The Long Awaited Cold Front Has Arrived

For some reason I had a ravenous appetite yesterday and ate more than I should have. So I decided that I would add an extra training today, especially since our big walk wasn't until Sunday. What a delight to go outside into a cool and breezy morning. For a split second I thought about going back inside and getting a jacket, but didn't. I'm glad, because it didn't take long before I was sweating. I tried something different this morning. I've been reading a running book by Jeff Galloway. In it he suggests that runners should take walk breaks, and has a system for walkers who want to add some running to their workout. So this morning I walked and ran for 30 minutes. During the first 15 minutes I ran for about 20 seconds every 2 minutes. Then I wanted to see if I could improve my speed, so I took a route that I knew was 1 mile and repeated what I had done during the first 15 minutes. Much to my surprise and happiness I finished the mile in 14.57 minutes, my personal best. I have to say that I was tired and I doubt that I could keep it up for any great lengths, but it was good to try something new

10-30-10

Thursday trainings now have a 30 minute interval instead of a 20 minute one -the hard and furious part being 10 minutes longer. I had hoped that I would be greeted by the long awaited cold front when I got outside, but it was really hot and still this morning. Today I warmed up during the first 10 minutes and then, during the 30 minute segment, ran for 30 seconds to one minute, every 5 minutes. These running breaks really help the time pass quickly. I'm debating about slipping in another walk/run on Friday since there is no training on Saturday. I want to be ready for Sunday's big race!

45 minutes

It was really breezy this morning before the sun came up. Today's 45 minute training included 5 periods, two minutes each, of intense walking/running. I went into a fast walk, then run (for 30 to 45 seconds) that lasted for 2 minutes, every 6 minutes. The time really passed quickly that way.

We don't have a Saturday walk/run this week because Sunday is the Space Alliance 10 miler in Clear Lake. I'm planning on incorporating this 2 minute walk/run into my walk every 15 minutes or so. I think it will help to break up the time and also shorten my finish time. The course stays open for 2 hours and 45 minutes and my goal is to get an official time within that span, to finish somewhere around 2 hours and 38 minutes. I've been walking a 16.6 minute mile, and if I add a little running I should be able to get it to a 15.8 minute mile.

Week 11 Training

Although I probably needed a break, I decided to go forward with this week's training schedule. It was a plain vanilla, 60 minute walk. I left at 6:30am and since there was fog this morning, so it was very cool.

Another 10 miles

I think I overdid it. Since the weather was going to be so nice, I figured I'd get up early and try to get a 10 miler in. Unfortunately, I didn't get out the door until 8:15am. There was a great breeze and lots of shade all the way from my house until and through the park. I ran into a lot of Fort Bend Fit folks at the park including Beverly and Jacque. Beverly was going the opposite direction and almost finished with her run. Jacque was just turning around, so we walked together until we reached her home. On the way we rescued a small dog that was lost. We located the owner and waited for him to retrieve it. That took a little time and slowed us down.

The 3.5 miles walk from Jacque's house to mine was extremely hot. The sun was really strong and I was got very tired. I was ready to throw in the towel but kept plugging along. When I got to within about 1.5 miles of home, I called Stan who was out and about and told him to look for me on his way home. I was only a half mile from home when he caught up with me. I decided to stay the course. If it had been a race, I wouldn't have given up that close to the finish line.

I was whipped when I got home. After drinking lots of water, eating lots of carbs, stretching and showering, I crashed. It's taken most of the day to get back on my feet.

So here's what I figured out: Since I walked on Friday, Saturday and today, I didn't have a rest day. I also did not prepare for today's walk like I would a regular Saturday walk - drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water beginning on Thursday, and early to bed on Friday. And by starting out as late in the morning as I did, the sun was too intense. Hopefully there will be no other storms for the rest of the season and I will be able to follow the training schedule as prescribed!

Another 2 Miles

Thank goodness most of Rita bypassed our area. We had some strong winds and very little rain. At around 10:00am this morning the weather was quite pleasant. The sun was shining and the breeze was moderate. I decided to try to get in another 4 miles. I stuck close to the house and walked the neighborhood. Except for an old tree that split in half in the greenbelt, and a lot of leaves and palm fronds strewn throughout the area, there was very little damage. I managed to get 2 miles in before the skies turned very dark and the winds picked up. Hopefully the weather will be good tomorrow and I'll be able to get in another 4 miles or so to make up for our missed walk today.

Here's how the skies looked at 7:30Pm Friday

Rita's Lovely Side

I decided to take advantage of the slightly cooler temperature and increased breeze from Hurricane Rita, so I went out and walked 4 miles. Had I realized that this morning's weather would be so nice, I would have left a lot earlier when it was much cooler. It was so surreal walking around our normally busy streets and packed shopping centers. Every business was shut tight and there was very little traffic - the insanity of back-up streets and freeways had ended. I was surprised to see dumpster upon dumpster filled to the brim with what will become future projectiles - metal rods from hanging racks, huge tree branches and the like. Why didn't these businesses have the foresight to remove this stuff? It must be the ostrich syndrome. As long as their stores were battened down, they could care less about everyone else. I walked up the ramp to the next to last level in the parking garage at Town Center. Every parking space was full, as were the sides of the parking ramps -car dealers and other folks wanting to get their cars on high ground brought them here.

At least I burned off some of the calories and walked 40% of what would have been Saturday's walk.

10-20-10

This morning's training provided a great distraction from all the preparations for Hurricane Rita. It was another 10-20-10 and this time I ran for 1 minute every 3rd minute of the 20 segment. Our big run/walk for Saturday has been cancelled in anticipation of the storm. Next week will require a lot of discipline to make up for this weekend's lack of exercise and not so healthy eating. It will be interesting to see if the Space Alliance 10 miler race scheduled for October 2nd will still happen.
I am hopeful that the Hurricane will lose intensity, and although I wish no others harm, will veer away from the Galveston/Houston coast.

Another 45, 5x2:00

All of the training for this week includes a step up except for today's repeat of the 45 minute walk with 5 intense 2 minute intervals. Last week I ran for 30 seconds of the 2 minutes, but I decided to increase the intensity on this one, too. I ran for the first minute of the 2 minute interval and then finished the last minute with an intense walk. During the last 2 minute segment, I switched it around and ran for the second minute and that worked much better. I actually don't feel as tired as I did last Tuesday. Tomorrow is a rest day, and I may try swimming again now that my bicep has stopped hurting.

Week 10 Training

Today's walk was for 60 minutes, up 15 minutes from prior Mondays. It was cooler this morning, in the 70's and that made it easier. I listened to my Walk 3 CD again. The batteries died on my player, but luckily I had slipped some extra batteries in my pack a few weeks ago. Another lesson about planning ahead. I'm working on getting my speed up just a bit so I can finish with an official time at the Space Alliance 10 miler on October 2nd. The course is open for 2 hours and 45 minutes, which equates to a 16.5 minute mile. I've been doing 16.6 on Saturdays, and that includes time lost at traffic lights on Highway 6, so I should be OK.

12 Miles!!!!!

12 miles! This was the longest walk I have ever done, and it will be the longest walk of the training season. Last Saturday Coach Randy had asked me if I would start the decaf walking group off this morning. I said yes before I found out that the group was scheduled to leave at 4:00am. I went to bed at 7:30pm, but didn't fall asleep until after 9:00pm and kept waking up. I actually got up before the alarm went of at 2:55am. Marty and I walked together, and completed our walk in 3 hours and 20 minutes, with a 16.6 minute mile pace. Other than getting bitten by a spider while walking down Elkins, our walk was uneventful. It was extremely hot and humid. Although there was a full moon, the sidewalks along Elkins and Lexington were dark and slippery. The best part of the morning came when we arrived at the Lexington entrance to Oyster Creek Park. The park was shrouded in a veil of fog. It was like walking into an air conditioned room. The paths were dry and well lit.

Next Saturday our mileage will roll back to 10 miles. We'll be using the races of the warm-up series for the extended distances. Sunday, October 2, is the United Space Alliance 10-miler race in Clear Lake. At this point it seems like it will be a piece of cake!

This is a map of today's 12 mile route

10-20-10 With a Twist

This morning was a 10-20-10 walk. The first ten minutes, a warm-up, the next 20 minutes - fast and furious and the last 10, a slow down. I decided to incorporate a little more running into the training, so during the 20 minute segment I ran for 30 seconds every 2 to 3 minutes. It might not sound like a lot, but when you are not used to running, it is a BIG thing. I felt good when I was finished, even though I was sweating like a pig. I guess that means I got a good work-out. This Saturday is a 12 mile walk. It will be the farthest I have ever walked, yet it is less than half of the marathon distance of 26.2 miles. Onwards and upwards!

45, 5x2:00

Today's training was the most intense of the season. It was a 45 minute walk with 5 sets of hard walking that lasted for 2 minutes each. The time went really fast, but I was very tired when I was done. I walked at a brisk pace for 6 minutes, then, during the next two minutes ran for 30 seconds and walked really fast for 1.5 minutes. I repeated this another 4 times. 2 minutes doesn't sound like a long time, but when you ramp it up, it feels like an eternity. Tomorrow is a rest day and I am welcoming it.

Week 9 Training

Today's training was a 45 minute walk. The mosquitoes were out in full force again. My bug spray was not so effective today, so it wasn't as pleasant as it should have been. This evening was the Marathon kick-off party at Memorial Park. It was quite an event, with lots of people, food and festivities. Chevron announced their sponsorship of the Marathon. I was excited to get my in-training T-shirt, but I'm most proud of the navy blue In Training singlet I bought as part of the Red Cross Fundraiser. While I was at the party I signed up for the Warm Up series of races - the 20K, 25K and 30K. There's no turning back now!

10 Miles!!!!!

We did it. Ten miles. We started out at 4:40am in the dark. It was really hot and muggy and there wasn't even the slightest breeze. To make things even worse, the mosquitoes were out in full force. Luckily I had found some unscented Off called Skintastic and it worked wonders. I hurt my bicep yesterday - a combination of my intro to swimming and pulling the wrong way while trying on some clothes, so it was difficult trying to keep my arms from swinging. Marty and I walked together the whole time and kept a steady pace. The sidewalks were in really bad shape, and although we were pretty careful, I tripped and almost fell. Luckily Marty was quick and grabbed my good arm just in time. Mid way through the walk, the temperature dropped a little and a very light drizzle, more of a mist, fell. It was very refreshing. We finished up doing a 16.6 minute mile.

I forgot to put on Glide before I put my socks on and I paid the price - 3 blisters on each foot. Between the blisters, the lack of sleep and my hurt arm, I'm ready to call it a day. But I'll have to wait until after my 11:30 appointment to take a nap.

Jacque looking fresh after her run today

Cross Training

I'd been thinking about adding a swimming component to my training for a few weeks. I finally took the plunge both literally and figuratively and went to Life Time Fitness this morning. Decked in my new suit from Finish Line Sports, I did four laps in the indoor pool. Not earth shattering, but it's a start.

Everyone can swim if they try!

One More 45 minute Walk

Today's training was another 45 minute walk. Once again, I listened to the Walk 3 CD and did a 15 minute mile. It was a breezy morning which made the walk an easy one. The community landscaping people were out, so I had to get creative again with my route in order to avoid the loud and smelly lawn mowing machines.

There was a party tonight at Finish Line Sports for the Fort Bend Fit newbies. I met quite a few other first timers and found out their reasons for joining the group. Several long time members told their moving and motivating stories. They talked about how this Saturday's upcoming 10 mile run/walk is a big milestone since a lot of people drop out of training around this time. They emphasized the need for mental focus as well as physical training. I'm working on both!

10-20-10 With Intensity

This morning was another 10-20-10, but this time I did the 20 minute part with super extreme intensity. I don't know how fast I was going, but it was faster than I had ever gone before ( I would guess a 14 minute mile). I took a trash free route (Tuesdays are trash day in the neighborhood) and that helped, too. I came home really craving carbs, but didn't have anything to eat, so I'll have to be better prepared next time.

Week 8 Training

It's Labor Day. This morning was the Fired-Up 5K race held at Fire Station 5 in Avalon subdivision. Stan and I volunteered and were charged with the task of keeping the race participants in the right lane. We got there at 5:45am and finished around 8:15am. When I got home I went out for today's 45 minute walk. I bumped up the intensity, listening to the Walk 3 CD for a 15 minute mile. Thankfully, it was cool this morning, and although intense, the walk was pleasant.

A Walk in Another Park

Today's big walk/run was something different. We all met at the Elm Lake picnic spot at Brazos Bend State Park off of FM 762. Once there, the different groups took different paths. The walkers left around 7:00am and walked 6 miles (We got a break this weekend since it's a holiday weekend. Next week's walk will be a lot longer). When we got back we had a pot luck breakfast made mostly of sweets.

I started out walking with Coach Randy, who was being a real speed demon this morning. He is usually one of the last ones in, so I was impressed. After about 20 minutes or so he pulled back and I sped up. Nurith and Marty had taken off and were way ahead of me, so I walked and ran (yes ran!) until I hooked up with the lady ahead of me and made a new friend. This is Lori's second year with Fort Bend Fit. She did the half marathon this past January and plans to do it again next year. She has also participated in several triathlons, as well as some other very interesting races. We had a nice chat and time passed very quickly. It rained intermittently and the trails were very muddy and slippery, but we made it back doing a 15 minute mile. I am continually amazed at the abilities and fortitude of my fellow FBFers and look forward to getting to know more about our other members.

Me with new friend Lori

A Buffet of Sweets

A Close Encounter of the Fowl Kind

A similar attack goose

This morning's training was a 45 minute walk. I listened to the 15 minute mile CD, Walk 3. It got me going at a really nice pace. I took a little different route this morning and got to do a little running thanks to an encounter with an attack goose. He (I'm assuming it was a male) came straight at me with his sharp teeth showing, but I managed to get away. This Saturday's training will be something different. We are meeting at Brazos Bend State Park. Our mileage will be less - 6 miles for the walkers. We're going to have a pot luck breakfast afterwards, so it should be a fun morning. The Fired Up 5K is being held on Monday, and a lot of FBF members will be running/walking. I decided that this race would be a good one to volunteer at, so that's what Stan and I will be doing.