26.2 and a Mommy too!

Tales from the Crypt....Marathon #2 Recap!

2010-10-20T16:48:00.000-04:00

I've put off writing this for as long as possible. I'm afraid soon the whole day will be erased from my mind completely! I've always used my blog as a way to get out my feelings. I don't show emotion well in real-life, so this is a good venue for doing so. I'll apologize now for those that may be reading this....

The hours leading up to the marathon I could tell something was "off". Although I knew I had put in every.single.mile. on my training plan, I still didn't feel prepared. However, I also remember vaguely feeling that way last year and before my first half-marathon. You see, as a student, I was always the one who had prepared well for a test, but was still cramming more info into my brain right up until the very last moment. The whole tapering phenomenon in running goes against this method. Of course I also understand why it's important to taper, too. In any case, I was hoping the "race day adrenaline" would make up for whatever didn't get crammed into my body and brain over the past 16 weeks.

It was a busy few days prior to the marathon. No big deal, I'd done this before. I can handle anything, right?! After running errands for 3 hours Saturday morning, we were finally ready to hit the road to Columbus. If you've read any of my race recaps in the past, you know one of my pre-race rituals is eating chicken and dumplings from Cracker Barrel. This time was no different. After lunch we made our way downtown to the Expo. I wasn't expecting much from the Expo and with the kids in tow, I knew I wouldn't be able to enjoy it anyway. We made our way through the expo, picked up my shirt and bib and headed back out. I was really hoping to get a zip-up hoodie/jacket with the marathon logo on it, but all they had left were ones that said "13.1". Bummer. I did get a shirt that I saw there last year that says "Run Ohio". Hubby got me away from the expo with only $15 out of pocket. What a deal!

After the expo we headed back out of downtown and to the hotel/waterpark where the kids, my parents, and my sister's family would be spending the night and celebrating my nephew's 4th birthday party. It was a really neat place, from what I could see. I didn't bring my swimsuit (on purpose), so I sat on the sidelines and watched. Around dinnertime I ordered carry-out from the Olive Garden and had round 2 of carbo-loading for the day. About 8:30 pm hubby and I packed up our stuff, said our goodbyes to the kids and headed back downtown to our hotel.

After checking into the hotel I hurriedly got everything unpacked and ready for the next day. Hubby was watching the Buckeyes lose to Wisconsin and it was just making my anxiety worse. Finally he turned it off and we went to bed. I laid there for what felt like forever, trying to sleep. It was not a restful night's sleep, that's for sure. I was well-awake by the time my alarm went off at 6:30am. The race was set to start at 7:30am....almost 3 hours later than what I was used to starting my training runs at! I got ready, took my gel and was walking out the door of the hotel by 7:05 am. Just enough time to walk the few blocks to the starting line. They were using corrals for the first time this year, which was meant to ease the congestion of previous years. Unfortunately I think I got there a tad bit too late....because me and probably about 5,000 other runners were stuck on the outside of the corrals when the gun went off. The spectators had jammed the sidewalks full, making it difficult to get anywhere, let alone find the one tiny little opening into your corral. It was a mass of humanity and I was on the verge of getting panicky with closterphobia (a first). Made for a tense few minutes leading up to crossing the starting line, but alas I was off and running.

Miles 0-6

I crossed the starting line about 5 minutes after the gun went off. The first mile I just focused on finding my comfortable pace. I had pretty much abandoned the idea of aiming for a 4:30 finish. I wanted to enjoy this experience and I knew focusing on my watch/pace would not allow that. I had re-calibrated my Garmin (FR 60) earlier in the week to make sure it was accurate for the race, but when I got to the first mile marker and my watch only read "0.97", I knew it was off. I also knew I had no idea what pace I was actually running. This was not good. I contemplated turning my watch off at that point, but I figured I could at least keep track of my overall time. Having a pace band would have been mighty helpful at this point, but I hadn't even seen the pace groups at the expo. The next few miles slowly crawled by and I focused on reaching the 6 mile marker, when I would stop and take my first Shot Bloks. Running felt hard and I was already tired. Then I remembered that the first few miles were a gradual incline. I figured once we had turned the corner, it would get easier. It never did, despite the course leveling off. This was just a sign of things to come. Around mile 5, I caught up with the 4:30 pace group. I settled into a comfortable pace behind them and thought things were starting to look up. Mile 6 came and although I had been looking forward to stopping for a few seconds to take my Shot Bloks and stretch my calves, I didn't want to lose sight of the pace group, so I took the Shot Bloks on the run. I figured I'd be seeing hubby soon, and I'd stop briefly then. So I kept on with the 4:30 pace group in sight. I had slowed a bit while trying to chew/swallow/drink, but I kept up pretty well.

Miles 7 - 13
I see hubby for the first time around mile 7. I fake a smile and a "I feel good!", stretched my calves and started running again. Only, the pace group was off in the distance now and I didn't even have the desire to catch them. I was still tired and my legs/lungs/mind were noticing every.little.incline. Where were these inclines last year? I surely hadn't noticed them and looking at the elevation profile, they were nothing! That's when I realized it just wasn't going to be my day. I had a long, long way to go and I had already given up. I didn't care anymore and was fine with walking the whole thing if I had to. Quitting wasn't an option, but walking definitely was. I thought about crying, but that would have just taken more energy that I didn't have. I tried to bolster my dying energy with an early dose of the Shot Bloks. This just made me more thirsty, so I drank more, which just made me feel too full. By mile 13 when I saw my hubby again, he knew I was in trouble. He tried to lift my spirits, but there was no use. I was walking about 1-2 minutes out of every mile. I felt like a loser and undeserving to be out on the marathon course. I also knew I was heading into the worst part of the course. I put my iPod on, cranked the music and tried to make the most out of it.

Miles 14-20

The next few miles take you through The Ohio State University campus. I graduated from OSU in 2000 and generally love any chance to go back. You'd think that with OSU being one of the largest schools in the nation, that there would be decent crowd support. Wrong! I knew this would be the case though. I took my third dose of Shot Bloks around mile 16. I kept on running/walking until I reached mile 17 and thought...."holy cow, I've just 'run' 17 miles without much effort." I also knew my sister would be waiting for me around mile 20. This gave me an instant lift as I started to tear up just thinking about seeing her. I knew the next few miles would be desolate, but I didn't even care. I suddenly had a new mission!

Miles 20-26.2

With 10K to go and my sister in sight, I had a new lease on life. I was so happy to see her. It was time for another dose of the Shot Bloks, so we started off our journey together walking. And that's when I broke it to her that I was mentally defeated and had walked what seemed like a good portion of the course. Being the good big sister that she is, she gave me some encouraging words and let me take the lead. Having her with me gave me the motivation to keep running. We'd walk through the water stops and every so often thereafter, but I set my goals for my walk breaks further apart than I had been doing. Ever so slowly and with constant encouragement from my sister, we finally made our way to mile 25, where I saw my hubby again. I think he thought I had died out there...because he was so happy to us coming down the road. He jumped off the sidewalk and started running along side of me. I kept on running, despite wanting to stop and walk. I think the longest segment of continuous running (after the 7th mile) may have been between miles 24-26.2! He eventually sped up and went on to find the rest of my family, waiting around mile 26. I remember practically floating down that section last year, but this year it took all I had just to keep running. My sister pointed out the family and she dropped off to the side with them. They cheered as I passed and I kept on going. The last 0.2 were all me and it seemed like an eternity. Finally, with the downhill finish line in sight, I took a deep breath and opened my eyes for the first time all day. I took in the crowd and the excitement and was so just so happy to be done. I got my medal, took a picture and headed for the food tables. Most of the food was gone. Par for the course on this race day. Water, bananas, bagels, corn chips, soft pretzel bites and chicken broth. None seemed appealing to me, but I settled on a banana and some corn chips. I made my way out of the recovery area and sat down. It's really what I wanted to do all day, and it felt great. My family eventually found me, we made plans to meet for lunch later and we headed back to the hotel. My 3 year old had had enough and was in complete melt-down mode. Just what you want to deal with after a marathon. I ended up carrying her uphill, about 1/3 of a mile back to the hotel. The perfect ending to a crappy day. I haven't even brought myself to look at my official time...but it was somewhere around 4:57.

Post-Race Thoughts:

If you've followed my journey for any amount of time, you know that I don't run to "race" or set PRs. You see, although I like to claim that I don't have a competitive bone in my body, that's not true. The fact of the matter is that I am competitive about things I really care about, but I act like I don't care so that I don't end up disappointed. It's my way of self-preservation. I've never been exceptionally good at anything my whole life...and that's okay. I've accepted mediocrity and if you don't set the bar very high, you can never fail. So while I'm not entirely pleased with my time (because I honestly felt I was going to do better), that's not my biggest disappointment.

The biggest disappointment was that I didn't even enjoy the journey. It was a gorgeous day, the streets were lined with people, the trees were at their peak of Fall coloring, we ran through beautiful neighborhoods, there were 80 entertainment groups along the course and I didn't really even "see" a thing. All I could focus on was the misery I was in. And it wasn't physical pain that I was so miserable from. My misery came from mental weakness. My body was tired, my mind wasn't in it and I gave up. Plain and simple. I felt like I had blinders on throughout the entire race. I didn't care that people were cheering for me, I didn't care that there were bands playing. I didn't feel deserving of their cheers and was more annoyed than anything. I know, I know...I'm horrible. I did however graciously thank the volunteers at the water stops. I mean, I was walking through them....I had the time! At the end of the race, I had "run" 26.2 miles and I didn't even care. It wasn't even a big deal because I had let myself down so badly. Perhaps another self-preservation tatic?

So what's next? If you would have asked me at mile 14 what's next, I probably would have said a profanity or two. I was pretty sure Sunday was the end of my running career. But after a few nights sleep and some time to digest the day's events, I'm pretty sure I'll run again. ;-) I just need to relax and recover first. One foot in front of the other....right?

Until next time....~Run Happy and Embrace Your Pace ~

One week and counting...

2010-10-10T22:12:00.000-04:00

I honestly don't know where the last 15 weeks went? Between injury issues and the start of school, this training cycle has been a blur. The good news is that I'm feeling GOOD and ready to run my next marathon.....a week from today. Yeah...that nervous anxiety has already set in. Watching/reading about Chicago today didn't help. I have 2 more runs to get through this week. It's always at this point in my training cycle that I pray for my safety and health. I run really early in the morning and often my routes are not well-lit. I worry about tripping over a leaf-covered sidewalk crack or a half eaten nut from a squirrel. Then there's the stomach flu and runny noses going around. My kids are now routinely doused in hand sanitizer. Yes, I'm that selfish.

Despite all the worry, I can't wait for M-day. I feel prepared and strong. I feel ready to take on my next 26.2 miles. I've signed up to run with the 4:30 pace group. All of my training runs for the past 3 weeks have been under 10:00 min/mile. My 22-miler (3 weeks ago) was done at a 9:56/mile pace. Of course that doesn't include water/GU breaks (and I took 3). My last speed work out, I did 10 Yasso 800's with an average time of 4:15. I'm not sure how that will all work out on race day, but it's worth a shot. If I'm not feeling it on race day, I'll drop back. While it would be nice to have a group to run with, I have the confidence to run the race by myself.

Of course the real issue of concern, is the wardrobe. I absolutely despise running with a belt (although I've done it many times before). So that means I have to run in my SkirtSport running skirt. It's taken me on all my long runs, so I know it will do fine. With predicted temps of mid-40's in the morning, mid-60's in the afternoon, I don't think it would be smart to wear long sleeves. Of course that's what I had planned (bright yellow/green so hubby could find me!). So, I'm back to the drawing board. My new shoes are dark gray/green, and if you read my marathon recap last time, you know I'm all about being matchy-matchy. Well, I'm not as anal this time around and honestly, I just want to be comfortable. You can be assured that my hair ribbon/bow will match, though!

So this week I will tie up a few loose ends. I need to re-calibrate my Garmin, figure out my wardrobe issues, fine tune my playlist, and try to relax. The whole family is coming with me to Columbus, which is sure to add a little extra stress, but maybe more cheers and smiles at the finish line. We'll see if they make it that long! Asking a 5 year old and 3 year old to do anything for 4 1/2 hours, especially wait around outside, is asking a lot! In any case, I'm ready to get this show on the road! Until next time ~ Embrace Your Pace and Run Happy ~

3 Things Thursday

2010-09-02T19:26:00.000-04:00

1 - Yes, I'm the worst blogger. Between my job, my kids and running....My schedule is full!

Although I like my job, my "reporting manager" is a bit Passive Aggressive and it drives me crazy. I suppose I'll survive...I have to!
My oldest started Kindergarten. I'm so excited/scared/nervous for him. I just want him to succeed. My mother-in-law once said..."you don't hurt until your kid hurts". Although her and I don't always see eye-to-eye, this is a true statement. Secondly, my 3 year old starts preschool next week. My little Caroline is my snuggle-bug and heart and soul. She's always so sad to see me go. I don't want to leave her screaming and crying every day. My heart can't take it. Watching my 5 year old get on the bus each day is rough enough.
I've officially entered my high-mileage weeks. For me, that's close to 40 miles. My alarm goes off at 4:55 am on Mondays. Needless to say, I start and end the week exhausted.

2 - Blisters are not my friend. Between the new-ish shoes and messing around with my shoe inserts/orthotics, my feet are a mess. I've only ever had 1 blister before and that was after 20-miles in the rain. I'm so over it. Not only that, but my calf issues are still abound and now my left hamstring is tight. Once again...I'm so over it.

3 - My previous 2 long runs (17 and 18 miles) went pretty well. I only have 2 20-milers left before M-Day. This is a cut-back week (good thing for my blisters and aching legs), but I'm really just anxious to get the big ones out of the way. October 17th can't come soon enough!

On a brighter note....college football is back. I'll be cheering on my Ohio State Buckeyes tonight!! Go Bucks!! Until next (time) ~ Embrace your Pace and Run Happy ~

Week 7 - The Little Engine that Could

2010-08-16T13:08:00.002-04:00

Week 7 down, 9 more to go! I feel like that little old engine, from children's books, that just kept plugging away. I’m not really sure what is going on, but I feel fantastic! I really hate to jinx myself, but I really do feel great. Perhaps it was because it was a “step-back” week and my long run was only 11 miles this week? The weather has been hideously hot and humid, so I can’t “blame” it on cooler temps. I’ve been stretching and rolling out my calves regularly. I still have some major knots in my calves, but at least they’re not painful anymore. Whatever the cause, I hope it continues, because October 17th is a long way away (in marathon-training terms).

Here’s the craziest part. Thursday I headed over to the local HS track to calibrate my new watch and footpod. This is a big sacrifice, because it means leaving my beloved Dingo at home. Well, it’s been too hot for him anyway and if the truth be known….he’s been driving me crazy. He wants to stop and pee all.the.time. I know it’s a stall tactic and I also know it’s likely a sign that he’s not enjoying himself. We got in about 10 miles together previous in the week, so it’s not like he hadn’t gotten any exercise that week. So anyway, with the Dingo at home, I headed to the track. I calibrated my watch just fine and as I was getting ready to leave, I decided I might just try a mini-speed workout. I only had 4 miles on the schedule that day, so I figured I could manage it no matter what. Of course being the speed workout-loathing- runner that I am, I know nothing about speed workouts! And then the Yasso 800’s came to me. And then came the dilemma in my mind. I’m going to be running at least the last half of the marathon by myself (my friend’s husband is running the half), so I’ve decided I want to join a pace group. The only problem with that is that for slow folks like me, they only offer a 4:30 and 5:00 hour pace group. I completed my first marathon in just under 5:00 hours. While I’m not competitive, I’d like to at least not be slower than that time! But with my injury status, I know that I very well could be slower than 5:00 hours. I also know that if I’m feeling good and comfortable with the 5:00 hour pace group, I may not want to leave them! For the sake of training and the Yasso 800’s, I decided to try for a 4:30 split. My first split was 3:58. My second split was 3:54. Sweet! And then the HS soccer team starting pouring into the stadium and sat watching me, in silence. That was my cue to leave! I am way too self-conscious to have HS boys watching me. I could only imagine them saying to one another "did you even know that someone with such a big ass could run?"
I got home and started researching Yasso 800’s and found out that ideally, you should be able to work up to and complete ten 800’s at your desired pace to accurately predict your marathon finishing time. You should also start about 7 weeks out from your marathon. Man, was this a sign or what? So without much hesitation, I decided I would give it a try. Going to the track was a nice change of pace, so to speak. Now to just get there BEFORE the soccer team! And so begins my relationship with speedwork. I have a pretty good record of long-term relationships (hubby and I will celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary this Wednesday, 17 years since we started dating..yikes!). We’ll see how it goes.

This weekend I have 17miles on the schedule and am pumped! My running buddy will be back this weekend and the humidity is suppose to decline. I can hope at least! Until next week ~ Embrace Your Pace and Run Happy ~

PS - Check out the link to Powerbar.com to sign up to receive your free sample of their new Energy Gel Blasts. I'm always in search of a quick, tasty and most importantly easy on the tummy source of nutrition on the go. Full review to come!

Week 6 - Feelin' better

2010-08-09T15:52:00.000-04:00

The respite from the hot and humid weather did not last long. My weekday runs ended up being pretty warm, but I felt pretty good overall. My left leg soreness slowly dissapated and was completely gone by my run on Thursday. My Monday and Thursday runs both increased by one mile, as did my long run. I ended up with just over 28 miles for the week.

I was most relieved that the 15-miler on Saturday went well. I started on my own, running about 4 miles to the running group. There I met up with a friend who was gracious enough to slow down for me, and we did another 5 miles. Thank goodness she was with me because the other members of the group were speedy and there were lots of turns on the route! I would have ended up lost for sure! At 7:00am we met up with the rest of the running group and I ran with yet another friend. She's exactly my speed and we get along great! I only had 6 miles to do though, and she needed to do 10. Her race is exactly one month before mine, so we're on slightly different schedules. On my way back to the running store, I ran with a mother who had come to the group for the first time. She had her 2 girls (ages 2 years and 9 months) with her, in the jogging stroller. Let me tell you, she gets the gold medal for the day! Although the morning had started off nice and cool, when the sun came up, it got hot fast. And as those of you that have ever pushed 2 kids in a jogging stroller know, those suckers are heavy! About 5 minutes into our jog back to the store, the 9 month old starts screaming. And so begins the cheerios/goldfish/puffs dance. And then the singing. And finally she just had to stop and nurse her baby. On the side of the road. I felt bad for her, but it was rather awkward, so I went ahead and finished the run by myself. Now, I am all for nursing your babies...I mean I nursed my sweet little Caroline for 15 months! This mother was essentially a stranger though and I thought it would likely be more awkard for her, if I had just sat there and watched. Perhaps that was poor running-etiquitte on my part? In any case, she was super nice about it all and had the patience of a saint! I hope she comes back (although she was pretty slow with the jogging stroller and ended up running alone 80% of the time).

As for my calves...well, they're marginally better. I think using the slant board throughout the day has helped, as has The Stick massages. Yoga-Fridays have been a good thing too. It's still hard for me to call that a workout though (although my Jillian Michaels yoga DVD definitely makes you work up a sweat). I like having "fresh legs" for the long runs, so this routine will stand.

As for next week. Weekday mileage stays the same and it's a step-back week for the long run. Yahoo! I definitely like the step-back weeks mentally, if not physically! Until next week ~ Embrace Your Pace and Run Happy ~

3 Things Thursday!

2010-08-05T15:06:00.000-04:00

Surprise! Mid-week (non weekly-recap) post! Just 3 quick things that have come up over the past few days.

1. I love Garmin's customer service. I mailed my watch with a torn strap (and subsequently broken start/stop button thanks to an attempt at gluing the strap back together....yeah....super glue rolls) back to them last Tuesday and received a completely brand new one in the mail yesterday! G Money and I will be un-stoppable now! I felt so naked running without her on my wrist!

2. I took advantage of Runningskirt.com's sale back in June. Unfortunately, I haven't been happy with their skirt. It seems cheaply made (in comparison to my skirtsport.com one) and the exterior pockets are useless. I tried putting my phone in the pocket and it sagged down to my thighs. Not a good look! It is super-comfy though...if you don't mind hiking up your skirt every 5 minutes. Perhaps it's too big? I was in between sizes, so opted to go bigger. Oops. This skirt will remain a 0-5 mile run skirt. I don't think I could stand it any longer than that. Such a bummer! It's pretty cute!

3. Custom orthotics are in my future! I went back to the podiatrist today and since my pain had only improved ~50%, he thought we might as well try the custom orthotics. I had to take my kids with me to the appointment. They were complete angels! It helped that they had me hoisted up to eye level in a chair and the doctor was "playing" with plaster. That's big fun for little kids! I just hope they're as much "fun" to run with.

Well, that's it for now. 15 miles on deck for Saturday morning. Bring it on!!

Week 5 - My calves will be the end of me!

2010-08-02T16:46:00.000-04:00

Week 5 started off to a much better start, thanks to cooler temps and lower humidity. Such a relief!! I even completed both of my "assigned tasks" from last week. More to come on that later, though. My weekday mileage stayed the same, with a 2 mile increase of the long run on Saturday. I felt good through the week. My calves didn't bother me. I've been using The Stick every night and although I can still feel some knots in my calves, they're no longer painful. I shipped my Garmin back to the factory for some rehab on Tuesday. I feel so naked, running with out it!

Thursday I had my appointment with the podiatrist. I really just wanted to get my toenails checked out and see if there was anything I could do to stop them from falling off during each training cycle. Turns out I'm "slightly flat footed" (doctors words, not mine), in which I've been wearing a neutral/stability shoe. My 2nd metatarsal has taken on extra pressure because of it, causing the bone to thicken (he took 3 x-rays), and the nerves to become agitated and basically hurt! My calves are also very tight (go figure....) which causes me to draw up my toes in my shoe and my toenails start to take on pressure. Thus, I lose toenails. In addition, my right leg is longer than my left. Hmm...is that why my left hip and knee bother me after long runs?? So after rigging my current insoles to allow for my toe issues and inserting a heel lift in my left shoe...I'm all set. The best part however, came when he insulted my shoe choice. And I quote...."I suggest you start choosing more mature shoes", in reference to my adored-Sperrys. Whatever. I wore my running shoes/insoles/heel lift that whole day and had no ill-effects on Friday..

Saturday morning, 5:00am rolls around and I get out of bed to do my 14-mile long run. We were leaving for an overnight trip to Columbus with the kids and my in-laws at 8:30am, so I had to get out there early to get it done. The dingo accompanied me for the first loop (8 miles). About 2 miles in, the rear, outer-aspect of my left hamstring (where it inserts behind the knee) starts getting tight. I figure the tightness will go away, so I just keep running. All of the sudden I feel a huge cramp, move across the back of my leg (just above my knee) and up the back of my leg. I walked a few feet, stretched, and then kept running. It remained pretty tight the rest of the time, but the intense cramping subsided. I made it around the first 8 mile loop, dropped the dingo off at the house, used the potty and then set off for the second 6-mile loop. I took a GU at mile 5 and some Shot Bloks at mile 9. It was a great morning for a run. It rained very lightly a few times in the beginning, so as the sun was rising, a beautiful rainbow formed over head. I got my inhaler Rx refilled and used it correctly (thanks to advice from my PharmD running friend/partner) before the run, and my lungs felt great. My left leg/hamstrings were definitely not happy with me by the end of the run, but it wasn't anything I couldn't push through. I stretched my legs really good afterwards and then iced my left hamstring. I wore my Zensah calf compression sleeves in the car on the way to Columbus and then slept in them that night. Unfortunately, walking around a museum all day with a 30+ pound 3 year old on your hip doesn't necessarily help matters. I woke up Sunday morning and my entire left leg was achy. Whoops...perhaps I shouldn't have done my entire run with the heel lift in for the first time. The thing is pretty tiny though. I never thought it would make that much of a difference. Lesson learned! There would be no rest for the weary (although my kids did sleep in until 9:30 am for the first time EVER) as we were spending the day at the zoo. Nothing a little ibuprofen and some quality time with The Stick couldn't help with!

All in all, it was a great week. I was glad to get in some good runs. I was second-guessing myself and my ability to run this marathon. Being in the city where the marathon will be run and seeing the finish line area, etc gave me new excitement. 11 more weeks to go, baby! Until next week ~ Embrace Your Pace and Run Happy ~

Weeks 3 and 4 in review

2010-07-26T14:37:00.000-04:00

So the blog-slacking has already begun. I'd like to say it was because I was out enjoying my training runs so much that I just haven't had time to sit down and write about them. Sadly, that's the farthest thing from the truth. The past few weeks have been hard. The heat and humidity are slowly but surely killing me. My weekday runs have been okay, but then I haven't had to run over 5 miles for any of them!

Week 3 started out with a rainy/stormy Monday. I ran at the indoor track that day, and while I didn't feel bad, I didn't feel great. I did however find sub 9:30 splits! This is big for me. The rest of the week was uneventful (well, minus my in-laws' business being flooded, my husband finishing writing his master's thesis, and working 5 days - usually only do 3). The long run on Saturday was suppose to be 13 miles that week. None of us at the running group were feeling it that day, so we cut it short at 12 miles. It was slow and miserably hot and humid. I hadn't prepared well for it nutritionally, so I was hurting. I stretched frequently throughout the run, but my calves were still tight by the end of the run. I wore my compression sleeves the rest of the day and felt great for my first run of week 4.

Week 4 found me up at Lake Erie for a short visit. I always like running in new places. I only had 3 miles on the schedule while I was there, so it was short and sweet. The rest of the week was manageable, but still not really enjoyable. The long run of week 4 was a step-down week, thank goodness! It was hotter and even more humid that day and I was absolutely and completely miserable. Of course my watch strap broke earlier in the week (and I tried to repair it with super glue, to which the glue ran into the start/stop button...grrr) so while I don't have exact splits, I'm pretty sure it was somewhere between 10:30-11:00. Horribly slow and painful! My exercise-induced asthma became more apparent and so did my calf injury. I bought The Stick, as a way to help roll out the knots and kinks in my calf muscles. I used it on my legs Saturday before bed and was more sore after using it. I hope that's a sign of progress! Not suprisingly, I've also been feeling twinges of shin pain, which was my downfall right before my marathon last year. I just don't get what I'm doing wrong. I'm taking it as easy as possible. I'm stretching, I'm cross-training, I even started doing Yoga For Runners the day before my long runs. I just have so much negativity attached to running right now. I'm hoping that actually registering for the marathon will help to neutralize that negativity! No backing out now! My list of things to do this week is get my inhaler prescription refilled and make an appointment with the podiatrist....and oh yeah....try to find a way to enjoy running in this heat and humidity! Until next week... embrace your pace and run happy!

Week 2 Recap

2010-07-12T14:24:00.001-04:00

Week 2 of training went on as planned. Week-day mileage stayed the same, with an increase of my long run on Saturday. I was able to avoid my Monday lunch-hour run, thanks to the 4th of July holiday. I got up extra early and got in a pre-dawn run. I forgot how peaceful and calm those dark mornings are. What wasn't so peaceful was coming within 3 feet of a deer on the sidewalk! Scared me to death. I expect to see deer in the wooded and more natural part of our neighborhood, but not on a busy 4-lane road! My husband's aunt had a traumatic (seriously....like in the ICU for weeks traumatic) accident with a male deer about 8 years ago and ever since then, I just don't like running into deer. Anyway, after a startled start to that run, things went smoothly. I had (not so) graciously agreed to let my hubby run in the 4th of July 5K that day, so I hurried home to get him ready for his race. If you're wondering why I don't mention my hubby more in regards to running, it's because he does it sporadically. His heart and intentions are there....but his life is crazy busy and his knee isn't the most cooperative. Regardless, he finished the race strong and it was fun to be able to cheer on all the runners on a very hot and humid morning. The rest of the week's runs went on uneventfully and I finally got a new pair of shoes. My Saucony Progrid Omni's will hopefully be a match made in heaven for my feet! First time running in Saucony's.

My Saturday morning run was anything but uneventful. The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life was taking place in my city Friday-Saturday and the Mom's group to which I belong (but don't have time to really do anything else with....) had a team. I've always wanted to be a part of this event, but having small kids and no camping supplies always presented a problem. Not to mention I'm not the camping type, but it should be noted that I *could* suck it up for one night, in the name of finding a cure for cancer, if really pressed! Anyway, the team asked if there were any moms willing to take a block of time out on the track, so that the actual team members could get some rest. I figured I had 7.5 miles on my training plan for that weekend, so I might as well run them for a good purpose. Lucky me pulled the 2:00-4:30am shift. I went to bed around 9pm that night and set my alarm for 1:40am. I feel asleep quickly and slept pretty good. The alarm went off and I was ready to go! I walked out the door hoping to find some nice, cool temperatures, but instead found heavy fog and humidity. Yuck! I arrived at the stadium/track and it was alive with energy and enthusiasm. There weren't a ton of walkers on the track, but there were probably 10-12 at any given time. There was also a DJ blaring music and movies on a big screen TV playing. I had hoped this run would serve multiple purposes: 1) help out my fellow Mommy teammates in supporting a good cause 2) calibrate my Garmin foot pod (my new Saucony's come with a handy pouch in the tongue of the shoe to put my foot pod in, but the readings were way off...more than usual) 3) try out some new nutrition items - Vitamin Water Zero for electrolytes and gummy bears for energy - with the comfort of a potty every 1/4 mile. If you've followed this blog for any amount of time, you know I have stomach issues! So with that, I started out on my 2.5 hour journey. I wanted to get my Garmin calibrated first and foremost, so I didn't have to keep track of laps. About 3/4 of a mile into the calibration cycle, the DJ announces that it's time to start running/walking the other direction. Great. Needing the distance to be pretty exact, I hit stop on the calibration and start over. My second mile goes fine and the calibration is all set up. I test it out for 2 laps and it's right on. Then it starts beeping. I figured it was just telling me that I needed to delete some activities from the memory bank, so I keep running. After about 40 minutes I decide to stop to take some of the Vitamin Water and gummy bears(I had my hand-held filled with plain water). I look at my watch and it doesn't have anything recorded. I need a new battery. Great. So at this point I'd done 4 miles. I was hoping to get in at least 10 miles, seeing as that's what I did last week, even though my schedule only called for 7.5 miles. I was feeling pretty good, minus the sloshing of the fluid in my belly as I set out for my next 4 mile stint. That subsided pretty quickly though and was happy to find that neither the gummy bears or Vitamin Water hurt my belly. Yay! I put on my iPod at this point. Not that I wasn't enjoying the DJ, but when Phil Collins' "A Groovy Kind of Love" came on, I had to call it quits. I needed something that was going to energize me...not put me to sleep! Miracuosly these 4 miles flew by. SUCH a relief. Surely God's hand was there pushing me along. I couldn't believe how quickly that time went. I stopped again to have a few more sips of the Vitamin Water, stretched (my cranky left calf was starting to get tight) and then set out for the last 2 miles. By 3:40 am, I had done 10 miles and was ready for a little breather. In addition to my calf, my quads were also feeling pretty tight. I walked another 2 miles, ran another mile and then finished with a half-mile walking cool-down. 4:30am arrived, I went home, showered, went back to bed and didn't get up until 11:00am. No food, no water. Just my compression sleeves and my bed...and it was great! As an aside, for a chance to win a pair of Zensah compression socks, check out Tonia's giveaway! Despite being in a haze the rest of the day, it was a great experience. The track was lined with names of cancer survivors. It was an inspiring experience, to say the least. I thought about my young friend Taylor and Angel fighter Ellie - talk about Faith and endurance, and my many cancer patients that I've counseled over the years. I hope next year to actually be a "real" member of the team.

Next week is more of the same, minus the 2:00am long run! I'm looking forward to going back to my running group on Saturday and then we head up to Lake Erie for our annual trip to Lakeside, OH. There will be no 8 mile run along a busy 2-lane state route this year. I'll get my long run done at home and then hit the road. Monday I'll get to take an easy 3-mile run around the community. As stressful as vacations are with little ones, Lakeside is different. I look forward to this time all year long. Sadly, because of my job change, we only can spend 3 days there. A little resting, a little swimming, a little bike riding, a little running...perfect! Until next week ~ Embrace Your Pace and Run Happy~

And so it begins....

2010-07-07T15:01:00.000-04:00

As if I needed further reminder of what a horrible blogger I have become....I realized that my last post was my 100th post AND I celebrated my 1 year blogiversary on June 30th. Yay me! But truly, I suck. It's not that this isn't important to me, but the whole new job and being pulled in a hundred different directions has gotten the best of me. That said, there's no way I can keep a daily log of my training runs like I did for my first marathon cycle (and really...who wants to read about every.single.run?) but I hope to at least check in weekly with what's going on.

So week 1 went off without a hitch! I did my first run of the cycle during my lunch break at work. It was humid and overcast, but I only had to do 3 miles, so I managed. I packed my running bag with extra deoderant, baby powder, facial cleansing cloths, baby wipes, a towel and some make up and was good to go! Worked out fairly well, although I'd prefer to shower right after a hot run! The next day I shipped the kids off to a summer "preschool" class and enjoyed sleeping in and heading out for my run around 9:30 am. Although it was a cooler day than most we'd been having, the dingo was not so happy. He attempted to lay down in a grassy, shaded spot. He's never done that before. I woke up Thursday to temperatures in the 50's and had another good run. Saturday I headed over to do my "long run" with the running group. My schedule called for 6 miles, but I was feeling good and enjoying the conversation, so I ended up doing 10 miles with the group. Put me over the 10% rule for the week, but I felt good.

I was really nervous heading into this training cycle. With a recent injury (which didn't bother me at all this week) and the knowledge of just what was ahead, I was scared. It was good to start my training off on a positive note. I am also really glad I started going to the running group. It's nice to be around people who embrace their pace. Although I run for the "fun of it" it's hard not to compare myself to others and feel badly about being slow. Maybe in my next life I'll focus on speed, but the thought of heading to the track to do speedwork makes me want to vomit. If this is what I choose to do for "fun", why would I want to vomit? Seems almost like an eating disorder or something?! Or perhaps that's just how I justify my laziness...

Besides just surviving training and running injury-free, my other goal of this training cycle is to not gain weight! I will not allow the marathon-training-I-can-eat-anything-I-want-mentality to take over. I'm staying accountable at WW and keeping at least one weight training workout a week. The day before my long run calls for a "rest" day. I think I'm going to stick to doing yoga that day, which will leave me with one full rest day/week (on Sunday). I'm hoping this combination of aerobic conditioning/weight training/core work will help me to maintain my weight and keep me injury-free.

Week 2 calls for the same running schedule, with an increase of the long run (although not sure what I'll do, as I ran more than that last week?). I'm also way over due for new shoes. I'm still in search of the perfect shoes.... Hopefully I'll find them!!

~Embrace your Pace and Run Happy until next week~

One Week and Counting....

2010-06-21T12:38:00.000-04:00

Next Monday at this time, I will have officially entered Marathon Training. Usually I'm bursting at the seams to get started. I have a confession though. I kind of have an ambivilance heading into this cycle, which is not good. You see, I've been tired. Worn out. Not sleeping well. I don't know what the cause is? I've pushed myself since January....perhaps it's my body's way of telling me I need a break. Well, that's not going to happen. Add to that my injury anxiety and I'm just plain dreading next week. I don't feel confident at all about my ability to handle this cycle. I've ran a total of 6 miles in the past week. Now granted, I felt good and just a bit tight the day after, but it has me worried. I intend on following the same beginner's plan I did last time. That way I only have to run 4 days/week and I know I'll be prepared to simply finish. My one and only goal of every race! I keep thinking of myself running the marathon course and how great I felt running my first marathon. I can only hope I feel that good this time! I have this fear that all the stars were simply aligned perfectly last time and that's the only way I finished (despite not missing a single training mile/run). I'm still also hoping I can find someone to share this journey with. I know I can do it alone, but those long runs would be so much more appealing if I had someone to do them with! I went back to the running group this past Saturday, so hopefully something will pan out there. Otherwise I may be posting an add on Craigslist....I kid, I kid! Anyway, any words of inspiration and motivation to get started on this new training cycle are greatly appreciated. Have a great week!

The Running Vacation and Injury Woes

2010-06-15T16:30:00.000-04:00

Let's begin this post at about 5:40 am, the Wednesday before vacation. I've just completed the warm up at my Boot Camp class and now we're doing high knee drills (3, 30 second bursts) with a partner. Except I feel an excruciating, tearing sensation in my left calf as I do my first set. My calf immediately tenses up and I know something is wrong. I know I complain about a lot of things and worry about every little twinge, but this was different. It stopped me in my tracks. My teacher instructed me to take it easy for the rest of the class (easier said than done, but I did get out of Indian runs) and ice it as soon as I got home. Like the paranoid person that I am, I did exactly as she said. And then I googled "calf strain". Most information indicated that a 2-4 week rest period would be required for healing. I could see myself getting fatter by the day. How was I going to make it 2-4 weeks without any form of vigorous exercise? I did Jillian's Yoga Meltdown that Thursday and then took it easy at Boot Camp that Friday. My calf felt better and I only noticed twinges of pain every once and awhile. I figured if I didn't run on Saturday, I'd be all set to be able to run on vacation. Perhaps this wasn't a significant injury afterall! I was really looking forward to running on vacation 1) because it was someplace new to run 2) it was my only form of readily-accessible exercise.

So my first morning in Hilton Head, I set my alarm for 6:10am, hoping to avoid the heat and humidity of South Carolina. It was 79 degrees with high, high humidity. No such luck! I headed out with my handheld water bottle and figured I'd see how I felt and go from there. Well, I felt great, so I just kept running. Around 3-4 miles my calf started getting a bit tight. By 5 miles it was a big old knot. I ran/walked that last mile, to round out a 6 mile run. I was a bit disappointed and knew that if I had stuck to my original thought of doing only 3-4 miles, I'd feel fine. Of course while running, I realized I had missed 2 runs last week and was going to fall short on my goal of 1000 miles this year, if I didn't make them up. Running math is always a bad idea for me, but somehow I figured that if I ran 5 miles every day of the week, I'd only be a few miles short. I stretched my calf really good when I got home from that first run and went about my day. Day 2 of vacation starts out the same way, except this time I decide to run out on the beach. I get my 5 miles in and feel good. Day 3, same thing. Day 4, I get up a bit later than usual, and head out the other way on the beach. I come to a dead-end of sorts at about 1.5 miles, so I turn around. I figure I can always make up the mileage on the other end of the beach. Except by mile 3, my calf is starting to hurt again. I stop and stretch and end up run/walking the last few yards. I was really bummed that I ended my run early, but knew it was probably best. Day 5 arrives and I decide to try out a new path and only do 3 miles. I tell myself that perhaps it's better to get a planned short/good workout than a shortened/bad workout in. My calf is a bit tight by the end, but no big deal. Well fast forward to about 4pm that afternoon. My five year old insists I do a "cannon ball" into the pool, and I gladly oblige. I get a running start and jump off, yes on my left leg. To which I let out a scream and grab my leg as I make a huge splash into the pool. The intense tearing sensation returns and my whole calf tightens back up into a gigantic knot. Oops. I hobble around the rest of the night and decide that there will be no run in the morning for me!

As I lay "lazily" in bed the last morning at the beach, I realize that I am indeed the stupidest person on earth. Why did I ever think running every single day would be good for me? Even during my last marathon training, I only ran at most 4 days/week and only 2 of those days were back to back. I'm pretty annoyed at myself, because come June 28th, my next marathon training is set to begin. I try not to think about it, hoping that this injury will resolve as quickly as the last. I knew I wouldn't be able to work out for the next 3 days, so I hoped that would give it a good rest. I come home to find the latest issue of Runner's World waiting for me. As I flip through the pages, I get confirmation that I really am the stupidest person on earth.

1) I exceeded the 10% rule. I ran 6 miles the week before vacation, 23 miles the week of vacation. Oops.

2) Running on the sand is harder and can lead to injury if not done properly. Start slow, take walk breaks and gradually increase distance. I did none of these things.

3) The softness of sand can strain muscles and tendons because they're stretched further than when running on a firm surface. Hmmm.....

4) Run early, before the sun gets above the horizon. 6:30am was not early enough.

5) Let injuries heal completely. So I made this one up. But it makes perfect sense, doesn't it?!

So what's in store for this week you might ask? I did low-impact aerobics/weight training yesterday and felt pretty good. I attempted a 3 mile run this morning, but my calf wasn't having it. I ended up walking the whole thing. The bright side of my husband being gone for the next few days is that I can't go out and run! I plan on sticking with yoga and weight training and *maybe* attempting a short run on Saturday. We'll see. I guess I'm torn with what to do. I don't want to lose all of my running fitness going in to marathon training, but I don't want to risk further injury either. I'm thinking a visit to the Sports Medicine clinic might be in order? I really just don't know what to do. I've never had an injury that I just couldn't "push through". It's frustrating and annoying and I see people freely running and wish it was me. I wonder if I'll ever be able to run freely again? On top of all that, it's also new shoe time. I have about 434 miles on my current shoes. I'm thinking of changing brands again. And I'm thinking I may visit a podiatrist to make sure I'm in the right shoes/inserts. I want to start this marathon training out right! But seeing as I don't actually have any foot issues now, not sure how I'd get in to see a podiatrist. Perhaps that means my shoes/inserts are okay? See, I really am a worrier at heart. My list could go on and on, really....but why bore you with all that in this already novel-length post? Anyway, thanks for the "running lunch" tips from my last post. At this point, I'm just hoping I can run at lunch! Go out and enjoy your run for me today....you never know when it could be your last! :-)

The "running" lunch

2010-06-01T15:27:00.000-04:00

As eluded to in my last post, my dear, sweet hubby is not too happy about me training for another marathon. I'll admit....last time it was all-consuming. I think I've gotten better with each training cycle, but he still begs to differ. So as to minimize impact to his exercise schedule and for the sake of keeping him sane and healthy, I think I'm going to try to do at least 1 run/week during my lunch break. This never would have worked at my previous job. Going to see patients after sweating it out in the 80-90 degree heat would have not been good! Thankfully at my new job, I don't have to see patients and my cubicle is a distance aways from the rest of the people. I mean, I'm not like Milton in Office Space...they're not purposefully putting me far away from everyone. The nurses share my cubicle area and since this is "home care" they're never in the office! So anyway, I need some tips for the running lunch. How do you clean yourself up afterwards without taking a complete shower? Do you take your make up off before the run and then re-apply afterwards? Maybe you just say to heck with makeup that day?! Anything else I need to think about or consider before making this a part of my weekly routine?

Speaking of weekly routines, I did in fact go back for week #2 with the local running store's running group. I only got there a few minutes early and didn't really have time to go around and ask everyone what their pace/plan was for the day. The girls I ran with last week weren't there. I was pretty sure I was going to end up running by myself. And in fact, I did run the first 3 or so miles by myself. I had hoped to get in 10 miles, so as a pair of runners passed me, I asked them where the turn-around point was for the 10 mile route. About that time another girl came up and asked if she could run with me. She also wanted to do 10 miles, but didn't want to keep up with the pair that had just passed me. We ended up running the remainder of the run together. She is a clinical pharmacist, so we had lots in common. I forgot to re-start my watch after one of the water stops, but I think our pace was around 9:30-9:40. That's pretty good for me! Of course she is training for a half iron man and running isn't her "strong" sport, but I was happy to have the company! Sadly, I won't be able to go back to the running group until June 19th (my baby girl's 3rd birthday!), because of vacation. To say that I am looking forward to this vacation is an understatement! Our lives have been pretty stressful over the past year (hubby in school/working full time, me working part time/changing jobs, training, etc). We are ready for some time away! I don't dare say "relaxation" because there is no relaxation with small kids. But at least I won't have to cook/clean/work for a whole week! Hopefully the weather will cooperate for maximum beach time and the drive there and back won't be as dreadful as expected! At the last minute, we've decided to drive overnight (maximize the kids' sleeping time). This makes me incredibly nervous. I know I won't be able to stay awake. I'm just praying my hubby will be able to. Any tips for that? I'm also hoping to get some good runs in while there. I know it's going to be hot and humid... Good training for my upcoming running lunches, I suppose!

I did it!

2010-05-26T11:42:00.000-04:00

In the grand scheme of things, this is not a big deal. But to me and my current running status, it is. Saturday morning I got up and ran with the local running store's running group. Every Saturday morning for the past year I have thought about joining them, but fears of inadequacy, slowness and general awkardness prevented me from actually going. To be honest, it wasn't the best run ever....but at least I had company and 8.5 miles ticked away like nothing. I'm also pretty sure the only reason I could find someone who was running at my pace was because they had both just done a full marathon 6 days earlier! We'll see how it goes this Saturday. So yes, I'm going to go back. I'd really like to find a partner/group to train with for my next marathon.

In Boot Camp news.....Holy Cow! For someone who has been doing cardio and weight training 6-7 days a week for over a year, I sure am out of shape! Now granted, I am one of the "more conditioned" (the trainer's words, not mine) ladies out there so I do heavier weights and more repetitions, but geez am I sore! This is exactly what I wanted. I only wish I could work out with this trainer always! Unfortunately, she's pricey and I took 3 of my hubby's work out days to do this class. Being a considerate wife, I feel like I should give him his days back. He knows marathon training will be starting in the end of June. Who am I kidding...there is nothing considerate about training for a marathon. I promise to try my best, though! 4 more sessions of the Boot Camp before we hit the beaches of Hilton Head Island. I've failed in my main goal of donning a bikini this summer, but I sure am looking forward to some nice runs while on vacay.

Cleveland Half Marathon Race Recap!

2010-05-20T21:55:00.001-04:00

So I'm a little late getting to this. Life has been busy this week! I didn't expect to have such a good time in Cleveland. I've lived in Ohio my whole life and had never visited there. I'd never heard good things about the city and when my running partner didn't register in time for the race (which sold out for the first time in history) I was pretty sure the whole thing was going to be bad. Thankfully, I was wrong!

The goodness, if you will, started at the expo. Lots of good vendors, not too crowded, and easily-accessible bibs/packets/t-shirt pick up. I finally got my Rider post-run recovery shoes (to go along with my post-run recovery calf compression sleeves) and since I had left my Sweaty Band at home, I picked up a new one of those too! Definitely a good day for me!

My sister had made reservations for us at a little place in Cleveland's Little Italy district for dinner. The food was great, but the entertainment took the cake. We were seated in the back portion of the restaurant where there were 2 singers and a dance floor. Not too many people were dancing (besides some HS kids there before prom), but everyone was enjoying these singers. They covered Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Elvis, Michael Buble, etc. It was great, but made conversation a little hard. After dinner we walked over to a little Italian bakery, where hubby got a chocolate chip cannoli and I got a big peanut butter cookie. Perfect way to end the night.

The race started at 7:00 am and our hotel was conveniently located about 3 blocks away from the starting line. It was in the upper 40's/low 50's and sunny. Perfect running weather! I offered my sister good luck wishes and off she went to find the 3:40 pace group for the marathon. I found my spot with the 4:15/9:43 pace group, said good bye to my hubby and then the race began. I didn't really know what to expect. I didn't even look at the course map until the night before. I hadn't trained for a hilly course, and thankfully it wasn't! That's not to say it was completely flat, but more on that later. I had no expectations for this race. I had really hoped to do well at my first race in Louisville and when that didn't pan out, I honestly didn't expect much. I was pleasantly surprised.

The first few miles took you through downtown Cleveland and across a bridge. There's always something so empowering about running down the middle of an otherwise busy city street. I took in the sights as we passed the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland Browns' stadium, and the Cleveland Indians' stadium. The view from the bridge was pretty cool, as well (for Cleveland). I kept thinking of my sister and hoped and prayed that she was on track to her BQ.

Next you ran through a pretty industrial area. Nothing too exciting to see, but honestly, I wasn't looking. I had my iPod on and I was just concentrating on running. I didn't feel great, but I didn't feel bad either. My goal was to stay ahead of the 4:15 pace group for as long as possible. Around mile 6 they caught up with me. I heard them come upon me like a heard of elephants. I stayed with them for about a mile, and eventually I could just barely make out the pace leader sign. It was around this point of the race that I ran into another runner, who became known as "king kong" in my mind. He was really tall and thin and kind of pounded his feet into the ground with each stride. What really gave him his nickname was the loud grunting/snorting/loogy-making sounds he was making. He had his headphones in both ears, so I wonder if he knew how loud he was? I also wondered if he knew that he was "that guy"? That entertained me for awhile, as I tried to avoid his loogies!

Around mile 9 we made our turn back to the city and ran along Lake Erie. There was a really nice neighborhood at the turn and there was great crowd support here. The course overall, was pretty well supported by fans. That's always a good thing for me! Along with the great view of the lake came the lakefront winds and a slow, gradual incline. This part was mentally tough. I just kept moving though and turned on my mental marathon mantra. I picked out a girl in front of me to stay with and eventually I made my up the incline. We crossed another bridge back into the city, and I knew the end was near. As we came down the bridge there was great crowd support. I found my hubby cheering for me here! It was great (and unexpected) to see him. We hit mile 12 and I knew I was going to finish with a PR. I was feeling good and strong and the crowds were just getting thicker and thicker as we made our way to the finish line. I crossed the line at 2:09...a 9 minute PR!

I made my way through the recovery area and picked up some chips, chocolate milk and a bottle of water. I sipped water throughout the race, but hadn't had anything else since the GU I took before the race started. My stomach felt good and I was pretty hungry! I found my hubby and asked him how my sister was doing. At the half-way mark she was ahead of the 3:40 pace group and was feeling good. I was so excited for her! We quickly went back to the hotel so I could shower and made our way back down to the finish line to watch my sister come in.

I've never really been a spectator at a race. Usually I finish running and have to leave quickly to check out of the hotel/take care of my kids/etc. Watching these fast marathoners was inspiring! They made it look so easy. I teared up watching a little girl bounce around on her Daddy's shoulders as he crossed the finish line in 3:20. Amazing! We knew my sister would be coming soon so we took our spots about 100 yards away from the finish line and waited. I was in charge of the sign, and my husband in charge of taking pictures and the cowbell. Neither worked out so well, we were so excited when we saw her. We raced down the street, dodging people, trees and buildings to try and catch her finishing time. She ended up crossing the finish line at 3:39. She got her BQ!! I was so proud of her. She set her goal and achieved it. Simply amazing and inspiring! It was the perfect ending to my spring racing.

Looking forward, I have some new adventures lined up. I started taking a boot camp class with a personal trainer this week. It meets from 5:30-6:15 am at a local park with about 12 other women. It meets 3 days a week, rain or shine. Perfect. What wasn't so perfect was a 1/3 mile sprint/cardiovascular endurance test first thing on Monday morning. My quads and hip flexors were pretty tight after Sunday's race, and the sprint test only made it worse. At least I'll be sure to show some improvement from beginning to end! I've also decided to bite the bullet and try out my local running store's running group. Now that I am almost completely partner-less (I think the dingo is even over running long-distance with me....he just can't keep up most days), I need to find a nice group to run with. I've realized that there's worse things than being slow, and if I end up running by myself, well then I'm not any worse off than if I hadn't tried the group out. My first run with them will be Saturday morning, unless it's raining. One thing is for sure though. I am ready to start training for my next marathon. I want to feel that pride of completing 26.2 miles. I want to get up at 4am and go out for a 20 mile run. I want to feel alive again. Someone please remind me of this when I start complaining about my aching x,y, or z! Sunday, October 17th, 2010 ~ Columbus, OH ~ Nationwide Better Health Marathon ~ Be there or be square!

Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini Marathon Race Recap

2010-05-09T17:24:00.000-04:00

Who knew that when I wrote THIS post it would be all too telling. Half Marathon #2 for the season went off again...with just a minor hitch. 40-some degree starting line temps and 20-30mph winds. Yeah....it was chilly and I was not too prepared for it. My knee-high socks were a God send ....not just a funky fashion statement! Despite the cold temperatures (which really would have been great, if I had been better prepared), I give this race an A+. Superb organization, fun atmosphere, lots of course support and a great host-city.

So the details...we arrived in Indianapolis a little after 5:00pm. We checked into the hotel (who wouldn't guarantee us a late check out....grrrr) and headed over to the expo. It was easy to find and was in a nice, open exhibit hall in the convention center. There were no bottlenecks anywhere and you didn't have to follow a specific path to get to the packet pick up area! What a genius idea! We picked up our packets and then did some shopping. There were too many good vendors to choose from! I had been wanting to get a pair of recovery socks, so when I found a pair of Zensah calf/shin compression sleeves, I went ahead and got those. I typically don't like anything touching my toes after long runs, so the sleeves are perfect. I used them post-race and my legs feel great today! After the expo we had dinner at the Spaghetti Factory and called it a night. I had a whole king-sized bed to myself. I was in heaven....but just a tad bit lonely. I had to leave my hubby and kids at home for this race due to my son's T-ball pictures and game coinciding with the race. Bummer! Despite having a bed to myself and no kids to wake me up, I still didn't sleep well. Figures.

My alarm didn't even have to go off. I had been up well before the 6:05 alarm. I got myself ready, watched some TV and met my friends in the lobby around 6:30 am. We were instructed to be in our corrals by 6:45 am. 35,000 runners were expected to run the race! We found our way easily to our corral (we were in corral "O", out of corrals A-Z) and thus began the long freeze. Thank goodness for good tunes blaring over the loud speakers and beach balls bouncing around to keep me moving. It was a great atmosphere! The race started and 17 minutes later we crossed the starting line.

Miles 1-5 you are essentially heading out of the downtown area (passing by the zoo - they had an elephant at the fence to see us on our way) and out to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There were so many people around you at all times (but not packed) that you didn't really even notice the surroundings. They had bands and DJs at least every mile. Sometimes 2 or 3 in a mile! Water/gatorade/porta-potties were offered at 17 different spots throughout the 13.1 mile course. These stations were called "Pit Areas" and had long, vertical flags announcing their location. The first one we came too I read the banner as a "pitarea" so from then on they became known as "those fancy Italian water stops". Hey - it doesn't take much to entertain me! I shed my throw-away shirt around mile 2. I would come to regret that! Around mile 5 you reach a street/area called Main St. There was lots of crowd support here, as you made your way into the race track.

Miles 6-9 were almost entirely in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I had no idea Indy was so big (not a NASCAR fan...)! There were cheerleaders and different groups located there to cheer you on. This was also the first photographer spot. We took our first potty break here. I had drank NO water (except for a little bit to wash down my ~~breakfast~~ GU) all day and yet my bladder still felt like it could burst. Luckily my preggo friend also had to stop! Around mile 8 my friend really started to slow down. I would run just a bit in front of her and her husband and after a few minutes I would lose them. Made for a lot of starting and stopping, but I didn't mind. I usually take my 2nd GU around mile 8, but after the last race I was a bit hesitant. We were running so slowly, I didn't really feel like I needed to take anything, so I just took a few sips of Gatorade at one of the "Pitareas".

Miles 10-13 led you back into the downtown area. The scenery wasn't the best, but the bands/spirit squads/volunteers made up for it. We stopped again around mile 10 for my friend to use the porta-potty. Unfortunately those sips of Gatorade would come back to haunt me. My belly starting hurting around mile 11. I contemplated stopping to use the porta-potty, but I felt bad making them stop again. The cramps would come in waves, so I could handle it. Around mile 12 though, we were just moving too slowly so I told them that I was going to run ahead and find a porta-potty at the finish line. They were cool with that, so I went ahead. I sped up and it felt good! I felt as though I hadn't used my "running legs" all day. I probably could have run a full that day! I made my way to the finish line where there was fantastic crowd support. Once I stopped running, the pain went away. The porta-potties were too far away from the finish line, so I just waited for my friends to finish. At this point we had to check out of our hotel in about 20 minutes, so we hurriedly made our way through the recovery area and headed back to the hotel. The wind had really picked up by this point and I was FREEZING. I ended up running home, just to stay warm. I took the fastest shower ever, packed up and checked out. They had a lady going from room to room to make sure you had checked out on time. Otherwise, they were charging you $50. Everyone was pretty annoyed! The good news is that because we had to be out of the hotel so early, we made it home just in time to watch our kids' T-Ball games. All in all, it was a great race and a great time. I can't wait to do this race next year! It sold out in December last year....so I may sign up now!

Pictures from the Race:

Pre-Race...in the hotel room

Beach balls were flying everywhere! So fun!

My friends - with her "Baby's First 1/2 Marathon" shirt

Entering Indy - You then went down a tunnel and up onto the track

Goofing off on the track

The control tower

Unfortunately, we didn't get any post-race medal pictures, except the professional one they took. Hopefully that one will turn out good!

So next week is my last 1/2 in Cleveland. I haven't even looked at the course. I'm more excited to go cheer my sister on to her BQ! I'm hoping and praying to the good Lord above for "Ideal Conditions". I can't take much more rain/cold/wind! I'll take 1 out of 3 at this point! I don't have a special outfit planned for this one. I just want to get it done! The kids will be staying with my Mom and Dad, so hubby and I will have a night alone. Looking forward to it. Hope everyone had a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all those hard working, running Mamas!

Disappointment....Really?

2010-05-02T21:26:00.000-04:00

It seems as though spring racing is upon us! Everywhere I turn someone is training for or running a race. My next race is in 6 days. Indianapolis here I come! 15,000 half marathoners (and none of those elitist full marathoners to make you feel guilty ;-)). What could be more fun?! As mentioned before, this race will be at a significantly more "comfortable" pace. I'm not going to kill myself weaving around people (I didn't submit a qualifying time for a preferred corral....kicking myself now) and I'm not going to kill my pregnant friend! This race is about fun. Taking the lead from fellow running Mommy, Tonia, at Racing With Babes....I bought some fun socks to rock out on the 13.1 mile course. Polka dots and stripes anyone? I've been consistent with my training and now it's time to reap it's rewards. After last week's race (and puking) I decided it's not fair for me to say that I was "disappointed". It would be one thing if I had trained hard. I did no hill repeats, no speedwork, heck...I only run 3 days a week, racking up only 108 miles during my heaviest month of training. I suppose really, I'm lucky to finish! That's not to say I'm a slacker, though. I've only taken 7 days off from exercising since January 1st. All of those days were either before a race or the day after a long run. My goal is to be fit and running is just a part of that. Looking ahead, I need to revisit my nutrition strategy. I don't know if I can stomach another GU....I was gagging taking them even before I threw one up last week! I'm thinking about reading Nancy Clark's Food Guide for Marathoners. As a dietitian myself, I prefer to stick with a book written by a professional. Hopefully this will be insightful. Nutrition strategy for this weekend's race is TBD! Not a lot of time to experiment, with only 2 runs before Saturday's race. Hey....wasn't I just tapering a few weeks ago? Gotta love back to back racing! On that note, have a good week and I'll catch you on the flipside of another 13.1.

Kentucky Derby Festival mini-Marathon Race Recap

2010-04-25T19:24:00.001-04:00

Despite ominous weather predictions prior to my first 1/2 of the season, the race went off without a hitch. Well, maybe not completely without a hitch, but at least it wasn't a wash out! We arrived in Louisville early Friday evening and headed over to the expo to pick up my packet. It was pretty crowded and just a bit too chaotic to have 2 kids in tow. We made it out alive though and decided to try to find someplace to eat dinner. Some place kid-friendly, without a wait. Hard Rock Cafe it was. I haven't been to a Hard Rock Cafe since I was probably about 12 years old. And now I know why. Food was way over-priced for mediocrity. Not to mention there was only one pasta dish on the menu. After dinner we headed down to the riverfront area to try to find the post-race area. I didn't want to take my phone with me during the race, so we wanted to find a good meet-up spot. One mile walk later, we were all tired of walking and decided to take a horse-carriage ride home. The kids really enjoyed that and it was a nice break for my legs! We headed up to our hotel room and tried to get to bed early. Sharing a bed with a wiggly 2 year old makes that impossible! I knew it was going to be a long night...

I had to be at the shuttle pick-up by 6:00am to be at the starting line by 7:15am. That meant a 5:00am alarm. I was up well before then. I checked the weather outside....light rain and 55 degrees. I had about 3 different outfit scenarios all laid out, not knowing what the day's weather would bring. I had heard everything from torrential rains and tornadoes to no rain after 8:00am. I decided on a tank top, skirt and a cheapie rain poncho. Turned out to be the perfect outfit. The poncho kept me warm and dry and I was able to pitch it. I made my way to the shuttle pick up area only to find a huge line, wrapping all the way around the block. The line moved quickly though and we were on the buses and at the starting line around 6:30am. I had one hour to wait and try to stay dry. Runners huddled under the overhangs at all the local businesses, under trees, wherever they could find shelter. Time went quickly and at about 7:00am I decided to hit the port-o-potty. Yeah....40 minutes later I had relieved myself of the need to pee, but had missed the start of the race. That meant lining up behind the last corral of mostly walkers. Made for an interesting first few miles, but at least I wouldn't have to stop the rest of the race! Even missing the official start of the race, I still got teary-eyed as I neared the starting line. That's why I run!

Miles 1-4 went through a really pretty, wooded, hilly, park. Everyone kept talking about "the hills" in the first part of the race. I had looked at the elevation profile quickly at the start of my training back in January and decided it didn't look too bad. Luckily I was right, because I had run very few hills in preparation for this race. You haven't run hills in the Ohio area until you've run the Flying Pig in Cincinnati! I spent a lot of time weaving around people, trying to ease into a groove. Running was easy and effortless at this point and the rain was tapering off.

Miles 4-7 were really boring. We were on a long, flat road the entire time. Crowd support was pretty decent throughout, thank goodness! I was still feeling good!

Mile7-8 lead you into the Churchill Downs area and eventually into the actual stadium. They had old horse races being broadcast over a loud speaker, adding to the excitement of running through such a cool venue. As you ran along one side of the track, you could see the horses practicing. Talk about effortless running! Those horses are amazing! Then you went down into the tunnels, beneath the famed race track. The sound of pounding feet and hoots and hollars was exhilarating!

Miles 8-11 lead you out of the Churchill downs area, through the University of Louisville campus and to the mini-Marathon and "maxi-Marathon" (as the sign so cleaverly said) split. There were over 11,000 runners in the race, but only 1,100 or so actually did the whole marathon. I was starting to feel tired at this point and I was pretty glad today wasn't my day to run the full! I'd be lying if I didn't think that I was a slacker though. I was so ashamed I couldn't even look at the marathoners turning off. Between miles 8-9 I decided to take my only GU. I was hoping it would give me a much needed energy boost. Instead, around mile 9, I developed a cramp in my lower, left abdomen. I rarely get cramps when running, so this was pretty unusual. I tried to do some deep breathing, all while keeping running. My pace had significantly slowed down, but I was determined not to walk! The cramp lessened enough that I could pick up the pace a tad. I was feeling pretty good at the split off when a wave of nausea came over me and I knew I needed to walk. I walked for about a minute, the nausea passed and I started running again.

Miles 12-13.1 were pretty much all downhill through the downtown and riverfront areas. Runners who had already finished were walking back to their cars/hotels, so I knew the end was near! Unfortunately around mile 12 the nausea returned and this time it wasn't just nausea.....I vomited 4 times on the side of the road/sidewalk/trashcan/etc. I may never take another chocolate GU again! This was a first for me. Luckily the runners had thinned out quite a bit and we weren't to the final straightway where there were a ton of spectators! After my last episode I walked for another minute and then started running again. I really did feel fine, I was just ready to be done! The final straightway and finish line came into view and I knew I was going to make it. I crossed the finish line at 2:18:51. The recovery area lasted forever and was really picked over. I felt bad for the marathoners who hadn't even got there yet! I slurped down a bottle of water and found a plain bagel. I got both of those down no problem and went on to find my family.

Walking back to the hotel proved to be another feat. The kids were tired and worn out and we had a one mile uphill walk. Guess who got to carry a tired 28 pound 2 year old? I considered it my weight training for the day! Finally back at the hotel, I took a quick shower, we packed up the room and hit the road. The kids were asleep before we could get the Garmin programmed for home!

All in all, it was a great race. The course was good, the crowd support was good, and it was well-organized. Louisville is a delightful city and really had a lot to offer (if we had the time and/or energy to do it). The expo wasn't all that great, and the shirt was a bummer, but that's not what's important. The weather ended up being pretty good too.

As far as my running, I was a bit disappointed. My Garmin is officially annoying and way off calibration (despite multiple attempts to calibrate it right). I really thought I could pull off a 2:15 or less. And heck, maybe I could of, if I didn't puke 4 times! I felt good and strong for most of the race. It felt even better to have that confidence running by myself. Weaving through all those people in the beginning would have been hard with a partner/group, although it would have been nice to have someone to chat with during that long, boring strip between miles 4-7.

So a post-race question: Why do I lose toenails and get sore after races, but not during training? This has happened after every race. I ran well over 13 miles in training and only was sore after one of those runs. It's not like I run that much harder during a race. In fact, my motto during this race was "if I'm not having fun, I need to slow down!" I'll never be fast, so why torture myself more than necessary? Yes, I'm a real competitor...lol! I expect to have 2 less toenails in about 3 weeks.

My next race is in 2 weeks. I'm pretty tight/sore today (including the spot in my abdomen where my cramp was??), so I took the day off from any exercise. I'll get back on track tomorrow though! This next race will be even slower. I'm running with my friends on this one, and one of them is almost 24 weeks pregnant. I'm sure there will be some planned walking involved, but it's going to be fun. And that's all that matters in my book!

Pictures from our weekend in Louisville:

Hubby and Caroline checking into the hotel

Braden testing out the luxury bedding at The Hilton

A rare moment of sibling love

Outside the Expo

Waiting (and waiting) for Mommy to finish

Post-Race (I swear I didn't pee myself...maybe rain, spilled water, sweat??)

Ideal Conditions

2010-04-18T22:11:00.000-04:00

As a runner, I wake up most mornings hoping for "ideal" conditions. Now, that varies from month to month and season to season. Now days, "ideal" would be mid-50's and sunny. Those are the days that I feel like I could run forever. This past winter I found myself hoping for mid-20's without snow showers. It all depends on your point of view. But what this past training cycle has taught me is that I can and will run through anything because you never know what race day will bring. Sure, running into strong wind gusts on your way home from an out and back isn't ideal, but then you don't get to pick which way the race course goes and if you could, you couldn't guarantee that good ol' Mother Nature wouldn't interfere anyway! The salesmen at Verizon looked at me like I was crazy when I told them I needed to get a new phone because mine had gotten too wet on my 6 mile run in the rain. Oh well. I'll be ready for those rain showers that they're predicting for my first half this coming weekend. The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon and Mini-Marathon is in 6 days! I'm so excited to get this show on the road....quite literally. 3 cities, 3 races, in 4 weeks! My family will never want to come watch me race again! My new running skirt has been tried and tested (LOVE it). I'm finishing up my playlist this week. My race-day outfit is still TBD due to the weather. Other than that...I'm ready! And dare I say....I feel ideal going into this race?! Whether or not that means a big PR is another thing. But at least I'm not sweating the details like I did for my first few races. Running comes down to two simple things for me....having fun and staying injury-free. Let the racing begin!

When it Rains, It Pours

2010-04-10T15:10:00.000-04:00

This was the first week at my new job. To say that I am overwhelmed is an understatement. I know the grass is always greener on the other side and that change is in fact a good thing....but right now all I want to do is head back to my old job. The sad thing about that is that I did stay on in a "resource" position at the hospital and was asked to work this weekend. It initially felt good to be in a place where people know me and more importantly, I know what I'm doing! The sad part is that my old-coworkers have already moved on without me. Not that I thought they would keep an eternal vigil or something, but my name has been taken off all the group email lists, my time sheet is gone, etc, etc. Although painful to witness, this motivates me even more to make my new job work. There's no turning back! Despite an apparent lack of preparation on my new job's part (I mean really....who needs a computer or access to patient information) and about 6.5 hours of training, I think I will like my new job. Maybe. Hopefully.
And just when I think my week can't get any worse, I go for a run in the rain with my cell phone in my water-proof jacket pocket, and it gets soggy. Yes, that would be cell phone #2 this year due to running-related injuries. The good news is that I've upgraded to a Blackberry and finally feel like part of the grown-up world! So, a question for you all. How do you keep your phones from being exposed to moisture/sweat/rain?

The next bummer of the week came from my "friend"/co-worker who had asked me to run the Cleveland 1/2 marathon with her on May 16th. We made our Hotel arrangements and were trying to work out our running schedules so that we could do a couple of long runs together (she's a RN and works 12-hour shifts). I went ahead and registered for the race last week, before the price increased. Come to find out this week that the race is sold out now and my friend never registered. So now, I'm running 2 out of my 3 races by myself. This means the family will be coming with me and the expenses will quadruple! Ugh. I emailed the race director to see if perhaps I could "sell" my spot to someone....we'll see.

The one bright spot in my week came from a couple of packages arriving. One was from Training Tag-Alongs and the other was from Skirtsports. Although I had some issues with the nice folks at Training Tag-Alongs initially, their customer service recovery has been great! I understand that they are a new company and are trying to work out some kinks. Pictures to come soon of the kiddos in their cute shirts! I've had such bad luck with online orders lately (in addition to that mess, I've now gone through 3 swim suits, trying to find one that fits) that I was sure my new running skirt wouldn't fit. But, miracle of all miracles, it fits!! Unfortunately it was too chilly to try it out on my long run yesterday, but hopefully it will warm up this week, so I can give it a try. My running has continued to go well. No major aches and pains. I'm excited for my upcoming races and hope my hard work and dedication will pay off. You just never know what race day will throw at you. In any case, I've been extremely thankful to have my running to keep me sane over the past few weeks. Well, maybe not "sane" persay, but at least functioning!

A wink and a smile....or something like that.

2010-03-29T14:54:00.000-04:00

My new-found self sufficiency was apparently a big hoax! Two weekends ago I had the chance to run with my friends, so I did. They were only doing 10 miles, I had 15 on my schedule, so I did 5 on my own and then joined them for their 10. The weather was great, the conversation came easy and before I knew it our run was over. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE those days! I woke up the next day feeling as though I could run another 15. I really felt strong and great! Then this weekend came along. All my "training partners" had other engagements, so I was on my own to do my long run. No big deal, right? I headed out to a not-so-scenic bike path with the dingo for our 15 miles. The morning air was chillier than expected, which made for a painful first few miles. I finally warmed up after about 25 minutes and trudged along the path. I think I went maybe an hour without seeing another living soul. Thank goodness I had my dingo with me, I'd never recommend running on that path alone! I did purchase a new hydration belt for the occassion. Usually I can't take the dingo on long runs that require water, because I simply can't manage him and my hand-held amphipod. I bought the Camelbak Delaney Fit belt. My running store didn't have the Nathan belt that I wanted and were out of my size in the Amphipod one that I liked. I kind of felt like I had settled for this one...but it worked out and actually did a good job. So for those that are keeping count, I now have a SPI belt (that I've used *maybe* a handful of times), an Amphipod handheld (used that throughout my marathon training and for the actual marathon), a Nathan 5K Runner's Pak, and now this Camelbak. I like to spread my money throughout all of the companies! In any case, I was glad it only cost me $26 to have somewhat piece of mind, on my lone journey into the unknown. I made my way to the turn around point and was feeling pretty low. I was tired and bored. My legs were a bit stiff. Still, the dingo and I trudged along. My saving grace that day was a balding, middle-aged man who gave me the kindest smile and a thumbs up. Apparently my discouragement was evident on my face. That was all I needed to pick the pace back up and f inish the run. I didn't set any records that day, but decided the purpose of that run wasn't to see how fast I could run or to build endurance, but to see how mentally strong I was. I suppose that's more subjective and it's defnitely something I constantly struggle with. This weekend I'll be on my own again....but only have 13 miles to contend with. Tapering has officially begun for my first race! I also start a new job this week. I'm leaving the hospital setting and going to work for a homecare company. I'll be managing patients who are on long-term nutrition support (parenteral and enteral nutrition). It will hopefuly allow for more flexiblity and a chance to further my studies in the area of nutrition support. Change is hard and I spent many a runs thinking about making this change. At least I have my upcoming races to keep me going and to stay focused. Still working on the wardrobe for the races. I'm really slacking this time around. Usually I have my outfits planned out months in advance! Oh well....

Power of One!

2010-03-14T09:12:00.000-04:00

I am over half way through my training plan (well, kinda....but more on that later) for my upcoming half marathons! I have felt so good and strong on my long runs. It feels good to run long again! I'm even happier that I've been training on my own and thriving! You see, shortly after the marathon in October, I was "dumped" by my training partner (and very talented sister) in the pursuit of a BQ. Being new to running in general, I had never run more than 10 miles by myself. I wasn't sure I could do it. I know a lot of people train by themselves, but I'm a wimp! I need that distraction, companionship, and confidence that comes from running with others. Or so I thought. This training cycle has proved to me that I can do pretty much anything! I've ran through frigid temperatures, inches of snow/slush/ice and rain. And I've done it all on my own. No one expecting me to show up at the crack of dawn for a training run. No one encouraging me when things get tough. Just me and the open road....and it's so empowering! I was really worried about running the Kentucky Derby Festival half by myself. Now, I think I may rather enjoy running it by myself. No one to worry about, but me! Sure, I'm gonna feel like a loser standing at the starting line by myself, but once the gun goes off, I'll be fine. For my second half marathon in Indy, I'll be running with my good friends. And as alluded to earlier...I may be doing a third half marathon in Cleveland on May 16th. This is the marathon my sister is running and I had wanted to go up and cheer her on anyway. One of my co-workers may be doing this race with me. That will be 3 half marathons in 4 weeks! Despite my new found running independence, I think I will be happy to have the added support and companionship on the last two!

These next two weeks will be my biggest mileage weeks and then I'll start tapering down. It just so happens that I'll be starting a new job in the coming weeks, too. Nothing like a little stress in one's life! I just hope and pray for my continued strength and endurance and that I can stay injury-free. Although my feet/shoe situation isn't ideal right now, I'm working through it. I'm still trying to find the perfect running skirt. I really appreciate all the feedback from my earlier post. I think I'm going to go with the Skirt Sport one. I was hoping to find one at a local retailer, but no such luck.

Keepin' it Real

2010-02-18T08:17:00.000-05:00

I don't know why, but I still can't quite call myself a "real" runner. Yes, I've done a marathon, a couple halfs and braved all sorts of weather, but I'm pretty sure the term runner doesn't apply to me. However, yesterday at work I got the best compliment I've had in a loooong time. One of my fellow dietitians (who I see maybe once a month because she works at another facility) said, "Nicole, you look so fit. I can tell you're a runner." Really? Me? And yet another clue....I've been running without my iPod lately. A year ago I would have said you're crazy to even contemplate running without an iPod blaring. I've come to find that I rather enjoy the sound of my feet hitting the ground and my heartbeat racing. Perhaps all insignificant occurances, but put them together and it gives me just the approval (so to speak) I need to keep up this obsession. Another motivator - the sound of birds chirping and daylight at 7:00am. Yes, I know there is 12+ inches of snow on the ground and it's hovering in the upper 20's, but it sure does feel good to see daylight coming earlier and earlier! I know soon enough I'll be complaining about the oppressive humidity or rainy spring season....but knowing that something good is just around the corner is just what I need to get me through these next few weeks.

Help! I've fallen.....

2010-02-12T15:55:00.000-05:00

And can't get my blog-endurance up! Seeing as there is currently 12 inches of snow on the ground and temperatures in the 20's, you'd think I'd have all day to sit in front of my computer and catch up with my bloggy world. Sadly, the cold weather has just made me apathetic and lazy when it comes to blogging. Never fear though....my training has been right on schedule! This is officially week 4 of my "2 halfs in Spring 2010" training cycle. I have my first double-digit run, since the marathon, this weekend. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't just a tad bit excited about this. Unfortunately with said snow on the ground, my running routes have become limited. Last weekend, for my 9-miler, I braved a winter storm at 5:30am, with about 6 inches of snow already on the ground. Okay, so this wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done....but boy was it INVIGORATING!! Between concentrating on staying IN the tire-track groove of the un-plowed areas, to avoiding eye contact with the blinding wind/snow, to just plain avoiding being hit by motorists appalled at the audacity of someone to be out running at a time like this....The run was a piece of cake - physically. I could have floated for the full 9 miles. I was so worried about my safety and just getting HOME, that the miles didn't even matter. I wish I could have a day like that on race day! Although the streets are now mostly cleared, the sidewalks are a disaster. I also now need to start planning routes that include water/potty opportunities. I've been running water/GU-less since the marathon (no need, really). I could probably make it longer without water/GU, but I need to start training that part of my body, too! You know I have issues....

On a bittersweet note....I did end up getting new shoes. I was so, so excited to finally have my pillowy cushions called Brooks Trance 9's. I wore them around the house for 2 hours after I bought them. I loved them. I announced to my Facebook friends that our next child would likely be named "Brooks". And then I ran in them. I put my arch support/insert into the shoe and suddenly all that pillowy-goodness was gone AND my toes were cramped. Now, there is hope that since I've been wearing heavier socks that switching to my "regular" socks (the ones I used to try them on with at the store) will help . I also decided to try running without the insert in. Between the yaktrax and my toes getting squished together from the other direction ( you see I initially got the arch supports to help with my right toe neuroma - a self-diagnosis), my feet are a sad, hurting mess. So $140 later, I'm sad and angry at myself. I guess I will stick with my Mizuno Wave Nirvanas from now on..... It's not that they were bad or hurt me in any way...I just wanted to have more forefoot cushion. And because I am cheap, I will likely continue running in my Trance 9's and just make due. It's only a half-marathon, right?

As for my WW quest....I'm officially down 16.5 pounds from January 1st! Technically I'm in "maintenance mode" for WW purposes, but for my own purposes, I'm still trying to lose. I'd like to lose about 7-10 more pounds. Gosh, these last few pounds are TOUGH and I'm always hungry. I've only missed one DAY of a workout since January 1st. Usually, by this point I'm burnt out, but I'm so determined this time. I've added a few more videos to my workout arsenal, so that's been helping. The saddest realization is that unless all 7-10 pounds come directly off my butt/thighs/belly...I still wouldn't look decent in a bikini (my initial goal). I don't know...we'll see. A girl can dream right?

Week 1, Shoes and Skirts...Oh My!

2010-01-24T14:29:00.000-05:00

Week 1
This (past) week was officially the first week of training for my spring halfs. Despite it starting out rocky (up all night with a 2 year old who was puking/dry heaving every 20 minutes) it ended up good. I was left with a cold....again. But I'll take that over puking any day! So training this week was really no different than my other weeks. Ran 3 days, crossed trained 4 days, total mileage only 18 miles or so. I'm doing an ever so gradual build up in miles, hopefully to prevent injury! I feel good and strong and am excited about this training cycle. I also started reading the Dean Karnazes' book as a way to inspire me during training. I really liked reading my marathon training book each week when I was training for my first marathon. I'm not a big reader, so reading one chapter a week is perfect for me! As an aside to training - I hit my WW "goal" weight this week. I was able to lose about 11 pounds since January 1st. Now, I still want to lose about 12 more pounds, but for WW purposes (and cost) I set my goal a bit higher.

Shoes
It's that time of the year again! My current Mizunos have about 375 miles on them and I can feel it! The balls of my feet are staring to hurt. I hate getting new shoes in the middle of winter....only to have them dirtied by the mud/slush/snow. But, I want to avoid injury. I'm heavily considering changing to the Brooks Trance 9's. These were the shoes that were so cushy when I got my last ones. I guess there have been some improvements to my current Mizunos, so we'll have to see.

Skirts
Yes, it's true. The girl who only owns one dress and one skirt (essentially because I never bought any new skirts or dresses after I lost weight) has decided to get a running skirt. I don't consider myself "girly". I mean I love the color pink and I like to smell good....but that's about it! After much consideration, it seems like the best of both worlds. So now, I need recommendations! I have no idea what to look for in a skirt, but I know I'd be highly annoyed at anything riding up while I was running! A pocket would be nice, but not necessary. I'm not in a hurry to get my skirt...seeing as I live in Ohio and although yesterday I ran without gloves or a hat, running weather for skirts and shorts is a long way off!

Snow intervals...kinda?

2010-01-13T15:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm happy to say that this Stella may have finally gotten her groove back! I've had 3 fantastic runs in a row. Guess I finally beat whatever crud was lingering in my body and lungs. Now, to look at my average pace of my recent runs, you'd surely think I was crazy. 11:00 minute miles, I mean...come on! But running on snowy surfaces is a whole new ballgame for me. Add a crazy dingo to the mix (who suddenly thinks he has to pee on any barren patch of white snow) and my pace is slower than slow. BUT....I'm focusing on how great I feel! I felt so great yesterday that whenever I came upon clear pavement....I sprinted! Now those patches were few and far between and I don't think I've fully extended my legs while running for over a week, so my legs were like what the heck....but I did it. I wonder if it's just me who has a mutated stride when running in snow? Anyway, I'm sure glad to have some good runs under my belt (or double layers of winter running pants) because training for my 2 halfs starts next week. Yippee!! Reading all the recent marathon recaps has really given me the itch to start training again.

My Weight Watchers adventure is also on track. I officially re-signed up last Saturday (although I had been following the plan since 1/1/10). I lost almost 6 pounds before my first official weigh-in, so I'm not expecting a big loss this week....but this also feels GOOD. To see the numbers finally going down and not up is nice! Darn that marathon training. Actually, I've decided the lack of weight training during my race training is what sends my metabolism in the crapper. It's the only way that I can figure out that I would GAIN weight during my training cycles. It's the only variable (unless I subconsciously get up and eat at night...which is entirely possible given my love of food). My "vain" goal for 2010 is to be in bikini shape by this summer. I know I shouldn't care how I look and that I should just focus on my "health", but it's kind of a challenge for me. I haven't worn a bikini since I was (practically anorexic) 18 years old. I just hope I can stick to my WW plan when my mileage starts getting up there. More on that to come, I'm sure!

No iPod, Yaktrax kind of day

2010-01-05T09:25:00.004-05:00

I woke up this morning to a blanket of snow which meant it was time to pull out the yaktrax! Winter running has officially begun! It was 14 degrees and with the windchill it felt like 4 degrees. My new winter running gear had me prepared though! Although my new Saucony pants aren't the miracle I was hoping they'd be, they do a pretty good job of blocking the wind. It's kind of weird actually. The surface of my legs are nice and toasty, but I feel the cold down deep in my muscles. I guess layering will continue to be key. My smartwools kept my feet nice and warm, even trudging through inches of snow and slush. I love snow covered streets. The winter air becomes even more quiet and peaceful. About 5 minutes into our run, we ran into a family of deer. I guess the blinking lights on the dingo's collar scared them away. We passed a handful of other runners/walkers taking in the early morning calm. Without the iPod blaring, I focused on my breathing and the sound of the snow beneath my feet. I love climbing hills in the yaktrax. It's like I can feel the metal digging through the snow to pull me up the hill. I must remember that feeling more often when climbing a hill (when it's not snow covered!). Knowing I had extra support on my shoes gave me all the umph I needed to get up the hills. My quads are still a bit sore from Saturday's run. There wasn't enough snow on the roads to warrant yaktrax use that day, so my legs took a definite beating. I wonder how many more calories you burn running in the snow vs dry land? It sure seems harder! In any case, I didn't quite meet my 5 mile goal. My pace is much slower in the snow, and I was time-limited. I suppose 4.75 is better than nothing, though!

I appreciate all the comments and advice on my proposed training plan. The more I look at it, the more overwhelmed I get. My runs have not been going so well and I'm really loosing my confidence. I'd like to follow a "tested" plan, for that added confidence, so I may keep looking. Training will officially begin the week of January 17th, so I've got a few weeks.

Per a special Redhead's request....here's a pic of the YakTrax!

Training Plan Woes....

2010-01-02T13:28:00.000-05:00

So, I've essentially been absent from bloggy land for the past 2-3 weeks. Hubby and I have been enjoying time together with the family. Hubby's on his school "break", Braden has been out of preschool for the past 2 weeks and I've only worked 3 days in the past 2 weeks. I count on working to get caught up on all my bloggy friends! Thank goodness my work came to their senses and un-blocked blogger! Anyway, I've been keeping up with my 15-20 mile/week plan. I've essentially been sick since December 11th, so my runs have actually been pretty rotten...but at least I'm getting them done and not skipping any of my workouts. My new gear has worked out great and I've come to really enjoy running in the snow and cold. So peaceful and serene. I've also gotten a chance to run with my friend a handful of times over the past few weeks. I had forgotten how nice it is to run with someone! Conversation always comes easy and the miles tick away quickly.

As I look ahead to April and May, I have two half-marathons on my schedule. They are 2 weeks apart and I'm really struggling to come up with a training plan. I'm too new to this whole running thing to just make my own plan up without your guys' input! However when I look at premade plans (Runner's World, Hal Higdon, Jeff Galloway, etc) they all do a 2-3 week taper. Not sure how I fit in a taper with 2 halfs, two weeks apart? I generally follow a novice plan, just because I can only physically leave the house 3 times a week to run. Hubby and I have to share our morning workout time! I've been running 5 miles, 2 days a week, so I suspect I will keep that up throughout the training plan. I will also cross-train 3 days per week, and have one day for rest. So my real question is, do I take my mileage up to like 15-16 miles (long run) for 2-3 weeks before the halfs?

The long run schedule would be something like this:
Week 1: 7 mi (17 mi total)
Week 2: 8 mi (18 mi total)
Week 3: 9 mi (19 mi total)
Week 4: 10 mi (20 mi total)
Week 5: 11 mi (21 mi total)
Week 6: 12 mi (22 mi total)
Week 7: 13 mi (23 mi total)
Week 8: 14 mi (24 mi total)
Week 9: 15 mi (25 mi total)
Week 10: 15 mi (25 mi total)
Week 11: 14 mi (24 mi total)
Week 12: 12 mi (22 mi total)
Week 13: 10 mi (20 mi total)
Week 14: 13.1 mi RACE! (23 mi total)
Week 15: 10 mi (20 mi total)
Week 16: 13.1 mi RACE! (23 mi total)

I want to make sure I have a strong base heading into the 2 halfs, but I don't want to over-do-it! I don't have a time goal either. My goal is to have fun and finish! Maybe this plan is too much for me? When I trained for my first half (using Jeff Galloway's plan) we would build up a few weeks and then go down in mileage for a week. I also only ran 30-45 minutes, 2 days during the week. I know at a minimum, if I do that I'll be okay....but for 2 halfs? Input is definitely needed!

As for other 2010 goals....there will be more on that to come! Let's just say I'm heading back to Weight Watchers, though! I need to finish what I started....

Birthday Run

2009-12-20T17:28:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I celebrated my 32nd birthday. I had to work this weekend, so I decided Friday would be the day for my birthday celebration run. I had been looking forward to a nice, easy run all week. Unfortunately my cold had other plans. Regardless, I slept in until about 7:45am and headed out for an 8 mile run. Since I wasn't feeling fantastic, I thought I'd run the same route as my last 8 mile autopilot run. I was hoping to have the same experience, but it didn't quite happen. I noticed every single little incline in my legs and my lungs were huffing and puffing to keep up! I'm ashamed to admit that I actually had to stop and walk a few minutes towards the end. I just didn't have it in me. Luckily hubby had taken the day off and was decidedly in charge of the kids for the day. I came home, showered and crawled into bed....and remained there until it was time to get ready for my family birthday party at 4:45pm! Hubby and the kids even brought me my lunch in bed. It was fantastic and I felt 100% better by the end of the day.

As for my birthday gifts, hubby didn't disappoint! I had requested some running items and that's exactly what I got. Last winter I bought a good jacket and some tops to run in. This year I requested some nice, warm pants and a vest for the spring/fall. I had to do some exchanging, but I ended up with:

This vest from LOLE

These Saucony ViperLite XPT pants

This Saucony neck warmer....for those chiiiiiilly days in Ohio

More of my favorite socks (for summer)....Smartwool PhD Run Ultra Light Micro

and

New Pearl Izumi gloves, to replace mine that had ripped.

I love new running gear....gives me that extra motivation to get out of bed in the morning. I have no excuse now, not to get out there and get my runs in! Hopefully this week I can get over my cold and get back to enjoyable running!

Under the Weather and Upcoming Plans!

2009-12-15T15:54:00.016-05:00

Last week was trudging along nicely (well, with the exception of hubby being gone and having to travel to Michigan during a blizzard warning) when Thursday night I started to get that achy, fever coming-on sensation. Sure enough Friday morning my alarm goes off at 5:00 am (had planned to do 2 levels of Jillian's 30 Day Shred before work) and I'm weak, shivering and hurt....everywhere. The worst pain was in my head/neck area. I had slept horribly the night before and could barely keep my eyes open. I decided working out wasn't going to happen, so I pushed snooze for another hour. This is major for me....I haven't skipped a workout in over a year. I knew I was really sick when I didn't even have guilt over it! So the alarm goes off again at 6:00 am and I decide to get up and shower. Usually getting going helps me to feel better. I felt like a zombie stumbling around my room, bathroom and shower, but I get dressed for work, took some medicine and debated on whether or not I should go in to work. The babysitter (my MIL) was already on her way to our house and it was my day at work to get the workload planned for all the dietitians. I figured I might as well go in and put in an hour at work and see how I felt. I couldn't take my temperature at home (all the thermometers were in the kids' rooms, who were still sleeping when I left) so I walked on to one of the nursing units and had a nurse take my temperature. 100.4 degrees. Not too high, but high enough to be sent home. So home I went....with dread. You see, once you become a mother....it doesn't matter if you're sick. The show must go on!! My MIL was just leaving to take Braden to preschool when I got home. She was nice enough to also agree to pick him up and bring him home. It was bitterly cold that day and she didn't want Caroline out in the weather (she's been sick for 2 weeks now). And this is where I become a heartless daughter in law. I should have just been happy to not have to drag 2 kids to/from preschool but instead...I found myself angry at my MIL. Couldn't she just take both of them to her house for the day? Let me rest and get better? I'm NEVER sick. The fact that I actually told her I was sick and not feeling well is pretty significant. I don't complain. I didn't want to be waited on hand and foot, I just wanted a reprieve from my job as "Mommy". If only for 2 hours! Luckily taking care of one child is much easier than two, so Caroline let me catch a few minutes of sleep here and there as I went from couch, to chair, to couch, etc! I couldn't keep my eyes open. 2 hours later MIL and Braden come home. She fixes lunch and does a little craft project with them and then she leaves. This is the part that really gets me....As she's leaving, she laughs and says "hopefully you can make it 2 more hours until nap time!" Yeah, thanks. What's worse, is that she knew hubby wasn't home and wouldn't be home until later that night. When you feel like death warmed over and you have 9+ hours to spend with your children....alone.....that seems like an eternity. Note to self: when my daughter or daughter in law is sick with no husband in town and 2 young children to care for, make every possible effort to help her out!

So I did indeed make it to nap time, where both kids took a gloriously long 3 hour nap. THANK YOU SWEET BABY JESUS! Now, I had registered to do the Jingle Bell Run 5K for the local Arthritis foundation on Saturday. I could pick up my packet that night or do it the day of the race. Being new to running, I wasn't quite sure what would happen if I never showed up to pick up my packet or the race, but I had spent $30 to register and I was surely going to at least get my t-shirt! I still wasn't feeling great, but with medicine and ibuprofen every 4 hours, it was manageable! I had about 4 hours at this point until hubby was going to be home. I couldn't entertain them at home any longer, so out we went to pick up my packet/t-shirt. Well, I felt like a jackass telling them I just wanted my t-shirt, so I picked up the timing chip/bib number as well. I earned major Mom points by taking them to McDonalds on the way home. Next thing I knew, hubby was walking in the door and my role as family CEO was officially over (for a few hours, at least).

Saturday morning comes around, it's 18 degrees outside and I'm still running a low-grade fever (99.6 degrees) and can barely swallow, my throat hurts so bad. I take 600 mg of ibuprofen, more cold medicine and lay in bed debating on what to do. About 30 minutes later, I'm feeling marginally better and decide I might as well go run the darn 5K. I had friends expecting me there, and I didn't want to disappoint them! Afterall, I knew I would feel real guilty about skipping another workout AND wasting $30. So we ran the 5K. I don't even know my official finishing time. I didn't even care. I just downloaded my Garmin and it said 30:something. Not a PR by any stretch, but at least I wasn't lying in bed. We just ran at an easy, conversational pace and enjoyed the festive holiday run. I felt great afterwards and had no regrets. I met up with my kids and hubby at a local donut shop, and called it a day.

My run this morning wasn't quite as good. The cold has now descended into my lungs, making breathing (especially while running) that much harder. I got in 4 miles (usually do 5-6) at a snail's pace and called it good! I'm hoping to be back on track by Thursday, as my mileage last week was pretty pathetic. This Saturday is my 32nd birthday and while I have to work this weekend, I'm hoping to get in a nice longish run before work. Who would have thought a year ago, that I'd actually prefer to get up and go running on my birthday? Oh yeah and guess what..... I officially have another race on my calendar. My friends and I are going to run the Indianapolis 500 Festival mini-marathon on May 8th. My bib number is something like 34446....I just saw on the webpage that it SOLD OUT yesterday at 35,000 registrants. Talk about cutting it close! Apparently it's the largest half marathon in the nation and has sold out for 9 years in a row now. I love big races and am very excited about this. The funny thing is that during registration if you selected an estimated finishing time before 2:30, you could provide documentation to get a seeded/ preferred start. Now my best time is 2:18, but I could care less where I start! My friends and I just want to start/run together, so we'll risk our luck and just start with the masses. Could be chaos....but then it seems like every race I run is!
Still to be decided is the April 24th half marathon at the Kentucky Derby Festival. These would be 2 weeks apart, but completely doable and maybe a bit challenging. Training will likely start the first week of January and I'm ready for it! It just feels so good to have something on the training horizon. What has my life become?

Autopilot

2009-12-08T14:52:00.000-05:00

I got up bright and early this morning to do my long-ish run for the week. Hubby is heading out of town tomorrow and I'm doing a 5K race on Saturday (my usual long day). If I wanted to get a long run in, it had to be today! The alarm went off at 5:15. Despite going to bed early last night, I didn't feel very rested. That seems to happen to me a lot before a long run, or really whenever I know I'll be running a new route. Weird? So I headed out on a familiar route, one that I ran many times during my marathon training. The dingo knows it by heart. And thank goodness he does, because I was on complete autopilot. I thought it was going to be colder than it was, so I was bundled up and ready! Each mile ticked by more smoothly than the last. I didn't look at my watch once or even stop it for our dingo stops (coincedentally, poor Cooper has thrown up more on this route than any other one....I wonder what the deal is?) and traffic lights. I was just in the zone and before I knew it, 8 miles had whisked by and I was on the homestretch. It's days like this that I love running! No aches, no pains, no general annoyances. No worrying about my pace or if I'm working hard enough. Just running.

You see, I have some major guilt about my running. I never feel like I'm running hard enough or long enough. Reading through this month's Runner's World was completely deflating. Just when I think I'm okay with my workout routine, I see that really..... it's not good enough. I'm a slacker because I only run 3 days a week. I'm a slacker because I never do speed work. I'm a slacker because I have no desire to do trail runs or a speedy 5K. I feel like I'm an imposter of a runner and I desperately need to make peace with myself. People with more responsibility and less time do more than what I do. When it comess down to it, I settle for mediocre....and maybe that's okay, but the voices in my head tell me to do more, work harder. This morning I was able to shut them off and it was GREAT! I'm not really sure what all this means....I just know I'm really conflicted. Perhaps if the scale were moving in the right direction I'd be less conflicted, but until then... the voices will continue.

Walk of Shame??

2009-11-30T22:07:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning, at about 5:45 am, I set out for a 9 mile run. It was the coldest morning of the season, but for some reason that just invigorates me more. It definitely keeps me moving! I had decided the night before to run a different route. I had done this route with my sister during a few of our long runs this summer, but I'd never run it alone (well, I always have my trusty dingo-dog with me). I tend to run along fairly busy streets, just to keep the other dog-walkers out of our way. Of course, at 6:00am with temperatures in the 20's, I didn't have to worry about that. The route was pretty well lit with overhead street lights and the coldness and quiteness gave me a sense of peace. I was really enjoying my run. Until I noticed a man walking out of a neighborhood, screaming into his cell phone. I had my iPod playing and I could still hear him over the music. He was across the street (a 4-lane road) from me. I quickly looked him over....fairly young, jeans, plaid button-down shirt, blonde hair. No coat, no gloves, no hat. Defnitely not prepared for a stroll in the cold. The dingo barely gave him a second glance, which is unusual for him. Usually he's Cap-i-tain Cautious, barking at anything that moves. So I kept running, faster and faster. Splits for the 2 miles that I was on that road were under 9 minute miles. I was scared. I immediately think the worst in scenarios like this. Rapist or serial killer usually top my list. I never turned around to see where the guy went or if he was even following me. I didn't want to know. I just wanted to keep running until I felt more secure (a lighted shopping center, gas station, etc). Unfortunately this stretch of road was 1) the darkest part of my whole route and 2) home to a large, vacant, factory/plant. I prayed the entire time for God to keep me safe. I rejoiced when cars would drive by. I was just hoping there was a guardian angel in one of those cars, who would keep this guy from hurting me. My mind was racing in the quiet darkness. I began thinking about what I would do if a car (now or sometime else) drove by and tried to abduct me. What would I do? I don't carry anything valuable on me when running (besides my iPod and watch). I'd have nothing to "barter" with, you know. It was a pretty sobering thought. I'd essentially be defenseless. So back to the present situation and I realized I should probably change my intended route. I was suppose to do a couple mile lap repeats around a city park/lake. Parts of the lake path are not well-lit and border upon the aforementioned vacant factory. I didn't think that sounded too safe, so I started to consider an alternate route. Upon turning into the park, I come across another man (dressed more appropriately for the weather in a hooded sweatshirt, but still odd to see walking at 6:30 in the pitch black morning). I was afraid I was over-reacting to the first guy, but after seeing the second creepy guy, I knew I had to change my route. I sped up faster and faster and went on my way. About 7:00am the sun started peeking out and I immediately felt safer. My mind was still buzzing about the preceding events, until I found a scenario that I could accept. My conclusion....the first guy had probably just snuck out of some chick's house after a one-night stand. The good old Walk of Shame. That's got to be it, right?! I can't really accept what could have happened or any other scenario for that matter. It would keep me from running, indefinitely!

So in light of Saturday's events, I've decided to take a couple of safety measures. 1) I'll always leave my route up on the computer (oddly enough, I had done that on Saturday) for hubby. 2) I need to find a way to take my cell phone with me....no matter what. Guess I'll be wearing my SPI belt all the time. 3) I need to get some pepper spray to carry. Now that I'll be wearing my SPI belt, I'll have a place to put it. I've made excuses for way too long about safety precautions. Saturday's adventure was a wake up call....even if it was just some poor guy's Walk of Shame.

Thanksgiving Day PR!

2009-11-27T13:37:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not talking about the amount of food/calories I ate yesterday (although I'm afraid that would be pretty impressive too), but rather the 5 mile Turkey Trot I ran. The Turkey Trot makes it officially one year, since I started running. It's crazy to think about all that I've accomplished in one year. I have so much to be thankful for this year, and my running/health is a major one! What made yesterday's race even better, was getting to run it with my hubby (well, for the most part).
Our day started at 6:15am. Race time was at 8:00am. 7,000 people had signed up to run the race, so I knew parking and logistics could be problematic. It seems like race day is always "hurry up and wait"! Yesterday was no different. It was fairly chilly (around 38 degrees), which made the waiting part that much worse. We found our place in line, right in front of the sub 50 minute pace sign. Slowly but surely time ticked away until it was "go" time. The first mile was heavily congested. It eventually thinned out a tiny bit but then became clustered again around 2 - 2.5 miles. Turn arounds are the worst! I lost hubby at this point, which was expected (and okayed this time!). There was a local police SWAT team running (carrying a flag and singing their little chants) and whenever I'd slow my pace ever so slightly, they would swarm me. After a mile or so of this, I decided enough was enough! I broke free from the pack and found my own groove....far, far away from the SWAT team. I had hoped to break 50 minutes. Everytime I looked down at my watch, I was on pace to do this. The last 1.5 mile was tough. At the 4 mile mark, I wanted to stop and walk. I hurt and was no longer having fun! I told myself "only 10 more minutes". I can do anything for 10 minutes, right?! With the finish line in site (the absolute WORST part of any race for me - except the marathon) I kept pushing. I crossed the line at 47:11 (9:27 pace). I thought I was gonna puke...low blood sugar and a hard effort had gotten the best of me! Luckily, it passed quickly and I went on to get my chip cut off my shoe and wait for my hubby. The food/water area was so crazy, we didn't even attempt to get anyting and just headed home. I know 9:27 isn't a fast pace, but this represents over a 4 minute PR from last year's race. Hubby finished in around 51 minutes (longest run prior to the race was 3.1 miles...about a month ago). We're both really happy with our times and even happier that we got out and exercised on an otherwise glutenous day! I hope this can continue to be a Thanksgiving Day tradition for many more years to come!

As a completely selfish aside....I generally feel pretty crummy about how "slow" I am. Turns out I beat all the people I knew who were running (this may or may not include people new to running, ha, ha)! Well, except for my speedy sister who apparently turned in 7:00 minute miles! I feel honored that she slowed down for me the past year!! ;-)

What motivates you?

2009-11-19T08:29:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I posted about all the negative thoughts that were running through my mind that day. We've all had runs like that. Today as I was running, I was thinking about all the things that keep me going. I've been struggling to get out of bed in the mornings, which is completely silly because I always feel 100 times better after I've gotten up and exercised. Although I was logging way more miles during the marathon training, I was only exercising 4 (sometimes 5 ) days a week. Getting up at the crack of dawn 6 days a week is dragging me down! I need some motivation....so without further ado....this is what keeps me moving during those cold, dark, morning runs.

1. If I just keep running, I'll stay warmer
2. Seeing other runners/walkers (although today it was in the mid-40's and every dog walker was out....I kinda wish they'd just stay at home. Don't they know I run with a crazy dingo who really doesn't like other dogs??)
3. I have to be home by X:XX am in order for hubby to get to work on time!
4. Seeing people smoking in their cars at stop lights (random)
5. Passing people at the bus stops
6. A good song (currently it's Beyonce's Single Ladies)
7. Running a new route
8. Having a race on the schedule (I'm doing the Thanksgiving day 5 miler and just registered for the Arthritis Foundation 5K in December)
9. Thinking about what I'm going to have for breakfast (lame, I know)
10. The sooner I get home, the sooner I can snuggle in bed with my kiddos

Warm breeze....in the Fall???

2009-11-15T21:24:00.000-05:00

This week was pretty non-descript in my running life. I've told myself I need to do at least 15-20 miles a week to maintain my fitness, until the next training cycle comes around. Now whether or not there's any validity to that, I don't know....but the numbers work for me. I've been playing around with the HRM and found that 88 bpm probably really is an accurate HR for my "easy" pace. The past two Thursdays I've tried to pick up the pace (remember I'm a snail....). Here are this Thursday's stats:

Mile 1: 9:51/152
Mile 2: 9:20/168
Mile 3: 9:33/161
Mile4: 9:20/155
Mile 5: 9:55/164 (gradual uphill)

Compared to my "easy" pace (this week's long-ish run) on a hilly route:
Mile 1: 9:56/150
Mile 2: 10:32/136
Mile 3: 10:32/116
Mile 4: 10:27/77
Mile 5: 10:33/84
Mile 6: 10:55/90
Mile 7: 11:12/74 (didn't stop my watch at the traffic light)
Mile 8: 10:05/69

I still have some doubts as to the precision of my stats, but it's close enough. I'd also still like to find some research/training information based on HR guidelines. It's still on my "to do" list.

We've been having some funky weather for November in Ohio. I watched the news before falling asleep on Friday night and it said it was going to be 44 degrees in the morning. So I get up, put on my capris and a heavier short-sleeved tech tee, go outside and FREEZE. Back upstairs I go to find something else to wear. I finally decided on a lighter-weight long sleeved tech tee and the capris. Back outside I go and as I'm heading down the street, I realize I can see my breath and my fingers are quite cold. Oops....but I was already committed to this run and I wasn't turning back! The first runner I pass is in complete winter gear from head to toe. I immediately feel like an idiot. I'm just sure I'll be the laughing-stalk of the running community as I try to pull my long sleeves over my fingers to keep warm. Well, next thing I know, I'm huffing and puffing it up a big hill and I don't feel cold at all anymore. In fact, after about 4 miles, I feel a WARM BREEZE. I thought for sure I must be hypoxic or something....I mean just 40-ish minutes ago I could see my breath and now I'm being washed over in a warm breeze? It was quite bizarre but it was at that point that I just allowed myself to relax and enjoy this fall run. The dingo had a couple of issues (including a poo bag explosion) but all in all, it was a great Saturday morning run.

Things were also pretty non-descript in my Mommy life, too this week! We muddled through a week of daycare and alternative care for Ms. Caroline (the daycare essentially kicked her out). I got my H1N1 shot at the hospital and then drug the kids out to the county health department expo to get their shots. At previous expos, people had been waiting 2-4 hours in line. I didn't know what to expect, so I packed the diaper bag with the portable DVD player/movies, books, cars, ponies, and of course snacks. I hauled the kids in the wagon as they finished up their lunch. About 20 minutes into the line, Braden decides he needs to go to the potty. Umm....what? No way. I had a change of clothes in the car and if he peed his pants, well then he peed his pants. I wasn't about to give up my spot in line! Looking back, I should have just gotten out of line and let him go. We were out of there in just over an hour. They both cried horribly sad cries when they got their shots, but otherwise it was pretty smooth sailing. Braden even kept his pants dry! Hooray! Caroline made herself comfy in the wagon most of the time, while reading "Go Dog Go". I didn't even need half the stuff I'd brought to entertain them. I feel better knowing that they are now at least partially protected from the flu. I tend to be quite the germ-a-phobe, but I also can't stand staying in the house all winter. Hopefully this will help!

Excuses and Race Day Photos

2009-11-07T17:11:00.002-05:00

Today's run was about 8 miles too long. My head and heart weren't in it....and I thought of a million excuses to turn around and go home. Among those excuses these were my favorite:

1. The wind - I started out doing about 3 miles directly into the wind. I felt like I was moving in slow motion. Was it even windy today? I don't know....but it sure felt like it!

2. The 4:00am wake up call - Thanks to a 4 year old who had a "bad dream" and was found to be feverish.

3. Returning neuroma pain - No advil and no stops/walk breaks will always bring this pain back.

4. Post-Marathon fatigue - So this is what that feels like. Yes, this was a bit of a stretch.

5. Friday's 30 Day Shred workout....Yes I'm a wimp. Although my legs were fine, I could feel my shoulders/back tightening up the further I ran.

6. Maybe I'm coming down with something (see #2). Is it H1N1's turn at our house?

7. Too hot - Once I turned away from the wind, I found I was too hot and thirsty.

8. Knee pain??? What's this all about? It's been bothering me since my first post-marathon run. Icing it made me it feel like I was 80 years old (well, I can imagine). Great...

Despite the internal struggle in my head....I ended up doing 8.3 miles and felt like I had done about 18. Ugh... Thank goodness for a rest day tomorrow!

Something else I've been wondering about....if you buy the official "race day photos", what do you do with them? There's a couple good shots of me and my sister on the marathon course, but I can't figure out what I'd do with them. I don't have an office at home and I share my office at work with at least 1-3 other people. Although my family is very proud of me, I don't think they want to see my face in the dining room, family room or kitchen. As stated earlier this week....I don't particularly care for myself in photos (especially spandex shorts with an ugly belt up to my boobs)...I wouldn't want to wake up or go to bed looking at a photo of myself! Perhaps they should just go in a scrap book. Guess I need to get to work on that! I haven't printed out photos in 2 years. That's a whole other issue! In any case, here's a few of the pics the photographers on the course took.

Tools of the Trade

2009-11-03T21:29:00.000-05:00

After letting it sit idly for 2 months, I finally got out the heart rate monitor that goes with my Garmin fitness watch. I couldn't bear to put another thing on me, in the midst of horrible heat and humidity so I never used it. Well, now that I'm back to cross-training regularly, I thought it would be a good idea to track my heart rate to make sure I'm working in my "target" zone. I haven't taken physiology in oh.... 10 or 11 years and since I don't work in the cardiac field I'm a bit rusty on what this means. After some quick internet research, I came to find that for a female, 31 year old, my target heart rate should be anywhere from 108 - 170. Apparently there's a wide discrepancy on this subject, so if anyone has a more accurate formula for determining your THR, I'd love to see it! So with this new knowledge, I strapped on the HR monitor for this morning's 5.5 mile run. I didn't look at my watch once, because I wanted this to be a true baseline. The result....I averaged 88 beats per minute with a MAX of 158 bpm. Did I mention that I did my "hilly" route?? So my first thoughts are either that the HRM must be as "accurate" as my Garmin foot pod (the day of the marathon, it said I ran 27.97 miles) or I'm running at a seriously comfortable pace. I certainly feel like I'm working hard when I'm running. I'm out of breath when I stop running. I'm sweating. Apparently these aren't good indicators!! Wouldn't you want the bulk of your run to at least be within the minimum of your target range, for optimal calorie/fat burning? These are the things I will now search out. Maybe instead of focusing on mileage, I'll focus on heart rate training. I need to drop about 10 pounds and this may be a better way to do it?

Another interesting tool that I got a chance to use is indirect calorimetry. Essentially by measuring the amount of oxygen the body consumes, it calculates the number of calories you burn in a day at rest (called your resting energy expenditure or REE). Well, since I did this at the end of the day, after activity, food and caffeine, my results would be more of a Total Energy Expenditure. With that said, my results showed that I expend 1915 calories a day. In order to lose weight, I'd need to cut down to 1415 calories daily, to lose 1 pound a week. Not too shabby, especially if I include my exercise in there. I found a really interesting website that helps you calculate your needs to maintain your weight or lose weight and will even come up with meal plans for you! Hey....that's MY job! In any case, since the majority of people don't have access to a dietitian, here's the site: http://www.thedietdiary.com/diet/nutrition/RestingEnergy.html . Pretty interesting (for a dietitian at least).

Back to the daily grind...

2009-11-02T21:41:00.002-05:00

Last week I was clearly trying to fool myself into thinking that running and cross-training 6 days a week was just as good as training for a marathon. While I'm not really ready to comitt to another training cycle, it would be nice to have something, anything on the horizon. Well okay, we are signed up to do the 5 mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. Woohoo! But after watching the NYC marathon coverage (and secretly stalking a doctor I work with on the marathon course online) I couldn't help but think of what's to come for me. Last Friday I hatched a plan to start applying for the NYC marathon. I figure if nothing else....I can put it on my race calendar for 2013~ LOL! More immediate will likely be a half (or 2....) in the spring and potentially Chicago next Fall. I've always loved Chicago, thanks to a few trips to visit my sister there while she was in PT school at Northwestern. It wouldn't be a horrible drive and after reading a few Chicago marathon 2009 recaps....sounds like a stellar race! And so begins my search for the proper training plan. I will never be competitive, but I'd like to push myself a bit. I find it completely amazing that I finished a marathon after only 62 training runs and 440 miles (granted I had enough time to "stop and have a BBQ" but that's neither here nor there, now is it?!). I have some time to do my research and ultimately it will be what's most convenient for me and my family life!

So speaking of my family....my wonderful sister suprised me with this long-admired tee shirt from Run Happy Tees!! Well, the one I have is blue and short-sleeved, but you get the point! If I liked myself in pictures, I might take a pic for you! I have searched and searched for this shirt, ever since I saw it at the Pig expo last May! Leave it to my thoughtful sister to find it for me! One more thing to cross off my "Wish List"!

Other than that, life goes on. My parents are in Italy as I type.... My sweet Caroline cried for about 6 hours today at daycare. So sad... Trick or Treat was fun on Saturday night! The kids had a blast and best of all, I hid their candy Sunday morning and they haven't asked for it since. Out of sight, out of mind! Playdate tomorrow and election day! There's a lot of really important issues on the ballot....so I can't forget to VOTE!!

5K to Carpet Cleaning....

2009-10-29T11:19:00.000-04:00

Yes, yes, I do lead a glamorous life! As you know, this week has been busy, busy, busy. I'm glad to say that once the carpet-cleaning-man leaves my home....my stress will be over for the week!! Who would have thought that getting your carpet (and area rugs) cleaned would be so stressful?!

So yes, I tend to do things non-traditionally. After running a marathon on October 18th, I decided to try out a 5K. I've always been a bit weary of 5Ks because they are essentially sprints and I'm pretty sure God created me as one of those non-fast-twitch-muscle-types! Regardless, it was for a good cause and hubby was excited to "race". Now mind you, this was my first post-marathon run and the devil Jillian had cursed me the day previous. But all excuses aside, I had hoped to run under 30 minutes. I came in at 30:13 (9:45/mile). I was a bit disappointed, until I realized I don't really have a competitive bone in my body and I'm just glad to have had the experience. Pretty lame, I know. Now hubby and I had made no verbal commitments to stay together. I mean, the furthest he had run prior to the race was 1.9 miles. I figured there would be some walking involved for him. He finished at a respectable 32:12 (10:24/mile). He was pretty angry at me for not staying with him the entire time, but holy cow....he had run THREE times time prior to the race. He did fantastic and I'm only a tad bit envious of his ability to "get in shape" so quickly. Men.... My pride/ego will not get in the way next time, so for the Turkey Trot....we will stay together!

The rest of the week's activities have gone on as scheduled. I won't say "without a hitch" because there's always a hitch when kids are involved! The costume parade was fun (minus the 10 minutes I had to spend fighting with the kids to actually put their costumes on and get in the car). The flu mist vaccinations went remarkably smoothly. Making the oreo/spider cookies was a major PITB, but I got it done at 11pm. Work yesterday was....work. Last night we de-cluttered and rearranged furniture in preparation for today's carpet cleaning. Today sweet Caroline had to spend 4 hours at the daycare to continue "transitioning" into her classroom. My parents (and usual babysitters) are leaving for a 2 week Meditterrean cruise today. That means I had to find an alternate babysitting service! She's never been left with anyone but family and she's such a sensitive....Mommy's girl! I've been taking her for a few hours at a time for the last 2 weeks to the daycare. She cries and cries and is just so pathetic. Luckily I only work part time and she'll only have to go 4 days in the next two weeks. Just more emotional (and physical) stess to add to my life.

I'm so glad to be back on my workout schedule. Getting up at 5:15am yesterday was no fun, but it feels good to use muscles that haven't been used in awhile! My workout plan is as follows (hubby permitting):

Monday - Weight training/Cardio
Tuesday - Run
Wednesday - Cardio
Thursday - Run
Friday - Weight training/Cardio
Saturday - Run (longish)
Sunday - RELAX!

I don't belong to a gym (essentially because I'm cheap and don't really have the time to *go* to a gym) so all my workouts are done at home in my state of the art workout room....aka the dark, dingy basement. Whatever...it gets the job done. I've compiled quite a collection of workout DVDs and when I get bored of those, I check out videos from the library. Gosh, I'm such a Mom. But like I said...it gets the job done! And speaking of getting the job done....my carpets are clean!! Time to go pick up my baby girl and have one last lunch with my parents and sister before they leave.

She's baaaaaack!

2009-10-26T20:34:00.019-04:00

With hubby deciding to take up running, I lost my Monday morning run time. I don't exercise in the evening. It's generally against everything I believe in (get up, get it out of the way, don't have it hang over your head all day)! So I brought back an oldie-but-goodie......Jillian! Jillian effectively helped me to lose 60 pounds in 6 months (along with watching caloric intake, of course), so I'm a believer in her workouts. Today I decided to do "No More Trouble Zones". I got this video when I was training for my first 1/2 and have really only done it in it's entirety a handful of times. I got out my lightest weights (5 pounds) and got through the whole thing. I've gotta say though, 12 hours later, I'm already feeling it! It's good to feel that again (and not have to worry about it impeding my "training"). The other great news is that my right leg/shin didn't hurt at all. I guess taking a whole week off from exercise paid off. We'll see tomorrow. I'm lacing up my shoes tomorrow for my first post-marathon run. Hubby and I (and another couple) are doing a Halloween 5K to support the local Children's Hospital. This is my FIRST 5K....and I definitely won't be "racing". That word really doesn't even fit in my vocabulary. Hubby just starting running (again) last week, he's up to about 1.5-2 miles. We'll be taking it slooooow! Since we signed up so late, the race shirts were picked over. I never thought I would be swimming in a size large. Oh well....it's for a good cause, right?! And I will NOT be wearing a costume. I had to dress up for a Halloween party this weekend (Phidippides none the less....gotta show off that medal somehow, right?!).

Tomorrow is going to be busy, busy. My Mom's group is going to a local assisted living facility to put on a Halloween costume parade. Then the kids get their flu mist vaccines later in the day (note to self: have bribery items available). Tomorrow night is the 5K run. Oh yeah, and I have to bring the treats for Braden's party at preschool on Wednesday. I spent a large amount of time today searching for everything I need for THESE little cuties, and still haven't found everything I need! So annoying. I guess I can add another trip to the grocery store to the agenda for tomorrow. I can sleep when I'm dead....right?

One last thing....Tall Mom is having another great giveaway, thanks to the people at Brooks and their new Brooks For Her line. What better way to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness than to sport one of their products down the road?! I'm thinking I'd look pretty nice in the jacket, myself! Check out the links above to find your PINK gear!

The Virgin is no more....New Look and New Name!!

2009-10-25T22:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks to my creative director (aka Hubby), The Virgin Marathon Mommy has a new name!! Welcome to

26.2 and a Mommy too!

With the new name and all, I figured it was only fitting to change the background design, too! Now, I'm not really sure how to change the actual domain name....so for the time being, you can find me here....just with a new title!

Post-Marathon Musings...

2009-10-22T12:22:00.003-04:00

I have so much swimming around in my head and will likely never be able to get it all out concisely! I find myself somewhere between feeling like I just did something really great to it not being a big deal at all. And really in the grand scheme of things, it isn't a big deal. I've just devoted the past 16 weeks of my life to it and find it hard to just let it go.... So with that said, here are some things that really stand out to me.

Race-Day Miracles:
1) Beautiful, sunny, cool, dry, skies!
2) NO tummy issues!
3) NO pain at all in my right leg/shin!
4) Feeling great at the finish line
5) No wardrobe mishaps
6) Not having to stop once to go potty! (I didn't even go until we got back to the hotel!)
7) Deciding at mile 24 that there would definitely be another marathon in my future!

Fun Memories:
1) The guy running near us (with a pink head dress) yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs. We were hoping we'd have his energy around mile 23, but he was only doing the half.
2) My sister getting called "Gi-nay" at one of the water stations. She's my soul sister!
3) The Asian kid yelling out "vanilla" in the most monotonous voice ever at the Cliff Shot station
4) Cheering for and thanking the bands/entertainment along the course
5) Seeing all the little kids out cheering for their mom/dad
6) Dedicating the last 6 miles to special people in my life:
Mile 20 - Taylor Jones (my 4 year old friend fighting AML)
Mile 21 - My grandparents
Mile 22 - My parents
Mile 23 - My hubby
Mile 24 - My kiddos
Mile 25 - God
Mile 26 - ME!

Marathon Mishaps:
1) Forgetting my handheld water bottle in the hotel room
2) Bummer of a Expo
3) Horrible race week anxiety
4) Being told by a MD at work that I had enough time to stop and have a barbeque with my finishing time.....

I find myself in that post-race funk. The DOMS was pretty much gone by Wednesday. My right leg pain has resurfaced, so I decided to take a whole week off from running/exercising. I've exercised 4-6 days/ week for the past 17 months straight. I feel like a sloth doing nothing! Hubby has now decided he wants to start running, so it looks like my running days will be cut back to 3 days a week. That's fine with me, considering the winter months are ahead! I really feel like I've lost a lot of muscle tone (from lack of serious weight training the past 16 weeks), so I look forward to adding some more cross-training into my exercise routine.

So what's next?? I'm thinking maybe the Kentucky Derby MiniMarathon on April 24, 2010.... and maybe the Flying Pig Half on May 2, 2010? With only being able to run 3 days per week over the winter, a full just isn't in the near future!

I'm hoping to have more pictures soon.....

Here's a pic of the sweet roses huby got me:

He must have not got the matchy-match memo.... Oh well, yellow is pretty close to orange! :-)

Marathon Recap!

2009-10-20T17:18:00.013-04:00

I have a feeling this is going to be a long one.....just a warning!

Pre-Race/Expo:
We left for Columbus on Saturday afternoon around 11:15am. Despite the multitude of delicious and different restaurants in the city, I asked hubby if he wouldn't mind taking me to Cracker Barrel for lunch. He reluctantly agreed. My mood had been so tense leading up to the race that he wasn't about to ask why! If you know anything about my hubby and I, it is that we love good food! We love going to new places, preferably non-chain type places. Sadly, if you remember, I had made the Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings before my first 16 miler and 20 miler. I don't tend to be too superstitious, but that meal had served me well in the past, so I figured....why not?! We enjoyed a delicous (and child-free) lunch and then headed to the Expo. We got there around 2:00pm. The expo was a bit of a let down, but it was nice to peruse the booths child-free! Hubby had never been to an expo before, so he enjoyed it too. I picked up my t-shirt, poster and bib and we headed to the hotel to check in. It wasn't really until then that it hit me....I was going to run a FULL marathon. Our dinner reservations weren't until 7:00pm, so I tried to take a little nap, but was too anxious. I pulled out my book (Dan Brown's new one) but found that to be even more anxiety-inducing! I painted my fingernails ORANGE (you know, to match my shoes, shirt, and hair ribbon). I thought Tall Mom would be so proud! Dinner at Buca di Beppo was good and fun, as usual. After dinner we called it a night and headed back to the hotel. I laid everything out for the next morning. I opened up my book again and found my heart racing and the pages turning quicker and quicker at 11:00pm. I knew I had to put the book down and just try to sleep! I probably got about 4 or 5 decent hours of sleep.

(BIL, Sister, Mom, Dad, Me and Hubby after dinner)

(my gear all ready to go!)

Race:
When the alarm went off at 6:30am, I was READY to get up! We were to meet my sister and Mike in the lobby of the hotel at 7:00am. I gulped down my blueberry Roctane, took my Immodium AD and we were off.

(Me and my sweet $4 Goodwill "throw away" pants that I couldn't part with)

The city was full of life for so early in the morning. Cars and people were pouring into the city from everywhere. We got about 1/4 of a mile from our hotel and I realized I had left my amphipod in the hotel room fridge! Oops! Nice hubby ran back and got it for me! As we got to the starting area, it was jam-packed with runners and spectators. We couldn't get anywhere, so we ended up starting by the 5:30 pace group. We were so far back, we couldn't hear any instructions (didn't even know they were giving any!) or the gun go off. About 12 minutes later, we finally crossed the starting line and we were off. They had a band playing at the start and the streets were lined with spectators. It was so exciting as we scanned the sidelines for family and friends. It was pretty chilly (around 33 degrees) but the sun was just coming up and it looked to be a beautifull day ahead.

Miles 1-5:
This part of the course was essentially flat and lined with people almost the entire stretch. We passed by the Franklin Park Conservatory and headed into an area of town called Bexley. This is home to some of the most gorgeous, old mansions in the state! We went through a couple of the neighborhoods (where the governor was out shaking hands with the runners), and looped around the park and back to the road we initially came down on. Hubby was on his bike, in hopes of catching us every 5 miles or so on the course. I had hoped to take off my sweatshirt and take my first GU around mile 5, when we saw my hubby. He wasn't able to get as far as he (I) had wanted, so we ended up seeing my parents first, around mile 5.5. My Mom had made a sign for us that said "Run Like Two Hot Mamas" and my Dad had a fun horn he was squeezing. I took off my sweatshirt at this point and took my first GU. We took a quick picture and then we were off.

Miles 6-10:
Around mile 6.5, we finally found hubby. He claims we were running faster than anticipated! I was happy to see him, but wasn't ready to take my pants off yet!

(first hubby encounter on the course)
He took off on his bike and planned to meet us again around mile 10. From there, we headed back into the downtown area and into German Village. This area is very quaint and had lots of spectators. We looped around yet another park and into the Brewery District.

Miles 10-15:
By mile 11 we still hadn't seen hubby again and I was getting anxious. I wanted to stay on track with my GUs (but didn't want to make everyone stop 15 billion times) and I was ready to take my pants off! Mike was also in need of some ibuprofen, which hubby had in his bag. I ended up just taking my GU on the run around mile 11. Finally, around mile 12, we saw hubby again. I gave him my pants, took my ibuprofen, gave Mike some ibuprofen, filled my water bottle and we were off! He planned to catch us around mile 15, but I had wised up that these were not concrete plans! It was tough getting around the city on bike! We continued up High Street another 3 miles. I thought this stretch of road would be pretty long, but it actually went by pretty fast. We saw the half-marathoners turn off for their finish on the left. Mentally, I just couldn't look at the finish line, so I kept looking straight ahead and trudged up one of the only real hills on the course. I said to my sister "no turning back now!" and we held our heads high as we continued on the FULL marathon course.
*Our half split was 2:22:53 *

Miles 16-19:
The bulk of this section of the course took us through The Ohio State University campus. Ohio State is not known as a particularly pretty campus, but on this day, it was beautiful and so nostalgic! We ran down 15th Avenue, home to sorority/fraternity row. Sadly, it was SILENT. We all guessed they were still hung over from the night before. We found my parents cheering wildly across the street from my beloved Kappa Delta house. About a half-mile later, we saw hubby again. I remember telling him "I feel good!" and he was off to catch us around mile 20. I took my 3rd GU somewhere around 15 or 16. I just kept thinking of my training book (take your nutrition early and often). I still hadn't had to stop to pee by this point, despite taking in what seemed like lots of water. Miles 17-18 found us out on the West Campus of OSU and was one of the only areas of poorly supported course. By mile 19 though, we had re-entered some neighborhoods and it was nice to see people cheering again! I was hoping to see my friend around here, but she never made it out.

Miles 20-24:

I had decided that at mile 20, I would turn on my iPod for added support. We had lost our friend Mike by this time and I was slowing down. My sister was consistently 10-20 feet ahead of me. I wanted to be mentally psyched up and prepared for this last part of the journey. I was scared for what these next few miles might bring. I think the anticipation was worse than the reality of it! I had the perfect playlist lined up. At mile 20 my sister stopped to use the port-o-potty, I put on my headphones, stretched, took my 4th GU, filled my water bottle and "cleared the slate" mentally. The first song up was "The Final Countdown". I got chills as tears welled up in my eyes. This was it. I was fulfilling a long awaited dream. I felt like I was floating through the air. I couldn't believe how good I felt. The next song up was "Everlasting God". Couldn't have come at a better time. By this time I was running down the street, oblivious to all the spectators, in my own world, mouthing the words to the song. This was my zen moment!! I knew we were heading into a boring portion of the course and I think mentally that brought me down. I started to contemplate walking (besides through the water stations, which we had pretty much been doing the entire time). At mile 23 I took my 5th and final GU and my sister told me "We're not stopping again!" It was starting to hurt to start/stop at this point. I agreed, but knew my legs were getting pretty tight and sore. Around mile 24 we saw hubby (and my BIL). This was the first time I *needed* him for support. He rode along with me for a bit and then finally just got off his bike and walked with me. It was just what I needed to re-charge my legs/mind. I'm not sure I ever really hit the wall, but if I did, this was my moment. They were handing out candy buckeyes and while the thought of them made me want to puke at that point in time, hubby got a couple for post-race. Hubby and BIL then went on to catch us at the finish line.

Miles 25-26:

These last few miles are a blur. I never had the "so close, yet so far away" feeling that I'd experienced in my previous half marathons. They had lined the course with balloon archways and flags. By this point, it was a celebration! I had my iPod blaring by this time and looked over to see my hubby (suprisngly) running next to me. I knew I was close and I felt great. I'll never forget heading up the last little incline and the song "Open The Eyes of My Heart" was on. The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day. Running felt effortless. My parents were right around mile marker 26. We took one last quick picture, turned the corner and ran down the hill to the finish line. The finish line was packed with people. I couldn't see or hear any of them though. I was in my own, happy world. Nothing else mattered and I suddenly wanted time to stop. I wanted to take it all in and remember this moment. I grabbed my sisters hand and we held them high as we crossed the finish line. We had done it and felt GREAT doing it. Our finishing time was 4:56:50.

(Mile 26!!!!)

Post-Race:
I really expected to feel completely horrible in the finishing area. We got wrapped in our mylar blankets and had medals placed around our necks. I had to hold back tears at this point! Next up was the photo area. No fake smile needed this time! I was on top of the world. We got our finishers hat and made our way through the food. Water, bagels, bananas, donuts, milk, chips. I took a bottle of water, ate a donut in about 10 seconds flat, grabbed a bottle of milk and bag of chips and made our way out. Luckily, we ran right into hubby and my parents. We exchanged congratulatory hugs, took pictures and realized we needed to head back to the hotel to check out ASAP! Hubby had ditched his bike along the way, so he needed to go back and get his bike. I walked back to the hotel by myself and was in shock. Did I really just finish a marathon? Could it really have been that easy? I mean, if *I* completed a marathon, it's got to be easy, right?! It didn't matter though. Nothing mattered. I had set a goal and accomplished it.

Back at the hotel I made 3 trips to the ice machine to fill up ice buckets for my ice bath (hubby was still getting his bike and putting it in the car). This was crucial to my recovery and I wasn't about to skip it! I settled into the ice bath, turned on my iPod again and this is when the tears came. Tears of joy, of course! The water didn't even seem cold to me anymore as I was transported back to the zen place in my mind! 15 minutes passed quickly, but I was still happy to get out and into some warm water! I showered quickly, got dressed and we checked out of the hotel with about 6 minutes to spare! We met my sister and BIL in the lobby and headed out to a yummy Mexican lunch. Mexican food and ice cream almost always follow my long runs! After lunch we headed home to see the kids. It was good to see them and they were happy to see us! Although I was getting kind of stiff and achy, I really felt pretty good. I couldn't believe it.

And really, if I had one word to describe this experience, it would be unbelievable. To this day, if I hadn't had pictures of myself actually doing it, I don't know that I would have believed it! My muscles on Monday morning told a different story though! They were very much believers in the marathon experience! I still have so much to process and have a feeling of sadness that this whole great event is over. You never get your first time back..... Which leads me to ponder. What should the new name of my blog be?? I'm no longer a marathon virgin.

Stay tuned....and more pictures to come!

Day 63 - MARATHON FINISHER!!!!!

2009-10-18T17:35:00.002-04:00

Holy Cow....I did it!! I felt GREAT, had FUN and finished under my goal of 5 hours!!

4:56:50

Details to follow......

And then there was one.....Or 26.2!!!

2009-10-17T11:12:00.003-04:00

We're leaving in just a few minutes to head up to Columbus. I can't believe this day is finally here. I slept great last night, thanks to Advil PM. 9+ hours! Can't beat that with 2 little ones in the house! I've checked and double checked everything. Although I still feel like I might be forgetting something.... don't you hate that?! Hubby and I will grab some lunch on the way, stop at the Expo (which will hopefully be much better than the Air Force expo) and then check into our hotel. We have reservations at 7:00 pm at Buca di Beppo. Carb-loading at it's best!! My best friend (who lives in Columbus) is meeting us for dinner. She's always a blast to be around and will be just what my mind needs! I've been looking at our long run splits, trying to figure out what pace we should aim for. As I've said all along, I have no time goal. My "race plan" is a simple one: Take it one GU at a time! That said, we will probably hang out somewhere between 4:45-5:00 hours. Sad, but true! Keeping a pace group in our sights will hopefully keep us motivated, although it sounds like the spectators in Columbus are fantastic. Let's hope!! I'm really looking forward to running through my alma mater. I put some OSU Marching Band on my iPod to get me in the spirit! Well, there's not much else to say. I'm ready and committed to finish this thing strong. It's go time, baby!!!

Day 62: First Time Jitters....An Analogy

2009-10-15T13:32:00.008-04:00

This is technically day 62 of my training, but with my schedule calling for only a 3 mile walk to keep me loose.....I opted for sleeping in until 8:00am. I wanted to rest my right leg and it was cold and rainy....and I would have had to get up at 5:15am to do it!

The marathon jitters are upon me. I never thought I'd lose my appetite, but it's gone. Now don't think for a second that that has caused me to stop eating (that would be crazy), but it's more utilitarian at this point. No fun in it! Another unusual event for me....insomnia. I could drink a 2 liter of diet coke right before bed and sleep all night. This week, I've laid awake for too many hours to count. Reminds me of the kiddos' newborn days, which got me thinking..... Pregnancy/birth really is a lot like training/running a marathon.

You find out you're pregnant and are filled with joy, excitement and a healthy dose of fear. My first day of training was June 29th. I felt on top of the world, embarking on this great endeavor. I was also terrified. I'd only been running 9 months at that time. I didn't know what to expect, but I knew I'd be demanding more of myself than ever before. People say that pregnancy is the easiest part of parenting, but that doesn't mean it's easy. The aches, pains, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and never-ending worry is brutal. During training, I questioned every single twinge, I questioned whether I was following the right training plan, I questioned why I was doing this, I was FULL of questions. But I was confident. I wanted this so badly. I was devoted (or obsessed as some people may say). Pregnancy carries it's share of ups and downs. I remember the extreme joy I felt when I found out we were having a little boy. I remember carefully picking out the baby's bedding, room decor, furniture, etc. I also remember being terrified of the labor and delivery process. Could I handle it? Was it really all that bad? Would my baby be healthy? Had these 40 weeks of gestation prepared me for D-day? And that feeling right there is where I'm at right now with my marathon training. Would my training be as useless as the birth preparation classes were? Will I be able to break through the wall, or will I crumble like I did turning transitional labor? What's done is done. I didn't miss one training run, I didn't skip out on one single mile of ANY of the training runs. I followed the rules. I did all that I could. But will it be enough, come M-day? I can only hope those last 6.2 miles are as "easy" as the pushing phase of labor. 4 contractions, 21 minutes and just like that it was done. I had a beautiful, healthy baby boy in my arms. Complete and utter joy and satisfaction washed over my body and mind. A true Miracle and Blessing from God had been given to us. This is the joy I look forward to at the finish line. I'm trying to remain positive. As the week has gone on, I've gone from worried, to scared, to psyched! I'm ready to take this thing on. I'm ready for it to be DONE. FINISHED. COMPLETED. I will prevail. There is no alternative. And you know what else I'm looking forward to....SLEEP. Unlike a new parent, you can be sure that Sunday night, I will sleep!

Day 61 - Dogs' Day....

2009-10-13T07:27:00.002-04:00

It's definitely not the dog day's of summer, but the 50 degree temperatures brought out every.single.dogwalker. in the neighborhood! That never makes for a smooth run. We even ran into a stray dog. I felt badly that I didn't have my cell phone on me to call the safety department. Hopefully the little guy made it home safely! Enough about the dogs though. For our "last" run the dingo and I tackled some hills. I wanted to push myself, in hopes of gaining some more confidence. My leg was iffy in the beginning, but the pain did eventually subside, AND I haven't had to alter my stride any! It's weird, because now the spot is *really* tender to the touch. More tender to the touch than it's ever been. Not sure what that means. In any case, I feel pretty confident that keeping me dosed up on ibuprofen will take care of that issue on M-day. I just like to know what I'm really dealing with and haven't been taking the ibuprofen. I made it up all the hills and felt pretty good. I'm debating on whether I'll even do the scheduled 3 mile walk on Thursday? I know it won't do anything for my training, it's just to keep me loose. I'd really like to rest this leg as much as possible. We'll see.... I'm still debating what to wear on M-day too. I foresee a trip to Dick's today. Time to ice the leg and shower. The day must go on!

Day 60 - It's the Final Countdown!

2009-10-12T16:06:00.002-04:00

Thanks to the new addition of "Monsters of Rock" to my iPod playlist, this was the first song to play during my workout today. Pretty fitting....with 6 days to go!! As much as I've disliked having to get up on Monday mornings, before work, to run....it was bittersweet knowing that this would be my last Monday morning run (for awhile at least). 3 miles just seems like a joke to me, but when my leg pain returned, I was happy it was only 3! It seems weird that tomorrow will be my last "real" run before the marathon. Thursday calls for a 3 mile walk. So, true to my nature, I've started making lists and trying to mentally prepare for this weekend. Without the heavy running schedule, I have so much more time! I had my first marathon dream. I had gotten there late and forgotten to take my Immodium, Roctane and ibuprofen before the race. I wasn't panicked in my dream. I just told my hubby to meet me a bit sooner on the race course so I could take them. Yeah...those are my pre-run lifelines....like I would be that calm! In any case, it was nice to be so calm about it. That's exactly the mentality I'm trying to channel!! Tonight I plan on finalizing my marathon playlist. Not sure if I'll actually end up listening to it. There's suppose to be 60 bands on the course and I do have my sister to talk to! I just want to be prepared in case I have a repeat of my AF 1/2. Oh wait, postive thinking.... In any case, it makes me feel better to check these mundane things off my list.

Day 59 - Affirmation

2009-10-10T14:03:00.003-04:00

Today's run was an affirmation. An affirmation of all the hardwork and dedication I've put towards this marathon. It wasn't my best-feeling run by a long shot, but I did it! I decided to "sleep in" and not run until closer to the marathon start time (7:30am). I haven't run that late in a long while, and I wanted to see how I felt at that time. I got decent sleep last night, thanks to 600mg ibuprofen and a cold/allergy pill. The achiness in my throat/neck and chest was gone! My right leg felt good! I took a couple puffs on my inhaler just to help open my lungs more. I was a bit underdressed for the weather (I'm such a bad judge), but warmed up pretty quickly. As we started out I noticed the pain in my right leg was significantly less. I didn't even have to do the silly gimp-run-short-step maneuver I'd been having to do for the first 5-10 minutes of the past 2 weeks' runs!! I'd rate my pain at about a 4/10. My lungs were not too happy to be out there today and let me know about if for the first 3 miles. I almost felt like a beginning runner. So out of breath, that I wanted to puke! Not a great feeling. But I pushed past it, got the gunk out of my lungs and went on with the run. I noticed Every.Single.Incline. Minor or major incline, my lack of oxygen was evident in my leg muscles and lungs! Still, I trudged on. Somewhere around 5 miles I realized my right leg didn't hurt AT ALL. I had to think about the pain to even get it to register at a 1/10! Thank you GOD! What did start bothering me however, was that pesky neuroma pain in my right toes. I took a few short walk breaks through intersections and that was enough for the pain to dissipate some. I didn't even notice it the last mile or so!

Clearly this wasn't a great run, but I perservered and pushed through it. Something I didn't do during the AF Half. I remembered why I set out on this adventure and how much it truly means to me. My positive attitude is back. I have a sense of renewed strength and determination. I will NOT let thoughts of me (or the kids) getting sick ruin my pre-race week. And with that said, I will eat, hydrate and rest for the coming week. 8 more days baby!!

PS - I decided rain or shine on Marathon Day, I needed to get a couple more pairs of my favorite running socks. Retail therapy can go a long way for a girl's attitude too!!

Day 58 - Paranoia

2009-10-09T15:43:00.004-04:00

I was feeling so good after Tuesday's run. I took Wednesday off and then ran a measly 3 miles on Thursday. Although the pain started at a 6/10 and went down to a 3/10 (better than Tuesday), my leg started to hurt more AFTER the run. What the heck?! Sadly, that's not my biggest issue (anymore). I'm pretty sure if I continue to ice/stretch/strengthen/ibuprofen, I'll be okay.

I am so freaked out by getting sick. I had a cold last week, which went away early this week. By Wednesday night I was starting to feel sick again. I can tell it's all in my throat right now, which means it will settle into my chest soon. ACK!! Add to that the H1N1/seasonal flu paranoia at work (remember, I work at a hospital) and I'm Freaked.Out. I don't want to take the kids anywhere. They are germ magnets!! I don't want to do anything but sit around and sip hot tea and antioxidant-full soups. I don't even like tea....but if there's something that will make me better, I'm all for it! Hopefully this is all just part of the normal first-timer taper jitters. I wake up giving myself these little mental pep talks (rest WILL make me stronger, I will NOT get sick, etc, etc). Doesn't actually make for very restful sleep, if you know what I mean. Add to that uncertainty about what I'm actually wearing on M-day. Guess I could check a 10-day forcast now....YIKES!! I felt so strong and confident after our 20-miler. Where did that go.....I'm pleading for it to return!

ETA: Great, I just checked the 10-day forcast. 60% chance of RAIN. Low of 43 degrees, high 55 degrees. I'll take the temperatures....just not the RAIN. Boo, hoo!

Day 57 - Let the healing begin!

2009-10-06T10:59:00.002-04:00

Today's run wasn't anything spectacular. My pace is actually getting slower and slower. I'll blame it on 1) my right leg 2) a dingo who has decided he needs to stop frequently 3) I've become a bit weary of sidewalks in the pitch black. My leg pain was at about a 7/10 at the beginning of the run and after it was warmed up, went down to about a 4/10. Very manageable and now that I know my leg's not breaking with every step...I'm okay with that! I wore a new top today. I found it on sale and had to have it for my winter wardrobe. The one I have is in a dark pink, but it looks just like THIS. I was a tad bit too hot in it this morning, but it was so comfy! I was thinking about wearing it on M-Day....but we'll just have to see what the weather has in store. I don't know if the hood would bother me after so many miles/hours? I stretched and iced my leg good after my run, and will work on my strength exercises later. I really hope the healing can begin.

Day 55 & 56 - The beginning of the end

2009-10-05T20:37:00.004-04:00

My taper has officially begun!! A 9.5 mile "long run" just isn't right! But I'm really not complaining. I've been stuffy, had a runny nose and headache for the past 6 days. To top it off, our long run on Saturday started out by me completely biting it on the ground. Silly pitch-black morning runs. My right leg/shin has continued to hurt, despite icing and ibuprofen. I've been trying to take care of myself, resting as much as possible, wearing supportive shoes as much as possible, etc. After today's measly 3.5 mile run with the pain feeling no better than it did last Monday, I made an appointment at the sports injury clinic at my hospital. I knew regardless of what the MD said, I was probably going to still keep running. I was just hoping he'd have some advice to help, or at least not further hurt myself. So I came home from work, woke the kids up from their peaceful naps and loaded them into the car for the appointment. Luckily I had time to gather up some good behavior bribery items (markers/coloring book/new matchbox car/tiny play doh container/swedish fish). Worked like a charm because the kids were really good. Caroline didn't really want me to go get the x-ray done, but a nice PT came in to entertain her. Aren't those PTs just the nicest people?! Anyway, the x-ray showed no stress fracture. Hooray!! Apparently they can take 2-4 weeks to show up on an x-ray though, so I'm not out of the woods. The pain appeared after my 20-miler, about 9 days ago. There was no sign of healing activity around the bone, so I guess that's good too. I was given some exercises and stretches to do and told to call back in a week if the pain isn't gone or at least better. Then he would do a bone scan for a definitive diagnosis. He also told me in no uncertain terms that there would be "no marathon" if the bone scan came back positive for a stress fracture. I feel kinda silly that this really could just be shin splints. I hadn't been doing any of my shin splint exercises, because the pain was so much more intense than my typical shin pain. My right calf has been one big ball of muscle knots for the past few weeks, so it does make sense. Perhaps it will help me mentally to know that with each step my right tibia isn't going to break in half.... So the ball is in my court and I will call back if I'm not feeling better. Mmmm....maybe? We'll see.

As a side note, he did point out two spots on my right tibia that showed previous damage. He said severe illness, a break, trauma, stress, etc could cause these rings (like rings on a tree). But these were from childhood....like early teenage years. Interestingly enough, I've never had any sort of damage or trauma. I did aerobics and dance when I was younger, but nothing serious. Just kind of interesting. And with that, I'm off to stretch and do my exercises (and pray for complete and utter healing for M-day).

Day 54 - Frost!

2009-10-01T13:19:00.002-04:00

Brrrrr.....is all I have to say about this morning's weather! Luckily I warmed up quickly. The good news is that I got in all 5 miles of my hilly route and my toes/neuroma didn't hurt at all. The bad news is that I was painfully slow and my right shin still hurts. I took ibuprofen before bed, so that helped some. The pain eventually does go away (after about 4 miles). I've been icing like crazy and trying to rest. As much as you can rest taking care of 2 small children. I just don't know what else to do. I seriously considered skipping my run, but I've never done that. I didn't want to break my streak! Thank goodness for tapering and "long" run of only 9 miles this weekend. I've mentioned that I'm a worrier by nature and I can't help but worry about this. It hurts and I want it to go away! I'd go to the doctor, but I'm pretty sure I don't want to hear what he'd have to say. Not this close to the marathon, at least. So with that said, I'm accepting any and all healing prayers and words of wisdom!

Day 53 - 8 miles of sweat rings and lactation

2009-09-29T21:22:00.003-04:00

Today's run was marginally better than yesterday's. My right shin still feels like it could snap with every step, but I think it feels a tad bit better. It's amazing what ibuprofen can do! I was only able to ice it twice today, but I kept my running shoes on and I didn't even notice the pain *most* of the day. I also started to get sharp, shooting pains/burning from my right toes around mile 6. It's like the pain makes it way down my legs and just settles in my toes for the remainder of the run. I really don't get it. I felt FINE during my long run on Saturday. Perhaps these are just after-effects? Who knows....but they have 19 days to vanish!!

I ran a new route today and it was loooong and boring. The head-on chilly wind didn't help a bit either. Guess it's time to start planning my routes according to the direction of the wind. You must remember, this is only my second winter running. I'm still figuring a lot of these things out! I wore the shirt that I had hoped to wear for M-day. I say "hoped" because it's a no-go right now! It fit fine. The color's great. But I look like I had lactated down the front of my shirt by the time I got home. I also had unsightly sweat rings in the crooks of my elbows, underarms, etc. If I can't find anything else, it will do.....but here's to hoping something better/more comfortable will be found!

Day 52 - Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad RUN

2009-09-28T11:51:00.003-04:00

Okay, so maybe it wasn't that bad, but I knew it was going to be a bad run when I was woken up at 3:00am by thunder and couldn't go back to sleep until 4:00am, just to be woken back up at 5:00am by crying children. Add to that a "stride-breaking" pain that shot down my right shin upon the first step, chilly wind gusts, a near fall thanks to a fallen walnut and a dingo that acted like he'd never ran with me before and my "easy" 5-miler was less than enjoyable. I have no idea what's going on with my right leg. This is a pain I've never felt before. All my other "issues" and complaints thus far I've been able to work through. This is the first time it hurt so bad to run that I contemplated quitting. I really thought my shin bone might snap in half. The good news is that after 3 or 4 miles, the pain subsided (only to come back the second I took my shoes off and walked around barefoot). It was also my first run with my new insoles, and while my toes still hurt, it was manageable. So I iced my leg 3 times throughout the day and took some ibuprofen. The pain is much less noticeable when I wear my running shoes, so they've only come off to sleep! I wish I could say I wasn't worried about it, but obviously I am. I'm a worrier by nature and the marathon is in 3 weeks! Looks like I'll be taking my "rest" days seriously this week.

Day 50 & 51- Hip Hip Hooray...20 Miles DONE!!

2009-09-26T13:39:00.004-04:00

Gosh, I have not been a good blogger this week! The good news is that there's not much to report. I did end up getting some insoles for my running shoes. After scouring the internet and coming home with a "burning" sensation in my toes after Thursday's 5-miler, a "diagnosis" of a neuroma was made. The knowledgeable guy at the running store got me fitted for a pair of insoles (with a 60-day money back guarantee). Of course, he advised me to NOT wear them for the 20-miler today, but I have been wearing them around casually and they definitely make a difference. That said, I completed today's 20-miler without much pain at all in my toes. Go figure.
As for the 20-miler today. I was really dreading it. I was anxious and nervous. Turns out it was all for not. Although it was rainy/drizzly/foggy/humid the whole time, it was all in all a great run. With our multiple stops (thank you Tim Hortons and McDonald's) and a couple of doozy-hills, it took us around 3:52. Not too bad for my first 20-miler (remember one year ago I couldn't even run 2 miles)! I stayed on track taking my GUs, carried my water and sipped consistently, and took 800 mg of ibuprofen at about mile 10. The multiple potty and water refill stops were just what my feet needed to keep going and finish the distance. Our poor feet got a bit beat up with the soggy socks and all. I've gotta say though, my SmartWools really did well. I think I'll have a couple of small blisters on the sides of my feet, but nothing bad. Our feet definitely looked like they had been submerged in a bath tub for 4 hours, by the time we got home.
The post-run ice bath was breath-taking as usual! My calves are pretty tight and my bum hurts. Nothing a steady stream of ibuprofen can't help! As much as I would like to do a 22-miler next week to give me more confidence....my mind has been set on 3 weeks of tapering. And as I found out last week, if my mind's not in it....the run will be bad!! So I finish this week with a weekly total of 40 miles. My biggest yet. Perhaps it's not as high as it could be, but according to my training plan/book, it's just enough. That's what I'm looking for. Just enough to get me across that finish line. And based on today's run and our past 3 long runs, I think I'll have enough steam in the engine to go 26.2. Hooray for tapering! Here's a few more pics from the morning.

The family greets us when we return:

Mommy....where have you been?

Our toes....

My heart and prayers go out to my friend, Devon and her children....

2009-09-24T07:59:00.001-04:00

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Days 48 & 49 - Blocked!

2009-09-23T20:07:00.004-04:00

Tragedy of all tragedies...the hospital I work at decided to BLOCK blogger.com! I rely on work to get caught up on my emails, bloggy world and updating this blog! Add to that a home office remodel (on a whim) and I'm a bit behind. The good news is that there's really nothing to report. I did a slow 5-miler on Monday. Felt pretty good, besides the pain on the underside of my right toes. Tuesday I did 8 miles. I'm happy to report my shin pain *seems* to be gone (knock on wood). But dear God....the pain on the underside of my toes is ANNOYING. The weird thing is that the pain disappears as soon as I quit running. It has to be related to the biomechanics of running and/or my new shoes.

Another RANDOM event....the dingo and I were nearing the half-way mark of the 8-miler yesterday and he started getting sick. I slowed down to let him throw up and I notice a lady with a dog coming towards me. It's pretty dark at this time and she has a flashlight. As I get closer, I realize it's my BOSS. It was a bit awkard....but we were able to laugh about it today. Tomorrow will be my last run before our big one this weekend. 20 miles. After last weekend, I don't know what to expect....but all of our other long runs have gone well, so here's hoping that trend continues. Here's also hoping the humidity goes away!

Day 47 - Breakdown...

2009-09-19T21:01:00.005-04:00

(I started writing this on Saturday....just now getting around to finishing it)
I've put off coming in here for hours now. Trying to process how and where the breakdown occurred. Did I go out too fast, was it too warm, did I not drink enough? The truth is...my mind (and heart) weren't there today. I gave in too easily. I gave in to the pain and I gave in to my weakness. Needless to say, I'm disappointed and now I have nothing but dread looking ahead to October 18th. Maybe I'm not cut out to run a marathon? Maybe my Dad was right....I haven't been running long enough (or had enough of a base) to start training for a marathon. Maybe that's why my legs and feet hate me so much. Maybe I needed this experience to make me stronger. To help me to rededicate myself to my training. To make me take better care of myself.
So here's how it all went down.....
Race time was 8:30am (3 hours LATER than we've been doing our long runs). Needless to say, my pre-run routine was messed up! BUT on the bright side, I had no tummy issues because of it! My sister picked me up a bit before 7:00am. We made our way to the base with plenty of time, parked and caught the bus to the starting line. It was in the low 50's at this time and pretty chilly! As we were arriving at the starting area, the marathoners were just starting out. Today, I was glad to not be going the full 26.2! We saw the F-16 Jets do their flyover and they were off! I got chills just thinking that in a month, that would be us! We hung out for the next hour and with a few minutes to spare, we made our way to the 9:10 pace group. I had no intention of maintaining that pace, but thought it was worth a shot. The mood was more serious (throughout the whole race, too) than in our first HM.
The opening ceremony for the half began, the jets did their flyover again and then we were off! It had warmed up a bit, as by 8:30 the sun was fully up. Right from the start, my belt/pouch began to ride up, DESPITE me taking advice from Heather at Run Faster Mommy, to pin it to keep it in place. Ugh, ugh, ugh. The first mile was nice and flat. Between mile 1-2 there was a decent-sized hill. All I could think about was my &*%$$#^ belt, though. I fiddled with it for the first 5 miles and when we stopped for a much needed pee break, I attempted to adjust it. Of course then I made it too tight. I felt pretty good at this point though, although we had been steadily going up a slight incline. Between mile 5 and 6 we hit another hill and I decided to take off the belt and just carry it. We averaged 9:08-9:23/mile the first 5 miles, according to Garmin (which I found out is a bit "off"). Around mile 6 was also the GU station. I took a Roctane GU about 30 minutes before the race, so this was my second GU of the day. Mile 6 was our slowest with the GU and hydration stations at 12:06/mile. From here on....it's pretty much a blur. It was hot and sunny, my calves hurt, my right toes began to feel like they were being pressed "up" and I just wasn't into it. Miles 7-10 we were running between 9:22 - 9:53/mile. Mile 8 had a long, drawn out incline (highway ramp). It was this point that I essentially just gave up. I gave in to the pain and had to walk. Miles 10.5-11.5 there were a handful of small hills, that just took it out of me. Our pace for those miles was 10:08-11:16/mile. I think I stopped at every single hydration station, just for the chance to slow down and take a break. Mile 11 we arrived back on base (to a heavy metal rock band). The end was near....but so far away! There were no more hills, but around mile 12 I needed another short walk break. I was hurting and tired and as I told my sister.....I didn't want to look like a "drowned rat" coming down the finish line straightaway! The last mile was essentially a big U-shape and there were spectators all along this part. I guess hubby thought I had dropped out of the race, because as we were coming down the backstretch to the finish line, he called me on my cell, wondering where I was. I searched and searched for them along the sidelines and finally found them! Braden had wanted to run with me, so hubby and the kids were stationed along the finish line straightaway, about 100 yards from the finish line. Braden held my hand as we ran to the finish line. He was so excited to run with me, but a bit disappointed when he didn't get a medal himself. I of course, gave him mine to wear! Our official time was 2:18:22. A slight PR from my first half.
We made our way through the finishers area. Braden loved all the food, water, chocolate milk, etc! I downed 2-3 bottles of water within minutes. I was apparently dehydrated, because I didn't end up peeing for 2 hours! I all in all, felt pretty good. My legs were tight and my feet hurt....but was else is new? We made our way back to hubby and Caroline and headed home for the day. I'm not going to lie. I was extremely disappointed with myself....not because of our finishing time, but because I couldn't push through the pain and fatigue. That said, the next morning in our newspaper, there was a follow up story about the runner who was recently killed while training for this race. I thought....how silly that I'm upset that I had to walk some of the race, when she didn't even get to the race! I should feel LUCKY that God gave me another day on this Earth with my family. Add to that the news that a friend/mother in my online parenting community lost her husband in Afghanistan and it gave me true perspective. Running is not the end all, be all.
So what did I learn:
1) I need to carry my own water with me. I hate having to anticipate the next hydration station.
2) I need to take my GUs every 45 minutes. I'm too drained if I don't!
3) I'm going to run with my iPod for the marathon. I was not in a chatty mood Saturday and I was just left with my own negative thoughts floating around my head. Distraction please!
4) I MUST figure out what is causing the pain on the underside of my toes. OUCH!
5) Spectators make a world of difference. With the race being held on an Air Force base, there were only TWO spectator spots.
6) I will not be disappointed with ANY finishing time for the marathon. I'm realizing it may take well over 5 hours....

So, here are some pics from the day:

Braden and Caroline with their race-day shirts

Waiting...waiting...waiting (Braden, Caroline and our friends' kids)

Our cheering squad is spoted

Braden running to the finish with us

Happy Family (I'm wearing the technical tee they gave us)

Day 46 - Expo!

2009-09-17T19:09:00.002-04:00

So today was the eagerly awaited race expo....and I was sadly disappointed. This race isn't as big as the HM we did previously, and the expo showed it. I did get a Nathan Runner's Pak. It holds my cell phone and 6 or 7 GUs. Perfect (I hope)! I don't think I'm going to use it for this weekend's half....There's a GU station mid-way through and I think I will carry my own water for this race. It can hold an additional GU(s). I'm not quite sure about my GU strategy for this race. I'd like to stick with the every 45 minute routine that I've been following (hopefully training my belly too), but I probably don't need to re-fuel that often for such a "short" distance. Funny that 13.1 miles is now considered short!

As for my run this morning, the dingo and I set out on our 5 mile hilly route. I felt fine....the hills were a nice distraction from my aches and pains. My shins didn't hurt at all (and haven't all day). My feet are still adjusting to my shoes though. Our time was pretty good, considering I never stopped my watch once. Well, good for me!

Tonight I plan on making the kids and Daddy their race-day shirts. I've never done iron-on decals, so hopefully it won't be a huge disaster. The race shirt I got today is pretty nice. It's a short-sleeved technical tee in royal blue. Pictures to come, of course! Tomorrow night we're heading to our friends' house for a pasta buffet and carbo-loading. Should be fun! I really hope things go well on Saturday. The nice girl at the running store warned me that you can pysche yourself out for these "shorter" races. Kind of like when OSU is so busy preparing for Michigan that they overlook Northwestern (no offense, Gina). We'll see..... Hopefully I'll have a good race report on Saturday!

Fuel belt/pack recommendations needed!

2009-09-16T08:52:00.003-04:00

I have an SPI belt that I run with occasionally. I used it during my first HM and it drove.me.crazy. I ended up taking the thing off and giving it to my Dad because I was so annoyed with it. Well, on these past few long runs, I've needed some extra storage space. My amphipod handheld is great, but it can only hold 3 GUs. I'd also like to be able to carry my cell phone, meds, etc. I don't think I will actually run with water on M-day. I think the hydration stations should be plenty (there are 21). Plus, if you carry your own water, don't you have to stop and refill your bottles? I'm talking logistics here (not really concerned about my finish time). So, the reason I dislike the SPI belt is because 1) it gets all twisty when full 2) it rides up to my natural waist and hurts my belly (like I need anymore belly issues). So, what do you guys use/recommend for carrying your fuel/necessities on race day? Any tips and recommendations for fuel/hydration on race day is appreciated! In closing....be sure to check out Marlene's Halo Headband giveway HERE!!

Day 45- 8 Mile

2009-09-15T13:21:00.003-04:00

I hate 8-mile Tuesday mornings. I don't know why....I've been having good runs. It's just the anticipation of it, I suppose. Knowing that I have to get up just a tad bit earlier than "normal" to get my run in before hubby leaves for work. Knowing that 8 miles used to be my "long run" for fun. Despite this dislike, the weather has been delightful for running. We may even luck out and get some good running weather for our 1/2 this weekend.
My right shin continued to bother me all yesterday, so it wasn't a surprise when it bothered me for the first 2-3 miles of the run this morning. The balls of my feet....still hurt! I gave in and soaked my feet/shins in an ice bath bucket this afternoon. I have got to find something to make them feel better! I was hoping that by keeping my socks on, my toes wouldn't freeze up like they normally do. No luck....
I had hoped to get to JoAnn Fabrics or Michael's today to start on the shirts for the kids (for race day). Taking the kids there is an overwhelming process. It wears me out just thinking about it. Perhaps after naps? Gosh, it's only Tuesday and I'm exhausted.

Day 44

2009-09-14T09:47:00.002-04:00

I eagerly awaited my 5:45am alarm this morning. I was excited to try out my new shoes!! It was dark and chilly (but I got a tad too hot in my long sleeves). Most of my quad/hip soreness was gone prior to the run (but has since returned...guess they needed a wake up "run"). Nothing exciting or new to report.

My shoes felt good. Much more supportive than my old ones. By the end of the run (and even now) the pain in the balls of my feet returned. I just don't get it. These shoes are like the cadillac of support! I really just think my feet need to toughen up. I never had problems with pain in the balls of my feet until the past 4-6 weeks or so. That just happens to coincide with serious mileage and shoes that were becoming worn down. As an aside....Do you ice the balls of your feet?? I tried an epsom salt soak on Saturday night, which did help some. I don't know. I hate to second guess myself with my shoe purchase. Although the Brooks felt more cushion-y, the "progressive diagonal rollbar" almost felt as if it were pushing my foot forward, putting even more pressure on the balls of my feet. They're both made with the same high-quality materials, they're both support shoes, they just have a different ride/feel. So we'll see...

My new Kicks!

2009-09-13T20:14:00.004-04:00

So, after much contemplation.....I kept with the same shoe. My old ones were just very worn down. I tried on some heavenly Brooks (Trance 9), but the girl at the shoe store said she wouldn't recommend trying completely new shoes, this late in a training cycle. Just a bit of a bummer, because they felt like pillows, compared to the Mizunos. Hopefully new shoes will be the answer to my shin/calf/ankle aches. Apparently the Mizunos do start out slightly angled in the back....in an effort to compensate for women's wider hips, blah, blah, blah. Genetic shoe engineering at it's finest. I feel like I need to start searching for an orange shirt to wear on M-day, so I can match! Tomorrow will start week 12.... only 4 more weeks....holy cow!!

Day 43 - 18 down.... 8.2 to go!

2009-09-12T22:00:00.002-04:00

We set out at 5:30am for our 18-miler today. My sister and I had a guest join us for today's run. We've recently become friends with a couple who actually happens to be distant relatives of my hubby. They have kids the same ages as our kids and they live really close to us. We have lots in common and they're a lot of fun to hang out with. Well, this couple has been running for 3 years. They've done a number of half marathons and just did their first full marathon in May. The husband (Mike) is training for the same half and full marathon that my sister and I are training for. The wife (Christina) was pregnant when training for this marathon began, so she's not running. I can't imagine training for a marathon by yourself, so I offered Mike to join us on our long runs. I think he swallowed his pride to have to train with two chicks and took me up on the offer.

We did the same route as a few weeks ago, just adding an extra lap at one of the parks. Coming up with these long run routes is HARD! Trying to find potties, drinking fountains, side walks....it's tough! Conversation came easy and the time seemed to breeze by. The only thing that bothered me was the balls of my feet. I decided to hold out on getting my new shoes until tomorrow. I didn't want to try out new shoes on an 18-miler. I'm pretty sure I'm NOT going to get the same ones as before. I need more forefoot cushioning and I'm pretty sure I supinate (but from what I've read I would just need a neutral shoe to help with that). Is it lame that I'm excited about getting new shoes? Anyway, I was pretty tired by the end of the run. We ran a bit slower today, but I also didn't stop my watch at every stop light or when I took my GUs. The every 45 minute GU seems to be a going well. I still preemptively take my full Immodium dose and only "eat" a Roctane GU before the run. I'm not sure how much water I take in over the course of these long runs (I start out with 28 ounces, but refill my handheld whenever we're near a drinking fountain). I don't feel dehydrated. I've also been feeling better post-run. I've embraced the ice baths for the good that they surely do! I had the kids all day by myself and had enough energy to entertain them! My quads might be a tad bit sore tomorrow. They're pretty tight when I go down the steps or go from sitting to standing. We'll see.... Aleve doesn't help me as much as good ol' ibuprofen. I may try an epsom salt foot soak tonight as I watch the Buckeyes (hopefully) beat USC. So with my 11th week of training completed, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my weekend! Go BUCKS!!

Day 42 - Miles made up!

2009-09-10T11:22:00.004-04:00

So my rainy Monday didn't prove to be the downfall of my whole training schedule after all. I trudged through three days in a row of running! Not a feat for most, but it is for me! I have to say though, my legs were tired and sloooow today. We got in our 5 miles, I iced my right shin and I'm already enjoying the feeling of getting to "sleep in" tomorrow. Oh yeah....if you're a parent of young children there are no "sleep in" days (and I actually have to work tomorrow)! It's a good thought, though! Thanks to LogYourRun, I've been able to keep track of the mileage on my shoes. I had to estimate the miles prior to starting training for the marathon, but I think I have a pretty realistic record. Currently, I have 417 miles on my shoes. That will take me up to 585 miles, by the time I finish the marathon. Yikes! I think the proof is in the pudding though.

Example A:

Now, I never really paid much attention to my shoes when I first got them, but I'm pretty sure they were level to begin with!
Example B:

No wonder the balls of my feet hurt! So with a heavy heart and $135 less in my bank account, I will head over to my trusty running store. Maybe my aches and pains will get some relief (if only hubby saw it that way)!

Day 41 - Catching Up

2009-09-09T14:35:00.003-04:00

I was actually happy to get out of bed and run this morning. I guess not having to go to work will do that! The dingo and I did 5 miles....in the fog and humidity. Same ol' aches and pains. I must start doing my shin splint exercises and stretching!! Pace was a little bit better today. All in all, a good day for running!
I saw Braden off to his first day of preschool. I can't believe that next year I'll be taking him to Kindergarten! Caroline and I had some good mommy-daughter bonding time. She kept asking "Where's Bady?" in a really sad voice. After asking about 5 times, she finally got it and quit asking! We stopped for some Timbits and then did some shopping. She's my shopping pal already! After school we had lunch with my parents, the beloved "Mimi and Pops". Now it's my down-time, catching up online and with my DVR'd shows. Holy cow do I have some TV watching to do! Yes, my life is that lame.... Tonight we're going to my sister's step-son's Cross Country meet. Last weekend he broke the sophomore record! WTG Jake! At least someone in my family is speedy! Tomorrow will be my last run before the 18-miler on Saturday. Only 3 more long runs....

Day 40 - Rain Delay

2009-09-08T22:37:00.002-04:00

I woke up yesterday to pouring rain and thunderstorms. The rain usually wouldn't deter me....but the thunder and lightening did! So I laid in bed trying to figure out what to do.... The indoor track that I sometimes use was closed for the holiday and I don't have a treadmill. I finally decided to do a 45 minute cardio workout with Jillian. I haven't been doing my Jillian Michael's videos like I used to, so it was a definite workout! It was nice to use different muscles. It was also fun to try out the heart rate monitor that goes along with my watch. I still had massive guilt as the day went on about missing my 5 mile run that morning. I called my Dad that night to get his opinion (which I really already knew) and he advised that "there's no substitute for getting the miles in". Spoken like a true marathoner! So I decided I would just run Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday-Saturday this week. Works out well because Brady starts preschool on Wednesday and I've taken the day off to take him and pick him up. Otherwise I was looking at a 5am wake up call to run, get to work, come back and pick Braden up to take him to school and then go back to work. I was tired just thinking about that scenario....but I wasn't going to miss his first day of school. He's so excited this year!! So with all my running days off from work, I decided to trudge through them.

Today's 8-mile run went well. I didn't set my pace alarms on my watch, and I was definitely slower. It was also much more humid this morning though. I had a few aches and pains during the run, so I iced my shins/legs twice today. I felt almost completely recovered from the long run on Saturday. Perhaps taking yesterday off from running was a good thing! I've never run 3 days in a row (ever!) so I'm sure by Thursday I'll be feeling it.
We continue to make plans for the marathon weekend. I can't believe it's so close! We made reservations at Buca di Beppo for the night before the marathon. It sounds like most of our family (and a few friends) will be there to cheer us on. I'm not too excited about having the kids stay in our hotel room the night before the marathon....but I'm not sure the grandparents want them in their room, either! I might just have to make the kids shirts to wear for race day. I remember seeing kids along the course of the HM and it was so cool! It would be nice if I didn't have to do it....but I doubt anyone else would think to do it. Any ideas for the kids' shirts? Well, in less than 7 hours I need to be up to run, so I'm gonna sign off and try to get some sleep!

Day 39....and feelin' it!

2009-09-05T13:46:00.002-04:00

Good or bad....this week's long run is DONE and I can start my weekend! Yahoo!! 17.7 miles according to G. We started out at 5:30am, after a rough night of sleep. Noisy kids coming home from the HS football game, a concert and a klutzy hubby didn't make for very good sleeping. Oh yeah, and a 2 year old needing to be rocked back to sleep. But anyway, I was ready for the run. We ran for almost 2 hours in the dark. Unfortunately, the time/miles didn't tick away as quickly as they did in previous dark runs! My belly hurt off and on (despite taking the usual 2 Immodium AD tablets and avoiding certain foods the day before) and it was just a looong run. My left knee bothered me the first few miles and then my legs just got progressively tighter. We took a few walk breaks towards the end for tummy issues, but otherwise we only stopped to take our GUs every 45 minutes. The post-run ice bath wasn't nearly as bad as last week. The ice melted much quicker this time, so I'm thinking the water wasn't as cold as usual! In any case my sweet Caroline "entertained" me for the 20 minutes I was submerged. We then spent about an hour all snuggled up in bed watching cartoons, while I tried to warm up. I picked up some new Nike socks yesterday that had more forefoot padding. I almost feel like Nike is a 4-letter word around the running community...I never hear/read of anyone who actually runs in Nikes. But I digress! I really liked the socks and my feet feel pretty good post-run. Not sure if they're just getting used to more mileage or if it really was the socks. Today's run was just over a mile more than last week, so not too big of an increase. This week's mileage topped out at 36 miles. A definite record for me! So looking to next week, we do 5 - 8 - 5 -18. Hopefully it will be another week of mindless running, plugging away at the goal! Have a great Labor Day!!

Day 38 - Apathy

2009-09-04T13:25:00.003-04:00

Apathy is just the perfect word to describe my mood the past few days. My runs have been going fine. I'm annoyed at the aches and pains, but none of them are too severe. I look forward to the the long runs, just because that means I'll be one step closer to reaching my goal. I dread the post-run ice bath and DOMS that comes on Sunday. BUT, there is light! We'll get to spend Monday as a family, enjoying the best donuts ever, a great parade and a cook out that evening. Right now, I need to not focus on running so much. It has taken over my life....and I never intended it to be that way. I want it to be fun and relaxed. I feel like it's my job now. I hope some of these feelings are normal and a sign that yes, I've been working my butt off for the last 10+ weeks. I'm hoping this every-so-slight negativity doesn't creep into my long run tomorrow. I *need* to keep having good long runs, or I'm going to dive even deeper into the sea of negativity.
So, with that off my chest. Yesterday was a good 5-miler. No problems. Great weather. The dingo wasn't as cooperative as I would have liked, but everyone has an "off" day. We went to Target and I found what I hope to be the shirt I'll wear on M-Day. It's long sleeve and HOT PINK!! I want to make sure it won't chafe though. It's made my Champion (their C9 line) and supposedly compresson and moisture-wicking. We'll see..... Did I mention it's hot pink?! I want my family to be able to find me!! Tomorrow we'll start super early on our 17-miler, so my sister can get to her step-son's cross country meet. We're going a bit off the schedule, since we decided to throw in the HM on 9/19. Trying to make up some of those miles! Hopefully I'll have another good report.

How could I forget???? Go Bucks!!! Beat Navy!!!

Day 37 - Slacking...

2009-09-02T08:34:00.003-04:00

I feel like I've been slacking in many regards lately..... Now, I didn't slack off on our 8-miler yesterday, but I didn't get up today to do my weight work out. And although it seemed like a good idea at the time (5:15am) I'm regretting it now. I'm starting to feel just the slightest worn down, despite having great runs lately. Usually I feel run down (emotionally) when my running hasn't been going well. I guess it's a combination of the physical and emotional conditions. It's weird....I've felt good on my runs, but then as the day progresses little aches and pains surface. Lately it's been my right calf and shin. I've never had problems there, so it's just odd. Is it the increased mileage, is it the culmination of training, do I need new shoes? Is it normal to have aches and pains in week 10 of marathon training? I mean, do all runners have little nagging pains that bother them? And most importantly, will these little pains turn in to big pains that will keep me from completing the marathon? These are the questions that are floating around in my head and it's overwhelming. I must remember to breath though....and take one day at a time.

So yesterday I got up bright and early to head out on the 8-miler. The dingo was decked out in his newly-acquired collar with flashing lights and I had on my LED light/magnet. I got a number of compliments on the dingo's collar from fellow early-morning runners/dog walkers/ etc. And while we're on the topic of safety, I went ahead and ordered a Road ID for myself. After last week's accident, I'm not taking any chances! The nice people at Road ID sent me a coupon to share, for a $1 off of any purchase, when you use the code: ThanksNicole536067.
So anyway, the run was uneventful...except I hadn't been clearing out the data from my workouts on my Garmin and it shut off about 2 miles into the run. Bummer! Luckily, I had mapped out my route ahead of time. My right calf/ankle/shin hurt for the first 2-3 miles and then the pain subsided. While it was hurting though, I decided I was going to take today off and try to let it rest/heal. Which is really silly because when I do my weight workouts, I focus on my upper body and abs. My legs don't even get that much of a workout besides the warm up...but mentally I thought it would be good just to rest everything. Since G pooped out on me, I have no idea what my pace was, but I felt good and had plenty left to give in the end. Tomorrow will be another 5-miler and then I'll start looking forward to the LR on Saturday. Gosh, marathon training sure has a way of making the week fly by!

Day 36 - On the Rocks!

2009-08-31T09:06:00.002-04:00

Brrr...can you feel that? So I wasn't exactly "frozen" this morning....but at 45 degrees I was definitely chilled "on the rocks"! And I gotta say.... I love it! I could see my breath as I was running and there was a definite chill in the air. I felt fantastic this morning. The dingo and I pulled out 5 miles no problem. Felt great. The pain in my quads is essentially gone. My right, outer calf felt pretty tight, but it loosened up as the run went on. I was able to stay under my goal of 9:50/mile, with the exception of the first mile. I know I'm still snail-paced....but that only means room for improvement, right?! I even felt pretty good yesterday. A sign of progress, I hope! Tomorrow we'll do 8 miles. I kind of like that for the next 5 weeks, the week day mileage stays the same. 5 - 8 - 5 + the weekend long run. I can't believe M-day is 6 weeks away. I hope I can keep feeling good!

Day 35 - Success!

2009-08-29T14:59:00.002-04:00

Holy Cow...we did 16.6 miles today and I'm alive to write about it. I really did have a lot of fear going into today's run. I just wasn't sure I could do it. I'm full of self-doubt these days! But, I went to bed early last night (asleep by 10:00pm), got up around 5:20am to start the usual routine: Roctane GU, immodium, body glide, get dressed, 2 puffs on inhaler, watch set with time/distance/pace alerts, potty, SPI belt/amphipod filled, weather check. Before I knew it my sister was at my house and it was go time! We headed out into uncharted territory for us (aka a new route). I decided I like running in the dark. The time/miles pass so quickly. We had settled into a good pace and before I knew it G had beeped at 2 miles. Shortly thereafter we see a dog get hit by a car....so sad! The dog looked just like my beloved dingo and whined/cried just like him too. The dog sped off and we never did catch up with him. I guess he was okay?? At 45 minutes or so we stopped to take our first GU, potty, and re-fill water bottles. We did a couple of 1 mile laps around a local park. It was nice to run on a freshly paved trail and have the park to ourselves! At the 8-mile mark I was still feeling good, but 8 more miles just seemed like such a long way to go. It was daylight by now and we were starting to see more and more runners out. That always helps me (mentally) to stay focused and get back on track. We stopped again around 90 minutes to take our second GU. The last 45 minutes had flown by! It didn't seem like it could possibly be time to re-fuel again! But, we were almost at 10 miles...and the home stretch was in sight. My sister and I talked the whole time. There wasn't any long periods of silence...always a good indicator of how I'm feeling! We decided to forgo our 3rd GU stop, seeing as we had less than 3 miles to finish. I knew at this point that today was going to be a successful run! We finished the last few miles easily and when G beeped at 16 miles we decided to keep going. We were about .75 mile away from my house, which would have been a nice cool-down walk, but we were both time-crunched and decided to keep running. I slowed down significantly (we were going uphill) and let my sister run ahead. When I hit "stop" on G, it showed a distance of 16.62 miles. Awesome!! I walked the last block home and was greeted by my hubby and kids. They're always so proud of me...and supportive. Hubby got me some water and allowed me to use him as balance as I stretched.
I hobbled up the steps, took 800 mg of ibuprofen and took a much needed shower. Hubby brought one of the 22 pound bags of ice upstairs and I filled the tub with the ice and cold water, after my shower. In an effort to speed things along and pass the time, I brought my make-up bag, deoderant, etc into the tub with me and got ready while soaking. I also had a very curious 4 year old for "assistance". He really wanted to get in, but every time he'd touch his toe to the water he'd shriek and go running away! As an aside - I would never advocate letting my child get in an ice bath...I knew he'd never do it! He won't even hold his boo boo bunny to his bumps/bruises! Anyway, I stayed in for 18 minutes and then I just couldn't take it anymore. I think getting out was worse than getting in. My feet just hurt so badly. I probably shivered for the next hour.
I grabbed my breakfast, another glass of water, my lunch for later that day and was out the door. I got to work around 10:oo am....not too bad! I don't think the exhaustion has set in...but I bet by the time I get to church and am responsible for 15+ 3 year olds, I'll be feeling it.

Day 34 - Lead Foot

2009-08-28T16:12:00.003-04:00

I wish I could say my splits were so speedy yesterday that I had a lead foot...but instead I felt tired, sluggish and like my legs were made of lead! Little bit of a difference. I felt decent the entire run though and didn't have one thing continually nag me.

This weekend (and every one for the next few weeks) will be a personal distance best! 16 miles. Strangely enough, I'm kind of excited for it. Last week's 14-miler really gave me some much-needed confidence. I'm hoping with appropriate rest, hydration, and nutrition I can have another good run. Tomorrow's going to be a loooong day. We set out on our run around 6:00am. Come home, shower/ice bath (I plan on getting the bags of ice tonight to put in our chest freezer), and then head to work to do the job of otherwise 2 or 3 dietitians. From there I have duty in the 3 Year Olds room at church. That is, if my legs haven't fallen off or I've become incapacitated by then! At least I have a "rest" running day on Sunday. I have a feeling I'm going to need it. Ugh....the anxiety is building as I type this. Must re-direct that energy!

Carbo-loading tonight is homemade chicken and dumplings, mashed potatoes and green beans. Mmm...Mmmm! I splurged earlier today with the kids and got some ice cream, while we were at Young's Jersey Dairy. It's so hard to pass up fresh, homemade ice cream! I hope I don't regret it tomorrow on the run! The kids had a blast feeding the goats and seeing all the other farm animals. The trip almost didn't happen when I thought I had "broke" the car. Thanks to a very helpful 2-year old and a know-nothing-about-cars Mom...I had gotten the 4Runner out of gear and was stuck at a stop sign in a very busy shopping center. Luckily after about 20 minutes of directing traffic around our car and entertaining 2 kids, two nice gentleman came up to help. Right as they came up to help, my hubby arrives. Figures. And why was I at the shopping center where my favorite running store is? Picking up some much needed GUs and a LED light to put on while running in the dark. I also plan on decking out the Dingo in some much-needed night time (or early morning really) gear. I'm not taking any more chances! Soon to come will be a Road ID. Lastly, I officially registered for the USAF Half Marathon. I hate that by waiting to sign up I had to fork over $75... but what can you do?! Wish me luck for tomorow!!

Running Safety

2009-08-26T07:59:00.003-04:00

This was the image on our local newspaper's front page yesterday. Here's the article that followed:

BEAVERCREEK — The death of Michelle Hale, the 44-year-old runner who was hit by a vehicle and died during an early morning run Monday, Aug. 24, has sent tremors through the running community.
“The running community is a very close-knit group,” said Jim Gross, the Montgomery County Health Commissioner and an avid runner. “Whenever anything tragic like this happens, the entire fraternity of runners is affected, whether you know the runner or not.”
Hale, of Beavercreek, was jogging northbound across Dayton-Xenia Road from the bike trail to Stedman Lane at about 6:25 a.m. when she was hit by a westbound vehicle, Beavercreek Police said. She was transported to Miami Valley Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Beavercreek police have spoken to the Beavercreek man whose vehicle hit Hale, and they are asking anyone who witnessed the crash to contact police at (937) 426-1225.
No charges have been filed, and the crash remains under investigation.
Hale was a secretary in the deterrence and nuclear integration office of Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, according to a press release. She had been employed at the base for four months.
She also had a Web page revolving around the hobby of crafting at http://randomcrafting.blogspot.com.
On the page, she described herself as “a marathon running Wife, Mom, ‘Bella,’ craft lover and more!”
She also wrote about her husband, two daughters and a grandson, and said she was training for her third Air Force Marathon, to be held at Wright-Patterson next month.
Gross said his heart goes out to the victim’s family and friends. But he said the tragedy is also a time to emphasize how important it is for exercise enthusiasts “to take safety very seriously.”
“Anytime you are exercising, running or cycling, you need to do whatever you can so you are visible,” he said.
Jeff McPherson, president of the Ohio River Road Runners Club, said Hale had participated in a number of local races over the past year. He said her death will impact the running community.
“Obviously, it touches everybody, since we’re out there on the road so much,” he said.
Staff Writers Tom Beyerlein and Jeremy Kelley contributed to this report.

I went to her blog and got chills as she talked about training for her 3rd marathon and carrying her grandson across the finish line. It's just so sad....

So what do you all do to help keep you safe out there on the roads? I have to admit that I don't usually take any precautions....but that needs to change!

Day 33 - Clarity and Self-Loathing

2009-08-25T08:05:00.003-04:00

It's amazing what a good night's sleep, 600 mg ibuprofen and perfect running weather can do. I think I got 8 hours of sleep last night and woke up to mid-50's temperature with low humidity. My quads also felt pretty good. The dingo and I set out for 7 miles this morning. I decided to get really crazy and 1)not map out my route beforehand and 2) not run in our usual Tuesday neighborhood. It was nice for a change of scenery, but I found myself looking at G way too often to figure out how far I'd gone. We ended up going 7.3 miles and the dingo kept up great. His longest distance with me is 10 miles, so he should be fine for the remainder of our week-day training runs. He stays at home for our long-runs! I wore my new UA compression shorts for the second time (first time was on the last LR). I love them! They fit perfectly and are so comfy. Bye-bye chaffing! I'm beginning to wonder if my new Balega socks are contributing to the pain in the balls of my feet and now I have a few blisters. I've never gotten blisters before. I may switch back to my Smartwool for runs over 6 miles. It could just very well be the increased mileage!! Another downer is the fact that somehow I've managed to gain 10 pounds in the past 3 months. I can't even explain how sad this makes me....like maybe I really am just destined to be fat the rest of my life. I'm working my butt off, and while I don't eat great 100% of the time, I don't eat horribly either. It's just really frustrating. So I'm back to counting WW points. Unlike the last time I used WW though, I WILL be eating my exercise points! Even if I could lose 5 pounds before the marathon, I'll be happy. I just can't be this tub-o-lard pounding down the street! And with that self-loathing, it's time to shower and get on with my day!

Days 32 & 33 - Exhausted

2009-08-24T16:37:00.004-04:00

I'm happy to report that my 14-miler on Saturday went fanstastic! I was really anxious/worried about it before hand. I didn't sleep well the night before (darn noisy hotel) and I ate more than usual the night before a run (mmm... Buca di Beppo). I just wasn't sure how it would all turn out. Hubby and I got separated for about the first 3.5 miles. Not really sure how it happened, but he lost track of me and then I turned the wrong way (I'm horrible with directions, let alone in a different city). Cue panic on both of our parts because I didn't have a phone and we were in a section of town we weren't particularly familiar with. The good news is that we did end up finding one another and we were able to enjoy each other's company for the remainder of the run. I wanted to do the last 6 or 7 miles of the marathon course, out and back. As part of my positive imagery training, I wanted to be able to visualize the last few miles of the actual marathon. Our hotel was about a mile away from the finish line, so that's why it ended up being only the last 6 miles of the course. I really enjoyed running the course. Everyone says Columbus is "flat and fast". It wasn't exactly pancake flat, but it wasn't difficult, either . I averaged 9:50/mile throughout the run, so I can attest to it's "fastness"! It's amazing what new scenery, cool temperatures and no humidity can do!! Parts of the run were very pretty and scenic (and nostalgic since we used to live there)....there was a large stretch that was rather industrial. I'm thinking that part will be pretty poorly supported by fans and at mile 22 that may not be a good thing for me! As G beeped 7 miles, we turned around to head back. I had gone through all my water by 9 miles, so hubby rode ahead to the grocery store and got me another bottle of water. I got goosebumps as we turned the corner onto High St...knowing the marathon finish line was only about a mile away. There's a big screen TV on the side of the building where the finish line is. I did my best finish line impression for hubby, all while imagining my sweaty mug being splashed up on the big screen. I'm pretty sure the people around me thought I was crazy. I thought it was pretty funny. I really felt good the entire run. I took a Roctane GU before the run and then regular GUs every 45 minutes. Not one thing continually nagged me. Towards the end I could tell my knees and the balls of my feet were tired of the pounding. Running through German Village with cobblestone streets didn't help any either! We made many more stops than normal due to running through the city blocks and waiting for lights/traffic/etc. Although I was feeling relatively good at the end of the run, I was still happy to hear G beep at 14 miles. My longest distance yet! It's amazing to think that just 3 months ago finishing the HM was such an accomplishment and yet I had just surpassed that distance in a training run! We hobbled back to the hotel, took 600 mg of ibuprofen, and I took a much needed shower while hubby filled the ice bags. I iced my knees, shins, ankles, feet and hamstrings. Wouldn't you know the only place I'm sore today is my quads. Oops....forgot about them! I'm still quite sore today (2 days later) but managed to get in my 4 miler this morning.

As for today's run.....nothing exciting to report. I did 4.3 miles, usual route - just done in the opposite direction. My goal of sub 9:30/mile didn't happen. I'm just exhausted physically and mentally. And I think what's worse is that I know there's no end in sight for the next few weeks. Our training program just keeps building and building. Any words of wisdom to get through this spot? Our HM on September 19th will be our little break. That's ironic! Anyway, I'll keep plugging away....one day at a time.

Day 31 - Do these shorts make me faster?

2009-08-20T08:12:00.002-04:00

Of course not....but I woke up with a sense of excitement this morning. I got to run in my new gear! Hubby did a great job with sizes, colors, etc. We ran our usual Thursday route. My left shin pain has resurfaced and now both of my achilles tendons feel tight. I figured after the first mile the pain would subside, but I was still noticing it at 2 miles. Then I just decided to forget about it....and it worked! Funny thing, I don't feel one iota of pain now that I'm not running! I did stretch them good after the run, though. I'll be icing my shin again today, too. I think my goal for next week will be to get my shorter runs under 9:50/mile. I was almost there today with the exception of my first mile (9:54). I even ran the last 0.4 miles at 8:39/mile pace. I was practically dragging the dingo! AND it was only 0.4 miles! Oh well....progress. My first 5 mile race we ran a 11:00/mile pace. That was last Thanksgiving. Today will be another busy day with the kids. Many errands to run in preparation for our weekend away. Tonight I'm having dinner with my best girlfriends from High School. And there's my cue...."Mommy......Mommy.....I have pee pee! Fresh dipey please!".

Day 30 - Humidity + Hills = Irritation

2009-08-18T09:20:00.005-04:00

The title of my post pretty much sums up yesterday's run. Well, not completely. When I wasn't running hills, I was annoyed with my bra. The dingo decided to take 2 poo breaks (thank goodness I stocked up on doggie poo bags at the park) and my pace overall was lousy. BUT, at least it's done....and I didn't have any unusual aches/pains on the run. Oh yeah, and I did see the family of 3 deer grazing at a different spot than normal. Guess they were taking in some history, as they were right across the street from the Wright Brother's home on Hawthorne Hill.

Yesterday was our 8th wedding anniversary, but since we've been dating since high school, it's really more like 16! It was a busy day - bank, shopping (2 different stores), haircut for Caroline, lunch and then to the running store. With 2 kids in tow, that makes for an exhausting day. I did find a pair of Under Armour compression shorts (the Moving Comfort ones were too small....grr) and a new running bra.
Thank goodness my sweet hubby didn't expect me to cook dinner! We celebrated in grand fashion, by going to our favorite Chinese buffet. Yes, dietitians eat at buffets, but I'm sure they make good money off of us! The kids always enjoy getting to pick what they want to eat (none of which was Chinese) and then the ice cream at the end is a big treat. Hubby informed me mid-way through my chocolate ice cream that I might not want to finish it because he had a surprise "treat" for us at home. Little did I know he had quite a few treats at home! We put the kids to bed early (for us... it was 9:15pm) poured 2 glasses of wine and out came the parade of gifts. 2 "girly" movies, a new pair of running shorts, shirt, and casual t-shirt, and a box from Victoria Secret (the contents of that box to be unannounced). All topped off with my favorite.....a piece of cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory. And hubby was so cute saying "see, you can wear this now....You're a runner!" or "only runners wear this stuff!" He's so proud of me. I was completely dumbfounded. I thought my new Garmin was my present. Lord knows I spent more money on that than a normal anniversary present! To make it worse, I had only gotten him a couples massage. I thought our weekend away was the true present to one another. I figured the Garmin and massage would be the icing on the cake. Oh well....it's fun to be spoiled and he does have a birthday coming up on Sunday. Guess the kids and I will be doing more shopping tomorrow! We were up way too late last night, but it was good to reconnect and talk about our lives. I'm exhausted today (the 5:15 am cross-training session didn't help) but am looking forward to this weekend. 2 nights of uninterrupted sleep. I can't remember the last time I slept for 2 nights in a row without getting up to rock someone back to sleep, re-apply a bandaid, turn on the light in the bathroom, chase away a monster or receive a hug from my 4 year old. I've definitely learned that getting adequate sleep isn't what it's cracked up to be (you NEVER could have told me this 4 years ago....), but it sure will be nice!

Day 29 - Just another day

2009-08-17T09:49:00.003-04:00

I'm not going to lie...when my alarm went off this morning, I wasn't excited to run. Today begins week 8 of my training program. "I'm half-way there", I thought...."only 8 more Monday morning runs". I hit snooze 2 times and by 6:15 am, I finally got up. I've noticed the balls of my feet ache first thing in the morning. I'm guessing it's probably related to my flip flops (which I live in when I'm not at work or running). We had walked with the kids a bit last night, so that may be the culprit. I don't notice it once I put shoes on, though. Anyway, the dingo and I did our usual Monday route. G Money beeped annoyingly at me the whole first mile until I reached my groove. I wanted to stay under 10 minutes/mile (sad goal, eh?) which I did achieve. Post-run my hamstrings are quite tight, despite stretching. I didn't notice it while I was running.

Hopefully today my new compression shorts will arrive. I want to try them out a few times before my long run on Saturday. I've been having chaffing issues, despite body glide. I'm hoping these shorts will help with that, too! I also read some more reassuring thoughts on my marathon training plan. I guess it is quite possible to finish a marathon with a training program that only tops out at 38 miles/week. The other issue we've been toying around with is running a half marathon about a month before the actual marathon. The training program says we should do 18 miles the day of the proposed HM, but maybe with some adjustment of a few of the mid-week runs and long-runs we can make it work. I'm such a stickler for schedules. BUT, I think it would be good motivation and fun! Plus, the race is nearby...no overnight required and the whole family could come out to cheer us on. My dear old Dad (an ex-runner who has completed 2 marathons in his time) thinks we should run the HM and just "push the pace" in lieu of the extra distance. Little does he know that I really only have one pace: do what I must to finish. LOL! Guess we need to be deciding soon....the USAF HM is in 32 days!

Day 28 - Flow

2009-08-16T21:34:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a great run! I don't know if it was proper nutrition/hydration, a positive attitude, the flat route or if things are finally coming together for me? I'm sure it was a bit of everything and it couldn't have come at a better time (mentally). In any case, I arrived bright and early at my sister's house, a little before 6:00am. It was dark and cool out with a bit of fog on the ground when we started out. My sister had mapped out a 12 mile route. Due to a little map confusion (aka we got lost) Garmin (or G Money as I like to call her) clocked us at 12.63 miles. I took a Roctane GU pack about 30 minutes before the run with about 6 ounces of water. I also decided to use my inhaler proactively (novel idea for someone with exercise-induced asthma). 45 minutes into the run I took another GU pack. I ran with plain water in my hand-held bottle. I stopped after another 45 minutes and took another GU pack. I've been finding that my water bottle is empty after my second GU pack. Guess it's time to start double-fisting it. I just can't convey in words how good I felt yesterday. I felt like a real runner, who could maybe, just possibly, reach her goal of finishing a marathon. I felt great all day yesterday, no aches or pains. I wasn't even that tired. Today my hamstrings are a bit sore, but nothing major. It must have been coincidence because in this week's chapter of TNRMT it talks about finding your "flow" zone. Perhaps I found my flow?
This week we have a 4 miler-6 miler - 4 miler - 14 miler. Our 3rd week at 25 miles or more. This is a lot for me....considering 6 months ago I was maybe doing 10-15 miles/week. This Saturday we'll be in Columbus for the weekend so I plan on running on the actual marathon course. Hubby's going to bring his bike and keep me company on the 14-miler. Oh yeah, did I mention this will be my farthest distance.....ever?! I'm hoping I can find my flow then....I have a feeling I'm going to need it!

Day 27 - Lost

2009-08-14T08:23:00.003-04:00

I haven't completely lost my mind....but I did lose my cell phone on my run yesterday. Grrr.... I'm really not sure how it happened without me noticing....but whatever. I'm blaming it on the dingo! It was in his little carrying pouch on his harness and the zipper must have worked it's way open. I may be writing a letter to the company! But this isn't entirely bad. My cell phone was on it's last leg and it was time for me to renew my contract. I just didn't want to shell out $139 (of which I will get $50 back in rebate) yesterday. Once again...whatever. We don't have a land line at our house and I needed a phone ASAP. And yes, I did go back on my route....twice, but could not find the darn thing.
So as for the run....it was lovely running weather. Much cooler, still a tad humid, but nowhere near the 100% humidity from Tuesday. I used my Garmin for the first time - so fun! I'm having problems with the USB thingy, so I can't sync my data yet. I'm so technology challenged! I ran a new route (gasp!) but in the same general vicinity of my usual Thursday route. I could feel my left shin splint pain resurfacing, but the discomfort was very mild. I iced it last night using my new Contour Pak and it feels better today. I need to ice it again today, before my long run tomorrow. Speaking of long run tomorrow. We're up to 12 miles. I have a sense of optimism about this run. I'm looking forward to it! I plan on continuing to figure out my GI issues and nutriton strategies. I may even try to take a GU before I start running (another gasp!). What I'm not looking forward to is my 5:15 am wake up call. The things I do to run with my favorite running partner!

Day 26 - 100%

2009-08-11T07:55:00.002-04:00

Despite high temperatures and high (HIGH) humidity, summer is coming to an end. Sadly, this morning it was DARK out when I got up at 6:00am. I generally face most falls and winters with dread. But this year, I have something to look forward to (October 18th, at least). It was a bit cooler this morning at 70 degrees, but humidity was 100%. Yes 100%. Thank goodness for a cool breeze! I'm not really sure what happened with my pace. I didn't feel like I was going that slowly, but I did do a lot of hills and I never stopped my Nike+ for Cooper's various "stops" and traffic lights. We passed a family of 4 deer eating their breakfast and a whole slew of other runners/walkers/dogs on their morning route. I felt really good. My iPod was working again, I had my comfy running gear on and I tried out a new pair of socks that I had gotten last night (while looking for my compression shorts). I usually run in SmartWool, but I'd heard such good things about Balega, I wanted to give them a try. My feet never get overly hot in my SmartWools, but I just think it's a mental thing of having something lighter on my foot on really hot/humid days. So I got a pair of the Hidden Comfort style. I really like them because they're super soft and have the mesh ventilation on top (among all the other technical features). Plus, they were a bit cheaper than my SmartWools. I may just tuck them away for cold-weather running and switch to the Balegas for summer. I also picked up some more GU in various flavors, since I did okay with it on my long run last week. Of course the one thing I went in for they didn't have. Okay, well they did have them....Under Armour WHITE 4 inch compression shorts. It was a running and soccer store and they were on the soccer side, so I'm pretty sure they were meant to be worn under something. There is no way in he!! I will be seen in white spandex. No thanks! I may just give in and order online. This proposition makes hubby very unhappy, being the economic development guru that he is, BUT I have tried various local stores and they just don't have them. Plus, the thought of wrangling 2 kids while shopping in Dick's Sporting Goods is overwhelming at this point. You know what else is overwhelming my belly growls and stinkiness! Time to hit the showers, grab a bite to eat and figure out how to entertain the kiddos today.

Day 25 - Swimming

2009-08-10T13:30:00.003-04:00

No, I didn't change up my weekly routine and decide to do some cross-training this morning at the pool....but I might as well have! I walked out my back door at 6:15am to find 74 degrees and high, high humidity. I really might as well have gone swimming. The air was thick with moisture, and I felt like I was moving so slooowly. I was smart and used my inhaler prior to leaving, so there was no wheezing or real hard breathing....but everything was just tight and irritable. I wasn't happy with my bra, shorts, or shirt. Everything clung to me and made me miserable. To top it off, my iPod decided to stop working as well. Aghhh!! I'm guessing the little bit of rain that we got into on Saturday did it in. I really need to pay more attention and take better care of that thing....it's proving to be my lifeline! So, needless to say, I have no idea what my average pace was, but I did get in just over 4 miles. My legs felt pretty good....all shin pain is gone (from my indoor track workout) and my quads just had traces of soreness from Saturday's run. I actually felt pretty darn good after Saturday's run. The run might not have been ideal for me, but at least the recovery was! I guess I am making some strides.
My goal for this week (outside of the actual running) is to find or order some compression shorts. I have looked at 2 local running stores and have come up empty handed. I'm going to stop at one more local place tonight and then maybe hit Dick's Sporting Goods tomorrow. If I come up empty there, I'm just going to order a pair online. Any recommendations? Also, after much debate and research, I decided to stick with my Garmin FR60. Although I'm running a ton right now, I know this won't always be the case. I want something that can be versatile, yet accurate. I really don't mind the foot pod...especially if it's more accurate than Nike+ !! And last but not least....I wanted something that would be decent to *look* at. Some of those watches are just ugly....and for what they cost, I'd like to be able to wear them more than just the 5 hours (right now) of running I do each week! I may look back to regret this decision, but I feel good about my decision now. Hopefully within the next week, I'll be sporting THIS little lady on my wrist. Oh yeah, thanks hubby! ;-)

Day 24 - Self Doubt

2009-08-08T09:51:00.002-04:00

Have I been in some imaginary world where I really thought I could do this? Today's run told me otherwise! It was only 11 miles....but I just wasn't feeling it. We walked more than I would have liked (up hills mostly), but my legs were tight and heavy and my breathing was still difficult. It could have been related to the humidity, and luckily that did seem to decrease after a brief rain shower. Truth be told.... I will end up walking some during the marathon. And I'm OKAY with that. Really. I've only been running a year and I have a life outside of running. Phew....I feel better getting that off my chest! I had told my sister earlier in the run about the positive self talk paragraph that TNRMT talked about this week. While struggling up the last hill she told me to say that paragraph and you know what, I got up the hill. I had to walk a bit at the top, as I was wheezing at that point, but I got up the hill. I'm so greatful for such an encouraging running partner!!
So the good part of the run including trying out some GU. I took 2 Immodiums about a half hour before we started running, filled my amphipod with plain ol' water and took a few sips of gatorade. I took half the GU pack about 45 minutes into the run. And honestly, it wasn't that bad. I could feel it going down, but it wasn't necessarily heavy in my belly. I continued to sip water throughout the run and then after another 45 minutes I took the other half of the pack. Now I know the recommended "dosage" is 1 full pack every 45 minutes, but I wanted to make sure I could tolerate it first! The first half of our run was pretty residential....aka no public potties around! I had no ill-effects from the GU, so overall this is a success for me (and my testy GI tract)!! Unfortunately I guess I just thought it was going to give me this magical energy and it didn't. But who knows how bad I would have felt after the run had I not taken it? I don't feel bad at all post-run. I got down my favorite post-run drink....chocolate milk and I'm ready to go for the day. I remember having ups and downs in my training for the Pig...so I hope this is just a minor bump in the road. Let's hope because I'm *really* looking forward to the marathon/weekend.

Day 23 - Anxiety

2009-08-06T07:59:00.004-04:00

Today's run brought no real new suprises....except I'm still a bit sore in my anterior tibialis. I'm guessing that's from my indoor track run and turning corners 160 times! I also had to focus on my breathing a lot today, which is unusual because it wasn't overly humid. I really just felt like a slug. Regardless, I "slugged" through it and got in 4.5 miles. Tomorrow will be a day of rest and then on to 11 miles this weekend. Am I the only running geek out there who obsesses and thinks about their running route for days in advance? Sometimes it keeps me up at night and I'm not even lying. But you see, I like to strategically run where 1) I know there will be bathrooms along the course and 2) see some new scenery. Monday-Tuesday-Thursday I run the exact same routes (just upping the distance as my training progresses). I'm very much a creature of habit and I like doing it this way. But, by the time the long run rolls around, I want new scenery. I want to have something else to focus on. So with these constraints in mind, planning our long run becomes serious business. This also leads to a high level of uncertainty (and anxiety) about running in new terrain. There have been many a Friday night where I will go out after the kids are in bed and drive our running route for the next day. I don't like to have any surprises about hills/sidewalks/unsafe areas, etc.
The other thing I've been worrying about is my training plan. I absolutely love my book (TNRMT) for all the mental training and other tips it provides, but I'm hoping the mileage is enough. I had originally started training with the "beginners" plan from Runner's World. I was struggling with shin splints in the beginning and had doubts from my Dad about my ability to run a marathon this soon into my running "career". Remember, I just started running last September. He really urged me to build up my base a bit more, before entering into marathon training. I'm stubborn though, so I started training anyway. I thought TNRMT would be perfect because it would give me the "just right" amount of training. But the more I read, the more I wonder if this plan is truly adequate? Perhaps it's teaching is outdated? I truly have no time goals. I just want to finish....strong. Is that even possible for a first marathon? If anyone has any advice or would like to look at my training plan and offer suggestions, I'd love it!

Flying Pig HM Recap....an oldie but goodie!

2009-08-05T08:41:00.003-04:00

Well, as promised, here is the race recap for my first (and only) half marathon. Today is a cross-training day for me....so no running. Enjoy!

I was at Target on January 1st when my sister called and asked if I’d be interested in running the Flying Pig half marathon with her, as a New Year’s Resolution. Now, I’d never made a real resolution before and I was taken completely off guard. I told her I’d think about it….by the time we got home from the store, my mind was made up. I was going to run the Flying Pig half marathon. Our training schedule started on January 5th. We would run 3 days a week and cross-train 3 days of the week. Sunday would be my day of “rest”. Seeing as I just started running in September, I’d never run through the winter. I wasn’t really sure if you could even safely run outside in the winter, in Ohio. I slowly began buying some decent winter running gear. I ran in snow, sleet, and cold, cold winter air. I think the coldest I ever ran in was 5 below zero, not including the wind chill! It was invigorating to get out there and get the blood pumping through my body. Running in the dead of winter is really quite peaceful. I knew if I could run hills in sub-zero temperatures, covered in snow (with the help of my YakTrax), I would do fine in May. January/February turned into March and gave way to increased mileage. Prior to starting my training, I’d never run over 6 miles before. Gina and I started running together on Saturday mornings, to help make the long runs more bearable. March 16th, I ran my first double-digit mileage: 11 miles. It was rough, but in my mind, there was no “if”….it was only “I will”. And so with about a month to spare, we reached our training goal of 12.5 miles. Those long runs were tough – physically and mentally. I was really beginning to doubt my ability to finish the half marathon strong. Even my cross-training sessions were tough. I didn’t understand it. Shouldn’t I be in better shape than ever? Training had consumed me. It was like I was in a different world. The days ticked away as I prepared everything I needed for the big day.
We left for Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon. We checked into the hotel – which was bustling with activity. We put our stuff in the room and headed over to the expo to pick up our packets. I felt like an imposter, Iike I didn’t really belong there. Me, a runner? It seemed crazy. The expo was really crowded, but we made our way through to get our timing chip, race bag/poster/t-shirt. We casually looked at all the booths and made our way out. We went to dinner that night at a family-owned Italian restaurant called, Campanellos. It was extremely busy and we ended up sitting at a table they had set up on the side walk. We joked that we hoped no one had a seizure while driving….we were that close to the road! With my GI issues, I ate only some bread and plain pasta. After dinner we walked around a bit and found the starting line. I really began to feel as though I wasn’t ready. It was all so real now! Chris finally made his way down to Cincinnati and we walked around a bit with him and then headed back to the hotel. I got everything ready for the morning. I turned in for an early night, as I knew 5:30am would be here all too soon. I didn’t sleep well that night. I wasn’t nervous or anxious, but I just kept getting woken up by different things. The morning arrived and it was raining. I was kind of bummed. I love running on beautiful, sunny days. There’s nothing better than that! In any case, I put my running hat on, applied body glide and aquaphor, took 2 immodiums, had a sip of Gatorade and we were off. The starting line area was crazy packed. We made our way back to the sign that said 10:18/mile pace and squeezed our way in. Everyone was in a fantastic, jovial mood. The countdown began and the gun sounded. Kanye’s “Stronger” began to play, and it was then that I knew this was going to be a great experience. We cross the starting line about 7 minutes off of the clock time. We make a quick pit stop for Gina to use the porta-potty, and we were off. Everyone is still pretty packed tightly together at this point. Spectators line the roads, cheering as if we were in 1st place. We head over the bridge to KY and do a quick loop around Newport/Covington. We see Beth on the sidelines there. We cross two more bridges and are back in Ohio. We head into downtown and I’m reminded of the streets of Boston. There’s lots of spectators here and we start searching for Chris. We finally see him towards the end of 7th street. The running is almost effortless at this point. At 6 miles we pass the Greyhound Bus station – and I’m wondering if I’d rather be on a bus to somewhere else or running this race?! We pass Elsinore Castle. It’s at this point that we begin an almost 2.5 mile uphill climb, that covers 280 feet. Although I know I’m still only half way there, I know the next 3 miles will be critical and after that it will be smooth sailing (or so I thought). We begin to look for my parents, and see them on the side of Gilbert Avenue. It’s still kinda drizzling, but I’ve forgotten about it by this time. I’m breathing heavy, but no wheezing! We make our way up to the top of the first hill and do a short loop around Eden Park. There is a gospel choir singing and a hydration station. My stomach has yet to bother me, but I decide not to push the issue. Although there have been porta-pottys throughout the course, they have all had long lines. After a short respite, we begin climbing back up. I begin to get a bit discouraged, because I was expecting an immediate downhill. In any case, at this point we enter Walnut Hills. This is probably my favorite entertainment spot…..Madonna’s “Holiday” is BLARING. All of the runners are singing and clapping. The atmosphere is awesome! Shortly thereafter we see the Walnut Hills football team handing out the Gatorade/water at the next hydration station. I take my first and only Gatorade break here. I walk/sip a few seconds and then start running again. I feel kinda crampy around my diaphragm, but I still feel pretty good. At mile 9 we split off from the marathoners and it couldn’t have come a minute too soon! There’s a slight uphill here (again, discouraging) and we reach the top of the elevation for the race. After that however, it was all pretty much downhill. I take some water around mile 10.5. My SPI belt had really been bothering me though, and I decide to give it to my Dad the next time we see him. I began to focus on the irritation and it feels like we’ll never see them again! We finally see my parents on Gilbert Avenue (other side of the street now) and I give my Dad the belt. I feel tons better now! We enter back into the downtown area and we see Chris again around mile 11. The crowd is still amazing and so encouraging. We turn around on Eggleston and head towards the river and ball parks. Everyone at this point is cheering and saying “you’re almost there!” but it felt like an eternity. There was no way I was going to stop running at this point, but I was sure tired. Nothing was seriously bothering me, I was just tired. Finally the “Finish Swine” comes into sight and I know I can do it. Gina and I cross the finish line together, at 2hr19 minutes. An average of 10:38 per mile.
I’ll never forget the feeling of complete accomplishment. Something I had worked so hard for and had done well (for my standards at least). Walking through the finishers area was surreal. I was definitely tired and my legs were pretty tight. We got our timing chips cut off our shoes and then on to the food. I’d never seen so much….food! Mounds of apples, bananas, oranges, bagels, cookies, and then thanks to sponsorship from P&G….cheez its, potato chips, animal crackers. You name it, they had it! But honestly none of it looked good. I started to munch on an apple (I was afraid of the after-effects of taking too much Immodium and wanted some fiber). And then I DOWNED 3-4 cups of water and Gatorade. I’d never drank quicker in my life. Not so smart! We made our way through to get our finisher medals and blankets. I had been running with goose-bumps for the majority of the race and by now I was chattering cold! Within minutes, the water/Gatorade/apple combo began to work on my belly and I just needed to find a porta-potty! You’d think they’d be pretty accessible post-race, but alas I had to walk (what seemed liked forever) to the family meeting area. I wait in line behind a child (again, for what seems like forever) and finally get some "relief". Now that my belly was better….I just wanted to sit. We people watched for awhile, and then it donned on me that we needed to be finding Chris. We had no way of contacting him and we hadn’t really told him where to meet us because we weren’t sure what the finish area would be like. I get up and stumble around for a bit, until I find the post-race store. And wouldn’t you know….there he was….buying me a shirt! It’s at this point that I know God is on my side today! So we go back and find Gina and begin the walk (uphill) back to our hotel. I just want to shower and lay down. As we’re walking, my toenails are “tender” and it feels as if one of them is trying to pull off. Ouch! Once we’re back to the hotel I inspect my feet and they’re not bad at all. No blisters (a major concern of my dad, since we were running in the rain) and all toenails intact. Success!! Little did I know that 4 weeks later my toenail WOULD fall off! I showered, rested a bit and then we packed up to leave. We had a hot date with my parents at Champps for brunch. I was hungry by now….and actually able to eat! As we walked to the car we passed some of the marathoners just coming back. And while I still felt the glory from my accomplishment, it was definitely overshadowed by the fact that there were people (just like me!) who had given more. I knew I had a marathon in me….or at least I had to try.

Day 22 - Lightening

2009-08-04T07:44:00.002-04:00

No, my workout today wasn't lightening fast....but that's what I woke up to this morning. Around 5:00am the dingo crawled into our bed, shaking with fear. I could only hope the storm would blow over by the time my alarm went off at 6:00am. No such luck. It was raining buckets complete with thunder and lightening. So I layed in bed for a few minutes debating on what to do.....I could 1) stay in bed and be lazy (no chance) 2) do 50 minutes of cross-training in the basement and call it even 3) trade days and run tomorrow morning, which would still mean I had to get up and do 25 minutes of cross-training today 4) go to the indoor track and slug out 40 laps or 5 miles. I decided on the latter. I haven't run indoors since the winter. And even then the times were few and far between. Thanks to my YakTrax, I was able to train outside all winter. So I arrive at the gym/track ready to run 5 miles, but with a little bit of dread in my heart. First person/people I see are the "power Mommies" of Braden's preschool. Great....but what great incentive to pick up my pace and pass them!! Turns out they were just "warming up" before a gym workout. Whatever. So I continued on my way to 40 laps around the track. The positive self-talk paragraph came in mighty handy today. I must have repeated it 40 times and wouldn't you know, the time just flew by. I'm not saying my workout was speedy by any means....but at least it's done. Thanks for the input on my watch dilemma. I talked it over with hubby and while he honestly knows nothing about it, he said to get whatever I want..... That could be dangerous!

Day 21 - "Short"

2009-08-03T07:21:00.003-04:00

Despite a fantastic run this morning, all I can remember about it is that it was short. I was scheduled to run 4 miles....I ended up doing 3.87 miles, and it really burns me! I blame it completely on my Nike+. I had to restore the factory settings last week and it wiped out my sensor's calibration. Is it the anal dietitian in me or the anal runner in me that falling short of my goal makes me so angry? It would be one thing if I was feeling really poorly and just couldn't finish, but that's just not the case. You can be sure I'll spend the next few hours trying to let go of this issue!
So like I said, the run was great this morning. Great weather, no aches and pains. I worked on my "postive self-talk" throughout the run (the mental training component this week in TNRMT). I tried out Cooper's new Dog Collar Wallet. It's a nifty new gadget I got to store my cell phone and poo bag (not *my* poo bag of course). Not sure how many other people run with their dogs, but I'm always looking for new doggy running gear. I just realized that I've been talking about my faithful running dingo, but have never posted a picture of the guy. Here he is....in all his dingo-goodness-glory: . Pretty cute, huh?! What makes him even cuter is how nice and gentle he is with the kids. We truly couldn't have asked for a better family pet. Afterall, he was our baby first! But I digress! Hubby and my 8th wedding anniversary is coming up. We're going away to Columbus for the weekend. I have a 14-miler planned for that Saturday, so I hope to run it on the actual marathon course. Speaking of marathon, did I tell you that I'm officially registered....as a marathoner and everything?! Pretty exciting! But more importantly, I'm in anniversary shopping mode for my new watch. While I like my Nike+, I'd really like to have a watch that can monitor my HR, distance, etc. I don't want to spend gobs of money, because really I'm just a novice and don't need all the bells and whistles. Just the basic components. I thought I wanted the new Garmin FR60, but now I'm not sure that I want another foot pod. Any advice from you experienced runners? Well, that's about it for today. I get to spend the day at home, thanks to working the weekend!

Day 20 - "Work"

2009-08-01T21:34:00.003-04:00

So, I survived "work" on two fronts today. My sister and I pulled out a great 10-miler (well, actually it was 9.8 miles, but who's counting?) AND I survived my actual work. I think I explained in an earlier post that working the weekend as a dietitian isn't just like any other day....All of the places I've ever worked they pull ONE dietitian to do the work of typically 4 or 5. That essentially means you're crazy busy all day and have no time to even breathe. Getting in at 10:00am didn't help either. But hey, it's not like I was lounging around in bed or my house....I got up at 6:00am to be at my sister's house by 6:30am. We were out the door and on our way to 10 miles by 6:40am. Being the slow pokes that we are (well, that *I* am....my sister happens to be speedy but slows down for me) we finished around 8:20am. By the time I got home, showered and ate breakfast I arrived at 10:00 am. As for the run, it went pretty well. The last 2 miles dragged on a bit longer than I would like....but I was also having some stomach issues. And that was with taking 1 immodium. I swear, I just don't know what the deal is with my GI system. My legs felt good, but we did quite a few hills and my hamstrings were a bit tight by the end. No big deal though! I took an Aleve and headed out to work and felt good the rest of the day. There is nothing more thrilling than finishing your long run. I can't decide if I like the sense of accomplishment, looking forward to the day "off" afterwards or being able to eat ice cream guilt free....It's truly a toss-up! I celebrated my first 20 mile+ week by a Reese Cup glacier at my favorite frozen custard stand. Delish! As for other fun things.....Tall Mom on the Run, Mel, has another GREAT giveaway that I'm just oh-so-excited about!! RUN, don't walk to check out her blog and giveaway. The "girls" are always looking for better support and Moving Comfort has some great products to accomplish that. If you notice, one of their bras is already on my "Wish List". Anyway, tomorrow I may post my HM recap.... Otherwise it's just another day of.....work.

Day 19 - New Shirts

2009-07-30T08:20:00.006-04:00

I woke up with an excitement to run today. My new shirts came yesterday and I was dying to try them out! Yes, it truly is the small things in life that make me happy. The dingo and I put in 3.5 miles on our usual Thursday route. I felt pretty good, nothing to complain about. I practiced my "mental movie" of my best training run. It's amazing how much positive imagery can really help! I'm still working on my second mental movie about the marathon finish. I want to get it just right in my head (because I'm sure it will bear nothing in actual resemblence)! I also got my iPod working again....praise sweet baby Jesus! Two runs in silence is horrible, I've got to say! I didn't really look at all the songs on my "Workout 1" playlist after the system re-boot, so some oldie-but-goodie songs popped up during my run today. I think for the actual marathon I won't edit my playlist so much. I'm very connected to music. Almost every song I hear has some sort of personal significance. Hearing some of the music that I listened to when I initially started out on my weight loss journey was fun....and inspiring! I've also started a list of songs I want to buy from iTunes for my "Marathon Playlist". Whoever said running was an inexpensive sport was sorely mistaken! Of course needs vs. wants are different things, too! Well, I hear Caroline starting to stir. Braden is happily watching Power Rangers....gosh, when did he get so old to like Power Rangers?! That means my day needs to get going. I think we may treat the dingo to a day at the doggie spa today. He needs a good bath and teeth brushing!

Back to reality...

2009-07-29T08:29:00.002-04:00

And so today begins another work week. I've gotta say, I didn't miss or think about work once on my little vacay. What's worse is that I have to work this weekend. I hate working weekends. That means only one RD on duty and you get all the wackiest patients/consults. To top it off, we have a 10-miler scheduled for Saturday. Okay, enough of the pity party. I did get caught up on some of my DVR shows: The Next Food Network Star, 16 and Pregnant, HGTV Design Star. Still to come is Army Wives, Dirty Sexy Money, and Drop Dead Diva. As you can see, I'm a bit of a TV junkie! But other than running, it's my only release. My only time just to "be".
In other news, I've found a few new blogs to follow! Erica, at I Run Because I Can is giving away a great fuel belt - the Helium 4. Hydration/nutrition while running is one of my biggest concerns. My GI system just doesn't tolerate food well, while running. I'm happy to say that I've been doing okay with my 60% water/40% gatorade mixture while running. I hope to find something else that I can tolerate (I've been told to try pretzels). I also found another nutrition and running-related blog, Trials of Training , so hopefully I can pick up some tips there, too! I'm guessing it's because of my recent illness or maybe the heat/humidity, but my motivation is just low. I think I may rent a couple marathon-related movies to get me back in the right mind-set. Not sure when I'll have time to watch them....but it's on my "to do" list!
Since today is a "rest" day, there is no training report.....except that it felt good to do some weight training this morning (as opposed to the pilates I had been doing on Wednesdays). I may dig up my race report from my half marathon to post. Might as well have all my "writing" in one spot for posterity!

Day 18 - Recap...

2009-07-28T15:05:00.002-04:00

Gosh, I don't even know where to start! So much has happened since my last post! Of course I've been keeping up on my training runs, just not updating about them! We left for Lakeside, OH last Thursday. Took just over 3 hours to get there and the kids did suprisingly well. We met up with our extended family from Washington DC and Columbus. My parents also went. There's always so much to do at Lakeside and never enough time. I did get in my 8-miler on Saturday. Nothing like running on a state route with cars/trucks whizzing past you at 55-65 mph to make you feel like a slug! It wasn't the best scenery, but I got it done and felt good afterwards. We went to Put In Bay, OH later that day. Caroline loved driving around on the golf carts (or "tractors" as she called them). I think we were the only ones there with car seats strapped into our golf cart. They were celebrating Christmas in July and it looked like quite the party. Now, 10 years ago, taking kids to Put In Bay would have been torture. I didn't miss the drinking and partying one bit though. All I could think was "oh, they are going to be hurting tomorrow!" Guess I've grown up!! Saturday night we got the kids all dressed up in their OSU gear to hear the Ohio State Alumni band play at Lakeside. They'd had a pretty long day though and weren't really in the mood to sit and listen to a brass band play. Go figure! Sunday took us to Cedar Point. The kids had a blast, but the 3 previous nights of all of us sleeping in one room (and the last night with all 4 of us in one bed) had caught up with hubby and I. We arrived home safe and sound Sunday night.
Monday morning I got in an "easy" 3 miler. I was completely drained from vacation and then on top of that my iPod decided to stop working. Ugh!! Cooper was still at the doggy hotel, so I was completely on my own. 3 miles never felt so long! As a follow up to my doctor's appointment last week, I was told to call to update my doctor on my condition. Apparently my CPK levels were too high last week and needed to be re-checked. "Severe muscle inflammation" was the diagnosis....uh yeah! I didn't need to have labwork done to confirm that. I mean, I was hurting so bad I sat in a bath tub full of ice cubes and cold water! I went to have my labwork re-done today. Hopefully it will come back normal, as I really am feeling almost 100% better.
Today, my iPod still wasn't working, but at least I had my trusty running dingo back! 5 miles of hills. Felt pretty good, but I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I was wishing the whole time that I could just be done. How am I ever going to do 26 miles?? In any case, this week in TNRMT it discusses creating 2 short "mental movies" to replay in your mind during tough runs. My first "movie" is of my run at Lakeside. What I wore, the course, the smells, how I felt, what I heard, etc. My second "movie" is still in production. It's suppose to be about crossing the finish line at the marathon. The more positive images you create, the more likely you are to have a positive outcome. Apparently your brain can't tell the difference between pictures and actual experiences. This book is exactly what I need to help with the mental training. In other *postive* news, I got a $25 gift certificate to use at my favorite local running store, Up and Running. It's from their customer rewards program and I'm so excited to go use it! Of course, I just bought a few shirts (black and aqua/green) from the Running Warehouse summer sale, but I'm sure I'll be able to find *something* to buy!

Day 14 - MD appointment

2009-07-22T16:04:00.002-04:00

Shame on me....I never got around to posting yesterday! Between running, closing on our house re-finance and getting ready for vacation, time just got away from me. I also scheduled a doctor's appointment after still feeling so lousy on Monday afternoon. My appointment was at 1:45pm yesterday. I really didn't want to be sick on vacation, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to get checked out by the MD. Well, despite a sluggish run yesterday morning, I felt about 65% better. He essentially agreed that it was most likely some random virus (although *could* be Hep A....) but he'd run some blood work just in case. Of course I had to work today and my cell doesn't work in the hospital, so I missed the RN's call about my labs and the office was closed by the time I got a chance to call back. Not sure how I feel about "Hi, this is X from Dr. Taylor's office. I have your labwork back, please give me a call." I work in a hospital, I'm around very sick patients all day. My mind immediately goes to worst-case scenario....something's wrong and she wants to tell me in person or schedule follow up work. Realistically, she's following doctor's orders to "call the patient". He knew I was leaving for vacation and would want to know the results. Couldn't she just have said "your labwork came back okay" ?? In any case, I don't have time to really worry about it. What's done is done and I'll call tomorrow before we leave.
As far as my workout yesterday, I did 5 miles of almost all hills. I felt decent. I was loaded up on ibuprofen and relatively ache-free. The poor dingo didn't fare so well.....the poor guy stopped and threw up 3 times during our run. This doesn't phase me in the least....I do have 2 kids! But I felt bad about making him continue on. Turns out he continued to vomit anything he ate yesterday. Luckily he seems to be better today, which is good because he's going to the doggy hotel in about 3 hours!! Extra prayers for his health and safety while we're gone would be appreciated! Today was a "rest" day, but I did a short pilates video before work this morning. I've gained about 3 pounds in the past month and I can feel it all in my belly. Doing core work makes me *feel* like I'm doing something constructive to combat that. Yes, I know I jut need to step away from all the junk food! Unfortunately, with vacation looming, I don't foresee an end to the weight gain (at least this week). Boo!
In non-running related news (yes, I do have other interests!) today was the last day for one of my co-workers. She's an occupational therapist and we both have little girls about the same age. We went to the same church, went to OSU together and just overall had lots in common. I cried at work (I'm such a loser!) while giving her a hug. She will be sorely missed! BUT, just in time to cheer me up was today's post on CakeWrecks. I literally laughed so hard, I cried (again, at work!). RUN, do not walk to this blog. It's so freakin' funny and just the pick me up I needed. Well, I'm not sure if I'll have time to hop on here while on vacation. Hubby is bringing his laptop to do some school work, but I seriously doubt I'll have any time to pop on. I'm praying for a good long run (just 8 miles) up at the lake. I've never ran anywhere but "home".

Day 13 - Worried

2009-07-20T09:49:00.002-04:00

So, I don't know what's going on with me. If I don't take 400-600mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours, the pain in my legs (and now wrists and arms) comes back. I also have a killer sore throat. My sister is leaning more towards a virus/illness than a running-related injury. At this point, I'd have to agree. It was nice having a day off from running yesterday. I loaded up on ibuprofen last night before bed, slept great and then was able to get in my 3 mile run this morning. I decided to see if maybe I was through the worst, but as I write this, I can feel the lactic acid returning to my muscles in my legs. The pain seems to be spreading each day.... It's just so bizarre. That said, I felt decent during my run today. I didn't really push myself, I just wanted to get it done. I had contemplated not running at all, so I was just glad to get out and do it. I really, really hope I'm not getting sick, because that would mean that just about the time we leave for vacation, my kids will come down with it. Lovely. Anyway, I'm trying not to get too far ahead of myself and just take it day by day. In good news....one of my lovely "bloggy friends" Mel is hosting another great giveaway. The t-shirts and items at Remanents are just too cool. You can find her awesome blog HERE. I love my bloggy world!

Day 12 - Ice Bath

2009-07-18T11:12:00.002-04:00

Yep, that's right. Only 12 days into my marathon training and I had to succumb to an ice bath. Friday night after dinner we went to the park with the kids. My quads starting getting kinda tight, so I would periodically stretch them. As the night went on, and after I'd been sitting for a while, the pain would get worse and it was starting to wrap around to the back of my legs - like the top of my hamstrings. I took 600 mg ibuprofen and went to bed. I only had 7 miles to do this morning, so I went ahead with the scheduled run. My sister couldn't run with me and I left the dingo at home so I could carry my water/gatorade. I haven't run fully "alone" in quite some time. I actually enjoyed it. Turns out I saw 2 deer, 1 bunny, and multiple squirrels and dogs. All of those things make for a very distracted dingo! Don't tell him, but I'm kinda glad he wasn't with me. In any case, I was feeling pretty good throughout the run. My upper legs were definitely tight and still aching when I got started, but the pain dissipated the more I ran. Until I hit about mile 6. Now, the course was pretty hilly, so maybe the hills exacerbated it? My quads and hamstrings just felt like giant blocks of cement. It felt like a charlie horse that wouldn't relent. I kept going, knowing that once I stopped, that was it. I figured I would experience this problem eventually while running....but I thought it would be during the last 8 miles of the marathon! So with my house in sight and my iPod showing 7.1 miles completed, I stopped. OH THE PAIN! I hobbled up our front steps and into the house. I took anther 600 mg of ibuprofen. Besides my legs, I felt fantastic. My lungs/heart could have run forever today and I wasn't the least bit tired yet. So I called my sister (who's a PT) and asked what to do. It's rather odd, in that I did nothing yesterday exercise-wise. This pain literally came out of nowhere. I thought for sure I had the beginning stages of flesh eating bacteria. Yes, I work in a hospital and know too much (but not enough)! She suggested icing, as a way to speed recovery. I googled an article on ice baths and that's what I did. OH THE PAIN!! But this was a good pain, as I knew it would ultimately help. I grabbed a magazine and read in the ice bath for about 15 minutes. I couldn't stand it anymore. I didn't have enough crushed ice to fill up the tub as much as I would have liked. Essentially the tops of my quads never even touched the water, but I figured it was better than nothing. I got out of the tub and wrapped up in a towel and climbed into bed. I could feel the blood rushing back to my muscles. I was praying that this was a good sign that I would be better! I layed around for an hour or so and then got in the shower. I felt about 75% better after the shower. I could walk without hobbling and transitions from sitting to standing were much better. As I type this, I still feel decent. It's just so random....and that scares me. Tomorrow is a scheduled day off, but I may walk just a bit to keep my legs moving. Hubby is gone for the day studying. I don't know what the kids and I will get into.... I'd really just like to lay around, but I know that won't be happening! So, my third week of training comes to an end. October can't get here soon enough!

Day 11 - Dripping Wet

2009-07-16T07:51:00.002-04:00

Today was not a good day to head out with out my trusted Sweaty Band
. I guess I was just so excited to go running this morning I forgot....but about 1.5 miles into my run, I realized it was HUMID. Got home (dripping wet) to see that although it's only 71 degrees, the 94% humidity was killer. Despite the humidity, I was determined to get in a tempo run. I don't have a fancy watch (and rarely even run with one....maybe part of my problem or lack of speed) and I really never even pay attention to my time. During my training for the Flying Pig, we followed a Jeff Galloway program and his beginner running plan just called for 30-45 minute runs through the week (and of course a long run on the weekend). Every 3 weeks we did his Magic Mile time trial, so to speak, but that's the only time I ever looked at my pace. So today, to see that I could actually do a sub 10:00min/mile pace was invigorating! I still have a long way to go, I know! The dingo and I did 3.5 miles in total and are set to do 7 miles this weekend. I hope we have decent weather! We passed something odd along our course today....This one house had about 5-6 boxes of liquor sitting out at the curb. Now, this isn't the *best* part of town, but it's not horrible! I was thinking either 1) they had robbed a liquor store or 2) some poor alcoholic's stash was just dismissed! Kinda weird....But not as weird as the pack of bums that my sister and I passed last weekend on our run, though. They were clearly homeless (dirty, stinky, carrying all their belongings) but they were dressed as if they had robbed some college kids or something. Trendy t-shirts, jeans and flip flops. As they were coming towards us, I actually thought they were college kids! Guess the thrift stores/homeless shelters are getting some good donations in this time of economic downturn?!
Anyway, next week we'll be leaving for Lakeside. I'm excited, as it's our only real family vacation this summer, but I have lots to do in preparation. I'm also excited about running up there. I'm hoping I can find a nice, long path along the lake, to do my scheduled 8-miler. Should be fun! And as a side note, please keep Kyle and his sweet family in your prayers. He's fighting the complications of ALL. Here's his website: http://www.caringbridge.org/co/kylel/ His story, much like all cancer kids', is just heartbreaking.