Monday, February 11, 2013

Keep On Keepin' On

Sometimes I wonder if I am the worst blogger on the planet because I don't post enough, and when I do post, I do it at random times.  I really should decide on some sort of set schedule, but I don't think I would follow that.  Besides, I already have so many schedules in my life, including my training schedule, so one more may just drive me over the edge.  I figure if this whole endeavor becomes too much work, it won't be fun any more! 
This Is Me Sometimes
Anyways, I am done venting, so I hope you all forgive me for not getting on this more often.  This week I just haven't had as much to talk about as I usually do, and I still don't.  I got through another week of training, which I am happy with, but it wasn't a big deal.  I did have an absolutely amazing run on Saturday, but it wasn't too long, and aside from the beautiful weather,  it was relatively uneventful.  My legs felt great though, and I was just happy to be out in the chill/sun while half the country was getting dumped on by a massive blizzard named after a famous Pixar fish.

I did want to talk about my first ever experience with group running because, well, it was my first.  I have occasionally run with one other person, but this was definitely my first with a large group.  I have been wanting to do something like this for awhile, but I got a nudge in the right direction by a fellow-running co-worker who invited me to meet up with him and his wife.  Additionally, the meeting place was at a pub 5 minutes down the road, so I guess the stars just aligned, and I had no excuses not to go.
It was a lot like this, minus the beach, sun and warm weather.
 So Wednesday night I got out of my comfort zone and met up with a bunch of people at the tavern.  The event is a monthly event put on by a local running store.  Normally the group meets up at the store itself, but this just mixes it up.  They choose a new place to meet every month, so it was just lucky that it was so close.  There were probably 25 people there, including my coworker, his wife and some family members.  The whole group ranged in ages, ability levels and genders.  Everyone was very nice, but this being my first experience, I felt out of place.  I was just glad to know someone because I had someone to run with.  He is a much quicker runner than I am, but he had wanted someone to run a little slower with, so I was happy to oblige. 

Overall the run was great, but I had run the day before, and my legs were a little tired.  I tried to keep a good pace, going a little above a comfortable pace, and the course had some pretty solid hills.  Additionally, everyone running received a free pint glass and appetizers!  I am glad I went out and did it, and I look forward to similar experiences in the future.  I don't know if I will go out every week, but I would like to get to know some of the people better.  I read an article in the most recent Runner's World about how we should all mix up our routines by running solo AND running in groups because of the benefits of both.  This is something I will continue to talk about with time.

I would say the best benefit that I noticed about running with someone else is that they definitely make you pick up your game.  Considering how tired I was, there was no way I would have gone as fast I did without someone there.  Even though it isn't a race, I found my competitive nature kicking in much like it does during a race.  This was definitely one of the advantages mentioned by the magazine.  The key was to get out of my comfort zone, and I did that, but I like that there are real benefits to it.  I love running, but I like knowing that every bit of training I do has a purpose and an advantage.

Other Training:
The biggest change I made this week was an increase in the intensity of my weight-lifting cross-training.  I decided to take a Crossfit-like approach to my gym sessions, increasing my speed from exercise to exercise, keeping my heart-rate up, and varying what I am doing.  I find this easier if I set up a circuit, or if I use a workout of the day.  The biggest addition to these circuits has to be the use of dead-lifts and power cleans.  Dead lifts are especially important because they work so many muscles, including the core and lower back.  Power cleans are also a fuller body lift, and both are super challenging and form specific.  It is really going to take me some time to become comfortable with these techniques, but I like the challenge.
Failures:
Okay, it's really only one failure, but I am not proud of it.  I had to skip my long run yesterday because I had gone out a little too hard the night before.  This was a wake-up call for me, so I really don't see me doing anything like that again (aside from St. Patricks Day) up until the marathon is over.  To be honest, I don't drink often, and I still think of myself as a drinker when I do.  I think my tolerance was way down, and I wasn't used to the higher alcohol content of the craft beers I was drinking.  I really need to crack down on this kind of thing and get serious.  My diet and my habits need to get perfected, and I need to crush this race.  I did get in the long run today though, but it was a miserable business!  My legs felt like bricks, and I just didn't have the energy I would have liked.  Plus, the weather was beautiful all day until I got home, and then it decided to get windy, cloudy and cold.

Questions:
Do you find admitting your failures as a beneficial practice?

What kinds of failures have you had that were wake-up calls for your training?

Do you run solo or with groups?  Which do you prefer?  How often to you do each?  Who do you run with?

29 comments:

  1. Admitting failures is a great thing to do. You have to be honest with yourself. I run solo and I prefer it, though sometimes a run with a friend is good. There is a running group in town I may check out after my marathon when I am back to fun running.

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    1. I do prefer to run by myself, but if I didn't like trying new things, I would have never got into running in the first place :)

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  2. oooh I think it's fantastic you tried out group running! I only ever went once..and it was very intimidating for me because everyone was much older and all knew each other. It was WAY out of my comfort zone as well. But, seeing as you did it, I've been sitting thinking about building up the courage to do it again!
    And you're right - definitely makes you pick up your game when with other people!

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    1. The fact that everyone knew each other was the toughest part. I was definitely on the younger side, and I am almost 30, so that was a factor. Still, I think it will be a situation where I just need to go a few more times. We'll see though. I think it will be more of a warm weather thing. You should go give it a shot.

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  3. I love how you went running with a group :) I run 99% of the time alone and there're days when I prefer it but it can get lonely when you're doing a long run. Oh yeah... I'm competitive so running with a group would really push me. Back in high school when I did 1 season of Xcountry I ran with a group all the time and it was amazing!

    I want to join in on the group runs at the local running room but my schedule is too erratic and I feel like I would miss most of the times... Maybe I'll join in on the Sunday one when it warms up ;)

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    1. This is how I am feeling. I would love to hit up a morning run when it gets light and warm earlier. Otherwise, I may just stick with the monthly pub-run. Plus, I feel bad because I've never actually purchased anything from this particular running store ;)

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  4. It took me a lot of times having really bad runs to realize how much drinking was affecting my running. Now, if I have a long run the next day I'm not going to have more than 1 or 2 at home. But lets be honest, we all enjoy a good beer on the weekend:-)

    I have never ran with a group. I think that it probably would be a lot of fun. I would run without music and time might even fly by. I run during work though so I just don't see myself being about to do that....

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    1. It is always an option for you if you have time. I certainly won't be doing it all the time, but I like knowing it is there.

      Oh, I do enjoy having a drink from time to time, but I have to measure what is more important to me: drinking or running.

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. I'm not sure if I can walk/run in a group yet. I think I would feel very conscious. I think its good to admit your failures. It helps.
    I have too much diet soda and that's one thing that I'm trying to change.

    I think you are a great blogger, and not all of us can post as often as we'd like, so chill about it :)

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    1. Consider me chill ;)

      Yeah, I was very nervous about the whole thing, and I consider myself an okay runner. I just get uncomfortable in situations where everyone already knows each other.

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  6. I just decided I am giving up booze for lent (minus St. Patrick's Day too;) - it is affecting my running and I need to nix it right now.

    I also am starting a cleanse - I have to get my eating on track - it makes me sluggish and I need energy to keep up my runs. So as of today I am on a 10 day Advocare Cleanse. Hoping it jump starts whatever I need.

    I love running with a partner - I ran with a group a few years ago and it was hard for me - I ended up kind of just running with one girl because we had the same pace.

    AND... you are great blogger - always insightful....

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    1. Let me know how the cleanse goes. I have heard about that one, but I am unsure as to whether a cleanse is a good idea. I will be interested to see how you feel about it.

      Yeah, booze is a tough one. I love to have a drink, but it doesn't help running at all.

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  7. Of course you have to admit a failure to change anything. Do you have to admit it publicly? Probably not - but it certainly helps! :) And yes - skipping those Fri/Sat night drinks before a long run WILL make a difference!!

    As for groups - give it time. Especially if the group already has a dynamic, it can feel hard at first. But go a few times - try to talk to different people, tell them that you're new, and ask lots of questions (runners love to talk about running!). You'll hear amazing stories, maybe learn something, and possibly find a good group. However, not every group is for every person - if things aren't clicking after a few runs, don't feel bad leaving, and not coming back.

    I've "tested" groups that I never went back to after a few runs, because they didn't "feel" right. However, you will likely find a group that's a good fit for you, soon enough.

    One word of caution about group running: Make sure the group fits YOUR workout needs, too. If you join a group that's pushing the pace when YOU should be doing an easy run - not good. For example, I only group run for long, slow distance and easy recovery runs. And I make sure not to get caught up in a speed competition. Any faster/harder efforts, I have to do on my own, to make sure that I get my pacing correct. But experiment a bit - you'll find your way! :)

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    1. There are not a lot of options for running groups around here, so I may have to just hope this one works out ;). I get very social once I feel comfortable, so I just need some time.

      You are so right; runners love to talk about running. Once someone gets me started, it is hard to stop me.

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  8. Free apps? Free pint glass? Where do I sign up?! I love me some group running and it is honestly one of the reasons why I started running and why I still run today. Having the camaraderie and accountability of a running group while training (and even just a casual run) can't be beat. I love both running with a group and solo now. Some days I crave a nice solo run so I can strengthen my mental game. Other days it's just nice to let loose and have a little fun with friends. So glad you found a fun group to run with!!

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    1. I like the concept of being in a group, but I had another amazing solo run today, so it is hard for me to imagine a group being more fun. I mostly just like doing things outside of my comfort zone. Maybe if I had more close friends who were runners, and we could just meet up on our own schedules...

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  9. Group running is intimidating to me. Maybe I will be inspired by your successful adventure and look into it? I have been saying that for a while now though...

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    1. I had talked about it for awhile too, so I figure I had better put up or shut up. It is an interesting experience, for sure. Right now, I could do without it, but once I know some people, that will be very different. I need some locals to talk running with! Hopefully I will inspire you :)

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  10. I'm never tried group running eventhough I'm always wanted to. I'm too worried about having to make small talk whilst trying to keep up with the rest of the pack. Running by itself is work enough! :P

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    1. That and trying not to hit a lip on the sidewalk and bite it! I almost did that a few times. Yikes!

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  11. I prefer to train solo but I usually run with a friend during a race. Her pace pushed me to run faster which is a good thing. I might be able to be coaxed into running with a group if they are passing out free beer though!!! :)

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    1. It is amazing how motivating a free pint is! I am pretty sure I got through Tough Mudder just for the free beer - Sad I know.

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  12. I almost always run alone. Unless starting and finishing a run at the same time as my husband on the trail counts as running together. haha. I think checking out a running group would be fun, but right now transportation is the tough part for me -- we are a one car family and my husband drives to work, making meet-ups difficult for me. Someday maybe! Sounds like fun to hang out with people afterward.

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    1. It is fun to be around people who don't look at you like you are crazy, even if your are wearing man-tights ;)

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  13. I love both running in a group or running alone. It definitely depends on my mood and also what works with my schedule. Running with a group can be good if you find others in the group who match you in pace and attitude.Happy running!

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    1. That is the key I think. Attitude is always a tough one to find a match because we are all so driven by so many different things!

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  14. www.ribbonrunner.com

    I think admitting failures to others makes you more real to people. When I passed out during my first marathon that was a failure that pushed me to finish my next one!
    I prefer running solo, but enjoy group running if others want to do the talking. It does make it go faster and it is more fun, but I don't like feeling obligated to go faster or slower or talk when I don't want to!

    Your high-five story made me laugh out loud! I would love to high five someone while I ran, that would totally pump me up...even if it was an old lady. Are you still teaching kindergarten?? I teach 2nd grade.

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    1. Yep, I teach the little little ones right now. They are an interesting bunch!

      The high fiving is totally going to become a thing, I just know it. We gotta support each other out there!

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  15. I have definitely changed my drinking habits since getting more intense and focused with my training. I think of myself as a drinker but hardly really drink more than 1 or 2 anymore, just cause I don't want to feel like crap the next day and feeling bad interferes with my training.
    I definitely sleep more now with harder training too.
    Don't worry about posting every day, sometimes I feel that way too but every blogger is different and really if you have nothing to say then don't post lol

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