|
Reflections on a Tough Patch
|
Monday, 14 May 2012 - Written by KathyStenson [profile]
| OR: What vacations, stress, insomnia, and family visits can do to your routine!!
Whew...it's been a challenging 3 weeks in some ways from a running perspective, but I'm feeling back on track today and happy to be so!!
We went on vacation 3 weeks ago...LOVE a vacation, and I did run on the beach. Also ate a lot and drank some. I never beat myself up for this, I work really hard and love our vacations. Felt good that I ran.
Then, back to work...you play, you pay in my field, the work is just there waiting...began to build up some stress and by week's end began a week-long bout of insomnia. Missed one run, not too bad, but slow.
Last week my in laws showed up for 5 days...5 days of eating (italian, giant burgers, steaks, and mexican) followed by lots of...sitting (they can't get around very well). Add to that my insomnia and continued work stress. I missed 2 runs (one due to no time, one due to just feeling really run down and exhausted) and my times have been lousy, i...
[click on title to read full entry] |
rcblu2 says: It is okay to fall off every once in a while. glad to hear you are back into things and that it is feeling good.
ycmrun says: Glad to hear you are getting back on track Kathy. I guess its all part of the package. Injuries / Stress do show up every now and then and what matters is you are able to shake it off and start over again.
Edf57 says: It happens to all of us, life gets in the way. you'll get in the groove soon. Comment on this post |
| |
|
|
Reply to htrman
|
Sunday, 13 May 2012 - Written by KathyStenson [profile]
| For some reason I wasn't able to reply to your post, but I wanted to share some thoughts. While people are attracted to others for a lot of reasons (yes, physically, no reason to hide it), that there are a lot of other things that attract people to each other.
Self confidence is among them, a very important factor. When you feel confident in who you are, in your body (what it can do, how good or bad it feels, not just how it looks) others will respond to that.
I wish you very good success in your journey. It IS a journey, of about a billion steps...there will be good days and bad, accomplishments and setbacks, highs and lows. But if you keep going, at some point you will see yourself as someone you can love and respect, and when you do others will see you that way as well.
It's not easy to put it all out there, I respect your honesty and bravery...keep on posting, we all salute and support you in your efforts to get healthy and save your own life!! |
| |
|
|
Altitude
|
Saturday, 05 May 2012 - Written by KathyStenson [profile]
| Whew...altitude is a KILLER!!!
Went for a 5 mile run this morning, we're at our place in South Lake Tahoe...elevation 6500'. It's chilly in the mornings (30), but I was prepared for that.
My last 5 mile run at home (elevation 300') took me 43:30.
My 5 mile run today took 49:26...the only thing I can say is that I didn't stop to walk...I just chugged away at a pace that prevented my heart from pounding out of my chest. I'm not bummed out, I knew that this would be a slow one, but I have a whole new appreciation for oxygen.
Have a good one everybody!!
|
rcblu2 says: I have never run anywhere significantly above sea level. It would be interesting to see how the body responds differently. Very cool.
KathyStenson says: I'm no scientist, but here's my take on it....since there is less oxygen in the air your heart has to pump WAY faster to circulate the oxygen. Hence the feeling that your heart is going to explode out of your chest if you don't slow it down. Seriously, WAY faster heart rate. I don't track it, but I could tell. I still felt good during my run, just knew it was a slower pace.
We come up here every other weekend and for two separate weeks during the summer, so I'll be running up here consistently It will be interesting to me to see if I get more acclimated just on a weekend trip, or if it will take being up here a full week to get used to the altitude. If anyone has experience with this I'd love to hear!!
Donshields says: I have heard i takes three weeks. Now with you doing many weekends It may be different. In the middle of a week you may see the effects. It would be a good study.
jeep_dog says: About 21 days for altitude adaptation. Higher altitude carries less oxygen molecules per given volume there just isn't enough O2 to process. When you amp up your activity level, then you begin entering hypoxic hypoxia if not adapted.
Your body will tap into bone marrow and start cranking out more hemoglobin (the stuff to which oxygen attaches in your blood), which in effect makes each breath that much more efficient and not a molecule of O2 is wasted or awaiting passage in the blood stream. That is what takes about 3 weeks.
But hey, the good news is there's less air resistance. :) Comment on this post |
| |
|
|
Kathy's April
|
Monday, 30 April 2012 - Written by KathyStenson [profile]
| 70 miles for April...average pace 8:30, down from 8:42 in March.
Only 2 hours of yoga, though...and I can tell. Between work and being out of town 2 weeks I haven't been super diligent with my stretching, and my heel can tell.
I'll work on that this month...can't backslide with any injury! |
Azurdee says: Great job! Training for anything coming up?
MidwesternWoman says: Nice numbers, including the faster pace!
KathyStenson says: @azurdee: Not really...I had contemplated a half in June but decided against due to work, family, vacations, and travel distance/expense. In my area there aren't that many 10 k's unless you're a trail runner, which I'm not.
I'm running for fitness right now, but I am signed up for the Rock n Roll Half in Vegas in December, I run it with coworkers. That was my first race last year, I only started running in September to train for the race because I'd gotten out of shape and lost my workout routine for a couple of years before that.
I'm not really sure if I'm much of a racer...I'll have to figure that out. I run by myself and don't really know anyone else in my area to run with, plus I kind of like running by myself, I really enjoy the quiet time and my music. I haven't gone to a race by myself, it seems like more of a group thing but I'll definitely have to give it some thought. I did one 10k in March which was okay, poor trail marking meant a bunch of us got off course and I didn't actually finish...:>)
Maybe I just need to get back on the saddle, it's something to ponder.
Question: if you're not a racer, are you a runner or a jogger?? And does it matter any way??!!
rcblu2 says: Nice, solid month with a dang good average pace. My response to you question is that you are still a runner even if not training for a race. I thought someone on this site described running as having a gate where for a fraction of a second both feet are off the ground. I liked that.
jeep_dog says: No, Kathy, it does not matter. You are RUNNER, hear you roar. Great month and solid come back. May be time to register for another race as a training motivator and goal. Comment on this post |
| |
|
|
Beach Run
|
Tuesday, 24 April 2012 - Written by KathyStenson [profile]
| We're on vacation in South Beach...my all time favorite place to vacation. Sun, surf, great food and the best people watching ever.
Did my first run on the beach in over a year...felt great!! It's not scorching hot this week, so lucky there. The breeze felt great, lots of people out walking, jogging, yoga and tai chi-ing on the beach.
Not sure if my gps was right, if it was I ran smokin fast on the way back but there was a huge tailwind so maybe...doesn't even matter, just nice to get out and move. I'm on vacation, so eating is key, which means running at least a little of it off justifies going out and eating some more!!
Have a great week everyone!! |
ycmahesh says: Awesome. Agree. Running on the shore is a wonderful experience.
Have fun. !
rcblu2 says: Never ran along a shore line. Sounds awesome. I am envious. Comment on this post |
| |
|
|
Shorts!!
|
Wednesday, 18 April 2012 - Written by KathyStenson [profile]
| This was my first morning run in shorts since...well, I can't remember when, it's been at least since November I think. Strange to think that in CA (okay, Northern CA) it took until mid April to get into the high 40's in the morning. My legs were really happy! |
MidwesternWoman says: Yippee! Wearing shorts on a run, feels so right, doesn't it?
rcblu2 says: I do like the feeling of being properly dressed (bundled up?) for a run when it is super cold out, but I LOVE it when I can return to shorts. I put my tights away for the season. They won't be back until fall sometime. Comment on this post |
| |
|
|
Survived my Seven this time!!
|
Saturday, 14 April 2012 - Written by KathyStenson [profile]
| Went out this morning for a second attempt at 7 miles. Made sure I kept hydrated this week, had to run on dreadmill during the week because I was traveling, but went pretty fast (two 4-milers at about 8.24 min per mile). I was a bit nervous, but my only goal was to complete the run without walking. Speed not relevant, just keeping one foot in front of the other.
My legs were a little heavy, but I did it and it was such a nice day!! Overcast and just chilly enough...I took an old familiar route and finished in 1.01:30, or 8:46 per mile. I'll have to look back and see how long my first 7 miler took me back in October.
Anyway, the stretching felt REALLY good afterwards, and I have a good sense of accomplishment. I'm going to work on pacing...I always go out way too fast. I'll fiddle with the setting and see if I can't figure out how to set a more consistent pace, maybe I won't tire out on the hilly parts so quickly.
Hope everyone had a great week, and has a great weekend!! |
KathyStenson says: Just checked it...first 7 mile run was average 10:08 min per mile...okay, feeling really great right now....that was back at the end of September.
dld63 says: Great work Kathy! Its wonderful when we see what we can accomplish.
adigerati says: Great pace!
billh1 says: That's awesome! Live to run...Cheers! Comment on this post |
| |
|
Older postsRough Run Blue Monday March (Kathy) PR! 10k Debacle Pre 10k 10k Speed Demon Kathy's Feb Summary Hamburgers + Pizza... Early morning run First run outside! Off to a meeting Week One: On the Road Again (Or the Treadmill!) January Summary (KathyStenson) Cross your fingers... Bitter....sweet Looking forward to 2012! Happy Holidays!! | |
