Nikki’s Training Blog

Summer Stuff

Posted on August 28th, 2008 by nikkid

So far I have had a pretty great summer. Work has been nice and consistent which is great especially for the summer months. Training is going really well. Some days I enjoy it more than others, but I’ve really enjoyed being on the same program with so many people. All of us running Chicago, Jill, Kristin, Amy and I have the same goal of 3:40, and we are actually really compatible as running partners. It’s actually sort of freaky how almost identical Jill and my HR and pace data are. I think it’s pretty lucky to find running buddies that are exactly your speed. In the past I’ve been in groups that I’ve felt like I haven’t been running quite the pace I wanted to, or I’m stuck struggling to keep up. I’m just like Goldilocks now. This one is juuuust right!

This program has been full of tough workouts. Take today for example. We warmed up 10 minutes, then ran 40 minutes at a 7:30 pace, then a 5 min cool down. Holy Crap! That was the hardest workout I have ever done. It was also almost 70 degrees by 5:30. I’ve noticed the heat really does make a huge difference in our performance and HR. That’s cardiovascular drift for you! I’ll leave that topic for another post. Anyway, the speed work and tempo paced workouts have been challenging, but it’s nice to be running for a purpose instead of hammering out mile after mile at the same speed. Long runs are SO much more enjoyable now that we have slowed them down to where they should be, 9:00-9:30/mile. I feel like I could run another 10 miles after almost every long run. This phase, phase 4, focuses more on marathon pace running, too. Hopefully 8:24/mile will become my favorite pace soon.

Gary’s Big Week is coming up! Jill, Amy, Kristin and I have signed up for the Lake City Half Marathon so we will run while Gary runs the full marathon. It’s supposed to be a flat course, and it’s a smaller race so it should be great! I’m excited to see how we do, especially considering we will be in the middle of our toughest weeks of training. My mom and dad are even coming, and I can’t wait to see how awesome Gary runs after competing/traveling over 400 miles. On his 30th Birthday! Go Geeves!

This weekend is Ironman Louisville, and Gary and I will be working the finish line again. It’s the best place to be! If you in need of some inspiration, come down to 4th Street Live on Sunday evening. Ironman does an incredible job of making the whole race, but especially the finish line, a spectacular event. Rightfully so, I might add. These athletes do some amazing things, and nothing feels better than seeing that finish line at the end of your 140.6 journey. I can’t wait! I might even get inspired to sign up for next year. I’ve been back and forth on the issue in my head over the last few weeks, but I still can’t decide. I guess I’ll know on Monday!

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Bluegrass 10k

Posted on July 6th, 2008 by nikkid

I have to admit that I didn’t even want to run this race. It is always a hot and challenging race on the 4th of July in Lexington. I also wasn’t feeling like I was in great shape to run a 10k. We are in the first phase of our training program for Chicago which means that we haven’t been running very fast, or very far. Somehow the girls guilted me into signing up.

My previous PR for a 10k was 47:00. I told myself that if I ran 48:something I would be happy. I lined up in the rain with Jill, Amy, Kristin and Kathryn. We let Erica go since she was planning on sub 45. I knew better than to try to start with her. Jill and I ran the first 3 together and it felt a little fast, but it was only 6 miles right? The rain stopped and it was only a little hot and very humid. It was much milder than previous years. Jill picked it up some at mile 4 and I was soon by myself. I could still see Jill and Kristin and actually caught up to Kristin around mile 5. This is where it started to hurt. I think I kept pretty good pace throughout, but to be honest I didn’t take splits so I really have no idea. Somewhere just after mile 5 I saw the finish line. It is always a great feeling to see the finish line. However, although it was visible it was still very far away. Very far away. I had already picked up the pace and when the finish banner didn’t seem to be getting any smaller I seriously considered walking. I finally crossed the finish line completely spent. Somehow I managed a PR. 46:45. We all did, actually. Kathryn was 47:xx, Kristin and Jill finished 4 seconds before me, Amy somewhere around 45 something, and Erica an amazing 43 something! It turned out to be a great day.

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Strength Training - 0.5 hours - 06/03/2008

Posted on June 3rd, 2008 by nikkid

Logbook Activity

Type: Strength Training
Date: 06/03/2008
Time: 16:00:00
Total Time: 00:30:00.00

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Feeling Fit

Posted on June 3rd, 2008 by nikkid

So bike commuting a few weeks ago went well. I actually had several cancellations so I didn’t ride as much as I anticipated, but still logged around 100 for M-F. That’s a lot of gas saved. I did get two flats, though. Should have changed the worn tire much sooner. Commuting was only a bit challenging during certain times of the day, but very easy most times. The worst encounter was the half full (see? optimist!) Coke can that was hurled at me by a passing car. Thank you I’m not thirsty.

The end of commuter week started the weekend for the Fletcher Flyer. My friend Joe had asked months ago if Gary and I would like to ride with him for the century. We were more than happy to. Asheville, NC is a pretty cool town. The city is busy with people (and drum circles), and there are numerous great restaurants. I think my caloric intake was double, or maybe triple of my caloric expenditure for the weekend’s ride. It was well worth it. I ate some pretty great blueberry pie a la mode at Picnic’s.

The ride was great, and Joe did incredible. It was really a beautiful course and we had great weather until mile 95. Then the heavens opened up and we got dumped on. I shooed the sag wagon off as it approached Joe so he would have no excuse for not finishing the ride. Hopefully he was grateful?

I felt good riding 100 even though I hadn’t felt totally prepared for the event. I think I am starting to get to the point in my fitness where I don’t have to be completely “trained” for events to participate. I’m not sure that makes much sense, but I think it feels good.

Now…Chicago Marathon training! I’m excited and nervous for it to start. I’m glad to be on an actual program again so I can tick off the workouts one by one from the plan on my fridge. Dork!

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