Queen of Lean

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Screw being "skinny" -- I want my body to be strong and healthy. I want it to be prepared to do all the things I want to try to do, even on a whim: run for hours, hike mountains, go rafting...

More about me. Still curious? Ask or email me!

"When I have no more tomorrows, I’ll be happy with all my todays."
- Mr. 365 "Life as a Lion"

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April 11, 2012

Training versus Life

I’m not sure if this happens to anyone else, but sometimes when I’m training I get so focused on executing my training plan that other things seem to fade to the background. Sometimes this fixation on training causes the background to blur into a noisy dull roar for me. This cacophony starts to get to me after awhile, draining me mentally.

So yesterday I addressed it head on. I power walked 2 miles in the morning with my mom and spent the remainder of the day dealing with non-running life things, namely deep cleaning my closet. I’ve got a list of other to dos to address this week — mostly all cleaning related as a clean environment helps me think better and keeps me calmer — so I’m accepting that I might not hit 100% of my training miles. But I know that this mental burnout I’m feeling will go away if I take a few days now to focus on my non-running life. And next week I’ll be ready to tackle all the miles again with a clearer conscience, a cleaner house, and a happier & more energized disposition.

9:10am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPyJTqjuc

(Notes: 4)

April 5, 2012

Don't Make My Mistakes: The 10 Things I Learned From Doing CrossFit

(via newidentity-athlete)

Also apropos to other training & workout methods:

5) You will never be good at everything. Get over it.

My biggest problem has always been that I like to do everything – and at a very early age I decided I would try to be proficient at everything I ever tried. […] Only patience will get you there, and respect for form and technique.

9) More is not always better. Also, Rest.

[…] (“Mimimum Effective Dose”) Really, you should be doing the least possible you need to make gains – once that stops working then change what you are doing or try to increase the workload just enough to see gains again. Too often we get into the mantra of “More!” when it is simply just that, not better.

10) Are we having fun yet???

If you are not having fun, you seriously need to reexamine your priorities and expectations. If you are spending countless hours doing an activity that is making your life more stressful or is keeping you frustrated over your “lack of progress” then you are missing out. […]

(Source: feralcrossfit)

10:58am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPyJ7ZpHE

(Notes: 23)

Filed under: training crossfit advice

February 1, 2012

First Speed Work Results!

I ended up downloading and using an app called Ultrachron Lite. It was free, but more importantly, it lets you use the hardware buttons (volume up & down) on your phone to mark the laps. No fussing with the touch screen while “sprinting.” It also lets you email yourself the timing stats when you’re done.

I also ended up using my neighborhood streets instead of driving to a track. 2 long blocks = 400m speed intervals, 2 short blocks = rest walking intervals (200m-ish).

Speed interval lap times:

00:01’56”67
00:02’01”79
00:02’03”71
00:01’55”90

I was supposed to be running 2:15s to be on target for a 9:00min/mile. I tried to make myself slow down, but that’s the speed my body wanted/needed to run last night. So I let it go.

I was surprised by how much I really enjoyed the structured intervals. And I’m wondering why it took me so long to finally try them.

9:32am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPyFjAz8s

(Notes: 5)

Filed under: intervals speed work running training

January 29, 2012

Me Time, aka The Long Run

This was my first attempt at a long run in 2.5 months. I had forgot how different the long run feels.

The pre-run rituals — carbs, shoes, gear.

The feeling of starting out slow and waiting to settle into the run.

Finding the rhythm of your feet when your mind is finally free to just wander.

I set out to do anything more than 3, probably about an hour, but with no set parameters.

I feel refreshed.

1:31pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPyFZqTkd

(Notes: 8)

Filed under: running me time training

January 25, 2012

"From 220lbs to Marathon Monday"

Not a Tumblr, but she’s my friend Kate’s training partner for Boston and she seems right up our crazy little alley.

So if you feel like you don’t get enough snot posts from Brenna or silly pictures from ShortMom/Moxy, check her out.

3:26pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPyFM8_60

(Notes: 3)

Filed under: running boston marathon training

January 25, 2012

5k Race Planning

When I started running, 5k was a goal. Then I tried to race it, to really strategize and push and hit a certain time. And I did in September 2010. Then I started running long and stopped worrying about pace, focusing only only on finishing. But, I want to try to race again. So…

If I’m really going to RACE this 5k in March, I need a plan (I love plans & planning. Mmm planning).

Stuff You Need to Know (from Runner’s World)

Pace Intervals (PI) If your 5-K goal is 10:00 pace (31:02 finishing time), run pace intervals at 1:15 (for 200 meters), 2:30 (400m), 5:00 (800m). For 9:00 goal pace (27:56), it’s 1:07 (200m), 2:15 (400m), 4:30 (800m). […] (9:30 goal = 2:22.5 = 400m)

Speed Intervals (SI) For 10:00 pace, run 1:11 (for 200 meters), 2:22 (400m), 4:44 (800m). For 9:00 pace, it’s 1:04 (200m), 2:08 (400m), 4:15 (800m). […] (30 sec faster per mi @ 9:30 goal = 2:15 = 400m)

Recovery Time For pace intervals, slowly jog half the distance of the repetition (i.e., 200m jog after 400m repetitions). For speed intervals, jog equal distance (i.e., 400m jog after 400m repetitions).

Tempo Run (from about.com): Tempo runs help you develop your anaerobic threshold, which is critical for fast 5K racing. Start your run with 5-10 minutes easy running, then continue with 15-20 minutes running near your 10K pace (but not at race pace), and finish with 5-10 minutes cooling down. If you’re not sure what your 10K pace is, run at a pace that feels “comfortably hard.”

Found a totally doable speed-workout-intensive plan on about.com — 5K Training Schedule for Intermediate Runners — that has now been loaded into my training calendar.

Now, to set a goal pace. My 5k PR is from fall 2010: 29:46 on a totally flat, dry course. A PR of 29:30 would be an average pace of 9:30. That will be tough based on my current fitness, and specifically running, level — but I’m going to try.

9:25am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPyFLLqed

(Notes: 13)

Filed under: 5k race training training plan runners world

January 5, 2012

Making My Own Joy: Oh, Running, What Shall I Do With You?

Sometimes Kimi reads my mind. This is exactly how I feel about running in 2012. (Though I did toy with the thought of a spring 2013 marathon while waiting for the bus today. I am le crazy.)

kimijoy:

You see, as I wrapped up my training for the [Cape Cod] Marathon last October, I was feeling exhausted, worn out and sick of running. […] When running became something I had to do to make sure I was prepared for all things marathon, it became more of a chore than it was something I looked forward to. And that makes me sad to think about.
[…] I love running too much for it to become something I have to force myself to do.
But, and here’s my dilemma, I also enjoy running races. But a full marathon? I’m wondering if maybe it’s not in my cards right now. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to do it. It just means I have some soul searching to do. You see, I truly, truly love the half-marathon distance and the training leading up to it. It gives me enough flexibility and wiggle room to work in the things I want to do — and still gave me a goal to achieve. So, there may be a couple changes in plans — or there may not be, who knows?

What I do know for sure is that in 2012, the smile will return to my face when I lace up my shoes and head out the door — one way or another.

1:56pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPyEJAvGv

(Notes: 7)

Filed under: running marathon training

October 8, 2011

Last Longest Long Run

20 miles.

4 great friends.

1 Auntie Annie soft pretzle & 1 bottle of Gatorade.

2 Gus.

25 degree temperature change (54F to 79F).

1.5L water.

4 hours 15 minutes (run time).

Photo recap to come.

Where’s the pizza & beer?

2:19pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPyAQ_DFN

Filed under: CCM2011 running marathon training

October 7, 2011

Marathon Dream #2

I had another marathon dream last night. Only in this one, the course started as a point to point, then did a loop several times to finish (like a partially unrolled bubble tape). I kept running and running… and lost track of my number of loops! I finally realized I had run too far and sprinted to the finish line. My time? 2:40 something. (Also, coincidentally, the time of my last half in August.) And I remember thinking, “Wow, that was a lot easier than I thought it would be!”

I’m really hoping this is a good omen for tomorrow (and the marathon)…?

10:50am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPyAO3G0q

Filed under: marathon training dreams CCM2011

September 22, 2011

Had panicked dreams this morning about being unprepared morning of my marathon - indecisive about clothes, no gu, couldn’t find shoes - then I was still at home 30 min after the start and STILL running in circles, trying to find a pre-run bagel.

So, marathoners+… should I look forward to more of this in the next 5 weeks?

8:09am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPy9orbl3

(Notes: 7)

Filed under: CCM2011 anxiety dreams running marathon training

September 1, 2011

Salted Candy?

I need help/ideas! I want to try a new snack on my next long run that incorporates more salt because I sweat so much. I got such a splitting headache after my 15 miler last Saturday that the boy found me standing in front of the fridge drinking straight from the pickle jar.

What candy would taste best with salt? Maybe Swedish Fish?

Ella says: “caramel and slash or (but always and) dark chocolate with sea salt? Can somebody make a gel this flavor? #willrunforcandy”

Kate uses salted licorice, but I’m not a licorice fan.

What else might work?

[Edit: will keep adding as they come in.]

kimijoy:Pretzels with caramel? Pretzel M&Ms? Ice cream with pretzels? The GR marathon actually has a pickle juice aid station.

94monkeys: Sour Patch Kids? Is that salt?

shortmom: I gave in for last week’s 18 miler and did what the pros told me to do. Every 4 miles I had GU (“chocolate outgrage”), every 1.5 hrs a Hammer Endurolyte (electrolyte tablet), and alternated Nuun (16 oz) and water (24 oz).

And her lovely response to my “but Gu gives me the heebiejeebies!” note: I hated Gu until that very day. Let me tell you, that day when I followed the plan — it was my first super long run that gave the confidence I needed to know I could complete a marathon. It was a huge success, not even jokin’. Also, I met up with a running group in the middle for 6 miles. They were pretty slow, so it made for an awesome day! I really, really think you should give it a shot (the Gu). I’ve been using Honey Stinger (honey+electrolytes), and I love it and the concept of it — but runwithrach is right, you can’t go on simple sugars alone for this much endurance. Need complex carbs, which Gu delivers. Also, avoid sugary drinks like Gatorade for the same reason (hence the Nuun — no sugar electrolyte drink).

sendallmylovingtoyou:Do those sport jelly beans have salt? I’ve seen a blogger write about them before but I’ve never investiaged them before. runningwithguts: CHOCOLATE. Eat chocolate covered pretzels. Might get messy, though. Do you drink Nuun? (Nope, no Nuun. Maybe I should give it a second try though…)

hopjumpskip: dark chocolate :)

marisa: gummy bears?

Liz: Anything caramel or butterscotch!
kirst4588: Endurloytes more often, especially if its hot. Shotblocks w seasalt is ok

9:59am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPy908C-z

Filed under: CCM2011 candy running willrunforcandy salt fuel training marathon

August 31, 2011

Physical Therapy To Dos for Strengthing My Glutes*

*And, in turn, reducing ITB stress and knee pain.

Partially a note to self, partially a take away from it what you will.

10 bridges
10 side planks (bent knees)
10 squats
10 sumo squats (watch your knees don’t turn in!)
10 single-leg deadlifts, no weights
10 balance on 1 foot & dip 2-3”

Also, decided to modify my marathon training. Cutting way back on mid-week miles and focusing more on quality long runs. This will hopefully keep me injury free and mentally fresher. PT approved.

Along those lines, I think I’m moving my 18 miler up from the 24th to the 11th to run a 30k race in Nahant with michelleruns.

11:32am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPy8zuuqn

(Notes: 14)

Filed under: CCM2011 PT physical therapy injuries marathon training

August 23, 2011

Fall Focus

Today feels like fall. Classic, crisp New England fall. And I’m trying to focus on that in the excited, back-to-school and start new things way and not the mournful, my summer is over and no more lazy lake days way.

I’m in mope & stress spiral lately and it needs to end. I snoozed for an hour (6 am til 7 am) instead of running this morning because I went to bed late last night. And I know I won’t have time to run tonight because of training an hour away. Running has turned into this big & scary, yet another thing on the to-do list. (Etc. etc. etc. pity party whining.)

Today my goal is this: focus forward and have a good attitude.

9:47am | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPy8fsGI8

(Notes: 10)

Filed under: running training Fall attitude CCM2011

August 15, 2011

Half Marathon #2: A Review

Yesterday was my second half marathon. It was a lot like and yet very un-like my first.

Things that were similar:

Really obvious: I ran 13.1 miles.
I ran without music. Good: taking in the experience in total. Bad: taking in the experience in total. I also amused/distracted myself for about 4 solid miles by singing old Girl Scout camp songs… out loud.
I got a medal.
I ate like a champ afterward, including amazingly delicious ice cream.
Shoes: I wore the same shoes both times.
Despite getting up early, I got 7+ hours of sleep, was carbed and hydrated pre-race.

Things that were different:

Finish time #1: 2:26:31 — finish time #2: 2:39:44
My first half was this big OMG WOW! goal & accomplishment. This half was like, oh shit yeah, a race as a training run, that’ll be cool. In other words: I didn’t give it enough respect or attention.
Pre-race miles last time were almost zero in the week before, this time I ran 6 that included 3 of speed work.
Fueling: there was more abundant water and Gatorade last time. The last Gatorade available on the course this time was mile 6 and there was no water from mile 6 to 11. Luckily I had water and some shot blox in my camelbak, but I think I under fueled while running.
Terrain: The last course was 6 miles uphill then a steep down and very gentle rolling hills to mostly flat for the last 7. This course was like a roller coaster - up/down, big up, big down, kinda flat, repeat. After doing some A+ internet research, I think the more abundant ups and downs (especially the downs) really aggravated my IT band. What’s good is that this course was very similar to what I should expect in Falmouth for my marathon, so I definitely need to do my PT homework and work on those outer glutes. Sexy bridges, here I come!
Shoes: Even though they were the same, now they’ve got a lot more miles on them and I think they might be a bit too broken down for such a long distance. I was nervous to run so far in my new shoes, but maybe it would have been better. This weekend I’ll find out.
Stretching: I could feel last time I was getting tight in a few spots so I stopped to stretch my lower calf and my IT band. I think in retrospect I should have done that yesterday.
Last time I was so psyched to be flying by people the whole second half and interacting with others on the course that I felt like Wonder Woman from mile 7 onward. This time I was alone 95% of the race, which was fine when the views were nice, but was tough during miles 8-12.5 when I was alone on a open highway. I needed some kind of distraction (hence the singing), but just couldn’t get out of my head.

I’m feeling less broken today than yesterday, but am a bit nervous now about my remaining long runs. However, I plan to take this experience and learn from it going into my full in October (and those 18 & 20 milers between now and then).

2:43pm | URL: http://tmblr.co/ZSjwPy8M3QZz

Filed under: running training marathon CCM2011 half-marathon race review

August 14, 2011

kimijoy:

Oh, and even better than the race? Look who I get to eat lunch with! I am a happy girl.

I feel pretty wrecked from this race. Mile 11.5 to mile 13 I thought my knee would explode. And I must have looked in as much pain as I felt because people watching started telling me how close I was and what a great job I was doing. The views from mile 4 to mile 8 were amazing.