Newman! Glad to have another Texas runner on here!
I also cannot stand the dreadmill. I only run on it out of total necessity = it has to be the only option. Mrs. Liquors loves it, and runs on our 4-5 days per week regardless of the weather outside
The Third: I exclusively use Runners World's
Smart Coach. It provides a really nice, customized schedule.
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My Update:
I FINALLY had a successful long run
It was damn cold (mid 40's) here (Milwaukee), with pretty strong winds and rain = UGH! Yet, for a long run, it was better conditions than I've had in literally 5 months. I set out with the only goals being: 1) get some mileage in and 2) keep my HR down. My body somehow found a way to do both. I ran approximately 21 miles (Garmin had 20.2, but I ran almost a full mile prior to it finding the satellites, as I'm downtown with lots of tall buildings blocking reception). My average HR was only 155. To put it in perspective, for my last 6 mile run in Texas, I had an average HR of 172 and for my last long run (16) my HR was over 160 after two miles.
I ran painstakingly slow, for the first 12, and my HR was still in the low 150's
I then took it up a notch, and was still in the low-160's after 17. I then took it up a final notch, and got to mile 20, with my heart doing great (still low 170's!), but my legs were screaming at me. I had hoped to run all the way back to my hotel, but at 20.2, I felt on the border of injury (and already exceeded my expected mileage), and decided to walk the last mile in. It was a painful and freezing cool down, but it was with a smile on my face, as my heat training certainly was preparing me for longer mileage, even if I wasn't able to get it in. I'm now 4 weeks out from my scheduled Ultra, and for the first time in quite awhile I think I'll be able to get through it. Hopefully one more long run next weekend, prior to tapering.
CANNOT wait to hear about the races tomorow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!