Tuesday, December 20, 2005

20 miles....DONE!

Amazing how it's been 12 days since I've posted anything. Boy how the time flies!

Last Saturday I ran 20 miles in 3 hours and 58 minutes. A nice slow pace with my group. It was fairly cold, around 40 degrees (at least that's cold here!). I was able to take off my jacket by mile 3...though I should have taken it off sooner, I was pretty sweaty underneath and that makes for a cold transition! There were a few cold breezes here and there, but was ok until...it started raining! That was about mile 12 or so. Not a heavy rain, but enough to keep things wet. By the end, the rain had picked up. Really felt bad for those that were out on the course for another hour or more! They were soaking by the time they got in!
We continually were slower ourselves down. We really wanted to stick to pace (the marathon is coming up and we'll give it our all then!) We were only 2 minutes fast. Over 20 miles and keeping a group of 8 together, I think we did an awesome job!
After I got home I hopped into the tub with COLD running water (I can't bring myself to add ice yet). I stayed in for 15 minutes. My cat was at the edge of the tub meowing at me. He could sense something was off...it must have been the shivering! My left knee has been acting up since the run. I haven't been doing my IT Band streches as often as I need to. This week is dedicated to using my foam roller to get my legs loosened up. They are pretty tight.
Monday I got in 3.15 miles after work...fast pace of 7:45 min/mi
Tuesday (this morning) did 3.25 miles...slower pace of 8:45 min/mi
Oh, and did I mention that I got the Garmin Forerunner 201. It is SOOOO cool. I love it. Now I know exactly how far and how fast I run. I love it! Merry Christmas to me!

What's up next:
Thursday: 6 miles. Must get 6 miles in!
Thursday night red-eye flight to Iowa.
Friday: rest
Saturday: 8 miles?? Is this going to possible in 30 degree weather??
Sunday: rest
Monday: 3 miles
Tuesday: 6 miles
Wednesday: 6 miles

Not sure how much running I'll get to while in Iowa. It is suppose to "warm up" to 36 degrees over the weekend, but I have yet to run in that cold of weather. There is a local gym that I might be able to get to. Any advice in regards to cold weather running???

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and all that jazz!

Thursday, December 08, 2005

17 miles...and still going?

17 miles came and went. We did it in 3 hours 5 minutes. We slowed our pace down by one minute/mile and increased the walk breaks to 5:1. We started on at 7am next to the Pacific Ocean on the Great Highway. We ran down the Great Highway to Sloat Blvd (along Ocean Beach). On our way back we turned into Golden Gate Park. Before doing so, many of us dropped off our jackets. It was a pretty cold morning (~45 degrees, which is cold for us!) Went into the park and then exited going South to Lake Merced. Went around the lake, back to the park and to the finish. 17 miles. Went by pretty quick. Our group stayed exactly on pace and almost consistent the entire time.
Afterwards, we took off our shoes and headed to the ocean. We had many people stopping and pointing at us as we crossed the street barefooted, with towels wrapped around us to keep us warm. Spent a very chilly 10 minutes in the ocean (the water is about 52 degrees) and back to eat PB&J sandwiches, pretzels and bagels.
That afternoon I got out and played volleyball for two hours. Since it was 6-on-6 most of the time, I didn't have to do too much running. After that, I was suppose to go to a birthday party, but I just zonked out at 8pm!!
I still felt pretty good Sunday. Monday morning came around and I felt dead to the world. (Note to self, sometimes it can take two days before feeling exhausted!)
Tuesday back to the rountine, 6 miles around Lake Merritt.
Wednesday off
Thursday morning 6 miles around Lake Merritt.
Friday will be off.
Saturday will be a nice 9 miles.
For those of you in the area, I sing with this group and our concert is Saturday and Sunday.

Oakland East Bay Gay Men's Chorus
Holiday Concert
12/10 @ 8pm 12/11 @ 5pm
Lakeshore Baptist Church in Oakland
www.oebgmc.org for tickets

Oh...and remember why I'm doing this in the first place??? That's right to raise money for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation!! I am still short of my goal of $3,000. If you were planning on donating...now's the time!! Go to: http://www.aidsmarathon.com/participant.asp?runner=SF-5035&EventCode=MI06 and donate today!!