Skinny Runner did a little day in the life post yesterday and I thought it was kind of fun. So, here's my Saturday edition.
6:45 - Roll over, look at the clock, think about getting up and getting an early start on my 16 miler. Roll back over, pretend I never even opened my eyes, go back to sleep.
7:48 - Hear the pitter patter of little feet running towards my room. Hear a sweet boy whisper in my ear, "Mom, I have to poop!" Tell sweet boy to hurry and go. Roll out of bed. Wipe said boys bottom. Head to the kitchen to turn the coffee pot on.
Pour cereal for 3. Slice banana bread for 3. Make cream of rice. Sit, drink coffee and eat my delicious breakfast.
Kiss sweet hubs when he wakes up. Head back to the room. Start putting on the many layers needed for today's run.
9:37 - Hands shaking. Geared up. Hubs practically has to push me out the door.
Mile 1 - 9:19 - Feeling anxious. Feeling off.
Mile 2 - 9:32 - Seriously think to myself, only 14 more. Uh oh. Change the attitude or this is going to be long and hard!
Fast forward.
Mile 5 - 9:02 - First round of shot blocks. Water. Smile on my face. I'm already done with 5??
Mile 6 - 8:50 - Soaring. Smiling. Big runnerd on the side of the road. Hear a horn honk. 26.2 sticker on the back of the car. Wave like a big crazy lady.
Mile 7 -8:57 - Run TO my church. That was fun!! Seriously.
Mile 8 - 9:07 - Stroll into Walgreens like I own the place. Race walk back to the drinking fountain, fill up my water bottle. Drop a Nuun in. Off I go! Smiling!
Mile 9 - 9:07 - I NEVER want this to end. Consider running an ultra.
Mile 10 - 9:04 - Run past Albertsons. Laugh to myself as I think about how fun it would be to go in and rent a movie from Redbox... "yeah, I just ran to pick up a movie today." Sad to think there's only 6 more miles. Consider going farther. Second dose of shot blocks.
Mile 11 - 9:19 - More smiles as I run past a friend's old work. Could this be any more fun???
Mile 12 - 9:26 - Legs are getting tight. Take some good drinks. Start calculating mileage. Hoping I went far enough out. Still thinking I've got lots left in the tank.
Mile 13 - 9:23 - I CAN do this! Starting to dig. 3 more.
Mile 14 - 9:27 - You've got this. 2 more. Stop to turn Toby Mac on to bring me home. Turn on the ignition, Toby. Turn. It. On.
Mile 15 - 9:16 - Smiling as my legs ache. Almost there. A distance PR.
Mile 16 - 8:53 - Pushing. Pushing. Pushing. Man on the corner selling oranges. Think to myself that he must think I'm crazy as I sprint towards my finish line.
Stop.
16 miles. 2:27:26. Legs are aching like crazy and all I want to do is lay down. .5 mile walk up the hill to home.
Kiss the hubs. Text dear friends. "How long do I sit in an ice bath??"
15 year old son asks how far I ran. "16, can I be awesome now???" When I ran 14 he told me I should have done 16 because, THAT, would be awesome.
Coffee in hand. Phone and Runner's World too. Head to the bath. Wonder if my kids think Mom's losing it as she moans and groans getting into the cold bath. With her clothes on.
Bath done. Hot shower taken. Biggest baggiest sweats on. Lunch in the tummy. Smiling.
I CANNOT wait for my 18 next week!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Just 16
Just 16.
That's all it is.
Just 16.
Just a distance PR.
Just a 90% chance of rain.
Just under 3 hours in it.
Just by myself.
Just getting anxious sitting here thinking about it.
Just wishing it was already tomorrow. Today.
Just me. Just the hills. Just the rain. Just 16.
What's your long run look like this weekend??
That's all it is.
Just 16.
Just a distance PR.
Just a 90% chance of rain.
Just under 3 hours in it.
Just by myself.
Just getting anxious sitting here thinking about it.
Just wishing it was already tomorrow. Today.
Just me. Just the hills. Just the rain. Just 16.
What's your long run look like this weekend??
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Just Call Me Jill
Jill Bauer that is.
You know. Jack's sister? Haven't heard of her? Neither had I.
This morning I woke up and told Cory that I was having a dream that had me possibly saving the world. He asked about the possibly part and I oh-so-brightly continued...
Well, the president couldn't "officially" know but all his officials knew. And, if I chose to do what I was going to do (which they were all encouraging me to do) I would end up in jail for the rest of my life.
I'm not kidding.
I also had a dream that our babysitter was dating Justin Bieber and he was being a jerk to her so I had to go set him straight too.
Seriously.
I have whacked out dreams!
Needless to say, I woke up with a headache. I mean, who wouldn't have a headache after saving the world??
Cory, so sweetly, offered to let me borrow his back brace today. He kept asking if my back hurt from carrying the weight of the world. Thanks, Babe.
No. No backache here. Just a headache. And I'm tired. And the really sad thing? I'm grumpy.
That's what saving the world does for you.
And, you know what else?? I have a tempo run to do today.
And I'm tired.
And grumpy.
After saving the world all night, how am I to get my legs to move that fast??
Drinking my coffee. Gearing myself up. I CAN do this!
After all, if I can save our babysitter and the world, I can surely run 4 miles at tempo pace, right??
You know. Jack's sister? Haven't heard of her? Neither had I.
This morning I woke up and told Cory that I was having a dream that had me possibly saving the world. He asked about the possibly part and I oh-so-brightly continued...
Well, the president couldn't "officially" know but all his officials knew. And, if I chose to do what I was going to do (which they were all encouraging me to do) I would end up in jail for the rest of my life.
I'm not kidding.
I also had a dream that our babysitter was dating Justin Bieber and he was being a jerk to her so I had to go set him straight too.
Seriously.
I have whacked out dreams!
Needless to say, I woke up with a headache. I mean, who wouldn't have a headache after saving the world??
Cory, so sweetly, offered to let me borrow his back brace today. He kept asking if my back hurt from carrying the weight of the world. Thanks, Babe.
No. No backache here. Just a headache. And I'm tired. And the really sad thing? I'm grumpy.
That's what saving the world does for you.
And, you know what else?? I have a tempo run to do today.
And I'm tired.
And grumpy.
After saving the world all night, how am I to get my legs to move that fast??
Drinking my coffee. Gearing myself up. I CAN do this!
After all, if I can save our babysitter and the world, I can surely run 4 miles at tempo pace, right??
Monday, March 21, 2011
Pansy
I have a confession.
I am a complete pansy.
A wanna-be BAMR.
A baby.
Seriously.
That's why it's better for me to run at O' dark early in the morning. If I run when it's dark I won't be able to see how crappy it REALLY is outside.
That's why I used to call Mandi around 3:00 in the afternoon after watching the wind and rain all day and tell her how glad I was that we had already ran.
That's why I'm so glad to have a treadmill. I can run in shorts and a tank whenever I want. I can watch the wind and rain and stay completely dry. Well, not dry, because I'm stinky sweaty, but you get the picture.
But, I do love running outside. I love the fresh air. I love the peace and quiet. I love the change of scenery. I love the cows in the fields, the birds flying overhead, the friendly waves of the drivers passing by.
I also love it when it's not raining.
I only had 6 to do this weekend and while the beautiful sun was shining on Saturday, we spent our 3rd weekend in a row painting. I had heard Sunday was supposed to be nice too, so I put it off a day.
Sunday was not like Saturday. It was crazy windy. Gray. Not sunny. Not beautiful. As we sat drinking our coffee, my pansy self said, "yeah. I don't think I want to run outside today. That wind is crazy!"
But, as my phone kept ringing from text messages from my mom. I changed my mind. You see, she was down in L.A. at the marathon and it was no just raining. It was dumping. I figured if the marathoners could run in that weather. I could run in a little wind. I would get my pansy self out the door for a little fresh air.
I also decided to just run. Run what was comfortable and not look at my watch.
As I took off up the hill, the wind was howling. Right. In. My. Face. About .5 into it, I had tears running down my face. Not from crying. From the wind in my eyes. It really was crazy! At that point, I decided that if I saw any houses or trees or cows flying by, that I would turn around and go home. Thankfully, after I turned a couple corners I was well protected by trees and the wind didn't hit me again until the last mile or so.
It was so nice to be outside. It was so nice to just run. I felt light on my feet and spent much of the run smiling and singing along to my old friend Toby Mac. Finishing the last 1.5 miles listening to the same song over and over...
I am a complete pansy.
A wanna-be BAMR.
A baby.
Seriously.
That's why it's better for me to run at O' dark early in the morning. If I run when it's dark I won't be able to see how crappy it REALLY is outside.
That's why I used to call Mandi around 3:00 in the afternoon after watching the wind and rain all day and tell her how glad I was that we had already ran.
That's why I'm so glad to have a treadmill. I can run in shorts and a tank whenever I want. I can watch the wind and rain and stay completely dry. Well, not dry, because I'm stinky sweaty, but you get the picture.
But, I do love running outside. I love the fresh air. I love the peace and quiet. I love the change of scenery. I love the cows in the fields, the birds flying overhead, the friendly waves of the drivers passing by.
I also love it when it's not raining.
I only had 6 to do this weekend and while the beautiful sun was shining on Saturday, we spent our 3rd weekend in a row painting. I had heard Sunday was supposed to be nice too, so I put it off a day.
Sunday was not like Saturday. It was crazy windy. Gray. Not sunny. Not beautiful. As we sat drinking our coffee, my pansy self said, "yeah. I don't think I want to run outside today. That wind is crazy!"
But, as my phone kept ringing from text messages from my mom. I changed my mind. You see, she was down in L.A. at the marathon and it was no just raining. It was dumping. I figured if the marathoners could run in that weather. I could run in a little wind. I would get my pansy self out the door for a little fresh air.
I also decided to just run. Run what was comfortable and not look at my watch.
As I took off up the hill, the wind was howling. Right. In. My. Face. About .5 into it, I had tears running down my face. Not from crying. From the wind in my eyes. It really was crazy! At that point, I decided that if I saw any houses or trees or cows flying by, that I would turn around and go home. Thankfully, after I turned a couple corners I was well protected by trees and the wind didn't hit me again until the last mile or so.
It was so nice to be outside. It was so nice to just run. I felt light on my feet and spent much of the run smiling and singing along to my old friend Toby Mac. Finishing the last 1.5 miles listening to the same song over and over...
"God's in the spot you can like it or not
So rip the knob off the volume when you give this a shot
And raise your hands as the slam starts to thicken the plot
Openin' eyes to the lies of the enemies' lot
So RUN LIKE THE WIND from the sin of your past
Keep your eyes on the prize when they put you on blast
It's the Christ on the cross, it's humanity's shot
It's a worldwide call to everything that we're not
This is the slam, this is the one
This is the slam, this is the one
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna do it like it ain't been done before
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna bring it like it ain't been brung
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna do it like it ain't been done before
This is the slam this is the one
We gonna spring you like you ain't been sprung
They came from the cities and towns all around
To see the longhaired preacher from the desert get down
Waist high in water, never short on words, he said
Repent, the kingdom of heaven can be yours
But he stopped in the middle of his words and dropped
Down to his knees and said, behold the Lamb of God
He's the one, the slam, don't you people understand?
You're staring at the son, God's reaching out his hand
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna do it like it ain't been done before
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna bring it like it ain't been brung
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna do it like it ain't been done before
This is the slam this is the one
We gonna spring you like you ain't been sprung
The father slammed it like Shaq
For Latinos and Blacks
Packin' them straps
And Caucasians hooked on Ecstasy and the crack
Stacked the sins of this world to his body
And conquered evil and hell
Then snatched the keys of death in one breath and unlocked the cell
He rose on the third
I'm tellin' you partner, its actual fact
Just like TOBYMAC and Boney Soprano up on this track
We slam dunkin' and keep it jumpin' like jumper cables
And keep the crowd rowdy like Jesus tossin' them temple tables"
So rip the knob off the volume when you give this a shot
And raise your hands as the slam starts to thicken the plot
Openin' eyes to the lies of the enemies' lot
So RUN LIKE THE WIND from the sin of your past
Keep your eyes on the prize when they put you on blast
It's the Christ on the cross, it's humanity's shot
It's a worldwide call to everything that we're not
This is the slam, this is the one
This is the slam, this is the one
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna do it like it ain't been done before
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna bring it like it ain't been brung
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna do it like it ain't been done before
This is the slam this is the one
We gonna spring you like you ain't been sprung
They came from the cities and towns all around
To see the longhaired preacher from the desert get down
Waist high in water, never short on words, he said
Repent, the kingdom of heaven can be yours
But he stopped in the middle of his words and dropped
Down to his knees and said, behold the Lamb of God
He's the one, the slam, don't you people understand?
You're staring at the son, God's reaching out his hand
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna do it like it ain't been done before
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna bring it like it ain't been brung
This is the slam, this is the one
We gonna do it like it ain't been done before
This is the slam this is the one
We gonna spring you like you ain't been sprung
The father slammed it like Shaq
For Latinos and Blacks
Packin' them straps
And Caucasians hooked on Ecstasy and the crack
Stacked the sins of this world to his body
And conquered evil and hell
Then snatched the keys of death in one breath and unlocked the cell
He rose on the third
I'm tellin' you partner, its actual fact
Just like TOBYMAC and Boney Soprano up on this track
We slam dunkin' and keep it jumpin' like jumper cables
And keep the crowd rowdy like Jesus tossin' them temple tables"
I finished it up. Pressed stop and stared.
6.3 miles
54:33
8:39 average pace!!
Who knew that was a comfortable pace for this pansy girl??
I sure didn't.
Thankful I got my pansy self out the door. Thankful that while it was windy, it wasn't raining. Thankful for running at a comfortable pace. Thankful for a little Toby Mac. Thankful for a fun week of running ahead... 16 miles on Saturday!!
6.3 miles
54:33
8:39 average pace!!
Who knew that was a comfortable pace for this pansy girl??
I sure didn't.
Thankful I got my pansy self out the door. Thankful that while it was windy, it wasn't raining. Thankful for running at a comfortable pace. Thankful for a little Toby Mac. Thankful for a fun week of running ahead... 16 miles on Saturday!!
Friday, March 18, 2011
LA 2012
My mom is currently on her way to LA and I'm fighting every jealous bone in my body to be happy and excited for her.
She's gone down there for years with her friend to help Team Parkinson and she also loves walking the 5K. And, really, until last year, I never really took notice.
Last year, I started running. Last year, when she called me to say she was watching the elites cross the finish line, I took notice. Last year, I said, "maybe next year." Half joking. Half serious.
Then, I was talking to my brother and told him what I'd said. He told me I could run it for him. That by the time I was done I wouldn't even like him anymore. I laughed and said, "I'll run the 1st 1/2 for you and the second 1/2 for me. I'll still love you!"
I seriously considered having LA be my first marathon. My mom would be there to watch me cross the finish line and there's just something about that that would make it so special. But, Cory wouldn't be able to be there... that would make it much less special. Because, I love my mom, but my husband HAS to be there the 1st time! I also would have had to train in the yuckiest time of the year here in the NW (not that it's much better right now!).
Then, Vancouver came along. That would be my first. LA would have to wait...
Fast forward to November when my Dad was visiting. We were talking about LA and he turned and said he would pay for me to run LA so I could go down with my mom. My oh-so-impulsive self just about said yes and hit the register now button. I decided to look at a calender. 14 weeks. I pulled a schedule up from SmartCoach. I analyzed. I was tempted.
But, reality was, it was 14 weeks and I hadn't even been running a year yet. I could wait for LA 2012.
The weeks have passed by. I've started training for Vancouver. I'm so looking forward to running my 1st marathon in June. In my home state. With many other friends. But, still...
As my mom has gotten closer to going, I found myself fighting. I really am excited for her. She has so much fun on this trip. So much fun! So, I'll be excited for her this year and look forward to next year!
LA 2012!!
She's gone down there for years with her friend to help Team Parkinson and she also loves walking the 5K. And, really, until last year, I never really took notice.
Last year, I started running. Last year, when she called me to say she was watching the elites cross the finish line, I took notice. Last year, I said, "maybe next year." Half joking. Half serious.
Then, I was talking to my brother and told him what I'd said. He told me I could run it for him. That by the time I was done I wouldn't even like him anymore. I laughed and said, "I'll run the 1st 1/2 for you and the second 1/2 for me. I'll still love you!"
I seriously considered having LA be my first marathon. My mom would be there to watch me cross the finish line and there's just something about that that would make it so special. But, Cory wouldn't be able to be there... that would make it much less special. Because, I love my mom, but my husband HAS to be there the 1st time! I also would have had to train in the yuckiest time of the year here in the NW (not that it's much better right now!).
Then, Vancouver came along. That would be my first. LA would have to wait...
Fast forward to November when my Dad was visiting. We were talking about LA and he turned and said he would pay for me to run LA so I could go down with my mom. My oh-so-impulsive self just about said yes and hit the register now button. I decided to look at a calender. 14 weeks. I pulled a schedule up from SmartCoach. I analyzed. I was tempted.
But, reality was, it was 14 weeks and I hadn't even been running a year yet. I could wait for LA 2012.
The weeks have passed by. I've started training for Vancouver. I'm so looking forward to running my 1st marathon in June. In my home state. With many other friends. But, still...
As my mom has gotten closer to going, I found myself fighting. I really am excited for her. She has so much fun on this trip. So much fun! So, I'll be excited for her this year and look forward to next year!
LA 2012!!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A Dream Come True
I have a new running buddy.
She is AMAZING!
Simply amazing.
She covers my rear in sticky situations.
She knows her place.
She makes run feel easy breezy.
She'll carry fuel for me if I want her to.
And, she's pretty too.
She's a dream come true!
Truly.
I mentioned a little bit ago that Lululemon was very generous in blessing each of the participants of the Inaugural Eugene Women's 1/2 Marathon with a $60 giftcard to their stores. When I received that baby in the mail I was overjoyed! What was I going to get???
I knew I wanted either a pair of their groovy run shorts or a skirt. But, to be honest, I wondered if their product would live up to my dreamy expectations.
When I walked into the store, I felt at home. I was offered coffee or tea. There was a wall of tanks. A wall of pants. Shorts . Sweatshirts. Underwear. Sale items. This store was neatly organized. In no way overwhelming. And appealed to every single one of my senses.
Heavenly... especially for a girl who gets overwhelmed easily and has been getting anxious over everything.
I beelined for the skirts and grabbed the Run:Speed Skirt in a 6 and an 8. I was told to expect to go up a size at Lululemon and figured I was dreaming to grab a 6. I then headed to the shorts and grabbed a couple of those as well.
I put the skirt on first in a size 8 and was glad to see that it was, in fact, too big. The 6? I loved it! (and I promise there is a point to me mentioning the sizes.)
The shorts were next and wow. The 6's? Um, the waist was great. The legs? Well, lets just say that God blessed me greatly in the thigh department and they were so unflattering. The 8's? Quite roomy but, again, the legs?? Here's a nice way to put it, "I like the skirt on you better!" says the gal working by the dressing rooms. Yeah. Me too.
I had $6 left to spend and was just about to purchase some socks when some of their underwear caught my eye. I tend to chafe from mine on my long runs and although they were expensive ($18) I thought that to not chafe would make them oh-so-worth-it. Because their shorts were snug on me in a 6, I bought the mediums.
I put the unders on for my 14 miler and loved how they looked. Or rather, I loved how they made me look. Wonderfully athletic. But, crap, they already looked too big. They were gappy and I was not encouraged in the least as I pulled my tights up and had to do some major adjusting. Praying they would stay in place.
They didn't. Needless to say, I chafed in places I'd never chafed before. Ouch.
The skirt???
It did not disappoint!
See that happy smile??
I wore it on Monday for my 6 miler and instantly fell in love. The skirt did not budge the entire run. It did not fall down. The undershorts did not ride up. I felt easy breezy.
But, I wondered if it was just because the 6 was so refreshing after running 14 on Saturday.
So, I wore it again today. The verdict?
I LOVE it! Love it!
What Lululemon says about the skirt...
Thank you Eugene Women's 1/2 and thank you Lululemon!!! Thanks for making my dream come true!
She is AMAZING!
Simply amazing.
She covers my rear in sticky situations.
She knows her place.
She makes run feel easy breezy.
She'll carry fuel for me if I want her to.
And, she's pretty too.
She's a dream come true!
Truly.
I mentioned a little bit ago that Lululemon was very generous in blessing each of the participants of the Inaugural Eugene Women's 1/2 Marathon with a $60 giftcard to their stores. When I received that baby in the mail I was overjoyed! What was I going to get???
I knew I wanted either a pair of their groovy run shorts or a skirt. But, to be honest, I wondered if their product would live up to my dreamy expectations.
When I walked into the store, I felt at home. I was offered coffee or tea. There was a wall of tanks. A wall of pants. Shorts . Sweatshirts. Underwear. Sale items. This store was neatly organized. In no way overwhelming. And appealed to every single one of my senses.
Heavenly... especially for a girl who gets overwhelmed easily and has been getting anxious over everything.
I beelined for the skirts and grabbed the Run:Speed Skirt in a 6 and an 8. I was told to expect to go up a size at Lululemon and figured I was dreaming to grab a 6. I then headed to the shorts and grabbed a couple of those as well.
I put the skirt on first in a size 8 and was glad to see that it was, in fact, too big. The 6? I loved it! (and I promise there is a point to me mentioning the sizes.)
The shorts were next and wow. The 6's? Um, the waist was great. The legs? Well, lets just say that God blessed me greatly in the thigh department and they were so unflattering. The 8's? Quite roomy but, again, the legs?? Here's a nice way to put it, "I like the skirt on you better!" says the gal working by the dressing rooms. Yeah. Me too.
I had $6 left to spend and was just about to purchase some socks when some of their underwear caught my eye. I tend to chafe from mine on my long runs and although they were expensive ($18) I thought that to not chafe would make them oh-so-worth-it. Because their shorts were snug on me in a 6, I bought the mediums.
I put the unders on for my 14 miler and loved how they looked. Or rather, I loved how they made me look. Wonderfully athletic. But, crap, they already looked too big. They were gappy and I was not encouraged in the least as I pulled my tights up and had to do some major adjusting. Praying they would stay in place.
They didn't. Needless to say, I chafed in places I'd never chafed before. Ouch.
The skirt???
It did not disappoint!
See that happy smile??But, I wondered if it was just because the 6 was so refreshing after running 14 on Saturday.
So, I wore it again today. The verdict?
I LOVE it! Love it!
What Lululemon says about the skirt...
- All the technical properties of a short, but we made a skirt instead!
- Lightweight & wicking swift fabric with 4-way stretch and recycled content
- Inherently wicking luxtreme™ fabric liner with sticky elastic at hem, stops shorts from riding up
- Smooth, wide waistband
- Continuous drawcord won't come out in the wash
- Storage! Secure back zipper pocket & 2 gel pockets on the front
- Chafe-resistant - flat seams
Thank you Eugene Women's 1/2 and thank you Lululemon!!! Thanks for making my dream come true!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
What's Your Goal?
I have a couple of sick kiddos at home and although I am beyond tired from the sleepless nights, I can say that one benefit of sick kids and lots of snuggles is lots of reading. Lots of reading!
I've been working on Hal Higdon's, Marathon. A great educational book that leaves me having an internal battle.
What's my goal?
I would be lying if I said there wasn't a part of me that totally wants to go out and kick it in under 4:00. Yeah. I'm serious.
I would be lying if I said there wasn't a part a me that totally wants to go out, not think about time, listen to my favorite playlist that has both slow and fast songs on it and just finish... in under 4:30.
I would be lying if I said I would be completely fine with just finishing even if I had to walk some of it.
When I planned to run my first 1/2 I told myself I'd be thrilled if I ran an average of under 10 minute miles.
I was lying.
When I finished in 2:04:24 I was left disappointed. Analyzing what I could have done differently. What I would do better the next time. Under 2:00 was really my goal. 4:24 over that was not.
When I ran the Eugene Women's 1/2, I was just thankful to cross the finish line. Truly. But, 2:03:25 was getting closer.
I think that had I not actually reached my goal at the Girlfriend's 1/2, I would have seriously doubted myself.
Now, these are my goals. Mine. I'm proud of anyone who finishes these races. I think they are amazing regardless of their times. I just have a tendency to set higher expectations for myself.
So, as I sit reading Mr. Higdon's words, I battle. I know that I should go into it with a goal of just finishing. But, does anyone actually and truly do that? If they were being 100% honest, would they be able to say they have no time goal in mind?? Or, do I do as Mr. Higdon says and just finish. That way I have lots of room to improve for the next race? And the one after that?
I know I have many weeks and many long runs ahead of me before I have to decide how I want to run my race. For Pete's sake, my longest run has only been 14 miles! I suppose I'll have a better idea after I run my 1st 20 and my 2nd, 3rd and yes even the scheduled 4th.
One thing I know for sure, is that I am beyond excited. I look forward to each and every run because it's just one step closer. One muscle stronger. Mental strength built. I cannot wait!
I've been working on Hal Higdon's, Marathon. A great educational book that leaves me having an internal battle.
What's my goal?
I would be lying if I said there wasn't a part of me that totally wants to go out and kick it in under 4:00. Yeah. I'm serious.
I would be lying if I said there wasn't a part a me that totally wants to go out, not think about time, listen to my favorite playlist that has both slow and fast songs on it and just finish... in under 4:30.
I would be lying if I said I would be completely fine with just finishing even if I had to walk some of it.
When I planned to run my first 1/2 I told myself I'd be thrilled if I ran an average of under 10 minute miles.
I was lying.
When I finished in 2:04:24 I was left disappointed. Analyzing what I could have done differently. What I would do better the next time. Under 2:00 was really my goal. 4:24 over that was not.
When I ran the Eugene Women's 1/2, I was just thankful to cross the finish line. Truly. But, 2:03:25 was getting closer.
I think that had I not actually reached my goal at the Girlfriend's 1/2, I would have seriously doubted myself.
Now, these are my goals. Mine. I'm proud of anyone who finishes these races. I think they are amazing regardless of their times. I just have a tendency to set higher expectations for myself.
So, as I sit reading Mr. Higdon's words, I battle. I know that I should go into it with a goal of just finishing. But, does anyone actually and truly do that? If they were being 100% honest, would they be able to say they have no time goal in mind?? Or, do I do as Mr. Higdon says and just finish. That way I have lots of room to improve for the next race? And the one after that?
I know I have many weeks and many long runs ahead of me before I have to decide how I want to run my race. For Pete's sake, my longest run has only been 14 miles! I suppose I'll have a better idea after I run my 1st 20 and my 2nd, 3rd and yes even the scheduled 4th.
One thing I know for sure, is that I am beyond excited. I look forward to each and every run because it's just one step closer. One muscle stronger. Mental strength built. I cannot wait!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Freezing 14
My sweet friend Ashley was kind enough to help me knock out my 14 miler this weekend and while I knew she was fast, I really had no concept of what that meant to have her running by my side.
Pour, sweet, friend was trotting beside me as I asked what pace she usually had for her long runs. I told her she was welcome to leave me at any time. Pour. Sweet. Friend.
Really, the run did feel great. For the most part. Around mile 11 or 12 my legs started getting pretty tired and I told her that it was in those moments where I wondered if I could really go the whole 26.2. I mean, after all, here we were, running at a 9:10 average and I was pooped already. How was I going to do that for 26.2?? Then, we got to the last mile and I was able to kick it up to finish with an 8:42 mile. The fact that I still had some gas left helped me feel more optimistic.
And, I know, there are many more weeks of training. Lots of tempo runs and repeats. Lots of long runs. I can do it. And really, in the time it took me to warm up in the shower, I was already looking forward to my 16 miler and was a tiny bit sad that this week is only a 6 miler.
As it says in my title, it was also a freezing 14 miler. Before we even got started, I was cold. The rain had started coming down and there was a bit of a breeze. We both commented that it was cold but figured we would warm up once we started running. That really never happened. I just got colder. And colder. And colder. And by the time I was done with the run, I could no longer feel my hands.
What made it more fun was the fact that I couldn't get my key off the little key holder in my pack. And, while I stood by my car soaking wet, I stared and fumbled with my dumb key. What was I going to do??
I finally just unlocked my car with my pack attached to my key and started to try again. I could not get my fingers to work! I then started my car with my pack still attached to my key, peeled off my dripping hat, my drenched jacket and my beyond drenched shirt.
There I stood in my tights and sports bra. Teeth chattering. Freezing. Not functioning so well. What's next I thought? I had brought a nice, warm fleece to thrown on after the run, but was so wet and cold that I didn't want to put it on over my bra. So, what does a freezing cold, slightly irrational girl do?? Right, she climbs in her car, shuts the door and proceeds to try and take the whole top off. Only, there are clasps. And my fingers are numb. Do I just sit there and wait for Ashley to come help. No. I can do this. Struggling. Fumbling. Finally. Then, I sit there trying to figure out how to get my sweatshirt on. Lovely. Sweatshirt on. Heat blasting. Still needing to free my key. More fumbling. The key gets free and goes flying across the front seat. Lovely. Freezing. Finding my key. It took me a good 15 minutes just to get out of the parking lot. I have never been that cold from a run! Ever!
But, like I said, by the time I had thawed and warmed up I was looking forward to my next long run. I seriously cannot wait! Just hoping that the rain will let up a bit next time :)
Pour, sweet, friend was trotting beside me as I asked what pace she usually had for her long runs. I told her she was welcome to leave me at any time. Pour. Sweet. Friend.
Really, the run did feel great. For the most part. Around mile 11 or 12 my legs started getting pretty tired and I told her that it was in those moments where I wondered if I could really go the whole 26.2. I mean, after all, here we were, running at a 9:10 average and I was pooped already. How was I going to do that for 26.2?? Then, we got to the last mile and I was able to kick it up to finish with an 8:42 mile. The fact that I still had some gas left helped me feel more optimistic.
And, I know, there are many more weeks of training. Lots of tempo runs and repeats. Lots of long runs. I can do it. And really, in the time it took me to warm up in the shower, I was already looking forward to my 16 miler and was a tiny bit sad that this week is only a 6 miler.
As it says in my title, it was also a freezing 14 miler. Before we even got started, I was cold. The rain had started coming down and there was a bit of a breeze. We both commented that it was cold but figured we would warm up once we started running. That really never happened. I just got colder. And colder. And colder. And by the time I was done with the run, I could no longer feel my hands.
What made it more fun was the fact that I couldn't get my key off the little key holder in my pack. And, while I stood by my car soaking wet, I stared and fumbled with my dumb key. What was I going to do??
I finally just unlocked my car with my pack attached to my key and started to try again. I could not get my fingers to work! I then started my car with my pack still attached to my key, peeled off my dripping hat, my drenched jacket and my beyond drenched shirt.
There I stood in my tights and sports bra. Teeth chattering. Freezing. Not functioning so well. What's next I thought? I had brought a nice, warm fleece to thrown on after the run, but was so wet and cold that I didn't want to put it on over my bra. So, what does a freezing cold, slightly irrational girl do?? Right, she climbs in her car, shuts the door and proceeds to try and take the whole top off. Only, there are clasps. And my fingers are numb. Do I just sit there and wait for Ashley to come help. No. I can do this. Struggling. Fumbling. Finally. Then, I sit there trying to figure out how to get my sweatshirt on. Lovely. Sweatshirt on. Heat blasting. Still needing to free my key. More fumbling. The key gets free and goes flying across the front seat. Lovely. Freezing. Finding my key. It took me a good 15 minutes just to get out of the parking lot. I have never been that cold from a run! Ever!
But, like I said, by the time I had thawed and warmed up I was looking forward to my next long run. I seriously cannot wait! Just hoping that the rain will let up a bit next time :)
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Let's Get This Party Started
Last year, I was blessed to receive Run Like A Mother: The Book from a dear friend.
It made me laugh. It made me cry. And it made me feel like I had a new friend running the journey with me. It was so good that I was sad when it ended. I wanted more!
Thankfully, there has been more. There was this moment, there's an RLAM blog and there's even an RLAM facebook page.
Love me some RLAM!
If you haven't read the book yet, I completely recommend you run and get it right away.
RLAM has been such a part of my journey that it seems crazy to me that they're just gearing up to celebrate their 1 year RLAMiversary!!!
1 year!
Sounds like a great reason to celebrate, right??
And, if you live in the Pacific NW, there's even more to celebrate. Sarah is hosting an RLAMiversary party right here in Portland!
Here are the details...
It made me laugh. It made me cry. And it made me feel like I had a new friend running the journey with me. It was so good that I was sad when it ended. I wanted more!
Thankfully, there has been more. There was this moment, there's an RLAM blog and there's even an RLAM facebook page.
Love me some RLAM!
If you haven't read the book yet, I completely recommend you run and get it right away.
RLAM has been such a part of my journey that it seems crazy to me that they're just gearing up to celebrate their 1 year RLAMiversary!!!
1 year!
Sounds like a great reason to celebrate, right??
And, if you live in the Pacific NW, there's even more to celebrate. Sarah is hosting an RLAMiversary party right here in Portland!
Here are the details...
RLAMiversary RUN
Saturday, April 9th
9:30-12:30
RiverPlace Athletic Club
0150 SW Montgomery
Portland, OR 97201
(Hosted by Sarah Bowen-Shea)
3- or 5-mile fun, non-competitive run (all paces welcome). Afterward, refreshments--and well-stocked goodie bags--await all participants. Eat, chat, mingle, and hopefully win some excellent swag. Books and tees will be available for purchase--or just bring your copy to be signed. SBS will be in Portland, while Dimity is partying with Denverites.
I'm so stinkin' excited!! And to add even more fun to the mix, my first 20 miler is scheduled for that morning. How fun will that be to finish up my 20 with fellow RLAMers?? I seriously cannot wait!!
So, if you live in the area, come, celebrate, run, laugh and maybe you'll even cry! Not to mention get a little deep breath before heading back to enjoy the weekend with your family. Because, truly, who doesn't need a little deep breath now and again to be a better Wife, Mom and friend?
Hope to see you there!!
So, if you live in the area, come, celebrate, run, laugh and maybe you'll even cry! Not to mention get a little deep breath before heading back to enjoy the weekend with your family. Because, truly, who doesn't need a little deep breath now and again to be a better Wife, Mom and friend?
Hope to see you there!!
Just One VS. Only One
Yesterday's run was to be a tempo run with 4 miles at 8:41.
.25 into the warm-up mile and I knew I was in trouble... taking it "easy" and warming up at a 9:34 pace was kicking my rear!
I was tired. My legs were tired. I talked myself into just 1 more mile.
Warm-up done I kicked the speed up to 6.9 and kept that there until the current song was over. 7.0 it was from there to mile 2. The entire mile was spent talking myself into it. Less than 6 minutes, less than 5, less than... you get the picture.
Just make it one mile.
Beginning of mile 3. If I can finish this I'm half-way through. Picturing the track. Picturing the finish. Just one more...
Phew!
Half-way. Just one more. I'm not kidding.
You've got this. Breath. Focus. Nearing the end of the 3rd mile at tempo, the just 1's start getting pushed aside and the only 1's come out to play.
It's only 1 mile. What does one mile do? Really? Only 1. You've pushed hard. You've done 3 at tempo. You should just call it a day.
Nope. Sorry.
It's not only 1. It's just 1! And, I can do it!
Last mile at tempo. Counting down. Pushing hard. Got it!
Yesterday's run was not just a tempo run. It was also a mental training run. My body and mind were at war with that treadmill. My body and mind were tired. But, my mind was able to push past the crossed eyes and conquer. And while it was a hard run, I felt amazing at the end of it!
Triumphant!
warm up mile, 8:41, 8:36, 8:41, 8:26, cool down mile. 6 miles in 53:17!
Looking forward to running "just" 14 miles on Saturday!
.25 into the warm-up mile and I knew I was in trouble... taking it "easy" and warming up at a 9:34 pace was kicking my rear!
I was tired. My legs were tired. I talked myself into just 1 more mile.
Warm-up done I kicked the speed up to 6.9 and kept that there until the current song was over. 7.0 it was from there to mile 2. The entire mile was spent talking myself into it. Less than 6 minutes, less than 5, less than... you get the picture.
Just make it one mile.
Beginning of mile 3. If I can finish this I'm half-way through. Picturing the track. Picturing the finish. Just one more...
Phew!
Half-way. Just one more. I'm not kidding.
You've got this. Breath. Focus. Nearing the end of the 3rd mile at tempo, the just 1's start getting pushed aside and the only 1's come out to play.
It's only 1 mile. What does one mile do? Really? Only 1. You've pushed hard. You've done 3 at tempo. You should just call it a day.
Nope. Sorry.
It's not only 1. It's just 1! And, I can do it!
Last mile at tempo. Counting down. Pushing hard. Got it!
Yesterday's run was not just a tempo run. It was also a mental training run. My body and mind were at war with that treadmill. My body and mind were tired. But, my mind was able to push past the crossed eyes and conquer. And while it was a hard run, I felt amazing at the end of it!
Triumphant!
warm up mile, 8:41, 8:36, 8:41, 8:26, cool down mile. 6 miles in 53:17!
Looking forward to running "just" 14 miles on Saturday!
Friday, March 4, 2011
You're Welcome
To all the moms with less than 5 children,
You're welcome.
Seriously. You. Are. Welcome.
I realized yesterday why I don't like to do my make-up, my hair, or get out of my sweats/running gear . It's because of you. And, you're welcome.
I do it for you.
I realized that I would never want someone to think that I am better than I am. I've actually had people say to me that when they are having a hard time, they think, "if Meredith can do it with 5, then surely I can do it with 2 (or whatever # of children it is that they have)."
I never like to make people feel like less than what they are. And I am surely not one who wants to cause people to believe Satan's lies that they suck.
So, for all of you. Again, you are welcome.
And, maybe this will cause you to love that woman at the store in her sweatpants, frazzled hair and haggard face. Maybe, instead of judging her and thinking that perhaps she should have put a brush through her hair before she left home, that perhaps her children's faces could have been washed - maybe, just think thankful thoughts. Maybe she's doing it for you too.
I mean, after all, who doesn't love to make someone feel better. I know I do!
So, for you, I wear what shows how I feel. For you, I will take one for the team. For you, I'm willing to look like crap.
And for my husband, I promise that when we go on dates I'll make myself look pretty :)
You're welcome.
You're welcome.
Seriously. You. Are. Welcome.
I realized yesterday why I don't like to do my make-up, my hair, or get out of my sweats/running gear . It's because of you. And, you're welcome.
I do it for you.
I realized that I would never want someone to think that I am better than I am. I've actually had people say to me that when they are having a hard time, they think, "if Meredith can do it with 5, then surely I can do it with 2 (or whatever # of children it is that they have)."
I never like to make people feel like less than what they are. And I am surely not one who wants to cause people to believe Satan's lies that they suck.
So, for all of you. Again, you are welcome.
And, maybe this will cause you to love that woman at the store in her sweatpants, frazzled hair and haggard face. Maybe, instead of judging her and thinking that perhaps she should have put a brush through her hair before she left home, that perhaps her children's faces could have been washed - maybe, just think thankful thoughts. Maybe she's doing it for you too.
I mean, after all, who doesn't love to make someone feel better. I know I do!
So, for you, I wear what shows how I feel. For you, I will take one for the team. For you, I'm willing to look like crap.
And for my husband, I promise that when we go on dates I'll make myself look pretty :)
You're welcome.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Funky Rambles
I've been in a bit of a funk lately. Not sure if it's hormones. Not sure if it's life. Pretty sure it's a combination of many things. Frankly, I'm sick of it.
The day can be going along great... The kids playing nicely. Great runs done. Chores getting done. Dog behaving. Then, in a flash, it's as if a bomb explodes, the kids decide to start fighting, the dog decides to start acting as if she's on crack, I get overwhelmed, my stomach starts churning and before you know it my nerves are shot and I feel like I'm going to puke.
On the bad days, I turn to food. I'm an emotional eater and tortilla chips and sour gummy candies are my friends. My comfort. Which, of course, leads to me feeling like crap and having 5 lbs. to lose yet again. A crappy cycle.
This week, I vowed to not eat tortilla chips or gummies for a whole week. Hard core, right? A whole week. How could it be done? Hoping you can sense the sarcasm...
But, seriously, as the week has unfolded I've found myself down, days where the tears won't stop, when I hear of more trials and I want to puke. Then eat. But, I vowed.
Yesterday was my repeats on the 'mill. Which did end up going great! I hit my times and was perfectly puketified by the end. The day was going great. Then, the phone rang. The rest of the day was spent with my head spinning. Lots of praying. And by last night, I was wanting to get on the 'mill again as that seems to be some of my best time with God. Something about the act of running helps me stay focused and my conversations with God are cherished.
While I didn't go for a run (I try to be smart sometimes) I was glad that it wasn't the food that I was wanting to turn to. What would normally make me dive head first into the huge bag of chips from Costco made me want to literally run to God.
As I spent so much time praying and thinking about friend's trials yesterday, one thought kept coming to my head, "If life were easy, we wouldn't need God." So true. So true. And as I fell asleep praying that God would wrap his arms around so many, I also prayed that He would make my head quit spinning. That my stomach would stop churning. That we all would get some rest.
Thankful for a God to run to. Thankful for lessons. And trials. Truly. Thankful I'm learning (this week, at least!) to turn to God, not food. Looking forward to an easy 3 with Him today. Looking forward to 12 this weekend. And loving that the sun is shining through the clouds outside my window.
The day can be going along great... The kids playing nicely. Great runs done. Chores getting done. Dog behaving. Then, in a flash, it's as if a bomb explodes, the kids decide to start fighting, the dog decides to start acting as if she's on crack, I get overwhelmed, my stomach starts churning and before you know it my nerves are shot and I feel like I'm going to puke.
On the bad days, I turn to food. I'm an emotional eater and tortilla chips and sour gummy candies are my friends. My comfort. Which, of course, leads to me feeling like crap and having 5 lbs. to lose yet again. A crappy cycle.
This week, I vowed to not eat tortilla chips or gummies for a whole week. Hard core, right? A whole week. How could it be done? Hoping you can sense the sarcasm...
But, seriously, as the week has unfolded I've found myself down, days where the tears won't stop, when I hear of more trials and I want to puke. Then eat. But, I vowed.
Yesterday was my repeats on the 'mill. Which did end up going great! I hit my times and was perfectly puketified by the end. The day was going great. Then, the phone rang. The rest of the day was spent with my head spinning. Lots of praying. And by last night, I was wanting to get on the 'mill again as that seems to be some of my best time with God. Something about the act of running helps me stay focused and my conversations with God are cherished.
While I didn't go for a run (I try to be smart sometimes) I was glad that it wasn't the food that I was wanting to turn to. What would normally make me dive head first into the huge bag of chips from Costco made me want to literally run to God.
As I spent so much time praying and thinking about friend's trials yesterday, one thought kept coming to my head, "If life were easy, we wouldn't need God." So true. So true. And as I fell asleep praying that God would wrap his arms around so many, I also prayed that He would make my head quit spinning. That my stomach would stop churning. That we all would get some rest.
Thankful for a God to run to. Thankful for lessons. And trials. Truly. Thankful I'm learning (this week, at least!) to turn to God, not food. Looking forward to an easy 3 with Him today. Looking forward to 12 this weekend. And loving that the sun is shining through the clouds outside my window.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Speedwork
I'm sitting here with butterflies swirling in my stomach.
I've done 2 tempo runs on the mill.
That, I can do.
Today?
Mile repeats.
1 mile warm-up.
3X1600 @8:09's with 800 recovery jogs.
1 mile cool down.
I haven't done repeats since before the Girlfriend's 1/2.
And this is what I did.
I haven't read that in awhile. And honestly? It just made me cry.
I think that part of my anxiety lies in the fact that I don't know what to expect out of repeats on the 'mill. I had thought about heading to the track, but I don't own a Badda$$ Mother Runner shirt. So when I saw the forecast and it showed rain blowing sideways my pansy self decided that the 'mill would be the way to go. This part of my anxiety has me doubting myself.
Then, there's the other side. Will I push myself enough on the mill? Or will I settle. Will I settle on 8:09's when I know there's more in me?
Think I'll go read my old post again for inspiration and head to the 'mill and hopefully have the most puketastic time ever!
I've done 2 tempo runs on the mill.
That, I can do.
Today?
Mile repeats.
1 mile warm-up.
3X1600 @8:09's with 800 recovery jogs.
1 mile cool down.
I haven't done repeats since before the Girlfriend's 1/2.
And this is what I did.
I haven't read that in awhile. And honestly? It just made me cry.
I think that part of my anxiety lies in the fact that I don't know what to expect out of repeats on the 'mill. I had thought about heading to the track, but I don't own a Badda$$ Mother Runner shirt. So when I saw the forecast and it showed rain blowing sideways my pansy self decided that the 'mill would be the way to go. This part of my anxiety has me doubting myself.
Then, there's the other side. Will I push myself enough on the mill? Or will I settle. Will I settle on 8:09's when I know there's more in me?
Think I'll go read my old post again for inspiration and head to the 'mill and hopefully have the most puketastic time ever!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
What A Difference The Hills Make
Hills. You either love them or hate them. Welcome them or dread them. Embrace or avoid them. Sometimes, I crave them. I seek them o...
-
I'll share more later, but, for now, I'm going to keep it short and sweet... 3:15 a.m. came early A smoothie consi... -
I was recently contacted by CSN stores to host a giveaway on my blog. What fun! CSN has over 200 stores with some super fun stuff... you ca...
-
It's one of those days. One in which I fought with my daughter over her desire to not get out of her warm jammies so that she could get ...