Training Runs Archives - Page 3 of 44

Shun the Non-Believer: TRACK VIDEO!

June 14, 2009 By Runner Susan 12 Comments

Two amazing things happened today. One, for the first time in nearly two years, Cindy and I were able to get track video footage during the DAYLIGHT hours. A miracle, I know. The other amazing thing, is finally, since before Runner Susan’s Great Chicago Marathon Meltdown, I’ve become excited about running. And it’s about dang time.

It’s odd how things happen so randomly. I met Cindy and her friend Doug at the track to run bleachers and do a little speed work and we met an amazing lady, Marsha, who has run 39 marathons and qualified for Boston 10 times. That alone is pretty spectacular, but when you factor in she is 65 years young and is still vibrantly passionate about running marathons, it is completely inspiring. Earlier this year she ran a 2-hour half. She even joined us for a few of 100s on the track. I hope to run with her a few days a week and learn a few things. She is a rock star for sure.

A few things to note before watching these fabulously daylight videos:

It’s been a long time since I’ve done a good track workout, but you’ll get to watch my progress now that summer is here and we can video during daylight hours.
It was 95 freaking degrees outside (35C) and the heat was sucking the life out of me – I am so not ready for the heat. Why do I live in Texas?
We are running about 80% intensity – most were 17 seconds and some change, a few 18 plus. AKA: slower than slow.
In a few videos I’m wearing my Asics and in a few I’m wearing the Newtons. Sue me, they are so pretty and pink and I wanted to give the Newtons another try. I am considering them as Runner Susan’s official track shoe. You should send them a note and tell them how much faster my feet look. I’m indecisive on the whole shoe issue right now as Kenza has lost in the black hole that is her bedroom misplaced my current pair of running shoes.
We did bleachers immediately before and during the track workout, not that you care – but I was tired. And hot. And stinking hot some more. And a little hormonal. And hot.
Cindy’s friend Doug is really fast and he wouldn’t slow down to make me look good. That was not very nice of him. Note to self: next week tie Doug’s shoe laces together when he isn’t looking.
And finally, these videos are not pretty – there is plenty of junk in my trunk (and front) – that’s just the way it is – so get over it and move on – it’s obvious I haven’t lifted weights for a few months. Note to self: Don’t be a loser.
In case you didn’t catch the 4am Track Torture in the dark videos, you can see them here and here. You won’t be disappointed, it takes talent to do what we do.

I know you’ve missed Cindy’s sweet commentary, so without further ado: Track Torture you can actually see!

Untitled from Runner Susan on Vimeo.

Track 3 from Runner Susan on Vimeo.

Track 2 from Runner Susan on Vimeo.

Track 1 from Runner Susan on Vimeo.

Track 5 from Runner Susan on Vimeo.

Untitled from Runner Susan on Vimeo.

A Fast Week

May 20, 2009 By Runner Susan 13 Comments

Sunday I rode 15 miles at a 15 mph pace.

Monday I rode 16.25 at a 15.48 mph pace

Tuesday was track torture day.

Today I ran with the fast people for 3 miles and kept up (mostly) and finished in 26:49 and later rode 15.13 miles at a 14.41 pace.

I’m not sure why this week has been so fast – especially since I’ve put on 4 pounds this week. Work harder, eat less, gain weight. Oh well, I reckon I shouldn’t complain because I’m really happy with my times.

Loving the Track and just Loving to Love

May 6, 2009 By Runner Susan 13 Comments

I love the track. I love speed work. I love that I can get a fantastic workout in and it doesn’t take five hours. And the track loves me back by utilizing my genetically gifted super fast twitch muscles. You know, those muscles those Boston Marathoners don’t have many of but I have lots of. I’m not getting new legs any time soon so I better sam hell learn to love what I got.

Today was 800m warm up, 2000m at a 7:56 pace (I rock), 800m medium pace, 1600m at another sub-8 minute pace (rock again), and then a 400m cool down right as the rain rolled in. Perfect timing for sprinkles.

I’m just all about the love today. I’m especially loving this: I received an email from the race director of the half marathon that I bailed on because of the rain and it said the race was canceled due to flooding – and the entrants get FREE entry into the September Half they are putting on. How awesome is that? Love it.

I even shared the love with my dear friend, Jeanne. I love Jeanne. I think I’m going to add a “Ask Runner Susan” button to my blog because my love has no bounty.

And with that love in mind, I’m going to share a blond joke with you. Kenza is all about the blond jokes right now. She especially thinks it’s funny because she’s blond and smart. She thinks it’s even funnier to tell them to other blonds. Like her mother.

A blond girl gets off the school bus and was so excited when she got home to tell her mom what they learned at school. “Mommy, Mommy, guess what? We learned to count today and I could count to 15 and all the other girls could only count to 10. Is it because I’m blond, Mommy?” And the mother replies, “Yes Dear, it’s because you are blond.”

The next day the blond girl gets off the school bus and was equally excited. “Mommy, Mommy, guess what? We learned the alphabet today and I could say the letters all the way to L and the other girls only learned to G. Is it because I’m blond, Mommy?” And the mother replies, “Yes Dear, it’s because you are blond.”

The third day the blond girl gets off the school bus and was excited once again. “Mommy, Mommy, guess what? We had our very first swim lesson today and I was the only girl with breasts and the other girls didn’t have any at all. Is it because I’m blond, Mommy? And the mother replies, “No Dear, it’s because you are 25.”

The things kids hear at school. I’m sure worse is to come. Now, I’ve got to see about getting some time in on the rollers. The Chef’s HHH plan is calling my name and it’s still raining. I have a feeling the rollers might spoil the love thing I got going on.

Runners, do not freak out!

April 29, 2009 By Runner Susan 13 Comments

WARNING: This post does not make much sense because I spend a lot of time talking to myself.

I had so much fun last weekend running the half marathon, I’m itching to do another. Of course, I don’t think I could run too many during Girls Weekend; I’d break down sooner or later. Hopefully later. Anyhow, there is a local half this weekend and I’m trying to decide if I should run it or not. It’s a smaller race but VERY hilly, which would be good training, but the hills would be tough. I’m not a good hill climber on my feet or with my bike, so maybe it would be good for me. But then again, I’m not about hills. You see my dilemma.

Half marathons are probably my favorite race distance (at the moment) – and if I ever took it somewhat seriously, I might even get faster. But what is our lesson here? Faster does not mean Funner.* Okay, back to the point, why am I even bringing this up? Because, (and this is where the runners need not freak out – I’ll explain why in a minute) I promised the Chef I would ride the Hotter N Hell Hundred in August. And in order to finish this race I’m going to have to start the training plan he’s put together for me soon – and he has a long ride on the schedule for Sunday – half marathon day. I’m not one with the bike yet, but I REALLY need to start thinking about getting one with the bike – or I might just be dead on the bike. I haven’t made a decision yet, but I think I might run this half marathon and then start the HHH training on Monday. Sound fair? I think so.

Okay, so let explain why Runner Susan is still Runner Susan and not Rider Susan. Because as soon as HHH is over, my plan is to start training for another race – maybe even a marathon. I’m thinking Houston in January of 2010. Nothing is set in stone, because I need to do some shorter races too, because I have yet to prove to myself that I actually have fast twitch muscle fibers that can do some damage in a shorter race. Now, I just need to figure out if I’m Type IIa or Type IIb. This is where you can tell I’m rambling because I’ve had 3 cups of espresso. And yeah, I know I should spell check, but I’m too wound up to take the time to do anything productive.

Right here is where I was going to talk about how we helped the local vet save the neighbors goat, Vinny. Seriously – it was dark, the owners were out of town, and the goat was on the ground with its eyes rolled back and barely moaning – near death I tell ya. I held the mouth bit while the Chef held the horns so the vet could shove a tube down his throat and relieve him. But then I decided it really didn’t really make sense in the context of all this running and riding stuff so I left it out. But in case you are wondering, Vinny is alive and well because of our goat-saving kindness.

So, Internet People, what do you think? Am I crazy? Delusional beyond caffeine? Does this post make any sense at all?

*Yes, I know funner is only a word in Australia, but I think it’s kind of fun to throw in foreign words every now and then – makes me smarter than I look . . . and goes along with all the run-on sentences, superfluous commas and unnecessary explanation points!

I guess I should post something

April 16, 2009 By Runner Susan 13 Comments

But I really don’t feel I have anything post-worthy to post. So the randomness will pursue once again:

On Monday I ran 1 x 800, 4 x 400, 1 x 200, 4 x 100 and 1 x 800. My first 400 was 1.36, but I’m not sure what my other times were because my watch got stuck on NO OCCN. The others, I can guarantee you were not 1.36. Maybe 1:50s. I don’t know what NO OCCN is. But last week my 6 yo Timex died so I went back to Target and got the EXACT same model but all the buttons are in the wrong place. And now everything is wrong. WHY would they do that to me? Why?
On Tuesday I bought my last 23 bags of mulch and I finished mulching. We used 233 bags of mulch. That’s a lot of mulch. I reckon I didn’t figure that into the plan when I made the world’s largest flower beds around my house.
The vineyard is going slow. We need soil sample and well water sample results before we can move on. We have a person from the parks and recreation department coming to consult with us next week.
Today I am finishing a stone walkway and then, if the weather allows, I am riding with my friends Zoe and Lisa at 1. Cindy, you should come ride with us too, I’ll call you in a bit.
I have been to every nursery and cannot find bamboo or a giant Buddha for my zen garden. I find plenty of skinny Buddhas, but the fat one is so much cuter. Heading into Dallas tomorrow to see if I can find one.
Saturday I am running 11 miles with T. Then the next Saturday, I am running the OK Half. It will not be a PR, that I can pretty much guarantee.
I’ve found a pair of shoes I REALLY love. Really. I’m not kidding. I love them and want to make them mine.
I’m angry they are canceling Gardening by the Yard on HGTV. I have a secret crush on Paul James just like I did the old Alton Brown, (you know, the food science Alton Brown – I’m not crazy about the new Iron Chef Alton). It’s really the only REAL gardening show out there. Okay, so I watch the Victory Garden, but it moves slower than slow sometimes.
Sister Runner Amy’s son, Cole, NEEDS a kitty. Yet, he is denied one. What’s the world coming to when a boy can’t have a kitty of his own?
Finally, my teeth hurt. I need to get back to the dentist to get the temporary stuff off. I’ve put it off because we are in-between health insurance companies right now. But I’m guessing I should get this taken care of because the only thing worse than dental work is emergency dental work.

That’s about it my lovely Internet People. Hopefully I’ll have some juicy stuff to post soon.

Almost Eleven

April 11, 2009 By Runner Susan 13 Comments

The run this morning was good. Nice and slow – 10.75 miles in 1:55. I’m not breaking any records, but it was good to get it over with early. 45 degrees, quiet, no wind and running while the sun comes up. Perfect.

Nothing exciting to report, except our neighbor’s zebra was out. I don’t know why they have a zebra, but I like him. I grabbed a pic with my phone. Kinda blurry and not much light, but still you can tell it’s a zebra. Like you really care, but pretend for me.

zebra