I've been running relatively consistently since July 2010 with the goal of running a half marathon and then maybe a full marathon down the line. I've ran four 5K races at the end of 2010 and it's about time to step it up a bit.
So I've decided to do a triathlon.
Clayton, who is an avid cyclist, suggested the June Lake sprint triathlon on July 9. I naturally and without hesitation accepted the challenge because a.) I have an addiction explained in this post, and b.) I have been swimming pretty consistently since January and felt that completing a sprint triathlon wouldn't be too, too hard.
Confident as all hell, I went too Mammoth Lakes this past weekend to run for the first time at an elevation higher than I'm used to.
Castaic elevation: 1,500 feet
Mammoth Lakes elevation: 7,900 feet
I knew it was going to be harder, but when I ran/walked roughly 3.6 miles in Mammoth last Saturday, my heart nearly exploded. The side cramp from hell wasn't any help, either, but I didn't imagine running there would be as tough as it was.
This, naturally, scared me so now I've turned up my training notch to prepare for the tri. I essentially have 10 weeks to train.
FML.
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Running
It's funny to say that I'm a runner now. Running for what is now my 6th month has definitely been a journey, and my body now craves running. Seriously, my legs start to get sore and they start to hurt if I don't run. It's a great motivator.
Not to mention reminder to get my ass moving.
Yoga has been kicking my ass recently too since my teacher decided to step it up. I couldn't be happier though. Sometimes I feel the intermediate level is too easy.
Anyway.
I set some goals through the Nike+ system, and I've accomplished all of them so far (high five myself). The one I'm most proud of is running faster one. I've always been a slow runner. And by slow, I mean I started out with 12-minute miles.
So I set the goal to run 5 times with a pace of no more than 10 minutes a mile.
And i did it!
And I just ran my first 10K!
Watching my progress, setting goals, and competing with friends on the Nike+ website has been such a great motivator, too, especially with little videos like these:
Who would have thought that running could make be feel so damn accomplished?
I am pumped!
And thank you to everyone for your facebook likes and words of encouragement throughout. It's comforting to know that my friends are so awesome that they even care about silly things like running goals. Much love, much love!
<3
Not to mention reminder to get my ass moving.
Yoga has been kicking my ass recently too since my teacher decided to step it up. I couldn't be happier though. Sometimes I feel the intermediate level is too easy.
Anyway.
I set some goals through the Nike+ system, and I've accomplished all of them so far (high five myself). The one I'm most proud of is running faster one. I've always been a slow runner. And by slow, I mean I started out with 12-minute miles.
So I set the goal to run 5 times with a pace of no more than 10 minutes a mile.
And i did it!
And I just ran my first 10K!
Watching my progress, setting goals, and competing with friends on the Nike+ website has been such a great motivator, too, especially with little videos like these:
Who would have thought that running could make be feel so damn accomplished?
I am pumped!
And thank you to everyone for your facebook likes and words of encouragement throughout. It's comforting to know that my friends are so awesome that they even care about silly things like running goals. Much love, much love!
<3
Friday, October 1, 2010
10.10.10
I signed up for another 5K on 10.10.10. This time it's in Castaic!
The event, although the main events are two different-length triathlons, it also offers a 5K and a 10K run for those less intense.
I actually signed up for this 5K the day after we ran the last one early in September.
I have decided to take it easy for a while and run a bunch of 5Ks for now. I want to participate in a running event every month.
September: We did the Santa Monica 5K
October: Magic Mountain 5K
November: Santa Clarita 5K
December: Santa Monica, again?
As I continue to run, I'll eventually run farther and my plan is to jump to running 10Ks early in 2011.
Then, eventually, I will reach the half marathon... and maybe even the full.
Or maybe not. The thought of running for 26 miles is a little ridiculous to me.
Maybe I'll do a triathlon first.
The event, although the main events are two different-length triathlons, it also offers a 5K and a 10K run for those less intense.
I actually signed up for this 5K the day after we ran the last one early in September.
I have decided to take it easy for a while and run a bunch of 5Ks for now. I want to participate in a running event every month.
September: We did the Santa Monica 5K
October: Magic Mountain 5K
November: Santa Clarita 5K
December: Santa Monica, again?
As I continue to run, I'll eventually run farther and my plan is to jump to running 10Ks early in 2011.
Then, eventually, I will reach the half marathon... and maybe even the full.
Or maybe not. The thought of running for 26 miles is a little ridiculous to me.
Maybe I'll do a triathlon first.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Success: Completed my first 5K
Running in the Santa Monica 5K yesterday was fantasmagorical. I never thought running could be so much fun.
XX and I woke up at 5:20 am, got dressed and jumped in the car by 5:40. We ate our breakfast on the way down – I had one cliff bar and half a Gatorade, XX had two cliff bars and a full Gatorade.
I hate eating before working out, especially this early in the morning, but I forced it down since I knew I was going to need the energy.
After picking up our numbers (I was 106,), we ran a bit to stretch out and prepare for the race. We positioned ourselves near the front of the starting line, I gave XX a I'll-see-you-at-the-finish-line-kiss, and at the sound of the blow-horn, away we went!
The sound of all those feet running toward one goal was pretty badass. I pulled over to the side to let all the Speedy-Mc-Speedters pass my slow ass, which was fine. I figured some of these people would burn themselves out and I would eventually pass them.
My goal was to keep going no matter what. If my hip started to hurt, too bad. If a cramp decided to stab me in my side, too bad. If my shoulder were to spasm (as it often does), too bad.
I was pretty amazed at the amount of people who passed me. It kept going and going. I almost felt fat and bad about myself running so slow... but then I saw people walking and any negative thoughts were kicked to the curb. HA! I ain't walking, bitches!
I'm proud to say that I stayed the course and ran the entire 5K without stopping. I ran at a steady pace the entire time and only started to cramp up a bit during the last kilometer, in which I responded by speeding up.
Naturally, I felt accomplished when I crossed that finish line. I sort of sprinted toward the end. Apparently the announcer even said my name over the PA system, but I was in the zone and didn't hear him.
I ended up running the 3.12 miles in roughly 35 minutes.
Now I have a time to beat for the next one.
Afterward, my mom took XX and I out to breakfast at a poshy place called Canali Cafe. Having my mom come out and support us meant a lot.
I'm stoked, too, cause now I have a new found respect for running... and I want to continue doing it.
XX and I woke up at 5:20 am, got dressed and jumped in the car by 5:40. We ate our breakfast on the way down – I had one cliff bar and half a Gatorade, XX had two cliff bars and a full Gatorade.
I hate eating before working out, especially this early in the morning, but I forced it down since I knew I was going to need the energy.
After picking up our numbers (I was 106,), we ran a bit to stretch out and prepare for the race. We positioned ourselves near the front of the starting line, I gave XX a I'll-see-you-at-the-finish-line-kiss, and at the sound of the blow-horn, away we went!
The sound of all those feet running toward one goal was pretty badass. I pulled over to the side to let all the Speedy-Mc-Speedters pass my slow ass, which was fine. I figured some of these people would burn themselves out and I would eventually pass them.
My goal was to keep going no matter what. If my hip started to hurt, too bad. If a cramp decided to stab me in my side, too bad. If my shoulder were to spasm (as it often does), too bad.
I was pretty amazed at the amount of people who passed me. It kept going and going. I almost felt fat and bad about myself running so slow... but then I saw people walking and any negative thoughts were kicked to the curb. HA! I ain't walking, bitches!
I'm proud to say that I stayed the course and ran the entire 5K without stopping. I ran at a steady pace the entire time and only started to cramp up a bit during the last kilometer, in which I responded by speeding up.
Naturally, I felt accomplished when I crossed that finish line. I sort of sprinted toward the end. Apparently the announcer even said my name over the PA system, but I was in the zone and didn't hear him.
I ended up running the 3.12 miles in roughly 35 minutes.
Now I have a time to beat for the next one.
Afterward, my mom took XX and I out to breakfast at a poshy place called Canali Cafe. Having my mom come out and support us meant a lot.
I'm stoked, too, cause now I have a new found respect for running... and I want to continue doing it.
 |
| No chip, no time! |
 |
| 106 baby. |
 |
| Giving my mom a wake-up call. |
 |
| I did it! |
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Checking off the list: Running a 5K
I'm running my first 5K tomorrow. I'm excited to cross it off my list of things to do (check out the link above). I'm not really nervous, even though maybe I should be since I haven't really been keeping up with my running schedule the last 2 weeks.
I ran a 5K yesterday and it was... painful.
My hip doesn't hurt anymore, but I got a cramp 0.3 miles into the run. I'm serious. I literally ran for 4 minutes and my side started to hurt.
NOT GOOD.
I managed to finish, but I had to stop every mile to give my side a break. I don't plan on doing that tomorrow though. If I get a cramp, I'm going to push through.
The goal is to finish.
Here is the map.
My mom is cute. She is going to come and support me and Nathan. My dad told me to come in first place.
I told him I'd bring him home a medal.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Biggest challenge yet
I hate running. It's boring, it hurts my knees, I'm slow and I get side-cramps.
So I've decided to enter into Santa Clarita Valley's half marathon in November.
I enjoy challenging myself. I strongly believe that you get more out of life if you do things that might suck, might be difficult, or might even hurt.
Running this marathon will be a bigger challenge to me than quitting smoking. But since its been almost 2 months without nicotine, running should come a bit easier, and I'm hoping that I will enjoy it more.
I'm doing everything possible to keep me motivated. I invested in the Nike+ system to keep track of everything I do.
The red oval thing you see is the sensor. You place it in your shoe as it will track every step. The doohickie on the right is the thing you attach to your iPod Nano. Investment: $30.
I also bought a special Nike+ armband for my Nano.
How can you go running without an armband, right? Investment: $30.
I also bought new shoes. My Addidas shoes are worn out and have holes in them.Since I just invested in the Nike+ system, I've decided to invest in a pair of good Nike shoes made for the system. Nike now makes shoes that have a specific are to place the sensor in the shoe.
I bought a pair of Nike Pegasus shoes. Investment: $70. (They were on sale!)
Nathan has also decided to run the half marathon with me, and as an experiences runner, I'm excited to have him there for support and encouragement. Of course, because he's an Aries, he's also gonna try to compete with me... I'll have to let him win so he can keep his manhood and pride. :)
Once you track your work out with your sensor, you plug in your iPod into your computer and it will send all the information to the Nike+ website.
The website has a ton of features. I signed up for a half marathon coaching program where it instructs me on what to do everyday. Today, for example, I have to run 4 miles. I've never run 4 miles in my life. The most I've ever ran without stopping is 3 miles. And that was hard, mostly because I get so bored.
But I will not succumb! I will run 4 miles today! I'm going to Yoga at 8 pm tonight to stretch out and warm up, and then I'm going to grab the 4-mile run by the balls and conquer it.
The website also lets you set up goals. I set up a goal to burn 4,000 calories in 4 weeks. Every time my iPod sends the website information, it will update my goals automatically.
Apparently I'm already behind my goal since the tracker disburses the burned calories evenly over the 4 weeks. But I'm hoping that I will catch up tonight with my 4-mile run.
The Nike+ website even lets you create a little Nike+Mini character to help you motivate yourself. My character is currently playing video games and saying things like "I'm a couch potato," which pisses me off. I'll show you, you little brat!
Music is obviously a big motivator too. As I listen to music at work, I've been creating playlists. I also have PodRunner which is a free podcast with running music designed at certain speeds. Best of Bootie songs are also great running songs. I just need songs with solid beats that'll keep me pumped up. The Nike+ system also has a feature where you get set your "Powersong," a song that plays when you need a boost. This is beyond the best feature. With a click of a button, your powersong will start playing if you feel like you're bored or tired or over it. I foresee this saving my runs on multiple occasions. My current powersong: Nickelback's Burn It To The Ground.
Don't judge me. Butt rock is good to run to. :)
Other features that I didn't mention about the Nike+ system: Your iPod will talk to you while you're running. It will periodically update you on how long you've been running for, the distance, and the pace. It will also inform you of the half way point (if you set a goal).
Instead of dreading running like I used to, I look forward to it now. All the new technology available will help to keep me motivated.
Who knows, maybe by November, I'll be a converted runner and sign up for a full Marathon.
Hey ... anything is possible.
So I've decided to enter into Santa Clarita Valley's half marathon in November.
I enjoy challenging myself. I strongly believe that you get more out of life if you do things that might suck, might be difficult, or might even hurt.
Running this marathon will be a bigger challenge to me than quitting smoking. But since its been almost 2 months without nicotine, running should come a bit easier, and I'm hoping that I will enjoy it more.
I'm doing everything possible to keep me motivated. I invested in the Nike+ system to keep track of everything I do.
The red oval thing you see is the sensor. You place it in your shoe as it will track every step. The doohickie on the right is the thing you attach to your iPod Nano. Investment: $30.
I also bought a special Nike+ armband for my Nano.
I also bought new shoes. My Addidas shoes are worn out and have holes in them.Since I just invested in the Nike+ system, I've decided to invest in a pair of good Nike shoes made for the system. Nike now makes shoes that have a specific are to place the sensor in the shoe.
I bought a pair of Nike Pegasus shoes. Investment: $70. (They were on sale!)
Nathan has also decided to run the half marathon with me, and as an experiences runner, I'm excited to have him there for support and encouragement. Of course, because he's an Aries, he's also gonna try to compete with me... I'll have to let him win so he can keep his manhood and pride. :)
Once you track your work out with your sensor, you plug in your iPod into your computer and it will send all the information to the Nike+ website.
The website has a ton of features. I signed up for a half marathon coaching program where it instructs me on what to do everyday. Today, for example, I have to run 4 miles. I've never run 4 miles in my life. The most I've ever ran without stopping is 3 miles. And that was hard, mostly because I get so bored.
But I will not succumb! I will run 4 miles today! I'm going to Yoga at 8 pm tonight to stretch out and warm up, and then I'm going to grab the 4-mile run by the balls and conquer it.
The website also lets you set up goals. I set up a goal to burn 4,000 calories in 4 weeks. Every time my iPod sends the website information, it will update my goals automatically.
Apparently I'm already behind my goal since the tracker disburses the burned calories evenly over the 4 weeks. But I'm hoping that I will catch up tonight with my 4-mile run.
The Nike+ website even lets you create a little Nike+Mini character to help you motivate yourself. My character is currently playing video games and saying things like "I'm a couch potato," which pisses me off. I'll show you, you little brat!
Music is obviously a big motivator too. As I listen to music at work, I've been creating playlists. I also have PodRunner which is a free podcast with running music designed at certain speeds. Best of Bootie songs are also great running songs. I just need songs with solid beats that'll keep me pumped up. The Nike+ system also has a feature where you get set your "Powersong," a song that plays when you need a boost. This is beyond the best feature. With a click of a button, your powersong will start playing if you feel like you're bored or tired or over it. I foresee this saving my runs on multiple occasions. My current powersong: Nickelback's Burn It To The Ground.
Don't judge me. Butt rock is good to run to. :)
Other features that I didn't mention about the Nike+ system: Your iPod will talk to you while you're running. It will periodically update you on how long you've been running for, the distance, and the pace. It will also inform you of the half way point (if you set a goal).
Instead of dreading running like I used to, I look forward to it now. All the new technology available will help to keep me motivated.
Who knows, maybe by November, I'll be a converted runner and sign up for a full Marathon.
Hey ... anything is possible.
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