 and 7 , I was in Italy and Greece for vacation. I love running while on vacation. It is a great opportunity to see the city, with a different perspective. I did not run as many miles as listed on my training schedule, but I got extra miles everyday from walking so much around Italy and Greece. I built up my arm muscles by dragging my suitcase everywhere.
Sunday: 3 mile run- Cinque Terre, Italy
While in Cinque Terre ("The Five Lands"), I ran along Monterosso Beach. There was maybe only .5 miles of flat road (in the middle) that I was able to run on, I also ran up hills (east and west side). I'm not sure why the map below has me running in the ocean, I can assure you, I stayed on land during my runs! I did spend some time in the ocean later- the beach was amazing. Regardless, my view while running was amazing!
Tuesday: 3.5 mile run- Florence, Italy
While in Florence, I ran near the Duomo (church). The streets and sidewalks (if they exist) are narrow. There are so many bikes, vespas, people, cars, buses, trucks, etc that I felt like I was playing the Atari game, Frogger, where I was the frog. I learned that running around the 'block' may add more miles than anticipated.
Thursday: 4 mile run- Athens, Greece
In Athens, there were wider streets and sidewalks, but just as many people, various vehicles, etc as there was in Florence. As a runner, it was neat running in Athens, the home of the first modern day Olympics in 1896 and again in 2004. I could feel the history beneath my feet.
Sunday: 2 miles (5x hill repeats) Mykonos, Greece
Similar to Cinque Terre, there was very little flat road to run. So, I made the best of the situation and practiced hill repeats. The hill repeats may not have been that fun, but at least the view was nice!
*The above picture is me walking down the hill (again, dragging my suitcase).
Tuesday: ~4 miles- Milan, Italy
My Garmin watch did not work while I was in Milan. I just ran around the city. Milan was the most 'American'-like city I visited. It felt like New York City or LA. And the sidewalks were a normal size! I actually saw other runners out too- I waved. Apparently that is an American thing to do... as the wave wasn't returned, but only a confused look.
Friday: 4 miles- Dallas, Texas USA (avg pace 11:14 min/mile)
After two weeks of travel, I was happy to return back to the US and back to my running group!! I was welcomed back with three 1 mile repeats, with a .5 mile warm up and cool down. It was a tough run back!
During Week 6 and 7 , I was in Italy and Greece for vacation. I love running while on vacation. It is a great opportunity to see the city, with a different perspective. I did not run as many miles as listed on my training schedule, but I got extra miles everyday from walking so much around Italy and Greece. I built up my arm muscles by dragging my suitcase everywhere.
While in Cinque Terre ("The Five Lands"), I ran along Monterosso Beach. There was maybe only .5 miles of flat road (in the middle) that I was able to run on, I also ran up hills (east and west side). I'm not sure why the map below has me running in the ocean, I can assure you, I stayed on land during my runs! I did spend some time in the ocean later- the beach was amazing. Regardless, my view while running was amazing!
Route
Cinque Terre- Monterosso
Tuesday: 3.5 mile run- Florence, Italy
While in Florence, I ran near the Duomo (church). The streets and sidewalks (if they exist) are narrow. There are so many bikes, vespas, people, cars, buses, trucks, etc that I felt like I was playing the Atari game, Frogger, where I was the frog. I learned that running around the 'block' may add more miles than anticipated.
Route
Florence (between the buildings is the Duomo)
Thursday: 4 mile run- Athens, Greece
In Athens, there were wider streets and sidewalks, but just as many people, various vehicles, etc as there was in Florence. As a runner, it was neat running in Athens, the home of the first modern day Olympics in 1896 and again in 2004. I could feel the history beneath my feet.
Route
Athens
Sunday: 2 miles (5x hill repeats) Mykonos, Greece
Similar to Cinque Terre, there was very little flat road to run. So, I made the best of the situation and practiced hill repeats. The hill repeats may not have been that fun, but at least the view was nice!
Route
Mykonos Hill
Tuesday: ~4 miles- Milan, Italy
My Garmin watch did not work while I was in Milan. I just ran around the city. Milan was the most 'American'-like city I visited. It felt like New York City or LA. And the sidewalks were a normal size! I actually saw other runners out too- I waved. Apparently that is an American thing to do... as the wave wasn't returned, but only a confused look.
Friday: 4 miles- Dallas, Texas USA (avg pace 11:14 min/mile)
After two weeks of travel, I was happy to return back to the US and back to my running group!! I was welcomed back with three 1 mile repeats, with a .5 mile warm up and cool down. It was a tough run back!
Monday, July 2, 2012
Marathon Monday
When I first decided to train for and run a marathon, I did a little research to learn more about it. I discovered that the marathon has deep history and very interesting facts!
Official Distance: 26 miles 385 yards (commonly known as 26.2 miles)
The marathon was established in honor of the Greek solider Pheidippides, who served as a messenger in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. He was sent from the battlefield to Athens and announced "Rejoice, we are victorious" declaring the Persians has been defeated.
The marathon was one of the modern Olympic events, which was hosted in Athens in 1896. Seventeen competed in the 40k race (24.8 miles). The distances of marathons continued to vary, usually around 25 miles, until the London Olympics in 1908, when it was extended to 26.2 miles. It started at Windsor Castle and finished past the White City Stadium (the original finish) at the East Lawn, where the royal children could watch the race from their nursery. The official distance was formally established in the 1920s.
This year, the year of my marathon, I am fortunate enough to visit both of these historic places! I was in Athens, Greece in June and will be in London for the Paralympic Games in August and September.
I'm in good company when it comes to marathon runners! George W. Bush ran his first marathon after serving as his father's campaign advisor for the presidential election in 1992. He ran the Houston Marathon in 1993 and finished in 3 hours and 44 minutes!
I will be running the Dallas Marathon (formally known as the White Rock Marathon), which was established in 1971, and is the longest-running marathon in Texas. The race will be capped out at 25,000 runners for 2012 and I will be one of them!
Official Distance: 26 miles 385 yards (commonly known as 26.2 miles)
The marathon was established in honor of the Greek solider Pheidippides, who served as a messenger in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. He was sent from the battlefield to Athens and announced "Rejoice, we are victorious" declaring the Persians has been defeated.
This year, the year of my marathon, I am fortunate enough to visit both of these historic places! I was in Athens, Greece in June and will be in London for the Paralympic Games in August and September.
Athens, Greece- Panathenaic Stadium
I will be running the Dallas Marathon (formally known as the White Rock Marathon), which was established in 1971, and is the longest-running marathon in Texas. The race will be capped out at 25,000 runners for 2012 and I will be one of them!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
