Time or Distance

Since I've been resting, I have been reflecting on my training log dreaming about running again. Haha, seriously I have been looking at the data and for a while there I was running according to time instead of distance.

Most all training schedules are in miles, not time. There are a few exceptions, like Jeff Galloway, though. I just transitioned my training over to the Team in Training plan, which is in miles. But is one way better than the other, or is it just personal preference?

Looking at my log, I seemed to enjoy the runs more not having to focus on a distance. When 4 miles is on the schedule, for example, I know I push myself to get that 4 miles done. Some days, that may not be what I need.

When 40 minutes is on the schedule, I find I don't concentrate on pace that much but just enjoy the run more. One day 40 minutes could mean 4.25 miles and another day it could mean 3.8 miles. Time allows my body to run based on how it is performing that day.

Performance, by using a set time, might be a better indicator of improvement. Perhaps a more natural indicator, instead of mentally always pushing my body to get the miles done quickly and on with life.

When I kept to the time during the week and the longer distances on the weekends I noticed also no injuries. As a fairly new runner, I am dealing with my second injury now. Both injuries were a result of speed.

After all this analysis and review, I'm not nearly ready to work on speed. I have found training during the week for time will help me meet my goals in a way that is more natural for my body and abilities. So, when I am back to training, time running during the week, and distance on weekends.

As far as races go, I need to slowly and steadily build up my base to accomplish my goals. If a PR happens, great, but I'm racing this year for fun, to get the distances down and the cool bling.

Do you train using time or distance goals?

Official Announcement

Let it be documented that I will NOT run this week! I will rest and let my hamstring heal properly and not push myself. It hurts, it still hurts, and it is achy. With all of my goals, taking one week off for healing is not going to affect those goals from happening.

If I do not let my hammy property heal, then my long term goals will be affected. So, listen up self! No running this week, no pretending you are not running because you are going slow! Rest and heal!!!

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Recap Week#5 and Plan #6

A friend posted a FB message about how she injured her hamstring and he doctor asked what she changed.  Apparently, she started stretching before running.  Her doctor said he never stretches, she stopped and injury went away...  Made me think.  Have I done anything differently?

Realized it last night.  Two weeks ago I was showing my trainer how I stretched my hamstrings each morning right when I got up.  She suggested a new method.. I have been slacking off and not stretching every morning like I have for years the past two weeks... left hamstring is acting up... HMM?  Think that might be why, lol  Still pain, but can run slow at least ;)

None the less, I got a new foam roller to assist.  For those of you who do not foam roll, I highly recommend it.  Before we just had the normal, hard, black rollers.  I got my first one from Target.  A while back, when we drove across town to get some blow up martians for the kids, Running Fit had an awesome looking RumbleRoller (TM).  We did not get it at the time, but with this hammie issue thought it might be time.  I drove across town on Friday to get it for a deeper massage to see if it would help work my hammie out.

When I bought it, the lady told me I can not return it if it leaves bruises.  The paperwork it came with also had one of those separate (afterthought) papers warning of bruises as well.  Haha, I was kind of scared to use it but I LOVE it!  I can't do my IT bands with it yet, but can handle rolling out everything else and I just love it!

(The one on the left is my Gaiam roller from Target, compared to my new RumbleRoller (TM) from Running Fit)

I also discovered that I can roll out my neck simply by laying on it and positioning under my neck and simply, slowly, turning my head from one side to the other.  It does a great job all around and I highly recommend it as part of your running regimen. (I did this review on my own and was not compensated or asked by Gaiam or RumbleRoller (TM) to review the products)

Now, onto the boring stuff :)

Week#5 Recap:

Sunday - Clean, amazed how many calories I burned!

Monday - 2 Miles, Done (8:58) and got Hammie stretched out at Chiropractor

Tuesday - 4 miles, Done (9:59)

Wednesday - 2 miles, Done (11:05)

Thursday - 4 miles - Nope, lots of pain again in left hammie

Friday - rest

Saturday - 9 miles, Nope, still pain but did do 3 nice and slow with Hubby and Kids on Bikes (10:55)

Week#6 Plan:

Sunday - Easter!  Ran 4 miles then ice and roll out, Done (10:16)

Monday - Rest and Chiropractor

Tuesday - 3 Miles

Wednesday - 2 miles

Thursday - 3 Miles

Friday - rest

Saturday - Martian 10K

Have a Blessed Easter!

Thankful "Three Things" Thursday

Paid Holidays

Natures Candy - Today is the day I vowed to start cutting sugar out of my diet - like no more giant spoonfuls of the stuff directly into my mouth coffee cup each chance I get. 

When I get stressed, I want the sweet stuff. 

Granted, I am really limited on what I can eat due to all of my allergies, but there are still evil things lurking out there.  Being a runner and somewhat of a healthy food freak, I realize this sugar habit that has started this week needs to go bye, bye really fast as to not affect my performance.  So, it starts today - I am thankful for Natures Candy - nice, sweet raisins.  Yea, ok you can still say I will get 29g of sugar in each box, but, baby steps here, especially after the meeting I just had.

Family - Thankful for everyone pitching in (Nana & Papa) for watching Pea and Monkey while they are off this spring break and for Hubby getting them going in the morning so I can get to work to have so much fun!

What are you thankful for today?

It's All About the Magic!

When we were at Disney World in October, 2010 I remember one of the kids asking a question about why something happened the way it did at Disney.  A cast member, who happened to be within ear shot, stepped in and answered "It's all about the Magic!"  We use that phrase quite often around our house and on every Disney trip at least a few times since then.

Well, today, my friends it was all about the Magic!  It is no secret that I LOVE DISNEY!  I have no clue how many times I have been to Disney World - probably at least 15, Disneyland Paris once and we are going to Disneyland for the first time Labor Day Weekend so I can get my Coast 2 Coast Medal and run the Disneyland Half Marathon.  I kinda love Disney even more since I started running and completed the Princess Half Marathon.   All I wanted to do during that race was get a picture with Louis!

So Magical, LOL.  Disney + Running = Awesome, Magical time in my book! My next big, to do, was to get into the 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and register for the Goofy!  (More on Goofy Later)  Mind you, I have already used our DVC points to book Animal Kingdom Lodge for the weekend of the races.

Registration is opening at Noon, EST on April 10, 2012.  I have a note in my running log, my iPhone calendar is all set with an alert 30 minutes ahead of time, and I asked the people at RunDisney to send me an email when it is time.  Needless to say, I have been kind of worried about this race selling out since it is the 20th anniversary...

SOOO, Imagine my surprise today when I was casually checking my email on my iPhone and saw this!

View this email with images | Add us to your address book Join us for a marathon celebration 20 years in the making! You'll run across magical Disney touches at every mile, including a spectacular surprise at mile 20. And, we're creating a brand-new Mickey Mouse finisher medal you'll cherish forever. Marathon runners will follow a 26.2-mile course that takes you through all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, including: In addition to the Walt Disney World® Marathon, you can get your feet moving in the Half Marathon and Goofy Challenge. With savings and races filled with this much Disney magic, you'd be Goofy to miss it! Learn more about the Walt Disney World® Marathon Weekend events. SM, © Disney Really, was this serious!  I knew as a Visa card member I would get a discount, but to register today... Right now!!!! WOW! So, register I did!  Here is a link, if you are so inclined as well http://www.active.com/framed/event_detail.cfm?CHECKSSO=0&EVENT_ID=2020523 No guarantees if it will work for you, but thought I would get it out there, as I'm sure it may just make your day magical too! Now, I can proudly add 2013 Goofy Challenge to my race schedule!  For those of you who do not know what a Goofy Challenge is, it is a half marathon on Saturday and a full marathon on Sunday.  That is right, 39.3miles in one weekend!  Now, I know it won't be easy and I'm not planning on any PR's only magical memories and hoping some good friends join me in the challenge! Thank you Disney for making my day!

Week#4 Recap and Week#5 Plan

Well, my left hamstring was still feeling funky so I decided I needed some time off this past week. 

Week#4 summary

Sunday - 2 miles & personal trainer appt. - Done, 2 miles, 9:14 min/mile

Monday - Rest, yes, rest I did!

Tuesday - 5 miles, Done, 10:11 min/mile

Wednesday - 2 miles - Nope, wanted to rest and actually got hung up at skateboard shop for an hour and a half, lol

Thursday - 4 miles - Nope, wanted to rest and crazy afternoon with tons of appointments.

Friday - rest, rest away!

Saturday - 8 miles - Done, 10:20 and you can read it here Awesome Saturday 8am 8 Miler

I had an awesome day yesterday.  Worked my butt off cleaning and organizing the house, long boarded with the kids, had a BBQ with my parents and relaxed after.  I burned 2,800 calories according to my BodyMedia - WOW, I usually only do that when I run long distances.  I was really moving!

Had an awesome time long boarding with the kids while they skateboarded.  Pea was getting really frustrated though, so I put her on my long board and pushed her along while I taught her how to balance so she can understand how to turn.  After my quick lesson, she did much better and started having fun.

Looking back, I need to start taking a lot more pictures for the blog.  That will be my goal this week ;)

Looking ahead, my left hammie is still bothering me but going to the Chiro tonight after work and hoping that will help.  So, here is the plan:

Week#5 Plan:

Sunday - Clean

Monday - 2 Miles

Tuesday - 4 miles

Wednesday - 2 miles

Thursday - 4 miles

Friday - rest

Saturday - 9 miles

Have a great week everyone, set your goals!  Is there anything else I can do different to make this blog more interesting?

Awesome Saturday am 8 Miler

I took most of the week off this week since my 5 mile run on Tuesday.  Just feeling funky and could tell my body needed a bit of a break.  Went on a beautiful, 8 mile trail run this morning with 2 awesome women, one of who happens to be my chiropractor.

Did great, but around mile 6.5 my left hamstring, hip area really started in on me again.  I did something to it during the Shamrock.  Well, we finished up and my Chiro happened to have her portable table in her truck, fixed me up, right there in the parking lot!  So thankful she did so I do not have to spend the rest of the day in pain, but what a sight that must have been, lol.  It's all good and blessed with some wonderful friends!

Have a great day.  What are your running plans for the weekend?  I'm going to get in 2 tomorrow, hopefully with hubby.