7:30 a.m. - met the CBRC Bruegger's group and ran hills. Total distance: 7.4 miles. Total time: 66 minutes. Average pace: 8:59. One could almost cut through the humidity; as you know, it was hot! There was quite a turnout this morning. Grandpa, Jenn, and I ran part of the Bix course backward. We took off from Bruegger's and ran down Middle Road until we hooked up with Kirkwood Boulevard. We then turned onto Brady Street and stopped at Palmer to grab water before hitting the hill. On the way back, we stopped at the Quik Mart gas station and decided to skip McClellan and head straight back to Bruegger's. I was not about to argue with that decision; by then, my legs were just trying to keep up. Grandpa picked it up at the end and I just held on. The air was quite stagnate, making it difficult to breathe at times. That being said, we kept the pace easy and walked through our water stops.
I haven't met up with this group since last summer, and I forgot how much I enjoy not only running with them, but chatting with them afterward. With the Bruegger's group I am "Dave's granddaughter," which is totally fine with me. I get to hear about their running adventures, injuries, and thoughts about life in general. This group is just so friendly and inviting. I'm definitely going to have to join them upon my return.
I spent the day cleaning our house so that David doesn't have to worry about it while I'm gone. I even washed the curtains and cleaned the windows. I have a few things to take care of tomorrow before my departure. Jessica and I got manicures and pedicures today. It's sort of become our thing, and it was pretty relaxing, especially the massaging chair. Jess went with hot yellow on her toes while I went with pink.
Oh yeah. I had a chance to catch up briefly with Chad and Katie G. at Bruegger's. The BGXC team ran from there this morning! As my body is definitely feeling this week's workouts, my plan is to take tomorrow off (or at least not run) and then try to get in a longer-ish run Saturday morning.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
A Little Bit of Everything
8:20-9:20 - Biked on the trainer for one hour - 14 miles
I watched a National Geographic episode on Netflix about special forces. I like watching military documentaries and information shows because I know I would never make it through most of the training. I've watched a few about the green berets and marines - talk about brutal. I have so much respect for those in the military. I know I should bike outside more often, but I just don't want to. I don't want to have to deal with cars and red-winged blackbirds. That being said, I know I don't put in as much effort on the trainer, especially if I am not biking to a video.
9:30 - got out for a brick run 1.61 miles in 13:09 (8:08 pace)
I ran pretty much around the block. While on the bike, I went back and forth on whether I wanted to run. I made a compromise with myself to run around the block instead of on the bike path; that way I had to complete the route instead of wondering how far I should go. After I took off, I looked down at my watch and was surprised with my pace. My legs didn't feel that tired, but my stride was definitely shortened. I'm happy that I held a solid pace the entire run.
5:00 - swam at Mt. Joy - 500 meters
David talked me into going swimming. He wanted to get out of roofing early and I had mentioned swimming yesterday, so I went. I felt very comfortable breathing-wise. David was a punk and was grabbing my feet at first, but then he swam at his own pace and was gone. I did panic a little at the turn-around because of the weeds growing on the bottom of the lake. Every time I swim in this lake, I think of the merpeople from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; you know, the part where he has to save Ron and uses gillyweed in order to breathe underwater? Yeah. I would rather the lake be pitch black rather than see all of the plants growing from the bottom. I think I might have to find a different place to swim...
Overall, I'm pretty happy with today's training. I feel like I could have gone farther with the bike, run, and swim, but I'm planning on running hills tomorrow with Brother Dave and his Bruegger's running group, so I don't want to overdo it.
Oh yeah. I told you I was going to make homemade granola bars, and here they are:
I found this recipe on Pinterest. Here's the link. These actually turned out better than I thought they would. We didn't have regular peanuts, so I crushed up some cashews. I substituted wheat germ for flaxseed and sunflower seeds for crushed almonds. I did not include any salt and used about five ounces of dried cranberries. The thing I like about these, and the energy balls I make, is that I can use whatever ingredients I want. Sure, there is a recipe, but as long as there is enough "stuff" to hold everything together, I can add or subtract ingredients and amounts. I added chocolate chips to the top after I mixed everything, and David M. thinks I added too many. I will have to experiment with this.
I watched a National Geographic episode on Netflix about special forces. I like watching military documentaries and information shows because I know I would never make it through most of the training. I've watched a few about the green berets and marines - talk about brutal. I have so much respect for those in the military. I know I should bike outside more often, but I just don't want to. I don't want to have to deal with cars and red-winged blackbirds. That being said, I know I don't put in as much effort on the trainer, especially if I am not biking to a video.
9:30 - got out for a brick run 1.61 miles in 13:09 (8:08 pace)
I ran pretty much around the block. While on the bike, I went back and forth on whether I wanted to run. I made a compromise with myself to run around the block instead of on the bike path; that way I had to complete the route instead of wondering how far I should go. After I took off, I looked down at my watch and was surprised with my pace. My legs didn't feel that tired, but my stride was definitely shortened. I'm happy that I held a solid pace the entire run.
5:00 - swam at Mt. Joy - 500 meters
David talked me into going swimming. He wanted to get out of roofing early and I had mentioned swimming yesterday, so I went. I felt very comfortable breathing-wise. David was a punk and was grabbing my feet at first, but then he swam at his own pace and was gone. I did panic a little at the turn-around because of the weeds growing on the bottom of the lake. Every time I swim in this lake, I think of the merpeople from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; you know, the part where he has to save Ron and uses gillyweed in order to breathe underwater? Yeah. I would rather the lake be pitch black rather than see all of the plants growing from the bottom. I think I might have to find a different place to swim...
Overall, I'm pretty happy with today's training. I feel like I could have gone farther with the bike, run, and swim, but I'm planning on running hills tomorrow with Brother Dave and his Bruegger's running group, so I don't want to overdo it.
Oh yeah. I told you I was going to make homemade granola bars, and here they are:
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| Cut and ready to package. |
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| Stored in the refrigerator so that the chocolate will harden. |
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Tuesday Morning Run with Sam
I could not drag myself out of bed this morning for the group run, so Sam and I went out on our own around 8:00. David told me it was 56 degrees outside, but I didn't believe him. No way could it be that nice in the middle of June. Low and behold, it was gorgeous - perfect running weather. Total distance: 6.04. Total time: 51:50. Average pace: 8:34.
My legs felt it today - my mile times were pretty consistent except for mile six; I slowed down to 8:46 pace going up my hill to finish. I'm thinking of either running or biking later tonight. It didn't hit me until yesterday that I am leaving on Saturday for three weeks. The plan for today is to go shopping for the necessities (shampoo, snacks, etc). Laundry has begun, and I still have a few more books I need to read. Oh - I found a recipe for homemade granola bars. The ingredients are very similar to those I use for my energy balls, so I plan on whipping up a batch. I'll let you know how they turn out.
My legs felt it today - my mile times were pretty consistent except for mile six; I slowed down to 8:46 pace going up my hill to finish. I'm thinking of either running or biking later tonight. It didn't hit me until yesterday that I am leaving on Saturday for three weeks. The plan for today is to go shopping for the necessities (shampoo, snacks, etc). Laundry has begun, and I still have a few more books I need to read. Oh - I found a recipe for homemade granola bars. The ingredients are very similar to those I use for my energy balls, so I plan on whipping up a batch. I'll let you know how they turn out.
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| This is what Sam does after our runs. |
Sunday, June 24, 2012
LSR - Dedicated to Jessica
Okay, so I made it out the door this morning a little after six. I decided to take Sam since she has not been running for a while, but I went toward Bettendorf so that I could bring her home earlier in the run if needed. David joined us on his bike about two miles in. Total miles run: 9.21. Total time: 1:27. Average pace: 9:31. Looking at my mile splits, I stayed pretty consistent, about which I am happy. I actually picked it up the last two miles or so (that could have been because of the light rain and thunder!).
Overall, the run was uncomfortable. I woke up this morning with what felt like a giant air bubble between my ribs and it never went away. In fact, it caused a side cramp under my left rib that was present the entire run. It was tolerable but undesirable. That being said, my legs felt good and I could have kept going. I appreciated the fact that David rode to keep me company and provide water for Sam and me. I thought I would get in more like 9.5 miles, but my ability to calculate distance while running is lacking. Oh well. I plan on getting in one longer run before my trip.
This run is dedicated to my younger sister - by two years - Jessica. She went to Iowa State (boo - go Panthers!) and graduated with a degree in biology. She then went back to school, earned her master's degree, and will begin her first year of teaching this fall at PV Junior High. Yep - we are not only in the same district - we are at the same school. My dad once asked, "So, how do you feel about Jessica being at the same school?" Honestly? I'm really looking forward to it. I will finally have someone with whom to sign-up for treats! Ha. Jessica and I worked together a year ago and, while I was hesitant at first about her being there (you know, there is the whole you're encroaching on my domain-type thing), I really enjoyed having her there. Unfortunately, I am moving classrooms, so I won't be just-down-the-hall.
Jessica has completed two marathons and a handful of half marathons, as well as plenty of triathlons. I thought I was going to beat her at last year's QC Tri, but she passed me on the last mile. I plan on seeking revenge next year. We have ridden parts of Ragbrai together the past two years and always enjoy a nice run together. We've traveled together to Pennsylvania, D.C., Florida, Minneapolis, Champaign, and St. Louis. Our friendship has grown stronger with age, as many sister friendships do. When we were younger, we really didn't have much in common. I was the nerdy, bookworm, I-follow-every-rule child while Jessica was the I-do-what-I-want child. But somehow, we have ended up becoming the best of friends. Now don't get me wrong; we don't always get along - we are still sisters - but we understand each other.
On today's run, I thought about how much I am going to enjoy living closer to Kyle and her (and Ledger and Jefferson Starship). Blah, blah - enough sappy stuff. You get it.
I leave in less than a week for my Holocaust Teachers' Program. Lists have been made and laundry has begun!
Overall, the run was uncomfortable. I woke up this morning with what felt like a giant air bubble between my ribs and it never went away. In fact, it caused a side cramp under my left rib that was present the entire run. It was tolerable but undesirable. That being said, my legs felt good and I could have kept going. I appreciated the fact that David rode to keep me company and provide water for Sam and me. I thought I would get in more like 9.5 miles, but my ability to calculate distance while running is lacking. Oh well. I plan on getting in one longer run before my trip.
This run is dedicated to my younger sister - by two years - Jessica. She went to Iowa State (boo - go Panthers!) and graduated with a degree in biology. She then went back to school, earned her master's degree, and will begin her first year of teaching this fall at PV Junior High. Yep - we are not only in the same district - we are at the same school. My dad once asked, "So, how do you feel about Jessica being at the same school?" Honestly? I'm really looking forward to it. I will finally have someone with whom to sign-up for treats! Ha. Jessica and I worked together a year ago and, while I was hesitant at first about her being there (you know, there is the whole you're encroaching on my domain-type thing), I really enjoyed having her there. Unfortunately, I am moving classrooms, so I won't be just-down-the-hall.
Jessica has completed two marathons and a handful of half marathons, as well as plenty of triathlons. I thought I was going to beat her at last year's QC Tri, but she passed me on the last mile. I plan on seeking revenge next year. We have ridden parts of Ragbrai together the past two years and always enjoy a nice run together. We've traveled together to Pennsylvania, D.C., Florida, Minneapolis, Champaign, and St. Louis. Our friendship has grown stronger with age, as many sister friendships do. When we were younger, we really didn't have much in common. I was the nerdy, bookworm, I-follow-every-rule child while Jessica was the I-do-what-I-want child. But somehow, we have ended up becoming the best of friends. Now don't get me wrong; we don't always get along - we are still sisters - but we understand each other.
On today's run, I thought about how much I am going to enjoy living closer to Kyle and her (and Ledger and Jefferson Starship). Blah, blah - enough sappy stuff. You get it.
I leave in less than a week for my Holocaust Teachers' Program. Lists have been made and laundry has begun!
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| Jessica and me at Honeymoon Island - Florida 2012 |
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| Torchlight Parade! - June 2012 |
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| Jessica and cousin Cameron |
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| I had to add this! We found Brother Dave at Jessica's Bachelorette Party - Moonlight Chase 2011 |
Thursday, June 21, 2012
6B46 - Run Dedicated to Emily and Phil
This morning, I woke up and said to David, "Maybe I will run in an hour." I then thought about it realistically and realized that this would never happen. People were meeting at the Bettendorf Y and I needed to be there.
Emily, Phil, Chad, Jay, and I cranked out six miles before six o'clock. As a matter of fact, I looked at my watch at 6::02 and thought I'm so glad my workout is over! Total miles: 6.15. Total time: 53:10. Average pace: 8:38. Emily and I ran together, and I felt like we were going faster than that, but I am really happy with the run. My legs were pretty stiff from yesterday's track workout, which means I need to do more stretching after my runs.
Today's run is dedicated to Emily and Phil. We run together often.
I met Emily through Live Uncommon and the 6B46 running group. Emily actually just finished her master's degree and has run a 4:01 marathon. She's currently training for the QC Marathon and has really dedicated herself to her training.
Phil is the tech guy in my district, and I actually met him through my husband. Phil introduced me to the 6B46 group, so I suppose I owe him! He keeps me updated on running groups and people around the Quad Cities. Phil recently completed TOMRV and is a talented and dedicated photographer.
Both Emily and Phil are hard-working and dedicated. I feel fortunate to have them as part of my support community and the LU race team. Keep running!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Track Workout - Dedicated to Brother Dave
After taking off yesterday from running, I was so ready for this track workout. The plan was to meet Emily at the BHS track at five. It was much more difficult getting up this morning than usual because we had no air conditioning last night and so I feel like I slept very little (it's fixed now!). My mom reminded me today that people have survived for centuries without air conditioning, usually sleeping naked under an open window, and that only made me appreciate it more.
Anyway, I met Emily at the track and did a one-mile warm-up. Phil joined us, and I cranked out 4x800 repeats: 3:39; 3:45; 3:41; 3:38. I stopped myself at four, and I'm glad I did because I was definitely feeling it on the cool down. Total mileage for this workout: 4.5. Pretty solid for a track workout. So, Emily explained the Yasso 800's to me and I tried to follow it, but at the same time, I didn't. My goal marathon time is around 4:40, and I can run 800's much faster than that (obviously). So, do I stick to the Yasso plan or run them harder yet more conservatively? Let me know what you think.
I was able to get in a workout, go grocery shopping, and get dinner in the crock pot - all before 7:30 this morning. While I don't enjoy waking up at the butt crack of dawn, it does feel good to be uber-productive in the morning. Sunlight was just starting to fill the sky while we were on the track, which made for a beautiful morning.
Today's workout is dedicated to my Grandpa Zimmer, otherwise known as Brother Dave. I thought it fitting to think about him during my 800's as he is the one who got me into speed workouts as an adult. He is an active member of the Cornbelt Running Club and talked me into doing their track workouts on Tuesday nights a few years ago.
Truth time: My grandfather is a stud. He is a superstar. He could run circles around your grandpa (okay, I had to say that!). In all reality, he really is special. The first time I met Ernesto, I told him I was originally from DeWitt. He proceeded to ask me if he knew Dave Zimmer. What a small world! My grandfather is know in the QC running world and that makes me proud. Everyone I talk to about him says how nice, hardworking, and dedicated of a person he truly is. I strive to live up to and carry on his reputation.
My grandfather has been running since the age of 44. He got the nickname "Brother Dave" during Ragbrai 2010 because "Grandpa" seemed like too old of reference; he wanted something cooler. We have run together on trails in Colorado, at Distance Classic training runs, at CBRC track workouts, at local road races; we have biked to Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park and on Ragbrai, and we both enjoy making fun of David Mulfinger at Saturday morning bike workouts; and I have competed against him in various triathlons.
We have talked about the sport of running and about one's ability to get burnt out. After all of these years, after ups and downs, injuries and lack of motivation, he is still going. One thing he really enjoys doing is volunteering for the Firecracker Run over in East Moline. If there is someone truly living uncommon, it's him. He is a father, grandfather, husband, brother, mentor, goofball, and so much more. As I've grown up, I feel like I've gotten to know him better, and that is all thanks to running (and a little biking. Okay, and a little swimming). So, the next time someone mentions Dave Zimmer, know that he is my grandpa, and that makes me proud.
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| Grandpa, Dad, Erin, and me - St. Patrick's Day Race 2011 |
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| David and Brother Dave - Districts 2011 |
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| Grandpa and Grandma - State Cross Country 2011 |
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| At Jessica's wedding - they are the best dancers! I think all of those dance lessons help :) |
Monday, June 18, 2012
LSR - Dedicated to Erin
Okay. So, the plan was to run 12 miles this morning and I talked Erin into pushing back her long run and going with me. I had an awesome but crazy weekend (David's brother Dylan got married in Sioux City), so I only got in one run. I thought this would be a good thing as my legs would be fresh. That didn't make any difference. Friday morning I was able to hop on the treadmill and got in three miles. I figured this was better than nothing! I had every intention of getting up earlier on Saturday morning and logging a few more miles on the treadmill, but then I figured it would be bad-news-bears to wake everyone up with my pounding on THE wedding day, so I abstained from running. Sunday morning I was a bit tired from all of the running around and dancing the day before, so I slept in and didn't run. Anyway, I count dancing as a workout!
Erin and I went out around 5:45 and it was already 77 degrees. Things went well until mile 9; it was then that my body wanted to stop. I was dehydrated, I started getting cold, and my legs and butt hurt. We ended up taking walk breaks every half mile or so. I told Erin that if she hadn't been with me, I would be laying down at mile six eating gummy bears! It was a miserable run to say the least. But, we got it done.
I am currently reevaluating my goals for this year. Erin pointed out that I have yet to have a decent run in warmer weather, and that's something I had not thought of lately. In reality, the last longer run in warmer weather I remember going smoothly was back in 2009 when I ran 16 miles at night with Adrienne biking along as support. I had to stop at mile 19 at the QC Marathon in 2009 because it was really hot and I was dehydrated. I was sick at the Des Moines Marathon, but I don't remember it being too warm. The QC Distance Classic this year was hot, and I died. Maybe it's a mental thing, but I just feel like I perform better in cooler weather. Shorter road races aren't quite as bad, but it is brutal to try and push for ten more miles.
That being said, I am thinking about doing the half marathon at the QC Marathon and completing a full marathon with Erin in early November (right now I am signed up for the QC full). I won't lie - I am worried that it will be warm in September and that I won't be able to finish. I don't want that to happen. It's the last race in the LU Race Series and I want to do well. This schedule would work better for me as I wouldn't have to worry about getting in an 18-miler overseas. If I push back my marathon, I think I will register for the First Central Crossroads Triathlon. I have completed this for the past couple of years and enjoy finishing at my old high school (which is now renovated). Any thoughts are welcome.
Today's run is dedicated to Erin. Erin is my older sister by two years. She was born a runner. We were on the same team in high school for two years, and then she went on to run for UNI for a season. She now lives in Minneapolis and takes me on all of the trails when I visit. It sometimes drives me crazy because no matter how hard or long I train, I have yet to beat her in a road race. My best chance was at this year's CASI St. Patrick's Day Race. I had trained all winter and she had just started training. We ran together toward the beginning but, like usual, I went out too fast and ended up paying for it at the end. One of these days I will catch her!
Erin is also a teacher, but she is a teacher of history as opposed to English/Language Arts. She had the opportunity to work at the National Museum of American History (one of the Smithsonian museums) when she lived in D.C. and I just found out tonight that while there, she saw Ben Stiller, Jon Bon Jovi, and she met Jimmy Smits. Pretty cool. She is a fabulous cook and excels at making and decorating cakes. She actually made the cake for Jessica's wedding. Random fact: Erin prefers homemade cake and frosting to store-bought. She also has one of Sam's sisters - Buttercup. We enjoy getting them together so they can play, although Sam has a tendency to pick on Buttercup and try to cause trouble. I am so happy to have an older sister who can give me advice and provide a different perspective. So, here's to Erin, who can get me through any run alive!
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| Michelle, Dylan, me, and David - We're so happy for them! |
Erin and I went out around 5:45 and it was already 77 degrees. Things went well until mile 9; it was then that my body wanted to stop. I was dehydrated, I started getting cold, and my legs and butt hurt. We ended up taking walk breaks every half mile or so. I told Erin that if she hadn't been with me, I would be laying down at mile six eating gummy bears! It was a miserable run to say the least. But, we got it done.
I am currently reevaluating my goals for this year. Erin pointed out that I have yet to have a decent run in warmer weather, and that's something I had not thought of lately. In reality, the last longer run in warmer weather I remember going smoothly was back in 2009 when I ran 16 miles at night with Adrienne biking along as support. I had to stop at mile 19 at the QC Marathon in 2009 because it was really hot and I was dehydrated. I was sick at the Des Moines Marathon, but I don't remember it being too warm. The QC Distance Classic this year was hot, and I died. Maybe it's a mental thing, but I just feel like I perform better in cooler weather. Shorter road races aren't quite as bad, but it is brutal to try and push for ten more miles.
That being said, I am thinking about doing the half marathon at the QC Marathon and completing a full marathon with Erin in early November (right now I am signed up for the QC full). I won't lie - I am worried that it will be warm in September and that I won't be able to finish. I don't want that to happen. It's the last race in the LU Race Series and I want to do well. This schedule would work better for me as I wouldn't have to worry about getting in an 18-miler overseas. If I push back my marathon, I think I will register for the First Central Crossroads Triathlon. I have completed this for the past couple of years and enjoy finishing at my old high school (which is now renovated). Any thoughts are welcome.
Today's run is dedicated to Erin. Erin is my older sister by two years. She was born a runner. We were on the same team in high school for two years, and then she went on to run for UNI for a season. She now lives in Minneapolis and takes me on all of the trails when I visit. It sometimes drives me crazy because no matter how hard or long I train, I have yet to beat her in a road race. My best chance was at this year's CASI St. Patrick's Day Race. I had trained all winter and she had just started training. We ran together toward the beginning but, like usual, I went out too fast and ended up paying for it at the end. One of these days I will catch her!
Erin is also a teacher, but she is a teacher of history as opposed to English/Language Arts. She had the opportunity to work at the National Museum of American History (one of the Smithsonian museums) when she lived in D.C. and I just found out tonight that while there, she saw Ben Stiller, Jon Bon Jovi, and she met Jimmy Smits. Pretty cool. She is a fabulous cook and excels at making and decorating cakes. She actually made the cake for Jessica's wedding. Random fact: Erin prefers homemade cake and frosting to store-bought. She also has one of Sam's sisters - Buttercup. We enjoy getting them together so they can play, although Sam has a tendency to pick on Buttercup and try to cause trouble. I am so happy to have an older sister who can give me advice and provide a different perspective. So, here's to Erin, who can get me through any run alive!
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| Cheering on David at a cross-country meet |
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| On RAGBRAI - go UNI! |
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| Me, Adrienne, and Erin |
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