SC Loves to Run!

Brand New Day

smchurchi — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 10:38:19 +0000

Thirty weeks until Ironman Lake Placid. Sounds like a long way off but it’s not. I’m realizing quite quickly that I need to get disciplined and start training in earnest now. Seems like I have many excuses for missing workouts lately, most of which are pretty lame. To date, I’ve only spent about 3 hrs a week on the bike, 35 miles of running (that’s okay), and 0 minutes of swimming. In fact, I haven’t been in the water since the beginning of September! Thankfully, today is an opportunity to start fresh and today I will swim before running with my friends. And, I’ll make myself fall in love with the pool…YUCK!

No more excuses; time to get serious!

Filed under: Training

A New Beginning

smchurchi — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 13:57:25 +0000

It’s been nearly 3 years since I wrote in my blog, far too long. Truthfully, my life was so chaotic that I found it difficult to write about anything. But it’s the beginning of a new year and a beginning of a new book for me, the book of joy. This year I am dedicating every cell of my being to finding joy. That doesn’t mean finding wealth or finding herds of friends. To me, finding joy means digging deep within my heart and seeking that missing piece that I’ve wasted so many years pursuing. I’m realizing that I need to let down the curtains that have hidden my feelings and be vulnerable; I need to open up myself to God’s purpose for me.

This blog will continue to be about my training adventures but it will also include my endeavors toward finding joy. That’s my most important goal in 2013…find joy and shine it brightly for all to see.

This song spoke to me, changed me, broke me. Maybe it will speak to you.

Filed under: Attitude, blogging, Change, Goals, Happiness

Day by Day

smchurchi — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 12:33:08 +0000

“Keeping my eye on today is about all I’m capable of. And today, I think I’ll go for a run.”

John Bingham, “Back to the Future”, Runner’s World

Amazing quote, don’t you think? It struck a chord with me when I read it yesterday. Life is hectic and living it one day at a time is about all I can do. Each day, I think about how I will fit in my workout…especially my run. Although it may seem downright impossible to run at times, I’m always sooo glad I did!

And today I think I’ll go for a run…a short, easy run, that is. With the Boston Marathon only 6 days away, it’s mostly active resting that I’ll be doing this week and that’s what I did last week. Sound like an oxymoron? Not really. I feel that it’s important to keep my body moving during taper week; I just move it more slowly and more gently with much less time devoted to training of any kind. For example, previously on Tuesdays I ran and swam…a 9 mile hill repeat run and an hour and a half swim. Tonight, I think I’ll run an easy 4 miles. Sounds like I’m a whimp, right? No, just actively resting.

Monday, April 5 – Long Run 12.2 miles in 1:45:32.

Tuesday, April 6 – Tempo Run 5 miles, Swim 1.5 hours of drills.

Wednesday, April 7 – Mountain Bike 21 mile ride.

Thursday, April 8 – Run Hill Repeats for 7 miles, Swim 2000 yards.

Friday, April 9 – Rest

Saturday, April 10 – Easy Run at Marathon Pace 4.5 miles (Tapering in Earnest now!!!)

Sunday, April 11- Last kinda long run of 8 miles at marathon pace.

Filed under: Boston Marathon 2010, tapering

Spring Has Sprung

smchurchi — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 13:37:33 +0000

March went out like a lamb for Rochesterians. The weather in this neck of the woods has been exceptionally warm, sunny, and downright summerlike. Definitely a welcomed change!

I am so grateful to be able to go outside and play in the sunshine. Admittedly, I love the sun and I love to sweat in the sun…while working out, that is. There is nothing quite like throwing on a pair of shorts and running shoes and hitting the pavement. Awwww…spring!

Last week I enjoyed a great week of training. One of the highlights of my week was a 45 mile ride with my two buddies, Kirsten and Karin. This ride was really special to me for many reason. First and foremost, I spent time with two women whom I admire and love. Their happy spirits and courageous personalities challenge me to do new things and to stretch myself a bit beyond my current ability. Another reason that this ride was special was that Kirsten taught me to clip into my pedals, something that I’ve avoided for the past year. At first I was petrified to even attempt clipping in, but Kirsten patiently explained how to stop, how and when to clip in, when to clip out. I’m so happy to say that I DID IT and I didn’t even fall!!! THANK YOU, KIRSTEN!

I enjoyed another fun ride this week. For this ride I left my fancy Cervelo P2C home, and instead, took my Specialized Rockhopper mountain bike. I rode easy trails for the most part, except for one off-road path that was full of rocks, mud, and steep hills to climb. I became very frightened on this particular trail, hopped off my bike, and proceeded to swear! This behavior is not characteristic of me, not in the least. I guess I just need to get out and ride more trails to build up my confidence. Mountain biking is great for balance, though, and I do feel that I’ve worked my core when all is said and done. God bless my friend (who is an EXCELLENT cyclist) for staying right by my side and attempting to teach me the ins and outs of riding trails.

Here is my week of training:

Monday, March 29 – Swim 1800 yards. (40 minutes)

Tuesday, March 30 – Run. 8.5 miles of hill repeats. Swim. 1.5 hours of drills. (2 hours 45 min)

Wednesday, March 31 - Brick workout. Mountain Bike and immediately followed by a 5.25 mile run. (2 hours 45 minutes)

Thursday, April 1 - Run. 7.25 miles. First hot day in Rochester. Was supposed to do speed work but just felt too tired.

Friday, April 2 – Bike. 45 miles in about 3 hours including stops. Run for 30 minutes. (3 hours 30 minute).

Saturday, April 3 – Rest.

Sunday, April 4 (Easter) – Run. 6.2 easy miles. Have to push my long run to Monday, April 5 due to Church and Easter commitments. (53 minutes)

Filed under: Cycling, friends, running, Training

Training Week March 22 – 28, 2010

smchurchi — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:55:38 +0000

This week I backed off of the cross training due to time constraints. Boy, do I feel the difference! When I incorporate biking and swimming into my training, I feel much stronger and less achy. When I add a dash of yoga to the mix, I feel even better! Anyway, my main focus this week was running, not purposefully…it’s just the way life worked!

Here’s what I did:

Monday, March 22 - Easy recovery run 5.25 miles at an 8:40 pace. This run followed a tough weekend consisting of an 8 mile run Friday evening, a 10 mile run and 30 mile bike Saturday, and a 12 mile hill run on Sunday.

Tuesday, March 23 – No time!

Wednesday, March 24 - Hill Repeats. 9 mile run consisting of 8 hill repeats. 1500 yard swim immediately after.

Thursday, March 25 - Fartlek run 7.25 miles

Friday, March 26 - Rest

Saturday, March 27 - Long Run. 20.25 miles with the last 9 at 8:57 pace.

Sunday, March 28 – Easy recovery run – 4.25 miles.

Goals for the week of March 29 – April 4

Swim and Bike more
Run less with more emphasis on quality runs
Get more sleep
Eat fewer jellybeans!!
Work on keeping my mind positive

Filed under: Boston Marathon 2010, Goals, Marathon training

Getting Back My Shine

smchurchi — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:56:40 +0000

Up until about a year ago, I went to Power Vinyasa classes at a wonderful yoga studio in Pittsford, NY at least twice a week. When I initially began these classes, I quickly noticed my body changing. My core became strong and legs and arms toned. More importantly, my mind underwent some very necessary transformations: I began focusing on the present and on joy, peace, and contentment. I learned how to shine from the inside out, and I never felt better.

Now, the yoga is gone and with it went my shine. My runs lack enthusiasm and strength. I find my thoughts drifting often to my inability to improve instead of staying present and accepting my body’s current ability. My joyful, cheerful disposition has been replaced by a sullen, insecure being I don’t recognize.

I need to will get my shine back. I need to will find my joy. I need to will focus on the positives of running. Today is a new day and a new opportunity to shine on.

Filed under: 1

Today’s Training Plan

smchurchi — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:04:09 +0000

It’s Tuesday which normally means a hill repeat run followed by an hour and a half of swim lessons. Not tonight, though. My swim instructor is out of town; therefore, tonight will be a run and an hour swim.

Tonight’s run is supposed to be 8 miles of hill repeats with the emphasis on the downhill. I love running downhill! There’s nothing like feeling my feet moving fast and my body still feeling good. Uphill is another story. I work on the ascent because I know it’s good for me and I know it builds strength. Honestly, it’s not easy but, then again, nothing worthwhile is easy!

Looking forward to this evening’s workout!

Filed under: Marathon training, Swimming

Running, Biking, Swimming…TIRED!

smchurchi — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:13:47 +0000

Someone once told me that the more I worked out, the better I’d feel. So, if I’m running, biking, and swimming 12 hours or more per week, shouldn’t I feel like a million bucks? NO! I AM TIRED!

I think my problem is that I’m running too much, but how do you train for the Boston marathon if you don’t run a lot? So many of my running buddies are putting in crazy running miles…60 or more miles per week and they’re running so well. I’m only running about 40 miles per week but I’m also biking 5 or more hours and swimming at least 3 hours per week. Does all of this training make a slow, sluggish runner? HELP!!! I need some advice!

On another note, I registered my new husband and I for the Cozumel Ironman in Cozumel, Mexico, November 28 this year. I have a L-O-N-G way to go before then, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Filed under: Boston Marathon 2010

Dreams Really DO Come True

smchurchi — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:08:52 +0000

A familiar Disney tune from Cinderella chimes,

A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you’re fast asleep.
In dreams, you lose your heartaches;
Whatever you wish for, you keep.
Have faith in your dreams and some day
Your rainbow will come smiling through.
No matter how your heart is grieving,
If you keep on believing,
The dream that you wish will come true.

I happily report that a long-time dream I’ve had is finally coming true. I’M RUNNING THE BOSTON MARATHON APRIL 19, 2010! I’m so excited…I just can’t believe it! Well, maybe I can; afterall, it took me 9 marathons to finally qualify.

My training is going fairly well to date. Actually, I spent a considerable amount of time on the treadmill this winter and I believe that the emphasis on intervals and hill repeats is making me stronger. The treadmill can be mighty boring but mixing it up with different workouts helps with the drudgery.

I just can’t believe that I’m running Boston in just 6 weeks…6 WEEKS! I’m over-the-moon, over-joyed, over-the-top excited!

Filed under: Boston Marathon 2010

Hip Problem

smchurchi — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:52:40 +0000

Of all the rotten luck! I’m 10 days from my marathon and I’m hurting like crazy! My right hip is sore from the front (hip flexor area) right around to the back (glutes). What do I do?

I ran 7 miles last night and felt terrible going uphill. Maybe I should hit the pool and spin class. Maybe I should just run on my treadmill. Maybe I should forget my marathon. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Posted in Marathon training, Richmond Marathon