Horton Loves to Run

Horton should learn to run....

2012-02-16T17:58:00.000-08:00

...that should be the name of this silly blog. What a crap run tonight.

The goal was a solid tempo run. 2 mile warm up and then 2x2 miles at 7:00 min/mile with 1 minute recovery. I freakin flopped. I did the 2 mile warm up and then 1 mile in 7 and I just wanted to stop and cry. Walked with the coach while he gave me a pep talk... then I said I was ready to try again. Another mile right at 7 but lost it at the end again. What a loser I tell ya. The body seemed okay from a technical perspective. I was told the stride looked good and solid, but my mind and focus was not there as much as I tried. In the first tempo mile I held it for about 1/2 a mile at a solid effort and was able to clear the head but then lost it. The second tempo mile I manged to hold it until the last .2 and then again lost focus and it all fell apart.

So it was not my day. Hopefully next week will be better. I am completely aware that these tough sessions and times is what makes the good runs feel even better. It is that whole yin/yang thing. Good does not feel good without bad. You need the whole spectrum to even feel one end or the other. And so today we took the crap side of the spectrum and made it crappier, so that perhaps the good times to come will be better than I can imagine. I can only hope.

My running is the one thing in my life that has always kept me going. And go on I will.

Tomorrow is rest day...the most important part of training. A time to reflect, learn and think....and psych up to pick myself up and go at it again come Saturday. What a cycle...

Brrrrrrrr....

2012-02-12T16:41:00.000-08:00

I really wanted to run outside today. And I know that several of my "real runner" friends did. But I just cannot muster up the energy to do that. Maybe I need better gear and I then I would not be so "afraid". I do get scared of getting too cold. I have gotten so cold before that it has taken me a hot bath and layers and mutliple layers of blankets to warm up. It is like I can feel ice on my bones. I remember when I was in college and I was so covered in blankets that my friends could hardly see me!!!!

Anyway, I did the wimpy 12 mile run today. 8 on the track and 4 on the mill. Then did a 30 minute swim. It was a fine run. The foot is buggin me. little tweak that comes and goes throughout the run. I hope it passes soon. Kept a comfortable pace just below 8 mins..probably around 7:55 or so.

I need focus though. If this foot thing can pass and I can get in a few good tempo runs I will do the New Bedford 1/2. Then gear up for spring/summer racing. I really really hope that injuries stay away. It gets so much harder it seems as I get older and as the stresses in life increase.

okay, this was a boring post..but post it is! Will head off now for some stretching and core stuff, maybe a little yoga and call it an early night. Recovery run in the AM............

Thank GOD for running....seriously...I am not sure where I would be right now without it.

Ready to hit the bike Path....

2012-02-06T16:07:00.000-08:00

well, it has almost been 2 full months since I ran Tucson. Why does it seem like it was just yesterday...and yet on the other hand feels light years away. Since Tucson we have had Christmas, New Years, and just way way too much time away from Sister if you ask me.

...and way too far away from race plans. More importantly, marathon plans. I have not run a marathon since Boston 2010. That run was right after a friend of mine passed away. And was proceeded by a stress fracture that winter. The marathon remains so important to me, for reasons that are so so personal. And many marathoners would understand I am sure.

But to run a marathon again after 2 years...it will be like the "first" again. Firsts are always so sacred and special. And in many many ways this is truly my first. My first marathon knowing what I am capable of, what I have accomplished before me, lessons learned along the way, and so this will be my "first" marathon as a "real" runner. And readers, I do not mean to say that it is not real to have done what I have to date, but it is a mind thing. I have finally accepted and seen myself as a runner. Even in 2010, running 3:37 at Boston, I felt like I was "lucky" and that I was not "really" a runner. But today, and thanks to wonderful mentors, I feel like a runner now and run I will.

To even be able to get to the start line is such a prize. I recall many many years ago being told that I had ruined my body.....so anytime I get to the start line, and cross the finish of the 26.2 mile journey, it is a reminder that I am a figher and a survivor and that I can pretty much overcome any obstacle.

I have posted before about the 26.2 mile cycle. You start elated, and scared, but excited! Much like how one feels as a young adult. You hit a nice patch of mileage and just think, I am soooo cool. Then you hit another stretch where reality sets in, "Wait, I have to keep this up for another 16 miles?" Then you start to question, why did I do this? What am I doing? Can I keep this up? Then it kicks in again at mile 20 and you say and you recognize that you are stronger than you thought. and then 3 miles later you say, "oh , shit, I guess I am not so strong, " and as you hit the last water stop you tell yourself, "Tania, you have done this a million times, a 5K, this is easy.....and will only be harder now and later if you toss in the towel so throw it all out there." and then you do, and when you are .2 from the finish you hear crowds, you know the end and goal will be reached in seconds and you SPRINT!!!! A gifted energy. Totally amazing. Then you cross the finish and cry. And everytime I have said to myself "what a journey". The marathon has made me stronger in life. Life has made me stronger in the marathon.

And we have two stacked up this fall......and I am living for them both at the moment.

Winter.....

2012-01-24T18:02:00.001-08:00

I would love to just bundle up and hit the outdoors. I am just so nervous about hitting a patch of ice or running while being so cold that I strain an improperly warmed up muscle. See, the last two times I trained hard outside was for Boston and both times I was injured right before the race and then unable to really race all summer. So I try to tell myself that I am glad I dont have to train for Boston this year...but deep down...I am missing it. Boston 2014...that is the goal. New qualifying times!!! But, I don't just want to meet the qualifying time, I want to be able to sign up on day one! That means that I have to run 20 mins better than the qualifying time which for my age will be 3:45. So I will have to pull out a 3:25 marathon. Tough goal, but goals are supposed to be challenging right? Honestly, if i can run 3:30 or better I will be thrilled.

Cruise control these days is right about 8:20 - 8:30/mile. Tonight I wanted a bit more of a work out and so ran 6 miles at a 7:40/mile pace. Nice and strong and steady. I was a tad annoyed by all the folks on the track that dart in and out not really paying attention. January at the Edge is just insane. Anyway it was a good run. A good run after a hard day at work is always good. Lets hope we sleep well tonight!

Sleep - that is the other hard thing about winter. If I run at night, I am all wired and cannot sleep. But if I try to get up in the AM to run early, it is all dark and I just want to pull the blankets over my head. The first run of the week determines if it will be an AM or PM schedule. This week...we are looking at a PM schedule. I slept awful last night and so an AM run was out of the question. I cannot run 6 miles at 6 PM and wake up 12 hours later and run again. That just leaves this old lady exhausted!!!!! (and potentially injured)

Speaking of exhausted......I think I should hit the sack.

'night....

All rested......right!

2012-01-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

You know, not having a race to prep for, combined with Holidays is just a recipe for disaster. I watched on facebook as my friends did the "gooofy" challenge and thought to myself that I should do that one year. So for all you readers that do not know what that is...it is an event held at Disney. Half marathon on Saturday followed by a full marathon on Sunday. You get 3 medals. 1 for the 1/2 1 for the full and then a "goofy" medal for doing both. It probably is pretty good timing. Taper would be right at the holidays.....

Anyway I am currently trying to come up with my plan for 2012. The marathon remains my favorite race. There is something about the marathon, it is long enough where you can really contemplate during the run and think...and experience the run and pull it all out....and when you are done you really feel done and deserving of a nice rest. So the marathon will be the goal at the end of the year. A fall one, with a goal that I will not announce - that is bad luck, only the coach knows the goal. I am thinking Mohawk Hudson will be the run. It is a fall marathon and is small. Starts in Albany NY. Good course and size to be able to race. No crazy 5 hour "get to the start" logistics like Boston. And there will be mini goals on my way to that. I have a few 1/2 marathons picked out as well. New Bedford 1/2 is in march, but that may be too soon, but could be just a good training run. Then there is the Tortonto 1/2 in May that would be really good timing. Honestly I am hoping to have a strong racing season this summer. I will do the 5K and 10 K races although they are not my favorite. They just hurt!!!!

Right now it is all about just maintaining and not getting hurt. I am trying really hard to listen to the body and evaluate before I just hit the road. This past week I was tired, all around tired, and not eating well, not sleeping well and my body just ached and so I did not run. There was part of me that just wanted to head out and pound out the miles to relieve stress, but I know all to well now , that it only leads to injury and so I just got through my week. I did head out this AM and did a real easy 6 mile run with a friend and then some strength training.....body, soul and mind all felt much better and the body feels better as well. Hopefully next week will be better and I can resume my normal running routine.

I am pretty excited and optimistic about this upcoming training season.

It will be a long few months of cold runs, treadmill and track but hopefully come spring it will all be worth it.

Okay, off to bed...time to rest up! I have a run to do tomorrow!!!!

A PR - and now rest

2011-12-17T07:53:00.001-08:00

well, my last long run prior to this race was simply terrible. It was a 13 mile run with 5 in the middle and my hopeful 1/2 marathon pace: 7:30. I cruised along for 5 and then started in on the faster miles. The first 3 were fine and then I crashed. Blood sugar crashed, my legs went heavy and I literally stopped and almost started crying...but instead got pissed and moved on and went as fast as I could which was barely 7:50. The run also ended with the calf all seized up again.

The next day I was favoring the hurt leg. I decided that I had to just not run until it was better. I had to get to the start healthy. And Trust - trust that truly the training was over. Trust what I have been told and what scientifically has been proven, that you dont lose fitness in 2 weeks. so the, I would have to be sure that I did not lose the mental edge and I had to ensure that self doubt did not creep in. I tend to be one that has to consistently practice, and get validation often, in order to believe. Trusting is very very hard for me.

Thursday prior to the race I headed to Arizona. Long day of travel with messed up flights and etc. I was happy to just get to sisters house and crash! On Friday I got up and did a short run. it was my first run in 2 weeks and I wanted to see how the leg would do. It felt fine walking around and so this would just be a "mental" boost to remind me that I can still run, prior to hitting the start line. I started out and suddenly I cannot breath. The dirt in the air and cotton fields with fluff flying everywhere just really did a number on me. I did run 3 miles right at 7:30 and it was fine...but I was thinking, no way can I pull of 13 of these suckers at this pace.

Next stop of the day was Target where I got some allergy pills and some wine to chill out!!!!

My 3 mile run on Saturday was just to get the nerves out and to try to settle in on some goals. Again the leg was tight, I was frustrated, I truly had no clue what would happen at the race. I do know that something does happen once a # goes on and you get to the start of a race that totally changes things and so once again, I had to trust and just chill out!!! #1 Goal - 7:30 pace or any finish time under 1:40- a Personal best. #2 - Just go whatever pace and have a fun run. #3 - Get to the start and finish healthy if all else fails.

3:45 on Sunday I wake up to get ready for the run. This is a 7 AM start and the bus to the start leaves at 5:00 so it was early!!!! I made the bus and sat next to a girl who was running her first 1/2 marathon. She was so excited. He goal was to just finish. It is always nice to remember that feeling of the "first" race. no expectation and the finish exciting regardless of your time. Nothing like the first. She also told me that she just found out that morning that she was pregnant and was going to surprise her husband at the finish. She was just a doll, full of life. Really made me relax a bit. Here I was a 42 year old, stressed by work, all worked up about running a certain pace and along comes miss sunshine. It was a bit of a slap in the face, which is what I needed. She asked lots of questions like, "Can i stop to drink water?" "are there portlets". "Where should I start"....just too adorable. I tell ya, that is why I love this sport. I always meet someone at each event that just offers a bit to my life.

At the start there were heaters everywhere. These arizonians are funny! 35 and there are heaters at the start...what a crack up. Well, suddenly my tune changed. i did wear some pants and a sweatshirt that I planned to rip off right before the start and just ditch, but for 35 and windy that really was not enough. I was shaking like a leaf and fighting for a spot at one of those heaters. So the joke was on ME!

Finally it was start time. I toward the front , figuring if I could hold 7:30 that I did not want to be frustrated by passing folks the whole time. It was a good placement. I finished right with folks that started right next to me. The first mile was right at 7:30. The leg was pain free - amazing - and my breathing was totally fine. Race adrenaline? A miracle? Not sure what, but I just took it. The next miles were are sub 7:30 just cruising really. I was exhilarated, simply happy. Breathing was nice and easy. I figured I would turn it on at mile 10 if I still felt great. At mile 8 the course started to get daunting. Seeing mile markers ahead for miles was just mentally taxing. No rolling terrain just flat flat flat. I am not sure I really like that. Then at mile 11 came hills, well, my legs that had been on downhill or flat for 10 miles did not like THAT! They just froze up. 2 miles at an 8 pace and i wanted to cry, I wanted to quit. the mental conversation was intense. I told myself "Tania, you are mad because you are running an 8 pace? Years ago that would be a great pace for a whole half marathon!" Then another part said "Tania, you looser, pull your crap together. In less than 20 minutes you will be done." But 20 minutes of pain mentally and physically just seemed impossible. Then "Tania, in 20 minutes you can collapse if you want...the finish will feel better if you know you pulled out all you have got!" And the conversation went on. At one point I just stopped and bent over...I gave myself one minute to pull my shit together. I looked at the watch, and just breathed......and then off I went.

Finish time of 1:38:57. I hit my goal. And, I was upset. how does that happen. I was pissed because that could have been 1:35:57 if I had not stopped and slowed so much. I instantly went into "what can I do better next time."

But then they handed me the medal and I saw my sisters smiling face and I suddenly felt happy. I should be happy...this was a good effort.

Once again a race, that really reminds me of life. Good times, hard times, pull it together times, but if you push on and persevere, never quit and keep going through the uncomfortable, the prize is so so sweet. Just keep going after the goal. Has running taught me this or did life prep me for being able to do this during a run?? I think it is the later. And skills I keep applying to life.

And the medal, it is soooo cool. And the race #'s...awesome. They printed our names on them!!!!

Okay, now to finish up getting ready for Christmas. Talk about pushing on....the prize will be happy kids on Christmas day.

Swim night.....

2011-11-25T18:04:00.000-08:00

I am trying to hard to be smart. My left soleus is bothering me a bit. Not terrible, and certainly something I would have run through in years past, but I am so gun shy since my stress fracture last winter. Total PTSD!!!!

I woke up this AM and the left shin/soleus, whatever ...was hurting. So I slept a bit more and said, "okay, just swim tonight".

It was not a run, but it did the trick. I felt good afterward. I did a few 100 yd intervals. 100 in 1:30 10 sec rest...go again!

The only side effect from swimming that I am not a fan of, is the shoulders and arms that I manage to get. I hate that!!!! I remember when I was a kid, on the swim team and my dad told me....."now do not get too muscular."...so I think that is what sticks with me.

Anyway....tomorrow will be a nice easy 4 miler, and then on Sunday, my last "long" run before the 1/2. 13 miles. 5 miles warm, up, 5 miles at "race pace" and the a cool down. Wish me luck my friends. Life stress, work stress, it all builds up and they show their colors in my running. I know that one day when all that other junk comes together that I will get that peak performance I have been looking for.

9:21, Friday night, and Tania is winding down. Tania is getting old!

Trust

2011-11-20T18:35:00.001-08:00

I am not sure when I will learn to trust the body. I have not done a run over 7 miles in 2 weeks and that left me a bit apprehensive about todays 12 mile run. The last two weeks I struggled with a super tight left calf muscle. I started to reach that point though, where running seemed to loosen things up. The true test was going to be my tempo run this past Thursday. And wouldnt it figure. I was up all night on wed with my daughter who was so so sick. Of course my run was not as important, but I was a tad bummed. But on Thursday I just rested when I could, worked from home, hydrated a ton and the figured I would run after work. I hit the gym and managed to pull off a decent tempo run. Two mile warm up, 3 miles at 7:13 , one at 7 and then a cool down. AND, I felt so good after. I was thrilled. Also completely amazed. I seem to think that I need to run everyday at a certain pace, otherwise I might "lose" something. I just dont trust myself. I am starting to realize though that a good rest now and then really helps these little muscles....well, I am starting to feel like they are HUGE! This point in training is so hard for my psyche.

Then there was today. 12 mile run on the schedule. It was cold and rainy and I just wanted to crawl back in bed. I procrastinated this thing all morning and into the early afternoon. It was a good week of proper nutrition. I took all her advice all week about proper intake, hoping it would help me continue to heal from whatever was going on, and also would power my runs this weekend. It certainly paid off on the tempo run. So , this morning I woke up and had toast with peanut butter and honey. Two cups of Java!!!! My favorite part. Black coffee with 4 ice cubes. YUM! But then I never hit the road and I knew I would have to eat more. That was the bad part about starting late. I had another piece of toast with just honey this time. About an hour later I decided to hit the road. Weather.com did NOT have it pouring at 1:30 but it was...and so as I drove to the Colchester end of the bike path, I changed my mind about the outdoor thing. I was having a hard enough time getting going. I knew I could run, but just did not have enough fight in me to deal with rain and wind and cold and planting water bottles. So I turned around and hopped on Treadmill #4 at the Edge, set it at 7.5 and just went. I took in a gel 15 minutes before my run. This is a first, but was advised. The run was great. Effortless really. At mile 11 I cranked it up to 8 just to open up the stride a bit and give the legs a change from the monotony. My calf started to tighten just a tad right at the end, but I stretched, did the foam roller deal and all was well.

I am pretty pleased and not as nervous about the race now. I know I can run 13 miles, but I want to run it well. Goals...i am a goal girl.

Okay, so time for bed now.

update

2011-11-15T04:18:00.001-08:00

well, I made it through the weeks workouts after the 15 mile run, but the hamstring/calf was just so tight and started to get real painful after each run. I went in for PT and then just decided that this body needed a break. Took one full week of no running (okay, 1 little 3 miler) and I seem to be as good as new. Boy, that rest thing really does work! :-)

During my "week off" I hit the pool. Why do I always wait until I cannot run, to get in the pool. I really need to remember to do that on my off days or something. I always feel so good after swim. Such a different sport than running. Cardiowise you have to work pretty hard, but the body just feels good and not "beat up" when you are done. The only side effect that I am not fond of is I feel like I start to turn into Amazon woman. My shoulders and arms just feel huge.

Half marathon - 4 weeks away. And due to last weeks set back, I did not get in the last quality week that I had hoped for. I really have no clue what to expect now. I will do a tempo run later this week and that will help me see if I can still hit some sort of decent time.

I try to look back on the last 8-9 months and see all the little gains and progress. Important to do incase this race falls apart. This summer I took on the 5K (scary thing for me), I got a PR in the 10K, and a PR for a half marathon.....and overall I am a stronger runner today than probably ever. So, regardless of Tucson I should be happy. I am actually super excited about a few weeks "off". After the 1/2 I will go into a lower mileage season and throw in a ton of cross training and weights. Then come January will start marathon training! Finally! I have not run one since Boston in 2010 and I am just craving it. I feel like I am more ready, fitness wise, than ever, to take on a really solid marathon training plan.

blah post....just using it to wake up this morning. No run today...

Time to hit the shower...

Maybe I should just hang it up....

2011-10-31T17:31:00.001-07:00

I was so excited for my long run this week.

15 miles and a strong 15 in comparison to years past. Pace these days for a long run is 8:20 on a slower day, 8:05 if I am "on". There was a time when running 9:30 for 17 miles was my "pace".

I am a completely different runner right now. I am a completely different person as well for all sorts of reasons, but this is a running blog and so lets keep it that way!!!! :-)

Oakledge was my starting point. It was crisp (42) and WINDY !!!! But i just said to myself..."self! just go easy, warm up ..and by the time you hit the bike path the wind will be blocked!" And I had the tail wind on the way back to help me out. The first 1/2 of any long run, or race for that matter, I tell myself is a "warm up" and that mentally prepares myself for a push at the end.

and while I think about "will this be a good run, will I keep pace, will my legs cramp up, will the gel settle,?"...I did take time to stop and "smell the roses. There are certain points along that bike path where you are in a tunnel of foliage with the lake to your side. Complete beauty. The sun was shining which just made the yellow leaves look as though they were gold. While running through it felt wonderful, at times I wanted to just stop and relax and melt away into the pile of leaves on the side of the path, and rest. But I ran.......

Left hamstring tightened up right at about mile 11. I stopped for a minute or so and stretched real gentle, took some water and continued on. It was a successful 15 miles until.....

2 hours later...major blood sugar crash. And in reviewing the food intake...well, I just had not taken in enough the two days leading up. I broke out in a cold sweat, got all shaky and nausea...it was awful. I could not think or process a question from the kids. Lovely mother I am. I just have to be more aware of consistent food intake is all I guess. simple eh?

So it is Monday and the hamstring is still tight...really tight. I hope it loosens up so I can get in those cruise intervals tomorrow. If nothing else I will get this sorry little body to the gym and at least do SOMETHING. I will NOT push through a tight hamstring though, that would be stupid. Lets hope I am not typing about a hamstring injury in 2 weeks.

Dreams

2011-10-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

Does anyone have running nightmares???

I used to have a couple. One was that I was trying to run but as hard as I tried to go, I was just not moving. I would wake up and just throw on the shoes and run out the door to be sure it wasnt true!!!! Then I have this other one right before marathons where I show up at the start, but never picked up my race #, and I am running all over the place trying to get it. The race starts and I still try to find it but no luck. I have not had either of those in ages. But I had a new one last night...this was extremely frustrating.

I am running along and going at a great clip and just anxious to put it on cruise control and go and suddenly the road I am on has a huge tree in the middle of it. So I need to slow and re-adjust course and try to get going again...so I find a nice dirt road, I get going again, only to suddenly have the road end with just a lake infront of me. I turn around and I am in a neighborhood of twisty roads...so once again cannot get going and stay running like I want to. I finally get out of the neighborhood and find a nice bike path and get on a nice pace again...only to be stopped again by an obstruction and they were odd, like suddenly a wall with a locked door infront of me. And it went on and on. You know how dreams can be weird......

Anyway, needless to say, I am anxious to hit the bike path later today for a nice and easy, unobstructed, 8 miles. It has been an easy week of sorts. My calf was tight after my long run and into Monday so I rested on Monday. Tuesday and wed were easy runs. I did manage a tempo run yesterday which felt great. Good to just open up the stride, get the heart rate up, sweat off some stress..... Hopefully the weekend will provide some nice crisp fall weather. 15 miles on schedule for Sunday. When the mileage gets above 13 I have the nutrition to deal with. I really hate those gel thingys, but they do help. I just dread it....they are way to sweet. Although actually the one last weekend was not bad - Espresso! It was just a bit thick. I am such a baby eh? :-)

oh and Happy Halloween! I hate Halloween! I just don't get it. You walk around in a costume and get candy? Why? I can buy candy whenever I want. In fact if the kids would not go out, I would buy them all the candy they want. The whole thing is such a hassle. I am so much fun arent I???

Successful week on the running front

2011-10-24T08:41:00.000-07:00

First week in almost a year where I have run 6 days of the week and a total of 44 miles. AND, I feel pretty good. A bit tired, but good. I just need a rest day. And, it was not "just running" but included a tempo run and a track workout; so lots of good quality work in there. Perhaps a 50 mile week is doable! I have always tried to work to that point, but then usually end up injured at about 35 miles. Perhaps we have crossed a threshold here.

My long run yesterday was 14 miles on the Bike Path in Burlington. I started in Colchester, and ran to Oakledge park and back. I love that run. You just put it on cruise control and go.
Average pace was 8:06. I felt strong. Cardiowise I was totally fine. My left calf did start to cramp up at mile 12. Not sure what is up with that, but will rest the little thing today and hydrate.

I actually had a really hard time getting going yesterday. There was a very large part of me that just wanted to take a nap and skip the run, which is totally NOT me. You know that Tania's stress meter is pretty high when she wants to skip her long run. I gave myself permission to turn around at mile 5 and just do 10 total, if I was just not feeling it. But as usual, by mile 5 I was fine and actually felt much better by the end.

And then, as usual, I had restless legs all night. I really need to figure out how to remedy that. I was up until 2AM just unable to settle the body down.

So today I rest....and tonight hopefully I sleep!!!!!
It was suggested that I try Magnesium Glycinate and Cherry Juice before I go to bed. Probably worth a try...

I need more time!!!!!!!!

2011-10-16T17:03:00.000-07:00

That Tucson 1/2 marathon is just too close!!!! I decided to train for the Tucson 1/2 marathon. Shooting for a specific time. But boy the weeks go fast when it comes to training. I just always feel like I need just 3 more weeks.

Today I was scheduled for a 15 mile long run. I decided to sign up for the Green Mountain Half Marathon earlier in the week, what the heck. Fun way to complete a long run. Water stations every two miles meant I did not have to carry anything. I would be able to see some friends as well.

The plan was to run the first two miles right around an 8 pace and then the rest a bit faster. Nice and controlled - marathon pace effort was the goal. I was a tad nervous due to the winds and the fact that it is a rolling course. I have not been on hills much at all! It was not really bad at all though. I just cruised along nice and steady. I stopped at every water stop and took in water and talked to friends that I saw. Managed to choke down one GU at mile 7 - man I hate those things. And you know it is chilly when you have to chew the dang thing and not just swallow it. Someone HAS to come up with a pill we can just swallow.

When I got done I had no clue what my time even was. They finally posted them and I notice that I am registered as a Male. What the heck! This happened at my last race too! So, if I was a 42 year old Male, I would have gotten 5th in my age group! LOL!!!! I did have them fix it. Ended up getting 3rd in my age group for women. I was pleased. I headed out and about an hour later marathoners started to come through. I stood and watched for some time. There is nothing like finishing a marathon. It made me really miss it. I cannot wait to run one again next year. As I walked back to my car, I saw the race director and asked if she needed help. She did, and so I ended up volunteering for a few hours directing runners and traffic just about .1 to the finish. It was really fun and the best way to see folks finish a marathon.

It was such a Vermont Event. Rolling course, beautiful foliage, right along the lake! Running by apple orchards, Chickens, farms.....really beautiful. And then cider donuts at the finish!!! My friend got a picture of me eating one as proof that I will eat a donut!!!!

But to my original point.....I have a lot of work to do to prep for Tucson and it just seems to close now!!!! This was a good run though and showed me that I might be able to do what coach has predicted. We shall see.......no time to waste. Going to chug some water and hit the sack.....

the journey

2011-10-10T17:57:00.001-07:00

What a week. Anticipation of a software upgrade that we have been working on for almost a year......another 10K race the morning before....ugh. These short races are so hard for me!

The 10K race was truly much more stressful than the work event. The reason why is because I define myself by how I do at these stupid things. I get nervous for these races like I used to get for exams or music auditions. If I cannot get an A, then I have major fears. This was definitely a "B" race, if you had to apply a grade.

I woke in the AM, extra early. My plan was to get up early, run hard, and the nap before I had to work overnight. I figured the extra hard run would help me rest.

well..I woke up early.....had coffee, and headed off to the race. I headed out for my warm up mile and all of a sudden I got weak shoulders and chills and a cold sweat...legs felt like rubber! Low blood sugar. I know the feeling. I kept going though. Sometimes you can experience this for a minute and then it passes and it is fine, which I had hoped was the case. I did a mile or so warm up...and at the end I thought to myself...if this does not pass, I am not sure I can finish.

I lined up and took off. The first mile was about a 7 minute pace. Felt like a normal first mile. But the next 1/2 mile was painful....I felt that weakness pass through my shoulders and legs and so I backed off a bit. I recall at the 2 mile mark, just stopping for a couple seconds, bending over and seeing if I could just get dizziness to pass. I was not in any "pain" muscular wise...but chemically something felt off. I pushed on though. I told myself that this was just lactic acid and I was acclimating to the hard work. I hit a few patches where all felt good, however the dizziness and nausea just kept coming in waves. But, I pushed on. Then I think it was at about mile 4.5 or so...that I just stopped. Bent over and was shaking like a leaf. I wanted to just throw up. I was scared and angry all at once. Angry because I have run harder workouts and felt better. Scared because I thought I was going to pass out. Pissed off because...come on, this is 6.2 miles! I have never felt like this in a marathon! What the heck!!!!!!!!!!

A young guy passed me and said "come on, you are holding such a great pace...." I picked myself up and tried to go. I did hold back quite a bit...just on the verge of passing out for the next mile or so.

I got to the finish and as I neared I slowed down and then barely walked across. I just wanted to collapse.

I kept getting waves of a cold sweat, and shaking and weakness. Completely glucose depleted. I have had this feeling a handful of times before in training. I was so upset. But live and learn.

My Coach asked if I had breakfast...."um, nope" I did not think about it.

I got home and tried to nap. The good news is that the legs felt fine. I was not able to run the pace that would really stress them. 7:27ish pace was my average pace. That is a moderate tempo run. The good thing was that the run was so taxing physically and mentally, that working overnight for 13 hours with a stressful upgrade seemed easy in comparison.

So , live and learn. Lessons learned: Eat Breakfast before a race...another lesson...dont get pissed off!!!! I just got done telling my daughter this week that learning, even if you get a C, should be more rewarding than never learning , never trying and always getting A's. Perhaps I should take a dose of my own medicine...

Leaf Peeping.....not for this gal....

2011-10-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have decided to pass on Leaf Peepers tomorrow. It is a beautiful run if weather cooperates, but given the current weather forecast I am just as well off sleeping in and running outside if weather clears, and if not, I hit the gym. Treadmill/track combo...it has gotten me through two Boston marathons and several others as well! There is something to be said about the treadmill. If nothing else it teaches solid pacing and discipline! You set it at 7.5 or whatever and just go. You don't have to think or worry about holding a pace.

It is kinda nice for the tempo workouts also for the same reasons. Intervals, I still prefer to hit the track. Hoping to still get in one or two track sessions before the snow covers it! It is so cool to run on the track where I once was not even able to finish a mile at the physical fitness test!

Running was always something that just made me cry as a kid. I always came in last, felt like I was dying...it was awful. It was not until after I had kids that I started to run again. It was the easiest thing to do when a moment of opportunity arrived. There is nothing quicker than throwing on sneakers and heading out the door. Even a quick 10 mins was enough to bring a sense of calm to a young mother. Now it requires 12-15 miles! And as I typed that I realized that is the age of my kids....too funny!!!!!

Of course I love my kids. I was just telling someone today how my kids HATE missing any marathon and are usually very proud of me. Lets see how long that sticks! If I get so lucky to get into Boston again, we shall see if they still want to come!

In order to ensure I get into Boston again, I will need to run 3:25 or better. That would secure a spot. The qualifying time for my age will be 3:45, but in order to secure a spot I have to beat that by 20 minutes. So, for anyone that knows me, that is my new goal. To be able to sign up for Boston on day 1!!! My best marathon time to date is 3:37. This means that this girl has work to do!!!

I do think it is cool what Boston has done though. Their qualifying times are now harder than NYC....and makes it again the prestigious event it has always been. And a new challenge for me. Although I must say that training for Boston when living in Vermont is just not ideal.

Now I need to find a marathon that I can run late August so that perhaps I can qualify for 2013.

And while I write all this...truly that is the "A" goal. As always I am very pleased and happy anytime I finish a marathon or any race or any run for that matter. While goals are good and keep me alive I am also acutely aware of how lucky I am to wake everyday and have my legs and health to carry me even down the stairs......

The power of a run.....

2011-09-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

This past week a very good friend of mine lost her son. No mother should ever have to bury their son. It was heartbreaking and still is. How quickly my fabulous weekend came crashing down on Monday at 7AM. My heart just filled with pain for my friend.

This friend is one that encouraged me to run my first marathon! I did not think I could do it, but she told me that I easily could. We trained together for my first two marathons. Long runs with "treat breaks". She always tucked away the best treats. Mini kudos bars, mini Gatorade, jelly beans....she loved her food stops! She would tell me funny stories....and we just ticked off the miles together. I miss my long runs with her. We would recount the dramas of the week, or lack of. Or we would struggle the first few miles if the night before happened to be a night out! Since that time our running has gone different directions. She has become an ultra runner and I remain your marathoner always looking for a PR. But we remain good friends, always connected at the heart. She was also at the marathon where I qualified for Boston the first time. She was injured when we went, but she went anyway, and told me that she was going "just for me.". The most loyal type of friend you could want. I recall as I was training for that marathon that I got hurt, and I almost threw in the towel and she told me to "cut it out" and "push through", and I did. I can thank her for that success as well. Then as I headed into my first Boston I got injured again. I debated going and she looked at me and said "Tania, it is Boston. Go, just jog and have fun. You never know if you will have this chance again.". And I went.......and I did not run well, but I had fun.

At the service for her son, her boyfriend told me that they had already been out for a few 5 mile runs. I breathed a sigh of relief. She was going to be okay!!!! She said, "Tiny, it is easier to run, than not to."

There is something about the "run". It is cathartic, and invigorating, hard, daunting, rewarding, boring at times, truly all lifes emotions bottled up in a single event. You end it feeling satisfied and fulfilled. I owe my running to this dear friend. She was also the first one to run with me after I witnessed the passing of a dear friend.

Today was a hard day for me emotionally. I just wanted to curl up and not move. But I did. And I just got back from a very humid and sweaty run but guess what? I feel better....
I have nothing to feel bad about really, but was just feeling kinda blah.

So back to the non touchy feeling junk.

It was a strong running week.
Tues: 6
Wed: 4
Thurs: 8 (5 of those at 7:30)
Today: 5
Tomorrow I will do 12 and am looking forward to it as usual.

My paces are good. 8:15 - 8:30 seems to be cruise control these days. I am so anxious to see what I can do at my next marathon. My last marathon pace was 8:17. I think I can better that now. I am training smarter and harder. Not more miles, but very focused pacing and most runs are quality runs.

I end the week feeling so lucky to have my limbs. I do realize that could change at any moment and I dont take a single step for granted.

So thank you my dear friend for giving me the gift of running. Love!

runners dream....

2011-09-18T16:39:00.000-07:00

Crisp cool temps, sparkling lake, sun shinning....this is a runners dream really.
To be able to wake up and run at whatever time the body says "go" is truly heaven. This was my weekend!!! I did not have to fight weather, or schedules. I was truly able to pick my time.

Yesterday I woke up late and did a whole bunch of laundry and chores. All the while I kept anticipating the run. But "saved" it for just the right moment. I think I finally headed out around 2 or 3. Did a real easy run around the streets of Colchester. As I was running I was thinking "boy, I just want to go forever" but was saving it for today.

Ten miles along Lake Champlain. I am a lucky girl. Wonderful bike path, healthy body!! Several years ago I would have never thought I would run a marathon, a 1/2 marathon or even a mile. Years ago I dealt with many many health issues and so every run is just a blessing, it truly is! When I am able to complete a run, feeling good, both body and mind, it is like a gold medal. It tells me that I have taken care of myself and that life is in balance. Today, all was in balance.

I wish I could bottle up this feeling, because you know that tomorrow when kids need to get off to school and work demands pile up that all perspective will be lost. The clear perspective that you have after a great run -- gone. Until the next one that is.....

rest? what is rest???

2011-09-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

Today was a "rest" day. I think I need to work on this a bit. Feeling all anxiety ridden, wanting to get a run in, annoyed by life, doing bills, laundry.....is that rest? I ask you! Is that rest??? lol!!!
No, it is not rest at all , and is probably the demise of my entire running "career".

When I can let the legs go and work the cardio, then all the other stuff , (bills, laundry, etc.) seems easy. yet if I run too much then I get hurt. And, if on the rest days, if I dont really rest and just spend it all stressed out...well then, that does not help either. So what? What is the answer.

and do NOT say Yoga! Yoga stresses me out!!!!! :-) Seriously though it does. All that "posing" and just concentrating on breath......jeekers. Lets get movin people!!!! Although I have to say that Rodney Yee has something going on. Am I right ladies???

ok, 'nough of that. Lets talk about the endorphin hang over. Please tell me this is not unique to me. When I run at night I always wake up the next AM feeling like I got run over by a truck! Easy runs at night are fine...but tempo runs, intervals...they always leave me hung over in the AM. What is that all about??? Is this normal? okay.....for all you smarties out there, I know...I am not normal. Last night I did a tempo run of sorts. 2 mile warm up, 4 miles 10K pace, 1 mile cool down. Good run overall. Ended feeling alive, and alert and strong. But the problem was I had to sleep in a couple hours so that I could rest enough to get to work in the AM. Sure enough.....endorphin hang over......
perhaps it is like the "hair of the dog" or whatever is the saying. I would not know...because a drink in the AM just sounds terrible...but perhaps a run in the AM would cure this issue? Just a little jog???

I am just so nervous about injury that running at 7:30 at night and then running at 6 AM when I am barely awake, just does not seem wise. But perhaps it is??? If stress is my issue, perhaps running when the bod wants to is the wise thing to do. Maybe I am stronger than I think? Maybe I should just run when the body and spirit says go?

Who knows.......
Life, what an experiment.

The weekend!!!! We have clear skies, crisp temps, a runners dream really. I will soak it all up.

I intend to hit that beautiful Path along Lake Champlain a few times. Anyone want to join me???

Post #90.....

2011-09-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

Just noticed that this is my 90th post. I have managed to post silliness about my running 90 times!? Man - I need a life!

So, the tendon thing ended up being a mild case of peroneal tendonitis. Three visits to Ontrack, some gentle gentle jogs, lots of rest days, lots of icing, heat, stretching ....and VOILA! She is back.

This past weekend I ran 4 on saturday and was able to run a normal 8:20ish pace and the tendon just felt tight, but not painful with the push off like it was last week. Then on Sunday I figured I would head out and run 3 miles, and then assess, if all was good, I would stretch, run 3 more...assess..yadda yadda. Finished up 8 miles and I was pain free! YIPPEE!!! This is the first time in ages where I have been able to manage through a minor injury without it turning into months off. It was a beautiful fall run on the bike path. Every time I run out there I just feel so lucky to live just miles away from such a scenic spot. 8 mile run on a paved path on the lake. How lucky is that??? And even luckier that I have healthy legs and lungs to carry me the distance. I dont take a single run for granted, each one is a blessing in its own.

Tonight I did an easy 6 mile run, few pick ups, it was fun. Goes by way too fast.

So what is the goal? Well, the goal is always just to stay in shape, but I did just sign up for the Tucson 1/2 marathon! This is my replacement event since I will not be going to NYC. This will be much less expensive and probably more fun in many regards. Hoping to really race this one and see what I can do. It is a good race course. Relatively small event. My sister also lives just minutes away so you can drive to the start and I get to stay with my sister! I of course plan to stay a few days after also. This event is solo, no other family will come with me. Will get lots of sister time....and niece time. I cannot wait.

I just have to get in shape for this race. 12 weeks and lots of training to do.

Eat, sleep, drink water, run....repeat. That is my schedule for the next 12 weeks!

Shoes: I am thinking of trying a more neutral shoe. I am a bit nervous about changing it up too quickly however. Lately my sneakers just feel like a lot of...well, sneaker. It was suggested by a few that I try to migrate to a more neutral shoe and even get into some racing flats. I will try to do so cautiously. Maybe I will take a field trip to the ski rack this weekend and get fit for something. Buying new sneaks - nothing is more fun! Okay...well buying new running clothes too...that is pretty fun.

ok, see this is the thing about running in the evening. Now I am all wired up! Anyone wanna go out?????

Long time no post!!!

2011-08-27T14:47:00.001-07:00

Boy- I must have been busy this summer! no post and I have been running a ton!

I am just thrilled to have been able to stay healthy. The long runs have not exceeded 13 miles, but I am totally fine with that.

I have adjusted my goals. I have been spending the summer working on strength and speed and keeping the long distances to a minimum. I have had some great runs. The last 10 miler I did was at 7:54/mile I think. Really just felt like cruise control. That was a great sign of progress.

I decided about a month ago to not run a marathon this fall. I had planned to run NYC, but the expense was just daunting, plus my short term goals are not for a mediocre marathon. So, I am out 200 in registration fees, but the way I see it I have saved $1200 on hotel and 800 on flights! See, i am not going to tromp to NYC, deal with getting to the start logistics(worse than BOSTON) by just going in for the event. When I run NYC I will go for a few days and soak it up. So, another year.

The plan, what is my plan? Well, I want to get better at these shorter distances, see what is in me for speed. Given that I am 42 probably not a ton. But hey, it is all relative. I am running faster now than I ever have. Lets see what the lady has.

I ran a 10K last weekend. 45:03. 7:15 pace. Came in second in my age group and 6th overall. It was a great run. It was really cool to be out in front alone. There were only 5 infront of me and only one person passed me the whole way. I could really just get in my groove and concentrate. the road was extremely cambered and my ankle felt it. so I rested four days and I am being really careful right now with returning. Feels like an aggravated tendon. I ran 4 yesterday and felt it...but definately better. Today I ran 5 and by the end the pain was GONE and I was jumping all over the pace. At this point, it really just feels like it needs gentle running to loosen up. To be safe we are icing and elevating at the moment. Blogging will make the 20 minutes go by quicker!

I have been doing lots of tempo running, track workouts, "marathon" pace runs. I am starting to feel like a real runner.

It will be interesting to see what I can do at my next marathon next spring or fall. The short race thing is kinda fun though. I am starting to see what effort I can tolerate for what distance. And, I enjoy the effort.

Tomorrow I will rest again. And may be forced to anyway. Hurricane Irene coming. I just dont feel like it is going to be a big deal, but perhaps I am wrong. Wont be the first time, Lord knows!

ok, cool - 20 minutes done. Now I can take this ice off, shower, and grab a glass of vino!

Cheers!

I continue to learn...

2011-07-08T16:44:00.000-07:00

Since my last workout.....

The sore throat amounted to nothing. Although i was advised to cut the long run that following Sunday to 12 as opposed to 15. I was upset. Did that mean I was weak, could not take it? I am sure I can run 15 miles. But what would the quality be like? I accepted that and ran 12. It was a great run. The tempo run that followed on Tuesday was good. Solid.

Then I woke up on Thursday, workout was 10x400. I decided to try this on the Colchester High School track, home of my failing every mile run I had to do in High school. I was never a runner.. I always came in last and felt like I was dying. Who would have thought I would qualify and run the Boston Marathon twice! Life is amazing. Back to the workout. I met my mentor there. He timed and encouraged me. I am lucky to have such a person helping me. Workout was great. The track felt slippery and that was a tad nerve wracking, but I just let the legs go. Each 400 was right about 1:39 - 1:40.

4th of July! I "raced" my first 5K. I have participated in 5K's before but not gone out to really race. It was hard! Marathon is not hard for me, I just feel like I am putting in "medium" effort for 3.5 plus hours. Almost 23 minutes of torture, that is hard. And not all physical torture, but mental, the whole thing. The good news, or not....it gave me a challenge. I want to master this now. Controlled hard effort...tricky, very tricky. Every second counts, every breath, every thought. intense. Right up my ally in many ways.

Then the interval workout this week, 12x400. Awesome - simply wonderful. I jogged to the track , a little warm up. I arrive to see 2 other men on the track. "um, hello, get off my track!!!!!" Was kinda surprised to see anyone. One person left. Another stayed and was doing the same workout I think but his rest time opposed mine. Although he arrived 20 mins after I got there and left 20 mins before me...so I guess it was not the same workout as I think it through. Anyway, the legs just moved. Moved much more smoothly than the 5K race. I think the race was a mental issue. Afraid to hurt, afraid to fail and just afraid and so....blah race. I know I can do better. And then on the other hand i think how many 42 year old women would kill to run 3 miles in under 23 mins.

Tonight the quads are starting to talk to me. Time to visit the foam roller I think. No pain, just heaviness. "Thunder thighs" comes to mind! I feel like amazon woman at the moment.

okay, time to hydrate, foam roll, sleep. AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH, friday night!

sick -- really???

2011-06-26T16:50:00.000-07:00

After my workout on Thursday my throat hurt a bit. I figured it was just irritation from breathing so hard, and maybe just dry. On Friday it was tender, felt inflamed. I freaked. I started Airborne, and Zicam. I drank so much tea with honey and lemon that day that I was so full I could barely eat real food!

Friday night I went to the Relay for Life. I did not plan to stay due to feeling like a cold might be coming on. But I had to see my mother walk the survivor lap. I mean, I know she walks everyday, and it is all pomp and circumstance, but it is a really nice time to pause and remember her fight, our fight. I have participated in the relay for life since its 5th year. It was so small back then. At that time I did not have any immediate family that had been impacted. 12 years later and it seems like my whole family has been hit. My mother, my mother in law, my father in law, grandparents, friends. ay yi yi. All the more reason to love and live each day as much as you can.

So back to the running.

Today it was suggested that I cut my scheduled 15 back to 12. This was due to the fact that my throat got so sore after Thursdays run. No sense taking chances I guess. The run was really good. I stayed at the easy pace that he suggested. 9:00. There was an 8:40 , and 8:50 and a few other sub 9 miles in in there, but I did pull back per suggestion. I ended feeling strong and pleasantly fatigued. I am trying real hard to learn to listen to the body. To not run too slow at the cost of form just to get miles in. My body does not seem to like any pace slower than a 9 pace. That is about as slow as I can go without my form being weird and feeling all stiff and stuff.

my Lord, this stuff must be so boring to the non runner, or any runner but me. at best I will have a little life journal I can share with my kids some day.

okay, time for bed.

summer time, summer time sum sum summertime!

2011-06-23T16:47:00.001-07:00

....and training time! This past week was the first week I felt like I worked a little. Meaning I had to really focus on sleep, rest, nutrition so that I would be prepared for workouts! I LOVE it!

I did end up running with a group this past Sunday. Not the sunday before as I had stated that I had hoped to do in my last post. I finally got up the courage. I ran 13 miles with some familiar and new faces. It was fun and at times uncomfortable. The course was not one I knew, infact I do not know the roads in that area at all. While I ran, I was not only trying to figure out where I was but wanting to stay on pace. Couple that with Carrying water. I hate carrying drink with me, but 13 miles in the sun requires some water for this gal. It was MUCH hillier that what I am used to doing on my long runs. For fear of being lost I tried to keep up with a group that was running about 8:30 , and at times 8:00. My target for this run was 9. ay yi yi.....but I did not want to get lost. I managed to stay with folks, but I was more fatigued that I like to be for a long easy run. At this point in training those long runs should be comfortable...I was not comfortable at all. I will say however that the last 3 miles were nice. We ended the 10 mile loop and I mentioned that I was going to do 3 more. One gentleman said "sure,I will join you!". I was pleased to have company. This guy did not have ANY water. In amazing shape really and I am guessing 15 years older than I am. I only guess that because he has daughters in their 20's. Seems to be a runner like me, not many short races and just runs to run! Anyway, we ended the run nice and easy.

I was pretty tired all day. The pace was just more than what this body was ready for. I need to remember that I am doing tempo and intervals each week also so I cannot just crank it on those long runs! ugh. Perhaps I will go this weeks long run alone. I do miss my favorite running buddy of all time.

Anyway, back to technical details. I have ALOT of work to do. Tempo pace is right at about 7:30. 3 miles at 7:30 with warm up and cool down. At 6 Am it is hard.....alone it is hard...but it is also very rewarding and meditative. While I run I focus on breath and relaxing the legs and before you know it, voila! It is over. I definately need to work on some speed though. That should be an easy workout.

Today I did 8X400 at 1:45 for each interval. The first was right at 1:45..the following were anywhere from 1:45 - 1:41. I really focused on hitting that specific pace, since that is what my dear mentor told me to do! I felt steady and strong. it was fun. I love intervals.

so what the heck am I training for??? Got me. I have not zeroed in on a race yet. I am truly focusing on training smart, listening to the body, proper nutrition, heart rate, etc. When the time is right, I will run a good race. That is the goal.

Tomorrow is "rest day" and so I will swim and do a core workout. The pool always feels good after a weeks worth of running! While I swim I will think about and start to mentally prep for a nice easy "loosen up" run on Saturday and then a nice long easy 15 mile run on Sunday... The decision is still, run alone or with a group.... hmmmmmmmmm....

oh...and I love my new Tibia!!!! I just love running without that awful pain. Everyday I wake up , hop out of bed, and the tibia does not hurt I am still elated!

FRIDAY

2011-06-10T15:40:00.000-07:00

...waiting for my girlfriend to pick me up to take me out for a birthday dinner, and so what better way to kill time. The hubby is out mowing the lawn, kids are in the pool, I am all dressed up and waiting to go!!!!! Church and Main tonight!!!! Jazz Fest is also going on so parking should be fun. I do love church street this time of year though. Everyone relaxing, having fun....

Running week has been really good. Did 5x800 on Tuesday. Easy 4 on Wed and then a marathon pace run on Thursday. Today - REST!!!!! I took a complete rest day. I have been advised that one a week is important. And so I am doing my homework...resting. No workout, relaxed at work..going out with a friend...BUT excited for a run weekend.

Not very long runs this weekend. Just 4 tomorrow and 10 on Sunday. But to mix it up , I plan to go run with the GMAA crowd. I have not run with them before but figured it could be fun. I prefer to run alone when the runs get long...but for these mid distance ones, perhaps this will spice it up! I dont like this particular distance much.. I miss my really long runs!!! However, I am enjoying some speed work during the week, and so I just consider it $$ in the bank. I will spend it all on Tuesday when I do my tempo run!

Girlfriend is here! Time to go eat!!!!

near miss

2011-06-06T16:48:00.000-07:00

Back pain is GONZO!!!! Honestly I am truly amazed. I decided to look up a chiropracter because I had a feeling it was all stress. And perhaps related to sleeping on a very hard floor after a hard run workout. So I googled "Chiro, sports, vt". Gotta love the interweb! ( I love that term, stolen from one of my dear friends). Anyway, I went in for a treatment. They do Active release technique. I was skeptical of just chiro because I did not want a quick fix. These folks sounded like they would treat and teach and that is what I was after.

I walked out after one treatment feeling 60% better. Went back and was 80%. So I decided to run after 5 days of rest. It was a stressful week so rest is a relative term. But after treatment I did 4 miles easy. Next day 8 miles with some strides. Today I feel almost 100%. I am sold. I joked with Pat that I was going to ask this guy to move in with me!!!!

I swam today, soaked in the hot tub, stretched....I am ready for another run tomorrow. Some 800's. Should be fun!

Oh, I also need to learn when and when NOT to do weights and core. I did a bunch of core stuff on Saturday and my abs were KILLING me on Sunday for the first 5 miles of my run. I have to get the timing of the strength training down.

Ok, son wants the computer back...so here we go, posting the blog and I have not edited or spell checked....sorry readers!

Back pain...really????

2011-06-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

I have been so smart with my running...going easy. Not running if it hurt. Just really wanting to run healthy. So where the heck did this lower back pain come from???? It was Tuesday and I could not sit for more than 15 minutes and my very very low back, almost tailbone just hurt. I was popping 4 advil at a time! I have not taken Advil in MONTHS and so now my stomach was upset to boot. My stomach cannot handle meds or vitamins. stupid Stomach.

Anyway, I decided to call a chiropractor. I have never been to one! The place i went to does Active Release Technique. I figured I would give it a try. The only reason I wanted to try it as opposed to seeing the PT I usually do, is that my back just felt cramped. Like a good "crack" would help it. And, these folks seem to mix PT and chiro. Worth a try.

Well, I left there feeling sooo much better. amazing really. We shall see how long it lasts. I know I need to strengthen my core and glutes....I know, and I try. I know that I should not rely on an "adjustment"...but I needed some instant relief. This advil was killing my stomach.

well, no advil tonight..the back aches, but nothing serious. I will try a little jaunt in the AM. Perhaps it will help my mood..it usually does.

Love, Family and running

2011-05-30T19:19:00.000-07:00

Phew -- what a week it has been. Baby sister got married on Saturday. It was more emotional and beautiful than I could put to words. VCM followed on Sunday and I debated if I should run 1/2 or not. I decided a couple weeks ago that perhaps it would be the best thing for me. It would keep the post wedding emotions down and give me time to reflect and get back to normal life, doing what I love -- running.

This would be my first 13 mile run since last December! I was not sure I trusted myself to just go easy and not try to race the thing and then just re-injure, but I went for it anyway. What other marathon can you attend where you just find street parking and then walk to the start! I love that!

I was slated to run the second half, but met my team mate at the start to see her off. I love watching the start of the marathon! I stood around and saw a few friends, chatted it up, got a bit wet from all the rain, but it was fun. Then I took off for Oakledge to get the hand off. As I stood there the rain stopped and the humidity sky rocketed! oh great, heat and humidity! I HATE running in those conditions. My friend came in and said "it is Hot Tania..." and hot it was. Mile 3 and I was drenched. I just ran real easy and steady, made sure to keep the heart rate and breathing nice and easy and took in fluids and electrolytes at every aid station. The beauty of this run was that I was not racing and so I could run easy, stop and take my time at aid stations and just stay healthy in these icky conditions. I don't recall ever seeing as many people off the course and passed out. It was nasty. There were red signs up at aid stations "High Health Risk". Kinda Scary!

I did come across a few friends on the course and ran a bit with them.

I tell ya, doing a long run at an event is kinda fun! Kind of an expensive way to get a long run in though. I also felt guilty when folks would say "good job". I was thinking to myself "not really...i am just out here for my Sunday jog."

In any event! I came home, hydrated more! I then cleaned up all the left over wedding stuff around the house. Still cannot believe that baby sister is married!!!

honeymoon is over

2011-05-22T18:30:00.000-07:00

For the last 10 weeks I have been nothing but thrilled on EVERY run. Just happy to be able to run. I was still in the mindset that it did not matter how fast I could run. It only mattered that I could run without pain! I have no clue what happened today but I am not happy with the run at all.

12 miles. Pollen everywhere, and my allergies are bad!!!! I was tired when I woke up and knew I would have to ease into the day before I hit the road. Suddenly I had a child pick up and other logistics to plan around so I was forced to head out early and it was not pretty. My heart-rate was high, and I felt light headed. The first 6 miles were fine (slow but fine)....but the second 6 were just mind over matter. I was getting frustrated with the slow pace and my heart rate. Perhaps I should have just hung it up. But I dont have many days to get a long run in and so this was my chance. I just went slow...real slow. It was warm also. I think it was around 75 and I am just not used to the heat. I ended up with Sun burned arms and really dehydrated. Also, as is with every training cycle, I forgot to bring an electrolyte source with me. I forget that over 10 miles I need some sort of electrolyte because I am a salt sweater! time to stock up on endurolytes!

I totally had my bitch on the rest of the day. Took me all day to rehydrate. I think my heart rate is still up around 100. I am trying not to be frustrated but I am. Then I try to tell myself...."Tania, you would have killed to have a run like that about 3 months ago!" And so, I have been trying to give myself a pep talk all day, but it aint workin yet!

Tomorrow I swim. Gym bag is packed. Looking forward to just a nice easy swim.

And while I moan and groan I am still happier that I did the run than have quit. I dont quit. Never have, never will. I would rather have died out there. Call it stubborn, call it stupid, it is just how I am wired.

Lets hope for a good nights sleep and a nice relaxing swim! Oh and lets also hope for less pollen and that the new allergy medicine works!

where to run this summer....

2011-05-19T19:16:00.000-07:00

I saw some pictures of the colchester causeway today. So so sad to see it all, well, not looking itself. Of course the water and nature will ALWAYS be beautiful, but to see the nicely groomed trail ruined in several spots was tear jerking. I am sure I am not the only one that has had many nice runs/walks/bikes..hugs with a loved one (which I witnessed on several runs) or whatever, on that wonderful wonderful trail in the middle of the lake!

And so I need to find another beautiful place to run and one that will fill me up like that place did. I think that will be hard, but hey, I have tackled harder in my life! :)

Tonight I ran a mile loop around the Edge. I got butterflies about doing this workout, similar to a first date! And, in many ways it was! I have not done a hard outdoor workout since probably last August/September??? I have had this shin injury for so long. But the shin/tibia is totally healthy. Feels so nice to run and I have NO pain...in my legs anyway. The cardio..well, it needs work now. I swear if the cardio and legs could get it together I might actually be a runner one day.

OK, back to the work out. Plan was: 2 mile warm up. the next 3 miles, 8, 7:45, 7:30, 1 mile cool down. Warm up was fun, easy, tried to just get psyched for the "run". Then the 8 min mile, well I "went out" too fast. I pulled it back and really tried to reign it in. I did end up running 7:56 for that mile. The next, more wild. I just cannot seem to control a steady/hard effort. My pace was all over the pace. 6:40, 7:50. well, something to work on. I have only been back to running 10 weeks and so I am pleased I even finished the workout. Last mile did average 7:30 but it was the same pace fight...at one point I was going 6:19. come on!!! That is dumb. I could never hold that. I need to really learn some control...and I will!!!!! Training, that is what training is all about right. This will give me something to work on the next 4 months! I am ready too! Ready physically, emotionally, just ready to tackle a real training cycle. Can you all send me good wishes...wishes that I dont get hurt and that I keep listening to the bod!

Tomorrow is a welcomed rest day.
The weekend is all easy running. 4 easy on Sat and the 12 easy on Sunday. Nice easy 12 miler...looking forward to that.

Okay, the legs are saying "tania, can we please go to sleep?" and so off to sleep I go!

Bloggety blog

2011-05-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Feel like I want to post something but not sure what. How is that to catch a readers attention eh? Who knows, maybe no one reads this. Whatever, sometimes it is just therapeutic to let the thoughts flow and the computer does not talk back and get its feelings hurt either; extra little bonus.

This is a running blog and so okay, I will chat about that, even though i hate talking about running...LOL!!! Last week was a great run week. 30 solid miles. Some faster than my old marathon pace just to test things out. I recovered so well between each run. That little tibia is handling 5 days of running and no ill effects. In fact I cannot recall the last time I ran 30 miles over 5 days and did not have a pain to point out. I am so paranoid though. Constantly massaging the calves. My husband said "Tania, maybe you injured yourself but touching the dang thing so much." Ya right....I can put enough pressure on my calf to fracture the tibia...I don't think so.

I have been hovering at 26 - 30 miles for 4 weeks now. I am craving the build up, the cycle of training where you work hard, rest hard. I love it. In fact I love training just as much if not more than the race itself. This training cycle is even more fun. I truly have no goal race...I have a couple that I have signed up for but I want to take the training and progress as it comes and race when the bod says "Tania, time to race." I want to soak up all the gains I can possibly make and recognize some potential whenever the spirit and body says go! And then I will want to do it all over again.

So, Mohawk Hudson and NYC are both registered for. Regardless of what happens, I will be in NYC. I might do a run walk if I have raced before hand at Mohawk Hudson, it might be a training run if training is going well, it might be the race if timing predicts such. We shall see. Although, NYC is not a marathon to race due to crowds. My "Race" is middle of the pack which is CROWDED! And don't you love that about this sport. It is totally customizable per ability and you still get to be with a group. Love it love it love it.

And that last thing made me think..if you are used to being alone in a crowd...marathon is YOUR sport. I swear it! Because that is how each marathon feels. Just a little interjection there.

back on topic, oh ya that is right, I have no topic or point really. I wish I did, but sorry folks.

Back to the dang tibia...the PTSD associated with the fracture has let up a bit. I ran 10 miles on Sunday and at one point I was not even thinking about the leg, not doing the constant evaluation, and just ran. Felt so so good. Did an easy 3 mile warm up, 5 at 8:13 and then 2 mile cool down. My only complaint - it went by tooooo fast!!!! My favorite point in training is that 23 mile long run, and you are fit, and ready to race....wish I could do that every weekend!

Marathon training - it is kinda like life, actually very much like life. So why the heck do I keep doing this to myself!!???? A second life?

Head case

2011-04-28T19:04:00.001-07:00

Leave it to me to stress out over anything! Due to very wise advice, I decided to train by heart rate. OK, so now I stress over my heart rate. And, it is a double whammy. I will look at my heart rate and pace and if it is not what I like well I get mad and the heart rate goes up! And so does the pace but not in good proportion. I think I need to run without either. I think I need a coach that will take the Garmin from me, I will wear the heart rate thingy, and they can run beside me and not tell me anything until the end.

And you are saying, " well just dont look at the thing". Yes, simple and true advice, but very very hard. I was thinking of actually putting the garmin in a pocket toward the back of me. A place that is not easy to reach. This way I would not even try to get it. Ok...lets try that on the long run this Sunday. That may be the perfect time.

You know, there was a day (pre garmin) when I ran without even a watch. I trained for my first marathon without any "devices". Truth be known however, that I have really only been running for 10 years at most. The first 3 or so years were just 2- 3 mile jaunts, at a very very slow pace. Running was hard for me. I remember in High school, or Middle school for that matter, HATING and DREADING the mile run test. I was ALWAYS last and I thought I would die. I HATED to run.

I cannot remember the exact turn around point for me..it was probably gradual. But I do know that after my second child ( My beautiful Erin) that I started to go out and run around the neighborhood. A perfect mile. And I would jog it a few times after work a couple times a week.

somehow this turned into wanting to run a marathon.

So , as I just paused to think, now memory serves. I ended up on a relay team for VCM. I ran a leg and really pushed it. I got to run a leg on the bike path. I remember hearing cheers and one person in particular saying " Nice stride, you run beautifully". I stopped and said thanks and went on my way. When i was done I watched the finish for hours....I kept thinking, " I want to do that. I think I can do that."

It was a couple years later and many set backs and injuries (due to over excitement) and I finally ran my first 1/2 marathon. And shortly after I did finally run my first marathon.

I had no idea that running one marathon meant I would want to do it again! And then I would want to qualify for Boston...and then NYC?? And then to think BQ is not enough?? I have bigger running goals now. And why is that? I dont get paid for this, I will always just be an "average runner", I wont have fame...so what is the drive??? no clue... just passion I guess. Passion for the sport, for life, for moving......I have met the most special people on the "track".

The heart tells all....

2011-04-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday -- tables prepped, food ready, house cleaned, and only feeling sad that we could not somehow fit one more family.....

Anyway...as Pat and Erin put placards out, (easter eggs with names) I went to the fort to run the gravel "track". It is really the ideal place following winter to get back to the road. You can run the dirt for a mile, and then road for a mile and etc....easing back into the road after a long winter of treadmill. Or for me, it was a long winter of pool, bike, ellipt, weights, xrays... :-)

So the run, ya, it was awful. I had my garmin with heart rate monitor on. I was so excited to run outdoors. The run would fuel my day! Well, so I thought. I started to JOG, was only going like 9:30 and my heart rate was already 140. "Okay, something is wrong"....I ran at 8:40 the other day an my heart rate was 148. What is going on? I just kept going. It did not feel hard but the heart rate thing said otherwise. My legs felt fine...but sporadic. My pace was 8:20, then 9:40, then 9:05...it was everywhere. I tried to relax, focus on the breath and footfall, but nothing was working. By mile 4 my heart rate was 170. Part of me just wanted to rip off the dang heart rate monitor. it was stressing me out!!!! LOL!!!! Honestly though, it was. So mile 5 I just decided to go by effort. The fort is circular and the wind was head on for about 1/2 and at my back for 1/2 and so surely the pace would vary so I did not worry about that. Regardless of not worrying about that my heart rate was hight. The really odd thing is that it did not feel "hard"though. Which tells me that when the heart is working I dont interpret that as hard, but if the legs hurt that is another story. So what is the correlation. Not sure yet, but I am sure there is some connection. Perhaps my heart can out run my legs. I cannot feel heart effort, so by the time my legs hurt, it is too late. Just a theory.

A theory perhaps listening to. Perhaps I should listen to the body before it screams and is broken.

As it turns out I got home from my run and was dizzy. Breathing deeply hurt my chest, and by mid day I was coughing and sneezing.

Today I clearly have a cold. And so that is why the run felt "off"!!!!

Today was rest day and not sure if I will run tomorrow or not. I am trying to turn a corner here and learn (from my mentor) that to push just for the sake of saying you did may not be good. Perhaps rest and self awareness will make me stronger for the next day, the next run. And perhaps a good nights sleep will be even better! Goodnight...

discipline....

2011-04-23T19:13:00.001-07:00

discipline, patience...that sounds like about as much fun as YOGA! :-)

Seriously though, I am realizing that it is my lack of both that has caused me injury.
This past week was a great running week. 6 strong miles on tues, 5 on Wed, 6 on thurs, and had I not received different advice I would have run again on Friday! I was on a roll so why not right? Well, wrong. I have not run 3 days in a row at my "normal easy" pace since December. So perhaps, as was suggested to me, let the gain sink in and allow recovery. Then I will be able to continue to build carefully. okay..so fine, I took Friday off. Today, did a real real easy 4 miles. Running is almost starting to feel like a massage at the slower paces. (9 min/ mile) While I was running, I was able to go easy because the excitement of being able to run a solid 8 tomorrow was on my mind. 8 miles...that is not a lot of miles to soooo many out there, and truly just a short run when in marathon training. However, having just recovered from a stress fracture, being able to get out there and run 8 miles nice and steady with no bone pain is very exciting. I ran 10 the past two weekends for my "long run", with no ill effects, bod felt fine...but again, I was advised to proceed with caution.

Boston Marathon ! How amazing was that. I dont think I can bike as fast as the winner!!!!! totally totally amazing.

I was not there this year. I came home on sign up day, logged on to find out that registration was closed!!!!! on day one!!!! I cried. Erin cried with me. Closed in 1 day! The first year I ran it , I did not register, nor sign up, until a month after it opened!!!! People are running faster these days! Which is very very cool.... It took about 24 hours or less, and I was fine. I have already been able to run Boston twice and there are those out there that will/did run it for the first time. I HAD to be excited for them! This past monday as the marathon time kicked off, I thought of the person with the mic " Welcome to the 2011 BOSTON MARATHON!!!!". When I heard "Welcome to the 2008 Boston Marathon" I just cried. For so many reasons not even specifically running related. But to have fought, struggled, and reached for a goal and then achieved it......it was amazing. I ran that year injured. 2008 Boston was my slowest marathon ever. I was injured going in, but told myself to go anyway. it was Boston and who knows what life would bring next. Perhaps I would never see the Boston marathon again. Then in 2010 when I returned to the streets of Boston I ran my marathon PR.....requalifying by 13 mins, qualifying for NYC as well, but then missed the dang registration. Life is so crazy.

And this computer is now beeping at me.. apparently the battery is about to die and so I will log off, drink a couple glasses of water and cruise the streets tomorrow AM!

2011-04-15T02:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, where did that year go? Actually I must say, thank goodness that year is gone!
The summer of 2010 was not a good summer at all. My running struggled. The shin that gave me chronic issue before Boston just kept nagging. I ended up falling at the stowe 8 miler which further aggravated things. I was just a running mishap, one after another. Then I was feeling like I had the injury under control! I was ramping up nicely and BAM - stress fracture of my left tibia. Out of no where. Ok, well they dont come from "no where". I think it was ramping up too soon combined with the indoor running track. Who knows.

So, that left me with an interesting fitness routine all winter. Lots of biking, lots of swimming and weights. I got up to a 4500 yd swim! It was actually a lot of fun being back in the pool. I swam a ton as a teenager, was not a runner at all back then.

The winter was fraught with personal issues, family, losing friends, grieving the loss of another friend. It was a long long dark winter both literally and figuratively. It forced me to really evaulate myself, my life and etc. Thank goodness for my wonderful family and friends that lifted me up during this hard time. Friends emerged from the woodwork that I never thought I would be close with. Life is so interesting. I must say that I am super cautious though. After this past winter I am pretty afraid of getting hurt and so sharing and opening up to others about stuff other than this silly running blog is going to take time.

Anyway...I have been running for a month now. Holding 25 miles a week with no pain. It is so tempting to increase every run in duration and intensity, but I am being patient and smart and going real real slow. I have a couple fall marathons planned that I want to run...and run well!

Boston marathon is on Monday -- very thoughtful time for me. The marathon to me is much more than just a run...so when these "anniversary's" of sorts come it makes me thoughtful. I wont run this year, I missed the registration! oh well, there will be others. Instead I will take some time out and spend it with my kids who will be on vacation. But I am already looking back and remembering that day....and thinking over the past year and just very very thankful that the year has passed and I have come out on top despite all the struggles. Life is moving on and the future looks good.

Soooo lucky!!!!!

2010-06-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

yes, it has been over a month since I posted. I am all off schedule, because I do not have one! See, marathon training gives me structure, and so right now, no structure, not post ........

I have to share a wonderful moment that I had the other night. I went upstairs to see my daughter...Her beautiful hair pulled back in a pony tail....sitting on her comfy bed, surrounded by pillows, her favorite blankets and of course Ruthie....her "Baby" (boston terrier dog) . I sat on the floor while she was on her bed typing on her laptop. She was trying to figure out when field hockey practice was. Her cute little fingers, with chipped off nail polish typed away, faster than I can type right now! All the while she was chewing on some fruity smelling gum and blowing bubbles. I just relished in the moment seeing a little girl, loving life, enjoying gum chewing, typing and whatever else would come next. I am a lucky mom!!!!

and speaking of...she just yelled from downstairs...."mom, come here!!!!" and so I am sure there is something very important on TV....."say yes to the dress" or a cool cake from the "Cake Boss"...so I have to go...but will post later about my "rest" from running and the swimming, elipting, weight training....that I have been doing. And I will tell you how my shins.....my shins are now my friend. I am caring for them and they are strong........

Ok.....Erin has yelled again...time to go.

Boston 2010

2010-04-29T08:46:00.000-07:00

I typically hate my taper. I have to tell you ,that the taper for this marathon was perfectly engineered by my very talented coach. Gradual decrease in miles, but maintained intensity. Long runs gradually stepped back. I did not feel flat or depressed or icky like I usually do when I taper. I felt like that by the Saturday before the race, but not much sooner. It was perfect.

We arrived in Boston on Saturday. We checked into our Hotel - the Intercontinental in Boston. What a gorgeous place! I then immediately went to get my race # and hit the expo. I wanted to get that out of the way so that I could just rest and stay off my feet on Sunday. The expo was amazing as always. I opted not to get this years jacket -- just was not in love with it. Surprisingly I did not buy much. I guess I was just not "feeling" the expo.

I slept TERRIBLE on Saturday night. My daughter was kicking me all night long. Keagan was thrashing around on the air mattress..it was awful. Then they got way silly on Sunday AM....it was the typical, annoy mom prior to the marathon ordeal. Works every time though. By marathon day I am dying to be out of the hotel and just releasing some energy.

Pat took Keagan to the science Museum and Erin and I stayed put. We watched TV, I napped on and off all day. Totally not me, but I was really tired. I finally got my lazy butt out of bed and went down to the fitness center and did a real easy 3 mile run. I did .5 of it right at 8:15. This was my secret goal pace. The biggest surprise was that my shins felt PERFECT! My legs felt light..everything felt great. EXCEPT my knuckle. The fancy dancy treadmill had a little console right at my arm swing height, that allowed you to adjust speed and whatever. I kept hitting it and my knuckle STILL hurts today. I really think I chipped a bone or something.

We found a place for me to have my traditional pre race dinner. Chicken, rice and a veg. Red wine of course as well! Carbo loading I do 2 nights before...just a routine I have gotten into. What I usually do is carb deplete for about 4 days, then carb "load" for 2 days, which is basically just eating some simple low fiber carbs at each meal (bread, rice, whatever), and then the last day, I snack when hungry and eat real light all day. Has seemed to work so far. 6 marathons later and I have never had stomach issues and have had plenty of energy.

I think you know that you have crossed some threshold when sleeping in on marathon morning sounds like a good idea. I slept so well on Sunday night. Also - I cut it as close as I could to catch the bus to hopkinton. I was getting ready and I said to my daughter "I wonder if anyone wakes up on marathon morning and says "nevermind"." I was close.

But, on went the number,gels in the pockets of my race ready shorts....and then old sweats on to keep me warm until the start. When I got to Boston Commons to catch the bus, I ran into 2 friends that I was hoping to see! That made the whole morning much more fun.

I really had no clue what to expect for this marathon. I had missed a lot of speedwork sessions, I had to cut out all hills due to my shins....I really had no clue. My secret goals were: 1 - Requalify for Boston (3:50) 2- PR (3:41 or better) 3 - 3:38 or better which would get me a NYC qualification 4 - if all fails finish , have fun and dont get injured.

For the first 1/2 of the marathon I just ran real steady. Did not really push....My goal is to always run the first 13 easy and then if I have juice left, to push it at that point. At the 1/2 mark I was under 3:50 so I started thinking...man I might PR after all. But had not hit the hills yet and so did not get too excited. At mile 22 I saw that I was definitely going to qualify for Boston again...to PR meant to keep pushing...it was hard by mile 22. To get to NYC...that was going to require push and concentration. I stopped at one water stop...probably for 30 seconds. I tried to jog slowly....it hurt.....I then just said to myself "Tania, this is going to hurt no matter how easy you run so go fast...it will be over quicker" And actually getting back on pace felt better than going slow. My last .2 down Boylston was at 7:10. But I was DONE when I crossed the finish. I just stopped and walked....and it HURT. It was hard to walk. But I was elated. I had finished 3:37:01!!! PR by 4.5 minutes...and on a much harder course than my previous PR.

I remember being at mile 24 and thinking..."I think I have found my sport!" I was almost in tears..but I was in too much pain to cry. I crossed a threshold with this training season and this race and not for just all running reasons-- but this is a running blog and so I am not going into the other stuff. I learned to not be afraid of pain and to take it on full force, dont try to avoid it, embrace it when you feel it. I think that is going to really change how I race and train from now on....and most importantly how I handle life. To not be afraid of what painful thing "could" happen but just enjoying the journey even if pain presents. Very liberating.

oh....and a week later, I bought the jacket on line.....amazing how that jacket which I thought was not so attractive before the race is now looking mighty attractive! And even nicer because I got 15% off and free shipping! Yeah me!

major catch up

2010-04-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

so, yes, no post since march 14th. For those of you that know me...that means that there was trouble.

I had to look back on my training log to jog the memory.....I tend to block out bad things.

After the March 14th long run I got a bit sick. I still got in my runs the following week. I did not have any soreness from that 20 miler but was starting to not feel well. I did a mid week 9 miler and did some tempo miles but it was tough. By th 21st , my Sunday long run, I was toast. 4 miles into my run I just did not have it, so I just bagged it. Went to the gym. Biked, weights, stretched....

The next week I tried to get my runs in but the calf/shin was still acting up.
....at this point I am in PT twice a week. Going in the day after my long run...then checking in with coach..then running if OK..then again going for PT before the weekend runs. Such a balance..but between my coach and her brother in law at on track the future was lookin good, I just did not know it.

and so was another week of running and this week was a mid week long run with marathon pace miles. Running 12 miles after work with much of that marathon pace...with a sore shin....just hard. But I got through every run and felt fine....well.,...well managed, thanks to PT and smart coaching.

on Sunday came my toughest 23 miler. Weather did not look good and the goal of the run was to really memorize the pace... do 10 easy....11 marathon pace...then cool down. Wind was bad...and so I had to make a decision. I decided to hit the treadmill for 8, that would be my warm up and then hit the track. I met a friend that would do my toughest miles with me. When I hit the marathon pace stuff it was hard. I was holding 8:25 on average I think, maybe a tad faster...but it was hard by the 7th mile. I hardly talked to my running buddy....I was just not feeling the run....having a hard time...on a stupid track....hating life. BUT!!!!! I knew I had the next day off to recover. I intentionally took that day off because I knew I would be toast. I did finish the run...but man, it was hard.

I went in and got ultrasound, estim and massage the next day......

Then the taper started.

Taper - hate the taper - work issues, personal issues, it all compiled and I questioned whether I should try to run Boston at all.............

But I did.....and thank goodness.

Enough for tonight.....will try to finish up tomorrow...for now, time to rest. Still very very tired from that marathon...........the marathon that changed me.

More late night ramblings

2010-03-14T20:22:00.000-07:00

....yes once again I cannot sleep.

Post long run alertness!

It was a good run though. I am pleased, not thrilled but pleased.
It was a cold damp day....rain in the forecast. I woke up with the shins sending me little reminders.

The goal was 20 miles with 2 periods of "marathon" pace. Whatever that is. I have no clue what my pace will be. But steady effort, one that would not burn me out, that is what I decided to shoot for.

The first 7 miles were between 9 and 9:20. Nice and easy.
Then 5 right about 8:20
then 2 sloooooooow then 4 right about 8:15 last one 8:07.
Then finished up slow again.....real slow....like 9:50.

I was tired. In retrospect I wish I had done those first 7 just a tad slower. More like 9:30. That second spout of faster miles was tougher than I would have liked. Course, perhaps that is why they call it training.

The focus and intensityI felt at mile 18 kinda reminds me of when I was in labor for my first born. Pain, good pain, focus. Now clearly easier than labor....labor was like 12 hours for my lovely son! But same sort of focus and "tunnel vision" you get when you just push through.

Last week at mile 17 I felt great...this week I was tired. Pushing the pace earlier and for longer definately made me work harder.

All in all a good workout.

I soaked in the hot tub, came home...ate chips! I was craving salt!!!!
Then it was off to the mall. Kids needed new clothes. We purchased a few things...but then I lost steam. Had to head home.

And now, I am in front of the fire (gas fireplace) blogging because I cannot sleep.

Late Night Ramblings!

2010-03-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

The human body never ceases to amaze me.

Clearly the past month has been a struggle...I never post when I am struggling. My shins just hurt. Every run hurt. I would start out wondering if I would be able to pull off my run. I never knew if the long run would happen. Very very mentally tiring.

Two weeks ago it finally just hurt too bad to even walk. So...I called in the troops...my coach and her brother in law that is a PT. Between moderate running and treatments, every movement timed carefully, I finally feel good.

Sunday I ran 17. Nice and easy for 14 stopping for water every 3.5..very casual and then cranked out the last 3. 2 at 8:15 and one at 8:05. So for all you "real" runners out there, that is slow, but for me...respectable! On Monday everything still felt good. No shin pain...just amazing. I have not been able to walk downstairs without some pain for months now. To not have pain...amazing.

I was very very tired on Monday....not body tired...nothing was sore, but just foggy head. I could not sleep on Sunday night. That happens after every long run I do over 13 when I have any sort of pace work. Monday I skipped running...just toooo tired.

But tonight! A nice and steady 9 miles. No Pain. I forgot what it felt like to run without pain. I am sooooooo excited. But cautious. I started out at about a 9:40 pace for the first mile. Settled in at about 8:57. VERY slowly increased until the last 3. Then I up'd it and did the last mile at 8. Was real cautious and made sure that there was not any pain. I am so nervous about speed work....just dont want anything to hurt or to get injured. Too close to Boston and 2 critical long runs left.

So yes it is after 10 and I am awake. That is what running at night will do. I really cannot wait for summer when the sun rises early and I can get the run in before work. Just too hard in the winter. Plus this winter I have dealt with the shins. They were just too sore to do anything in the AM!!!!

Late night Rumblings...that is what I should title this post. Yup..that is what I will do ...changing the title, and then calling it a wrap.

Strong Week

2010-02-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I did a very easy 15 miles. Kept it at a 9:30 pace or slower. Was pain free the whole way. I was sooooo excited. I had NO pain after or the next day either. I am really thinking it is the speedwork that is doing this to me.

The weekly runs this week stacked up nicely.
Tuesday I did some 1/2 mile repeats. I did 5 of them at 3:30 and then the last one at 3:20. Felt really good. I find the 1/2 mile repeats an interesting and really fun workout. The first one is always the hardest and then they just gradually get easier. Is that normal?? Even after the 6th I could have done more. It was a good run. 8 miles in total. I also find it very cool how a cool down pace when you are done is just naturally faster.

Next day....shins/calf were a bit sore. I did a real real easy 4 miles. Kept a 10 minute pace. Really just a recovery run.

I was nervous that I may have aggravated things again.

But then on Thursday things seemed a bit better. I decided to head to the gym and see if it was just soreness. a tempo run was on the schedule....10K pace..but decided I would listen to the bod.

I did a 3 mile warm up...right around a 9:20 pace. Everything felt pretty good. Little reminders from my shin but nothing bad. I then decided to do the first mile just at an 8 pace. Not my 10K pace, but wanted to just see how the shin would act.
It was pretty good, but I could feel it. So, I kept the next mile at 8 also. The last mile I did at 7:50 and that felt good too. So not exactly a tempo run, but still some quality work there I think. I then cooled down for 2 miles. So another healthy 8 mile run.

I then just decided to take Friday off. It was an easy run day anyway and figured my first strong week back, a rest day may be a good idea.

This morning everything feels just perfect again! So I think that I am working through this shin/calf thing pretty well. I just have to stay smart.

I will head out this AM and do an easy 4 miles. I think I will leave the Garmin and home and just run. I need to do that atleast once a week to remind myself why I run...it is not for how fast I can go, or how long, or how many miles I can log a week....but because I love it. And so today will be that sort of run.

Tomorrow will be a 16 mile long run with 5 miles of progression at the end. We will see how that goes! That will give me 40 miles this week. Not exactly where I wanted to be at this point, but I will take it. I have to count my blessings. Atleast I have my limbs and can walk/let alone run. Wish me luck cyber running buddies!

Digression - Olympics. Not sure I loved the opening ceremonies, little slow moving for me.. but just seeing the athletes is quite inspiring. I just love sports, whatever it is...I find athletes to be amazing people....the drive, determinination..the whole thing. Amazing. How sad about the young man that died doing a luge run. Soooo sad, yet I think...he died doing something he loves. He did not get to compete officially at the games, but he was there. It is all sooo sad. I was in tears watching that last night. So, I will try to catch the olympics as much as I can.....will be good entertainment and motivation while I log my treadmill miles.

My Most Expensive Outfit!

2010-02-06T07:49:00.000-08:00

I just realized that my most expensive "outfit" is my out door running get up!
I was just thinking...that run I did a couple weekends ago..the hills from hell....well here is how it tallied up.

Compression tights $110
Outer layer tights 75
Underarmor base layer top 50
Turtleneck 50
Jacket $100
Sneaks 90
Hat 15
Socks 10
Total: $500

and....I did not even look cute. But I was warm!
being a "girl" you would think I would drop that $$ on a nice dress or shoes or something...but I on the other hand will shop sales for all my normal clothes but when it comes to running I spare no expense...and the part I love...I really could care less how I look.....one of the many reasons I love the sport. Does not matter how I look...just me, my bod and my spirit out there...logging the miles.

Week 10 - My dreaded week

2010-01-31T16:59:00.000-08:00

I am not sure why this always happens, but at the 10th week of any training plan something happens injury wise that causes me to have to stop. This time it was my calves. My shins have given me intermittant issues for months but nothing that has kept me down.

My run last Sunday was a 16 hilly miles and I had bad dehydration after. Monday I decided to do the Nordik Track to loosen up and also did some core work. Tuesday I did a real easy 6 miles. Things were tight. My shins did not hurt at all, but my calves were sore. Figured it was just the hill work that I was not used to. Probably a little too hilly of a run. Oh well, live and learn. I make a mistake every training season and I think this may have been it. On Wed I actually felt a ton better and so did a few mile repeats. I felt great at the end and the legs felt all loosened up....I thought....the next day I could barely walk!! So I decided to just rest on Thursday. Friday night I tried to run again.....no go. It hurt and I just did not push it. If I nip this now I can make it to Boston just fine. If I push and get injured I will be out...and potentially out for months..so...I have rested all weekend.

Today my calves feel so much better today. But I am going to rest them another two days just to be on the safe side. Worse come to worse I take a couple of weeks and Boston ends up being a training run for VCM. After I got over my short pitty party this weekend, I did remind myself that I am lucky to even have limbs and be able to walk let alone run.

I wish I could figure out why this happens though. I think that orthotics are in my future. I have trained smart....I listen to my body....I have been nutritionally smart...I have done strength training and a ton of core work. It has to be something else.......or maybe I should just not run......yeah right..not an option. I will figure this out. I refuse to give up.....

Hills!

2010-01-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

I mapped out a nice "rolling hill" run for today. 16 miles up and down and into the wind the whole way it seems. I started at my house and ran middle road to Austin house road eventually hit Lost Nation Road and then cut back past the Edge to get home. It was hard..... Running hills is a totally different long run experience than when you stay on flats. My average pace was 9:45......so those hills definately slowed me down.

Mentally it was tough....I had a hard time getting out the door and the nagging shins just take the fun out of it sometimes. But once I was out there it was great. Great until the 20th hill that is! :-) It was still great. I like the hard work. It is the tough runs that are the real deal....real training...where you see gains...and I know that so.....I embrace the suck!

And I made a nutrition and hydration mistake...I did not have enough.
I had about 6 ounces of water total....3 shot blocks...and a couple sips of powerade.
1 hour later and I am so sick to my stomach. Classic dehydration I think. I hate when I do that. Usually the first long run over 13 miles I do this..not sure why. You would think that I would remember. I can be so not smart.

OK....off to grocery shop, do laundry, etc. And hopefully I will be able to eat something soon!

Breakthrough?

2010-01-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

Another agonizing week with the shins....it is always something with me this time of year. I think that spring marathons are just not my gig. Anyway.....

I woke up Tuesday AM and wanted to get my run in early. I had dinner plans with a dear friend for the evening and so I had to get the run in early. Well, this shin thing is worse in the AM. Everything is just stiff. 1 mile into the run and it just hurt...agonizing really and so I stopped. There was a time where I would have canceled dinner to try the run again....runs definitely took priority, but decided not to do that this night. Perhaps a relaxing evening would do the trick.

I had a great dinner at a local restaurant - the Belted Cow. Very Very good food and of course a nice wine list. It was a 2.5 hour dinner with nice conversation, good wine...too many calories, but there you have it. So, although not good for the Boston training and the waistline it was very good for the soul...

Wed night I tried to run again, this time it was much better. I decided to do the run at home on my treadmill, that way if I had to stop 1 mile in, I could reach a glass of wine quicker! :-) Seriously though...it is so hard to stop a work out due to pain and the odds were too high so rather than throw a hissy fit at the gym I opted to stay home. I went real slow - 9:30 pace the whole way and stretched the shins every mile. I got 8 in and the shins were better by the end. Typical typical.

Thursday AM - they hurt again. Typical also. I also started to feel sick on Thursday and so skipped run #2 of the week. I was too sick and tired to care.

BUT -- Friday night! No pain at all! 8 mile progression run, last mile at 7:30 it was great! Maybe all the rest was good! And this morning...no pain! YIPPEE. Ok, lets hope this holds.

It is nice and warm out today and so I will do an easy 4-5 outside and then an easy 10 tomorrow. Luckily this week is recovery week as well which gave me a little mental break from feeling too stressed about all of this.

I am also at an interesting point in the training. My cardio is way ahead of the body. Cardio wise I am not even breathing hard until I hit a 7:20 pace or better. It is the legs that dont seem to like that pace...so we have to work on that. I will just slowly introduce the speed. Sooner or later these legs have to adjust and realize that this is what we are doing right?

Its over!

2010-01-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

Finally - holidays are done. Phew....it always feels like a whirl wind.

So lets see the last time I posted my shins were getting sore. So, I took a week off from running. I did do the elliptical though and that thing kicked my butt! It was hard! Course I did a "planned" workout on it and got the heart rate up. And no, I did not freak about not running. I knew there was more to lose than gain if I ran when in pain. I continued to do my core work and I am getting much better!!!! Those stability and ball exercises are not easy either. My coach has me doing some stuff that also kicks my butt. I will be sweating after 20 minutes of those silly exercises. Good to feel like I am getting stronger though.

I was back to running a week later and the shins feel much better. I went to see my coach and got a massage...everyone says "on nice" when I tell them I am going...folks, those massages are medicinal. They are not relaxing! She will find any tight spot and work it like there is no tomorrow...but I do feel better after! Then we did more core/strength stuff.

All the runs were good this week. Went primarily easy due to it being the first week back.

Tues - 6 (3 at 8 pace or better)
Wed - 5 easy
Thurs - 7 easy

Today I will do up to 5 real easy and then do 15 tomorrow.

The snow is flying and temps are dropping and roads are icing!!! EEEEk, it is at times like this I wonder if Boston is really worth it. Summer training is just so much more fun. On the other hand winter training makes you feel like a warrior! ahahaha..... it is always hard to get out the door on these cold days, but it does feel good after. The long runs are just so hard though in this weather. We are supposed to get some nasty weather tonight and so the though of 15 miles on a treadmill/track is just daunting. But I do it every year. Good mental training if nothing else. Lets hope I atleast run into some people I know.

ok....well off to pack the gym bag. I am going to try to run outside but if that falls apart I will hit the treadmill or track.

Resting

2009-12-20T14:24:00.000-08:00

Last week I was moaning about my run right? Well, it ended up being a ton of fun actually. Ran into friends and the miles flew by.

This week the runs were "ok"....
8 on Tues
7 on Thurs( last 3 were 8 pace or better -- that was fun)
5 on Sat

But the shins were getting sore. So, today I decided I would start with a swim. Then I would hit the hot tub. If the shin felt good then I would run.
Well, I swam for 30 minutes. No clue how far I swam, I just swam...atleast a mile though. Hot tub -- CLOSED! Dangit! When walking to the locker room to change I could feel pain in my shin so decided to just hit the bike.

I went to the Cardio/weight room and all the bikes were taken. This was just not my day. Sore shins, hot tub closed...woe is me! :-)
Anyway, I hopped on an elliptical trainer and just did that until a bike was available.

Finally a bike spot opened up. 30 minutes - 8 miles....totally used different muscles than running!!!!! Nothing like switching it up to make you feel out of shape!

After the bike I hit the track and tested the shin. After about 10 mins I called it quits. There was not much to gain, but injury that is, and so I just head home.

So yes, I got a workout in...but not the one I wanted. But I have to be happy and feel lucky that I was able to swim and bike and ellipt and run for a few minutes.
No fitness lost I am sure....just sad and miss my long run. I will get over it. I am tough....

I think I am finally done Christmas shopping. Picked up the last few items today with Erin. She and I hit the mall for the last time. If I never see the mall again, it will be too soon!

To run or not to run.....

2009-12-13T06:13:00.000-08:00

.....sitting here drinking coffee, cuddled up in bed....so why would I want to head out and run? Especially because weather.com says it is 29 but "feels like" 18 due to gusting winds up to 22 miles per hour. I don't get it..if it "feels like 18" then isn't it just simply 18?

18 and winds is a bit too cold for me. It will end up being a battle of the weather and not a run at all...so forget it. The next decision is run inside? Track, treadmill? Man I am a baby....it is only 10 miles and I am putting up such a fuss.
See this was very therapeutic.....I am reading this and realizing how stupid I sound and so I will head to the gym and get this run in. :-)

I think that it is all the Christmas shopping and such that is wearing me out.
I went to the mall yesterday and what a ZOO i tell ya. Just getting into the parking lot was crazy! Then being in the mall ..... Here were some of the top annoying items. Mind you that it was elbow to elbow packed.
When it is that crowded please don't text while walking...and look where you are going. If your child is screaming to go home...take them home..get a sitter. People, don't be rude or annoyed that you are standing in line and don't be mean to those check out employees. There will be lines..it is Christmas.

I am contemplating skipping the Christmas card this year. Is that mean?

OK, I still don't want to run...wa wa wa....what a complainer eh?
Here is where I start to make deals with myself. Ok, Tania, just go start if you want to stop after one mile you can. Just go for a swim instead then. I also start to remind myself that if I could NOT run due to injury I would be sooo sad and dying to run today. OK..I am all better. Will head out the door by 10:30!

Winter is here....

2009-12-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

....Yes, it "looked" beautiful out there, sun shining....and still balmy for December, but you could feel winter in the air today for the first time and it was COLD! When you see the sun you dont expect it to be that cold...now if there was snow on the ground then today would have seemed warm. All a mind game really.....

Anyway, headed out for my 12 mile run and decided to hit the bike path. This may be the last bike path run of the season...actually it probably is not. It will take a couple good snow falls to make that path not "runable".

It is getting to be that time of year when just staying inside a warm house seems like a much better idea. But...you have to keep your mind on the goal. All these "challenging" runs make "ideal" conditions feel easy. You could see white caps on the water.....sun shining over them though....soooo beautiful! ...but cold....

I ran the first 5 miles a with a friend today who is training for his first 1/2 marathon. So fun to see someone reaching for a goal and to be part of it. He did just great. Especially given that it was one of his first outdoor runs and the weather was not ideal really...cold wind in your face...muscles tight due to weather...breathing is harder with wind in your face...but he did very very well. It would be very very easy for anyone to say "forget it" but he showed up and ran! Just starting any run is 80% of the battle....and so I am very proud of him. He even wanted to quit at the end but managed to muscle out a quarter of a mile at a 7:50 pace....yeah, he had juice left...lots...and being able to muscle it out....yup, he is a fighter and will do just great come race day.

I ran my last 7 miles alone.....my muscles were just cold and tight...but after a couple miles at about an 8:30 pace I was in a groove and the rest just flew by. I love that feeling when you think it is "too cold" or "too hard" and you pull it off and feel awesome at the end. It is such a reflective time for me. I often run with music....but today, during my 7 miles alone I just ran and let my thoughts flow. Empty head....I love having an empty head at the end.

On the way home I got very cold again though and honestly.....5 hours later and I am still warming up! I need to go get some warmer running tights and stuff. I am NOT going to do my long runs on the treadmill or the track...that has always lead to injury for me. I know that lots of people can do it..but I guess I just have a sensitive little body. I need to be outside....natural footing....

So here comes another week. Christmas shopping is not done....and I have no idea if Christmas cards will get done. I am sure it will all come together. It always seems to.

Week 2 - of 35+ miles and the bod feels good. Very very hopeful that Boston will be a good one this year. So, what is my goal? Cant Say! I have this thing where I keep my running goals very close. I actually keep all my life goals pretty private. When I was trying to qualify for Boston everyone knew...but aside from that one goal.....I have normally kept them close. Why? Because I am pretty much afraid of failure. If I tell someone my goal then they will know if I fail. Silly eh....well that is about as deep as I will get in this blog. This is supposed to be fun stuff right?

Tomorrow is rest day...and so I may do a light swim, maybe hit the hot tub....or just do nothing...who knows.

How many days until Christmas??

2009-11-29T06:38:00.000-08:00

...and I have not started shopping! I did get through all the b-days however and everyone did end up with a gift. Now on to Christmas. The internet shopping thing is seeming more and more like what will happen. Here is my problem with shopping. I always want to get the perfect gift, something meaningful and so then I just get stuck. I want everyones holiday to perfect and somehow I feel responsible for it. So there you have it! Too much pressure all put on myself. So what do I do instead....go for a run.

Running last week was awesome. It was my first week where I ran 4 days in a row and nothing hurt and I was not tired. Felt great....here is how it went:
T-6
W-5
Th-5 (leg turn over stuff)
Friday - 7

Yesterday was a down day. Went for a real short swim - 30 minutes just to get the "I have to work out today" thing out of my system. Today I will do 10 with the last 3 building starting at about a 8 pace and progressing to 7:30 for the final mile. Should be fun. My longer runs wont kick in until after the holidays.

Feels so good to be strong and uninjured! Lets hope that I am smarter this go round and can make it through the training season without pushing too far or too hard. Running Marine Corps was a good reminder that I can still run fairly strong on little work and very low mileage. So, if I need a day off because something hurts, or I have to run easy and skip speed work well, it wont set me back all that much. Running through the pain however....that could set me back weeks!!!! But it does make me curious, if I really can get through all the training without injury, what can I run for time? At Marine Corps I ran 3:53, no speed work, and the second half of training, I could only run 25 miles a week due to shin issues. My fastest marathon was 3:41. That I did do speed work but did suffer an injury that again had me miss a key long run and over a week of training. So honestly I have never gotten through a season without injury so I am cautiously excited and hopeful that this is the season!!

I just need to remember that "easy" running means EASY.....and so listen and respect the bod if it starts screaming.

Another unseasonably nice day here in VT....very very spoiled. Not sure how I am going to take the first snowy, windy long run........eeeeeeeeeeeeeeek! Or that first 15 miler on a treadmill! blech......but it will all make running the streets of Boston with world class runners that much more appreciated! Gotta keep the eye on the PRIZE....

November - Birthday Month

2009-11-19T08:22:00.001-08:00

November has to be the craziest month. Here is the birthday List.
My Dad
Pats Dad
Pat
Erin
Ryan (nephew)
Jimmy (nephew)

Oh and then lets throw thanksgiving in there. Which we normally host. Just crazy. Please note that these are all men as well, Except Erin. Hard enough to buy for Christmas, but lets pile on a b-day! OK, there is my yearly rant about November.

I had a bit of a panic attack earlier in the week. A buddy of mine was in touch and said that the Boston Marathon registration was closed! I had just sent my registration in and so I started to wonder if I had missed it. I had deferred last year though and so had a pre-approved registration that said it was not due until 12/11. But now I was worried. I called yesterday and I am all set though....phew.

Runs still going well. Shin is temperamental...will feel great one day and then hurt the next. So I am just doing all my runs real easy still. I did a tiny bit of leg turnover stuff on Tuesday. 2 mile warm up, 10X1 min at slightly faster than 5 K pace, then 2 mile cool down. It was fun. Yesterday was an easy 4. Today...rest and it is forced because I am home sick. I knew I would eventually get this darn bug. Both kids have had it. It is the rule in this house though that Mom gets sick last. Take care of everyone else first.

What about this weather lately?? I just LOVE it. Looks like Sunday will be high 40's...perfect for my long run! Wonder where I will venture this week. Last weekend was the causeway.....Maybe the Stowe bike path? Downtown bike path? Causeway again? Choices choices...I will have to think about that. This is all presuming I feel better of course. Where I would really like to go is NYC!!! I miss my runs out there. I have to make a plan to go out and visit my friend Angela some weekend and get my run in out there.

And the training begins....

2009-11-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

well, kinda.....this is week 2 of marathon recovery running. Recovery and rest are probably the most important thing in training. This week feels better than last. Legs are turning over better, little pains here and there working their way out. But cardio wise...I could go forever. So that is good. I just have to strengthen and take care of these leg muscles....

Yesterday I ran an easy two miles on the track....just loosening up..then I hit the treadmill for 4. I had to hop off every .5 and massage the shin for a minute and stretch.....very hard to do. You want to muscle through...but I am in training....and at the beginning to boot. Patience, patience Tania....and I practiced that last night. In training it is not smart to run through pain...in a race, well yes. Anyway, by the end the shin was all loosened up. And today! Voila! Shin felt much better. Got a really good 4.5 in tonight! No pain, nice aerobic pace...teaching/reminding the bod how to burn fat for fuel....

I also bought some new sneaks....these have some arch support and are a bit narrower....they worked today...lets see what the upcoming weeks bring.

So tomorrow is a rest day...or perhaps a swim. A swim and hot tub sounds real nice..

Then on Friday my first run with a little speed. 6 miles with the last 10 mins build to 10K pace....fun. Control, steady increase....teaching the spirit and mind control....Love the discipline! I am a nut case eh??

OK, I think that my angel is almost asleep. She loves to hear me type and blog as she falls asleep.....

Good Night Erin!
Good Night cyber friends!

Sunset Run on the Causeway

2009-11-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

Tonight I had one of those runs where I could just run forever. I decided to head out on my run, totally "unplugged". It was such a beautiful evening and I just wanted to feel and experience it all without any music, pressure of time/pace/heart rate or anything. I just ran at the pace I wanted and gazed at the Sunset. It was sooo beautiful. However......for those of you that don't remember..the time has changed and it is dark at 5:00. I hit the cut on the causeway at 4:40 and I suddenly thought, this is not good. It is going to be pitch black when I hit the woody section. Here is the funny thing...I was not afraid of being attacked at all, I was worried about losing footing and twisting an ankle. See to me, not being able to run is one of my fears in life.

While it was dark though, it reminded me of the Vermont 100 mile run and pacing Tracy from mile 70 to 100. So for two miles tonight I got to "re- live" that experience a bit. Running in the dark...just living.... just hearing my footsteps and wondering if I would twist an ankle or not. Just out there with my own thoughts and spirit and body. I just love that. So Simple. But I do wish I had a flashlight.

So....I am now up in Bed with my daughter Erin. She asked me to blog while she went to sleep. Apparently the sound of the keyboard is comforting to her. She is my little angel. I love her soooo much.

So back to the run...when I hit the woody section I decided to not run in the woods but take a detour and run on the road. The causeway crosses a main road before you hit the woody section. Figured that running the dark roads was safer than being in the woods in the dark. Plus the bats were freaking me out in the woods. They were everywhere at the end of the causeway. Freakazoid!!! eeeewwww..I need bats at the end of marathon...that would motivate me even more to run faster!!!

What a great run though...legs felt light, shin behaved...but they reminded me to be good and stay easy. It was one of those runs where I could have run forever. I feel very very lucky to have 2 healthy legs, healthy body overall, the ability to see and hear and smell and enjoy all the wonderful things that that hour and 10 mins brought me....very lucky. I could hear the lake gently lapping upon the rocks, smell the cool crisp air and see the beautiful sunset....just awesome. More awesome than I could explain in this silly blog....especially because I am not a good writer. YOu will find typos in my blog and poor grammer...because it is all free thought...No editing.

Is that the last causeway run of 2009....we shall see....I am hoping to just get one more in...Perhaps my 10 miler next weekend??

Swimming!

2009-11-05T10:43:00.000-08:00

yup, 2 days into running and the dang shin is buggin me. So, I just swam yesterday. 30 minutes, freestyle, got the heart rate up! OK, I need a swimming shirt...I get so cold swimming. I am fine for about 15 minutes and then I get colder and colder no matter how hard I try to swim. If anyone out there in cyberspace has ideas on where to find such a shirt, let me know. Not sure a full on wet suit is really needed. Plus that would just look dumb!

We will try the running thing today and keep it easy.
I also started some leg strength work and so perhaps my shin did not like that. Calf raises and stuff..... I was nice to it yesterday though between the swim and the hot tub so lets see how she does tonight.

The good thing about the gym is that if running hurts, I just jump on the bike,elliptical or head to the pool. So many choices...I like choices. And if all else fails, lift some weights and chat with friends. :-)

Tomorrow I am headed to Montreal with two very dear high school girlfriends. I am really looking forward to it. We will leave around 5 and then when we get there head out to one of my all time favorite restaurants. Da'Emma. http://www.daemmarestaurant.com/ The reviews are mixed, but I guess that goes to show that we all have different taste. There is good taste and bad taste, if you have good taste, you will like this restaurant! hehee
Fun to think that in just 30+ hours I will be wining and dining! Then shopping on Saturday! Fun to buy clothes there. Either there or NYC. Finding clothes here in VT is just lets say....boring! So when we are done our girl shopping thing....we will probably find another place for more wine and good food. oh, and then we HAVE to hit Eggspectation for breakfast! http://www.eggspectations.com/canada_eng/html/home.html And for all you single ladies the waiters are FINE. My mother even mentioned that when we went there! FUN FUN breakfast spot. Another very cool industrial type place. My kids love that one.

oh, but this is a running blog. Neither of my girlfriends run. And I promised not to run and to drink wine with them for these two nights. We actually planned this trip during my down week so that I could chill. Maybe I will even schedule a massage! But, I WILL hit the road when I get back on Sunday...there will be calories to burn!

Cheers!

And we are off!

2009-11-03T18:17:00.000-08:00

I received my new training plan! YIPPEE. I just love to have a plan. Gives my week purpose, something to check off, sense of accomplishment. Next 3 weeks are easy. Short easy runs. Although I did throw in an 800 tonight with a friend. So hard to be on the track and not do some sort of interval work. If I am going to go long and slow, I have to be outside. Much easier to get lost in the run.

Also did some core stuff and hit the weights....time to buff up! hehehe...probably wont happen. At the doc today I was a whopping 102 fully clothed. Blood pressure was up which was disturbing. My doc seemed concerned which freaked me out more. He is a runner too and I think just worries about me dropping dead and pushing too hard.
And, with my history of other medical issues he has the right to be concerned. He also asked if I am eating right and I assured him yes. Taking in enough calories has always been my weak point.

My daughter and my sister went with me tonight. I am so impressed by my little Erin. She does so well running. And, she is so proud after. Sooo cute. Glad that she is learning early to do things that make her feel good about herself. Took me well into adulthood until I learned how to do that.

I love the time change. Makes those early morning runs much nicer. I am an early riser during the week so would much rather have the sun up then. Plus I just love the quietness of morning runs. And, the endorphin boost is better than coffee. I really think that maybe I am a druggie....hehehe

Lets see if I can sleep...I always have a hard time sleeping when I do evening workouts. Ideally, I would get a 3 hour break mid day everyday and do all my training then. Oh well....maybe in my next life. Maybe in my next life I will be a trainer/coach/nutritionist also.....fun to dream.

G'night!

Recovery Week

2009-10-31T05:20:00.000-07:00

Recovery week - this is not as bad a taper week. Atleast you have the marathon run completed and medal in hand....and the bod feels a bit tired anyway.

I actually felt really good after the marathon. Twitchy legs at night for a couple nights, but no bad pain really. Tight hamstring, but that has all let up by now.

I went out with a friend on Tuesday and had a couple glasses of wine! No running in the AM so it was all guilt free! Then on Wed I went and got a post run massage. I did not realize that anything was tight until that massage! I felt even better after! Thursday night was haircut night and then I had a nice dinner out with my sister.

So, I think I am probably all fattened up by now and ready to get back to training. I got my gym membership yesterday and I am ready to hit the weights and work on some real speed now! Today is actually the first day I am missing running.....definately ready for slow 5 miler or so.

Halloween, to dress up or not dress up is the question of the day! lets just hope that the kids dont get blown away! It is windy out there!

Marine Corps!

2009-10-27T03:32:00.000-07:00

I probably should have written this during the endorphin rush...which has worn off by now, but I still have that handsome medal that still puts a smile on my face.

We arrived in DC at around 5:00 PM on Friday night. The brochure schedule noted that the EXPO was open until 7:00 so I had hoped to get to the hotel and then book it to packet pick up. As soon as the number is in hand it all seems real. Plus it has been over a year (Boston 2008) since I have run a marathon and so in many ways this felt like a first to me. I only have 4 under my belt. In the taxi, about $10 in, I realize that my cell phone is missing. Pat calls my phone # and someone picks up...Yup, I had left it on the plane. Now, how did that happen, I still have no clue. We circle back and that circle added $30 to our cab ride. UGH!!!! But, I have the blackberry and so I should be happy right. No chance of making the expo though.

We finally arrive at the Hotel and we are all starving. We head to the hotel restaurant to get some pasta. I have this thing with carbo loading. Do it 2 nights before the marathon...same with sleep, very important two nights before. The day before the marathon I eat extra light and pound the fluids. Plan has worked every time.

I have one question: Why is everything OVERHEATED in DC. We were hotter than heck in the restaurant and no matter where we went for the whole weekend it was so over heated. Do they really think that 50 is cold there?

Saturday Morning - Packet pickup! The whole fam damily walked down to the convention center. The kids HATE the expo and so why do they come? To torture me..to help build up as much frustration in me before my marathon. I really think that is the reason. This marathon was so unlike Boston. In Boston there are runners everywhere and you know it because they all wear that years jacket and look like they are ready to take off running. In DC, you would hardly know there was a marathon coming. Perhaps it was where we were staying. The convention center was HUGE and the expo was very very good. Very Bostonish. As I approached the packet pickup stations a handsome marine said "Good Morning Ma'am" and I approached the booth for my #...#21058. Again all booths staffed by Marines, and polite!!! So nice not to be thrown your packet, but looked at and said "Good Luck" with a handsome smile. So fun!

We then proceeded to drop a couple hundred dollars on attire. Thank goodness for marathons otherwise I would not have any casual clothes.

Katherine Switzer! For some reason I missed that she would be at the Expo, and there was just a short line to get a signed book. What a doll she is and I love her more now that I am reading her book. Quite a lady. Not just for running and what she has done for the sport for women, but just for her spirit for life and going after dreams. She also signed my bib and I gave her a hug! So fun.....moment to remember.

Lets see, after the expo we headed to the room to drop off our new Marine Corps wardrobe and then headed out for sight seeing. Sight seeing in pouring rain with 2 kids that think farting is entertainment....again, lets see how frustrated and aggravated we can get our mother the day before the marathon. It must be good luck though because they have been around for every marathon and I have now finished 5 all healthy and a few good times in there.

Digression:
Marathon 1 - VCM 4:12
Marathon 2 - VCM 3:58
Marathon 3 - Baystate 3:41
Marathon 4 - Boston 4:28??(injured during the run- I need to redeem myself this year)
Marathon 5 - MCM 3:53

Not too bad for an old lady....and this years race surprised me a bit...so back to my marathon ramblings.

Morning of the marathon I meet a very nice lady at the metro. She is running for a charity group - American Cancer Society. I stayed with her because my mother mentioned that someone in her office (she works for ACS) and thought maybe I could meet her. Mom would like that.....but I never met her. Turns out that she works for ACS but did not do the charity run.

Anyway, we finally walk to the start...as we go under a bridge a line of Marines keep us in row. So cool....as I approach the big red arch I see the Colors being presented. Amazing. I was right there, could have touched them. Our late timing was perfect. The fly over was spectacular also. I then proceed back to my corral....I chose the 4 hour group. I honestly had no clue when I would finish. I did all my long runs, but real slow. 9:40 - 10 pace. And I stopped a lot on them to walk due to a shin issue. I also did ZERO speed work due to shin issues. Goal was to get the distance under my belt. Work on speed this winter before Boston. So, no speed work but lots of slow miles. What would that give me. I also only ran 3-4 days a week and my peak mileage was only 38.....again really focusing on GRADUAL build and preventing injury.

The start was crowded, and as predicted I was being passed for about the first 10 miles. Sooooo typical. Anxious runners. All gabbing and giggling...some falling because they are not focusing. IT was pretty hilly, lots of ups and lots of downs...I just want slow. Again, healthy finish was the goal. I think I was doing a 9ish pace...9:30 maybe. At mile 3 the slow pace was boring me and so I sped up a bit. I wanted to finish the first 1/2 under 2 hours...and I did....1:57 I think. My legs were feeling great and the miles just flew by. Scenery was beautiful and I stopped every 2 or so miles to grab water from a Marine. I was sure to say Thank you and look them in the eye so they knew it was sincere. And they were also! "Here you go Ma'am...nice run Ma'am" So polite....every water stop! Made the given up minutes worth it.

Jefferson Memorial....I wont forget that one...gorgeous!!!! I think it was a Navy Band that was playing all in uniform. Very moving. Again I paused and slowed to take it in. The weather was also perfect. 50's and sunny and the foliage was beautiful.

I dont recall much more except again, the politeness of the Marines, the crowds and also just how crowded the course was. Good thing I was not going for time because you could not pass anyone!! It was crazy. I am a believe that if you want to race a marathon, go to a small one where crowds it not an issue.

OK, can someone please measure the last .2 again. I swear they got this one wrong. Course the steep hill to Iwo Jima was the only place I walked, for about 10 seconds....that was the only time I really got tired. Where did the miles go? That was a bit too easy and 3:53? only 3 mins off from a BQ....but who cares.....I could have made that up, but then the memories would not be there and I would not have had the time to thank every marine that handed me a cup of water.

I know how to pick em...

2009-09-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

I just found out that the Marine Corps marathon is typically stacked with men. I checked the #'s from 2008 and there were 11K men, 7K Woman! Interesting.

The shin continues to recover. I got in 31 miles this week that included a 13 mile run yesterday. I am still walking a minute for every mile just to make sure things keep getting better. I wanted to keep going yesterday, but girls were waiting to go to the mall and so 13 it was.

So, this marathon will defintely be a "tourist" run....Plan is go get to the start healthy, run it like a training run, get the medal and have fun! Then since i will have a good base, I will start some strength training and speed work and prep for Boston. I plan to throw in a lot more cross training, just to mix it up.

Fall soccer....can be so fun and can be so brutal to watch when it is rainy and cold. I think I had better pull out the winter jacket or take a blanket or something!

Rest + PT = Running Again!

2009-09-20T05:52:00.000-07:00

Long 5 days of no running, 3 PT appointments, but all worth it yesterday when I ran 3.5 miles without pain. I was pretty cautious...went very slow. I also took a little walk break every 8 mins to do a "reality check"..."does the shin really feel better or are you running through it." I was very busy talking to myself the whole time! Truly though it is better.

I still have a tad bit of pain in my right shin. OK...here is the deal. If I Stand up and place my right leg in front a bit with my foot out and then bend down to stretch, I feel a pull right in the shin area...and my hamstring of course..but why my shin. I am wondering now if it is some tendon thing? Whatev...it is getting better. I just always like to know the cause...the scientist in me.

This weather is just amazing. Cool, crisp, bright blue skies, sun shinning! I just love it. Perfect day to....drink wine and taste good food! I bet you thought I was going to say run eh? Shelburne food and wine festival is today!!! Yeah, I'd prefer to run, but when the runner cannot run she drinks wine and hangs with friends! :-) Thank goodness that only comes in small spurts otherwise my waistline would be much larger.

And as gorgeous as it is, I will run on the treadmill today...just much safer... I will be outside all afternoon sipping wine so I can get my fill of this day!

Cheers!

That time again....

2009-09-15T03:50:00.000-07:00

It is always week 10 of training that something goes amiss. The shins again! Same dang spot. No fracture, but pain....classic shin splint I think.
So , off to PT I go...keeping the profession alive. Had e-stim and ultrasound yesterday. It felt completely fine after. But this AM...bit sore.

The plan - swim and bike for a few days and hopefully this will pass.
I swam 40 mins last night...mile plus some. It was great! I just get cold around the 30 minute mark which is a pain. But otherwise the swim was good. I think that the upper body workouts that I have done have really helped with swimming. Usually my first swim will leave me with sore arms...but not this time. Getting old, but fighting it every step of the way.

I have a couple 16's, 18's and a 20 under my belt and so for a tourist run, I should be fine if I can just maintain the fitness and squeeze in another 20 miler in the next couple of weeks. My goal...again...to get to the start healthy and be able to train through the winter so that I can have a strong running season next summer.

I need to remind myself that I just came off about 7-8 months of injury. The last 3 were no running at all. The last 3 months have been build upon build and maybe that was just too much off a long injury phase like that. But, I am not giving up hope. It hurt, I stopped, I am in PT..this will pass....and if not there are other marathons...

Time to get my 13 year old - speechless son, on the bus. I love the way 13 year olds either mumble or say nothing! Maybe I should try texting him.

I love long weekends.....

2009-09-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

I wish every weekend was a 3 day weekend!!!!

The weather here this week has just been ideal! I live for this time of year. And so happy when training is going well and I can run to my hearts content.

The causeway is my favorite run this time of year. Lake on both sides....just breath taking!

18 miles yesterday! All along the lake. Simply beautiful. It was sunny, cool, sligh breeze just perfect. Man, what a different sport when weather is nice. I wanted to keep going, but stopped. Very unlike the 20 I did a couple weeks ago. I was still traumatized from the last run so I went real slow in the beginning 9:40 pace....then slowly increased. By mile 15 I was doing 8:15 - 8:30. Felt good to be doing my long runs like that again. I think that maybe it helped with the PTSD that I acquired after that brutal 20. Clearly I will never be able to run an ultra...oh well. Marathons it is.

Today I will probably bike or go for a nice walk. Legs feel real good....can't tell I ran 18 yesterday at all...the body is adjusting....

Scary!!!

2009-08-30T05:24:00.000-07:00

Scary and painful are the only words to describe my 20 miler last weekend. I was due for a crappy run I guess. You need to have a few every training season to toughen you up. But man, it is not fun.

I took last Monday off. The goal was to run on Sunday and recover on Monday. Well, thunderstorms were predicted Sunday AM and so I postponed the run to Monday. MISTAKE! It was 90% humidity!!! I had talked my son into biking the run with me so he could carry my drinks. What a trooper. By mile 7 I was drenched, just pouring with sweat....my calves were sweating. Calves don't sweat!!! Not that I recall anyway. I looked like I had just jumped in a pool! I kept on though, but already knew at mile 7 that the next 13 would not be good. But I refocused the brain...when I run long I always consider the first 1/2 a warm up....go real real easy and so that is what I did. Averaged about a 9:30 pace. Did not think about miles, just told myself it was a warm up. For some reason though, the dehydration or whatever took over and the positive thoughts were really hard to hold on to. I just kept going though...

Mile 17.5 -- at this point I am stopping every 1/2 mile for a drink. Keagan saw me and said "mom, why don't you stop?"...I said "nope, I don't quit"...although, there is not quitting because you are determined and not quitting because you are stupid. Not sure which it was on this day. By 18.5 I could not really talk. I stopped for water but only could motion for it. I was bending over and almost crying. Doesn't this sound like fun??

At mile 19 I was at the car.....I did not stop though and finished up that last mile. I thought I would be very proud when I was done...well, I wasn't, I was traumatized.

It was the most horrible experience. The weird thing is that my legs did not hurt. I cannot really explain it, I just could not go. Every time I started up to run I would sweat bullets...cold sweat.....But I am stronger for it, I think. I have never felt like that even at the end of a marathon. Oh well....

Recovery...well, as I said, no muscles hurt at all. Except my arms because I was trying to do chin ups the night before my long run. I would not do that again either. I have ZERO chin up muscles...whatever they are! The worst part of recovery was getting my body back chemically. I was so nauseous....I did not pee for a good 6 hours....it was not good.

Then I was exhausted all week. Thank goodness it was recovery week. I did 1, 5 mile run, a couple days later...and basically slept and ate the rest of the week.

I am finally feeling better though. I did 5 yesterday and averaged an 8:30 pace comfortably....today I will head out and do a real easy 12. The 87% humidity is scaring me...but I will go real slow....

Thank goodness fall is upon us! I love fall running! Make the summer training worth it...to be in good shape when fall hits and able to run and run in the nice cool weather is such an awesome prize!

18 miles.....the old lady still has it

2009-08-16T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well..this lady is getting old. Preparation for long run on Sunday begins on Saturday AM these days. Water...more water. Easily digestible foods...you know those old people intestines!

I had a wonderful day on Saturday actually. I visited a friend who just had her first baby. My son -- my first born -- came with me. All the memories of those first days with a new born...young mom....I wont break it to her quite yet all the hell that lies ahead! hehehehe...Just kidding. Kinda...

Speaking of babies -- apparently when I was a baby I did not nap at all.....and I have never napped as an adult. However, I have decided as part of my training to schedule in naps. My routine is to nap on Saturday -- the day before the long run and then on Sunday sometime after my long run. Saturday I had the best nap......got up to make my friend dinner and visit the baby. Dinner was some grilled chicken and white rice and green beans followed by bed time at 8:00. So I basically ate and slept all day.....exciting huh?

I get all excited for my long runs just like I do for marathons. I was up at 5 AM because I could not sleep. With coffee in hand, I jumped in the car to purchase some powerade to plant along my route. Powerade seems to be working.....I actually hate the stuff, but the marathon is serving it, and if I can run that without carrying anything that would be ideal. So I a training my body to deal with the powerade. So far so good.

The run was awesome. I started real slow, I was nervous about the humidity and heat. It was reportedly 97% humidity. First few miles were around 9:40.....Then I settled in around 9:20. Mile 16 and 17 were 8:45. Love to finish strong. Then I did a one mile cool down. So fun. My only issue during the run was little spasms in my right foot. Hard to explain even where it was. But it is fine this AM. I came home and took an ice bath....iced the foot more last night.

All is good....and am so happy to be running again.

The real build begins!

2009-08-13T02:53:00.001-07:00

16 miles strong!!! My long run this past Sunday was awesome. I woke up early so that I could get it done by 10 AM. Pat had to take off so I had to be home for the kids. It was a gorgeous, cool, slightly overcast morning. I went very easy, which on average was a 9:20 pace. The first 5 miles are always the worst for me...but by mile 12 I was cruising. So fun. I did a couple 8:15 miles at the end.

I then took an ice bath followed by a hot shower. When runs get this long I do try to be very careful about post long run behavior. I also made sure to drink a ton of water immediately and have a snack. I also then did take a little nap in the afternoon.

Typically, about an hour after a long run I will be a little queezy....not this week! Yeah!!!! I think the water helped. I also am typically all twitchy at night and cannot sleep...not this week! I slept like a baby...and no advil PM either!
The next morning....absolutely no soreness! I recall years ago, being sore after an 8 mile run. So cool to be able to run 16 and not have anything hurt. There was a little delayed onset soreness on Monday eve...but advil kicked that.

This weekend will be 18! I was so excited to run the 16 so strong. Back in April I thought I would never run again...and am so excited that did not end up being the case. As always, that could all change today, so I still take joy in each time I can get out there, run and be healthy.

Well time to lace up the shoes and get an easy 6 in before work....

REST!

2009-07-31T05:06:00.000-07:00

This week is step back week. All runs nice and easy. I have been building for the past 3 so time to give the bod some recovery time. Yesterday I did a nice and easy 5 on a rolling dirt road. I was sweating bullets though! It was very very humid yesterday. Good run though. I really focused on going easy and watching form on the up and downhills...no worry about pace at all. Just really focusing on running "tall" and with my core.

I think I have learned to respect rest. I say "think" because I know myself. I know that once things start to go good and I get into the meat of the training that I just turn it on and forget about this very important piece. I do think that the year of injury and deferring Boston taught me a thing or two though. I have a good pattern now where I take plenty of rest between runs. My back to back days I add in extra time by doing the first run in the AM on one day, the next day I do the run in the evening. That extra recovery time helps I think.

I am getting psyched up for next week. 16 mile long run at the end of next week! I cannot wait. I love the whole thing. Day before getting psyched up, planning water stops and deciding what course to run, ice bath after....and cheese burger for dinner! That is my favorite dinner the night of my long run. I get all excited just like I do for the marathon...silly eh?

The boys won their game against Lyndon last night. 18-1! It was a good game. So Lyndon is out. We will play Brattleboro again tonight. They creamed us in the first game. We will see how it goes tonight. If we lose, we are out and we can start to make vacation plans for next week. If they win....well, then we will go onto the finals of the State Championship.

Very weird to have a vacation next week and have no idea what we are doing. Will we go to CT to have them play more ball? OR, will we be on the beaches in Maine. Honestly I hope we are in CT. Maine will be there all the time. I would so love to see these boys have a chance to move on. Once in lifetime experience. We will see!
Lets hope the rain lets up so that we can get the game in tonight. Otherwise there will probably be double headers this weekend which is just not good for those boys.

ok, I think that is enough mindless rambling for now.

Allergies

2009-07-28T02:54:00.000-07:00

Puffy, itchy eyes....really pretty eh? Man, I had the worst allergy attack yesterday. I finally gave in and took a Benadryl mid day. I figured being tired would feel better than marshmallow head. Anyway, not sure it felt that much better.
I then took a claritin-D at around 6:00...and was up all night. OK, so I got those two meds backwards in terms of administration timing. OH well. I do feel a bit better today though.

I am going to head out and run an easy 5-6 miles. Lets hope that the allergies don't get to me again.

The boys lost the first game of the state championship tournament. Not even a close loss either. 2-12 in the 4th inning, game called for 10 run rule! The boys were so upset. I could not even talk to Keagan for the night. He was so mad....crying....just could not figure out what happened. The team is in a rough spot. Lots of bad mouthing and just not good team work. I hope they can pull it together. But, if not, well...then wed go on Vacation!!! I have to look at the upside of things.

Time to lace up the running shoes....lets hope I am not all puffy eyed when I return.

Now for recovery week!

2009-07-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

Well, I muscled out 14 miles on the treadmill.
The first 3 miles were loooooooooong. I then recalled a buddy of mine saying to cover up the numbers and just go...watch a movie or something. And so I did just that. That was much better. Staring at the numbers is just not fun and makes it hard to get lost in the run.

I really really hate the treadmill, but there are some positives. a - better than pavement...b - good for pace and c - Good mental training. I usually do at least 1 long run on the treadmill during every training season just for the mental training. Nothing but you and your head and sheer desire to want to get that run in. I ran most of the run right at 9:22....did a couple 8:30 miles and then finished up with a mile at 9:22. I took an ice bath after, made sure I ate within 20 minutes, did some core work. I feel good. The only thing was about 1 hour later and I was nauseous...this happens to me all the time when my runs get over 13 miles. I have no idea why it happens or how to stop it. It is always about 60 minutes after I run. Any ideas out there??

This week is step back/recovery week. I have been building for the past 3 and so time to rest a bit. Long run next week will only be 8.

My son turns 13 next week! Amazing. Cannot believe I have a teenager. It has been hard to plan anything due to All Star Baseball. Each night depends on whether they win or lose at this point. Their first game of the state tournament is tomorrow night!

I love this picture of my daughter running. She is so adorable, I am such a lucky mom. She decided to go for a little run yesterday - 1 mile, by herself. So cute. Not bad form eh? Very mature in terms of pacing too. She is not over anxious and goes nice and steady.

Well, off to make dinner and then put the legs up....

Here we go....

2009-07-25T16:35:00.001-07:00

I slept in today....so tired. It was a long week. Mentally and physically. Overtired and then on top of that my mind was saying "you need to run" .....

I have not clue if this is allergies, laziness or sickness.

I finally woke up and went for a run.....2 miles in and everthing hurt. Shins were starting to hurt....head hurt...form was lacking and so I stopped. I was proud that I was "listening" to the body...but then questioning is this allergies, lazziness or sickness.

So....not sure what tomorrow has in store for the long run. 14 miles seems not so good at this point. But you never know what tomorrow may hold.

k - time to have a little dinner, go to bed early...and then lets see if I get that 14 miles in or not.

FRIDAY!

2009-07-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Taking a little break here at work to blog......

I had the best run last night! So exciting. I was not sure yesterday AM if I would be up for it or not. I just got through the day and figured I would evaluate later in the day. I was proud of myself for not stressing over it. I think that the 4 months of injury taught me a few things. Lets hope I remember it all a couple months from now. At the end of the day I felt perfectly fine and was anxious to run. Since I have not been feeling well, I figured I would skip the intervals unless things felt real good.

I warmed up for a couple miles - 9:30's. I felt totally fine. I think I kicked the cold. I then did 2x1600 at 7:40 with 800 jog inbetween and then cooled down. The 7:40 miles felt real good. Comfortably hard but I was not huffing and puffing, just working. Fun to be able to run for real again.

Then I hung out with my sis and we listened to a bunch of music. Funny stuff, Journey, Police, Violent Femmes....flashbacks of the 80's. Too funny. I have to load some up for my long run this Sunday. Last week I loaded up the song "summer lovin" from Grease. I had forgotten that I did that, and it came on around mile 10 and I just started cracking up. I love that silly movie.

Ok, must get back to work.....Cannot wait to get out and have a nice weekend! First order of business will be a short/real easy 5 miles. Then vino and relaxation!!!!!

I am sick....

2009-07-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

Woke up this AM to a very sore throat....yup, I am sick. I skipped the run. I figured that I would run tonight if I felt better. I did not feel better at 5:00 but on the shuttle ride to my car, I did question...should I do my speed work? In reflecting I saw that running when I am this tired and not feeling well has gotten me no where but injured. My key question these days is...can you run and maintain good form? It is not so much the sickness for me, but can I maintain form?

I could barely sit at my desk today in good form, so running was out. This is one time where having a 15 minute shuttle bus ride to my car was a blessing. I had to stop and think, rather than just go.

Lets see if I look back on this post and say "good job Tania" or if I say..."your marathon sucked cause you skipped a 5 mile speed workout."

I am so disciplined that schedule takes over common sense. But then I worry about getting lazy. Meaning....will I think it is common sense, but really I am just being lazy?? I fight tiredness and fatigue like crazy......have I confused whatever person out there in cyberspace is reading?

Well, whether lazy or honestly tired.....I am giving in today.

Am I sick or just tired....

2009-07-21T16:17:00.000-07:00

This is the question that I ponder on so many days during training. I am very fatigued! I was tired before my long run Sunday, but did it, and it felt so good. Just like cruise control...maybe I was 1/2 asleep. But then I was tired about 6 hours later...and tired ever since. Last night I was in bed at 7:00. I did wake up naturally at 5:15AM today....no miracle there since it was 10 + hours of sleep!!! I got a 5 mile run in before work..recovery run. Nice and easy.....reaaaaaaaaaaaaal easy. 9:45 pace. Turtle easy....ok, you get the point. Anyway, 3 hours after that I was exhausted again. Nothing a diet pepsi could not kick at 3:00 though. Yeah, I waited until 3:00....soda is not good for you, you know...

Tonight...well, it is 7:18 according to the ThinkPad.....and I am ready to hang it up again. So am I just tired or am I coming down with something. Should I just run through it tomorrow?

I think that I will sleep in....and then in the evening if I am feeling OK, I will do the run. Speedwork night. 1mile at 9.....then 2x7:30/.5 jogs....1 mile cool down. I can probably do that sleeping also if push come to shove.....

Goodnight!!!

And the training begins..

2009-07-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

I love runs like today. I woke up feeling just terrible. Very very tired....legs felt heavy. I feel like I am coming down with a cold. It would have been very easy to talk myself out of running. But as I always do, I give myself an out. I tell myself that if I still feel like that after a mile, then I will turn around and call it a day.

Well, once the legs were moving I was totally fine. The miles just seemed to pass by effortlessly. I did most around 9:05 and then did 3 at 8:30 and then cooled down. It was great. Nothing hurt and like I said, I just felt like I was floating along. Just goes to show that you cannot tell what a run will be like until you just get out there and try.

This has been so long coming that I just so happy. To be able to run a decent distance at a respectable pace and have it feel good just feels awesome. nice to know that I did not lose it all.

I then went home to shower up and head to the boys baseball game. They won 9-4 which gave them a district win. It was awesome. There was one conflicting moment. A cute little kid, on the opposing team, was at bat. He hit a beautiful home run. Keagan was playing third. As the boy ran the bases he had a huge smile on his face...what a cutie! I was so happy for him, even though it was a run for them. Just fun to see them be so proud of themselves. As he rounds third base, doing his victory lap, Keagan notices that he did not tag third. Everyone noticed. Keagan ran to get the ball, tagged the base and the cute smiling kid was out. I was proud of my son, but man....I felt bad for the little guy.

Rest day tomorrow...maybe a little Yoga is in order.

Summer??

2009-07-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

Is it really summer? Hard to tell really. It has been crisp, cool, rainy...no humidity and heat. But, I have to admit, I love it! This is ideal for running. I have done long runs mid day in overcast and cool weather. I love it!

My sister was in town for the past 4 weeks. It was so nice to have her home. She lives in AZ....where running weather is only good at 4AM....I am not even sure that is true this time of year. We had so much fun. She stayed here a lot on this trip, which was so nice. We are so close and having her so far is very hard at times. She has two little girls and Erin and the two of them were inseparable for the entire 4 weeks. I was hoping that while she was here that we could go for a run together, but man...mommy hood....there were always kids and so either she was out there or I was. I will just have to fly out and run the Tucson half with her again.

Running is going well. My injury seems to be GONE. But I am being very very cautious. I am respecting rest days. I am respecting when the body says..."don't run". I am respecting that not all runs should be run fast.

Last weekend I ran home from my sons baseball game for my long run.....

Baseball digression -- My son is on the Colchester Allstars. Pat is the manager. Yes, that sounds like a disaster, but they have done this together for many years and they seem to be in a grove this year. Not too many emotional outbursts and fights. Anyway....they are doing very well. They will play on Sunday for the District Championship. They are so fun to watch! Dad shows up for all the games. He never went to my Band Concerts when I was that age....but whatever! :-) I'd rather he love my kids anyway......

OK...so after the game, I ran home.....10 mile run. Long runs are supposed to be nice and easy right? So yes, that is what I did. I went real real easy. I did not even look at the dang Garmin. The miles just slid by, nothing hurt and I listened to music....Grateful Dead, Pink, Lady Gaga, Jewell, Van Morrison, Keith Urban, Jason Maraz, ADAM LAMBERT!!!.....yeah my music taste is all over the place. It was fun. See....I cannot dance so running to music is my dance night out I think. Like I was saying, the miles flew by. At the end I saw that I had done a 9 min pace. Bit fast for an easy run...but it felt easy, and I should go by that.

Wed Night I did a tempo run after Sister went home. What an emotional day. She did not fly out until 5. So the entire day was like torture.....I am a "rip of the band aid" sort of person so this was awful. After she left, my gorgeous little sister Monica took Erin and I went for a run on the bike path. 2 mile warm up.....8:50 pace...then I did 3 miles at 7:50-8 pace....felt great...then cooled down for a mile. Nothing hurt again. I am so nervous about injury again that I evaluate how I feel every mile.

I am so excited to run the Marine Corps. My goal -- to finish and be healthy. No time goal. I will train, and do speed work, but I am not going to push anything. I really really want to do well in Boston next year. I want to get there without injury and also want to run strong.

Whenever I run a marathon I want to finish knowing that that is a statement of my health and well being. It shows that I take care of me.....not only physically , but mentally. I take time for what I love. I let laundry go.....I get good sleep. I make sure to eat healthy...yada yada.....

oh and yeah, Friday night and I am posting on Blogspot to anyone that will read...why? Because I am "free!" Erin is at a sleep over. Pat and Keagan are watching a baseball game to see who they will play on Sunday. So, I came home and did an easy 5 miles, some core work and now I am just looking for silly things to do.

Maybe I should eat.....yup, time to eat. OK....atay atay....that is pig latin for ta ta. More on that topic next time!

slowly but surely

2009-05-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

Vermont City Marathon....what a great day. A Holiday in my book. Always bitter sweet when you cannot get out there and run like you want to , but it was a great day anyway. A month ago I did not think I would see a 5 mile run anytime soon. But over the month my injury got better and the miles slowly but surely, increased. I managed to get up to a 9 mile long run last weekend. So when marathon weekend hit I was ready for a 10 miler.

I took the plunge about 2 weeks ago and decided to join a relay team and run just a leg. I have not run on a relay team since about 1998. But, atleast I could participate. I was slated to run leg 4; A 5.5 mile run. I would take it nice and slow. Just enjoy being part of the great event.

The day of the marathon was really ideal running weather. Cool, overcast, rainy but not down pours. Hard "waiting" weather if you are on a relay team, but nice running weather. I waited for my turn. I think I was probably blue when I started.

What fun to put on a number and go.....I have not done it a ton, but it is so fun. I am still very new in this running sport. I hesitate putting on numbers when I am injured, because once I do, and once I am on the course, I naturally push it. Very dangerous if you are recovering. The only time I did not push it was, ironically, in Boston. I was injured and I had a plan to NOT push it. I planned to stop every 5 miles and that is what I did.

Anyway....I ran along, passing folks, everything feeling great. I came upon one gal that lives in my neighborhood. Nice nice woman. I slowed down and ran with her for a bit. I then took off after a couple miles. Then I heard a voice from behind me. It was Greg. "Dr. Sharp". I back tracked and stayed with him. What fun. He probably saved me from going all out and racing against my inner self. I come up with goals spur of the moment and I am sure I would have re-injured myself. Greg and I ran to the finish together. He is so funny. This is his 3rd marathon this month! Very very impressive, yet he calls himself a slacker. He kept trying to get me to "allow" him to walk. He did not need to walk. he is very strong. I think he smiled the whole way. I do think that he was tired, but he did not convince me that he could not push through. Anyone that smiles that much is not in that much pain. He finished in 4:15. Very very good. And...I was happy to have run 11 miles...and not have pushed it...and to have been part of the marathon.

I just hope that I did not annoy Greg too much. Those last few miles are hard in a marathon....and i can only imagine that it is only harder when it is your 3rd that month!!!!!

Congrats Greg! Maybe I can pace you at the VT 100 one day if you can allow yourself a pacer. :-)

Yes, I am here, I did not die....

2009-05-17T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well, almost...emotionally anyway. Training was going great up until January 19th! I had such bad quad and groin pain that walking hurt. Sleeping hurt. It was bad. So, what happened?

I went to Arizona and ran the 1/2 with my sister. That went fine. I did notice that my hip hurt just a bit after. It was a full downhill course and I was all over the place running ahead taking picture of my sis. Fun...but I think that contributed to the injury. Then ....what every smart runner knows not to do, I had done almost ALL my runs at an indoor track. 1/8th of a mile and it is banked on the corners. Bad Bad Bad for hip alignment and etc.

I started by just not running...I could not even go to PT (mental issues)...I was in denial and very very frustrated. Weeks went by and every attempt to run felt like my whole hip/pelvic area was just cracking...very very painful. I cried...I cried a lot over those weeks. It had just been too much. I have not really been healthy since last year. For those of you that have read, I got injured prior to running Baystate but managed to pull off a BQ. Then I get through Boston, but was injured so had to limp through it. That was followed by a 30 mile pace run at the VT100 which went fine, followed by the 100 on 100 where I officially fractured my shins. Just one thing after another. There was not much fight left in me and so after much soul searching and many long walks I decided to take a break. I don't want to call it quitting. I just knew when to stop and that I had to mentally focus on something that would bring me strength emotionally more than anything.

Running is such a huge part of my life and so this time was really hard. I could not even do the bike or swim. Any activity was so painful.

I spent those 14 weeks focusing on the other things that make me Tania. I re-discovered playing the piano and had a ball with that. I have spent some nice time with Friends. I taught my daughter how to sew. And most importantly I have learned to "relax" a bit and just be by myself even when there is "nothing to do".

I have been back to running for about 3 weeks. I remember my first 4 mile run. I got back and signed up for the Marine Corps Marathon!!

I have been trying to be in tune with how I feel when I run. I have been going very slow. 9-10 min miles. Every now and then I throw in a 7:30 mile for fun.
I have been "resting" between runs. I am doing Yoga, snooooooooooore, but I think it is helping.
I am making sure I take care of myself. Honestly this is the best my body has felt in over a year. Nothing hurts at all. Now, that could all change next week knowing me, but right now I am enjoying it.

I'll head out today and run 8-10. I am amazed how quickly I can come back. Every time it gets easier and easier. So, no speed work for me for about 7 weeks. Just long easy easy running.
Then I will gradually bring some speed work back in, but may cut it back to just once a week in the beginning. My goal is just to complete the Marine corps injury free, get through training injury free and get real strong. I still want to run Boston strong one of these days....maybe for my 50th!

I know that mentally I can do it.....I can push myself pretty hard...right into injury. My issue will be to know when to stop pushing...and recovering well/smart.

Maybe I need Damon's magic PIXI dust....I bet that is my whole issue.

Big Bummer

2009-03-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

So yes, the reason there has not been a post is because I have been grieving because I cannot run. My last long run was 15 miles on 1/19. The day after the run my left hip felt "twingy"..that is all I can think of to explain it. I rested that day. The next day it hurt worse. The day after worse and this was all without running at all. So, i tried to run, figured maybe I should work it out. I made it 3 miles and it hurt more and more as I ran and so I stopped. The pain got worse over the weeks. It hurt to just walk , and to sleep. The thought of having to walk the long hallway for coffee and dealing with the pain was discouraging. It is like it came out of nowhere. It has now been 7 weeks and I have tried a mile here and there, but the pain is excruciating really. I have never felt anything like it. When I land on my left leg from my hip all the way through the front of my quad is shooting pain. I was so upset that I could not even go to PT. Yeah, a little bratty. I was just so upset that I could not even discuss it without wanting to cry. My basebuild went so well and I was so looking forward to a strong marathon....and then I got sick and then this. Just very very upsetting. I am not a quitter, but I just could not fight it this time. I had no fight in me and honestly it was too much of a flash back to last year when I got injured training for Boston. Last year was just plagued with injury. Plus I had other things I was dealing with at home and too many stressors. So, I am deferring Boston..Something had to go and so I just decided to rest, skip PT and hope it went away in time. I needed a mental break. I have tried to enjoy my extra time... I do have my health, and this will heal...it is just disappointing.

I know that any runner out there will understand what it has been like to be inactive for 7 weeks and the emotional impact it has had. I am pretty strong though, emotionally that is, and I have tried real hard to focus on all the great things in my life and to spend time with friends and do some other things that I enjoy. I have not lost a limb and I can walk, I have a nice family and a good job and a warm home...it does kinda feel like losing a friend though. That sort of sadness....I just really really miss it. There is an emptiness inside me right now.....

A friend of mine is a PT and I finally felt like I could probably talk to her about it. So, I went in yesterday and got ultrasound and electric stimulation and I have to say, the pain is noticeably better today. I am walking stairs without any pain. I am going to give it a full 2 weeks of treatments though before I try to run. What is the injury? Some tendon in my hip....I am no anatomy expert.

If I can run by Spring I will be soooo happy. Then I guess I need to evaluate whether I should be running as much. Maybe I should just stick with short recreational runs. Maybe I just dont have the proper build for this sport. Lots of questions....we will see. I do think that I will just run for fun though for awhile and not train for anything. If I am strong enough by fall and have stayed injury free I will train for Boston. I still have the goal of running a strong Boston and really feeling like I was able to participate in the "race". Like I mentioned in a previous blog, running it last year was fun, but it was just a long run...I was not prepped to race...I wanna race this thing.

Sickess, injuries...do they ever end.

2009-01-11T06:00:00.001-08:00

I just got over a terrible sickness. I was sick from about 12/19 until yesterday. I had a few OK days in there, but overall it was bad. I missed 3 days of work, plus the holiday time off. It was not pretty. I had to halt all running. It ended up being Bronchitis and trying to run with that is just bad news. I did do the all stupid however, and ran a 5K on New Years Day in sub zero temps. It was so cold that at about mile 2.5 I sprinted to the finish just wanting it to be over. I think that the sprint and hard breathing put me over the edge. I was hacking like crazy and could barely breathe at the finish. I was bed ridden after that for about 5 days. BUT...it was fun in the beginning.

So, as I was bedridden I wondered if anyone out there gets through training for these darn things without some set back along the way. Again, I am fairly new at this, just 4 marathons under my belt, so confidence is just not there yet. I do not think that I have had a training season yet where I did not miss a planned run here or there due to injury or sickness. I guess that is part of the game? I still get so stressed over it. When I was lying in bed I had the calendar out and was trying to figure...."Now, if I cannot run until such and such date that leaves me x weeks" and then mapping out long runs. Just crazy....total panic. I started to get upset that I might lose all that I gained during the base build. However, just like when I was injured, I looked at the upside. My body was feeling good despite the cold. When the sickness was over all my muscles would be fresh and ready to go. Mentally the set back added a level of excitement and determination to train smart and hard. I did not lose a limb...I am generally healthy and happy...I just have a cold. Then I emailed my coach, she said to chill. So, I did, I got some meds and now I am feeling better and ready to go.

I hit the track yesterday - not running out in these temps until I know this bug is gone. As I have said before I worry that I will have forgotten how to run when I have to take a long break. Well, I still can run. My plan was to run at most 5 miles but stop prior if I was tired or had a hard time breathing. I went nice and steady, held an 8 and change pace and finished up 5 miles in 41 minutes. It felt good and I was encouraged. My trick now will be to ease back in without getting injured. Today I will run 13....reaaaaaaaaaaaaaal slow. Probably around a 9:15 - 9:30 pace. I will just plug in the music and put the legs on cruise control. I am excited to go!

Aside from running.....life continues to treat me exceptionally well. Work is crazy but so fun. We are implementing a new System for Outreach Providers to electronically place orders and receive results. The Hospital is also implementing a new Electronic Health record which is a HUGE project but lots of fun to work on as well.

As usual the laundry is piled up and cleaning is not done, but oh well.........there is so much more to life.....

Phew...Holidays are over!

2008-12-28T05:16:00.000-08:00

Wow...it has been a whole month since I did a post! Needless to say, with Holidays it has been very very busy. But...lets see....
Tucson was a blast. My sister did so well. This was her first 1/2 and she finished in 1:57:57. I was so proud of her. I planned out a negative split run for her and she did fabulous. She just stuck with my plan. Her initial goal was about 2:04 so she was really really happy. I decided that I would like to go to Tucson for all my long runs between now and Boston. The weather there right now is ideal. In the AM it is about 40 which is just perfect.

Kristin and Sherry both ran very strong marathons. Neither qualified for Boston, but both got PR's by long shots.

It was a nice course. The beginning was very nice....gorgeous views. The end was along major roads, nothing so sweet. The entire course was a gradual down hill. Very fast. My hip hurt a bit for a few days after. I am not sure that was the downhill or the futon that I slept on....anyway....it is all better now.

When I arrived home Pat had put up the tree and all the lights outside. All was left was to decorate. That was sweet. I just hate the whole cut the tree, drag it in the house, yadda yadda. He had also done all the laundry and grocery shopping. I decided that I am going to go away 3 weeks before Christmas every year!!!!

Training continues to go very well. I had to take last week completely off because I developed a terrible chest cold. Fever and all. I will typically run through a cold, but once it goes into my chest...I stop. But, I am back. Yesterday I did an easy 3 and lifted. I am sore from the lifting today....amazing how quickly you can feel the affect of a break from lifting. I was happy to know that I can still run also! hehehe I always worry about breaks, but am getting better at it. I ran an 8 minute pace and it was comfortable, so not all was lost.

I was in touch with my coach and I will start some serious training in about a week. We will see if having developed a solid base helps. This is definately the hardest I have ever trained and most consistent. I am really hoping for a good race in Boston. I think that I can hold about an 8 - 8:15 pace. somewhere in there if things continue to go well -- and we all know that is a big if. All the training and numbers are pointing there -- according to Daniels running formula anyway.

With all the snow I have been running primarily on the track. It is boring but so good for pacing and speed work. I get real worried about injury in the winter. All it takes is one slip and my hip will be all messed up just like last year.

Enough of the blogging jabber....Time to hit the track.

Hope all of you in cyberspace had a great Christmas!!!

Too good to be true??

2008-11-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

I had a great long run today. First mile was 9;40 and then all miles after that were 8:10-8:25. My last 2 miles I cranked it up and finished running about 7:15 for the last .3. I felt so strong and my breathing was real easy the whole run. I have had such a good running week. I wonder what is going on? All my runs have felt so good. Today I had to hold back to run 8:10. I kept checking my Garmin thinking that could not be real. But, it was! I finished 12 miles in 1:41 and change. At mile 10 I was starting to feel fatigued and so I ran faster and focused. Good mental training. I tried to imagine that I was running the last 2 miles of a marathon. I love that intense concentration......kinda sick eh?

Either I am having a lucky week, or the training is working, or my Garmin is broken. hehehe.
I think that it is the training. I have been real patient and followed the plan and I am starting to see results which is great. I will have bad weeks to come I am sure...but for now I am pleased.

Again, although Boston is the goal and the prize, today I am just happy to have run strong and feel so lucky to have my health and a warm house to come home to. I really try to live for the day and enjoy every run. To focus just on Boston, that one day, is too risky. Too much can happen and so I soak up all my little successes along the way.

Ok, off to do some work.

Nice to be healthy

2008-11-29T06:55:00.000-08:00

I still am feeling so thankful to be healthy. Running is going well, probably the best that is has since I ran my half marathon PR in May 2007. Even though I was able to qualify for Boston last October, I recall entering the marathon feeling weak. I had injured my hip a month before and had missed a few key runs. I ran a good marathon (3:41:36) but it left me injured for Boston and pretty much all this summer. I kept trying to run through and did run Boston, a 1/2 in May, did a 30 mile pace run and the 100 on 100...but I did all that feeling just weak. AND...it left me in August with a stress fracture and no running for almost 2 months. But, would have I stopped and not done all those things this summer? Probably not. In May I ran with my Friend Kristin. She ran the full. When I started the 1/2 (I was the second runner) I had to really book it to catch her. I was running well and I saw her ahead and she was walking. I did pause and say, do I run by and get a PR, or stop and help her. I stopped and encouraged her along....and she ended up with a marathon PR. I know I annoyed her at times....we are all annoyed after mile 20...but hopefully I was of some help. The VT 100 and pacing...well that was just amazing...see my other post for that. The 100 on 100....well that is always funny. And.....the 6 weeks rest was probably good for my head.

My head is so focused and my runs are good. On hard days I am really focusing and running hard and on easy days I am going real easy. I started some good speed work this week. I did one run where I warmed up for 2 miles (9 pace) then did 8x800 with 2 min RI. Each 800 was at about 3:30 -3:36. I really focused on pace, and holding steady and not comprimising form. I was not running all out, but solid and controlled. Then I cooled down for 2 miles (8:40 pace). It felt good. I love the way after you do speed work that "easy running" is at a naturally faster pace. Very cool...but not sure it is OK. Should I slow it down more or go by effort?? On thursday I did 12,30 second strides at about a 6:30 pace with 1 minute rest interval. That is an interesting workout. By the end you can really tell that you are working and increasing the rest interval is tempting! The hardest part with those workouts is getting out of bed at 5:30...but once I hit the track....I am good to go!

Today I will head out in the sun and do a real easy 4 miles. I will leave the Garmin at home and just focus on loosening the legs up. Tomorrow is 12 miles....hopefully weather will cooperate like last week.

Last week I did my long run with my sis. It was fun. It was a step back week and so I only did 9. I ran the first 5 real easy and Hope and I just gabbed. Then I slowly increased until I was running my last mile at about 7:45. Then I circled back and ran a cool down mile with Hope.

Next week I will do my long run in Tucson! I will run my sisters first 1/2 marathon with her. Since I am training I wont race it. Sole purpose is to run side by side with sis! Kristin and Sherry will also be there going for a BQ. Hope and I will be at the finish and I am just hoping and praying that they finish strong.

I just wrote out a check for $590 to stay in Boston for the marathon! Man!!! I wonder what that city pulls in for cash that weekend! Amazing site. But, I think this will be my last Boston for a bit. I want to run some others like Marine Corps, NYC, Big Sur...... I really prefer to train in the summer. This indoor training or running in the dark is just hard. But, good mental training that comes into play on marathon day.

OK....enough Saturday morning gabbing.....off to throw on the running shoes!

Hi Greg!

2008-11-20T02:53:00.000-08:00

So , this post goes out to Dr. Greg Sharp!!!! He likes to read my blog, but then pick on it. BTW - Greg is an ultra running man. My goal is to be running ultras and be in good health like he is when I get that old!!!! Hehehehehe

Anyway, just so Greg knows what I am up to. I will head to the gym in about 5 minutes to run 6 miles. It will be a progression run and I will build to about a 10 K pace and hold that for the last 10 minutes. Then I will head to work....
Tomorrow is rest day. This week is "recovery" week overall which feels good; lower mileage and easy runs in general. Long run is a real easy 8. I will do that with my sister who is in town from AZ. Would you like to join us Greg? Then next week is back to some good quality training.

OK...time to pack to the gym bag.
See you later this afternoon Greg!

Post long run soreness

2008-11-17T03:35:00.000-08:00

and it is not in my legs at all. Legs feel great. I did the foam roller last night to just loosen and stretch a bit and today my shoulders and arms are killing me!!!! Too funny. I always have some weird, unrelated to running muscle, soreness. Once I ran a 1/2 and my elblow hurt after from grabbing my water bottle from my hip pack thingy. I dont use that anymore.

Just thought it was funny, so throwing it out there in cyberspace.

Happy Monday!

Love Sunday Long Runs

2008-11-16T14:17:00.000-08:00

Sunday long runs are the highpoint of my week for sure. Especially when MP miles at the end are included. I love going real steady to start with anticipation about putting some effort in. Time just flies by. I love the discipline of conserving energy, etc. etc.
Today I ran 8 miles real easy at about 9:10 - 9:25 pace. Nice and steady, made sure that form was good and that breathing was easy. Then I ran an 8 minute pace for 3 miles and then did a 1 mile cool down. It was a great run....
I was not prepped with gels though and so I used Powerade. I only had about 4 ounces at 5 miles, had a few ounces of water also. Had a few ounces at about 7.5 , again with water. I felt fine while running, but sure enough my stomach was upset about 30 minutes post run and now I feel a bit electrolyte imbalanced. Time to go pick up some hammer gels and also time to remember to drink and take some carb replacement early. I am always fine with just water until I hit 12 mile runs and up...and also start adding MP miles.
Post run I finished off the powerade, which I am sure contributed to my crappy feeling.

So, off to Earls I will go to pick up some Hammer nutrition stuff. Works best for me. No simple sugars.
Next week is "recovery" week. Lower mileage and less speed work. I can tell it is perfect timing. I had a real good week but I am comfortably fatigued and welcome to some easy lower mileage runs.

I am so happy though to feel strong again. It has been a long year battling injuries and just typical "over training" issues.

My sister will be in town on Tuesday. I cannot wait to see her. She lives in AZ which is all too far away for me. We are so close and when she moved a couple years ago it was tragic to say the least. Anyway....she has been increasing her running mileage as well. She was actually a runner long before I was, but never really did races and etc. She has recently discovered Tech shirts and the Garmin and is totally into it. Fun! She is so cute....Her goal is a 1/2 marathon. She is now up to a 10+ mile long run and there is a 1/2 on 12/7 right in Tucson. I told her she should do it just for the experience! She is ready! She was hedging and so I said "what if I come and run it with you. I am scheduled for a 13 miler that weekend, so it would be perfect!" I found airfare from Burlington to Tucson for $350 and so I booked it. I cannot wait to go and do this with her. Taking the 1/2 marathon journey with my sister who I adore means so much to me. Even if we walk..I really don't care. I plan to take a camera and take pics along the way. The one thing I am concerned about is that it is an all downhill course, and with recent shin injuries that may not be smart. I will just play it safe and see how I feel. I have no issue with stopping, stretching and dropping out for that matter if I have to. Heck, that is how I ran Boston -- I am a pro now. Stop and chat every few miles...it was kinda fun.

That being said...I am just dying to run a solid marathon......

Training Update

2008-11-12T03:02:00.000-08:00

I am on about week 6 of my base build schedule. Things are going great. I am up to about 35-40 miles a week and I feel real strong. I have been doing strength training 3 times a week as well. Yesterday I did a little speed work. Warmed up for for 2miles. Then I did 4x800 at about a 7 minute pace with a 2 minute rest intervals. Followed that with 3x400 (1 min rest interval) and then 3x200 with 1 minte RI. Then cooled down for 1 mile. It was a great run. I really tried to focus on running a controlled fast pace during the intervals and tried to keep them all the same.

At some point I will pick a goal marathon pace. I am thinking around 8:15. We will see how things fall out over the months to come. Right now I am just enjoying running again.

My legs still feel good. Shin is perfect. I am so happy.

On Dec 5th, I will head out to Arizona to run the Tucson 1/2 with my little sister. It is her first 1/2 marathon. I am so excited to go. It is mostly down hill which worries me a bit. Even though I wont be racing it, I just dont want to get injured. But, if anything hurts, I will just stop or walk a bit.

On Sunday I was in NYC and ran the Brooklyn Bridge and then to Cadman Plaza. Nice short 4 mile run...but totally invigorating! On Monday AM I did the run again and while headed back over the bridge I was awe struck by the beauty of the bridge, the quietness of the morning in the city, the view of the Statue of Liberty...and I just thought to myself...."Life is cool!" It is moments like that, that make me really love running!

Not quite as interesting, but headed to the gym to run on the track. Easy 4 mile easy run.

Getting in the Groove

2008-11-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

It was a gorgeous day yesterday. I headed out for my 8 mile "long" run. I only checked the Garmin at mile splits. I wanted to run to just enjoy the day and to run "easy". I am also trying not to run for the Garmin, but how things "feel". I wanted to go longer, but that will come in the months to follow. Today I will head out for a short little run and leave the dang thing at home. I did a loop that landed me at the Racquets edge where I then did a bunch of strength stuff for about 30 minutes.

My legs felt so good while running and it was effortless. My average pace was 9:30. Good pace for long easy runs. I am glad that pace feels easy. After 5 weeks of no running I always am afraid I will forget how to run!

So, I am back in the groove. 30 miles a week feels good, nothing hurts...spirit is good....phew.
It was a long summer, but I tell you sometimes injury is a good thing. It gave me time to think, reflect and etc. I have appreciated every run and although I am training for Boston, each time I am out there I am thankful to just be running, and healthy. Boston is just the prize.

Getting there.....

2008-10-30T17:24:00.000-07:00

Running is still going well. I have been able to run 6 days a week and no pain. Most runs are easy. Purpose right now is to build good base mileage.

Tonight I had a workout where I had to warm up for about 2 miles then do 1 min at a 5K pace followed by 1 minute cool down, 10 times. Then 2 mile cool down.

It is real hard to get motivated to run after a long day at work, but I did. I have been running in the early AM and that is much easier.....anyway, Pat dropped Erin ( my daughter) off to me at the gym. I ran a mile with her. She was so excited to finish in 9:59. She then read while I finished up the workout. I did another mile at about a 9 pace. Then I did the intervals. Erin cheered me on with each lap saying "Run Fast Mommy....". It was so cute and so motivating.

I ran each minute at about a 6:45 -7 pace. At the 5th one I thought I was done, but then just took each one as it was my last and I got through it. Then I cooled down. I love cool downs after speed work. I was running an 8:30 pace and it felt slow and relaxing. These workouts really "work".

Now I am home and the family is carving pumpkins. I really do not like doing that. I really do not like Halloween overall......

I am going to go to bed real soon here. 8:30 and I am ready to call it a day.

Finally!

2008-10-25T16:45:00.000-07:00

After a couple weeks of some solid steady easy runs building in distance, I am feeling like myself again.

Today I ran 8 miles and it felt nice and easy....course I went slow. It took me an hour and 15 minutes to finish. But slow running is what this base build phase is all about.
I enjoyed every minute and feel great now. Emotionally, spiritually and physically.

I hope and pray that this training season goes well. I feel strong and my head is back in the game. I am just craving and anxious to run a strong marathon again. But between now and then I will enjoy and be thankful for each day that I can run and feel good.

Most of my miles today were at about 9:45....veeeeeeeeeeery slow. Felt like a stroll. I could have taken a nap, but I kept telling myself that the purpose of the long run is different than speed days and so I just set it on cruise control. The last mile I did an 8 minute pace. That was fun, and still felt very easy. Ideally that would be my marathon pace, but I will likely come in more around 8:30 - 8:45. We will see and training will tell.

I am in a new job now and so most of my runs will need to be early in the AM. I am adjusting to getting up at 5:00 AM to get a workout in. The routine is good for me though. The adjustment has been hard and so I have only been able to get the running in and not the strength stuff. The up side is that my legs feel lighter and running seems easy. That does not mean that I want to give up the strength training though. I know that strength will make me stronger in the long run.

OK...enough of the babbling into the interweb.......

I can run again!

2008-10-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

Well, another week of running and the shin is still feeling great. Course when you run 1mile an hour it should right? OK, so not one, but 6.3....still very slow. What great weather though...I am happy to even be out shuffling along. I have my health so I should count my blessings. I have had a couple weeks of 25 miles so I should be happy. Just 3 weeks ago it was ZERO!

For the most part, I am still running the 1.25 mile loop in my neighborhood. Figure if I start to hurt it is easier to stop. I want to be real careful. I have a goal to be able to run Boston in 3:40 or better so staying injury free and building strength right now is key. I have a long time to train and if I am smart and have the ambition and desire I know I can do it.

Despite not wanting to, I went to the gym the other night and did strides(my first real "fast running").....8 of them. They just feel weird. Weird workout...not sure I am doing them correctly. Speed up for 30" and then slow again....over and over.......Just feels funny, but I did it. Interesting thing was that after 8 of them, my pace was faster with less effort.

Lifting is going well. I only did it twice this past week due to other stressors in my life....but I am enjoying it. I can already see changes.....which I am adjusting to.......Feels weird to have these muscles showing and to have an appetite that will not die....we will see how long I can tolerate that. Eating is such a pain.....

I start a new job tomorrow that will require I am up running at 5:30 Am....Wish me luck! The routine will be good though. Luckily the hubby can get the kids on the bus and etc and is VERY supportive of my need to run. He knows what I am like when I dont! :-) Plus he just simply likes to see me happy!

OK, see, random jabber again. My buddy Damon has a great blog and it all flows nicely with a purpose....You wont find that here!

Time for bed......5:30 is going to come way too soon!

Jabber

2008-10-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

So, thank you Mary and JP for your advice on base building. Very sound advice however I have decided to take the advice of my running coach.

Had a great week last week. Ran 4 days in a row, did strength/core work on three of those days.
Still no pain...I AM HEALED!!!! YIPPEE!!!!

Sunday I went to Waterbury for the Leaf Peepers 1/2. I was registered to run, but the first long run after injury....13 miles...maybe not so smart. I met some friends before the race though and ran about 8 miles on the course. Then I stayed and watched friends run. Had a great time. A buddy of mine that is going for a Boston Qualifier next month ran a 1:38:56. Awesome time. I hope he qualifies...would be fun to have a friend to run with.

Monday I met my Aunt for a hike. We hiked part of the long trail. We started in Stowe of Rt 108. It was so much fun. Very relaxing. After 2 hours we hit some freezing rain and almost turned around, but it ceased and so we continued! We joked because my Aunt has made it to that point (.1 miles from seeing Elephant Head) and has had to turn around. We played with my camera long enough that the freezing rain stopped and we went on. It was so beautiful.

Ok...back to training. I have been doing a weight program outlined in New Rules of Lifting for Women. Good book. I love schedules and theory and so this works for me. I have done 5 workouts now, so over a week and I swear my legs feel HUGE!!!! I was afraid of this. BUT...I am going to give it time. I want to be stronger, hoping it will keep injuries at bay. If it helps my running, I am all for it.

I ran 4 miles tonight at an 8:30 pace and it was comfortable and "steady". Nice to be able to run a decent pace without shin pain. I wanted to keep going, but the rules of base building warn against it. Patience....patience... The core/strength workout was great....left feeling good.
Tomorrow will be a real easy 5 and the off on Sat.

Right now I have to tend to the daughter that says I am rambling...which I am...isnt that what this blog thing is about? I am still perplexed by blogging, but figure that if I keep at it I will figure it out......kinda like running. Never understood the fascination and here I am..............

Base Building

2008-10-01T08:35:00.001-07:00

I have been able to run 3 days in a row with no pain! YIPPEEE.
I am going real real slow....HR no higher than 140. I am keeping it to 3 miles also. Feels good to be out there. My legs feel great and my running attitude has improved so much. I look forward to getting out and really enjoy being out there again. The 6 weeks off was worth it.

I joined a local gym for 6 months. Will be good to have the pool, eliptical and the weights since I am going to work on buffing up! ehehehehe....not really, but I do want to work on strength.

I read something that I am not sure holds any weight - no pun intended, but it said that since running is really as single legged sport, meaning that each leg takes impact separately , that you should do single leg strength training. Any thoughts on that out there?

So, Base building ..that is where I am at. I have not taken a rest and done a solid base build in over a year. I am just going to try to enjoy the next 6 weeks of easy running in this Beautiful fall weather we are having. I'll be wishing for easy runs next Feb when I am cranking out repeats!

Injury Update

2008-09-21T06:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been awhile since I have posted anything so figured I would. Even though, I still don't get this blog thing and really wonder if anyone reads it besides my brother and sister in law.

I went to see my PT on Monday and he advised that I take another week or so off...and so I did...kind of. It was just such a nice week...perfect running weather. I did some real real slow jogs and walks. Friday and did "run" 3 at about a 9:15 pace. Just real slow and steady. Shin felt perfect. He advised the elliptial, but that aggrevated my hip. I tell ya....my age is really catching up to me. I do think my shin is better though. I am going to try to run today....again real slow. If there is any hint of pain I will stop immediately. Don't get me wrong here, I am not blowing off my PT's advice. I trust his advice and he is very good and has worked with world class athletes. I just have to combine that with knowing my body as well. It has been 5 weeks of essentially no running...I feel real good..and just want to test the waters with something real gentle.

Then, I am off to buy a book that a friend suggested: New Rules of Lifting for Women. He thinks that perhaps if I had stronger muscles that injuries would not happen as often...which sounds reasonable and smart to me. It will be a big shift for me, doing weights and stuff instead of just pounding the pavement. But, if it makes me a stronger runner.....then it will be worth it. So in a few months I will be all buff....hehehehe Kidding aside, my friend Damon is pretty wise when it comes to training. He is an ultra dude and really is hardly ever injured to the point of not being able to train. Actually I cannot remember the last time he mentioned he was injured at all. Course maybe has has not told me. He is smart about resting when he should, altering workouts based on how he feels and even modifying race plans or simply stopping a race due to pain. I need to learn all that still. I have gotten much better, but really I am young in this sport. I have only been doing distance running for about 6 years. It sounds like a lot, but each event takes so long to train for that really that is only 6-8 cycles of training. So 6-8 mistakes..and I have made them all. I tend to make the least mistakes when I am patient and not over anxious....and so that is my motto as we lead up to Boston.
On the fun front, I will head to the food and wine festival today. Should be a blast. Wish the hubby was going so that I had a date...but oh well. I am going with some other couples and we will have a good time anyway.

Patience

2008-09-12T07:27:00.001-07:00

Well, overall it has been a very good week on the recovery front. On Tuesday I went to the gym ready to do a swim, bike, weights..yadda yadda. Well, I left the darn bathing suit at home. So....I put on the running shoes and decided to see how the track felt on my shin. I walked for 400 yards and then started to do a slow jog. The shin felt perfect. I ended up getting in 3 miles with no pain and was able to hold a steady 8:40 pace. I always worry that I will completely lose fitness when I have to rest. Nice to know that not all is lost. I then hit the bike and worked the arms a bit.

Wed AM, I was so excited that I could run , I went out again first thing in the AM. Two days in a row after injury is not the smartest, but i took it reeeeaaal slow. I only went 2 miles. Just enjoyed the moment, it was the perfect morning for a run.

I took Thursday off.

This AM I woke up and ran 3 miles, real real easy. 9:30 pace. No walking inbetween miles and the shin still feels perfect. I did a bunch of single leg squats and arm stuff. Good workout.

So, I must be patient. I will open excel and come up with a gradual build up that will get me nice and ready for some good training come winter. I really want to just go out and run long this weekend, but that would just be stupid. I am done with stupid until next May. I did enough of that this summer which is how I ended up injured.

On another note, I will start back at FAHC on Oct 20th. Will be nice to go back and also very sad to leave this job. I have been so lucky with my career to date. I have worked for some really really great people and have always enjoyed what I do. Not a tough life to pick between jobs that are all wonderful.

Anyway, back to finish up my Friday duties here.

Boston 2009!!!!

2008-09-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

FUN FUN FUN!!!! I just registered for Boston. I am so excited to run this again. The shin is healing and I am just praying for a good season and a good race. If not, I will just go enjoy the day again like I did last year. In any event, it is so exciting to be able to participate in this prestigious marathon for a second time. I can hardly wait......The buzz in Boston on marathon weekend is amazing..runners everywhere! I love it!!!! I would totally love to run a strong marathon (3:40 or better) but I am totally aware of being patient and just training hard and then letting happen what happens on the actual day, and not getting too fixated on a specific outcome.

It is weird how just signing up for an event gives me energy and focus. Not that I am normally completely unfocused, but having something to obsess about is good for me. hehehe. All other OCD runners out there will understand......

Dear Tania:Your entry for the 113th Boston Marathon has been received, and your credit card has been authorized for payment in the amount of US $116.00. Your credit card will not be charged until your entry has been verified and accepted. Please make note of your Submission ID #: 9003946.You will be notified of your acceptance by email and first class mail. Your notification of acceptance will be sent as soon as we verify your official results from your qualifying marathon. When you are accepted, your name will be posted in the Boston Marathon section of the B.A.A. website, www.baa.org, under "Entrants."Please contact the B.A.A. registration office at 508-435-6905 (or send an email to registration@baa.org) with any questions regarding your entry.We look forward to your participation on race day!Boston Athletic Association

Just jabber

2008-09-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

Weekend was packed as usual. Saturday we had people over to celebrate my brothers b-day. He was cute getting all his gifts and enjoying the feast. Will always be my baby bro. I bought him carhart stuff at Lennys...he is now the best dressed Asian redneck in VT....hehehe. He is a cutie.

Sunday I attempted to meet my running friends for a post run coffee, but never did see them. I ended up running Erin around looking for soccer cleats. No one had her size and we drove all over Burlington. We finally ended up a Horizon and the first pair fit like a glove. At that point, I was up for buying whatever fit....I did not know they would cost 75 smackers though! MAN!!!! But we bought them. We barely made it to her game. And YES, that is right we bought her cleats at the very last minute. VERY bad planning on my part. Anyway....she got her first goal in soccer ever! And, it was the only goal her team got. She dribbled the ball all the way up the field and kicked it right between the goalies legs. It was so perfect. So..it was a 75 dollar goal!!! I keep kidding that I am going to bronze those shoes. So, for those reading...yes I do understand what sports shoes cost, but this is the rec department soccer for 9 year olds. I really wanted to get those adidas for 19.99 at Dicks.... She will play 10 games and be done. If she was in middle school and was serious, yes 75 is fine to pay. Anyway, she has them, she loves them..and who knows she may grow to love soccer. She is pretty good, course I think that because I am the mom.

This AM I did a big 1 mile jog...I just had to get out. It was fine, but I could feel a tad of pain. I am so careful right now because I really want to be in prime shape to train hard come Nov. Right now it is all about maintaining fitness. I did a 40 minute power walk at lunch...again no pain which is great. Tomorrow I will hit the pool and swim a mile or so, hop on the bike and then do a weight circuit. I can't wait.

I think Erin fell asleep in my Bed, so I better run up and move her......I'll read the latest issue of runners world before bed. I prefer running times or trail runner but those new issues have not hit my door step yet.

And....I still dont get blogging, but it kills some time at odd intervals of the day where I am looking to do something mind less....plus I think reading this may be on the list of things to do at JP and Mary's. hehehee Love you kids.....

Not good

2008-09-03T06:22:00.000-07:00

OK.....I was fine with 2 weeks off, but it is looking like I have a 6-8 week recovery here. This is definately a stress fracture. I really need to figure out why this happens. Anyway, time to bike and swim I guess. I do love doing both, it is just not as easy to just do whenever and wherever...takes more planning. So, 8 weeks from now will bring me to Nov....that will give me enough time to build a base for about 6 weeks and then I can crank up the training for Boston with my coach. I can sign up today which will be motivation to really be good with recovery.

I am thinking about seeing a nutritionist so they can evaluate my diet. My sense is that perhaps I am not eating the right things for the amount of training that I do. I am a freak about fat in my diet and am very careful about monitoring my weight, but I think that maybe something is missing that makes my bones unhealthy or something...who knows. So, very very clean nutrition, strength training and solid leg recovery. That is my goal for the next 8 weeks. Always have to have a goal.

OK...off to do pilates and arm workout.

Da&n Shins....

2008-08-31T17:04:00.000-07:00

So...I think I may have a stress fracture. I ran 30 minutes yesterday only to have pain again today. Very bad pain to the touch. So, more rest is in store. Man, I am going to have quite the clean house.

Today I cleaned the spice drawers and cupboards......in addition to the normal bathrooms, floors, laundry, etc.....I cleaned from 8:00 until about 3:00. How many miles would that equal if I did a long run? Hehehehe Oh and then I went grocery shopping.

Erin(my daughter) had a friend over and Keagan (my son) was at a friends...=Pat( my hubby) had a double header from 8:30 - 5:30 , so I was basically on my own all day. But confined to the house. So..the house is clean.

Mary and JP (my bro and sissy in law) came over with wonton filling and so we prepared those and cooked those up. I had a couple glasses of wine and chilled. It was nice. I love hanging with them. They help me just relax...and they love me....i think they do anyway.....

Now I will head upstairs and hang with Erin-E......we will cuddle and watch TV...maybe I will do sit ups and push ups....have to do SOMETHING!!!!

Till next time......

Boston Marathon 2008

2008-08-30T18:38:00.000-07:00

So, while running today I reflected a lot on Boston this past spring. For those that don't know me; I had a very very rough time with training. Injury after injury. I was not ready to run a marathon by any means, but I knew I could go the distance....if I did it just for fun. I was so sad to not be able to really race. I worked so hard to get to Boston and it was just not working out too well.

BUT..I decided to go. It was Boston after all. I ran real easy...and stopped to stretch every 3 miles. I spent a total of about 40 minutes on lawns and against trees stretching.

But, I got through and no injury and I felt good. Took me 4:28. My slowest marathon time ever, but probably the most fun.

I stopped and high fived all the kids along the way (and there were hundreds...thousands!). I took my time at water stops...I really enjoyed the crowds and the gorgeous day.

So, I was glad I did it, but I am sooooo anxious to race again.

While out running I reminded myself to give myself full recovery time and just relax....it was fun run. Easy 30 minutes, no Garmin, just music. My shins are acting up again, and so I will lay low tomorrow. Again, my goal is to run a real good Boston and technically I don't have to start training until November or December. So as long as I can run consistently without pain by Oct...I should be good.

YIPPEE I get to run today...ok jog....

2008-08-30T06:48:00.001-07:00

YIPPEE.....I get to run today. My shin was 100% on Monday but I decided since my head had decided and accepted a two week down time, that I should do just that. I think it was really good for me. A bit scary because I actually started to enjoy not working out. BUT...when I thought about running today I got all excited. Nice to be excited about running again. So, I am a firm believer now that overtraining is real and that rest is good. Lets see that only took about 5 years to learn. It has been about 5 years since I started to really "train" for long distances. My PT would be so proud of me.....

So, my new goal is to get real strong. I will work on building a solid base of 35-40 miles a week over the next 4-8 weeks. Just all easy/moderate pace runs. I will listen to the bod on each run and not worry about exact pace at all. I will work on strength and core a ton as well. That will bring me to the holidays which is a bit hard anyway...but I will start to focus on longer runs and some speed work but real gradual. Then after the holidays I will pump it up and work hard so I can run a speedy Boston. Shooting for 3:45 or better. That would qualify me to run again in 2010. My best marathon time is 3:41. I would love to do 3:30 but that is the "A" goal. I would have to have all things go just right. I do think I am capable of it though.

Anyway, that is my running head rambling.

OK, off to put on the running "outfit"..that is another fun part. The clothes!!! Hey, I am a girl.....

Sunday and no long run

2008-08-24T14:32:00.000-07:00

.....sad....very sad.
So instead of running for 3 hours I:
1. Mopped floors
2. Organized my bathroom closet
3. Did Laundry
4. Took kids downtown
5. Went to Pats baseball game
6. Knit
7. Even pulled out my flute.....
It is only 5:30....now what do I do?

I think I am hyperactive and when I run it just wears me out.

I was able to walk today with less pain so that is good...... Hopefully just one more week.....
During my running downtime, I am trying to focus on core work and arms...which is always good for running.

Tomorrow is Monday and hopefully I will be a day closer to a job change decision and one day closer to kids being back to school! WHOOO HOOO!!!!!

What does a runner do when they can't run...

2008-08-23T14:10:00.001-07:00

...well apparently do this blog thing...AND...I bet I have the cleanest freezer on the street!!!
OK, remember I said I would get grouchy soon. Well, it has hit...not even a full day since I predicted that. I am a bit bummed and depressed. I swear I have withdrawal when I can't get out and run. Darn Endorphins!

I am also in the middle of a job change and usually I run a ton to cope.....so...now what? Maybe by the end of the week all my closets will be organized.

OK...off to feel sorry for myself......

Shins

2008-08-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

So, I think that I did fracture my shins. I can barely walk today. I did not run once this week either. Time to get out the pilates tapes and hit the swimming pool.

It is Saturday and I am usually prepping mentally , nutritionally and all for a long run on Sunday, which if I was well would be about 19 this week. Since I dont have to run what am I going to do with myself? Poor family...I will probably just end up bossing them around all day and complaining about how the house is a mess. See, when I run I ignore the house for the most part, or I just go run when it bugs me.

For now I am OK with not running....stay tuned, I am bound to get grouchy shortly.