Training Recap, Costume Party Run, Week 6

June 16, 2013 · by Debbie Woodruff · 18 Comments

Just a reminder that Google Reader is going away soon. You can follow me on Bloglovin’ or Feedly!

With only three weeks to go until the Costume Party Run, my training is heating up. Literally. Even though the mornings are relatively cool, averaging about mid-seventies when I start my runs, we are getting into the 80s by the time I finish. I’m really not complaining (too much). It’s going to get a lot hotter before we see any relief, but the challenge right now is adapting to the warmer temperatures. I find that by the time I finish my runs I am dragging, making me feel like I’m going backwards in my training. Isn’t it supposed to get easier?

One thing that is helping me is the new electrolyte drink that I’m using. I wrote about Ignite Naturals and InRefresh a few weeks ago, and since that time I have become a member of Team Ignite! I am excited to represent a product that I am so confident about. InRefresh has no processed sugars, artificial ingredients, GMOs, or preservatives, and it is clearly marked vegan right on the label. I am also excited to try Reload Energy Gel, which is made from highly digestible fig paste, which is a natural source of energy and electrolytes. I will be sure to share my report as soon as I get a chance to try it out! In the meantime, if you would like to try any Ignite Natural product, you can use the code IN0640 to save 10% on any purchase.

One thing I forgot to mention in my What’s Beautiful progress post was a report on my exercise induced asthma and the results from my doctor visits. As you know, it is frequently the asthma that keeps me from achieving my time goals in racing. It has been an issue since I first started running marathons right through my most recent half marathon. For many years I followed a course of preventative medication that included several inhalers, but I stopped all of that a while back when I stopped racing as frequently and just relied on my rescue inhaler (albuterol).

About a month ago I made an appointment with the doctor that I used to see for my asthma. Because it had been more than five years, he wanted to do all the allergy tests (that I had passed the last time) over again. That took three weeks (apparently my insurance insists that each appointment be at least a week apart), and with two notable exceptions, I still came up allergy-free.

I did, however, show a slight reaction to tomato and avocado! Of all the foods that I would not want to have to worry about, those two would top the list. Tomato, because I like it and it is in so many things, from salads to sauces, and avocado, because I love it, and it is such a great source of healthy fat. And, as I noted to my doctor, I’m a California vegan. I need avocado! I also showed a slight reaction to cantaloupe, which I also like, but would be much easier to avoid.

My doctor did note that it was just a slight reaction, and that since I’d never noticed any symptoms before it probably wasn’t anything to worry about. He did suggest that I try cutting those foods out of my diet for a month to see if my asthma improves, then gradually add them back in and check for changes.

The problem in my mind, is that I don’t regularly have asthma. In fact, the only time, with the rare exception of the occasional tough speed workout, is during races. So I haven’t made any dietary changes yet. I plan to start about a week out from the race, and completely cut tomato and avocado out of my diet (that even hurts to say it!).

The doctor also gave me a prescription for montelukast, which is the generic version of Singulair. This is the medicine that Alan takes, that he swears by, and was really all I wanted from my visit to the doctor. I’ve been taking it for several days now, and though I can’t feel a difference yet, I’m hoping that come race day it will help prevent the asthma.

As I also mentioned in my previous post, I am getting along in planning my costume for the race. I just ordered the final item, a white singlet, that should be here in a couple days. Then I’ll be ready to add the spots! I was thinking that I might add a collar to the costume, but as my husband pointed out, anything loose like that could create a problem during a race, rubbing or chafing on my neck, so instead I think I’ll dig up a bandana that I can tie loosely and remove it if starts to bother me.

As you know, I am an Ambassador for KindRunner, which officially opened for business on June 1. If you missed my post about KindRunner, it is an online running store that promises to combine the convenience of online shopping with the service that you usually only receive from your local running store. They also have an amazing concept, where you can return your old running shoes and receive “Kindness Cash Rewards” toward a future purchase. Those shoes will then be donated to Soles 4 Soles or the More Foundation group to be re-purposed and given to someone who really needs them.

I am an Ambassador, but I am also a customer, who recently had an opportunity to experience a bit of the customer service that KindRunner offers. On opening weekend, I hoped to purchase a new pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 16s. Unfortunately, they didn’t have them in my ~~rather large~~ size. Using the “Ask an Expert” tab on the site, I was able to get an immediate response to my question about the availability of my favorite shoe. Yes, they were out of my size, but were expecting an order within a few days.

It was closer to a week, but when the shoes came in I received a personal email from Pat Jacobs, the General Manager of KindRunner, letting me know that my shoes had come in (in purple!), but he didn’t want to put them online until I had a chance to order my pair. He gave me his direct number and asked me to call. I did and in a few days I will be the proud owner of a new pair of purple Mizuno Wave Riders! I think I’d better add some purple felt to my costume

I’ve been ready to send some of these babies back in for a while. Now I’ll have my chance!

Weekly Training Recap

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Strength, Superball Class plus I shot a video for my Friday Fitness post (yes, that counts).

Wednesday: I started by running three miles with Penny. It was hot and I was supposed to go back out and run some intervals on the road. I just couldn’t do it. Instead, as I headed back out the door I made myself pick up the pace, telling myself that I only had to run at race pace. I managed to hold it for three miles at about 30 seconds faster that race pace. I did stop at the halfway point for a minute or so, but got right back going again. Yes, I am a little proud of myself.

Thursday: Rest (supposed to be strength, but I coached the class and did not participate)

Friday: Rest

I rested on Friday, but these two didn’t. Their ages add up to 188 (93 on the left, 95 on the right). They both still play tennis, the man on the left does Pilates and just came from Tai Chi class. The man on the right works out twice a week too.

Saturday: Trail run with Alan and the dogs. Four miles with Penny and Buddy, then I took Olivia and Lily out for another mile.

I passed these grapevines on the second part of my run. It is just a small little vine, right on the street, in front of a house in my neighborhood. Admission: I tasted one. It was good!

Sunday: This is where I asked myself, isn’t it supposed to get easier not harder? I ran two miles with Penny, then headed out for another 10. The weather was pretty cool, about 75 degrees when I started at 5:45. It did get hotter as the sun came up, but never too bad. But I struggled to keep going. Well I didn’t really have a choice because it was an out and back route, but I had to make myself little promises to keep going (make it to the stoplight and you can walk for a minute). I did finish my 12, then filled up my bottle with some ice cold InRefresh to help get some electrolytes and fluids back.

My total miles were 23 for the week, but more importantly, I got all my workouts in. Next week is building to my last long run of 14 miles before I taper down for the race. The forecast for next weekend is 109. It will be interesting.

The only picture I took while these guys were swimming because they thought that skinny dipping was a fun idea. Fortunately, summer at a county club = not many people around!

This picture was taken the next day (obviously, they are clothed). Grandpa was having a great time celebrating Father’s Day.

How did your training week go? Any great workouts, races, or competitions? Please share!

Disclosure: As a KindRunner Ambassador I received a small discount on my purchase and I will at a future time receive products for review. As a member of Team Ignite I receive a small discount on the products I purchase. All opinions are my own.

Filed Under: Costume Party Run, KindRunner, La Quinta, running · Tagged: allergies, Costume Party Run, exercise induced asthma, half marathon, Ignite Naturals, inrefresh, Kindrunner, running, training, training recap, training update, Vegan

What’s Beautiful: 4 Weeks to My Goal. Plus a Friday Workout!

June 13, 2013 · by Debbie Woodruff · 25 Comments

If you will recall, I joined the Under Armour What’s Beautiful campaign as a FitFluential Ambassador a little over five weeks ago. Well, I am a little past the halfway point in my training program to achieve my goal of completing my first sub-2 hour half marathon since turning 50, and I thought this would be a good time to check in and review my progress. Have you joined yet? It’s still not too late to get started conquering your fears, completing challenges, and achieving your goals (and possibly winning some cool stuff along the way!).

The Goal and the Training

Obviously, in order to run my sub-2 hour half marathon, I needed to create (and stick to) a training plan. I’ve been pretty good about following the program, with just a few setbacks caused recently by the increasing heat in the desert. That being said, I feel good about my training and think that my goal is within reach.

I am training for the Costume Party Run, which is on July 7 (you can see my most recent training report here). As the name suggests, I will be running in costume, so in order to have fun dressing up and still achieve my time goal, I needed to figure out a costume that would be both fun and functional. With my readers’ help, I decided to create a Dalmatian costume, basically in homage to my running partner Penny. I also thought it would be fun to take it a little farther and dress up as the Shoe Dog, the Dalmatian mascot of race sponsor Road Runner Sports.

I am gathering supplies for my costume. I ordered ears and a tail (though my brain can’t quite wrap around how the tail attaches yet), I bought some multi-colored felt, and I finally bought a white running skirt. Now I just need to find a white top and I’ll be ready to add my spots! Of course, I had to take the skirt out for a trial run and I’m happy to report that it fit well and the under-shorts stayed perfectly in place.

While the running has been going well, my strength training has been limited to the classes that I teach and the workouts I create (see below for a Friday Fast, Furious, and Functional workout!). My goal is still to get back into the gym, and I will. Soon, very soon.

What’s Beautiful Challenges

One of the fun things about joining the What’s Beautiful program is conquering the challenges. These involve things like making a video to state your goal, trying a sport you don’t usually do, write an inspirational quote, all the while taking photos of your progress and uploading them to your page.

I have done many of the challenges. Really, I have. But if you check my What’s Beautiful profile page, you will see that I have been a bit lax about photographing, videoing, and uploading them. In fact, I have only recorded one of the challenges. One of my goals for this post is to get going and and complete those challenges.

What’s Beautiful: Getting Stronger

While I haven’t been to the gym for my strength training (yet), I have been teaching a variety of classes, including my Fast and Furious class, which is a high intensity workout done in a circuit format. Many of the workouts use little or no equipment (the one below requires only a medicine ball), and can be completed in less that half an hour. Remember to do an appropriate warm up of five to 10 minutes before starting the workout, and as with any form of exercise you should check with your doctor before starting a new program.

If you have any questions about the exercises, watch my video for demonstrations and form tips.

So, what do you think of my costume? I’m going to pin the spots on as someone suggested, because I’d like to use the skirt again. Is there something else I should add? If you are participating in the What’s Beautiful program, how are your goals and challenges going? Feel free to share a link in the comments.

Disclaimer: Although I am a certified Coach and Personal Trainer, I am not YOUR Coach or Personal Trainer. Always adapt workouts to suit your body and fitness level. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

Filed Under: La Quinta, running, Workout · Tagged: challenges, Costume Party Run, Exercise, FitFluential, Fitness, goal, half marathon, running, What's Beautiful

Costume Party Run: The Week in Training

June 3, 2013 · by Debbie Woodruff · 16 Comments

With just over a month to go before my target half marathon, the Costume Party Run, my training should be heating up. Instead, the weather is. As I type this it is about 107 outside (fortunately I am inside). I’ve been very fortunate the last few weeks that the mornings have been cool and lovely. That seems to be over now. This morning at 5:00 it was 81 degrees. And warming up. Quickly.

Still, I am excited about my training and about the race in general. Remember the date…July 7 in San Diego. The Hilarious Half and the Wacky 5k both start at Qualcomm Stadium, and promise to be an insane combination of warm weather, costumes and crazy runners. Plus, remember the half marathon has what may be the biggest medal EVER!

I plan to get started on my costume this week. You guys gave me some great suggestions for turning a white running skirt and top into a Dalmatian costume, now I need to get going. A few felt circles, ears, tail, and I’ll be good to go!

I’ve been pushing in my training this week, in spite of the heat, but it has been challenging. I’ve had some asthma issues, some achy knees, and just a general feeling of, well, of feeling my age. I’m sure a lot of it has to do with the weather, and I know I’ll adapt, but it’s been tough. Okay, enough of the excuses. Here’s my Week in Training.

Strength Training

Now that my Fast and Furious class is finished for the summer, I’ll either have to do it on my own (fat chance, though I could possibly handle the Seven Minute Workout), or get back to the gym. Finally. My “excuses,” my dear clients I see after my regular work day on Mondays and Thursdays, are leaving for the summer, opening up some time that should be put to good use.

In the meantime, I taught two Superball Classes this week. On Tuesday we did “Student’s Choice,” where each member of the class takes turns picking from a list. I love my class, they always pick the hardest exercises! On Thursday, I planned a circuit where the class goes from station to station. I usually keep the time and watch their form (everybody is doing different exercises, so you have to pay better attention). But when only three people showed up, all longtime students, I decided to join in, so I got my workout too.

On Wednesday I filmed the Seven Minute Workout and did the whole thing all the way through. Judging by my heavy breathing in the video, I was working pretty hard, so it counts.

Running

I already wrote about Wednesday’s workout. In a nutshell: Intervals. Heat. Asthma. Kick Ass. Done. If you want to read the details, click here.

Week in Training - Exercise Induced Asthma

My inhaler is my friend.

On Saturday, Alan and I ran our regular trail run with Buddy and Penny. It’s a little over four miles, and we got out much too late. It was 6:30 when we left the house and already pretty warm. I worry more about the dogs than us, but we give them lots of breaks and water, and they seemed fine. It was probably in the high 70s when we finished, so it wasn’t too bad, just felt warmer in the direct sun. Then I took Lily and Olivia out for a one mile run. I also did some runner’s selfies with them, but I couldn’t decide which one I liked best. What do you think?

On Sunday for my long run, I knew I had to get out earlier. Even so, it was 81 degrees at about 5:00. I finally got rolling about 5:30. Since this week was a cutback week, I planned to do a negative split run. I still need to run with Penny, so after two miles with her, my plan was to run the next mile about 30 seconds below my race pace of 9:07 per mile. Then,I would run at race pace for the next three miles, and finally pick it up once again, to faster than race pace for three miles. Then I could take it easy the last mile, which is good, because it is uphill and always feels like a long, hot mile anyway.

Here’s how it actually went. Penny and I got out about 5:30 and ran two miles. I dropped her off, then headed out, down the hill at this point. Right on schedule, I picked up my pace to race pace. It was pretty warm and it was tough, but I stuck it out. Then, about 2.5 miles into it, I could feel my stomach rumble. Uh oh. I made it to my turn around point, which was also supposed to be where I would pick up the pace again, but all I could think about was finding a bathroom. I had a choice between heading toward home, where the park was three miles (!) away, or running a half mile out of my way, adding almost a mile to my run, where I could get into the bathroom on the golf course (providing of course, that it was open). I chose the latter.

I couldn’t really even run. I jogged a little, walked a little and finally made it to the golf course. I actually entered through the back, climbing a low fence (it’s a public course so I don’t think I’m breaking any rules or laws). Fortunately, the bathroom was unlocked. Even better, they had a little machine that provided cold, filtered water! A win/win!

After I got back on the road, I had a hard time getting going again. It was really getting warm now, my stomach was still not great, and I was getting tired. I made myself pick up the pace though, but all I could handle was one more mile at about race pace. It would have to do. I ended up running 10.35 miles, which actually shows how much I walked, since my detour should have added almost an extra mile.

I took this picture on the way out. It is really a beautiful scene, but if you look closely at the rocks, you will see the reason that I stopped for a photo.

I didn’t spend the whole weekend running (or recovering from running). On Saturday Alan and I went to the movies for the first time in ages. We saw Now You See Me. It was very far fetched, but extremely entertaining. The real reason I mentioning the movies though was that when Alan was buying his popcorn I was excited to see this:

Yes, I was way more excited that I should have been about a processed food snack at a movie theater. But, and it’s a big but, the movie theater is a world filled with tons of junk, from popcorn coated in highly saturated gunk, to candy, to huge sodas, so to find a practically healthy, not to mention vegan snack, thrilled me. Once in the theater though, I saw one of the drawbacks of crackers with hummus at the movies: it’s hard to see while you put the hummus on your cracker in the dark. No matter. I will keep buying this snack, so hopefully the movie theater will keep stocking it.

So, that was my week in half marathon training. How did your week go? Any races, competitions, or other training you’d like to share?