Who am I and what did I do with me?

I took a rest day from Monkey Boy workouts yesterday. The most I did was a shop-a-thon in the morning, and homework/gaming in the afternoon and evening.

While I wrested with questions like "what three factors could change a company’s international IT strategy, and what do they entail?" Monkey Boy borrowed my car and headed out on an overnight to see friends at Ohio State. He's on his way back now, so we did not get our sweat on together today either.

I got caught up in classmates responses to the above question this morning, so didn't get to the pool in time for my usually Friday routine. I decided instead to test out some gear before Sunday's race. I also had to test tape on my foot, where my shoe has been giving me hot spots on my longer runs.

I set out thinking about a 6-miler, so brought water but not fuel. 5 minutes into the run I realized I didn't really know how far the route I'd planned would take me. I also worked out that I would need to run at least 8 miles to adequately test out the tape job, since it's in the 8-10 mile range that my foot starts to hurt.

When I got to the head of the street, I did not have the light to take the turn I'd originally planned. Instead of waiting for the light, I took the corner and headed off in the completely opposite direction.

This entire run was weird (for me). First of all, why am I going out on a 6 mile run 2 days before a race? Normally I would be doing 3, maybe 4 at the most. Then, who am I to start changing up routes and distances mid-run? I NEVER do that! I plan ahead, fuel for the distance, and map my route before leaving the house.

So there I was, heading in the opposite direction from where I'd originally planned, working out in my head how far each intersection would take me. I was fully set on at least an 8-miler at this point, so started thinking about how to fuel this new distance. I knew there was a gas station at 185th, where I could buy an Almond Snickers (I always carry cash, just in case). I'm a big fan of Snickers, even though I rarely eat candy or even sugar any more. I've heard Snickers are the best fuel for long runs, and sugar on a long run is definitely within the dietary plan.

To get to 185th, I had to run about a half mile without sidewalks. I ended up running on the grass. So now not only was I running blind, unfueled and without a plan, I was practically trail running.

I thought 185th might be about 4 miles out, so I could take the turn there and make this run into a big 8-mile block. It turned out 185th was just over 3 miles. I bought my Snickers and ate half in the store, enjoying the air conditioning. I packed the remaining half candy bar into my camelback, knowing I would want more fuel later in the run.

Because it was only 3 miles and I'd decided on 8, I did not turn at 185th. Instead I headed on toward the next major intersection, which is 156th. When I hit 4 miles at 170th, I did not turn down that side street as you might think. Again, I decided to fly by the seat of my pants. How much farther would the run be anyway? 10 miles? I could do 10 miles. I'm doing 10 miles Sunday, so why not today?

I have completely lost my mind, haven't I?

Jog Log told me I'd been on the road an hour at somewhere around 4.6 miles. Figure in the fact that I didn't stop the clock for my little Snickers detour. I ran the first 5 miles at about a 5mph pace. This tells me I have been selling myself short on those treadmill runs, when I only went 2.5 miles at 5mph pace.

By mile 5 I'd made the turn that stopped taking me away from home. The better part of 156th was unshaded, at 1pm on an day with a high of 83 degrees. This is another thing, because I remember early in the year not being able to run in 80 degree weather. Today felt almost cool, with the breeze and the shade. Well, almost cool except for long stretches in the sun. I started to feel the run at this point. I think when I realized I'd been running a 5 mph pace, I started pushing the pace a little more. I started wondering if I could get close to a PR Sunday. I know I can't PR, but I wondered how close I could get.

At mile 6 I started thinking about the best time to finish that Snicker's bar. I still felt strong. I was heading toward home at this point, though I didn't know how far away home was. I decided to finish the Snickers at mile 7.

Maybe I should have eaten the Snickers at mile 6. By mile 7, I was ready to walk while I ate my Snickers, and stopped at an open fire hydrant to rinse the salt off my face. I was near the bottom of 185th now, where I'd bought the Snickers at the top. My legs were starting to tire. I took stock and decided I could finish this run, but it would be at the expense of Sunday's run.

Turns out it was almost exactly another 2 miles to get home. I walked those 2 miles, and I'm completely ok with that. 

Post run.

This tank is the consistency of a burn-out T, with wicking material. Though tighter than I normally wear a tank, it is very cool and comfortable. I planned to wear the purple version on Sunday. Then I looked at the weather forecast.

According to Accuweather.com, the storms are supposed to be over before the race starts, and additional storms are not supposed to start until about the time I expect to finish. We will see what really happens. Generally, it's going to be about 70 degrees, so I'm thinking a super thin tank is not the best option for this one.

The main reason for a longer run today was to test out the tape on my foot. I used the bargain basement Kinsiology tape I'd bought at Discount Drug Mart a few months ago. It didn't work well for taping my knee (which has been much better lately, knock on wood). It works wonderfully for taping my foot to protect against rubbing. The elastic quality means I do not feel restricted in any way.

For the record, this is what the hair is supposed to look like.

I'm heading out to pick up my packet and enjoy Friends Night Out with Superman and Monkey Boy. I do not feel any worse for wear from my adventure run. I definitely have to start rethinking the limits I've apparently imposed upon myself.

Check in Monday (or maybe Sunday night) for a race report. I don't have any time goals, as I know I cannot PR this race. I can do 5 miles at goal pace, but not 10. This race I'm going to use Monkey Boy's pre-workout supplement both before and during, in my fuel bottle. I'm going back to Gu for fuel, but will use the Recover e21 for electrolytes. I will not drink the race Gatorade (or Heed, or whatever). I am more curious about how all this will make me feel, rather than how fast I will go. The race is pretty much 5 miles uphill, then 5 miles down. I should be able to negative split it, if nothing else.

Running Apparel

I'm taking a break from Monkey Boy workouts today, in part because he left me behind to go to a different gym with My BFF. In part because I've been pushing it pretty hard for someone with a race this weekend. I might play with my kettle bell for a while. I might just make it a rest day.

Monkey Boy took off without me because I disappeared on him before he woke up. I got news yesterday that my financial aid installment will be deposited into my account this week, so I decided to do some shopping. Running gear shopping. I have enough wicking shirts from races, but my favorite running shorts are coming apart at the seams.

You've seen my profile picture. You know I'm not skinny. This means I have a few criteria when shopping for running shorts. They have to be size large, and they have to be long enough to cover my thunder thighs. Not capris, which are too much material for summer running. A 7" inseam works rather well. The shorts also have to be spandex/compression, as any loose material is going to ride up in a very uncomfortable way. Oh, and I prefer black. It's slimming and goes with everything.

I had to stop at the Home Depot for some edging for my garden, and there is a Dick's next door, so that's where I went. What I found first was racks and racks of these:

And these:

I did finally manage to find a few pairs of these:

Buried on a bottom rack, in size small and extra small. I even asked a sales person for help, but Dick's apparently does not carry clothing for "larger women." Really!?! All I wanted was a size large.

(In a side note, is there a reason to purchase a $75 swimsuit? Will it last longer? I need a new one but balked at that price. We won't even go into how you measure for a 36, as opposed to size 12).

I moved on to our local running store, figuring I should be able to find running clothes there. They certainly had clothes, but again all I found were shorty short shorts. They also had running skirts. I've been curious, so I tried a few on. They all had 4" compression shorts built in. I've found I can't wear a 4" short, as my thighs bulge out underneath the hem and rub as I run. I know a lot of women love these running skirts. To me they just seem like excess fabric, which would get hot.

(Another side note, are there any "larger" women out there who have experience with running skirts? I wondered about rubbing with a brief instead of the short. We won't even go into how the hem would make me nuts bumping against the back of my legs.)

Coming out of the running store parking lot, my car started making that dreaded "thumpthumpthump" noise I associate with a flat tire. I pulled over and found this:

This is not a flat tire!

They had recently resealed the parking lot, and apparently I ran over a coagulated blob of the stuff, mixed with pebbles and grit. I didn't have anything to scrape it off with, so thumped and bumped my way through the rest of the morning. Things got interesting on the freeway, and now it's spread over half my tire. I'm hoping it wears off, but I think the tire is ruined.

With no joy at the running store, I went up the road a bit and tried Wal-Mart, figuring they have a sportswear section and I had nothing to lose. Turns out Wal-Mart carries Danskin workout clothing, which is all well and good. They had some cute tops, except I wasn't looking for tops and I don't like the whole "built in bra" thing. That little bit of elastic fabric is not going to hold me together while I run, which means I'd have to wear my sports bra underneath. I certainly don't want yet another layer of cloth on my already overheating body. See running skirts, above. The only shorts I found at Wal-Mart that came close to what I was looking for were cotton "bike shorts," of the 4-5" variety.

I went around the corner and tried Target. Now Target carries Champion gear. Last time I had money I bought a few Champion tanks, and they are currently my favorites. Target did not, however, have anything I could use as a running short. I tried on a few of their shorty short shorts, thinking maybe the rub wouldn't be an issue if there was no fabric getting in the way. It's an issue. I left Target empty handed.

Now I'm home and the first thing I did was ... well the first thing I did was edge my garden.

Then I hopped on line, and within about 30 seconds found these:

I have 3 pair on order. Shipping is free for new customers at underarmour.com.

Should have just done that in the first place.

Heading out with Monkey Boy to get his and hers haircuts. I'm so enjoying his visit!

Playing with Monkey Boy - Day 3

I am really enjoying working out with Monkey Boy, though I may regret the intensity of this week's workouts come race day.

Today I tested out Monkey Boy's pre-workout supplement, which is supposed to help with energy levels and muscle building. He normally uses 1MR, but while home purchased ACG3. I've never used anything like this, and was curious what is was supposed to do.

These supplements contain a lot of caffeine, to which I am no stranger. They also contain Creatine, which I had to look up. Apparently, Creatine increases the supply of Creatine Phosphate in your muscles. Creatine Phosphate recharges the muscles with something called ATP, which the muscles use as a quick burst energy source. ATP is good for things like lifting and sprinting. The idea is that you can push longer and harder, because you have more available energy in your muscle cells.

The supplements also contain amino acids, which the liver converts to Creatine, which then gets converted to Creatine Phosphate. This allows the effect of the supplement to last over an hour, where just the Creatine would be used up in less time.

While I am known to be a supplement addict, I also tend to be skeptical of many supplement claims. That's why I was happy to find this research article, which suggests using Creatine benefits runners.

So I was curious, and Monkey Boy mixed me up the lowest recommended serving. Monkey Boy said my face and arms would tingle. I thought maybe I felt the tingling in the back of my thighs, which are always tight. He, My BFF (yes, that is his blog name. "My BFF") and I walked over to the Y, and I hopped on the treadmill. Monkey Boy and My BFF went down to free weight room to "get their swole on."

My BFF

Monkey Boy finished his day with a mile, bumping each 10th up until he was running 11mph.

I didn't feel jacked up or over caffeinated. I felt strong and ready to run. And run I did. I set the treadmill to 5mph, and settled down into my goal pace. Several times I've run this pace for half an hour, ending with 2.5 miles total. Once I ran it for 3 miles. I always say I'm going to run it for the full hour, but never have. 

Until today. Today I ran it for the full hour. My headphones lost battery after 20 minutes, and I kept running. Yes I got tired. Yes, I had to motivate myself for the last 20 minutes to keep running. I didn't feel like death when I got off the treadmill. Afterward, I was able to stretch and move about comfortably while I waited for Monkey Boy and My BFF to finish.

I don't know if the pre-workout supplement gave me the energy to finish, or if I just thought it did. I wonder if I could have run that on any other day. I wonder if I've been holding myself back.

I'm thinking about using the supplement on race day, and am curious if anyone out there has experience with these supplements. I know the container has a warning that some sports ban their use. What do you think? Are they helpful? Harmful?

Playing with Monkey Boy - Day 2

Today Monkey Boy planned to come do my speed workout with me, but the track was overrun by high school football players so we had to turn around. We decided to do Monkey Boy's workout at the local park. This consists of the exercise stations, each with his personal little twist. I've run the park time and again, but never done the stations.

We picked up Ninja and made our way to the park. The plan was to run the bike path up to the big hill, doing the stations as we hit them. Run a few hill repeats, then come down the trail side and do those stations as well.

Station 1 was less than a quarter mile up the trail

You're supposed to walk on your hands across the length of the bar

Unless you're Monkey Boy, who added 6 dips along the way

I have a very weak upper body. I couldn't even walk the bars,
not to mention do the dips.
Monkey Boy helped.

Then we ran to the next station

 

3 sets. 10x. 12x. 14x.

 Then we ran to the next station.

Jumping Jacks are boring, so we only did one set of 30

The next few stations were close together, so we sprinted to each one.

 

Circles are boring too...

3 sets of 6

 

Hop 1, run around, hop 2. 3 sets.
I apparently have no lift. I could barely hop one...

 

I thought I had a better photo of this. They included knees to the chest.
Knowing the hill repeats were coming soon, we opted for a single set of 12

 The next run was about a mile, to the hill.
We did not sprint.

The hill. You can't see the sharper incline at about 2x this distance, just around the bend.
I've been here many times, but somehow thought the hill was broken into 2 sections.
I was wrong.
I have never run this hill. It was always my turn around point.
I would rather run the park 2x than run this hill.
I ran this hill today. I got almost all the way to the top, too.
Then I turned around and ran it down.
I will run it again, and make it all the way.
Soon.

The original plan was for hill repeats, but after running it once I remembered I have a race on Saturday, and I didn't want to completely destroy my legs.
We still had a ways to go to get back to the car.
I made a good choice considering the trail we chose to return.
We ran the half mile or so back down the path to where the trail started.

I used to take the boys on this trail when they were in middle school.
I have been meaning to try trail running.
I have been meaning to run this trail, but never got around to it.
until today.
I had a lot of fun running this trail.
It got steep in parts.
There were certainly more uphills and downhills then the path.
There were rock crossings and bridge crossings
and a log crossing.
I will run it again.
Soon.

I could not do this, even on the lowest incline.
My legs just wouldn't come up.
I tried regular sit-ups with my feet at top.
That didn't work very well either.
I walked away feeling like I had splinters in my shorts.

2 sets of 6. 1 with fingers facing back, 1 with fingers facing forward.

Monkey Boy tried to lift me to help, but ultimately I had to jump to get my chin up.
The only arm muscles I used were to slow me as I fell to the ground.

Monkey Boy showing off!

This exercise was very odd...

Monkey Boy caught fabulous air

Ninja did well too. Look how high he can get that leg!

Photog skills were a little lacking here...

And here. Notice the lack of air...

Urban Ninja'ing!

6x. Win!

Win!

Fail!
I did make it over, just one foot at a time.

25. 15. 10.

15. 10. 5.

 I could not do a single push-up. Instead I planked for 30 seconds on each level and called it done.

That was the end of the trail, and we walked it back to the car for a cooldown.

Overall, we ran about 3 miles. The whole thing took about an hour and a half, and we were all covered with sweat. As I write this, my arms and back are a bit tight. My legs are a little tired. Nothing is terribly sore, but feeling it today means I will feel it tomorrow.

I'm told tomorrow is leg day.

As Monkey Boy says, gotta get my swol' on!