The Best Laid Plans...

It has certainly been an interesting 2 weeks. Despite running 10 miles last Saturday, my midweek mileage = 0. My energy, motivation, and interest in running dove to an all-time low sometime around last Monday. The last week I haven't been feeling well, and given the fact that everyone around me has been sick, I've likely caught the bug. I planned to run 12 miles yesterday, but slept in instead. I had to force myself to commit to 5 miles this morning, which was a struggle. I can't remember the last time I felt sore after a flat 5-miler. During the run I felt extra hot and most likely had a fever.

The one question I've been asking myself all week: is this normal?? I had the best run 2 weeks ago. I fell in love with running all over again and felt so strong. The Dland half is a few weeks away, and at this point I am questioning my fitness/whether or not to participate. My ever-encouraging running buddies tell me I can pull it off without a hitch. My body (or just mind?) is telling me otherwise.

I suppose it is normal to have periods of lower motivation and waining interest in a sport like running. Of course, I feel better even after my short run this morning. My plan is to run at least 2 times this week before I travel to Lubbock Wednesday morning, and definitely try for a 12-14 miler next weekend. Perhaps it is time to really start committing to cross-training? I've been known to get bored easily, and it seems like some variety might be just what the doctor ordered.

Stay tuned...

Ouch...

I woke up early this morning, excited to tackle a hilly 8-miler in PV with the TNT crew. I could tell it was going to be very warm, and we didn't get started until about 7:45am. It was definitely hot, and the run was more difficult than I thought it would be...especially when I bit the dust (literally) around mile 2.

My running partner and I decided to veer off the road and take a trail that leads along one of the many seaside bluffs in the area. This particular trail was less smooth than most, and it didn't take much to send me flying when I tripped over a rock (that seemed to be much bigger, mid-fall). I slid for a few feet across the gravel, and it took me a few seconds to realize I wasn't completely broken. The first thing I noticed were the stinging cuts on my arm and knees. To top it all off, I was also covered in a nice layer of dust and mud. We were off and jogging again after I managed to clean up a bit and gather myself.

About 2 more miles along our route I started feeling pain in my right knee. My left knee actually looks worse, but something is definitely amiss with the other. I feels like a cross between IT pain and bad bruising. I remember thinking to myself that I should stop and walk the rest of the way, but of course I did not.

After multiple rounds of icing, and lots of lounging on the couch, I feel a bit better...but new aches and pains are cropping up. I'm sure the moment of truth will be in the morning, when I get out of bed and try to venture downstairs.

Even though I had grand plans of cross-training tomorrow, I might lay low (or attempt an upper-body workout at the gym). Despite the fall, and subsequent walking breaks, our splits weren't half bad (especially considering the heat and hills):

Split 1- 11:50

Split 2- 12:56

Split 3- 11:28

Split 4- 12:42

Split 5- 11:51

Split 6- 14:45

Split 7- 13:10

Split 8- 10:29

Total time: 1:39:15

The Elusive Long Run

I am writing this from the lovely state of WA, where I am enjoying the "working" part of my vacation. My plan is to write and run, and I've been mildly successful with both. My primary frustration at the moment is my lack of motivation in getting a long run on the books. I've logged about 27.5 miles since the marathon. However, the most mileage I've accrued in any one run is about 5. I've read MANY articles on post-marathon recovery and how one should go about rebuilding their base. Some people take an entire month off...others start jogging 3 days after they complete their race. Either way, it's time for me to start with my Saturday long run schedule again.

The good news: TNT alumni runs are beginning! Anyone interested can return to practice in PV on Saturday mornings at 7:30am. This will definitely help with my motivation issues.

The bad(ish) news: I am registered to run the Disneyland Half Marathon on September 6th! I have about 9 weeks to build up my base again. According to the adapted TNT training schedule, I should have ideally logged 8 miles over the weekend, and should embark on 10 next weekend. Let's hope some other TNT folks will be up for joining me on a longer route...

On another note, the Garmin continues to be awesome, especially the wonderful online world of Garmin Connect. I know many of you who read this have known about the wonders of the Garmin products for some time, but I still won't hesitate to share my excitement! :)

Goals for the week:

-log 25-30 miles by Saturday night

-incorporate some cross-training into my schedule (and not just talk about it)

-make yoga a priority next Monday

Many Thanks!

Some time has passed since my last post, and I promise to be more diligent with updates in the future. If you haven't already noticed, my fundraising total has jumped to $900.00!! MANY thanks to my generous friends and family for their selfless donations that directly contribute to cancer research, education, and treatment. I continue to be amazed by the support and encouragement I have received since beginning this journey. If you want to donate, please do so through my fundraising website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/rnr09/jennifershaw
Help me raise that last $1,600.00, and check out my facebook page for random contests and donation incentives!

By way of a training update, we embark on a 7 mile group run tomorrow in Palos Verdes. Work and family obligations have derailed me a bit from my training routine over the last two weeks, but I am feeling focused again, and ready to take it to the next level! I am also looking for some new group cross-training opportunities, so if anyone ever wants to join me for some basketball at the Playa Vista courts or spinning classes at LMU, let me know! Other ideas are also appreciated :)