Sunday, February 22, 2009

Hello my name is...

Not a Hill Runner.

Today, I learned this lesson the hard way. Gazelle's, Mr. Pi and I met at a track near the route of our upcoming Shamrock 15k race. Mr. Pi had 14 miles on the schedule and Gazelle's and I were running 11. I knew this course was going to be tough (as I drive the route often and know what the hills are like, at least by car). Gazelle's and I did three warm up miles on the track and then headed UP, UP, UP the Shamrock course. Garmin says it was about 1,002 foot climb! This explains the mile splits during miles 4, 5, 6, and 7. My slowest mile was 13:40 (ouch...hence, the title "not a hill runner"). However, the downhill miles were pretty sweet! (Best pace 8:38...that is FAST for me...granted I held that pace for only .5 but still!)

Long Run totals: 11.20 miles/ 11:45 pace

Here are a couple of pictures from the run:



Post run I decided to try an Aron ice bath! The first minute was hell but after than it wasn't too bad, nice even. Next time, I need more ice and a little more water my legs weren't totally submerged. I think the key to making the experience tolerable, if not enjoyable, was the hot tea and sweatshirt! (And, the look on Mr. Pi and Zoey's faces.) My question to all you ice bath takers, do you hop in the shower right after the bath? Is it bad to go from cold to hot? (I turned on the shower right away since I didn't have that much to get ready.)

The initial reaction!

Trying to hold up the sweatshirt so it didn't get wet. Zoey looking on so perplexed! (Note: I'm not naked I had on bikini bottoms, in case any of you were wondering.)

After the run and ice bath, I met Junk Miles for a Blazers game! It was a ton of fun, a great way to enjoy a beer and entertainment after a long, hard run! The stairs getting to our seats reminded me with each step that I ran hills today.

I had some great totals this week!

Running - 20.3
Swimming - 5500 yards---approx. 3.1 miles (I swam almost 2 miles on Saturday...might not have been the best plan the day before a long run but it was fun!)

I also did an hour of yoga and took the dog for a couple of good walks. The two things I seem to be lacking are biking (must work that into the schedule if I want to get in a Tri this summer) and weights. Gazelle let me borrow 30 Day Shred so I hope to get in a couple of shred sessions this week AND Tuesday I will be running hill repeats. I WILL NOT come in last at the Shamrock run!

28 comments:

audgepodge said...

Great job! You're doing great with the mileage. The ice baths are tough but worth it. During Nike training season, we would all stand in the water in the SF bay with a view of the Golden Gate bridge - so fun!

Calyx Meredith said...

Great weekly totals! I have not braved the ice bath yet but if I can do 11 miles with hills the way y'all did - I will definitely "treat" myself to one. (How long do you stay in the ice water for?) BTW, Zoey is too cute.

Mica said...

Poor Zoey does look so perplexed!

Great job on the hills! I have honestly forgotten what those are; I'm sure I wouldn't have even made it through Mile 1 of the course.

D10 said...

I have been too wimpy to try an ice bath. I ice my shins, but haven't taken the plunge! Nice job on the run and the bath.

kristen said...

WooHoo for hill repeats. After a while, hills will be nothing but "speed bumps". Good girl. I hope you find that you stick with them even after the race. They are a great workout.

SJ Goody said...

Nice new layout! And... your face on the first ice bath pic is priceless... and exactly how I would feel! :) I wonder if ice baths are necessary in cold climates... like, if I were to do a long run in this 22 degree crap, would that suffice as icing my legs? HAH!!

Sarah said...

I had such a great time drinking that beer at the game - even though I bailed on the run. love the ice bath pictures!!!

Justin said...

Ha, that first picture is almost as good as having been there for your reaction. I have to say though that I am pretty sure I enjoyed my warm shower after the run more than you enjoyed the ice-bath. Maybe someday I will attempt one, you did look pretty snug in that sweater and with your tea.

Marcy said...

ROFLMAO at those pics! Girl you are BRAVE BRAVE BRAVE!! No way in hells could I EVER do that.

the gazelle said...

I think your big hill run was definitely a success because you NEVER STOPPED MOVING! WOO! :)

Also, I actually enjoyed the ice bath after the initial shock wore off, too - the sweatshirt, swim suit & tea were definitely the key. Next time, more ice for me, too.

How do you feel today? My feet & ankles are a bit sore, everything else feels great.

Cindy said...

that sounds like a great run! is that the same course as last year's shamrock? that hill kicked my arse and then some. your ice picture is PRICELESS!

carrie said...

I've never been brave enough to try the ice bath thing...after seeing your face I'm not sure I ever will! :o)

jen said...

Great week Alisa! I think you did great on the hilly run. That road is super hilly but you're awesome for getting out there and pushing yourself. Plus it's all worth it when you get to come flying back down!! Great job. :) See you Wednesday!

aron said...

YAY great job on the run, hills and ice bath!!!! yah i usually get in as the water is filling up to make sure it covers my whole thigh. LOL love the facial expressions, thats what my face looks like too :)

i usually let myself thaw out for a minute before i get in the shower, but i use a different bathroom for showers and ice baths. if i was using the same one i might be tempted to just stand up and turn the water on :)

Amanda said...

Great job on the hills, you got it done that's what matters. I love the ice bath pics, let me know if you feel like it helps you're legs recover this week.

Melanie said...

I usualled walk around for 5 minutes or so in order to thaw out and get the feeling back after an ice bath. I'm shivering the whole time, but at least I'm not numb when I try to stand in the shower. :)

melinda said...

Good job on your weekly totals! Also, I love that first picture of your run.

I am like Mica, too weak to take an ice bath. Brrr!!!

P.O.M. said...

I still haven't done the ice bath thing. They scare me!!!!

Evan said...

Funny pictures!!

Good job on the run.

I love NBA games!!

The Happy Runner said...

Oh, I love the shred! It's great.

The hills will get easier. I have to admit that I love hills but that is only because I've been running them forever. Practice makes perfect! Nice job!

kristen said...

My body is wierd too. My weight changes daily. I don't get it?

No rush on the swim workouts. When you get around to it great, but don't put yourself out.

RunToFinish said...

i tried the ice bath too, but you did way better than me!

Marathon Maritza said...

Great job, girl!

I totally am a supporter of the ice bath! I usually drain the tub and run the hot water until the ice all melts and then jump in...it's usually enough time for my legs to get a bit back to room temp. :)

Southbay Girl said...

What a great week!!! Running hills sucks but what a great workout and it makes your legs look HOT!

Julianne said...

Omg, your "initial" ice bath photo is HILARIOUS!!! LOL! You need to take me on a run with you one of these days while I'm out in PDX. Oh and I KNOW you won't be coming in last at the Shamrock run!! You're going to do great. :-)

See you tomorrow!!

Kristen said...

Haha your face is funny!

I really want to try the "shred" video - you will have to tell me if it is worth it.

Zach said...

Those hills are pretty tough but great to train on.

Not sure if I will make it this evening but Jen will be there for sure.

ThickChick said...

Was great to see you last night!
Haha, I feel your pain on the hills, they are NOT my forte either! Will see you this weekend for a run.