Excuses Excuses

I couldn't manage to run over this long weekend--too many excuses. I think I'm having a hard time adjusting to the cold temperatures, who really wants to run when it is butt ass cold outside? I know I complain about running in the heat in Dallas (I'm just prone to dehydration!), but I would much rather put on a pair of shorts and a tank top, lather myself in sunscreen and hit the road, then layer up in 12 different shirts, jackets and gloves that are easily removable and store-able in my camelback if I get too hot.

Delaying my run from the first priority every morning gives me every excuse not to get out of my pajamas. And let's be honest, chilling out under a blanket, snuggled with puppy dogs and a hot cup of tea is WAY better than running, any day of the week.

Instead, I spent an hour and a half on the elliptical since the cold weather (it really wasn't cold, almost warm when I took the dogs for a walk) and a potential head cold (I filled a trashcan with tissues this morning, so this is possibly more than just allergies) were good enough excuses not to run this morning.

I'm back on the running bandwagon this week, I swear!

Miles logged: 0.0

Happy 2nd Runniversary to Me!

Today is my 2 year anniversary of running, 2 years since I committed to running a half marathon, and long before I had any clue of what I was doing! Feels like I've been at it much longer, with the achy hips and swollen knees of late. Perhaps it's because I'm a couple of years older and the body just isn't holding up like it used to!

I usually start today the same way, by running down to the convenience store, buying a newspaper, and running home. But I was lazy this morning. And I couldn't wait to get my breakfast in the oven. I worked out on the elliptical instead, while this bad boy was baking, then I got down to the real order of business for the day, eating!

Grandma's homemade apple pie-yes, I did eat it for breakfast!

Miles logged: 0.0

The Blister is Back

The blister between my big and 2nd toe is back. It hurts, and all day, this song kept running through my mind...

Elton John's "Bitch is Back"

First Run Post Marathon

Today was my first run post marathon. It had been been a week since I had run, and I was itching to get out and stretch my legs. It has been more than a year since I've had this long of a break from running. But it felt like I was already out of my rhythm. I had every equipment malfunction possible this morning, from headphones (one ear stopped working during the marathon and I thought it might miraculously fix itself), to broken sunglasses (smushed in the suitcase), and a camelback that just didn't fit right. In addition, I ate a bunch of crap yesterday-french fries for the first time in a really long time and caramel chocolate popcorn, so I was lethargic and my legs felt like logs. But I powered through. If I can run 26.2, I can run 10 with my hands tied behind my back, right?

By the time I got to the entrance of the nature preserve, I had finally hit my stride. Though the blister from hell was reminding me that it was still there. The park had changed significantly during the last month in which I had been running a different route. Fall is showing her beautiful colors, though I almost missed it completely. Trees are already bare and my special spot for when nature calls was no longer obscured from view. In addition, the water fountains are off already. The two most important things while I'm running have been paused for winter...

But I had some investigating to do. I recall, a long time ago, that I had seen a water fountain somewhere else, on the "dark side" of the park. I do not go to this side of the park any longer. Once, actually my very first run here, a 5-miler, I took a wrong turn, got lost and ended up FAR away from where I needed to be. A 5 mile run (my long run of the week at that time!) turned into 8 miles, the longest I'd ever run. I had no water with me, no cell phone, no sense of direction, and terrible IT band syndrome. I refused to stop and walk, and found my way back. Since then, I've been tentative to go in the direction in which I got so terribly lost. Not sure what made me brave enough to head in that direction today, likely plain old stupidity! But I was rewarded with what I found: flushing toilets and a working water fountain!!

My saving grace this winter!!

Miles logged: 10.0

High Heel Attempt

The soreness I've experienced post marathon hasn't been as bad as I expected. Nonetheless, I've worn flats for a few days to give my muscles and my feet a break.

Today I attempted to wear a pair of high heels to work. This attempt did not go well. You see, I managed to foster a blister between my big toe and second toe on my left foot during the race. I've had to drain it numerous times. And it has not healed much since then. Shoving them into a shoe with a small toe box didn't work this morning. I limped around the house for a few minutes before I threw in the towel though!

Miles logged: 0.0

Malibu Marathon Race Report

It was cold, really cold, in the upper 30s, when my dad dropped me off at the start line. I felt like I hit the jackpot when there was hardly a line at the toilets. Yes, toilets that flushed, not port-o-potties. The sun was rising and I was talking to other runners about the race. I knew it was going to be a good day.

This thought was quickly erased as the 7am starting time came and went. At 39 degrees, standing outside for an hour in clothes suitable for 70 was not easy. I bought a sweatshirt at WalMart the night before and made it even classier by cutting it down the middle so it would be easy to take off while I was running.

The sweet poncho was to keep me warm, not dry

The race ended up starting 30 minutes late and by then my feet were completely numb. I spent the first three miles taking it easy, doing my best not to injure myself since I couldn't feel everything. By mile 3, I was good as new, though I had to remove my shoe once because I was convinced I had a rock under my right heel. After taking off both my shoe and my sock, I found nothing and realized I was just feeling pins and needles from the restored blood flow to my foot!

The first 7 miles were inland, as we trekked from the Camarillo Airport to PCH. The views were spectacular, with the sun rising over the farmlands. And this part was supposed to be the least scenic!

At some point after mile 3, I saw a pacer ahead of me. But, since my vision has gone to shit and my sunglasses don't have a prescription in them, I could not read the pace sign. I had to get all the way up to the group before I read the sign that said "5:15 12:01 min/mile." Boy was that depressing to see; I knew I could run a faster marathon than that. As I was getting ready the night before the race, I discovered that my digital watch was completely dead. I was too tired and it was too late to worry about a replacement. I decided to use the stopwatch on my cell phone to keep track of my time. I only looked at it once, at the 3 mile marker (the stopwatch was still running this morning, 2 days later!!).

The stopwatch said 36 minutes exactly at this point

There was a mile marker at every mile after we reached the 3rd mile. I loved the little surfboards, they were the perfect choice! I tried to take photos of most of them to help me chronicle the race.

Self portrait at mile 4, I look like I'm pregnant!

The Point Mugu Naval Base

First glimpse of the ocean, off on the horizon

I couldn't have made it through this race without my parents and my dear friends who came out all the way out to LA just to cheer my name. I am forever grateful for their support during this, the biggest challenge I've faced. Their smiling faces, encouraging words and butterscotch candies helped me get through all 26.2 miles. But I'll be honest, it didn't go 100% smoothly. After the halfway point, they were supposed to hand off a full bottle of zipfizz, but it was in the car, across the highway! My dad was a trooper, he ran to get it, but I had already moved ahead. But he didn't give up, he ran after me and I turned around and ran backwards to him! The other comedic moment happened when my friends were a few seconds too late to see me run by. They were across the highway, but I saw them and yelled out. And Corey also ran after me, pushing a stroller with his 2 boys in it! 

My amazing parents!

The majority of this race was flat, until just after mile 18, then the rolling hills started and lasted through the next 6 miles. They were tough, but nothing like San Francisco.

Spectacular views

Kicking ass and taking names!

As I rounded mile 25, an older lady ran by me and yelled out "if we push hard, we can finish in under 5 hours!" I looked at her like she was insane! It was taking every ounce of effort I had to keep up my slow jog and make it through one more mile. But then it hit me. I was close to finishing a marathon, my very first, in 5 hours! Being without a watch, I had absolutely no idea how fast or slow I was going and in my wildest dreams, I wasn't anywhere close to 5 hours. Whatever I had left of adrenaline kicked in and I'm pretty sure that last mile was my fastest (I'll never know though)!

When I finally saw the finish line, I erupted in tears. It was the most intense feeling of happiness and accomplishment that I had really run a marathon! It was so overwhelming, but was the greatest feeling ever!

Winning!

The finish line was a little disappointing. I wanted fanfare, I wanted a party. But after getting my medal and finishers beach towel (awesome, right?!), I grabbed a bottle of water and a fruit cup (but no spoon) and headed out to meet up with my friends and family. The next order of business, flip flops and a shower!

Miles logged: 26.2!!!

Happy Marathon Eve

Today is the last day I can ever say that I've never run a marathon. My very first marathon, the Malibu International Marathon, starts tomorrow at 7am. I'm nervous, scared, but most of all, I can't wait to get started!

Packet pick up was at the Malibu Inn. We arrived early since we had plans with friends this afternoon. I don't think that this race is going to be big-which makes me very happy. I love smaller races where fewer runners can pass me! Plus there aren't typically traffic jams at water stations or port-o-potties!

My bib number is 385, and is the fastest number they issued. I know, because I asked, and the ladies passing out the bibs confirmed it! I also purchased a Malibu Marathon shirt, since the marathon doesn't give participants a tech shirt. Instead, we get a medal and a beach towel at the finish line!!

Me and my FAST bib number!

My hugely supportive parents! Thanks so much for coming out to LA, driving me around, and cheering me on to victory!

Miles logged: 0.0

Final Pre Marathon Run

As I was running on the treadmill this evening, I was wondering to myself if this would be the last run I would ever enjoy. I'm worried that the marathon is going to ruin running for me. Obviously I hope that is not the case, but it has become such a chore these last few months. Only a few short days until I find out!

Thanks to everyone who has supported me through all of my training and to all that have wished me good luck this weekend. I could not have gotten this far without all of you!

Miles logged: 4.0

The Official Weather Forecast

Looks like Sunday is going to be a beautiful day for running!

Miles logged: 0.0

People Watching

Mondays are not days that I usually frequent the gym. And the people watching was much better!

My favorite was the girl strutting around in a pair of tiny boy shorts and a skimpy sports bra. I have underwear that provide more coverage! Mind you, she was not a tiny woman, she probably had 30 lbs on me. She must have walked in front of the treadmills 15 times while I was running. But my favorite part was her "trip" up the stairs (treadmills are on the bottom floor, with a flight of stairs directly in front). She was obviously displaying her assets as she took one step at a time, pausing to do calf raises at each step. I think she only did two or three reps per step (very slowly), but she definitely put on a good show!

Miles logged: 4.0

Last Long Run

I ran my last long run before the marathon today. And I was in Houston, so yet another change of scenery for me! I was there visiting my brother and sister-in-law; they normally live in NYC, but have been in Houston for the last few weeks for my sis-in-law's job. We stayed in the medical district and I was able to run in Hermann Park. It was beautiful, with lovely gardens, well manicured lawns, and bathrooms!

A statue of some dude on a horse

The Washington Monument?

A lake with no visible alligators

The only hill in town was this artificial one created for the amphitheater

Crappy trail

I really only have 2 complaints. First, I hated the dirt and gravel track, instead of concrete. I must have stopped 20 times to empty rocks out of my shoes. I know many people prefer to run on something like this since it isn't as hard on your knees, but I hate it. The second was the weather. Houston is notoriously hot and humid, however, it was on the cooler side, with dark ominous clouds. Those dark ominous clouds opened up on me too. But, I was one step ahead. The clouds were dark, but the winds started to pick up when I was on mile 6. I was near the hotel and decided that I didn't want to get my iPhone wet (I've already dropped it and cracked the screen, but it is still useable at least), nor did I want to spend an hour standing under an awning waiting for the rain to stop. As I was crossing the street, the rain started coming down hard, so I darted in to the hotel and went up to the gym to finish my run.

I only had a few miles left to pound out on the treadmill. And it turned out to be pleasant, namely because it was dry. The treadmills each had their own TV's. I watched Animal Planet, which made me miss my Eddie. The refrigerated towels were quite amazing and I enjoyed the free apples (they might have been decoration).

Miles logged: 10.0

NYC Marathon Cancelled

Mayor Bloomberg cancelled the New York City Marathon this year and I think we all have mixed emotions. Being from Louisiana and living through Hurricane Katrina, my heart aches for what the people of NYC and the rest of the northeast are going through. I've lived in their shoes before. I've lived the devastation. But I've also lived through the rebuilding. And while I agree with Bloomberg's decision to cancel the marathon and not divert resources away from the recovery effort, I wonder if the marathon isn't exactly what NYC needs.

The thing I wanted most in the aftermath of Katrina was normalcy. I wanted my life and everything around me to get back to the way it was before. I'm sure the folks affected by Sandy are hoping for the same thing. What they'll learn is that it never goes back. The power gets turned back on, the city dries out, the gas lines diminish, but you've changed. You can never forget the lives lost, the adversity you've faced, the strength you didn't realize you had, or the bond you have with others that have survived this disaster too.

Still, 7 years later, Katrina was one or the most defining events of my life. I know that the survivors of Sandy will come together and rally to rebuild.

Miles logged: 0.0

Marathon Anxiety

Only a week and a half left until race day and I'm already dealing with anxiety. I've been training for this marathon for more than 3 months and I'm definitely nervous. I'm hypersensitive about minimizing my risk for injury-there was a company flag football game that I wouldn't go anywhere near today for fear of getting injured. I've already sworn off high heels next week.

In addition, there are a million things that I need to do before I board the plane to LA, not the least of which is a trip to Houston to visit my brother tomorrow.

Hopefully this next week will fly by!

Miles logged: 4.0