So I didn’t end up getting to run yesterday. I was already in a little bit of a bind because when I got to the hotel I found out the gym didn’t open until 6 AM. That didn’t exactly mesh with my plans to run 5 miles and the fact that I needed to leave the hotel by 7:15 AM. But I was willing to shorten my run to 3-4 miles to deal with the time constraint. This wouldn’t have been such a problem if I were a faster runner, but I digress.
So I get down to the hotel gym at 5:57 AM and lo and behold there’s some guy already running along on the only treadmill. I was not happy, but hey he has as much right as I do. I just felt like I followed the hotel’s rules, but got gypped because someone else didn’t. The gym also had an elliptical and a stationary bike in it. I had ridden the elevator down with a gentleman who was also headed to the gym. We had had a brief conversation on the elevator about what each of us planned to do, and he had already said he was planning to use the elliptical. When we got to the gym door and saw someone was already on the treadmill I just told him “Oh well, enjoy your workout” and headed back upstairs. I did check the gym again at 6:15 and the guy was still on the treadmill. Running outside wasn’t an option, as it was still dark, I don’t think I was in an area that you should go running by yourself in, and I only had shorts and a t-shirt (it was 38 degrees outside).
Needless to say, I was a little grumpy about the whole situation and not being able to get my run on as planned. I had also had a bad nights sleep, as my hotel room was right across from the elevators (which made a loud “DING” every time they opened) and the ice machine (which I’m pretty sure made ice all night long, dropping one cube at a time). Not exactly good sleeping conditions for the girl who’s used to complete silence at night.
My meeting for work went well, though, and we got to tour the USNS Comfort in the afternoon. It’s one of two hospital ships that the U.S. has. That was really neat, and I took a bunch of pictures. I’m planning to do a full post about that sometime this weekend. Our tour wrapped up at 4:30 PM and I hit the road to make the 6 hour trek back home. Yesterday was a 14.5 hour workday for me.
I was really sleepy all day today from all of the driving, but I definitely wanted to get a run in after work since I couldn’t run yesterday. I had a Luna bar for a pre-run snack and then I ran 6 easy miles on the trail in town, at 10:09 pace. It’s a really nice day outside today (45 degrees and a little cloudy) and there were actually a number of people out on the trail today.
At one point I passed a family (mom, dad, 4 young kids) and the one little girl said “look, a runner!” as I went by. Then I heard the mom say “no honey, that’s a jogger”. Ouch. I guess I should wear an old race bib during my training runs to distinguish myself. 🙂
Towards the end of my run I also had a lady yell out of her car “stop running!”. When I glanced back she yelled “sorry!” and then laughed. It was very random and very bizarre.
I need your help/guidance/opinions on something. I’m not quite sure what to do for my weekly mileage this week. The plan was to run 4 Tuesday, 5 Wednesday, 4 Thursday, and 13 on Saturday. This week was supposed to be my “peak week” before the Blue Ridge Half. I did 6 miles today, in the hopes of doing a shorter 3 mile run tomorrow (instead of doing 5 today, 4 tomorrow). However, usually if I run the day before a long run, especially my longest long run in training, I feel bad during my long run. I’m torn whether to just do 3 miles nice and easy tomorrow morning and rest the remainder of the day (I’m off work tomorrow), or to just rest before my Saturday long run. If I choose the latter, I would have the option of running 3 miles on Sunday if I felt up to it. I’m pretty sure missing one 3 mile run is not going to ruin my training for the half marathon, but it bugs me that I may not get in the miles on what’s meant to be my highest mileage in training. Decisions, decisions…..
Do you sleep well in hotels?
Ever been on/toured a Navy ship?
Do you eat Luna Bars? What’s your favorite flavor?
I like the Lemon Zest and Oatmeal Raisin flavors. There’s also one called Blueberry Bliss that’s really good, but I can’t ever find it at the store.
How do you define runner vs. jogger?
I’m with Dr. George Sheehan… the difference between a runner and a jogger is a race entry blank. I don’t care how fast or slow you are, if you run races you are a runner.
What do you think I should do about my weekly mileage for this week?
Turkey Runner 
I agree with the definition, in part. I have a coworker that runs very often and she’s probably mighty fast. She never races, though. I’d still call her a runner.Luna bars are yummy! I don’t have a favorite flavor, but I’ve enjoyed the ones I’ve eaten. :)If you think you can turn off the part of your brain that will be telling you that you aren’t going to feel good for your 13-mile long run then running 3 tomorrow would be ok. If you think you can’t turn off that voice right now… maybe resting is a better plan. Not helpful, am I?
She sounds like a runner to me! I don’t know why there has to be some kind of distinction anyway. Luna bars are so good! I started eating them in high school when my friend would eat one as a snack every day before swim practice. I still haven’t decided what to do today. Right now I’m still feeling very tired (puppy had me up in the middle of the night last night). I will make a decision this afternoon I think. Thanks for your advice!
I think anyone who runs…at any pace…and for whatever reason (pleasure, races, health) is a runner. I think the distinction is silly…and I think that lady who said that was really rude! I love Luna Bars!! I really like Blueberry Bliss and there was a strawberry one a while back, but I never see that one anymore. It was my favorite, so it makes me sad. I like the Nutz Over Chocolate, Cinnamon Raisin and the Chocolate/PB Protein bars. I agree with Stephanie, I think you are just psyching yourself out ahead of your long run! That being said, there’s nothing wrong with running a long run on tired legs – that’s the whole theory behind the Hansons Marathon Method…training your body to run on tired legs makes them learn how to power through the tougher parts of your race day. On the other hand, if your body needs a break, then take it…but if it isn’t telling you to rest, then I would run the 3 easy. I usually sleep like a rock in hotel rooms because of the blackout curtains!
The Blueberry Bliss us so good! Thanks for your advice! I’m still feeling so tired today, but its not from too much exercise, its from too much working/driving. I will make a call this afternoon.
If both feet are off the ground at any point during your stride, you are running, as the definition of walking (per race walking) is one foot on the ground at all times. So, I’m calling myself a runner!I haven’t toured a Navy ship but once I toured a NOAA research ship and I’m guessing that was very similar (sizewise it looked to be). Very annoying about the hotel treadmill! Too bad people weren’t following the rules and sucking up the good treadmill.
Sounds like a great definition to me! I was really bummed about the treadmill, but I also felt like I was being selfish, aside from the fact he started using the gym before it opened. I was looking forward to trying out the Precor treadmill, though. I’ve been shopping treadmills and this us one brand I’ve been looking at, although I’m considering a different model.
I think I would have been inclined to swing back around and ask the mom just what she thought the difference was between a runner and a jogger. She might think that someone that sprints is a runner, and everyone else is a jogger. Maybe she was just clueless. And seriously, who’s used the word “jogger” since 1978?I agree with the above comments about getting your three-mile run in today. If mentally it will make you feel better since you missed a couple of other “jogs” this week (sorry I couldn’t help myself), then go for it. If you’re like, “Meh, no big deal,” then give your body some rest and enjoy tomorrow’s long run!
I wish I had stopped and asked, but I’m so non-confrontational, even with people I know really well.