a fresh start

I always like the changing of the seasons.  It brings on a new outlook on staying active.  This week marks the end of the school year.  What does that mean for me?  It means I can run longer in the mornings without the fear of being late to teach my 1st hour class. I will still be running early, the mileage will just go up a bit.  

credit

On a sidenote--we have been back to America for 1 year.  Before we moved I was curious to see if I could keep up the same rigorous workout schedule that I did while living in Auckland.  I am proud to say that I have, despite teaching full time.  I successfully ran in the mornings 3-4 days per week before school.  On the other days I lifted at the weight room and usually did some type of supplemental run.  On another side note, my weight has not really changed.  At one point in Auckland I was 59kg, but mostly I was 61 kg.  I weighed myself yesterday and am still 61 kg.  America's food is way crappier than New Zealand's and my self control isn't quite as fine tuned, so I am happy that it did not fluctuate. 


On the menu for tomorrow is a 10miler.  Ahhhh sounds refreshing. Here's to a summer filled with exercise, long runs, fruit, and sun.  Cheers my fellow runners.

speed

I have loved loved loved the speed over the past 9 weeks. With track season in full force, I have made the transition to track work.  I have not had a speed focus in quite some time.  It has been nice to rekindle my passion for speed. That is where it all started for me. 


We are down to 1 track meet left.  After this I will embark on the next big running thing in my life.  SUMMER. Yes, that is right.  Summer running.  Hot, sweltering heat, sunshine, long runs, long gym sessions. Ahhhhh 


I am very tempted to do a time trial in the 400.  I wonder what I could crank out after working on the track for 9 weeks.  I know I can run sub 70 during repeats, but what about an all out best effort sprint?  Could I run a 60?  I may just do it this week.  Yee'go

start training

the track coach

I always knew I would be a perfect fit for the job of track coach.  My love of running was developed only through a dedicated coach who took me aside and saw some potential.  This potential was not easy to spot.  My running form as a jr. high kid and freshamn was more akin to a giraffe on roller skates than a track star.  After discipline and practice and success I quickly adapted as a runner.  It was just so natural to me.  I loved the thrill and excitement of racing and wearing spikes and setting records.  It just worked for me.

I took this love with me to college. I ran in college competitively.  My homesickness always seemed to win the battle with dedicating time and talents to what I love though.  After a ridiculous ankle injury, I moved on from competitive running.  I was done with it for awhile.  Running like a track star stayed in my back pocket for the last 2 years of college.  The only time it came out was for the occasional exercise routine.  I was more concerned with dating, college, and socializing for once in my life. 

As I took my first teaching job I started to rekindle that love again.  It became my personal sanctuary for stress relief.  I realized that I could do bigger and better things.  That bigger and better thing, was of course, a marathon. 

I set a goal to run a marathon before the end of the first year I was married.  Running that marathon set me on fire.  There was no stopping after that.  I was back.

Day in and day out since then I have seeked out racing opportunities and pushed myself to new heights.  A natural fit for me was coaching track. There was no question. 

I was asked to coach track for high school and jr. high.  This was a tough decision.  I ended up choosing jr. high because I felt like I owed it to my students to help them.  I also liked the idea of still having time for my own personal running goals.

Here I am.  It is now the final 2 weeks of track and I find myself feeling so lucky to have undertaken this endeavor.  I loved sharing my passion for running with my students.  I believe that it has enriched my teaching experience and my connection with the students at my school.  Coaching is a special thing.  I always knew that.  I grew up in a coaching family.

Life is good. 

Cheers

bike riding

Today I rode my bike to work.  It made my day.  Saving on gas, toning the legs, enjoying some tunes, burning some calories, saving my knees, and wearing a nerdy helmet all while on my way to my awesome job.  It is days like this that remind me that I have an incredibly large amount of things to be thankful for.  My life is blessed.  


and I love my helmet. 

WOW

Dude. I ate way too much chocolate over Easter.  I think it was the novelty of being home for the first time in a long time and just loving chocolate way too much for my own good.  I still feel off from all that chocolate.  definitely thinking of running extra and drinking tons of water this week to try and rid myself of this stuff.  it's okay to be human.  I was human this weekend.  I didn't feel guilty or obsessed--like I usually do.  Just enjoyed it.   life is good.
here's to another hard week in hopes for a successful pat's run on the 21st.

check in

I love my life.
Seriously.

I have been in this happy place with my running, lifting, and training for a very long time now.  Actually, years to be perfectly honest.  It just makes my day every time every workout.  

My body image/self esteem has been a 10 on a 10 point scale for a very long time. As much as I'd like to say I don't do it for how it look, I have to be honest that I do reap the benefits of looking in the mirror and thinking that I look great.  Not prideful--just grateful for being able to discipline myself and accomplish great things.

Coaching track has been absolutely a wonderful thing in my life right now.  I have never been in this position, and I love it.  I get my own lifting and running before school and after school I run with my kids.  It is great.  

Summer months are coming which means I can challenge myself to some more grueling workouts during my precious summer weeks.  

I am starting my Masters in a little over a month.  It will be work but I'll do it.  I'll do it all, because that's what I do.  

Lastly, I am incredibly blessed to have a husband who lets me do all these things.  I spread myself in many directions and he supports me through it all.  I am lucky. 

Cheers

a nice one

today was perfect.  I got 8 hours of sleep and woke up perfectly rested.  By 5:52am I was running (32 degree temperature) with my sister.  I wanted to push the pace today because I know I can handle it.  I was also under a time constraint. 
I totally rocked it.  I felt so fast.  The truth is I could have gone even faster.  I didn't only because I wanted to stay within eye sight of my sister.  I don't have a clocked pace but based on past efforts at this distance and my sister's pace...I estimate that I ran 4.7 miles at just over 8min mile pace.  Jackpot. 


Ahhh I love life.  


I am about to go to track practice and run some crazy intervals.  I love this.  

weird

I feel like I am in no man's land right now.  
I am in this weird in-between stage of something big huge about to be happening and at a definite quiet and calm place with everything.
I am just a little stir crazy and need something to spice it up. 


A little more discipline in the kitchen.  A little more lifting.  A little more sunny weather.  All contributing factors to success in my workout world. 


I am enjoying these months as a track coach.  It is so ridiculously rewarding.  I love running with the kids.  I think it brings a whole new element to the role of educator/teacher/leader/mentor.


Cheers

so far so good

Two days into spring break and I have much to be proud of...
3 big huge runs a strenuous bike ride and ridiculously warm weather


My only complaint is that my times are not great.  I guess I should forget about my times.  It was slower than I would like but still fast for most people. 


Life is great friends.  enjoy spring break

dental care

I have been running with a constant toothache for 8 days.  It has been addressed by the dentist but the sinus infection diagnosis is not doing me any good.  I am still in pulsing pain when air or cold reaches the tooth.  It is the kind of pain that stops me in my tracks and makes me want to crawl in a ball and tune out.  

Why is this reaching my running blog?  Because it is now effecting my daily routines.  I have had to quit on workouts way too much.  Eating and drinking are chores and I am just fed up with being in pain.  

I am going to tough out until spring  break.  

I am running a 10K this Saturday and am praying that I can do it without pain....please please please.

fake it until you make it right?

coaching

I love coaching.
2 weeks in and I am totally hooked. 
I cannot even describe just how rewarding it is to work with students on a talent that I love. 
It amazes me when they push themselves and makes me want to be an example and leader even more.
love it

5am

Just ran outside at 5am for the first time since November. 
Loved it. 
a little on the cold side...but easily manageable. 


Today is also the first day of track season.  I am coaching jr. high track.  I am excited to run with my kids...except I am aware that I will probably be doing more with a clipboard and directing...

no races planned

I can't believe it.  As of this week, I have no races planned.  
You know, once in a while it is good to just go with the flow.  Right now I am going to ride out the rough spring with my own spin on the daily workout.  I'll be running along with my jr. high kids as I begin coaching track next week.  I'll slowly make the transition to running outside--on days that are not windy--.  I'll start P90X with the hubbs.  Just takin it easy until the blazing hot weather shows up again.  ahhhhhhhhhh I dream of it. 

the closed sign

My gym closed.  As in locks changed, for sale sign on the door, and no hope for someone to buy it.  Do you know how depressing this is for someone like me?  Going to the gym was like my drug!  I was addicted to it.  I feel like I have to find a new purpose in life. 
Well, here's the game plan.  


1.  Buck up.
2. Start riding my bike to work (multiple benefits there)
3.  resurrect the P90X (means that I get to work out with the Hubs)
4. start working out at school (I try to avoid it since there are students there)
5.  be more mindful of the crap I eat

Ragnar Del Sol 2012 SUCCESS

Ragnar Del Sol can be marked off the bucket list for 2012.  

The race went amazingly well. 

Remember that revenge I was out to get after Carlsbad?

That is all sorted. 

Leg1-8.7 miles VERY HARD course rating

I totally rocked it.  I ran a 7:33 mile on this particular leg.  I can't believe how strong I felt. It was deathly hot among the saguaros and desert roads.   I didn't care.  Not even the mega hill slowed me down.  I was just pumped to do something huge and made it happen.  It was natural and I daresay, easy. 

Leg 2-6.1 miles HARD course rating

I ran this leg at approximately 9pm.  I had ran the leg 1 aforementioned, only hours earlier, 10am.  The major challenge in this leg was to handle running with a headlight bobbing up and down. Once I got that under control I was cruising.  I also got stopped for what seemed like an hour, at a stop light.  That was a bummer for my overall pace, but if anything, helped me speed up to make extra ground. 

Leg 3-3.8 miles MODERATE course rating

Dead tired.  I laid my sleeping bag out on the dirt in BFE at about 2 am.  I enjoyed my nice cozy cocoon for 2 hours.  I couldn't sleep, but just enjoyed laying down and being warm.  At 4 am I started preparing for my final leg.  I was cold enough that I was shivering and wearing tights.  After getting used to the cold I got it under control and cranked out a 7:30 mile pace for the 3.8 miler.  I was hauling.  I am proud.  

Here's the beef.  I am allowed to have bad races once in a while.  Carlsbad was good for me.  It proved to me that I wasn't immortal.  My spirits are up and I am gleaming from running a hot desert race that went well. 

Life is good.

200 miles

getting pumped up for this Ragnar race.  


--hot desert running
--van full of friends
--may get a tan
--get to wear my brooks
--variation from marathon training
--t-shirt


yes please!!!

stuck in a rut

I HATE coming back after the marathon. It takes forever and my times get slower with no rhyme or reason.  I ran 4 miles over the weekend and felt like I was going hard out.  I was disappointed to know that my time was no where near an 8 min mile pace or lower.  LAME.


Not every run needs to be the perfect pace, however, that is what marathon running does to you.  It makes you a slave to your splits.  Ahhhh I am trying to get out of that right now.  


Today I am running 30 minutes on the tredmill at a fast and fun pace.  If it is anything like I predict, then I will feel good and run strong.  We will see about my prediction.  


I need to run fast everyday this week so that I don't die at Ragnar.  running 6 miles is pretty much a 100m sprint compared to what I have been doing.  


Yee'go 


Ragnar Del Sol 200 miles. 

sore

I love being sore.  A combo meal of yoga and running fast has left me feeling the lactic acid in the legs.  
I am trying to ease back in, but finding it hard to find the balance between not burning out and getting the job done.  It will come.  
I feel like the natural turning point in my training will come when it is no longer 2 degrees.  

am fanfare

ran 20 minutes hard this morning.
I got it down to a 6:20 mile for the last 1.5 miles.


It felt good.  I actually recovered right this time. yes.


still working on that eating thing. 

the eating thing

This is a huge one but I need to say it.

Let's take a stroll down memory lane.

Go on study abroad to New Zealand.  Eat every piece of chocolate, dessert, and new dish in sight.  How could I not?  It was delicious and creamy and better than American foods.  I came back from New Zealand having excersied less than I ever had in my entire life and having gained weight for the first time in my life.  I don't know the numbers but I remember how it felt to get into some of my most beloved jeans.  Not cool.  It wasn't dramatic, but it was huge in the world of someone who has never had a weight problem

That summer I started limiting myself for the first time in my entire life.  It was nothing more than saying no to dessert and not having 3 helpings at dinner, only 2 this time.  These tiny changes made a difference.  I started looking less and less like a child-bearing hips, ghetto booty kind of person, and more like a long-legged bean pole.  It all makes sense.  I stopped eating like a college freshman and was no longer sprinting and power lifting in high school/college track.  I had changed my country sized eating habits and transitioned to longer distances and toning purposes at the gym.  This is when I went down to a baggy size 8

Student teaching/dating Jason/breaking up with Jason/moving home/getting a real job--none of these things deterred me.  I became more and more intense with my running and lifting.  I continued to avoid excessive sweets, treats, and large servings.  By this point you could say that it was a permanent lifestyle change.  I would like to say that my first grown-up lifestyle change was one to never-ever get fat. 

By the time I became engaged I was feeling more beautifu., athletic, strong, and skinny than I ever had.  I knew we would be moving to New Zealand and in the back of my mind I had already decided to not dip into New Zealand indulgences like last time.  The move was hard and I was sad alot, but I always had the will power to workout.  No matter how crappy life was I was running and lifting. 



The next major change to my lifestyle and working out happened somewhere along the 1st year of marriage.  You see, learning how to budget and shop is acquired through trial and error.  At first our shopping bills were over $100 per week.  After several months something had to go in the budget.  We decided to try living on $50 per week for groceries.  This meant that expensive items like cheese, meat (all types), juices, treats of any kind, and American brands all had to take the boot.  These changes meant that I had to readjust my normal food intake.  I started eating ridiculous amounts of fruit because it is just SO GOOD and COST EFFECTIVE to live on it in NZ.  We also went without meat most days.  Vegetarian meals were the norm most nights.  We found ways to season and spice so that we didn't feel like we were missing out.  I tried tofu and absolutely loved it.  That served as an alternative to meat on the occasion that we bought it. 



I found that my shape was changing because of our budget changes.  Take away restaurants and meat and you see what happens to you!  I eventually got a job at the church office headquarters.  They had a great perk of providing free gym membership to all employees.  I milked that big time.  I remember that the first time I worked out in that gym I weighed myself.  I never weigh myself.  I don't care what the scale says.  It is how  y ou look and how fast you run in my world.  I noticed a surprisingly low number on the scale.  It was the lightest I had been since before running college track.  That was kinda cool. 

I started working out twice a day for several hours.  Jason's hours were horrible at work, so working out was my way of having fun and avoiding the fact that I was home alone.  I also decided to run a marathon.  I felt like I was fit as a fiddle, faster, and stronger than I ever had.  I ran 2 before we moved back to Az. 



My nickname has been Skeletor for the past 2 years. grouchy and skinny-yep we have that in common



Every day that I worked out I started weighing myself.  For many weeks the number kept getting lower and lower.  I think I probably dropped 10 lbs.  I was dropping lbs that I didn't need to drop though.  There were many times in New Zealand where I wanted to donate blood.  My iron count was never high enough.  I was told that I needed to see a doctor about my severly low iron levels.  I never did because I thought I could take care of the problem by myself.  My clothes looked way different now.  Jeans that used to fit hung off of me in an unsightly fashion.  Jason's mom constantly got on my case for not eating meat.  She even bought us meat a few times just so we would have it.  By then, I was sucked into my new world of tall skinny marathon runner who lived cheaply on fruits, tofu, sushi, and vegetables.  It was too late.

Coming back to America was a good thing.  It was familiar and I would be teaching again.  glorious in and of itself.  I missed running in the blazing hot summer and got right on it when I moved back.  My family all noticed how skinny I had become during my OE.  I got comments hourly.  I didn't care.   Two a days were back in session and I had no intention of stopping that.  The funny thing is that now that meat was available to me at my parents' house I still didn't jump on to it.  I continued my obsessed way of eating, working out, and running. 

Fast forward to January.  I ran that marathon and totally died.  Like literally ran out of gas.  There were many factors but I am not dumb enough to think that my funny eating had noting to do with it.  I need to reasses my lifestyle.  I see it. 

Last week I read an article in Runner's World about disordered eating.  I should link it right now but I am too lazy.  I had never seen anything in print to describe my daily patterns, but there it was right in front of me.  I think I have it or show some tendencies toward it. Here's the red flags..

I am known to cancel plans or duck out of stuff just so I don't miss a run/workout
I have a hard time eaing out because I don't like ordering nasty greay food.
I will run/lift extra hard as "punishment" for eating bad on the occasion that I do.
I don't mind eating fruit, yogurt, and oatmeal for all 3 meals.  I do this alot.

So there it is all out on the table.  I haven't really done anything about it, but I just wanted to say out loud that I need to work on eating more healthily.  When I was struggling with my arm workout this week I got a little freaked out.  Those weights were light and should not have been hard.  I do sometimes wonder if I will have a hard time getting pregs.  When that day comes... I'll start small.  A little more meat here and there. :) 

some observations

1. Well folks, we have reached that awkward in-between land of season transition.  While I try and make that work, I am also trying to get back to the grind.  Tomorrow I am doing a for-real run.  It is the first one so that is exciting stuff.

2. Can I just make a comment about how funny it is that when I do nothing for 2 weeks, eat crap, do more of nothing, and eat more crap that I end up skinner than before?  Weird.  I don't understand that equation.

3.  Can I also make a comment about how I am actually lifting less in the gym these days?  As I did my obligatory arm workout I realized that same ol' weights were testing me alot.  That freaks me out.  It freaks me out because this time I can actually see a connection between what I am putting in my body and how my body is not able to work as it has done. 

4.  I am aiming for 7:30 miles for Ragnar.  That is in the back of my mind.

purpose

I find the most difficult part of returning to running after a big huge race is finding purpose.  For months I was purposeful in every grain of food, drop of water, stride, jog, and step.  The new found freedom and choice can feel a bit overwhelming to be perfectly honest.  I did yoga and per usual, it stretched me (no pun intended), far beyond my comfort level.  I will chalk that up to a success.  Yesterday I did a 5 minute warm-up on the tredmill before beginning a weights workout.  That, friends, was tough.  It was just plain grueling and unsmoothe.  These workouts always are that way  after a big huge deal.  Oh well.  It matches the unpredictable weather outside I guess.  I am anxiously looking forward to tank-top days and beads of sweat in blazing sun.  Hurry up summer.

today is the day

After 1 week and 3 days the time has come to return. 
As in start working out again.    
Tonight is yoga.  I am hoping to make it a positive and strengthening workout.  


Time is ticking towards the next big race, Ragnar Del Sol.

the post marathon blues/recovery

remember last year how I didn't properly recover?
We moved to another country and I started running 10 days after the marathon?
lesson learned last year.  
I will do nothing this week--except maybe a nice walk or two
Week 2 I will start going back to the gym and doing cross training only.  easy stuff.
Week 3 I will run for 10-15 min runs only when it feels good.
Week 4 start getting serious.  


I want to break out my bike again too. even if it is a wally world special


I am also combating the blues big time.  I need another huge purpose to entertain me.  

the carlsbad marathon synopsis

Where do I even start? 

It all began last summer when I was reunited with my sister.  You see, I was fresh off of an amazing 2nd marathon.  We settled on Carlsbad with really no contest.  From the get go we knew it would be good.  a) ocean views on the course b) perfect "winter" race c) far enough to be away but close enough to only take up a weekend

After we organized the Winslow 10K race we immediately began the 16 week training plan for our marathon.  Most weeks were great.  My past posts on the matter can confirm this.  But--some weeks were hard.  Sometimes I was sick.  Sometimes Kimmy's IT band gave out way too early.  Other days we went out to run in ridiculously low temperatures and poor running conditions.  All in all, it made us stronger.  We were ready.  We never skimped out on a workout.

Now fast forward to the events of yesterday and the day before.

pre race feelings

I was so confident about my performance that I was hardly nervous.  My only thoughts were of just how fast I would be.  Everything was going in my favor.  Mentally and physically I felt like I was absolutely ready.  I realize that I did make a rookie mistake though.  I kept lowering my goal time.  At first I just wanted to beat my previous race time.   Then it was beat it by 5 minutes.   About 2 weeks before the race I started realizing that I was not too far off from a Boston time.  I had 11 minutes to shave from my time.  In running---that is alot of time.  Nevertheless, I wanted to see if I could do it.  

night sleep

I slept like a precious little baby.  We defintely rested well the day and night before.  I can give myself props for pre race rest. 

start line

start line

The start line was well organized but not scenic.  A mall parking lot actually.

The sun hadn't yet come up.  I found it a bit comical to see a bunch of Type-A runners standing around in daisy dukes at 5 am in 40 degree weather.  The things we do to run a race. 

sunset along coast

May I describe the most pleasant, inspiring, motivational, and exciting part of the race?   Miles 2-7 featured the absolutely stunning coastal route along the historic 101 in Carlsbad.  Picture the sunset slowly stretching its rays above the blue-gray horizon that is the Pacific Ocean.  At this point I confirmed that our race choice was excellent.  At this point I also pushed pause on the tunes and took in the crashing waves while soaking up the feeling of still feeling fresh in the first half.

hilly section

Miles 6-8 were detailed as hilly.  I must say I would have to disagree.  They were nothing more than city streets with an abrupt incline.  After mile 8 I started realizing that I was seriously cruising.  Somewhere around this time I thought I should check my pace but I was too scared because I knew it was faster than it should be.  I didn't check.  First mistake of the day. 

(I checked later....the pace was 7:45)  That's way fast for a marathon.  no joke.

animal shelter mile 10

I hated this part.  It was obvious that the organizers were just trying to find an easy stretch to get us out to mile 10.  ugly, boring, and hard to follow after the beautiful ocean sunset stretch in the beginning.  The only good part about this section was that the u-turn allowed for you to see who was behind you and how far away they were from you.  I was desperately looking for my sister.  I knew she was behind but I wasn't sure where.  My worst fear was that she had to drop out due to her injury.  If I didn't see her at mile 10 I don't know if I would have kept running.  --mini panic attack-- and all of sudden there she was.  Happy as can be.  We high-fived and I resumed my maniac pace with no pain of any kind. 

still ahead of 330 pace group

At this point I am on fire.  I am totally rocking my pace.   Far ahead of the 3:30 pace group which was not what I had planned on doing.  BUT it felt good and the pace didn't feel too fast for me.  I did get some cramping which I accredit to the cold water and ultima intake along the way.  I couldn't get my fluid intake right.  I always wanted to drink more but got instant cramps when I even simped any fluid.  It was a major frustration for pretty much the whole race.

back to the beach

By mile 12 we were finally back where we should have been the whole time.  As in the beach route.  I didn't fly to California to run next to animal shelters.  By this mile it had warmed up and we enjoyed a perfect California sunny day. 

mile 13

we took one last annoying u-turn on a street called Avenida Encinitas.  This u-turn was tough for me.  I experienced my first preview of fatigue.  I was happy to hit the 1/2 way mark but I was not so peppy anymore.  I was turning into a robot who just kept going.  nothing to get too worried about, but definitely a sign to start monitoring my body.

headband

now for a slight interruption to comment on the best purchase of the race.  the headband.  I chose a patriotic rendition of flowers.  Not only did it cover my ears but it protected my headphones and kept my hair out of my face.  excellent. 

I am afraid that this is where the race took a turn for the worst. 

death miles of 13-21

From miles 13-21 I was out of my groove.  Still running my strong sub-8 pace but doing it in not so good of a spirit.  By mile 18 I was pretty much grouchy.  I wanted to know when the heck we were going to turn around for good and head towards the finish line.  The beach scenes were great but even those weren't helping me at this point.  I started getting a headache.  I actually had to turn down my tunes because they were making my headache worse.  I know, I know this is a bad sign.  I had another sister sighting at mile 19.  She asked how I was doing and I said "great" which was a lie.  I thought I could make myself believe that though.  I should add that she looked like a kid in a candy store.  I was impressed and mostly grateful that she was injury free.

the first taste of nauseous mixed with spinning ground and headache

at mile 20 I started seeing the ground spinning from side to side as if we were out on the ocean getting slopped around by the waves.  it was almost entertaining in my fatigued and delirious state.  I think I could have gotten through it but the spinning mixed with the headache and the most unusual feeling of nauseousness was getting to me big time.  my body surprisingly felt great.  no feet, ankle. or leg pain whatsoever. 

the crazy thought

between mile 20 and 21 I started playing out a scenario.  What if I just let my body drop to the ground?  Would it roll?  Would an ambulance come?  How long would it take them to come pick me up?  Would they let me cross the finish line on a stretcher?  I am not kidding.  I debated these ridiculous ideas through 20 and 21.  There were moments when I almost let myself drop to the ground.  I guess it is a red flag when you actually think dropping to the ground is a better idea than to keep running.  So now I am dealing with the spinning, the headache, the fatigue, the thirst, the crazy thought, and every other part of my body that was screaming to stop right now. 

 

mile 21

at mile 21 the gas tank ran out.  I hate typing this.  I hate thinking about it. I slowed the engine down to a jog and eventually to a walk.  I hate that.  I am shaking my head as I type this.  It kills me more than you will ever understand.  My eyes teared up and I felt like the biggest loser.  I immediatley thought how I had just lost my dream time.  It was hard to come to terms with that realization.  I "walked" it out.  Whatever that means. I said 997 prayers, relied on the cheering of those on the sideline, and the sheer will power of the thousands of runners on either side of me. 

from a physiological perspective my body literally ran out of gas.  as in glycogen index completely and utterly depleted. more on that later.

mile 22

at mile 22 I began to run again.  much to my surprise it was easier to run than it was to walk.  that was a precious little gem from heaven for me.  I painfully ran.   I say that because now it was painful.  My legs ached, my arms were stiff-you know, the usual marathon symptoms. No surprise there.  That stuff is easy to deal with though.  I was now carrying a burden on my back. The burden of guilt.  I felt so incredibly guilty for running out of gas at 21.  How could I?  I felt like I had deceived myself.  The crowds were so incredibly helpful though.  They cheered me by name.  My bib stated my first name and they must have seen that I really needed some cheering.  The bands were neat too. 

mile 23

at mile 23 I realized that there was light at the end of the tunnel.  it wasn't pretty but I kept going.  I was thirsty and depleted in such a bad way.  water wasn't helping, otter pops didn't help, I didn't even bother trying with the oranges or pretzels.  struggle, struggle, struggle.  and 2 more blows to my already wounded pride...the 3:30 and 3:45 pacers were now out of sight from me.  that was really hard to accept.

mile 24

pretty much the same as mile 23. hard in the worst way but a little more light at the tunnel.

mile 25

at mile 25 I finally picked it up.  I was sick of the middle-aged half-marathoners who were mostly blocking the course and not really doing much more.  I started darting and dashing through them with the promise of a finish oh, so close.  the thing that got me at a "sprint" or "dash" to the finish was a band that yelled out 2 more corners as they strummed their guitars.  2 more corners and I would see the finish.  good enough for me.  I took the bait and went for it.  All out-well as much as I could give.

26.2 finish line

 I finished with a smile.  I did because it was hard.  I finished something that actually seemed impossible just a few miles before.  I was wounded but I still finished.  If Kimmy wasn't still out there I probably would have found some private place to cry it out and figure what the heck went wrong.  That's not what you do when you have a sister coming in.  I crossed 3:57. 

I heard her name over the loud speaker just 3 minutes after that.  I immediatley got to my feet and forgot my drama.  I thought her achievement was much more thought-worthy than my failure.  I was very impressed with her finish.  I can honestly say that my crappy race is acceptable only because she did so incredibly well.  I mean that whole-heartedly. 

What to do now?

3rd marathon...something to be proud of :)

Right now I am experiencing post-marathon blues.  I feel like I need a purpose fast before I dwell on this unexpected marathon drama.  I can tell you this much.....I am out for revenge.  Watch me run my next race. I promise you I will get revenge.   It is just the way it has to be.

The following things are in my back pocket

--organize another 10K for the spring

--start riding my bike to work/gym again when it warms up in a few weeks

--longer gym sessions (they are already ridiculous but now I can be as hard core as I want)

--Ragnar Del Sol 200 miles (March)

The diagnosis

I realize that I can't let my unexpected result overshadow the many positive things I experienced before, during, and after this race.  I ran a ridiculously strong pace from mile 1-21 (7:47 per mile) and can applaud myself for that.  However,  I need to consider that my training was not at a 7:47 pace.  Our long runs were close to 8:30 or 8:40.   I know I was capable of that pace during training but I always held back slightly because I was training with my sister.  I never felt comfortable running off at my own pace.  It was her first marathon and I needed to do my part to support and practice with her.  Plus, the pace was a good fast pace anyways.  I tried the faster pace during the real thing.  That was the problem.  Next time I can start week 1 training with a 7:45 pace and be ready to run that sub 3:30.  Shoot, a 3:40 would have me crying tears of joy.

I can say that I did run the race in the pace that I trained for.  It probably wasn't the pace I would have chosen if I was solo, but I wasn't and that's not important.

  I will end this whole thing on a good note.  I am so grateful that I am blessed with a body that can run and run and run.  I am grateful for a supportive husband who gives me the green light to race and run in an excessive way.  I loved running with my sister.  I always wondered what it would be like to have a running partner.  It is excellent.  I hope we do this for the rest of our lives.  And last but no least, I loved the beach.  How could I ever run a marathon without the beach right next to me??? 

3rd marathon in 3 years.  Cheers



for my baby Talan.  we owe you for this one. Jesserfon





chiropractor

In preparation for the race I am going to the chiropractor today.  I would like to have a general adjustment and muscle rub to make sure everything is in alignment.  I rarely go to the chiropractor.  It is really important if I go to that measure.  I'd say this race falls under that category. 


I keep dreaming and imagining what the race will be like.  Will it rain? If so, will it effect my time?  Will I actually run a 3:30???? My  mind tells me I can.  For real.

sooooo close

11 days to race day.  I am content.  feeling confident and feeling like I am going to accomplish my goals.  Carlsbad, can you please have lovely weather with beautiful ocean views while I run????  Thanks.


hotel is confirmed
flights arranged
suitcase is sitting by my bed-just need to pack
race gear planned




yee'go yee'go

lesson learned

In the last year I have learned that you have to cross train. 
yoga, spin, weights, pilates, core lifts, plyometrics, swim etc...


I strongly believe that these are the reasons why I am not injured.  
When you challenge your muscles in a new way it develops a plethora of muscle memory, 
Which in turn, strengthens your muscles and agility. 


I have finally found a system that works for me.  3 days alternative other 3 days running.  I admit that I cheat most weeks and still run on the alternate days. Oops

yoga 3

Why is yoga so impactful?
It stretches me and tests me in ways I never imagined or explored previously. 


It is amazing what relaxation, meditation, and stretching can do for one's soul.  


I am a better person for practicing yoga. 


LOVE it.

6x1200

splits
1.  5 57
2. 5 52
3. 5 53
4. 5 47
5. 5 45
6. 4 44


How amazing is it that I ran a 4.44 on a 1200??? I impressed myself on that one. 

the commitment

In preparation for the big race I have decided to do the following:


no refined sugar until after race day
wear ONLY minimalist shoes to build up my feet

the monster run

Forgive me.  Christmas break is a precious time for teachers.  I clocked out from pretty much everything-including my blog. 

Christmas break was very successful this year. 


I rocked the 20 miler.  Felt great, good attitude, great playlist, loved running in my new minimalist shoes, loved the rez route, pounded through the soreness in my legs for the last 10miles.


I rocked a 15 miler yesterday.  


Well folks, I think I am ready.  Bring on the Carlsbad Marathon.  I am lighter, faster, and more knowledgable about how to run this race.  The next two weeks will be used to wind down and get pumped up for the big race. 


Winter training was not always easy, but I did it.  I guess I just got to used to wearing tights and gloves for every single run.  


Yee'go

the run of death

tomorrow is the run of death....
20 miles on Christmas Eve. 


thinking positive and trying to ignore weather reports. 
we can do this. 

the wall

Okay.  I admit it. 
I am feeling somewhere close to the wall. It has been very challenging to get out the door and complete the run.  I think that the end of the semester will bring a renewal to my mentality, ability, and motivation levels.  


For today, I am just not doing it.  My blister is killing me=no surprise there.  I want to stay indoors and stare at the Christmas tree. 

thankful

This year I am thankful for running injury free--yet again.  In fact, I have never suffered a major running related injury.  For that, I am grateful and thankful.


Happy Thanksgiving


tomorrow is a 17 miler. dang gina

thoughts on running

I cannot explain how I became so obsessed with running.  It came long ago--as a child even.  From an early age I realized I was fast.  I knew I had a talent.  As a cross country runner in high school I felt like I was achieving things I never thought I could.  I remember the first time I ran 10 miles as a 16 year old.  That was huge in my world.  I kept accomplishing these things that were building upon the previous accomplishment.  Those experiences, positive parents, mentoring coaches, and a mix of blessings and luck have shaped into the runner I am today.  Yes, I don't win huge titles and no one knows who I am.  I am achieving goals I never imagined. Very soon I will run my 3rd marathon. I thought it would be cool to say that I had done it once.  Now I have my sights set on qualifying for Boston and eventually completing an Ultra-marathon.   

tonight

Confession:
Mondays are great days for me.  I think it is because I am completely motivated and on task to get things done.  Nutritionally, academically, emotionally, and spiritually I give my all.  By Wednesday or Thursday I sometimes convince myself that I deserve a break.  Not so.
I just wanted to take a minute and-mostly for my own good-acknowledge that today was a great teaching day and that I have a great gym workout ahead of me.  


Cheers.

holiday treats

Okay okay, I admit it.  The fact that I am home for the holidays makes me even more excited to indulge in special treats.  Too bad those special treats are turning into regular and in some cases even daily treats.  Time for me to put the brakes on my special treats and remember that I am training for a marathon.  
I just know that my training and race performance will be enhanced by my discipline to eat what is good for me.  I did extremely well with this in New Zealand.  Right now I am totally disappointed in myself.  I am LAME when it comes to holiday treats.  
I think I am ready to ring in the holidays without having to indulge.

Happy Holiday Season with special treats at special times only

run happy

I bought these. 
I am dying for them to arrive at my door.  
Due to a backorder I won't get to see them until late November. 
I cannot wait to run in them. 
I did a test run at a running store and instantly fell in love. 
They feel completely different from any shoe I have ever worn. 
Anxiously awaiting November 23...

14 miles

The last time I did this workout I was running along shore and coastal line in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.  
Today when I did this workout I was running along weeds and dirt in one of the most arid parts of the world.  
As amazing as the beach was, I know for a fact that today's 14 miler goes down in the record books.  
I know that I did it faster.  (8:12 mile pace estimate)
I know that I felt faster.
I know that I enjoyed it more.  

From THIS

To THIS                                                                      

It was one of those precious times in a runner's life that you feel totally with it.  No pain, no tiredness, no place to be in 1 hour, no worries.  I could have kept going and going.  The great part about all of this is that I was actually pushing a fast pace without trying to push a fast pace.  That is the precious part about it.  


The funniest part about this run was that I had to ditch my winter gear within one mile of starting.  I took it all off and just put it in a tumbleweed!!!  I knew it would be there when I got back.  The annoying thing was that I still had on tights and a long sleeve shirt.  It was way too hot to be wearing that kind of gear.  Oh well, in my world it is better to be too hot than cold.  No complaints here. 


Next week is a 15 miler.  We are starting to get up into the insane distances before Carlsbad!!!  
Yeego

an eye on the prize

4 weeks in and I feel like I am on track to achieving my pace for the marathon.

I am actually monitoring my running pace this year.  Last year it was mostly guestimating.  I believe this will aid my performance. 

Mentally and emotionally I feel great.  Not burnt out.  excited to run daily.  and excited for the race. 

I will keep on keeping on. 

the transition

I just made the transition from summer running to winter running.  I have not had to make this transition for 2+ years.  It is bittersweet as you might imagine.  
The transition consists of switching my running drawer from tank tops and light shorts to fleece tops and running tights.  I admit that there is a bit of excitement to be able to run in cold weather again.  It has been long you know.  I feel like it is a new challenge that I want to prove that I am up for.  
Here are the following things I am keeping in mind as I make the winter wonderland transition:
1.  upper body needs to be warm, no matter what.  there are occasions where I am able to rock my shorts but still be bundled up on top.  
2.  running tights are precious.  they really are.  they keep you very warm without constricting movement or functionality on the road.  it is something that baggy warm sweat pants could never do for me. 
3.  gloves and head gear.  you can't run in freezing temps without a warm head and hands.  it just can't be done. 
4.  be flexible.  when it is just too cold be prepared to wait or do an indoor workout.  it won't always be lovely outside. 


Cheers

My choice

I choose to make this a great week. 

Windy, Az

Hi, 


I am a runner and I live in Windy, Arizona.  I expect wind in the spring, but wind in November?  Come on.  This morning we ran 10.05 miles in 45+ mph wind.  Our key to survival on this cold and windy morning was to run with the wind.  We made it well out of the city limits and well onto the reservation.  Dagerous? Yes.  Necessary? Yes.  It was worth the risk to have the wind pushing us along.  Maybe that explains why we ran an 8:20 mile. 


Yes, this picture looks nice and peaceful.  I struggled to take this pic on my phone as we ran along in our tights, sweaters, hats, and gloves.  Welcome to winter running folks.  

7 miler

Today was the perfect day. Everything went right. 


This morning we ran 7 miles-before sunrise-at an 8:10 pace.  Not too shabby.  I found a new appreciation of running old route 66 by the tiny remaining luminescence from the moon and the beginning remnants of another beautiful sunrise.  

Here's the thing, we both felt like a million bucks.  I am still smiling from that accomplishment.


I am track this week.  I have not been lately.