Getting it Done

Wanted to run 4-5 today and was lucky enough to have L meet me at Thompson for a run after strength training.  Normally, I can run after an hour of strength training, but lately with the heat it has been a challenge.  The sad thing is even if I had not strength trained, I knew it would be a challenge.

We felt like we ran the first two fast, but by mile 2 I needed a walk break.  I know L could have kept running, but she was nice enough to take a break.  We took a .2 mile walk and then finished out the mile, but by mile 3 I need a LONG walk.  So the 4th mile was all WALKING--not good.  In hindsight, I should have run/walked my way through.  

I have a long run planned this weekend ---my longest since running the 1/2 and I am going Jeff Galloway-all the way.  I need to gain endurance and confidence in the heat.  

We ran the last mile to get to 5 and then walked to the car....feels good now that it is over.

Split	Hour:Minute:SecondTime	MilesDistance	Minutes per MileAvg Pace
Summary	00:59:45	5.25	11:23
1	00:09:51	1.00	09:51
2	00:09:38	1.00	09:38
3	00:10:29	1.00	10:29
4	00:16:12	1.00	16:12
5	00:09:24	1.00	09:24
6	00:04:09	0.25	16:56

Scheduled Group Runs Week of May30th(email sent to Racy Runners)

Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Forward to a Friend Group Runs for Week of May 30th: Tuesday, June 1st 10:40 am Thompson (at playground parking lot) Friday, June 3rd 9:00 am (2 miles) Colts Neck Library-parking lot adjacent to police station Do not worry about distance or pace--we can do our best to make sure everyone has a good run.  I will try to add one weekend group run (probably Sunday am) when soccer and lacrosse season are over.  I can also run in the evening if anyone is interested in setting up a run date--let me know. Here is a photo of Con and I at the Spring Lake 5 post race: DON"T FORGET REGISTRATION FOR BEAUTY AND THE BEACH OPENED TODAY AT 12N This race WILL sell out--register today!   November 5th Registration for the 5 Mile Beauty and the Beach Run is Monday, May 30th at Noon Registration is limited so SIGN UP SOON! click HERE to register Here are some Racy Runners that were brave enough to sign up last year Please remember you can forward this email on to a friend or unsubscribe at the bottom of the page. Ryan's Run 2011 5K Run/1mile Fun Run DATE: Sat June 25th, 2011 TIME: 9:00am sharp The Mountain Hill School 726 Kings Highway East Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 Click HERE to register (remember this is a family friendly race and kids are WELCOME) Is a 1/2 marathon on your bucket list?  Should it be? Need a running goal? Looking to become healthy and fit? Would you love to add a Tilly Medal to your collection? Consider signing up for the 2012 Asbury Park 1/2 Marathon April 21, 2010 8:30 am Sign up today--COMMIT You have a year to work towards the goal

Oh her flowing skirt is blowing in a transcendental wind And she wonders without knowing where did she begin..

Wanted to get a quick run in today after Spin at the Y to get my mileage in for the week.  Spin was great but WAY TOO SHORT.  The Y's spin classes are just 45 minutes long--I am just getting warmed up by then.  I need to do 2 back to back there but lately that has not been happening.  

Ended up coming home and getting caught up on FB, delaying my run while I enjoyed a Starbucks Venti Soy Latte--YUUM.  Especially tasty since I had taken a week off of coffee and this was my first one since last Sunday.

Today's song, Deadeye Dick, New Age Girl (I love this song):

5 K in the afternoon heat went better than I could expect: 

Split	Hour:Minute:SecondTime	MilesDistance	Minutes per MileAvg Pace
Summary	00:28:39	3.10	09:15
1	00:09:32	1.00	09:32
2	00:09:07	1.00	09:07
3	00:09:07	1.00	09:07

Spring Lake 5 2011

This morning was the Spring Lake 5--one of, if not the largest 5 mile races.  I don't know how many people were officially there--but it felt like a million and they were all in front of me--walking or Jeff Gallowaying their way through the 5 miles.


I knew I would not be able to run this race for time.  Last year, I was so amazed at the number of runners and the fact that I did not break free from "the pack" until mile 4, I expected this year to be no different.  This is not a race for speed.  It is an event--a start of the summer event for friends and family.  So Conor and I decided to run it together.  He has not run a strong 5 since the 1/2 marathon, but I was not worried.  I knew it would be crowded and HOT/HUMID so we could keep it slow.  Little did I realize how slow we would have to keep it.


Last year the crowd was overwhelming and that was on a rainy day.  It had down poured the whole morning prior to race start and drizzled through the race--which was perfect because it was a hot day.  This year there was no rain and the subsequently everyone showed up (or at least it looked like they did).


When we got to the beach, it was foggy and cool--PERFECT.  However, the sun quickly started burning off the cool fog and by race time it was sunny and hot.  We saw some friends--I am always amazed at running into people in large crowds.  It was nice to see so many people we knew. 


I told Conor about how this is the largest race and prepped him for the running crowd.  I also told him he would see more red-headed people here then any place else.  The redheads were out in full force (me included) and everyone had their Irish on. 


We checked out the preparations pre-race after of course I found used the porta potties:

Lots of cold drinks on ice



The volunteers and race organizers had everything ready



More and more post race snacks



Jersey Shore Road Runners were out in full force

This juice company and Jersey Mike's were "in the house"

Look at all those bagels

Water ready and waiting

We had some time to kill so we picked up our beach badges and locker stuff.  It was so nice to be able to use the bathrooms in the locker area--they were clean and NO ONE else was there--best kept secret (shhhhh don't tell anyone, I want to have this advantage again next year).

We took some photos together to kill the time:

Then Conor and I got into what we thought was a good position--not immediately up in front, but pretty darn close.  This race is sooooo crowded and I did not want him to trip and fall.  What we didn't realize is that there were 100s of people in front of us.

We did our best to run steady, but we were unable to maintain a regular pace and were forced into 10:30 - 11 minute miles.  At one point after mile one at the park, we were able to run in the grass on the side of the road, but we never broke free of the "masses".  I made Con stop at every water station to get a couple of sips of H2O.  The water was COLD and we poured a glass on ourselves at each stop.

The firetrucks with their hoses of COLD water were much appreciated.  We ran through, drenching ourselves, at each one.  Thank you, Spring Lake Fire Company.

At 3.5 miles, I wanted to RUN.  Con was losing steam.  He was tired but I knew he still had "it" stored up.  He did not trust himself and really wanted to walk (we took a walk break at mile 3 already, so I really did not want to stop).  I tried to talk him into pushing it--but he just couldn't.  It was not until 4.5 miles with the finish line in sight that he let go and when he lets go--I usually can't keep up, but I stayed with him--still no finishing line crossing photo (one day---I would love a photo of us finishing together).

Here we are post race:

Tips for Running in Humidity????

Running when it is over 65 degrees is challenging enough but coupled with killer humidity, it can be downright ridiculous. 

93 Degrees with Wicked Humidity on my run yesterday

I met L for a 5 mile run yesterday at Cross Farms Park.  I had planned on the mile run into Thompson, then to take the Reservoir Trail 1.5 out and back, and then back to car.  The trail would keep us slow (there are lots of roots) and it is shaded.  Unfortunately, about 2 miles in--I bonked.  I had strength trained at the gym right before and did not feel great.  Despite eating breakfast and downing a protein shake after the gym--I was EXHAUSTED.  

I would have guessed my heart rate was up to 180 but alas it was 98??? Heat and Humidity are my kryptonite.

I have "Google'd" running in humidity and aside from the expected tips there does not seem to be a "solution":

1) Try to run in early am before it gets to hot--super fail--I have come to the realization that I need 8 hours of sleep.  We try to get up at 5 am to do P90X but it has not been happening.  Running prior to breakfast could not be more unappealing to me (I know, "Whine, Whine, Whine")

2) BRING WATER ----I hate running with something in my hands, but after running those 2 miles yesterday I needed water and ELECTROLYTES and did not have any.  I downed an entire bottle of the "whinny" water I keep in the car for the boys--you know the water you have on hand for the, "I'mmmmm THIRRRSTYYYY" moments.  I should have had my Nathan water bottle with a NUUN tablet in it on the run

3) Go slow--I get this concept but I don't think walking 3/4 of the run was what anyone had in mind

4) Wear sunscreen and appropriate clothes--NO cotton--light moisture wicking material only

Will my body adjust--should I continue to muscle through.  Last summer my running fell to the wayside due to the heat and humidity and I had to almost start from scratch when September came around.  I really want to keep my mileage on track.  I want to master running in the heat.  Will it get easier?

Holy Humidity

I have found my weakness----HUMIDITY!  I headed to Spring Lake after strength training at the Y this morning.  I wanted to pick up the beach badges and get lock on locker if possible.  Unfortunately, the beach office did not open until 3--Big Fail for me.  I should have checked the website before driving there. 

Had my running shoes in the car, so I decided to get my run in there on the boardwalk.  Large swells and plenty of surfers to watch.  Wanted to run 5 out and back.  Started at South End Pavilion and ran towards Belmar.  Ran the first 2.5 strong and then I had it.  My legs felt like bricks.  Walked from 2.5 to 3 miles and then kept it SLOW with walk reaks.  I really need to adjust to the heat.  I miss the snow running--there, I said it.

I took some gorgeous photos of the beach, but alas decided to upgrade my phone today and the photos may never be seen.  I LOVE my blackberry but the wheel was getting stuck and I was due for a new one.  I headed to Middletown Allpage.  The owner of this store is awesome and is very helpful.  He did try to sell me on the Droid--but being the geek I am, I wanted another Blackberry or the new iPhone 4.  

I walked out of there with the new iPhone and plenty of insurance--this thing looks fragile.  I drop my Blackberry at least 4 times a day so I wonder how long that screen will stay intact.  Already in love with the FLASHINESS.

Split	Hour:Minute:SecondTime	MilesDistance	Minutes per MileAvg Pace
Summary	00:54:15	5.00	10:50
1	00:09:29	1.00	09:29
2	00:09:50	1.00	09:50
3	00:12:13	1.00	12:13
4	00:11:42	1.00	11:42
5	00:10:58	1.00	10:58

Today's song, Avril Lavigne, What the Hell

Grrrr Arrrgh

I have been having a lot of those "Grrrr Arrrgh" moments lately--these can best be described as moments of frustration.  Thankfully, I can usually run these moments away.  Unfortunately the days when I need to run the most are the days I don't have a moment to spare.

This morning Con and I ran 5 in a light drizzle--LOVED IT.  It was his farthest run since the 1/2 and he wanted to quit at 1.5 miles--saying he was "tired" since he was not in pain and I knew he had not even had a chance to get into his "groove" yet--I pushed him.  By 3.5 miles he had it and he was so happy when it was all done.  We have the Spring Lake 5 race next week.  This is not a race you run for speed, since it is one of the largest runs (if not the largest 5 mile run in the NE).

“One of the country’s top 100 races” Runners World Magazine.  At first glance it may seem odd that a small town on the Jersey Shore would be home to one of the largest and best running events in the nation. Since it was first held in 1977, the Spring Lake Five Mile Run has grown from a small local fun run into New Jersey’s largest road race and a nationally recognized event. Despite this growth the race has remained a low key, non-commercial event."

Last year I ran it for the first time (it is REALLY hard to gain entry and sells out super fast), and I NEVER broke free from the crowds of walkers and those just our for a fun jog with their friends and family.  So this year I decided to embrace the race for what it is--a great start to Summer at the Jersey Shore and signed up Conor too so I would have someone to run with.

Rainy Spring Days are the BEST Running Days

Another dreary rainy day here in the NE; however, it is less humid today and was the BEST day for a run. Kept it slow and steady today.  I am so tired.  I could not turn my brain off last night.  I worried and thought about EVERYTHING.  I was going to wake up at 5 am to do P90X with Conor, but by 4:30 after barely sleeping at all, I knew I needed to try to get a couple of hours of sleep in.

I went the the Y for strength training and surprisingly was able to keep up.  After class a venti soy latte and scrambled eggs/toast gave me some fuel and I decided to see how a run would go.  I wanted to stay in the 10:30 pace--thinking I could go further if I went slow.  It worked--5 done and I felt great the whole time.

Split	Hour:Minute:SecondTime	MilesDistance	Minutes per MileAvg Pace
Summary	00:49:24	5.00	09:53
1	00:09:52	1.00	09:52
2	00:09:33	1.00	09:33
3	00:10:02	1.00	10:02
4	00:10:24	1.00	10:24
5	00:09:32	1.00	09:33

Love Running in the Mist

It is an overcast day in the high 50s, humid, with a steady mist here in the NE--minus the humidity, it is a PERFECT running day.  I love running in the mist--it feels so good on my hot skin.  I was able to sneak 5 in today after tennis before an appointment.  I felt slow and took a couple of 20 second breaks that are not included in my overall time.  

I wish I had left the music at home today--needed to think.

Split	Hour:Minute:SecondTime	MilesDistance	Minutes per MileAvg Pace
Summary	00:47:59	5.00	09:36
1	00:09:38	1.00	09:38
2	00:09:28	1.00	09:28
3	00:09:43	1.00	09:43
4	00:09:52	1.00	09:52
5	00:09:16	1.00	09:16

Just had time for 4 before sports Sunday began

Set my alarm to get up at 7 am for a run--awoke to rain and thunder so tried to hop back into bed to catch some extra "z"s.  What a mistake?  I should have just gotten up to run in the rain.  It really was not raining that hard, but knowing no one was going to meet me, meant that I had an excuse (you know I can always manifest an excuse). 

Ended up getting 4 in before having to head out for a Sunday of soccer and lax--can't wait for June when the sports start to lessen up. 

Today's song. LMFAO, Party Rock

Split	Hour:Minute:SecondTime	MilesDistance	Minutes per MileAvg Pace
Summary	00:37:39	4.00	09:24
1	00:09:20	1.00	09:20
2	00:09:15	1.00	09:15
3	00:09:41	1.00	09:41
4	00:09:20	1.00	09:20

Make Some Noise

4 miles today but I was SPENT.  I had a Hammer House ryde this am followed by some strength training and my legs felt like lead on this run--I ended up walking up the killer hill that I usually run:(

My goal was at least 3--but secretly I was hoping for 5--just couldn't do it.

Today's song, Beastie Boys, Make Some Noise:

Summary 00:38:20 4.00 09:35
1 00:09:25 1.00 09:25
2 00:09:10 1.00 09:10
3 00:09:54 1.00 09:54
4 00:09:50 1.00 09:50

Well, I am probably going to pay for it later

Repost from yesterday due to Blogger snafu:

Strength training at the Y this am was GREAT.  I felt NO pain in my left hip/buttock.  I squatted and lunged with nary a twinge of discomfort.  I had scheduled a group run and L was coming to join me at Cross Farms after class.  I warned her that I was injured and was not sure if I would be able to run--but I wanted to give it a try.

The first 1/2 mile I was not sure if I would make it.  The hip felt a little sore.  I REALLY focused on my form--mid foot strike, knees bent, slight forward lean.  By mile 2, I was hot and sweaty but NO pain in my hip.  I felt like I may have been "babying" it the whole time I ran, so I am prepared for some soreness later on today.

Got 5 miles in--slow paced with some breaks to stop and chat with a running friend, T, who was at the park with her kiddies, a woman with binoculars who was bird watching, and one stop just for me to catch my breath.  I am glad I went and SOOOOO glad I could run, let's just hope I did not further aggravate the injury.

Split	Hour:Minute:SecondTime	MilesDistance	Minutes per MileAvg Pace
Summary	00:50:02	5.00	10:00
1	00:10:34	1.00	10:34
2	00:10:00	1.00	10:00
3	00:10:01	1.00	10:01
4	00:09:48	1.00	09:48
5	00:09:35	1.00	09:35

Can't Run

This is a repost from yesterday morning---Blogger went on the fritz yesterday:

I have read about runners who are injured and followed their blogs as they post their heartache about all the missed runs and I have been injured before---BUT this is different--this injury is painful enough that I can't muscle through and get a run in.  I pulled something in my left hip/glut area and walking is fine, but running is a HUGE NO NO.  Even with a mimicked jog--the sharp pain sets in and I just KNOW that running on it would be a HUGE mistake.  

I think it happened carrying in some grocery bags from the delivery truck on Monday night.  Peapod does our deliveries and normally the driver will carry the bags right into the kitchen, but I had to get Finn to a soccer game and in an effort to speed things along helped carry the bags in (it was a larger order than normal).  I felt it right away, but then walking was fine--only when going up the stairs or attempting the motions of running did the PAIN (true pain) set in.  

Since I had a busy work schedule on Tuesday and Wednesday, I thought the 2 days off would allow for rest.  I MISSED the running--I need it.  I am a major B**** when I do not get my exercise in.  So here I sit today--I am getting ready to go strength train at the Y and I am supposed to run after.  It no longer hurts to go up stairs, but when I mimic the running motion--the pain is there.  I just know this is not the pain I should ignore. 

Tough Run

Ran 5 today after 2 hours of tennis and it was TOUGH!  I really could have used some company, but no one showed up today to run and I had to go it alone---always harder.  I muscled through it.  My time was good, but does NOT account for a few breaks where I literally fell to the ground out of sheer exhaustion but managed to turn my GPS to pause.

Split	Hour:Minute:SecondTime	MilesDistance	Minutes per MileAvg Pace
Summary	00:44:48	5.00	08:57
1	00:08:53	1.00	08:53
2	00:09:03	1.00	09:03
3	00:09:05	1.00	09:05
4	00:09:02	1.00	09:02
5	00:08:42	1.00	08:42

I did not snap any photos today, but I did take a couple yesterday.  Yesterday, all I wanted was a Mother's Day run, and a glass of wine and time to read my book at night (the boys had 5 sports activities scheduled---yeah, Happy Father's Day is what I think).  

Well, Conor said he would run with me in the morning but a mile into our 5-7 mile run he complained of hip pain???? I think running around in cleats with no support is the culprit--he did not have ANY pain after the half or during the training.  Although, he did say I could run ahead--I tried that once before to only worry about him the entire time---so back to the car we went--1 mile walk.  I ran a mile when we got home to find Ray and Finn who went fishing at the pond down the street and then had just enough time to shower before we had to head out.

Here are 2 photos from our 1 mile run at the Henry Hudson trail--it really was a perfect day for a run:

Here are the beautiful flowers that are all in bloom around the pond down the street--are they irises?

I wish I had more time to run yesterday--but I did get to spent all day with the kids:)  

I never did get that glass of wine either (the liquor store was closed by the time we got done with all the sports)--oh well, maybe next year.

Scheduled Group Runs Week of May 9th (email sent to Racy Runners)

Racy Runners is a running group for anyone interested in running towards friendship, commitment, and health.  Come join us--everyone is welcome!

Friend on Facebook Follow on Twitter Forward to a Friend Contents: Looking for some local Races? Ryan's Run 2011 5K Run/1mile Fun Run DATE: Sat June 25th, 2011 TIME: 9:00am sharp The Mountain Hill School 726 Kings Highway East Atlantic Highlands, NJ 07716 Stomp the Monster 5 K run and festival Start: Sunday, May 15, 2011 @ 10:30 AM Marlboro Recreation Center 1996 Recreation Way   Marlboro, NJ Both of these runs are for good causes!  The races are local and a great family run, so consider signing up with your kids. Conor and I are registered for Ryan's Run; unfortunately, we have sports commitments the day of Stomp the Monster, but we wish we could attend. Happy Mother's Day Group Runs for Week of May 9th: Monday, May 9th 11:30 am Thompson Park at Playground Parking Lot Thursday, May 12th 10:30 am Cross Farms, Holmdel Friday, May 13th, 9am am Colts Neck Library Trail, meet at small lot near trail, adjacent to police station entrance-2 miles (this is my warm up before spin) Sunday, May 15th, 7:30 am Henry Hudson Trail, meet at Turtle Creek Learning Center's parking lot, 10 Railroad Avenue, Marlboro Do not worry about distance or pace--we can do our best to make sure everyone has a good run.  Please email me at casirn@gmail.com the morning of the run to let me know if you will be joining me (there is some rain in the forecast for the end of the week and my work schedule has been hairy lately). Please remember you can forward this email on to a friend or unsubscribe at the bottom of the page. Is a 1/2 marathon on your bucket list?  Should it be? Need a running goal? Looking to become healthy and fit? Would you love to add a Tilly Medal to your collection? Consider signing up for the 2012 Asbury Park 1/2 Marathon April 21, 2010 8:30 am Sign up today--COMMIT You have a year to work towards the goal

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