April 19, 2012

You've converted me

First, I will announce the winner of the Garmin Forerunner 210... since I know you're dying of suspense ;)  After I went through and deleted the "replies" to comments (I wanted to make sure that everybody's names were in there a maximum of two times, and since some people wrote two comments AND replied to other comments, I had to filter those out). We were left with 701 comments. I used Random.org to pick a number, and of course they couldn't make it easy with a low number (for some reason I didn't think to count backwards from 701--groan)
I counted (three times, to make sure) number 655, and that would be The Lingo Family:
Congrats!! Please send me an e-mail at SlimKatie (at) runsforcookies (dot) com within 24 hours with your mailing address, so that I can send out your Forerunner :)



Next, if you haven't already seen it, I posted a book review earlier today. And TLC Book Tours is giving away a copy to one of my readers, so make sure you check it out! I made a Google document form so it's easier on me rather than having to count posts to find a winner (I tried some of your suggestions with copy + paste, but it didn't work for me). I think I will look into the Rafflecopter that some of you mentioned for the future.



Now, on to my "regular" post...

I had a 9-mile run on the schedule today, and my knee was feeling okay. Jessica and I met at 8:00 this morning to run together. We went to our usual parking spot for two out-and-backs from the car. Normally, we wouldn't have to stop by the car for a 9-miler, but if our knees were hurting, we wanted the option to quit early.

We decided to do a 9:1 ratio of running to walking. I set the Garmin to do intervals of 0.9 miles and 0.1 miles. We started out running 0.9, and then the Garmin beeped (and vibrated!) so we walked for 0.1. And we did that sequence 9 times, for a total of 9 miles.

I have to say, I LOVE doing the walk breaks! I have always been kind of perfectionist when it comes to running, and I thought walking during a run was "cheating" somehow. For that reason, I never, ever took walk breaks until our recent 18-miler. But with my knee issues, and all of you telling me to try out walk breaks (and Jeff Galloway's system), I decided to give it a try. You've totally converted me.

I don't know that I will take walk breaks for shorter runs, but when I'm battling a knee injury or doing an uber-long run, I'm definitely going to do the run/walk combo. And I don't think of it as "cheating" anymore--we actually finished at a faster pace than we normally would when running for 9 miles straight! One-tenth of a mile isn't long, and it gave us just enough time to grab a couple of sips of water (and a Gu at mile 5) before we had to start running again.

During each walk break, I also snapped a picture of the route we were on, so you could see what we see when we run :)
Mile 1

Mile 2

Mile 3 (I love this trail part of the run!)

Mile 4

Mile 5

Mile 6

Mile 7

Mile 8
 My knee started to hurt around mile 3, but just when it was getting bad, it was time for a walk break. Then when we started running again, it felt good. And it went like that for the rest of the run--each time my knee started to hurt, after the walk break it was good to go again. Jessica said the same thing--her knee was feeling okay today!

This kind of renewed our excitement about running. Lately, we've been dreading it and feeling really down about it. But having such a good run today upped our spirits for training. I thought for sure we'd end up having to skip tomorrow's 5-miler because of our knees hurting, but we both felt so good after today's run that we're sure we're going to be able to run tomorrow.

I was very surprised to look at the stats on the Garmin after our run. I didn't want to look at them during the run because I thought the slow pace (from walk breaks) would discourage us. But surprisingly, the walk breaks didn't slow us down one bit, and our training pace was faster than usual, even with the walks factored in!
The page views on the Garmin for each lap is different than the 305, and I really like it. It also includes a little map of what each lap looks like:
In comparison, on the 305, when you are viewing each lap, it looks like this:
We were eager to look at our splits to see how the run/walk thing went:
I have no idea how mileage added up to 8.99 and not an even 9.00...?!
The 19th lap was from me accidentally pushing the start button while sitting down to type--just ignore it ;)

Our running pace was faster than our usual training pace, and our walking pace was pretty fast, too (I'm sure Jessica could have walked much faster, but I certainly couldn't!). So I am definitely converted to a believer in the run/walk method for long runs. The only disappointment in the whole run is that I only burned 736 calories for a nine-miler! Normally I would have counted that as 900 calories burned. This new Garmin is keeping me in check ;)

I'm going dip-netting with my dad and the kids tonight. Anyone else know what that is? ;)  I'll post pictures tomorrow.

45 comments:

  1. Prairie SmallwoodApril 19, 2012

    Can't wait to hear what name your Ragnar team decides on! Congrats to the winner :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congrats to the winner! After reading all your posts about the garmin i really really want one!! I like you think that I'm not doing a good run unless I run the whole thing but my knees also need a break. I need to get out of the mentality that walk breaks make me less of a runner. Reading your reviews about your run/walk and how your times were better makes me a believer. I'm running my first 10k race in a week and haven't run more than 4 miles straight. I can't wait to try the run/walk for it and not feel like I'm failing by walking!!
    Keep up the great work!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love the pictures of your route - the scenery is great (even if there aren't any leaves on the trees). I jog around the block on on the treadmill so I don't have much to look at at all!

    Congrats to the Lingo Family! I'm happy jealous! :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congrats to the Garmin winner! I would really like to invest in one soon, but I think I will have to save up for it!! I tried your run/walk method yesterday on the treadmill and actually beat my PR!! I don't feel like I am cheating anymore because I actually ran at a faster pace because I knew that there would be a little break soon. :) Thanks for helping me realize it is ok to walk during your run! (and it does make drinking your water a little easier!! lol!)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ha! It would generate a number that is less than 50 from the end! Lots and lots of counting for you today!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Did you get a team name that you like from any of those comments?

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so glad you liked the run/walk procedure! I'm like you, all or nothing, but if it means finishing a 26.2 mile race AND the ability to continue walking without needing surgery, then I'm all for it!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Even though I didn't win (pout) I wanted to thank you for giving us the chance to win! (smile)

    I think that I will definitely buy that garmin once we can afford it! I'm using it as a weight loss reward!

    Keep up the great work with your running, Katie! Can't wait to hear all about the race. Another day closer! You're doing great!

    My first 5K is next Saturday and I don't think I would have ever signed up if I hadn't started reading your blog. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  9. OMGosh that pictures are so peaceful! What a beautiful running route! It looked like there wasn't another soul in sight. Simply lovely.

    I appreciate you sharing your new outlook on walk "breaks". I've felt that same kind of "I'm cheating!" if I stop to walk a bit, or that my workout somehow doesn't count if I don't run the whole thing. I'm still only doing small races so maybe that's part of it, but for someone still 100+ pounds overweight and who is barely graduating the C25K program after months of working through it, I need to learn to cut myself some slack, I think and listen to my body without worrying so much about perfectionism. (But then there's that whole fine-line balance of making sure I'm not letting myself off the hook, either. Running is SUCH a mental game!!!) Anyway, thanks for always sharing your insights!

    ~Ang (http://droppingtheplus.blogspot.com/)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I do the Galloway method too! If you read his book or even go to his website, he has proven that doing the run/walk method does not slow you down, in fact in some people, it increases their pace.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Omg. I'm so glad to hear this. I'm curious to try the walking. Do you feel like you are not cheating any more? What is a "longer" run that you would consider doing this? And do you think you'll do it in the marathon?

    ReplyDelete
  12. So did you pick a name for your Ragnar team yet? Can't wait to hear what you all decide!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think you definitely earned your free Garmin!! Great advertising for them. Congrats to the winner, I hope it springs them to a higher fitness level! Glad to hear your knee is holding up. Your dedication is inspirational!

    Shelley

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love the mile pictures, great scenery for a run! Happy to hear you did a little walking also- I don't think it's cheating at all!
    Your new garmin looks awesome! I'm really happy they gave it to you, you definitely deserve it and will get a lot of use out of it!
    I hope to be a great runner like you some day- right now I'm trying to work on the Couch to 5K training program. Running for just 1 mile straight is hard!
    Keep up the great work! You're an inspiration.

    ps. Congrats Lingo family!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congrats Lingo Fam!

    Ps. So jealous of your running route. I dont have anything like that in my town. I got to my dads house and the route I have makes a mile exactly, but I run thru neighborhoods. Kinda really boring.

    Glad the knee is keeping up!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congrats Lingo Family! Excited for you guys :)

    Also excited that I've been reading and hearing about the run/walk system and that you tried it and loved it. I'm going to get the Jeff Galloway book from the library- hopefully this weekend.

    I coaxed... I mean... encouraged a group of girls to join me at the Hershey Half Marathon in October- not all of them are runners, so I'm going to present this method to them. I think it will be encouraging to everyone!

    Loved the pictures as well. Awesome route!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! Just read my own post and realized I said "not all of them are runners"... um... I'm not a runner. I'm on Week 3 of C25K- 'ran' 8min tonight. Haha.

      Actually- that reminds me of a question I had for you Katie- when did you really start feeling you could call yourself a runner?

      Delete
    2. I know you didn't ask me, but I considered myself a runner after I could run a mile straight. Until then, I was just a poser. ;) LOL

      Delete
    3. It's funny cuz I only started to consider myself a runner 3 months ago even though I already completed one 5k race in October. Keep thinking that was a fluke. Some days though I still struggle with the term runner even though I've completed a half marathon already...

      Delete
    4. I had a hard time calling myself a runner--it took probably about 9 months of running until I finally started to use that word. When someone could call me a runner, I would say, "But I'm not a *real* runner"... even though I was running 3-4 times per week and had completed several races ;)

      Delete
    5. Yeah- I guess it's just different for everyone. I can't imagine it ever happening, I know I'm not there now, but I hope some day I am. Thanks for your inspiration Katie!

      Delete
  17. Yippeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!! I am the winner and I am so excited!!! I emailed you my info. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful scenery. I also use the run walk procedure. I'm only at 6:1 right now, but will eventually get to 10:1 and likely stay there. So glad you found your way to enjoy running again:)

    ReplyDelete
  19. haha I read "nip-detting" I was like WHA? I'm actually still like what? :) I love your mile pictures! Its such a great idea to do the walking breaks and when I get up to that many miles IO will definetly be doing it too!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Are you going fishing for smelt - dip-netting?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Dip-netting? Uhhhh.

    Anyway - I know. Right? I was the same way about being all, "i don't wanna fricken walk" but on long runs (particularly during marathon training) it makes a HUGE difference. Not sure why but it really made all the difference for me. Kept me fresh, motivated, happy and prevented me from hating life the last few miles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A brief respite to look forward to? Like the treats that you're going to indulge in post-run? I think I'm going to try this!

      Delete
  22. Oh no don't become a walk-runner! Ha ha! I feel the same as you used to. I also have so much trouble starting back up. Stay strong! Don't go to the dark side! ;)
    I hope your knee feels better soon!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Congrats to the Lingo Family!

    Love the pictures and a little jealous. Will have to search for a good spot that's not too far from home.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Suzanne SchApril 20, 2012

    I have no idea what that is but I am looking forward to finding out tomorrow! I won't even Google it ahead of time :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Congrats to the winner!!! And I am so happy that the run/ walk thing is working for you. The race is getting so close. How exciting!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Check out Rafflecopter for giveaways. Several of my friends use it and it is simple. Rafflecopter.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Congrats to the winner! I am now working on my husband....garmin for Mothers Day...the perfect gift!! Better than breakfast in bed!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I was thinking I need to take mile pictures on my blog as well. Great idea.

    ReplyDelete
  29. teachpsychsoc - KimberlyApril 20, 2012

    Congrats to the Gramin winner !!!! Use it in happiness and good health :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Katie, do you have a page on here where you listed all your weigh-ins and dates? I swear I've seen one on here before...or am I just crazy?!

    ReplyDelete
  31. I am just starting the couch to 5 k program. You are my inspiration. I also joined spark people after reading your blog and I have lost 10 pounds in five weeks!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I had never heard of the 9:1 ratio until I saw it here. Can't wait to give it a try! I have a somewhat cranky knee and it bugs me that I have to skip some run days because of knee pain. Hopefully this helps! Thanks Katie!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Congrats to the winner!! Katie - do you ever run alone? I'm kind of scared to run outside alone. If you do - what do you do for safety precautions? How did you find a partner? I am still pretty slow to partner up with a seasoned runner - I don't know if I'm fast for a beginner though. LOL I have a friend who noticed my weight loss today (yay! - first person!) and I was going to see if she wanted to run with me. How do you adjust to partners of different levels - or have you never come across that? Thanks for any answers! I know you're one busy chica! Oh - and if you get a chance - I'd LOVE if you looked at my pics on my blog! I'm so excited - I lost the equivalent of my son!! 35 lbs now! www.fatgirlfindingfit.blogspot.com Sorry - I hope it's not inappropriate to put that here. I am not intending to step on toes. You can delete this if it does!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm the same way unless I take my dog. She makes me feel safer. She isn't huge, 50 pounds, but I feel like she makes me less of a target, especially if I wear my headphones. If you have a dog give it a go. If you don't, borrow a friend's dog. The friend will appreciate a tired pet!

      Delete
  34. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Katie-I absolutely love reading your blog. When I read the things you write I am encouraged, because I know I am not the only person out there struggling to maintain a weight loss or that doesn't always love the fact that I have to go for a run. Your zoo trip so reminded me of the day I had the other day, sometimes as mom's things just go that way. Thank you for your writing!

    Jen
    http://justamomgivingitatri.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

Featured Posts

Blog Archive