12 September 2009

Run It: 12 Miles!!!

A new distance for me, I was very happy with my 12-miler this morning. The sky was clear, the temperature was literally perfection (started at 55 and climbed to 65 as the sun rose; low humidity), and I felt strong. Also? Add 1.2 more miles to that and there’s my race! There were some killer hills on this run, but our coach instructed us we were not to whine about the hills because we would be happy we did them come race day. I’m sure I will be. I think the hill repeats we’ve been doing as our mid-week workouts have been a huge help… these hills didn’t kick my butt as much as they have in the past.

I’m learning to run without music and, much of the time, very little conversation. But having a couple people to get you through those last few miles is great.

Run on, running lovers!

26 August 2009

Race Me: Run Wild!

Rachel convinced me to sign up for the Detroit Zoo 10K. I know we probably won’t be running right by the lion cage or anything (that might instigate them?), but it’ll still be pretty sweet to be running in the zoo. We’re trying to get any other Michiganders to do it with us! If you’re interested, feel free to email either of us and let us know so we can plan to meet up.

10K is pretty much the perfect distance for a runner who’s been at it for a few months, but isn’t ready to tackle a longer distance quite yet. My first race ever was a 10K. I went from zero running to pacing under 9 min/miles during that race in about 3-4 months, so I know anyone can do it. 10K is also a distance that feels like an accomplishment, but can still be completed in about an hour, which is a reasonable amount of time to be doing cardio.

If you live in the Detroit area, consider doing this race!

24 August 2009

I ran my scheduled 10 miles all alone this weekend (it ended up being closer to 11 due to a short accidental detour). It was the first time I’ve run with my iPod in awhile. It was a nice run, but I definitely prefer running and chatting with people.

I’m also extremely grateful for my running group and its interesting routes/well-placed water stops. The 10-miler I designed wasn’t the most visually interesting, though I did convince my boyfriend to drop off water at some strategically planned locations (thanks, boo boo!).

19 August 2009

Run It: Nike+ Update

I calibrated my Nike+ Sportband and now it’s muuuuch more accurate. I mapped out a hilly 6.1 mile run on walkjogrun (which I prefer to mapmyrun for some reason). That means the Nike+ was only a tenth of a mile off. It was also a tenth of a mile behind my running partner’s Garmin. I actually liked that it was behind instead of way ahead this time. I hate to be told I’ve run farther than I actually have at a faster pace than I actually did.

For anyone who has a Nike+ or uses similar technology, if you care about accuracy, CALIBRATE! I think the factory settings are way off for most people. One other piece of advice: The longer the calibration run, the more accurate the device will be (I think my 8 mile calibration worked pretty well).

Now that my Nike+ is more accurate, it’s so much fun to use. I love watching the miles tick away and noticing how my pace changes depending on whether I’m going uphill or down. I think it can only make me a stronger runner.

18 August 2009

Run It: Review of Nike+ Sportband

I finally received my Nike+ and used it on my Saturday long run! I must admit, having a new toy was the only thing getting me out of bed at 5am that day. Getting up for those runs has not necessarily been getting easier. Who would’ve guessed? But I never regret going afterwards, and that’s the important thing.

Anyway, I loved running with my new toy. It was completely easy to use (I love minimalistic technology… it only has TWO BUTTONS!) and comfortable to wear.

My only issue was accuracy. It just wasn’t all that accurate. I was running with several people who had GPS Garmins and as we ran, my Nike+ kept getting more and more off in terms of mileage. By the end of the run, the Sportband reported I ran 8.6 miles, when I had only run 8. That means the reported pace was way off, too. I calibrated the Sportband after the run and haven’t used it since, so hopefully it will be improved.

Bottom line? It’s a good device for those of us who aren’t quite committed enough to spring for a Garmin, but for serious runners, it’s probably not quite adequate. For my part, I’ll definitely enjoy using it for the remainder of my half marathon training, but if I ever train for a full, I’ll probably save up for a GPS watch.

On another note, I’ve been getting some great emails from all of you fabulous readers in the past week or so, and I promise I will get to them. I’m still in the midst of that other project, but it ends soon and then I’ll be back on the Nutritionista wagon. :)