J.J. Kercher :: Arbitrary and Random

Super Easy Run, Gutierrez/Garden/Beach Loop

2010-09-02T18:58:00.000-07:00

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Time: 5:30pm, approx 35 minutes
Distance: 3.25 miles
Meal: Panino Chicken Curry Salad (yum, yumisiss...)

OK, I know I was cleared only for walking, hiking and biking but I really needed to jog! I tried walking...really I did. I couldn't help myself. I need movement, an elevated heartbeat...SWEAT! I ended up jogging pretty much the whole time, but trying real hard to keep it at a 10:30-11:00 pace (as opposed to my usual 8:30).

OK, so I know the coaches said not to try anything new this week (right before the race), but the only way I could control my pace (keeping it slow) was to try out landing on the balls of my feet (a running technique I've been kind of learning about lately). Please don't tell coaches Neal and Nicole (are you reading this??) :-) Anyway, it's a really challenging calf workout, but I can kind of see how it can improve efficiency. Once I'm feeling stronger (i.e. my rib heals a bit more) I'd like to seek some more professional training on how I can improve my running technique.

So I jogged and tried new things - shame on me - but the good thing is that I feel good. My rib was a little tender for a couple of hours after but not anywhere near the doubled-over, excruciating pain of a couple of weeks ago.

My hopes remain high for a sub 2 hour finish on Sunday...shooting for sub 1:55:00.

Hike, San Ysidro Trail to the Waterfall

2010-09-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

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Time: 6:00pm, approx 2 hours
Distance: 3.5 miles
Meal: Spoonful of peanut butter and some nuts

Still nursing my rib injury, but hiking seemed like a safe enough activity. It was great (and felt SOOO good to get my heartbeat up again). At one point, however, I tripped on a rock and the impact of catching myself on my left foot jarred my rib a bit. I am really concerned about delaying the healing process, but I also don't want to be overly protective of the injury.

I still have high hopes for being able to RUN during the race on Sunday. But I also need to mentally prepare for the possibility that I may just be walking across that finish line.

Training Update

2010-09-01T08:41:00.000-07:00

This morning I realized I hadn't posted any updates since August 9th. Boy, was that a busy month or what?! I went back in and added the workout data from my Garmin, but thought I'd do a whole separate update on where things are as of today.

First, I've raised $1260 of my $1950 goal, all supporting Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the fight against blood cancers. Thanks to all who have donated! It's not too late to jump on that bandwagon. Click here to make a donation. Your support, either morally or financially, is greatly appreciated.

The Disneyland Half Marathon is this Sunday, September 5! I can't believe how fast the time flies.

My body is more than conditioned for this race. Training was going so well (new nickname - "speed demon"), that I registered for the Santa Barbara International FULL Marathon on November 6th. I've exceeded the half marathon distance three times during my training...getting as high as 17 miles in one run.

However, after a spill on my mountain bike early last month, I suffered an injury to my lower left rib. I nursed it for a couple of days, and the pain went completely away. Unfortunately, it came back with a vengeance during my Long Run on Saturday, 9/21. I ran 15 of my planned 17 miles an the coaches pulled me off the course...I was practically doubling over in pain.

Since then, I haven't been able to do much. I have to say, when you're used to getting so many miles under you in a given week, instantly switching to sedentary is a total shock to the system. It's been difficult not to move, and the lack of motion really frustrated me for a while. I keep reminding myself that this time of quiet is necessary for preparing and healing me for Sunday, and I'm hopeful and optimistic now that I can walk and ride my bike without any pain.

So, I am excited about Sunday...ready to kill my personal record (previously 2:02...anticipating under 1:55). But I'm nervous about the rib flaring up again. Worst case, I'll walk to the finish line in Disneyland...and I still have 2 months of healing before the Santa Barbara Full.

Once again, thanks so much for your support. I'll let y'all know how the race goes!

Walk, Cabrillo Bike Path

2010-08-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

Coached Training, Walking

2010-08-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Long Run, Crane School to Mesa to Biltmore

2010-08-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

Easy Run, Gutierrez/State/Beach Loop

2010-08-18T06:51:00.000-07:00

Easy Run, Cabrillo Beach Bike Path

2010-08-17T18:21:00.000-07:00

Mountain Bike, Upper Lower Rock Creek

2010-08-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

Mammoth Mountain Biking

2010-08-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

Downtown Trail

Brake Through to Downtown Trail

Backpack (out), Humphrey's Basin to North Lake Trailhead

2010-08-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Backpack (in), North Lake Trailhead to Humphrey's Basin

2010-08-12T11:41:00.000-07:00

Run, Gutierrez/State/Beach/Zoo Loop

2010-08-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

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Time: 9:30am, 40 minutes
Distance: 4.5 miles
Meal: Cottage cheese with blueberries

Cough is subsiding, legs are sore but generally stronger, and I was surprised to note that I was running an 8:15 pace without even realizing it. I think I am on the up and up!

I'd like to work on keeping my pace more consistent, though. I am averaging 8:45, but that's because there are several times when I am either doing one extreme of like 7:00, or the other of 10:00. An even 8:30 would probably be a good goal for right now...or even stick to 8:45 but a consistent one.

There won't be much running this week because of the backpacking and mountain biking trip. Hopefully those activities keep me on the path to regaining strength!

Long Run, East Beach to Crane School to the Mesa

2010-08-07T11:29:00.000-07:00

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Time: 7:15am, 2 hours 30 minutes
Distance: Almost 17 miles
Meal: Brown rice cakes with peanut butter and a cup of coffee

OK, its been a rough couple of weeks...I'm tired! Getting sick doesn't help, and "being a woman" doesn't help either (sorry if that's too much info for the .68 people that may actually be reading this).

But I did it...nearly 17 miles. And I think I'm going to fall down and never get up. I hit that wall at 15 again - but the wall is easier to bear when you know there's only 2 miles to go (and not 11). Still, its good practice to stay focused and in the flow of the activity.

I think the next week will be a good week for building my energy and endurance back up. No long run next Saturday, I'll be backpacking instead. But I am thinking that will be a good and different way to get miles under me - and to get my head back in the game.

Easy Run, Gutierrez/State/Beach Loop

2010-08-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

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Time: 4:45pm, approx. 35 minutes
Distance: Almost 4 miles
Meal: Handful of nuts and dried fruit

Still tired, still weak, and still not feeling 100%. But I'm still getting out there, and that's all that matters.

I notice that I'm a bit stronger today than I was a week ago...so I must be on the up and up.

Again, happy tomorrow is an off day!

Hike, Cold Springs West Fork to Gibraltar Summit

2010-08-04T23:20:00.000-07:00

I have raised $1085 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 6:00pm, approx. 2 hours
Distance: 4.25 miles
Meal: Nature Valley Granola Bar

I haven't been posting my hikes here (which I've done weekly), but I'm going to start since they are, technically cross-training. My hikes don't feel like exercise so somehow I don't feel like they belong on this training journal...but 1,000 foot elevation gain over 2 miles has to be something to write home about, doesn't it?

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Santa Barbara?

Coached Training, Leadbetter Beach (Downhill Posture)

2010-08-03T20:11:00.000-07:00

I have raised $1085 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 6:00pm, approx. 40 minutes
Distance: 4 miles
Meal: Handful of nuts and dried fruit on my way to the beach

All my exhaustion from last week came to an abrupt and rough conclusion on Sunday night with a fever of over 101, aches, pains, a nasty cough and sinus issues. Yes, I can't believe it but I am sick...AGAIN. I have had these exact same symptoms about every 2-3 months consistently. What the heck is going on?

The good news is that the fever broke, and after being just wiped out Monday I was definitely feeling better this morning. But, in light of being nice to my body, I took it super easy tonight. No sprinting, just light jogging and focusing mostly on form. Luckily, running downhill is something I feel like I've gotten pretty good at over these past few years, and that was the focus of tonight's training.

Working on getting healthy, hoping to restore my energy somewhat back to normal!

Long Run, Leadbetter to Douglas Preserve to San Ysidro & Back

2010-07-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

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Time: 7:00am, 2 hours, 15 minutes
Distance: 15 miles
Meal: Brown rice cakes with peanut butter and a cup of coffee.

I was so exhausted this week, and I felt it during today's run. I'm definitely a bit slower than I've been. Also, I'm getting up to the 15 mile mark (actually, I got there), which was where I hit my "wall" back in 2007 at my last marathon.

The wall is this mental place where suddenly it dawns on you that you've been running for X distance/time and you have X distance/time left and (a) you don't really want to do it and (b) you're not even sure you physically can. It's where focus is critical because the mind starts getting bored. And the legs start screaming and the body begins to breakdown in all forms. It's when exhaustion begins to set in.

My goal is to beat the wall, or at least push it back. Secondarily, its to overcome the wall.

So, I'm okay with moving slowly and gracefully through the wall during my training...it will better prepare me for the real thing come the marathon in November.

Run, Gutierrez/State/Beach Loop

2010-07-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

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Time: 4:20pm, approx. 35 minutes.
Distance: 3.85 miles

I have been so TIRED this week. I so did not want to do this run, but I did and I'm proud of myself. Slowly, mind you, but I did it.

SOO thankful tomorrow is an off day!!

Nite Moves 5K

2010-07-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

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Time: 6:00pm, 18 minute warmup, 5K finish time 24:05
Distance: Approx 5 miles total (warmup 1.95, race 3.1)
Meal: Protein shake at 5pm

Warmup

Race

I couldn't be more thrilled about my 5k finish time...24:05! I looked at my history and I ran my last Nite Moves 5K on 6/2/2010 at 26:44. A HUGE improvement! (OK, I could be more thrilled. I have to admit I was a little bummed about those extra 5 seconds.)

I warmed up longer (and probably a bit harder) than usual because I'm trying to increase my weekly miles in preparation for the full Marathon in November. I think I'm at a point where I can push the limits of the regular Team in Training calendar to be a bit stronger for the race. All, of course, with the help of my friends and primary Healthcare professionals at Barry Family Chiropractic.

This might be a little too much info for my .5 readers of this blog, but I've noticed that running gets a bit more sluggish at this point in my monthly cycle. I tend to be more tired, more hungry, and easily nauseated the week before...well, you know what I'm saying. Not much I can do about it except be aware, but I'll definitely be asking around.

Maybe that means next Nite moves I'll kill it even more??!!

Coached Training, Leadbetter Beach

2010-07-27T19:13:00.000-07:00

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Time: 6:00pm, approx 25 minutes
Distance: 2.75 Miles
Meal: Handful of nuts and dried fruit on my way to the beach

They mellowed things out tonight to compensate for Saturday's long run. Just some speed work, which consisted of running 200 meters at about 75% max pace and focusing on short and quick strides.

I learned that, with speed work, the optimal number of steps is 180 in any given minute. As a group we counted steps, and the first time I was right at 180. The second time I was a bit faster, around 195. Coach Neal even mentioned to me that I might be over doing it, but could tell that it would get more natural with a bit more practice.

I had to cut it short tonight since I had dinner plans with my friend Ken. Oh happy Santa Barbara summer!!

Long Run, East Beach to Crane School & Back up to Shoreline

2010-07-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

I have raised $935 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 7:00apm, approx 2 hours
Distance: Just under 14 miles
Meal: Two brown rice cakes with peanut butter, One cup of coffee

Had a hard time sleeping last night again. Lots of reasons, but I was aware that I was excited to run this distance in the morning (proof that I AM crazy). I was thinking about my goals, and couldn't wait to find out what my half marathon time is currently.

And the answer is...1:53!! That's nearly 10 minutes shorter than my best half time at 2:02. My average pace was 8:40, I am seriously blowing myself away! I felt it in my legs for the first time, though. Stairs are tough and I'm trying to take it easy on myself. But, overall I feel great. New shoes ought to help as well. :-)

In honor of the fact that I'm kicking ass and taking names, I just registered for the Santa Barbara International Marathon in November. That's right, I am doing a full marathon again this year. And, yes, that's right...I am crazy!

Run, Elite Office to Bird Refuge

2010-07-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

I have raised $935 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 4:30pm, approx 35 minutes
Distance: 4 miles
Meal: Handful of nuts and dried fruit

Had my work meeting via a run this afternoon in lieu of our Friday check in over coffee. It was great running with Brad - I definitely am learning more and more to love running with other people, especially when they push me. It was a great run, solid pace, 4 miles in 35 minutes!!

Still feeling good!

Coached Training, Leadbetter Beach

2010-07-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

I have raised $915 of my $1950 goal. Please support me and Donate Today!

Time: 6:15pm, approx 25 minutes
Distance: 5k (3.1 miles)
Meal: Nature Valley Granola Bar

My head was not screwed on straight today (probably due to lack of sleep!) I was late to practice because I forgot my wallet at home, then I left my Garmin at home when I went back to get it! I missed the warmup and my head wasn't really in the game this evening.

We practiced drafting tonight, running what they call Swiss Drills (though I can't find any info on this via a Google Search). Essentially we run together in a straight line, and the person in the back runs up to the front to take the lead. This rotation occurs throughout the run and our group did this for a full 5K in under 25 minutes. I was even late and I caught up to the group...besides missing the warm up and being worried about that I felt pretty strong.

Today was the first day my legs started to feel tired. I think that's a good thing...being tired is definitely a good thing!

Easy Run, Gutierrez/Beach Loop

2010-07-19T09:27:00.000-07:00

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Time: 7:00am, approx 35 minutes
Distance: Just under 3.5 miles
Meal: Nothing

Sleep and energy are still challenging me...I don't know what's going on! I'm still restless at night but practically jumped right out of bed into my running shoes, eager to work off the energy. What is this? Anticipation? Anxiety? Excitement? I'm not exactly sure. I suppose there has been a lot going on with work and my otherwise ongoing personal journey...probably I'm overstimulated by the recent events as of late.

The run went well, nonetheless. I'm glad I took it a bit slower since, technically, a run wasn't on the training calendar for today. I took a bit shorter route this morning, cutting down to the beach via Garden instead of State. I figured it would knock more than a couple of minutes off my time but it really didn't...I think next time I might as well keep on going.

Legs are strong, no injuries to speak of...feeling good. Now if only I could sleep!!