Week of 09 DEC 2012

The Plan:

Monday: Cross training (at least 30 minutes)

Tuesday: 4.5 miles (HM training)

Wednesday: Cross training (at least 30 minutes)

Thursday: 3 miles (HM training)

Friday: 45 minutes elliptical training (HM training)

Saturday: rest

Sunday: 8 miles (HM training)

Actual:

Monday: Elliptical (30 minutes)

Tuesday: 4.58 miles (49 minutes, average 5.59 mph); .5 miles (sprinting around the track).

Wednesday: rest

Thursday: 3 miles (30 minutes, average 6 mph)

Friday: 21 minutes on the elliptical

Saturday: 3.20 miles, walking (45 minutes)

Sunday: 8 miles (1:34:43, average 5.07 mph)

        I'm  not quite sure why, but my natural running pace has been slowing since I began training. A number of things can be causing this, including consistent training (tired muscles), rougher terrain (my 4+ mile running route is the chip trail on base which is just grass, sand, and wood chips spread out over dirt and grass), or me just thinking about it too much and getting myself in my own rut. I have been running my long runs 20% slower than my normal pace (about a 12 minute mile now----as recommended) and I find that I am able to complete my runs. (All my walking breaks thus far have been from the need to go potty than from being unable to run or from too tired muscles!)

Total miles:  15.08 (+18.28 walking)

Average lbs: 159.1

Week of 02 DEC 2012

The Plan:

Monday: Elliptical, 20 minutes; strength training (shoulders and chest); push-up program (Push-up Pro iphone app).

Tuesday: 4 mile run (half marathon [HM] training); core exercises

Wednesday: Elliptical, 20 minutes; strength training (back and shoulders and biceps)

Thursday: 3 mile run (HM training); 30 minutes rowing; core exercises

Friday: 4 mile run (HM training); strength training (triceps and forearms)

Saturday: Stationary bike, 1 hour

Sunday: 7 mile run (HM training)

Actual:

Monday: Elliptical, 30 minutes; strength training (SH & CH); Push-up Pro (beginner workout)

Tuesday: 4.04 miles (42 minutes, average 5.78 mph); core exercises

Wednesday: Elliptical, 30 minutes; strength training (BCK & BCP)

Thursday: off day (studied for an exam instead!)

Friday: 4.53 miles (48 minutes, average 5.62 mph) --> chip trail

Saturday: Stationary bike, 30 minutes

Sunday: 7.22 miles (1 hour, 22 minutes, average 5.30 mph) --> NAS chip trail

Running route along the beach at NAS Pensacola, FL.

Total miles: 15.79

Average lbs:  161.6

Gulf Coast Spartan Sprint!

After several months I finally was able to compete in another race. This one was a shorter (and much muddier) version of the Spartan race I ran earlier this year in January. Located in Perkinson, MS, the Spartan Sprint was an obstacle course mud run, comprised of mud pits, taller-than-me-sized hay bales, rope climbs, fire, barbed wire, and streams.

I was pretty pumped for this race but almost did not go because I did not feel comfortable travelling such a far distance by myself; however, in the end I was not alone and ran the course with two individuals from my current duty station---one whom I had befriended in boot camp.

The way sign-ups went we ended up signing up for the competitive heat that began and 8am and kicked off the entire Spartan event. 8am was the most convenient time and while I was a little nervous at first for signing up for a competitive heat, it ended up being quite awesome.

Post-run! Bruised, bloody, and muddy!

Course was a total of 4.2 miles, and started off right away with a fire jump---right into a pit of water. Unlike San Diego, the terrain in Mississippi was much more muddy and slick and I even found myself at one point SWIMMING in a mud pit. I was so buoyant that I cannot really describe any other time I literally felt like I was floating. It was nothing like being in a pool! Any distance between obstacles was ran on flat terrain and very little of the course required hiking. There were several variations of rope climbs and a very vertical one towards the end of the course. Unlike January, I was unable to climb the vertical rope climb and it was pretty disappointing. Next time my #1 goal is to complete the rope climb. I HAVE to.

I definitely am hooked on Spartan runs now and plan on attending as many as I can if I happen to be in the area. One day, I'd love to compete in the Spartan Death race. First, maybe I should work on my plain ol' backpacking skills first!

New Running Goals and Running Grounds

It's been several months since I last updated but not long after my last post I relocated for 9 weeks to Great Lakes, IL., and now I'm currently stationed in Pensacola, FL. In the space of 7+ months I shipped off to boot camp for the United States Navy, graduated from boot camp, and set up residence (albeit temporarily) in Florida---my first time living outside of California. Unfortunately, in all the excitement, my big ol' feet actually didn't do much and pretty much took a break. I ended up gaining almost 15 pounds at boot camp and when I finally got to Florida, my ability to run any significant distance diminished quite significantly.

To turn things around, I've started running again, and with a goal. I signed up for my first ever half marathon, which is scheduled bright and early on January 14, 2013. I'm pretty excited and also a little nervous, since the greatest distance I have run this far has been just over 11 miles. I do not have a goal in regards to time; however, I would like to finish and finish by running most (if not all!) of it. I have a training plan from this website, which had a perfectly scheduled 8 week training plan which fits right in with my time frame.

All I can do is keep running!