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. :)
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
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!
Friday, September 14, 2007
A new blog... for you.
I am starting this blog... for you. I have a blog already, which is shared exclusively with my running buddies. In it, I detail my victories and defeats, vent about being sore, tired, and stiff, and celebrate the fantastic feeling of completing a solid run while the sun is rising and most of my friends are still sleeping. I talk about life. And running...
Running is a part of who I am. I run because it makes me feel more alive than anything else. It forces me to face my weaknesses and dig deeper, get stronger, go farther...
I have learned allot about life from running, and most of the insights and experiences have been tucked away in blog entries. So, back to why I am starting this blog. I am doing it because I want to share this part of my life with you... it's the raw, uncut "me". I can't get any more real than when I run. There is nothing to hide behind.
So welcome... what you'll find here might bore you. Or it might inspire you. It might by mildly amusing or wildly funny. You might laugh at me, or you might cry with me. Either way, you'll be in for an adventure.
oh, and about the title. Here's the short story. Years ago, when my dad raced sleddogs, he was running a particularly tough race, and was down to only a handful of sore, tired dogs. He still had sixty miles to go, and his team was in rough shape. I asked him, "What are you going to do?" And he said, "I don't know." My response was, "Well, quitting is not an option." He finished that race... and many more. And taught me over and over again that perseverance wins.
One more thing... I will probably be re-posting blog entries from my official running blog, because I don't really have the time or patience to keep up with both. Sooooo. yup. Hope that's okay with you. :)
Running is a part of who I am. I run because it makes me feel more alive than anything else. It forces me to face my weaknesses and dig deeper, get stronger, go farther...
I have learned allot about life from running, and most of the insights and experiences have been tucked away in blog entries. So, back to why I am starting this blog. I am doing it because I want to share this part of my life with you... it's the raw, uncut "me". I can't get any more real than when I run. There is nothing to hide behind.
So welcome... what you'll find here might bore you. Or it might inspire you. It might by mildly amusing or wildly funny. You might laugh at me, or you might cry with me. Either way, you'll be in for an adventure.
oh, and about the title. Here's the short story. Years ago, when my dad raced sleddogs, he was running a particularly tough race, and was down to only a handful of sore, tired dogs. He still had sixty miles to go, and his team was in rough shape. I asked him, "What are you going to do?" And he said, "I don't know." My response was, "Well, quitting is not an option." He finished that race... and many more. And taught me over and over again that perseverance wins.
One more thing... I will probably be re-posting blog entries from my official running blog, because I don't really have the time or patience to keep up with both. Sooooo. yup. Hope that's okay with you. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
