This past week, I was able to get in 79.45 miles of training which is great considering I began the week feeling sick and tired and I really just wanted to get my legs under me again. Today, I have been looking at road races I might test my abilities in for the future. For now, I think that the
Sooner Tune-up 10k will be my opener for 2011. I am the defending champ of the race and I look to further improve upon my 31:37 time I ran there last year.
Then after that race, I will continue my training and potentially run another local 5k to gauge my speed coming into the Oklahoma City Marathon (May 1st) where I hope to run the 12k again on the relay squad (I love that leg and have run great times).
My last race leading up to OKC will probably be the Red Bud classic where I will run either the 10k or 5k and then it will be OKC marathon time.
All this racing and training is in preparation for the Race Up Mount Washington Mountain Race where the best incline runners battle head-to-head on the largest mountain on the east coast!
That is my plan for the year so far and I am going to get to run a progression run with Kelly later today. More details to come!
So Kelly and Myself were able to run 9 grueling miles on the ups and downs of the OU xc training course hidden away in its secret location. I didn't feel it in my legs until after 8k and I was amazed that Kelly kept pushing even after we hit 6:53 the first mile. 8 more miles and strings of 6:50's and 6:40's later, the workout finished with a closing 200 meters in 5:09 pace. And to add more insult to injury, I jogged an extra 2 miles to give me 11 miles for the day. Throughout the course of the workout, I had day-dreams of racing on a track, wearing neon track spikes. Then I dreamed I was in Jurassic Park, running away from blood-thirsty Dinosaurs!!!! It was a great workout and I look forward to seeing all the snow that is coming our way. The weather channel says 10-12 inches of snow in Norman!!!! This means I will have an exciting run for you tomorrow!
The life of a trail/mountain runner! From the hardened roads of America to the lonely snow-covered pines of our forests, to the highest mountain peaks on the East Coast!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
COLD, WINDY, Miserable
So today was a cold day! We had a crazy temperature drop that went from 70 the day before to 35 today and a nasty wind that made the outside feel like the mid 20's. I ran out to Cedar Lane and ran in Noble and headed to the famous weather tower on top of one of the highest locations in the Norman/Noble area. The view is absolutely spectacular but that also means that there is an insane amount of wind and the temperature drops a few degrees. In other words, today's run was chilly to say the least. The wind literally froze my face as I ran into the long and powerful gusts. Getting in some hills was a must since most of my runs the past few days have been on flats. And I am still trying to get my legs under me with this new dancing job that has me working out pretty hard. A sunday run is always peaceful and quiet which is a plus no matter the weather.
More bad weather is on the way so my next few posts may document insane stories of my running exploits through the harsh weather that makes Oklahoma, Oklahoma!
More bad weather is on the way so my next few posts may document insane stories of my running exploits through the harsh weather that makes Oklahoma, Oklahoma!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
The Dancing Challenge---Panda TIme!!
Today, I woke up and jogged over to my job as a dancing Statue of Liberty person. Yes, I have a dancing job! I spent three hours dancing around working those calf muscles and had a great time. It was so much fun considering that the Famous Cici's dancer who is now the Panda guy was on the corner of the street with me but on the other side of 12th. I knew I won the dance battle because Mr. Panda just sat on the corner of the street in awe at my amazing rips, jumps, spins, and threading dance moves. Now that I am all back from working, it is time to go and run!!!!!
The totals will come in sooooon!!!!!!
I ran with Connor from his place and did a nice long campus loop. After all the running was done in the book, I managed about 12 miles. A great total for my day that consisted of dancing and running. All in a days work!
The totals will come in sooooon!!!!!!
I ran with Connor from his place and did a nice long campus loop. After all the running was done in the book, I managed about 12 miles. A great total for my day that consisted of dancing and running. All in a days work!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Dancing Statue of Liberty
So, I have begun my job hunt to find some awesome part-time work in my schedule. I have had two jobs call me back so far: Banquet/events at the Hyatt Hotel in Norman and Liberty Tax Service Dancing Statue of Liberty! Today I am going to Run to the Liberty Tax Center because Ashlee has my car for the day so I am going to run there and make an appearance and I will report back later on my blog about how the run went to and from the office and whether I got the JOB!
First off, I want to educate you on what a Dancing of Statue of Liberty person does.
Job requirements
1. Dance....A Lot
2. Dress up in costume and hold a sign motioning people where to file there taxes at
3. Run around a whole block yelling, waving, and dancing at people to get their attention.
4. To maybe sign a few autographs and to just make people laugh
5. To have a freaking blast because everyday is Halloween for you!
So, not only did I land the job, I started working immediately! I danced around the block for three hours from 4-7pm and it was a blast! Once I was done with my shift, I decided to run back and call people on the run about how my day as a dancer went. It was dark at this point but it was such a nice night since Oklahoma is experiencing some warm weather where we have some 70's during the day and the temperature drops into the low 40's and 30's at night! I think the dancing job will help my stamina!
Total mileage: 11 miles for 72 minutes of work
First off, I want to educate you on what a Dancing of Statue of Liberty person does.
Job requirements
1. Dance....A Lot
2. Dress up in costume and hold a sign motioning people where to file there taxes at
3. Run around a whole block yelling, waving, and dancing at people to get their attention.
4. To maybe sign a few autographs and to just make people laugh
5. To have a freaking blast because everyday is Halloween for you!
So, not only did I land the job, I started working immediately! I danced around the block for three hours from 4-7pm and it was a blast! Once I was done with my shift, I decided to run back and call people on the run about how my day as a dancer went. It was dark at this point but it was such a nice night since Oklahoma is experiencing some warm weather where we have some 70's during the day and the temperature drops into the low 40's and 30's at night! I think the dancing job will help my stamina!
Total mileage: 11 miles for 72 minutes of work
Run from Last Night!
Total time: 55 minutes
Total mileage: about 8.5-9miles
Yesterday was a busy day. So busy in fact, I have not been able to post yesterday's run on the blog until now. I began my day waking up early in the morning to drop Ashlee off for her conference. Then, I went back to sleep and slept until 11 am. I wanted to run in the morning but I overslept of course. I left for class at around 12 and did not get back to the apartment until around 6 pm. Then I decided to go run for a little bit. When it is dark outside, I always look to run at Summit Lakes. Summit Lakes is my go-to running route because it is quiet and is well-lit enough to run around. The run was peaceful and ended with the crazy kids that live in the neighborhood next to Campus Lodge yelling at me saying "Whoa those shorts are short!" I responded with "Thanks guys, they help to keep me cool out here cause it is sooooo HOT!" The truth was that it was about 48 degrees outside and it was not hot but I thought that was a funny comment. So that was my run, nothing too exciting!
Total mileage: about 8.5-9miles
Yesterday was a busy day. So busy in fact, I have not been able to post yesterday's run on the blog until now. I began my day waking up early in the morning to drop Ashlee off for her conference. Then, I went back to sleep and slept until 11 am. I wanted to run in the morning but I overslept of course. I left for class at around 12 and did not get back to the apartment until around 6 pm. Then I decided to go run for a little bit. When it is dark outside, I always look to run at Summit Lakes. Summit Lakes is my go-to running route because it is quiet and is well-lit enough to run around. The run was peaceful and ended with the crazy kids that live in the neighborhood next to Campus Lodge yelling at me saying "Whoa those shorts are short!" I responded with "Thanks guys, they help to keep me cool out here cause it is sooooo HOT!" The truth was that it was about 48 degrees outside and it was not hot but I thought that was a funny comment. So that was my run, nothing too exciting!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Running To the Vista!
Total Time: 84 minutes and 30 seconds
Total Mileage: An astounding 15 miles almost 16
Today's run placed me at a new location and this run marked the first fast and solid run through wind and hills and the view at my turn-around point was totally breath-taking. My run pitted me up against the hills of east Lindsey street as I made my usually way down the road. The sun was shining and the weather was yet again a perfect 50 degrees. My legs felt good to go and take on the challenge of the slightly longer run today. The run was a true test to see whether falling ill this past weekend really ruined me and my training or whether I am in fact ready to rock and roll. The verdict: I am ready to ROCK AND ROLL! I had wind in my face the whole run but it felt nice and I was ready for the challenge. I stayed on E-Lindsey into the farm roads and passed my favorite troops of dogs such as the Black lab twins and the yelping beagle I call Old Yellper! I pushed myself nicely and finally made it to the moment I made history: turning left on 72nd street instead of heading straight or right. Yes, I made a left on 72nd street NE towards Robinson street. As I made my way up the road, I noticed a farmer and his dogs picking what seemed to be weeds in his garden and it made me laugh. Why did I laugh? Well, dogs pulling out weeds and plants can be funny especially when the owner is screaming his brains out..."NO, NO, NO, not the MINT! Oh FOR GoD's SAKE BETSY, CMON!"
The run took a turn for the sky as the hills out on 72NE are long and steep and challenging!!!! I crossed over Alameda and then headed towards Robinson. As I crested the hill, my heart just stopped. I was running down the most expansive prairie and pasture I have ever seen! This portion of my run was so incredible! And I know I am in great shape now and I am excited to see where I go with things!
Total Mileage: An astounding 15 miles almost 16
Today's run placed me at a new location and this run marked the first fast and solid run through wind and hills and the view at my turn-around point was totally breath-taking. My run pitted me up against the hills of east Lindsey street as I made my usually way down the road. The sun was shining and the weather was yet again a perfect 50 degrees. My legs felt good to go and take on the challenge of the slightly longer run today. The run was a true test to see whether falling ill this past weekend really ruined me and my training or whether I am in fact ready to rock and roll. The verdict: I am ready to ROCK AND ROLL! I had wind in my face the whole run but it felt nice and I was ready for the challenge. I stayed on E-Lindsey into the farm roads and passed my favorite troops of dogs such as the Black lab twins and the yelping beagle I call Old Yellper! I pushed myself nicely and finally made it to the moment I made history: turning left on 72nd street instead of heading straight or right. Yes, I made a left on 72nd street NE towards Robinson street. As I made my way up the road, I noticed a farmer and his dogs picking what seemed to be weeds in his garden and it made me laugh. Why did I laugh? Well, dogs pulling out weeds and plants can be funny especially when the owner is screaming his brains out..."NO, NO, NO, not the MINT! Oh FOR GoD's SAKE BETSY, CMON!"
The run took a turn for the sky as the hills out on 72NE are long and steep and challenging!!!! I crossed over Alameda and then headed towards Robinson. As I crested the hill, my heart just stopped. I was running down the most expansive prairie and pasture I have ever seen! This portion of my run was so incredible! And I know I am in great shape now and I am excited to see where I go with things!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
What Goes Around...Comes Back Around
Total Mileage: 11 miles
Total Time: 72 mins and 28 seconds
The run today began with one goal in mind: Drop off a movie at the Walgreens RedBox. With movie in hand, I slipped out the door like a little energetic banana peel out towards Alameda and 12th, where the Walgreens sits waiting. I noticed there was a ton of traffic on 12th street! Then as I neared the intersection, I saw the funniest sight I have seen recently, it was the dancing PANDA! Yes, the guy that dances at Cici's during their happy hour has been sighted as the Panda Garden Panda! I ran right up next to him and he was mumbling something, potentially song lyrics. He did not have the panda head but the full bottom suit and was doing splits and screaming like a little girl a bunch and even pulled together a few splits. I said hi to him but I was just ignored. I guess the dancing panda guy is too cool for me. I thought it was fun so I started moon-walking waiting for the light to change and the panda man just stopped and glared at me because he was jealous I was stealing his thunder. Then the light turned green and I hit the Redbox at Walgreens. From there, I ran out to the Sutton Wilderness, did a nice loop through the park then hit the neighborhood across the street from the Sutton Woods entrance. I ran through the housing developments and took the back-way back to my apartment and ran by the little Norman high cross country course right near Campus Lodge and filtered back to the apartment.
The highlights from today's run consisted of showing the dancing panda man a little of what I got in my arsenal and I think I shocked him a little bit since his jaw literally dropped at the sight of my moves. It was a nice run and now I really feel like some Chinese food tonight! I think the Panda man really does know how to get into your head!
Total Time: 72 mins and 28 seconds
The run today began with one goal in mind: Drop off a movie at the Walgreens RedBox. With movie in hand, I slipped out the door like a little energetic banana peel out towards Alameda and 12th, where the Walgreens sits waiting. I noticed there was a ton of traffic on 12th street! Then as I neared the intersection, I saw the funniest sight I have seen recently, it was the dancing PANDA! Yes, the guy that dances at Cici's during their happy hour has been sighted as the Panda Garden Panda! I ran right up next to him and he was mumbling something, potentially song lyrics. He did not have the panda head but the full bottom suit and was doing splits and screaming like a little girl a bunch and even pulled together a few splits. I said hi to him but I was just ignored. I guess the dancing panda guy is too cool for me. I thought it was fun so I started moon-walking waiting for the light to change and the panda man just stopped and glared at me because he was jealous I was stealing his thunder. Then the light turned green and I hit the Redbox at Walgreens. From there, I ran out to the Sutton Wilderness, did a nice loop through the park then hit the neighborhood across the street from the Sutton Woods entrance. I ran through the housing developments and took the back-way back to my apartment and ran by the little Norman high cross country course right near Campus Lodge and filtered back to the apartment.
The highlights from today's run consisted of showing the dancing panda man a little of what I got in my arsenal and I think I shocked him a little bit since his jaw literally dropped at the sight of my moves. It was a nice run and now I really feel like some Chinese food tonight! I think the Panda man really does know how to get into your head!
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