Where does the time go??

Again I haven't posted in a while. Nothing to write (home) about last week. I ran 7km on Sunday - a little slower than the last couple of long runs but I was suffering from pain in my shins. The pain started a few weeks ago, and I know it's the sign that it's time for new shoes but I didn't listen. Finally it was bad enough that I was icing everyday. It felt like I just bought these shoes but when I think about it, I bought them right before I started training for the half marathon in August which means they are 4 months old. I know shoes should last about 6 months, but when you're a 180lb runner you tend to crush the cushioning faster than the average 110lb runner. Skipped running on Tuesday and spent my time shoe shopping instead. Bought some Saucony trail shoes - hopefully these will give me a little extra grip over the winter.

I didn't run on Wednesday because my shins were still really sore and it was parent/teacher conference night. I was talking to a friend that suggested I really focus on core body strength over the winter. He said push-ups and sit-ups every day. The first day I did about 10 push-ups, but I can only go down about half way, and 20 crunches. My upper body hurt for about 3 days so I'm way off the "every day" program but I'm going to try to keep doing some as often as I can.

I did run 6.3 km on Sunday and had a good average time (7:39/km) but my legs felt really tired. It was just one of those runs where you drag yourself for every step.

I'm still looking to fit in some time at the pool, I need a day added to my weekends :0)

Time to do it all over again

This week the clinic for the Hypothermic Half marathon began, so it's time to start training again. Tuesday night I went to the clinic because Lawrence is group leading. It was nice to see so many people and when we went out for the run I was running with a couple of the slower people. Since there were people there around my pace I agreed to group lead.

Wednesday we did a 5km tempo run but I didn't lead anyone since I couldn't keep up with any of them. I did have a decent though (avg pace 7:48/km).

Sunday run was a 7km lsd but again everyone was long gone. The group I was with on the first night didn't come to either club run. I feel like I'm not "leading" anyone but that is the way it is sometimes. The good news...I had my fastest 7km ever with an avg pace 7:37/km!! I feel the sub 35min 5km is right there.

Saturday we were adventurous and tried indoor rock climbing for the first time. It was fun but I discovered that I really am afraid of heights. It took a little time to adjust and learn to trust the harness but I made it to the top. 2 days later my arms are really aching and my legs are a bit stiff so it was a great workout.

With thoughts of the Half Ironman in July I know it's time to get back in the pool, I just have to fit it in the schedule somewhere.

Recovered

It's been a little while since I posted. The last 2 Wednesday night runs I've done 4.5kms but finally at a pace under 8 min/kms. The average (including walk breaks) was 7:47 the first week and 7:41 last week. The first week my cardio was suffering but it was nice to run and actually push myself. The second week I felt really good - even managed to carry on a conversation. The Sunday in between I had a really nice 10km run. I feel fully recovered from the half marathon now - just in time to start training for the next one.

Next up - the Hypothermic Half. My goal is to take 10 minutes off my time, but this is conditions permitting. The weather/road conditions in Kelowna were perfect but the Hypothermic will probably be slippery and maybe pretty cold.

I have managed to get back to my routine and actually do some cross training. I've been doing a little a weight training once a week and yoga if I can fit it in. No wonder I haven't had time to write here.