Today's long run tops all long runs! Because of a long bike ride (for which I am not conditioned-70 miles) on Saturday, and some resulting stomach issues, I skipped Sunday's long run in The Woodlands which called for 18 miles in some hot and muggy temps. Knowing I'd be in Seattle on Wednesday, I opted to do the 18 miles there versus an early, hot, unwell run in Texas on Sunday. What a great choice!
I got into Seattle, and arrived at the hotel around 9 p.m. I even declined going out for drinks with coworkers in lieu of getting to bed early in order to get up early and enjoy the whole day. Another great decision!
I started my run at exactly 7 a.m. and my route took me through Pike's Market, down to the Elliot Bay waterfront and throught the neighborhood of Magnolia (for which I've fallen in love). Then on to Discovery Park. I had run all of that route in the past except for Dicovery Green. The scenery is amazing, from the beautifully landscaped trails along the waterfront, to the gorgeous panoramic views of the Puget Sound from Magnolia Park, to the interesting, and varied architecture of the residential neighborhoods. The miles just sailed by because there was so much beauty to absorb. As if that wasn't enough, discovering Discovery Green Park was the icing on the cake. A park on the bay with loads of elevation relief, dirt trails through untouched forest curved and climbed and peeked at the bay every so often, giving you the sensation of being miles out in a rural area where peace and beauty capture your attention and every turn brings new awe and a desire to see where the trail will take you.
This was probably the easiest and most enjoyable (albeit, hilly) 18 miles I've run so far!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Making Up For Lost Time
Home improvements left my running schedule about 32 miles behind schedule for the week- yikes! And I was itching to get out and release some energy. Of course, it took a work trip to get me away from the many tasks left to do at home, and free to run, run, run! This week took me to Ontario, CA and I was fortunate enough to have two coworkers who shared my passion for running. I spent nearly the entire flight talking of running, traveling, and amazing biographies. By the time we landed in Ontario, I really couldn't wait to put on my running shoes, and I had two people with which to conquer 1/4 of my days' miles! That never happens. How lucky was I?!
We all ran about an 8 minute mile pace which worked out great except that when I start a long run, I usually am slow to get up to pace. However, our pacer (damn Garmins anyway) ensured that we would start and maintain the 8 minute mile pace. This is a struggle for us slow starters and I worried that it would destroy my ability to run the full 20. But by mile 4, I was well into the groove, and my two companions were starting to peter out. Ha! Not that I'm competitive or anything like that :)
At mile 6, I lost my two running partners. I made a quick mental plan to minimize a headwind, and try to run by a convenience store around mile 14. The day was sunny and mild- a perfect day to sight see via the Asics! All was going well, but the stopping and starting for all the traffic lights was taking its toll on me (or was it the lack of any running the prior 5 days???) I made a brilliant move around mile 12 and turned to head toward the mountains. And duh, there I was met with the longest gradual incline one could find- not exactly what I needed on this particular run. And where were all the gas stations? Does everyone in California drive a fuel efficient car??? Oh the joy I felt at seeing those green and red colors of the 7-Eleven. I quickly made my selection (though no Garmin told me my official stop/start time) and paid the cashier with singles I pulled out of a plastic baggie. My total was $2.18. Darn. You know what that means- coins, lots of coins. So I gulped my drink, which had striking similarity to college beer drinking techniques. Then I jingled away from the 7-Eleven. At this point I was following the designated bike route. I'm not sure where I came upon the route, but about 3 miles down the road when the bike route suddenly turned into a dirt shoulder on a narrow 2 lane road, I figured there was no explaining the random-ness of their bike path beginnings and endings. Now I was heading directly into the wind for my final 3 miles and I was pooped. Pride was taking over, and because my coworkers knew my goal was 20 miles, I had to make it at least 20, just for self-respect! "Think happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts... like what? How come I can't think of anything? Why is my knee hurting- I don't even have a single injury! Shame on me for installing a new toilet over going for my daily run. And how dare I paint baseboards in lieu of a workout. Shannon, get your priorities straight! I remember seeing a Baskin Robbins earlier- yes, run for Baskin Robbins!" These are real conversations I had with myself that afternoon! And at 20 miles, I happily walked myself to the Baskin Robbins and ordered a double peanut butter and chocolate and one big water and topped it all off with a big dose of endorphins! Heaven!
We all ran about an 8 minute mile pace which worked out great except that when I start a long run, I usually am slow to get up to pace. However, our pacer (damn Garmins anyway) ensured that we would start and maintain the 8 minute mile pace. This is a struggle for us slow starters and I worried that it would destroy my ability to run the full 20. But by mile 4, I was well into the groove, and my two companions were starting to peter out. Ha! Not that I'm competitive or anything like that :)
At mile 6, I lost my two running partners. I made a quick mental plan to minimize a headwind, and try to run by a convenience store around mile 14. The day was sunny and mild- a perfect day to sight see via the Asics! All was going well, but the stopping and starting for all the traffic lights was taking its toll on me (or was it the lack of any running the prior 5 days???) I made a brilliant move around mile 12 and turned to head toward the mountains. And duh, there I was met with the longest gradual incline one could find- not exactly what I needed on this particular run. And where were all the gas stations? Does everyone in California drive a fuel efficient car??? Oh the joy I felt at seeing those green and red colors of the 7-Eleven. I quickly made my selection (though no Garmin told me my official stop/start time) and paid the cashier with singles I pulled out of a plastic baggie. My total was $2.18. Darn. You know what that means- coins, lots of coins. So I gulped my drink, which had striking similarity to college beer drinking techniques. Then I jingled away from the 7-Eleven. At this point I was following the designated bike route. I'm not sure where I came upon the route, but about 3 miles down the road when the bike route suddenly turned into a dirt shoulder on a narrow 2 lane road, I figured there was no explaining the random-ness of their bike path beginnings and endings. Now I was heading directly into the wind for my final 3 miles and I was pooped. Pride was taking over, and because my coworkers knew my goal was 20 miles, I had to make it at least 20, just for self-respect! "Think happy thoughts, happy thoughts, happy thoughts... like what? How come I can't think of anything? Why is my knee hurting- I don't even have a single injury! Shame on me for installing a new toilet over going for my daily run. And how dare I paint baseboards in lieu of a workout. Shannon, get your priorities straight! I remember seeing a Baskin Robbins earlier- yes, run for Baskin Robbins!" These are real conversations I had with myself that afternoon! And at 20 miles, I happily walked myself to the Baskin Robbins and ordered a double peanut butter and chocolate and one big water and topped it all off with a big dose of endorphins! Heaven!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Home Improvements Overtake Vacation and Life!
This is a running blog, right? I had to write because I am appalled at not having the time to run for 3 days now! And I almost always make time to run. It is making me crazy. But I had floor installers coming today, and the needed work to be done before they arrived was more than I thought: install new toilet, paint entire bathroom, paint every baseboard and trim piece and move all the small furniture and and breakables. I know that's not everything, but I've only had 12 hours of sleep combined in the last 3 days so I'm a little foggy write now. How do I have time to write you say, well, I can't be in the house, but can't be too far away in case they run into a problem, and I needed to eat somewhere because I can't get into my kitchen, so I am typing via free wi-fi where I can eat, and type and use their bathroom! Tomorrow I run!!! (and maybe 20 miles... ok, probably not 20.)
Monday, April 26, 2010
7 1/2 miles in Punta Gorda, FL
A rare cool morning in sunny, tropical Punta Gorda, Florida found me rising early (while on vacation?!) and eager to go for a run. It's been a week and a couple of days since the challenging Olathe Marathon and I am recovering suprisingly well! So I grabbed my tunes and headed out the door (while my family still slept!). There were many people out enjoying this fine morning. They were walking, biking, golfing and playing tennis. (The ratio of runners in this retirement community is much smaller than other forms of exercise, but their love of the outdoors and physical activity is much the same.)
My route took me two miles toward Charlotte Harbor, skirting the town's quaint, artsy downtown. Then I followed the lovely waterside park to the 1 1/2 mile long bridge which spans the width of the harbor. The incredible hike up the arch of the bridge was quite a workout but necessary as it is steep enough to allow the many yachts and sailboats to pass under, on their way to the local waterside shops and restaurants, or to voyage all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The scenery from the bridge is motivation enough to get the running shoes out. There is water as far as you can see. Fishing boats were already anchored and I was hoping, to no avail, to get lucky and spot a dolphin or two playing in the early morning current. There are no shortage of exercisers on this bridge not only for the fabulous scenery and great workout, but also for the commraderie of like-minded neigbors.
After reaching the bottom of the bridge on the opposite side of the harbor, I got to turn around and enjoy the views all over again! By the time the bottom of the bridge came, I was already 2/3 done with my run and looking forward to a Rockstar and leisurely cool down. So I ran the streets of downtown on the way back and when I reached 60 minutes, I just happened to be at a convenience store. So I got out my sweaty two dollars and gave them to the clerk who gingerly took them by the very tips of his fingers, with a look that said "really, lady?". The runner's high had kicked in, and I just smiled big and said "thanks!". I walked out, opened the Rockstar and sipped and sung along to my tunes for the couple of blocks back to my family's home. What a great run!
My route took me two miles toward Charlotte Harbor, skirting the town's quaint, artsy downtown. Then I followed the lovely waterside park to the 1 1/2 mile long bridge which spans the width of the harbor. The incredible hike up the arch of the bridge was quite a workout but necessary as it is steep enough to allow the many yachts and sailboats to pass under, on their way to the local waterside shops and restaurants, or to voyage all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. The scenery from the bridge is motivation enough to get the running shoes out. There is water as far as you can see. Fishing boats were already anchored and I was hoping, to no avail, to get lucky and spot a dolphin or two playing in the early morning current. There are no shortage of exercisers on this bridge not only for the fabulous scenery and great workout, but also for the commraderie of like-minded neigbors.
After reaching the bottom of the bridge on the opposite side of the harbor, I got to turn around and enjoy the views all over again! By the time the bottom of the bridge came, I was already 2/3 done with my run and looking forward to a Rockstar and leisurely cool down. So I ran the streets of downtown on the way back and when I reached 60 minutes, I just happened to be at a convenience store. So I got out my sweaty two dollars and gave them to the clerk who gingerly took them by the very tips of his fingers, with a look that said "really, lady?". The runner's high had kicked in, and I just smiled big and said "thanks!". I walked out, opened the Rockstar and sipped and sung along to my tunes for the couple of blocks back to my family's home. What a great run!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Marathon #2 The Quad Cities
After the hottest summer I've ever experienced and trying to reach peak training in August, I wondered why I had signed up for a September marathon! Not only that, but as the date approached, my mind kept revisiting the torture I experienced during my first marathon 8 months prior! I was feeling a great deal of stress and it was all self-induced! (It's not like I'm getting paid to run a specific time, or that my enormous fan club is traveling to Illinois and Iowa to see how well I do!) So what is making me so apprehensive about this run? My own expectations! Now that I had trained well, and been given the knowledge of past mistakes, there was nothing that should hinder me from a great run. So what if it didn't turn out well? Would I have to endure a great deal of pain yet again, to figure out what I was still doing wrong? Oh, that pre-run anxiety was not pretty, nor was I a joy to be around. Add onto anxiety, the pre-race taper bloating, and craving to get out there and run, and you have a time bomb on your hands! Ooops, I forgot to share this information with my Dad who would be accompanying me on this trip. Sorry Dad!
We had a pretty good time though. He learned about race preparation, the expos, and more about marathon strategy than he ever cared to know. We drove the course, planned his Starbuck's run for the morning and also his spectating spots, and then we went to the pasta dinner. It was good that we had so much going on so that I didn't have too much time to think. We got back to the hotel early and then I took some time to really plan my strategy. I slept for a few hours and then it was time to make my way to the starting line. Dad was super supportive, and I felt better this morning than I had in weeks!
It was time to line up. I waved to Dad and got lost in the crowd of hundreds. The gun went off, and wow, was the pace really fast. Ah ha, this is what got me off my plan last time. I felt compelled (because of my competitiveness) to stay with the pack. However, as part of my strategy this time, I would ease slowly into my race pace over several miles, until I found the pacer for the 3:30 group. Then I would STAY with him for the rest of the run, rather than run past him! Oh, I had learned so much! So I was thoroughly enjoying the run. The weather was perfect, low temps, sunny and no wind. The course was gorgeous, taking place all along the Mississippi River on both the Illinois side and the Iowa side, crossing over the river on two different bridges, and running the the Rock Island Arsenol. The aid stations were great and the fans were good too. But more than anything, I knew I was easing into a comfortable pace and gradually caught up to my pace group around mile 11. I stayed with them for the next ll miles and was conversing with a couple of the runners, and thoroughly enjoying feeling good. Around mile 23 or 24, I felt good enough to pick up the pace a bit, gave my running mates a nod, and took off in hopes of finishing a strong run. It was all good until the last 1/2 mile when I started getting cramps in my feet. Oh no! Please go away just for a few more minutes! My prayers were answered and I finished with an unexpected time of 3:28:00.
My fan club of one was there cheering me on and crossing that finish line was a joy, not because I was miserable, but because I had run a very good run. This time the endorphins kicked in right away. Just ask my dad. No one could shut me up for the next couple of hours! Dad thought that I may have finished in relatively good standing compared with the number of women he had seen finish before me, so he wanted to see where I finished. We went to look at the posted results, and much to my delight, I had finished second place in my age group! We were both very excited about those results, and the summer of hot, miserable training was long forgotten!
I found a couple of my running mates and exchanged congratulations. We waited for the awards ceremony for which my place qualified me for a lovely engraved wooden plaque. What a completely different run this was compared with my first! Let's hope this good fortune continues!
We had a pretty good time though. He learned about race preparation, the expos, and more about marathon strategy than he ever cared to know. We drove the course, planned his Starbuck's run for the morning and also his spectating spots, and then we went to the pasta dinner. It was good that we had so much going on so that I didn't have too much time to think. We got back to the hotel early and then I took some time to really plan my strategy. I slept for a few hours and then it was time to make my way to the starting line. Dad was super supportive, and I felt better this morning than I had in weeks!
It was time to line up. I waved to Dad and got lost in the crowd of hundreds. The gun went off, and wow, was the pace really fast. Ah ha, this is what got me off my plan last time. I felt compelled (because of my competitiveness) to stay with the pack. However, as part of my strategy this time, I would ease slowly into my race pace over several miles, until I found the pacer for the 3:30 group. Then I would STAY with him for the rest of the run, rather than run past him! Oh, I had learned so much! So I was thoroughly enjoying the run. The weather was perfect, low temps, sunny and no wind. The course was gorgeous, taking place all along the Mississippi River on both the Illinois side and the Iowa side, crossing over the river on two different bridges, and running the the Rock Island Arsenol. The aid stations were great and the fans were good too. But more than anything, I knew I was easing into a comfortable pace and gradually caught up to my pace group around mile 11. I stayed with them for the next ll miles and was conversing with a couple of the runners, and thoroughly enjoying feeling good. Around mile 23 or 24, I felt good enough to pick up the pace a bit, gave my running mates a nod, and took off in hopes of finishing a strong run. It was all good until the last 1/2 mile when I started getting cramps in my feet. Oh no! Please go away just for a few more minutes! My prayers were answered and I finished with an unexpected time of 3:28:00.
My fan club of one was there cheering me on and crossing that finish line was a joy, not because I was miserable, but because I had run a very good run. This time the endorphins kicked in right away. Just ask my dad. No one could shut me up for the next couple of hours! Dad thought that I may have finished in relatively good standing compared with the number of women he had seen finish before me, so he wanted to see where I finished. We went to look at the posted results, and much to my delight, I had finished second place in my age group! We were both very excited about those results, and the summer of hot, miserable training was long forgotten!
I found a couple of my running mates and exchanged congratulations. We waited for the awards ceremony for which my place qualified me for a lovely engraved wooden plaque. What a completely different run this was compared with my first! Let's hope this good fortune continues!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Marathon #2 Training
Well, it's eight months later, from my first and painful marathon, and I've been training like a very mad woman, determined to avoid the anguish of that run. Training in Texas in the summer proved to be anguish in and of itself! It required many very early buzzes from the alarm clock and a headlamp to light the way through the dark, quiet, sleeping streets. My neighbors would have made fun of me for doing this, but they never knew because I was done with 20 miles and back inside before they got out of REM sleep!
Did I mention it was the hottest summer in the 13 years I've lived here? It was rarely below 70 degrees and 99 percent humidity...ever. Am I whining? Yep! It was brutal. Especially when I was too lazy to get up when my alarm went off. Now I should explain: My fall training was guided by my running group and a good plan. My summer training was mostly done on my own according to no particular plan. So when I got a late start, I felt compelled to run the particular mileage I'd set for myself for that day regardless of conditions. (Learning Opportunity: Adjust schedule based on temperature and mental state). So knowing that temps would reach well into the 90's by the time I was done with my scheduled 25 mile day, I planned a 3-loop run that would take me past home twice to refuel and get more hydration. The run seemed to be going okay, but boy, was it HOT! Wanting to ensure I didn't get dehydrated, I opted to drink mostly water in lieu of Gatorade. (Can I still make rookie mistakes? Well, I did). And not really having much knowledge about fuel, I ate high protein bars which sat like a rock in my gut. (You can see that I am a subscriber of Runner's World and all those magazines with helpful articles.)
At mile 15, I can't believe I still have 10 more to go. It's soooo HOT. So I grab more water and opt for no protein bar. I am sweating like a pig, but you can't tell because I've been pouring water over me for the last half hour and running through any sprinkler I can find. One lady was even finishing up watering her flower bed with a hose and I begged her to give me a good dousing. She looked at me like I'd lost my mind and hit me good (probably thinking "Now take that you running lunatic, and quit wasting my water!")
At this point, I've talked myself into just doing 23 miles because I'm not understanding whats going on with my body- but it's not right. I don't feel like I have to use the bathroom, but I look like I'm going to have a baby! And my fingers are swelling up, and my watch is getting tight. I am now having flashbacks of my agony in my first marathon, and wonder why on God's green earth I spend a lovely sunny day torturing myself when I could be floating in the lake right outside my door! So I finish 23 miles and I can't even be too happy about it because I am disappointed in myself for a) not getting up with my alarm and b) for not completing the full scheduled run. Knowing that my endorphins take a while to kick in, I am hoping for joy to find me in a short while. Unfortunately, Joy went a different route and wasn't coming back today.
Agony is trying so desperately to be my friend. It keeps coming around and trying to scare off Joy. But I really like Joy, so I am going to do all the things Joy requires of me so she will visit more often! I am starting with abolishing ignorance (which has definitely not proven to be bliss!) And from this point on, I am getting up with my alarm, or adjusting my schedule as needed, so as to be very well prepared for the Quad Cities Marathon in September of 2009!
Did I mention it was the hottest summer in the 13 years I've lived here? It was rarely below 70 degrees and 99 percent humidity...ever. Am I whining? Yep! It was brutal. Especially when I was too lazy to get up when my alarm went off. Now I should explain: My fall training was guided by my running group and a good plan. My summer training was mostly done on my own according to no particular plan. So when I got a late start, I felt compelled to run the particular mileage I'd set for myself for that day regardless of conditions. (Learning Opportunity: Adjust schedule based on temperature and mental state). So knowing that temps would reach well into the 90's by the time I was done with my scheduled 25 mile day, I planned a 3-loop run that would take me past home twice to refuel and get more hydration. The run seemed to be going okay, but boy, was it HOT! Wanting to ensure I didn't get dehydrated, I opted to drink mostly water in lieu of Gatorade. (Can I still make rookie mistakes? Well, I did). And not really having much knowledge about fuel, I ate high protein bars which sat like a rock in my gut. (You can see that I am a subscriber of Runner's World and all those magazines with helpful articles.)
At mile 15, I can't believe I still have 10 more to go. It's soooo HOT. So I grab more water and opt for no protein bar. I am sweating like a pig, but you can't tell because I've been pouring water over me for the last half hour and running through any sprinkler I can find. One lady was even finishing up watering her flower bed with a hose and I begged her to give me a good dousing. She looked at me like I'd lost my mind and hit me good (probably thinking "Now take that you running lunatic, and quit wasting my water!")
At this point, I've talked myself into just doing 23 miles because I'm not understanding whats going on with my body- but it's not right. I don't feel like I have to use the bathroom, but I look like I'm going to have a baby! And my fingers are swelling up, and my watch is getting tight. I am now having flashbacks of my agony in my first marathon, and wonder why on God's green earth I spend a lovely sunny day torturing myself when I could be floating in the lake right outside my door! So I finish 23 miles and I can't even be too happy about it because I am disappointed in myself for a) not getting up with my alarm and b) for not completing the full scheduled run. Knowing that my endorphins take a while to kick in, I am hoping for joy to find me in a short while. Unfortunately, Joy went a different route and wasn't coming back today.
Agony is trying so desperately to be my friend. It keeps coming around and trying to scare off Joy. But I really like Joy, so I am going to do all the things Joy requires of me so she will visit more often! I am starting with abolishing ignorance (which has definitely not proven to be bliss!) And from this point on, I am getting up with my alarm, or adjusting my schedule as needed, so as to be very well prepared for the Quad Cities Marathon in September of 2009!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Intro to My Running Blog
As of a year and a half ago, July 2008, I had never run farther than 8 miles, nor did I want to, but my primary form of exercise was running and I was looking for folks with which to run. As it turns out, I happened to pick a group of overachievers, and all 25+ were marathoners, triathletes, or ironmen and women.
Peer Pressure: Not wanting to be the underachiever of the bunch, I signed myself up for the Houston Marathon slated for January 2009. Training went well. Saturday mornings were always a bit too early for my taste, but better to get up early than to run 18 miles by myself! Now if you would have asked me about this choice prior to joining this group, I would have laughed at the thought of setting my alarm for 3:30 and 4 o'clock in the morning on my day off to run. And I would have laughed harder at the thought of me running more than 10 miles, ever. But I succumbed and ended up following the training program to the letter and felt good about the upcoming event.
Race Weekend: My mom and sister flew in for support, and we attended all the prerace functions. I was a bit grouchy the night before, as Mom can attest to, but was ready to go that next morning. Unfortunately, I did not have a thought out plan for hydration or fuel or pace. I am pretty sure I covered all the rookie mistakes. Instead of staying with the pacer, I took off ahead of him. This was very bad, especially considering I warm up slowly and have to ease into my race pace! So, I'm moving right along and felt some trouble at mile 12 when my tiny 6 oz bottle of gatorade seemed too heavy to hold. The wise thing would have been to stop and chug it! However, this genius just chucked it in the trash. Well, in one more mile that would come back to haunt me as I started getting cramps in my feet. This never happened in training! What was going on??? I kept at it, but found those conversing and having fun, really annoying. And then about mile 16 I saw all the joy for this event flow right out my pores, and be replaced by misery in the form of deforming muscles. They say that your mind is key to getting through a tough event, but when your muscles won't stop screaming at you, it's hard to hear your head. In any event, my muscles converted my head into chanting a loser mantra. It progressively got worse as the miles wore on, and cramps were occurring in muscles I didn't know I had. At mile 20, I was saying goodbye to all my nice friends in my running group. At mile 23, I said goodbye to running completely, and then it seemed like a good idea to give up all physical activity. Oh what joy being a couch potato would be!!
One of my friends passed me looking very healthy and chipper, and was kind enough to offer me some GU. Had my head not been in cohoots with my muscles, it would've determined how wise it would've been to take the GU. However, at this point, the conspiracy was made against any good choices for the rest of this run, and I declined the offer. My legs kept trying to find a way off the course, but my head kept saying that my ride home was at mile 26.2 and I might as well walk in that direction versus getting lost and left to perish off the course. This may very well be the only reason I finished this race. I need to send Mom and Sis a thank you note for standing at the finish line! When I did pass them at mile 26, I tried to smile, for which appeared to them to be crying. May very well have been as I wasn't in control of my head anymore anyway.
The finish: When exactly were the endorphins suppose to kick in?? Um, did I miss the runner's high?? Is it a bad sign when the medical people want to pull you in to check you out right away?? Never the less, just not having to run anymore made me elated! I would've given away everything I own just to not have to run anymore.
The Coaches Perspective:Well, one of the first things my coach asked me was whether I took water or gatorade at every stop. "Every stop???" I said. Who knew! Then he asked about my pace. Uh, now the conversation about negative splits is coming back to me. Darn my head for getting so distracted! Well what with all this great information about how the run could've gone much better, I'd have to give it another try... I can safely say the endorphins had kicked in when I made this decision!
In the upcoming articles I will be mostly sharing some of my more interesting training runs, in various cities throughout the U.S. I will share improvements as well as challenges in next 3 marathons and some of my mental (and physical) hurdles along the way.
Peer Pressure: Not wanting to be the underachiever of the bunch, I signed myself up for the Houston Marathon slated for January 2009. Training went well. Saturday mornings were always a bit too early for my taste, but better to get up early than to run 18 miles by myself! Now if you would have asked me about this choice prior to joining this group, I would have laughed at the thought of setting my alarm for 3:30 and 4 o'clock in the morning on my day off to run. And I would have laughed harder at the thought of me running more than 10 miles, ever. But I succumbed and ended up following the training program to the letter and felt good about the upcoming event.
Race Weekend: My mom and sister flew in for support, and we attended all the prerace functions. I was a bit grouchy the night before, as Mom can attest to, but was ready to go that next morning. Unfortunately, I did not have a thought out plan for hydration or fuel or pace. I am pretty sure I covered all the rookie mistakes. Instead of staying with the pacer, I took off ahead of him. This was very bad, especially considering I warm up slowly and have to ease into my race pace! So, I'm moving right along and felt some trouble at mile 12 when my tiny 6 oz bottle of gatorade seemed too heavy to hold. The wise thing would have been to stop and chug it! However, this genius just chucked it in the trash. Well, in one more mile that would come back to haunt me as I started getting cramps in my feet. This never happened in training! What was going on??? I kept at it, but found those conversing and having fun, really annoying. And then about mile 16 I saw all the joy for this event flow right out my pores, and be replaced by misery in the form of deforming muscles. They say that your mind is key to getting through a tough event, but when your muscles won't stop screaming at you, it's hard to hear your head. In any event, my muscles converted my head into chanting a loser mantra. It progressively got worse as the miles wore on, and cramps were occurring in muscles I didn't know I had. At mile 20, I was saying goodbye to all my nice friends in my running group. At mile 23, I said goodbye to running completely, and then it seemed like a good idea to give up all physical activity. Oh what joy being a couch potato would be!!
One of my friends passed me looking very healthy and chipper, and was kind enough to offer me some GU. Had my head not been in cohoots with my muscles, it would've determined how wise it would've been to take the GU. However, at this point, the conspiracy was made against any good choices for the rest of this run, and I declined the offer. My legs kept trying to find a way off the course, but my head kept saying that my ride home was at mile 26.2 and I might as well walk in that direction versus getting lost and left to perish off the course. This may very well be the only reason I finished this race. I need to send Mom and Sis a thank you note for standing at the finish line! When I did pass them at mile 26, I tried to smile, for which appeared to them to be crying. May very well have been as I wasn't in control of my head anymore anyway.
The finish: When exactly were the endorphins suppose to kick in?? Um, did I miss the runner's high?? Is it a bad sign when the medical people want to pull you in to check you out right away?? Never the less, just not having to run anymore made me elated! I would've given away everything I own just to not have to run anymore.
The Coaches Perspective:Well, one of the first things my coach asked me was whether I took water or gatorade at every stop. "Every stop???" I said. Who knew! Then he asked about my pace. Uh, now the conversation about negative splits is coming back to me. Darn my head for getting so distracted! Well what with all this great information about how the run could've gone much better, I'd have to give it another try... I can safely say the endorphins had kicked in when I made this decision!
In the upcoming articles I will be mostly sharing some of my more interesting training runs, in various cities throughout the U.S. I will share improvements as well as challenges in next 3 marathons and some of my mental (and physical) hurdles along the way.
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