Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Random Revelations of Wednesday

1.  Everyone says that 1 lb is approximately 2 sec/mile.  Half Marathon PR in October at 168 lbs - 2:15:30.  Half Marathon PR in March at 156 lbs - 2:09:17.  A difference of 28 sec/mile.  Hmmmmm... I think that might be right on (I'll attribute the other 4 seconds to my just being in better shape!).

2.  Have you ever heard that if you have a weight loss plateau it might be because you're not eating enough?  And even if you shake your head yes, you still don't really believe it?  I hit another plateau at the 156 and I really wanted 10 more lbs to be done.  Guess what?  I added 300 calories a day to my diet to account for my current high mileage due to the fast approaching marathon and guess what?  Plateau broken.  Hmmmmm, maybe there's somethin' too that.  Must fuel!

3.  Remember *this post* about how hard running is and how I don't necessarily find "the zone" or feel "joyous" while running but cannot deny the feeling of accomplishment afterward?  Well, while still mostly true, I did find some of my running joy... finally.  I usually only run outside on the weekends for my long run.  So when I finally get outside, which I love, I am always struggling through a really difficult run for a long duration.  There are numerous circumstances that make it nearly impossible for me to run outside during the week... no, not even at 5am.  So I spend my weekday runs at the gym on the treadmill, where I love the company and conversation, but rarely enjoy the actual run... it's all about getting the miles in.  Well circumstances have had a very brief change for the past 2 weeks, that'll end next week... but I've been able to get outdoors for a shorter mid-week run... wow, I just feel good almost the whole time.  I actually understand the "I could just keep going forever" feeling.  It's been lovely, and I am going to miss it when it's gone.  But I'm still dedicated to getting in my miles any way I can... definitely looking forward to a few easy weekend runs once I get through this marathon.

14 comments:

Richelle said...

I may not get my 1-mile PR next Thursday at the Medtronic TC 1 Mile because I'm 5 lbs over my goal weight. Yikes!

My last two runs have been outside... and they've been glorious. It's finally spring here in Minnesota! Glad you got in the zone!

FruitFly said...

During Sunday's race I found the zone! Not for the whole race, but for lots of it. I ran happy! With a smile! It was CRAZY!!! I want every run to be that way.

I'm going to cut 25 pounds off my body. That should help my time. It could be messy though. I'm so morbid. I'll just shut up.

Rene' said...

Love, Love, Love being outside! Especially since in NH I am not outside for a couple of months of the year.
Definitely believe the weight/PR thing. It makes a huge difference. Good luck on your next 10 pounds!

Penny said...

I with you on the weight /PR. Congrats for breaking threw that plataeu.

Jill @ Run for the Hills said...

Very interesting info! I tend to plateau regularly. I will try to eat more healthy foods!

Johann said...

I was hoping to carry a bit less weight for the upcoming Comrades marathon. That is 90km (56 miles). I think weight can really make a difference on the overall time in a long race like that.

chris mcpeake said...

way to get over the plateau. Less weight is better to a point. At some point however losing muscle mass = strength and becomes counter productive.

Tri4Success said...

Definitely truth to the plateau theory. If you are under-fueled then your body feels the need to store some for later. Fuel properly and it will burn what you put in.

giraffy said...

I totally know what you mean about the Zone - it's rare, but when I find it, it's rad :D.

Congrats on beating up that plateau!

Mike said...

This post really hit home this week. You touch on a lot of things I've been thinking about since the race Sunday. Thanks.

Running Mama said...

Just found you, so glad I did. Thanks for the reminder about needing more calories to break through a plateau...it's so true some times.

runningtobeskinny.com

Karen said...

Cool to hear this! You are right about adding calories to break the plateau!

Jen said...

It's true - even now, weeks where I've added a few extra calories seem to kick things up a bit. Hmmm… Congrats on plateau busting and enjoy those runs outside as much as possible!

track coach and adorable wife said...

I think the biggest loser needs to employ the increase in calories, especially for a few days, when the contestants plateau! Glad you are finding success at your newer racing weight!