Shades of Chicago

By the time I had gotten out during lunch today the rain had stopped. It was cold and windy, in the 30's and according to weather.com "feels like 27". It reminded me of the weather during the Chicago Marathon. Once I started running I warmed up pretty fast. I did 2:00/1:00 intervals in order to keep my body heat up. It started to sleet after about 15 minutes, but I kept at it for a full 30 minutes.

30 Minutes of Intervals

I managed to get out earlier than usual for a Tuesday and did 1:00/1:00 intervals for 30 minutes. It was slightly cooler than usual, but nothing like what's coming later in the week. It's supposed to be in the 30's in the evenings and the 50's during the day. We have 12 miles scheduled for the full group and 10 for the half marathoners. Since I've switched over to the Half I tempted to do the lower mileage, but since I've signed up for the 30K which is a bit over 18 miles, I think I'd better go with the 12.

40 Minutes of 1:00/1:00 Intervals in the Rain

I've turned over another new leaf today. Our return from the cruise and Thanksgiving week put me too close to the edge of that slippery slope of weight gain. I've been able to stay under a 10 pound "overage" until recently. So I'm going to do my best to eat sensibly and stick with my program. It was raining heavily this morning, so I waited until it stopped to go outside. It started to drizzle while I was in the middle of my run. It felt really good and I could have stayed out longer, but didn't.

8 Miles with Shelley

This morning, FBF held an amazing race at Brazos Bend Park. I really wanted to go, but I also wanted to sleep in. So Shelley and I met at Oyster Creek Park and walked 8 miles. I was ready to call it quits after our first loop, but Shelley persisted and I'm glad she did. I'm back on track and it feels good.

Sugar Land Turkey Trot 5 Miler

Me and Bob After the Race

Bob with Jen, his Daughter's Friend, Before the Race

Today was Thanksgiving and also the 21st Annual Sugar Land Turkey Trot held in Sugar Creek Subdivision. The course is a fun 5 miler. One part of the course is a loop around Country Club Blvd, a fun spot where you can cheer on your friends and get cheered. My time this morning was 1:05:32, about 3 minutes longer than last year, but still an acceptable pace of a 13:06 minute mile.

I've made a decision to switch from the full to the half marathon for Houston. I know there is no way I can finish in 6 hours or under, especially starting at the back of the pack. Since I don't want to leave early again, it seems like the best approach is to do the half. A number of other people including Bob, Shelley and Jacque are going to switch to the half as well. We'll finish while the festivities are still in full swing, so it should be fun.

30 Minutes Walking

I'm not sure what happened after Monday's training, but I developed a major pain/strain in my left thigh. I skipped Tuesday's training and waited until this morning to do a leisurely 30 minute walk. The weather was great, although it's warming up again. I've signed up for the Sugar Land Turkey Trot tomorrow.
I won't be going to Dallas in December after all since Vicki M. has broken a bone in her foot and won't be able to run for awhile. I went ahead and signed up to do the Methodist Hospital 30K on December 10th instead.

30 Minutes in Great Weather

I ran 1:00/1:00 intervals for 30 minutes this morning. The air was crisp and cool and the sun was shining. Even the pesky geese kept their distance. I've signed up for the 5 mile Turkey Trot race in Sugar Creek this coming Thursday. I hope the weather stays this nice.

A Week of Cruising

Training on the Rhapsody

On Sunday, the 19th, Stan and I left from Galveston for a cruise vacation aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas. It was not an ideal time as I was already close to 10 pounds heavier than my target weight. But there was a workout room on board, plus deck 10 served as an outdoor track, so I resolved to keep up with my training. My biggest challenge was going to be the constant bombardment of food during our restaurant style seated dinners, not to mention the breakfast and lunch buffets. I ate more than I should have on Sunday, but got up bright and early on Monday and did a 30 minute workout on the treadmill, adding hills for good measure. I did a 35 minute workout on Tuesday and feasted again. When I saw our "formal" photos on Wednesday morning, I decided that I needed to behave myself, so I ate sensibly the balance of the cruise. I did a combination of running on the deck and using the treadmill on Thursday. Our stop on Friday was in Cozumel, so Stan and I walked the 3.5 miles from the ship to downtown and took a taxi back. We got back this morning and I haven't done my long run for the weekend, but I'm pleased that I didn't gain any weight.

6 Miles Through the Park

The scheduled run for this morning was 10 miles, but I wasn't up to it. Bob had run the New York Marathon last Sunday and needed to do reduced mileage, so we opted for a 6 mile route through Oyster Creek park. The walk up Dulles was interesting. It rained last night so there were a number of areas of sidewalk that were covered with lakes of water. Once we were in the park it was fine. We mostly walked with a very little bit of running mixed in. It was windy and cold and I was glad that we only had 6 miles to do.

30 Minutes of 1:00/1:00 Intervals

After a 5 minute warm-up and then stretch, I ran intervals for the balance of the time. It was pretty warm this morning, but a slight breeze helped. I felt sluggish but I persisted. Our group run is scheduled to be 10 miles. I might only do 8. I'll decide tomorrow.

Another 35 Minutes

The weather was great today. I got out this morning while it was still cool. In fact, I actually felt cold when I started out, even though I was wearing a short sleeve shirt and long pants. I ran intervals for 25 minutes after a 5 minute warm-up and stretch. I'm feeling good about my decision to do Run the Rock, but I haven't decided if I want to attempt the full. I have until the 24th to decide.

35 Minutes

I attempted to go out this morning, but there was lightening and thunder, so I went back to bed. I didn't get out again until lunch time. The sun was out, it was still very humid and the temperature was around 80. I walked for 10 minutes, stopped and stretched for a few minutes and then ran intervals for about 15 minutes. I felt fine, so I guess the "rest" I took Saturday by walking instead of running paid off. I'm thinking I will do Run the Rock, but I will have to decide if I want to do the full or half.

6 Miles Walking

The schedule for Fort Bend Fit was 8 miles today. My schedule, based on doing another long race in December - Run the Rock full or half marathon, called for 6 miles. Although my knees and IT band still hurt, I tried to run during the first mile, but found it difficult. I paired up with Peggy, one of the other assistant coaches in the Orange group who was nice enough to stick with me. The time passed really quickly.
Tomorrow is the NY marathon and I can't wait to hear how Bob and Terrell did.

30 Minutes

The weather was fantastic today. I didn't get out until lunchtime, but it was still cool. I wore a headband around my ears, leggings and a long sleeved shirt. I only ran for a few minutes since my knees and IT band are sore from Sunday. I'm still debating about whether or not I want to do "Run the Rock" in Dallas on Dec. 10th. My original desire to do it was to participate in the Marathons of Texas Challenge. But after reading the very unfriendly comments on their website discouraging slow pokes from participating, I'm not sure that I want to try it. They clearly state that if you don't cross the mat by within 6.5 hours, you aren't guarantees a medal or shirt and do not get an official time.