Marathon Dreamer

Nice run along the malecon this morning.  Got out there by 6:15 AM and the sun was just coming up.  Gentle breeze to keep me cool and the little black nats are starting to disappear.  Really feeling my repeats from yesterday.  Must have done it good!!!  This run I decided to split up and do a little bit of a tempo run with it.  Although I am a bit sore, I actually felt better at mile 5 than I did at mile 1.  It is Holy Week here in Mazatlan.  I can't even begin to tell you how crazy it is here.  There are so many tourists from all over vacationing.  The next few days, the beaches and traffic will be very heavy.  Laying low until it's over!!!

Just about the same run as yesterday but I was more sore today.  I had a few stops and goes, but overall not bad considering.  

RESTING... rest is never overrated!!!

Ran here at the marina this morning.  Excited about setting the clocks forward... I will gain an hour of darkness in the morning which is great for me and my running.  Headed out the door late because I slept in and woke up around 7:45am.  Not like me to sleep that late, but I guess my body needed it.  It is getting very warm and humidity is starting to creep in to Mazatlan.  I had a tough time breathing and for some reason my lungs kinda hurt.  Not used to running when it's in the 80's and in the sun.  I did push the pace a bit in the high 7's for 3 out of 5 of the miles.  Hoping to feel a bit more rested by tomorrow for my long run.  Happy Easter to all you bloggers out there!!!

Out for a quick run to loosen up the legs after my long run yesterday.  Ran the first 2 too fast... time 16:09....OOPS.  Slowed down to about a 9:10-9:20 pace for the last 2 miles.  I have a sore right heel.  Kinda comes and goes.  Seems to be real sore in the morning when I first get out of bed and as the day goes on, it gets better.  Hoping that it is nothing, but I am aware of it enough to be cautious.  Thinking that is may be a touch of plantar fasciitis. Left knee has been much better... just a little sore at the top of the knee cap last night, but that is gone this morning.  Did my weight routine and will do abs later when I get back from our friend's pool.  Cannot wait for my boys to get back to school.... they are driving me crazy!!!!

Bit of an interval/mile repeat training run the first 3 miles - goal was to stay in mid to high 7's min/mile pace which overall I managed. Gosh I like to run fast! Just wish my body liked it! LOL! Challenging run with the temps in high 80's, a head wind, and let's not forget the humidity! I need to be hitting the road earlier. Boys are back in school next week & I will be back to my usual schedule :-)

10 miles done - 1:25:49 at 8:35 pace/mile with no stops. I lost my car key while digging in my little belt to get my chapstick while I was running!! I had to take a pulmonia back to the condo to get the spare... craziness. Made a few spares at Home Depot but they are only good to unlock the car doors- when I try to start the truck with the new spares, the truck starts and then stalls. UGH!!! Always something!!!

Ran the malecon early this morning.  It is so humid!!!  UGH!!  Tough run... if you want to call it "neural fatigue" or just plain old fatigue, I had it.  Several stops and goes.  Just felt like I couldn't breath well.  Glad it's over.  Tomorrow RESTING and very happy about that.

REST DAY!!! YEAH!!!

Nice EZ run at 9:21 average pace.  Took some advice from some great people on our discussion forum and slowed the pace to almost a full minute slower than my usual.  This felt more like a stamina/endurance run but it was actually enjoyable.  It didn't really feel as mentally taxing as my usual runs either.  I should have run actually even a little slower and I did try to, but honestly it just felt unnatural.  Breathing was easy.  The first 2 miles I felt very stiff and my knee caps hurt, but once I settled into pace... it came together.  Miles 3-12 were relaxing-  I enjoyed hearing the waves and feeling the light breeze along the ocean.  Miles 13-15 I was a bit tired but continued to be consistent with the pace that I set for myself.  It wasn't overly humid and I brought my water belt so I was able to easily hydrate.  Took in 3 gels during the run and was also sure to carb load yesterday.  Only stopped once for 2 minutes to wipe my face and apply my chapstick.  I feel great at the moment.... but my right heel where I have a touch of plantar fasciitis will need some attending to with an ice pack.  Planning to spend the afternoon with some great friends at a local resort.  Looking forward to eating good and a beer or two will surely be in there somewhere!!

Ouch.... my knee caps hurt the first 2 miles, then of course the PF in my right foot was also keeping me aware of every step... had to stop a few times and stretch then rub the knees.  After the first 2 miles, all that pain just disappeared and I was feeling pretty good.  Through in a bit of a tempo/interval run in there.  Ran a new route this morning which had 2 hills (Mazatlan is pretty flat overall), so I was happy to have a bit of a challenge.  Wasn't in the mood to run at all honestly, but it seems that once I get going I get over myself and just get it done.  Put my legs in the pool afterwards.... tough standing up after sitting there for 20 minutes.  Going to buy some athletic tape today in hopes of taking care of this PF.  It needs to go away!!!  Today is my little boy Evan's 7th Birthday!!!  I plan on making it special for him with a few surprises when he gets home from school....

Not hydrated enough for this run... it was a bit of carnage but I got the mileage done.  Glad it's over... my legs have not recovered from sunday's long run or even from monday's fast run.  Gonna cool it tomorrow and make myself run slow!!!

Nice run along the malecon with my friend Martha... lost her after about 2 miles.... she was just tuckered and needed to slow up a bit more.  Average pace 9:12 per mile.  Felt pretty EZ.  Tomorrow is going to be my tough run of the week.... shooting for a 10 mile tempo run.  The reward is a few beers at Rancho California Bar and Grill tomorrow night... ;-)  Gonna fuel up today- started it off with a nice omlette with plenty of toast after my run... washed it down with water and a fabulous cup of gourmet coffee.  What a great morning.  No real pain to speak of today.  Right heel a tad sore getting out of bed this morning, but I was on my feet a lot yesterday.  Bought a new Nike sports bra and new socks at the mall yesterday.... and yes... I was very excited about that!!!

All I can say, is I am going to be a hurtin' unit tomorrow.  My effort level felt about a 8.5 out of 10.  This run was a fun run though (when I wasn't gasping for air during a 30 second breather)... broke it up as to not tax myself too much mentally with the brutalness of it!!  It really is getting warm here!!  Mixture of repeats, intervals and tempo all rolled into a beautiful "kick my rear to China" 8 miles!!  Had a 1mile warm up and 1 mile cool down.... I can feel my right heel aching already (the one with the PF).  Saw this lady running on the malecon up ahead of me at one point... she had the strangest stride I'd ever seen but she was scooting along at a great pace for me, so I tried to keep up with her for probably 3 miles or so.  My pace was everywhere.... for my intervals I was mostly in the mid 6's range, and my tempo work was in the low 7's to low 8's.  My reward for this tough effort today?  A couple of Negra Modelo cervezas and guacamole dip!!  Cannot wait for 5pm.... heck may go sooner... it's 5 o'clock somewhere... right?

Decided to switch my rest day to today.  I slept terrible last night and I was just exhausted this morning.  My legs were real tired from yesterday's speed work.  Looking forward to a good night's sleep tonight.  Tomorrow will be a short run to loosen up the legs.  Wanting to be well rested for Sunday's long run.  Hoping to go at least 18 miles.

Feeling much more rested this morning after a good night's sleep.  I still feel a bit drained so I only did a short 4 miler nice and slow at 9:33 pace.  By tomorrow... I should be ready for my long run.

Today was a milestone for me.... I have never run 20 miles until today.  Didn't set out to run the distance, but once I hit mile 18- I said why not!?  First 4 miles, I could feel my knee caps... but once I warmed up, that discomfort went away.  My right heel with the PF really didn't bother me much today.  I have been faithfully taping it and wrapping my arch when I am not running.  Stopped at mile 6 to take in a gel and hit the bathroom.  That was the fastest bathroom break ever!!  LOL!!!  Stopped for about a minute to chat with a friend at mile 13 that I ran into along the malecon.  Took in sips of water throughout the run - love my running belt.  Ran into the convenience store at mile 12 to refill my water bottle and took in a gel at that time.  Another gel at mile 16.  At mile 18- ran to my car and dropped off the running belt and grabbed my gatoraide.  Almost felt like I was in a relay race....ha ha.  Felt a very heavy feeling creeping up on me at this point.... probably started to kiss the wall.... The only thing that kept me going was I got angry.  I told myself to suck it up and stop being a whimp!!!  I probably could have mustered another 2 miles, but I think that it would have brought me to a place that I'm not sure that I'm ready for yet (both mentally and physically).  I took the advise of some great runners on here and ran the first 13 miles with average pace range of 9:20-9:40 or so - was comfortable and easy.  The next 4 miles I picked up the pace to 8:50 to 9:20 range and the last 3 miles I ran as fast as I could muster ranging from 8:15 to 8:40 pace.  I don't have the exact numbers for you.... just from memory of what I saw on my watch - I have yet to learn how to use my garmen properly!!  Although it took me 3:06:22 to do the run, it gave me hope that I am indeed on my way to getting that BQ... what's 6 more miles.... right?  I have a funny feeling I may be eating those words!!!

UGH!!!  Could not sleep last night.... my body was yelling at me.  My quads felt burny and tingly .... just irritating enough to keep me aware of them.  My son Evan also decided to crawl into bed with me and he was sleeping almost sideways!!!  I tried to move him but he was like a boomerang!!  He just kept coming back!  3 miles very slow today.... I am beat.  The first 2 miles, my darn knee caps just hurt big time!!!  I decided to go run in the dirt lot next to our condo just to cushion the blow.  Knees felt better by the time the run was over.... OUCHIE.

Finally a good night's sleep!  Even though it wasn't for a full 8 hours, at least it was a quality sleep.  Frankly I was a bit worried about running today after the way I felt yesterday.  My knee caps hurt big time on my short 3 miler yesterday... you know something's up when you see me running in dirt.  I am not a big fan of getting my shoes or legs dirty!!  LOL!!!  Hit the malecon right after I dropped off the boys to school.  Met up with my new friend and running partner Alan - we just did two 4 mile tempo runs. First 4 miler was in 33:52- we then stopped to take in fluids.  The second 4 miler was in 31:54.... wow!!  The knee caps felt totally fine.  Right foot a little tender with the PF for the first mile or so, then after that, the tenderness was gone.  What a great workout and I was shocked that I mustered it!  Alan really pushed me and got me there!! There's always that looming question... could I have done more? Umm.... I don't think so.... It was tough!!  My lungs were totally working for it!!  I even had a layer of salt form in the elbow bends of my arms which I have never seen before!!  Very proud of this run.

6 mile run done - moderately easy. Tired. I can always tell when I've trained hard because that night I have trouble sleeping. Picked up a passenger around mile 5. I saw this little guy with one leg in his wheelchair rolling down the malecon.   

I usually see him down by Valentino's with his begging cup and I know that he rolls him self all the way down there almost every day because I have seen him before. I gave him a push for about a quarter mile. I was afraid his wheelchair may not hold up, but it did fine. He absolutely loved it and I got a great kicker thrown into my workout. He was so cute - people were giving him thumbs up and he was waving back at them like he was famous or something!! Bless his heart. I'll be sure to do that again. It made my day and his.  Just saw a post on the Mazatlan Running Group wall that stated that someone else started pushing this man down the malecon too... he must have taken over pushing him where I left off.... SEE!! Kindness is contageous!!!  Tomorrow is going to be another challenging tempo run with my friend Alan from the Mazatlan Running Group.  I really need some rest if I'm going to attempt this one again!!!  I honestly don't know if I have it in me to do another 8 mile tempo, especially with 4 miles below 8 min/mile pace.  Although, I never dreamed that I could run that pace the last time.  I'll need the "Running Gods" for this one!!!

 Home from another butt kicking run thanks to Alan with the Mazatlan Running Group!! WOW! We ran 4 miles at 7:42 average pace- the first mile or so was a warm up so that means we were cruising the next 3!! Thought I was gonna toss my oatmeal! Ticked off that I couldn't hold it to 4.2 mark, so that I could win the bet that I have with my husband but another week or 2 & I will definitely be there and Dave will be eating his words!  (the bet is that I have to be able to run 4.2 miles at 7:40 or under pace and if I do, then he has to train to run 18 miles).  Next 4 miles were at 8:38 average pace. Humid this morning on the malecon!  The run back, Alan and I were really feeling it.  I have to say though, I feel like a rock star and feel like I am moving to another level in my training!  Very excited!!!

Difficult night's sleep... it always seems to follow a tough training session.  Woke up feeling like I am coming down with a cold but felt ok to run.  Left the Garmin watch at home this morning.  Sometimes I don't want to run to train, sometimes I just want to run for me and today was one of those days.  Enjoyed this run and remained relaxed through it despite some faster paces thrown in there.  No pressure.... tried to really focus on this run and pay attention to my breathing, my form, running smoothly and effortlessly.... I felt like I was gliding.  Great start to my day.... now for some rest.

Day of rest

15 miles completed today along the malecon. Beautiful morning. Not too hot and not too humid. The first 10 miles were pretty easy. Uneventful for me. I do feel more tired because of this cold and I don't feel like I fueled enough or was well rested for this run, but glad I got out there just the same. At about mile 8, I joined up with the Mazatlan Running Group and cranked out a few more miles there. Used 3 carbohydrate gels on this run today and had my running belt and water with me. The last few miles, my friend Guy joined me. So nice to have some people to run with!! I am so happy to meet people that love running like I do!! Average pace 9:09 min/mile for the duration of the run. Great day!!

Tired today.  My right quad is sore.  Strange, but I am more sore from yesterdays' 15 miler than I was from the 20 miler last sunday.  Took it easy on my run and left the garmin at home today so I would just run a pace that was comfortable.  Tomorrow is my tempo run... that's gonna be tough!!!

8.4 miles done.... tempo run the first 4.2 miles with 8:01 min/mile pace - better pace than I had actually hoped for thanks to Alan!!! Next 4.2 miles I ran alone - split it into 2 interval runs with average pace of 7:52 min/mile - best I could muster today... OUCH - I am a bit sore and tired. Overall I am happy with this run. I have noticed though, that I do much better when Alan is running with me. He helps me stay on pace and keeps me motivated to keep going even when it gets tough at times. Holding an 8 min/mile pace is getting easier!! I am going to have to post a new abs picture soon.... I have lost my abdominal fat since this last one was taken.... must be those nice long steady runs!!!

Whew!!  3 miles in the mid to low 7's pace.... the rest, nice and easy.  I was working it though today!!  Very warm this morning!  I had dried up salt crystals in my arm pits and down the insides of my upper arms... I know, I know.... TMI.  Tomorrow meeting up with Alan for hills.... should be a butt kicker.  Taking friday off.... saturday will be my long run, and then filling in to help out with the Mazatlan Running Group on sunday for their 6K run since Alan will be out of town running a half in Mexico City.... should be a fun weekend!!!  Expecting my husband's return to Mazatlan sometime mid week... so excited!!!

WOW!!! Great workout!!! Met up with Alan this morning and ran 4 miles worth of steep hills and downhills, complete with a partial trail run and killer stairs all the way up to the lighthouse here in Mazatlan and back down!!! Finished up the workout here at my condo with running up and down a total of 14 flights of stairs!!! Lung busting at times... but awesome!!!  

resting today.... long run tomorrow, however will enter the mileage for it on sunday since that will really be mileage towards next week.  Running clinic on Sunday... should be a busy weekend!!