Coming down to the wire

This Saturday is the half marathon in the Smokies.  I have been training for this since February.  I don't know if I would really say training....because I wasn't a runner and basically had to get there.  Everyone says you will get hooked and become a runner, but as you can tell from previous posts I just want the medal from the half....I am not looking for anything more.

I changed my training schedule in April because my shin splints were so bad I was about to throw the towel in.  I tried everything from compression socks, tea tree oil, exercises, foam rollers, and changed my shoes to no avail.  But then I found a running program that increased my mileage by 10% each week - religiously and increased the number of days I ran.  I was skeptical at first, but became a believer after a few weeks when my shin splints went away.

So, I run 6 days a week with my long run on Saturdays, 3 days a week I run 1/3 of the mileage from the long run and 2 days I run 2/3 of the mileage from the long run - amazing!

I strained my hip flexor in June and honestly I don't know how I did it.  I think it was doing squats, but I am not sure.  After 6 weeks I went to the doctor and he sidelined me from anything for a week.  I started back slow about 2 weeks ago, just in time for one more long run before tapering.  I am still babying it a little because I don't want any issues on Saturday.  I live in the foothills of the Appalachians and my runs include hills, I have been running flat(ish) land for the last two weeks to keep healing.  My half in the Smokies is steady incline for the race - so I wanted to make sure I am ready.

I have to say, that after 7 months I feel I am ready for Saturday and I am actually ready to do some long runs again.  I always thought runners were crazy when they complained about having to taper.  My thought process was that you don't HAVE to run 7 miles in one day during week and you GET to run only 3...so why complain.  But, I can see why it drives people crazy.  Our morning are not as humid as they have been and this morning would have been a beautiful 7-8 mile run, but instead I am tapering and did a measly 3.  LOL  It is funny, a few months ago I dreaded doing 3 miles and now it doesn't seem worth getting out of bed for.

My husband said the running bug bit me.  I guess it did.  But, I think it has been a blessing because I haven't been able to put in my mileage on the AT this year with my new business and this has kept me focused.

So, I know I said I only wanted one medal, but I think Becky and I are doing a 6 miler in October, and then of course there is the DRT 30k/50k.  I did the 30k 2 years ago as a hiker.  I will be curious to see what the difference will be as a runner.

So, here goes nothing .....  I will let you know if I get the medal :-)

Finding the groove

Less than 2 months until my first half and I feel like I have finally found my groove with running.  It doesn't seem rational that running more would reduce shin splints - but I am a believer!

This week I ran 2.6 miles three times, 5.2 miles twice (today was a 5.2 mile day) and Saturday I will run 8 miles.  I didn't run a lot of hills this week because I pulled my hip flexor, so I have been trying to stay on fairly flat ground, which is hard to do in the foothills of the Appalachians :-)  One thing that I have found with my running this week is that I have gotten faster.  I had negative splits today and Tuesday (my 5.2 mile days) which is awesome.

After 5 months I can finally say that I enjoy running.  I honestly never thought I would get to that point - the Army had cured me of ever enjoying running, but this training program has changed a lot of that and for that I am grateful. 

 I like having a goal that I am working towards - right now it is the half in Sept.  My goals are normally to knock off miles on the AT, but this year with a new company - work keeps getting in the way and being off the grid for a week or more hasn't played out, so I guess I will just be content with the 25 miles I knocked off in May :-S.  Next year I'll be back to the triple digits and moving my way north.

As running is getting easier I am looking forward to seeing what I am capable of for the DRT 30/50k.  Two years ago I did the DRT 30k (Duncan Ridge Trail).  I hiked the uphills and ran the downhills and with no training other than hiking I finished in just over 7 hours.  This year I am still debating between the 30k and the 50k.  I think I will wait until after the half to make that decision.  

Follow me on instagram - my son got me started on there @sneakerswithmiles.  It is much easier to post there from my phone than wait until I can blog on my computer ;-)  I will keep y'all updated tho!

Logging the miles....

Taking a break from the half marathon training for a section hike :-)  And Becky's first backpacking trip.  I needed to fill in a section north of Damascus to Damascus, VA - 25 miles in all.

We had gorgeous weather on our first day!  We climbed Whitetop Mountain and enjoyed breathtaking views!  If that isn't how you hook someone as a new hiker carrying 25 lbs I don't know what is.

After cresting Whitetop Mtn we started our downhill - and followed the white blazes painted on rocks when there were no trees.

We hiked a bit over 8 miles on day one and had a very uneventful evening :-)  Lasagna for dinner and no animal visitors.  We did start packing up in the rain tho, but once we set out for our longest day the rain held off.  We came across this gorgeous forest that was different that the rest of the forest we hiked through.

Our hike did bring us up to the VA Creeper Trail that we shared for about 1/2 mile.  We found a dry(ish) area to sit (on the creeper bridge) for a snack.  Little did we know as we continued on the Trail we passed 3 or 4 benches :-).  No wonder we got funny looks from the cyclists.

Becky tried to hitchhike - but didn't get any takers.  I think she was just looking for someone to carry her pack :-)

As we closed in on our second day we had three climbs - up and downs with no breaks.  But we walked the ridgeline, which is my FAVORITE!!  

We are walking on the very top of the mountain and the mountain falls away on each side.  On the way down we stopped to take a break and it started to sprinkle on us.  It only rains when we stop :-)  We'll take it.   A few more miles and we set up camp between the AT, the Creeper Trail and a river.  Listening to the river was very peaceful but we never considered that we had no privacy for bathroom business LOL.  We had to wait for the sun to go down and beat the sun coming up :-) But Monday we set out on our last day - heading to the car parking in Damascus.

We met up with the Creeper Trail again and followed the white blazes that were painted on telephone poles for the longest mile into town.  

And of course the obligatory final picture - be thankful you can't smell us!! That pink shirt I was wearing had to go through the wash twice!!!

So, now it is back to normal and back to the running schedule.  

I have to say that when I read the advice to run 6 days a week and work out the mileage so you don't go more than 10% a week I was sceptical, but we ran Saturday 4.1 miles and I didn't have any problems with my shin splints.  I think I've turned the corner.  

So, a few weeks left to focus on running until I hit the trail again.

I'm getting there

So, slowly I'm getting back into running.  Last week I ran two days and was working on my form.  I was hitting with my heels and I needed to be running more on the balls of my feet.  So, while Becky was out of town I took the opportunity to run in a flat area and just focus on that.

I also got fitted for new running shoes, since after talking to running friends and doing my own research if you don't have the right shoes you can get shin splints as well.  But, the wrong ones came....so I need to make a trip back to REI to exchange them.

Today Becky and I ran almost 3 miles.  I noticed a big difference with my form and didn't have to think about it.  Tomorrow we have 4 miles and it is back to our regular training schedule.

Meanwhile, I have been focusing on my weightlifting at the gym and elliptical cardio to stay in shape for hiking season :-)

Time to start planning my section hiking trips and arranging for shuttles.  Last year I had to end my hiking season early because of a sprained ankle and a fractured leg, so I am ready to get back to it.  My son and Becky want to try backpacking and overnight trips so... I might not get as many miles in as originally planned, but maybe someone else will appreciate the solitude of the trail and enjoy it as much as me.

3 miles!

I started out this morning with a motley crew -

Becky and I were scheduled to do 3 miles.  Her daughter, and 2 of my boys decided to join us.

All of our other runs were running for minutes (run/walking) this is the first true mileage run.  So we started nice and slow at a good pace and the kids took off!!  We did an out and back for the first mile and past 2 of the kids on their way back.  Becky and I were essentially the tortoise to their hare :-)

We finished the hill and walked up to the movie theater where we did the laps around the theater.  When we got to the top we were down to 4 of us.  We had completed 1.22 miles before we started lapping the theater and before we finished the 3 miles we were the last ones standing. :-)

Not the best pic, the sun was in my eyes - but still we were it :-)  

By the way - I ran over 1 1/2 miles straight today ;-)  It is great to have friends that won't let you settle and show you how to get over the hump :-)

Running with the crud

So, I have been battling the crud (I believe that is the official terminology for it) and running has been low on my list of things I want to do that involve deep breathing.  I took off Friday - Tuesday and this morning Becky, Chris and I laced up our shoes and hit the road.

Chris is a long time runner, but coming back from an injury that sidelined her for months - so we are about the same speed.  Becky, well, she runs the full 30 minutes when I'm not with her so.... you see what I mean.

Anyway, they let me set the pace and we didn't tackle any huge hills today.  For the first 3 2 minute runs I did fairly good, I was ready to stop after 2 minutes, but my Apple Watch said I was doing between an 8 and 9 minute pace, too fast.  Of course I petered out at the last 2 2 minute runs.

After the run Becky was explaining to me the importance of pacing, and not having run before it was never anything on my radar.  Guess I will have to work on that :-)

Starting this month we are running minutes (doesn't matter how long the walk/run sections are) as long as the minutes are achieved.  So, tomorrow is a 30 minute run/walk.  I think while I battle the crud I will stick to the 2 run/1 walk routine and hopefully get to up that next week.  Meanwhile, time to start planning some hikes since we are warming up here :-)

Slowly but surely....

So, Becky made up a training schedule for me in January when I hatched this crazy idea.  We started the beginning of February with 3 days a week and next week I am suppose to start running 5 days a week.  But, I haven't been able to master the run/walk times listed yet because I've had to go slower because of my shin splints.  This week I have been able to run everyday so far.

Monday we did the grueling 3 min run/1 min walk.  I know that makes me sound like a running novice - but I am.  :-)  Did I mention it was uphill...both ways... (seriously).

Tuesday we did 2 min run/1 min walk because my shins were splinting - but I wanted to get the run in.  It was a much easier time than the 3/1.  It is amazing how long 3 minutes is when you are new to running.  (Side note:  I hope to look back on this in a few months and realize how far I've come from making that statement).  But, I had to ice my shins last night and wasn't sure about running today.  But, this morning I felt great, so this time Chris and I did another 2/1 round and I made it :-)

Tomorrow I will try 2:15/45 sec and see how that goes.

Here we go again....

Well, this morning Becky was back and my friend Chris joined us.  Chris is an avid runner who recently got cleared to start running after an injury so slow and steady was appealing to her :-)  (I'll take what I can get).

We did 3 min run/1 min walk uphill both ways and if felt like it.  My strategy is to keep my head down and not look to see how much longer the hill is.  It was a hard run today - but except for the last hill I ran the all of the 3 minutes (20 sec break on the last hill)!!!!

It is definitely easier to do with friends that hold you accountable, because let me tell you if I was alone I probably would have walked a lot more up the hills than putting my head down and pushing through.

I registered for my half marathon so I am one step closer to my bling and I still have 6 months to go. :-)

All by myself...

Yesterday I had to work all day.  I had grand plans of going to the gym for a cardio day on the way home, but the Atlanta traffic and long drive took all the excitement out of that prospect.  Today was a running day anyway and Becky said if it was 20 or below we should do the treadmill since none of our races are in that kind of weather (Races.... like we have that many planned LOL).

But, Becky had a family emergency so I was on my own.  It was in the mid 30's this morning, but it was sleeting and snowing - so the treadmill it was.  I pulled up my C25K app and it started a new week - week 3.  This was where I ended my running 2 years ago when I got it in my head this would be a good idea.  So, there is that mental block that it is make it or break it time.  The workout consisted of a 5 minute warm up (1 1/2 min run/walk, then 3 min run/walk) twice and a 5 minute cool down.  That is 3 minutes of straight running TWICE!!  Ugh....

I did it!!!  :-) :-) :-)

I know that it was only the treadmill and honestly I am not sure I could do it outside,  but it was a good boost of confidence.  Saturday is the next run day - so that will be moment of truth.

I got new compression sleeves but running on the treadmill I had no one to show them off to :-)

Nothing makes a run easier than new gear :-)