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The Lazy Runner

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    The Lazy Runner
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    KtKraves at 1/27/2012 10:29:10 AM
    For some people, fitness comes easily.  They've been athletic their whole lives and living healthy is a no brainer.  For others *spoiler alert* - like ME! - Fitness is much harder.  People like me have to force ourselves to exercise and saying "no" to a sweet treat makes us sad.
     
    I have never participated in sports; I haven't exercised seriously since high school gym class; and now I find myself committed to a big running event, the Ragnar Relay So Cal (April 20-21).  Crazy?  Yes.  I did run a previous Ragnar Relay last year (14.1 miles total), which was a mind-blowingly beautiful experience, and for a first-time runner - totally insane, so I'm aware of the type of training involved.  This time around, however, I'm having a hard time getting motivated for those practice runs AND with less than three months to go before the relay, I have my work cut out for me.
     
    I ran twice this week: 2.7 miles on Tuesday night and 3.0 miles last night (Thursday).  For Ragnar - I am expected to run 2.4 miles, then 6.0, then a final 6.3 for a total of 14.7 miles over the course of 24 hours.  Clearly - I have a lot of work ahead of me.
     
    I invite you to join me on my journey, give me advice, and tell me your stories of triumph over this elusive idea of Fitness.
     
    Stay classy Kravers.
     
    Kt
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    The Lazy Runner
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    Mike at 1/27/2012 3:26:23 PM
    KT, I do crossfit 3x a week, you just have to show up 2-3 hours a week and you will be totally fit, the lazy runner might like it.
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    The Lazy Runner
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    KtKraves at 1/30/2012 10:15:16 AM
    Thanks Mike!  I have a friend who is very into crossfit and he loves it!  I think that would be a little tough for me right now, but maybe someday I’ll get the nerve.
     
    I don’t know about everyone else, but I’m the type who needs to listen to music while running.  I don’t like to hear myself wheezing and panting as I take each step and I like the distraction of rockin’ tunes.  On my runs last week, however, I noticed that some of my favorite motivational songs were really slowing me down and I wanted to figure out why.  That led me to look into the BPM (beats per minute) of songs and how that can affect your run.  (I was doing this research instead of running on Saturday morning – doh!)  As it turns out, for the speed I’m running, I need to listen to songs between 150 – 160 BPM, but my precious “Eye of the Tiger” is only about 109 BPM!  No wonder it was dragging my pace down!
     
    I did get in a run on Sunday morning instead, a solid 3.0 miles, and even did it a few minutes shorter than my Thursday run - progress!  My goal this week is to make a few playlists in my optimal BPM zone to see if that helps my pace.
     
    Maybe I’ll throw in “Eye of the Tiger” as one of my cool down songs….
     
    Krave, sweat and tears.
     
    Kt
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    The Lazy Runner
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    KtKraves at 2/13/2012 11:31:43 AM
    I have to be honest.  I have not run since that glorious Sunday run two weeks ago.
     
    It is partly because of the Lazy and partly because I just spent a week in Cabo on my honeymoon.  Life is rough – I know.  The first week I was so wound up trying to get ready for our trip that I couldn’t even think about stopping for a run.  Then last week – even with my running gear dutifully packed in my carry on luggage – I couldn’t pull myself away from the lure of the infinity pool, the endless mimosas or the quest to perfect my tan in order to hit the gym.
     
    Now that we’re back to reality and with only two months to go before the big Ragnar Relay in SoCal (and a few extra pounds from all those shrimp nachos) – it’s crunch time!  Tonight, I’ll be perfecting my playlists and tomorrow we start the running regime.
     
    Salud!
     
    Kt.
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    The Lazy Runner
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    KtKraves at 3/19/2012 5:12:44 PM
    The Lazy Runner AND the Lazy Blogger!
     
    I’ve only been averaging about one run per week over the past few and that is just not going to cut it!  The big event is in almost exactly one month from today and I really need to step up my game.
     
    It hit me last week that time is starting to run out for adequate training so I ran twice AND even went for a romantic, afternoon stroll when it wasn’t pouring rain.  And what is with this rain?  A Sonoma Valley Summer has been teasing us with a couple of beautiful days here and then a few freezing cold days or torrential showers there.  I suppose running on the treadmill is fine, but it does NOT prepare you for the real world of running!  I’m talking about dodging rocks, piles of dog poop and the neighbor’s dog who insists on following you around the block; the beautiful sunset burning your retinas as the sun SLOWLY drops below the horizon as you run right towards it; and a wind-chill factor of below freezing for the first 15 minutes while your body heats up.  Can I get an Amen?
     
    Daylight Savings did just kick in so as long as I don’t dilly-dally at work and go straight home, I should have time to eek out a real-time run in the real outdoors!  I’m pumped - It’s time to go all Rocky on this training!
     
    Just Krave it!
     
    Kt.

    Edited by KtKraves on Mar 19 2012 5:13PM
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    The Lazy Runner
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    KtKraves at 4/10/2012 11:20:25 AM
    Running Made Easy!
     
    Finally, I have been making strides (literally) with my race prep.  Last week, I was able to knock out 12 miles total (3 miles every other day) AND I kicked out a great 4.3 mile run on Saturday morning – it wasn’t fast, but it was solid.  Here’s the proof:
     

     
    Ragnar did some mileage recalculations and our team ended up switching around running positions.  Originally, I was Runner #3 (who is now running a total of about 19 miles – yeah right!) and now I will be Runner #6 (total mileage - 14.3) with the following legs during a 24 hr period:
     
    Leg 1: “Easy” 2.7 miles in the early afternoon
    Leg 2: “Very Hard” 7.4 miles (eek!) in the middle of the night, while everyone else in the world is sleeping
    Leg 3: “Moderate” 4.2 miles the next morning
     
    It is not going to be easy, but knocking out that 4 miler on Saturday was super encouraging.  A few more practice runs like that and I should be good to go.
     
    T-minus 10 days and counting!
     
    Get Krazy!
     
    Kt.

    Edited by KtKraves on Apr 10 2012 11:20AM
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    The Lazy Runner
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    KtKraves at 4/19/2012 3:30:59 PM
    T-minus: 1 day!!!

    All of my prep (or the occasional lack thereof) has finally led me to my second Ragnar Relay and it starts in less than 24 hrs!  I am currently in Los Angeles, away from the comfort of our cozy little KRAVE office, doing my final prep for the run.  Instant ice packs for achy knees?  Check.  Chocolate milk for post run recovery?  Check.  Ipod loaded up with kick ass running tunes?  Check.  Carb loading and super hydration for dinner tonight?  Check.  Our call time is 5:00 AM tomorrow morning in Huntington Beach and our first runner leaves at 6:30 AM.  Glad I'm not the first runner again - that was way too much pressure!

    Overall, I'm excited and I'm nervous and I can't wait to share all of our stories!

    If you're interested in following along, keep an eye on our "At a Medium Pace" Blog (also in the Fitness & Nutrition section here on the website) and/or our KRAVE Facebook page for status updates along the way.

    See you on the other side, Kravers!  Wish me luck!

    Kt