Just to warn you there is a lot of rambling in this post. I am only “thinking out loud” about 3 different topics because I have way too much to say about each of them! Get ready… Oh and happy Thursday:)
1. As a follow up to Tuesday’s post, let me update you all a little about my Garmin. The next day I wore it, planning to do a tempo-ish run. I wanted to do an easy mile, 4 miles at about 7:50-8:00min/mile and then a cool down mile. My first easy mile clocked in at 9 minutes, which sounded about right.
From there I picked up the pace and after a few minutes glanced down at my pace. It read something like 9:30. It was all over the pace during the whole run and would say up to 11:00min/miles at times when I’m gasping for air and feeling like I cannot possibly run any faster. I survived the run and my tempo paces came out to be something like 8:40, 8:30, 8:10, and 8:05. When I got home my run would not upload through blue tooth like it usually does. I had to plug it into my computer to see it.
When I pulled up the map only the last 1.5 miles was there. (Like the start point was a mile and a half from the finish and everything else was completely ignored. But somehow it still said I ran 6 miles, so I don’t get it. I wasn’t sure if maybe the satellites were being weird since it was my first run back in Maryland after using it in Maine. Has anyone else had this problem?
But my point of all that was how dependent I was on the watch for those paces and how down on myself I would get fore seeing those numbers even though I knew I was pushing as hard as I could.
2. I went to November Project for the first time! I first learned about NP when I was training for the Raleigh Marathon. It was one of those freezing cold mornings in maybe like February or March and I was doing some sort of prescribed tempo or speed workout. I ran past Rash Field and was greeted by other crazies out in the cold weather and they introduced themselves and invited me to join. I explained that I *had to* do my workout, but maybe some other time.
Well months later and I finally made it there. I usually go to Body Pump and CX works on Wednesday mornings but knew this would be a good change of pace. I dragged my sister along who had never heard of it but luckily she is not phased by this sort of stuff, and was more surprised than anything that I had any interest in doing a social workout. Sometimes you just have to step out of your comfort zone. Plus I knew that Amanda would be going for the first (and probably only) time and that Sarah was back in Baltimore and I didn’t have the “training” excuse today (which I may in a few weeks).
So the verdict? These people are crazy but awesome. We did a timed 3 or 6 laps (we got to choose) of the field which they do at the end of every month so you can see your progress. Since this was my first time it was an automatic PR I guess but I ran 6 laps (Garmin-free!) in 12:50 but I don’t know what the distance or pace was. Which is kind of nice. The we did a circuit that included running stairs, burpees, box jumps, and squats. Stuff I NEVER do so its always good to switch things up. I was a terrible blogger and did not take a single picture, but I was too busy taking it all in and figuring out what the heck was going on.
3. It’s almost time to start marathon training! Actually I have no idea when I’m going to actually start marathon training. But its definitely time to decide that and start figuring out a plan that takes into account weekends away and other races I’m doing.
I also need to figure out my goal and I need your help! I’m going to tell you all the facts and then I want your opinion on what you think my goal time should be and why! Ultimately I’ll be choosing something that I think is a challenge but obtainable. I am just curious as to what other’s opinions are on this stuff.
Have you ever looked at a race time equivalency chart? I’ve always been intrigued by them because it really proves how much better I am at racing a 5k than a longer distance. Nicole reminded me of these websites and I started playing around with it to see what I could realistically aim for this fall. Basically you put recent times in and it tells you what you should be able to run for other distances. I looked up my times for my most recent races to see what they say I could run for a marathon using this calculator:
Distance | Race date | Time | Notes | Predicted Marathon time |
5k | 7/6/14 | 21:40 | Wasn’t “trying” to PR, but still ran a hard race | 3:31:07 |
10 miler | 6/14/14 | 1:19:12 | A tough course but felt really good | 3:42:19 |
1/2 marathon | 3/15/14 | 1:52:32 | Ran on tired legs at the end of 60 mile week (wasn’t a goal race) | 3:56:50 |
Full Marathon | 4/13/14 | 4:01:05 | Hot day and hill course, dealing with injuries |
You are welcome to see my other (previous) times on my Races page.
Thanks, Amanda for hosting another week of “Thursdays are for Thinking Out Loud!
Does your GPS watch ever go crazy on you?
How have you stepped out of your comfort zone lately?
What do you think my marathon goal time should be?!
Michele @paleorunningmomma.com says
I think you should train for something like 3:30 because I think you have that potential. If it doesn’t happen that okay but you are already running paces that would be in that zone anyway.
I’ve looked at the race chart and I’m the opposite – faster at long distances apparently although my 15k for some reason is always “slower” than the other distances. I haven’t raced a 5k in so long though so not sure on that one. My half and marathon time match up exactly but they were also a while ago for pr.
[email protected] says
That is a good point that I am already training in that zone. As I was working on my training plan I was thinking about that. Thanks for the confidence!
I’ve actually never done a 15k, but it seems like it would be a tricky distance to race!
Lily @ Lily Runs the World says
I have the Garmin 220 and it’s been doing a similar thing! I hadn’t connected it to my computer in a while so I thought that was the problem, but it has still been doing it. It will show 5 something miles then all of a sudden 12 something miles, and it’s so annoying! I guess it could just be losing signal running next to buildings or under trees, but still… Let me know if you figure something out!
[email protected] says
I was actually able to update it which helped alot! But a screen came up on the watch that said “update now” so I’m not sure how to do it without that notification. I also notice that I get a really bad signal when I run around tall buildings!
Alexis @ Run Crush says
Under 3:40 seems like it would be challenging but realistic based on your times! But you know yourself best, so whatever number you have floating around in your brain (because I’m imagining there’s one there), go with that.
I’ve been to November Project once in Boston. I can’t go usually because I’m a teacher, and I have to be at school at 6:45. But it was awesome to go this summer! Such an energized and friendly group of people. Glad you enjoyed it!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I think that my Garmin has become an alcoholic in its old age. Seriously. I think it also has to do with all of the tall buildings in Chicago and the fact that I run as fast as a gazelle being chased by a cheetah…not. I’m happy at the lack of mention of the mysterious injury and the mentioning of marathon goals! I was aiming to break 4 at my first marathon, but then had some pretty bad injuries so took it “easy” and finished with a 4:07. This year, again, I am hoping to finish and be injury free, but we will see about that….
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I’m more of a solo worker-outer as well, so doing a group workout would definitely be a little bit outside my comfort zone. Actually, I have a good girlfriend that teaches pure barre and pilates, and she’s been bugging me to come to one of her classes -forever- but I still haven’t managed to make it out to one. Don’t know why, either! Probably just feeling apprehensive about not knowing what to expect. Should change that, though… It’ll probably be a fun experience 🙂
Carmy says
Cloudy days where my Garmin just won’t connect properly are the worse! I’ve heard of the November Project and boy are they bad ass. Whooped my butt at my most recent race! In the top 5, they took 4 spots. I got 7th. 🙁 you’re going to destroy your race as you train with them! 🙂
Good luck with your marathon. I don’t usually put too much stock in the predicted times as I feel that consistently is key!
[email protected] says
I’ve never noticed a difference on cloudy days, but that’s an interesting point!
I was soo sore after November project! Actually it hit me two days later, but yea I haven’t worked out like that in years!
Natalie @ Never Serious Blog says
I’m OBSESSED with the McMillan Calculator! It is so interesting to me. I’ve also been dying to try November Project, but I haven’t even looked up if there is one in my city. Put that on my to do list!
[email protected] says
I also find the calculator really interesting! While I do think everyone is different with how they run different distances, it gives me some hope that I can be faster at longer races!
You should definitely look up November Project! I worked out in a way I never would on my own.
Michael Anderson says
I think you should go with Michele to start and go with a 3:30 goal as you start training … and see how it goes for you as you proceed. Of course, as Suz mentioned there is concern about possible injury – and if you set the goal unrealistically you could end up hurt just in training.
Looking at many of your posted paces on Instagram they are in the 8-ish range, so I definitely think you can shoot for a 3:30 – 3:45 time. As always I support multiple goals, with your training plan to support them!
As for quirky Garmin … I haven’t had an issue, but my Nike would occasionally show paces in the 5 minute range (I wish!) – but the data output was always correct. I would recommend contacting Garmin … they are pretty awesome to deal with!
[email protected] says
You bring up good points about the training:) I feel like no matter how I train the key is to prevent injuries by being smart and listening to the signs my body gives me. This is just as hard for me to to do when I was training for a slower time. I think my biggest injury risk is focusing on getting ALL the miles in. So I’m not sure exactly what I will do yet, but your thoughts are very helpful as I am figuring it out!
I actually was able to update my garmin and its been better since!
Kirtley Freckleton @ The Gist of Fit says
Awesome times girl! Go big or go home! I agree s Michele–aim for the 3:30 area!
My GPS went nuts yesterday in a good way–it said I was going at 5 minute pace. Made me feel so happy haha. Maybe that’s what you need to do to prevent from feeling down about slow times. Just rig your Garmin so it says you are cookin’ haha!
Good luck picking and preparing for a marathon! It will be fun to see how it goes!
[email protected] says
Haha I would love to see 5:00 paces on my watch! Thanks for your comments- I am excited to figure out my plan and start training:)
Caitlin says
My watch has done that more than once, so you aren’t alone. It’s a good reminder to take everything it says with a grain of salt in my book haha. I think picking a race time is pretty personal, too, and depends a lot on your strengths, which only you know. I know that I feel a lot more comfortable with longer distances and I usually do well in them as such, so I typically choose a little more challenging time for that rather than a 5k since I hate them haha. I think those calculators are pretty good predictors of capability if you put the work in, but I also wouldn’t pick a marathon time based on a 5k time because the two are such different beasts. I typically pick times based on mid distances like 10 milers or halfs because I think that gives me a better predictor of what I can do personally, so i trust it more, but that’s just me
[email protected] says
Great points! And yes, I definitely agree that longer distances are better predictors but nothing is going to be 100% accurate! Unfortunately I haven’t “raced” a half marathon since May 2013 so I can’t really consider that a good predictor either. I am running a 12 miler next weekend so I’m considering running that “hard” to get an idea of what my pace is for that distance!
Sarah says
WOOOOO ANOTHER PERSON TO DRINK THE NOVEMBER PROJECT KOOL-AID! Hopefully we convinced you to come back… I promise we only do the laps around the track once a month and the rest of the time it’s SUPER fun. I’m glad you came, it’s a great group of people 🙂 We should plan a running date sooooon!
[email protected] says
I will definitely be back! But I’m not sure I can handle it during marathon training- that workout was no joke! Well I also haven’t done anything besides run/yoga/lift in like 3 years so that might have had something to do with it!
Let me know when you’re settled into your new place! I’m planning to run Monday-Thursday this week so maybe I’ll see ya out there- or at the Charles St 12!
Kate @ The Endorphin Junkie says
I always have trouble with my Garmin finding a satellite. It usually takes like 10 minutes, which is really annoying!
[email protected] says
I hate that! I actually had a much harder time finding satellites when I was using my old watch (the 405) but now with the 620 its not as much of a problem. I just wish that the paces were more accurate!
Hilary says
My Garmin (220) has had the same problem! Won’t find a satellite, so it picks up my run 1-2 miles in. Paces are all over the map, saying I’m running at 7:50 when I’m doing an easy pace then over 10 when I feel like I’m dying. So weird. Good luck with the marathon planning!
[email protected] says
It really is weird when it does that! It can be annoying, but I’m trying to just let it go and run based on feel rather than relying on the watch. I hate that the paces can make me feel like I had a good or bad run!
Sarah says
I just found your blog! And we are shoe twins – PureCadence 2 for the win. My Garmin was acting a little strange but I just got a software update and it looks like it’s behaving itself. I am in the middle (literally week 9/18) of training for my first marathon and am trying to figure out if I should set a time goal or not. I’m thinking of setting a bunch of goals ie. just finish -> perfect conditions and feeling good time. My understanding is that the longer distance (10 mile to half marathon) is a better prediction of your marathon time than a 5K. That said I think you should train for a sub-3.40 and then reassess as your training progresses.
[email protected] says
Love the PureCadence!!:) I think its an excellent plan to set multiple goals…you just never know how training will go and what will happen on race day! I actually was able to update my watch a day or 2 after I wrote this post and it has been much better. Thanks for visiting my blog! Usually I am better about replying to comments but I have been super busy the past few days!
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
My garmin used to do that all the time before I had my kids and I was able to run outdoors regularly. I think it just depends on where the satellites are – but I always felt as if my final pace was fair and accurate.
I’d set a goal between 3:30-3:45. I’ve never run a full, but mu half marathon PR is 1:45 – and that is what I would have shot for..
[email protected] says
I agree about the satellites- I usually notice that my paces go crazy when I run through the same areas (usually places with tall buildings). Thanks for your suggestion about the marathon time! Still trying to figure out exactly what I’ll do:)
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
My forerunner has been going crazy a lot lately actually. I’ve been using the pod on the treadmill and it has had me going at a 5 min/mi pace. I’ve done everything I know and it’s still not happy. I had a long run a few weeks back where it had me at a 15 min/mi when my sisters Garmin said 8:40….wonky! I’ve been wanting to try the NP in DC, but haven’t made it yet, hopefully soon! Sounds like fun!
[email protected] says
Sorry that your Garmin has been giving you so much trouble! I was able to update mine which helped, but it sounds like you may have already tried that.
You should definitely try November Project! But if you’re not used to doing workouts like that, be prepared to be sore:)
Amy says
That is awesome that you went to a November Project workout! There would definitely be stepping out of my comfort zone. I think it can be fun to workout with other people, but sometimes you are just in the mood to go alone. Depends on the day, but a little of both is good I think!
[email protected] says
Agreed! I usually prefer to work out alone because I feel like its my time. But for a change of pace it was definitely a good thing!
Lauren @ ihadabiglunch says
Thank you so much for sharing about the November Project because I just realized that Chicago finally has one! I heard about it way back when and your post reminded me to check on their status. Wooooo! Love your foam roller by the way…that thing looks mighty intense (the best kind!)
[email protected] says
I feel like I need a strong foam roller or it doesn’t do anything for me- I also use a tennis ball which hurts even more!
I hope you make it to November Project!
Hailey says
My 410 did that one time! I don’t remember which button I held down, but I did that to reset it so the screen went blank and it powered back on. Then I laid it outside on a table and left it there for a bit so it could locate the satellites all over again. I think I read that somewhere in the manual, you can probably look it up online, but it worked! As for your marathon time, I would aim high! If you feel that pace is causing you to struggle more than you think you should be for a marathon pace run after a few weeks, you can always make adjustments and go for a time between the estimated times and then work your avg mile pace time down from there until you get a better feel for your fitness level or race a half. You’ll do great whatever option you choose!:)
[email protected] says
Thanks for the advice! I think that sounds like a reasonable plan. It is scary to aim high but I think sometimes you just need to challenge yourself.
That is a good tip for the gamin- its been better lately but I will definitely keep that in mind if it starts acting crazy again!
Nicole@thegirlwhoraneverywhere says
Ok this is sooo weird that you posted about your Garmin having issues today.. I have a 610 And for the first time EVER I had a problem with it-it froze on the “power save” screen and I couldn’t get to off! I had to run without it (WAHHHHHHHHHH) and I felt LOST. When I got back I googled what to do-with mine, it seemed that I could reset it to factory settings -but first I put it next to my comp,clogged on to Garmin Connect, and updated the software. This WORKED. my running partner has the same Garmin as you, and the last time she used it, she was in a different town and the satellites took a few minutes to load to it. She’s only had it for abt a week BUT I will keep you posted on any other issues. It’s very weird that your Garmin basically deleted those times…it would make me want to return it, or wear two watches (like a weirdo!!!)
Goal race pace-mine always average out to be between 3:20-3:27, and my plan has me being able to hit a 3:18 in October. I do think this is doable for me as I plan to run in a pace group. I think that maybe with a 3:31-3:56range you have such a wide margin to play with-but your latest races have you at a 3:31, 3:42…maybe shoot to aim yourself in between there…like a 3:37? and if you are BADASS on race day, a 3:31 is doable! It’s hard to predict race day. Soooooooo many things can go wrong, lol. I have had every terrible situation happen to me before including dropping my phone in a porta potty during Boston, getting my period during NYC, and during another Boston, had the trots. LOL, YW for all that info!
[email protected] says
I was also able to update my garmin, which helped alot! I also think I should have at least tried restarting it when I got back from being away. I’m sure it gets confused when it has to relocate that far.
Great point about having multiple goals and that anything can happen on race day! And I saw this comment pop up when I was sitting in my conference on Friday and you had me cracking up! It sounds like you have had some really bad luck on race day, so you are due for a race where NOTHING goes wrong!!