Random Thoughts about New Challenges, Socking It Up and Track Tuesday

October Unprocessed 2012I signed up for the Unprocessed Challenge once again.  Although I thought I completely bombed the challenge last year, I felt reassured by this little detail just above the pledge form.

“This is an exercise in awareness. If an entire month is too much of a commitment, that’s okay. Maybe it’s only a week? Maybe just a day?” 

So, I guess two somewhat successful weeks is better than not even going for it at all.  This year, I solemnly swear to do my very best to refrain from eating processed foods or may I be choked by the candy corn I attempt to inhale.

Curse you, candy corn.

Speaking of challenges, I’m leading a new fitness challenge for the month of September involving yoga, because
September is National Yoga Month.  Stay tuned for more details!

Last week, I told you I would spare you from the excuses that prevented me training.  This week, I’ll clue you into what was happening around here.  Even though the kids were home from school, thankfully we had an uneventful hurricane.  I attended a taping of The Daily Show.  Hubby was out of town.  Little Lion Man came down with Hand-Foot-Mouth.  We attended a funeral and a birthday party.

And that was all in one week.

Phew.  Didn’t just reading all that make you tired?  Now you understand why I didn’t have the energy to run.

Last Saturday, the Suncoast Striders (my running club) kicked off our official start of marathon training season with a 10 mile run.  It was really muggy and my legs were not happy with me forcing a 10 miler on them after not running much during the week.  My legs revolted by stiffening and cramping.  It wasn’t my best run, but I wasn’t there to break any records.  I was there for my friends, Chrissy and Maribel, as they start their very first marathon training journey.

10 miles

Time 1:51:45

Ave Pace 11:10

Max Pace 7:56

Sunday, I rested and on Monday, I swam 16 laps.  I hoped to do another leg, like a 3 mile recovery run or some cycling, but I came down with a nasty cold.  I was wiped after the swim.

This morning, I showed those tired, cramping complaining legs and lazy head cold body who was the boss with some speedwork.  They didn’t complain once and they actually behaved nicely.

1 mile
9:40


Lap 1 – 0.25
Time 1:52
Ave Pace 7:27


Lap 2 – 0.25
Time 1:51

Ave Pace 7:23


Lap 3 – 0.25
Time 1:51
Ave Pace 7:20


Lap 4 – 0.25
Time 1:47
Ave Pace 7:21


1.1   mile
Time 10:19
Ave Pace 9:21

I have the Tarpon Springs Triathlon this Saturday with my first ever swim in the Gulf.  I hope I do well and not get attacked by stingrays or sharks or drown.  I should stay buoyant, but splashing and bobbing in the water just makes me better shark bait.

Next week, will be another crazy week and Track Tuesday may be postponed until Wednesday.  Instead of business as usual Obama Tube Socksfor Track Tuesday, I will be running in the Run to Remember 5K hosted by Hernando County YMCA. The race is free, but it has cost me a little cash because I purchased these socks just for the occasion.  I haven’t decided if I will wear my red, white and blue tutu with the socks, but I will definitely wear a red, white and blue outfit.

Did you show your body who’s the boss this Track Tuesday?  Are you participating in a 9/11 race?  Link up and tell me all about it.



 

To join our Track Tuesday linky party, do your speed work (at least 4 quarter mile sprints) on Tuesday or any day you that works best for you, blog about your times and remember to add our cool Track Tuesday button to your post.  Then, link up your post at either Ricole Runs or Run DMT to share Track Tuesday Speed Work Sessions.  To show support for our other virtual running partners on the Track Tuesday Team, be sure to visit the other blogs listed in the linky party.  Give them a virtual high-five and leave some comment love too.

*Also linking up at*

Stacy

Denise Mestanza-Taylor+

8 comments

  1. fortnightflo says:

    Hi I’ve been following your blog since Juneathon last year. I’m currently visiting Florida, staying in Clearwater beach until the 18th sept. Does your club have any events going on next week that I could come and join in on? I’d love to run with a local group. I’m a bit slow – 11 min miles roughly. Would you mind emailing me if there are please? Ps I hope your tri went well!

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