Faster Stronger

Longest run of training so far… and they only get longer from here.

I am intensely proud of this run for some reason.  My average pace was 12:49, which for me, on a long run is fantastic.  And considering the mega hills in this neighborhood and the two mile climb from miles 4-6, that’s a really great pace.

Nothing really hurt, except the toes on my right foot around mile 7.  Pollen is killing me though.  The shoulder of my shirt is literally covered in snot right now.

Focusing on your form and lean is really, super helpful. 

Now to shower and go hang out with the family!

The interview for the NYC Teaching Fellows was yesterday.  I really, really hope it went well.

I can say with certainty that my lesson, which I was most concerned about, was good.  Better than most of the others anyway (not to toot my own horn, but I had a clear, concise lesson, was engaging, was audible, and wasn’t confusing).  And I really liked everything I had to do and the other people that were there.  

So that’s that. Naturally, in retrospect, I can think of a million other things that I could have done/said.  But it’s over now and all I can do is wait (im)patiently for them to get back to me in 4-6 weeks.  I’m hoping it’ll be sooner though!

And, might I add, getting pretty close to my pre-Disney pacing: 

3 Miles in 36:26:  12:08-ish per mile!

I think that I’ve realized where I went wrong when I started this training cycle.  I was pushing myself to go too far and do too much right up front. Knowing I only have to go out and do 3 miles when I get home.  Knowing I have to come home and run 5 or 6 miles is a little daunting. 

Any who.  Tomorrow is Friday.  And Saturday is THE INTERVIEWWWW!  I should probably figure out my lesson plan…

Really focused on form, posture, and “lean”.  Must say it was one of my better runs in quite some time.

Although I really need to not eat (particularly things involving tomato sauce) before running.  I always end up feeling ill.

I always find it inspiring.  This time around I’m reading this:

which I found at work, and really like a lot of what it has to say.  I appreciate the idea of setting an intention for your training, and having a vision of what you want out of the whole process.  It took me a little while to really figure out what it is that I want out of this second marathon.  I’m still a little uncertain. 

I think mostly I want to feel stronger and emboldened.  I don’t want to be so meek.  I want to be proud of myself and my achievements. 

Being thinner and more toned wouldn’t hurt either.

I also appreciate the book’s focus on form and posture.  I never really think about how I run when I run. I just go out and do it.  But it makes sense to be aware of every move your body makes and how your joints line up and how your posture helps and hurts you. Interesting stuff.

Will read onward and report back my findings.  But if anyone else is reading (or has read Chi Running), feel free to share your thoughts on it. 

I also made a revised training plan based on this article from Runner’s World.  It assumes you’ve been maintaining your fitness level, which I certainly haven’t.  But I added a few weeks on to build up some mileage.  I’ll also be working on my posture and running form over the next few weeks. 

Not ready to give up on this yet.  Also not willing to be myself up for not sticking to my plan thus far.  Also, at the moment, not allowing work to rile me up.  So far I’ve been good at it today (and there has been some… unpleasantness). 

Did that today…

Those slowish, wheezy, runny-nosey 2.9 miles have somehow brought my cough back from the dead.  Joy.

And to bring up my (seemingly) favorite topic: I did not get the verbal lashing I fretted about all last night.  Instead I was thanked for staying late and told not to worry about the thing I was worried about. This job woman is driving me a little insane. 

ALSO attended a “Webinar” for NYC Teaching Fellows, which really cleared up a few of the questions I was having.  They focused on teaching special ed, which I was considering but had reservations about.  AND I AM SO FREAKING EXCITED about the prospect of this.  I MUST GET IT INTERNETS.  I MUST.

Can I complain about work via tumblr post?

Anticipating getting a verbal lashing tomorrow.  For probably not doing something that I didn’t know what/how to do… at 6:40 at night after working hard all day and scrambling to make up for the fact that everyone insists on doing everything at the last minute and dumping it on me. 

I’m very tired of this shit.  I’m more tired of being so upset about this shit. 

So tired. 

Short but effective:

3 circuits of:

• 20 jumping jacks
• 20 knee highs
• 15 mountain climbers
• 20 butt kicks

I upped the counts by 5 on the last circuit.  I feel so out of shape!  Tomorrow I’m going to try going for a run.  I still have a pretty bad cough, but it seems to be getting better.

My first Fitocracy workout has been logged!  Be my friend?

• 5 sets of 5 push-ups
• 4 ses of 10 sit ups
• 3 sets of planks (30ish seconds)
• 3 sets of dumbell bicep curls (10 lbs)
• 3 sets of 10 Flat Knee Raises 
• 1 set of 10 tricep extensions (10 lbs)

And some other things that I don’t know the real names of.  The goal is to do something, anything walk, strength, dance, run, p90x workout, anything every day between now and marathon.  Need to get my butt moving. 

Need to reign in the crazy here and get my act together.  

Marathon is in 7 weeks… The farthest I’ve run is 8.5 miles. I want to do better than Disney.

Now that I’m on the mend from illness, have a plan for the work situation (grin and bare it, while recognizing that a) this isn’t forever, b) they do not control my life nor me as a person, c) I am better than this nonsense), and the weather is nicer, it’s time to get moving again.  I can only let outside forces affect me for so long before I have to take responsibility for my own actions.  

Advice please on how to prep for a marathon in less than two months without injuring myself??

Luck.  All the luck is needed!  

Also, any tips on teaching from those who may read this who also teach??  We have to give a 5 minute sample lesson and I have NO clue what to do.