This post is not just about "running" in the literal sense. Nope.
On Monday, I got a call in the afternoon from my supervisor; On Tuesday morning I was on a plane to Kansas City. Right now I am in Columbia, MO. I guess what I am trying to say is: I got a job finally. So far it looks like I will be in Columbia for a few more days, and then I will head to the very southeast corner of the state for work. Remember where they blew the levee? I will be around there someplace. Maybe.
Yesterday I googled "running in Columbia" and luckily there were a few good running trails! So today, just like I planned (no excuses!) I went running on the MKT Trail. A few notes from the run.
- The weather was PERFECT. It must have been about 70 with a cool breeze. I mean, obviously a little cooler is ideal but...for mid summer, you couldn't ask for more.
- The trail was great. Gravel/Dirt the entire way, with trees for shade and nice bridges and streams. It's so nice to have such a refreshing place to run, especially after living in New Orleans where running is summer is, literally, hell.
- I am STILL out of shape! However, running in lower elevations is way easier. When I ran last weekend it was at about 6,000 feet and it DOES make a difference! It was warmer here but was definitely easier on the lungs.
- I have a Garmin. I am not sure if I like it or not. On one hand, I can look and see what my pace is and how far I have gone, which is good. On the other hand, I can look and see what my pace is and how far I have gone, which is bad.
GOAL: 2 miles
Actual: 2.5
Pace: 9:33
So, I need to do a few things.
1. Get a training program. I have one that I have used before and it has been successful. However, I have heard that the Hal Higdon is good. Has anybody tried this? What about other programs?
2. Get in Shape. Oh, it will come with training? Okay.
3. Get my pace up. My best 1/2 marathon pace was right around 9 minutes/mile. I would like to get back to that. Hopefully.
4. Find and sign up for some races! I have found that this is the most surefire way to stay on track. The plan is to insert a 5k and a 10k into my training program. Then maybe I will take both Lisa and Lucy's advice and sign up for some longer races in the fall. How do you find races? Runners World? Road Runners?
One more question! Should I sign up with a running club? (I did it in New Orleans and NEVER once met up with it) Have you tried this? Did it work? Did you like it?
So, a job and a workout plan. All in one week. So much excitement.
On Monday, I got a call in the afternoon from my supervisor; On Tuesday morning I was on a plane to Kansas City. Right now I am in Columbia, MO. I guess what I am trying to say is: I got a job finally. So far it looks like I will be in Columbia for a few more days, and then I will head to the very southeast corner of the state for work. Remember where they blew the levee? I will be around there someplace. Maybe.
Yesterday I googled "running in Columbia" and luckily there were a few good running trails! So today, just like I planned (no excuses!) I went running on the MKT Trail. A few notes from the run.
- The weather was PERFECT. It must have been about 70 with a cool breeze. I mean, obviously a little cooler is ideal but...for mid summer, you couldn't ask for more.
- The trail was great. Gravel/Dirt the entire way, with trees for shade and nice bridges and streams. It's so nice to have such a refreshing place to run, especially after living in New Orleans where running is summer is, literally, hell.
- I am STILL out of shape! However, running in lower elevations is way easier. When I ran last weekend it was at about 6,000 feet and it DOES make a difference! It was warmer here but was definitely easier on the lungs.
- I have a Garmin. I am not sure if I like it or not. On one hand, I can look and see what my pace is and how far I have gone, which is good. On the other hand, I can look and see what my pace is and how far I have gone, which is bad.
GOAL: 2 miles
Actual: 2.5
Pace: 9:33
So, I need to do a few things.
1. Get a training program. I have one that I have used before and it has been successful. However, I have heard that the Hal Higdon is good. Has anybody tried this? What about other programs?
2. Get in Shape. Oh, it will come with training? Okay.
3. Get my pace up. My best 1/2 marathon pace was right around 9 minutes/mile. I would like to get back to that. Hopefully.
4. Find and sign up for some races! I have found that this is the most surefire way to stay on track. The plan is to insert a 5k and a 10k into my training program. Then maybe I will take both Lisa and Lucy's advice and sign up for some longer races in the fall. How do you find races? Runners World? Road Runners?
One more question! Should I sign up with a running club? (I did it in New Orleans and NEVER once met up with it) Have you tried this? Did it work? Did you like it?
So, a job and a workout plan. All in one week. So much excitement.
I am so excited for you! So glad you landed a gig!!
ReplyDeleteFIrst off, I adore Hal Higdon, I hae exclusively used his plans when training.
Second, 9:33 is really good when you are just getting back into training!
Third, active.com is a great website to use to find races!!
Fourth, I am 0 for 2 on running clubs... but hopefully I like the one I am joining in July!!
Ugh, need a running partner? I just went for a run today - made it about a half mile and crapped out...walked about 10 minutes then ran another half mile. I thought about buying a Garmin but the man at Best Buy told me I'd be better off saving my $$ until I was a 'serious' runner, lol. I have one of the Hal Higdon plans saved, but I haven't actually followed it, I think I am going to take this week to take brisk runs, and then start following a training plan next week. Wanna join?? ;)
ReplyDeletePS I have accounts at dailymile.com and mapmyrun.com -- you can use the GPS systems on there if you have an Iphone. I don't which stinks, but if you do, it's for sure something to try out! xo
Congrats on landing the new job! Keep up the running!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got a gig! I don't have many tips regarding running but seeing as Columbia is very close to where I live in St. Louis, I thought I'd give you the name of two places to check out while you are there :)
ReplyDeleteLes Bourgeois Winery and Vineyard has some great wines available for tasting and a great restaurant on the grounds (with views that will make you forget you are in Missouri!) http://www.missouriwine.com/
For drinks that are tasty and dangerously good (aka you can't taste the alcohol) check out Trops which to my understanding is a must-have for Mizzou fans come game day.
http://www.2trops.com/