April 2013 – Page 2 – Zenaida Arroyo

15
Apr
2013

Weekly Workouts, April 8-14, 2013

I still cannot wrap around my head the tragedy that took place today in Boston. I am still speechless. Running in the Boston Marathon is pretty much every runner’s dream. The tragedy today did NOT shatter that dream for me. It has made me even more determined to qualify for this prestigious race. One day I will cross that finish line with a huge smile on my face.

Workouts this week:

Tuesday – 10 x 400 (90 sec RI)
Done. I am loving these 400s!! I felt really good afterwards. I ran these on the treadmill at a 7.5 speed which is an 8 minute mile.

Thursday – 2 miles easy, 3 miles @ short tempo, 1 mile easy
I did not run. I wanted to give my legs a rest before the half marathon on Sunday. I am thinking of going to bikram yoga on the Thursday before race day weekend.

Saturday – 9 miles at HMP, 10 minutes walking
I ran 13.18 in Raleigh, NC. It was another hilly race. The course was boring too. It was a beautiful day and perfect for a race.

According to my Garmin my finish time of 2:25:50. However, my official finish time from the website is 2:26:40. That makes no sense. Or does it?

Total miles ran this week is 18.68.

13
Apr
2013

Run Raleigh Half Marathon Packet Pickup

categories: Running Gear

Today I am in sunny and warm Raleigh for a half marathon tomorrow. My hotel is 4 blocks from the start line. Very convenient.

When I checked in the front desk clerk gave me the Hilton’s signature cookie. I mentioned that I was running a half marathon the next day and she gave me another cookie. Yes, that made me happy!

After I left my suitcase in my room I walked over to David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar for lunch. Unfortunately it was closed. What?!?! So, I went next door to Players Retreat. I ordered a grilled cheese and fries. I couldn’t wait to get out of there. The service was bad and there was a smell that I could not put my finger on but it was just horrible.

There was no expo but just a packet pick up at Capital Run Walk. This is what I got at packet pick up–just a shirt and a bib.

The store offered a 20% discount to those with a bib. So, I looked around and found two Brooks shirts. I love their stuff! I found a pair of shorts (Brooks Women’s Versatile 5″ Woven Shorts) but decided to order them instead from Running Warehouse. The reason being just in case they don’t fit well or I don’t like them then I can send them back.

I walked next door to a Hallmark store. I looked around for a coffee mug and found one for me.

The race starts at 7am so I should be ready and out the door by 6:45 or so. As for the weather it will be in the 50s tomorrow morning. 🙂

Now, it is time for dinner and to get my stuff ready for tomorrow.

Just Keep Running!

13
Apr
2013

Chicago Lakefront 50/50

categories: Running

I received this email today. It is for early registration for an ultra marathon in November. I did this race last year at the end of March and felt great (and sore and tired) afterwards because that was longest distance I had ever ran. I have not ran a marathon nor longer race since then.

It is so tempting to sign up again. Part of me is ready for something challenging. As if running a half marathon every two weeks is not challenging enough. It is but this will be even more challenging and rewarding. Plus, it will give me a chance to beat my time of 6:20:55. Yes, I ran very slow.

I am not sure how I can train for this race since I do have a race every two weeks. It is doable? Or maybe I should just wait till next March when my race schedule is more flexible and not racing every two weeks?

Well, it is definitely something to think about.

10
Apr
2013

Weekly Workouts, April 1-7, 2013

categories: Half Marathon Training

Workouts this week:

Tuesday – 6 x 800 (90 sec RI)
Done. I ran these on the treadmill at 7.5 which equals to an 8:00 mile. I felt like this was more manageable for me. I have struggled with 7.9 and 7.8 so I had to bring it down a notch.

Thursday – 2 miles easy, 3 miles @ short tempo, 1 mile easy
I went to Riviera Maya for five days for a friend’s wedding. On Thursday morning I went to the gym to run 7 miles. Ugh, for the first time EVER I was bored running on the treadmill. Not even my music made it bearable. Plus, it was a weird treadmill. I set it for 5.8 which is the speed I use to warm up and it was S-L-O-W. I was walking instead of running. I kept increasing it and settled for 9.5 but still was not sure how fast it really was. Seriously, it was boring and I couldn’t take it anymore so I just ran 3.6 miles.

Saturday – 9 miles at HMP, 10 minutes walking
Did not run. I was planning to run outside by the pool, ocean, or anywhere I could find a running path. Anywhere EXCEPT the treadmill. I went to bed late on Friday and woke up late on Saturday late that it was too hot to run outside. Why didn’t I run on Sunday? The wedding was on Saturday and I went to bed late too and woke up just in time to finish packing, eat breakfast, and wait for the shuttle bus to pick me up to take me to the airport.

Total miles ran this week is 9.6.

On Saturday I am off to North Carolina for state #16. Yes, I am excited about it!

03
Apr
2013

March 2013 in Review

categories: Monthly Review

This month I ran 85.68 miles compared to 66.18 last month. Last year in March I ran 106.20 miles but that’s because I ran a half marathon AND an ultra marathon. 🙂

I ran two half marathons in March: Little Rock Half Marathon and Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Nation’s Capital Marathon and Half Marathon. Both were fun but challenging. I am trying really hard to enjoy a little bit my races. I know I won’t always have a great race but they can’t all be horrible right?

In April I have two races: Run Raleigh and Rock ‘n’ Roll Country Music Half Marathon. At the latter race I’ll be meeting Laura from Absolut(ly) Fit. I am excited and looking forward to it. I’ve changed my airline reservations to Nashville (again) so that I get in at a reasonable time to pick up my bib and leave on the last flight so that I am not rushing out of the race and hotel to get to airport.

On Saturday and Sunday I spent a couple of hours booking hotels for my upcoming trips/races. Ugh, it took so long but at least I am set except for Savannah, GA. The logistics of getting to the expo and the start line make my head hurt. I am not sure if I want to go there anymore. Anyone wants to go with me?

I am looking into yoga classes, specifically bikram. Right now Bikram Yoga River North has two specials: $29 for one month of unlimited yoga and $100 for 10 classes. I’ve purchased the 10 classes and will start going when I get back from vacation. Tomorrow morning I am off for 5 days in Riviera Maya.

Look what I go in the mail the other day? Yes, I am a Rock Encore. I got this medal for completing two RNR races this year (Arizona and Washington DC).

Month: April 2013