October 06, 2011

Last interval run, and Garmin update

Because I ran 8 miles Monday and 7 miles yesterday, I decided to make today a rest day. Then tomorrow and Saturday would also be rest days before the 10-K race on Sunday, giving me 3 whole days off! However, I was reading my new Runner's World magazine this morning, and it said that when tapering for a 10-K, you should do one last interval run when you are 3 days out from the race. Since I am 3 days out, I figured I should just do it. Then truly rest Friday and Saturday.

The magazine said I should do 2-3 800m repeats with 400m-800m recovery in-between (which means run 1/2 mile at race pace--for me, that means about 8:50/mile--then jog lightly for 1/4 mile... and repeat this 1-2 more times). I decided to do 3 repeats, and add on a warm-up and cool-down.

I have no idea why, but I was SO nervous! I felt nervous like I was going to race or something. I ran very lightly for 1/4 mile, then fast for the first 1/2 mile interval--turns out it was too fast. I kept glancing at the Garmin and seeing 7:xx/mi, and I needed to be seeing 8:50ish per mile. I find it so hard to find and maintain a steady pace. I either go too fast or too slow. Anyway, when all was said and done, my "fast" interval times were:

*4:03 (8:06/mi pace)
*4:12 (8:25/mi pace)
*4:13 (8:27/mi pace)

I'm happy with those, because in order to PR on Sunday, I just have to do faster than 8:50/mile. However, I know that I cannot run that fast for 6.2 miles! I'm going to really have to focus on Sunday to go at a steady, sustainable pace.

I'm a total nervous wreck about this stupid race. I've been working so hard for 10 weeks to see if all the training really does pay off in the end. And I'm just so skeptical. I've been doing most of my running at a 10:xx/mi pace. I've never trained this way before--I've always just tried to go fast, all the time. I'm seriously thinking about just running slowly for enjoyment rather than to PR--because I'll be so disappointed if I don't PR.

I swear, between this race and the upcoming flight, I am beginning to wonder if one can die from anxiety?!


I've been meaning to post this for a while, and I keep forgetting... some of you have been asking about the Garmin and where it is now. First, it went to New York. Then it went to Quebec, Canada. And now it's on the way to Tennessee. Linda, from Frickin' Fabulous at 40, was first--and she wrote a review to share with you:
"I was lucky enough to receive Katie's Garmin as a loaner for two weeks and I loved it right off the bat. I read over the instructions that Katie spent time writing up (brought them to the track with me) and figured things out soon enough. I did have to wait a little while for the watch to locate a satellite, but that's the only negative thing I have to say about it. Katie had it set up to monitor pace, calories, distance and time, so I left well enough alone!
'G' came with me to the track, on walks with the little ones I babysit and even to see the Atlantic Ocean from Smith Point! Keeping track of my distance and pace really helped keep me motivated and it somehow made the run or walk more enjoyable. I seem to be fascinated with numbers lately, so this was right up my alley. I could walk farther or faster because of the input I was getting from the Garmin. It was so enjoyable that I decided that was going to be my 40th birthday present and so I went and bought the Forerunner 110 last week. I'm so glad I did because I wore it in the 10k I did this weekend and it totally helped me to beat the goal I had in mind! I highly recommend these gadgets to anyone looking to boost their training by increasing speed or distance. Thank you Katie for the loaner!"
'G' on the beach in New York :)

Make sure you check out Linda's blog, too! She just turned 40, and has lost over 80 pounds--seriously looking fabulous! ;)


My food log from yesterday:

Breakfast- oatmeal with banana and brown sugar; coffee
Lunch- leftover Baked Ziti
Dinner- Kielbasa and Corn Hash
Snacks- pistachios, Dove Promise, dried fruit, Ezekiel bread with almond butter

TOTAL:  1,406 calories



7 comments:

  1. Good luck on your race! You'll do great!

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  2. Hi Katie -
    Good luck on your race! You've trained really well so just relax and have fun with it!
    Thanks for the Garmin update! You've written up instructions? Could you post those somewhere? I recently purchased a Garmin to make walking more interesting and I feel like something is missing in their instructions...or I just don't get it. Anyway - if you have something written up can you add it to your blog? Have a nice day!

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  3. With all of the running you have been doing, and I mean the distance you can handle at one time, a 10k will be a breeze for you! You are so fast, also! I decided to set my bar a bit lower because I had that bridge to contend with, that way I didn't disappoint myself too badly when I saw my time. However, running with my Garmin really kept me on track and I still can't believe how well I did.

    I get nervous before running no matter where I do it, track or gym. I have these expectations in my head and I always have that inner battle going on between "I'm a runner" and "I'm still fat Linda." Once I start I'm ok. Do you have those negative thoughts going on in your head, too? That's why I like running with music- I let it drown out the chatter in my head!

    Thanks for the plug of my blog!

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  4. Well I have never run a race, so I don't know much about it. However, I think just completing a 10K is an accomplishment to be proud of! Why are we women so hard on ourselves? :)

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  5. Just popping in to say good luck on your race! I hope the nerves don't get to you too badly!

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  6. Katie-
    You are going to do AWESOME!!!!!!
    Try not to get too worried!!!!
    I agree with LynnieG, I just got a 305, and the instructions seem lacking!!!!
    I will be doing a 5K on Sunday in Ann Arbor at the "Big House", so we will be kinda running "together "!!!
    Have fun and I look forward to hearing about your race!!!

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  7. Thanks for the update on the Garmin!

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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)

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