Wow, it was humid today!

So someone on Twitter posted what the humidity was and I asked him how he found it.  He said that he used an Accuweather app for his iPhone.  I don't have that (app or phone) and I forgot what he said at the time.  I remembered weather, so I went to Weather Underground.  That worked, too, since they had humidity information.  When I got home after my run this afternoon (and after stretching, resting, and a shower, too), it said the temperature was 81 and felt like 86.  It had already cooled off a few degrees by that time and the humidity was 78%.  Well, I am not sure if I will start recording this information for all of my runs, but it is interesting to know when it is obviously high.  It would have been so much nicer if it just started raining.

I planned on running 2 laps around Lake Ivanhoe at an easy pace and I did just that.  I didn't do a stretching routine or a warmup jog.  I just started running, albeit slowly, but running just the same.  I ran 22:46 for the first 2.5 mile loop (9:06 average pace).

I ran into Marc from my Five and Dime running group and we ran and talked for about half a mile before our paths led us in different directions.  It was nice that we were running the same speeds, because he normally runs much faster than I and therefore I would be out of breath trying to talk.

When I finished the first loop, I ran inside my apartment and guzzled down a glass of warm water.  And off I went for a second loop.  This time I ran an average speed of 8:20 something.  I have it logged on DailyMile.com, but that is apparently down right now.

I just have to say that I love air conditioning.  I don't know if I could live in Florida without it.

Either way, it was a nice easy run.  5 miles in the bank.

My First Day with the Training Group

My lesson for today is simple.  Don't go out too fast at the beginning of your workout.  You will pay the price.  I know I did.  Our coach told us we would run 4 x 800 at 5k pace with 1:15 rest.  I have been running around 8 minute pace lately, but I wanted to shoot for my 6 month goal pace, which breaking 20 minutes.  His chart had me pegged at running 3:12 for the 800.  Keep in mind, this is still too fast for me.

I go out with the leaders of our group through a lap and a half and finish up my first 800 in 2:52.  That's faster than my mile pace versus my 5k pace.  That is 20 seconds faster than my goal for 6 months from now.  I should really be aiming for 7 minute pace / 22 minute 5k.

My arms started tingling.  Welcome oxygen debt!  I haven't seen you around these parts in years.  We were supposed to take a 1:15 rest, but I decided to go out with the middle pack and get an extra 15-20 seconds of rest.  That didn't make a difference.  As soon as I started the second 800, my feet felt like cement.  I went out with the pack and still made my 3:10 goal.

The third lap started well.  I went with the pack through the first lap and fell back dramatically on the back straight.  I don't remember my time, but I do know that it wasn't even close to my 3:10.

Just before toeing the line for the last 800, the coach asked me if I was OK to run it.  I responded with, "I have to, don't I?"

I pushed, but only mustered a what seemed like a jog.  I finished up in 4:02.

We then did 4 x 200's with the same 1:15 rest.  I ran those consistently at least.  I didn't overdo it.  I ran 41, 39, 39, and 35.  The coach made everyone, but a few of us do another 200.  I was gassed and welcomed the break.

We finished up with a sidewalk lap of Lake Eola following the street, so that was another 1.25 miles.  Warmup was 1.75 which included 4x100 striders..

If I didn't get all excited about running with a group, I am pretty sure I could have managed my 3:10's.  I will try to control myself on the next speed workout.

I also tried to go to sleep a couple of hours ago, but my legs and feet won't stop cramping and it's driving me crazy.  I don't know what the deal is.  I have replenished my fluids.  I had a banana today which is a good source of potassium.  I have easily taken enough sodium from different sources.  If anyone has any suggestions, I sure what appreciate it.  Maybe it will help me after my future workouts.  Over and out for this evening.

Time Trial Eve

Just took 4 days off.  I didn't plan on it.  Thank you rain!  I planned on running yesterday afternoon when I thought it would cool down to the high 80's, but a rainstorm thought it was a better idea for me to stay in and watch a downpour with lightning.

I officially signed up for the Five and Dime training program through Track Shack on Saturday.  Their time trial is tomorrow afternoon.  The way it was before, the groups are divided by your mile time.  The slowest pace group is 8 minute pace and higher, the middle group is 6 to 8 minute pace, and the fastest pace group is 6 minute pace and under.  I hope I have enough speed under my belt to make the fast group, but if I run in the middle group, all is not lost.  I will take what I earn and improve either way.  If I don't make the fast group tomorrow, I guarantee that I will make it the next session.

Today's workout was a 5 mile run.  I jogged 1 mile for a warmup around 12 minute pace.  I didn't stop and stretch, but instead went straight into a 3 mile tempo run for the core portion of my workout.  I walked about a tenth of a mile at the end.  I felt like my head was going to pop from the heat.  My chest and head were so freakin' hot.  Well, I finished up with a slow mile around 10 minute pace for a cooldown.

Oh yeah, I also started the 100pushups program yesterday.  I started on Week 3 Day 1.  I had to do 5 sets of pushups with 60 seconds rest between sets.  Each set was as follows:

14
18
14
14
Max out (20 minimum)

I did all the sets except the last one.  I got down in a prone position on the floor and couldn't muster 1 more pushup.  My triceps were complete mush.  So much for a minimum of 20 more.  I think I am going to do Day 1 over again... maybe on Wednesday, since I have to do my mile time trial tomorrow.  Good luck to me!