The Whole Neighborhood is Running!

When we moved here there wasn't a runner in site.  I remember feeling so sad that my running friends lived so far away.  It was devastating, actually.  Running with friends has become a huge, huge part of my life; and has been since the fall of 2001.  We were here about a year when I met a sweet, sweet lady around the corner who also happened to be a runner.  She ran in the afternoons, though, and I'm kind of shy when it comes to making new friends. Eventually, though, we got together one morning and we've been running in the mornings ever since.  I don't know what I would have done for the past three years without her friendship and company on these morning runs.

It seems that over the past few months runners have been coming out of the woodwork around here, which is so much fun!  My neighbor down the street has picked up running, and just this morning two other gals have joined our morning runs, too!  It's wonderful!!  There's also another lady in our neighborhood who is training for a half marathon in October.  Even if we all don't get out together, it is great to see familiar faces on our morning runs.

This morning I got in over three miles- that silly "plan" is so hard to stick to!! I know I'll regret bumping up the mileage too much before marathon training really gets underway, though.  We got in about five and a half miles, and our pace was VERY quick for the last two and a half miles.  (Like very, very quick, I kind of felt like I was running in a race, actually!)

Today is a big day because I am going to check out the double jogging strollers AND I'm canceling my gym membership.  I'm really sad about canceling the membership, but I just don't have the time to drive 50 minutes (total: there and back) a couple times a week.  It has been a burden to worry about how often I'm not going and how much money I spend on it every month.  I'm going to miss it, and the people, but it's not worth that monthly fee.  Plus, running is going so well (injury wise) that I really don't want to do much else!

Marathoning Dilemmas!

This marathon coming up will be marathon number SEVEN! When in the heck did I run six others?!  And, when did I become so addicted to running this far?  It's crazy, just plain crazy.  There's nothing like that marathon high, though, and it's the thought of that feeling that makes me feel so excited about Marine Corps.  This will be my fourth Marine Corps; once you run five of 'em you don't have to enter the lottery anymore. Really, though, that's not such a big deal anymore.  The race has increased the entrant field dramatically since my first one in 2001. It used to be a BIG deal to get into the race, I remember sitting in a computer lab my senior year of college hitting "refresh" over and over and over again.

The dilemmas that I am facing this time around are:  which program to use AND which shoes to wear while training.  In the past I have used Hal Higdon's Novice I program over and over and over.  The last marathon was actually the first marathon that I have followed a different training program.  My last marathon was my worst performance, from what I can remember.  So, obviously, I'm not going to use that program again, simply because I don't just want to finish. I want to have a really, really great experience, which means a faster time!  Translate:  3:51 or faster, preferably 3:40.  This link will take you to  Hal Higdon's Intermediate Program.  If you compare the two programs, the intermediate has two 20 milers, and one less day of rest/cross training.  It's definitely a step up, but my mileage is good right now and I don't think it is out of reach.  I can make myself get up incredibly early, so family time is not invaded upon too much.  I really think this is the one I want to try this go around.  Really, my problem is speed.  I don't work on that training piece AT ALL.

And, the other dilemma, the shoe thing:  I'm completely aware of the fact that there are places that analyze your running and BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.  However!  I barely have time to shower everyday, much less to drive far, far, far from home (with two kids) to run a few steps for someone to tell me which pair of shoes I need.  (It's the traveling with two kids part that makes the adventure difficult and LONG.) Maybe it's worth it, though?  Currently, I am running in the Brooks Ariel.  It actually took me at least a month to adjust to the motion control/support because it really does alter the pattern of each step.  The one thing that I really, really don't like about this shoe is that it is SO heavy!  (As in: really, really, really heavy.)  This morning I tried out a FREE pair of shoes from my brother, who used to work in a running store.  Again, they are Brooks.  In fact, it's the Glycerin model, which is an expensive shoe.  They felt great this morning because of the light weight!  However, there is virtually no motion control/support, which I think I need.  I love running in Brooks!  Didn't lose a single toenail with the last marathon, and I've been injury free since switching back to Brooks in November.  What I really need to do is either research this issue further or deal with the fact that I'm going to spend a day driving my kids to the ends of the Earth just so someone can watch me run for two minutes.  (Personally, I vote for research...)

Marathon training will start soon... Stay tuned for that AND a 5k race report!  I'm all signed up for Sunday's event in the park!  Yay!!

this is it!

one more short run, and i will  be done with training for marathon #6.  hard to believe.  i'm still in shock that i made it through the training and that i stuck with it.  this whole idea of training for a marathon in march started out as a dream, really.  it was my way of getting over having to back out of marine corps back in september.  it was also a way of re-gaining the faith that i had lost in myself.  august, september, and october were extremely challenging months, and when it looked like i was going to lose running, too; i virtually fell apart.  so, really?  i am shocked that i've followed through with this crazy dream of mine.

training for a marathon through tax season seemed virtually impossible, as well.  many told me that i was nuts to even consider adding one more thing to the plate during tax season.  looking back, holding on to the hope of running a marathon has been my biggest motivator to get through tax season, to stay positive, and to take a smidgeon of time for myself.  the past few weeks, when tax season really gets tough, have not been easy.  but, josh has been incredibly supportive and somehow i've made it through the program (minus a few runs here and there).  it's remarkable to me how supportive josh is about the marathon.  he, obviously, will not be present for the marathon. however, not ONCE has he complained about a long run that i just have to get in or for me adding to the craziness that tax season brings to this house.  i think he gets that running is a part of who i am and that i desperately need just forty minutes a day to re-group and restore my energy.

it is going to be a fabulous adventure.  i can't wait to get out on that course!  one thing that causes a bit of concern is the weather: it is supposed to be about 66 ℉ on Saturday.  that's a high temperature, particularly when you've been training in 15-20-30 degree temps over the past three months.  i'm trying to think of the beautiful, sunny day as a REWARD for pushing through running in blizzards and sleet and wind chills below zero.  as long as i drink, drink, drink; i should make it through okay.

more coming soon on this marathoning adventure. (i'm already a little sad that training will be over tomorrow. that's how great this program is!)

that's never happened before.

Yesterday morning, I decided to knock out the last long run before the marathon.  My goal was to get in about ten miles, or so.  Naturally, I overslept because this has been an exhausting week.  My clothes were not laid out the night before, so I was in a scramble, trying to gather things up to get out the door as quickly as possible.  I couldn't find any of my running hats, and since the rain was coming down in buckets, I desperately needed SOMETHING.  So, I just grabbed a ball cap and left.
Generally, just getting out the door is the biggest running challenge I face.  If I can get started with a run, I always finish what I planned and will usually (if time allows) add on to my goal time.  I can't recall a time when I started a run, and completely quit a quarter of the way into the run.  Yesterday was a first, unfortunately.

I knew within the first half mile, that things were going to be off.  I truly felt like I was running in quick sand.  My legs were heavy and I didn't have one ounce of energy.  It was a struggle to get through the first mile.  And, while I was out, I kept noticing everyone's trash cans. Friday's are trash/recycle days around here.  Our trash was not taken out the night before.  The lunches were not packed the night before.  All three of those factors:  the exhaustion, the trash, and the lunches, completely interfered with the run.  I couldn't let go of the stuff I needed to get done at home.

Around 25 minutes into the run, I decided that I was done.  I couldn't run another step; I was just way too tired.  Usually, I can always talk myself into a few more minutes.  Not yesterday.  I threw in the towel at 28 minutes and called it a day.  I must have just been too tired to go another step because when I got home, I was still exhausted.  Normally, getting outside for a run is an instant alarm clock for my body.  Not yesterday.  So, I slowly got the lunches ready for the day and hopped in the shower.  I didn't even take out the trash or recycling, Josh took care of that.

I think the days of sleepless nights and not eating dinner are starting to catch up with me.  I've got to get back on track this week, if I want to finish that marathon next weekend.

A kink in the training

I haven't felt well for over a week now.  (Shoot!)  I got through the 20 miler last weekend, even though I felt weak.  I could tell, though, that something was off.  I've been beyond tired and have been dealing with this sore throat for over a week.  I feel like I hardly ran this week, maybe I got in two days of running and a day of swimming.  I even missed the long run yesterday and then decided to sleep in today.  The long run for this week is a ten miler.  Since it doesn't take too long, I may try to knock it out tomorrow before school.  Or, I may stay home sick and scratch the run AND work. This stinks!  At least I'll be strong and healthy for the big day, which is now less than two weeks away!  Wowsers.

20 miler is IN THE BOOKS.

no doubt about it, the last few miles of a 20 miler HURT.

no doubt about it, a soda tastes so incredibly GOOD after a 20 miler.  who cares about the calories when you've just run 20 miles, right?

i took a bath as soon as I got home, which is very weird for me.  i don't like baths, they kinda make me feel dirty.  sitting in your own dirt and sweat just seems gross.  i've heard that it's a great to help your legs recover and i positively just wanted to sit down. the bath was heavenly!  i got out and my legs felt 100% better, although my toes are pretty tender.

because i don't run with a garmin and don't map out my runs prior to getting out there, i generally just go by time.  i figured that i was at least running a ten minute pace, so i needed to get in at least 3 hours and 20 minutes of running.  i decided yesterday to be on the safe side and run for 3 and a half hours.  when i got home i felt doubtful about the mileage.  so i used map my run, an awesome little website, and came up with my total mileage.  it's a rough estimate, but i think it's pretty legit.  it turns out that i ran 22 miles today!  wa-hoo. no wonder i felt like i was ready to throw in the towel by the time i finished.  four (.2) miles more and i would have run a marathon.  awesome!

so.  i think i'm ready!  i am so grateful for this healthy body that has been given to me.  the next few weeks are going to be delightful, now that it's time to taper.

Big day tomorrow.

this is it!  the toughest part of marathon training:  the 20 miler!  i don't have a course mapped out, i am just going to run for three and a half hours.  that oughta do it, i think.  honestly, i'm not dreading it at all.  in fact, i can't wait!  i love the way i feel after a ridiculously long run, it's indescribable.  i haven't been feeling well this week, so i decided to "sleep in" today and swim instead.  the swim went really well, i'm fairly certain that i did at least a mile.  i even threw in a little butterfly this morning!  i'll be sure to write about tomorrow's run.  i'm all set with lots of gu and gatorade, and even fresh legs.  it's hard to believe that marathon training is coming to an end.  i just hope i have prepared myself enough...

Check it off the list!

18 miles.  DONE. Wa-Hoo!

It was a great eighteen.  The first two hours flew by somehow, and the last hour felt a little long.  (Don't know why that is...)  I couldn't be happier, though.  My body is holding up really well, and my mind is even stronger.  The leg/back/foot/heel issues have yet to resurface, thank goodness.  I'm so grateful to be out there, logging these really long miles again.

I'll write more later.  So happy that I did it and finished it before eight am!  It's incredible that there's only one really long run left.  This training plan is whizzing by.

What a run!

For the first time since last Friday morning, I got outside for a run with a really good friend.  We ran for about 55 minutes, which I was so happy about.  The run was slick, but WoW!, was it ever gorgeous.  Not only are the trees still covered in snow, but we also were able to watch the sun come up over the mountains.  School was cancelled for today, so there was no rush to get home, showered, and dressed for the day.  This morning was one of those mornings that I absolutely cherish: it was breathtaking, peaceful, and rejuvenating.  I didn't want it to end, especially once that beautiful sun began to rise over our mountains.  Lots of people think I am crazy for running in the cold and so early in the mornings.  I think they're the ones who are crazy, though.  Who wouldn't want to watch the sun rise, catch up with a sweet friend, and fill your lungs with fresh air-  ALL at once, no less!

Honestly, I can't wait to get out there and run 18 miles sometime this week.  The schedule is WIDE open now, I can't decide which day would be best!!  Tomorrow's probably out, though, due to the weather.

A done deal.

Registered last night for the March marathon, and now I'm pretty sure that I am going to puke.  Why I even feel the need, I have no idea.  I've done well with the training up to this point, I feel relatively strong, and I'm truly not too tired from it all.  There are still two mega runs left:  18 sometime this weekend and then 20 miles two weeks later.  Yiiiikes.  I can do it, though.  And, the best part is, I'm having fun while running.  These long runs make me so tired, but they are so incredibly exhilarating.  So, two tough weeks ahead, and then all the others are status quo in my mind.  Stay tuned!  Exciting times, right?  Signing up is often the most difficult step, isn't it?

Times are changing

This morning I put the baby down for a short morning nap.  Then, I made a few peanut butter crackers and put them into a ziplock bag for Michael B.  We rounded up his Lego's from my closet, and his Lego boat; we then headed for the basement.  Michael and I made a nice little play area for his Lego's.  And guess what???

While Michael played with his Lego's, I ran a little over six miles on the treadmill.  It was fabulous.  It was liberating, too.  He stayed in the same spot and was completely content to build away.  He munched on his snack a little and even took a bathroom break.  Meanwhile, I didn't have to break stride once because he was so self sufficient.  I never thought this day would come.  He's so easy right now, it's a very weird feeling.

I'm pretty sure this is the first time that Michael has actually watched me run on treadmill.  He was extremely curious and really wanted to try running, too.  And, being the runner-holic that I am, he was given the opportunity.  It was hysterical.  The speed was too slow, so his gait was a little awkward.  When we finished our "work out", he proudly announced to his Dad that he just ran six miles.  (SO not true... but I let it slide, just this time.)

It was a great run.  I can tell that the longer runs have helped my fitness level because I'm not the least bit sore or achy from that run.  Marathon training is the best!  Actually, this plan that I'm following is the best!  Must go shower NOW before the children wake!

Nine Down, Eighteen Coming Up!

Alrighty!  Finished a great nine mile run this morning with some sweet, sweet girlfriends.  I didn't feel too strong on this run, though.  My legs were tired and I just felt tired all over.  I didn't get much sleep last night, which may have been the culprit and I didn't eat very last evening, either.  The run was fantastic, though. You could feel the snow in the air, even though the temperatures were not bad at all.

My goal was to run ten or eleven, even though that was a bit more than "the plan."  I thought that Josh would be waiting on me to get home, so that he could get to work.  Which meant that I felt obligated to finish up.  It was frustrating to see that he was still sound asleep when I walked in the door.  Really, it's fine.  Nine miles is great, and there's probably a good reason behind the plan calling for eight.  (Maybe because marathoners get a little tired at this point?)

Next week is a LONG long run-  eighteen miles!  Yippeee!  : ) I am looking forward to challenging myself AND eating whatever the heck I want!  (That is why I run-- so I can EAT, EAT, EAT!)

Another week checked off- - almost.

I'm very happy to report on another great week of running/exercising! The long run of the week is supposed to be about eight miles, but I think I might "splurge" and run a few extra. (As long as I finish in time for Josh to get to work on time. The weather is noooot looking good for running this week, so I want to get in as many miles as I can. I am comforted by the fact, though, that we've got a great treadmill in the basement. Although I'd rather run outside, I'm so thankful to have another option. With every finished week, I get a little bit more nervous about the marathon.

It's a Coping Mechanism

The other morning a girlfriend and I had just started a fourteen mile run together and I was telling her about a friend who was on the starting line for the Arizona marathon at that moment. My friend has been working her tail off to qualify for Boston 2011. I'm completely envious. I'd love to be able to focus on qualifying for Boston at this time in my life. However, my girlfriend is in a completely different place in life. She isn't married, yet and doesn't have any babies, yet. And that, changes everything. Or, does it?

Because of work, beacause of tax season, because of being a mom to two beautiful boys, I just can't give any more to running than what I'm doing right now. (Which, really? Isn't to shabby-- I'm training for a marathon, right?) It's frustrating, though, because I have so many running friends who can BALANCE IT ALL- including a BQ time! Right now, though, running is a coping mechanism for me.

I do feel a sense of accomplishment after each long run; yesterday's run was sixteen miles. But, really? Running is a huge stress reliever. It gives me the opportunity to re-focus my mind and heart on issues that are troubling. It also gives me the opportunity to plan every single second when we walk in the door from a school day without Josh. If I wasn't running, I'd probably be sleeping- and, at this point, that wouldn't help my productivy much at home right now.

All that jibberish aside- marathon training is going GREAT! My friend and I ran sixteen miles together yesterday. The kicker is, I'm not EVEN sore. Not even my feet?! The human body is incredible, isn't it? I am completely in love with this plan, and I think it is really keeping me from feeling too tired and run down. Stay tuned... Hopefully another update coming this week. : )

one step closer!

Finished another long run in this FREEZING cold weather! It looks like I'm one step closer to registration. (Guess I should check to make sure it's still open, then!) The run went so well today. Our group met for a crazy fast six and a half mile run and then another friend and I slowed things down a little for the remainder of the run. The plan called for six miles, but I decided to do nine because I missed a long run over the holidays. It probably doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, but it brings me comfort to know that I didn't go for the easy way out. I truly had no idea how fast we were running or about the mileage, so I figured that I at least needed to run for an hour and a half. And, since I slowed down for the last few miles, I decided to get in an hour and forty minutes. It was heavenly! Truthfully, I don't mind the cold. There's really no alternative in my mind to running in the cold. Sure, we have a treadmill, but I'm not disciplined enough to run nine miles on that machine. There's always the gym, right? But! It's just not the same as watching an amazing sunrise or spending time with my girlfriends.

So! I'm still feeling good! And this goal is really helping me get through these winter months. I'd like to say that I don't care about the marathon time, but that's a lie. I do. Though, I will be pretty estactic to cross that finish line in March. I think I can...It's slowly becoming a reality! Yay!

Still Holding On!

The weather is really brutal today- we have yet another wind advisory. Yuck!  I felt like this morning's run was a breaking point for the marathon training.  If I did it, I am still in the game.  If I bagged it and cut it short, it would be time to hang up the dream of a spring marathon.  Somehow or another, I ran at least twelve miles in this blustery, cold weather.  It was not a fast run, by any stretch.  I did it, though, which was half of the battle.  A girlfriend and I started out together and got in three miles, or so, before we were joined by another friend.  (The key to training for a marathon is accountability, which is where running friends come in VERY handy.) My initial partner peeled off around forty/fifty minutes, and then my other girlfriend and I ran for another hour, or so.  I ran her back to her car and then headed home, but before I could hang up my shoes, I had to get in a few solo miles by myself.  (Another key to marathoning:  If you're running the marathon solo, some of your miles should be solo-- especially the last few of a long run.  It provides preparation for those lonely, tough miles at the end.) 

As soon as I walked in the door, I was BAM!!!! back in Mommy/Wife mode.  Before I could even think about showering, I was whipping up a delicious breakfast for my hungry, half-way grumpy family.  And while I'm a teensy bit tired, (waking up at 4:30 will do that to you) I am experiencing that amazing runner's high that will last until I go to bed this evening.  (Third key to marathon training:  the long distance high!)

Right now I am a teensy bit worried about my heel.  It's hurting!  And these new shoes are not working for me, which is so annoying!  I feel like I'm running with weights on my feet by the end of a run. It's so aggravating to even contemplate the idea of buying a new pair of shoes so soon after Christmas.  I might have to, though.

SO! Provided the marathon doesn't close within the next two weeks, it looks like I'm going to sign up.  My plan is to run nine miles next Saturday and then fourteen the Saturday after that- if both runs go well and I don't have any back/leg issues, I'm in!  I just don't want to lose the money again, so I'm trying to hold off on registration until I am absolutely sure I have the time and energy for marathon number six. 

My lungs do not burn.

Even in the coldest of temperatures, my lungs do not burn when I run outside.  I think they used to when I was in middle school or high school?  (I've been running for so many years that I can't remember that time frame, but I remember that awful feeling.)  This morning a good friend and I planned a run with another girlfriend, completely disregarding the wind advisory.

We met around 5:15 to drive to our meeting place.  The wind was whipping the car around the interstate, but we continued on to the running start point.  Due to a myriad of reasons, we were late in meeting our friend.  Of course, this meant that our friend figured that we were not able to make out for a run this morning!  Even though neither one of us had any desire to run in the whipping wind, we got out and trudged along.  I think we ran a mile- if that!  The air was so, so, so cold and my lungs actually felt a... BURN?!  Very strange. It's been YEARS, as I mentioned, since I've had a burning in my chest from running outside.

So.  Does all this mean I'm a wimp?  This burning nonsense?  Probably.  In the end, I figured there was no need to run four miles in freezing cold temps due to the wind chill; when I could just as easily run for an hour on the treadmill.  This marathon training really requires some dedication at this time of the year.

Marathon Training- Week Nine!

I think these new shoes are way too heavy!  I also think they are too big.  Long runs have been miserable by the end, so I'm blaming it all on the shoes (not my lack of sleep).  I did ten miles, or so, on Christmas Eve and by the end I was completely spent.  It seems so silly to blame exhaustion/fatigue on a silly pair of shoes, but I really think I've got a problem here.  Due to all of my injuries, I decided to switch to a mega motion control shoe made by Brooks, which is called the Ariel.  In addition to running in this heavy shoe, I also have the heel cups for the plantar faciitis/heel spur issue.  My shoes feel like weights at this point.  At this point, the logical thing to me is to switch shoes, right?  It's expensive, though, and maybe I need to stop being a wimp and get in better shape?  Any thoughts? 

And, onto the topic at hand- the marathon!  Still have not registered.  Training has been curtailed a bit due to the holidays and the snow.  If I can get myself back on track over the next two weeks, I'm signing up without looking back.  However, if I continue to have things that  creep up, like tax season, then maybe I will postpone my dream/goal until the fall.  For the most part, training is going well, and I'm feeling pretty healthy.  This week's long run calls for 12 miles.  No problem! 

The coffee was too enticing.

Last week was an abysmal approach to marathon training.  I think I ran twice?  Josh was out of town for a few days, there were meetings after school everyday that he was gone.  So, naturally, by the time he got home I was too tired to even think about getting up at four am to run.  I did run on Thursday, the windiest day of the week, and managed to get in about six miles.  Not bad.  This morning I met my girlfriends for a five am run, and I managed to get in the nine miles that the plan calls for.  All I can say about this week's long is that I did it.

Last night I went to bed around midnight and then got up at four to get ready to meet the girls.  Basically, I had a nap last night, which is pathetic.  So, I struggled through the run as best as I could.  I had every intention of hitting the gym afterwards, to either swim or lift weights, or both!  However, by the time I got to the car I was so cold from sweating and doing a cool-down walk that I just couldn't manage to exercise anymore.  The coffee was way too enticing, and so was a long, hot shower. After putting baby Nicholas down for a morning nap, I hopped into bed myself and slept for two glorious hours.  (I really needed that extra sleep!)

Because of last week's craziness, I've decided to repeat week 6, instead of moving on to week 7.  My reasoning is that week 7 is supposed to be an easy week, which seems silly to go that route since I just HAD an easy week.  This, of course, means that the miles will be higher for the next three weekends.  No big deal, though, the highest that the miles go up to is twelve.  And, as long as I improve my sleeping habits, I should be be okay on those long runs.  I can't believe how much I've missed these long runs.  There's a peace that I feel immediately after the long run and the shower.  My skin isn't even crawling at the sight of the kitchen, yet...

New Plan, New Goal...

It's been ages since I've updated this blog!  Running has been quite slow lately due to a herniated disc issue, strep throat, and a bit of a "life crisis".  Deferring from Marine Corps Marathon was a bit of a punch in the gut, and I've had a tough time getting over the fact that I had to stop training.  It's so easy to forget how badly my leg hurt towards the of August.  It's easy forget about the fact that you could not tie your shoes or shower without crying in the morning.  It's easy to feel like a wimp for not being able to juggle all aspects of life when you're feeling pretty good.

Since I'm still down on myself for not finishing the marathon training and for deferring from the marathon, I've been plotting a new goal.  A March marathon (for whatever reason!) seems like a great idea right now. I do realize that this is one of the most difficult times of the year for my family because of Josh's busy season.  However, having been through busy season for a number of years, I recognize the fact that Josh needs to have extra time with the boys on the weekends (namely, Sunday's).  So, I really think that we could work the training out for this marathon.  We also never go anywhere (except for the Colonial Half) during these months, so figuring out training on the weekends due to traveling won't be an issue, either.  It's a lofty goal, I know, but I desperately need a goal- STAT.

So, I have started to pencil in the training.  I found a new training program that looks perfect for my needs- it's even more do-able than Hal Higdon's plan. The training program is from the book, Marathoning for Mortals by John Bingham (RW's Penguin!).  It is an easy, motivating, and interesting read, which is exactly what I need right now.

On a side note, today's run was absolutely fantastic!  There is a meteor shower right now that is just incredible.  I'm pretty sure that I saw about four or five shooting stars.  It was the perfect start to a beautiful day!