Sunday, April 30, 2006
Another Twenty
The Marathon is about six weeks away, so yesterday was the first of two 20-milers on the training schedule (32K to some of you).
I decided to capitalize on the aid stations that would be set up for a 5-mile walk-a-thon that I was registered for, and arranged the 20-mile route around it.
About 75% of the route I planned was on well-groomed rail trails - the surface was firmly packed, without a lot of rocks and other obstacles. The other 25% of the route was out on the roads near the trail.
April-Anne joined me and we decided to do the longer, lonelier portion of the run first. So we set out for the first 12 miles...which we managed to stretch to 13.75...and encountered a few other runners and bikers. Mostly, we had the trail to ourselves and we soaked up the beauty of the trail and the perfect weather as we chatted away the miles.
We stopped after 13.75 to re-fuel, and headed back out to the portion of the trail where the walk-a-thon was taking place. This was a great strategy on our parts, as we passed friendly smiles, and comments like "I wish I had that kind of energy!" Plus, as an added bonus, we had access to the aid stations for water and oranges if needed (and a port-a-potty!). It was almost like being at a race.
My foot was still a tiny bit tender from the shoe-lace tying incident, and the knee was beginning to get a bit tight and uncomfortable. No matter, we pushed on, although our chatter grew quieter and quieter as each mile passed.
Somewhere around mile 17 or so, I asked April-Anne when doing long runs was going to feel 'easier.' She said something like 'Maybe when you run ultras, these distances seem easy.' Then we laughed at the idea of doing anything MORE than 26.2 miles, and I even remarked that the last .2 bit still makes me a little bitter.
We wrapped up the 20 miles in 3:03, with an average pace of 9:09 mpm, which pleased us both. As soon as my body realized that I was done running, I felt a pang or two of hunger and could not wait to eat. Luckily, the walk-a-thon was serving food, so I was scarfing down a burger and chips within 10 minutes of hitting "Stop" on the watch. I was so amazing that the idea of food was *not* revolting, as usually it takes 45 minutes for me to tolerate the idea of eating anything at all.
The knee is still cranky, and once again, going down the stairs is my least favorite activity. But I'm icing, rolling, stretching and taking Advil like an addict.
Bottom line - we had fun, we had a beautiful day and we conquered the first 20-mile monster. Go us!
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I decided to capitalize on the aid stations that would be set up for a 5-mile walk-a-thon that I was registered for, and arranged the 20-mile route around it.
About 75% of the route I planned was on well-groomed rail trails - the surface was firmly packed, without a lot of rocks and other obstacles. The other 25% of the route was out on the roads near the trail.
April-Anne joined me and we decided to do the longer, lonelier portion of the run first. So we set out for the first 12 miles...which we managed to stretch to 13.75...and encountered a few other runners and bikers. Mostly, we had the trail to ourselves and we soaked up the beauty of the trail and the perfect weather as we chatted away the miles.
We stopped after 13.75 to re-fuel, and headed back out to the portion of the trail where the walk-a-thon was taking place. This was a great strategy on our parts, as we passed friendly smiles, and comments like "I wish I had that kind of energy!" Plus, as an added bonus, we had access to the aid stations for water and oranges if needed (and a port-a-potty!). It was almost like being at a race.
My foot was still a tiny bit tender from the shoe-lace tying incident, and the knee was beginning to get a bit tight and uncomfortable. No matter, we pushed on, although our chatter grew quieter and quieter as each mile passed.
Somewhere around mile 17 or so, I asked April-Anne when doing long runs was going to feel 'easier.' She said something like 'Maybe when you run ultras, these distances seem easy.' Then we laughed at the idea of doing anything MORE than 26.2 miles, and I even remarked that the last .2 bit still makes me a little bitter.
We wrapped up the 20 miles in 3:03, with an average pace of 9:09 mpm, which pleased us both. As soon as my body realized that I was done running, I felt a pang or two of hunger and could not wait to eat. Luckily, the walk-a-thon was serving food, so I was scarfing down a burger and chips within 10 minutes of hitting "Stop" on the watch. I was so amazing that the idea of food was *not* revolting, as usually it takes 45 minutes for me to tolerate the idea of eating anything at all.
The knee is still cranky, and once again, going down the stairs is my least favorite activity. But I'm icing, rolling, stretching and taking Advil like an addict.
Bottom line - we had fun, we had a beautiful day and we conquered the first 20-mile monster. Go us!
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Just Call Me Ms. Slowsky
Have you seen the commercial with the two turtles, the Slowskys, who prefer their dial-up connection to DSL? You know, because DSL is too fast for them?
Well. Monday, I ran trails for the first time in MONTHS. My legs had forgotten how tough trails can be, and I quickly decided that I would be using the 'dial-up' connection for that particular run. Nice and slow.
What? You don't believe me?
Allow me to illustrate.
Last week, I clocked a 7:32 mile as the last mile of a 4-mile progressive run (where each mile is run a little faster than the one before).
Monday? My average pace was 9:50 per mile. At times, my pace was in the 10:00-11:00 minute per mile range.
And I was totally happy with that...it felt good. It felt perfect. It was just what the Body ordered.
See. I *can* slow down. I *can* be a Slowsky.
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Well. Monday, I ran trails for the first time in MONTHS. My legs had forgotten how tough trails can be, and I quickly decided that I would be using the 'dial-up' connection for that particular run. Nice and slow.
What? You don't believe me?
Allow me to illustrate.
Last week, I clocked a 7:32 mile as the last mile of a 4-mile progressive run (where each mile is run a little faster than the one before).
Monday? My average pace was 9:50 per mile. At times, my pace was in the 10:00-11:00 minute per mile range.
And I was totally happy with that...it felt good. It felt perfect. It was just what the Body ordered.
See. I *can* slow down. I *can* be a Slowsky.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Power of Words
Today is my two-year blogiversary and I celebrated properly by going out for a run.
Specifically, a 14.10 mile run in about 2:05.
It was one of *those* mornings though, where I just couldn't find my enthusiasm for the run. My marathon-training-running-partner was out of town and I missed the early-bird group run with the Willimantic Athletic Club.
Somehow, I managed to put on the iPod and push out into the cool grey morning.
The first few miles were bland, and I tried in vain to be inspired by something, anything. Even the twitter of the birds couldn't rouse me out of my funk.
I trudged along. I noticed that the top of my left foot was still sore in the spot where I had tied my laces too tight last week. It felt like a bruise was being repeatedly poked, with each foot fall.
Around mile 5, I momentarily found my smile when I passed by an animal kennel. There were about 15 dogs running around together, and as I passed, they barked and wagged their tails at me, as if beckoning me to come play. I decided that they were my 'cheering' section, much like spectators at a race and soaked up their attention.
By mile 10, my foot was really hurting and the negotiations began...'It's ok to just do 12...Coach said 12-14 miles, so you can stop early.' I paused to re-tie my laces, again, hoping to alleviate some of the pressure and still keep the shoe on my foot...I even contemplated running barefoot for those last 4 miles.
As I started running again, I could tell that I was compensating for the pain by altering my gait. My right leg was doing all the work as the left foot tried to hit the pavement quickly and gingerly. The wheels were starting to fall off and I could feel disappointment seeping in.
Then I remembered that Coach had asked me to start thinking about some 'power' words that I could use during my upcoming marathon(s), presumably to draw strength from when I'm feeling low on energy and motivation. I had two words from my previous races (Onward, from Reba and After, from Mark) and I had already come up with two more words that I knew would inspire me.
But when I thought carefully about all these words, I realized that the words turned the focus back onto myself. That wasn't working for me. I needed something more.
My thoughts immediately turned to friends who have served in the military in wartime - past and present. I reminded myself that if they could bear to be *there* then I could certainly bear to be *here* right now, with my silly sore foot. If they could hump through a desert, in combat boots and a Kevlar vest with a back on their back, I could run 4 more miles.
My mind was quickly flooded with thoughts of other friends and family who have had the courage to face challenges that could have easily broken their spirit, yet they persevered. Overcoming illnesses, losing loved ones, caring for sick parents, getting divorces, starting life over in new places...the list goes on (and included RBFers).
I thought carefully about each one of them, and drew on THEIR strength.
That's what got me through to the end this morning. As I was finishing up, I recalled my very first blog post, and I can still say that I still run simply because I can...except I don't just do it for me, and it would seem that even when I'm running solo, I'm not truly alone.
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Specifically, a 14.10 mile run in about 2:05.
It was one of *those* mornings though, where I just couldn't find my enthusiasm for the run. My marathon-training-running-partner was out of town and I missed the early-bird group run with the Willimantic Athletic Club.
Somehow, I managed to put on the iPod and push out into the cool grey morning.
The first few miles were bland, and I tried in vain to be inspired by something, anything. Even the twitter of the birds couldn't rouse me out of my funk.
I trudged along. I noticed that the top of my left foot was still sore in the spot where I had tied my laces too tight last week. It felt like a bruise was being repeatedly poked, with each foot fall.
Around mile 5, I momentarily found my smile when I passed by an animal kennel. There were about 15 dogs running around together, and as I passed, they barked and wagged their tails at me, as if beckoning me to come play. I decided that they were my 'cheering' section, much like spectators at a race and soaked up their attention.
By mile 10, my foot was really hurting and the negotiations began...'It's ok to just do 12...Coach said 12-14 miles, so you can stop early.' I paused to re-tie my laces, again, hoping to alleviate some of the pressure and still keep the shoe on my foot...I even contemplated running barefoot for those last 4 miles.
As I started running again, I could tell that I was compensating for the pain by altering my gait. My right leg was doing all the work as the left foot tried to hit the pavement quickly and gingerly. The wheels were starting to fall off and I could feel disappointment seeping in.
Then I remembered that Coach had asked me to start thinking about some 'power' words that I could use during my upcoming marathon(s), presumably to draw strength from when I'm feeling low on energy and motivation. I had two words from my previous races (Onward, from Reba and After, from Mark) and I had already come up with two more words that I knew would inspire me.
But when I thought carefully about all these words, I realized that the words turned the focus back onto myself. That wasn't working for me. I needed something more.
My thoughts immediately turned to friends who have served in the military in wartime - past and present. I reminded myself that if they could bear to be *there* then I could certainly bear to be *here* right now, with my silly sore foot. If they could hump through a desert, in combat boots and a Kevlar vest with a back on their back, I could run 4 more miles.
My mind was quickly flooded with thoughts of other friends and family who have had the courage to face challenges that could have easily broken their spirit, yet they persevered. Overcoming illnesses, losing loved ones, caring for sick parents, getting divorces, starting life over in new places...the list goes on (and included RBFers).
I thought carefully about each one of them, and drew on THEIR strength.
That's what got me through to the end this morning. As I was finishing up, I recalled my very first blog post, and I can still say that I still run simply because I can...except I don't just do it for me, and it would seem that even when I'm running solo, I'm not truly alone.
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Honestly, Swimming?
What a train wreck.
I was a total stress case last week.
To start off the week, I missed a whole night of sleep last Monday because of a pesky rodent rooting around in our walls.
The rest of the week, I spent hours worrying about all the logistics of jeff's visit...when and where to meet for our speed workout, what to prepare for the RBF dinner, the invitations/directions, the decorations, the cleaning, the marathon, the weather, and on and on.
Plus, I had all sorts of appointments and commitments...oh, and work.
Stress case.
So was it really any surprise that I managed to hurt myself SWIMMING? Honestly people...SWIMMING. It's the sport that doctors recommends when you're recovering from an injury. It's essentially NO-IMPACT. What the hell is wrong with me? (Interestingly, I had just been reading about how athletes are more likely to get injured when they are stressed and distracted by other things going on in their lives. I think I proved that point.)
Here's what I think happened...
I had yoga last Wednesday, and we spent a great of time in the 'Downward Dog' position and did some back/shoulder work with weights. A few hours later, I did the speed workout with jeff...which meant I was running with my shoulders back, chest out and arms pumping
Then Thursday afternoon was the Swimming Chicks first ever Time Trial. Our awesome swim coach arranged for each of us to have someone at the end of our lane, equipped with a clipboard and stopwatch. Our 'buddy' would record our interval times for us and signal our last lap.
As expected, just like on race day, I went out wayyyy tooo hard. Halfway through the first 400 yards, I was positive that I was going to throw up. I started contemplating where one *should* throw up at the pool...on the deck? into the strainer thing? or try to make it to the garbage pail? The more I thought about it, the more sick I felt, so I just tried to focus on form.
That focus on form, and need for speed, caught up with me later. After work, I met jeff and April-Anne for a relaxed 4-mile trail run, and by the time that was over, I could feel my shoulders starting to stiffen.
I just figured they were sore from the workout and didn't think too much about it.
By the end of the day on Friday, my shoulders were aching and it was getting harder to turn my head. Please, let me whine just a little here...when I say aching, I really mean it...it was pain like NONE other. I spent the weekend jacked up on Advil...800 mg, 1600 mg, 2400 mg...whatever it took. At one point, I was in tears, and really thought that medical attention was going to be necessary.
But I toughed it out and I'm feeling muuucchh better now. I can even turn my head from side to side!
Because I'm hardcore. Or stupid. Whatever.
Swimming?
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I was a total stress case last week.
To start off the week, I missed a whole night of sleep last Monday because of a pesky rodent rooting around in our walls.
The rest of the week, I spent hours worrying about all the logistics of jeff's visit...when and where to meet for our speed workout, what to prepare for the RBF dinner, the invitations/directions, the decorations, the cleaning, the marathon, the weather, and on and on.
Plus, I had all sorts of appointments and commitments...oh, and work.
Stress case.
So was it really any surprise that I managed to hurt myself SWIMMING? Honestly people...SWIMMING. It's the sport that doctors recommends when you're recovering from an injury. It's essentially NO-IMPACT. What the hell is wrong with me? (Interestingly, I had just been reading about how athletes are more likely to get injured when they are stressed and distracted by other things going on in their lives. I think I proved that point.)
Here's what I think happened...
I had yoga last Wednesday, and we spent a great of time in the 'Downward Dog' position and did some back/shoulder work with weights. A few hours later, I did the speed workout with jeff...which meant I was running with my shoulders back, chest out and arms pumping
Then Thursday afternoon was the Swimming Chicks first ever Time Trial. Our awesome swim coach arranged for each of us to have someone at the end of our lane, equipped with a clipboard and stopwatch. Our 'buddy' would record our interval times for us and signal our last lap.
As expected, just like on race day, I went out wayyyy tooo hard. Halfway through the first 400 yards, I was positive that I was going to throw up. I started contemplating where one *should* throw up at the pool...on the deck? into the strainer thing? or try to make it to the garbage pail? The more I thought about it, the more sick I felt, so I just tried to focus on form.
That focus on form, and need for speed, caught up with me later. After work, I met jeff and April-Anne for a relaxed 4-mile trail run, and by the time that was over, I could feel my shoulders starting to stiffen.
I just figured they were sore from the workout and didn't think too much about it.
By the end of the day on Friday, my shoulders were aching and it was getting harder to turn my head. Please, let me whine just a little here...when I say aching, I really mean it...it was pain like NONE other. I spent the weekend jacked up on Advil...800 mg, 1600 mg, 2400 mg...whatever it took. At one point, I was in tears, and really thought that medical attention was going to be necessary.
But I toughed it out and I'm feeling muuucchh better now. I can even turn my head from side to side!
Because I'm hardcore. Or stupid. Whatever.
Swimming?
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Boston Spectator Recap
Boston was wicked awesome.
Watching jeff race in the marathon was an amazing, inspiring experience. I am humbled and honored that he shared that special moment with me. Awestruck and almost speechless, really.
Almost speechless.
It was refreshing to be on the other side of the marathon for a change. I've never actually been to *watch* a marathon, let alone a marathon that's 20,000 runners strong. The Running Chicks secured a spot near The Happy Swallow bar in Framingham, and easily spotted Warren in the crowd (Clever guy, he wore an orange hat!). We had arrived in time to see some of the wheelchair racers fly by...and then came the elite women, some with legs reddened by the cooler air. It was so exciting!!
Shorter after, the elite men came screaming through...I was so busy taking pictures that I didn't even see Meb or any of the other Americans. One runner had the absolute longest legs I have ever seen...and stick thin too...like stilts. How did he run on those things?
Then the crowd started to fill in...it was almost dizzying, trying to spot jeff...scanning across the crowd, back and forth...where was the yellow hat-shirt combination? Was that him? No....How about him? No....then...John spots him and in unison, we all scream out 'jeffff!!!' (yes, in lowercase). He bolts over, with a huge grin on his face and gives us all high fives, laughing at us. It was such a rush to see him! He yells 'Call Susan!" and dashes off, like a superhero with a mission.
I called Susan and we watched the race from there for a while longer...spotted the Hoyts, the jogglers, a couple of Elvis (Elvii?) and a purple-mohawked guy. In retrospect, we should have left sooner, but it was so cool watching everyone...and we had to find just the right moment to cross the street, or else we'd getting yelled at by the National Guard.
We gave Warren directions to the next stop and set off in our respective vehicles. We made the mistake of taking the route suggested by Runner's World magazine (Warren followed our originally intended route)...and we literally ran to get to the side of the course, thinking we would be at mile 14, just in time to see jeff. But nooooo...we were at mile 13.1. DAMMIT. Just then, Warren calls me to find out where we were, and while we are talking, I hear him yell "go jeff go!!'
Sigh. We missed him. Booo. But at least Warren got to see him, and cheer for him.
We hustled back to the car, and headed into Boston to find a good spot near the finish. We got a little lost, we got Warren a little lost...but in the end (and $25 lighter, after parking) we got to Commonwealth Ave. and Hereford St. which is that last 'S' curve that I've seen in so many pictures of the marathon. (Note: Warren not only got himself 'un-lost,' he also scored FREE parking...he's from Canada, people...the rest of us have all spent time in Boston, and here he is handling it all with ease...how embarrasing.)
We kept on an eye on the time, and Michelle made a call to her Coach for an update on jeff's predicted finish time. Sure enough, he passed us by at 3:19 p.m. - right on schedule! We screamed our fool heads off for him, but he was entirely focused on the finish.
About an hour later, we all met at our pre-selected meeting spot, and listened to jeff recount his experience with us. The smile on his face really said it all. He was just glowing.
We reluctantly departed, as Warren had an 8-hour drive back to Ottawa, and we were going to get towed if we didn't get to our car in time. Driving out of Boston, we passed along a portion of the marathon route and runners were still out there, grit and determination pulling them to the finish line.
What a perfect way to spend the day!
(Ironically, we knew about 4 other runners - from Connecticut no less - and never saw a single one!)
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Watching jeff race in the marathon was an amazing, inspiring experience. I am humbled and honored that he shared that special moment with me. Awestruck and almost speechless, really.
Almost speechless.
It was refreshing to be on the other side of the marathon for a change. I've never actually been to *watch* a marathon, let alone a marathon that's 20,000 runners strong. The Running Chicks secured a spot near The Happy Swallow bar in Framingham, and easily spotted Warren in the crowd (Clever guy, he wore an orange hat!). We had arrived in time to see some of the wheelchair racers fly by...and then came the elite women, some with legs reddened by the cooler air. It was so exciting!!
Shorter after, the elite men came screaming through...I was so busy taking pictures that I didn't even see Meb or any of the other Americans. One runner had the absolute longest legs I have ever seen...and stick thin too...like stilts. How did he run on those things?
Then the crowd started to fill in...it was almost dizzying, trying to spot jeff...scanning across the crowd, back and forth...where was the yellow hat-shirt combination? Was that him? No....How about him? No....then...John spots him and in unison, we all scream out 'jeffff!!!' (yes, in lowercase). He bolts over, with a huge grin on his face and gives us all high fives, laughing at us. It was such a rush to see him! He yells 'Call Susan!" and dashes off, like a superhero with a mission.
I called Susan and we watched the race from there for a while longer...spotted the Hoyts, the jogglers, a couple of Elvis (Elvii?) and a purple-mohawked guy. In retrospect, we should have left sooner, but it was so cool watching everyone...and we had to find just the right moment to cross the street, or else we'd getting yelled at by the National Guard.
We gave Warren directions to the next stop and set off in our respective vehicles. We made the mistake of taking the route suggested by Runner's World magazine (Warren followed our originally intended route)...and we literally ran to get to the side of the course, thinking we would be at mile 14, just in time to see jeff. But nooooo...we were at mile 13.1. DAMMIT. Just then, Warren calls me to find out where we were, and while we are talking, I hear him yell "go jeff go!!'
Sigh. We missed him. Booo. But at least Warren got to see him, and cheer for him.
We hustled back to the car, and headed into Boston to find a good spot near the finish. We got a little lost, we got Warren a little lost...but in the end (and $25 lighter, after parking) we got to Commonwealth Ave. and Hereford St. which is that last 'S' curve that I've seen in so many pictures of the marathon. (Note: Warren not only got himself 'un-lost,' he also scored FREE parking...he's from Canada, people...the rest of us have all spent time in Boston, and here he is handling it all with ease...how embarrasing.)
We kept on an eye on the time, and Michelle made a call to her Coach for an update on jeff's predicted finish time. Sure enough, he passed us by at 3:19 p.m. - right on schedule! We screamed our fool heads off for him, but he was entirely focused on the finish.
About an hour later, we all met at our pre-selected meeting spot, and listened to jeff recount his experience with us. The smile on his face really said it all. He was just glowing.
We reluctantly departed, as Warren had an 8-hour drive back to Ottawa, and we were going to get towed if we didn't get to our car in time. Driving out of Boston, we passed along a portion of the marathon route and runners were still out there, grit and determination pulling them to the finish line.
What a perfect way to spend the day!
(Ironically, we knew about 4 other runners - from Connecticut no less - and never saw a single one!)
Friday, April 14, 2006
RBF Fest Update
A great time was had by all!!
To see some photos, stop by Susie's place and check us out!
Smooth and strong jeff. We'll be there rooting for you!
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To see some photos, stop by Susie's place and check us out!
Smooth and strong jeff. We'll be there rooting for you!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Wicked Freakin' Cool
I must be the luckiest member of the RBF this week.
Yes, actually, I'm sure of it, so there's no sense arguing with me.
For starters...you may have noticed my new header. It came to me courtesy of our favorite speedster-cape-wearing-superhero-hipster jeff. He created the awesome header as a birthday present for me...and then kindly got it to work properly on my blog. *Sigh* My hero...
The picture in the header was actually taken by jeff last June when I met him for the first time and he took me on a killer 'hill' run. You can read about that awesome experience here.
As if the new header wasn't enough...jeff is visiting the East coast this week for some silly little race (I think it's called the Boston Marathon? How many miles are in a marathon?) and last night I had the opportunity to return the favor by taking him for a run on one of the Running Chick's frequent routes.
We both had speed work on our schedules, so I modified our route to include a brief jaunt on a local university track. We had perfect running weather and the 7 miles FLEW by in a blink of an eye. It was amazing, as time spent with The Amazing Hip is likely to be.
But wait -- there's MORE!!
Tonight...There will be ANOTHER run, this time with jeff AND April-Anne. *Swoon*
That's not ALL!!
I also have the honor and privilege of hosting a little 'good luck jeff!' gathering at Casa de Running Chick which will include other inspiring and awesome members of the RBF - Annalisa, Jank, Susie and Michelle.
Seriously. I told you I was the luckiest RBF member this week. (Maybe I should play the lottery or head to the casino...hmmm.)
If all that's not wicked freakin' cool, I don't know what is!!
GO JEFF GO!
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Yes, actually, I'm sure of it, so there's no sense arguing with me.
For starters...you may have noticed my new header. It came to me courtesy of our favorite speedster-cape-wearing-superhero-hipster jeff. He created the awesome header as a birthday present for me...and then kindly got it to work properly on my blog. *Sigh* My hero...
The picture in the header was actually taken by jeff last June when I met him for the first time and he took me on a killer 'hill' run. You can read about that awesome experience here.
As if the new header wasn't enough...jeff is visiting the East coast this week for some silly little race (I think it's called the Boston Marathon? How many miles are in a marathon?) and last night I had the opportunity to return the favor by taking him for a run on one of the Running Chick's frequent routes.
We both had speed work on our schedules, so I modified our route to include a brief jaunt on a local university track. We had perfect running weather and the 7 miles FLEW by in a blink of an eye. It was amazing, as time spent with The Amazing Hip is likely to be.
But wait -- there's MORE!!
Tonight...There will be ANOTHER run, this time with jeff AND April-Anne. *Swoon*
That's not ALL!!
I also have the honor and privilege of hosting a little 'good luck jeff!' gathering at Casa de Running Chick which will include other inspiring and awesome members of the RBF - Annalisa, Jank, Susie and Michelle.
Seriously. I told you I was the luckiest RBF member this week. (Maybe I should play the lottery or head to the casino...hmmm.)
If all that's not wicked freakin' cool, I don't know what is!!
GO JEFF GO!
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Deceptions
Coach had me scheduled for 15-16 miles, at a 8:45-9:15 pace.
16 miles? Nah. Nope. Sorry. Too bad. Didn't happen.
Because I gave 17 miles a SMACKDOWN instead. That's right. When I woke up this morning, I said 'Bring IT ON.' And then, I made each of those miles my bee-otch. (That's 27.35 kilometers to some of you).
Plus, I tricked my running partner, April-Anne, in the process, which really made the day a success all around, don't you think?
The weather was a cool 48F with sprinkles and then showers, as predicted. We did the first 10 miles on the 'flat' portion of the route. Total of 10.14 miles, 1:29:36 with an average pace of 8:50. The first ten splits looked like this:
8:41
8:48
9:00
8:55
8:51
8:43
8:48
8:43
8:54
8:57
(1:12)
We made a quick pit stop at my house to refuel and we were both feeling good, despite the constant drizzle!
Spirits high, we headed back out, this time for some 'rolling hills.' Allegedly I was going for 6 more miles with April-Anne and then she'd do one final mile by herself to meet her scheduled 17.
Since she has no idea where the turn-around points are on the route, I started plotting. I promised myself that if I felt good, I would keep going with her, and if things got ugly, I would walk the extra mile and not push it. I knew if I told her my plan, she would argue with me, so I waited until we hit 3.5 miles and told her it was time to turn around. Then I 'fessed up and she was SO HAPPY! She was dreading doing that last mile by herself so my deception was forgiven.
I could tell the pace felt strong during these 7 miles, and as I crested one of the last hills, I felt awesome! Even though my legs were feeling tired, I was still able to stand up straight, shoulder back, chin and eyes up and PUSH up the hill. I was so pumped.
I pushed the pace a bit to see how we'd do...and didn't tell April-Anne that I was doing that either (I'm such a trickster!). We were both amazed at how good we felt.
The last seven miles took us 1:00:45 for an average pace of 8:41!
8:36
8:38
8:48
8:47
8:46
8:41
8:26 (with an uphill finish!!)
17.14 miles, 2:30:21, overall pace 8:46. In the rain. We freakin' rock.
Finally, I am feeling like the marathon will happen. I will see that finish line! WOo hoo!
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16 miles? Nah. Nope. Sorry. Too bad. Didn't happen.
Because I gave 17 miles a SMACKDOWN instead. That's right. When I woke up this morning, I said 'Bring IT ON.' And then, I made each of those miles my bee-otch. (That's 27.35 kilometers to some of you).
Plus, I tricked my running partner, April-Anne, in the process, which really made the day a success all around, don't you think?
The weather was a cool 48F with sprinkles and then showers, as predicted. We did the first 10 miles on the 'flat' portion of the route. Total of 10.14 miles, 1:29:36 with an average pace of 8:50. The first ten splits looked like this:
8:41
8:48
9:00
8:55
8:51
8:43
8:48
8:43
8:54
8:57
(1:12)
We made a quick pit stop at my house to refuel and we were both feeling good, despite the constant drizzle!
Spirits high, we headed back out, this time for some 'rolling hills.' Allegedly I was going for 6 more miles with April-Anne and then she'd do one final mile by herself to meet her scheduled 17.
Since she has no idea where the turn-around points are on the route, I started plotting. I promised myself that if I felt good, I would keep going with her, and if things got ugly, I would walk the extra mile and not push it. I knew if I told her my plan, she would argue with me, so I waited until we hit 3.5 miles and told her it was time to turn around. Then I 'fessed up and she was SO HAPPY! She was dreading doing that last mile by herself so my deception was forgiven.
I could tell the pace felt strong during these 7 miles, and as I crested one of the last hills, I felt awesome! Even though my legs were feeling tired, I was still able to stand up straight, shoulder back, chin and eyes up and PUSH up the hill. I was so pumped.
I pushed the pace a bit to see how we'd do...and didn't tell April-Anne that I was doing that either (I'm such a trickster!). We were both amazed at how good we felt.
The last seven miles took us 1:00:45 for an average pace of 8:41!
8:36
8:38
8:48
8:47
8:46
8:41
8:26 (with an uphill finish!!)
17.14 miles, 2:30:21, overall pace 8:46. In the rain. We freakin' rock.
Finally, I am feeling like the marathon will happen. I will see that finish line! WOo hoo!
Monday, April 03, 2006
Drugs, Drinking and Denial
My long run this past week was scheduled for Friday, which meant I just *had* to take the day off from work. What a shame too, since it was 68F and sunny. As I was finishing up the 12.4 mile (20K) run, I was relieved to notice that my knee/ITB seemed to be cooperating. Mostly. More so than it had during my rather uncomfortable 14 miler the week before, run on the same exact route.
The only difference between last week and this week: 1600 milligrams of Advil the day before the long run. On Thursday, for reasons unrelated to my knee/ITB, I took 2 doses of 800-mg of ibuprofen (my female readers know exactly why). And I seem to recall that PT-guy suggested to me, on more than one occasion, that I load up on anti-inflammatories. It looks like he might be on to something there. Damn smart people. Note to self: take more drugs.
Saturday afternoon, I had small group of female friends over for a sort of 'party.' I won't go in to details, but let's just say that the party was one of those 'direct sales' at-home parties and it might have involved products that one might use to enhance bedroom-related activities. I'll leave the rest to you imagination.
I served wine and snacks at the party, which proved to not be the best *pre-race* nutrition plan I have ever followed. The wine was irresistible and delicious, I just couldn't help myself. Daylight Savings Time didn't help my race plan much either.
That's right, I ran a 5K yesterday. My first 5K race since June 2005.
This was my third year in a row running this particular race. To be honest, the race unfolded the same as last year, except the weather was sunny and warm. And I was the third woman to cross the finish line (I think). The last hill killed me again, and I got passed by a female runner-friend literally *at* the finish line. When I came up behind her in the chute, all I could say was 'Well played' and laugh about it. The official results haven't been posted yet, but I know that I was a little faster than last year. So, I set a personal record for the course, but have yet to beat the elusive 22:09 PR I set in December 2004. Make no mistake, that PR will be crushed this year - CRUSHED I say!
The best part was the continued cooperation of my knee/ITB. Not perfect, not 100% but much better than it has been lately. Given the effort I put out in the race, it gives me some hope.
As always, we shall see how this week's long run goes. Coach tells me that I'd better be ready for a real long run this time. Uh oh. Better stock up on the Advil.
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The only difference between last week and this week: 1600 milligrams of Advil the day before the long run. On Thursday, for reasons unrelated to my knee/ITB, I took 2 doses of 800-mg of ibuprofen (my female readers know exactly why). And I seem to recall that PT-guy suggested to me, on more than one occasion, that I load up on anti-inflammatories. It looks like he might be on to something there. Damn smart people. Note to self: take more drugs.
Saturday afternoon, I had small group of female friends over for a sort of 'party.' I won't go in to details, but let's just say that the party was one of those 'direct sales' at-home parties and it might have involved products that one might use to enhance bedroom-related activities. I'll leave the rest to you imagination.
I served wine and snacks at the party, which proved to not be the best *pre-race* nutrition plan I have ever followed. The wine was irresistible and delicious, I just couldn't help myself. Daylight Savings Time didn't help my race plan much either.
That's right, I ran a 5K yesterday. My first 5K race since June 2005.
This was my third year in a row running this particular race. To be honest, the race unfolded the same as last year, except the weather was sunny and warm. And I was the third woman to cross the finish line (I think). The last hill killed me again, and I got passed by a female runner-friend literally *at* the finish line. When I came up behind her in the chute, all I could say was 'Well played' and laugh about it. The official results haven't been posted yet, but I know that I was a little faster than last year. So, I set a personal record for the course, but have yet to beat the elusive 22:09 PR I set in December 2004. Make no mistake, that PR will be crushed this year - CRUSHED I say!
The best part was the continued cooperation of my knee/ITB. Not perfect, not 100% but much better than it has been lately. Given the effort I put out in the race, it gives me some hope.
As always, we shall see how this week's long run goes. Coach tells me that I'd better be ready for a real long run this time. Uh oh. Better stock up on the Advil.
