Weak Week

The past week (February 13 - 19) was the first week I did not train at all.  I missed the speed training on Tuesday evening because I was just beginning to fight off a cold.  The cold worsened on Wednesday through Saturday.  I was reviewing my running diary and it was actually the first week since April 2010 that I did not run at all.  So I decided to view this as a rest week.  And I did rest.  I went to bed early and did not go out at night......  On Sunday, February 20, 2011 I missed the team's long run for the first time.  However, I did run the lake in Wakefield by myself.  I ran 9.54 miles at about 6:30 pm and overall, it went well.  I did resume speed training this past Tuesday, February 22, 2011.  I did 16 sets of 400 meters with 200 meters recovery lap.  I really enjoyed this, and finally began to understand how this training translates into improved marathon times.  Coach Jack Fultz is really helpful with his vast knowledge of training and successful marathon training.  He is patient and encouraging with all the questions we ask him.  Thanks Coach!

Super Seventeen.20

Newton Centre Run 17.20 Miles

On February 12, 2011 I ran 17.20 miles with the team from Newton Centre.  The run went well, and I really gained some confidence from that experience.  Just add 9 miles and I can complete a marathon.  After that accomplishment I had my first week since last summer that I did not run at all.  Fighting a cold as well as some scheduling conflicts lead me to miss speed training on Tuesday evening at Tufts.  And then on Thursday evening I missed my first Crossroads run since being accepted by Dana Farber in December.  And then finally, today I missed the group run that started in Watertown due to feeling ill this morning.  I have to admit it feels really weird to not train.  It makes me think about what it will be like after the marathon.  I crave the intense training and when it's not there I feel off balance.  I have chosen to look at this past week as a rest period for my body, the first since July if I think about it.  So hopefully this will have a positive effect on my training coming up this week.  I have a renewed determination to stay on track and push forward.  I may run late this afternoon to clear the cobwebs.....

Sweet Sixteen

 

 

Today was a milestone.  I actually ran 16.11 miles and I felt great!  I left my car at the Brae Burn Country Club in Newton and ran a little past Kenmore Square and then ran back for a total of 16.11 miles.  This includes running the "Hills" twice.  I attended the second "1st Timers Meeting" on Monday and enjoyed an excellent presentation on fundraising and training.  We also wrote encouraging notes and signed Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge posters for patients being treated at Dana Farber.  All these posters were being given to patient/partners that range in ages of 2 years old to 16 years old.  All I could think of was how many of these patients will look at these posters as adults and finally realize what they represent. 

The weather each week has really been extreme.  All the while, training has been very enjoyable.  Each week I meet new people and enjoy learning about their background.  It is very refreshing.

While I write this there is thunder and lightning outside my window.  I love it.  Here are some photos from Monday's meeting, Thursday's Crossroad run, and today's long run.

Need for Speed

On Tuesday I went to the "Speed Training" class at the Tufts University gym.  Because of the weather, the class was cancelled at the last minute.  I was disappointed that the coach was not going to be there.  However, two other teammates arrived at 7:30 pm and we trained.  This was my first experience with speed training.  Running inside has such a different feel.  The air inside feels strange at first, it takes some getting used to.  And running a small track is also a change, turning so many corners.  Once I acclimated myself to my new surroundings, I loved training inside.  The basic concept of the night was run 400 meters fast and then 200 meters slow.  We did 12 repetitions of these 600 meter groupings.  The track is scheduled for Dana Farber for this training.  And what a difference it makes running without distractions.  And the track felt so smooth beneath my feet that running almost felt effortless.  I did my best to keep up with my teammate Steven.  He averages a 9 minute/mile and I up to this point I average a 11 minute/mile.  So I did not think I would be able to keep up.  I did keep up pretty well until the last few laps, and I purposely slowed down because I wanted to avoid injury.  This was an eye opening experience.  I think I will really benefit from this training and look forward to the next training session.