Friday, June 25, 2010

Treadmill Tempo Run = Torture

I'm such a wuss.  There.  I said it.  I can not handle the heat (so get out of the kitchen, yes I know!).  Tuesday it was so hot I couldn't focus on life.  My car had enough of the heat (on the 12 minute drive home from work) and decided I didn't need A/C.  So by the time I got home, I was sweating.  Cute.  I marched in to my apartment and grabbed a Snickers ice cream bar.  And then another.  And possibly another.  While hating my oh so hot existance, I might have eating some Doritos and enjoyed some drama aka RHONJ.  All the while not even slightly concerned about my tough ass tempo run that I was to endure later in the evening.

Turns out multiple ice cream bars + doritos do not make for awesome pre-speedwork fuel.  I had 4 miles to do with 3 at 7:54-8:15 pace.  While I was doing my warm up mile, I realized that that pace is kind of tough.  My 5k pace is 7:43....so maybe that's a bit too hard.  I decided to shoot for the lower end of the spectrum since I'm racing this weekend (again... YIPPEE!!) and would like my legs to be fresh as daisies for the event.  Other than being able to feel my ice cream pouch (much cuter visual than gut, right) bounce while I was running, it was a darn good run.  When I was walking on the treadmill after the run, I realized there wasn't a dry spot left on my shirt.  Also, I was rockin' some significant swass.  Yes yes, I realize how hot that is.  Boyfriend applications, send em in! :p  The fact that it was at least 20 degrees cooler in my A/C controlled gym makes me positive I would've died on the side of the trail running outside.  Global warming:  1 Jeri + swass:  0

I did 4 miles in 33:51 for a pace of 8:28.  Tempo pace=8:08.
1. 9:24

2. 8:08
3. 8:10
4. 8:08

Mental note:  Leave the trifecta of ice cream bars for post-runs. (dumb ass)

I also did a super awesome fabulous ab workout after Skinny McPerfect-Abs trotted by my apartment on her run sans shirt.  Two can play at this game, lady! ;)

When I was updating my Race Reports and Results Page I noticed something super exciting!  The last 4 races I've run have all been my PRs in those race distances.  Granted the 5 mile and the marathon were both the first times I've raced those distances, but I've done tons of 5ks and a lot of half marathons.  It's pretty sweet when these things randomly line up like that. :)

In other random-no-one-cares-but-me-statistics, I also realized that I've had car issues before all 3 of my last 3 major races.  Dallas White Rock half marathon = rear ended.  Green Bay Marathon = tire blow out the day before I left.  Beresford 5k = tire blow out en route.  The universe's way of telling me to ditch the car for Miss Polly as transportation?  Probably. :)

Thursday night I had an easy 5 miler planned.  I managed to get next to no sleep on Wednesday night, and was concerned that I may literally die from tiredness, so I opted to shorten it to 3.  I extended an invite to a guy friend who's in town with the disclaimer that I would be running slooooowly, and he agreed.  Yay.  I love running with people.  The run was great, but the humidity made it a little difficult to breathe.  When I checked the humidity levels post-run, I realized they were mild compared to the forecast for Saturday's half marathon.  FML.  I also set a new record:  longest hair brushing post-run post-shower in Jeri history.  I've learned my lesson on a number of occasions to not wear my hair in a straight pony if I'm planning on sweating (which is 100% of the time) or if the humidity level is over 50%.  Smart me used my brain and braided my hair up and thought I was good to go.  When I looked in the mirror after the run, I realized that my braid had swelled to 3 times its normal width.  No idea how that happened, but my scalp still hurts, and it's a good thing I have a ton of hair, because I ripped out at least 1/2 of it last night. :(

I'm running a half marathon tomorrow.  And if you follow me on twitter you're aware it's going to be a shit show.  9am start time (because they want us to die apparently) 77 degrees at start w/77% humidity, and it's only getting warmer.  Hold me.  But seriously, don't.  Because we'll be so sweaty it'll be awkward.

Check out Beth's giveaway.

11 comments:

Emz said...

come on where's the "tread-love"? ;)

You did awesome!!

Good luck this weekend!! :)

Dom and Trey said...

Hey Girl! I just stumbled on your blog. I training for White Rock Marathon, so I'll make sure to bookmark your blog for some running inspiration. Good luck on your race tomorrow. I can't believe they are starting that late. I wish all racing events started at 7 am, but that's just me... BTW I'm also on Twitter. Take care. Happy running!

Julie said...

Hi Jeri,
Good luck tomorrow with your half marathon! I am sending you speedy PR vibes:)

Trying To Heal said...

damnnnn woman! i don't know if i'll ever be able to become fast as you..i have no discipline for tempo or speed workouts. come to ca and do them with me.

g'luck one the race tomorrow though! can't wait to hear about it!

Evolving Through Running said...

Little known fact .... Phidippides actually had a meal of Ben&Jerry's and Fritos prior to his run, so you're right on target for your half.

Best of luck .... stay hydrated!

Anonymous said...

LOL "hold me, no don't"

ok. since I already know the results of the race..I would like to write a 3 page long rant the the race director. SERIOUSLY. My blood is boiling.. THIS is how runners die during races. RUNNING IN HUMIDITY & HEAT MEANS RUNNERS NEED EXTRA WATER. not a dribble every 3 miles. I'm very upset. The stupidity.

ANywhoo.. Treadmill = dreadmill. I would rather run in heat! You silly girl

The un-Zen Runner said...

Those snickers ice cream bars are sooo good! I had to look up "swass" in the urban dictionary. Gross, Jeri!! Hopefully it didn't soak through your shorts. Gross-er.

Heather said...

Hope the race went well today!

Glenn Jones said...

Hope you had a great race today!

Anonymous said...

hahahha ohhhhh I have eaten ice cream before a run once!! I was scared I wouldn't get to eat it after and I never miss out on ice cream!

Ed said...

I actually had to google what "swass" is... niice! and gross! HAHAHAHAHA!!!