Tuesday December 25th (aka Christmas)
Last year about this time I got what every runner dreams of getting. my very own Garmin with most of the bells and whistles. i have used it pretty much religiously since, it's very hard to get out the door for a run without it. But this watch and i have had our ups and downs you see... there is that beginning stage where we are feeling each other out and figuring out which buttons to push to make it work. Then you think you have it and while running inside finding out after that you didn't turn off the GPS! or having it die on you while 6 hours into your first ultra(awesome by the way). thinking you should use some of the other functions that it offers because you only use the same 5, and you should get the most out of it, right?! then failing miserably.
next week we start a new journey, we will begin training for Boston man oh man, i am nervous for this pfitz 12/80 plan especially since for the last month i have been averaging less than 20 miles a week. However i have accomplished my goal of 2012 miles in 2012 with about a week to go!
Today after the children were off to their respective parents houses, we went to exercise. i was off last week due to a gum surgery that left me without any physical activity. wouldn't want to bleed out before the holiday!
i went to this new trail system that is about a 2 mile XC ski loop, this would be perfect! I get there and quickly find that it is less than ideal: no grooming has been done since the snow fall last week, lots of people have tried to ski, snowshoe, walk, etc, thus leaving uneven terrain that makes snowshoeing a bit difficult. i pushed through though and made it 2 laps with a total of 3.5 miles. not what i was hoping for but it was 17 degrees and a bit windy so i figured i did my part for the day.
as a runner or any athlete for that matter there is a point at the end of an especially hard workout where you breathe so deep into your lungs and you swear you can feel every bit of it expand with every breath leaving you with a smile on your face. to others this smile may look like a grimace, but to you it is a realization that you worked your body no matter the distance and thats a hurt we strive for.
Today I wore that smile proud.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Fall 50, the good and the bad
Sunday October 21, 2012
Let me tell you something. Yesterday was a day I will never forget. I have spent many days training and thinking about it.
I have spent 114 hours, logged 736.41 miles, and burned 67,000 calories yet nothing could have prepared me for what happened. My body and mind were pushed to unthinkable levels but I still made it. never running that distance before and having my longest training run be 31 miles doesn't even compare to 50 miles.
Since about Thursday started the pre-race bitchiness. it is not intentional but happens nonetheless. i get very anxious and nothing seems to go right, i have to have a plan for everything, etc... It had been raining and the forecast for Saturday said 40 degrees and rain: fanfrickentastic, just how i wanted to spend 8 hours!
Friday comes and it is still raining, roger and i made it to door county thursday night and stayed in a nice bed and breakfast. We relax and go pick up my race packet, eat some fish(it is friday in wisconsin afterall), and start to pack and plan. Rogers plan to be my pit crew on his bicycle, that meant we needed to be strategic in clothing/food choices for both of us.
I made my morning smoothie friday night, and at 4 a.m. the alarm went off. The anxiousness was gone, race day is finally here. Coffee and a smoothie, done. bathroom time...not yet. roger eats, we pack the last minute things, try to go to the bathroom again....nope. So off we go, out the door at 4:50. it is an hour drive to Gills Rock and I don't wanna be late. we get there about 6:10 and it is still real dark and they are still setting up the start area. pretty sure we were the first ones there. I am ready, pit stop to the luxurious bathroom for one last try....nothing!
So here I am letting Rog lube up my legs with his magic stuff to help block out the cold. get your mind out of the gutter...not that magic stuff.
we start late because the shuttle with most of the solo runners coming from Sturgeon bay was late!!
Lined up and surveying the competition the gun goes off at 7:10 a.m. Only goal: finish under 8.5 hours!
And we are off, my goal for the first half was a 9 minute pace, then I would kick it up little by little each mile after that. well I have a tendency to go out too fast at the start, so crossing the start line I took it easy. I stayed with a few people and felt good, slow, but good. Over a mile away you could here the crowd and the music blaring. It really was awesome.
By this time I knew Roger was already on his way back to Sturgeon bay with the car and then he got on his bike and the plan was to meet me no later than the 24 mile rest stop. So for almost the whole first half I was on my own. Bring It!
First 5 were great, fell into a good rhythm and watched the leaders pull further and further away. I was a bit faster than I wanted but overall consistent.
8:31, 8:24, 8:33, 8:31, and 8:42. The first rest stop was at 4.8, my plan was to stop for water but i saw a few women that were near me stop and being competitive I wanted to beat them, so i kept going. By the next mile I was wishing I had stopped for water.
Miles 6 to 10 were pretty much of the same 8:56, 8:41, 8:27, 8:41, and 8:25. There was the first "real" hill at mile 9, i ran it. i know alot of ultra people walk the hills to conserve energy, but as a pride thing i just couldn't! For pretty much of this time there were the same people around me, i would pass this one guy, he would pass me, back and forth, etc.
Miles 11 to 15 felt good still. the second rest stop was here at 11.1, i did get water here. It tasted sooo good. 9:11(hill), 8:23, 9:09(hill), 8:20, and 8:26. The weather changed a bit here from super cloudy to kinda cloudy.
Miles 16 to 20 were beautiful. 8:57, 9:29(hill), 8:37, 8:36, and 8:49. between miles 15 and 16 there was a nice long hill, i look at the ground almost directly below me while going up as to not psych myself out as to "how much is left", and surprise i'm at the top! you take a left near the top and then there is no sign as which way to go: continue straight or turn right? There was a spectator at the corner, good thing because i would have gone straight."Go right", she says. After that turn the course took us into Penninsula Park/Golf Course. It was breathtaking. the leaves were mostly still there and shaded and really a sight to see. All of a sudden I have a running partner, "I've been chasing you for the last 5 miles", he says. Chit Chat ensues, and we go through the next rest stop together(18.8), and shortly after that his posse greets him(kids, wife, parents, in-laws, friends).
Miles 21 to 25 had lots going on. 8:37, 8:56, 8:53, 8:39(rest stop here at 24.1 also big hill), 8:49.
Roger caught up with me shortly after my running buddy stopped to say hi to his family, i was glad to see him! he informs me that i am the 3rd female, what, how did that happen? There are two women behind me though, I recognize both of them from the group at the beginning, damn!
my running buddy passed and he was now in orange. I didn't try to catch him, kept him in sight though.
Miles 26 to 30 i would say was the start of the decline. 9:26, 9:13, 9:03(rest stop 28.4), 9:10, and 9:12. I was out of gels by now and about 4 hours in. My stomach was starting to get angry because i had no real food and i was getting frustrated. I started to eat some mixed nuts, a granola bar, and a couple fruit chews. that helped. I had some IT band issues earlier, I have never had this before but by hearing about what it entails I knew immediately that's what is was. this cannot be happening today of all days, seriously?! thankfully it dissipated leaving me with a very tight right hip! The guy i had been running with was still in sight and had a couple people riding bikes with him, one stopped to take this lovely picture of us. Before the next rest stop I passed him, at what point you ask...I have no idea! 20 miles left, which means i could finish under 8 hours, that's crazy! i was thinking at this point even if i run 10 min/mile it will take me 3 hours and 20 min. which would get me there just under 8, but i still have to run for 3. more. hours. WHY!!!
Miles 31 to 35, I got passed at the 32.2 rest stop by a woman who was close to me most of the way. i went to try to go to the bathroom....zilch, i really should have just stopped trying at this point. 9:25, 9:41(rest stop), 10:05(hill), 9:45, and 9:39. Coming out of the rest stop it went into a very steep hill, I walked that one. Now I was 4th woman. all i can think is i will still place because at least one of them was in the masters and the woman who just passed is also. Once you have a taste of that glory it is all you can think about. Roger informs me that there is another woman not too far back, the other one from before! Don't fall apart.
Miles 36 to 40, ok now i'm losing it. by this point i am running at least a minute slower per mile that the first 20. 9:59(rest stop and the other woman passes me, fml), 10:33, 9:52, 9:49, and 9:50. All that is going through my head is mile by mile. One mile at a time, literally roger would meet me at every mile marker and see what i needed. i needed something to look forward to, otherwise i don't know what would have happened.
Miles 41 to well the end. First off my Garmin died at 40.2. it was fully charged, now what? The next rest stop was at 42.2, I had orange slices and shoved apple slices in every pocket i had to take with me. I noticed that the older woman who passed me first was having a hard time before the rest station and looked as though she might not go back out. I flung my watch at Roger, why wear it if its dead? the slow process of starting running again commences. That woman never made it out of the rest station.
I really don't remember much till about mile 47. I do remember thinking that i would let everyone down back home who was cheering me on from afar. how ashamed i would be if i just quit, im not a quitter! So i pushed a little deeper, from an unknown place of pure will. I latched onto a guy who was leap frogging with me pretty much the whole race. he was now my rabbit, i knew i could go a bit faster and he was watching his pace. at this point i knew i couldn't let go, so i told roger to meet me at the finish.
even this guys tween daughter starting running with him at 48. even at this point the miles seemed to go by fast, even though it was hard, they seemed to fly by, one by one they were counting down for me. until this:
Why did i think this was a good idea?
who do i think i am to be running 50 fricken miles?
Also what did my rabbit do? he sped up, yep that's right he was going faster! i pushed i really did, i watched as he pulled away. i saw the crew in their yellow vests waving their orange flags. it was like a dream where you are running and going nowhere. they seemed to be getting further away, i tried to run faster but i couldn't feel my legs. i turn into the parking lot finally and the guys daughter runs with me to the end pushing me, yelling at me, telling me i'm almost there. and there i am somehow crossing that finish line with a time of 8:00:12. how did i just do this? and i placed, what? i have nothing left, i literally gave it my all. i left everything i had on the course and no regrets.
i did it.
I thought i would cry as i crossed the finish line, i was so exhausted that i couldn't even do that. We hung around because i did indeed win second place in the open division which was 39 and under, i had to get my sweet medal after all that!! As the sun set it got pretty chilly, i was standing in the sun and felt this huge pain in the hip that was bothering me. I got stung by a bee! really?!
I did cry though.... later that night back at the hotel after the awards ceremony, after all the great jobs, well dones, and congratulations were exchanged. upon reading all the well wishes from everyone back home i got one that tugged a heart string and the waterworks started to go. i lost it. i did not however know the extent at which this went to until i got home today. this is what waited for me:
As i sit here and write this I tear up still. i am lucky to have people in my life who believe in me, in what i can do even when i doubt myself. I am lucky to have an amazing partner who got my through this one mile at a time, letting me yell at him and not letting me quit. For the next couple of days i will be in active recovery, resting mostly. in a months time i will be at it again, i do have Boston 2013 to train for after all!
Let me tell you something. Yesterday was a day I will never forget. I have spent many days training and thinking about it.
I have spent 114 hours, logged 736.41 miles, and burned 67,000 calories yet nothing could have prepared me for what happened. My body and mind were pushed to unthinkable levels but I still made it. never running that distance before and having my longest training run be 31 miles doesn't even compare to 50 miles.
Since about Thursday started the pre-race bitchiness. it is not intentional but happens nonetheless. i get very anxious and nothing seems to go right, i have to have a plan for everything, etc... It had been raining and the forecast for Saturday said 40 degrees and rain: fanfrickentastic, just how i wanted to spend 8 hours!
Friday comes and it is still raining, roger and i made it to door county thursday night and stayed in a nice bed and breakfast. We relax and go pick up my race packet, eat some fish(it is friday in wisconsin afterall), and start to pack and plan. Rogers plan to be my pit crew on his bicycle, that meant we needed to be strategic in clothing/food choices for both of us.
I made my morning smoothie friday night, and at 4 a.m. the alarm went off. The anxiousness was gone, race day is finally here. Coffee and a smoothie, done. bathroom time...not yet. roger eats, we pack the last minute things, try to go to the bathroom again....nope. So off we go, out the door at 4:50. it is an hour drive to Gills Rock and I don't wanna be late. we get there about 6:10 and it is still real dark and they are still setting up the start area. pretty sure we were the first ones there. I am ready, pit stop to the luxurious bathroom for one last try....nothing!
So here I am letting Rog lube up my legs with his magic stuff to help block out the cold. get your mind out of the gutter...not that magic stuff.
we start late because the shuttle with most of the solo runners coming from Sturgeon bay was late!!
Lined up and surveying the competition the gun goes off at 7:10 a.m. Only goal: finish under 8.5 hours!
And we are off, my goal for the first half was a 9 minute pace, then I would kick it up little by little each mile after that. well I have a tendency to go out too fast at the start, so crossing the start line I took it easy. I stayed with a few people and felt good, slow, but good. Over a mile away you could here the crowd and the music blaring. It really was awesome.
By this time I knew Roger was already on his way back to Sturgeon bay with the car and then he got on his bike and the plan was to meet me no later than the 24 mile rest stop. So for almost the whole first half I was on my own. Bring It!
First 5 were great, fell into a good rhythm and watched the leaders pull further and further away. I was a bit faster than I wanted but overall consistent.
8:31, 8:24, 8:33, 8:31, and 8:42. The first rest stop was at 4.8, my plan was to stop for water but i saw a few women that were near me stop and being competitive I wanted to beat them, so i kept going. By the next mile I was wishing I had stopped for water.
Miles 6 to 10 were pretty much of the same 8:56, 8:41, 8:27, 8:41, and 8:25. There was the first "real" hill at mile 9, i ran it. i know alot of ultra people walk the hills to conserve energy, but as a pride thing i just couldn't! For pretty much of this time there were the same people around me, i would pass this one guy, he would pass me, back and forth, etc.
Miles 11 to 15 felt good still. the second rest stop was here at 11.1, i did get water here. It tasted sooo good. 9:11(hill), 8:23, 9:09(hill), 8:20, and 8:26. The weather changed a bit here from super cloudy to kinda cloudy.
Miles 16 to 20 were beautiful. 8:57, 9:29(hill), 8:37, 8:36, and 8:49. between miles 15 and 16 there was a nice long hill, i look at the ground almost directly below me while going up as to not psych myself out as to "how much is left", and surprise i'm at the top! you take a left near the top and then there is no sign as which way to go: continue straight or turn right? There was a spectator at the corner, good thing because i would have gone straight."Go right", she says. After that turn the course took us into Penninsula Park/Golf Course. It was breathtaking. the leaves were mostly still there and shaded and really a sight to see. All of a sudden I have a running partner, "I've been chasing you for the last 5 miles", he says. Chit Chat ensues, and we go through the next rest stop together(18.8), and shortly after that his posse greets him(kids, wife, parents, in-laws, friends).
Miles 21 to 25 had lots going on. 8:37, 8:56, 8:53, 8:39(rest stop here at 24.1 also big hill), 8:49.
 |
| This is me right after trying to use the bathroom....nada. by the frantic look in my eyes you can tell that i am freaking out to see if anyone was passing me |
my running buddy passed and he was now in orange. I didn't try to catch him, kept him in sight though.
 |
| You can't tell but i am yelling at him as hes trying to put gels in my pockets of my shorts, while i want to do it myself. "you're not helping"! |
Miles 26 to 30 i would say was the start of the decline. 9:26, 9:13, 9:03(rest stop 28.4), 9:10, and 9:12. I was out of gels by now and about 4 hours in. My stomach was starting to get angry because i had no real food and i was getting frustrated. I started to eat some mixed nuts, a granola bar, and a couple fruit chews. that helped. I had some IT band issues earlier, I have never had this before but by hearing about what it entails I knew immediately that's what is was. this cannot be happening today of all days, seriously?! thankfully it dissipated leaving me with a very tight right hip! The guy i had been running with was still in sight and had a couple people riding bikes with him, one stopped to take this lovely picture of us. Before the next rest stop I passed him, at what point you ask...I have no idea! 20 miles left, which means i could finish under 8 hours, that's crazy! i was thinking at this point even if i run 10 min/mile it will take me 3 hours and 20 min. which would get me there just under 8, but i still have to run for 3. more. hours. WHY!!!
Miles 31 to 35, I got passed at the 32.2 rest stop by a woman who was close to me most of the way. i went to try to go to the bathroom....zilch, i really should have just stopped trying at this point. 9:25, 9:41(rest stop), 10:05(hill), 9:45, and 9:39. Coming out of the rest stop it went into a very steep hill, I walked that one. Now I was 4th woman. all i can think is i will still place because at least one of them was in the masters and the woman who just passed is also. Once you have a taste of that glory it is all you can think about. Roger informs me that there is another woman not too far back, the other one from before! Don't fall apart.
 |
| That really just sums it all up, wanting to stop, but going again hurt even more, mile by mile. |
Miles 36 to 40, ok now i'm losing it. by this point i am running at least a minute slower per mile that the first 20. 9:59(rest stop and the other woman passes me, fml), 10:33, 9:52, 9:49, and 9:50. All that is going through my head is mile by mile. One mile at a time, literally roger would meet me at every mile marker and see what i needed. i needed something to look forward to, otherwise i don't know what would have happened.
Miles 41 to well the end. First off my Garmin died at 40.2. it was fully charged, now what? The next rest stop was at 42.2, I had orange slices and shoved apple slices in every pocket i had to take with me. I noticed that the older woman who passed me first was having a hard time before the rest station and looked as though she might not go back out. I flung my watch at Roger, why wear it if its dead? the slow process of starting running again commences. That woman never made it out of the rest station.
 |
| not puking, just trying to get a breather in between slams of diet coke. mile 43 |
I really don't remember much till about mile 47. I do remember thinking that i would let everyone down back home who was cheering me on from afar. how ashamed i would be if i just quit, im not a quitter! So i pushed a little deeper, from an unknown place of pure will. I latched onto a guy who was leap frogging with me pretty much the whole race. he was now my rabbit, i knew i could go a bit faster and he was watching his pace. at this point i knew i couldn't let go, so i told roger to meet me at the finish.
even this guys tween daughter starting running with him at 48. even at this point the miles seemed to go by fast, even though it was hard, they seemed to fly by, one by one they were counting down for me. until this:
Why did i think this was a good idea?
who do i think i am to be running 50 fricken miles?
Also what did my rabbit do? he sped up, yep that's right he was going faster! i pushed i really did, i watched as he pulled away. i saw the crew in their yellow vests waving their orange flags. it was like a dream where you are running and going nowhere. they seemed to be getting further away, i tried to run faster but i couldn't feel my legs. i turn into the parking lot finally and the guys daughter runs with me to the end pushing me, yelling at me, telling me i'm almost there. and there i am somehow crossing that finish line with a time of 8:00:12. how did i just do this? and i placed, what? i have nothing left, i literally gave it my all. i left everything i had on the course and no regrets.
i did it.
I did cry though.... later that night back at the hotel after the awards ceremony, after all the great jobs, well dones, and congratulations were exchanged. upon reading all the well wishes from everyone back home i got one that tugged a heart string and the waterworks started to go. i lost it. i did not however know the extent at which this went to until i got home today. this is what waited for me:
As i sit here and write this I tear up still. i am lucky to have people in my life who believe in me, in what i can do even when i doubt myself. I am lucky to have an amazing partner who got my through this one mile at a time, letting me yell at him and not letting me quit. For the next couple of days i will be in active recovery, resting mostly. in a months time i will be at it again, i do have Boston 2013 to train for after all!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
i found a little something today
Sunday September 23
Today was the last long run of my training cycle for the 50 miler in about 4 weeks. I ran 29 miles, the plan was to run 30 but i chose to run a flat easier last 8 miles than hills. the sacrifice of one mile was worth it. I have been having some pain in soleus(the bottom of my calf muscle) and it travels from the bottom of my foot up to my hamstring. I was hesitant about the run this morning because the last 4 miles of my run yesterday it flared up. This is my own fault though, I am horrible at stretching. I literally don't do it. I ran strong the past 2 days and i went out today with the intent to not pay attention to pace or time, just run at a slow even pace. this run was about time on my feet not the speed or even necessarily the miles.
I am a religious runner when it comes to listening to music, if my iPod is dead i will wait for it to charge or not go. today at 2.5 hours in my iPod died. so i ran last half with no music. fortunately i was on a cty hwy with little traffic and the last 8 were on the local trail. truthfully it wasn't that bad. I CAN RUN WITHOUT MUSIC!
If you are a runner you know that all sorts of things go through your head while running. you can have your best ideas out there on the open road. Today my mind was on my wedding. yes folks i am engaged and we have decided on a 2013 winter wedding. thinking about where, what to wear, and cakes!
Today was the last long run of my training cycle for the 50 miler in about 4 weeks. I ran 29 miles, the plan was to run 30 but i chose to run a flat easier last 8 miles than hills. the sacrifice of one mile was worth it. I have been having some pain in soleus(the bottom of my calf muscle) and it travels from the bottom of my foot up to my hamstring. I was hesitant about the run this morning because the last 4 miles of my run yesterday it flared up. This is my own fault though, I am horrible at stretching. I literally don't do it. I ran strong the past 2 days and i went out today with the intent to not pay attention to pace or time, just run at a slow even pace. this run was about time on my feet not the speed or even necessarily the miles.
I am a religious runner when it comes to listening to music, if my iPod is dead i will wait for it to charge or not go. today at 2.5 hours in my iPod died. so i ran last half with no music. fortunately i was on a cty hwy with little traffic and the last 8 were on the local trail. truthfully it wasn't that bad. I CAN RUN WITHOUT MUSIC!
If you are a runner you know that all sorts of things go through your head while running. you can have your best ideas out there on the open road. Today my mind was on my wedding. yes folks i am engaged and we have decided on a 2013 winter wedding. thinking about where, what to wear, and cakes!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
much much better
Sunday August 5
So I ran my second half of my b2b runs today. I had 24 on the schedule, i ran 24.3!!! i learned a couple things after my run yesterday. I started 2 hours earlier, had water dropped for me, and slowed down. i felt great, my legs weren't that tired and I really could have kept going. That was huge for me because I was on the road for over 4 hours. That is the longest i have been on my feet running, so knowing that I can make it that far boosts my confidence tremendously!!
So I ran my second half of my b2b runs today. I had 24 on the schedule, i ran 24.3!!! i learned a couple things after my run yesterday. I started 2 hours earlier, had water dropped for me, and slowed down. i felt great, my legs weren't that tired and I really could have kept going. That was huge for me because I was on the road for over 4 hours. That is the longest i have been on my feet running, so knowing that I can make it that far boosts my confidence tremendously!!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
I have finally hit the wall.
Saturday August 4
Today was the start of my back to back weekend long runs. i set my plan to run a new course, it measured at 21.43, my goal was to do 20, that extra 1.43 will be easy i told myself. i started out around 8 a.m. and we didn't have time to pre-place water along the course so i was left with my 2-8oz bottle on my fuel belt for the entire race. the forecast was gonna be hot. great.
I felt great at the start, nice wind. i knew that i had to conserve the water so my first drink wasn't until mile 8, around an hour to wash down the packet of peanut butter i ate. this was also my first time trying new fuel. turning onto the second leg i could feel the sun getting hotter and i was running out of water fast. right around my 2 hour mark i was out of water and hoping to see someone in their yard with a hose or something! i can across some people detassling corn and i asked if they could spare some water, ch-ching i got an ice cold bottle of water!! thanks to those guys!
onto leg 3, i knew this would be the worst part, tail wind and no shade with the sun high. water lasted about 6 miles and i was fading fast, i have NEVER walked during a race or in a training run, today i broke that. I hit the inevitable wall for the first time since i started running less than 2 years ago. i really does suck as much as everyone says it does. i knew roger would come look for me if i wasn't home within 3.5 hours, so my plan was to make it to the next shady area(i couldn't see any up ahead though) and rest till he came looking for me. it was 2 miles back and i knew i couldn't walk the rest of the way. a fellow runner who was driving past recognized the fade and offered to give me a ride, i hesitantly accepted and blasted the ac.
i got dropped off 2 blocks from home and i didnt think i was gonna make it, hands a feet numb, dizzy. i thought i was going down for the count. made in the door and fell on the bed. you know you're hot when you melt an ice pack on your chest in less than 10 minutes.
tomorrow i go back out to tackle 24 miles. i will however go out 2 hours earlier and have drop stops. Also getting all i can take with the London Olympic Track, and Triathalon has given me that extra push.
Today was the start of my back to back weekend long runs. i set my plan to run a new course, it measured at 21.43, my goal was to do 20, that extra 1.43 will be easy i told myself. i started out around 8 a.m. and we didn't have time to pre-place water along the course so i was left with my 2-8oz bottle on my fuel belt for the entire race. the forecast was gonna be hot. great.
I felt great at the start, nice wind. i knew that i had to conserve the water so my first drink wasn't until mile 8, around an hour to wash down the packet of peanut butter i ate. this was also my first time trying new fuel. turning onto the second leg i could feel the sun getting hotter and i was running out of water fast. right around my 2 hour mark i was out of water and hoping to see someone in their yard with a hose or something! i can across some people detassling corn and i asked if they could spare some water, ch-ching i got an ice cold bottle of water!! thanks to those guys!
onto leg 3, i knew this would be the worst part, tail wind and no shade with the sun high. water lasted about 6 miles and i was fading fast, i have NEVER walked during a race or in a training run, today i broke that. I hit the inevitable wall for the first time since i started running less than 2 years ago. i really does suck as much as everyone says it does. i knew roger would come look for me if i wasn't home within 3.5 hours, so my plan was to make it to the next shady area(i couldn't see any up ahead though) and rest till he came looking for me. it was 2 miles back and i knew i couldn't walk the rest of the way. a fellow runner who was driving past recognized the fade and offered to give me a ride, i hesitantly accepted and blasted the ac.
i got dropped off 2 blocks from home and i didnt think i was gonna make it, hands a feet numb, dizzy. i thought i was going down for the count. made in the door and fell on the bed. you know you're hot when you melt an ice pack on your chest in less than 10 minutes.
tomorrow i go back out to tackle 24 miles. i will however go out 2 hours earlier and have drop stops. Also getting all i can take with the London Olympic Track, and Triathalon has given me that extra push.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Top of the World
Monday July 30
So this is my RR from a little 10 miler I did on Saturday. Its a local race and I did this one last year. When I ran this race last year it was my first race of any real significant amount. I was in the midst of half marathon training and had run an 8k and a 5k race up until this point. Needless to say I was nervous. It was hot and the course offers little shade. Last year I finished with a time of 1:24:58, 11th in my age group, 36/192 woman and 137 overall. I thought that was good at the time, well I was actually pissed that I missed top 10! There is nothing like thinking you got it and then the last minute, nope nevermind not yours!
This year I was a bit more prepared, I knew the course and I run 10 miles almost daily. The weather was great, at start it was 60ish and overcast. I was shooting to cut 10 minutes off of my time and top five in my age group would be ideal. My confidence wasn't all there though. with the weather being so hot my pace has slowed and i haven't been doing as much speedwork as i should.
I knew that I could push through, so I was trying not to think about it too much.
I put myself towards the front but not right up there, because I knew that I would push too fast too soon and possibly fizzle out. In true race fashion I do not look at my watch much to check pace, it becomes too mental for me then. But at the first mile they were calling out times, i came in around 7ish. i was surprised since I thought I was going slow, but it was comfortable so I stayed there.
Within the first 3 miles I let 4 women pass me, i was ok with it for the time being. Within mile 7 is a decent hill and I made up some ground there and I had a girl in my sights, (if I could only catch her)!
At mile 9 there was a pack of 4, myself, that girl, and two other men. I kicked it up and passed them, and with .3 to go I kicked it up and finished strong!
I finished with a time of 1:16:02, not quite the 10 minutes i was looking for.
I got 8th overall woman out of 204, 5th in my age group, and 64th overall. I was really happy about all the stats I got!
All day I couldn't get the smile off of my face, that is the first time that I really was proud of myself. i didn't think that I would do that well. But it also gives my confidence a boost that I do have it in me and that the speed is still there.
Yesterday I did a recovery run of about 13 miles, it was hot and I was a bit tired from the race. I also realized that it was time for new shoes, again!
This week is week 5 of training for the 50 miler in october!
Have a great monday!
So this is my RR from a little 10 miler I did on Saturday. Its a local race and I did this one last year. When I ran this race last year it was my first race of any real significant amount. I was in the midst of half marathon training and had run an 8k and a 5k race up until this point. Needless to say I was nervous. It was hot and the course offers little shade. Last year I finished with a time of 1:24:58, 11th in my age group, 36/192 woman and 137 overall. I thought that was good at the time, well I was actually pissed that I missed top 10! There is nothing like thinking you got it and then the last minute, nope nevermind not yours!
This year I was a bit more prepared, I knew the course and I run 10 miles almost daily. The weather was great, at start it was 60ish and overcast. I was shooting to cut 10 minutes off of my time and top five in my age group would be ideal. My confidence wasn't all there though. with the weather being so hot my pace has slowed and i haven't been doing as much speedwork as i should.
I put myself towards the front but not right up there, because I knew that I would push too fast too soon and possibly fizzle out. In true race fashion I do not look at my watch much to check pace, it becomes too mental for me then. But at the first mile they were calling out times, i came in around 7ish. i was surprised since I thought I was going slow, but it was comfortable so I stayed there.
Within the first 3 miles I let 4 women pass me, i was ok with it for the time being. Within mile 7 is a decent hill and I made up some ground there and I had a girl in my sights, (if I could only catch her)!
At mile 9 there was a pack of 4, myself, that girl, and two other men. I kicked it up and passed them, and with .3 to go I kicked it up and finished strong!
I finished with a time of 1:16:02, not quite the 10 minutes i was looking for.
I got 8th overall woman out of 204, 5th in my age group, and 64th overall. I was really happy about all the stats I got!
All day I couldn't get the smile off of my face, that is the first time that I really was proud of myself. i didn't think that I would do that well. But it also gives my confidence a boost that I do have it in me and that the speed is still there.
Yesterday I did a recovery run of about 13 miles, it was hot and I was a bit tired from the race. I also realized that it was time for new shoes, again!
This week is week 5 of training for the 50 miler in october!
Have a great monday!
Monday, July 2, 2012
It's like a Sauna
Monday july 2
Hydration is key. the temps around here have been in the 90's consistently with no break in the future. My mornings have been starting between 4 and 5am to get my run in before the heat hits and before the kids go to school. Even running that early and only running 6 or 8 i have to carry water. i am not however going to wear a fuel belt and a handheld bottle is a no go. I run very tight in my neck and shoulders so trying to hold onto something at the same time causes pain. I came up with a little solution. i took one of the bottles from my fuel belt(6-8oz) and wore my stow-n-go northface sports bra. the bottle fits perfect in the pocket of the sports bra. a full bottle feels heavy in a place where you are not used to that weight. I now know what it feels like to run with boobs.
my training starts this week for my 50 miler, and struggling a bit with the plan. i have one all figured out but feel like its not enough.
Hydration is key. the temps around here have been in the 90's consistently with no break in the future. My mornings have been starting between 4 and 5am to get my run in before the heat hits and before the kids go to school. Even running that early and only running 6 or 8 i have to carry water. i am not however going to wear a fuel belt and a handheld bottle is a no go. I run very tight in my neck and shoulders so trying to hold onto something at the same time causes pain. I came up with a little solution. i took one of the bottles from my fuel belt(6-8oz) and wore my stow-n-go northface sports bra. the bottle fits perfect in the pocket of the sports bra. a full bottle feels heavy in a place where you are not used to that weight. I now know what it feels like to run with boobs.
my training starts this week for my 50 miler, and struggling a bit with the plan. i have one all figured out but feel like its not enough.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Marathon Madness
Tuesday
Finally, the moment you have all been waiting for..... my RR!
time to line up and I'm eyeing the people around me(don't act like you don't do it), ready to go. my sister and Roger are there to see me start and he will be riding the course as my pack mule!
Finally, the moment you have all been waiting for..... my RR!
First off I was not training for this marathon specifically as you may know. i was supposed to run the previous week here in Madison but was indeed cancelled due to the heat.
my training was an 18/55 altered pfitz plan peaking at 70ish and average about 55. My goal was to hit sub 3:45 which would have been a PR by 7 minutes!
Night before race: ate waaayyy to much pasta and carrot cake too late=food baby
morning of race: woke up around 4 a.m. to get up and gather all my stuff strewn about the hotel room(Roger did the Tour De Cure 100 mile ride the day before so a bicycle to the shin in the middle of the night=not cool). Only had a banana and some berries because i was still so full from dinner 6 hours before.
We were only 3 blocks from the start so we left the hotel at 5:45ish and met a lady in the elevator who was also supposed to run Madison and picked this one up last minute. We find the 8 minute/mile corral and stretch, warm up and use the john one last time before the lines got outrageous! Up until this point I was cool as a cucumber, now anxious as ever! i started at teh line with a long sleeve T, but took it off right before the gun went off to sport my kit!
time to line up and I'm eyeing the people around me(don't act like you don't do it), ready to go. my sister and Roger are there to see me start and he will be riding the course as my pack mule!
And we are off: I start right with the 8:01 pacer and i think to myself "this is too slow" so I go for the pace that feels good. I hook onto a rabbit right away and stay with her till about mile 8.
1 7:37
2 7:38
3 7:38
4 7:38
5 7:31
6 7:29
7 7:35
8 8:06
Pretty consistent with the rabbit, I have a habbit of not looking at my watch while running unless to look at the time elapsed for my gel gauge as to not psych myself out. I encounter some hills at this time and i was surprised because I thought the course was mostly flat, i love hills but when you are not expecting them it can suck. there was more downhill than up. the next few miles were a blur, I hit a zone that was good, but my goal was not to let the 8:01 pace group pass me no matter what.
9 7:39
10 7:54
11 7:54
12 7:56
13 7:46
14 8:02
15 8:10
16 8:26
17 8:11
18 8:18
19 8:56
at the turn around point i see that the group is coming up on me and know they are gonna be here any time so i push just a little bit and then decide at mile 19 to let them catch me and hang with them(there were about 5 people in the group). Afterall there was less than 10 miles to go. my quads at this point were feeling the downhills and threatening to give out, but I had plenty of endurance to get me there.
20 8:24
21 8:17
22 8:04
23 8:07
24 8:13
25 8:15
26 8:10
.21 1:41
I am not one to run with others, but i will say that these last 6 miles weren't horrible and i needed that pace group to keep me in check with my pace. The pacer was very energetic and the crowd was amazing. This race was also a relay and the check points were very congested especially at the end where you had marathoners, relay marathoners and half all finishing at the same place at the same time. so trying to finish strong and not run anyone over was tough. I pushed at the end with the remaining other woman in the group, gave it my all and sprinted that s#*t!!!
official finish time of 3:30:39 PR by 22 minutes and 5th in my age bracket!
after the race was about 1.5 mile walk to the hotel and then in the car almost immediately for the 4.5 hour ride home. needless to say my legs are soo sore and i was drinking so much water on the way home we had to stop like 15 times so i could pee!
Without even trying I ended up qualifying for Boston by 5 minutes! So of course i have to go! I did a 1.45 mile run this afternoon to get my legs moving tomorrow i will try for 3!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Something Called a Race
I have been in training for the past 4.5 months for the race coming up on Sunday. The weather threatens all my hard work and on the verge on being cancelled. As you can tell I am NOT pleased by this. 4pm today is the time of judgement, if the marathon is cancelled all the marathoners are able to run the half. Who wants to do that? Certainly not me. When the announcement was made that a cancellation due to heat was possible I immediately went online to search for a race the next weekend, anywhere! Plus side the Minneapolis Marathon is the next weekend, so if in the event of a cancellation we will be traveling to the Twin Cities to run. Obviously not the ideal plan, but hey I GOT TO RUN!
i had a sports bra made for the event to match my shoes. bright yellow so the family can spot me!
Rest has been my mantra for the past couple days and ending the 3 week taper if very much welcome, but appreciated. Never before have I seen the full effect of the taper until this cycle.
On other news my daughter ran her first 5K last weekend!!! She is part of a group called Girls on The Run and this was their practice run for the big race on june 9th! I was lucky enough to run with her for practice and it was a bit difficult when you realize that at 8 they have not (for the most part) figured out how to pace themselves. Sprint, walk, sprint, walk, repeat. It was a warm one and everyone appreciated the spraying hoses from eager fans!
Rest has been my mantra for the past couple days and ending the 3 week taper if very much welcome, but appreciated. Never before have I seen the full effect of the taper until this cycle.
On other news my daughter ran her first 5K last weekend!!! She is part of a group called Girls on The Run and this was their practice run for the big race on june 9th! I was lucky enough to run with her for practice and it was a bit difficult when you realize that at 8 they have not (for the most part) figured out how to pace themselves. Sprint, walk, sprint, walk, repeat. It was a warm one and everyone appreciated the spraying hoses from eager fans!
Monday, May 7, 2012
I am back.
monday May 7
Since my last post i have raced another race. This was an 8K race on 4/28 . I planned on shooting for a sub 37, that would have been a PR by 5 minutes! This was an important race for me as it was the first race that I ran last year as i began my racing journey. I also ran this race last year shortly after I decided to change my life. Running this race was of course important to me. i ran on the team that i ran on last year and planned on running with the guy who's team it is, but i ended up running with his brother-in-law. This guy is fast, we stayed together for the first 2 miles and then i dropped back as he sped up. i finished the race with a 34:33! kick ass time, top 10 in my age group out of 19,000 people!
Fast Forward a week. This past week was my last week before my taper and I ended it with a bang. Last 20 miler of the cycle yesterday was a doozy. i encountered hail, lighting, and pouring rain. So I am sore today and enjoying my rest day to the fullest.
Till tomorrow my friends
Since my last post i have raced another race. This was an 8K race on 4/28 . I planned on shooting for a sub 37, that would have been a PR by 5 minutes! This was an important race for me as it was the first race that I ran last year as i began my racing journey. I also ran this race last year shortly after I decided to change my life. Running this race was of course important to me. i ran on the team that i ran on last year and planned on running with the guy who's team it is, but i ended up running with his brother-in-law. This guy is fast, we stayed together for the first 2 miles and then i dropped back as he sped up. i finished the race with a 34:33! kick ass time, top 10 in my age group out of 19,000 people!
Fast Forward a week. This past week was my last week before my taper and I ended it with a bang. Last 20 miler of the cycle yesterday was a doozy. i encountered hail, lighting, and pouring rain. So I am sore today and enjoying my rest day to the fullest.
Till tomorrow my friends
Monday, April 23, 2012
Second Race
Monday April 23, 2012
Saturday was the Parkinson's Half Marathon Trail Run. it was the second run of the season for me and was here in my hometown. Rog also ran the race with it being his first ever half. There was about 400 people total between the half and the 5K. We got there early of course, and it was about 30 degrees mostly sunny and little wind. This trail is totally flat and gravel, so awesome for some and not so awesome for others(me). I would take hills over flat any day. it is hard for me to pace myself i feel with a flat course.
For the first 2 miles i was in the lead for the women, but this woman passed me and i knew that i wouldn't be able to stay with her if i wanted to finish well. she ended up winning for the women.
I hadn't planned on taking a gel, but brought one in case, i took it around the 8 mile. i was going faster than i usually do so i thought that i better take it. I never looked a my watch though as to not psych myself out.
With 4 miles to go, another woman passed me and she was flying. I ended up finishing 3rd woman and 1st in my age group with a time of 1:37:12. A PR and beat my previous PR by 9 minutes. my goal for this race was 1:40, so looks like i accomplished alot!
Saturday was the Parkinson's Half Marathon Trail Run. it was the second run of the season for me and was here in my hometown. Rog also ran the race with it being his first ever half. There was about 400 people total between the half and the 5K. We got there early of course, and it was about 30 degrees mostly sunny and little wind. This trail is totally flat and gravel, so awesome for some and not so awesome for others(me). I would take hills over flat any day. it is hard for me to pace myself i feel with a flat course.
For the first 2 miles i was in the lead for the women, but this woman passed me and i knew that i wouldn't be able to stay with her if i wanted to finish well. she ended up winning for the women.
I hadn't planned on taking a gel, but brought one in case, i took it around the 8 mile. i was going faster than i usually do so i thought that i better take it. I never looked a my watch though as to not psych myself out.
With 4 miles to go, another woman passed me and she was flying. I ended up finishing 3rd woman and 1st in my age group with a time of 1:37:12. A PR and beat my previous PR by 9 minutes. my goal for this race was 1:40, so looks like i accomplished alot!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Don't mind me I've been out awhile
Sunday April 15, 2012
About a month since I've been here, running like a maniac and got behind. Today was a great day, I had a run with a great friend, a 17 miler to be exact! i beat my previous 17 miler time by 12 minutes, I'd say that's pretty good. March and the beginning of April has been a whirlwind weather wise and is really reeking havoc with my wardrobe!
About a month since I've been here, running like a maniac and got behind. Today was a great day, I had a run with a great friend, a 17 miler to be exact! i beat my previous 17 miler time by 12 minutes, I'd say that's pretty good. March and the beginning of April has been a whirlwind weather wise and is really reeking havoc with my wardrobe!
that's what i got for the end of march and early april. as you can see i've been busy.
Monday, March 19, 2012
it's a hot one
Sunday 3-18-12
I slept in to day till 9 a.m. i can't remember the last time that happened! Not that i am complaining, just shocked! the plan was to get out the door at 8 this morning to beat the heat, well obviously that didn't happen. I didn't get out the door till about 11:30. So i was running at the hottest part of the day, which i don't mind. my body however is not accustomed to the hot yet. I ran a new loop today and it measured out to be 21.07 miles. I only needed to run 20, but i was going to run the whole thing if my body would let me. I ran with the wind the first 10 or so and I was trying to conserve water, about half way into the run i came into a town and i planned to stop to refill my water, but i still was using it sparingly. big mistake. so i stopped redid my hair and filled my water bottles and got back to it. now i was into the wind and clearly going to need more water. there were a few clouds int the sky but not many and i really knew that i wouldn't have another chance to stop to refill, so i tried really hard to take sips instead of gulps. twice though the water went down the wrong way and i choked.
the heat was starting to get to me, and i had about a mile left to get to the 20 miles. i trudged along and got a bit past the 20 miles and stopped at the cvs. grabbed a water and man did that ice cold water taste good!
i did learn that you shouldn't forget deodorant on a long run, especially if you have just shaved your armpits. talk about chaffing! i did remember the body glide on my legs though, that's what i was worried about. i will not make that mistake again! I walked the last .5 miles home shaking out my legs, trying to cool down my body. did some stretches and hopped into the ice bath, and it felt good. i was drinking so much water trying to fend off any heat exhaustion that was about to hit. slowly i felt better and was able to stand long enough to take a real shower.
I managed top get a sweet sunburn on my shoulders, back, and chest. i took my shirt off around mile 3 and ran in just my sports bra. my poor skin that has been shielded all winter is now mad at me! my face was saved with the sunscreen and visor!
newer pink shoes are all broken in and wore them for the long run, saving the yellow ones for races. nf shorts and nf sports bra(stow and go) and nf tech t. fuel belt and visor for my accessories.
20.28 miles in 3:06:02. my splits were faster than i thought.
I slept in to day till 9 a.m. i can't remember the last time that happened! Not that i am complaining, just shocked! the plan was to get out the door at 8 this morning to beat the heat, well obviously that didn't happen. I didn't get out the door till about 11:30. So i was running at the hottest part of the day, which i don't mind. my body however is not accustomed to the hot yet. I ran a new loop today and it measured out to be 21.07 miles. I only needed to run 20, but i was going to run the whole thing if my body would let me. I ran with the wind the first 10 or so and I was trying to conserve water, about half way into the run i came into a town and i planned to stop to refill my water, but i still was using it sparingly. big mistake. so i stopped redid my hair and filled my water bottles and got back to it. now i was into the wind and clearly going to need more water. there were a few clouds int the sky but not many and i really knew that i wouldn't have another chance to stop to refill, so i tried really hard to take sips instead of gulps. twice though the water went down the wrong way and i choked.
the heat was starting to get to me, and i had about a mile left to get to the 20 miles. i trudged along and got a bit past the 20 miles and stopped at the cvs. grabbed a water and man did that ice cold water taste good! i did learn that you shouldn't forget deodorant on a long run, especially if you have just shaved your armpits. talk about chaffing! i did remember the body glide on my legs though, that's what i was worried about. i will not make that mistake again! I walked the last .5 miles home shaking out my legs, trying to cool down my body. did some stretches and hopped into the ice bath, and it felt good. i was drinking so much water trying to fend off any heat exhaustion that was about to hit. slowly i felt better and was able to stand long enough to take a real shower.
I managed top get a sweet sunburn on my shoulders, back, and chest. i took my shirt off around mile 3 and ran in just my sports bra. my poor skin that has been shielded all winter is now mad at me! my face was saved with the sunscreen and visor!
newer pink shoes are all broken in and wore them for the long run, saving the yellow ones for races. nf shorts and nf sports bra(stow and go) and nf tech t. fuel belt and visor for my accessories.
20.28 miles in 3:06:02. my splits were faster than i thought.
| 1 | 8:26.5 | ||||||
| 2 | 8:11.0 | ||||||
| 3 | 8:49.2 | ||||||
| 4 | 8:23.9 | ||||||
| 5 | 8:51.5 | ||||||
| 6 | 8:31.8 | ||||||
| 7 | 8:34.4 | ||||||
| 8 | 8:49.8 | ||||||
| 9 | 9:01.0 | ||||||
| 10 | 9:06.4 | ||||||
| 11 | 9:00.9 | ||||||
| 12 | 8:50.3 | ||||||
| 13 | 9:26.0 | ||||||
| 14 | 9:53.3 | ||||||
| 15 | 9:53.3 | ||||||
| 16 | 9:52.5 | ||||||
| 17 | 9:51.3 | ||||||
| 18 | 9:41.3 | ||||||
| 19 | 10:09.4 | ||||||
| 20 | 9:53.1 | ||||||
| 21 | 2:45.9 | 0 .28 | 0 |
Happy ST. Pat's Day!
Saturday 3-17-12
yesterday was a rest day, and today is the 10K Shamrock Shuffle. Rog and I are doing this race together, my first race of the season, and his first ever 10K. the plan is to run together the whole way and to take it easy, not to push too hard and stay comfortable. for me there are alot of nerves before any race and today was no different. We got there in plenty of time and got to the front and started out great. at the first mile marker we were at a 7:30ish pace, which didn't really feel like we were going that fast so we didn't slow down. after the 3 mile turnaround i was just starting to settle into my groove and told him we couldn't go any faster due to my 20 miler the next day. so we kept our pace. towards the end we both sprinted to the end finishing within 1 sec of each other. my finish time was 47:29 with a 7:39 pace. that's a PR for me for sure! and for his first 10K ever, wow!
There's us after the race, we were gonna get a before pic, but he had to use the "johnny on the spot" soooo bad he was coming out of his skin!
needless to say it was a great race we both felt good afterwards. it was nice a sunny out and road bikes with the kids later to get ice cream.
p.s. happy birthday to Mrow Mrow and to Roger's dad.
yesterday was a rest day, and today is the 10K Shamrock Shuffle. Rog and I are doing this race together, my first race of the season, and his first ever 10K. the plan is to run together the whole way and to take it easy, not to push too hard and stay comfortable. for me there are alot of nerves before any race and today was no different. We got there in plenty of time and got to the front and started out great. at the first mile marker we were at a 7:30ish pace, which didn't really feel like we were going that fast so we didn't slow down. after the 3 mile turnaround i was just starting to settle into my groove and told him we couldn't go any faster due to my 20 miler the next day. so we kept our pace. towards the end we both sprinted to the end finishing within 1 sec of each other. my finish time was 47:29 with a 7:39 pace. that's a PR for me for sure! and for his first 10K ever, wow!
There's us after the race, we were gonna get a before pic, but he had to use the "johnny on the spot" soooo bad he was coming out of his skin!needless to say it was a great race we both felt good afterwards. it was nice a sunny out and road bikes with the kids later to get ice cream.
p.s. happy birthday to Mrow Mrow and to Roger's dad.
Friday, March 16, 2012
hot hot summer
Thursday 3-15
doing the Vilas(Hope) Loop today and I am so excited, out the door again by 7:30 and it is so foggy out. The temperature is high 50's and already humid. Running in the country and early in the morning os peaceful, reallky helps me clear my head and get me into a great mood! my legs are still heavy though, so making it a bit difficult.
Also I have to remember that running in cold weather versus warmer weather that you need to hydrate differently. Example: I can run a 12 miler in cold weather and not need fuel or water, but a 12 miler in 60 degrees I need water at least.
Sporting the compression sleeves, pink shoes, nf shorts, nf long sleeve t, and visor instead of sunglasses. I am ready to get rid of the winter runners' tan, and the sunglass tan i already have aquired!
11 miles in 1:37:56
doing the Vilas(Hope) Loop today and I am so excited, out the door again by 7:30 and it is so foggy out. The temperature is high 50's and already humid. Running in the country and early in the morning os peaceful, reallky helps me clear my head and get me into a great mood! my legs are still heavy though, so making it a bit difficult.
Sporting the compression sleeves, pink shoes, nf shorts, nf long sleeve t, and visor instead of sunglasses. I am ready to get rid of the winter runners' tan, and the sunglass tan i already have aquired!
11 miles in 1:37:56
Pi day
Wednesday 3-14
Happy pi day! I made an apple pie for travis for his math class with 3.14 carved into the top crust! Anyway.....it was in the 50's today and I did the Vilas hope down and back route. my legs were still sore though. i felt great though otherwise, the sun really does bring out the great attitude!
Sporting SHORTS, nf sports bra and nf short sleeve T. pink shoes again, hoping to get them worked in for my 20 miler this weekend!
We have the shamrock shuffle 10 K race on saturday, Roger and i are running it together. it is going to be a training run for both of us, so we won't be going too fast, since he isn't ready to yet and I have a 20 miler on Sunday and I DO NOT need an injury right now!
8:04 miles in 1:10:23
Happy pi day! I made an apple pie for travis for his math class with 3.14 carved into the top crust! Anyway.....it was in the 50's today and I did the Vilas hope down and back route. my legs were still sore though. i felt great though otherwise, the sun really does bring out the great attitude!
Sporting SHORTS, nf sports bra and nf short sleeve T. pink shoes again, hoping to get them worked in for my 20 miler this weekend!
We have the shamrock shuffle 10 K race on saturday, Roger and i are running it together. it is going to be a training run for both of us, so we won't be going too fast, since he isn't ready to yet and I have a 20 miler on Sunday and I DO NOT need an injury right now!
8:04 miles in 1:10:23
pink shoes again.
Tuesday 3-13i really am having a hard time letting go of the cold weather gear. I am dressing entirely too warm for this weather. Today was mid 40's with a little wind. I wore warmer weather brooks tights, nf sports bra, long sleeve orange tech t, and alo as an outer. i had knit gloves and knit nf hat. The gloves and the outer shirt came off on the way back.
my legs were so heavy today, i did my ab workout which involves alot of leg work, so they are sore today!
i did 6 miles with 6x100m, man it was tough!
6 miles in 51:16
New legs!
Monday 3-12
Warmer yet today 53 degrees with wind at 11 mph. forgot the picture today, but with my rest day yesterday and my ice bath, I felt like I had a new set of legs, I felt awesome!! I was out by 7 a.m. while most people are out getting to work, I'm running and it feels awesome, I like to think that I encourage soem people to work out when they normally wouldn't have.
10.22 miles in 1:29:34
Warmer yet today 53 degrees with wind at 11 mph. forgot the picture today, but with my rest day yesterday and my ice bath, I felt like I had a new set of legs, I felt awesome!! I was out by 7 a.m. while most people are out getting to work, I'm running and it feels awesome, I like to think that I encourage soem people to work out when they normally wouldn't have.
10.22 miles in 1:29:34
Ice Ice Baby
Saturday 3-10
It has been very windy around here lately. Today the winds are in the upper 20 mph! A weekend with no kids and Roger is gone so I headed out on my run towards Marshall. It is 2 miles in town and then I hit the Cty Hwy. I was feeling good and happy and the run seemed like it was perfect. This was an 18 miler. I knew however that the wind was at my back and I would soon be facing it head on. the 9 mile mark was right on the edge of town and I turned around and BAM! It was like hitting a wall. The wind was 25 mph at this point and I could swear that a couple of times my feet were moving and I was not! This did not hinder my mood however, it was still sunny and I was having a good time, that route I've only been on once before and not that far, so it was nice to see a change in scenery. I took it easy on the first half knowing that i would be going into the wind, so I had some energy to tackle it. i took gels along the run at 1 and 2 hours.
Wearing warmer weather brooks tights, nf sports bra, nf white long sleeve base and bjorn daehlie outer. the knitted nf hat and the bula neck gator were a last minute add. i didn't need them. I also had gloves that I didn't need either, by the 3rd mile the gator and gloves were off a tied to my belt along with my sleeves pushed up and hat pulled up over my ears.
it being 45 degrees, i still couldn't get out of the cold weather mind set!
18 miles in 2:54:28, first 18 miler ever.
Tomorrow is a rest day, and I took an ice bath after this run. I stayed in a total of 4 minutes!
It has been very windy around here lately. Today the winds are in the upper 20 mph! A weekend with no kids and Roger is gone so I headed out on my run towards Marshall. It is 2 miles in town and then I hit the Cty Hwy. I was feeling good and happy and the run seemed like it was perfect. This was an 18 miler. I knew however that the wind was at my back and I would soon be facing it head on. the 9 mile mark was right on the edge of town and I turned around and BAM! It was like hitting a wall. The wind was 25 mph at this point and I could swear that a couple of times my feet were moving and I was not! This did not hinder my mood however, it was still sunny and I was having a good time, that route I've only been on once before and not that far, so it was nice to see a change in scenery. I took it easy on the first half knowing that i would be going into the wind, so I had some energy to tackle it. i took gels along the run at 1 and 2 hours.
Wearing warmer weather brooks tights, nf sports bra, nf white long sleeve base and bjorn daehlie outer. the knitted nf hat and the bula neck gator were a last minute add. i didn't need them. I also had gloves that I didn't need either, by the 3rd mile the gator and gloves were off a tied to my belt along with my sleeves pushed up and hat pulled up over my ears.it being 45 degrees, i still couldn't get out of the cold weather mind set!
18 miles in 2:54:28, first 18 miler ever.
Tomorrow is a rest day, and I took an ice bath after this run. I stayed in a total of 4 minutes!
Breakin in new shoes.
It was about 25 degrees today and 16 mph winds. I am breaking in a new pair of shoes so that I can wear the yellow ones for race day in May. The shoes that I wear got upgraded to the new model, so the ones I have been wearing all year(not the same pair) are all on sale so I bought 2 pairs. I go through a pair of shoes every 300 miles, that adds up quick!
I ran down up to work and back which evens out to be a little more than 7 miles. The wind wasn't that bad because of the sun.
I wore Brooks colder weather tights, nf sports bra, ice breaker base and alo outer. gloves and hat completed the ensemble.
7.15 miles in 1:01:06.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
addition
Thursday 3-8-12
.
Later work start for me today which means i can make up the miles from yesterday!! i did 11 to help make up some ground. I was over 2 miles in when i realized the GPS was still off on the watch and was also still set to foot pod mode. ahhhhhh. whatev, quick fix. i was not going to let my mood continue into today.
the weather is colder today, about 30ish and still windy about 16mph.
warmer weather brooks tights, and nf sports bra. nf white long sleeve base layer and nf black outer layer. bula neck gator and berkeley hat.
11 miles in 1:40:07.
.
Later work start for me today which means i can make up the miles from yesterday!! i did 11 to help make up some ground. I was over 2 miles in when i realized the GPS was still off on the watch and was also still set to foot pod mode. ahhhhhh. whatev, quick fix. i was not going to let my mood continue into today.
the weather is colder today, about 30ish and still windy about 16mph.
warmer weather brooks tights, and nf sports bra. nf white long sleeve base layer and nf black outer layer. bula neck gator and berkeley hat.11 miles in 1:40:07.
Treadmill Stress
Wednesday 3-7-12
Horrible start to my day to say the least. This far in my training there are more mid week longer runs. In order for me to be at work by 10 I need to be out the door by 7 a.m. at the latest. I got up early, ate and got the kids up and fed them breakfast. All suited up and ready to go and grab my Garmin. Flippin' dead!! I charged it all day yesterday so this wouldn't happen. Of course I can't run without it, so i wait, and wait. As I have expressed before time really REALLY stresses me out. I get out the door after 7:30 and it's 40 some degrees with 23 mph winds. awesome.
I decide after about 1/2 a block that there is no way I have time to get my 11 miles in before work. I turn around and back my gym bag, change, and head to the gym. I was only able to get in about half the distance. So after my near panic attack, I got my run in. This however did NOT help my mood. I was pissed off all fricken day. Thank god work wasn't busy, cuz someone could have gotten the wrath of Nora.
Why does time and being late freak me out so much? It has always been that way for me even as a little kid. I remember waking up super early for school and being ready and waiting in front of school before the doors even were open, in fear that I would be late.
The mood followed me even after work and into the night. i did let everyone know that if i am rude, it's not their fault.
so this is the attire i was planning on wearing for the run outside, clearly not what i actually wore though.
5.5 miles in 44:42. eh.
Horrible start to my day to say the least. This far in my training there are more mid week longer runs. In order for me to be at work by 10 I need to be out the door by 7 a.m. at the latest. I got up early, ate and got the kids up and fed them breakfast. All suited up and ready to go and grab my Garmin. Flippin' dead!! I charged it all day yesterday so this wouldn't happen. Of course I can't run without it, so i wait, and wait. As I have expressed before time really REALLY stresses me out. I get out the door after 7:30 and it's 40 some degrees with 23 mph winds. awesome.
I decide after about 1/2 a block that there is no way I have time to get my 11 miles in before work. I turn around and back my gym bag, change, and head to the gym. I was only able to get in about half the distance. So after my near panic attack, I got my run in. This however did NOT help my mood. I was pissed off all fricken day. Thank god work wasn't busy, cuz someone could have gotten the wrath of Nora.
Why does time and being late freak me out so much? It has always been that way for me even as a little kid. I remember waking up super early for school and being ready and waiting in front of school before the doors even were open, in fear that I would be late. The mood followed me even after work and into the night. i did let everyone know that if i am rude, it's not their fault.
so this is the attire i was planning on wearing for the run outside, clearly not what i actually wore though.
5.5 miles in 44:42. eh.
minus 2
Tuesday 3-6-12
The sun is shinning and the weather is warmer, well 35 degrees anyway. The wind was a bit wicked though causing the strides to be even more challenging. I was running a bit close with time so I did 8 miles instead of the planned 10. I did the 8x100m though. I felt good despite the longer run the day before.
Wearing the colder weather tights, nf sports bra, ice breaker base, and nf outer layer. bula and berkeley hat and nf gloves.
8.18 miles in 1:12:57. not too bad.
The sun is shinning and the weather is warmer, well 35 degrees anyway. The wind was a bit wicked though causing the strides to be even more challenging. I was running a bit close with time so I did 8 miles instead of the planned 10. I did the 8x100m though. I felt good despite the longer run the day before.Wearing the colder weather tights, nf sports bra, ice breaker base, and nf outer layer. bula and berkeley hat and nf gloves.
8.18 miles in 1:12:57. not too bad.
Monday, March 5, 2012
So that's what a rest day is?!
Monday 3-5-12
Yesterday was supposed to be my long run day, well 12 miles anyway. it was flurrying all day and the wind was wicked. it was about 25 degrees, but looked nasty. I was going in the afternoon to get a sport massage to help alleviate my sore calves. i wasn't feeling like running yesterday and I knew that today being my day off from work and my "rest day" i would have the time to get the mileage in. So I got up at 5:45 am so i could eat an hour before leaving and be out the door at 7. Sun shining and literally no wind with the temp at 10 degrees, sounds pretty much perfect. Got the kids snack packed and fed them breakfast leaving it to Rog to get them off to school as i headed out at 7:05. I took a new route that took me the back way to Marshall. It was a nice change of scenery. The way back seemed to take a lot less longer than the way there.
i get about 2 miles from home and i see a car driving fast coming from the left to the intersection. i know he isn't going to stop and clearly doesn't see me. i kept a safe distance but stopped right in front of his car, hands up. the slamming of the brakes and the "oh shit" look on his face was priceless. i came to the window and he says "i didn't see you, I'm a runner too, i know you are running on this side of the road, blah, blah, blah". Not an I'm sorry, or I'll pay more attention: nothing. I just shook my head, gave him the look and started on my way.
I know that since i am a runner I pay extra close attention at intersections to make sure I am not on the other side of that situation.
Yesterday was supposed to be my long run day, well 12 miles anyway. it was flurrying all day and the wind was wicked. it was about 25 degrees, but looked nasty. I was going in the afternoon to get a sport massage to help alleviate my sore calves. i wasn't feeling like running yesterday and I knew that today being my day off from work and my "rest day" i would have the time to get the mileage in. So I got up at 5:45 am so i could eat an hour before leaving and be out the door at 7. Sun shining and literally no wind with the temp at 10 degrees, sounds pretty much perfect. Got the kids snack packed and fed them breakfast leaving it to Rog to get them off to school as i headed out at 7:05. I took a new route that took me the back way to Marshall. It was a nice change of scenery. The way back seemed to take a lot less longer than the way there.
i get about 2 miles from home and i see a car driving fast coming from the left to the intersection. i know he isn't going to stop and clearly doesn't see me. i kept a safe distance but stopped right in front of his car, hands up. the slamming of the brakes and the "oh shit" look on his face was priceless. i came to the window and he says "i didn't see you, I'm a runner too, i know you are running on this side of the road, blah, blah, blah". Not an I'm sorry, or I'll pay more attention: nothing. I just shook my head, gave him the look and started on my way.
I know that since i am a runner I pay extra close attention at intersections to make sure I am not on the other side of that situation.
Sporting brooks colder weather tights, smartwool socks, nf sports bra, red craft base layer, ice breaker base layer and alo outer. I am wearing the craft balaclava, bula neck gator and smartwool hat. both pairs of gloves got used today. i took one gel with me and both water bottles but with only one filled. i had the sun glasses but never used them, I always forget that with the balaclava they are useless because they fog up and i can't see a thing.
12 miles in 1:46:10, not too bad. i guess taking a real day off helps!
hot yoga immediately followed this run and an hour spin class tonight!
the snow is falling, the snow is falling
Saturday 3-3-12
happy Birthday to Roger! Today is my day to workout second in the scheme of things. he does double spin classes on Saturday mornings and i run when he gets home. someone has to keep the children in line! I got up early before he left and made his favorite bfast: blueberry pancakes and bacon, there was scrambled eggs, toast and i made myself(after the kids and roger ate and the dishes were cleaned and everything put away) an egg white omelet with toast topped with red raspberry jam and chopped almonds. yum!
My run today was a bit unusual due to the fact that we got about 6 inches of snow yesterday. i got to use my snow shoes here in WI for the first time all winter! i knew the trail would be open and that the roads would not be fully plowed yet so I went for it.
i forgot that the effort used to run with snow shoes is much greater and since the path was not groomed, it is also like running in sand. I was definitely up in the high heart rate zone. i did 6 miles with the wind in my face going about 10 mph on the way back. That run made me think about something while fighting the wind. It is so easy to give up and feel sorry for yourself for doing so, but it is hard to keep going but yet feel proud. Which of those do you feel yourself doing more? People ask me all the time how I run like i do, how to i have the motivation to run "that far". My most common answer is i don't know, I just run. i make that decision to myself everyday when I head out, that the miles that i have in my head to do, I simply do. It's that simple. If you cheat on your run, you are only cheating yourself and pushing yourself a little further from that goal you have set within yourself.
I bundled up a bit extra for this run since the wind was a bit strong. The snow shoes are connected to the running shoes with screws, so making sure i had warm socks was key! I had the smartwool socks on, the colder temp brooks tights with nf wind pant shell over top in case I fell. I had the nf sports bra tank and the Bjorn Daehlie long sleeve top with my craft jacket to hold all the heat in. the Bula and nf knitted hat completed the ensemble with a last minute add with the glasses.
6.01 miles in 1:07:56. when I look at that time i think it must be wrong, then I remember the snow shoes :)
happy Birthday to Roger! Today is my day to workout second in the scheme of things. he does double spin classes on Saturday mornings and i run when he gets home. someone has to keep the children in line! I got up early before he left and made his favorite bfast: blueberry pancakes and bacon, there was scrambled eggs, toast and i made myself(after the kids and roger ate and the dishes were cleaned and everything put away) an egg white omelet with toast topped with red raspberry jam and chopped almonds. yum!
My run today was a bit unusual due to the fact that we got about 6 inches of snow yesterday. i got to use my snow shoes here in WI for the first time all winter! i knew the trail would be open and that the roads would not be fully plowed yet so I went for it.
i forgot that the effort used to run with snow shoes is much greater and since the path was not groomed, it is also like running in sand. I was definitely up in the high heart rate zone. i did 6 miles with the wind in my face going about 10 mph on the way back. That run made me think about something while fighting the wind. It is so easy to give up and feel sorry for yourself for doing so, but it is hard to keep going but yet feel proud. Which of those do you feel yourself doing more? People ask me all the time how I run like i do, how to i have the motivation to run "that far". My most common answer is i don't know, I just run. i make that decision to myself everyday when I head out, that the miles that i have in my head to do, I simply do. It's that simple. If you cheat on your run, you are only cheating yourself and pushing yourself a little further from that goal you have set within yourself.6.01 miles in 1:07:56. when I look at that time i think it must be wrong, then I remember the snow shoes :)
Birthday Weekend
Friday 3-2-12
Wearing today: Brooks colder weather tights, ice breaker long sleeve base, nf long sleeve outer. nf gloves and berkeley hat.
Tomorrow is Roger's birthday! I felt good today, the weather wasn't that bad. mostly cloudy with a sneak peak on sunshine coming through every now and then. The temp was about 30ish and not much wind. My left leg is still pretty tight and I am working on trying to loosen it up with different things.
Wearing today: Brooks colder weather tights, ice breaker long sleeve base, nf long sleeve outer. nf gloves and berkeley hat.
8.01 miles in 1:10:13.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Day Off?
Thursday 3-1
On the schedule was 6 miles. i did 4 :( i was a bit sore this morning and I was strapped for time. Even though it was my day off, I had alot of errands to run. Time kinda stresses me out, therefore i shortened the run and I will run longer tomorrow.
i wore the colder weather brooks tights, nf sports bra, ice breaker base, white ski outer.
4:01 miles in 34:32.
i wore the colder weather brooks tights, nf sports bra, ice breaker base, white ski outer.
4:01 miles in 34:32.
Spring in my step
Wednesday 2-29
It is Leap Day!! It seems fitting that the day started out in the mid 40's and sunny to cold and sleeting within a couple hours. I thought i would have more time on my hands this morning due to going into work later. i picked up a different shift so going in at 10 instead of 1130. needless to say i only got in 8 miles instead of the 10 i wanted to. it was very warm out, i took my gloves off before i hit the 1 mile mark. i actually took off my outer layer as well on the way back!
Forgot the picture again, but.....8:01 miles in 1:10:49
It is Leap Day!! It seems fitting that the day started out in the mid 40's and sunny to cold and sleeting within a couple hours. I thought i would have more time on my hands this morning due to going into work later. i picked up a different shift so going in at 10 instead of 1130. needless to say i only got in 8 miles instead of the 10 i wanted to. it was very warm out, i took my gloves off before i hit the 1 mile mark. i actually took off my outer layer as well on the way back!
Forgot the picture again, but.....8:01 miles in 1:10:49
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Work Week
Tuesday 2-28Very excited to run this morning and I really do like running before work. I feel when I have to be at work after I run I go faster or push myself a bit harder. Today was 8 miles with 10x100m, my plan said to do 8x100m, but what is 2 more? i felt good after a rest day yesterday. I had hot yoga which is really helping my legs out. My overall feeling so far in the program is good, there was only once where I felt exhausted, but I think that was my own doing with little sleep. My weeks have been about 47mpw for the past 3 weeks. this week should end up being around 50, which I am looking forward to.
I am looking to get new shoes also, they came out with the newer model of my shoe so the older model is on sale!!!
i wore today colder weather brooks pants, rei socks, nf sports bra, ice breaker base, and nf long sleeve outer. nf gloves, bula, and berkely hat completed the outfit!
8.02 miles in 1:09:55
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wind is not so friendly
Sunday 2-26Just got back from up north and had to rush out the door to get the run in before I had to get mimi. The wind was very strong today 23 mph! But the temp was 42 degrees, surprisingly the wind wasn't that cold just a pain to run against. I was feeling good, anxious to get out of the car and run. Yesterday was a rest day due to Rogers race so I was well rested. I ran almost the same route as the 15 I did last week, but just lengthened it by 2 miles. i ate both gels one at 1:09 the same spot as last week and at about the 2 hour mark.
Wearing the Sporthill tights i was a bit warm, I had the nf sports bra tank on and the nf white long sleeve base. I am wearing a new color for the outer(shocking I know). The bula was a bit overkill as well, but with the wind you never know and I hate my neck cold. I also wore the smartwool hat with the castelli headband on top. I changed that at the last minute before I left. Fuel belt with both bottles filled with water, I only drank one though.
17 miles in 2:37:43
Sooooo Bored
Friday 2-24
Treadmill run today. it wasn't too bad except the fact that I had to stare at the same spot on the floor or i would loose balance and feel like I was gonna fall. I also felt likt i was all over the place. I was going at an alright pace and went faster as I got further along. i finished my workout by doing some arms and some legs along with some more ab workout.
5 miles in 40:08
Treadmill run today. it wasn't too bad except the fact that I had to stare at the same spot on the floor or i would loose balance and feel like I was gonna fall. I also felt likt i was all over the place. I was going at an alright pace and went faster as I got further along. i finished my workout by doing some arms and some legs along with some more ab workout.
5 miles in 40:08
Thirsty Thursday
Thursday 2-23
I forgot to take a picture today, i was in a hurry to get the run over because we were headign to Hayward WI for the American Birkebeiner. It was sunny and mid 20's, great day for a run. I just did my quick 6 mile route that I always do. Tomorrow i will have to run on the treadmill up north, but at least i'm still running! no more side pain which is good, still trying to stretch out my legs. i bought some compression socks and some sleeves and doing weekly yoga, so hopefully that helps!
6:01 miles in 51:51
I forgot to take a picture today, i was in a hurry to get the run over because we were headign to Hayward WI for the American Birkebeiner. It was sunny and mid 20's, great day for a run. I just did my quick 6 mile route that I always do. Tomorrow i will have to run on the treadmill up north, but at least i'm still running! no more side pain which is good, still trying to stretch out my legs. i bought some compression socks and some sleeves and doing weekly yoga, so hopefully that helps!
6:01 miles in 51:51
Off Day
Wednesday 2-22
I wore the warmer weather brooks tights, rei socks, ice breaker base, nf long sleeve outer, black bula, knit nf hat. felt good overall this week with my running.
10:01miles in 1:29:02
10 miles today, straight down sprecher 5 and back. I didn't have to work today so I wasn't in a rush, but I still wanted to get out early. Out by 8:30, not too bad. i went out with goal to clear my head and go at a steady pace. I succeeded at both, I zoned out for sure and the miles went by fast. The temp was good about 30 again and sunny. it felt like spring and you wouldn't know it had snowed the day before if you hadn't seen it yourself.
I wore the warmer weather brooks tights, rei socks, ice breaker base, nf long sleeve outer, black bula, knit nf hat. felt good overall this week with my running.10:01miles in 1:29:02
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)