For the past two mornings, I have had the best intentions to wake early and knock out three miles before work. It seemed so easy in my mind. I'd wake, drink some water, wash down an allergy pill, and hit the road.
In reality, however, it proved much more difficult. My alarm would go off and I'd have a conversation with myself about how I really should sleep some more. I convinced myself that I'd have time either during the day or in the evening to run, so why get out of bed?
Well, as you have probably guessed, there was no time to run on Monday or Tuesday. This morning, after passing up the 5am wake for the third morning in a row, I knew I had to run somehow.
So - I managed to carve a teeny window in between appointments today. I had about 35 minutes to get in and out of the gym. I dashed in, quickly changed, and hit the treadmill. I really wanted to do 3 miles, so that meant I needed to run 9 minute miles because the clock was ticking. At about the same time as hitting the treadmill, I realized I'd forgotten Ibuprofen. My legs had been feeling much better, but I was still taking a couple prior to runs just in case I needed it.
After running for a few minutes, I began to notice that I was not miserable. I had positioned a fan to the side of my treadmill, so I was relatively cool. I was running on the gym's new gigantic treadmill that sits more than a foot off the ground, thus absorbing shock and offering a trail-like running experience. All of this - AND - I had zero leg pain - WITHOUT any ibuprofen.
I was reasonably distracted, too, with CNN on the TV in front of me. I watched coverage of Ted Kennedy, Hillary v. Obama, China's earthquake, the Charles Manson compound dig, and other top stories. Before I knew it, I was beginning to feel pretty good. I glanced down at the time and distance and I'd already run two miles at a 9 minute mile pace. I couldn't believe it. The first two miles out of the way - I felt great - and the third was a breeze.
I don't want to speak too soon, but dare I say the worst of my running pain is behind me? I tell you what - I am very encouraged by Today's run. I'm looking extremely forward to running tomorrow. I will try to allow a larger block of time for it, however, seeing as how I would much prefer the outdoors. Hopefully I have excellent reports for the remainder of the week!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Back to Training
You may think I have forgotten how to run since the half-marathon, since I haven't posted a blog yet. I have been dutifully running, however, as well as continuing to make discoveries about myself as a runner.
I did not run for 6 days after the marathon. I was sore and stiff up until that point, but did manage some nice cross training. My first run a week ago Saturday - a 2.5 miler - was awful. I wondered the entire time when it would get better and it never did. I probably would have been OK if I hadn't cut the distance halfway through to turn around and come home. It was that terrible.
Sunday I vowed to run again - maybe I just needed to loosen up more. It was better, but still really painful. I decided that perhaps it was time to look into new shoes.
Monday was a rest day, Tuesday I ran a mile on the treadmill (hideously awful) and did 25 minutes of cross training on the Elliptical machine. Wednesday - I finally did something about this pain.
When I picked up my registration for the Half Marathon at the running expo, I received a coupon in the goodie bag for $25 off a pair of custom orthotics from Foot Solutions. I decided to check out their store to see if they could tell me what's wrong with my feet.
I was approached by a sales person who seemed knowledgeable (but pushy) and he asked me to stand on this square that had feet drawn on it, and to place my feet in the feet on the square. In a matter of seconds - there were the bottoms of my feet on the computer screen. They were color coded according to my pressure points. I was instructed to stand still for 30 seconds while it analyzed my stance. As it turns out - I am a big time Supinator. Now - I was told by the Eugene Running Company that I am slightly pronating in one foot but an otherwise normal. Of course I became furious and thought at that moment I'd never buy shoes again from the fancy running store. Well - never say never because I quickly learned I'd take the free advice from foot solutions and run.
The sales guy at Foot Solutions proceeded to put me in a pair of New Balance running shoes. Nothing against New Balance - but the soles on these shoes were perfect ovals. No indent for an arch. They looked like moon boots without the boot part. I could see them out of my peripheral vision and swore I'd trip over my feet the moment I tried to move quickly in them. They were hideous. I imagine they'd suit a 95 year old woman whose arches were collapsing just fine - but for me - well, I'd wait my turn for them in 63 years.
I thanked the fellow at Foot Solutions and darted down the road to Eugene Running Company. This time, I told them I am a Supinator and left it at that. They pointed me to the correct shoes and I chose a super cushy, wide, beautiful pair of Nike's Bowerman Series. I love these shoes. They have not treated me badly. I ran for 4 miles on Wednesday night, cross trained on Thursday, took Friday and Saturday off and had a FABULOUS FIVE miles today. I can't believe it's taken almost 5 months for me to figure out that I need wider, cushier shoes.
I could have demanded the Eugene Running Company give me the shoes, or at least offer a deep discount, but I decided it probably wasn't their fault entirely. Perhaps I wasn't running as naturally as I should have when they analyzed my stride on the treadmill. It's difficult to act natural when you're running in socks and someone is staring at your feet.
So - all in all - I am very happy and looking forward to another running week. I have chosen my marathon training schedule - it's Hal Higdeon's Novice #2. I am repeating the first two weeks of Novice One for now - until June 2 - when I officially begin the Novice 2. I can honestly say that I am looking very forward to it!
I did not run for 6 days after the marathon. I was sore and stiff up until that point, but did manage some nice cross training. My first run a week ago Saturday - a 2.5 miler - was awful. I wondered the entire time when it would get better and it never did. I probably would have been OK if I hadn't cut the distance halfway through to turn around and come home. It was that terrible.
Sunday I vowed to run again - maybe I just needed to loosen up more. It was better, but still really painful. I decided that perhaps it was time to look into new shoes.
Monday was a rest day, Tuesday I ran a mile on the treadmill (hideously awful) and did 25 minutes of cross training on the Elliptical machine. Wednesday - I finally did something about this pain.
When I picked up my registration for the Half Marathon at the running expo, I received a coupon in the goodie bag for $25 off a pair of custom orthotics from Foot Solutions. I decided to check out their store to see if they could tell me what's wrong with my feet.
I was approached by a sales person who seemed knowledgeable (but pushy) and he asked me to stand on this square that had feet drawn on it, and to place my feet in the feet on the square. In a matter of seconds - there were the bottoms of my feet on the computer screen. They were color coded according to my pressure points. I was instructed to stand still for 30 seconds while it analyzed my stance. As it turns out - I am a big time Supinator. Now - I was told by the Eugene Running Company that I am slightly pronating in one foot but an otherwise normal. Of course I became furious and thought at that moment I'd never buy shoes again from the fancy running store. Well - never say never because I quickly learned I'd take the free advice from foot solutions and run.
The sales guy at Foot Solutions proceeded to put me in a pair of New Balance running shoes. Nothing against New Balance - but the soles on these shoes were perfect ovals. No indent for an arch. They looked like moon boots without the boot part. I could see them out of my peripheral vision and swore I'd trip over my feet the moment I tried to move quickly in them. They were hideous. I imagine they'd suit a 95 year old woman whose arches were collapsing just fine - but for me - well, I'd wait my turn for them in 63 years.
I thanked the fellow at Foot Solutions and darted down the road to Eugene Running Company. This time, I told them I am a Supinator and left it at that. They pointed me to the correct shoes and I chose a super cushy, wide, beautiful pair of Nike's Bowerman Series. I love these shoes. They have not treated me badly. I ran for 4 miles on Wednesday night, cross trained on Thursday, took Friday and Saturday off and had a FABULOUS FIVE miles today. I can't believe it's taken almost 5 months for me to figure out that I need wider, cushier shoes.
I could have demanded the Eugene Running Company give me the shoes, or at least offer a deep discount, but I decided it probably wasn't their fault entirely. Perhaps I wasn't running as naturally as I should have when they analyzed my stride on the treadmill. It's difficult to act natural when you're running in socks and someone is staring at your feet.
So - all in all - I am very happy and looking forward to another running week. I have chosen my marathon training schedule - it's Hal Higdeon's Novice #2. I am repeating the first two weeks of Novice One for now - until June 2 - when I officially begin the Novice 2. I can honestly say that I am looking very forward to it!
Monday, May 5, 2008
The Eugene Half Marathon
I don't even know where to begin, so I'll give it my best shot.
Overall - the experience was AMAZING! No matter what my performance in this race, I am extremely grateful to have pushed myself to train for this race after only 4 months of training. It answered a lot of questions I had about races in general, and it opened my eyes to many other issues that I didn't even know were ISSUES. I shall elaborate:
The race began at 7am, so my goal to was to wake at 5:30, don my race attire (which was all arranged the night prior), fix a bagel sandwich for myself (though Greg ended up fixing it for me), drink some water, down requisite doses of Ibuprofen, stretch, be out the door by 6:30. I was very nervous because I hadn't been running in the mornings. I was afraid I'd be crotchety and stiff. I was nervous that I wouldn't have enough water in my system. I was extremely paranoid that my ibuprofen wouldn't kick-in in time. I don't even want to go into how freaked out I was about my breakfast - did I choose wisely? Did I consume enough calories?
And then - of course - I experienced the circus of "what-if" paranoia all night long. What if I forgot my iPod? What if I slept in? What if I forgot my Gu? What if Gu made me throw up (I'd never had Gu before this race)? What if there wasn't enough water along the way? ...and on and on and on.
I woke at 4am and wasn't able to fall back to sleep. I wasn't really nervous about the race itself - I knew I'd finish. I felt confident that I would be in one piece when completing the race. I didn't care about time - it was about the experience.
So - I learned - and quickly - that #1 : Going into this race, I had all the wrong fears. My "issues" were non-issues and #2: I DO care about time!
As the runners gathered at The University of Oregon's Hayward Field for staging, I chose safely - I fell in behind the girl with the 10 minute mile flag. I was certain to be running 10 minute miles, as I had been all along. I did not, however, account for the fact that the time approached 7am, my chosen spot was getting further and further from ten minute mile pacing girl. I realized this just prior to the gun shot - while a fellow was singing the Star Spangled Banner - I had in fact been edged to a slower group of folk. I decided I'd stay where I was. One can't exactly move around during The Banner, and I surmised that I'd probably start slower than normal, but that would be OK - perhaps starting slower would help my legs and I would avoid the pain and suffering that demands I stop and stretch/massage throughout the first two miles. Note to self: Start the Marathon ABOVE my skill level. Like with the 8 minute mile crowd. By the time the race gets going, I'll be where I belong.
So - we were off. Let me first say that it's quite moving to be standing in a sea of very motivated individuals while the national anthem is being sung. I can only imagine what that will feel like during the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC.
When we pushed off - I felt tremendous. I was ON TIME, feeling nostalgic, and ready to run.
As it turns out, though - I was going VERY slowly. Almost insanely so. I was stuck in a pack of (no offense) elderly people and very slow runners. Nothing wrong with this, except that everyone around me felt it necessary to run in large groups and were therefore difficult to pass. This extremely slow movement, coupled with the soreness in my legs, caused my first two miles to take 30 minutes. I had some catching up to do, but I did feel fantastic after I broke into my stride.
As I continued along the way, I began to really appreciate the fact that I was going for it. I enjoyed watching the people lined up on the streets of Eugene to cheer on the runners. It's a great feeling to see so much local support. I also became aware that I was going to be running for almost two and a half hours. I mean - that's a long time. Think of your favorite long movie. Sit down on the couch and watch it in its entirety. That's how long I would be running.
All kinds of people were swarming around me. All sizes, shapes, and ages. I can't even count how many people in their 60's and 70's were ZOOMING by me wearing their "50 states" shirts, which bragged (rightfully so) for them that they have run a marathon in every state. For the record - I passed most of these people before the 11 mile mark when the Full and Half Marathon separated.
At mile 5, I saw some familiar faces - Greg and Emelyn came to cheer! Emelyn was so excited to be at the race she was trying to run with me and keep up. I scooped her up and ran with her for a little while, but of course handed her off to Greg eventually. She was having so much fun. When I fell back into the now much more sparse stream of runners, a gentleman in his 50's running beside me said "Nice Job, mom" and it made my day. Seeing Greg and Emelyn had been such a great feeling, but to hear a perfect stranger make a comment like that, well, it ALMOST brought tears to my eyes. It certainly gave me motivation to light my feet on fire.
Just prior to mile six, a water station provided the first opportunity for me to "eat" some GU. If you are unfamiliar with GU, the best I can do to describe it is to compare it to a chapstick flavored packet of gel-like substance that is the consistency of that stuff you caulk your bathtub with. It's disgusting. Wretched in fact. It's 100 calories of electrolytes and simple and complex sugars to keep you moving while taking up very little room in your tummy to minimize cramping. I am clueless as to how it came into being. As awful as it is - I will say this - while it took many conversations with myself to actually swallow the stuff, I did feel it work into my system after about ten minutes. The impact was measurable.
At mile 6, I saw my good friend and co-worker Greg Shaull. He high-fived me, which gave me a super confidence boost and I began to take off. I'm not sure where it happened - I think it was at mile 7. I began to tear it up. I passed everyone within my site between miles 7 and 10. It felt great to be cruising at such a fast speed - and I did afterall have some time "make up". I knew my start would be slow, and it was. I knew this, yet it began to really bother me. As it turned out - I did care about time. What's more - I discovered that my body felt great cruising along. I need to push myself a little more than I have been during my longer runs - I just might like what I see happening.
Miles 11 and 12 brought me back down to Earth. I needed to pace myself a little better to avoid bonking - and I needed another GU packet. I wasn't sure when the next water station would be, so I stopped running and very slowly ate a packet. It was repugnant. I quickly began running again because time was a wastin' and was delighted to see the next water station.
I'll be honest - the last mile was a bit painful. I was sort of shocked that it made much of a difference to run one more mile than I had last weekend. As soon as I saw the 12 mile marker, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel and it made me yearn to be finished already. For some, they would increase their pace and blow it out of the water. For me - who had already torn it up earlier in the race - well, I just needed to get through it. As soon as I saw Autzen Stadium and the finish line, I did put my head down and pick up the pace. It only slightly increased my pace, though.
Greg and Emelyn were at the base of the finish line-row where you run through the people lined finish area before crossing the line and I was SO glad to see them. Emelyn was grinning ear to ear when she saw me, as was Greg. I felt very proud at that moment to have just ran the half-marathon, where I hadn't even thought about it beforehand. I mean - of course I was excited to do it - but seeing them at the finish line somehow made me feel more accomplished. I guess I hadn't really put much thought into what I was doing.
So As I continued on to the finish line, the crowd was ROARING. And I do mean screaming their heads off. My first thought was that they were just extremely pumped and high energy for all runners. However - when I crossed the finish line and looked to my left - I saw the REAL reason for the carrying-on! The WINNER of the 26.2 mile marathon was finishing at the same time as I finished the half marathon. How funny is that? At any rate - I was glad to have the extra cheering because I needed it.
Here's where I should have been so overcome with emotion and gratitude that I dropped to my knees and bawled like a baby. This did not happen. I was instead accosted by someone from Nestle Quik (sp?), who was passing out bottles of chocolate milk at the finish line - saying "drink chocolate milk for speedy muscle recovery". I stood bewildered for a while, trying to make sense of it all. I understand they had the right to be there as sponsors, but it just irritated me. So - feeling confused and dazed, I gathered some provisions from the food tents and looked around for Greg and Emelyn. They quickly found me and we went to breakfast soon after.
I finished the race in 2:23, which isn't too bad when you consider the first two miles took 30 minutes for me to complete. For the next month, I'll be working out those kinks in the first three miles, and then doing one longer run on the weekend. I will then begin my marathon training schedule at the beginning of June. Seems surreal. After witnessing the race environment of the Eugene Marathon - I am looking extremely forward to my "date with destiny" (Official Marine Corps terminology regarding their marathon) in October!
Overall - the experience was AMAZING! No matter what my performance in this race, I am extremely grateful to have pushed myself to train for this race after only 4 months of training. It answered a lot of questions I had about races in general, and it opened my eyes to many other issues that I didn't even know were ISSUES. I shall elaborate:
The race began at 7am, so my goal to was to wake at 5:30, don my race attire (which was all arranged the night prior), fix a bagel sandwich for myself (though Greg ended up fixing it for me), drink some water, down requisite doses of Ibuprofen, stretch, be out the door by 6:30. I was very nervous because I hadn't been running in the mornings. I was afraid I'd be crotchety and stiff. I was nervous that I wouldn't have enough water in my system. I was extremely paranoid that my ibuprofen wouldn't kick-in in time. I don't even want to go into how freaked out I was about my breakfast - did I choose wisely? Did I consume enough calories?
And then - of course - I experienced the circus of "what-if" paranoia all night long. What if I forgot my iPod? What if I slept in? What if I forgot my Gu? What if Gu made me throw up (I'd never had Gu before this race)? What if there wasn't enough water along the way? ...and on and on and on.
I woke at 4am and wasn't able to fall back to sleep. I wasn't really nervous about the race itself - I knew I'd finish. I felt confident that I would be in one piece when completing the race. I didn't care about time - it was about the experience.
So - I learned - and quickly - that #1 : Going into this race, I had all the wrong fears. My "issues" were non-issues and #2: I DO care about time!
As the runners gathered at The University of Oregon's Hayward Field for staging, I chose safely - I fell in behind the girl with the 10 minute mile flag. I was certain to be running 10 minute miles, as I had been all along. I did not, however, account for the fact that the time approached 7am, my chosen spot was getting further and further from ten minute mile pacing girl. I realized this just prior to the gun shot - while a fellow was singing the Star Spangled Banner - I had in fact been edged to a slower group of folk. I decided I'd stay where I was. One can't exactly move around during The Banner, and I surmised that I'd probably start slower than normal, but that would be OK - perhaps starting slower would help my legs and I would avoid the pain and suffering that demands I stop and stretch/massage throughout the first two miles. Note to self: Start the Marathon ABOVE my skill level. Like with the 8 minute mile crowd. By the time the race gets going, I'll be where I belong.
So - we were off. Let me first say that it's quite moving to be standing in a sea of very motivated individuals while the national anthem is being sung. I can only imagine what that will feel like during the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC.
When we pushed off - I felt tremendous. I was ON TIME, feeling nostalgic, and ready to run.
As it turns out, though - I was going VERY slowly. Almost insanely so. I was stuck in a pack of (no offense) elderly people and very slow runners. Nothing wrong with this, except that everyone around me felt it necessary to run in large groups and were therefore difficult to pass. This extremely slow movement, coupled with the soreness in my legs, caused my first two miles to take 30 minutes. I had some catching up to do, but I did feel fantastic after I broke into my stride.
As I continued along the way, I began to really appreciate the fact that I was going for it. I enjoyed watching the people lined up on the streets of Eugene to cheer on the runners. It's a great feeling to see so much local support. I also became aware that I was going to be running for almost two and a half hours. I mean - that's a long time. Think of your favorite long movie. Sit down on the couch and watch it in its entirety. That's how long I would be running.
All kinds of people were swarming around me. All sizes, shapes, and ages. I can't even count how many people in their 60's and 70's were ZOOMING by me wearing their "50 states" shirts, which bragged (rightfully so) for them that they have run a marathon in every state. For the record - I passed most of these people before the 11 mile mark when the Full and Half Marathon separated.
At mile 5, I saw some familiar faces - Greg and Emelyn came to cheer! Emelyn was so excited to be at the race she was trying to run with me and keep up. I scooped her up and ran with her for a little while, but of course handed her off to Greg eventually. She was having so much fun. When I fell back into the now much more sparse stream of runners, a gentleman in his 50's running beside me said "Nice Job, mom" and it made my day. Seeing Greg and Emelyn had been such a great feeling, but to hear a perfect stranger make a comment like that, well, it ALMOST brought tears to my eyes. It certainly gave me motivation to light my feet on fire.
Just prior to mile six, a water station provided the first opportunity for me to "eat" some GU. If you are unfamiliar with GU, the best I can do to describe it is to compare it to a chapstick flavored packet of gel-like substance that is the consistency of that stuff you caulk your bathtub with. It's disgusting. Wretched in fact. It's 100 calories of electrolytes and simple and complex sugars to keep you moving while taking up very little room in your tummy to minimize cramping. I am clueless as to how it came into being. As awful as it is - I will say this - while it took many conversations with myself to actually swallow the stuff, I did feel it work into my system after about ten minutes. The impact was measurable.
At mile 6, I saw my good friend and co-worker Greg Shaull. He high-fived me, which gave me a super confidence boost and I began to take off. I'm not sure where it happened - I think it was at mile 7. I began to tear it up. I passed everyone within my site between miles 7 and 10. It felt great to be cruising at such a fast speed - and I did afterall have some time "make up". I knew my start would be slow, and it was. I knew this, yet it began to really bother me. As it turned out - I did care about time. What's more - I discovered that my body felt great cruising along. I need to push myself a little more than I have been during my longer runs - I just might like what I see happening.
Miles 11 and 12 brought me back down to Earth. I needed to pace myself a little better to avoid bonking - and I needed another GU packet. I wasn't sure when the next water station would be, so I stopped running and very slowly ate a packet. It was repugnant. I quickly began running again because time was a wastin' and was delighted to see the next water station.
I'll be honest - the last mile was a bit painful. I was sort of shocked that it made much of a difference to run one more mile than I had last weekend. As soon as I saw the 12 mile marker, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel and it made me yearn to be finished already. For some, they would increase their pace and blow it out of the water. For me - who had already torn it up earlier in the race - well, I just needed to get through it. As soon as I saw Autzen Stadium and the finish line, I did put my head down and pick up the pace. It only slightly increased my pace, though.
Greg and Emelyn were at the base of the finish line-row where you run through the people lined finish area before crossing the line and I was SO glad to see them. Emelyn was grinning ear to ear when she saw me, as was Greg. I felt very proud at that moment to have just ran the half-marathon, where I hadn't even thought about it beforehand. I mean - of course I was excited to do it - but seeing them at the finish line somehow made me feel more accomplished. I guess I hadn't really put much thought into what I was doing.
So As I continued on to the finish line, the crowd was ROARING. And I do mean screaming their heads off. My first thought was that they were just extremely pumped and high energy for all runners. However - when I crossed the finish line and looked to my left - I saw the REAL reason for the carrying-on! The WINNER of the 26.2 mile marathon was finishing at the same time as I finished the half marathon. How funny is that? At any rate - I was glad to have the extra cheering because I needed it.
Here's where I should have been so overcome with emotion and gratitude that I dropped to my knees and bawled like a baby. This did not happen. I was instead accosted by someone from Nestle Quik (sp?), who was passing out bottles of chocolate milk at the finish line - saying "drink chocolate milk for speedy muscle recovery". I stood bewildered for a while, trying to make sense of it all. I understand they had the right to be there as sponsors, but it just irritated me. So - feeling confused and dazed, I gathered some provisions from the food tents and looked around for Greg and Emelyn. They quickly found me and we went to breakfast soon after.
I finished the race in 2:23, which isn't too bad when you consider the first two miles took 30 minutes for me to complete. For the next month, I'll be working out those kinks in the first three miles, and then doing one longer run on the weekend. I will then begin my marathon training schedule at the beginning of June. Seems surreal. After witnessing the race environment of the Eugene Marathon - I am looking extremely forward to my "date with destiny" (Official Marine Corps terminology regarding their marathon) in October!
I also need to add that my good friend and running idol Tia Smith finished the marathon in 4:25!! GO TIA!
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Pre-Race Jitters?
If someone would have told me a year ago that I would be running a half marathon in 365 days, I would have asked them for a list of their current medications. This is an enormous milestone for me. Tomorrow morning at 7am, history will officially be in the making for me.
As I sit here on my couch, amidst the aroma of my pasta dinner baking in the kitchen - just about 12 hours before the race - I don't feel nervous. I feel anxious, yes. Nervous, no. I guess it's because I know I'll finish - even if it takes 3 hours. I'm shooting for 2:25. That will allow me ample time to acclimate during those first two miles, and average my steady ten minute miles for the remainder of the race.
I thought I'd go ahead and do a summary of my past 121 days of training.
Miles Ran: 252 (this is a close estimate based upon my first two months of training's log + the half marathon schedule I followed.)
Money spent: $168.37
Breakdown is as follows:13.99 for training log; 5.88 (balance after REI dividend) for running tights, hydration system, light-weight long sleeve shirt; $100 for running shoes; $36 for new shirt purchased at the running expo when I picked up my packet (little treat for myself); $12.50 for a ten minute foot massage, also at said expo.
Weight gained/lost: As far as I can tell, I have GAINED anywhere from 3 to 5 pounds.
Blogs entered: 39
Not too shabby. I suppose what surprises me most about the abrupt life change I made 4 months ago is that I'm still actually training. This positively mystifies me. Possible explanations as to why this tangent is sticking and the others did not:
1. The community of friends. I am doing this along with 4 gals, so I'm not alone - and misery loves company.
2. The blog itself. Were it not for my being accountable to you, dear readers, I am uncertain if I'd have lasted through those first 6 weeks. They weren't easy. I read through my blogs the other day and laughed at how exhausting and difficult those 2 and 3 mile runs were. I literally started from scratch - and it wasn't pretty. However - without the blog, I wouldn't have had the virtual-world support and encouragement, as well as the tool with which to keep myself honest.
3. Greg believes in my ability to accomplish this goal without reservation. Makes a huge difference. If I were in his shoes, I would have probably reacted with skepticism upon the announcement of my running a marathon. Not Greg. He has been my biggest unabashed supporter from day zero. Without his positive energy and constant encouragement and support, I think I would have given up on myself by now.
4. Emelyn's enthusiasm has inspired me and kept me going. Every time I go for a run she comments on my running shoes and reminds me that "they're just like my Dora running shoes, mommy!" She always asks me about running and wants to run herself all of the time. I can see the effect my behavior has had on her and that alone is worth it. Today she told perfect strangers at the running expo (where we picked up my race packet) that she was running tomorrow. She also claimed her foot hurt when I was getting a foot massage, so she could get one, too ('just like you, Mommy"). Monkey see, Monkey do, as I'm constantly reminded through Emelyn's actions, and I'm glad to provide a good example to her.
5. Results. I have actually seen results and improvement over the past seventeen and a half weeks (but who's counting). I am serious. My endurance is through the roof (duh), I have more energy, and I feel great all the time. I venture to say that I'm even happier and have much less of a propensity to let small things bother me (though Greg may disagree on that last one when he's the one cooking in the kitchen!). In addition, I can see progress. My runs are getting better and better. My recovery after runs is getting better. Freaking Amazing, I tell you. Who'd of thunk it? Certainly not me.
Of course I know that I am not at the final goal. This is only the half marathon. I guess I should rephrase that "Half Empty" prospective. I'M ALREADY HALF WAY THERE! Tomorrow, I will run 13.1 miles. It will not be pretty for the whole time. In fact, I may need to crawl to the finish line. I may even blow out a knee, twist an ankle, or god forbid trip over my own feet and break an arm, collarbone, et al. None of these "what if's" bother me or even phase me. To me, the important thing is that I started to train for a marathon. I have been training for said event for seventeen and a half weeks now. I am going to attempt a half marathon tomorrow morning. Unbelievable.
As I sit here on my couch, amidst the aroma of my pasta dinner baking in the kitchen - just about 12 hours before the race - I don't feel nervous. I feel anxious, yes. Nervous, no. I guess it's because I know I'll finish - even if it takes 3 hours. I'm shooting for 2:25. That will allow me ample time to acclimate during those first two miles, and average my steady ten minute miles for the remainder of the race.
I thought I'd go ahead and do a summary of my past 121 days of training.
Miles Ran: 252 (this is a close estimate based upon my first two months of training's log + the half marathon schedule I followed.)
Money spent: $168.37
Breakdown is as follows:13.99 for training log; 5.88 (balance after REI dividend) for running tights, hydration system, light-weight long sleeve shirt; $100 for running shoes; $36 for new shirt purchased at the running expo when I picked up my packet (little treat for myself); $12.50 for a ten minute foot massage, also at said expo.
Weight gained/lost: As far as I can tell, I have GAINED anywhere from 3 to 5 pounds.
Blogs entered: 39
Not too shabby. I suppose what surprises me most about the abrupt life change I made 4 months ago is that I'm still actually training. This positively mystifies me. Possible explanations as to why this tangent is sticking and the others did not:
1. The community of friends. I am doing this along with 4 gals, so I'm not alone - and misery loves company.
2. The blog itself. Were it not for my being accountable to you, dear readers, I am uncertain if I'd have lasted through those first 6 weeks. They weren't easy. I read through my blogs the other day and laughed at how exhausting and difficult those 2 and 3 mile runs were. I literally started from scratch - and it wasn't pretty. However - without the blog, I wouldn't have had the virtual-world support and encouragement, as well as the tool with which to keep myself honest.
3. Greg believes in my ability to accomplish this goal without reservation. Makes a huge difference. If I were in his shoes, I would have probably reacted with skepticism upon the announcement of my running a marathon. Not Greg. He has been my biggest unabashed supporter from day zero. Without his positive energy and constant encouragement and support, I think I would have given up on myself by now.
4. Emelyn's enthusiasm has inspired me and kept me going. Every time I go for a run she comments on my running shoes and reminds me that "they're just like my Dora running shoes, mommy!" She always asks me about running and wants to run herself all of the time. I can see the effect my behavior has had on her and that alone is worth it. Today she told perfect strangers at the running expo (where we picked up my race packet) that she was running tomorrow. She also claimed her foot hurt when I was getting a foot massage, so she could get one, too ('just like you, Mommy"). Monkey see, Monkey do, as I'm constantly reminded through Emelyn's actions, and I'm glad to provide a good example to her.
5. Results. I have actually seen results and improvement over the past seventeen and a half weeks (but who's counting). I am serious. My endurance is through the roof (duh), I have more energy, and I feel great all the time. I venture to say that I'm even happier and have much less of a propensity to let small things bother me (though Greg may disagree on that last one when he's the one cooking in the kitchen!). In addition, I can see progress. My runs are getting better and better. My recovery after runs is getting better. Freaking Amazing, I tell you. Who'd of thunk it? Certainly not me.
Of course I know that I am not at the final goal. This is only the half marathon. I guess I should rephrase that "Half Empty" prospective. I'M ALREADY HALF WAY THERE! Tomorrow, I will run 13.1 miles. It will not be pretty for the whole time. In fact, I may need to crawl to the finish line. I may even blow out a knee, twist an ankle, or god forbid trip over my own feet and break an arm, collarbone, et al. None of these "what if's" bother me or even phase me. To me, the important thing is that I started to train for a marathon. I have been training for said event for seventeen and a half weeks now. I am going to attempt a half marathon tomorrow morning. Unbelievable.
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