Jsnowash (Jenny)'s Mentor Group - CLOSED! (Page 8)

Well, to clarify first, my comment about wanting to be closer to an 8 MM was not a goal for the HM at the end of February.  It was more of a thought for summer race season.  For the HM I would be content with a consistent 9:15 pace - which I think I can do.

This sounds brash - but my frustration with my running stems not from a lack of ability, but from a lack of being able to think outside the box.  My logs don't reflect, but I actually think I have a decent base.  I just feel like I only go out and do the "long and slow" type of running. 

I figure myself to be kind of a running idiot.  I have this nagging little thought that the only way I am going to get faster is to get a buddy, or a coach, who can <i>tell</i> me how to get faster.  I read stuff about running splits at a certain pace, or "fartleks" and instantly my brain gets fuzzy...like the concept is just beyond my comprehension.

But really, it's probably just laziness.  It always comes down to what training I can get the most out of, with the short amount of time I can dedicate to the cause.  And so instead of sitting down and planning a running workout that could potentially help increase my speed, and then going to a track with a watch, I throw on the headphones with the Nike+ app, and try to just go out and run my long and slows, at a decent pace. 

Don't gripe about what you're not willing to change, right?  I do know that for right now, my focus is on building my mileage back up to the HM distance.  With my schedule, I need to keep focused on that right now.

Thanks for the help and feedback.  I will be sure to check out the links!

Thanks so much!  This looks perfect...about 90 minutes away and a 10am start time!!

Ok, new question for you all.  My goal and my plan for this summer is to complete  a HIM.  So I've been researching to try and find which one I want to do.  I'm kicking around Lake Stevens 70.3....

This is an actual "Ironman" brand event.  So here's my question - the entry is $250...which is not cheap.  Is it worth it?  I mean, I get that it would be cool to do an actual "branded" event...but that's a lot for one race.  I'm almost certain I can find a non IM brand event for significantly cheaper...

I don't think anyone else in this group is from Washington, so I won't ask about other local races...but your thoughts on this would be appreciated.  Thanks!

If you feel like you have a good base, my suggestion to get over the constant running pace hump is to run intervals.  I was in the same place you were, and doing interval running got me to recognize how it feels to run faster and that my body could handle running faster.  I wanted to improve my pace by about 30 seconds/mile so I started doing intervals at my target pace for a minute and then slowing back down to slightly slower than my normal comfortable pace (I use a GPS watch to track my pace).  I repeated that throughout the run and then slowly started increasing the length of my intervals at the target pace and shortening the time spent at the normal comfortable pace.  Like others have said though, be careful about injuring yourself by going too hard too quick.

Oh, I totally understand. You are already in a much better place than I am, but I still understand the frustration. I have also wondered about a running coach -- even just someone to look at my stride and see if I am totally off. It's possible, for all I know, that I could change one little thing and increase my speed.

I have started throwing in a little fartlek work, but my base is still not that great, so I need to be careful with it.

Good for you two. I would love to join you, but I'm still trying to cough up a lung, so I'm going to try another 30 minute very light session on the trainer this evening.

I miss running. It's making me very sad.

Hi guys! Sorry I have been a bit MIA. I promise to be around more now that the holidays are over, and the kids are back in school.

I realized that I have my log settings so that only those on my friends list can see my logs (I think--that's how it should be, LOL, so if you could see my logs before today, please let me know!) But tonight I added every one of you to my list, so it should be visible now. Not that there's much there to see at the moment. But I'm working on that too.

I'll stop back by and catch up on the last 3-ish pages tomorrow. 

Sub-zero wind chill here today.  Planned 5 mile run at lunch.  I think I need to just "will" myself to warm up -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpKXE2lm4t0

Easier trainer ride planned tonight -- thankfully it's not the 6x4 from the Jorge plan on Monday.  That one was downright brutal.

Good morning!

I have a treadmill run planned for tonight. I have to take my 9YO to karate, so I'll hit the treadmill for that time.

I'm on track to meet my goals for the week!

Races aren't getting any cheaper...you may be able to find some independent ones for around $200.  I agree with Jenny's post about a bigger field, something being around so many makes me push harder as oppose to being alone..I hate that feeling! But I know a lot of people who really hate the crowds and do better with a smaller field.  Also most of the time you'll have better on course support with one that's a bigger name sponsor.  I'd check out other people's race reports.  

Don't know exactly your local in WA, but you may want to check out REV3 Portland..heard good things about that race and they throw a heck of a party and IMO much better with the SWAG (cause isn't that what we do this for??) and support than Ironman. I've done both Ironman and REV3 and REV3 does everything just a bit better.

WOW!  Very jealous.  Sounds very exciting and motivating.  I've spent 8 years out of work (a couple coaching positions-Rowing and now volunteer ski instructor) and I have no idea what I want to do career-wise, except something active.  Looking forward to hearing your progress in 2012.

Off to the trainer...long easy spin today!