Friday, October 26, 2012

Pace Calculator and Thunderstorms

The Macmillan pace calculator is a funny thing. Have you ever used it before? I know it isn't an exact science but it sure is a nice guide. Based on my 5k PR (22:53), it says I'm capable of a 1:45 half marathon. Considering that is what I was working towards earlier this year, it is nice to know that a computer program has my back, in addition to all of my friends and coach. The calculator also gives projected paces for long runs, mid-week runs, and tempo runs. If you aren't sure what your tempo pace should be, this site is a great guide/start.

I think it is interesting that I ran a better time at Zooma than I did at the Rock N Roll half that I worked my tail off for. It is funny how detrimental heat and self destruction can be. Running a 2:02 at Zooma while having a fun, easy going, and conversational race really gave me the mental boost that I didn't know I was looking for. I haven't been training as hard because of my exam, and I just went out there to run a fun race. (Fun is relative here because no one was having fun on that giant hill.) I worked hard for a 1:45 and I feel like now that goal is achievable. My next goal race is the F^3 Half Marathon and I'm really looking forward to it. I think that I'll be able to PR without a doubt and hopefully get something in the 1:4X range. I just know I can do it. :)

Have you run a race where things turned out better than you expected?

Last night we canceled our Thursday night group run for the first time ever. The weather conditions were actually dangerous with lightening and high winds, so we decided it wasn't smart to be out there. Despite the weather conditions, we still had 6 people (including me) come for the run, hoping things would clear up by the time they got there. I think that is pretty outstanding and shows the dedication of the runners in our group. Rain or shine we will be out there! With the desire to still get our sweat on, I headed to the gym with Amanda and Genevieve. We were able to get adjoining treadmills and had fun running and then doing some planks together.
Don't be jealous of my photography skills...

I really love this running group. Do you usually run in the rain or hit the gym?

16 comments:

  1. you can TOTES run that goal time for a half.

    I love your running group too. I want to be in it.

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  2. Thanks for the support! And you are welcome to join our running group any time, if you don't mind the long commute... :)

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  3. I run in all weather, but usually try to avoid downpours and definitely avoid lightning. If I do get stuck in a downpour and can't quickly find shelter and my shoes get soaked through, I just keep running because I can't get any wetter!

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  4. I try to avoid running in the rain as I don't need any practice lol. I've run too many races in the cold rain and have no desire to set out when it's raining, on the other hand I'm usually hoping for rain midway through most warm weather runs.

    I think the pace calculator is pretty useful to figure out goals. When I ran a 5k earlier this year it predicted almost the exact time I got in a half marathon a few weeks later.

    The 1:45 is definitely in those legs of yours!

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  5. Amy B @ Second City RandomnessOctober 26, 2012 at 11:23 AM

    I don't mind running in the rain if I'm not caught in the sudden downpour. My roommate and I have gone out for short runs when it's drizzling and have had a lot of fun doing it...

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  6. Haha, I agree! If there wasn't lightening, we would have totally gone out there anyways!

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  7. I'll run in the rain...except last night was bad! I was unfortunately out in it walking to dinner and it was brutal. Last week I got caught in a similar storm about halfway through my run and while I normally like running in the rain that was pretty miserable.

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  8. When I got home last night, it was still raining but not as hard, and I debated going out to run. But then I remembered I was working from home the next day, so why not stay dry and skip running solo in the dark and the rain, and run in the dry daylight on Friday? Which is what I did.

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  9. Oh man it would be so awesome if you joined our wacky club! It's totally worth the drive out to the burbs ... haha.

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  10. Britt @ Chicago Runner GirlOctober 26, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    I had no idea it was thunder storming last night, maybe it didn't by me?

    Those conditions in July were no joke! They didn't exactly provide the most ideal PR conditions. Think that enjoying your stress free training provides a different mindset that takes all the pressures off. Hope that the weather isn't the crazy opposite for the F3!

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  11. Irina @ Chocolatea TimeOctober 28, 2012 at 10:40 PM

    Oo I'm a little late in posting this but I remember last weekend and all its raininess! I only recently conquered my fear of running in the rain but it's still something I try to avoid if possible. I don't go to gyms though, so most of the time I have no choice but to brave out the storm (literally) :(

    All this F^3 talk is making me want to register. I'm giving myself until Thanksgiving to decide...

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  12. Yeah, that rain was no joke. The temperature also dropped about 15 degrees before, during, and after the storm. Yikes

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  13. I would much rather run in the snow than run in the heatttt of summer! Thanks fur the support! I think running without the pressure I put on myself is what I need to focus on next training cycle. I am definitely my own worst enemy.

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  14. I've heard great things about the F^3 race and I'm looking forward to running it next year! We'll have a blogger meetup so be sure to check the Chicago Running Blogger FB page if you register!

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