15 weeks + 550 miles = My 1st Marathon!

January 2009

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2009
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Member Since:

Jun 07, 2009

Gender:

Female

Goal Type:

Marathon Finish

Running Accomplishments:

Well, my running career began my Junior year of high school... I ran a WHOLE summer with the cross-country team!  I also ran the Deseret News 10k, and missed my goal by 1 MIN!!

Short-Term Running Goals:

I am going to finish my first marathon!! YAY! And... I haven't made a time goal yet, but I WILL hit it!

Long-Term Running Goals:

The future, as of now, is a MYSTERY.

Personal:

I am not married.  I do not have children :) BUT, I am waiting for a missionary!  I am studying up at Utah State to be a teacher.  I like fishing.  I do Not sew.  But I cook a mean mac and cheese... which I guess I should cut back on if I am going to make my goal.  The End.

Favorite Blogs:

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
29.400.000.000.0029.40
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.000.000.000.003.00

Day 1: Got a long way to go...

Today's miles weren't too bad.  Started out good. It was sunny, then overcast and breezy.  While running my toes hurt a little... Is that normal? And at the end my legs and knees felt kind of like jello. Looks like I've got a while to go!

3 miles. 30 min. The End.

Comments
From Leandra on Mon, Jun 08, 2009 at 20:47:43 from 76.27.81.221

Welcome to the blog! My toes used to hurt and I realized it's because my shoes were a little small. I don't know if that's a possibility in your case, but it might help. Keep up the good running!

From Shelly on Tue, Jun 09, 2009 at 01:44:35 from 76.27.55.22

Welcome! Take it slow and build gradually. Based on your heading it sounds like you have a plan- stick with it and you will achieve your goals.

I would get your shoe size checked. When I first started running I thought I wore a 7 1/2. I have since learned my proper size in a running shoe is a 9- It makes a huge difference.

Good Luck! And happy running!

From Walter on Tue, Jun 09, 2009 at 10:05:45 from 76.27.15.208

Welcome to the blog! I see you have Bill and Breanna as friends so youll do fine. First thing you need to do is to become a true Aggie. lol with a missionary of course!

From JohnnyV on Tue, Jun 09, 2009 at 13:02:37 from 204.124.13.151

Welcome and good luck. If you can stick to your plan you will do great. You have gotten some good advice for the sore toes, the other thing you might try is not tying your shoes too tight. You don't want you foot to slip but you don't want a tourniquet either.

From abby on Tue, Jun 09, 2009 at 22:08:10 from 76.27.12.192

Thanks everyone for all the comments!! It feels so nice to have people encouraging me :) I also appreciate the advice on the shoes, I'll have to see about getting a better size.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.200.000.000.003.20

Day 2: A little better.

I ran earlier in the morning, overcast and misty.  I started getting tired towards the end, but my sister kept me motivated! I am so glad to be running with someone!!  My toes didn't hurt as bad, I may try going up a size, though.  And my legs weren't as jellowy :) It is still going a little slow... but I am staying motivated!  I just have to remember to take it little by little!

3.2 miles. 35 min.

 

Comments
From JohnnyV on Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 13:52:16 from 204.124.13.151

Great job. Just keep up the consistency and you will do awesome.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

Day 3: Cross-training.

Today I did my cross training! I decided to go bike-riding.  It rained pretty hard all day today, but it finally stopped enough that I could go.  It was nice and cool and I went through several neighborhoods.  There were lots of inclines and declines so it was nice to have to push it at certain points and take it a little easier at others.  I went for about thirty minutes... I didn't have time for much more than that.  The seat wasn't all that comfortable on my tooshie, but we won't get into that :)

One bike. 30 min. So fun!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.000.000.000.003.00

Day 4: To eat, or not to eat?

Today's run was good.  It was early morning, nice and cool with a little bit of rain towards the end.  I feel like today went better than the other two, maybe that is just because it was cooler?  I was wondering, though... If anyone could tell me, should I eat something before I run? I know I need energy, but what's a good routine as far as that goes?  Today I ran by myself.  I was surprised that I was able to stay motivated, even though having my sister there does push me to be better :)

3 miles. 32 min. 

Comments
From JohnnyV on Fri, Jun 12, 2009 at 14:08:38 from 204.124.13.151

To eat or not to eat? Good question, it really is a personal preference. If you do eat, make it something small that your stomach can handle well. Don't try new things, especially on a longer run. You certainly don't want to have a bad reaction in the middle of your run.

Great job on being consistent this week. Keep going.

From Bill on Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 00:18:26 from 71.213.67.127

Remember a full glass of water each morning when you get up. Whether you are running in the morning or not. This might mean you may need a little time before you start your run, plan according to your personal needs in the morning. You can fuel before you run, bananas are good and can give you energy during the run. Be careful at first or you may need to make a pit stop or a mad dash when you get home if you make it home. A piece of toast with honey is another good one. Some I run with like Pop tarts. But remember to refuel right after your run like we discussed. The first 20 minutes after the workout show in studies the best uptake.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.000.000.000.002.00

Day 5: Mind over matter

Well, today was supposed to be an easier day, what with only running two miles and such... But since there were less miles to run, I decided that I would take it a little faster. I wanted to make it in less than 20 min, since I've been averaging a 10 min mile. The first mile went good. It was really sunny out, so the second mile proved to be more difficult for me. My legs felt fine, but it was getting harder to breathe. BUT, I made it back in 18 min! So I guess it was worth it :)I decided that running for me, will be a lot of trying to get the mental side of it. Mind over matter!

2 miles. 18 min.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
7.200.000.000.007.20

Day 6: My first LONG run!

Well, today was a nice run considering... It was only supposed to be a 4 mile day, what with it being my first long run and all.  I had mapped out on gmaps the four mile route I was going to take, but missed a turn and decided I would go a different direction and just guess the four mile distance.  I was feeling so good! It was nice and cool outside and I wasn't having trouble breathing this time. I brought a water bottle with me this time so I could take a swig every once in a while. Towards the end my knees were starting to hurt, but I was worried that I wasn't going to get my four miles. When I got home and checked my time, I couldn't believe that I had been running for an hour and 26 min! So I rechecked my real route online, only to find that I had run further than a 10K!! Yikes!! I am still feeling pretty good, a little stiff, but I'm a little worried that I took it too far, too fast. What should I do to help myself recover from it?

7.2 miles. 1:26.  A little too long!

Comments
From Bill on Sat, Jun 13, 2009 at 23:59:33 from 71.213.67.127

We have a plan of not adding too much too fast, but it is okay within reason to add a little here and there when you feel good. Just don't push it. It is way early in our train schedule and like I said before it is usually guys that over do it trying to be macho and then sit on the coach the following few workouts. Rest, some light stretching and eat well to refuel your muscle. On your next run start out slow and increase your speed as you go until you hit the mileage for that day. Make sure you do a little walking after and stretch. You had a great week and your goal will be reality, stick to the plan as best you can. Remember enjoy the trip not just the finish line.

From Bill on Sun, Jun 14, 2009 at 00:07:58 from 71.213.67.127

okay I tried to edit but it didn't work, so here is the real thing I meant to type. Training not train. Also couch not coach, please don't sit on the coach.

From JohnnyV on Mon, Jun 15, 2009 at 13:51:34 from 204.124.13.151

Great Job. You are doing awesome. Sounds like Bill has very sound advice, the most important thing right now is to build your muscels to prepare them for the marathon so don't push too hard now and end up missing the finish line. Keep going and good luck next week.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.000.000.000.004.00

Day 7: Back on Track

There isn't much to report on today. It was nice outside, I felt good starting out and was able to finish up strong. I had my sister with me again, which was nice to have someone to run with! We ran earlier in the day and I liked the area we ran in. All in all, it was pretta good!

4 miles. 42 min. Ya huh! :)

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.000.000.000.004.00

Day 8:  Blasted Bruise!

So, today's run wasn't all that bad either.  We went on the same run as yesterday.  We ran in the evening so it was nice and cool.  I started out tired since I had to go right after work and it had been a busy work day.  My only problem was that in the beginning my knee was bothering me a little bit.  The pain went away and then came back in the last mile.  It's still a little sore as is my arm... Don't know what the deal is there.  But I had a bruise on my knee earlier from work so that was probably why.

4 miles. 43 min.

Comments
From JohnnyV on Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 13:20:24 from 204.124.13.151

Great job, sorry about the bruise hope it feels better soon. You are doing great. Keep running.

From abby on Sat, Jun 20, 2009 at 18:36:00 from 67.172.228.127

Thanks for the encouragement :) it really does help!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

Day 8: Bad Knee...

Well, today was supposed to be my cross-training day, but my knee was really bothering me today, so I wasn't able to do anything... Going into the Chiropractor tomorrow to see what's up.

 

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

Day 9: Visit to the Chiropractor

So... I went to the Chiropractor today and found out a few things. One: I am not drinking enough water and my muscles are dehydrated.  Two: my inner leg muscles are stronger than my outer leg muscles.  Because of this, my knee cap is being "pulled" away from where it should be and is rubbing, and in turn, causing pain.  Three: the source of my problem is in my feet.  I guess that my arch isn't all the great, so my alignment is off, which is one of the causes for my knee issue.  So, the solution to all of this? Take a 2-3 week break from running (Curses!!), buy some new inserts for my shoes, and do some knee strengthening exercises.  I do the exercises for three min, three times a day, for 2 to 3 weeks.  I guess I will just have to see how things go.  I am still planning on doing the marathon!! There are just a few of these things that I need to get fixed first, and then I think I will actually be better off in the long run.  I'll just have to jump back into the training and work my little tooshie off!

0 miles. 0 min. Bummer...

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

Day 9:  Day 1 of Suspension

I bought my inserts.  I bought a big jug that I carry around with me to drink water.  I've started doing the exercises... I think that I am improving? The exercises do seem to help! I miss running already :(

 

Comments
From Burt on Sat, Jun 20, 2009 at 21:05:54 from 98.167.151.26

Well the good thing is, it doesn't sound too serious. Most running injuries can heal quickly if treated properly.

So everytime I see your picture I think you are flicking off the ashes of the end of your cigarette. LOL. Is it keys you are holding?

From abby on Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 00:22:45 from 71.213.61.105

No, it's actually a watch :) I am looking at the time, waiting ever so patiently.

From Burt on Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 10:56:13 from 68.76.197.194

Oh, I get it. Waiting for your missionary to return. Like in Saturday's Warriors...why Wally Kessler you ought to be ashamed of yourself...

From abby on Mon, Jun 22, 2009 at 20:01:21 from 71.213.61.105

Haha, Marlene is always commenting on that movie, too! I haven't seen it, but I'm thinking I need to :)

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.000.000.000.003.00

Cross-training for Fitness.

Today, I tried to test out just a little jogging to see how that would feel and I didn't even make it more than a couple houses down.  The pain in my knee was really sharp.  I called my uncle Bill and he suggested I try bicycling.  So, I got on my bike and found that the strain in my knee didn't really hurt when I did it!! Yeah!! So now I can do 3 miles on the bike per 1 mile that I would have done running.  Today since I was testing it out I only went 9 miles on my bike, so we are counting that as 3 miles for the day.  The pain was barely noticeable throughout but it would appear just a little every once in a while.  When I got home, I did my stretches and now my knee feels like it did before I left.  I am going to try doing some ice massage on my leg muscles.  Bill told me it is my IT band that is probably causing the problem.  He helped me loosen it up yesterday... had me in tears :P but no pain, no gain, right?  I'm just glad that I will still be able to keep my fitness up even though running at the moment isn't an option!

3 miles. Didn't keep track of the minutes.  Back in the game!

Comments
From JohnnyV on Fri, Jun 26, 2009 at 11:05:36 from 204.124.13.151

IT Band problems can be very painful. I hope the doctor gave you some good stretches for it. If not you might want to try: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/sma/sma_knee-ili_rex.htm

Hope you make it through.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
29.400.000.000.0029.40
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