Marathon 2 Training So Far - 16 Miles

I really need to stop slacking off and post on this blog regularly because I should be documenting my 2nd (and 3rd) marathon as much as the first. Yes, I've been there and done that, but this time I'm working much harder towards a time goal instead of just getting through it. It's going swimmingly and I'm feeling great. I've even already registered for the 2 races (Space Coast and BCM) months in advanced, and that's unheard of for me. My end of year stats for races run won't be as impressive as last year, but this year is about quality (speed), not just quantity. I'm ready to realize my full potential! :)

What's Different This Time

I'm still running 3 times a week, but now every run has a purpose. I previously focused on the long runs and just ran 3 miles twice a week at whatever pace felt good and easy. This time I'm running with my group on Tuesdays and Thursdays too, and the consistency and variety of workouts it's making a huge difference. My body is constantly having to adapt to a new workout, and I can certainly feel a difference in my running.

• Tuesdays: we alternate between practicing race pace, pushing the pace by 30s, hills, and easy runs. Including the warm up, I usually run 4-5 miles on each of these runs.
• Thursdays: we meet at the track and do different speed intervals each week, including 400s, 800s, and Ladders. I'm loving all this variety because neither my brain nor my muscles get bored, specially when I'm getting up by 4 am 2-3 times a week.
• Warm Ups: I've found running a slow warm up mile before these workout to be invaluable. It helps wake me and my body up, and then my muscles are loose and ready to work hard. I usually do this on my own on both days, then run the workout with my group. I don't warm up separately before long runs, but I try to run the first miles slower than the last and it works wonders.
• Cross Training:  I've been too busy getting into the routine of running early three times a week that cross training has suffered a bit. I mostly do yoga and this week I started with core and upper body work. I need to add some easy cycling to the mix because it helps keep my knees strong, but I've yet to make time for it. 

Listening to my Body

This isn't really something new, I've always been on the conservative side of training and always listen to my body, but now it's like I've fine-tuned the frequency and have an amplifier to let me hear a pin drop. Since I know I'm asking a lot more from my body, I'm taking good care of it. I'm trying to do yoga regularly, or stretch as much as I can after each run, even if it's for a minute or two. I don't have much time after the mid-week runs, but I do what I can and do yoga at least 2 times a week and at the first sign of any persistent aches or twinges, specially on my back, knees or hips. I'm also getting massages every month or two, and plan to schedule one the Sunday after each remaining long run starting tomorrow! :)

Summary of Weeks 1 - 8

I'm going to start posting my progress and highlighting key workouts (such as long runs) on this blog every week to help me document this process. You can read the workout specifics as I do them on dailymile too. I don't want to backtrack too much, so below is a summary of the first 8 weeks followed by details of some key workouts. With the extra running during the week, and a slightly more aggressive long run schedule, I'm averaging well over 15-20 miles per week, and that's only going to go up as I build up to a 29 miles LSD.

week 1 = 8 (on cruise)

week 2 = 13 (8 mile LSD)

week 3 = 14 

week 4 = 19 (10 mile LSD)

week 5 = 16

week 6 = 21 (14 mile LSD)

week 7 = 17 (6 miles - repeats)

week 8 = 25 (16 mile LSD)

Mile Repeats

Another new thing this cycle is doing mile repeats on Saturdays when we're not doing our longest runs. I did my first last Saturday. They were challenging with the heat, but kind of fun (runners are masochists). Based on my predicted race pace base on my 8:24 magic mile, my goal for mile repeats was 10:30 per mile (30s faster than race pace). We had 6 on the schedule, but since it was the first time most of us were doing them, we ran the first one slow to warm up, did 4 repeats fast (include the last without our usual walk breaks), then ran the last mile slow as a cool down. More details on dailymile. These will build over the next weeks to culminate in 14 repeats 2 weeks before the race. 

14 mile run

It was super humid this morning, even when we started at 4:30 am. 3 of us went out for 6 miles using 1/1 intervals since we were running longer (by 4 miles), and boy am I glad we started slow. Even at an average speed of 14 m/m, we were struggling due to the humidity. We picked up the rest of the group at 6 am and went out for another 6 miles at 2/1 intervals. Then 3 of us ran an extra 2 miles for a total of 14 for Kerrie and I. Other than being a little out of breath, I felt good the whole run. Maybe the enduralytes helped.

16 mile run today

I can't believe I'm already running 16 miles! I'm super thrilled with this run, specially with this heat, and I love my group to pieces for helping the time fly. Kirsty and I started slow with more walk breaks, and it made a huge difference. I'm beyond amazed that my average pace was a minute per mile faster than the last time I ran 16 miles in Nov '09. What's even more amazing is that I finished strong with my last mile being among the fastest (first 13:20, last 11:51)! Don't get me wrong, it hurt and I'm sore as hell, but it's a good hurt. I felt a bit fatigued and sore at the end, but I felt like I was running strong, and I didn't really feel like I was pushing that hard physically, just mentally. I was a sweaty dripping mess when I finished, but felt great at what I had accomplished before 9 am. I gotta bring the enduralytes next time. I think they make a difference, but I drank some gatorade today since I was sweating so much. 

So that's me so far. Stay tuned to see how I do in the coming weeks :) How's everyone else doing with their training?

2011 May & June Recaps

I can't believe 2011 is already half over, but it's been a great one. I expect nothing but more great things for the 2nd half as I train and run my 2nd marathon! Yes, I am still excited about this :) Because of vacation, June was a better month than May for running,  but not for cycling. It's been super hot and with the start of the Galloway group I've been running in the mornings instead of cycling to work. I want to incorporate cycling back into my routine, even if just for cross-training and social rides, but I don't think I'll be commuting to work for a while. I need to put all my energy into getting used to the new routine of waking up at 4 am 3 days a week. In the fall, when the weather cools and I am able to run after work, that will probably change, but for now I am enjoying running consistently and I'm certainly seeing results.

Activity	May	June	Goal Progress  (should be 50%)
run + walk total	72	100	524 / 1100 (48%) 87/mo; 22/wk; 3/day
walk	27	42	198 / 400 (49.5%)
run	45	58	326 / 700 (46.5%)
longest run	5	10	n/a
# of runs	14	12	12 / 12 (100%)
bike	198	0	732/2000 (37%) 146/mo; 37wk; 5/day
total	270 miles 34 hrs (1/day)	100 miles 28 hours (.9/day)	1,255 / 3100 miles 212 / 365 hrs (1.2/day)

Marathon Training in the FL Summer

I've really been slacking on the blogging, but I've just been having too much fun running :) I officially started training for the Space Coast Marathon 2 weeks ago, and I'm so excited! This is their 40th anniversary and the space shuttle medal is amazing. I'm glad I only trained for half marathons last season, because it makes me feel as giddy training for my 2nd marathon now than I was when I trained for the first one =D

Even though I've done this before, it's a whole new experience because 1) I'm now leading a group, and 2) I'm training for a race in November instead of February or March. This is a huge difference in Florida because it means doing long runs in the brutal heat and humidity of summer. I thought I had everything figured out from last time, but it's a new challenge, and I have to rethink everything again.

For example ...

• I never brought my own water unless we were running super long since our routes have water stops every 2-3 miles, but now I bring a 10 oz bottle even for our short 3-4 mile runs. This way I can sip it when I need it and eat on my own schedule. I run with my fuel belt because of my phone anyway, so I might as well carry the small bottle in case I need it.
• I learned this morning that chaffing is a bigger issue when you are drenched by mile 1. My running skirt that worked great for a half marathon last November now needs extra body glide for a 10 mile run. 
• Waking up at 4 am, 3 times a week, is suddenly the best idea ever! I tried doing a track workout at 6 pm one week and just about died. I didn't even have enough energy to run back home and had to walk there. So now I meet my group at 5 am on Tuesdays for tempo/hill runs and Thursdays for speed work. I'm loving it because I'm motivated to push myself more when I'm leading a group, and it's a great way to start the day.
• There are advantages too: 
• having to start earlier to beat the heat, I'm done running before most people are even awake. 
• pushing through while it's hot, even if my pace is a little slower, will mean I'll be able to run that much faster on race day when the temps are a lot cooler. 

Another thing that is different this time around is that I have a time to beat, and I now have the confidence to work towards that goal. I'm in much better shape than last time, both physically and mentally, because I already know I can do this, I saw my pace improve a lot at shorter distances last year, and I've maintained my base during the Spring. I'm really excited to be doing track work again, and I have no doubt that PRs are in my future :) 

Running at Sea

I've been MIA for the past 2 weeks because I was on vacation on a 7-day Mediterranean cruise through Europe (Spain, France, and Italy). Before I left, I was busy getting ready for the trip. Since I returned Sunday afternoon, I have been playing catch up with work, sleep, and the Galloway Training program - both preparing for the first long run with the group I'm co-leading and working on our new website.

The cruise was amazing but very exhausting, yet I still managed to run 8 miles over 3 days. Many people would argue that when I'm on vacation I should take a break from training. But for me, running is not just training for a race. It is a way of life and something I enjoy. I don't need a vacation from running; I need a vacation to run more :) So I ran on the ship's jogging track on deck 12. The views were amazing, and I'm really glad I got to do that. Being on vacation though, I didn't worry about speed work or pushing too far. I just focused on having fun. I had one more run planned, but it was on the last day of the cruise, when I was already exhausted. Since we were at sea, the apparent wind was an absurd 30+ mph. That wasn't fun, and quite chilly, so I chose to skip it.

Now I'm back on land and starting to get my legs back and normalizing my eating and sleeping. We're already plotting our next cruise for my birthday :)

Running with Jeff Galloway

Jeff Galloway visited Orlando on Saturday, May 21 to kick-off our training program. We met at the track at 6 am. He mingled with runners for a bit, then talked to us about the program. I've met him and heard him speak before, but it's still very inspiring every time.

After his talk, we went for a short fun run with Jeff using 30/30 intervals. That's alternating 30 seconds of running with 30 seconds of walking. This is his usual intervals, and he can run sub-5 marathons every month using this interval, and as fast as 4:15! He even managed to average 9:30 min/mi for a half marathon with only 30s of running at a time. Amazing!

The shortest intervals I've ever done is 1/1, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I thought they would be too short and thus too jarring, but it's amazing how much faster you can run when you only have to do it for 30 seconds at a time. We averaged a pace under 12 min/mi, and I got to chat with him as we ran. So cool! I ran another 4 miles with my group, then quickly grabbed a bite to eat and changed before his running school.

The 3 hour running school was great. Most of the information I had already heard or read before, but there were a few nuggets of specifics I got out of it. But the best thing was just listening to him talk. He has a very conversational tone and it is very clear that everything he says is tried and true and backed by research. His answers to all of our questions flowed so naturally and I felt like I was talking to an old friend instead of an olympian athlete. I left there feeling inspired and eager to start training for my next marathon. We practiced some drills at the end of the session that I hope to incorporate at least weekly into my warm up runs.

Our Orlando Galloway training program official starts on June 4 with the magic mile. I'm sad that I'll miss it as I'll be flying back from Europe, but I'll be ready to hit the ground running with my group the following week. I'm so excited to start training for my next marathon and help others do the same!

Race Report: 2011 CF Duathlon #1

My 2nd Duathlon was a great success, and a much better experience than the first one. It was also far better than my last triathlon in the same course. I felt really strong and had a blast. My goal was to finish in under 1:30, and I nailed it! All my splits were faster than I hoped for too. Let's break it down.

Overall Results

• chip time = 1:27:19
• age group = 2 / 5 
• females = 13 / 21 
• overall = 34 / 50 

Pre-Race
I woke up at 5 am, and got dressed. I opted for my green running skirt over tri shorts with my race ready singlet that has the built-in snaps for the bib and my "wanna race?" bondi band. We loaded up the car, grabbed a banana, and were on our way. We've done this race many times before, so we have the ritual down by now :) Packet pick up was quick and the swap nice enough. We got a tote bag and a nice t-shirt, though I wish they had the tech singlets like before. This was the 1st in a series of 5, and last year in the series some races had t-shirts and other singlets, so maybe there will be one in a future race.

Run 1 + T1 = 10:34

This is my official time, which includes T1, but this was clearly less than a mile because I am just not this fast. The time on my watch, from the start to the mat at the entrance of transition, was 8:33 + 2:02 for transition. The fastest I had ever run a mile before was 8:58, and I didn't feel like I was pushing that hard, even though I did push to run the whole thing to keep up with the pack while trying to keep my skirt from falling off. A friend logged it as .94 miles, which would mean a 9:05 pace. That's a bit more realistic, but still faster than I thought I was running. I guess the cool weather helped.

T1 = 2:02

Once in transition, I yanked off my skirt (was wearing tri shorts underneath), switched shoes, ate a shot block, shoved the gel I had in my skirt into my bra, put on my helmet and was off on the bike. A few things I could have done better at T1 was kick off my running shoes while I put on my helmet, and learn to run (rather than walk) with my bike. Mounting and clipping in also cost me some time, but it went relatively smoothly. 

Bike = 10.4 mi in 38:50 @ 16.1 mph

This is the time and distance I logged on my iPhone with Runmeter. I also mapped it on google, and this is closer than the advertised 10 miles (and also the distance I logged at the tri last year). The official results say 39:31 @ 15.2 mph, but that is based on a 10 mile route and includes the time it took me to walk from the exit mat to the mount line, mount my bike, and clip in. I started my app as I started moving, so mine is the average moving speed. Even though they only did top 5 overall, I had the fastest bike split in my age group, 8th fastest out of 21 women, and 24th out of 50 overall.

Bike Splits:

1. 15.13 mph 
2. 18.74 mph 
3. 18.25 mph 
4. 18.55 mph 
5. 17.97 mph 
6. 16.86 mph 
7. 16.91 mph 
8. 11.56 mph 
9. 12.49 mph 
10. 18.27 mph

Can you tell where the hills were? ;) Knowing that I would slow down at the end because of the hills, my strategy was to go out hard and push until I couldn't anymore. There was no sense holding back on a 10 mile ride. I'm thrilled I managed to average above 16 mph for most of the race. In fact, I averaged 17+ mph until mile 7 when the hills started and I began to lose steam, but I did even better than expected with those too. I just let loose in the downhills as much as I could then used that momentum to climb the hill.

The bike always makes me anxious because I fear of crashing into another bike while going so fast, but I always forget that we get really spread out on the bike, we have to keep at least one bike length between us, and being a mid to back of the pack I get the road to myself a lot. My training certainly paid off as I passed a lot people of people throughout the race and even on the hills when some had gotten off their backs and were walking up. I almost wish this course was reverse so we could do the hills at the start instead of loosing all momentum at mile 7 then trying to regaining for the last 2 miles.

T2 = 2:21

I'm a little surprised that T2 was slower than T2, but I think that's mainly because of the longer walk to rack my bike. Otherwise, I remember being in and out of transition pretty quickly.

Run 2  = 3.1 mi in 34:54 @ 11:15 m/m

This is the official time, which is 2 seconds faster than my watch. I didn't run with my iPhone since I had ditched the skirt with the pockets, so I do not know the actual distance, but the official results are based on 3.1 miles (not the 3 advertised). This makes sense and explains why my last mile was the slowest since it was actually 1.1. I took manual splits with my watch: 11:36 - 11:33 - 11:44 (1.1 @ 10:40 m/m). I negative split the run and I'm really pleased with the pace. I think most of my other duathlons/triathlon runs have been in the 12-13 min/mi range, so this is amazing for me. I initially planned to run with 3/1 intervals, but instead walked out of transition to get my legs back and drink some water, then ran until the first hill, walked up it, same with the 2nd, then ran except for the water stops. I really pushed hard during the last mile despite having a side stitch on each side.

Post Race

The post race food was great, even if I wasn't too hungry for it. In addition to the usual junk like cookies, donuts and chips (I did have some cheetos), they also had bananas, grapes, rice, and beans. I'm always really impressed with the support in this race, both during and after. I was a little disappointed that they only had top 5 overall for the duathlon, because I would have placed 2nd in my age group out of 5. That is significant for me, but it's ok because my amazing performance is reward enough. This was their first year adding a duathlon to the series, and they got a great turnout, so they'll be doing more with in the future. I'm thrilled to have another option right in my backyard.

Final Thoughts


This race was pivotal for me because it showed me how much I've grown as an athlete in the last 2 years. While it was not a piece of cake, because multi-sport events are challenging and cycling is not my strong suit, it was a lot easier than I expected and I exceeded my expectations. Riding with the Bike Bus has certainly made me a stronger and much more confident cyclist. I always feel amazing after doing these events because they are a bit outside of my comfort zone but oh so much fun. I just love the variety they bring to my racing schedule. I'm already plotting to do another one if I can fit it into my marathon training schedule.

Magic Mile in 8:25!

I didn't want to run when I got home, but Jason's enthusiasm rubbed off and made me feel guilty, so I got changed and headed out. The weather was fantastic, almost cold with the breeze, so I ran to the track to attempt another magic mile.

After a mile warm up, I went for it and was shocked when every lap was under 2:10 = 02:06 - 02:08 - 02:09 - 02:02. I paced myself perfectly, and still had enough for a little extra kick during the last lap. It was really windy, so the last half of each lap was a struggle but I didn't give up and I'm so thrilled with the results! This is over 30 seconds faster than my last attempt a month ago. I knew I was holding myself back, but I didn't know how much.

It's amazing to see how I've improved over the years, and I know I still have more in me.

• 5.16.2011 - 8:25 (-0:33)
• 4.16.2011 - 8:58 (-0:06)
• 5.10.2010 - 9:04 (-0:11)
• 9.13.2009 - 9:15 (-1:02)
• 9.26.2008 - 10:17

Per the Galloway predictor formula, I'm capable of so much more with the proper training and optimal race  conditions:

• 5K Race Pace = 8:58 min/mile (27:48) 
• 10K Race Pace = 9:41 min/mile (1:00:01) 
• Half Marathon Race Pace = 10:06 min/mile (2:12:19) 
• Half Marathon Training Pace = 11:57 min/mile (2:36:26) 
• Marathon Race Pace = 10:57 min/mile (4:46:40) 
• Marathon Training Pace = 12:57 min/mile (5:39:04)

I can't wait to see how this year turns out as I push myself to my true potential! :)

Practicing Determination

I know that a well designed training plan includes a variety of components. The most common ones are endurance and speed. I also know that rest is a key component of training, and just as important as putting in the miles or doing speed work. I even know the importance flexibility, core, and strength training, even if I often don't make enough time for them. Today it dawned on me that I often forget a really key component that needs to be practiced -- determination -- or pushing past my limits, be it physical or mental.

All the endurance and speed in the world won't do me any good when I need to dig deep at the end of a race but I feel like quitting. Forcing myself to work out when I don't want to without a good enough reason, and having it be a really good workout, exercises that part of my brain that looks for excuses when I don't want to push myself. I am capable of so much more, but I often hold myself back. Before both of my rides today (to and from work), I tried to convince myself that I shouldn't ride. I had all kinds of excuses: sleepy, too tired, hip hurt, long day at work, it's hot, blah, blah, blah. I managed to suck it up and get out there, and I had 2 great rides.

Saturday cannot come soon enough. I'm so ready for this duathlon, and this week is taking forever! Seriously, how is it only Tuesday? Since this was my last training ride before the race, I dropped off my road bike at Kyle's Bike Shop on my way home to get a tune up and a makeover -- I'm finally getting new bar tape installed that I bought over a year ago.  When I get it back Thursday night, I'll need to remove the bike rack (this is usually my commuting bike) and switch out the pedals as I'll wear my road shoes for the race instead of my bike sandals =P

I'm so ready for Saturday to get here already!

Three Things Thursday: Hill Repeats, Bike Month, Century Ride

1) Hill Repeats w/Jason

Yesterday I got to run with Jason, since he needed an easy run. His easy pace is near my race pace, or at least tempo pace, so it's always a great workout for me that pushes my limits. To further prepare for next weekend's race, I wanted to do some hill repeats. While Florida is mostly flat, we do have pockets of hills here and there. There is a block near my apartment with a reasonable steep hill. We ran 4 loops around this block. As if hills weren't tough enough, it was a speedy run for me as I tried to keep up with Jason's easy pace =P

We ran a total of 3 miles in 32:47, for an average pace of 10:51 m/m, which is pretty fast for me outside of a race even without the hills, so I'm super proud of it. I did a pretty good job keeping up with him for the first mile, which I ran in 10:21.  Mile 2 was 11:45, which included the hills and short walk between repeats. I was pretty tired after that and wanted to quit at 2.5, but Jason wouldn't let me. I took a walk break instead then pushed through to finish mile 3 in 10:26. This was a tough workout, yet kind of awesome =P There's a kind of awe that comes with conquering hills and despite the fatigue and pain, I felt really strong and all the more ready for this race.

2) May is National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month, and I've been busy planning social rides for Commute Orlando and Bike/Walk Central Florida to celebrate and get people out riding their bikes.

The fun starts tomorrow morning with a bike bus to Infusion Tea to join the Mayor's Bike to Work Ride and be part of Orlando's First Bicycle Flash Mob. We hope to have a huge turn out, shoot lots of video, and put it on YouTube. So if you have a bike, any bike, talk to your boss about coming in a little later and join us as we make history!

The celebration continues throughout the month with an Ice Cream Ride on May 14, Cycling Savvy on May 21, and Geocaching with the UCF Bike Bus on May 22. Check out Commute Orlando for all the details.

3) CF Cycle For Life

I'm finally going to train for a century ride. This morning I registerd for the CF Cycle For Life charity ride hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and supported by Orlando Cycling Savvy, who will assist with route development, rider information materials, and a century training program.

From the CF site:

A memorable ride through some of the most scenic terrains in Central Florida, starting and finishing at Lake Sylvan Park in Sanford, FL and traveling through Seminole and Orange counties. You have a choice of three mileage options; 100 miles, 65 miles or a less challenging 35 mile route. Cycle at your own pace… this is not a race!

I'll be riding as part of the CyclingSavvy Team. I know I can at least do the 35 miles, but I want to push myself and do the full 100 miles. Since I'll also be training for a marathon in November, I'll train for the full century if I can but have the option to fall back to a shorter route if needed.

If you'd like to donate, or join the CyclingSavvy team, visit my CF Page.

Cinco the Mayo Special!: Today only, registration is just $5. You will still need to raise a minimum of $150 participate in the ride.

April 2011 Recap

April was a great month. I ran a half marathon and 2 5Ks, one of which was a new PR in under 31 minutes! I started biking to work regularly again and logged the most miles biked since August. I'm feeling really strong on the bike, constantly averaging 14+ mph on our commute to work without feeling like I'm going to die lol I'm feeling really optimistic for the duathlon next weekend. Just in case, I'll be doing another hill workout this weekend because that will be my weakness. May is shaping up to be a great month too.

Goals/Races for May 2011

• [05.14] CF Sprint Duathlon #1
• [05.14] Ice Cream Ride
• [05.21] Jeff Galloway Running School
• [05.22] Geocaching with the UCF Bike Bus

April Accomplishments

• [04.10] Iron Girl Half Marathon
• [04.14] Corporate 5K
• [04.23] Run for the Trees 5K (New 5K PR!)

April Stats

• walk = 26 miles
• run = 51 miles
• longest run = 13.1 miles
• # of runs = 10
• bike = 216 miles 
• longest bike = 18 miles
• total = 292 miles / 39.5 hrs (avg 1.3 hrs/day)
• home-cooked meals = ??  (goal 90%)

2011 Goals Progress

To be on track, percentages should be around 33%

• Run/walk
• 352 / 1100 (32%)
• 88/mo
• 22/wk
• 3/day
• Bike
• 534 / 2000 (27%)
• 134/mo
• 33/wk
• 5/day