Friday, August 10, 2007

Back on Topic: Running

Rob asked me last night when I was going to post about running again, so this one's for him.

It's been another good week - 5.5 Sunday, 8 mile hill run Tuesday with Rob, Emily and Rick, 6 mile run Wednesday with Emily and Rick, speed work yesterday morning with Barb and an extra loop on the way home to get me to 5 miles, then 3.5 last night at the park next to the track. Total so far: 28 miles. I used to track my weeks from Monday through Sunday - it makes the most sense to me. The weekend days seem like they belong together. Since I got my Garmin though, my weeks have been Sunday through Saturday because that's how Garmin tracks. This is a long way to get around to the fact that I ran my long run last week on Saturday, and due to some work-related tasks tomorrow, will do my long run on Sunday this weekend. That means this week will drop to 33 miles, but next week will be huge - more like 51 or so - but only because both long runs will fall into the same week counter. Instead it should have come out 41 this week and 44 next week. (This is all assuming my long run happens on Saturday next week).

And I did decide one thing for sure about my schedule: Portland on October 7. Then Nike on October 21. Still considering Autumn Leaves, though I'm also tempted by United We Run (I'm not seeing a date for it yet, but it's typically the first weekend of November). I was looking at pictures from UWR the other day and that got me thinking it'd be fun.

So yesterday, Barb and I actually did speed work at the track. We went in the early morning to fit it into her day and to help me avoid heat problems. I've been curious about how fast I could do a mile without a walk break - because all my paces include the break. Right now I'm averaging about an 11:40 with a one minute break in there, though on the relay I managed a sub 10 for almost three miles - that was an aberration. Anyway, yesterday I timed one mile on the track at 10:06, no walking. That was exciting! We'll see if one month of speed work will drop it. My goal is to go as fast as I can and not go over the 160 heart rate limit set by the cardiologist. Maybe between running hills and a little speed work I can get down to a solid 11:00 with a walk break - that'd be cool!

18 comments:

Wes said...

Awwww. We like all your posts. Keep the non-runnin ones coming :-) I'll have to wear my HRM the next one mile test I take. I can imagine it was probably well into the 160s and maybe even the 170s. I did do 4 miles straight without walking though, Wednesday. That was really cool! As is your one mile test and your goal of 11 minutes with walk break. You rock :-)

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Michelle what are you doing for speed work at the track? If you want to email me about it that is ok too.

That 10:06 sounds like a good time, now I'm curious what my 1 mile would look like without stopping...maybe I'll do that tomorrow morning...will have to see.

Oh and one more thing....I have a Garmin 305 and I believe it is adjustable as to the day of the week you want the week to start on, I'm pretty sure I changed mine...I'll look and see.

psbowe said...

Hey, I wish Rob would ask me that question! haha

Yay on Portland! HOpe we can meet up.

Wow, girl, you're really getting that mile time down, way to go.

Scott McMurtrey said...

Yippee for Portland!! Our running paths may cross!

E-Speed said...

yes yes yes I am going to be at Nike in October! I cannot wait to meet you in person!

Olga said...

You can drop your pace anywhere you want, just need belief and consistency. That was good mile!

wendy said...

geez, Michelle. You're in such good shape. My HR is usually in the 180's, and when I did the PT test (1.5 miles in 14:30), my HR was around 205 according the the HR thingy...I'm not too sure how accurate that can be though...

How awesome your weekly mileage is in the 40's, you're doing fantastic! I'm glad you've decided on Portland. Last chance is in Bellingham anyhow, so you can always run up there later this year, eh?

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update! United We Run is a good alternate to Autumn Leaves, but I still vote for Autumn Leaves this year. The rest of your schedule meets my approval thus far. I'll let you know if you get out of line:)

E-Speed said...

just let the cat out of the bag here so you were the first to know! I just posted about it. I'll have to check out Dori's blog too!

JustRun said...

Your mileage continues to impress me. As do your race plans. :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like some good plans! Nice job on the mile. Keep it up - but stay safe! :)

iJuls said...

Happy Running

Sarah said...

Yay for Portland! And I vote again for Autumn Leaves...not that you were asking. : )

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

I was thinking of Autumn Leaves too. I have a thing for hometown runs and staying with mom and dad if I can! I wil have to deal with the loop thing. Sorry I missed you this week. Catch ya on at least on Thursday evening if not in the AM next week.
Jenny

Joe said...

A solid week, Michelle, good for you. Hope the blisters are at bay as well.

don't let the Garmin drive your calendar...Randy has a good suggestion above.

Sweet time trial!! I see flames coming out of those Birkenstocks!!!

Ms Eva said...

A good, solid week. I enjoy your non-running posts as well. In fact, 'A Time for Reflection' really got me to re-think our decision to enroll my daughter in preschool this fall. I am now more strongly than ever considering home-schooling... and figure the preschool year is a great time to try it out.

Darrell said...

I'm with Joe on the Garmin thing. In that same vein, don't let Rob drive you blog content ;-) (just kidding Rob)

Have fun improving that mile time.

Anonymous said...

Nice job on the mile! Hope the speed work helps it improve.