Love-Hate intervals

Is there anyone who really loves interval training??  Blech...

I have gotten serious about my Half Marathon training, which I acknowledge needs to include some interval training if I want to at least maintain my time from last year's.  Part of my favorite aspect of running is the whole "losing yourself" thing that happens when out for a run, and I can't seem to achieve that doing intervals/speed work... I think because it really is so much more "work" for me! LOL!

Here's the moral of today's story, though:

I committed to it, I did it, I survived it...and I even feel better for it!  I scheduled out every day from now until 9/21/14 for the Half.  On the schedule last week, I realized I was dreading all week the day I had speed work scheduled.  I committed to 8x400s and was DREADING it.  What I found during each segment, though, was relief I had counted one down, focus to maintain the increased speed (at least less than a 10-minute-mile pace, as that is fast for me), and determination to get through all 8.  I didn't realize I had that in me!  How is running still teaching me things three years later?! I LOVE IT!

Ok, so not that I'm looking forward to this week's interval day, but I know it doesn't have power over me, like I tried to give it last week.

Said in "sing-song:" awe-sommmmme  :D

9 1/2 Weeks

Catchy title, huh?  ;)

Not the psaltry movie, but my remaining training time until my Detroit Women's Half Marathon !!  I don't feel nearly ready...or even on track for that matter. My spine issues really set me back both in physical training, and mental strength.  Fear is setting in..."Can I really do this this year?"  Does this make sense:  I have a strong desire...but little motivation.  How can I have both?? How do you get out of this funk and back to business??

In 10 1/2 weeks, I have a 60-mile BikeMS bike ride, too!  When I agreed to participate in it, (I wasn't having flare ups!) I figured that would be a great cross-training day for my running, biking for my ride! Great theory...not working so much in reality.

Oh, and did I tell you:  I don't have a bike! HAHAHA! (Picture a sinister laugh, because I don't have a hearty one in me right now!)  So today I'm on a mission, continuing to research for bikes (you know that's my second favorite hobby behind running: research!), and planning to purchase one ASAP.  I'm thinking I'd do well with a hybrid bike.  Bear in mind, I'm a runner at heart, so don't prefer to pay $1000 for a bike.  Anyone happy with a happy-medium bike?  A road/commuter style I think would be good for me.  To help get me on schedule, I've even enlisted a friend's help and scheduled a bike ride this weekend.  Of course in the meantime, I'll be actually scheduling my runs, too!

I'll tell you; it's really the oddest sensation inside of me.  My brain and heart really want to go out and run.  My body is telling me, "....are you sure??"  My brain starts second-guessing itself, and another day goes by where I don't get out there.  Is this a funk?? Have you ever experienced anything similar, and what would you suggest to get out of it??

For these next two months, I need to be training, not watching psaltry movies! :P

PT and TC

So, because of my lower back issues, I've been going to PT to learn proper stretching and strengthening exercises.  Since I had such a positive experience at Total Health Systems for my HIIT style FitRanX class, I sought Physical Therapy treatment from there as well.  I'm happy to report another very positive experience! I'm sure I'll always have a low-level back issue, but now I feel confident in working out the tightness in my muscles, as well as strengthening them to help avoid more serious issues.  This back pain has really inhibited my training, which is TOTALLY bumming me out...  AND, I keep eating like a runner (without the benefits of running) and gaining weight! UGH! I'm ready to get back on track, though, and feel physically able to handle it now that I can manage my back pain.  I was recently prescribed a TENS unit to help, and it has immensely!

So, that's the "PT" part of my entry today.  The "TC" section is that I got to go back to Traverse City for the 4th of July weekend! I totally love it up there, and am grateful I have the resource in my sister to frequent there! LOL!  Truth be told, I didn't get in as many runs as I had planned, buuuut...I DID get plenty of walking in as it is Cherry Festival there.  I know there are so many route options there, but stuck to the one introduced to me by Michigan Runner Girl's blog , which is near the ol' state hospital.  SO pretty!  Is it just another excuse to say, "If I had such options around me, I'd find it easy to run every day!"?? Seriously, though; awesome, motivating terrain.  It definitely makes the effort worth it.  Maybe the best part was being able to have my 4-year-old daughter along and actually enjoy it because she found exploring the woods more appealing than running circles around our neighborhood! HA! Can't say I blame her...

Have you had to make a come-back after injury/pain lately?  How did you get back into it?

Any favorite Half-Marathon training programs you prefer after such issues??

Did you get to explore any new holiday runs this last weekend?