New Year's Double-New Year's Eve Half Marathon Race Report

Worst. Race. Ever.

Not due to an ugly course or poor race planning, because this race was in a nice park and was well organized. It was the ice cold rain that ruined it for me. I've been fortunate; none of my previous races have had wet weather. I've run in sub zero temps, but at least it was sunny that day. Running in the rain is the worst!

There was a light rain falling when we arrived at the race site. We had about 15 minutes before packet pick up closed and were in a rush to get there. I had packed a bag of necessities last night, which included some disposable hand warmers. I was so concerned about getting my poncho on correctly, that I forgot the warmers in the car! And I really needed them. We made it through packet pick up and even had time to use the restroom (an actual bathroom, not a port-o-pottie!) before the race started. There weren't many places that were shielded from the rain, so we were wet even before we began.

My husband and I agreed to run one of these 2 races together, and apparently this race was not the one. We started together but he was gone before we made it to the first mile. My feet were completely soaked by this time as well. I tried dodging the puddles, but it was no use. My left foot was numb the entire race. My right foot was numb most of the race. I was sure I would have frostbite or an injury when I was done, blisters at the least. But to my surprise, I made it through with none of these. I'm stiff and the backs of my knees are sore (no idea why this is), but I think I can do it all again tomorrow!

I didn't bring my phone today. Since I've already dropped it on the floor and cracked it, I didn't want to also have water damage. So there are no pictures of the race today. But I promise to take plenty tomorrow!

Miles logged: 13.1

2 Races, 2 Days, 3 Medals

We've all established that I'm a medal whore. I recognize it, I admit it, I own it. It's part of the reason that I run. And with the upcoming New Year's Double, I'm stoked to be getting 3 medals to add to my collection. Look how cool!

Miles logged: 10.0

New Year's Double

I've gone and done something crazy; almost as crazy as a marathon...I've signed up for back-to-back half marathons. I contemplated this race last year while I was trying to reach Uranus in Half Fanatics, but I was lucky enough for it to be sold out. But when I was looking for another race to run, it popped up and was still accepting racers. I've yet to do any official training for it. I'm not exactly sure how you train for back-to-back races.

So my husband and I will be running a half marathon on December 31 and another one on January 1. What a great way to end the year and start the new one!

Miles logged: 9.6

Holiday Themed Run

I work for a very progressive company that allows us to drink at work once a month. Granted, it is at 4:30 in the afternoon, limited to beer and wine, and provided under supervision. I usually don't go, but when I do, I don't drink. The HR person deep inside me says it is wrong!

This afternoon drinkfest is called Beerthday, and held in honor of the employees with birthdays during the month. This month's celebration was "holiday themed" and it perked my curiosity. It is also my birthday month, so I felt obligated to go. And I was rewarded for my interest, besides American beer and cheap wine, they treated us to Pennsylvania Dutch Egg Nog. YUM! That stuff is 40 proof and absolutely delicious! I had a hard time finishing my glass though because it was so strong.

Immediately after the party, I headed over to the gym to see if I could knock out a couple of miles. I burped up a bit of nog during the run, but managed not to throw it up. And I was able to run my entire run at a sub 10 minute mile. Pretty darn good for me! I might need to try this egg nog thing again!

Miles logged: 4.0

Bolt is Back

After being quiet since the London Olympics, Usain Bolt is back. Or at least "she" is, according to my husband.

I guess I just don't care what other people think about me when I'm running. But when I stepped out in my fluorescent yellow top, bright blue aqua sox, and black shorts with a pink stripe, it was the epitome of giving up. I used to reward myself by buying new workout outfits, but I'm long past whatever phase that is... Now I grab whatever smells fine, preferably clean, and is weather appropriate. And hey, if I get mistaken for Usain Bolt, I'll take it!!

Miles logged: 10.0

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

Two Weeks of Tapering? Don't Mind if I Do!

Last week's brutal 22 miles was my last week of building and I'm now in the tapering stage of my training. I like to think of it as the downhill stretch! I had 15 miles to get through this weekend and I was confident I could pull it off. I decided to keep the same route as last week-a 6 mile loop with home as the refueling station.

Mother Nature has been my arch nemesis during this training (thank goodness for my new super powers!) and this morning was no exception. 38 degrees is not an ideal temperature for me, but I had no choice but to get out there and run! It took a couple of miles for my ears to stop hurting from the cold and my gloves never came off. I saw (and heard, boy are they loud) a gaggle of Canadian Geese flying low over the golf course. They were presumably migrating south for the winter, except they were actually flying north at the time.

Pausing at the house is working well for me; today, I took off a layer of cold wet clothes. I even made a mid-run shoe change, since I had a hole developing in the right foot of my aqua sox and I just wasn't ready to trash them when I started my run.

Miles logged: 15.0

Bad Day

Ugh. I had a bad day at the gym today. I couldn't make a mile on the treadmill-my hip was screaming and my feet didn't feel right. I eeked out a workout on the bike. And I bonked. Yep, a 30 minute workout and I was not in good shape at the end of it. I felt a little lightheaded sitting on the bike, but didn't think much of it since I was sitting down. But when I stood up, my legs felt like logs, and I could hardly lift them high enough to get up the one flight of stairs to get to the locker room. Thank goodness I had an apple in my purse. Otherwise, I'm not sure how I would have gotten myself home. Thankfully this happened during a short workout and not one of my long training runs!

Miles logged: less than 1.0

Twenty FREAKING Two!

This was it, the longest run planned in my training schedule before marathon weekend. I'll admit, I was pretty freaked about it, but tried not to get worked up. It was just a training run, not the real deal. In an effort to combat the boredom I knew I would encounter running in the park, I decided to try a different route. An 8 mile loop, run twice, with a shortcut on the last loop would work perfectly. The route included a pause at the golf course to refill my water bottle at the middle of each loop and the house being homebase where I could pick up a new icy water bottle and a snack after each loop. Well planned, don't you think?

Well planned if it really was 8 miles, but it was only 6, and most of it was in the sun. But, I made it work. I struggled with pain in my feet, hips, and knees. I can only expect the same feelings during the race, so at least I'm getting practice running through the pain! I also had problems breathing since I'm still fighting congestion left over from this cold. I was able to get my sinuses partially cleared, but absolutely could not run and eat. I had to stop to eat my snacks, as I could not chew and swallow with restricted airways. Again, good practice for the big day, which is only 3 weeks away!!!

Miles logged: 22.0

Fair Day

This is the last week of the Texas State Fair, the largest state fair in the country. I go every year just to gorge myself on all kinds of fried treats. This year was no different. My company shut the office down for the afternoon so we could have a team building experience!

I swear I didn't eat that much fried stuff, but it sure made me sick to my stomach. I basically only ate my favorite fried food before I started feeling sick-fried cheese curds. Perhaps it was the volume that was the problem...

We played a few games, where I won this beauty! I named him Peter.

I was supposed to run this evening, but there was really no way for me to bounce around with a belly full of grease. So I came home, walked the dogs, and spent some time on the elliptical.

Miles logged: 45 mins on the elliptical machine.

A New Superhero

Superheroes are created by some freak accident (Spiderman), traumatic life event (Batman), or experiment (Wolverine). And while these characters make for great entertainment, I'm pretty sure I became one of them today. 

Today's run was pushed back to Sunday by crappy weather and an ill-placed vet visit on my schedule. Throw in a pre-run sleepover at my grandparent's house, a night of storms, a mild head cold, and a very early wake up call, I was not in the best shape to get out there this morning. After having a great 20-miler last week, I was scared that I would have a bad run today. 

Maybe it was the change of scenery, maybe it was the beautiful blue sky, or maybe it was the buzzing power lines overhead.

3 hours of running under these bad boys probably gave me a superpower! I'm not sure what my superpower is or superhero name would be. According to my google search (first hit), your superhero name is a combo of the color shirt you are wearing and the object to your right. That makes me the Black Cell Phone! Not very impressive, and frankly depressing! 

Hit #2 is much better! You type in your name and pick your gender (boy or girl, apparently adults don't play the superhero game) and viola, your superhero persona is produced. I am now the Wonder Sword! Much more imposing! Plus, my superpower is technology, weakness is garlic, my weapon is the robotic shield, and my mode of transportation is a pegasus! I do love garlic, and my husband is forever making fun of my love of unicorns (for the record: a pegasus is a winged white horse, not a horned white horse, but he doesn't know the difference)!

Miles logged: 15.0

Commitment

I was traveling this week. And amid early flights, long meetings, and late dinners, I was able to squeeze in a run. Not a long one, or even close to the 7 miles I had on the calendar, but a run nonetheless.

Miles logged: 3.0

Twenty!!

Today was a big run for me, a mental, as well as physical milestone, twenty miles. I put it off as long as I could this weekend, not running on Saturday for no good reason except to delay the inevitable. Not sure why I waited.

I've been thinking I need a change of scenery to help me get past the mental roadblocks I've been having on these long runs. There is a shady, 5 mile loop named Duck Creek Park (that has both water fountains and bathrooms), but it is a 30 minute drive from the house. That's another hour on top of a 4 hour run...and I can't stomach it. So today, I ran around the same nature preserve that I always do. But this time, I turned to the right instead of going left around the loop.

This was a big step for me. I turned right the very first time I ever ran in the park and it was a disaster. I was supposed to run 5 miles and a wrong turn, combined with fog and low visibility, caused me to get very very lost. I had no water (thank goodness it was winter) and ended up far away from the park. The 5 mile run, which was the longest I had ever run at the time, turned into 8 miles. I had terrible IT band pain and I was in misery. But I finally found my way and have never turned right in the park again!

I managed to not get lost today, and even had a really good run. This was the first time in a while where I have actually felt like I can finish this marathon!

Miles logged: 20

Playing Hooky!

I am committed to running and training for the marathon, but sometimes, a better offer comes along. I skipped the gym tonight in favor of a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert! I've loved these guys since I was 11 years old! It was an amazing show and I had such a great time! Here are a couple of videos I took!

Miles logged: 0.0

Thanks for Nothing, Mother Nature

Mother Nature gave me the middle finger today. When my alarm went off at 6:45 this morning, it was still raining. So I climbed back in bed with the dogs and slept until 9. It was raining when I got up the second time. Only a light drizzle, but everything was soaking from the last 24 hours. I resigned that, today, I would have to run at the gym. I was not pleased.

I knew there was no way that I could knock out fifteen miles on a treadmill. The boredom would kill me. Instead, I bargained myself down to an hour on the treadmill, an hour on the bike (counting for 5 miles), and whatever miles I have left on the treadmill. And it wasn't all that bad. I ran 6 miles in the first hour on the treadmill. I spent the next hour texting with a friend and shopping for a new cell phone case on ebay while biking. Then I went back to the locker room to eat a Clif Bar. That was a little awkward for me, kind of like I was sneaking a snack. Then the final 4 miles on the treadmill.

I was at the gym for 3 hours. I've never been there that long before. Towards the end, I felt like one of the women you read about in Cosmo; the ones who only eat a bowl of bran flakes a day and exercise for hours on end. Exercise bulimia, I think it is called.

In trying to be optimistic, I came up with 3 good things about spending this much time at the gym.

1. No tan lines. If you aren't in the sun, you can't get dumb tan lines.
2. Unlimited potty breaks. In a toilet that flushes. 
3. Water refills at any time. Don't mind if I do, refrigerated water fountain. 

Thankfully I finished, and it wasn't all that bad. However, I will be happy to never do it again!

Miles logged: 15.0

A letter to mother nature

Dear Mother Nature:

I was somewhat expecting for my run to be rained out today. And I must say, it was nice to sleep in this morning. But come on...when will it stop?? It has been raining for over 12 hours, without stopping. My back yard is, quite literally, a lake. I understand that we are in a drought and need the moisture, but this is ridiculous.

I need to run 15 miles tomorrow, and will be extremely pissed if I have to knock it out on a treadmill.

Please stop the rain before tomorrow morning.

Sincerely,
An anxious runner

Miles logged: 0.0

Malibu Marathon Here I COME!!!

I've signed up! 11/11/12 I'll be running my first marathon!!

Miles logged: 0.0

I Don't Mean to Brag

Well, actually I do. I ran 6 miles in 61:00 minutes today. That's just over a 10 minute mile and I'm pretty proud of myself! It feels so good to have a good run!!

Miles logged: 6.0

Running at Elevation

I was up in the Stanislaus Forrest this week and wanted to get in some exercise. I made two mistakes--one, thinking I could actually run at elevation, and two, running on a trail.

The elevation was about 5,000 feet, not enough to notice when you are standing still, but just enough to make your lungs burn when you tried to work. However, when the Map My Run voice came on at 23 mins and 35 seconds to tell me that I completed one mile, I knew the GPS signal wasn't working very well! And I ended up running like a drunk person (I swear I wasn't, the Napa visit was days ago!), weaving from side to side to avoid the rocks and pebbles that I could feel through my aqua sox. I ended up tossing them after the run, partially because they started getting holes in the heel, but also because they were so dirty, there was no way I was going to put them back in my suitcase!

The terrain--tiny pebbles are rough!

Lyon's Dam

Spectacular view

Miles logged: Who knows??

Runner's High

I'm on vacation this week, in California again, are you surprised? And since I'm vacationing, I worked this week of training in as a taper week. I had a couple of longer runs to get through before I left, but I didn't have enough time to actually get to them before I left home!

I'm back out in Northern CA, on our annual pilgrimage to Napa and the mountains (my blog from last year's vacation). And it has been great again this year. I went for another long run after a long day of drinking. Between miles 6 and 7, I hit a fantastic runners high. Maybe it was the change of scenery, or the beautiful weather, whatever it was, made me happy to be running again. I felt spectacular and remember a giant smile breaking out across my face. THAT feeling is why I run!

Miles logged: 10.0

Vacation

An Apology to My Readers

I was just reviewing some of my recent posts and realized that this blog has been less about running, and more about bitching than ever before. And I'm sorry. This marathon training (for which I have yet to sign up) has really been difficult for me. I will, however, attempt to do a better job at keeping this about the run.

I'm going on a much needed vacation (even though I was in Calgary a month ago) with a girlfriend of mine to Napa and Yosemite. I'm really looking forward to having some time to recharge, change scenery, and get myself motivated again.

I also have been asking around about new places for me to run here in town, and I think I've found a 5 mile loop that might just help me finish this marathon training!

Miles logged: 0

Nineteen

I'm still plugging along with the marathon training, despite hating it. I really tried to start my long run off this week with a good attitude. And I think I did pretty well, for about the first half of the run. I had a friend in town that texted me just after the 9 mile marker and I exclaimed that I only had 10 miles left. I was still doing well at that point, but it slipped quickly downhill from there.

I've come to realize that I think I'll be able to make it through the physical aspect of a marathon--it will be painful, but I think I can do it. I'm having a hard time figuring out how I'm going to mentally get through it. Boredom is killing me. Almost 4 hours of running, by myself, in a loop, is really really hard for me. I'm sure I need a new route, but I need something else...just not sure what it is.

Miles logged: 19.0

Fake it 'til you make it

If I just keep saying this to myself, it will eventually come true again!

Miles logged: 4.0

Guilt

Not only am I not enjoying running anymore, I also have the added guilt of leaving dogs at home all day. With my husband out of town, I'm the sole parent of two little weenie dogs. This means they are home by themselves for up to 13 hours every day. As I was running on the treadmill earlier, the only thing I could think of was their sweet faces waiting for me at home and how selfish I was to be at the gym instead of with them. And today was a short run day! As these weekday runs get longer (if I do end up completing the marathon training), then I'm going to have to figure something else out...either doggy day care, or coming home straight after work, then running later in the evening. Where will I find the time for it all?

Miles logged: 4.0

Eighteen

I didn't start out my morning as well rested as I had hoped. After 3 trips outside with the dogs in the middle of the night, I finally crawled out of bed for the big run at about 6:45. A cold front blew threw overnight (the last trip outside with the dogs, at 5:45, it was raining) and brought heavy winds and much cooler temperatures. I think it was in the upper 60s when I left this morning. The high for today is about the same as the normal morning low temp. What a relief.

I didn't feel that great this morning when I started; I was tired and felt overly full (too much carbo loading yesterday?), but the beautiful weather made me press on. By the time I got to Galatyn Park, they were about to start a 5k. Best part? No, not running through the finish line by myself, pretending I was the winner. The port-o-potties! No line? Don't mind if I do!

I saw a bit of wildlife today...about a 5 foot long snake! I originally thought it was dead, then I realized it's head was sticking up--NOT DEAD and SCARY! I made sure to stop and take a picture to prove I saw one (my husband claims to have seen a real live cougar there once, and I tease him that he really just saw a house cat since he can't prove he actually saw it).

I tried to take it easy today, since all this training has made running not fun anymore. When I needed to eat, I stopped and sat at a picnic table for a few minutes to regroup. I think it helped me not hate it as much. Though I really am having a hard time making the decision to actually go for the marathon distance. As exhausted and achy as I am, I can't imagine running another 8 miles on top of what I ran today! I had an OK run today, but at this point, I really don't know if I want to do this.

Miles logged: 18

Happy Labor Day

I didn't have to work today due to the fabulous Labor Day holiday, but I did have to run today. I take every opportunity I have to run outside instead of on a treadmill. But since it was a holiday, I allowed myself to sleep in, so that it was nice and hot outside for my run. I ran a different route than my standard 4-miler, hoping that I would encounter more shade and thus, cooler temps. What I found was dead animals and a pretty hilarious parking job. Apparently someone partied too hard last night and parked their SUV perpendicular to the curb, with the rear wheels on the sidewalk and the front wheels on the street. I was stupid and did not take a picture of this; I am sorry.

Miles logged: 4.25

You say Potato, I say Potato

My husband claims that I've been going around bragging that I was going to run an "easy 12 miles" this weekend. I've never insinuated that 12 miles is easy--shoot, I still struggle during some 3 mile runs. What I have been saying is that I "only have to run 12 miles," because that is my screwed up perspective now.  When training for a half marathon, I usually run 8 miles during a taper week, but for marathon training, I've had to bump it up a bit.

I still have a long way to go, and none of it is going to be easy!

Miles logged: 12

Tired of Training

I'm tired. I've been training for a marathon for almost 4 weeks now and I'm already exhausted. This week has consisted of training 4 days a week, for at least an hour a day. If you follow my blog, you know that I like to run, but I'm not really that dedicated to running a lot! Since all of this exercise is taking up so much of my time, I haven't had much of a chance to sit down and write.

For my run today, I went to a different gym on my way home. The only way to describe this gym was to say that it was directly out of the movie Cocoon. There wasn't a man with a full head of hair there. And I'm pretty sure I was the only one with natural hair color.

They also didn't have any towels, and I had forgotten mine...so I spent 55 minutes dripping sweat onto the treadmill belt. GROSS.

Miles logged: 5.0

Seventeen

After a failed attempt at 16 miles last week, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to complete the 17 miler scheduled for this weekend. And with a DNS on Saturday morning, I was even more afraid. Saturday wasn't really my fault--I got up to the alarm at 6:30, ate breakfast, dressed, slathered on the sunscreen. Then I flung open the curtains to let the dogs out before we left and everything was wet, wet from the pouring down rain, not the sprinklers that were also on... So I crawled back in bed and slept until 10!!

When the alarm woke me this morning, the first thing I did was check outside to see if it was raining, and it wasn't. It wasn't hot this morning, but it was really humid. Almost like running in soup. I struggled from the beginning. I kept getting twigs and leaves in my socks. My knees hurt. My hips screamed. My feet were in agony. All this before I even made it to half marathon distance. I broke the cardinal rule of running. I finished 17 miles, but I am defeated.

I was too tired for an ice bath, but managed to ice my feet in the sink. My legs were so tired, that I wasn't sure if I could lift them over the tub to get out of the shower. I popped 2 Aleve immediately. I am physically and mentally exhausted. But I know from past experience that I need to keep moving. If the stiffness sets in, I know I'm done for.

I'm second guessing this whole marathon thing.

Miles logged: 17

Photos from Calgary Run

As promised, though a little late, here are the photos of our run through Calgary. We ran along the Bow River with great views of the city!

Me at the Peace Bridge

The barefoot man at the Peace Bridge

We ran by the zoo and saw bears! These were the only bears I saw in Alberta

And Bison!

The Bow River

Calgary Tower

Running in Calgary

Today I embarked on a long journey in a strange city, 16 miles in Calgary, Alberta. My husband and I planned out a route through the city and along the Bow River. We woke early thanks to an alarm set by the hotel room's previous tenant.

The city was deserted at 8 am on a Sunday morning. And our run didn't get off to the best start. The first park we ran to was closed off and before we even got to the second mile, my husband had to stop to dig some glass out of his foot. Once we crossed the Bow River on the Peace Bridge (pictures to follow once we get home) things were much better. We ran along the river for a few miles, missing the first bridge crossing to Prince's Island. The temperature was perfect and the views of the city were amazing.

Our route took us by the Calgary Zoo, and we saw a mountain lion, bears, turkeys, and bison in their cages, without even having to pay admission!! That was about the end of the good part of the run. We had to stop once more for my husband to dig something out of his foot and we came across some unpaved gravelly trail. This was murder on his bare feet and we had to abort the rest of the run and return to the hotel.

Unfortunately, we were still miles from the hotel and without a map... Fortunately, the hotel is right next to the Calgary Tower, which you can see from just about anywhere in the city. So we just aimed for it and somehow made it back safe and sound.

I didn't meet my mileage goal today and am a bit worried about how this will effect my overall training program. I'll have to wait until my next long run to see if it has any effect.

Miles logged: 11

Getting Used to my New Digs

I've been struggling a bit as I try to train for this marathon, while starting a new job at the same time. Throw in Restaurant Week and an upcoming vacation, and you have a recipe for not running! I've been doing the best I can, and have managed to still get in 3 runs a week (the cross training that i vowed to do is lacking).

I have made it to the gym twice this week and I've made a few observations. First, I am surprisingly OK with the health club provided towels. If I use these while I run, then I can sit on a clean one from home in the car. Second, people in this gym run really loudly! There was a guy next to me on Tuesday that I thought was going to break the treadmill. He was a very large man, so I guess it is good he was running. I made sure to steer clear of his machine today!!

Miles logged: 4.0

Always give your best

Miles logged: 4.0

Ice Baths

My most pressing question as of late-how long do you linger in an ice bath? And secondly, how cold does it need to be?

I've never in my life taken an ice bath, that is, until last weekend when I crushed a 15 mile run. I did everything that day right, I took an ice bath immediately after finishing my run, ate something, then had a 1.5 hour massage. I was not sore at all after the longest run of my life. If I only had the time and money to keep those habits up!

But between getting the foster dog to adopt-a-pet and a hair appointment today, I definitely couldn't squeeze a inmassage. I did have time for the ice bath though. Well, ice bath is really a misnomer, more of a lukewarm bath. When only hot water comes out of the faucet, it is hard to cool it down enough to qualify for a true ice bath. Also, really cold water is uncomfortable to sit in!

I ran a bath of the coldest water I could get, then dumped a giant pitcher of I've in it. I sat in the water until I started shivering, about 10 minutes. It was miserable. I'm a bath girl; I could sit in a hot bath for hours. The cold bath is a horrible kind of torture though. We'll see tomorrow if I have any soreness and if it was worth it.

Miles logged: 12

Training for a Marathon is Hard!

I haven't even signed up for a marathon and I'm already complaining! If I end up actually doing this, then it is going to be a LONG road for me.

I took some time yesterday to put together a training calendar for the next 12 weeks. I decided to sleep on it before making any rash decisions. Then I spent the whole night dreaming that I couldn't get through my training runs and never completed a marathon. I was not comforted when I woke up this morning.

However, I did vow to stick to the calendar. With a busy week ahead, and no official gym membership, it is going to be a difficult week to start.

I was supposed to run today, but I can't sign up for the gym until tomorrow...so that means running outside. And the high today was 104. I waited until almost 8pm before I left and it was still hot as blazes. But I made it through a run in the heat (it was almost dark by the time I arrived home) and in darn good time!

Miles logged: 4.0

Fifteen

I wanted nothing more than to sleep in this morning. I've woken up with an Olympics hangover every day this week. And today was no different.

It was 82 with a heat advisory at 6:15 am, definitely going to be a hot one. I had set a personal goal for myself to run 15 miles today. If I could get through 15, I was going to officially begin training and sign up for a full marathon. After running a half marathon last weekend, I was already halfway to 26.2.

So all I could think of today was 15 miles. I had never run more than 13.1 in my life (and a max of 11 in this heat) and I honestly doubted I could run 15. But I thought I would give it my best.

The sun had just started to rise around the time I finished my first mile. I was already struggling. How in the hell was I going to get to 15, when 1 was hard to get through? I just kept thinking of my goal and counted down the miles.

At mile 5, I knew I only had 2 more hours of running left. I might be able to manage that. At mile 9, I only had a 10k left. When I heard that I had hit mile 12 in my headphones, I literally shouted with joy. Mile 12 meant I could turn around and start heading home. Mile 13 was a disappointment though-the slowest time it has ever taken me to get to that distance. I reminded myself that my goal was distance, not time (though I didn't want to run any slower than a 12 minute per mile pace). I couldn't believe that I was still running when I got to mile 14. And that final mile, while miserably hot and achy, was pure bliss! I now know why marathoners cry as they cross the finish line!

My final disappointment with this run was when I walked in my house. I realized that I just completed 15 miles, the longest distance I've ever attempted, and I came home without a medal!

Miles logged: 15.0