It was Africa hot out there today. Africa. Hot.

I think I actually started to melt while running the scheduled 13-miler. Sure felt like it.

And here I thought I was being clever by running "early." It was 73F by 8:00 a.m. While that temperature alone isn't that hot, the humidity was typical July-in-New-England (65%). I felt the heat almost as soon as I walked out of the house. By mile 1, I could tell that I was sporting the beautiful beet-red shade that my face usually reserves for sunburns. When I hit mile 2, I started thinking about how many miles I still had to go. It was going to be tough one today. If I had been really "clever" I would have gotten up at 6:00 a.m. instead. Sigh.

I had to keep reminding myself that physically, I had the energy for the task...my legs were keeping a steady, albeit slow, pace. My brain on the other hand was rebelling. "You could walk for a bit" the inner voice said. "You could just skip the second half of your loop" the voice suggested. I won't even share what the Inner Critic was saying. It was down-right mean.

No, no, no. I was not quitting. Even if I had to run slower than I could walk, I would finish this.

I was running a figure-eight loop, with my house being the rest stop in the center. I did one 7.4 miles loop and then ran back into the house to refill my gatorade bottle (after last week's Camlebak fiasco, I opted to just use a bottle...besides, it was too hot to wear any additional layers whatsoever). I took time to douse my head and neck with cold water from the kitchen sink. And I swapped my hat for sunglasses (~gasp!). The second loop of 5.7 miles was a little better in the "heat" department, but the hills were just punishing me. I started to get hungry right around the 1:50:00 mark (similar to last week) but decided to run through it this time instead of eat with only 2 miles left. My stomach wasn't thrilled by that decision, but I made it home alive. In one stinky, slimy piece.

Hightlights of the run:

• Saw another snake. I think they like me.
• A little girl wearing nothing but a diaper came running across her yard towards me and then started running "with me" (she was still in the grass in her yard but mimicking me)> Super cute.
• I finished.

If you haven't shared answers to my questions from Wednesday's post (see below), please do so!!

Weekly totals
Mon: 3.00/26:58
Tue: rest
Wed: 6.00/54:23
Thu: 3.10/26:14
Fri: rest
Sat: 13.1/2:08:15
Sun: Hike or bike.

Total Miles: 25.20

I'm working on something that is both special and secret for the RBF (Running Blog Family) and I need your help! That's right...I'm assigning homework over summer vacation!!

Please consider answering the following questions for me (respond either thru comments or email):

1) How long have you been blogging about running?
2) What was the first running blog you stumbled across?
3) What made you seek out running blogs in the first place?
4) What is the best advice you've been given thru your blog?
5) Do you feel that the running blogs (yours and others) have helped you in your quest to become a better runner? If yes, please elaborate.

So share your thoughts with me people...you won't regret it! The more you share, the better.

When I am closer to completing this project, I'll share more about it. Until then, you'll just have to trust me.

(And don't try to weasel it out of me...I'm an excellent secret-keeper)

Yesterday was the 12-miler. This would be only the third time I've ever run this distance - and the other two times were races last fall (a 20K and a half-mary). With my recent knee troubles, I was a bit nervous about the results!

One thing that I knew would help me: April-Anne emailed me on Friday and asked if she could join me for part of my run. She had 6-7 miles on her schedule and was looking for some company. I gladly welcomed her! Having a partner makes a huge difference for me.

We ran the same trails we use for our Monday night runs. It had been pouring rain earlier in the morning so everything was slippery and there were so puddles here and there. The slickness-factor really made the trails more challenging, as going uphill and downhill on tree roots was treacherous. I'm not convinced that trail running is such a great idea for long-distances. I felt like I expend more energy out there, working around all the roots and rocks. Maybe next week, I'll try the roads.

The Learning Curve:

• Perceived weight of full CamelBack around waist: 100 pounds
• Actual weight: 7 pounds
• Number of times I stopped to adjust my CamelBack: four
• Number of times I took my CamelBack off so I could run easier: twice
• Number of times I told myself I would NOT wear the stupid, freakin' thing for the marathon: 1,265
• Miles I ran with a stitch in my side: at least SIX
• Amount of food consumed: 1 Powergel, with 1.5 miles to go (I made it 1:48:00 without needing food!)
• Number of steep uphills I had to walk up: three
• Amount of water soaked into shoes/socks: at least a gallon

I felt so bad that April-Anne had to stop for me, a BUNCH of times. That stupid hydration pack was really causing me grief for some reason. It just didn't feel good. I even just dropped it on the trail at one point so I could run a half-mile unfettered. At the halfway point in my run, when April-Anne was finishing up, I returned to the parking lot with her so I could swap the CamelBack for an old-fashioned bottle full of gatorade. I was MUCH better after that. My side stitch went away within the next mile, and I felt like I was running a much stronger, even pace. The second half of the run was wonderful, especially compared to the first. Thank goodness I had a partner to distract me with questions about my doggies (which I love to talk about!) or who knows if I would ever have gotten through the whole thing.

And the knee? Well. I wore a knee brace and it seemed to make a huge difference. I could feel my knee complaining just a little bit, but somehow the brace kept it from getting painful. My hamstring is a bit tight on that leg, but it looks like I found a solution! Hooray!

Weekly Summary:
Mon: 3.00/26:34
Tue: Rest
Wed: 6.00/53:26
Thu: 3.10/26:39 - And biked 3 miles
Fri: Rest
Sat: 12-ish/2:02:18
Sun: ???

Total miles: 24.10

In the spirit of Amy's post from July 15th, I just had to share another anti-low-carb link. If you are a supporter of low-carb diets, I mean you no harm -- I just have a different opinion. Truth be told, I'm not a fan of any "diet"-- I promote portion control and wholesome foods (with the occassional treat). Everyone needs to find the foods that work for them, fit their lifestyle and keep them healthy. And without exercise, dieting is ultimately useless. 

BEFORE YOU CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW, PLEASE CONSIDER YOURSELF WARNED: It's a cartoon (neurotically yours cartoon- tm/cr), but it is FAR from PG-13, so if you are easily offended by foul language, it's best to avoid this one. And I would recommend NOT playing this if there are any children in the room. Or at least wear headphones!

That being said...I thought this was funny as hell.

My favorite line? Easy: "I'm not going to buy into a diet that says you can eat three cheeseburgers and a pound of bacon but you can't have an apple...cuz the apple has carbs."

Second favorite: "Stop looking to some dead man for a quick fix diet and just eat like a sensible human being."

That's my rant for the day~says the woman who had pasta and bread for dinner and will have oatmeal as a pre-bedtime snack.

Enjoy your weekend running experiences! Good luck to anyone racing!

What?! Not orange?! That's right...yellow. The Lance Armstrong Foundation is selling yellow wristbands for a buck each to raise money for cancer(just like the one he's wearing in the Tour). I just ordered some yesterday and discovered that they are back-ordered. But an office-mate just got her order in and shared one with me...so I am now sporting one on my ankle. Note to small-wristed people: buy the Youth size!

Live Strong Wristband Originally uploaded by Running Chick.

Holy humidity, Batman!

It was freakin' unbelievable out there last night.

I met April-Anne for our weekly 3-miler and within two minutes of our run, I was unable to breathe. Like trying to breathe through pea soup! Seriously, it felt like what I imagine asthma feels like! After five minutes, we decided to slow it down a bit and by fifteen minutes, we were chugging along, trying desperately not to melt. We didn't talk much at all, as we were both so focused on moving forward and getting air into our lungs.

I had to use every ounce of will power I had to get through that run. If I was out there alone, I don't know if I would have made it through the whole 3 miles. The power of a running partner is worth it's weight in gold.

It sucked. Plain and simple. The longest 26:34 of my life.

Thanks to everyone for the advice and support regarding my knee. I know I should go see a Doc but it will take weeks to get an appointment that will last ten minutes. I promise I will go if the pain persists, especially if there is any noticeable swelling or if it hurts when I'm NOT running. Until then, I'll be focusing on the basics: stretching, strengthening, NSAIDs, and all my foot related do-dads (bunion pads, orthotics). I may try out a knee wrap/brace, which I will hate. And, I will rest more as I add the miles on. Promise. Cross my heart. This marathon is too important to me!

(Incidentally...my trail ride on Sunday was short and sweet - 38 minutes, 4.25 miles...and I earned my first colorful bruise - strangely, it's the same shape as my pedal.)

Oh, and today is off to a good start..I tripped going UP the stairs (damn flip flops) and landed - where else - on my knees. So that felt good. Of course, there were two men standing right behind me as I did this in my short SKIRT. I don't which is more bruised - my pride or my knee caps.

Hope everyone else is bearing the heat!

Yesterday was my scheduled long run, and the results are "mixed."
 
The training schedule called for 7-miles and I thought I'd even shoot for 8 if I was feeling up to it. I headed out to the same stone-dust packed rail trail that has served as my long-run location for the past two weeks. My stepfather joined me on his bike, with the plan that he would ride out and then turn around and catch up with me somewhere on the way back.
 
The run itself was tame and uneventful compared to the wildlife I've spotted there recently. A blue heron (I think that's what it was) flew overhead as I ran through the swamp area. I was just astonished by the size of it's wingspan...could almost feel the breeze kick up as it passed me by.
 
As I've complained about in the last two weekend posts, this particular trail does not have reliable mile markers, so I wasn't sure exactly where to turn around. I figured I would run for about 35 minutes and then turn back. As I reached the turn-around point, I was pleased to see my stepfather (David) approaching on his bike...I was feeling lonely and bored and was really looking forward to some company. I could tell I was having a battle of wills as I ran...it just seemed like a tough one, even though the distance was shorter this week.
 
It was a welcome distraction to have David pedal along side of me, and we chatted easily about random topics.  It was warmer than the last two weeks and I had to take off my hat (GASP!) to try to keep cool.
 
Then, sadly, around mile 6, I felt the tightness start to pull around and behind my knee. Sigh. It was subtle at first, but by the time we reached the 7-7.5 mile area, I was ready to walk the final quarter mile or so back to the car. David was also more than happy to get off his bike, as he had been riding for over an hour and was starting to feel a bit sore. I'm sure neither one of us were helped by the fact that we had gone bike riding the night before for about an hour and fifteen minutes. So here we both are, about 14 hours later, asking our bodies to do more. 
 
I'm trying to stay optimistic about the knee. I didn't stretch as much as I should have this week and I forgot to put on a bunion pad before the run. That coupled with the bike ride the night before, and no rest since Tuesday, probably put my knee over the edge. It complained and I listened.
 
Sort of.
 
I am, of course, on my way out for another bike ride tonight. I'm feeling fatigued from another week of workouts AND I haven't been eating as well as I should, so I will taking it easy out here tonight. Plus there's the added incentive of a pasta dinner at my parent's house, so I have something to keep me focused and on time! 
 
Weekly summary:
 
Mon: 3ish miles - 25:58
Tue: Rest
Wed: 5.00 - 43:44
Thu: 3.00 - 27:14
Fri: Bike - 1 h 15 m
Sat: 7.0-7.5 - 1:11:21
Sun: Bike - n/a
 
Total: 18 - 18.50 miles 
 

As I was running my morning 3-miler, I was reflecting on the modesty of some runners.

Here's what led me to this reflection:

1) If you have had time to visit April-Anne's blog (she's new to the RBF, stop by and say hello!), you'll notice that she mentions me in her post from Monday (July 12). And you'll notice that she claims that running with me makes HER go faster.

As if!

You may recall a post of mine from about a month ago, when I mentioned that I had a new,SPEEDY running partner -- it was/is April-Anne. This is the same woman that I was TRYING to keep up with at the race in May when I was trying to set a PR (and fell short). She's the speedy one. Not me. (Actually it's pretty funny to watch us because neither one of us knows how to set a pace so we run like crazy without any idea how fast we are going. I consider my training runs with her to be my "tempo" run!).

2) I'm part of a Race Point Series and I met the my "competition" at the Boombox Mile Race. She and I have been engaged in a friendly debate about which one of us is supposed to be in SECOND place ("I'm in second place. You have more points than me"..."No I'M in second place...you've beat me at every race so far"). It cracks me up that we stand there going back and forth about being in second, neither one of us wanting to be in first place, for whatever reason.

3) Most of the RBF suffers from a touch of modesty now and again...there's always excuses for why we did so well in a race or during a particular run ("It was nice and cool," "Must have been the sneakers"..etc). Give yourselves some credit people! We are all out there, working hard, doing something that not everyone is willing to do and we often come home with SMILES on our faces because of what we accomplished. Never forget that. Let's not make excuses for our successes!

What's up with all the modesty!?

(and has anyone heard from Chris...it's been a while since he's posted?!)

Saturday was The Big Test. After last week's knee troubles, which were identical to the problems I experienced last year, I was nervous about the 10-mile training run.

I took the proper precautions:

1) Got new sneakers.
2) In a bigger size than last time.
3) Stretched my calves a few times a day.
4) Bought bunion pads to help reduce the amount of rubbing and thus, inflammation.
5) Switched my NSAID from Bextra to Alleve.
6) Kept my feet elevated at night (if and when I stopped to sit down).

The Ten Miler:

I decided to head out to the same trail again since I knew the surface would be kind and gentle on my legs. I got started a little later than I wanted to, which only meant that there were more people and it was a little warmer than last week.

Within the first mile and half, as I was running by a huge swamp/bog--complete with lily pads and flowers--I stopped short in my tracks. There was a black snake basking in the sun in the middle of the trail.

While most people would have been freaked out by this occurrence, I don't have an aversion to snakes. At all. Which is good thing, considering my husband has 5 snakes and three lizards, plus 11 snake hatchlings (who will be leaving us within the next few weeks). There were no reptiles in the picture while we were dating....this was one of those "things you learn later about your spouse and decide to love them anyways" situations. But I digress.

The snake.

I just stomped my feet a few times and kicked some sand his way and he quickly turned and slithered back towards the water. I was more worried about him getting trampled by a bike than him biting me as I passed.

The only other nature I encountered was a frog and a chipmunk. Pretty tame in comparison.

But at least this time I was able to find another mile marker! So the markers run from 10, 9, 8..then nothing until 5. Since I turned around at 5, I'm not sure about the rest, but I plan on biking this trail soon to find out!

The knee held out. I'd be lying if I said it didn't give me any trouble at all...I could feel the ghost of the pain I experienced last week, but it was easily ignored and did not make me want to walk.

I'd also be lying if I said it was an "easy" 10 miles. I was tired at the end and my legs were feeling fatigued but it looks like I kept my pace around 9:30, a little faster at the start and slower at the end (even though I TRIED to go faster at the end!).

Considering that this was only the 3rd time I'd run this distance, I was feeling pretty good about myself and my performance. Feeling better about this marathon thing. Next test: The 12 miler, coming up in two weeks.

Weekly summary:

Tue: 3.00/26:26 - plus biked 40 minutes in p.m.
Wed: 5.00/43:26 - plus hiked (easy) 25 minutes in p.m.
Thu: 3.00/27.24
Sat: 10.50/1:39:40
Sun: Hiked (moderate) 3 miles

Mile Run Total: 21.50

It's been a week full of fitness!

It all started on Tuesday with my 3 mile a.m. run.

A few hours later, I placed an order for some new sports tops and some PowerGel.

At lunch, I walked down to the local bike shop to pick up some toe clips and straps. I'm too nervous to try the "clipless" pedals/shoes so I thought I'd give the toe clips a try first. I was so excited that they had some in stock and had visions of myself tearing up the hills, feet firmly in place on the pedals.

After work, five of us got together for a mountain bike ride at the same park I was at last week. I got my bike all set up to put the toe clips on...when I noticed that my pedals aren't designed to accept said clips. Stomps feet. Looks peeved.

(Looks like I either need to 1) buy different pedals or 2) ask the bike shop if I can swap them out - I've only ridden on them twice!)

Biked for about 45 minutes or so. Did much better this time, although slipped off the pedals more than once, cursing at my pedals each and every time. And I made it a little further up The Hill (the one full of "baby heads" as Jank so eloquently put it).

More fitness on Wednesday morning, with a 5-mile run on tired legs.

Then at lunchtime, I went out and bought new running shoes. It was not the experience I was hoping for...it was a tiny, cramped store with an old, gruff guy who didn't seem very intent on putting me in the best shoe. We did determine that I've been running in shoes that are TOO SMALL, which would account for the toenail that I'm about to lose! So, long story longer, after trying on Asics 2080s (current shoe) and three different Sauconys, in two different sizes of each style, I ended up getting the Asics. I wasn't a fan of the big heel on the Sauconys..made me wonder if I'd be able to keep picking my feet up during a long run. The Asics in the new size feel better on my bunion, but only a good long run will determine if I've made a wise choice. If all else fails, I'll just cut a hole in them like I did to the last pair (sacrilegious, I know) or go to Fleet Feet in West Hartford for another new pair.

Wednesday night, I wanted to scope out a local Summer Series run at the state park near my house. I knew better than to try to run on sore feet so I just stopped by to check things out and then walked my dogs on the 2-mile portion of the 3-mile figure eight loop that they had mapped out. I hung out and "talked running" until almost 8:00 pm.

And then this morning I was up and at 'em for another 3 miles.

Phew. I have no idea how Chris and others can do this stuff twice in one day. Amazing.

Looking forward to resting tomorrow.

So I can run on Saturday. And then bike on Sunday. And then run on Monday.

It's a sickness, really.

In Willimantic, CT, every year on the Fourth of July, the city celebrates the holiday with the Boombox Parade. According to the "legend," back in 1986 no marching bands could be found to play during the parade so the local radio station, WILI, offered to play patriotic marching music "on the air, while thousands march and watch, loudly playing their radios."

This crazy tradition still continues to this day...and this year was the inaugural year for the Boombox Mile Race.

The race was small: 15 women and 33 men.

The day was warm: at 10:30 a.m. is was sunny and 86 degrees (F)

The course was perfect: Mostly flat with a slight incline right after the half mile and then a down hill finish. Quarter miles were clearly marked.

The race was great! It was a little unorganized, but it was their first year and it was small, so no big deal really.

It was over in a flash! I was so busy recording my splits and wishing for water, that the race was over before I knew it!

Even with my "wonky" knee after the ten miler the day before and the heat, I surprised/shocked myself with a time of 6:33. Placed 3rd out of seven in my age division and earned myself a cute ribbon. Go figure.

Next, I was off to march in the parade with the local Lions group that I belong to. Of course my car was parked at the race start line...a mile away from the parade start...and there was no way I was going to march without a shirt on (just had on a sports bra for the race)...so I walked back down Main Street (yes, past all the people that I didn't want to see me without a shirt on...I didn't say I was logical)...got back to my car, put on the shirt, bought some food/drink and walked back down to the parade start...another mile....Marched in the parade and the walked back to my car again...another mile. (I did stop to buy a cotton-candy flavored Bomb Pop!)

So...I ran one mile and then walked three.

As you can imagine, there was a nap to be enjoyed that afternoon!

Hope everyone else had great weekend runs/races/bbq's/family time/etc.

(I'll update my Race Results page eventually!)

The Plan was to check out a 10-mile trail near my house (15 minutes away via car). The Plan was to use the mile markers to keep on pace for 9-minute miles. The Plan was to run 4.5 miles out and then run back making sure to drink fluids at every mile.

As you can imagine, nothing ever goes according to The Plan.

I found the trail head with little trouble and instantly fell in love with the packed stone dust surface. Shaded by trees, right along a river and seemingly flat. It was perfect. Oh, and look! There's the first mile marker! How nice!

Mile One: 8:28. Whoa. A little too fast.
Mile One Point Five: Pee break. Stop the clock.
Mile Two: 8:48. Closer. Better. Feeling good. Feeling strong.

It's a great day today! I love running!

Mile Three: Where the hell is the marker? Did I miss it?
Mile Four-ish: Still no marker. Why does it feel like I've been running uphill for the last mile? Oh well...at least it will be all downhill on the way back.

Somewhere between Mile Four Point Five and Mile Five: I've been at this for 45 minutes...it's probably safe to turn around. Hey, I'm not even hungry. I guess that's a good thing.

Why does it still feel like I'm going uphill? Is this some kind of optical illusion? What the hell? Gosh it's lonely out here (all together now "Aawwww!")

Somewhere around Mile Seven or Eight: Huh. There's a twinge of pain in my right knee...reminds me of last year's half marathon training pain...uh oh....it's not going away...well there's no "shooting pain" so I'll just keep going.

THIS REALLY SUCKS. Now I'm cranky.

Last two miles: Since I have the mile markers back, I should check my pace: 9:27 and 9:11. Not bad considering my knee really aches. This still really sucks.

Maybe I'm not cut out for distances. I'm running on a good surface, with orthotics, my bunion feels fine and I'm taking one of those NSAIDs daily..so what's the deal with the knee? This can't keep happening. I won't allow it.

I have to assume that I averaged around 9-minute miles. So I have to assume that after 92 minutes of running, I put in between 9.5 and 10 miles. One can hope anyway. I met my weekly mileage goal, but I'm getting nervous about the knee.

Time for new sneakers I think.

Mon: 3.25 27:40
Wed: 4.15 36:02
Thu: 3.00 26:10
Sat: 9.50-10.00/1:32:32
Total: 19.90-20.40

Got one last mile to put in tomorrow as I dash down Main Street prior to the start of the annual July 4th parade.

Hope everyone else had great weekend running experiences!

Yesterday, Chris announced to the RBF (Running Blog Family) that he intends on running a trail marathon.

Outstanding.

He's a dedicated runner and I'm confident that he will kick butt.

His post reminded me about a trail marathon in my part of the woods that I had meant to share with the RBF.

Check this out: Nipmuck Trail Marathon

Any marathon that begins their web page with a WARNING letter has got to be fun, right? These people are serious about running in the woods.

I've hiked part of the Nipmuck and I remember thinking to myself "This would be fun to run on!"...until we reached this incredibly steep uphill portion that was hard to even hike up without huffing and puffing (Note: this particular portion of the trail is not part of the marathon, thankfully).

I'd love to do this marathon someday...or at least a half-marathon (which is also offered at another time).

Chris, you are my inspiration! Go YOU!