Coming Soon

I have taken on the project of starting a Half Marathon training group.  I sent out information on Facebook, flyers at work, and flyers at local gyms.  So far I have nearly 25 people who are interested.  Some are experienced runners and some are new to running long distance.  We will begin training the first week in August.  There are 3 half marathons to choose from in October and November.  These half marathons are:

Saturday, October 29, 2011
New Orleans Jazz Half Marathon

Sunday, November 13, 2011
San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon

Sunday, November 20, 2011
Run Wild's The Half Marathon and 10K of Central Louisiana

Keep posted for more information

Current Books

I read alot - but my husband has to remind me that I don't read, but LISTEN to book.  I really got interested in Audio books when I was transferred to San Antonio and Steve stayed in Louisiana with the kids.  I traveled back and forth at least twice a month.  14 hours in the car is a long time looking for radio stations.  I would go to the Library and pick up about 4 books on tape - then listen as I drove.  Time just flew by.

I also used to read a lot lying in bed at night - but something happened and now all I want to do is sleep - I usually wake up after I have drifted off to sleep and the book is hitting me in the face.  I did get a Kindle - dissapointed that it didn't have a back light (I so want the Ipad - but just can't seem to spend the money).





I am listening to the Help - great book.  I did not even know
 that it was going to be made into a movie - Saw the preview
 when we watch Bridesmaids last weekend.
  The movie looks as good as the book.



 I am reading this on my Kindle.  Works great at the pool in the sun.

  (I know the Ipad probably can't do that).  I like Kristin Armstrong's

 group of running friends.  Such Passion about running, friends, and her kids.

One last training run in Louisiana before Grandma's Marathon on Sunday.  Several friends have promised to come out and each run a few miles with me.  Sure will make the 12 go a little faster..  I am working on my costume.  My husband said, "You're going to run in that?"  This will be my first running costume.  I usually don't like things shaking or bumping against me for 26 miles.  Costume may go by the wayside very quickly.



Last LONG run

Today was the scheduled last long run before Grandma's Marathon.  My training program is a little off course from my RW Smart Coach plan because of the 5k's 10K's and triathlons that I threw in the mix.  So today was my 18 mile long --- slow  --- run.

I had gotten promises from several friends that they would come out and run a few miles with me to help me get through this run.  Thank goodness for Katie - she was the only friend who showed up.  She was there at 0630 and ran the first 6 with me.  I always run a bit faster when someone is running with me - the competitive spirit kicks in.  But I forced myself to slow down - walk the curves of Honor Field.  We finished 6 in 1:10.

I was sure that someone would eventually show and run 2-3 miles at a time - but there must have been parish wide electrical problems. No one's alarm clocks went off and everyone over slept.

Still, running the last 12 by myself wasn't too bad.  About mile 15, it started to get warm. I began thinking that I should have started at least a half hour earlier.  At least there was a breeze. I finished the 18 miles in under 4 hours - even did more than 18 including 2 walks to the porta-potty and the fact that Honor Field is actually about .01 longer than a mile.  It starts adding up with so many laps.





Mileage Recap:
1:  11:36                      10: 10:51
2:  11:32                      11: 11:12
3:  12:07                      12: 11:20
4:  11:38                      13: 14:28 (BR)
5:  11:40                      14: 15:08 (walk break)
6:  11:46                      15: 11:41
7:  12:36                      16: 11:16
8:  14:42  (BR break)   17: 11:39
9:  11:15                      18: 11:43

As usual - my treat after the really long runs - Whopper Jr with cheese (of course - minus ketchup and mayo - saving a few calories)

Next week is the Combat Triathlon in Texas City.  Just a little competitive cross training.

I will post again after the triathlon.

Speed Workout

Today my Runner's World Smart Coach called for a 6 mile speed work out.  1 mile warm-up, 4 X 1600 @ 10:02, then 1 mile cool down.  I have such a hard time gauging the speed that I run.  I think that I am doing great - I'll look down at my Garmin at I'm running a 12:00 minute mile or the opposite - I feel like I am plugging along - I'll look and I going 9:15.

So, I have been doing all my Speed and Tempo runs on the treadmill at the gym early in the morning.  This has been my Thursday routine for the past year.  I faithfully did all the workouts before the Rock N Roll Mardi Gras Marathon - I was sure that I would break 5:00.  Then got stomach cramps and made 2 porta potty stops during the last 6 miles.

So, now for Grandma's Marathon - I have done nearly every Speed and Tempo Run.  This morning felt realy good.  I can't select 10:02 - so I ran all the miles at 10:00.  My heart rate did get up into the high 160's periodically - but I burned 600 calories!!

This afternoon, will be a little swimming.  If I can get to the pool before the kids are out of school, I might be able to practice swimming in different lanes like the Triathlon will be (in 8 days).

Brick Workout

I am getting back on track.  My marathon schedule called for a 2 mile easy run today.  What a great opportunity to get in a brick workout and bike a little also.  The plan was to spend about 20 minutes on the bike then run the 2 mile loop around the Golf course.  I actually got to the gym at 4:55 and ended up riding for over 25 minutes (200 calories burned).  It was a beautiful morning to run - still dark - but enough light on the golf course that I won't trip over a pine cone and break my ankle.

Combat Triathlon is only 18 days away.  Trying to stay focused on the Marathon plan.  Tempo run on Thursday and long 16 mile run on Sunday.