Sunday was Valentine’s Day. While most couples were out celebrating their love with flowers, chocolates, Hallmark cards, and jewelry, Pam and I were out running–but not together. Pam ran at 7:00 with one of her running friends. T and I ran at 9:00 while Pam watched all four of the kids. She definitely earned some brownie points for that one.
Our marathon training is in full swing now. Both our weekly mileages as well as our long runs are starting to get up there. Last week, we got kind of a break on the mid-week runs because Sunday’s long run was to be our longest run (so far) of the training program.
So T and I headed out just after 9 AM for 16 miles. The run went really well. We finished in just over 2 hours and 40 minutes for a 10:02 average pace. For most marathoners, 16 miles may not seem like much. But for me, it was a new milestone as I’ve never run more than 14 miles in a stretch. Below is a table showing the splits for Sunday’s run through the South Salem hills. When it was all over, I was very tired, my hips and knees were sore, and I was ready to be done. But, I felt like I could have gone a few more miles if I needed to. This made me feel good because next Sunday, I’m slated for 18 miles!
Weight Loss Progress Too
Another bit of good news is that I seem to be making some progress on the weight loss front. Tomorrow’s post is all about the changes that I’ve made and the reasons that I’ve been able to see better numbers. Actually, I’m getting really close to my original goal of 175 pounds and feel that I’ll be at my new goal of 170 within a few weeks.
All in all, it was a great weekend for fitness in the Smith household. Not so great for romance, however. Unless you think a sweaty, fit couple who can’t run together is romantic.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I think it sounds pretty good to be honest! 16 miles is a good long distance. You seem to be running strong and I’m sure you are going to rock that marathon.
AndrewE´s last blog ..Weigh in post #7 2010: Hear the Tiger roar!
I can’t even begin to imagine running 16 miles. Very impressive. And great progress on the weight front, too.
fit36.com´s last blog ..Timed vs. Distance Workouts
Congrats on the 16 miles, Mac. I’m struggling at 3 (on a treadmill) right now, and 16 seems impossible.
Also, I’m looking back through some of the archives trying to find articles about your early running days, how you started, how you pushed through, how you began to time yourself, etc., but can’t seem to find any. Pointers?
Fitness update: Long (slow) run yesterday – 35:00 (2.75 miles), increasing pace every ten minutes (from 12:00/mi.; 10:54/mi; 10:00/mi. and going back down to 10:54 for the last five minutes). Some pain in left shin, but otherwise a good solid run.
Today: Upper Body (chest, shoulders, back, triceps, biceps), following the Body-For-Life workout plan. Still working into it, so weights are fairly light.
Eating: Still tough to get a grip on. Eating way too much sugar and carbs still, but have reduced my portion intake. Eating consciously and noticing when I feel full, and when I feel full, I stop eating (but I still feel like I have to clean my plate).
John–I’ll write a post on how I taught myself how to run. Look for it late this week, or early next week. If you are in a rush, we can chat about it via email before then. Thanks for the comment
Great work Mac! I can only hope to be able to run 16 miles one day. I really want to get into running, but I’m a little weary to “learn” to run while there’s still a lot of snow and ice out. In another month or so when the roads are clear, I plan on starting the couch to 5k program, and hopefully continuing to build up my distance from there.
Brandon´s last blog ..Don’t allow yourself to get derailed
Brandon–You’ll be able to do anything you want to do. If you want to run 16 miles, then start slowly and do it…as soon as the snow melts (though there are lots of people who run in the snow).
I am not able to run anymore because of knee surgery. Running is great for calorie burning. In my 31 year running career, I estimate that I have run about 30,000 miles. Which is more than one trip around the world at the equator.
Now I walk 4 miles and enjoy it. I like the pace, I like the ability to take in the surroundings. There is always some type of cardio to appreciate.
Nice job on the V-Day run.
Frank´s last blog ..The Valentine’s Dog – Don’t Be One!