I wrote the breakdown of the CIM but didn't post it because it just seemed dry and sad. I had a great first 20 miles until I used the port-o-potty for a much needed break then struggled and never got my groove back. I came in at 4 hours 7 minutes and 47 seconds. Not as good as I had hoped but I know I went out too fast and held that too long. Oh well. I still took 18+ minutes off of last year and I'm looking forward to using that knowledge for this year. I believe that an amazing group of friends and coaches as well as kettlebells at KOR made that happen. I can't wait to use their knowledge again this round.
2010 is a new year, a new decade but I'm not putting forth resolutions but small goals I have written on a piece of paper. I'm not ready to open that up and post it. Somethings are a little too personal and I hold close to my heart. I have every intention of fulfilling them and maybe I'll be sharing when I feel more comfortable.
Running: Oh my goodness. I'm doing the Bidwell Classic on March 6th. Its a half marathon here in our very own Bidwell Park. I hope to take some time off my PR. We'll see if that is in the cards. If its not I'm not devastated. I enjoy half marathons... at least I did until I got sick last year and missed Shamrock'n then totally bombed Nike Women's in October including puking at miles 6 and 7.5. I'd like to redeem that now. LOL
Marathon training will start in June if I plan on doing Chicago. I think its totally cool that it is run on 10-10-10! Training is kinda freaking me out though. It gets really really really hot in Chico. I don't do well in the heat. I don't do well in the cold either for that matter. Give me 80F all year round and I'd probably be as happy as a clam. Maybe that's a clue that I should be on a beach somewhere.
Showing posts with label CIM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CIM. Show all posts
Friday, January 8, 2010
Saturday, December 12, 2009
CIM Report part I: Before the race
17 weeks is a long time to train for one day. That day was December 6th 2009. I spent much of the last few weeks ignoring the fact that it was so close but relished in the day. It was a day of firsts for many of my friends; First time running a marathon or first time trying for a BQ. It had some personal significance as a day in itself as well as Race day. It had been 6 years since my Gma had passed away, it was just a short week since my High School track coach had passed away, it was a day my husband changed his schedule around so he and the boys could be there, it was a day when our friend Nolan chose to support me despite the fact that his marriage was falling apart in spite of all his efforts. This race was so much bigger than me now. I had a lot to achieve in 4 hours and 10 minutes.
Saturday Morning:
Went with Liz, Ross and Vicki Saturday morning first Stopping at REI and taking a little time being a bit goofy. We tried on hats and looked for gag gifts for other friends. Then we headed for the expo. There we got our bibs and chips and I picked up a friends things who couldn't be there til the Start line Sunday morning. We wandered around picking things up along the way. I hear the expo isn't that good but having little to compare it to it seemed like enough to collect some goodies and get out. Its not like we wanted to be there forever. I knew Aron was going to be there so I texted her then a few minutes later checked my text and said her name out loud as she was walking past me. Very cool to meet her since reading her blog and knowing that she grew up in the same part of the Bay Area I did. I felt like I was right there during her training via blog posts, of course she is a lot faster than I am. Truthfully I may have scared her a bit with my over exuberance and excitement. LOL. A few minutes later I met up with Coach Paul his wife Kristina and Amy another blogger (who is also friends with Aron) then we headed out. I always see these blogging friends seeing their blogging counterparts at races, it was kinda neat to meet them in person.
We dropped Ross off at the Hotel and the girls and I went shopping. We hit Fleet Feet Sac, the little boutique next door, a couple other cute shops then the mall down town. They felt sorry for me since I hadn't been in a Macy's in 17 or so years. They thought they would undo all that deprivation. I was a little overwhelmed. An actual store that broke things down by brand not just departments. It was pretty amazing. DON'T laugh at me, please. I generally find what I need at J.C.Penny, Target or Old Navy or before the close of Mervyn's. I much prefer to shop for others and hardly ever do that in the clothing section unless its for the boys.
We wandered around then headed back for dinner after the girls got some steals at GAP.
We had a supper yummy dinner at LUCCA a few blocks away. Dinner with 20 or so of our closest running friends. I felt so blessed. I had yummy polenta pizza and meatballs on the side. We joked and teased and laughed. I have the most amazing friends.
Back at the hotel and getting our stuff ready Liz realizes that her shorts that she was going to wear tomorrow were missing. She called around to other runners hoping they had shorts she could wear but nothing. So she and Vicki headed out to look for shorts that were not Nike Tempos. Apparently those are the only shorts that stores open at 8:30pm carry. She ended up wearing her capris that she had with her but wasn't planning on running with. As cold as it was that may have been a blessing in disguise.
Just as we were settling down the music started from the holiday party downstairs. We got the loud music and the thumping from the bass. I think we got the best of it, many of our friends got the laughing and singing from the people. I fell asleep about 10:15 and only awoke twice to pee before the alarm was supposed to go off. Not too bad for night before the race sleep.
Saturday Morning:
Went with Liz, Ross and Vicki Saturday morning first Stopping at REI and taking a little time being a bit goofy. We tried on hats and looked for gag gifts for other friends. Then we headed for the expo. There we got our bibs and chips and I picked up a friends things who couldn't be there til the Start line Sunday morning. We wandered around picking things up along the way. I hear the expo isn't that good but having little to compare it to it seemed like enough to collect some goodies and get out. Its not like we wanted to be there forever. I knew Aron was going to be there so I texted her then a few minutes later checked my text and said her name out loud as she was walking past me. Very cool to meet her since reading her blog and knowing that she grew up in the same part of the Bay Area I did. I felt like I was right there during her training via blog posts, of course she is a lot faster than I am. Truthfully I may have scared her a bit with my over exuberance and excitement. LOL. A few minutes later I met up with Coach Paul his wife Kristina and Amy another blogger (who is also friends with Aron) then we headed out. I always see these blogging friends seeing their blogging counterparts at races, it was kinda neat to meet them in person.
We dropped Ross off at the Hotel and the girls and I went shopping. We hit Fleet Feet Sac, the little boutique next door, a couple other cute shops then the mall down town. They felt sorry for me since I hadn't been in a Macy's in 17 or so years. They thought they would undo all that deprivation. I was a little overwhelmed. An actual store that broke things down by brand not just departments. It was pretty amazing. DON'T laugh at me, please. I generally find what I need at J.C.Penny, Target or Old Navy or before the close of Mervyn's. I much prefer to shop for others and hardly ever do that in the clothing section unless its for the boys.
We wandered around then headed back for dinner after the girls got some steals at GAP.
We had a supper yummy dinner at LUCCA a few blocks away. Dinner with 20 or so of our closest running friends. I felt so blessed. I had yummy polenta pizza and meatballs on the side. We joked and teased and laughed. I have the most amazing friends.
Back at the hotel and getting our stuff ready Liz realizes that her shorts that she was going to wear tomorrow were missing. She called around to other runners hoping they had shorts she could wear but nothing. So she and Vicki headed out to look for shorts that were not Nike Tempos. Apparently those are the only shorts that stores open at 8:30pm carry. She ended up wearing her capris that she had with her but wasn't planning on running with. As cold as it was that may have been a blessing in disguise.
Just as we were settling down the music started from the holiday party downstairs. We got the loud music and the thumping from the bass. I think we got the best of it, many of our friends got the laughing and singing from the people. I fell asleep about 10:15 and only awoke twice to pee before the alarm was supposed to go off. Not too bad for night before the race sleep.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Quick CIM 09 update
Chip time: 04:07:47. Cold Cold Cold. But I hit my initial goal. Not too shabby. I might have even done better if I didn't have to go pee, then used all my energy to find a port-o-potty that I didn't have to wait in line for. At mile 20 one magically appeared just when I thought I'd need to find some trees or a bush or something! Unfortunately I lost my momentum and struggled to reach the finish line. But I finished and under 4hours 10 minutes!
Friday, December 4, 2009
Denial isn't just a river in Egypt: CIM
T minus 2 days: So close I can taste it. 2 more sleeps and a start line. I've been in intentional denial all week so I don't have any little breakdowns. Just easier to do everything I'm supposed to do but pretend this Marathon is really weeks and weeks away. Otherwise the anxiety creeps in and we all know that isn't good. Anxiety isn't a driving factor for me but more of a detriment so I handle it with a good strong dose of denial and I'm OK with that.
Why am I doing this again? This was a testTo train harder to push beyond my limits. I moved out in front of some of my running buddies, the buddies that have motivated and kept me connected. I felt safe with them but although I'm running with TTD (and I love her!) I do feel a wee bit more scared that I won't achieve this goal without them by my side. I have forged more than just a running friendship with them. They are the friends a girl dreams of on and off the running trails.
Then tragedy struck. My high school track coach, Tim Bruder, passed away on Saturday night. He was in Fresno for the California Interscholastic Federation state cross country championships supporting one of his XC students and came home not feeling well. Not sure what the final diagnosis was but he had been battling diabetes and we all know about those contributing factors. He was only 54 years old.
Its been a really long time since I've ran on that track my freshman year of High School during the Spring of 1993. I had to dust off the cobwebs in my memory but last night laying in bed mentally packing for this weekend a bunch of memories flooded back. Things he said, things he made me do that I never thought I could, things I took with me from that spring day to today. Most specifically he asked if my diagnosis of Melanoma was going to stop me from running. He was the first person I had to tell out loud. I didn't know how to tell him without disappointing him and at the same time being worried he wouldn't let me run. "There's this thing called sun screen you know, but this is about the rest of YOUR life." he walked out of the room and left me peddling on the stationary bike thinking, never giving me the answer I really wanted to hear, or maybe he did. I ran the rest of the season and I ran HARD. I didn't know that would be my only season of Track and Field with him. I moved that summer to a school that could not compare to Alhambra or its coaches. So for the man who gave me my love of running, I'm dedicating this to you Coach Bruder. When it gets hard, when I get tired, I'll think of Nazi hill, I'll think of the trail runs to the bay, I'll think of ice cream runs to Thrifly on Fridays, I'll think of that Berkley track when I PR'ed in the mile. Sunday I'll think of you.
Why am I doing this again? This was a testTo train harder to push beyond my limits. I moved out in front of some of my running buddies, the buddies that have motivated and kept me connected. I felt safe with them but although I'm running with TTD (and I love her!) I do feel a wee bit more scared that I won't achieve this goal without them by my side. I have forged more than just a running friendship with them. They are the friends a girl dreams of on and off the running trails.
Then tragedy struck. My high school track coach, Tim Bruder, passed away on Saturday night. He was in Fresno for the California Interscholastic Federation state cross country championships supporting one of his XC students and came home not feeling well. Not sure what the final diagnosis was but he had been battling diabetes and we all know about those contributing factors. He was only 54 years old.
Its been a really long time since I've ran on that track my freshman year of High School during the Spring of 1993. I had to dust off the cobwebs in my memory but last night laying in bed mentally packing for this weekend a bunch of memories flooded back. Things he said, things he made me do that I never thought I could, things I took with me from that spring day to today. Most specifically he asked if my diagnosis of Melanoma was going to stop me from running. He was the first person I had to tell out loud. I didn't know how to tell him without disappointing him and at the same time being worried he wouldn't let me run. "There's this thing called sun screen you know, but this is about the rest of YOUR life." he walked out of the room and left me peddling on the stationary bike thinking, never giving me the answer I really wanted to hear, or maybe he did. I ran the rest of the season and I ran HARD. I didn't know that would be my only season of Track and Field with him. I moved that summer to a school that could not compare to Alhambra or its coaches. So for the man who gave me my love of running, I'm dedicating this to you Coach Bruder. When it gets hard, when I get tired, I'll think of Nazi hill, I'll think of the trail runs to the bay, I'll think of ice cream runs to Thrifly on Fridays, I'll think of that Berkley track when I PR'ed in the mile. Sunday I'll think of you.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
I See the Light
I know I had a few weeks there where I wondered what in the heck I was doing this for. I'm over it. I had a few wonderful runs and some confidence back in the bank. That helps, a lot. Yesterday we ran the same 20 mile route we did two weeks ago. This time TTD and I added 2 more miles after dropping Kosmo at the car. 22 miles is the farthest I've been since the CIM last year.
We were suppose to run easy until mile 7 then Mpace to 10, easy to mile 17 then Mpace to 20 then finish up 2 if we felt we needed to get over the mental hurdle. Alan would say its good for the head. And it was. The miles flew by. We took turns talking and time to tune out. We actually did 3.5 miles at race pace since we started after we dropped our stuff after the first loop then finished strong at mile 11. There were some rolling hills on this course and I'm glad we're practicing with them since CIM is full of them. On the way back from our last little jaunt up into upper park I felt a bit of back to the barn syndrome and the need to test my speed. I was 17 miles in and ready to push it a little to finish strong. The first mile or so Kosmo was on my heels and although I left my watch at home I knew we were in the mid 8 range which is 45 seconds or so faster than Rpace for me. I dropped back a little after having hitting my max and followed Kosmo and waited for TTD to come in. Kosmo high 5'ed me and said happily we had gotten into the low 8's for that last bit. OMG! Really... that's like me mile pace. No kidding. I have 1 speed for a mile or a marathon. well not that bad but there isn't much of a difference anyway. TTD caught up and we finished the last 2.56 miles at an EASY low 10's pace for us. We stretched real good and some of us (not me) got in the creek. Since I had the house to myself this find Saturday I chose to stop by the store, get a panini and a bag of ice and torture myself all by my lonesome. I said goodbye to my running peeps and headed that way. What a great run.
Insights on Saturday:
We were suppose to run easy until mile 7 then Mpace to 10, easy to mile 17 then Mpace to 20 then finish up 2 if we felt we needed to get over the mental hurdle. Alan would say its good for the head. And it was. The miles flew by. We took turns talking and time to tune out. We actually did 3.5 miles at race pace since we started after we dropped our stuff after the first loop then finished strong at mile 11. There were some rolling hills on this course and I'm glad we're practicing with them since CIM is full of them. On the way back from our last little jaunt up into upper park I felt a bit of back to the barn syndrome and the need to test my speed. I was 17 miles in and ready to push it a little to finish strong. The first mile or so Kosmo was on my heels and although I left my watch at home I knew we were in the mid 8 range which is 45 seconds or so faster than Rpace for me. I dropped back a little after having hitting my max and followed Kosmo and waited for TTD to come in. Kosmo high 5'ed me and said happily we had gotten into the low 8's for that last bit. OMG! Really... that's like me mile pace. No kidding. I have 1 speed for a mile or a marathon. well not that bad but there isn't much of a difference anyway. TTD caught up and we finished the last 2.56 miles at an EASY low 10's pace for us. We stretched real good and some of us (not me) got in the creek. Since I had the house to myself this find Saturday I chose to stop by the store, get a panini and a bag of ice and torture myself all by my lonesome. I said goodbye to my running peeps and headed that way. What a great run.
Insights on Saturday:
- I felt strong
- I didn't have to chase away the negative thoughts
- I recovered well because I ate right away, I did an ice bath and I rolled and stretched that night
- I enjoyed talking to my friends and the chance to pull inward to listen to my own thoughts
- I didn't miss my watch as much as I thought I would. If I run like I feel I think I do better than if I'm constantly worried if I'm going fast or slow enough
- I loved my music but need some variety. It did keep me pumped up.
- I think I may be faster than I thought. We'll see about 11:00 on December 6th.
Today I feel so good its kind of scary. I do think I'm still having a hard time hitting my calorie needs but I'm good on hydration and I've been holding this ear infection at bay. I'm ready for my last long 3 hour run next weekend and 20 days to the CIM! Its just two weeks away for my BIL Brian who is running the satalite marathon for the Seattle Marathon from Iraq. I'm so excited for him!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
What if I want a 4 hour marathon?
I've posted a few things on here about wanting to run a 4 hour marathon. During the program we have had two 10k time trials. I'm not any good at them! Both of them came in at close to 58 minutes... not even close to what I'm capable of. My half marathon pace is faster than that! Ugh. I just could not find my high gear during those runs. I was afraid that getting any faster was a pipe dream. I'd need to run a 9:09 for 26.2 miles to come in under 4 and I couldn't run that for 6.2.
Last nights speed work was well work. We left from a different spot and used the available light as a guide for running time not miles. Coach Paul and Alan wanted us marathon group to run hills. We would do a mile warm up then the rest of the time at marathon speed. Am I supposed to run at the speed I want to run for CIM or the speed according to my really crappy 10k time? The run took us up into upper park (the trip up was lots of uphill on uneven surfaces) 37 minutes including our easy first mile then turn around how ever far you are and make it a negative split back (mostly down hill except for one long up hill before the lake) for 33 minutes. I got back to the parking lot at the perfect time 1 hour 10 minutes. I looked at my times, deducted the first mile and the remaining 6.5 miles was at 9:11 pace. Really darn close to the pace I was hoping for. If I did run EXACTLY 9:11 pace at the marathon that would put me at 4 hours and 36 seconds or so.
Part of my running regimen has been to incorporate a stronger core by spending an astronomical amount of money for a 6 month membership to KOR fitness. Lots of kettlebells and stretching there to make me more efficient, stronger and faster (I hope). I'm going to miss it come November when my membership is up. I'm not sure I want to give that up. My hands are all tore up today. I probably won't be able to lift my arms up to wash my hair after those clean and presses or the 6 minutes of snatches that K.C. told me not to worry about counting since I was using the 26lb bell. I can feel myself getting stronger after every single class. That will be hard to give up.
So do you train for the time you want... or by how fast you actually are now? The run felt comfortably hard once I got a good breathing pattern down, not sure if it will last 4 hours though. I guess that's why I have coaches and 11 more weeks of training to figure that out.
Last nights speed work was well work. We left from a different spot and used the available light as a guide for running time not miles. Coach Paul and Alan wanted us marathon group to run hills. We would do a mile warm up then the rest of the time at marathon speed. Am I supposed to run at the speed I want to run for CIM or the speed according to my really crappy 10k time? The run took us up into upper park (the trip up was lots of uphill on uneven surfaces) 37 minutes including our easy first mile then turn around how ever far you are and make it a negative split back (mostly down hill except for one long up hill before the lake) for 33 minutes. I got back to the parking lot at the perfect time 1 hour 10 minutes. I looked at my times, deducted the first mile and the remaining 6.5 miles was at 9:11 pace. Really darn close to the pace I was hoping for. If I did run EXACTLY 9:11 pace at the marathon that would put me at 4 hours and 36 seconds or so.
Part of my running regimen has been to incorporate a stronger core by spending an astronomical amount of money for a 6 month membership to KOR fitness. Lots of kettlebells and stretching there to make me more efficient, stronger and faster (I hope). I'm going to miss it come November when my membership is up. I'm not sure I want to give that up. My hands are all tore up today. I probably won't be able to lift my arms up to wash my hair after those clean and presses or the 6 minutes of snatches that K.C. told me not to worry about counting since I was using the 26lb bell. I can feel myself getting stronger after every single class. That will be hard to give up.
So do you train for the time you want... or by how fast you actually are now? The run felt comfortably hard once I got a good breathing pattern down, not sure if it will last 4 hours though. I guess that's why I have coaches and 11 more weeks of training to figure that out.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Speedy mcSpeedy
Up at 5:30 with news that we have a new little Nephew, born at 4:47 this morning, 8lbs 11oz and 20.5 inches long! Great job Rachel and B! So happy for you guys!
I dropped the kiddos off at school and went for a run in the park with Liz. We were a bit speedy today and turned our "feels-good-go-a-bit-faster" run into a speedy workout. We pushed it all the way and come in at 4 miles in 36:28. That averages out to be 9:06/mile (ugh... my marathon goal Pace!). It did feel good the whole time but I think I would need to GU every 5 miles if I went that fast. That is A LOT of GU! Long(er) run tomorrow! Supposed to be 7-8 miles but I might try to get there early and sneak a couple extra in there before hand since I'm short one mile from yesterday and 7-8 just doesn't feel like a long run anymore.
Food! Banana this morning and Chai after my run. Yes I know! I need to find something else. I AM going to get the new parents some cookies. Oatmeal (good for milk supply) for Rachel and PB for B.
Still no Garmin band or charger... I'm getting impatient!
I dropped the kiddos off at school and went for a run in the park with Liz. We were a bit speedy today and turned our "feels-good-go-a-bit-faster" run into a speedy workout. We pushed it all the way and come in at 4 miles in 36:28. That averages out to be 9:06/mile (ugh... my marathon goal Pace!). It did feel good the whole time but I think I would need to GU every 5 miles if I went that fast. That is A LOT of GU! Long(er) run tomorrow! Supposed to be 7-8 miles but I might try to get there early and sneak a couple extra in there before hand since I'm short one mile from yesterday and 7-8 just doesn't feel like a long run anymore.
Food! Banana this morning and Chai after my run. Yes I know! I need to find something else. I AM going to get the new parents some cookies. Oatmeal (good for milk supply) for Rachel and PB for B.
Still no Garmin band or charger... I'm getting impatient!
Monday, August 10, 2009
I Love you Tomorrow, you're only a day away!
So I guess I'm going to stop drinking alcohol today. I did only have 2 beverages yesterday when we had a little post 10K (that I didn't participate in) soiree at "chief Howler monkey's" residence to celebrate the end of the 10K training session and his lovely wife's bachelor's degree. What a great host, a bunch of food to enjoy and a bunch of running friends and family to celebrate with us. No pictures yet (as I cringe) but I'm sure there will be some to post soon.
No running today but I did stop by a friends house who will be running Nike Women's half with me in October. Our goals are very different right now, she wants to PR and I'm in it for fun. But so nice to have someone to chat up at school about running. Most of the gals get mad when I post all about how far and how fast I went. Apparently it's rude to remind people that exercise is good. Reminder to self, not so much runner updating on facebook.
I'm so excited about getting back into the groove of things. School starts in two days, Marathon training starts tomorrow! I'm going to train like I'm out there to run a 4 hour marathon and see what happens. That's my pipe dream goal, 4:10:00 is my realistic goal.
Lots and lots and lots of talk about Greece next year. But that's all I'm saying for now. I do have reservation all ready made for an adult vacation to Las Vegas. FFP and I haven't been away for more than 1 night together without the kids since they were born. He is usually gone hunting or at work or I'm off at a race or on a girls trip. This year is going to be different. I want to actually make memories TOGETHER. of course the camera broke so we either get a new one or do without. Memories in our minds might be more realistic this year.
So running tomorrow. Marathon race report in about 18 weeks. The countdown begins.
No running today but I did stop by a friends house who will be running Nike Women's half with me in October. Our goals are very different right now, she wants to PR and I'm in it for fun. But so nice to have someone to chat up at school about running. Most of the gals get mad when I post all about how far and how fast I went. Apparently it's rude to remind people that exercise is good. Reminder to self, not so much runner updating on facebook.
I'm so excited about getting back into the groove of things. School starts in two days, Marathon training starts tomorrow! I'm going to train like I'm out there to run a 4 hour marathon and see what happens. That's my pipe dream goal, 4:10:00 is my realistic goal.
Lots and lots and lots of talk about Greece next year. But that's all I'm saying for now. I do have reservation all ready made for an adult vacation to Las Vegas. FFP and I haven't been away for more than 1 night together without the kids since they were born. He is usually gone hunting or at work or I'm off at a race or on a girls trip. This year is going to be different. I want to actually make memories TOGETHER. of course the camera broke so we either get a new one or do without. Memories in our minds might be more realistic this year.
So running tomorrow. Marathon race report in about 18 weeks. The countdown begins.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Reach for the Stars
I'm in motion... moving towards the new season, the new dreams, the new reality of running a marathon again. My goal last year... to finish. My goal this year, concentrate on enjoying the ride.
I have made such wonderful friends in our little running community. Those folks down at FF are like my other family. I swear there are some I love as much as my family (sorry family). They help keep me accountable, in control, looking for new dreams, stretching my sights, pushing my limits. This little family is making me stronger, in my muscles, in my heart, in my head.
I am going to log my miles as power miles, no matter how slow, fast, long or short. Time to make Tina Stronger... build her confidence, fuel her drive to make a difference, even if it's just a difference in her time. It's OK to have bad runs but not OK to dwell on them. This marathon program is about the journey to the end, not so much the end result... at least until I get to the end then that will be what matters LOL.
I am not drinking soda. I know it's bad for me. I know it makes my restless leg syndrome act up, which leads to insomia, which leads to tired and cranky Tina who does not want to run. I can practically hear the calcium being sucked from my bones. No more soda. Not too much Alcohol... you know maybe some on Vicki and Liz's birthday and maybe one after the half marathon in October. But this summer was all about me enjoying a few cocktails with friends and boy oh boy did I.
I don't think I'm going to run a half, at least not to the limit. I think I'm going to enjoy the Nike Women's and if another half comes along I really want to run... and there is still room, I might jump in. No pressure. I want this whole experience to be about loving to run, loving to live, loving to be strong and have power here (pointing to my arms, then my legs, then my core, then my head). Its about quality time with my friends and setting a positive example for my kids and husband. This journey will take me to new places with familiar sights along the way.
What does it matter, that finish time, if getting there was a labor of pain instead of a labor of dedication and love? What finish line is it that you passed, succeeded, earned if you did not enjoy that journey to its fullest?
I have made such wonderful friends in our little running community. Those folks down at FF are like my other family. I swear there are some I love as much as my family (sorry family). They help keep me accountable, in control, looking for new dreams, stretching my sights, pushing my limits. This little family is making me stronger, in my muscles, in my heart, in my head.
I am going to log my miles as power miles, no matter how slow, fast, long or short. Time to make Tina Stronger... build her confidence, fuel her drive to make a difference, even if it's just a difference in her time. It's OK to have bad runs but not OK to dwell on them. This marathon program is about the journey to the end, not so much the end result... at least until I get to the end then that will be what matters LOL.
I am not drinking soda. I know it's bad for me. I know it makes my restless leg syndrome act up, which leads to insomia, which leads to tired and cranky Tina who does not want to run. I can practically hear the calcium being sucked from my bones. No more soda. Not too much Alcohol... you know maybe some on Vicki and Liz's birthday and maybe one after the half marathon in October. But this summer was all about me enjoying a few cocktails with friends and boy oh boy did I.
I don't think I'm going to run a half, at least not to the limit. I think I'm going to enjoy the Nike Women's and if another half comes along I really want to run... and there is still room, I might jump in. No pressure. I want this whole experience to be about loving to run, loving to live, loving to be strong and have power here (pointing to my arms, then my legs, then my core, then my head). Its about quality time with my friends and setting a positive example for my kids and husband. This journey will take me to new places with familiar sights along the way.
What does it matter, that finish time, if getting there was a labor of pain instead of a labor of dedication and love? What finish line is it that you passed, succeeded, earned if you did not enjoy that journey to its fullest?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
This Journey has led me to you
I posted a little more about my feelings over at my other blog mostly because when I started this amazing journey my writings started over there. That's where my goals and aspirations started to set in the concrete so to speak. Thank you all for being so generous with your advise and wisdom. Without you today I might not be the MARATHONER I am. I have a lot to improve on but I'm good with that, just more goals to set, more bridges to cross and more frontiers to explore. On the upcoming agenda? A half mary to break an amazing PR. Who's in for my Birthday weekend (March 14th, 15th) in Sac? Let's do a little Shamrock'n!
Monday, December 8, 2008
California International Marathon report
WOW what a weekend. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet up with some of you. I love my purse... but my phone totally gets lost in there sometimes and with so many people squeezed into that room I had trouble finding it! I guess that means I'll have to do another run where all you guys are there right?
We (Liz, Vicki and I) took off around 10:30am to head to Sac and eat lunch, check out the expo, eat dinner as Lucca and be back to our very cute hotel room by a decent time. We did see a lot of our training program group about town and enjoyed the company of some of them at dinner. Liz, Vicki and I headed back to the hotel but stopped by a convenience room to grab some dessert (ice cream and donuts) and a quart of milk for Liz and my breakfast in the morning. We headed to bed, ate our desserts, watched the Guardian and turned off the lights just before 10pm.
I tossed and turned and worried about the race and my knee and whether I was doing the right thing or not. Finally the wake up call came even though it was about 10 minutes early. We took our time getting up and around and finally Liz decided she should eat something. She poured the milk into the container that had her cereal in it and thought it smelled kind of sweet, like strawberry milk. she tried a little more and decided she probably shouldn't eat it. Looking at the expiration date we realized that we grabbed milk that was a week over its sell by date. Good thing we had extra bagels and bananas. We got ready and headed out to meet the extraordinary line of buses that would take us to the start line.
We got there hit the pottys early and got in line in the 4:30 group. It was cold and it stayed cold. Vicki had given me one of those pacetats to wear with our times in mile and 5k increments to keep us on track. The first few miles were tough. My knee gave out on me several times and it hurt like the dickens. I was really starting to doubt myself and my ability to finish. My gloves came on and off as my body warmed up then cooled down again. By mile 5 I just hurt but no more giving out... those were the tedious miles. At mile 10 or so I had to stop for a quick potty break and it took me a long time to catch up, like almost 3 miles at 9:30 or faster pace on a sore leg. Vicki's hubby and In-laws were there waiting for us! They brought bananas for us and took jackets and sent us off for a great second half. Let me tell you having real food in my system really helped to curb that hunger that was inching up on me. I took some Advil just after the banana and by mile 15 my leg didn't hurt at all. I really don't think it was ALL the Advil but partly that it just takes a LONG time for my body to get warmed and loosened up.
Me, Vicki and Liz post race
We met Terry by the capitol and checked to see how he was doing, he took 20 minutes off his last marathon! He and his wife headed around the post race party so we went up to meet with the family and then back to catch up with Liz and her relay team who ran in with her. We met up with Vicki's hubby and in-laws too. We got pictures and celebrated together before heading back to the hotel to clean up.
We had a 2pm check out for the marathon runners. When we got to the hotel apparently our key didn't work because it had gotten too cold. Management sent up someone to open and give us the new key and they also sent up two big ziplock bags of ice for us. What a great place to stay! We took turns taking showers, icing and rolling with the foam roller. I took the first shower but my poor lips were blue from the cold. After a 10 minute shower at as hot as I possibly could I was "less blue". We all cleaned up and headed out for lunch at a Mexican restaurant then came home. The kiddos stayed with a friend so we could head for Sierra Nevada for appetizers and met with many of the fleet feet group who ran. It was fun finding out who did well. It seemed that everyone did well and most reached PR's.
January 3rd starts the half marathon program for the Shamrock'n in Sac and I can't wait!
We (Liz, Vicki and I) took off around 10:30am to head to Sac and eat lunch, check out the expo, eat dinner as Lucca and be back to our very cute hotel room by a decent time. We did see a lot of our training program group about town and enjoyed the company of some of them at dinner. Liz, Vicki and I headed back to the hotel but stopped by a convenience room to grab some dessert (ice cream and donuts) and a quart of milk for Liz and my breakfast in the morning. We headed to bed, ate our desserts, watched the Guardian and turned off the lights just before 10pm.
I tossed and turned and worried about the race and my knee and whether I was doing the right thing or not. Finally the wake up call came even though it was about 10 minutes early. We took our time getting up and around and finally Liz decided she should eat something. She poured the milk into the container that had her cereal in it and thought it smelled kind of sweet, like strawberry milk. she tried a little more and decided she probably shouldn't eat it. Looking at the expiration date we realized that we grabbed milk that was a week over its sell by date. Good thing we had extra bagels and bananas. We got ready and headed out to meet the extraordinary line of buses that would take us to the start line.
We got there hit the pottys early and got in line in the 4:30 group. It was cold and it stayed cold. Vicki had given me one of those pacetats to wear with our times in mile and 5k increments to keep us on track. The first few miles were tough. My knee gave out on me several times and it hurt like the dickens. I was really starting to doubt myself and my ability to finish. My gloves came on and off as my body warmed up then cooled down again. By mile 5 I just hurt but no more giving out... those were the tedious miles. At mile 10 or so I had to stop for a quick potty break and it took me a long time to catch up, like almost 3 miles at 9:30 or faster pace on a sore leg. Vicki's hubby and In-laws were there waiting for us! They brought bananas for us and took jackets and sent us off for a great second half. Let me tell you having real food in my system really helped to curb that hunger that was inching up on me. I took some Advil just after the banana and by mile 15 my leg didn't hurt at all. I really don't think it was ALL the Advil but partly that it just takes a LONG time for my body to get warmed and loosened up.
Those last 11 mile sailed by. I was all smiles and feeling so good. At mile 18 or so we lost Liz but she had the rest of her Relay team to hang with so we felt OK taking off and pushing those last few miles. At mile 20 I had this surge of endorphins from the knowledge that we were in uncharted territory. Vicki and I were running our FIRST marathon ever and that elation was showing through. My hubby and the boys met us at mile 21 and again at mile 26. That really helped me push through to the end. We were making great time and by mile 25 my energy stores were pretty tapped. I just thought... I have to stay with Vicki for that last mile. The tears welled up on several occasions on those last few miles but didn't fall. When we made the last corner and I took inventory of my body... nothing really hurt, not my feet, legs, hips, back, head, arms... nothing. I really just felt exhaustion. I just kept saying "Wow...." over and over again. Crossing that finish line was amazing though. Just like in Clarksburg Vicki came in a second a head of me! YEAH VICKI! My time was 4hours 26 minutes and 15 seconds. thats 3 minutes and 45 seconds faster than my projected time. I was so tired that I couldn't even cry. I felt feelings I had never felt before and that I can't even describe. WOW...
Me, Vicki and Liz post race We met Terry by the capitol and checked to see how he was doing, he took 20 minutes off his last marathon! He and his wife headed around the post race party so we went up to meet with the family and then back to catch up with Liz and her relay team who ran in with her. We met up with Vicki's hubby and in-laws too. We got pictures and celebrated together before heading back to the hotel to clean up.
We had a 2pm check out for the marathon runners. When we got to the hotel apparently our key didn't work because it had gotten too cold. Management sent up someone to open and give us the new key and they also sent up two big ziplock bags of ice for us. What a great place to stay! We took turns taking showers, icing and rolling with the foam roller. I took the first shower but my poor lips were blue from the cold. After a 10 minute shower at as hot as I possibly could I was "less blue". We all cleaned up and headed out for lunch at a Mexican restaurant then came home. The kiddos stayed with a friend so we could head for Sierra Nevada for appetizers and met with many of the fleet feet group who ran. It was fun finding out who did well. It seemed that everyone did well and most reached PR's.
January 3rd starts the half marathon program for the Shamrock'n in Sac and I can't wait!
Friday, December 5, 2008
On the Road
Well this is my last post before my first marathon. Tomorrow morning I head out with my friends for Sacramento to attend the CIM. I'm excited and nervous. I'm anxious and exhilarated. I'm worried and I'm elated. So many emotions that its almost to the point that I need to step back and examine them from a fresh perspective because it all seems like a daze, or a mirage or a hallucination. So we will see how I feel Sunday. I will try to get on and give out a race report ASAP but with the hubby home on bereavement because he lost his Grandpa Mike this last week, its hard to find the time to get on and type.
I hope to see some of you Bloggers over at the EXPO! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE RACING THIS WEEKEND!!!!
I hope to see some of you Bloggers over at the EXPO! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE RACING THIS WEEKEND!!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday
On the agenda for this Tuesday is various important matters to attend to.
first of all chocolate chip cookie dough from Papa Murphy's is clearly not for baking but for eating with a spoon out of the tub. Don't forget that. Cookies are nice, Cookie Dough is better. I need to get carbs in this week right.
Second thing is that Tonight is Biggest Loser. Don't forget. My friends down at Fleet Feet don't even know who Jillian is! Aren't you appalled! They asked what "The Biggest Loser" was. I know, I know, I feel for them too. BUT tonight we are having our LAST meeting before the marathon and there is NO run tonight. We are supposed to run tomorrow but I can't remember how far. I think I will do it for time not distance, and do some 2 to 3 minute pickups dispersed in the middle. Sounds good to me. BUT that leaves time for me to get the kiddos in bed tonight so I can cuddle up with some peppermint ice cream and watch Michelle and Renee kick VICKI and HEBA and ED's butts. that's what I'm hoping for anyway.
third is that my leg is feeling so good that I'm having phantom pains elsewhere in mental preparation for Sunday. Isn't that great! I'm still icing and rolling and rolling and icing and stretching and S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G some more but I feel good and don't want to loose that, ya know?
So that's my day! Pizza for dinner since Hannah is coming to take over kiddo duty while I'm at my meting, ice cream for dessert, cookie dough for lunch and my after school snack is a big old bowl of broccoli salad. YUMM-O! I did have some fruit salad and a chai tea for breakfast so I'm not doing too bad. I'll be better for the rest of the week though. OHHH tonight I need to buy enough GU and Luna Moons to get me through the marathon and some gloves since its going to be cold cold cold Sunday morning!
first of all chocolate chip cookie dough from Papa Murphy's is clearly not for baking but for eating with a spoon out of the tub. Don't forget that. Cookies are nice, Cookie Dough is better. I need to get carbs in this week right.
Second thing is that Tonight is Biggest Loser. Don't forget. My friends down at Fleet Feet don't even know who Jillian is! Aren't you appalled! They asked what "The Biggest Loser" was. I know, I know, I feel for them too. BUT tonight we are having our LAST meeting before the marathon and there is NO run tonight. We are supposed to run tomorrow but I can't remember how far. I think I will do it for time not distance, and do some 2 to 3 minute pickups dispersed in the middle. Sounds good to me. BUT that leaves time for me to get the kiddos in bed tonight so I can cuddle up with some peppermint ice cream and watch Michelle and Renee kick VICKI and HEBA and ED's butts. that's what I'm hoping for anyway.
third is that my leg is feeling so good that I'm having phantom pains elsewhere in mental preparation for Sunday. Isn't that great! I'm still icing and rolling and rolling and icing and stretching and S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G some more but I feel good and don't want to loose that, ya know?
So that's my day! Pizza for dinner since Hannah is coming to take over kiddo duty while I'm at my meting, ice cream for dessert, cookie dough for lunch and my after school snack is a big old bowl of broccoli salad. YUMM-O! I did have some fruit salad and a chai tea for breakfast so I'm not doing too bad. I'll be better for the rest of the week though. OHHH tonight I need to buy enough GU and Luna Moons to get me through the marathon and some gloves since its going to be cold cold cold Sunday morning!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tale of the Cursed Nikes
Ya'll know I run with the Fleet Feet Marathon Training group right? Well let me tell you that the owners of this fine establishment ROCK! Not only are they the ONLY running store locally but they have the BEST business practices around.
My Nikes are cursed... I discussed this with you guys on my last post and may of you (thanks guys) gave your input and were pretty spot on. Since I've bought the Nikes (like 3 weeks or so ago) my foot tends to roll out on any uneven and even some even surfaces. Its been doing that so much that ***ding ding ding*** my ITBand got a bit pissed and started acting up.It went from acting up to hurting like hell. I have been icing and rolling like crazy and my 10 mile run yesterday was almost perfect. I went back to my trusty Brooks (that are OK but not great) since they only have 200 or so miles on them and put my new Super Feet in them. I used the ITBand wrap that really seems to work and then jumped into the FREEZING COLD CREEK but that only lasted about two minutes before we couldn't stand it any more.
I got an email from Alan at Fleet feet (he's also our lead coach for the marathon program) and he asked me to stop by and bring in my shoes. He also said if I didn't feel up to it I should pass on the CIM and try the Redding marathon in January. That really disappointed me... it made me think I shouldn't even try this weekend. But since I'm feeling so much better...! I will keep icing. I will see my chiropractor to see if an adjustment is in order before the race. I will continue to ice and roll on the trusty foam roller.
I headed to Fleet feet with the hubby and kids in tow and talked to Alan. He checked out the shoes and we talked about them. He offered to trade them out for equivalent (not Nikes) shoes but I passed. I said I would use these for everyday run around town shoes and get some new ones after the marathon since it was too late to brake new ones in anyway. But the offer was great and Alan and Susan are Great and I'm so glad I'm part of this running community, on line and in this wonderful little town. How lucky am I? Well I guess we'll see on Sunday when I finish my race. I did change my goal from 4:20 to just finishing. Hard to change that in my head though you know?
My Nikes are cursed... I discussed this with you guys on my last post and may of you (thanks guys) gave your input and were pretty spot on. Since I've bought the Nikes (like 3 weeks or so ago) my foot tends to roll out on any uneven and even some even surfaces. Its been doing that so much that ***ding ding ding*** my ITBand got a bit pissed and started acting up.It went from acting up to hurting like hell. I have been icing and rolling like crazy and my 10 mile run yesterday was almost perfect. I went back to my trusty Brooks (that are OK but not great) since they only have 200 or so miles on them and put my new Super Feet in them. I used the ITBand wrap that really seems to work and then jumped into the FREEZING COLD CREEK but that only lasted about two minutes before we couldn't stand it any more.
I got an email from Alan at Fleet feet (he's also our lead coach for the marathon program) and he asked me to stop by and bring in my shoes. He also said if I didn't feel up to it I should pass on the CIM and try the Redding marathon in January. That really disappointed me... it made me think I shouldn't even try this weekend. But since I'm feeling so much better...! I will keep icing. I will see my chiropractor to see if an adjustment is in order before the race. I will continue to ice and roll on the trusty foam roller.
I headed to Fleet feet with the hubby and kids in tow and talked to Alan. He checked out the shoes and we talked about them. He offered to trade them out for equivalent (not Nikes) shoes but I passed. I said I would use these for everyday run around town shoes and get some new ones after the marathon since it was too late to brake new ones in anyway. But the offer was great and Alan and Susan are Great and I'm so glad I'm part of this running community, on line and in this wonderful little town. How lucky am I? Well I guess we'll see on Sunday when I finish my race. I did change my goal from 4:20 to just finishing. Hard to change that in my head though you know?
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Mind over Matter
Because no matter what my leg still hurts. It hurts so bad that my 3.5 mile run yesterday was littered with walking breaks and tears. I went to Fleet Feet to buy a knee brace and Susan pointed me in the direction of the ITBand straps so I'll try that tomorrow and see how it goes.
I'm frustrated and scared... I really want to run next Sunday but I fear that my running has suffered so much these last two weeks that I won't hit my goal. I didn't even make it to the end of the street on Tuesday, there was so much pain every time my foot hit the pavement. Shooting stinging surging pain down my thigh to my knee.
Thursday was the Thanksgiving "Run for Food". I took the kiddos and walked ran through it with them. Of course there was a lot of running in the beginning and lots of walking at the end but that's OK. We had fun. I didn't hurt but then again I didn't run any farther than a few hundred yards at a time.
I've been super good about icing and I'll continue that this week. I usually run around the block a few times get warmed up, roll out both legs very well then ice my sore side.
I think one of two things occurred causing this malady to surface"
1. The long run post creek dip hasn't happened in like a month due to different routes and sick kiddos. I lived for those freezing dips in the local creek/pool to do my icing for me because if I don't get in I won't ice immediately after I run. Life just gets in the way you know.
2. My new Nike Pegasus shoes are cursed. My foot "rolls" in them ... A LOT. Let me tell you that this is my biggest culprit when it comes to instigating the ITBand pain. I may only wear my Brooks this week, wear the Nike's to short speed workouts and buy Mizunos again for my long dedicated runs. The hubby is going to be happy happy happy to be buying new shoes again just two months after buying me these.
I'm frustrated and scared... I really want to run next Sunday but I fear that my running has suffered so much these last two weeks that I won't hit my goal. I didn't even make it to the end of the street on Tuesday, there was so much pain every time my foot hit the pavement. Shooting stinging surging pain down my thigh to my knee.
Thursday was the Thanksgiving "Run for Food". I took the kiddos and walked ran through it with them. Of course there was a lot of running in the beginning and lots of walking at the end but that's OK. We had fun. I didn't hurt but then again I didn't run any farther than a few hundred yards at a time.
I've been super good about icing and I'll continue that this week. I usually run around the block a few times get warmed up, roll out both legs very well then ice my sore side.
I think one of two things occurred causing this malady to surface"
1. The long run post creek dip hasn't happened in like a month due to different routes and sick kiddos. I lived for those freezing dips in the local creek/pool to do my icing for me because if I don't get in I won't ice immediately after I run. Life just gets in the way you know.
2. My new Nike Pegasus shoes are cursed. My foot "rolls" in them ... A LOT. Let me tell you that this is my biggest culprit when it comes to instigating the ITBand pain. I may only wear my Brooks this week, wear the Nike's to short speed workouts and buy Mizunos again for my long dedicated runs. The hubby is going to be happy happy happy to be buying new shoes again just two months after buying me these.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday Funday
Today the hubby got up early and left to go Turkey hunting which means his lab went crazy... camo + gun = a day out for Sprig... but not today. No doggies turkey hunting so she kept me up whiny and sad because she was left behind. I finally got up took a shower, got the boys ready for school and out the door in time to ride our bikes. My tire was flat so into the car we went. I did get to go to coffee with a friend I used to work with. It was nice to see her now that she's a SAHM and loving it. Its a different world and she went through some depression after leaving but she's doing a good job of coming out of it and feeling her way through this new appreciation for a NEW kind of job. Coffee and Kayla to love on made the day.
Hubby and I went to the landscape place and debated over rock. I made my decision we brought it home then he griped about it the whole time. Of course. Oh well.
Hollywood had Guitar lessons then we went to Food Maxx to go shopping. Hubby is TOO GOOD to shop there so I have to go alone. Of course I got only what was on my list and filled the whole back of my car for little over $100! The Lord knows we don't need meat so the rest of the food is pretty reasonable in comparison. We buzzed home where hubby had started dinner. Round Steak (elk) in cream of mushroom and cream of celery soup at 300 degrees for 2 hours. Then the gravy poured over white rice and corn bread on the side. Scratch the yams that I put in the oven. Oh well, I'll save them for tomorrow when he's gone and I eat healthy again. LOL
I totally could have ran today. I felt so good after my 16 mile progressive run yesterday. We finished so strong in the low 9 min mile range. It was a great day! Three weeks from yesterday is the CIM! I need to blog about my mental shifting gears and I hope to get to it tomorrow. I work in the boys classrooms and still need to find a sitter. Night night! I'm out.
Hubby and I went to the landscape place and debated over rock. I made my decision we brought it home then he griped about it the whole time. Of course. Oh well.
Hollywood had Guitar lessons then we went to Food Maxx to go shopping. Hubby is TOO GOOD to shop there so I have to go alone. Of course I got only what was on my list and filled the whole back of my car for little over $100! The Lord knows we don't need meat so the rest of the food is pretty reasonable in comparison. We buzzed home where hubby had started dinner. Round Steak (elk) in cream of mushroom and cream of celery soup at 300 degrees for 2 hours. Then the gravy poured over white rice and corn bread on the side. Scratch the yams that I put in the oven. Oh well, I'll save them for tomorrow when he's gone and I eat healthy again. LOL
I totally could have ran today. I felt so good after my 16 mile progressive run yesterday. We finished so strong in the low 9 min mile range. It was a great day! Three weeks from yesterday is the CIM! I need to blog about my mental shifting gears and I hope to get to it tomorrow. I work in the boys classrooms and still need to find a sitter. Night night! I'm out.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Fortune Cookie
Hubby still wasn't home from Fill The Boot yet to I took the kiddos to chineese food at Panda Express. We had never been there, got way too much food and it was only OK. Bummer. If I'm going to spend a butt load of money on chineese food (although it was cheep if I figure it will feed us for like two weeks) it had better be delish... thats all I'm saying.
Anyhow I ate WAY TOO MUCH! enough sodium to tomorrows 16 mile progressive run? check!
This does nothing for my Fat Ass....
I know this because I got a stupid fortune cookie who tells me:
YOU ARE VERY EXPRESSIVE AND POSITIVE IN WORD, ACT AND FEELING
I am positive that my butt is growing... I told ya'll about it, I act fat... eating a ginormous amount of food tonight. Oh and feeling... I now feel increadibly fat. I expressed all of that in my blog. LOL
Anyhow I ate WAY TOO MUCH! enough sodium to tomorrows 16 mile progressive run? check!
This does nothing for my Fat Ass....
I know this because I got a stupid fortune cookie who tells me:
YOU ARE VERY EXPRESSIVE AND POSITIVE IN WORD, ACT AND FEELING
I am positive that my butt is growing... I told ya'll about it, I act fat... eating a ginormous amount of food tonight. Oh and feeling... I now feel increadibly fat. I expressed all of that in my blog. LOL
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Repitition
Things were feeling a bit repeditive so I thought I would change things up a bit for the day.
I took a rest day on Monday after Clarksburg and boy did I need it. It just took everything out of me, emotionally and physically I think. I needed a recharge. We had an easier run on Tuesday. We ran from the shop to one of the local High Schools tracks since the one at the University was dark and locked up. We did 15 minutes of easy pace 10 minutes of Marathon to Threshold pace then 15 minutes of easy pace again. I just never felt good though. We ran back to the store for a total of about 6 miles for the night. Stretched really good then headed home for some Ice Cream and Biggest Loser Action.
Wednesday I ran the 3mile loop with Good Neighbor. She is doing so good. I don't time myself or even take a watch on Wednesdays because Tuesday night workouts are usually so crazy and our run only starts 12 or so hours after our speed work is done that I just take a very easy pace with GN to get my miles in. I've been running in the park so much that I dread it though. I almost just want to run up to the airport and that has ALWAYS been my least favorite place to run to because of the even steady upward path it takes for 2 miles to the baseball field and the wind that never lets up. ... oh and its ugly. But there is a dedicated path so you aren't in danger (hopefully) of being hit by a car or truck, but maybe a bicyclist who thinks the paths belong to them.
Thursday: Today. I did to a different run. I started at 5mile which is part of Bidwell park but links lower and upper parks together. I did the 2 mile Centenial loop with offers up another steady long .75 mile long hill. I wanted to break up the run by taking the second half of my run to upper park and hitting a bit of trail. First I stopped to see Margo who is a friend of the hubby's family and lives across from the entrance to the park, lucky girl hu? She has a new Minnie Aussie who is BEAUTIFUL she's a blue merle and has crystal blue eyes and I want her. Sorry Margo... I do! When its time for us to get a new dog I'm so looking into mini aussies. Margo says there is a breeder in Vina... I'm off to scour the internet for it... just to see if her puppies are as cute as Shelby. After taking a 10 minute break I drank some water, took off the long sleeved shirt and headed to upper park. I took the trail up to Horseshoe lake then looped back down. I was crossing the bridge back to 5mile when my 2 mile alarm went of. It was perfect timing. I had a great run(s) today. I felt good for the first time in a long time. I don't think I had a negative thought about running the whole time. I love days like this. OK I'm off to shower, eat and pick up the little guys!
I took a rest day on Monday after Clarksburg and boy did I need it. It just took everything out of me, emotionally and physically I think. I needed a recharge. We had an easier run on Tuesday. We ran from the shop to one of the local High Schools tracks since the one at the University was dark and locked up. We did 15 minutes of easy pace 10 minutes of Marathon to Threshold pace then 15 minutes of easy pace again. I just never felt good though. We ran back to the store for a total of about 6 miles for the night. Stretched really good then headed home for some Ice Cream and Biggest Loser Action.
Wednesday I ran the 3mile loop with Good Neighbor. She is doing so good. I don't time myself or even take a watch on Wednesdays because Tuesday night workouts are usually so crazy and our run only starts 12 or so hours after our speed work is done that I just take a very easy pace with GN to get my miles in. I've been running in the park so much that I dread it though. I almost just want to run up to the airport and that has ALWAYS been my least favorite place to run to because of the even steady upward path it takes for 2 miles to the baseball field and the wind that never lets up. ... oh and its ugly. But there is a dedicated path so you aren't in danger (hopefully) of being hit by a car or truck, but maybe a bicyclist who thinks the paths belong to them.
Thursday: Today. I did to a different run. I started at 5mile which is part of Bidwell park but links lower and upper parks together. I did the 2 mile Centenial loop with offers up another steady long .75 mile long hill. I wanted to break up the run by taking the second half of my run to upper park and hitting a bit of trail. First I stopped to see Margo who is a friend of the hubby's family and lives across from the entrance to the park, lucky girl hu? She has a new Minnie Aussie who is BEAUTIFUL she's a blue merle and has crystal blue eyes and I want her. Sorry Margo... I do! When its time for us to get a new dog I'm so looking into mini aussies. Margo says there is a breeder in Vina... I'm off to scour the internet for it... just to see if her puppies are as cute as Shelby. After taking a 10 minute break I drank some water, took off the long sleeved shirt and headed to upper park. I took the trail up to Horseshoe lake then looped back down. I was crossing the bridge back to 5mile when my 2 mile alarm went of. It was perfect timing. I had a great run(s) today. I felt good for the first time in a long time. I don't think I had a negative thought about running the whole time. I love days like this. OK I'm off to shower, eat and pick up the little guys!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Clarksburg 20 mile race
This weekend many of us from the Marathon Training program ran in the Paul Reese Memorial Country Run. Some of us ran 20 miles, some ran 30k, some ran the half marathon. We all had a pretty good time. Clarksburg is a beautiful little town on the delta near Sacramento. There are lots of winerys and agricultural along the route.
The first 10 miles when off pretty good. My feet kind of hurt from the new shoes and figuring out the lacing situation. I had a GU 15 minutes before start, Cliff Shots at mile 6, GU at mile 10 and Luna Miles at 15 miles. I made too many potty breaks, perhaps because I took two waters at each stop or one water one Power aide. I had stomach cramping from about mile 12 on. Not a good feeling to have, let me tell you. All in all I was sore but about to keep moving. The last mile we were moving at close to 8:30/mile and the last 100 yards Vicki, myself and Liz kicked it into gear and pushed that finish line hard. I held back for just a moment so the photographer could actually get my picture instead of completely missing it like at Cowtown where I have NO pics to choose from.
I had a pretty good day all in all, 6am pick up at Vickis, picking Liz up along the way, 3 1/2 to run and talk, lunch with the girls, shopping at Fleet Feet in Sacrmento and a drive home to my boys who I missed ALL DAY! It was a pretty good day. My youngest really loved my finishers medal and when I get the chance I'll get a pic of it to post.
I do have questions for you though. Do you think I should forgo the drink of choice at the CIM, just drink water and perhaps use sodium caplets or will GU, Shot Blocks or Luna Moons be enough? Your input would be greatly appreciated!
Monday, November 3, 2008
Post 100
I can't believe that its been 100 posts already! It seems like yesterday that my first post was making me laugh because my other blog was taken OVER by running and eating. I guess this is fitting that my 100th post since it is National Blog Posting Month meaning and I will be trying to post on one of my blogs every day. I will be trying to post here on heavy running days or on days that have a particularly interesting topic about running. I'll try to leave links here to those posts if I can remember or have time to do that.
Today I feel better. I am sore. I should have stood in the creek (so very very cold) before I left the park but I was in a hurry to get the boys. I am tired, physically and emotionally right now but I'm hoping that changes soon. Its been so hard to be positive, during a run, while thinking about my goals, about my schedule, about eating healthy. I've actually had more bad days then good lately and we are so close to the Marathon... just less than 5 weeks away.
My goal this week is to get back on the horse, run when and how far I'm supposed to, drink lots of water, eat healthy and enough that I don't crash like I did yesterday. I'm going to re-read Performance Nutrition for Runners again and the Paleo Diet for Athletes since I've been fudging on my Non-bread diet a lot lately because I've been so tired of potatoes and rice. Me and wheat? We just don't get along. Its showing.
I guess this is the week for Re-form. Don't forget to get out there and EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE tomorrow. Don't complain about laws or who's representing us if you don't play your part and vote. I hate that, your voice DOES matter.
Today I feel better. I am sore. I should have stood in the creek (so very very cold) before I left the park but I was in a hurry to get the boys. I am tired, physically and emotionally right now but I'm hoping that changes soon. Its been so hard to be positive, during a run, while thinking about my goals, about my schedule, about eating healthy. I've actually had more bad days then good lately and we are so close to the Marathon... just less than 5 weeks away.
My goal this week is to get back on the horse, run when and how far I'm supposed to, drink lots of water, eat healthy and enough that I don't crash like I did yesterday. I'm going to re-read Performance Nutrition for Runners again and the Paleo Diet for Athletes since I've been fudging on my Non-bread diet a lot lately because I've been so tired of potatoes and rice. Me and wheat? We just don't get along. Its showing.
*** Congratulations to everyone who ran races this weekend! The New York Marathon was Sunday and wahhoooo Paula Radcliff and Marilson Gomes dos Santos for passing the finish lines first in New York. More applause for my running buddy Vicki who took 4th in her age group at our local 10K this weekend AFTER running 10 miles with me. She is a machine! More applause and confetti for those of you who raced! Congratulations everyone***
I guess this is the week for Re-form. Don't forget to get out there and EXERCISE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE tomorrow. Don't complain about laws or who's representing us if you don't play your part and vote. I hate that, your voice DOES matter.
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