The Hungry Runner Girl: Question For YOU, need your opinion!!!

Friday, January 7, 2011

Question For YOU, need your opinion!!!

First of all, I wanted to wish my beautiful sister a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

California 255.jpg

To say we are close is an understatement. It is a weird day if we haven't talked on the phone for at least half an hour.

When I was just a little fetus in my momma's tummy she would PRAY EVERYDAY that I was a girl. Her wish was granted.

We shared a room for the first 11 years of my life.

Janae+Rachelle.jpg

When I was in high school and my bf broke up with me she dropped everything to take me on vacation to get away from everything.

In college she jumped on a plane from New Mexico the second she heard I was going through a tough time. I don't know what I would have done without her.

She is a huge example of selflessness, charity, the best little mommy and not only is she drop dead gorgeous but her spirit is even more beautiful.

She makes me laugh harder than anyone I know, that may be because we have our own secret language and no one else can understand us.

I just want to tell her thank you for being my best friend, my biggest example and getting me into running:)

So here is my question.......

I was planning on getting in a 18-miler this morning but I decided it would be a fun game to see how many times I could hit the snooze button before Billy said something.

Finally, I made it to the gym and got in 14 miles @ 7:53 pace with a 1% incline.

I finished at 7:32 a.m. and got to school by 7:48 a.m......don't think about that too hard or else you might not want to be my friend but I did manage a 2 minute shower so I don't smell that bad. Make-up is overrated.

After school I did 4 miles (Friday is early-out).

So does that equal a 18 mile long run? Do you think that you get the same benefits from splitting up your run into two segments in one day?

-I don't know.....all I know is it was dang hard to get me back to the gym after school.

Do you ever do two-a-days? Do you ever have to break up your long runs?

-I love two-a-days (if they are just for fun and outside) but I hate having to split up my long runs but that little thing called work gets in the way. (I don't do long runs Saturdays because I teach a cycling class and I don't workout on Sunday for religious reasons so I have to do it on a weekday)

Do you have a sister?

p.s. those pills on the table from the last post were my vitamins (multi-vitamin, calcium and glucosamine for joint health)

82 Comments:

At January 7, 2011 at 3:35 PM , ShortSkirts said...: I have a twin, we are fraternal, so we fought a bunch growing up but now we are great friends. She's coming out to Seattle from DC to run a half marathon with me in June yay!

I'm way new to running, but I think getting the mileage in is what counts right.

I've done two a days and its normally to get myself back into tournament shape for ultimate since its daunting to do 3 to 4 hours in the gym at once and hard to schedule. I'll do spinning in the morning than weights and elliptical at night or whatever. I definitely think they quickly improve your endurance, and its better than not doing it at all!
At January 7, 2011 at 3:36 PM , Stephanie said...: Hah! I'm not going to be much help here. I never run that far in the first place. But I say you count it just for funsie!

I love 2 a days however if they involve two different types of activities.

I have THREE sisters! One of them lives in the same city as me and we're suuupppper close, though and she is my inspiration even though she's my lil sis.

My two girls still sleep together and they love eachother more than anything in the whole wide world and I hope that never changes. :)
At January 7, 2011 at 3:38 PM , Rose @ Eat, Drink, and Be Meiri said...: I have six brothers, and no sisters. My friends would all complain about having sisters, so as a kid I was glad I didn't have one, but as I get older I think it would neat to have a sibling who gets what it's like to be a girl.
At January 7, 2011 at 3:39 PM , naomi said...: impressive! i like to do 2-a-days but not of the same type of exercise.

i'm a new reader to your blog, so i don't know if you have mentioned this before, but do you eat at cafe rio? i have withdrawls for it all the time.
At January 7, 2011 at 3:42 PM , Linds said...: I am the older sister and I too prayed everyday for a sister. I got a brother. That being said I love him to pieces and we have the same bond that you and your sis do!

Personally, I wish that splitting up runs were counted as mileage for that day. I def. don't have time to run that much before work so I'll do between 5-7 in the morning and then another 3-4 at night. I don't count it towards a long run though. I think the point of a long run is to build endurance and if you give your body 8 hours in between workouts that's not really building endurance. It still counts though, just not as a long run in my opinion (I do it more for the calorie burn). It would be the equivalent to running one day in the evening and then the next in the morning. Would you count that as a long run?
At January 7, 2011 at 3:43 PM , TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...: I have two sisters and I love them to death. Funny considering I pretty much disowned them growing up. Now having 3 daughters of my own, I get to experience sisterhood from the outside. It's pretty cool.

And yes, the it still counts as a long run. Think of it this way. The last 4 miles of your 18 miler would have been on fatigued legs. The last 4 miles of your run today were still on fatigued legs, just slightly refreshed fatigued legs. Doubles are great and a very effective way to get your mileage in. And really, that's what matters. And yes, I charge for my services ...
At January 7, 2011 at 3:44 PM , Meg said...: I like 2-a-days but I like splitting up the type of workout. Like if I manage to run in the morning, I like to bike in the afternoon. I would say that that doesn't equal an 18 miler only because of the state of mind and the stress on the body. Your mindset going into mile 15 is different from mile one, and the exhaustion level of your body is much different at those points. I think it still counts as 18 miles in a day, but not an 18 mile run. However, I've never run 18 miles, so I'm not law on this one lol. I'm going from a reference point of having a six mile day, but breaking it into two doable segments - but still not being able to necessary run six all in one go.

Happy birthday to your sister!!
At January 7, 2011 at 3:45 PM , Meg said...: Oh, and I don't have any sisters. I have one big brother, and I followed him around like a puppy dog until I was about 11. I still think of him as a superhero. :D
At January 7, 2011 at 3:48 PM , Sue G. said...: I would say two runs a day combine to make one long run! So relax! You did 18 miles--Geez! :)
At January 7, 2011 at 3:48 PM , Matt said...: It equals 18 miles, but I don't think it equals an 18 mile long run. I used to do two a days all the time, but I don't think you can replace a long run.

Hope that helps.
At January 7, 2011 at 3:52 PM , Shannon said...: I have done them before when I was in high school, and I had more time on my hands. That was when I was most fit. I was literally just saying to someone that I wish I could go to the gym twice a day because after an hour or so I am ready to go again and not really that tired. If only I had a gym really close to my apartment (like in it), then I would be able to easily come and go.

No, I do not have a sister. I have a little brother, 7 year age difference.

P.S. as a curious pharmacy student I was wondering what those pills were. I thought they looked like vitamins haha.
At January 7, 2011 at 3:52 PM , Kim (Book Worm Runs) said...: Aw, happy birthday to your Sister!! :) I have always wanted a sister...

As for the run, I definitely say it counts!
At January 7, 2011 at 3:54 PM , ShortSkirts said...: I should mention that my 3 to 4 hour as special punishment or reward for being lazy and getting out of shape. So much pain but they do the trick. I haven't done them in a while, they are weirdly fun in a painful fun lots of endorphins kind of way
At January 7, 2011 at 3:54 PM , Katie said...: wait, HOW MANY TIMES DID YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON?
At January 7, 2011 at 3:54 PM , Eat: Watch: Run said...: Yes! Splitting up your workout definitely counts! Either way you are getting in the mileage. My personal trainer tells me it's much better to split up your workouts and get them in like that if that's how your time permits because your body is still putting in the effort.
At January 7, 2011 at 3:56 PM , Pixie said...: I don't have a sister, I always thought it would be fun though. I have not only done two-a-days, I've also done three-a-days and let me tell you those suck. I've been away from exercising for awhile, but I could not do two gym workouts on one day now. I'd have to run/walk outdoors or do a workout dvd and then a gym workout later.
At January 7, 2011 at 3:57 PM , Cynthia said...: I think it does count as a long run. 18 miles is 18 miles.
I have not broken up my runs before but I would consider it if I was short on time.
I have an older sister. We are not extremely close, but I love her lots :)
At January 7, 2011 at 3:57 PM , WannabeRunner said...: What a sweet post!! I have two younger sisters...and we mostly fought like cats & dogs growing up. ;)
At January 7, 2011 at 4:07 PM , ash & diz said...: I hate 2 a days! My legs suffer big time. But I would count it as my 18 miler. You still put in the mileage.
No sister here. Just one older bro. Always wanted a sister! W
At January 7, 2011 at 4:07 PM , Amanda@runninghood said...: I say you're fine with breaking it up. This way you'll have 4 more fresher miles on your day rather than the last 4 being tired ones. Love your sister pictures. You are both gorgeous. Makes my heart smile knowing that my girls have that kind of relationship that i never did. xo
At January 7, 2011 at 4:17 PM , J said...: I do double workouts often. I really enjoy it! I think breaking up the mileage is necessary sometimes, especially where I live since we have lots of snow in the winter. It is so nice that you are close to your sister!
At January 7, 2011 at 4:19 PM , Unknown said...: Your post is very timely because I have been trying to conjure up ways to get in longer runs during the week. I also have this stupid thing called a job that gets in the way. I think 2 a days are great for week days. Obviously, on the weekend it makes more sense *and is better* to run the entire distance at once. Right?

I ran at lunch today and I think I will throw in another run after work. I can't believe you can get your butt out of bed that early! How do you do it!?

You and your sister have such a beautiful relationship. I have 3 of my own and they are my best friends.
At January 7, 2011 at 4:22 PM , Kerrie said...: I think it counts. I heard somewhere that runs within a couple of days of each other have the same impact on your body...or something like that. Does that make sense?

I have three younger sisters. Adulthood has been strange, but we'll make it.
At January 7, 2011 at 4:24 PM , Continuous Changes said...: I read once that splitting up your runs counts. Because your body doesn't have enough time to recooperate in the middle of it. There is also an ultra marathoner who gets her mileage in by splitting it up. She said that she does 3-4 runs a day depending on her schedule.

I think it counts!
At January 7, 2011 at 4:27 PM , run4may said...: i have two sisters. i am the youngest. we took turns being best friends and we couldn't all be bff's at one time. now one sister lives in greece and the other still lives with mom and dad. we are pretty close however our busy lives get in the way.

i have broken up my workouts before due to time constraints, however, it's not ideal. i'd rather get it all done in one shot.

i push snooz a ton and i think my fiance wants to kill me in the morning. i usually get a kick if i let it go on too long.
At January 7, 2011 at 4:27 PM , ~Mrs. Guru~ said...: I don't have a sister but I wish I did. Your very lucky to have someone who loves you and is not only your sister but your best friend!
At January 7, 2011 at 4:33 PM , Rachel said...: I have a sister and she has bossed me around my whole life. I definitely think that splitting up your run counts, although, I could see where it wouldn't feel like it was the same.

P.S. Do you feel like your vitamins help you?
At January 7, 2011 at 4:35 PM , Samantha said...: I love how much you love your sister (and her love for you too) Makes me want tocall mine actually!
At January 7, 2011 at 4:36 PM , Unknown said...: you 2 are just gorgeous! Happy bday sister! I have 3 brothers, no sisters. Too much testosterone in my house growing up.
My hubs always says that 2 a days make you stronger but not to do it too often. I've done this with a long run before, I think it counts! LC
At January 7, 2011 at 4:39 PM , Anonymous said...: Our coach says that it destroys the purpose of the long run if you break it up. But if you are just running to get a certain distance for the day and not trying to make it your long run then yes it counts. But if your goal is an 18 mile long run then it is not a long run since the point is to run the 18 miles consecutive for the endurance. :) But you still got lots of benefit from the 14 miles at 7:53 pace! That's so sweet of you to blog about your sister and it's nice to see other siblings that have always been good friends! My brother and I have always been close since high school when I was a freshman and he was a senior. He made me feel cool that year haha! :D
At January 7, 2011 at 4:42 PM , Anonymous said...: My sister is 6 years younger, and I often refer to her as my clone because we are so much alike!

I've done two-a-days before and will especially do them to get in extra miles for the week. Usually when I start getting close to 50 miles is when I do 1-2 two-a-days a week.
At January 7, 2011 at 4:43 PM , Anonymous said...: Happy Birthday to your sister. She is gorgeous, just like you! My older sister is the exact same way. She is 8 years older and I am but we are practically clones. When my bf broke up with me she took me to California for the week to take my mind off of it. It was exactly what I needed.

I've split up long runs before, but I think it might defeat the purpose. Although I really have no idea! Ha! :)
At January 7, 2011 at 4:44 PM , XLMIC said...: Weighing in late on this splitting-the-run issue…it really depends on where you are in your training cycle and what other training and long runs are on your schedule. So for YOU…i'd say splitting today doesn't make a difference. Were it me a month before my first marathon, splitting would not have achieved what an 18-mile run intends to achieve. Does that make sense?

I used to love two-a-days when I was a hardcore training machine…and when I was really into bikram yoga. Now? No time and older body ;-)

I have no siblings at all. Strengthened my resolve to have more than one kid. Also, I blame my sibling-ignorance for why I married a man w/ 6 kids! Lol.
At January 7, 2011 at 4:51 PM , Jen said...: Happy birthday to your sister! What a sweetheart! I have 2 sisters so I know how great it is to have someone you can always count on to understand.
As for the 2 a days... no it does not count and you must do it over again tonight! ha! ha! Just kidding! I've only done 2 a days when I was training for Ragnar. I would think that it would still count, although I don't think I'd make it a regular habit. Which I know you won't. Going back in the afternoon is hard. Especially on a Friday!
Have a great spinning class tomorrow!
At January 7, 2011 at 4:52 PM , Carrie said...: Totally counts! :) And doing two workouts a day takes extra motivation...so extra credit! I definitely think XLMIC has a point though - the closer you are to the race, the more you're training endurance rather than fitness - sounds logical. But you're a speedy pro, so I still say you're good.
I often split up my weights and my cardio - lately it's weights in the am and cardio in the evening. Does that count as a two-a-day?
My little sister is my BFF. I would do anything for her - including kidnap her and bring her to live in Ontario with me (it's my secret plan). Happy birthday to yours!! :)
At January 7, 2011 at 4:58 PM , Unknown said...: I've got no sisters, just 3 brothers. And you just confirmed why I've always wanted a sister to have as a bestie. But brothers are great too, in a very different way!
At January 7, 2011 at 5:06 PM , ida said...: I'm an only child, but really wish I had a sibling or two.

I dont think splitting a run is the same as doing it all at once, but i think 2 runs in a day does have a lot of benefits.
At January 7, 2011 at 5:12 PM , 5 Miles Past Empty said...: Awe, this totally got me all teary eyed and missing my sister. She is five years older and we weren't really close growing up but in our adult life we have gotten closer...

I think splitting up the run counts as total mileage but probably not as a long run. But I have NO formal education or training on the matter. What does your coach say???? Do share!!
At January 7, 2011 at 5:36 PM , Nicole said...: Happy Birthday to your sister! I have 3 sisters, so I totally understand your sisterly bond.
I do two-a-days sometimes for fun. If I have a bad first run the second one is excellent, or if the first one was great then I'm just in love with running that day. From what I've read in Runner's World they definitely count for mileage, but they aren't as beneficial as doing it all at once. However, 14 is still definitely a long run and didn't you just run 28 miles a week or two ago? I'm sure you still have your long-run stamina. When do you start training for Boston?? I'm excited for you!
At January 7, 2011 at 5:39 PM , Suzana said...: I have a little sister and she is awesome!!

I think splitting up long runs is a whole lot better than skipping the second part... think of it that way :)
At January 7, 2011 at 5:39 PM , Anonymous said...: I would think breaking up a long run is fine - but I've never run that far...so I don't really know.
I have a sister who is 2 1/2 years younger than me and we are pretty close too and definitely have our own language. We don't talk as much as you and your sister, but we still have a very good relationship. When we were little we used to walk around the house, arm in arm, singing "We's is buddies!" hahaha...
At January 7, 2011 at 5:43 PM , Jenn said...: Great pics! Happy birthday to your sister!!!Love my sisters. My very best friends without a doubt!!

I did a lot of two a days following my injury. I'm also forced to do them sometimes when the weather really drops if I want to get outside runs in. Anyway, I think they have great benefits! Personally, on the days I do them I count the mileage but consider them individual runs. Pretty sure breaking up an 18 miler one time isn't gonna set you back too far! Kudos on getting back to the gym to do the other 4!! I agree-what does your coach say! Ask and enlighten us!!
At January 7, 2011 at 6:10 PM , Anonymous said...: Happy Birthday to your sister!!

Ive only did one day where I ran twice.. I would not count it as a long run. I think the benefit from a long run would come if the run is all at once, but Im just a beginner so I dunno..
At January 7, 2011 at 6:17 PM , Running Ricig said...: I agree about two a days, they're awesome, but it does stink when the two a day is because you couldn't fit in a full run. I don't know about the same stamina benefits, but it's really good for your heart to do them. That means you're bringing your heart rate up twice instead of just the once, so you're helping your heart if nothing else!

I have a sister. She's great, but she lives on the complete opposite side of the country as me in CA so I rarely see her.
At January 7, 2011 at 6:20 PM , Sarah said...: I have often heard that 2 a days are a great way to increase mileage. Though, you aren't really in the increasing mileage phase, so I don't know!

So jealous, I don't have a sister, but I do have two wonderful brothers!
At January 7, 2011 at 6:22 PM , Runnin-From-The-Law said...: Sorry, splitting it like that doesn't count. You aren't getting the same benefit.

I only do 2 of days to relieve stress or because I NEED/WANT to run. Like I'll do my "real" workout in the morning and then after work if it's gorgeous out, or I'm stressed, I'll run a short fun run.

You and your sister are both gorgeous, inside and out. You are lucky to have eachother and to have such a fabulous relationship. I have an older sister, but we don't have a close relationship.

Oh - and I NEED to find a less high maintenance hairstyle and job. I need 45 minutes to shower, blowdry and be ready for work. :-(
At January 7, 2011 at 6:27 PM , Nathan said...: In my humble opinion...you got a 14 mile long run and a 4 mile recovery run. =D 14+4=18, but not an 18 miler- sorry!

I do -on occassion- do a double, but the point is to increase mileage safely and the shorter runs are recovery runs or general aerobic after the harder one(s).

If I did a midweek run of 12-15 miles, the next day I might split up the mileage..as an example. That's twice the chance to move blood through the legs. Good Question. =D
At January 7, 2011 at 6:27 PM , Nathan said...: Also- Happy Bday sister!!
At January 7, 2011 at 6:29 PM , Nathan said...: And...um...you ARE in the increase mileage phase- aren't you?? Weekly mileage- not crazy 28 miler mileage...:))
At January 7, 2011 at 6:31 PM , Nathan said...: And for another thought...don't stress if it was a scheduled 18 miler you missed. Just forget it and proceed as if you had done the 18 at one shot. That's what I have read, anyway :) One issed run won't kill your schedule.
At January 7, 2011 at 6:37 PM , Anonymous said...: It totally counts as 18 miles for sure! I don't know how long it takes to get from the gym to work, but 14 minutes? Yowza!

I have a sister and I love her to death. She used to live in Savannah Georgia for 5 years and I missed her so much when she was gone. Now she and her husband actually live down the street from us! I don't see her everyday because life is busy with two kids for her, but life wouldn't be the same without a sister!
At January 7, 2011 at 6:39 PM , Anonymous said...: I have a sister and we used to be SUPER close. she followed me to college and then again when I moved to Austin after college. then she got a sucky boyfriend who is possessive.

I do 2-a-days sometimes on Tues and Thur, but it's not usually 2 sessions of running...
At January 7, 2011 at 6:46 PM , Julie @ HotlegsRunner said...: awww sweet! I wish I had an older sister. They're all younger than me. ;p

good question. I'm scheduled to 19miles next week for my long run and I have a 13.1 marathon on that day, so after that, as soon as I get home, I'll be running an extra 6 miles to complete the 19 miles that's due for the day. It's the first time I'll ever do this. But my friends back home do it a lot but usually they just rest for about 5 to 10 mins after the race event and continue with their run.
At January 7, 2011 at 6:50 PM , gloryrunning said...: I have a sister - two years younger than me, and she is absolutely fantabulous =) I pretty much can't imagine my life without her...not much beats having a sister. Except maybe long runs. And sour patch kids. OK, maybe not even that.
At January 7, 2011 at 6:51 PM , marathonbaker said...: I'm not a running coach, but I have read that it is more effective to run your long run all at once, so that your body is use to the time on your feet, ect... But getting in the miles counts either way. Great job!
At January 7, 2011 at 6:58 PM , EBURNS said...: i don't have a clue if physically breaking them up is the same, all I know is mentally I could never fully accept that it was, so I never counted it as such.

i have an older sis. We are great friends, but not best friends because I still think she has trouble not looking like the perfect older sister, so she will stay very private on any less than perfect matters in her life. You can only be so close to someone who operates that way.
At January 7, 2011 at 6:59 PM , BigHappyFamily said...: I want my daughters to love each other like that!
At January 7, 2011 at 7:07 PM , Anonymous said...: I love that my sister and I have that relationship:) We get on each other's nerves like it's nobody's business, but at the end of the day we would drop everything for each other. It's beautifully dysfunctional <3
At January 7, 2011 at 7:14 PM , Heather said...: I have done two a days before but honestly, I didn't feel like I could add them together to = a long run (sorry)...not sure why but it just didn't feel right.

Yes, I have an amazingly awesome sister too! We are so different - like night and day - but close as ever! She would do anything for anyone and is an incredible mom to my beautiful neice and nephew! Love my sis!! Happy b-day to yours! Aren't they the best??
At January 7, 2011 at 7:14 PM , Kristin Bradfield said...: During my season I always do two a days, but since I'm a triathlete it's two different sports. I've heard it's ok to split up a long run if scheduling or other conflicts force you to. You lose some of the resilience training but it's not like you're not running a ton so it will be fine.

I adore my sister, she has been my best friend for as long as I can remember.
At January 7, 2011 at 7:33 PM , Maia said...: No sister. No siblings...only child here ;) I think 14+4= 18. I wouldn't split up all long runs, but every once in awhile, it's fine!
At January 7, 2011 at 7:42 PM , Caroline said...: happy birthday sister!!!
no sister
one brother just 16 mos apart so we are close sadly he lives in Canada and I am here in California...it sucks
have not seen him in over 2 yrs.
splitting long runs...I wonder the same thing is it ok to do it like that?
I think not the same as far as endurance goes..right?
what do I know I have not even ran my first half yet! I am a baby runner in a dinosaur's body!!!
At January 7, 2011 at 7:56 PM , janieliz19 said...: I have a stepsister! So I didn't get to have a sister until I was 11, and we didn't really get along until we were a little older, but we do now. She's ridiculous in the best way:)
At January 7, 2011 at 8:19 PM , Laura said...: There's probably a technically right or wrong answer to your question about splitting up runs and I don't know what it is.

Personally, I think it's the equivalent of like a 16.5 mile long run. It definitely counts for something longer than 14 because your muscles cannot recover completely in hours. But I figure they probably recover a little bit so it's not really the same as doing all 18 in a row. Either way, that's one killer day!
At January 7, 2011 at 8:25 PM , Anonymous said...: Aw happy birthday to your sister! I love having 2 younger sisters. One of my sisters is 18 months younger than me, and she is SO fun. and I love hearing my high school sister's drama & stories. She's going to Lady Gaga in March...I'm kinda jealous.
At January 7, 2011 at 8:45 PM , Liz said...: I take glucosamine too!

I think you can count is as a somewhere-in-between 14 and 18 mile run. It's not the same as a REAL 18 mile run, you know?

I def workout twice a day sometimes. Makes me feel twice as good!
At January 7, 2011 at 8:52 PM , ruth said...: I have two sisters and I adore them to pieces. one is 14 months younger and the other 4 years younger. the one i am closest in age to lived with us for 4 months while I was prego and the first two months post-baby. she was my sanity and cooked/baked for me like you would not believe. then she got a job and left :( we talk/text daily, so i totally know what thats like. sisters are the best.

splitting up the mileage is the same, as long as you get the miles in, i say it counts. I love two a days (When I can get them in of course!)

haha and i love the disclaimer on the pills... i assumed they were vitamins but I am sure you got some mixed reactions of people thinking you were taking steriods or something :)
At January 7, 2011 at 9:07 PM , dawn @ running the dawn said...: what a great question. i deal with this too! i mean on the one hand, i can totally see all the logical reasons why, yes it still counts because the stress on the body was the same, the fatigue in the legs is the same, and the endurance was still stretched. but somehow in the back of my mind i always feel like i might have cheated the system.

the bottom line is that you made the best of the situation. you couldn't have run all 18 in the morning, so you improvised. you won't be any worse off for doing so. it wasn't what you wanted to do, so naturally you're a little disappointed. BUT--you got yourself back to the gym. and that's a HUGE win!
At January 7, 2011 at 9:17 PM , Melissa said...: I think you ran a total of 18 miles, and your long run was a 14 miler + a short 4 mile run. It's okay to miss a scheduled long run though...you still have lots more weeks of training.

Can you do your long run after work so you have enough time?

And I have a younger sister, 19 months apart, and I love her! We went to the same college and she joined the same sorority I was in!!
At January 7, 2011 at 9:48 PM , Kristin {Boston Belle} said...: I have heard that breaking up your work outs gives you the same benefits as doing it all at once. As long as you get it all in there it counts and it's obviously worth it!

I have a sister and I am SO LUCKY! She is my best friend in the world and I don't know what I would do without her. It's so funny your stories about your sister remind me of mine so much! We scared one of her ex-boyfriends once because he said we were "communicating with our eyes" HAHA - and we were! Isn't it so great to have a sister??
At January 7, 2011 at 10:25 PM , Anonymous said...: I broke up a 14 mile run into two parts once, because I got so lost I ended up really far away from my house, had no idea how to get home, and had to call my sister to get me :) When I mapped it out, I realized I only did 10 miles, so I headed out later to do 4. That's the last time I'll ever do that- I was so tired! Props for running twice in one day- I thought I was going to die!
At January 8, 2011 at 12:03 AM , Nat said...: In my amateur opinion there are three important points to ponder:

If you are trying to add total mileage for your week - splitting up the run in a double workout day works.

If your intention is to count the mileage as your 18 miler long run for the week - it technically wasn't an 18 miler. While training for my last marathon (of the five I've done, my schedule was crazy and did two of my long runs split up. On race day, I felt like it effected me negatively and I regretted that portion of my training. That said, life happens and there will be plenty of time between now and April for you to get in more than enough long runs.

Even if you didn't teach a spin class tomorrow morning, trying to put in that amount of mileage again this week would be murder on your legs. Your legs know that you ran 18 miles today, even though they didn't get the endurance build of the full mileage at once, along with your lungs - the fatigue is still there.

What's inspiring about your dilemma is that even though your run didn't happen the way you planned and your schedule was off, you put in the mileage regardless! You're very dedicated, talented and motivated. Don't worry about an occasional hiccup in the "plan" for Boston. Consistency is the key - and you seem to be very an extremely consistent athlete :).

Yes, I do split up my training segments, but not per discipline. However, I ran x-c in college and we ran two-a-days all the time. Now I will do two-a-days or three-a-days because I'm a triathlete and in spring-summer my masters swim team meets M-F @ 5 AM. I LOVE my training schedule then, because by the time I get to work at 7:15, I've already accomplished an important workout and can focus on my next one after work!

I have two sisters, both older than me, both living within 25 miles of me :). We are good friends, especially me and the oldest sis. Happy Birthday to your sweet sister!
At January 8, 2011 at 6:49 AM , See.Kate.Run said...: Happy birthday to your sis!! Got 5 sisters and 5 brothers and they are all pretty amazing. I am the youngest sister (have one younger brother) so I get pretty spoiled. It's great! :)

I say you ran 18 miles...cuz u did. I have done two a days but hardly ever because I don't want to work out when I already worked out and because I hate taking showers and that means I would have to take two in one day or be real sweaty for a long time cuz I sweat a lot.
At January 8, 2011 at 7:15 AM , Anonymous said...: HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your sis! :) I wish I had one... cute photos as well!

Actually, I just read an article about this in Women's Running (the UK version!). It was an interview with an ultra-marathoner woman, and she spilts up her long runs into 3 or 4 runs throughout the day! So it DOES count! :D

And just so you know, and to gross you out a lil bit, the day that I went to Spin, I had the dentist right after. So I had to run there, i.e. no time to shower! Poor Dr Lowey...! :P
At January 8, 2011 at 7:30 AM , Jennifer said...: Just discovered your blog! I love it. I am going to use your snack suggestions this weekend for my family.
At January 8, 2011 at 7:41 AM , Abby said...: I do two-a-days sometimes, whether it's two runs or a run and a ride, and I always love those days.

As for the breaking up the long ones, I've heard mixed things on this one, but I tend to think that the benefits of two-a-days are different from the benefits of a long run. Not that it doesn't "count," but it's not quite the same as being on your feet for X hours or X miles all at once. But that's just one amateur's opinion :)
At January 8, 2011 at 8:19 AM , Nicole said...: I wish i had a sister!

I think two a days are fine. You are an amazing runner- you probably would have been fine with just 14! but thats my opinion!

happy birthday to your beautiful sister! :)
At January 8, 2011 at 1:21 PM , jenny winstead said...: how weird! you said once in your comments that we had a lot in common...well, something else! me and my sister are inseparable TOO!! we are 14 months apart, (i am older) i am the mommy, and i got her into running recently. we shared a room until the day i got married! ha! we talk ALL the time! aren't sister's awesome?!

also, i think it's cool to break up your long runs every now and then. i can't believe you can run so dang fast! :)
At January 8, 2011 at 2:29 PM , Mallory said...: I think it's okay to break up long runs every now and then.

I haven't yet done two-a-days and I don't plan to because I'm not that strong of an athlete!!

I do have a sister. I actually have 4 of them. (Ages 21, 7, 5, and 3!) I am close to the 21 year old. We fought a lot as kids but were also best friends. I am flying to DC next month to see her (with my Mom and Aunt!) and I can't wait. She's really cool. The little girls are great too. The 7 year old is my shadow.
At January 8, 2011 at 5:52 PM , RunningOnCoffee said...: Hmm I don't think I'd consider 14 + 4 to be the same as 18 in one shot. It totally counts as 18 miles, just not an 18 mile long run. Probably still good practice running on tired legs. But I don't think you have endurance issues if you can run 29 miles in one shot just because you felt like it!

I've done two-a-days before, but maybe a run in the morning and a bike ride in the afternoon.

I have a younger sister; 2 years 8 months younger than me. I don't remember my mom being pregnant with her/wishing for a brother or sister since I was so young.

I'm amazed you could get in 14 miles before work; the best I've done is 5 or 6 miles before work - but I don't wake up as early as you. What time do you get out of work? I'd say pick one day you know you can get out of work on time, and have that be your long run day (HS around here gets out around 2:10-2:20; teachers have to stay another 20 min after that). At your pace that seems like long enough to get in those miles outside before the sun goes down!

I'm amused that you explained the pills- I did notice those on the table in your other post. Do you find the glucosamine makes a difference, or is it more to prevent any future problems?
At January 9, 2011 at 1:38 PM , Adrianna said...: i have 2 sisters, and they both rock, but my youngest sis and i tend to 'get' each other...very similar, and shes just cool. miss her tons! less competition, too (the other sis is only 1 year younger and always feels like she needs to outshine; its so sad to me.)

if one needs to do a 2-a-day bc of work, i say go for it. i'm all with you on how hard it is to go back after work...great job! and it most certainly counts to divide the run. gotta make a livin', ya heard?
At January 10, 2011 at 9:22 AM , LAPT said...: Oooh good question. I was thinking of splitting up my 9 mile long run this week to 5 before work and 4 after work. I know that it's not the same, but it's SO DARK here and I cannot do 9 miles on the treadmill without tearing someone's head off. Sigh.... what to do?!?

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Question For YOU, need your opinion!!!

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