MapMyRun

I love my Nike+ monitor, but the other day I was wondering how accurate it really was. I didn't feel like going to the gym to run on the (itty-bitty) track. Seriously, 12-13 laps per mile can make you dizzy. I feel like a hamster running in a ball when I run there.

Anyway, I found this site Map My Run. It allows you to, er, map your run by clicking on the map to indicate your route. Then it will calculate the distance for you. It seems pretty powerful and does say something about integration with the Nike+ monitor, but I haven't gotten that far yet. So far I used it to make sure my monitor was calibrated properly. It said I was running about 2.5 miles during my regular workout and Map My Run confirmed that distance.

Now I've been using it to devise a new route that adds a little length. Last time I tried to diverge while I was out running, I almost got lost and ended up climbing a rather large hill to get home. Thankfully, Map My Run has a topo feature as well so as long as I plan the route before I go, I shouldn't face that challenge again, unless I want to (doubtful!)

Race Wrap-up

I did it! The 5K was fantastic. I finished in about 37 minutes - a 10:50 ish pace. Not bad for the first time around.

I really had a great time - the actual run was tough, but I really enjoyed the whole event. It was fun to run with other people and Ernest was a terrific wing man. :) I was honored to meet Olivia's mother and father - I'm glad we were able to raise some money in her memory.

It was so cool to have my whole family there (except my brother!). At the end of the race, I was really dragging and it ended on a small incline. My dad was there and helped me run the last leg. Thanks, Dad!

The run was actually 5.5 K - much to my surprise. I always figured races were really accurate, but I guess not. I even thought that maybe my Nike+ monitor was not calibrated properly. This past week I tested it out and it is definitely accurate so I actually ran 3.44 miles - .34 miles more than I expected to run.

So, what next? I had promised myself a week off after the race, but I didn't really take it. I definitely took it easier this past week, but I couldn't just do nothing. I don't want to fall out of the routine I set.

I decided that I want to run another race, so I looked around a bunch and found this one:
Lacamas Lake Half Marathon. They have a 4 mile race, which is just slightly more than I ran last weekend.

I'm trying to figure out how to get my pace higher (run faster). This week, I started doing some strength training workouts in addition to the 2.5-3 mile runs. I'd like to do two strength training workouts + 2-3 runs per week. The days I do strength, I'm going to warm up with a 1 mile run that I run at a faster pace then usual. Hopefully that will help me get a feel for a faster run. We'll see!

Race Week

It's finally here - the race is on Sunday and I'm happy to say that more people are going to be running with me - kudos to Beth, Andre and Ernest for stepping up to the plate. It's going to be a great day.

Apparently my love affair with my Nike+Ipod kit has taken over my life - I haven't updated this blog in a while. Running has been going quite well. I'm now up to 2.5 miles without walking. I think I'm going to do two more 2.5 mile runs before the race on Sunday. I'm a bit nervous about not doing a full 5k before the big day, but I'm hoping the other runners and my adrenaline will push me to the finish line.

I'm super excited about the race. I feel pretty prepared and confident that I'll complete it. I'm even thinking that I'll do it in a reasonable amount of time.

When I first started this training, I was unconvinced that I would actually complete the training and finish the race. The goal seemed *so* unattainable. But look how far I've come: the other night, I set out to run 2.75 miles, but I almost got lost and honestly, just wasn't feeling it. I ended up running almost 2 miles and when I got home, I was bummed that I didn't complete my goal. As I was talking to Ernest, I realized that I was upset I only ran (almost) 2 miles. 2 MILES! Just a few weeks ago, 2 miles was a MAJOR accomplishment. How quickly things change!

Weekend wrap-up

Friday after dinner, we took the kids over to Lacamas Lake so they could play while I attempted a 2 mile run. 25 ish minutes later I was done! It felt so great to complete that run - 2 whole miles, no walking. I've found that I run at a faster pace when I run outside as opposed to running on a treadmill. I think the fact that on a treadmill I can watch each .01 mile go by is part of the problem. That and the entertainment choices at the gym.

Saturday, we swung by the Nike store and bought the Nike + Ipod kit. It's great! I had a hard time getting it all configured at first. The Ipod wouldn't recognize the receiver until I restarted it twice. After that, it was pretty much smooth sailing. It was my off day, so I didn't run until Sunday. The interface is pretty sweet - every 1/2 mile a voice tells you your distance, pace and time. It also will play a "power song" on demand when you feel your motivation waning. I'm happy to say that I went over 2.25 miles and I didn't even need my power song. Yay!

BTW, I'm slightly embarrassed to say that my power song is Pon de Replay by Rihanna.

New Shoes!

Since I'm worried the pain in my bum is related to bad shoes, I bought some new ones on zappos today. Check them out:



I ordered them around noon and they'll be here tomorrow - gotta love zappos.

I really want to buy the Nike + Ipod kit. Anyone out there used it before? It seems really great - I love the idea of the power song feature.

Doc appointment tomorrow afternoon...the pain has subsided significantly. Hopefully I can be back in the gym with my new shoes tomorrow!

Pain in the butt

Well, not the butt really. Yesterday I started week 5's workouts and was feeling really good - no hip pain or anything. I ran about 3/4 mile (at 5.0 - woop!) when suddenly I felt this sharp pain in my hip, about where it had hurt before. I stopped running immediately and tried to walk it off, but it persisted. I was bummed that I didn't get to finish the workout.

Today it is pretty sore, especially if I twist on that leg. I made an appt with our family doc (even tho she's not in my insurance network - sigh!) for tomorrow. Sigh.

I wonder if I just need to get more supportive shoes or something. Let's hope it's that simple!

BTW, over the past weekend, I ran 1.5 miles (walked a little in there) on a trail around Lacamas Lake. Yay!!

One more run this week...

For some reason, I haven't been super into running this week. I think it's because I wasn't able to run on Monday - didn't get the week started right. I've managed to get in two workouts and with one tomorrow I'll be back on track, but I feel like I'm playing catch-up.

Today's run was better than the one on Tuesday, although mentally I wasn't as motivated as I have been in the past. Maybe I need new music. I predict a few ITunes purchases tonight. Do you think Laurie Berkner has dance remixes? "We are the dinosaurs" always gets me movin'.