I felt better during this week's workout. I didn't really run any faster. But at least I didn't feel like I was running under water, like last week.

The best part about group track workouts is hanging with all the other slow runners. It seems we all dream of running as fast as those that whiz past us. We watched (with admiration) as one of the fast groups came in from their 1600 (I think). The times being called 5:28, 5:31, etc. A gentleman in our group said longingly, "Oh, but to do it in 5:28." We all chuckled.

I did a better job keeping track of my times this week. Here they are:

400 (2:00)

Rest 400 (2:14)

800 (4:07)

Rest 400 (2:28)

1200 (6:14)

Rest 800 (5:30?) I can't remember the exact times for the next three; but these are close estimates.

800 (4:20?)

Rest 400 (2:40?)

400 (1:48) I got tired of the little old lady beating me. So I ran this one a lot faster. She still beat me.

1200 slow jog

On a parenting note: I had to hire a babysitter. My husband had to go back to work for a second-shift employee meeting. It was his (and his bosses) job to explain to them why their raises wouldn't match the rising cost of fuel and groceries. Fun, eh? Anyway, instead of wasting an opportunity to be alone, we met up after our respective obligations and had a lovely dinner. I had fillet mignon and two glasses of wine. A rare and priceless evening in the world of parenting.

Today I felt like Rocky Balboa at the top of those steps. All be it, today's success was nothing compared to "real" athletes...who are born with talent and then train their a**es off.   But, I finally feel like some day I might be one....an athlete, that is.    Today, I finished a five mile training run in 49:56.   I'm beginning to believe I may actually be able to do a 5k in under 25:00........someday.

Week 13 of my life changing training: 19.5 miles

Tues: 4 miles..in evening commute traffic as the sun was setting..lucky to be alive..won't be doing that again.

Wed: 6 miles on treadmill - Husband worked late. Missed the track workout.

Sat: 4.5 miles on treadmill - shooting for 5 miles, but the gym closed and they practically had to unplug the treadmill to get me off it.

Sun: 5 miles (49:56)

Next Week: Hmmm....let's see...how about 20 miles again?

Mon: Weights (I don't know why I keep writing weight workouts on my plan, I don't seem to squeeze them in.)

Tues: 5 miles

Wed: Track (5 miles)

Thurs: Rest

Fri: Weights

Sat: 5 miles

Sun: 5 miles

I wonder if I should add a fifth day of running or focus more on trying to get weight workouts in.

Here are a few photos of what I do all day.....besides training that is. I face multiple messes on a daily basis. But this one is a little more spectacular than usual. It only took him 5 minutes while I was on the phone. (Yes, my fault. I know.) Evidently he's got quite a pitching arm.

I probably won't forget to put the jam away ....for a long time.

How appropriate that on week 11 my pace has been at 11 min miles. Although, I think my 'conversation pace' has been slowly turning into 'faster than conversation pace.'

What is an appropriate average HR when running at a conversation pace?

Also, this week I've been sick (head/chest congestion). It hit me hardest on Tues and Wed. I think I'm now on the mend.

Week 11 .....16 miles

Mon: 1 mile & weights

Tues: off

Wed: 2 miles on treadmill

Thurs: 4+ miles on treadmill

Fri: off

Sat: 4 miles

Sun: 5 miles

Goal for Week 12.....18 miles

Mon: 2 miles & weights

Tues: off

Wed: 4 miles on treadmill

Thurs: 4 miles on treadmill

Fri: off

Sat: 4 miles

Sun: 4 miles

The weather is supposed to warm up this week. Bye-bye Frosty!!!! !DSCN0011.JPG!

Every Wed night when I'm running in circles (er, ovals rather) I ponder this question. I just always forget to ask. Here goes.....

Talking to a video camera is so much more awkward than one would initially think.

Well, I pulled myself together......fed and bathed the kids.....threw on my swanky new running clothes i'd forgotten i bought (from the New Balance outlet in Lawrence last Saturday)......and headed to the gym to slog it out on the treadmill.

I ran harder than I should on a training run (which still isn't very fast) because I needed to work off some negative energy.  It worked.  I ran for an hour and I feel much better. 

Thanks Melissa and Dave for....well...being who you are.

Megan

Hey Coach Dunham...just wanted to let you know that my track workout was a lot better this week.  I waited until the fast runners were finished so I could use the inside lane.   Last week I was running way out on the black area due to the number of faster runners.

Our workout today was 400, 800, 1200, 800, 400.  I'm pretty happy with how I did.  My times were right where they were supposed to be (except my 1200 was about 20sec too slow).  

Also, I'm noticing on my regular runs that I'm getting a bit faster (or not as slow...LOL) with the same effort...and the hills are easier.  

I was thinking about running again tomorrow (which would be the third running-day in a row)... on the treadmill.  Is it too early for 3 days in a row?....I'm feeling kind of good and would like to give it a try.