Life's little adventures, accompanied by a running watch

Sunday, March 17, 2013

St. Patrick’s Day Randomness

I’ve never been into parades or drinking green beer, but I hope all of you who do are having a blast doing so!  My day has been pretty quiet and that’s A.O.K with me.

Today was my first long run since just before leaving on vacation (Mar 1).  I had my first 20 mile training run scheduled for last Sunday, however Mr. Norovirus had other plans.  I really never got dressed and spent most of that day in a horizontal position.  Enough said about that (shudder).

But with all of that said, I resisted the urge to make up for lost mileage.  I’ve still got three 20+ mile training runs that will prepare me for Maine Coast Marathon in a mere 8 weeks, so I’m honestly not worried.  Originally, I had 16 miles on today’s agenda, but decided 13 made more sense.  If by chance I felt remarkable towards the end, I had a plan that I could implement to add the 3+ miles back in.  Not surprisingly, “remarkable” isn’t a word I would describe today’s run as.

It wasn’t bad either.  I headed out into the windy 20 degree temperatures with my trusty grape Gatorade and a few gels.  I decided I would practice staying in a pace range.  After being all over the place with pace during some recent runs, I thought today would be the perfect day to practice.  I honed in on a 9:00 – 9:15 pace and kept my eye on my Garmin while trying to feel the pace with my body.  I’m happy to report that I stayed within that range for almost the entire 13 miles and ended up with an even 9:00 average pace.  A couple times I was heading in a faster pace range; other times I had gotten into a bit more lazy pace range.  Both times though, I felt the change.  It’s cool to “feel” the pace and find that you’re spot on (with the Garmin).  It was a good focus for me today and insurance that I wouldn't overdo and end up with an injury.

Post run, I had a second breakfast of waffles, topped with my favorite Mrs. Butterworth’s syrup.  Yep, not that interested in real maple syrup (I know, gasp!).  After taking the world’s hottest and longest shower, I got on with preparing for a nice partial-family pasta dinner.  “Partial” because the others already had a more appropriate St. Patrick’s Day corned beef & cabbage type of menu planned and our invitation was last minute.  Next time!

So with meatballs simmering, a hot fire in our pellet stove, and sore-in-a-good-way legs, life is good!  I am faced with a challenge though.  My sweet tooth shut-off button continues to be broken and I bought these gems for dessert –


There may or may not be a few missing.  Don’t judge.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!


6 comments:

  1. Great run! Sounds like it really felt awesome.

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    1. Thanks! It was awesome to feel good again and be able to run again :)

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  2. You are so smart to listen to your body and keep the length of the run within a comfort zone. And it's so cool that you were able to feel your pace like that! I'm slowly trying to work on that one :) I'm a total sucker for cupcakes... good luck with yours! Mine would never have even had a chance for a picture! lol

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    1. Thanks! I was even happier w/ my decision later that day when my left knee started screaming at me. It's better today, but clearly I was much better off cutting the mileage down.

      I made sure I sent the 2nd pkg of cupcakes away w/ my nephew! Dangerous having that stuff in our house....

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  3. Just found your blog and am enjoying it. Also, I nominated you for a Liebster Award. A bit cheesy, but fun ;) Check it out!
    http://beepieruns.blogspot.com/2013/03/you-like-me-you-really-like-me.html

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    1. Glad you found me and even more glad you like it! And yes, I totally got your "You like me, you really like me" reference!!

      Hm, I'll have to do some homework for this Liebster thingy :)

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