Marathon

10 Miles

2006-07-24T19:52:00.000-04:00

We ran past another important milepost on our training this Saturday. The temperature was about 80-85 F with 90+% humidity. It was definitely better than the other days, but it was still HOT!! There was a few drops of rain on our way back - giving us the false hope of a downpour.

We ran again on the American Tobacco Trail. This time we did a 3.5 to Riddle Road and then took the 3 mile spur. We located a gas station on Riddle Road that we can use on our longer runs later.

The run was not so bad. We finished in 1hr 51 minutes. I think it was a decent time, especially considering the warm weather. Yes, we were tired at the end and our muscles hurt - but we survived and we look forward to the next long run.

Few things to note here.
1) I got a bad case of cramp in my left calf muscle at about the 3.5-4 mile mark. It hurt so bad that I limped for a few minutes. Slowly it got better and I could walk and then run again. When I came home, the pain returned, and it would hurt even while walking. It is of course gone now but I know it will come back. I tried stretching the muscle a lot - both before and after the run. I have to read up on that one - I have to figure out a way to get rid of it.

2) The PowerBar gels work! My hubby was totally out of energy when he started. He had skipped dinner the last night since he had a heavy lunch. Around 1.5 miles, he later said, that he was near blackout. Then he ate one of those gels - it helped him a lot - he got his energy back and was able to keep the pace for the rest of the run. We have decided that we are going to eat two of them per long run at least. Each of those gels have 100 calories with no caffeine - and they seem to work very well. The trick is to eat them before you are all out of energy. Got to learn to hear your body's language.

Sunday: We walked our regular beat - 3.5 miles to Southpoint and back - for cross-training. We recently bought a GPS unit - so we tried it out to check speed and mileage. We were impressed with the unit.

I know I mention this everytime after a long run, and I will do this again, since it continues to amaze me. We are enjoying these runs so much. Never in my dreams could I have imagined that I would have such a rewarding experience. My husband was also commenting the other day - we had never thought that there will be time in our life that we would run continuously for two hours! No, not read a book, or watch a movie or cook or just laze around - but run for two long hours straight in the hot sun! :-) Three-four hours after these long runs are really painful, but the sense of accomplishment is priceless. Really! I would hands down recommend this for everyone.

Week 5

2006-07-20T11:58:00.000-04:00

Tuesday - we ran 3 miles in the neighborhood. Again it was hot and humid. But then it was only 3 miles, so it was no big deal.

Wednesday - 5 miles in 50 min 51 secs on teh American Tobacco Trail. Considering that it was 78F and 90% humidity - I think we did pretty good. Now that we have run 9 miles, 5 miles seem to be easy run! I get amazed sometimes. I went to work - no extra fatigue either.

Thursday - we did not run today morning. May be will will run tonight. It rained last night - so it will be cooler today (hopefully!).

Our calorie intake has gone up these days. We are running 20-22 miles a week. We are eating a lot more carbs as opposed to what we used to before.

9 miles

2006-07-17T18:46:00.000-04:00

Our longest run yet.

It was 80 degrees and over 93% humidity. Very painful for us to run - but we did it. We ran with water but it was not sufficient to cool us. Made the run in 1 hr 38 minutes. Yes, 11 minute mile - but you have to give us a break for the heat!

We bought the Kafka's Kool ties to run with. But what could those little bandanas do when the humidity was soo high!

Unfortunately we did not stretch enough - my left calf muscle hurt for a day before easing off. We were completely exhausted for 4-5 hours after the run - too tired to sleep, too tired to stay awake. But then slowly we regained our strength.

Back to normal now - looking forward to the 3 mile run tomorrow morning. Its Week 5 this week - we are over 25% of our training!

Hot and Humid

2006-07-13T12:56:00.000-04:00

Our three miler today morning was painful. We were huffing and puffing all the way, struggling to keep running. We took several walking breaks and it was about 11 minute mile. Why? It was very hot and very humid. We were sweating profusely and seemed like we did not have any energy at all!

My husband was encouraging me along the way, saying that "we are marathoners, this should not bother us, we have to have a strong mind to overcome this." Then we were also thinking that training in this weather may also do us some good. If Chicago is cold and without this much humidity on the race day, we probably will be able to run faster there.

Anyway, we managed to finish the run, stretch and go to work. So all is good now. But we sure did not enjoy today's run. After writing in the last post about all the nice things I feel after running, today's seem to be a downer.

The 19-mile Week

2006-07-12T11:46:00.000-04:00

Today was very humid. While we did manage a 10 minute mile on our four mile run, it was a struggle of sorts. We were sweating profusely and drinking water did not help too much. But we made it and it felt very good at the end.

We ran on the American Tobacco Trail. The more I run on this trail, the more I like it. The highlight today was a little yellow turtle on the trail path. It ducked its head in when my husband was running by it. I saw it at the same spot on the return too. I love the trail because of the smooth asphalt tread, the canopy of the trees, fresh morning air and of course, the birds chirping and cheering us along. We typically run the four plus runs out there. We have started recognizing the regulars out there too – we slow down to say a cheerful “Hi!” to almost everyone we meet on the trail.

Yesterday we had run our three miles in our good old neighborhood. It was the regular 1.5 circle, as I like to call it. We start anticlockwise from Buck Crossing, down Morrell Lane through Centex development. Then at Renaissance Parkway, we turn right and run up to the bottom of the hill near the Mall. There we turn back and head homewards via 751. The half circle is clockwise from Mackenzie Court via Eagle View, Morrell Lane, then up to a steep finish on Buck Crossing. This is a complete 3.0 mile loop. The route has several profile changes and I think it helps in our cardio training.

Sunday we were supposed to cross-train but we did not manage it. We had guests over and we were busy entertaining. I think I should not feel too guilty about it – though I have been beating myself over it for the last two days. Missing one or two workouts once in a while should be OK I guess.

I am looking forward to our nine mile run this coming Saturday. I am so excited about this run that I was dreaming about it today morning and woke up an hour early before the run and lay there on the bed day dreaming!! It is a strange observation: on the run days, I am actually very happy and elated all day. There is a sense of accomplishment that I feel all day. I used to think that it was because of endorphins. Apparently, I was wrong. It’s Anandamide! I hope I get an “Ananda” high on Saturday!

5 miles

2006-07-09T07:53:00.000-04:00

This weekend it was a 5 miler. I think we did great - finished in 50 minutes and a few seconds. 10 minute mile again! I think the weather helped. It had rained the day before, so it was cool. Humidity was quite low too. The temperatures may have been in the 60s. We ran again on the American Toabcco Trail. Boy! I love runnig there - to the music of chirping birds.

Friday night we went to bed at about 2 am - I was watching movies till late and my husband had gone partying with friends. So waking up at 5:30 am was literally painful. But, we managed to get out of the bed and go running. When we came back, we were not too tired - until of couse we ate the full breakfast. After that, my body started telling me that I needed to sleep. Suprisingly, my husband was not so tired. He took our friends sight-seeing around the Town while I took a nap.

It was raining!

2006-07-06T13:22:00.000-04:00

I was aching all over in the morning today. We still got up, dressed up and started to get out for the 3 mile run when it started raining. At first it was a drizzle and then it became more intense. My husband decided to go to work - he will be working out in the gym tonight anyway. I decided to go upstairs and work out on the elleptical.

I was having trouble getting my heart rate up. May be my heart is getting better now? :D

The rain eased up a little bit after 15 minutes. I went out and ran two miles. During the second run, it was pouring! I got drenched - but I loved it! I felt like a kid running in the rain. It was a lot of fun.

This weekend its going to be a 5 miler. A piece of cake!
Ha! Listen to that! Two months ago - I would not have said that, would I?
As we build up miles, it kind of seems that the lower mileage runs get dwarfed. Psychologically if I could run 7 miles, I can do 5 easily.

I am having guests this weekend, so lots of cooking tonight - looking forward to it. :-)

Four Mile Race

2006-07-05T09:06:00.000-04:00

Yes, we ran a race yesterday. 4 miles in Carrboro. We had to do a 4 miler on Wednesday. We figured that we could do this on Tuesday and do the 3 miler on Wednesday.

We made the race on 10 minute mile. It was VERY hot and humid. Had a big chug of Gatorade, water and a Gu gel. I was satisfied with my performance.

I cannot complain enough about the weather these days. It is so hot that except in the early mornings or late evenings, one can hardly afford to stay outdoors. The temperatures have constantly been above 85. Yesterday it was in the early 100s. Add to it 96%+ humidity!! I think the heat index probably touches 120! Heat like this triggers my migraines regularly – and Excedrin is my savior.

PS: Sunday we walked 3.5 miles near SouthPoint, our usual route. It was very humid and we were sweating profusely.

PPS: Today morning I ran 3 miles. I started sweating the moment I stepped out of the house, even before started running!

7 miles

2006-07-01T12:46:00.000-04:00

We ran on American Tobacco Trail going north from the SouthPoint. We went up to Riddle Road and then back. There were some other people walking on the trail too - but it was not too crowded.

Its a great trail. Tree lined on both sides, not too many profile changes. Birds singing, little grey rabbits (or hares?) scurrying around. A very pleasant run.

Physically I did not feel very tired to run either. I particlarly enjoyed the fresh morning air. The birds kept cheering me along the way. I kept my heart rate between 130 and 160 throughout. Whenever it would go close to 160, I would slow down. I also to 1 minute walking breaks for every 10 minutes I ran. During these breaks my HR would go down to the 120s. I think that is a good sign - that my heart is improving and getting ready to take on the long endurance runs.

We had taken a bottle of Gatorade and a bottle of water with us. My husband carried one in a pouch belt while I carried one in my hand. Actually I do not feel too troubled carrying bottled water with me. We also had a energy gel on our way back. Contrary to what we have heard and read, those things do not taste too bad. Its too concentrated so we have togulp it down with water, but as such it was OK.

We made good time too. We finished it in 1 hr 14 minutes. Very close to our 10-minute mile pace. We had started at about 6 am. When we got back to the car, folks were getting ready to go cycling. We did our stretching right at the car.

Came home and had a wholesome breakfast - eggs, beer bathwurst, and wheat bread. Then both of us took a nap for an - and now we are watching the England-Portrugal match.

Mid Week 2 - 3 miles

2006-06-29T08:45:00.000-04:00

For some reason, I was very very tired yesterday afternoon. I went home an hour early from work and took a nap. Woke up, worked out for about 45 minutes - 20 minutes on the elliptical and then some upper body weight training. I felt very refreshed after that.

The not so good news is that my weight has gone up by about 5 pounds in the last 2-3 months - and I know that it is fat and not muscle since the body fat % has also increased. Additionally, my clothes are a little tighter. I think this is partly because of my mom's delicious home cooked indian food that I ate when she was here for 2 months, and partly because of this medicine Imuran that I take for my eye problem. I believe Imuran makes my liver toxic and I cannot digest fat very well. So when I remember I take milk thistle with lunch; and in the mornings I take warm lemon water. I am not stressing out too much about this weight gain though - I had got rid of these lbs before, I can do it again. I think when the mileage per week increases, the pounds will shed off. I am looking forward to reach my goal weight of 120lbs when I am through with this training. However, I have to admit, I do like eating spicy, fried, salty foods, and I cannot resist the temptation sometimes. Only yesterday, I went and got chinese for lunch! Got to be more disciplined now. And I am thinking that I should also add 45 minutes weight training to my schedule too - on the run days - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays.

Now the happy news. Today morning's run was a very pleasant one for me. I felt as if there was a wind on my back. My husband kept telling me that I was running unusually fast - and I was! I made it just under a 10 minute mile. I felt great - not tired or out of breath either. It was a joy.

You know what, I have started enjoying these morning runs. Infact I even look forward to them every morning and miss them on Mondays and Fridays!! A colleague of mine at work tells me that my face lights up when he asks me about my runs every week. :-)
Can you believe that! I remember the days when I used to get tired when running only 1/2 a mile and I used to hate it with all my guts! I feel so proud where I have reached. And I know I will be even prouder when I finish the marathon in October. Just wish that I do not get any injuries.

It was a breeze

2006-06-28T08:37:00.000-04:00

I slept a lot yesterday. I think I went to bed around 8 pm and did not get up till about 5:30AM today. And I was refreshed. All enthused for the run today.

Today was a 3 miler. We went through Centex and went all the way upto Fayetteville Road and back by 751. I ran with good pace - exactly 10 minute mile. At 15 minutes, I took a minute break and walked. I could have run all the way, but decided that I should take the breaks before the body demands them. We did not climb the hill in fron of Sears Auto - went along the road. While running on the roads, we are concerned about traffic - but, running up the hill actually is not good for us during this training I think - it makes us unecessarily tired.

My husband is going to do his weight training tonight at the gym. I have not decided what to do. I have to tidy the house in the evening and if I feel like it I may also do some upper body weight training at home.

Week Two

2006-06-27T17:26:00.000-04:00

Monday - off day.

Today is Tuesday - we ran a 3 miler today. It was not too easy for me - I was probably tired. Did not sleep too well last night.

Its been raining a lot these days out here. I hope it will not spoil our program. Tomorrow will be another 3 miler and so is Thursday. We will be getting ready for the 7 miler on Saturday.

Rest of Week One

2006-06-27T16:03:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday was a 3 mile run. It was pretty OK. Especially since we have been regularly running 3.5 miles.

Thursday I had a meeting at Oak Island. I left early in the morning and had to skip the morning run. When I came back, I was literally tired from sitting in the car for 6-7 hours. We ate bad at the meeting too - McDonalds egg and steak bagel sandwich for breakfast and Dominnos Pizza for lunch!
I worked out on the eleptical machine at home in the evening, my husband instigated me. Working out a little was better than not at all. I figured that 40 minutes on that can simulate at least a 3 miler.

Friday was off. Rest. I cooked all evening.

We had guests over this weekend. They arrived late night on Friday - we were worried about our 6 mile run on Saturday morning. It was our first long run. I know, I know, we will have to run 26.2 miles some day. But still anything more than 3.5 miles was scary.

We did it! And we were not too tired either! On Friday, my husband drove around and decided on the route. Saturday, we went, early in the morning at about 5:30 AM. It was a pleasant. We were armed with power gels and Gatorade. All the books and online training programs say that we have to get used to the power gels, since they will be give to us during the marathon.

I stretched for about 30 minutes. It felt real good after the workout - sense of achievement. We were very surprised to find that we were not too tired. We had all the energy to have fun with our guests. We went to bed at 2:30 AM, still energetic.

Sunday was cross train day. It was very hot and humid during the day and then in the evening, it started to rain. We were thinking about walking the American Tobacco Trail, but the rain spoilt it for us. I did 30 minutes on the eleptical. We were expecting aches and pains - but there was nothing major. My feet hurt a little, I think it was the inferior extensor retinaculum and extensor digitorum brevis muscle. (Yes! I looked it up on Google!) :))
Anyway it went away later. I am going to stretch those muscles the next time I run.

Started the formal Training Today

2006-06-20T10:01:00.000-04:00

My husband and I started the training program today. We ran 3 miles today morning. We are following Hal Higdon's Novice Program. The program spans over 18 weeks, with mileage building up every week to about 40 on Week 15 and then tapering down to the race. Today was Day 1 of the 18^th week.

Guiding us along is also the Non Runner’s Marathon Trainer. We did not follow the training program outlined here – we thought that we could be a little more aggressive with Hal’s program and fit in a little more mileage.

We humbly admit that we are not running pros. We are very new at this. My husband and I started running only last July. Then this winter, we took a 3 month break. We again started from March of this year – and can now run 3 miles without too much huffing and puffing. Our pace is about 10 to 12 minutes per mile depending on the weather and the time of the day. However, we run around South Point Mall – which has some hills. Our pace may be a little better when the grade is flat.

As such the run today was OK. I am not tired. Especially considering the fact that we drove over 1,400 miles this weekend and returned home only last night at 8:30 pm!

Chicago Marathon

2006-06-14T13:53:00.000-04:00

Its been more than a year since my last post.

Lot of changes in my life since then. We have moved to North Carolina, new job for both me and my husband, new home....

Anyway, we have signed up for the Chicago Marathon. It will be on 22nd October, 2006.

Our "formal" training starts from 20th June. So, wish us luck!

Training Program

2005-02-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

I have settled to a training program . It is slow, but I think it will help me build up to be a runner. I anticipate that by Mid July, I will be able to run an hour.

Running Log

2005-02-01T17:29:00.000-05:00

I bought my first pair of running shoes this weekend - yes, finally! I went to the Snail Pace Running Store in Laguna Hills. The sales persons were runners, and they were of great help finding the right shoe for me. They made me run on several shoes, saw my foot falls and then suggested about 7 pairs to choose from. I wore each, ran on them for a minute or so to decide which one I liked. I narrowed down to 3 pairs and finally selecting a Saucony. $86!! They said I can go 400-500 miles on one pair.

Yesterday I ran 1 mile then walked 1 mile. I did it after my regular rep reebok class - which was probably not the best thing to do. My heart rate was at 166! But, I did an mile in 14 minutes - which is not that bad considering that I never have run in my life.

I am going to go slow today with a true beginner's routine. I found this great website in UK - http://www.serpentine.org.uk/advice/begin/
I am going to follow their advice. I am not in a hurry - I am going to be a runner for life - and do not want any injuries - now or later. If it takes me 6 months to be running decently - so be it. I can be patient - and I will do it.

Its been a long time...

2005-01-18T17:48:00.000-05:00

Its been a long time since I wrote last.

I was out all week last week on a tour to Monterey. No - it was not what you are thinking - it was not a vacation. It was work - 10-12 hrs a day and more work. So, anyways, except for a swift 30 minutes walk on the beach one day - I did not work out at all from 9th though the 14th. On 15th and 16th I did spinning. Then yesterday I did weights.

The not so good news is that I again seem to put on the pound and half that I had lost early January. I attribute it to the bad stuff (chocolate decadence cake, creme brulee, delicious steaks.....) I ate during my stay at Monterey.

Anyway, I am back. Will be working out regularly again. Have not started running yet. Have not had the time to go buy shoes yet! That's where I am. :(

Back in Track

2005-01-08T13:47:00.000-05:00

Went to Tara's class again on Friday 5:30 am! Yes, I woke up at 4:30 am - and it takes half hour to drive to the place she teaches on Fridays. Had not worked out on Thursday - and was very sore. It hurt a lot on Friday - but I managed. Did with a little lower weights than usual.

Today I wanted to do the spinning class at 8am. However, when I went there at 7:30am, it was all booked up! The New Years resolution people are all there now. Hopefully they will fall of the wagon by the end of the month so that I can get back on schedule. Luckily there was a class at 9:15 again. So, I did that. I was expecting that I will have trouble - after not having worked out for almost 4 weeks. But, I realized that my heart rate and effort levels were the same as before. I feel a great sense of accomplishment! Its about 900 calories burnt in one hour - isn't that great! Hopefully my scale will show a change in the coming weeks.

I am Sore

2005-01-06T13:57:00.000-05:00

I went to work out with our "Torture Teacher Tara" yesterday. Apart from the usual weights, we did 150 push ups. I am all sore today morning. Every muscle is aching - but I am loving it. It means that they are all waking up after this long sleep they had.

No I did not run. I did cross training for 15 minutes on the elliptical machines. I had to go home to cook dinner.
The strange news today morning is that I weighed 140 lbs again! I could not have lost a pound and half in one day? But its still good news, isn't it?

I am back!

2005-01-05T14:14:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I have been very busy since my last post. Went to Rochester to attend my hubby's defense and then help him move to Raleigh. It has been a very busy new year from me. But I am back to CA now - getting up to date with everything now.

Have not worked out for almost 21 days! I know its bad - and to top it off, I ate bad too! I have only put on 1 lb - I guess I lost some muscle mass. I am going to get back into my regular schedule from today - and will add running into it. I am also following my own little diet plan - pom juice, berries, fruits and soup to replace 2 meals of 3. I dine the way I like - may be a good delicious 1,000 calorie meal. But for the rest of the day, I eat such that my net calories intake is less than my metabolism + exercise calorie spending - I believe that way I can loose some weight but in a healthy way.

Have to buy a pair of new running shoes this weekend!

Wt. today morning = 141.5 lbs

Marathon for Dummies

2004-12-14T08:29:00.000-05:00

Got the book Marathon for Dummies and Marathon for Mortals from the library this weekend - have started reading them. I am flying to Rochester, NY tonight - will get lots of time to read on the way.

I have to select a marathon - a goal that I am going to train towards. Its going to be hard - I have never run in my life. All I remember is when I was in 7th-8th grade, I used to play basketball - to train for it we needed to run around the soccer field - that was eons ago. And that was nothing like what I have decided to do!

I know many friends and family alike will laugh at this and think I have gone bonkers. But I am determined. If any of you out there are reading this - do write in to support me - if you think I can do it, that is. I know I will need positive reinforcement. But I also know I will be able to do it. I have worked hard for the last year and half - and regularly too! I know I can do this too.

The History

2004-12-12T12:38:00.000-05:00

In October of 2003, I got bored and disgusted seeing myself at 155 lbs wearing a size 12! I was ashamed of myelf and even mad at not doing something about it. Then I joined a gym and started working out. At first I would sit with the machines and then do aerobics (walk on the treadmill) for a while. I hated to do the latter - did not have much aerobic capacity.......

Then, I found these weight training classes - Rep Reebok. I started to train 3 days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I added yoga to it. Then on Saturdays I started hiking, and on Sundays I did spinning. Pretty packed week, huh?

My pounds did not shed off very much. Its been almost a year and half and I am only down to 140. However, I am down 6 sizes! During winter last year I was a size 10 and then this summer I was 8 and now I am six! Am I proud of this achievement? You bet I am! Next winter I will be a size 2 if not a zero with this marathon training!!

The Resolution

2004-12-12T12:30:00.000-05:00

I have resolved over this weekend that I shall make myself fit to run a marathon by next winter. This blog shall be the story of my progress - my daily health diary.