Not Mentally Prepared Today

I don't know why but I always seem to forget that running 3 miles on an indoor treadmill is not the same as running 3 miles uptown in 85 degree weather. Not was I not mentally prepared to run, I made the mistake of not pacing my self going down hill of the first half mile. Although I was a little upset and exhausted, I did finish.

Tomorrow I have a little respite...only 3 miles to run. Same time same place!

RUNNING WITH A CAUSE

I am excited to announce that I will be running the Thunderoad marathon in December, to raise money for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) via the Crescent Health Institute (CHI). Folks, sickle cell disease is alive and well! In my opinion, it does not get the press as diabetes, leukemia or cancer does. One out of every ten African Americans has the trait. Attached is more info on SCD and the medical problems that can occur. CHI is a local agency and is leading the charge to service individuals with the disease and promote sickle cell testing for couples, prior to having a baby.

Not only have I formed a team of runners, I have solicited the help of some of your favorite event promoter to form teams as well. I've been advised that I will turn a lot of people off, if I ask them to run a marathon for this cause. So, we have included a 5k and a 1/2 marathon into the mix. Hopefully, there will be hundreds more individuals who will sign up to run.

Details are forthcoming but please let me know if you are interested in running. If not for your personal health then maybe for someone else’s!

Exhilarated to Exhausted In Less Than 1 Mile

I am pleased to have a new runner to join the team. Not only was she a cross country runner in high school she continues to run 6 miles a day. So this past Saturday she wasted no time hitting her 9 minute mile stride. I felt like I was standing still watching an airplane take off from a runway. Why did I try to catch up with her?! About a mile into a six mile run, reality quickly set in and I lowered my pace so I could stop hyperventilating. Although I exerted way too much energy in the beginning, I did finish without stopping and maintained a decent pace.

We ran at 8am. I worked out prior to running (free weights: shoulders/traps). I felt much better than I did after running 6 miles last Saturday. This week is a semi-rest week My schedule is Sun-rest, Mon, Tues, Friday & Saturday-3 miles; Wed-4 miles; Thu-Rest. Speed and time will be my focus along with lifting weights (quads, hams).

Diet details forthcoming.

Official Thunderoad Marathon Training MEETING-July 25th @ 11AM

The Thunderoad marathon training program will begin July 29 through Dec 2. The training days will be Wed./Fri. or Tues./Thurs. We will see what days work for everyone. Long runs on Saturdays or Sundays. Some long runs will be done on your own. Group runs will be done on Wed/Fri. or Tues/Thurs., 5:45am to 7am.

First meeting will be at First Ward recreation center on July 25th @11am. The training program will be 50.00 per person. This is a 18 week program to include presentations. Maps/routes will be emailed prior to group runs. . This fee does not include the race registration fee http://www.runcharlotte.com/. All training runs will be designated around the race route. All logistics of the training program will be discussed at the meeting on July 25th.

Please let me know if you are interested.

Whew...6 Down, 20.2 To Go

Today is day 1 of week six of my pre-marathon self training. After running 6 miles (long run) on Saturday, I cautiously completed a half mile of walking, 3 miles of running, and ended with half mile of walking on an incline this morning. I thought I would be too sore to finish but surprisingly I felt really good. I really do believe taking glucosomine and increasing my protein helps with muscle recovery. When I self-trained in 2003, I remember constantly being sore and resting more. Also, I definitely did not take the time to warm up as much as I am doing now.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I actually ran 6 miles and walked 2.5. That's because I lost office key & car remote. I gave up, after scouring the trail for 2.5 miles, only to find that a good samaritan had left them in my car door. It was one of those moments where I felt like hugging and punching him at the same time. :)

Affliction Free...Almost

I think I have successfully fought through a very minor knee injury. I wouldn't even calling an injury. Perhaps it was a slight afflication. Anyway, thank you knee wrap! Thank you glucosomine! Thank you h20 and 175 gams of daily protein!



This week I ran 16.5 miles. Today I ran 3 miles and lifted free weights (shoulders & traps). Now, I make sure I warm up every time before I run. I'll walk for 5 minutes and jog at least a 1/2 mile before I actually start. I am not worried about time or pace. I am focused on my posture, stride, and breathing. On the treadmill I'll start at 4.5 and end up a 6 on my last mile.



Also, I am closely watching my calories and monitoring my weight loss. I just read an article that says that for every pound of fat you store, you need to burn or omit 3,500 calories per week. My daily caloric intake is 2,900. If I reduce my intake to 2,000 and burn 2,500 calories per week through exercising, I should be able to lose 2.8 punds per week until I reach my ideal weight of 190.



Tomorrow, I am scheduled to run 6 miles. Oh boy!

RAN OUT OF GAS

Last Saturday I planned to run 5 Miles but ended up quitting after. Now, I don't like to make excuses but I ran at 11:30 am (90 degrees)outside on a course with hills, in a long sleeve shirt and I had about 4 hours sleep thanks to Tori Jr. On top of that I slightly strained my left knee. So, I decided to refrain from running for a few days and focus on lifting weights. I also purchased a knee brace to help stabilize my left knee. Today was the first time I ran( 2 miles), with the knee brace on, and I felt great. Rest is underated!

I started taking glucosomine and making sure I get 150-200 grams of protein and drink a gallon of water to help my muscles heal.

No group run tomorrow but I am planning to run 3 miles and lift weights. Stay tuned for the big announcement!