I got my bib number today!!
I am #12285.
The bib numbers are color coded, which indicate our wave number and starting time.
Red bibs (numbers 101 - 8,999) are assigned to Wave 1 (10:00 a.m.).
White bibs (numbers 9,000 to 17,999) are assigned to Wave 2 (10:20 a.m.).
Blue bibs (numbers 18,000 +) are assigned to Wave 3 (10:40 a.m.).
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
New Shoes!
I was super excited and equally nervous to get outside for a run tonight. Excited to try out my new shoes but nervous that I'd only make it a few miles and have to walk back to my car.
The new shoes felt good, noticeably more cushion. For the past three years, I have been running in Saucony brand shoes, specifically the Women's Grid Ignition 2 model. They're comfortable, reliable and most importantly, affordable.
Overview of the Grid Ignition 2:
• Perfect shoe for the value minded runner
• Independent heel crash pad for increased cushioning
• Breathable air mesh upper
• Weight: 9.1 oz
• Reg. $65 (on average)
The new shoes felt good, noticeably more cushion. For the past three years, I have been running in Saucony brand shoes, specifically the Women's Grid Ignition 2 model. They're comfortable, reliable and most importantly, affordable.
Overview of the Grid Ignition 2:
• Independent heel crash pad for increased cushioning
• Breathable air mesh upper
• Weight: 9.1 oz
• Reg. $65 (on average)
Technology:
UPPER
Air Mesh Upper - Provides lightweight breathability
HRC Strobel Board - Increases cushioning and step-in comfort
MIDSOLE
Non-Visible Grid System - Offers stable cushioning in the heel
Independent Crash Pad - Softens landing on heel strike
OUTSOLE
Triangular Lug Design - Maintains traction and cushioning on all terrain
XT-600™
A carbon rubber outsole material that has outstanding abrasion and traction properties
UPPER
Air Mesh Upper - Provides lightweight breathability
HRC Strobel Board - Increases cushioning and step-in comfort
MIDSOLE
Non-Visible Grid System - Offers stable cushioning in the heel
Independent Crash Pad - Softens landing on heel strike
OUTSOLE
Triangular Lug Design - Maintains traction and cushioning on all terrain
XT-600™
A carbon rubber outsole material that has outstanding abrasion and traction properties
4 Weeks To Go
There's 4 weeks to go (AHH!) and here's what in store for this week:
Mon, Mar 21 - Xtrain: 50 min Pilates, 6.3 miles on flat surface (bike trail)
Tue, Mar 22 - Xtrain: 30 min Pilates, either rest or 5 miles on mill
Wed, Mar 23 - Xtrain: 50 min Pilates, either rest or 5 miles on mill
Thu, Mar 24 - Xtrain: Yoga or Pilates, rest
Fri, Mar 25 - FINAL LONG RUN - 18 miles (depends on legs)
Sat, Mar 26 - Stretching, rest
Sun, Mar 27 - Yoga, easy 2-3 miles, maybe a massage
Mon, Mar 21 - Xtrain: 50 min Pilates, 6.3 miles on flat surface (bike trail)
Tue, Mar 22 - Xtrain: 30 min Pilates, either rest or 5 miles on mill
Wed, Mar 23 - Xtrain: 50 min Pilates, either rest or 5 miles on mill
Thu, Mar 24 - Xtrain: Yoga or Pilates, rest
Fri, Mar 25 - FINAL LONG RUN - 18 miles (depends on legs)
Sat, Mar 26 - Stretching, rest
Sun, Mar 27 - Yoga, easy 2-3 miles, maybe a massage
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Gonna Make You Sweat!
Due to an unfortunate encounter with sidewalk ice and melting snow last Wednesday, my knee and hip have sustained minor injuries. As a result, my marathon training has temporarily been put on hold. But I'm trying to stay positive and I figured there's no reason my cardio has to go down the crapper along with the rest of my body.
So, on Saturday, I hooked up my bike to the trainer - thanks to a little help from Mattie - and began pedaling away. The legs felt surprisingly good - no strain in the knees or hips. After 5 minutes, which felt more like 80, the heart rate was up into the 140s, and I was set for good cardio workout. I continue biking for an hour, minute by painstakingly-slow minute, while watching the first season of Glee.
I'll tell ya one thing - that stationary bike is gonna make you sweat! I'm not talking a few beads of perspiration along the brow. I mean the full-out dripping - like you've just walked through a rainstorm - kind of sweat that makes you feel both refreshed and intensely disgusting all at the same time. So, does the amount of sweat truly indicate the intensity of your workout? No, not necessarily. It was most likely due to being well hydrated and working out in a warm room that has little to no airflow. Nevertheless, I got my cardio and it felt great!
So, on Saturday, I hooked up my bike to the trainer - thanks to a little help from Mattie - and began pedaling away. The legs felt surprisingly good - no strain in the knees or hips. After 5 minutes, which felt more like 80, the heart rate was up into the 140s, and I was set for good cardio workout. I continue biking for an hour, minute by painstakingly-slow minute, while watching the first season of Glee.
I'll tell ya one thing - that stationary bike is gonna make you sweat! I'm not talking a few beads of perspiration along the brow. I mean the full-out dripping - like you've just walked through a rainstorm - kind of sweat that makes you feel both refreshed and intensely disgusting all at the same time. So, does the amount of sweat truly indicate the intensity of your workout? No, not necessarily. It was most likely due to being well hydrated and working out in a warm room that has little to no airflow. Nevertheless, I got my cardio and it felt great!
Friday, March 18, 2011
F#@K!
Well, it's now Friday night and I've officially decided to postpone my last long training run. My knee injury is not getting any better. Last night, Matt and I met up with a local running group at Claddagh for an easy 3 mile St. Patty's Day run. I thought maybe a short jog would help, but I'm pretty sure it only made the pain worse. F#@K! So I continued to ice the knee today and went for a short walk after dinner. I plan to take another day off tomorrow, maybe do some Pilates or yoga in the morning and then try the stationary bike on Sunday.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Just My Luck
So, the plan was to do 10 miles tonight. I had my route all mapped out - lots of hill to build up my endurance for the final long run on Saturday. But, little did I know that tonight's run would put me back on the injured list. Just my luck!
The first 5 miles were typical - a bit sluggish at first, letting the muscle warm up and relax, then slowly working up to race pace. I made it about 5 miles when I had to make a pit stop at the Copps on University. No biggie... I wasn't running for time, so a little break couldn't hurt. As I started up again, I felt a hint of pain below left knee towards the inside of my leg. I figured it was nothing, so I pushed through it and kept going. Another couple of miles went by and it really started to throb. Still, I pushed on. Just one more hill to go and I would be on the home stretch. As I started the final descent, I could go no further. The pain was too intense and I started to worry that my knee might give out all together, sending me rolling down the sidewalk. I was still about a mile and a half from work, but I had no choice but to walk. Dammit. This didn't feel like an injury that would just go away overnight.
Fingers crossed that after a little stretching and some icing, I'll be ready to go on Saturday!
The first 5 miles were typical - a bit sluggish at first, letting the muscle warm up and relax, then slowly working up to race pace. I made it about 5 miles when I had to make a pit stop at the Copps on University. No biggie... I wasn't running for time, so a little break couldn't hurt. As I started up again, I felt a hint of pain below left knee towards the inside of my leg. I figured it was nothing, so I pushed through it and kept going. Another couple of miles went by and it really started to throb. Still, I pushed on. Just one more hill to go and I would be on the home stretch. As I started the final descent, I could go no further. The pain was too intense and I started to worry that my knee might give out all together, sending me rolling down the sidewalk. I was still about a mile and a half from work, but I had no choice but to walk. Dammit. This didn't feel like an injury that would just go away overnight.
Fingers crossed that after a little stretching and some icing, I'll be ready to go on Saturday!
A Little 10 Miler
I will run 10.75 miles tonight in preparation for the big 22 miler on Saturday. I've worked quite a few hills into this one, so I'm sure I'll be quite tired by the time I'm done. Wish me luck!
Here's my route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4354467
Here's my route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4354467
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