Week 8 - Day 22 - 07.01.10 - Thursday (6 Miles with hills)

I decided to start my 5 days off for the 4th of July holiday with a morning run close to home.  I knew that I wanted to get more hills in and decided in my brain that I would run along Highway 8 from my house in Cornelius towards the Winco in Hillsboro.  I wasn't sure how many miles but assumed my CardioTrainer could tell me either way.  I started out with a good pace and even saw something I hadn't seen in a while but an manhole cover with the old company logo "GTE" on it. I remember GTE as a child when my mom used to pay her GTE phone bill at the former Beaverton Mall, now called Cedar Hills Crossing. It's funny thing about running when just mere objects like a old GTE logo brought me back to my childhood when all I worried about in July was school was out and I was going to run and play with my neighborhood friends until my mom or grandma would call me in for lunch or dinner. Life was simple then and running has brought that state of mind back to me....THANK YOU RUNNING and thank you TNT.

I was happy with my pace which my CardioTrainer proudly announced about 8 minutes and then all of a sudden no more announcements.  It seemed to freeze up at mile 3 when I was climbing my first hill on Highway 8 and from there the only thing working on the CardioTrainer was just the stop watch.  I finally got to the Hillsboro Costco and decided to run back to hit the hills again to get used to them because God knows there will be enough of them in our San Francisco runs and finished at my front door.  Not knowing what my actual mileage was I decided to stretch, take a hot shower and then jump into my car and track the mileage that way.  After doing so I found out that I ran for 64 minutes total and the actual mileage there and back from Costco was at 6 miles.  I was averaging 10.67 minute miles which wasn't bad considering the hills in the mix.  I was a little bummed that I didn't get my 10 miles in but thought you know what it's a blessing in disguise.  My body could rest and heal a bit so I can get ready for the 10 miles awaiting me at our team run on Saturday, which is just 2 sleeps away.

I also want to do a shot out to my friend Sobo for donating $50 towards TNT and my running.  She also gave $50 towards another dear friend Karen who is also training with TNT's Eastside Running Team.  We both appreciate your friendship Sobo and your compassion in helping us raise money to find a cure!

Track Day - 06.30.10 - Wednesday

Another sunny day for Track Day.

I was hoping to see my Mentor Jodi who sent me a nice email that morning but found out she was stuck at work, however my pace buddy Andrea was there all smiles and brought me some informational runner magazines. Gotta love Andrea :D My other new TNT friend Keli was there too and was dearly missed for the last week because of her family trip to Crater Lake.

Coach Darrell was there and looking rather spry even after finishing his Iron Man Triathalon in Idaho just this last Sunday right at 12 hours....Amazing!!  I also saw Mentor Kat who finished her Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon looking quite good and all smiles.  Coach Darrell and Mentor Kat that show us that these endurance events can be done and done without injury.

I was running a bit late because of traffic and immediately ran my 800 meters while everyone finished a bit earlier and caught up with the rest of the group while they stretched.  We then did some core strengthening exercises on the field which I LOVED!  I have been doing 24 Hour Fitness' bootcamp since November and all the exercises we did minus of course some push ups and weights are what I was used to and good at so that was a strength.  Now for the hard part, the other part of track practice which were these weird exercises called Farklets (sp?).  Essentially Coach Darrell would let us run at 70-80% of our speed around the track for 30 seconds and then he would whistle signaling us to slow down to a jog for 1 minute and this would repeat about 4 times.  After 4 times doing this, we would get to rest for 1 minute walking.  Then repeat all of this 3 more times.  I tell you every time I would hear that whistle, even now if I am in public, I am afraid without warning I might sprint or do a light jog wherever I am and however I am dressed. It's a good exercise and one I think I may have to do on my own as well.  Afterward, which is my favorite part, we did our 800 meter cool down and to stretches.

Lightning Linda shared with us her fundraiser which are these cool TNT magnet ribbons we can stick to our cars for just $10.  I am thinking of getting one, just have to find away to stick it to Sally's window so her paint doesn't get screwed up.  Decisions...decisions.

Week 8 - Day 21 - 06.28.10 - Monday (10 Miles)

I have to say I don't dread Mondays anymore.  Now that I have it in my schedule to run on these days and now I do them in the mornings to free up my afternoons, I actually...secretly look forward to them now.

Today was no exception.  I knew that this week we would have to run 10 miles on Saturday so thought why not try to see if my body and MIND would allow me to run the 10 miles.  I had set to do my usual 3 laps around the entire waterfront and steel/Hawthorne bridges like last Monday but something said change it up a bit.  I started off at 6:43AM and decided to veer off and run towards OMSI and see where it would lead me.  Thank God I did.  I found the much talk about Springwater Corridor and wanted to see how far I could get to it. It was fabulous running on a narrow stretch of asphalt and the only other inhabitants this early Monday morning were cyclists and fellow runners. 

What I appreciated about this trail was it ran alongside the Willamette River and would take you to Oaks Park.  The sun was just making it's way and the city looked gorgeous.  I almost made it to Oaks Park but looked at my watch and had to turn around to make sure I was back to make it for a 9AM phone conference. My trusty CardioTrainer also reminded me at the turnaround that I had already hit 7 miles so I just needed 3 more miles to get my 10 miles today.  I ran back just in time and was able to take some pics on the way back from my vantage point.  I will definitely tackle this trail again soon to see if I can actually reach Oaks Park.

I hit my 10 miles right at 2 hours so I am averaging about 5 miles per hour.  My next goal is to hopefully bump up my mileage to 6 miles per hour which is an average of 10 minute miles.  It's definitely doable!

Week 7 - Day 20 - 06.26.10 - Saturday (11.27 Miles)

Whoa, today was a challenge but also very inspiring.

I started my 9 mile TNT team run with my trusty pace/running buddy Andrea.  We were killing it with a 10 minute or so pace and then we had to STOP.  There was a train that was keeping us from getting to Front Street/Natio Parkway to get back to our starting spot for our 4 minute loop and first aid break. 

After waiting there for about 10 minutes or so, Andrea and I made an executive decision to take a detour instead of stay with the masses and bitch about it.  Thank God, unfortunately that long amount of time being stationary did a number on my body who thought..."All right, we're done running today."  This is where I have to send a big THANK YOU to Andrea because she kept us at our average race pace and was very inspiring to me.  She was very patient and encouraged me to stay my pace because this is why we are all here. 

Here was the internal struggle conversation that was going on in my crazy runner brain:

Devil on my left shoulder:

Mel you ran your 9 miles twice this week, so don't push it and it's ok if you want to stop earlier.

Andrea Angel on my right shoulder:

You can do it girl and remember next week is 10 miles and we don't want to run shorter than 9 today and have to make it up for next Saturday.

Devil on my left shoulder:

Don't listen to your new pace/running buddy.  She doesn't know you like I do and remember you deserve a break today.

Andrea Angel on my right shoulder:

We are almost there and we can do this (said with a smile).

Me to my Devil on my left shoulder:

You know what Devil, every time I listen to you bad things happen and because of you I am carrying an extra 40 pounds or so on my short frame.....so take a hike!

Then we were literally off to the races.  Thanks to my CardioTrainer we were able to modify our run today because that darn train was still coming and blocking our intended run directions.  We both decided to head to Nicolai and get our mileage that way and unfortunately had to run by the McDonalds and smell the grease too.

We finished our 9 miles...........or so we thought.  Both Andrea and I decided to celebrate our accomplishment with a stretch, pics with our loveable Diane, and then some eats at Breken Kitchen. 

We were chowing down on our Sexy Elvis P and B sandwhiches when I discovered on my CardioTrainer that we not only logged in our 9 miles today but we went over and above and actually ran 11.27 miles!!!!!!!! What the????  Andrea was so jazzed and I was grinning from ear to ear with my not so sexy sweat stained Nike shirt on. 

Well then....it's a good day indeed!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Week 7 - Day 19 - 06.24.10 - Thursday (9.07 Miles)

Today’s theme is flexibility!

I was set to do my 9 miles today like I had accomplished on Monday…3 times around the waterfront loop. I was going to do that until I noticed that all the bridges were up so I decided to take a detour and run up along Front Street/Naito Parkway towards NW Portland. It was so beautiful and the new condos alongside the other side of the steel bridge are gorgeous. The only odd thing I saw during this route was a man running in his red Crocs, I mean aren’t those for gardening? I guess it isn’t any stranger than running barefoot.

I was able to get my 3 miles in that way and head up to waterfront loop and then get another 3 miles going to OMSI and back. I was able to finish my 9.07 miles in 107 minutes.

I also like the fact that I have been doing my runs early in the morning when the sun is still bearable and there aren’t that many pedestrians/cyclists to contend with. Another plus is that I get to enjoy the rest of the day without stressing about my pending run. This week and last I have ran the length of my marathon in chunks....UNBELIEVABLE!

As I crossed the Hawthorne Bridge I noticed a banner stating it’s 100th year existence. I can only imagine what Portland looked like in 1910.

I also noticed the crew/rowing teams out on the lake for their early morning exercises. I love this town and being able to see it due to my training has been a reward. I also noticed that I am starting to see some familiar faces with other runners who run around the same time I do. What strikes me every time I run are the different body shapes of runners. Before signing up for Team in Training I assumed that everyone had that lithe runner’s body which I understand in time some do obtain. I’ve just noticed that my face seems to have slimmed down and that my body fat has lessened by several percentages so all this running is doing something. Now for my reward I have made an appointment for a one hour sports massage later this afternoon.

On to Saturday for my next 9 mile run!

Track Day - 06.23.10 - Wednesday

I both dread and love track nights.

I dread what Coach Darrell has in store with us but I love leaving there accomplishing something new and challenging and of course getting to know my TNT teammates. Last night was no exception. Lighting Linda was close by when we did our track exercise which was:

Warm up – 400 Meters (one time around entire track)

3 Sets of:
Running 400 Meters at 80-90% speed
Running 200 Meters at slow pace at 50-60% speed
Running last 200 Meters at 80-90% speed
Cool down walk for two minutes

Cool Down – Light jog for 800 Meters (2 times around entire track)

I found out that Lightning Linda lived in my birthplace Cebu City, Philippines for several years and that her eldest daughter was born in the Philippines…I mean what a small world!

I also really like my new pace and running buddy Andrea. She and I did our warm up and cool down together and we are looking forward to our 9 mile run for this Saturday with the both the West and East running teams combined. I did miss my new TNT friend Keli and of course or loveable Mentor Diane.

Coach Darrell advised his better half Coach Heidi is battling with a bad back and can hardly move. I hope she will be OK by the time Saturday comes because she is the only TNT running coach that will be leading our combined run this Saturday since her hubby Coach Darrell and Eastside running Coach Carl are leaving for Idaho this weekend for their Ironman Triathalon…phew

Week 7 - Day 18 - 06.21.10 - Monday (9.0 Miles)

I came off a runner’s high from Saturday and was determined to hit my official 9 miles for week 7 of TNT training. I decided to do my run early in the morning this time since I had several appointments during lunch and after work. I figured if I don’t make the time for this, when will I have time for it, right?

I am so glad I did. I started my run at 6:30AM and did my usual 3 mile waterfront loop but this morning I had said out loud I was going to do it 3 times which would hit my 9 mile goal. Amazingly my labored breathing and pains stopped sooner than my usual 2 miles and I was on a high. I was also able to try the Lime flavored Gu that I purchased over the weekend and not bad. I want to start getting used to these types of runner tools for my pending endurance events.






The sun started to rise and I knew I was going to make it. I crossed the Hawthorne Bridge for the third time and could see the end of the bridge. I hit my 9 miles ironically in front of the statue of former Portland Mayor Vera Katz. I decided to take a self portrait of the both of us to commemorate this blessed event, but instead a helpful street person whom I have renamed Mr. Doe offered to take this picture. I felt a bit scared that he might run off with my Droid (camera/phone) but handed it to him anyway. Mr. Doe did a great job taking the picture of Vera and I celebrating my latest running accomplishment. Life is good!