Ever since my half marathon at Capital City in the beginning of May, I’ve been experiencing some nagging side stitches on most of my training runs. What. a. pain. in. the. butt. (Well, actually, the abdominal area). Back in high school, I struggled with side stitches often and it seriously affected my racing. I tried going to specialists and was told many possible causes – spasms, gas, and diaphragm irritation- but more » Read more
Cap City Half Marathon Race Recap
Yep, I’m gonna say it. I have a … HUSBAND (and here I was finally getting used to the whole “fiance” label). I took the plunge and became “Mrs.” Gingko last weekend! The wedding was all that I imagined – just like everyone said it would be – my own little fairy tale surrounded by friends and family from every stage of my life! Reality hit quick though. I had more » Read more
Commitment or Compulsion? The Signs of Exercise Addiction
Runners tend to stick to our training plans like rice on a sushi roll. We aren’t known to be flexible in our routines; we have a goal set and we strive to keep on track to reach it, whether that means enduring nasty 20 mile per hour winds to get in our 15-miler before church or skipping out on a happy hour to head to the track for speedwork. All that is fine more » Read more
Love and Marriage…and Long Distance Running.
Long distance relationships are hard, but how about long distance running and relationships? When you’ve got to go out for a 3-hour training run on Sunday and miss quality time at home, how do your loved ones feel? For those of you with a partner at home, does your training provide your mate with much-needed alone time, or does it put distance between you? I don’t know if it’s because I’m more » Read more
Ginkgo’s Running Log 3.31.13
So, I’ve been a little MIA with the training posts lately, but, not to worry, I’m still alive and kicking! The last few weeks have kicked my butt with work-related events (including a 24-hour event last weekend) and wedding preparation, but I’ve still managed to get in most of my runs. The “spring” weather hasn’t been a big motivator, but, this Saturday gave some light at the end of the more » Read more
A Toil Worth the Trouble? Racing Back-to-Back Half Marathons
Double double toil and trouble; fire burn and caldron bubble. No, no, this post isn’t going to get all Shakespearean on you. We’re talking about doubling up, here. And no, we’re not duplicating Coriander’s recent post about incorporating doubles into your training, either. Rather, today, we’ll discuss doing back-to-back half-marathon races. Specifically, is it possible to race back-to-back half marathons and if so, how should we go about our training more » Read more
Ginkgo’s Training Log 3.10.13
I wasn’t worshiping the porcelain Goddess all week, so that was definitely a step up from last week! I’d say I was functioning at about 80%, though, so it wasn’t a top-notch week in terms of mileage. I managed to get a few nice runs in, though, with a peak on Sunday. It was 68 freaking degrees! I honestly couldn’t believe it, so I took advantage with a 7-miler in more » Read more
Why Female Marathoners Are Like a Fine Wine
This morning we talked about one of the youngest marathoners around, 14 year-old Winter Vinecki. While she’s doing some amazingly cool things, when we think of the best marathon performances, we think of a woman a little older, probably in her early to mid-thirties. Why do we think that? Deena Kastor. Kara Goucher. Shalane Flanagan. Paula Radcliffe. They have all hit that 30 year barrier and BOOM! Dropped crazy fast marathon times. more » Read more
Ginkgo’s Training Log 3.3.13
SICKKKKKKKKKKK. And that about sums up my week. Seriously. But, I still did some running. I’m not saying running is necessarily the best medicine for a nasty cold/flu, but I’m a true believer in “sweating it out” without overdoing it. Don’t get me wrong, on the days where I was hitting the peak of my sickness, I backed off and restrained myself to the couch with my Nook (The perk more » Read more
Ginkgo’s Training Log 2.17.13
Monday 2-11: 5 miles Tuesday 2-12: 60 minutes spinning Wednesday 2-13: 3 miles Thursday <3 Day: 6 miles Friday 2-15: 3 miles Saturday 2-16: 5.4 miles (i charged up my GPS watch finally!) Sunday 2-17: 4 miles Not a huge week running-wise but lots of wedding and job-related activities to keep me busy. I’m so over this winter weather and find myself daydreaming about the days of being able to more » Read more