Mount Helena Classic

Who’s with me?!  I’m considering running the Mount Helena Classic, which is Saturday, September 17.  Here’s a blurb about it:

“This 5.6 mile course starts on historic Last Chance Gulch in downtown Helena. It quickly changes from urban running to mountain trail running in Mt. Helena City Park. The course takes runners to the top of Mt. Helena, 1,300 feet above the starting line, and offers outstanding views of the City of Helena, Prickly Pear Valley, and Elkhorn and Belt Mountains. The course then descends back to the finish area on Last Chance Gulch.”   Becky’s note:  I don’t think I’ll be able to run the whole way but I have no problem walking.  😉

And here is the entry form:

http://www.vigilanterunning.org/mthelena/entryForm.pdf

If anyone’s interested, we have a guest room/bathroom.  We also have a gift certificate for a free night at a Helena hotel (and will probably not use it before it expires on 12/31/11).  So don’t let the expense of lodging prevent you from doing this!

Any takers?

 

 

 

 

 

River City Roots race

We did it! 4 miles, 45 minutes.

And the best thing we learned? That Abbey’s pedometer is right on, while mine is off by at least two miles.

Missoula has been very smoky due to recent forest fires, making the air quality pretty poor. I am really noticing the effects right now because I keep coughing.

Overall, a very fun race with a bunch of great volunteers and runners, and the best running partner ever 🙂

River City Roots Festival

Every summer for the past five years or so, downtown Missoula supports the River City Roots Festival (this year it’s August 27 & 28). I’ve participated in the beer drinking and music listening, but this year I’m running in the RCRF 4 mile walk/run for the first time. It was funny because both Abbey and I had the same idea of registering, and she asked me to run before I had the chance to ask her!

Is anyone else running or interested in running this?

www.logyourrun.com

In my quest to track how far I’m running each day, I came across the handy iPhone application called Log Your Run.  This free app uses the iPhone’s GPS function to track distance, time, and calories, not to mention one’s weight (of course, you have to input this). Even if you don’t have an iPhone, you can still log onto their website and input your data for tracking purposes.  It also automatically tells you, based on miles run, when it’s time to change your shoes.  Nifty!  I plan to return my pedometer to the store pronto.  🙂

Tip: Breathing

I found an interesting article about breathing while running. Read it here.

I’m going to try the 2:2 technique Monday because I definitely had a side stitch today.

First Week

Almost halfway through the first week of training! Abbey, Kurt (Abbey’s adorable pup!) and I have been following the running schedule pretty closely, 1.5 miles Monday and 3 miles yesterday. Today (1.5 miles) we are running separately due to our schedules. The best time for us to run together is at 6 am… which makes me want to cry sometimes, but it feels really good to be awake before Missoula.

I purchased a pedometer on eBay Monday and it should arrive soon. My hope is to run on different trails around Missoula.

I do have a question about the Novice Supreme schedule. Starting Week 13, Sundays say “Cross,” what does that mean?

Thanks Lindsay!

Must first thank Lindsay for her inspired running suggestion for newbies.   When she began, she ran on sidewalks and made herself take two steps within each concrete square.  In so doing, she was able to escape injury.  I tried it this morning and noticed an improvement – my knee wasn’t twinging like it was last week.  I do notice that I can walk faster than I’m currently running, which feels pretty funny but I guess that’s what I gotta do for now.

Day One

Well, I did it! I completed my first day of marathon training! Yes, I realize I suggested an August 8 start date but I figured I needed a few days’ head start. (I was right). More on my training schedule in a bit…

I changed my running time, and will now be running in the mornings before work. (Just too hot and unmotivating after work). I have also tweaked the Novice Supreme schedule into a new format I will call Novice Extreme Supreme. I noticed I was unable to run the 1.5 miles as required on the first day because of knee complaints. Instead, I ran/walked for 2 miles. I think I’ll stick to the schedule as best I can but I fear I’ll have to train even more slowly than the 30-week guide. Tomorrow morning, I plan to again run/walk for 2 miles and see how that goes.

Countdown to June 23, 2012

Okay, ladies!  This is the place where we’ll post our progress, tips, setbacks, etc.  I’ll begin by posting the link to the 30-week marathon training guide I think I’ll be using.  Feel free to suggest a different one:

http://www.halhigdon.com/beginrunner/novicesupreme.htm

I suggest we start next Monday, August 8.  Any objections?

I have some encouraging news – I bought running shoes and a pedometer today.  Woohoo!  I also have my running plan in place, which is to change in the bathroom at work and run immediately thereafter.  (I sincerely doubt I have the fortitude to consistently run before work.)   That way, I won’t be able to go home first and get sidetracked.

Looking forward to training with you guys!  Helena Becky