WORK-outs | ------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday (10.31.07). Tri-Training - Day 11: Run 25 mn/Swim 1200 yd
——Run. Okay... pre-story to this run. I got to the gym with my swimsuit on under my clothes, all ready to hit the pool first. Well... apparently some parents don't take their kids out on Halloween, but instead insist on bringing them to swimming lessons. I hadn't counted on that. Every lane in the pool was full of either kids or other swimmers (and one pool runner), and I wasn't in the mood to share. So I ran. I was grumpy about it too. But, an easy warm-up and then a few sprint intervals did the trick. I think I am getting my body used to running faster, because I am feeling much more comfortable at the faster paces I am throwing in. Ohh goody.
——Swim. I seriously considered bailing on this swim. After I got off the treadmill, I thought I might throw up. I had been feeling icky at work, and I started feeling it again. I sat in the locker room for about 10 minutes before convincing myself that a swim would make me feel better. It did. I got in the pool, and instantly felt... good! 4 laps (200 yd) + 1 minute break x 6 = 1200 yards. This was a great swim. I am getting stronger again in the pool, AND I shaved a whole 10 minutes off the predicted time for this workout... without even trying! 35 minutes total, with the 5 breaks included. Really I was actually going allot slower than what I am capable of or even usually do, BUT I was really working on a couple things that slowed me down. The focus of last night's swim was 1) bilateral breathing, and 2) the flip turn thingy. I'll admit it... I'm a right-side breather, and I have never mastered breathing left. I need to, I know. I read an article in Triathlete magazine about how bilateral breathing balances out your form, etc, etc. So I was convinced to work on it. And I'm proud to say that I am definitely getting better! The flip turn on the other hand... not so hot. But I have never had instruction, so I would basically swim a little behind this one guy in the lane next to me and then watch him do it and then try it myself. I never knocked my head, but I did do a complete flip once and came up very disoriented. More work to be done on that one. Great swim overall...
Thursday (11.1.07). Tri-Training - Day 12: Rest Day.
——This whole weekend is going to be a little screwy with workouts... We're traveling up north for Zack's parents 25th Wedding Anniversary party. Ironically, I realized that I don't have room for the pool and the weight room in my suitcase. The bike will come with us, and obviously my running shoes will too. I planned to workout today, but we're leaving right after work, and this morning was way to busy to fit a swim AND a bike in. So, I decided to flip tomorrows rest day with today. This weekend will feature bike rides in the cool morning air, and at least one good run. Can't wait!! And hopefully we will get back early enough on Sunday to fit in some time in the weight room and the pool.
Random | -----------------------------------------------------------------
I forgot to mention this earlier. BUT big news for me. I have signed up with Beginner Triathlete for one month of Nutrition Coaching. It's high time I get my diet in order. This program gives me one month of personalized nutrition counseling, coaching, advice, recipes, menu, grocery lists, etc. My thought was that one month would be plenty of time to get educated on how to eat well for my body and for my training. So... stay tuned, the adventure is just beginning!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tri-Training... more.
Random | -----------------------------------------------------------
Really, honestly, I won't do this again! I need to update every day... it will only take a few minutes. Okay. I have convinced myself. :)
WORK-outs | --------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday (10.23.07). Tri-Training - Day 3: Bike 45 mn / Strength / Core.
——Bike. I wish it was still summertime when the sun rose at 6 AM and life was good. Ha.... I learned today that riding a bike at the gym doesn't have the same magic as cruising down the road with the wind in your hair. When I first got to the gym, the "normal" bikes were taken, so I hopped on one of those recumbent bikes. Yuck. I lasted 5 minutes... or as long as it took for one of the real bikes to open up. Much better. But not great. 40 minutes later, my butt was sore as heck. Two words sum up today on the bike: "ouch" and "boring". I really have to figure out how to make riding a bike at the gym more interesting and less painful.
——Strength. Went well... Again, not overly challenging. I need to up the sets or the weights or reps or something.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 sets/15 reps - 12lb
Seated Row - 2 sets/15 reps - 36lb
Leg Press - 2 sets/15 reps - 75lb & 80lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 sets/15 reps - 45lb
Leg Extensions - 2 sets/15 reps - 20lb & 30lb
——Core #1.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 1 x 15
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 15
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 1 x 12, 1 x 16
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 15
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 15
Crunches (FB) 3 x 15
Wednesday (10.24.07). Tri-Training - Day 4: Run 22 mn / Core / Swim.
——Run. Ran on the treadmill. I hate to say that I might be used to it. Started slow, 12min pace, threw in some sprints at sub-8 pace. Good run. Ended up doing 2.1 miles.
——Swim. Good day in the pool. Overall felt stronger. 800 yards in about 30 minutes including a few breaks.
Thursday (10.25.07). Tri-Training - Day 5: Bike 1 hr / Swim
——Bike. Long time in the seat. Again at the gym. Nice, even steady. "Endurance ride" today. I brought a book and read, which helped the time go by. My legs felt slightly stronger, but it all feels relative on a machine at the gym.
——Swim. 600 yards. Fast, easy swim. It took me maybe 20 minutes. Oh, and you know when a race just happens out of the blue? Well I was swimming next a guy who was flailing around like he was drowning. When I got to one end of the pool with only one length left in my set, I eyed him about 10 - 15 feet in front of me. The race was on. I caught him quickly and then held my pace just long enough for him to get the point. From there is was all out to the end. I won. :)
Friday (10.26.07). Tri-Training - Day 6: Rest day
Saturday (10.27.07). Tri-Training - Day 7: Bike 30 mn / Run 25 mn
——Bike. Finally! A real bike ride! Outside! On a real bike!! It was a beautiful day, and perfect for a ride around the 'hood. It was a little chilly, so gloves and hat were in order. I did around 6 miles in 30 minutes... I seem to do a consistent 12 mile pace on the "real" bike as well as on the bike at the gym. I am encouraged by this. If this is where I am starting, I have a feeling that with some work, I can improve my bike strength greatly over the winter and spring. Hopefully!
——Run. NOT on the treadmill!! I came home from the bike, blew my nose and headed straight out on a run. My first "brick" day. ;) Man, it felt great to be outside running for real. I did 25 minutes easy and felt strong and loose. About 2.5 miles keeping a steady, decent pace.
Sunday (10.28.07). Tri-Training - Day 8: Bike 30 mn / Strength / Core.
——Bike. Read Triathlete magazine and kicked out 30 minutes easy. I did a hill routine and kept the resistance pretty low so that I could stay in the 5-6 RPE zone. The bikes at the gym have "baskets" on the pedals (or whatever they are really called), so I have been practicing a pull and pushing motion. Lots of room for improvement on the bike still!
——Strength. First time by myself in the weight room. Zack was busy so I was alone. And thankfully it was a quiet Sunday evening at the gym, so no one to watch me fumble. :) Actually, it went very well. No complaints.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 x 12 - 12lb & 24lb
Seated Row - 2 x 12 reps - 36lb
Leg Press - 2 x 15 reps - 85lb & 95lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 x 12 reps - 45lb
Leg Extensions - 2 x 15 reps - 20lb
——Core #1.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 15
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 15
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 2 x 15
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 15
Crunches (FB) 2 x 15
Monday (10.29.07). Tri-Training - Day 9: Run 20 mn / Core / Swim
——Run. Another day on the 'mill. 20 minutes nice and steady, with one sprint. I don't know this for sure, but I feel like, if nothing else, running on the treadmill is making me faster. My legs feel strong these days.
——Swim. I had an 800 yard swim scheduled for today. 4 sets of 200 strong and steady. Zack expressed some interest in swimming with me, and I jumped at the chance to get him in the pool. It was around 8 when we got there, and there were only two lanes taken. It was perfect. I worked with him on learning some breathing techniques, but otherwise just let him do his thing so that he could gain confidence in the pool. He has allot of natural form, and I think with a few "lessons" he is going to find himself at home in the water. I did about 800 - 900 yards... sort of lost count and didn't really do the sets of 200 as I was helping Zack out here and there. It was a great swim though, and I am thrilled to have a swimming buddy!
Tuesday (10.30.07). Tri-Training - Day 10: Unplanned rest day. We hosted a Halloween Party at our house. The workout got scrapped.
Wednesday (10.31.07). Tri-Training - Day 11: Details tonight after my workout at the gym! On schedule... a 1200 yard swim, a 25 minute run, and a core workout.
Really, honestly, I won't do this again! I need to update every day... it will only take a few minutes. Okay. I have convinced myself. :)
WORK-outs | --------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday (10.23.07). Tri-Training - Day 3: Bike 45 mn / Strength / Core.
——Bike. I wish it was still summertime when the sun rose at 6 AM and life was good. Ha.... I learned today that riding a bike at the gym doesn't have the same magic as cruising down the road with the wind in your hair. When I first got to the gym, the "normal" bikes were taken, so I hopped on one of those recumbent bikes. Yuck. I lasted 5 minutes... or as long as it took for one of the real bikes to open up. Much better. But not great. 40 minutes later, my butt was sore as heck. Two words sum up today on the bike: "ouch" and "boring". I really have to figure out how to make riding a bike at the gym more interesting and less painful.
——Strength. Went well... Again, not overly challenging. I need to up the sets or the weights or reps or something.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 sets/15 reps - 12lb
Seated Row - 2 sets/15 reps - 36lb
Leg Press - 2 sets/15 reps - 75lb & 80lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 sets/15 reps - 45lb
Leg Extensions - 2 sets/15 reps - 20lb & 30lb
——Core #1.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 1 x 15
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 15
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 1 x 12, 1 x 16
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 15
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 15
Crunches (FB) 3 x 15
Wednesday (10.24.07). Tri-Training - Day 4: Run 22 mn / Core / Swim.
——Run. Ran on the treadmill. I hate to say that I might be used to it. Started slow, 12min pace, threw in some sprints at sub-8 pace. Good run. Ended up doing 2.1 miles.
——Swim. Good day in the pool. Overall felt stronger. 800 yards in about 30 minutes including a few breaks.
Thursday (10.25.07). Tri-Training - Day 5: Bike 1 hr / Swim
——Bike. Long time in the seat. Again at the gym. Nice, even steady. "Endurance ride" today. I brought a book and read, which helped the time go by. My legs felt slightly stronger, but it all feels relative on a machine at the gym.
——Swim. 600 yards. Fast, easy swim. It took me maybe 20 minutes. Oh, and you know when a race just happens out of the blue? Well I was swimming next a guy who was flailing around like he was drowning. When I got to one end of the pool with only one length left in my set, I eyed him about 10 - 15 feet in front of me. The race was on. I caught him quickly and then held my pace just long enough for him to get the point. From there is was all out to the end. I won. :)
Friday (10.26.07). Tri-Training - Day 6: Rest day
Saturday (10.27.07). Tri-Training - Day 7: Bike 30 mn / Run 25 mn
——Bike. Finally! A real bike ride! Outside! On a real bike!! It was a beautiful day, and perfect for a ride around the 'hood. It was a little chilly, so gloves and hat were in order. I did around 6 miles in 30 minutes... I seem to do a consistent 12 mile pace on the "real" bike as well as on the bike at the gym. I am encouraged by this. If this is where I am starting, I have a feeling that with some work, I can improve my bike strength greatly over the winter and spring. Hopefully!
——Run. NOT on the treadmill!! I came home from the bike, blew my nose and headed straight out on a run. My first "brick" day. ;) Man, it felt great to be outside running for real. I did 25 minutes easy and felt strong and loose. About 2.5 miles keeping a steady, decent pace.
Sunday (10.28.07). Tri-Training - Day 8: Bike 30 mn / Strength / Core.
——Bike. Read Triathlete magazine and kicked out 30 minutes easy. I did a hill routine and kept the resistance pretty low so that I could stay in the 5-6 RPE zone. The bikes at the gym have "baskets" on the pedals (or whatever they are really called), so I have been practicing a pull and pushing motion. Lots of room for improvement on the bike still!
——Strength. First time by myself in the weight room. Zack was busy so I was alone. And thankfully it was a quiet Sunday evening at the gym, so no one to watch me fumble. :) Actually, it went very well. No complaints.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 x 12 - 12lb & 24lb
Seated Row - 2 x 12 reps - 36lb
Leg Press - 2 x 15 reps - 85lb & 95lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 x 12 reps - 45lb
Leg Extensions - 2 x 15 reps - 20lb
——Core #1.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 15
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 15
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 2 x 15
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 15
Crunches (FB) 2 x 15
Monday (10.29.07). Tri-Training - Day 9: Run 20 mn / Core / Swim
——Run. Another day on the 'mill. 20 minutes nice and steady, with one sprint. I don't know this for sure, but I feel like, if nothing else, running on the treadmill is making me faster. My legs feel strong these days.
——Swim. I had an 800 yard swim scheduled for today. 4 sets of 200 strong and steady. Zack expressed some interest in swimming with me, and I jumped at the chance to get him in the pool. It was around 8 when we got there, and there were only two lanes taken. It was perfect. I worked with him on learning some breathing techniques, but otherwise just let him do his thing so that he could gain confidence in the pool. He has allot of natural form, and I think with a few "lessons" he is going to find himself at home in the water. I did about 800 - 900 yards... sort of lost count and didn't really do the sets of 200 as I was helping Zack out here and there. It was a great swim though, and I am thrilled to have a swimming buddy!
Tuesday (10.30.07). Tri-Training - Day 10: Unplanned rest day. We hosted a Halloween Party at our house. The workout got scrapped.
Wednesday (10.31.07). Tri-Training - Day 11: Details tonight after my workout at the gym! On schedule... a 1200 yard swim, a 25 minute run, and a core workout.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Run/Swim
WORK-outs | -------------------------------------------------------------------
Tri-Training - Day 2: Run 20 min / Core / Swim 600 yd.
—Run. I entertained thoughts of running outside this morning, but it was 1) pitch black out, and 2) too cold. I haven't built up my thick skin for the winter yet. Ha. So, first morning at the new gym. I headed over the treadmills and found only one of the five were being used. Nice. Anyways, "the plan" called for 15 minutes of running. Cough, cough. 15 minutes? You've got to be kidding me. I did 20.
—Core. I did Core #1 from BT again. My abs were a little sore from yesterday, but overall I felt stronger and powered through the routine.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 12
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 12
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 2 x 10
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 12
Crunches (FB) 2 x 10
—Swim. First time in the pool since August. Umm, wow. Has it really been that long? I was pleased at how my form returned... smooth and strong. But I have definitely lost fitness in the pool. 600 yards easy... I took breaks every hundred yards for a few seconds. I am looking forward to regaining my swim strength... I remember being able to do 1700 yards without stopping and calling that an easy workout. I'll get there again.
Overall, I love this training program. It's a great step-back, recovery, winter-maintenance, tri-foundation schedule for me. I will definitely be "upping" the running volume though. I almost feel sheepish being on the forums when I'm doing so little running these days. :)
Tri-Training - Day 2: Run 20 min / Core / Swim 600 yd.
—Run. I entertained thoughts of running outside this morning, but it was 1) pitch black out, and 2) too cold. I haven't built up my thick skin for the winter yet. Ha. So, first morning at the new gym. I headed over the treadmills and found only one of the five were being used. Nice. Anyways, "the plan" called for 15 minutes of running. Cough, cough. 15 minutes? You've got to be kidding me. I did 20.
—Core. I did Core #1 from BT again. My abs were a little sore from yesterday, but overall I felt stronger and powered through the routine.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 12
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 12
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 2 x 10
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 12
Crunches (FB) 2 x 10
—Swim. First time in the pool since August. Umm, wow. Has it really been that long? I was pleased at how my form returned... smooth and strong. But I have definitely lost fitness in the pool. 600 yards easy... I took breaks every hundred yards for a few seconds. I am looking forward to regaining my swim strength... I remember being able to do 1700 yards without stopping and calling that an easy workout. I'll get there again.
Overall, I love this training program. It's a great step-back, recovery, winter-maintenance, tri-foundation schedule for me. I will definitely be "upping" the running volume though. I almost feel sheepish being on the forums when I'm doing so little running these days. :)
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Training Begins Again
WORK-outs | ---------------------------------------------------------------
Tri-Training - Day 1: Bike 30 min / Strength / Core.
—Bike. Okay, it felt really weird not to be heading out for a run, but instead taking off on my bike. And yet, once I got out there, I could begin to feel myself getting used to the fact that a bike ride isn't cross-training anymore. It is what it is... the main event. Or rather, one of the main events. Anyways, it was a really chilly day, and windy as heck, but the ride was great. Short, granted, but good. The plan only called for 30 minutes, which is exactly what I did. I worked my butt off on a few decent hills and kept my RPE (Rate of Perceived Exhaustion for those on my blog who are wondering) near the recommended 5-6, but at times I was probably closer to 7-8. Good, quick ride.
—Strength. Wow... first time in a weight room in a long time. Zack came with me so I didn't look like a moron wandering around trying to figure things out on my own. I followed the plan that was posted with my training program, and frankly found it really easy. But I enjoyed it and am looking forward to adding more weight and more reps and other exercises as I go.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 sets/12 reps - 12lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 sets/15 reps - 45lb
Seated Row - 2 sets/12 reps - 24lb
Leg Press - 2 sets/12 reps - 50lb
Leg Extensions - 2 sets/12 reps - 15lb
—Core. I did Core #1 from BegginerTriathlete. Again, it wasn't overly challenging. But I did work hard and I definitely felt it. This was a great quick routine that I will throw in several times a week.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 12
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 12
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 1 x 10, 1 x 12
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Crunches (FB) 2 x 15
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 12
More to come! Tomorrow... running and a swim. :)
Tri-Training - Day 1: Bike 30 min / Strength / Core.
—Bike. Okay, it felt really weird not to be heading out for a run, but instead taking off on my bike. And yet, once I got out there, I could begin to feel myself getting used to the fact that a bike ride isn't cross-training anymore. It is what it is... the main event. Or rather, one of the main events. Anyways, it was a really chilly day, and windy as heck, but the ride was great. Short, granted, but good. The plan only called for 30 minutes, which is exactly what I did. I worked my butt off on a few decent hills and kept my RPE (Rate of Perceived Exhaustion for those on my blog who are wondering) near the recommended 5-6, but at times I was probably closer to 7-8. Good, quick ride.
—Strength. Wow... first time in a weight room in a long time. Zack came with me so I didn't look like a moron wandering around trying to figure things out on my own. I followed the plan that was posted with my training program, and frankly found it really easy. But I enjoyed it and am looking forward to adding more weight and more reps and other exercises as I go.
Bent Arm Lat Pulldowns - 2 sets/12 reps - 12lb
2 Leg Squats - 2 sets/15 reps - 45lb
Seated Row - 2 sets/12 reps - 24lb
Leg Press - 2 sets/12 reps - 50lb
Leg Extensions - 2 sets/12 reps - 15lb
—Core. I did Core #1 from BegginerTriathlete. Again, it wasn't overly challenging. But I did work hard and I definitely felt it. This was a great quick routine that I will throw in several times a week.
Crunches (Fit Ball = FB) - 2 x 12
Back Extensions (FB) - 2 x 12
Superman on Elbows - 2 x 45 seconds
V-Ups (FB) - 1 x 10, 1 x 12
Pushups (FB) - 2 x 10
Crunches (FB) 2 x 15
Supine Hip Extension (FB) - 2 x 12
More to come! Tomorrow... running and a swim. :)
Friday, October 19, 2007
Let's get this party started!!
So... I've been MIA. I know. I've been busy recovering, resting, regrouping, and relaxing. (And hiding from the rain that has been coming down for the past week.) I haven't run since the race, and I don't even feel guilty. I needed this break. I needed it to learn a few things about myself and to let myself dream and wonder about what to do next.
Lesson # 1: I am way too darn goal-oriented. I need a goal to motivate me, because I have a very difficult time convincing myself to run "just because" or to "stay in shape". Dragging myself to the gym is impossible when I am going there to just "work out". It doesn't work out at all. Nope, not one bit. I am my father's daughter and having a goal and a focus in life is essential to success. I have the hardest time training for something without a finish line in sight, even if it's far, far away. Give me something to work towards, and all of a sudden getting out of bed when it's cold, raining and windy actually begins to make sense. Enough said.
Lesson # 2: I need a change of scenery. I love running. I can't find the words to describe why, but most of you on the forum definitely know what I mean. With that said, let me introduce another facet of my personality. I get bored very easily. Most of you on my blog know this about me. I love variety and I love change. I hate when my routine gets stale. If I am bored with something, inevitably, it won't last long. I will find a way to change it, mix it up, make it more interesting. All of that to say... I could feel myself burning out at the end of my marathon training. I had been training for 38 weeks straight with one week off in there. Now, I know most of you on the forum just continually train week after week, year after year... Wow! That's awesome. I don't think I could do that. Not because I'm not dedicated or driven, but simply because I get bored... looking ahead and knowing what is around the bend (another marathon, another half, another 8k, another 10k... training, PRs, etc). I am not saying I don't want to run another marathon or another half or anything. My only point is that to combat the burnout that was beginning to creep into my running at the end of my last program, I realize that I need to change things up for awhile to keep myself exciting about moving forward.
Okay. Lessons learned. Now... about moving forward. I think I have finally let go of the marathon. Wow, it was an awesome experience, but now it's time to think ahead. Nothing is concrete right now... I mostly have ideas and thoughts that are subject to change. With that said, here's what I'm thinkin'.
1) Winter training. This winter I will be following BeginnerTriathlete's 12 week Basic Sprint program. I looked at over 20 programs, and found this one to be just the right thing for me. It includes three workouts in each sport, plus 2 days of strength training and core work. The distances and durations are all doable. I will almost certainly beef up the run portion as I have the time. The point of following this program is 1) for me to learn the art of combining three sports and multiple workouts into a week of training, 2) to get back in the pool and on the bike in preparation for this summer, 3) to begin strength training, 4) to maintain and tune up for the spring when the "real" training starts, 5) to have some variety in my training! I have no goal race at the end of this program, because, frankly, Minnesota has no triathlons in January. :)
2) Adding some flavor! I am planning on racing some short races to keep life interesting this winter. So far on my list of potentials: Reindeer Run 5k, St. Paul Human Race either 5k or 8k.
3) Springtime... when it really begins. Alright, admittedly, I don't have a specific plan. I know that I will be continuing with the tri training, but I am also entertaining thoughts of doing enough running to be able to do a springtime Half. I would love to run Med-City again. It was my first half and carries lots of good memories for me. I don't think it would be that difficult to get myself in shape to run that while doing tri training, but I could be wrong. I'll decide as I get closer. :)
4) Summer!! My plan is to do at least one Sprint and one Olympic distance tri in the early part of the summer. From there, I will determine which path I follow. Path 1: I continue along as a budding triathlete and jump into training for a fall Half Ironman. Path 2: I determine I had enough fun with the tris for one year, and I jump back into marathon training. This time... for Chicago. (My dad is really wanting me to run it. Chi-town is home for him and my mom, as well as my birthplace. We have tons of family there... and he has determined that I need to do this race at some point. Ha! Of course, he is also very passionate about me doing the triathlons. So either way, I know I'll have some awesome cheerleaders... love you mom and dad!)
5) Fall... Half IM or another Marathon. Time will tell!!
It feels good to be back.... moving ahead, looking forward, starting something new.
OK, enough said... Now, Let's get this party started!!!
Lesson # 1: I am way too darn goal-oriented. I need a goal to motivate me, because I have a very difficult time convincing myself to run "just because" or to "stay in shape". Dragging myself to the gym is impossible when I am going there to just "work out". It doesn't work out at all. Nope, not one bit. I am my father's daughter and having a goal and a focus in life is essential to success. I have the hardest time training for something without a finish line in sight, even if it's far, far away. Give me something to work towards, and all of a sudden getting out of bed when it's cold, raining and windy actually begins to make sense. Enough said.
Lesson # 2: I need a change of scenery. I love running. I can't find the words to describe why, but most of you on the forum definitely know what I mean. With that said, let me introduce another facet of my personality. I get bored very easily. Most of you on my blog know this about me. I love variety and I love change. I hate when my routine gets stale. If I am bored with something, inevitably, it won't last long. I will find a way to change it, mix it up, make it more interesting. All of that to say... I could feel myself burning out at the end of my marathon training. I had been training for 38 weeks straight with one week off in there. Now, I know most of you on the forum just continually train week after week, year after year... Wow! That's awesome. I don't think I could do that. Not because I'm not dedicated or driven, but simply because I get bored... looking ahead and knowing what is around the bend (another marathon, another half, another 8k, another 10k... training, PRs, etc). I am not saying I don't want to run another marathon or another half or anything. My only point is that to combat the burnout that was beginning to creep into my running at the end of my last program, I realize that I need to change things up for awhile to keep myself exciting about moving forward.
Okay. Lessons learned. Now... about moving forward. I think I have finally let go of the marathon. Wow, it was an awesome experience, but now it's time to think ahead. Nothing is concrete right now... I mostly have ideas and thoughts that are subject to change. With that said, here's what I'm thinkin'.
1) Winter training. This winter I will be following BeginnerTriathlete's 12 week Basic Sprint program. I looked at over 20 programs, and found this one to be just the right thing for me. It includes three workouts in each sport, plus 2 days of strength training and core work. The distances and durations are all doable. I will almost certainly beef up the run portion as I have the time. The point of following this program is 1) for me to learn the art of combining three sports and multiple workouts into a week of training, 2) to get back in the pool and on the bike in preparation for this summer, 3) to begin strength training, 4) to maintain and tune up for the spring when the "real" training starts, 5) to have some variety in my training! I have no goal race at the end of this program, because, frankly, Minnesota has no triathlons in January. :)
2) Adding some flavor! I am planning on racing some short races to keep life interesting this winter. So far on my list of potentials: Reindeer Run 5k, St. Paul Human Race either 5k or 8k.
3) Springtime... when it really begins. Alright, admittedly, I don't have a specific plan. I know that I will be continuing with the tri training, but I am also entertaining thoughts of doing enough running to be able to do a springtime Half. I would love to run Med-City again. It was my first half and carries lots of good memories for me. I don't think it would be that difficult to get myself in shape to run that while doing tri training, but I could be wrong. I'll decide as I get closer. :)
4) Summer!! My plan is to do at least one Sprint and one Olympic distance tri in the early part of the summer. From there, I will determine which path I follow. Path 1: I continue along as a budding triathlete and jump into training for a fall Half Ironman. Path 2: I determine I had enough fun with the tris for one year, and I jump back into marathon training. This time... for Chicago. (My dad is really wanting me to run it. Chi-town is home for him and my mom, as well as my birthplace. We have tons of family there... and he has determined that I need to do this race at some point. Ha! Of course, he is also very passionate about me doing the triathlons. So either way, I know I'll have some awesome cheerleaders... love you mom and dad!)
5) Fall... Half IM or another Marathon. Time will tell!!
It feels good to be back.... moving ahead, looking forward, starting something new.
OK, enough said... Now, Let's get this party started!!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Quitting was not an option — Race Report
Wow... Where do I start? Summing up this experience is a difficult task. There are so many moments that I want to capture, feelings that I want to describe, challenges that I want to explain, and victories that I want to celebrate. This race was the culmination of many, many months of training and hard work. It was the thing that got me out of bed day after day to put in miles before the sun was up. And now... it's done. I am a finisher. I have a medal and a t-shirt. And a story to tell.
Pre-Race: I won't bore you with the details of "re-capping" my training. Most of you have been part of that journey. I'll just summarize by saying that I came into this race in the best shape of my life. I spent 38 weeks training to get to this race, and I was tuned and ready to rock. I had run a great twenty miler, and while taper madness did make me go a little insane, I was still pretty confident that I was READY.
The day before: I slept really well on Friday night, and woke up feeling very calm and confident. My parents arrived around 10:00 a.m. and we headed to the race expo shortly after. It was ridiculously hot outside and I was just hoping that things would cool down before the next day. The expo was amazing and yet completely overwhelming at the same time. I got my bib and chip and clung to my bag like my life depended on it. We wandered around somewhat aimlessly for awhile and I found myself wishing that I could come back when I wasn't feeling so distracted by the upcoming race. There were some really cool products and great deals, but all I could think about was getting home and being able to relax and get focused. I did spend some time in the official TCM booth trying to pick out a shirt. My parents were there and my dad claimed that as my "sponsor" he needed to at least get me a shirt. :D I have the most amazing parents and husband... I'll just say that now, although I might repeat it again a couple times. Anyways, I finally picked out a really nice Brooks hooded running shirt that has the marathon logo on the front. After the expo, we headed home. My dad and Zack went to Cabela's to shop for gear for the upcoming deer hunting season... and I stayed home with my mom. I spent about an hour going through old threads on the forum and reading portions of Hal's Marathon book. I took a few pages of notes on exactly what I was going to do between then and the race start. Lunch was with my mom at Romano's Macaroni Grill, then we did a small amount of shopping (although I spent the entire time paranoid about being on my feet). Later in the day I took a nap and packed up my race gear. Then, it was early to bed, with alarms set for 4:45 a.m. I slept very fitfully throughout the night. I woke up at 1:30 completely convinced that it must be getting close to 5 a.m. Fell back asleep and then woke up again at 2:30. When the alarm went off at 4:45, I was wide awake and full of nerves.
Race Morning: At 5:00 a.m., I sat in my dark dining room eating a burned pop-tart and wondering what the heck I was getting myself into. My stomach felt like jelly and I wondered where the cool, calm, and collected "me" had gone to. A hot shower seemed to calm me down. Then I dressed in some old running clothes and went out for a short "warm-up" jog to test the weather and my legs. Warm-up, alright... I was sweating within a couple minutes of easy running down the block. At 6:00 a.m. it was 73˚ with 80% humidity. Yuck. But despite the heat, I was encouraged that my legs were feeling strong and smooth. Back home I dressed in my race outfit, grabbed all my gear and got in the car to head over to the Metrodome. I was dropped off at about 6:30 a.m. and I made my way inside. The first bathroom I passed appeared to have a line a mile long, so I kept walking around the dome. Soon, I found another bathroom with no line! Amazing. Real, clean, flushing toilets and no line! After the first (of many) potty breaks, I wandered into the "dome" part and found a very quiet, dark and calm retreat from the noise and chaos out in the halls. I found a spot to myself and started to stretch. I had a pounding headache too, so I spent some time just sitting with my head in my hands trying to relax. I took several more trips to the bathroom (still with no line), and finally at 7:30, I went to Gate C to try to meet up with Donna. I waited around for awhile and watched for her, but it was a very busy entrance, and I never found her. Sooo.... I went to the bathroom again. Ha! Then I checked my gear and headed towards the starting line. On the way, I noticed some porta potties, with a line that didn't seem too long..... well.... another bathroom break wouldn't hurt. It was about quarter to eight, and I figured I had time. While waiting in line, I saw "Sven Sundgaard", one of the local weathermen in the twin cities who was racing this year. (Click here to read his blog with a detailed recap of the race day weather and the tough conditions). A celebrity walked right by me! (I saw Sven again later in the race... but I'll get to that in due time). I finally made my way to the start corral and was in line by about eight minutes to 8. It was SO packed that I was way behind even the 5:30 pace sign and there was no chance of me moving up through the wall of people. Oh well, I figured that people would sort themselves out and a slow start wouldn't hurt me. As I stood there waiting for the gun to go off, I had goosebumps on my arms... not because I was cold (I was sweating and the race hadn't even started), but because it was a surreal moment.... standing there and hearing the national anthem being sung while helicopters hovered overhead and the buzz of anticipation hummed around me. My heart was pounding and I felt so alive... right on the brink of something big. As the first wave went off and we started to inch forward, I moved to the side of the corral and finally ditched my water bottle that I had been sipping from while in the start chute. The starting line was in view now. I moved toward it and began to break into a run; a million thoughts flashed through my head. I heard myself say, "Oh my gosh... here we go... this is it!". Then I crossed the line and started my watch.
The Race: All that I could think as I ran through downtown Minneapolis is, "Keep it slow... don't start too fast." We cruised along 6th Avenue, through a tunnel (where all the runners screamed and hollered and cheered), and around a bend before hitting the 1 mile mark. My Garmin must have gotten screwed up by the tall buildings or something, because it only said .9 miles. Oh well, the time told me that I was cruising along a little too quickly and that I should back off the pace even more. I felt things out for the second mile; spent time trying to determine how the heat was going to affect my race. My legs felt good, but a little tight... I was warm, but so far not doing too bad. We went by the Basilica and then under the highway and up a hill by the Walker Art Center. Running through downtown had been unique, but I was glad to be getting into the neighborhoods and out of the sun. Nearing two miles, I started to feel pretty warm, and I began to reformulate my race plan. First alteration... drink at every aid station. The first was coming up at 2.5 miles. I was thirsty and ready for some water by the time we hit it. The first few tables were empty and the volunteers urged us on saying that more water was ahead. We kept going... a thirsty mass of runners in search of water. In the middle of the aid station, finally some water... but no cups. I grabbed a seemingly clean cup off the ground and shoved it towards the kid who was pouring water into the hands of runners. It tasted good and I felt strong as I left the first aid station, but I was well aware that it had taken some extra time to fight through the mob for that one small cup of water. I wondered what lay ahead at the later aid stations.
I hit the lap button at the 3 mile mark, hoping that I could get a better idea of how my splits were looking. The 5K mark approached and I checked my time... I was still in the range that I wanted to start at, but I was beginning to wonder if in another three miles I was going to be able to kick it up a notch. A couple miles went by and I noted several pace bands ripped off and laying on the ground... obvious signs that people's hopes of PRs were falling by the wayside. At the 5 mile aid station, I took my first GU, and I dowsed my head with water. We were by the lakes now, and I was appreciative of the breeze. But the sun was starting to beat down harder and hotter. As I came around Lake Calhoun, I began to see the carnage, and my race plan quickly began to change. Only 6 miles into the race, I noticed several runners hunched over on the side of the course with EMTs surrounding them, others were walking already.
I had run a slow, easy first six miles, according to my original plan, but it was clear that I was not going to be able to kick it into high gear and hold a sub-ten pace for the rest of the race. I knew at that point that if I wanted to finish, I was going to have to start pacing myself now and not wait until I completely ran out of fuel. I did not want to be one of the people laying on the side of the course. My only thought was of the finish line. I knew that I could make it there. Twenty miles seemed like a long ways, but one mile didn't seem too bad... and that was all that was separating me from the next aid station. So I began the game... one mile at a time. At each mile, I started to look forward to the next. I would celebrate by taking ten seconds to walk by the mile marker sign or through the aid station. I never let myself think that I wouldn't finish.
My parents and Zack were waiting at about 7.5 miles and I ran by feeling strong and good, albeit drenched with sweat. I gave a big thumbs up and soaked in the cheers as I continued along the edge of Lake Harriet. I was on familiar ground, having covered this territory during my twenty mile run. And yet I barely noticed anything around me. I was focused on covering the next mile. We soon turned away from the Lake and onto Minnehaha Parkway. This stretch was a blur to me. I remember coming up on the first sprinkler and running through it praising God for some relief. I remember seeing people with big bowls and hoping that they would be full of ice, only being disappointed to find hard candy instead. I took a GU at mile 9 and downed it with water. The sun was really hot along this stretch, and I remember staring at Minnehaha Creek wishing that I could go lay down in the water. I came up along a guy who was walking on the side and was visibly struggling... I slowed down and asked him if he was okay and it there was anything I could do to help. I offered a GU, but he said that he would be alright. So I moved on.
At this point in the race I was running about even with or ahead of the 5 hour pace group. I would pass them and then they would pass me. I had already determined that they were not running even splits, but who could blame them really? Neither was I. I wanted to stay ahead of them, but as I neared Lake Nokomis, and a long stretch of hot sunny, open road, I began to see the bobbing balloons disappearing ahead of me. I thought perhaps I would see them later, but I never saw them again (although I did see one of the pace leaders walking at about mile 17). I let them go and focused on my own race. As I rounded the lake, I saw a photographer ahead and made sure that I looked strong and fast, even though I felt any but strong or fast at that point. I was desperate for a drink, and the aid station at mile 13.1 was long overdue... I think it must have been at least a quarter mile late. So far all the aid stations had all been pretty chaotic, but I had managed to get out with some water and even sometimes enough to dump over my head or down my back. I was completely soaked from the sprinklers I had been running through, and I could tell by the half-way mark that my feet were wet. I felt like I was running in squishy shoes. My toe started to hurt and I was positive that I had a blister developing... the first I would get in the past year of training.
After Lake Nokomis and the half-way mark, we were back on Minnehaha Parkway again. It was in this portion of the race that I felt myself starting to get dragged down... people around me were talking about dropping out, the sun was hotter than ever, and the finish line seemed a long ways away. And yet, I reminded myself that less lay ahead than behind. I never stopped going forward... I never stopped to stretch or rest... I kept moving... even if I was walking... I was going forward. I ran on the yellow line in the middle of the road. One foot in front of the other... on and on. By this point in the race, I had seen it all... several ambulances had passed by with sirens blaring; runners were getting put on stretchers; the EMTs were riding along with us on bikes and checking on those who were struggling; there were people laying on the side of the course with crowds gathered around. And as I worked to focus and get to the next mile, I glanced around at the crowd... I let their cheers carry me. And then I saw a familiar face... Lisa, a woman from my swimming group was on the corner of the street cheering like crazy... I locked on to her face with my eyes and called out "Lisa!!". She saw me and yelled and cheered like crazy and high-fived me as I passed. It was just what I needed at that point. I kept that it my head as I ran for mile 15.
I had skipped the GU at mile 13, simply because I knew that my stomach was in no shape to handle it. So somewhere between 14 and 16 I pulled out the Sharkies and ate a few. The heat was sweltering at this point, but my spirits were high and I knew that in only a couple miles I was going to see my parents and Zack again. So on I went. Before I knew it, I was coming into Minnehaha Park and under the Paul Bunyan arch. The aid station ahead was a welcome break and I remember that there was plenty of water and I didn't have to "fight" for it this time. Soon I was on the River Road and I was more confident than ever that I was going to finish this thing. Time didn't matter anymore. I knew that I was going to come in under six, and I even was entertaining thoughts that I might beat 5. My pace felt like it was all over the place, but I made sure that I was running more than walking and I still was putting down some "okay" miles.
Something I have not mentioned thus far is the entertainment along the course. Let me just say that it was really amazing. There were so many bands... from mariachi's to dixie land bands, to rock bands, drum circles, blue grass... they had it all! At times, the music was way loud and just plain distracting, but sometimes it was the little boost that I needed. Also, the crowd support was fantastic. Allot of people had radios blasting with songs like "Eye of the Tiger". There were official cheer zones and plenty of sprinklers. Little kids were handing out tiny cups of water... We ran under a big balloon arch and through a field of flamingos. One guy stood on top of a table wearing a huge hat and mittens clapping and cheering us on (and saying, "Brrr.... isn't it cold out here?" I wasn't convinced, but it was entertaining). People called out my number and cheered for ME (I wish I would have written my name on my arm too... next time I guess). I am sure that I looked like something that the dog dragged in... soaking wet from head to toe, straggling along... and yet, hearing "You look great! Keep it up runner!" Wow, thank you to anyone who has ever spent the afternoon supporting and cheering and encouraging those on the course. You have no idea how much of a difference you made.
Anyways, back to the race. I remember nearing the sixteen mile mark and thinking "Only ten to go". And I meant it... 10 didn't seem so bad. I was sore and tired and my toe was hurting (I kept looking at my shoe expecting to see blood), but I still had fuel and determination left in me. The carnage was heavy at this point, and I came up on a runner throwing up on the side of the road. I barely held my own cookies and kept running. At about 16.75, I found my parents and Zack and was SO happy to see them! My mom offered me a bottle of water and I took a couple sips and doused the rest on my head. I told them that I was going to finish but that I was running conservatively and slow. (Amazingly enough they still seemed to be proud of me). Zack jogged along for a few seconds and we talked. I think I was rambling a bunch of stuff to him when I heard someone say my name, I turned and looked and there was Donna. I bid Zack goodbye and marveled at the fact that we had found each other. We lamented on what a tough race it had been so far. I told her that I had been pacing myself slow from the start and was still focused on getting to the finish line. We ran and walked together for awhile and it was so good to have someone along side of me.
At 17 miles we came to the aid station with the Clif Shots and I decided the take another of my own GUs. I downed about half of it and decided that something was better than nothing. It was really hard to eat anything in the heat. The water was great though, and soon we were on our way again. At about 17.5 miles, Donna called out "Ice!" and we ran for it. I had spent the entire race looking for ice and I told the people who were handing it out, "I love you!!". I shoved some in my hat and in my shirt and ate a couple of chunks. There were many sprinklers and hoses along this portion and that combined with a tiny break from the sun had me feeling pretty good. We tagged on and off for awhile... picking a sign to run to and then taking a small walk break to another sign... then running again. Soon we were beyond 18 and getting close to 19. We ran up the hill to the bridge and the walked for a short while before charging across the rest of the bridge to the next aid station. The fall colors along the river were stunning. I took in the view and thought about the next 7 miles ahead. At this point I had some slim hope of coming in under 5, but I wasn't sure how the hills before Summit would play out. I could tell that I was getting tired, but I consoled myself with the fact that I had run a very conservative race so far and I might have more left in me than I thought. An ambulance roared by us as we came back down the other side of the River Road. It must have been somewhere around here that Donna told me that they had called off Chicago... I felt so bad for everyone at LBCM. My heart just went out to them.
Soon we were approaching 20 miles, and as Donna put it, "The Wall". I kept telling myself over and over, "There is no wall... there is no wall." But there was.... or well, there was a large inflatable "wall" of sorts that we ran under. :D The was music blasting and I was feeling good. I took a tootsie roll which seemed like it would sit really nice in my stomach at this point. Donna, however, was really struggling. I felt so bad for her... I encouraged her as much as I could and told her that I would see her at the finish, and then I moved on. I kept the game going with myself. Running and then walking a little. Staying strong... Nearing 21 I knew that "the hill" was coming up. Oh boy, deep breath. I remember thinking during my training run that the hill really wasn't that bad. However, my legs were tired and while I hobbled up it, it seemed like a cruel, cruel place for a hill. At the top, I felt wasted. But I kept on and remembered that an aid station was up ahead.
I think I ate some Sharkies somewhere in here, but really it's all a blur. Summit Avenue felt like a death march, with more runners walking than running. I passed by the "start" location of my first 5K and tried to remember what it was like running in the nice, cool February temps. Nearing mile 22 I was running along when I heard my name being called out and I looked back to see my parents... somehow I had passed them. My mom was shouting out "Beth, water! Water! Do you want water?" For a moment I hesitated and looked back. It was maybe 20 feet from where I was to where she I was. I began to turn and then I thought... "No. I am going to have to run back and then up to this point again. No. I have to keep moving forward." So I shouted... "Come here... bring it up to me." My mom took off and was soon up and next to me handing me the bottle. My dad was then running along and so was Zack. I must have given some indication that I was okay. I think I was smiling and saying that I would see them at the finish. And I think I said something about a death march from here till the end. Zack told me that I had friends waiting up at the 23.5 mile mark and my dad told me that I had the race and that my training was going to pay off now.... to be tough and hang in there. I kept going and clung to the bottle of water. I drank some, poured some on me, and finally ditched it when I saw the next aid station. I remember walking a bit here and thinking how much it hurt just to walk. My hip was starting to feel sore and my feet felt like they had a hundred miles on them. I played the run to next point game, and was happy to see Snelling Avenue ahead.
At this point I just focused on getting to my friends waiting at Hamline Ave near the 23.5 mark. One foot in front of the next.... Hamline came into view and then I saw my friend Jamie on the corner. She saw me and started yelling and cheering and then I saw her husband Dave and my friend Ali and her husband (also Dave). I was so relieved and I felt stronger than ever... Jamie and Ali jumped in and ran with me. This was amazing.... I had one on each side and I just felt completely rejuvenated for awhile. We talked (I don't remember about what... I must have been a little out of it) and I remember feeling really confident about finishing soon. They hung in there with me for about half mile and their words of encouragement carried me even after I said goodbye.
The last two and half miles on Summit were... difficult at best. First of all, whoever planned the music needs to think a little bit harder about where they place the bands. There was a nice upbeat Elvis impersonator earlier along the Ave singing something about "Don't take away my running shoes...", but come mile 24, what do we have? Slow jazz. Slow... sorrowful.... jazz. I felt like I was going to a funeral. It didn't help that another runner was getting put on a stretcher off to the side of the road. It was a slow march at this point... most people were walking. As soon as I slowed to a walk at the aid station at mile 24, I wondered if I was going to be able to pick it up to a run again. Each step was heavy and I couldn't believe how much effort it took just to keep walking. But I didn't stop... I wouldn't.... I couldn't... the finish was close.
Nearing the 25 mile mark, I found myself running along behind who else... but Sven Sundgaard?! This was a hoot as people were hollering out "Sven!! What's the deal with the weather??" The poor guy was just trying to finish the dang race and here he had to answer questions about the weather. Ha! I ran along behind him for awhile and then passed him. He passed me in the aid station. I took another drink of water and thought... this is it... one mile to the finish! It was shortly after this aid station that I found Peg. I was moseying along and then I spotted a cute red haired chick ahead of me... and, wait, her arm said "Peg". It couldn't be? But it was! I hugged her and we talked for a couple seconds about the way the race had gone so far. We both commented that we had held onto hopes of a 5 hour race for awhile. We confirmed plans to meet up after the finish at the "C" sign in the meet up area. I told her "See you at the finish!". Right after I left Peg, I ran past Sven again, past some people trying to hand out cups of beer to runners, and then through the "Target Tunnel". It was an 80' dome type tunnel with music blaring really loud. It didn't exactly pump me up, but at any rate, I knew that the finish was just around the bend and that was enough to keep me going.
Soon I heard someone say "Is that the top of the Cathedral?". Then we rounded a corner and the Cathedral and the Capitol came into view. A million emotions rushed forward as I ran down the hill and towards the 26 miler marker. A huge flag was waving above the course and the finish was in clear sight. I let it all go and let the rush of emotions carry me towards that finish line. This was it... the end of a long journey.... even longer than the 26.2 miles I had come today. I looked for my parents and Zack but didn't see them. That last quarter mile felt like a long ways to go, and yet it was over before I knew it. I heard my name over the loud speaker and made sure NOT to hit my watch as I crossed the finish line (got to look good for those pictures!). I had done it. I had made it..... I had officially become a marathoner.
Post-Race: After crossing the line, I was herded through the chute. A finisher's medal was placed around my neck, and I vaguely remember thinking that I didn't like the white ribbon it was hanging from. Then a woman handed me a mylar blanket, but at that moment I couldn't imagine needing it since I was still dripping with sweat. Next we were given our race shirts.... apparently Twin Cities Marathon gives the shirts AFTER the race. (At first, I thought this was weird that we didn't get them at the expo, but the end result was worth the wait. The shirt was a long sleeve, high quality, black Brooks tech-shirt with the marathon logo on the front and the word "Finisher" underneath. It's neat to have a shirt that I had to work so hard to get... almost anyone can show up at the starting line for the T-Shirt.... but to have to finish the race, especially in though conditions gives the word "finisher" a little bit more meaning. Anyways, enough about the shirt!) Next we were given bottles of water and apples and oranges and chips. I took one of each, but had next to no appetite. Our champion chips were clipped off our shoes, and then I headed towards the bag check to get my gear. I remember standing in front of the check area and trying to remember my race number and then looking down at my bib. By that point one of the kids had already run and got my bag. I untied it and stuffed all the post-race goodies in and then headed to get in line for the massage.
It was while I was in line that I realized how sore my legs were. I also started to get chilled, despite the heat of the day. The mylar blanket came in handy then, and I couldn't believe how much it warmed me up. As I was waiting in line, I noticed several runners down around me. Many were laying on the ground and appeared to be in tough shape. A woman with an orange flag was waving Emergency support over to the "Runners Down!". A crew of medical personal were tending to runners in need of help. A guy who was waiting in line ahead of me mentioned that he knew that if he sat down he was not going to be able to get back up. We struck up a conversation quickly and I found out that he was from Australia. I asked if he had come to run the race, and he commented that he had come here "for a woman". Ha! He asked if my legs had cramped up at all (they hadn't), and he told me that his had right before the finish line and he had collapsed before some people helped him up and across the line to a waiting wheelchair. He said that he refused it though because he didn't want to be on the news. So funny.... I asked him if this was his first race and he said, "Yes... and I didn't even train for it." What?? He said he figured it couldn't be that hard. Oh, and he finished twenty minutes ahead of me!! He said "next time" he might even train. I laughed and said goodbye before getting ushered over to a mat on the ground for my massage. Oh my goodness... it felt like heaven. I almost fell asleep I think. The woman really worked over my back and legs, and while they were really sore and achy, the pressure felt good on them. I somehow got up off the ground after that and headed for the changing tent. It was at this point that I found myself very happy to have packed dry clothes, flip flops and wet wipes (although running through the sprinklers had eliminated most of the salt built up on my face). I realized I hadn't brought a towel to dry off, but the t-shirt I had packed would work fine as I knew I could just throw on the race shirt. I was almost afraid to take off my shoes and see what was inside. My feet looked pretty bad... I had a huge blister on the inside of my big toe and my feet looked like they had been soaking in water for over five hours (they had). I was thankful for the flip flops since I didn't think I could put my feet back inside any pair of shoes. While I was changing, Donna came into the tent. I was so happy to see that she had made it! After I was all changed and dry, I found my way out of the secured runner's area. Waiting at the gate were my parents and Zack. The first one I saw was my dad, who greeted me with a huge hug. I kept saying that I needed to get to the letter C to meet Peg... I don't think that they knew what I was even talking about, but they followed me as I hobbled toward the meet up area. I spotted Peg and then met her husband. We talked about the race and got some pictures together briefly before she had to go. It was so neat to meet her though, and I am still amazed that we found each other out on the course! After our goodbyes, we took some more pictures in front of the capitol and then went to the party tent for pizza. I had my medal engraved (my dad and Zack insisted it was necessary), and then we slowly made our way towards the car. I couldn't believe that it was all over.
Back home my mom and Zack were ready to walk down to Speedy Market for my 20 pound bag of ice, but ending the day by sitting in yet another ice bath didn't seem very fun. I thought about it... and decided that I didn't have anything I needed to recover for. So what if it took a couple extra days before I could walk? Instead I sat on the couch and relived the many moments of the race with my parents and Zack. That night, after a hot shower for me, Zack and I went out to Applebees and I got a huge burger and a maple butter blondie for dessert. I can't remember the last time I ate like that. But it tasted so good! :D
Conclusion: The race was an experience that I will never forget. It was thrilling to the core... exhausting and exhilarating. To quote marathoner Dick Beardsley, "When you cross that finish line... it will change your life forever." There is something about facing a challenge like the marathon that forces you to dig deep and find out what you are made of. At some point in the race or the training, you come to the end of yourself... there is nothing left anymore. And yet in this place of total weakness, a strength of character emerges.
Twin Cities Marathon '07 was not what I expected. The weather conditions were bad. They reported yesterday that the if the temps would have rose one degree the race would have been called. Battling the heat and humidity took allot of extra effort. I knew going into the race that I was capable of a 4:20 - 4:40 marathon. My finishing time of 5:13:47 could have been a disappointment. But it wasn't. I am still proud of what I accomplished out on that course.
The question has been asked. Over and over again. Will I do it again? Will I run another marathon? Well.... I am not sure. Taking the advice that I have heard over and over again on the forums, I will not begin planning for or training for my next marathon until I have forgotten my last one. I am still reliving this race in my mind and processing the experience. I have allot of dreams that I want to chase, and I think the triathlon scene might be calling my name. But... I can already feel the longing for the next marathon in me. I think I have some unfinished business that needs to be taken care of (on a cooler and drier day in the future). That 4:20 - 4:40 finish might just need to become a reality. For now though, I am happy with 5:13:47 on a record breaking day of heat and humidity.
Signing out....
Yours truly,
—a newly minted Marathoner
Times and Splits: As I mentioned earlier, my Garmin was really screwed up for the entire race. At first it was ahead by a 1/10 of a mile, then at some point it was behind. I didn't pay much attention to it except for the total time count. At the end of the race it read 5:13:52 and 26.48 mi. I will post my splits, but they are a little messed up. At any rate, they give some concept of how my pace went throughout.
11:22 — 1.1 m
10:43
11:46 — .92 m... first water stop chaos!
10:43
10:24
11:05
10:39
11:13
11:10
10:55
11:25
12:10
11:36
12:45
10:36
12:24
11:20
12:25
12:21
12:15
11:59
14:20
13:37
11:36
15:28
13:13
5:15 — .56
Thanks: To my parents for their support and encouragement. To my husband and best friend, Zack for his unwavering willingness to be my advocate, friend, and partner in life. To Jamie and Ali for running with me right when I needed it most. To the V-Team for all the advice and support, and for believing in me. To Hal, for the training plan and all the advice along the way. To the friends who emailed with well wishes and congratulations. To the crowd for their cheers and ice and sprinklers. To God for giving me the strength, stamina, and determination that got me to the finish with a smile on my face. And to you.... for making it through my looooonnnnggg race report. :D
Pictures: Are coming soon!
Pre-Race: I won't bore you with the details of "re-capping" my training. Most of you have been part of that journey. I'll just summarize by saying that I came into this race in the best shape of my life. I spent 38 weeks training to get to this race, and I was tuned and ready to rock. I had run a great twenty miler, and while taper madness did make me go a little insane, I was still pretty confident that I was READY.
The day before: I slept really well on Friday night, and woke up feeling very calm and confident. My parents arrived around 10:00 a.m. and we headed to the race expo shortly after. It was ridiculously hot outside and I was just hoping that things would cool down before the next day. The expo was amazing and yet completely overwhelming at the same time. I got my bib and chip and clung to my bag like my life depended on it. We wandered around somewhat aimlessly for awhile and I found myself wishing that I could come back when I wasn't feeling so distracted by the upcoming race. There were some really cool products and great deals, but all I could think about was getting home and being able to relax and get focused. I did spend some time in the official TCM booth trying to pick out a shirt. My parents were there and my dad claimed that as my "sponsor" he needed to at least get me a shirt. :D I have the most amazing parents and husband... I'll just say that now, although I might repeat it again a couple times. Anyways, I finally picked out a really nice Brooks hooded running shirt that has the marathon logo on the front. After the expo, we headed home. My dad and Zack went to Cabela's to shop for gear for the upcoming deer hunting season... and I stayed home with my mom. I spent about an hour going through old threads on the forum and reading portions of Hal's Marathon book. I took a few pages of notes on exactly what I was going to do between then and the race start. Lunch was with my mom at Romano's Macaroni Grill, then we did a small amount of shopping (although I spent the entire time paranoid about being on my feet). Later in the day I took a nap and packed up my race gear. Then, it was early to bed, with alarms set for 4:45 a.m. I slept very fitfully throughout the night. I woke up at 1:30 completely convinced that it must be getting close to 5 a.m. Fell back asleep and then woke up again at 2:30. When the alarm went off at 4:45, I was wide awake and full of nerves.
Race Morning: At 5:00 a.m., I sat in my dark dining room eating a burned pop-tart and wondering what the heck I was getting myself into. My stomach felt like jelly and I wondered where the cool, calm, and collected "me" had gone to. A hot shower seemed to calm me down. Then I dressed in some old running clothes and went out for a short "warm-up" jog to test the weather and my legs. Warm-up, alright... I was sweating within a couple minutes of easy running down the block. At 6:00 a.m. it was 73˚ with 80% humidity. Yuck. But despite the heat, I was encouraged that my legs were feeling strong and smooth. Back home I dressed in my race outfit, grabbed all my gear and got in the car to head over to the Metrodome. I was dropped off at about 6:30 a.m. and I made my way inside. The first bathroom I passed appeared to have a line a mile long, so I kept walking around the dome. Soon, I found another bathroom with no line! Amazing. Real, clean, flushing toilets and no line! After the first (of many) potty breaks, I wandered into the "dome" part and found a very quiet, dark and calm retreat from the noise and chaos out in the halls. I found a spot to myself and started to stretch. I had a pounding headache too, so I spent some time just sitting with my head in my hands trying to relax. I took several more trips to the bathroom (still with no line), and finally at 7:30, I went to Gate C to try to meet up with Donna. I waited around for awhile and watched for her, but it was a very busy entrance, and I never found her. Sooo.... I went to the bathroom again. Ha! Then I checked my gear and headed towards the starting line. On the way, I noticed some porta potties, with a line that didn't seem too long..... well.... another bathroom break wouldn't hurt. It was about quarter to eight, and I figured I had time. While waiting in line, I saw "Sven Sundgaard", one of the local weathermen in the twin cities who was racing this year. (Click here to read his blog with a detailed recap of the race day weather and the tough conditions). A celebrity walked right by me! (I saw Sven again later in the race... but I'll get to that in due time). I finally made my way to the start corral and was in line by about eight minutes to 8. It was SO packed that I was way behind even the 5:30 pace sign and there was no chance of me moving up through the wall of people. Oh well, I figured that people would sort themselves out and a slow start wouldn't hurt me. As I stood there waiting for the gun to go off, I had goosebumps on my arms... not because I was cold (I was sweating and the race hadn't even started), but because it was a surreal moment.... standing there and hearing the national anthem being sung while helicopters hovered overhead and the buzz of anticipation hummed around me. My heart was pounding and I felt so alive... right on the brink of something big. As the first wave went off and we started to inch forward, I moved to the side of the corral and finally ditched my water bottle that I had been sipping from while in the start chute. The starting line was in view now. I moved toward it and began to break into a run; a million thoughts flashed through my head. I heard myself say, "Oh my gosh... here we go... this is it!". Then I crossed the line and started my watch.
The Race: All that I could think as I ran through downtown Minneapolis is, "Keep it slow... don't start too fast." We cruised along 6th Avenue, through a tunnel (where all the runners screamed and hollered and cheered), and around a bend before hitting the 1 mile mark. My Garmin must have gotten screwed up by the tall buildings or something, because it only said .9 miles. Oh well, the time told me that I was cruising along a little too quickly and that I should back off the pace even more. I felt things out for the second mile; spent time trying to determine how the heat was going to affect my race. My legs felt good, but a little tight... I was warm, but so far not doing too bad. We went by the Basilica and then under the highway and up a hill by the Walker Art Center. Running through downtown had been unique, but I was glad to be getting into the neighborhoods and out of the sun. Nearing two miles, I started to feel pretty warm, and I began to reformulate my race plan. First alteration... drink at every aid station. The first was coming up at 2.5 miles. I was thirsty and ready for some water by the time we hit it. The first few tables were empty and the volunteers urged us on saying that more water was ahead. We kept going... a thirsty mass of runners in search of water. In the middle of the aid station, finally some water... but no cups. I grabbed a seemingly clean cup off the ground and shoved it towards the kid who was pouring water into the hands of runners. It tasted good and I felt strong as I left the first aid station, but I was well aware that it had taken some extra time to fight through the mob for that one small cup of water. I wondered what lay ahead at the later aid stations.
I hit the lap button at the 3 mile mark, hoping that I could get a better idea of how my splits were looking. The 5K mark approached and I checked my time... I was still in the range that I wanted to start at, but I was beginning to wonder if in another three miles I was going to be able to kick it up a notch. A couple miles went by and I noted several pace bands ripped off and laying on the ground... obvious signs that people's hopes of PRs were falling by the wayside. At the 5 mile aid station, I took my first GU, and I dowsed my head with water. We were by the lakes now, and I was appreciative of the breeze. But the sun was starting to beat down harder and hotter. As I came around Lake Calhoun, I began to see the carnage, and my race plan quickly began to change. Only 6 miles into the race, I noticed several runners hunched over on the side of the course with EMTs surrounding them, others were walking already.
I had run a slow, easy first six miles, according to my original plan, but it was clear that I was not going to be able to kick it into high gear and hold a sub-ten pace for the rest of the race. I knew at that point that if I wanted to finish, I was going to have to start pacing myself now and not wait until I completely ran out of fuel. I did not want to be one of the people laying on the side of the course. My only thought was of the finish line. I knew that I could make it there. Twenty miles seemed like a long ways, but one mile didn't seem too bad... and that was all that was separating me from the next aid station. So I began the game... one mile at a time. At each mile, I started to look forward to the next. I would celebrate by taking ten seconds to walk by the mile marker sign or through the aid station. I never let myself think that I wouldn't finish.
My parents and Zack were waiting at about 7.5 miles and I ran by feeling strong and good, albeit drenched with sweat. I gave a big thumbs up and soaked in the cheers as I continued along the edge of Lake Harriet. I was on familiar ground, having covered this territory during my twenty mile run. And yet I barely noticed anything around me. I was focused on covering the next mile. We soon turned away from the Lake and onto Minnehaha Parkway. This stretch was a blur to me. I remember coming up on the first sprinkler and running through it praising God for some relief. I remember seeing people with big bowls and hoping that they would be full of ice, only being disappointed to find hard candy instead. I took a GU at mile 9 and downed it with water. The sun was really hot along this stretch, and I remember staring at Minnehaha Creek wishing that I could go lay down in the water. I came up along a guy who was walking on the side and was visibly struggling... I slowed down and asked him if he was okay and it there was anything I could do to help. I offered a GU, but he said that he would be alright. So I moved on.
At this point in the race I was running about even with or ahead of the 5 hour pace group. I would pass them and then they would pass me. I had already determined that they were not running even splits, but who could blame them really? Neither was I. I wanted to stay ahead of them, but as I neared Lake Nokomis, and a long stretch of hot sunny, open road, I began to see the bobbing balloons disappearing ahead of me. I thought perhaps I would see them later, but I never saw them again (although I did see one of the pace leaders walking at about mile 17). I let them go and focused on my own race. As I rounded the lake, I saw a photographer ahead and made sure that I looked strong and fast, even though I felt any but strong or fast at that point. I was desperate for a drink, and the aid station at mile 13.1 was long overdue... I think it must have been at least a quarter mile late. So far all the aid stations had all been pretty chaotic, but I had managed to get out with some water and even sometimes enough to dump over my head or down my back. I was completely soaked from the sprinklers I had been running through, and I could tell by the half-way mark that my feet were wet. I felt like I was running in squishy shoes. My toe started to hurt and I was positive that I had a blister developing... the first I would get in the past year of training.
After Lake Nokomis and the half-way mark, we were back on Minnehaha Parkway again. It was in this portion of the race that I felt myself starting to get dragged down... people around me were talking about dropping out, the sun was hotter than ever, and the finish line seemed a long ways away. And yet, I reminded myself that less lay ahead than behind. I never stopped going forward... I never stopped to stretch or rest... I kept moving... even if I was walking... I was going forward. I ran on the yellow line in the middle of the road. One foot in front of the other... on and on. By this point in the race, I had seen it all... several ambulances had passed by with sirens blaring; runners were getting put on stretchers; the EMTs were riding along with us on bikes and checking on those who were struggling; there were people laying on the side of the course with crowds gathered around. And as I worked to focus and get to the next mile, I glanced around at the crowd... I let their cheers carry me. And then I saw a familiar face... Lisa, a woman from my swimming group was on the corner of the street cheering like crazy... I locked on to her face with my eyes and called out "Lisa!!". She saw me and yelled and cheered like crazy and high-fived me as I passed. It was just what I needed at that point. I kept that it my head as I ran for mile 15.
I had skipped the GU at mile 13, simply because I knew that my stomach was in no shape to handle it. So somewhere between 14 and 16 I pulled out the Sharkies and ate a few. The heat was sweltering at this point, but my spirits were high and I knew that in only a couple miles I was going to see my parents and Zack again. So on I went. Before I knew it, I was coming into Minnehaha Park and under the Paul Bunyan arch. The aid station ahead was a welcome break and I remember that there was plenty of water and I didn't have to "fight" for it this time. Soon I was on the River Road and I was more confident than ever that I was going to finish this thing. Time didn't matter anymore. I knew that I was going to come in under six, and I even was entertaining thoughts that I might beat 5. My pace felt like it was all over the place, but I made sure that I was running more than walking and I still was putting down some "okay" miles.
Something I have not mentioned thus far is the entertainment along the course. Let me just say that it was really amazing. There were so many bands... from mariachi's to dixie land bands, to rock bands, drum circles, blue grass... they had it all! At times, the music was way loud and just plain distracting, but sometimes it was the little boost that I needed. Also, the crowd support was fantastic. Allot of people had radios blasting with songs like "Eye of the Tiger". There were official cheer zones and plenty of sprinklers. Little kids were handing out tiny cups of water... We ran under a big balloon arch and through a field of flamingos. One guy stood on top of a table wearing a huge hat and mittens clapping and cheering us on (and saying, "Brrr.... isn't it cold out here?" I wasn't convinced, but it was entertaining). People called out my number and cheered for ME (I wish I would have written my name on my arm too... next time I guess). I am sure that I looked like something that the dog dragged in... soaking wet from head to toe, straggling along... and yet, hearing "You look great! Keep it up runner!" Wow, thank you to anyone who has ever spent the afternoon supporting and cheering and encouraging those on the course. You have no idea how much of a difference you made.
Anyways, back to the race. I remember nearing the sixteen mile mark and thinking "Only ten to go". And I meant it... 10 didn't seem so bad. I was sore and tired and my toe was hurting (I kept looking at my shoe expecting to see blood), but I still had fuel and determination left in me. The carnage was heavy at this point, and I came up on a runner throwing up on the side of the road. I barely held my own cookies and kept running. At about 16.75, I found my parents and Zack and was SO happy to see them! My mom offered me a bottle of water and I took a couple sips and doused the rest on my head. I told them that I was going to finish but that I was running conservatively and slow. (Amazingly enough they still seemed to be proud of me). Zack jogged along for a few seconds and we talked. I think I was rambling a bunch of stuff to him when I heard someone say my name, I turned and looked and there was Donna. I bid Zack goodbye and marveled at the fact that we had found each other. We lamented on what a tough race it had been so far. I told her that I had been pacing myself slow from the start and was still focused on getting to the finish line. We ran and walked together for awhile and it was so good to have someone along side of me.
At 17 miles we came to the aid station with the Clif Shots and I decided the take another of my own GUs. I downed about half of it and decided that something was better than nothing. It was really hard to eat anything in the heat. The water was great though, and soon we were on our way again. At about 17.5 miles, Donna called out "Ice!" and we ran for it. I had spent the entire race looking for ice and I told the people who were handing it out, "I love you!!". I shoved some in my hat and in my shirt and ate a couple of chunks. There were many sprinklers and hoses along this portion and that combined with a tiny break from the sun had me feeling pretty good. We tagged on and off for awhile... picking a sign to run to and then taking a small walk break to another sign... then running again. Soon we were beyond 18 and getting close to 19. We ran up the hill to the bridge and the walked for a short while before charging across the rest of the bridge to the next aid station. The fall colors along the river were stunning. I took in the view and thought about the next 7 miles ahead. At this point I had some slim hope of coming in under 5, but I wasn't sure how the hills before Summit would play out. I could tell that I was getting tired, but I consoled myself with the fact that I had run a very conservative race so far and I might have more left in me than I thought. An ambulance roared by us as we came back down the other side of the River Road. It must have been somewhere around here that Donna told me that they had called off Chicago... I felt so bad for everyone at LBCM. My heart just went out to them.
Soon we were approaching 20 miles, and as Donna put it, "The Wall". I kept telling myself over and over, "There is no wall... there is no wall." But there was.... or well, there was a large inflatable "wall" of sorts that we ran under. :D The was music blasting and I was feeling good. I took a tootsie roll which seemed like it would sit really nice in my stomach at this point. Donna, however, was really struggling. I felt so bad for her... I encouraged her as much as I could and told her that I would see her at the finish, and then I moved on. I kept the game going with myself. Running and then walking a little. Staying strong... Nearing 21 I knew that "the hill" was coming up. Oh boy, deep breath. I remember thinking during my training run that the hill really wasn't that bad. However, my legs were tired and while I hobbled up it, it seemed like a cruel, cruel place for a hill. At the top, I felt wasted. But I kept on and remembered that an aid station was up ahead.
I think I ate some Sharkies somewhere in here, but really it's all a blur. Summit Avenue felt like a death march, with more runners walking than running. I passed by the "start" location of my first 5K and tried to remember what it was like running in the nice, cool February temps. Nearing mile 22 I was running along when I heard my name being called out and I looked back to see my parents... somehow I had passed them. My mom was shouting out "Beth, water! Water! Do you want water?" For a moment I hesitated and looked back. It was maybe 20 feet from where I was to where she I was. I began to turn and then I thought... "No. I am going to have to run back and then up to this point again. No. I have to keep moving forward." So I shouted... "Come here... bring it up to me." My mom took off and was soon up and next to me handing me the bottle. My dad was then running along and so was Zack. I must have given some indication that I was okay. I think I was smiling and saying that I would see them at the finish. And I think I said something about a death march from here till the end. Zack told me that I had friends waiting up at the 23.5 mile mark and my dad told me that I had the race and that my training was going to pay off now.... to be tough and hang in there. I kept going and clung to the bottle of water. I drank some, poured some on me, and finally ditched it when I saw the next aid station. I remember walking a bit here and thinking how much it hurt just to walk. My hip was starting to feel sore and my feet felt like they had a hundred miles on them. I played the run to next point game, and was happy to see Snelling Avenue ahead.
At this point I just focused on getting to my friends waiting at Hamline Ave near the 23.5 mark. One foot in front of the next.... Hamline came into view and then I saw my friend Jamie on the corner. She saw me and started yelling and cheering and then I saw her husband Dave and my friend Ali and her husband (also Dave). I was so relieved and I felt stronger than ever... Jamie and Ali jumped in and ran with me. This was amazing.... I had one on each side and I just felt completely rejuvenated for awhile. We talked (I don't remember about what... I must have been a little out of it) and I remember feeling really confident about finishing soon. They hung in there with me for about half mile and their words of encouragement carried me even after I said goodbye.
The last two and half miles on Summit were... difficult at best. First of all, whoever planned the music needs to think a little bit harder about where they place the bands. There was a nice upbeat Elvis impersonator earlier along the Ave singing something about "Don't take away my running shoes...", but come mile 24, what do we have? Slow jazz. Slow... sorrowful.... jazz. I felt like I was going to a funeral. It didn't help that another runner was getting put on a stretcher off to the side of the road. It was a slow march at this point... most people were walking. As soon as I slowed to a walk at the aid station at mile 24, I wondered if I was going to be able to pick it up to a run again. Each step was heavy and I couldn't believe how much effort it took just to keep walking. But I didn't stop... I wouldn't.... I couldn't... the finish was close.
Nearing the 25 mile mark, I found myself running along behind who else... but Sven Sundgaard?! This was a hoot as people were hollering out "Sven!! What's the deal with the weather??" The poor guy was just trying to finish the dang race and here he had to answer questions about the weather. Ha! I ran along behind him for awhile and then passed him. He passed me in the aid station. I took another drink of water and thought... this is it... one mile to the finish! It was shortly after this aid station that I found Peg. I was moseying along and then I spotted a cute red haired chick ahead of me... and, wait, her arm said "Peg". It couldn't be? But it was! I hugged her and we talked for a couple seconds about the way the race had gone so far. We both commented that we had held onto hopes of a 5 hour race for awhile. We confirmed plans to meet up after the finish at the "C" sign in the meet up area. I told her "See you at the finish!". Right after I left Peg, I ran past Sven again, past some people trying to hand out cups of beer to runners, and then through the "Target Tunnel". It was an 80' dome type tunnel with music blaring really loud. It didn't exactly pump me up, but at any rate, I knew that the finish was just around the bend and that was enough to keep me going.
Soon I heard someone say "Is that the top of the Cathedral?". Then we rounded a corner and the Cathedral and the Capitol came into view. A million emotions rushed forward as I ran down the hill and towards the 26 miler marker. A huge flag was waving above the course and the finish was in clear sight. I let it all go and let the rush of emotions carry me towards that finish line. This was it... the end of a long journey.... even longer than the 26.2 miles I had come today. I looked for my parents and Zack but didn't see them. That last quarter mile felt like a long ways to go, and yet it was over before I knew it. I heard my name over the loud speaker and made sure NOT to hit my watch as I crossed the finish line (got to look good for those pictures!). I had done it. I had made it..... I had officially become a marathoner.
Post-Race: After crossing the line, I was herded through the chute. A finisher's medal was placed around my neck, and I vaguely remember thinking that I didn't like the white ribbon it was hanging from. Then a woman handed me a mylar blanket, but at that moment I couldn't imagine needing it since I was still dripping with sweat. Next we were given our race shirts.... apparently Twin Cities Marathon gives the shirts AFTER the race. (At first, I thought this was weird that we didn't get them at the expo, but the end result was worth the wait. The shirt was a long sleeve, high quality, black Brooks tech-shirt with the marathon logo on the front and the word "Finisher" underneath. It's neat to have a shirt that I had to work so hard to get... almost anyone can show up at the starting line for the T-Shirt.... but to have to finish the race, especially in though conditions gives the word "finisher" a little bit more meaning. Anyways, enough about the shirt!) Next we were given bottles of water and apples and oranges and chips. I took one of each, but had next to no appetite. Our champion chips were clipped off our shoes, and then I headed towards the bag check to get my gear. I remember standing in front of the check area and trying to remember my race number and then looking down at my bib. By that point one of the kids had already run and got my bag. I untied it and stuffed all the post-race goodies in and then headed to get in line for the massage.
It was while I was in line that I realized how sore my legs were. I also started to get chilled, despite the heat of the day. The mylar blanket came in handy then, and I couldn't believe how much it warmed me up. As I was waiting in line, I noticed several runners down around me. Many were laying on the ground and appeared to be in tough shape. A woman with an orange flag was waving Emergency support over to the "Runners Down!". A crew of medical personal were tending to runners in need of help. A guy who was waiting in line ahead of me mentioned that he knew that if he sat down he was not going to be able to get back up. We struck up a conversation quickly and I found out that he was from Australia. I asked if he had come to run the race, and he commented that he had come here "for a woman". Ha! He asked if my legs had cramped up at all (they hadn't), and he told me that his had right before the finish line and he had collapsed before some people helped him up and across the line to a waiting wheelchair. He said that he refused it though because he didn't want to be on the news. So funny.... I asked him if this was his first race and he said, "Yes... and I didn't even train for it." What?? He said he figured it couldn't be that hard. Oh, and he finished twenty minutes ahead of me!! He said "next time" he might even train. I laughed and said goodbye before getting ushered over to a mat on the ground for my massage. Oh my goodness... it felt like heaven. I almost fell asleep I think. The woman really worked over my back and legs, and while they were really sore and achy, the pressure felt good on them. I somehow got up off the ground after that and headed for the changing tent. It was at this point that I found myself very happy to have packed dry clothes, flip flops and wet wipes (although running through the sprinklers had eliminated most of the salt built up on my face). I realized I hadn't brought a towel to dry off, but the t-shirt I had packed would work fine as I knew I could just throw on the race shirt. I was almost afraid to take off my shoes and see what was inside. My feet looked pretty bad... I had a huge blister on the inside of my big toe and my feet looked like they had been soaking in water for over five hours (they had). I was thankful for the flip flops since I didn't think I could put my feet back inside any pair of shoes. While I was changing, Donna came into the tent. I was so happy to see that she had made it! After I was all changed and dry, I found my way out of the secured runner's area. Waiting at the gate were my parents and Zack. The first one I saw was my dad, who greeted me with a huge hug. I kept saying that I needed to get to the letter C to meet Peg... I don't think that they knew what I was even talking about, but they followed me as I hobbled toward the meet up area. I spotted Peg and then met her husband. We talked about the race and got some pictures together briefly before she had to go. It was so neat to meet her though, and I am still amazed that we found each other out on the course! After our goodbyes, we took some more pictures in front of the capitol and then went to the party tent for pizza. I had my medal engraved (my dad and Zack insisted it was necessary), and then we slowly made our way towards the car. I couldn't believe that it was all over.
Back home my mom and Zack were ready to walk down to Speedy Market for my 20 pound bag of ice, but ending the day by sitting in yet another ice bath didn't seem very fun. I thought about it... and decided that I didn't have anything I needed to recover for. So what if it took a couple extra days before I could walk? Instead I sat on the couch and relived the many moments of the race with my parents and Zack. That night, after a hot shower for me, Zack and I went out to Applebees and I got a huge burger and a maple butter blondie for dessert. I can't remember the last time I ate like that. But it tasted so good! :D
Conclusion: The race was an experience that I will never forget. It was thrilling to the core... exhausting and exhilarating. To quote marathoner Dick Beardsley, "When you cross that finish line... it will change your life forever." There is something about facing a challenge like the marathon that forces you to dig deep and find out what you are made of. At some point in the race or the training, you come to the end of yourself... there is nothing left anymore. And yet in this place of total weakness, a strength of character emerges.
Twin Cities Marathon '07 was not what I expected. The weather conditions were bad. They reported yesterday that the if the temps would have rose one degree the race would have been called. Battling the heat and humidity took allot of extra effort. I knew going into the race that I was capable of a 4:20 - 4:40 marathon. My finishing time of 5:13:47 could have been a disappointment. But it wasn't. I am still proud of what I accomplished out on that course.
The question has been asked. Over and over again. Will I do it again? Will I run another marathon? Well.... I am not sure. Taking the advice that I have heard over and over again on the forums, I will not begin planning for or training for my next marathon until I have forgotten my last one. I am still reliving this race in my mind and processing the experience. I have allot of dreams that I want to chase, and I think the triathlon scene might be calling my name. But... I can already feel the longing for the next marathon in me. I think I have some unfinished business that needs to be taken care of (on a cooler and drier day in the future). That 4:20 - 4:40 finish might just need to become a reality. For now though, I am happy with 5:13:47 on a record breaking day of heat and humidity.
Signing out....
Yours truly,
—a newly minted Marathoner
Times and Splits: As I mentioned earlier, my Garmin was really screwed up for the entire race. At first it was ahead by a 1/10 of a mile, then at some point it was behind. I didn't pay much attention to it except for the total time count. At the end of the race it read 5:13:52 and 26.48 mi. I will post my splits, but they are a little messed up. At any rate, they give some concept of how my pace went throughout.
11:22 — 1.1 m
10:43
11:46 — .92 m... first water stop chaos!
10:43
10:24
11:05
10:39
11:13
11:10
10:55
11:25
12:10
11:36
12:45
10:36
12:24
11:20
12:25
12:21
12:15
11:59
14:20
13:37
11:36
15:28
13:13
5:15 — .56
Thanks: To my parents for their support and encouragement. To my husband and best friend, Zack for his unwavering willingness to be my advocate, friend, and partner in life. To Jamie and Ali for running with me right when I needed it most. To the V-Team for all the advice and support, and for believing in me. To Hal, for the training plan and all the advice along the way. To the friends who emailed with well wishes and congratulations. To the crowd for their cheers and ice and sprinklers. To God for giving me the strength, stamina, and determination that got me to the finish with a smile on my face. And to you.... for making it through my looooonnnnggg race report. :D
Pictures: Are coming soon!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Ready
This year, I have:
...run 615 miles.
...put in 38 weeks of training.
...completed 2 half marathons.
...finished a 5k, 8k, and 10k.
...raced myself, and won.
...learned the meaning of negative splits.
...swam & biked more miles in x-training than most do in their workout.
...taken 35 ice baths and used close to 250 pounds of ice in the process.
...bought and worn out three pairs of running shoes.
...seen countless sunrises.
...called ten miles an easy workout.
...fought through 90˚ and 90% humidity.
...run through torrential downpours and gale force winds.
...been on the road and done with 5 miles before most roll out of bed.
...given up sleeping in on the weekends.
...eaten pasta every Friday night.
...gotten used to taking gels on the run.
...drank a chocolate milk almost every Saturday.
...gritted my teeth through the pain.
...wiped away the tears.
...kept going.
...faced my weaknesses.
...found some strengths.
...become an athlete.
...never quit.
I am ready.
Now let's rock.
...run 615 miles.
...put in 38 weeks of training.
...completed 2 half marathons.
...finished a 5k, 8k, and 10k.
...raced myself, and won.
...learned the meaning of negative splits.
...swam & biked more miles in x-training than most do in their workout.
...taken 35 ice baths and used close to 250 pounds of ice in the process.
...bought and worn out three pairs of running shoes.
...seen countless sunrises.
...called ten miles an easy workout.
...fought through 90˚ and 90% humidity.
...run through torrential downpours and gale force winds.
...been on the road and done with 5 miles before most roll out of bed.
...given up sleeping in on the weekends.
...eaten pasta every Friday night.
...gotten used to taking gels on the run.
...drank a chocolate milk almost every Saturday.
...gritted my teeth through the pain.
...wiped away the tears.
...kept going.
...faced my weaknesses.
...found some strengths.
...become an athlete.
...never quit.
I am ready.
Now let's rock.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Taper Madness: Part II
Random | ---------------------------------------------
Lots on my mind these days. Taper is driving me crazy. Honestly, I am staying away from the boards because I start to go more mad the more I read (I am supposed to be worried about THAT? I hadn't even thought to worry about THAT!!?? Maybe I should start now.)
I seem to flip flop between feeling totally confident and completely bewildered. For a brief moment this weekend I thought... "No way... I can't run that race. I can't do it." And then I sat down and looked at my past running schedule. 17 weeks of checked off boxes stared me in the face. I have come... so... far. Why, oh why, would I come through weeks and weeks of training and not run this race??? I am blaming this moment of insanity on taper madness.
My legs are feeling decent. Although, honestly, my hip bothered me a bit while I was running my last eight. I am trying to forget that fact and concentrate on feeling 100% by race day. After my ice bath on Saturday, it did feel better, but I can tell it's still tight. I keep thinking to myself, "When are my legs supposed to start feeling like they are recovering?" I keep reading everyone else's blogs and a theme seems to be recurring... "My legs are feeling so fresh from this taper!". Ummm... can someone sign me up for this miraculous "fresh" feeling that you all seem to be referring to? Because, well, my legs have not felt fresh since my last twenty. I mean, I've had some decent runs, but my legs have not felt FRESH. They've felt consistently "heavy" or "so-so" at best. Sigh. I hope that the next week brings about a miraculous change.
I think I've nailed down a good fueling plan for the race, thanks in part to an excellent article posted by Greg$. My plan is to use strictly Vanilla Bean GU, although I might carry one chocolate in case I get really tired of the vanilla. The vanilla just sits so much better in my stomach than anything else. The other fueling product I am going to be using is Sharkies (something like fruit snacks..). I used them during my last twenty and they worked beautifully. They are a great reward system too; I plan on pulling them out towards the end of the race and rewarding myself with one every quarter mile or so. I don't plan on using any powerade, unless I feel like I am crashing and am not ready to take another gel. Otherwise, I will use only water. It just sits nicer in my tummy. My gel schedule is as follows: 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 24. I may or may not skip one of two of these and eat some Sharkies instead. I don't want to overload on GU. I guess I will go with the plan unless I start to feel sick. I followed this plan on my last twenty and everything went really well... soooo... fingers crossed that it will be the same during the race.
Okay. I have something to talk to you all about. I have been looking at pacing charts for Twin Cities and trying to determine a pacing strategy. Twin Cities Marathon has pacing charts that are made specifically for the race and for the course. They take into account "the hill" at the end and other factors of the race. They all feature a slow warm-up start, a faster middle, and a slower end. They seem very reasonable to me. Now, the pace teams at TCM don't use this strategy, but instead run even splits. Also, there is no 4:40 pace team... which seems odd to me. I was originally planning on following the 4:40 team at the start and possibly easing up to the 4:30 team from there. Oh well... I don't really want to run with a pace team anyways, so I guess I'll do my own thing. But, back to the pacing charts. I have been studying them and trying to determine what one is reasonable for me to attempt to follow. Here's my thoughts on my finishing time....
1) Worst case scenario: My legs freak out... I can run... I finish before the 6 hours limping and walking across the finish line.
2) I run a decent race, but my leg bothers me and I come in around 5 hours.
3) Things go pretty well. I don't run as fast as my twenty, but I keep a steady pace OR I run a good first half and crash a little at the end but still come out with a 4:40.
4) I run a good race... start slow, speed up, and finish strong... run a 4:30.
5) The stars align and God smiles upon me. My legs miraculously have speed and I run a 4:20.
Obviously I am not going to be using the 5 or 6 hour pace chart... so the question I have is... should I use the 4:40 or 4:30? I am not going to use the 4:20... because that is a stretch goal and I don't want to blow myself up and crash badly in the end. Here's the link to the 4:40 pace chart http://www.mtcmarathon.org/pacecharts/index.cfm?chart=440 and the link to the 4:30 pace chart http://www.mtcmarathon.org/pacecharts/index.cfm?chart=430. If any one of you is bored during taper, maybe you could take a look at these charts and let me know your vote for which one I should follow. I am tempted to start with the 4:40 chart and ease into a faster pace for the middle of the race... something like what I ran my 20 in (9:40 ish). I guess I am using my twenty as the comparing factor.... If I could run that run exactly again and then hold a decent pace for the remaining 6 miles, I KNOW that I could run a 4:20 - 4:30. Sigh. I just don't know... Maybe I am overthinking all of this and I should just run the race as I feel.
Alright. Enough rambling. You see what this taper madness is doing to me!!? I start to analyze and think through EVERYTHING a hundred times and in painful detail.
I just looked ahead at the last notes from Hal's Novice Program. Here is what he said regarding race day. It's priceless...
"Sunday: St. Paul once said, "Do you not know that those who run in a race, all indeed run, but only one receives the prize? So run as to obtain it." (St. Paul, 9:24) I don't know, Pauly, that message might have been accurate 2,000 years ago, but if you were around today and had an opportunity to experience today's mass-participation marathons, you might agree that more than one runner receives the prize, or benefits from their participation. (That might make a good sermon subject for my former teammate at Carleton College, Bill Hendren, who is now a minister in Ventura, California.) Regardless of whether you expect to win a prize in today's race, take St. Paul's advice and run so as to obtain it. There's not much more we can say other than this is the day and the moment for which you have spent 18 weeks. Remember everything you learned over those weeks. And have a very good day!"
... I love the part... "This is the day and the moment for which you have spent 18 weeks..." Wow. So true. So much work to get to even this point.
Every day I drive over the Franklin Avenue bridge... the same bridge that I will be running over between mile 19 and 20. And everyday I picture myself running over that bridge with strength and stamina... I picture a smile on my face and I think of my mindset being set with determination and excitement. It's a little mental exercise that I do, and I am hoping that come race day, the prophecy will fulfill itself and I will be running over that bridge feeling like a million bucks.
Lots on my mind these days. Taper is driving me crazy. Honestly, I am staying away from the boards because I start to go more mad the more I read (I am supposed to be worried about THAT? I hadn't even thought to worry about THAT!!?? Maybe I should start now.)
I seem to flip flop between feeling totally confident and completely bewildered. For a brief moment this weekend I thought... "No way... I can't run that race. I can't do it." And then I sat down and looked at my past running schedule. 17 weeks of checked off boxes stared me in the face. I have come... so... far. Why, oh why, would I come through weeks and weeks of training and not run this race??? I am blaming this moment of insanity on taper madness.
My legs are feeling decent. Although, honestly, my hip bothered me a bit while I was running my last eight. I am trying to forget that fact and concentrate on feeling 100% by race day. After my ice bath on Saturday, it did feel better, but I can tell it's still tight. I keep thinking to myself, "When are my legs supposed to start feeling like they are recovering?" I keep reading everyone else's blogs and a theme seems to be recurring... "My legs are feeling so fresh from this taper!". Ummm... can someone sign me up for this miraculous "fresh" feeling that you all seem to be referring to? Because, well, my legs have not felt fresh since my last twenty. I mean, I've had some decent runs, but my legs have not felt FRESH. They've felt consistently "heavy" or "so-so" at best. Sigh. I hope that the next week brings about a miraculous change.
I think I've nailed down a good fueling plan for the race, thanks in part to an excellent article posted by Greg$. My plan is to use strictly Vanilla Bean GU, although I might carry one chocolate in case I get really tired of the vanilla. The vanilla just sits so much better in my stomach than anything else. The other fueling product I am going to be using is Sharkies (something like fruit snacks..). I used them during my last twenty and they worked beautifully. They are a great reward system too; I plan on pulling them out towards the end of the race and rewarding myself with one every quarter mile or so. I don't plan on using any powerade, unless I feel like I am crashing and am not ready to take another gel. Otherwise, I will use only water. It just sits nicer in my tummy. My gel schedule is as follows: 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 24. I may or may not skip one of two of these and eat some Sharkies instead. I don't want to overload on GU. I guess I will go with the plan unless I start to feel sick. I followed this plan on my last twenty and everything went really well... soooo... fingers crossed that it will be the same during the race.
Okay. I have something to talk to you all about. I have been looking at pacing charts for Twin Cities and trying to determine a pacing strategy. Twin Cities Marathon has pacing charts that are made specifically for the race and for the course. They take into account "the hill" at the end and other factors of the race. They all feature a slow warm-up start, a faster middle, and a slower end. They seem very reasonable to me. Now, the pace teams at TCM don't use this strategy, but instead run even splits. Also, there is no 4:40 pace team... which seems odd to me. I was originally planning on following the 4:40 team at the start and possibly easing up to the 4:30 team from there. Oh well... I don't really want to run with a pace team anyways, so I guess I'll do my own thing. But, back to the pacing charts. I have been studying them and trying to determine what one is reasonable for me to attempt to follow. Here's my thoughts on my finishing time....
1) Worst case scenario: My legs freak out... I can run... I finish before the 6 hours limping and walking across the finish line.
2) I run a decent race, but my leg bothers me and I come in around 5 hours.
3) Things go pretty well. I don't run as fast as my twenty, but I keep a steady pace OR I run a good first half and crash a little at the end but still come out with a 4:40.
4) I run a good race... start slow, speed up, and finish strong... run a 4:30.
5) The stars align and God smiles upon me. My legs miraculously have speed and I run a 4:20.
Obviously I am not going to be using the 5 or 6 hour pace chart... so the question I have is... should I use the 4:40 or 4:30? I am not going to use the 4:20... because that is a stretch goal and I don't want to blow myself up and crash badly in the end. Here's the link to the 4:40 pace chart http://www.mtcmarathon.org/pacecharts/index.cfm?chart=440 and the link to the 4:30 pace chart http://www.mtcmarathon.org/pacecharts/index.cfm?chart=430. If any one of you is bored during taper, maybe you could take a look at these charts and let me know your vote for which one I should follow. I am tempted to start with the 4:40 chart and ease into a faster pace for the middle of the race... something like what I ran my 20 in (9:40 ish). I guess I am using my twenty as the comparing factor.... If I could run that run exactly again and then hold a decent pace for the remaining 6 miles, I KNOW that I could run a 4:20 - 4:30. Sigh. I just don't know... Maybe I am overthinking all of this and I should just run the race as I feel.
Alright. Enough rambling. You see what this taper madness is doing to me!!? I start to analyze and think through EVERYTHING a hundred times and in painful detail.
I just looked ahead at the last notes from Hal's Novice Program. Here is what he said regarding race day. It's priceless...
"Sunday: St. Paul once said, "Do you not know that those who run in a race, all indeed run, but only one receives the prize? So run as to obtain it." (St. Paul, 9:24) I don't know, Pauly, that message might have been accurate 2,000 years ago, but if you were around today and had an opportunity to experience today's mass-participation marathons, you might agree that more than one runner receives the prize, or benefits from their participation. (That might make a good sermon subject for my former teammate at Carleton College, Bill Hendren, who is now a minister in Ventura, California.) Regardless of whether you expect to win a prize in today's race, take St. Paul's advice and run so as to obtain it. There's not much more we can say other than this is the day and the moment for which you have spent 18 weeks. Remember everything you learned over those weeks. And have a very good day!"
... I love the part... "This is the day and the moment for which you have spent 18 weeks..." Wow. So true. So much work to get to even this point.
Every day I drive over the Franklin Avenue bridge... the same bridge that I will be running over between mile 19 and 20. And everyday I picture myself running over that bridge with strength and stamina... I picture a smile on my face and I think of my mindset being set with determination and excitement. It's a little mental exercise that I do, and I am hoping that come race day, the prophecy will fulfill itself and I will be running over that bridge feeling like a million bucks.
Taper Madness: Part I
WORK-outs | ----------------------------------------------------------
Thursday (9.27.07). 7:15 AM, 52°, 3m. Can you believe that I had a three mile run to do? Three miles! I can't remember that last time I had such a short run on the schedule. It almost seemed like a waste of time to get up and put all my running clothes on, tie my shoes, load the garmin and walk out that door for only three miles. But, at last, it was a perfect morning and a nice run. My goal was something like Pam's race strategy (from The Office)... okay, so I hadn't seen the episode yet, but it fit perfectly with my run for Thursday. I wanted to start fast (or actually "steady" was what I was looking for), run faster, and finish faster. My hip didn't bother me a bit while I was running, but it was a little sore afterwards.
3m / 31:47
10:42
10:33
10:14
Friday (9.28.07). Rest day... Nothin' too exciting. We ate dinner at Cossetta's near the race finish, and then came home and Zack went to see The Kingdom with his buddies while I cozied up with Pride and Prejudice at home.
Saturday (9.29.07). 1 PM, 62°, 30 mph winds, and sporadic torrential downpours. 8m. I slept in and enjoyed a sleepy morning at home before finally coaxing myself to get dressed and ready to run. As soon as I walked out the door and onto my porch, the heavens opened and the rain fell with fury. I stared in disbelief for two minutes before going back inside and changing out of my new marathon shoes and into an older pair of running kicks. Back out the door. Overall, the run wasn't bad. I had my moments... like running through the muddy fields and yelling at the winds that were pushing me back with a terrible force. There was a x-country meet going on at the UofM, and I saw lots of runners out warming up. It was interesting actually... they all had running tights on and long sleeved shirts... and there I was, with shorts, a tank and a fuel belt. Definitely didn't fit in with the crowd. The first four miles or so were somewhat uncomfortable and I was acutely aware of a nagging soreness in my hip the entire time, but I still finished feeling decent. The last two miles were good... the rain was pouring down and I just ducked my head and ran like mad. My splits were sort of all over the place, but my route turns this way and that, and the miles that were into the wind were definitely slower. Oh, and I hit the lap button accidentally two times... so they really got messed up!
8m /
10:12
6:18 - .57
4:47 - .48
11:07
11:25
10:37
10:37
10:00
9:43 - .95
Sunday (9.30.07). It was a very rainy day, and I was tired of being cooped up inside the house, so Zack and I put on our rain jackets, baseball caps, and old shoes and went for a good old walk in the rain. We didn't go far, and we stopped a couple times to rescue earth worms from the sidewalk, clear leaves from a clogged drain, and splash in the puddles. X-training was never so much fun.
Monday (10.1.07). Rest day. I am using today to plan out the rest of my taper... oh, and my race strategy. Lots to think about. And maybe I'll watch a movie tonight? Hhhmmm... what a great way to check off another day on the countdown calendar.
Thursday (9.27.07). 7:15 AM, 52°, 3m. Can you believe that I had a three mile run to do? Three miles! I can't remember that last time I had such a short run on the schedule. It almost seemed like a waste of time to get up and put all my running clothes on, tie my shoes, load the garmin and walk out that door for only three miles. But, at last, it was a perfect morning and a nice run. My goal was something like Pam's race strategy (from The Office)... okay, so I hadn't seen the episode yet, but it fit perfectly with my run for Thursday. I wanted to start fast (or actually "steady" was what I was looking for), run faster, and finish faster. My hip didn't bother me a bit while I was running, but it was a little sore afterwards.
3m / 31:47
10:42
10:33
10:14
Friday (9.28.07). Rest day... Nothin' too exciting. We ate dinner at Cossetta's near the race finish, and then came home and Zack went to see The Kingdom with his buddies while I cozied up with Pride and Prejudice at home.
Saturday (9.29.07). 1 PM, 62°, 30 mph winds, and sporadic torrential downpours. 8m. I slept in and enjoyed a sleepy morning at home before finally coaxing myself to get dressed and ready to run. As soon as I walked out the door and onto my porch, the heavens opened and the rain fell with fury. I stared in disbelief for two minutes before going back inside and changing out of my new marathon shoes and into an older pair of running kicks. Back out the door. Overall, the run wasn't bad. I had my moments... like running through the muddy fields and yelling at the winds that were pushing me back with a terrible force. There was a x-country meet going on at the UofM, and I saw lots of runners out warming up. It was interesting actually... they all had running tights on and long sleeved shirts... and there I was, with shorts, a tank and a fuel belt. Definitely didn't fit in with the crowd. The first four miles or so were somewhat uncomfortable and I was acutely aware of a nagging soreness in my hip the entire time, but I still finished feeling decent. The last two miles were good... the rain was pouring down and I just ducked my head and ran like mad. My splits were sort of all over the place, but my route turns this way and that, and the miles that were into the wind were definitely slower. Oh, and I hit the lap button accidentally two times... so they really got messed up!
8m /
10:12
6:18 - .57
4:47 - .48
11:07
11:25
10:37
10:37
10:00
9:43 - .95
Sunday (9.30.07). It was a very rainy day, and I was tired of being cooped up inside the house, so Zack and I put on our rain jackets, baseball caps, and old shoes and went for a good old walk in the rain. We didn't go far, and we stopped a couple times to rescue earth worms from the sidewalk, clear leaves from a clogged drain, and splash in the puddles. X-training was never so much fun.
Monday (10.1.07). Rest day. I am using today to plan out the rest of my taper... oh, and my race strategy. Lots to think about. And maybe I'll watch a movie tonight? Hhhmmm... what a great way to check off another day on the countdown calendar.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
I'm a blog slacker.
Hi. It's been awhile wasn't it? Okay. I'll admit it. I am a blog slacker. I don't post every day, or even every other day. Is once a week alright? Here's a long recap of the past week and a half of running (or not running). I promise to post something more interesting and insightful later on. After lunch. :)
WORK-outs | --------------------------------------------------------
I am really behind on this thing. I'll try to be concise today. Okay, so I am not good at writing with few words. But really... I'll try.
Sunday (9.16.07). 1st day after the 20. Felt good. Really, really good. I wasn't too sore, just a little stiff in the morning. X-training for the day was... walking around for several hours at the Renaissance Fest. Does that count? Really, I must have put on at least 4 miles. And I was carrying a turkey leg. Can I count that for strength training? :)
Monday (9.17.07). Rest day. Ahh....
Tuesday (9.18.07). It was raining cats and dogs outside and lightning to beat the band. So, my AM run became a PM run, which in turn became a treadmill run because of the continued rain. 55 minutes on the 'mill in the basement. I watched "Biggest Loser" and somehow it really motivated me. I kept increasing my pace and punching the air in front of me... feeling really good. And then the landlord's daughter came downstairs to deliver a loaf of bread that they baked for us. And I felt like a dork. Ha.
Wednesday (9.19.07). After a really tough day at work, I was out of sorts and not feeling very well. I got home and changed in a hurry and headed out the door. Left the watch at home and decided to run 'till the sunset. I was scheduled for 8 miles, but I probably ran more like 4 or 5. But it was therapy. I stopped for thirty seconds out in the fields and watched the sun sinking on the horizon and I just let the stress of the day melt away. I think we all need runs like this sometimes... to help us remember why we are running. Sometimes I think to myself that the marathon is the goal, the destination, but it's the journey that matters. It's the day-by-day ordinary putting-the-miles-in that makes me feel alive and helps me let the steam out. I live by the rules of the training plan. I put in the right number of miles of the right days, but sometimes... sometimes... I think it's worth it to just run... till the sun sets.
Thursday (9.20.07). Refer to my earlier post regarding a torrential downpour/tornado/flood/lightning fest. Needless to say, I stayed in. Looking at that post, I think I was going a little crazy and probably came off like a total nutcase. Really, I was fine. It was just the end of another GREAT day at work (being sarcastic here) and I couldn't even walk out the front doors to my car because of the downpour and I really needed a good run and, well... you know the rest. Somehow I made it home through flooded streets (thank God for an SUV) and actually enjoyed a night on the couch watching Shrek (we don't have many movies in the house). I'm glad it's taper or I probably would have gone out there... or begged the landlords to let me use the treadmill again.
Friday (9.21.07). Rest. Maybe I should have run to make up for Thursday, but I didn't.
Saturday (9.22.07). 12m. 7 AM. 50˚. We were headed to an amusement park to chaperon the youth group from our church, so I was determined to get my run in early. It was chilly when I started out, and I was glad for my long sleeve shirt. I headed towards the park and planned on doing three loops around the lake before heading back. As I got into the run I felt a little sore and tight. I stretched at stoplights and stopped once to stretch more thoroughly. But I just couldn't get into a groove. By the time I got to the lake, I was struggling to stay focused. I just wasn't mentally tuned for this run. The miles felt like they were dragging by, and I was starting to hate my legs for their lack of "umph". At 4.5 miles I took a bathroom break and then started my second circle around the lake. Zack had come out to see me and was sitting in a parking lot. I told him I was struggling and he just told me to keep going... another lap around the lake. I took off and focused on the next lap. My feet were literally dragging. My time was slow, and I just wanted to scream. At about 6 miles I was coming up the path towards the parking lot where Zack was and I sort of tripped on my feet. Didn't fall, but I was annoyed and took off running towards the car. When I got there, I just sort of had a melt down. I crawled in the car, started bawling and mumbling about how I was so frustrated and I didn't want to do this anymore and blah blah blah. Zack just sat and listened and put his arm around me. He didn't tell me to get back out there, but he didn't say "Don't worry about it, let's go home." Once I calmed myself down, I determined that I should at least run home. I took a GU and proceeded to cut my lip on the package. Annoyed, I finally got out of the car and pulled myself together and took off towards home. My dear, sweet husband drove by and called out "Good job!" and headed home to get the ice bath, etc ready. I was only at 6 miles, and home was about 3 miles away. As I left the park, something started to click. My steps became lighter and my pace started to increase. I started to get more comfortable, and somehow my mind started to settle down and focus. I got to eight miles and turned right instead of going straight home. At nine, instead of turning to go the one mile to home, I took off into the fields determined that 12 was going to happen today. I felt good... a little tired; like I was working hard for something I wanted. At the end of the run, I stretched and did the ice bath routine... and thought to myself, "I am glad I did that. It was hard and painful and my mind wasn't in the game. But I pushed and I didn't give up and I didn't quit." For me, it was like a practice in determination... something that might just come in handy during that little race I have coming up. My time didn't turn out to be that terrible actually. It's funny... sometimes I FEEL slower than I am actually running.
12m/2:07:55
10:46
12:29
12:24
10:32
11:10
10:19
9:59
10:03
10:17
9:40
9:56
10:17
After the run, icebath, shower, etc. We took off for the amusement park and enjoyed a nice day of walking around (for me) and hitting every thrill ride in the park four times (for Zack). I used to be a big roller coaster junkie. I would do any ride in sight five times over and still be able to walk in straight line after twenty upside down loops on the Corkscrew. These days, however my stomach starts to do flips just LOOKING at the roller coaster. What is happening to me in my old age?
Anyways, after the run while I was at home and later at the park, I noticed a soreness in my left groin/hip area. It hadn't hurt a bit while running, but throughout the day I found myself limping around. It wasn't really painful... more sore. Somehow, I didn't panic. I didn't run home and put an emergency post in the Body Shop labeled "HELP!! INJURY TWO WEEKS FROM MARATHON!!!!". Instead, I rationalized that I have two full weeks, the hay is in the barn, if ice and ibuprofen don't work, I would still have time for a trip to the PT. That evening, Zack gave me a good leg massage and I took some ibu and went to bed early. In the morning, I was feeling much better and didn't notice much soreness in my leg throughout the day. It was there... but only slightly when I lifted my leg high (like to get into the car or the shower).
Sunday (9.23.07). Instead of x-training I decided to rest (for three days) as a precaution with the hip/groin strain thingy.
Monday (9.24.07). Rest.
Tuesday (9.25.07). Originally I had planned to rest for three days in a row, but then Tuesday rolled around I was feeling pretty good. The soreness had disappeared and I felt set to run. A rainy, cold night convinced me otherwise. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
Wednesday (9.26.07). 6m. 6:45 AM. about 48˚. I was really looking forward to this run. I just needed a good run. Taper has been... well not so great on the running and really great on the resting. I dragged myself out of bed while it was still dark out. Not an easy task, let me tell you! Pulled on shorts, tank, long sleeve top, hat and mittens. And was glad I did. It was a chilly morning and the sun was still hiding when I ventured out, so I was glad for the extra warmth. I planned to run slow, fairly even miles. I wanted to work hard, but in case anything was actually wrong with my hip/groin, I didn't want to push too hard. As I neared the fields, I got my customary good morning cock-a-doodle-doo from the rooster, something I've missed since doing less morning runs. Everything was feeling fine with my leg, and I kept a fairly even slow pace. Turning a corner, I was struck with the sight of the glowing sun rising over the field. It was beautiful and made me feel alive. At about 2 miles, I turned onto a grass path and got my feet soaked with cold dew. Nearing 3 miles I was going along a gravel road when I stepped wrong on a rock or rut or something and rolled my ankle. I do this occasionally and usually move on without missing a beat. But this time I rolled it bad. I stopped running immediately and limped along thinking. "Oh shoot! Darn it. Oh no... this is terrible. I won't be able to run the marathon!!" A few more seconds of walking/limping and the pain started to go away. Thirty seconds later, I was running again. I didn't feel anything until a slight twinge about a mile and half later, and that didn't worry me much. The run went by with little fuss. It was nice though... a good morning run. My legs weren't fresh, and I ran a slow pace, but I felt good overall. Coming off the run, however, I started to notice my hip acting up again. When I was stretching and getting in the shower, I felt it for sure. Just a pinch... a soreness when I bring my leg up. Should I start panicking yet?
6m/1:07:55
11:21
11:11
11:49
11:11
11:00
11:21
Remind me not to go more than a week without updating my blog at least one time. I really hate it when I get so behind. I have more to write... random stuff that I've been thinking about the race coming up and stuff. But that will be later. For now I'm just glad that I am all caught up. Tomorrow I will let you know if I have officially panicked or not. My leg still is feeling funny and I have zero knowledge of what would cause soreness in that area after but not while running. Any hints anyone? Okay... enough rambling. It's time for lunch. :)
WORK-outs | --------------------------------------------------------
I am really behind on this thing. I'll try to be concise today. Okay, so I am not good at writing with few words. But really... I'll try.
Sunday (9.16.07). 1st day after the 20. Felt good. Really, really good. I wasn't too sore, just a little stiff in the morning. X-training for the day was... walking around for several hours at the Renaissance Fest. Does that count? Really, I must have put on at least 4 miles. And I was carrying a turkey leg. Can I count that for strength training? :)
Monday (9.17.07). Rest day. Ahh....
Tuesday (9.18.07). It was raining cats and dogs outside and lightning to beat the band. So, my AM run became a PM run, which in turn became a treadmill run because of the continued rain. 55 minutes on the 'mill in the basement. I watched "Biggest Loser" and somehow it really motivated me. I kept increasing my pace and punching the air in front of me... feeling really good. And then the landlord's daughter came downstairs to deliver a loaf of bread that they baked for us. And I felt like a dork. Ha.
Wednesday (9.19.07). After a really tough day at work, I was out of sorts and not feeling very well. I got home and changed in a hurry and headed out the door. Left the watch at home and decided to run 'till the sunset. I was scheduled for 8 miles, but I probably ran more like 4 or 5. But it was therapy. I stopped for thirty seconds out in the fields and watched the sun sinking on the horizon and I just let the stress of the day melt away. I think we all need runs like this sometimes... to help us remember why we are running. Sometimes I think to myself that the marathon is the goal, the destination, but it's the journey that matters. It's the day-by-day ordinary putting-the-miles-in that makes me feel alive and helps me let the steam out. I live by the rules of the training plan. I put in the right number of miles of the right days, but sometimes... sometimes... I think it's worth it to just run... till the sun sets.
Thursday (9.20.07). Refer to my earlier post regarding a torrential downpour/tornado/flood/lightning fest. Needless to say, I stayed in. Looking at that post, I think I was going a little crazy and probably came off like a total nutcase. Really, I was fine. It was just the end of another GREAT day at work (being sarcastic here) and I couldn't even walk out the front doors to my car because of the downpour and I really needed a good run and, well... you know the rest. Somehow I made it home through flooded streets (thank God for an SUV) and actually enjoyed a night on the couch watching Shrek (we don't have many movies in the house). I'm glad it's taper or I probably would have gone out there... or begged the landlords to let me use the treadmill again.
Friday (9.21.07). Rest. Maybe I should have run to make up for Thursday, but I didn't.
Saturday (9.22.07). 12m. 7 AM. 50˚. We were headed to an amusement park to chaperon the youth group from our church, so I was determined to get my run in early. It was chilly when I started out, and I was glad for my long sleeve shirt. I headed towards the park and planned on doing three loops around the lake before heading back. As I got into the run I felt a little sore and tight. I stretched at stoplights and stopped once to stretch more thoroughly. But I just couldn't get into a groove. By the time I got to the lake, I was struggling to stay focused. I just wasn't mentally tuned for this run. The miles felt like they were dragging by, and I was starting to hate my legs for their lack of "umph". At 4.5 miles I took a bathroom break and then started my second circle around the lake. Zack had come out to see me and was sitting in a parking lot. I told him I was struggling and he just told me to keep going... another lap around the lake. I took off and focused on the next lap. My feet were literally dragging. My time was slow, and I just wanted to scream. At about 6 miles I was coming up the path towards the parking lot where Zack was and I sort of tripped on my feet. Didn't fall, but I was annoyed and took off running towards the car. When I got there, I just sort of had a melt down. I crawled in the car, started bawling and mumbling about how I was so frustrated and I didn't want to do this anymore and blah blah blah. Zack just sat and listened and put his arm around me. He didn't tell me to get back out there, but he didn't say "Don't worry about it, let's go home." Once I calmed myself down, I determined that I should at least run home. I took a GU and proceeded to cut my lip on the package. Annoyed, I finally got out of the car and pulled myself together and took off towards home. My dear, sweet husband drove by and called out "Good job!" and headed home to get the ice bath, etc ready. I was only at 6 miles, and home was about 3 miles away. As I left the park, something started to click. My steps became lighter and my pace started to increase. I started to get more comfortable, and somehow my mind started to settle down and focus. I got to eight miles and turned right instead of going straight home. At nine, instead of turning to go the one mile to home, I took off into the fields determined that 12 was going to happen today. I felt good... a little tired; like I was working hard for something I wanted. At the end of the run, I stretched and did the ice bath routine... and thought to myself, "I am glad I did that. It was hard and painful and my mind wasn't in the game. But I pushed and I didn't give up and I didn't quit." For me, it was like a practice in determination... something that might just come in handy during that little race I have coming up. My time didn't turn out to be that terrible actually. It's funny... sometimes I FEEL slower than I am actually running.
12m/2:07:55
10:46
12:29
12:24
10:32
11:10
10:19
9:59
10:03
10:17
9:40
9:56
10:17
After the run, icebath, shower, etc. We took off for the amusement park and enjoyed a nice day of walking around (for me) and hitting every thrill ride in the park four times (for Zack). I used to be a big roller coaster junkie. I would do any ride in sight five times over and still be able to walk in straight line after twenty upside down loops on the Corkscrew. These days, however my stomach starts to do flips just LOOKING at the roller coaster. What is happening to me in my old age?
Anyways, after the run while I was at home and later at the park, I noticed a soreness in my left groin/hip area. It hadn't hurt a bit while running, but throughout the day I found myself limping around. It wasn't really painful... more sore. Somehow, I didn't panic. I didn't run home and put an emergency post in the Body Shop labeled "HELP!! INJURY TWO WEEKS FROM MARATHON!!!!". Instead, I rationalized that I have two full weeks, the hay is in the barn, if ice and ibuprofen don't work, I would still have time for a trip to the PT. That evening, Zack gave me a good leg massage and I took some ibu and went to bed early. In the morning, I was feeling much better and didn't notice much soreness in my leg throughout the day. It was there... but only slightly when I lifted my leg high (like to get into the car or the shower).
Sunday (9.23.07). Instead of x-training I decided to rest (for three days) as a precaution with the hip/groin strain thingy.
Monday (9.24.07). Rest.
Tuesday (9.25.07). Originally I had planned to rest for three days in a row, but then Tuesday rolled around I was feeling pretty good. The soreness had disappeared and I felt set to run. A rainy, cold night convinced me otherwise. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
Wednesday (9.26.07). 6m. 6:45 AM. about 48˚. I was really looking forward to this run. I just needed a good run. Taper has been... well not so great on the running and really great on the resting. I dragged myself out of bed while it was still dark out. Not an easy task, let me tell you! Pulled on shorts, tank, long sleeve top, hat and mittens. And was glad I did. It was a chilly morning and the sun was still hiding when I ventured out, so I was glad for the extra warmth. I planned to run slow, fairly even miles. I wanted to work hard, but in case anything was actually wrong with my hip/groin, I didn't want to push too hard. As I neared the fields, I got my customary good morning cock-a-doodle-doo from the rooster, something I've missed since doing less morning runs. Everything was feeling fine with my leg, and I kept a fairly even slow pace. Turning a corner, I was struck with the sight of the glowing sun rising over the field. It was beautiful and made me feel alive. At about 2 miles, I turned onto a grass path and got my feet soaked with cold dew. Nearing 3 miles I was going along a gravel road when I stepped wrong on a rock or rut or something and rolled my ankle. I do this occasionally and usually move on without missing a beat. But this time I rolled it bad. I stopped running immediately and limped along thinking. "Oh shoot! Darn it. Oh no... this is terrible. I won't be able to run the marathon!!" A few more seconds of walking/limping and the pain started to go away. Thirty seconds later, I was running again. I didn't feel anything until a slight twinge about a mile and half later, and that didn't worry me much. The run went by with little fuss. It was nice though... a good morning run. My legs weren't fresh, and I ran a slow pace, but I felt good overall. Coming off the run, however, I started to notice my hip acting up again. When I was stretching and getting in the shower, I felt it for sure. Just a pinch... a soreness when I bring my leg up. Should I start panicking yet?
6m/1:07:55
11:21
11:11
11:49
11:11
11:00
11:21
Remind me not to go more than a week without updating my blog at least one time. I really hate it when I get so behind. I have more to write... random stuff that I've been thinking about the race coming up and stuff. But that will be later. For now I'm just glad that I am all caught up. Tomorrow I will let you know if I have officially panicked or not. My leg still is feeling funny and I have zero knowledge of what would cause soreness in that area after but not while running. Any hints anyone? Okay... enough rambling. It's time for lunch. :)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Not much to see here folks.
Not too much time to report today, so workout updates will have to be tomorrow. For now, I have to tell you guys that I just found out that a coworker of mine is running the Twin Cities 10 miler the same day that I am running the marathon. Okay this is exciting stuff here people!!!! I didn't even know that there were any other runners in my office. But the best part? I ask him what training program he's using and he says, "HAL HIGDON'S" So, basically I have a co-worker who is a V-Teamer. Yup. Cool. And a coworker who will actually appreciate a conversation about running! Life is good again.
On a different note, running this week has been... well so-so at best. On Tuesday, we had some pretty big storms, which kept me from running in the morning. I figured, no biggie, I'll run at night. Still pouring down buckets and thundering to beat the band. I did 55 minutes on our landlord's treadmill down in the dungeon... I mean basement. Yesterday was supposed to be an eight miler, but for many reasons... it didn't happen. Instead, I went out the door without my watch and took off running until the sun set. I don't know how far I went, but I know it wasn't 8 miles. Maybe 4. At any rate, it was just what I needed after a really stressful and aweful day. Tonight, I have 4 miles to do. I am trying to be excited about the fact that it's only 4. But, once again, the skies are threatening to open up and pour down torrential rains... our county is actually under a flash flood warning. How nice. I am pushing my luck with the landlord's 'mill and don't think that they are exactly pleased that I am using it at random (I asked the first time). Soooo.. Oh boy. Just hoping that the skies won't open up. I want to run tonight.
This has been a sluggish week... Is this what taper is supposed to feel like? My motivation to run these shorties has flown out the window, and all I can think of is getting to that marathon. My Tuesday run wasn't bad, but last night I felt like I was running with someone else's legs attached at the hips. It was awkward and weird. Also, my motivation to run in the mornings has disappeared... I have just been tired and dragged out this week. Feeling stressed at work too. Maybe that has something to do with it. Maybe not... who knows. Okay. I have seriously rambled on enough here. Half hour left of work. Then home and hopefully a run before the rain comes. Oh shoot. I just heard thunder.
On a different note, running this week has been... well so-so at best. On Tuesday, we had some pretty big storms, which kept me from running in the morning. I figured, no biggie, I'll run at night. Still pouring down buckets and thundering to beat the band. I did 55 minutes on our landlord's treadmill down in the dungeon... I mean basement. Yesterday was supposed to be an eight miler, but for many reasons... it didn't happen. Instead, I went out the door without my watch and took off running until the sun set. I don't know how far I went, but I know it wasn't 8 miles. Maybe 4. At any rate, it was just what I needed after a really stressful and aweful day. Tonight, I have 4 miles to do. I am trying to be excited about the fact that it's only 4. But, once again, the skies are threatening to open up and pour down torrential rains... our county is actually under a flash flood warning. How nice. I am pushing my luck with the landlord's 'mill and don't think that they are exactly pleased that I am using it at random (I asked the first time). Soooo.. Oh boy. Just hoping that the skies won't open up. I want to run tonight.
This has been a sluggish week... Is this what taper is supposed to feel like? My motivation to run these shorties has flown out the window, and all I can think of is getting to that marathon. My Tuesday run wasn't bad, but last night I felt like I was running with someone else's legs attached at the hips. It was awkward and weird. Also, my motivation to run in the mornings has disappeared... I have just been tired and dragged out this week. Feeling stressed at work too. Maybe that has something to do with it. Maybe not... who knows. Okay. I have seriously rambled on enough here. Half hour left of work. Then home and hopefully a run before the rain comes. Oh shoot. I just heard thunder.
Monday, September 17, 2007
cookie cutters.
I really don't like cookie cutters. Really. Don't. Like. I'm not talking about the little plastic or metal shapey things that produce perfectly formed identical Christmas cookies. Although, come to think of it, I don't like them either... who wants a perfectly shaped cookie?
No, what I'm talking about is a cookie cutter lifestyle. That's what I hate.
I really have disdain for cookie cutter houses that all look the same. I once lived in a lovely townhome... It had a nice patio and skylights and a big window in the front. It was charming... but completely unoriginal. In fact, my neighbors to the right and left had the very same townhome with the same patio and the same skylight and the same big window. And come to think of it, so did the neighbors behind and in front and all around for several blocks. Yuck. Why? Why did some contractor come in and decide that he should put up 100 identical townhomes? Because it was easier? More convenient?
I don't like easy and I don't like convenient. And I don't like unoriginal.
I like old things that have a story. They are usually marred in some way, but they are unique. I like my house. It's old and creaky, but it has character and I don't know one other person who lives in a house just like mine. I don't know anyone else with the neat cracked stained glass window or the big wood sliding door. Someone, sometime built that house and made it unique. They didn't put up a hundred more like it in the surrounding blocks. I like that.
Maybe I've always had this bent... As a kid, if everyone had a red toy, I probably would have wanted a blue one. I got irked when friends copied anything that I did, and wondered why they couldn't come up with something that was original. I have never been a follower. I was the one that was followed... and for some reason I spent more time trying to figure out why than I did accepting the fact.
Cookie cutter goes beyond houses and clothes and cars though. It's the people that are cookie cutter on the inside that really make me wonder. It's like no one ever told them that they could have a personality. Somehow, they missed something along the way, and they ended up just like everybody else. A cookie cutter person with a cookie cutter view of reality. They never challenge things and they never push themselves. They take the easiest job they can find and then they settle back and watch life go by. They are inevitably depending on someone else for support, either monetary or emotional. Whether it's the government, their parents, spouse, or friends... they will always be needy.
Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think that any man is an island and that we should all be independent of one another... Obviously not. It's just, I wonder, why are there people out there who simply can't seem to find themselves. They get lost in this cookie cutter world we live in, and they aren't strong enough or individual enough or smart enough to see beyond it.
I don't like cookie cutters. I like things that are made by hand... rough, authentic, imperfect, deep, real, unique, original... works of art. Worthy of looking at. Worthy of discussing. I want a life like that. I want to be a person like that... and I want the details of my life to mirror that. I don't ever want to strive for the cookie cutter perfection that this world tells us all we need, because really, what is the point? Cookie cutters are boring, unoriginal, dull, disinteresting, shallow, fake... replications of something real.
No, what I'm talking about is a cookie cutter lifestyle. That's what I hate.
I really have disdain for cookie cutter houses that all look the same. I once lived in a lovely townhome... It had a nice patio and skylights and a big window in the front. It was charming... but completely unoriginal. In fact, my neighbors to the right and left had the very same townhome with the same patio and the same skylight and the same big window. And come to think of it, so did the neighbors behind and in front and all around for several blocks. Yuck. Why? Why did some contractor come in and decide that he should put up 100 identical townhomes? Because it was easier? More convenient?
I don't like easy and I don't like convenient. And I don't like unoriginal.
I like old things that have a story. They are usually marred in some way, but they are unique. I like my house. It's old and creaky, but it has character and I don't know one other person who lives in a house just like mine. I don't know anyone else with the neat cracked stained glass window or the big wood sliding door. Someone, sometime built that house and made it unique. They didn't put up a hundred more like it in the surrounding blocks. I like that.
Maybe I've always had this bent... As a kid, if everyone had a red toy, I probably would have wanted a blue one. I got irked when friends copied anything that I did, and wondered why they couldn't come up with something that was original. I have never been a follower. I was the one that was followed... and for some reason I spent more time trying to figure out why than I did accepting the fact.
Cookie cutter goes beyond houses and clothes and cars though. It's the people that are cookie cutter on the inside that really make me wonder. It's like no one ever told them that they could have a personality. Somehow, they missed something along the way, and they ended up just like everybody else. A cookie cutter person with a cookie cutter view of reality. They never challenge things and they never push themselves. They take the easiest job they can find and then they settle back and watch life go by. They are inevitably depending on someone else for support, either monetary or emotional. Whether it's the government, their parents, spouse, or friends... they will always be needy.
Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think that any man is an island and that we should all be independent of one another... Obviously not. It's just, I wonder, why are there people out there who simply can't seem to find themselves. They get lost in this cookie cutter world we live in, and they aren't strong enough or individual enough or smart enough to see beyond it.
I don't like cookie cutters. I like things that are made by hand... rough, authentic, imperfect, deep, real, unique, original... works of art. Worthy of looking at. Worthy of discussing. I want a life like that. I want to be a person like that... and I want the details of my life to mirror that. I don't ever want to strive for the cookie cutter perfection that this world tells us all we need, because really, what is the point? Cookie cutters are boring, unoriginal, dull, disinteresting, shallow, fake... replications of something real.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Twenty Miles. Done.
Well the twenty is in the bag. It went really well.... much faster than I expected. Somehow I got into a groove and held it. Mantra of the day was, "Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast." It worked. I stayed "slow" in the beginning and found "smooth". Then came "fast".
Oh, and the race course was awesome. Really, really nice.
WORK-outs | -------------------------------------------------
It seems weird to be reporting on just one run, since I am usually writing about 4 or more. This one run, however, is the highlight of my running career thus far, and I figure that it deserves a killer report. We're talking novel peace prize type stuff. Okay.... this is attempt number two (after my computer died...and I had been typing for an hour already) at this report. Here goes.
Pre-Run: My goal was to treat this run as a dress rehearsal. I went through a routine that I anticipate repeating in nearly three weeks. I ate for dinner what I plan to eat the night before the race; I checked and rechecked my shoes and clothes; I packed a back with back-up gear that Zack would have in the car; I laid out gels; I filled water bottles; I studied the map; and I went to bed early with my alarm set so that I could start running at the exact time of the race start. As I was preparing, I found myself confident and calm, knowing that I had covered nearly this distance in my 19 mile run two weeks ago. However, there was a certain amount of anticipation that came with the preparation and the details.
Saturday (9.15.07). 8 AM. 33 degrees / 86% humidity @ start. 55 degrees / 40% humidity @ finish. = Chilly when I started. Perfect after I warmed up. Hopefully a mirror of what race day will be in three weeks.
Zack drove me to the 6 mile mark on the marathon course. This put me at the bottom of Lake Calhoun. I took off loaded with gels, two bottles of water, a cell phone, and the course map. Lake Calhoun is a runner's paradise. The place was loaded with runners of all shapes and sizes, speeds and ages. It was jammed with people, and somehow I imagined that it was something like what running on the lakefront path in Chicago would be like. In addition to a race going on, a local running club was putting on a supported training run. Somehow running amidst the masses was distracting to me... I spent the first two miles dodging runners going in all different directions and working to find "my space" and settle into a groove. I skirted Calhoun and then came up William Berry Parkway to Lake Harriet. There I stopped to stretch for a couple minutes before picking it up again. And then I started to take it all in.
Twin Cities Marathon advertises its course as "the most beautiful urban marathon in America". Uh huh. Marketing. Whatever. I have lived in the cities for over 5 years, and I have done my fair share of running here. And yet, putting it all together... running from the shores of the Chain of Lakes, along the parkways and the river, up Summit avenue and into Saint Paul, I started to see where they were coming from. The course easily cruises along sparkling waters, tucks into cozy neighborhoods, through tree lined boulevards, along the majestic Mississippi before finally cresting over a hill to a fantastic finish at the State Capitol. As I ran along the shore of the sail-boat-sprinkled Lake Harriet, I started to gain focus, and my running mantra of the day began to form... "Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast." (the movie Shooter, anyone?) I began to warm up slowly... and then I found "smooth." From "smooth", "fast" began to creep in as I got more and more comfortable.
At 5 miles, I took my first gel. I had checked the race map for the location of aid stations and planned to take my gels at the mileages where I would have access to water to wash 'em down. I figured my first should be at 5 instead of 7. So I washed down a Vanilla Bean GU. Not bad... it went down smooth and sat really well in my stomach. I hit a few traffic lights as I came up Minnehaha Parkway, which gave me a chance to check the map. At 6 miles, I turned on Cedar avenue and crossed Lake Nokomis. Maybe I was just finding my sweet spot in the run, but Nokomis was my favorite lake to run around. The trail was easy and fast. At 7.25 miles, I ducked into a porta potty for a code brown and a quick pee break. I am still trying to figure out how to avoid this in the race. I haven't had to stop before in races... and I am blaming the fact that I ate/drank about 45 minutes before the run instead of a couple hours.
After Nokomis, it was back on Minnehaha parkway, and I found myself cruising along comfortably. I took my second gel on the run at 9 miles, and like the last, it went down really well. At 10 miles, I saw Zack and switched water bottles before starting the stretch north along the Mississippi. I had run this portion of the route before during my 10k last April, so I was on familiar ground. Each mile, I found myself surprised at the pace I was holding, and yet as I repeated to myself, "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast", it became evident that it was true. Staying slow and comfortable made me smooth... and somehow I ran fast... faster than what I normally run during my LSD runs. At 13 miles, I took my next gel, this time a chocolate, and I started to wonder if I could hold the pace for 7 miles more. Yet, as I crossed the river and headed south again, my pace stayed pretty even. Cruising along the river, I came across some stunning views, and I could imagine that with fall colors in peak during the marathon, this would be a really nice distraction in the 20-22 mile section.
I hit 15 miles at the 21 mile mark on the course. Somehow I had added a mile somewhere along Minnehaha Parkway... I guess I was following the running path and not running along the road. Anyways, this is where "the hill" started. The 10k course that I ran in April crossed the river at Lake Street, which is precisely where the marathon path intersects with it again and also where the hill begins. All of this to say that I have run this hill before... and my clearest memory of doing so is running along behind two guys, one of whom said to the other as we trucked up that hill... "This is where we shine." Yup... I agreed. This is where I started to shine... But really, I was surprised at the hype of this hill... because it wasn't much. I completely understand that I'll be tired and thus this small hill will be multiplied. Okay... enough rambling about the hill. I soon was on Summit and at 16 miles. 4 to go... a walk in the park... nothing more. The "climb" continued up Summit, but one could hardly call it a hill... as it was just a small incline.
Now, give me a moment here to reflect... as I started cruising up Summit, I looked around and found myself in familiar territory. Before I knew it, I was retracing the steps of my first ever 5k that I had run just about 7 months ago. Wow. This was a walk down memory lane. Somehow, the race was clear in my head as I ran up that road. I remembered going through each bit of advice that I had received from you guys, including Farnk's detailed instructions on how to pin my race bib on. All I could think is... (set to music) "take a look at me now". Ha... Really though.. it was a good reminder of how far I'd come, and I was glad that I'd run that part of the course before, because, again, it dispelled any myths that there was some monster hill looming along Summit avenue.
At 17 miles, I was scheduled for another GU, but honestly, my stomach wasn't ready for it. So, instead I tried something new that I'd picked up the other day. Sharkies. Basically like fruit snacks, but with all the good extra stuff that a tired runner needs. I found these both a nice distraction and a welcome break from the GU. At 18 miles, I found myself losing steam. Two miles seemed like a long ways to go. So I focused on running another quarter mile and then another. And soon I was at 19. Only one more to go... keeping it strong... staying steady. "Ain't nothing". "Anyone can run a mile." "Slow is smooth. Smooth is Fast" 19.47. Keep going. 19.75. Quarter mile to go and I'm feeling good. Zack drives by and I wave him ahead... and wait for the beep. 20 miles. In the bag. I slow to a walk... and find myself disappointed that it's over and I didn't get to run to the finish (due to the added mile in the beginning). Oh well, I'll save that treat for the race I guess.
Once I got to the car, Zack handed off the Powerade and I started my stretching routine. A few pictures, more stretching, and then we hopped in the car and headed out. Around the bend was the stunning view that I was waiting for... now I really can't wait to RUN around that corner... in three weeks.
A few thoughts.. (as if I haven't written enough)
The course: Simply put: I believe Twin Cities' tagline. It is a beautiful marathon course. The terrain is mostly flat, with a few rolling hills. The hill at mile 20 is definitely not ideally placed, but I am not worried about it at all. If I am totally beat at that point, I'll walk for a couple minutes, recover, and plow ahead. The finish is outstanding, and I am really glad that I ran the course and am now familiar with it enough to know landmarks and have something to help keep me motivated (run to point x, then around the corner and over the bridge... etc). Somehow, I think knowing the course will help me.
A few stops: Before I put down my times, I have to say, I had a few "off the clock" stops. With the exception of one or maybe two, I figure that each one of these is a stop that would not happen in the race. 1) Stretching stop... obviously, I will take the time to warm up and stretch. With this run, I basically took off cold, figuring that I would use the first couple miles to warm up. 2) Traffic stops. I guess that I should have anticipated the fact that there are allot of stoplights that one will meet when doing a run through the city from Minneapolis to St. Paul. Yeah... I had to stop a few times to wait for cars. I usually swigged some water... ran in place, or checked the map. 3) Phone call/map checks. I had to stop twice to figure out where to go and Zack and I touched base once or twice to figure out meeting locations for water bottle drops. 4) GU/water/sharkie stop... I took most of my GUs on the run, however I did have to stop for a total of like 45 seconds once or twice when I had some problems finding/getting to my GU and opening the sharkies. 5) Bathroom break... this is the only one, that if need be, might just happen during the race and on the clock. It might have taken me 2 minutes +/-. Probably less... there was no line and it was a quick in and out.. but still. I really want to avoid this come race day.
My time: Okay... here it is. I started out slow and used the first several miles to warm up. And then I found a groove and I held it to the end. Now, I know that I ran this "fast". Was it too fast? I don't know. This is faster than what I've been training at. And it's faster that what I was intending to run at. .. but hey... once I got into smooth... then came fast. :)
20m / 3:18:43 (As in, two minutes faster than it took me to run 18.89m last time around)
10:23
10:51
10:42
10:42
10:27
10:02
9:41
9:29
9:42
9:38
9:37
9:35
9:44
9:47
9:37
9:47
9:57
9:35
9:39
9:42
What that means for the race, I don't know. I have been going through this run in my head over and over and over again. Trying to figure out what I could do better and where... analyzing if the stops at traffic lights gave me a boost to run faster?? Wondering how the course with feel if I had run the first six miles of it... how would the hill feel to me at 20 miles instead of 15? If the times are right... will I be running a 4:20 marathon? Is that jumping ahead of myself? Yes, I think it is... After thinking through everything once, twice... and over again. I figure the best I could do is 4:20. And the worst is somewhere around 5 hours. I will be content with a finish somewhere in that range. Realistically I am probably looking at a 4:30 - 4:40 finish. But really... I just don't know. I was tired at the end of twenty and happy to be done. Should I have felt fresh? Like I could go another six miles? Because I am not sure that I felt that way.
But enough analyzing. I do know that I had a good twenty. One that I am proud of. I ran it well and I ran it faster than what I had anticipated. I didn't bonk at all, and while I felt tired at the end, my pace stayed steady. I didn't have any major bumps in the road, and I find myself already anxious to go out there and do it again. Why, oh why, is the race still three weeks away?? Okay. I guess it's time to taper. I think the madness is already setting in.
And for those of you who made it through... congratulations... reading this report takes nearly as much endurance as running that 20. ;) Can you imagine what my race report will be like in three weeks??
Oh, and the race course was awesome. Really, really nice.
WORK-outs | -------------------------------------------------
It seems weird to be reporting on just one run, since I am usually writing about 4 or more. This one run, however, is the highlight of my running career thus far, and I figure that it deserves a killer report. We're talking novel peace prize type stuff. Okay.... this is attempt number two (after my computer died...and I had been typing for an hour already) at this report. Here goes.
Pre-Run: My goal was to treat this run as a dress rehearsal. I went through a routine that I anticipate repeating in nearly three weeks. I ate for dinner what I plan to eat the night before the race; I checked and rechecked my shoes and clothes; I packed a back with back-up gear that Zack would have in the car; I laid out gels; I filled water bottles; I studied the map; and I went to bed early with my alarm set so that I could start running at the exact time of the race start. As I was preparing, I found myself confident and calm, knowing that I had covered nearly this distance in my 19 mile run two weeks ago. However, there was a certain amount of anticipation that came with the preparation and the details.
Saturday (9.15.07). 8 AM. 33 degrees / 86% humidity @ start. 55 degrees / 40% humidity @ finish. = Chilly when I started. Perfect after I warmed up. Hopefully a mirror of what race day will be in three weeks.
Zack drove me to the 6 mile mark on the marathon course. This put me at the bottom of Lake Calhoun. I took off loaded with gels, two bottles of water, a cell phone, and the course map. Lake Calhoun is a runner's paradise. The place was loaded with runners of all shapes and sizes, speeds and ages. It was jammed with people, and somehow I imagined that it was something like what running on the lakefront path in Chicago would be like. In addition to a race going on, a local running club was putting on a supported training run. Somehow running amidst the masses was distracting to me... I spent the first two miles dodging runners going in all different directions and working to find "my space" and settle into a groove. I skirted Calhoun and then came up William Berry Parkway to Lake Harriet. There I stopped to stretch for a couple minutes before picking it up again. And then I started to take it all in.
Twin Cities Marathon advertises its course as "the most beautiful urban marathon in America". Uh huh. Marketing. Whatever. I have lived in the cities for over 5 years, and I have done my fair share of running here. And yet, putting it all together... running from the shores of the Chain of Lakes, along the parkways and the river, up Summit avenue and into Saint Paul, I started to see where they were coming from. The course easily cruises along sparkling waters, tucks into cozy neighborhoods, through tree lined boulevards, along the majestic Mississippi before finally cresting over a hill to a fantastic finish at the State Capitol. As I ran along the shore of the sail-boat-sprinkled Lake Harriet, I started to gain focus, and my running mantra of the day began to form... "Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast." (the movie Shooter, anyone?) I began to warm up slowly... and then I found "smooth." From "smooth", "fast" began to creep in as I got more and more comfortable.
At 5 miles, I took my first gel. I had checked the race map for the location of aid stations and planned to take my gels at the mileages where I would have access to water to wash 'em down. I figured my first should be at 5 instead of 7. So I washed down a Vanilla Bean GU. Not bad... it went down smooth and sat really well in my stomach. I hit a few traffic lights as I came up Minnehaha Parkway, which gave me a chance to check the map. At 6 miles, I turned on Cedar avenue and crossed Lake Nokomis. Maybe I was just finding my sweet spot in the run, but Nokomis was my favorite lake to run around. The trail was easy and fast. At 7.25 miles, I ducked into a porta potty for a code brown and a quick pee break. I am still trying to figure out how to avoid this in the race. I haven't had to stop before in races... and I am blaming the fact that I ate/drank about 45 minutes before the run instead of a couple hours.
After Nokomis, it was back on Minnehaha parkway, and I found myself cruising along comfortably. I took my second gel on the run at 9 miles, and like the last, it went down really well. At 10 miles, I saw Zack and switched water bottles before starting the stretch north along the Mississippi. I had run this portion of the route before during my 10k last April, so I was on familiar ground. Each mile, I found myself surprised at the pace I was holding, and yet as I repeated to myself, "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast", it became evident that it was true. Staying slow and comfortable made me smooth... and somehow I ran fast... faster than what I normally run during my LSD runs. At 13 miles, I took my next gel, this time a chocolate, and I started to wonder if I could hold the pace for 7 miles more. Yet, as I crossed the river and headed south again, my pace stayed pretty even. Cruising along the river, I came across some stunning views, and I could imagine that with fall colors in peak during the marathon, this would be a really nice distraction in the 20-22 mile section.
I hit 15 miles at the 21 mile mark on the course. Somehow I had added a mile somewhere along Minnehaha Parkway... I guess I was following the running path and not running along the road. Anyways, this is where "the hill" started. The 10k course that I ran in April crossed the river at Lake Street, which is precisely where the marathon path intersects with it again and also where the hill begins. All of this to say that I have run this hill before... and my clearest memory of doing so is running along behind two guys, one of whom said to the other as we trucked up that hill... "This is where we shine." Yup... I agreed. This is where I started to shine... But really, I was surprised at the hype of this hill... because it wasn't much. I completely understand that I'll be tired and thus this small hill will be multiplied. Okay... enough rambling about the hill. I soon was on Summit and at 16 miles. 4 to go... a walk in the park... nothing more. The "climb" continued up Summit, but one could hardly call it a hill... as it was just a small incline.
Now, give me a moment here to reflect... as I started cruising up Summit, I looked around and found myself in familiar territory. Before I knew it, I was retracing the steps of my first ever 5k that I had run just about 7 months ago. Wow. This was a walk down memory lane. Somehow, the race was clear in my head as I ran up that road. I remembered going through each bit of advice that I had received from you guys, including Farnk's detailed instructions on how to pin my race bib on. All I could think is... (set to music) "take a look at me now". Ha... Really though.. it was a good reminder of how far I'd come, and I was glad that I'd run that part of the course before, because, again, it dispelled any myths that there was some monster hill looming along Summit avenue.
At 17 miles, I was scheduled for another GU, but honestly, my stomach wasn't ready for it. So, instead I tried something new that I'd picked up the other day. Sharkies. Basically like fruit snacks, but with all the good extra stuff that a tired runner needs. I found these both a nice distraction and a welcome break from the GU. At 18 miles, I found myself losing steam. Two miles seemed like a long ways to go. So I focused on running another quarter mile and then another. And soon I was at 19. Only one more to go... keeping it strong... staying steady. "Ain't nothing". "Anyone can run a mile." "Slow is smooth. Smooth is Fast" 19.47. Keep going. 19.75. Quarter mile to go and I'm feeling good. Zack drives by and I wave him ahead... and wait for the beep. 20 miles. In the bag. I slow to a walk... and find myself disappointed that it's over and I didn't get to run to the finish (due to the added mile in the beginning). Oh well, I'll save that treat for the race I guess.
Once I got to the car, Zack handed off the Powerade and I started my stretching routine. A few pictures, more stretching, and then we hopped in the car and headed out. Around the bend was the stunning view that I was waiting for... now I really can't wait to RUN around that corner... in three weeks.
A few thoughts.. (as if I haven't written enough)
The course: Simply put: I believe Twin Cities' tagline. It is a beautiful marathon course. The terrain is mostly flat, with a few rolling hills. The hill at mile 20 is definitely not ideally placed, but I am not worried about it at all. If I am totally beat at that point, I'll walk for a couple minutes, recover, and plow ahead. The finish is outstanding, and I am really glad that I ran the course and am now familiar with it enough to know landmarks and have something to help keep me motivated (run to point x, then around the corner and over the bridge... etc). Somehow, I think knowing the course will help me.
A few stops: Before I put down my times, I have to say, I had a few "off the clock" stops. With the exception of one or maybe two, I figure that each one of these is a stop that would not happen in the race. 1) Stretching stop... obviously, I will take the time to warm up and stretch. With this run, I basically took off cold, figuring that I would use the first couple miles to warm up. 2) Traffic stops. I guess that I should have anticipated the fact that there are allot of stoplights that one will meet when doing a run through the city from Minneapolis to St. Paul. Yeah... I had to stop a few times to wait for cars. I usually swigged some water... ran in place, or checked the map. 3) Phone call/map checks. I had to stop twice to figure out where to go and Zack and I touched base once or twice to figure out meeting locations for water bottle drops. 4) GU/water/sharkie stop... I took most of my GUs on the run, however I did have to stop for a total of like 45 seconds once or twice when I had some problems finding/getting to my GU and opening the sharkies. 5) Bathroom break... this is the only one, that if need be, might just happen during the race and on the clock. It might have taken me 2 minutes +/-. Probably less... there was no line and it was a quick in and out.. but still. I really want to avoid this come race day.
My time: Okay... here it is. I started out slow and used the first several miles to warm up. And then I found a groove and I held it to the end. Now, I know that I ran this "fast". Was it too fast? I don't know. This is faster than what I've been training at. And it's faster that what I was intending to run at. .. but hey... once I got into smooth... then came fast. :)
20m / 3:18:43 (As in, two minutes faster than it took me to run 18.89m last time around)
10:23
10:51
10:42
10:42
10:27
10:02
9:41
9:29
9:42
9:38
9:37
9:35
9:44
9:47
9:37
9:47
9:57
9:35
9:39
9:42
What that means for the race, I don't know. I have been going through this run in my head over and over and over again. Trying to figure out what I could do better and where... analyzing if the stops at traffic lights gave me a boost to run faster?? Wondering how the course with feel if I had run the first six miles of it... how would the hill feel to me at 20 miles instead of 15? If the times are right... will I be running a 4:20 marathon? Is that jumping ahead of myself? Yes, I think it is... After thinking through everything once, twice... and over again. I figure the best I could do is 4:20. And the worst is somewhere around 5 hours. I will be content with a finish somewhere in that range. Realistically I am probably looking at a 4:30 - 4:40 finish. But really... I just don't know. I was tired at the end of twenty and happy to be done. Should I have felt fresh? Like I could go another six miles? Because I am not sure that I felt that way.
But enough analyzing. I do know that I had a good twenty. One that I am proud of. I ran it well and I ran it faster than what I had anticipated. I didn't bonk at all, and while I felt tired at the end, my pace stayed steady. I didn't have any major bumps in the road, and I find myself already anxious to go out there and do it again. Why, oh why, is the race still three weeks away?? Okay. I guess it's time to taper. I think the madness is already setting in.
And for those of you who made it through... congratulations... reading this report takes nearly as much endurance as running that 20. ;) Can you imagine what my race report will be like in three weeks??
Bringing you up to speed.
Here are a few old posts from my running blog... just to catch you up. Coming soon... the report on yesterday's twenty.
WORK-outs | ------------------------------------------
In an effort to conserve space and time... I think I will only post splits for one or two runs this week and overall time for the others. I hate when I get this behind on my blog. I guess I need to face the fact that I do one update a week. Such a blog slacker.
Friday (9.7.07). Rest day... Drove up north.
Saturday (9.8.07). 14 mile run. 45°/81% humidity = damp and cold. 6:45 AM. Ran with my dad (on his bike) around Shagawa Lake... favorite route to run set against a backdrop of rugged rock ridges, thick woods, rushing creeks, and a perfect sparkling lake. During my run I saw two loons, one blue heron and two deer. My dad dropped me off at one end of the road that goes around the lake and I took off into the chilly morning air.
My legs were sore and tight... I ran and stretched on and off for two miles before my dad caught me on his bike (after getting himself a cup of coffee ) I was actually in allot of pain at this point and my legs felt "locked"... they would simply not loosen up or relax. I kept thinking that if I run another half mile, they'd relax and I could run comfortably. I kept running... stretched... I'd walk for twenty feet and run more. After three miles, my legs were still hurting me bad. And then the hills started. I am really comfortable with these hills and I love running them... usually I am warmed up and ready to rock. But this time, each hill hurt and my legs just felt dead.
My dad (who is the one who is always pushing me ... "run a little farther", "come on, tackle this hill", "why are you slowing down? come on!") was asking me if he should go get the car. There was a battle going on in my head as I wondered if I should cut the run short... part of me said that I was going into my peak week of training and I needed to start with fresh legs. I reminded myself that no one run will make or break a marathon.. it's the buildup of miles over time. I recalled all the runs I'd done, and couldn't remember my last skipped run. And yet... another side was telling me this I had to finish this run... I could not... would not quit. So I kept running. By 4 miles, my legs still felt sore and tight, and when my dad asked if he should go get the car... I said "Go get it and I'll run until you get here." I figured if I could make it to 6 miles, I'd take that and be okay with it. So he left and I kept running.
5 miles came and went and I kept running. And then 6 miles came and went and I kept running. Nearing 7 miles, something clicked.
Somewhere inside of me, I started to believe I could. I started. To BELIEVE. I COULD.
My legs relaxed, my pace picked up a notch, and soon I was running comfortably. My dad caught up to me at 7.3 miles and couldn't believe I'd gone that far. I told him to meet me at 8 and I would see how I was doing. He went up ahead and parked at 8 and biked back. And I kept running. At 8, I told him to meet me at 10. And I kept on going... getting more and more into my groove. At 10, he told me, "I'll see you in town." And took off. Miles 10 - 13 are run along the highway and can be really boring and monotonous. But somehow, they weren't. They clicked by as I repeated a few mantras to myself over and over (more on this in a second). My dad caught up to me on his bike at about mile 12 and rode into town with me. As we crested the hill onto the main street, he mentioned that he had parked the car at the other end of the town... great... that meant running up the very busy and very hilly main thoroughfare. The "do you want me to get the car for you?" dad was gone... this time it was... "come on... run up this hill! all the way to the other end of town! pick it up!". Ha. He does know when to push me and when not to. So I ran up that hill and down the main street and I finished stronger and faster and confident that I had absolutely NAILED this run.
Granted, I struggled really bad for 6+ miles... but I kept on pushing and I dug deep and I finally found my comfort zone and clicked into it. And then I just ran... In the car on the way back home, I was talking to my dad about what made me keep running, and I told him it was 5 things.
1) Prayer... I just kept saying "God give my strength. Give me endurance. Make me stronger."
2) At some point, "I started to believe I could." And I did.
3) I told myself over and over again that I am "mentally strong, and physically able". My mind is tough, my body is capable. No reason not to be able to complete this run.
4) Each half mile... each mile... I told myself "It ain't nothin'". And it wasn't...
5) I recounted to myself the original "Quitting is not an option" story... remembering that race, when my dad came into the checkpoint with 6 sore, tired dogs and 60 miles left in the race. And I asked him what he was going to do. And he said "I don't know." And I looked at him and said, "Well, quitting is not an option." He finished that race. And I finished my run.
—14m/2:37:44 (very slow, I know).
Sunday (9.9.07). Went hiking for about an hour up to a big bluff overlooking miles and miles of woods and lakes. It was therapy.
Monday (9.10.07). Rest day.
Tuesday (9.11.07). 5m. 7AM. 54°/65% humidity = perfect running temps. Normal mid-week run. I was slow though... still feeling a bit sluggish after my weekend run. Also, they corn has been cut in the fields... I felt like I was running through a much different landscape. There was a distinct "fall is here" realization that hit me. The canadian geese were feeding in the fields and put up quite a squawk when I can running through. Another thing that happened on this run... There was a woman running with two loose dogs. She was about a quarter mile away when one of the dogs came charging at me. As it neared it started growling and barking, and I noticed that it was a pit-bull. Oh great. I kept running and talking to it and it just kept on barking at me and running around my legs. Stupid dog. I am not afraid of dogs at all... but when a pit bull is loose and growling at you, it's a little nerve racking.
—5m/1:03:31
Wednesday (9.12.07). 10m. 7 AM. 42°/80% humidity = another chilly morning... perfect after I warmed up. This is my last long mid-week run, and I decided to go into work an hour later so that I could start at 7 and have time to run without feeling rushed. It was a really nice morning, if not a bit on the chilly side (was it really last week that I was complaining of 90° temps?). My legs felt okay. They were a touch on the sore side, and it definitely took way too long for them to warm up, but I was confident that they would. After about 5 miles, I was in the groove and making my way around the lake at our local park. I definitely ran a negative split on this run... and finished feeling good.
—10m/1:51:29
Thursday (9.13.07). On Wednesday night I went and bought my race shoes. They are really, really nice... same shoes I am running in now (Nike Air Equalon), but first of all they are not covered in dirt and secondly, they are in a new color! Yup... very nice. White and blue and black. So, I was pretty excited to run in these babies. I didn't want to run in the AM, because I knew that it was going to be a really nice night out. In the middle of the day, I started to feel really iffy... just dizzy and nauseous and headachey. I went home at 3 and slept until almost 6. Then I forced myself to put on my running gear and get out that door.
5m. 58°/49% humidity = perfect... sunny and cool and crisp. I started out this run and just said, "I need a good run today." Within half mile, I knew it was going to be one of those runs. My legs felt great, and my feet felt like they had wings. Must have been the new shoes. It was a perfect night and a near perfect run. After 3 miles, I kicked up the pace, feeling strong and smooth. After 4, I clicked into a gear that I didn't know I even had. Finally. After two weeks of crappy running. This was the boost of confidence I needed going into my 20 this weekend.
—5m/48:45
10:30
10:11
10:11
9:22
8:28 <----Yeah... that's right!
Friday (9.14.07). Rest day! I am planning on going through my routine tonight, including eating exactly what I'll be eating before race day. Then I'll lay out my clothes, double check the route, and go to bed early so that I can hit the road ready for TWENTY MILES in the morning!
WORK-outs | ------------------------------------------
In an effort to conserve space and time... I think I will only post splits for one or two runs this week and overall time for the others. I hate when I get this behind on my blog. I guess I need to face the fact that I do one update a week. Such a blog slacker.
Friday (9.7.07). Rest day... Drove up north.
Saturday (9.8.07). 14 mile run. 45°/81% humidity = damp and cold. 6:45 AM. Ran with my dad (on his bike) around Shagawa Lake... favorite route to run set against a backdrop of rugged rock ridges, thick woods, rushing creeks, and a perfect sparkling lake. During my run I saw two loons, one blue heron and two deer. My dad dropped me off at one end of the road that goes around the lake and I took off into the chilly morning air.
My legs were sore and tight... I ran and stretched on and off for two miles before my dad caught me on his bike (after getting himself a cup of coffee ) I was actually in allot of pain at this point and my legs felt "locked"... they would simply not loosen up or relax. I kept thinking that if I run another half mile, they'd relax and I could run comfortably. I kept running... stretched... I'd walk for twenty feet and run more. After three miles, my legs were still hurting me bad. And then the hills started. I am really comfortable with these hills and I love running them... usually I am warmed up and ready to rock. But this time, each hill hurt and my legs just felt dead.
My dad (who is the one who is always pushing me ... "run a little farther", "come on, tackle this hill", "why are you slowing down? come on!") was asking me if he should go get the car. There was a battle going on in my head as I wondered if I should cut the run short... part of me said that I was going into my peak week of training and I needed to start with fresh legs. I reminded myself that no one run will make or break a marathon.. it's the buildup of miles over time. I recalled all the runs I'd done, and couldn't remember my last skipped run. And yet... another side was telling me this I had to finish this run... I could not... would not quit. So I kept running. By 4 miles, my legs still felt sore and tight, and when my dad asked if he should go get the car... I said "Go get it and I'll run until you get here." I figured if I could make it to 6 miles, I'd take that and be okay with it. So he left and I kept running.
5 miles came and went and I kept running. And then 6 miles came and went and I kept running. Nearing 7 miles, something clicked.
Somewhere inside of me, I started to believe I could. I started. To BELIEVE. I COULD.
My legs relaxed, my pace picked up a notch, and soon I was running comfortably. My dad caught up to me at 7.3 miles and couldn't believe I'd gone that far. I told him to meet me at 8 and I would see how I was doing. He went up ahead and parked at 8 and biked back. And I kept running. At 8, I told him to meet me at 10. And I kept on going... getting more and more into my groove. At 10, he told me, "I'll see you in town." And took off. Miles 10 - 13 are run along the highway and can be really boring and monotonous. But somehow, they weren't. They clicked by as I repeated a few mantras to myself over and over (more on this in a second). My dad caught up to me on his bike at about mile 12 and rode into town with me. As we crested the hill onto the main street, he mentioned that he had parked the car at the other end of the town... great... that meant running up the very busy and very hilly main thoroughfare. The "do you want me to get the car for you?" dad was gone... this time it was... "come on... run up this hill! all the way to the other end of town! pick it up!". Ha. He does know when to push me and when not to. So I ran up that hill and down the main street and I finished stronger and faster and confident that I had absolutely NAILED this run.
Granted, I struggled really bad for 6+ miles... but I kept on pushing and I dug deep and I finally found my comfort zone and clicked into it. And then I just ran... In the car on the way back home, I was talking to my dad about what made me keep running, and I told him it was 5 things.
1) Prayer... I just kept saying "God give my strength. Give me endurance. Make me stronger."
2) At some point, "I started to believe I could." And I did.
3) I told myself over and over again that I am "mentally strong, and physically able". My mind is tough, my body is capable. No reason not to be able to complete this run.
4) Each half mile... each mile... I told myself "It ain't nothin'". And it wasn't...
5) I recounted to myself the original "Quitting is not an option" story... remembering that race, when my dad came into the checkpoint with 6 sore, tired dogs and 60 miles left in the race. And I asked him what he was going to do. And he said "I don't know." And I looked at him and said, "Well, quitting is not an option." He finished that race. And I finished my run.
—14m/2:37:44 (very slow, I know).
Sunday (9.9.07). Went hiking for about an hour up to a big bluff overlooking miles and miles of woods and lakes. It was therapy.
Monday (9.10.07). Rest day.
Tuesday (9.11.07). 5m. 7AM. 54°/65% humidity = perfect running temps. Normal mid-week run. I was slow though... still feeling a bit sluggish after my weekend run. Also, they corn has been cut in the fields... I felt like I was running through a much different landscape. There was a distinct "fall is here" realization that hit me. The canadian geese were feeding in the fields and put up quite a squawk when I can running through. Another thing that happened on this run... There was a woman running with two loose dogs. She was about a quarter mile away when one of the dogs came charging at me. As it neared it started growling and barking, and I noticed that it was a pit-bull. Oh great. I kept running and talking to it and it just kept on barking at me and running around my legs. Stupid dog. I am not afraid of dogs at all... but when a pit bull is loose and growling at you, it's a little nerve racking.
—5m/1:03:31
Wednesday (9.12.07). 10m. 7 AM. 42°/80% humidity = another chilly morning... perfect after I warmed up. This is my last long mid-week run, and I decided to go into work an hour later so that I could start at 7 and have time to run without feeling rushed. It was a really nice morning, if not a bit on the chilly side (was it really last week that I was complaining of 90° temps?). My legs felt okay. They were a touch on the sore side, and it definitely took way too long for them to warm up, but I was confident that they would. After about 5 miles, I was in the groove and making my way around the lake at our local park. I definitely ran a negative split on this run... and finished feeling good.
—10m/1:51:29
Thursday (9.13.07). On Wednesday night I went and bought my race shoes. They are really, really nice... same shoes I am running in now (Nike Air Equalon), but first of all they are not covered in dirt and secondly, they are in a new color! Yup... very nice. White and blue and black. So, I was pretty excited to run in these babies. I didn't want to run in the AM, because I knew that it was going to be a really nice night out. In the middle of the day, I started to feel really iffy... just dizzy and nauseous and headachey. I went home at 3 and slept until almost 6. Then I forced myself to put on my running gear and get out that door.
5m. 58°/49% humidity = perfect... sunny and cool and crisp. I started out this run and just said, "I need a good run today." Within half mile, I knew it was going to be one of those runs. My legs felt great, and my feet felt like they had wings. Must have been the new shoes. It was a perfect night and a near perfect run. After 3 miles, I kicked up the pace, feeling strong and smooth. After 4, I clicked into a gear that I didn't know I even had. Finally. After two weeks of crappy running. This was the boost of confidence I needed going into my 20 this weekend.
—5m/48:45
10:30
10:11
10:11
9:22
8:28 <----Yeah... that's right!
Friday (9.14.07). Rest day! I am planning on going through my routine tonight, including eating exactly what I'll be eating before race day. Then I'll lay out my clothes, double check the route, and go to bed early so that I can hit the road ready for TWENTY MILES in the morning!
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