tales of a beginner

Recovery

2010-08-23T17:48:00.001-07:00

I had an amazing conversation today with a woman who recently overcame drug addiction. As part of her rehab program she was offered access to fitness facilities and decided to take advantage of it.
"I've been on drugs since I was ten years old. I am 29 now, they took my baby girl away, I have nothing left to lose."
She committed herself completely to recovery. She says exercise has been a huge help.
"I workout first thing in the morning and it sets the tone for the day."
Knowing you have already done something good for yourself, and have something you can be proud of, before you eat breakfast each day is a great way to get yourself making good choices all day. I have talked to many women who will overeat or eat the wrong things because they feel guilty for missing a workout. It works in the other direction to. We do something good and want to stay in that positive mindset by doing other things we can be proud of.
(Prefers to remain anonymous) is off drugs, has her daughter back, attends a variety of exercise classes, and is back in school. She plans to get an associates degree so she can go on to become a drug and alcohol counsellor.

Injury Prevention

2010-08-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the opportunity to sit in on a speech about injury prevention by Dr. Scott and associates. They covered a number of the most common running injuries, ways to prevent them and when to seek treatment.
Dr. Jacob made a great point when he said, "runners routinely carve out 2 hours to run, but say they can't find ten minutes to stretch after." Stretching is important, we all know that, just do it.
Many of the problems that occur in runners are the result of wearing the wrong shoes, or wearing old/worn out shoes. It is important for every runner, no matter what distance, to have their gait analysed to help them find the proper shoe. Most specialty running stores will have staff capable of doing this for you. Some even have video cameras attached to a treadmill so you can see if you pronate or supinate, and also how well the shoe corrects for that. Don't worry if your running store just asks you to run down the block and back while they watch, the fancy equipment is only necessary for you to see what you are doing.
Of course we all know that shoes wear out. What few people realize is how quickly they wear out. For runners it is recommended that you get a new pair of shoes every 300 miles. As the shoe wears out it loses shock absorption, cushioning and stability. If you start experiencing more pain in your joints or muscle fatigue you may need to buy a new pair of shoes.
I was surprised to learn that shoes break down even when you aren't wearing them. For example, the older, discontinued models offered at a huge discount which are available at every running expo I have been to. Even though the shoe hasn't been worn, the midsole breaks down over time (Don't we all).
Following a smart training program is important. The rule of thumb I was raised on is don't increase more than ten percent a week. Of course there are people who can get away with running a half marathon the first time they lace up, even if they live through the experience it is still unwise. Hand in hand with this advice goes the wisdom, start training early. It is easier to train for a marathon when you have 6 months than when you have 2 months.
Even if you are doing all of the above, sometimes you will still find yourself developing an injury. Everyone has heard the phrase, "consult with your doctor before participating in this exercise program." And some of us do! But I always assumed that advice meant we should make sure our heart was up to the workout. I doubt I am the only who didn't consider finding a sports doctor to make sure our joints are ready for the new activities. Sometimes a small misalignment can cause a lot of pain, and, if left untreated, it can escalate into an injury that takes you out of your sport for a few weeks to a few months.
How do you know when you should see a doctor? It is widely agreed that if you have to alter the way you run or walk because of the pain, it is time to seek help. I take a somewhat more conservative view. If the pain persists for two weeks or more, I think it is worth looking into.
Who to go to for help.
Specialty running stores can introduce you to trusted sports doctors in your area.
I am very fond of the team at Elite Sports and Spine. They are located in Bellevue, WA, and can refer you to a doctor in your neighborhood.

sure I will run hills

2010-08-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

I set off this morning thinking I would be running hills. I decided to do a few miles in Lincoln Park to warm up then see where my legs would take me. My legs are a bit sore from Track Tuesdays, which I not only lived through but managed to enjoy, so I started slow (I always start slow, then continue slow, and finish slow...I should stop pretending otherwise).
At 3 miles I hit my first hill, and started trudging up it. My legs were tired, not just sore. They didn't want to run hills, they wanted, and perhaps needed an easy recovery run. I have the sort of body that inspires people to give it what it wants. I too am powerless against it, so easy recovery run it was. 6 miles was all I felt like doing today, and at no point did I manage to run faster than 10 minute miles. The body gets what the body wants.

Track Tuesdays

2010-08-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

My belly has been visited by swarms of butterflies throughout the day. I have tried not to think much about it, but I am failing. Now that I am home from work and am counting down the minutes (90) until I have to leave. I have had a few fails in the past month and I realize that it is time to start kicking my butt again. So track workouts it is.
But first, let's recap the fails:
Light at the End of the Tunnel. As you may recall from my previous post, this is 13.1 miles up a hill then back down, and I fell apart coming down the hill. No good.
Next up, The Northwest Passage marathon. Only a week after the Tunnel, and I was still feeling wiped out for most of that week. I just couldn't push myself to move very fast. Then around mile 6 or 7 I started throwing up, which slowed me down more. Nothing makes you feel better than an 8 hour marathon when you have a stomach bug.
Still feeling drained, I attempted the God's Country 50k the following weekend. I stayed in the back of the pack, walked the hills, but just didn't have what it took to keep going. I was tired and had no energy. I called it a day at mile 13.

It has been a week since that last fail and I have yet to run. It is time to get back to kicking ass, well my ass anyway. It may be a while before I have what it takes to kick the ass of others. And, no offense others, but your ass isn't really my goal.
I am giving myself a pass on the marathon with the stomach flu, but as for the other two I think I should have been able to push myself harder. But I don't push myself all that hard most of the time. I feel like most distance running is just finding a comfortable pace that eats up the miles. But I want to start pushing myself harder, to be faster and stronger. I want to finish marathons before the finish line festivities are over and the spectators go home. And I want to run difficult trails. I know that this will take more effort on my part and it will probably get uncomfortable, more uncomfortable than a stomach full of butterflies.

so far behind!

2010-07-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

Looks like I will be skipping over the Green River Marathon review and condensing a few others.

Way back in June I ran the Lake Youngs Ultra. This is a great race for a number of reasons. First, the course is beautiful. Second, the terrain is ideal, gently rolling hills to keep your body limber. Third, a great crew of people show up to run it. Fourth, they have prizes for EVERYONE! Fifth, Eat, Drink, Run Woman makes a killer post race BBQ!
So I loved it. My body loves trail runs and hills. Not a BQ so my mother ran with me and we took turns pushing each other. A great way to run a race. I have so much fun running with my mother and she always seems to feel strong when I feel weak. I start falling back and she starts pushing ahead.

Next up, The Ghost Of Seafair. Another King Arthur race. Held the same weekend as Rock and Roll Seattle, this course follows the original Seafair Marathon course through Bellevue. It quickly became apparent why this course was ditched after the first year, IT WAS HARD! Lots of big, steep hills. But we did get a great tour of Bellevue. I ended up running in a group of 6 people and really enjoyed myself. I like the intimacy of a race this size. I had briefly considered running RnR but just couldn't imagine running with 27,000 people. Our race had 17 people.
I hardly ran for a week afterwards. Too much pounding on my joints took a beating on all that pavement.

An ENTIRE month later...
I ran the Light at the end of the Tunnel Marathon...although the tunnel is closed currently, so there was no tunnel portion. Instead of a steady downhill for 26.2 miles, we ran 13.1 miles up a "barely noticeable" incline and then down again. I was surprised to discover that the uphill section was rather manageable. I started out slow and sore, but settled into a comfortable 'mile-munching' pace.
As we climbed my mother stopped speaking to me, to any questions I asked she would grunt/groan in reply. After she recovered her breath on the way down she confessed that she was having trouble keeping up with me and for a bit even thought she might throw-up. ANOTHER FIRST!!! With the exception of LYU mumsie has been slowing her pace down to stay with me.
Sadly on the downhill I was holding us back. Two steps into our descent my knee started speaking up. It seems my IT Band had tightened up a bit and this downhill was more than it wanted. After a few miles, as the joint kept getting stiffer, I decided to take some Ib preufen and was thrilled to feel the pain back off. I couldn't pick up the pace though. I was hitting some 10:25 minute miles on the way up the hill...13.1 at 2 hours 32 minutes, I was prepared to beat my best time. Even though I didn't make it, I did get a new second best time.
But the BEST part was that the buffet started at the finish line. Cross line, turn right and grab food. Obviously professional race directors (which more than made up for him showing up 20 minutes late).

First call spring run off

2010-06-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

let me begin by admitting that I am having trouble spelling run with only one “n” today. I did start the day with a migraine and continue it with a marathon and now am recovering from both…but that is a lame excuse.
I asked my mother if I could stay at her house this weekend because the marathon is spitting distance from here. She, being a Maniac and clearly an elemental contributor to my genetic makeup and disposition, decided to do this run as well, “but only the marathon”. We had both run marathons the weekend prior, and this one isn’t USATF certified ( no reason to try for a BQ…), so we decided to take it easy. Or rather, mom decided to take it easy, I just tried to keep up with her “slow” pace.
The race starts at Bothell landing and runs to Woodinville along the Sammamish River trail. the turn around is out past the St Michelle Winery encouraging me to reflect on the various times in my life I have enjoyed their wines. This trail is one that my mother has been running on for as long as I can remember. I’m surprised I didn’t suffer any PTSD during today’s run…as I vaguely recall being forced to ride a bike on this trial as a child.
I really had a great time running with my mother. I love that it is something we can do together. We tell stories, catch up, and plan for future runs. Today we decided to add “salad bar” to our list of pre race no no’s. It was delicious and filling, but it didn’t feel good in my belly, although there were no other negative side effects.
The weather was the same four variations we had been dealing with all week. Grey and rainy, grey and dry, sunny and dry, and sunny and rainy. The ladder being my favorite, only because it seems to fly in the face of science. it was in fact a much sunnier day than I expected (it also rained more than I expected). I was tricked by the weather forecast’s promise of dense clouds and possible (evening) rain, so I neglected to apply sunblock. Now the curious tan line under my knees is even more pronounced. It looks like I am wearing tan knee high socks…and that is cool.

For the second weekend in a row I was entertained by “Road Kill” Rick. He and my mother have been friends since the early days of running, when I was just a wee child cheering for her. We saw a number of friendly faces out that day, but all in all it was a rather uneventful run. Just a nice Jog with my mumsie.

Capital City Marathon

2010-06-02T04:15:00.000-07:00

Ahh the Capital City Marathon. I will look back fondly on this race for ever.
It was the first race that John and I ran together. Side by side together, mind you. Oh wait, we did a 5k together… So first marathon side by side.
awwww
Also, instead of a race shirt we were given very nice coats. I am wearing mine currently.
And instead of a medal at the end, we were given coasters. Not medal or stone or plastic coasters. No, at the end of the marathon we were handed fragile tile coasters. Mine survived, so did Johns (I carried his).
John too, survived though it was iffy at times. Two in two weeks is not a walk in the park (more like a day long jog in the park).
We started slow in the back of the pack. Plenty of lovely people to talk to back there this time. ’Road Kill’ Rick kept us entertained for a good distance, while Kerrie (new to me) inspired us by trying her first double marathon. I have no doubt she finished. She left us in the dust, as did ’Road Kill’ before the halfway point.
John has been having some pain problems. It seems his IT is trying to pull his knee off. I imagine it is time for him to find a good body worker to keep things moving. I actually think it is way past time for that…but time is the issue.
Anyway, I have heard many people say what a beautiful course this is and the rumors are true (now that’s a nice rumor). We started in a park in the downtown area and worked our way out along the capital lake, after that we seemed to be in the boonies, and from their we ran through farmland. There was a great fence that had bowling balls topping each post. It is the perfect time of year to do this race, flowers of every sort were blooming. And of course there were rhododendrons at every turn (the Washington state flower).
After the farm land we worked our way back into civilization. We saw some really nice neighborhoods and found so many locals set up along the course to cheer people on. Some of the locals were family. John’s sister lives in the area and she, her husband, John’s brother and mother all made it out for the event.
His sister and her husband made signs and spent the better part of the morning cheering. She and her husband came equipped with cowbells and a sign that read “more cowbell!” This was a big hit with many runners and prompted a few to start reciting the SNL skit. (On a side note, his sister really enjoyed being out with all the runners and is talking about training for a 5k!!! We really can influence people by smiling and thanking them for their support.)
John was looking pretty hurt when we finally made it to his families section of the run. His sister jogged along with us (in flip flops) for a few blocks offering encouraging words, all of which were rendered worthless by how easily she could keep up (IN FLIP FLOPS!!!). John forced a somewhat convincing smile and we continued our death shuffle. But the support did the trick, he was in much better spirits for the rest of the run. Not in good enough spirits however, that I felt I could start singing and dancing again without taking my life in my hands.
About 1.5 miles from the finish I informed John that we really shouldn’t let Negative Nancy beat us. She is a speed walker I met in Yakima at the pre race dinner that was complaining that she wanted to stop doing marathons but that this had become her social life. I see her at many of the local races and have tried to avoid her since this first conversation. No need for extra negativity in life. Each time she caught up with John and I she rained a bit of negativity on us. The first time she did this John looked at me with an expression of complete astonishment. People are typically encouraging and will cheer on an aching runner, she really makes an impression. Also, for what its worth, I don’t think her name is Nancy. I don’t actually know what her name is.
The idea appealed to John, his death shuffle turned into actual running, and then sprinting (what passes for sprinting at the end of a marathon). And I struggled to keep up. And he kept pushing the pace till the finish…and he reached back to grab my hand before crossing the finish line…awwwww

Tacoma City Marathon

2010-06-02T04:14:00.000-07:00

John’s first marathon. We discussed strategy in the days, weeks and months before the event. We had a brief review the night before. I decided to take the early start because my last marathon took 7 hours. John went with the regular start, confident that he could finish in 4 hours.
About a quarter of a mile into my run a woman heading toward the start cheered us on, “You’re almost done!”
I met a lot of interesting people that morning. A couple who had embarked on a weight loss adventure together. The wife, who lost 50ish pounds, looked like she had never seen an extra pound on her body. Her husband, had lost about 170 pounds with the help of gastric bypass surgery. He has taken advantage of his weight loss to get into athletics. He is running marathons, and training for an iron man. He is still a large fellow, probably over 200lbs and 6 feet and an inch or two. They were a very lovely couple. It is great that they have been able to support and motivate each other through this.
After them I ran with a woman who had her last breast cancer operation in March. She started running again in April after a year off. She finished in about 5.5 hours!
I lost her in Point Defiance Park and ran most of the marathon alone after that. I was trying a new strategy. I have been running very slowly (walking pace at times) to avoid pain, but the pain catches me at mile 16 inspite of that. So this time I opted to run a bit faster (still walking pace to some).
The section of the course through Point Defiance is beautiful, we ran along 5 mile drive (approx 5 miles in length), and hilly. I felt fine on the hills, I felt fine on everything! I danced up a hill coming into the mile 13 aid station, they were blasting the blues brothers and were all dressed in suits. I love an aid station with spirit!
Somewhere along 5 mile drive I was passed by the first runners. That was an exciting sight. And first place woman was third over all at that point and she was looking strong. Very inspiring.
The hills were a bit too steep to be called “rolling”, perhaps “rolling mountains”. I really enjoyed the hills though, they were just the right height and frequency to keep things interesting. sure enough mile 16 rolled around and sure enough my knee had things to say. I slowed a bit to quiet it down. I spent the rest of the run, going as fast as my knee would allow.
After doing the math a few ways I realized that John should catch up with me when I had been running for 5 hours. As I got closer and closer to the end I started checking over my shoulder more frequently to see if he was going to catch me. It never happened.
A two (ish) mile downhill lead to the finish. I heard someone yelling, “white coat right behind you!” so I sprinted with everything I had to keep it behind me through the finish…and it was close. But I won. I finished in 5:17...bout an hour forty faster than my last marathon!
John’s mother and sister were at the finish line. They were so excited. But John wasn’t there yet.
We waited, and the wind was strong and cold. My space blanket did little to keep me warm. His sister was making some sort of threats because my lips were turning blue. I was too hypothermic to understand what she was telling me. I pressed my lips together to hide them from her and tied myself up in the space blanket.
John finished just under 5 hours! He was thrilled to be done running. As it turns out all our great planning went out the window. He started to fast and died around mile ten…that’s a long way to drag yourself to the finish line. We dined with the Maniacs after the run but it would take more than a burger and beer to restore him. Not every first marathon is a good experience, but by the next day his mood had improved and he was willing to consider doing another marathon…eventually.

Spokane River Run

2010-06-02T04:13:00.000-07:00

When I reserved the camping site for the weekend , the pass was still closed and the weather was cold. making a trip to eastern Washington ill-advised at best. I was completely oblivious to the high potential for failure until a few days prior to the weekend, when I saw the news report informing all that the pass was now opened…

I was surprised at what an active town Spokane is. There were people out running, biking, river rafting, golfing, hiking and rock climbing. I ended up relying on many of these people for directions by the end of the run. The first two, a jogger then a biker, were needed just to get to the race itself. I arrived at the race with about 15 minutes to spare before the start of the race, I had hoped to get there earlier, but after 40 minutes of wrong turns I was happy to make it with any time to spare. It was the first race I have been to that didn’t have a line at the porta-potty…

AND WE WERE OFF…I took my usual approach and fell to the back of the pack. Slow and steady, I was feeling great. I haven’t been running on the trails for a very long time… “O shit, O SHIT!!! I haven’t been trail running since November!!! What was I thinking??!!?!?”
Already the weather was warmer than anticipated, felt like it was mid 60’s at 8:30 am, it promised to be a very hot day. I frequently forget that the forests in Easter Washington are much different than those of Western Washington. The trees are smaller and further apart, they don’t offer nearly the protection from the weather that I was hoping for.
Early on in the race, while running alone through a very quiet, flat part of the course, I heard a twig ’SNAP’. I looked over to find a wall of large men in camouflage with assault rifles slowly advancing towards the trail. Whoa. The race is held on the same weekend as the Army does practice missions in the forest. I am unaware of any other races that are able to offer this sort of entertainment.
I was feeling confident, the hills were tough, but in general the course was manageable. Then the course let loose on me. Hills got steeper in both directions, the trail became narrower, and the gentle forest floor was replaced by rocks. One particularly steep section dropped us into a rocky riverbed. Two arrows pointed me down the river, this must be the treacherous rock portion the race director warned us about. The rocks were big enough that I had to use my hands to climb over some of them, slide down on my bum to get back down to the ground on the other side. run through sand, navigate over unstable, wobbling rocks, and around small bodies of water. While the race director had warned us about an unusually dangerous rocky are, it didn’t seem like this could be it. The gentleman I found myself running this portion with was very upset, convinced we were lost. A few rock climbers informed us that we had missed the trail (apparently we weren’t the first to get lost). Back tracking, still no trail in sight, a hiker pointed us towards the little yellow arrow that was half hidden by brush. The adventure had only added another half mile to the course, and it was beautiful, I regretted not bringing my camera with me. I intend to make the same wrong turn when I do this race again (and I do intend to do it again), just so I can get pictures.
At the top of the hill we were faced with mountains of rocks. It looked like a rock quarry, medium sized broken rocks piled into mountains. A trail about a foot wide was stomped into the side of the rock mounds. Clearly, this was the death trap we were warned about. The rock pile seemed too steep to support a trail and falling guaranteed injury and offered the potential for serious injury with very little effort. I talked to the race director after the run, he said he fell on that section and cracked a few ribs and got pretty cut up. I decided to walk.

The trail seemed (yes, only “seemed” there were still plenty of areas you could hurt yourself on) less dangerous after the death trap, but it did get more difficult. I was 1/3 of the way through the run, Approaching the start/finish area that would mark the end of the first loop and the beginning of the second. I was feeling like this would be a good place to stop. I was worn out. I knew I would see John at the halfway point and he would help motivate me for the second half.

I saw a wild Turkey, I think…I know it was real, an improvement from the other things I had been “seeing” until this point.

I was thrilled to see John at the halfway point. He was so excited about his first trail run. His energy was palpable. In the matter of a few seconds I learned that he finished in 2:30 and is now in love with trail running, but thinks he needs trail shoes. there was more information, but I couldn’t process it as fast as he was telling me. I did catch a line he borrowed from “What About Bob?” (with a slight modification to fit the sport) “I’m a trail runner now, it’s pretty easy, I just let the trails do most of the work.” He kept telling me how tough it was. By now I knew that he had run what would be my second loop, I was not happy to hear it was difficult. I turned to someone who seemed to know the course and asked “is the second loop harder?” He shook his head vigorously while saying, “no, no, no, it is much easier.” And I was relieved, for a bit. Much easier it may have been, but the first loop wore me out.

I plodded along at my ‘half dead’ pace. The day had warmed considerably, and the second loop started in an area of baby trees that were no taller than me. I was grateful for the limited shade the adult trees provided. Like so many things, you can’t really appreciate them until they are gone. And I missed the shade. Although I was carrying a hydration pack, I still craved the water from the aid station. I had mixed my cytomax stronger than I might have liked. I grabbed a few cups of water and started throwing them into my face. A little boy commented “wow, you sure are thirsty!” Perhaps now is a good time to mention that this race was a fundraiser for an elementary school, and the aid stations were manned by kids from the school and their parents. They really did a great job. The kids were very excited and helpful, although I think the parents were essential to the actual functioning of each station (someone had to stop the kids from eating all the goodies). I always try to be friendly to the volunteers (because they rock!). but this time it felt more important that usual. I hoped that the kids would have a good impression of the sport based on the positive reactions they got from the runners. After all, that is why I started running.
And I was very polite when a little girl (2-3 years old) looked at me quizzically and asked “are you a girl?” I smiled and explained that “Yes I am a girl, I know it can be hard to tell since I have such short hair.” Her mother looked horrified, I was thrilled. More fuel for the blog. It did cross my mind that perhaps it is time to grow my hair out again.
It was hard going from there on out. I tried to keep myself laughing at the little girl’s comment, tried to tell myself jokes, but the truth was I was just worn out. I still had about 11 miles to go and there was no chance I would find anybody to distract me on the long journey to the finish. Running with myself had been a challenge for me in the past and once again it would prove difficult to keep myself moving while all alone.
I knew I was in trouble when I couldn’t run down the hills anymore. I could trudge along the flat parts, but when I saw the trail disappear in front of me I got worried.
Coming into the mile 7 (22) aid station the race director responsible for this half of the course wanted to know how I was doing and if I wanted to call it quits. His associate has a small 4 wheeler (which I want to call a buggy) that can bring me back to the start/ finish area if I need. I was determined to finish. I had a pace set out that was working for me and should get me into the finish around the time the course was supposed to close. I let them know as much and they cheered me on…but the seed was planted…
The next few miles I was falling off my pace. My legs were exhausted and sore. I was getting nauseous just from trying to jog the flat parts. I still couldn’t run up the hills and I couldn’t make up enough time on the downhill sections. And I knew they could come get me.
It took everything I had to keep putting one foot in front of the other, but I stayed focused and moved faster than the hikers who were now everywhere. It was too easy to keep slowing down, but having the hikers around provided a great point of reference. previously I had just been trying to move faster than the trees…

It has been a long time since I have given everything I had during a run. I like to tell myself that this is because I am trying not to re-injure myself, but I suspect that part of it is laziness. Getting back on the trails reminded me how fun running can be. I just feel so young and free in the trails. Playing like a kid.
But this kid was done. I decided to call it a day, only problem was the trails were narrow and mostly carved into the side of steep hills. I had to keep pushing until I found a place that the buggy could get to.

When I finally got myself to a buggy-accessible aid station, I sat down on a piece of cardboard and asked them to “call someone to come get me.” I smiled and was pleasant but they seemed concerned that I might be injured or sick or hungry, nope, “I’m just done.” The guy with the buggy let me know I had only 3.5 miles left and that the trail was ‘relatively flat’ and that they would keep the course open as long as I needed. but I was done. He said he didn’t want me to feel bad about not finishing so he just wanted to do anything he could to make sure I was making the right decision. “Clearly you haven’t met my ego, I assure you it won’t be damaged in the least by this.”
He let me run into the finish though, and I did take him up on that. It was very nice, but John was nowhere to be seen. I sat down and waited for him, and then it finally occurred to me, he was undoubtedly waiting for me on the trail. I told the buggy-guy this so he went out and found him and brought him in. he was waiting less than a mile from where I called it quits. I think I could have kept going if I knew he would be there to run me in. Ever without the last few miles though I was writhing in pain for the rest of the day and night. I was sufficiently sore the next three days. And I don’t feel disappointed in my decision to call it quits when I did. I made sure the race directors knew how much I liked the course, and the volunteers, and even the detour. and I assured them I would be back next year and that I would recommend their race to anyone who likes trails.

Dizzy Daze

2010-04-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

It was like Christmas Eve, laying in bed knowing that the sooner I fall asleep, the sooner it will be morning. I was entirely to excited about the prospect of running FARTHER THAN I HAVE EVER RUN BEFORE. I was mentally practicing the FTIHERB dance that goes along with the accomplishment and I even came up with a song for it too. (sung to the tune of O My Darling Clementine) “I ran the farthest, I ran the farthest, the farthest distance I ever ran, But I will run more and I will dance more and I will sing this song again”

Yea, way to excited about that…
The weather promised to give us hell. The wind had calmed down to 15-20 miles an hour, but the hourly forecast was still 40 degrees with rain showers (every hour, all day).

Post run

NO RAIN…until a few seconds after I finished…wild

First I want to thank the Academy
Props to Jonathan Bernard for putting on a great run. There was an ample amount of everything I could possibly want at the aid station. And it was conveniently located every 3.2 miles (cause we ran in a circle, c’mon guys, don’t make me explain this stuff). There were potato chips (which were life savers after I burned myself out on GU and shot blocks), and Easter candy, and fruit, and sandwiches, and so on. Jonathan gave a great pre race speech, “If you want to do exactly a half marathon, marathon, or 50k here are the turn around places, but really, you should just run more.” And I was sufficiently motivated.

Next up, thanks John. He ran the first 9.5 miles with me, drove to Tacoma, taught trumpet lessons, then drove back in time to run my last lap with me. When I finally made it to that last lap I knew I could make it, but I wasn’t sure if I could keep myself from walking. With John there I was able to keep running, AND I had an audience for my FARTHEST DISTANCE song and dance

My family showed up and ran a bit with me. Just seeing my dad and step mom gave me a boost of energy, sadly it didn’t last long. I was on my eighth lap, I would be finishing my marathon soon, and I was getting a bit tired. I started worrying that they wouldn’t want to stay while I did two more laps. I would still get points for running a marathon, but I really wanted THE FARTHEST DISTANCE. When I passed my dad at the aid station, he assured me they would be happy to hang out for another two laps. He offered me fruit and acai juice, I felt terribly guilty but all I wanted was potato chips. He looked crushed, “I don’t have any potato chips”.
Mimi joined me to run the 9th lap. It was easily the hardest lap and I am so grateful to her for keeping me moving and chatting. I had started wondering if I could really keep running, my legs were so tired. But before I expected it, we were finishing our lap.
And John took over for Mimi and we pushed through the final lap together. When I finally hit THE FARTHEST DISTANCE, I found my legs too tired to do much of a dance, but I gave it my best. I repeated the song and dance a half mile later and again at the finish. Mimi and Cassie stood tall and linked their hands, giving me a tunnel to run under, and I was finally able to stop running. It was easier to do the full dance when I didn’t have to keep moving forward at the same time.

And then we ate and drank and were merry.

Two days later I am still surprised how good my body feels. There is some fatigue and a little muscle soreness, but nothing even close to what I expected.
My time was 7 hours and 3 minutes…less than an hour longer than last weeks marathon. Clearly our bodies thrive with only one week of recovery (HAHAHAHA…right). Wild

Yakima river canyon marathon

2010-04-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

What a great event. Not just the marathon, but the pre and post race gatherings as well.. Bob and Lenore Dolphin know how to put on an event. There was plenty of food at the pre-race pasta feed , Lenore is a riot (I loved her “nuts to you” acknowledgments), and they really thought of everything. They even had extra long-sleeve shirts that you could wear in the morning then ditch by the roadside as the day got warmer.

I didn’t eat enough in the morning. In fact a lot of things were going wrong that morning ( I kept reminding myself that I have had great mornings fall to pieces on the course, so perhaps a little adversity would turn into a great run). Typically I like to have toast with peanut butter and a banana. Instead I had a few rice cakes. I blame this oversight on the migraine I had been fighting with for 4 days. I didn’t bother taking any migraine medicine in the morning cause the migraines usually take a break while I run (but they are waiting at the finish line). My stomach was growling at the starting line. I started eating GU immediately but by the third one I needed real food, I knew the aid station with food was still a ways off, but I decided to ask anyway at the station I was approaching. “Do you have a banana?” Salvation seemed imminent if only I could eat a banana. The woman offered me the one from her lunch. And I accepted with extreme gratitude. The food on the course was rice crispies, peanut m&ms, and chocolaty trail mix…all very delicious, but I would have liked some fruit in that mix.

And we were off…I decided to try something new, so I took off at a sprint (no, not really…I stayed with my slow shuffle). The run felt good, surprisingly good. I didn’t have my Garmin on, so I had no idea how fast (or, more accurately, how slow) I was going, but it felt like the right pace. The course photo shows me trying to smile at the camera through pain so thick you can see it everywhere in my body. But in spite of that the first 20 miles felt like a cake walk (cake shuffle?).

The last 6 miles got a little more difficult, I think only because I am out of shape. I tried a few times to push my pace, but my body made it clear that there would be only one pace for me today, sadly it was my same slow shuffle I started with. I have a friend who talked about a guy he knew only as “one speed Gregg” the explanation, “he only has one speed, fast as hell” My mother ended up marrying One-Speed-Gregg on Feb 4th. He slowed down long enough to ask her for a date, and the rest is history.

With a quarter of a mile left in the run the gentleman I walked the Redding Marathon with caught up to, and passed, me. He was walking faster than I was running. I saw him check over his shoulder a few times as we got closer to the finish, he really wanted to beat me. Fortunately for him, I was already at my maximum speed.
At the finish line, Lenore Dolphin was giving hugs to everyone as they crossed. And someone was handing out roses to all the female finishers. I was more interested in the food, bananas and cookies. Here were all the bananas…why didn’t they make it onto the course?

The baked potato feed and awards ceremony was just as fun as the pasta feed. Again Lenore was a crack-up. I stayed the whole time but didn’t manage to win anything, which is a huge surprise. I didn’t anticipate winning any sort of speed related prize (last place in my age group?) but they had so many drawing prizes, I think nearly a quarter of the group got something.

I finished in 6 hours and 6 minutes…I guess I really was moving slow. I realized later that my only slower marathon was the one I walked, and that one had a lot more hills. But it felt like the right pace, and my hips and back have felt good ever since.

Death Valley

2010-02-15T02:15:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a marathon is just a long, hard slog.
To quote my favorite author, Kurt Vonnegut, “So it goes.”

I am currently celebrating this unfortunate run with a sleepless night. A common post-race occurrence, the sleepless night is…well I was going to say it is my least favorite part of marathons, but then I got started thinking about all the things I don’t like about them…best get off that train of thought now.

The Death Valley marathon sounds intimidating for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it takes place in Death Valley, the hottest, driest place in North America which boasts an average rainfall of two inches, and some years it doesn’t rain at all. Second, the course itself, “The trail marathon starts at 3460 feet of elevation. It climbs to 4900 feet over the first nine miles then descends 500 feet before climbing to the highest point on the course at 5250 feet of elevation. The last 14 miles are DOWNHILL to the finish line at 250 feet”. Elevation, not something my body can handle right now. My hip is getting better, as long as I don’t run up hills (I died a little inside).
And again, Furnace Creek, DEATH VALLEY, average daily highs of 90 degrees and average lows of 60, with a record high of 134 degrees.
Imagine my surprise when I get the email that the course has changed due to rain, snow and ice. As it happens, this is not unusual for this marathon, last year, all two inches of annual rainfall fell during the marathon, resulting in flash flooding, and extensive road closures. The race director informed us that the race will be held in December from now on, when the weather is drier.
The revised course descends 100 ft over the first mile or two and is relatively flat for the rest of the race. 13.1 miles down the road, we turn back for the return trip. The trail is a dirt road with more dirt, sand and salt to either side, eventually giving way to colorful foot hills and then snow capped mountains. It sounds a bit dull, and to be honest it was. There is no denying the fact that the area is beautiful. Looking across the salt flats you think you could be on the ocean, the way it seems to stretch on forever. Beyond that the mountains are very colorful, earning the name “artists palate.”
I tried to add more to this report, but there is really little more to say. I had a tough run. My body managed it fine at my new slower pace (flat course, ideal temps, 5.5 hours). I hate to say it was a disappointment, because it was really good to prove to myself that even injured and out of shape I can still run 26.2 miles, but I did hope it would be more fun…Some people never learn.

Still Going!

2010-01-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

I spent the weekend in Redding, CA. just over the mountains from my old stomping ground in Arcata.
As many of you know I have been bothered by an injury for some months now. It really caught up with me during the Seattle marathon. Since then I have been doing my physical therapy and my regular gym workouts, but I have had to limit my running to short, flat, slow runs. This frustrates me. I like hills, and distances. I won’t go so far to say that I like running fast, but I like to be able to open up and stretch out my legs occasionally.
Since the end of November my longest run was 6 miles although most days I ran between 0 and 4 miles. Not impressive. I can’t believe I thought I could do a marathon and more remarkably, I can‘t believe I actually could do a marathon with this lack of training (That’s why they call me a maniac).
Initially I was thinking I would start out and see how far I could run before I had to stop, but I don’t like quitting. About two weeks prior to the event it occurred to me that walking it might be a lot easier and increase my chances of finishing. Walking around the day before I could feel my glute getting weak and tired and it dawned on me that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to try some distancing walking in the future to keep my body in better shape for this sort of insanity. In case I forget to mention it later, let me confess that I was taking therapeutic levels of ibuprofen the day before and day of in an attempt to keep my hips, knees and ankles functioning. I actually tried all sorts of voodoo to keep myself moving. I wore Phiten titanium patches on my left hip and ankle starting two days in advance. I used titanium lotion for those days too. The night before and day of the marathon I used an all natural lotion that reeked of mints and is supposed to energize your muscles. I was hoping for miracles.
The day before the marathon I was checking out the finish area. The race wraps along the Sacramento River and finishes at the Sundial Bridge (you can check out some pictures on the website but most of them show it in considerably nicer weather than we saw). A really beautiful structure, paved with glass and lit from beneath so it glows at night. A great place for finish line photos…except for the ominous signs posted at either end “slippery when wet”. The forecast was predicting a deluge, naturally the day before the marathon was beautiful. I took advantage of this time to wander around the Turtle Bay and Exploration park and botanical gardens. The gardens were really something, admittedly the middle of winter isn’t really the best time to see this particular garden, but they have art throughout the gardens. They had pyramids made of painted tiles, A giant mosaic bench that wrapped around a fountain, and (my favorite) a structure called lookout house which was constructed out of branches and vines.

Day of race we park at the Sundial bridge and Turtle Bay Exploration parking lot, hop on the buses and start one of my favorite parts of running (second only to carb loading), meeting other runners and hearing how they all came to be at this race. I met a woman who was running her first race after a 5 year battle with a lung disease, and a boy from the Seattle area who was doing this marathon as part of his senior project (chosen because it didn’t interfere with his High School track schedule). I ran into a few Marathon Maniacs. One older gentleman who said he had always been an avid runner, but it wasn’t until his good buddy Bob Dolphin pushed him into it that he joined the Maniacs. It is always remarkable to learn how many people know Bob and Lenore Dolphin. The man I ended up walking with had seen Bob at a marathon recently, didn’t know who he was but remembered the shirt “where the Dolphin has been” with the hundreds of marathons that were listed. Bob turned 80 in October (celebrating by running the Portland marathon) and has just logged his 460th Marathon. The man is truly an inspiration.

The rain was coming down gently at the start line, most people decided to stay in the buses until we were kicked out 10 minutes before the start. There might have been 200+ people signed up for the race but there were no more than 150 at the start…It is just now occurring to me that a number of people participated in the relay, so perhaps the other 50 didn’t get scared away by the rain but rather were waiting at the relay hand offs. I can’t verify any of this because the website doesn’t have a link to any results page.

I was going to describe the course, but they have a great description with pictures here. The sunshine is misleading, we saw nothing of the sort, and we saw none of the views they show. To get a better idea of what we saw, just look at the pavement and the brush. The course was beautiful even without the views. As a Seattle native I appreciate the rain. I tend to overheat while running, being constantly doused with water helps keep the temperature in a comfortable range. The wind didn’t present much of a problem for most of the race, but when it hit, it hurt.

The initial downhill brought us to the dam. As I jogged across I glanced over the side, big mistake. Hundreds of feet below us were the rivers and land. I quickly ran to the other side and was comforted to see that the lake was only 50 feet below us on this side. I am not a huge fan of bridges. Especially when they seem to be floating thousands of miles above land. We crossed a number of bridges in this run.

I notice I keep using or wanting to use the word ‘run’. except for the last few miles, very little of what I did could be considered ‘running’. I sped walked, shuffled and jogged. I suppose my run at the end might not have fit in some people’s definition of running. I found an interesting piece by Travis, who “runs a lot and likes video games” discussing the difference between running and jogging. He claims it is the mindset that sets the two apart. He says the runner is the person who is training to compete or improve their athletic ability, “If they are pushing themselves in order to increase their athletic potential for a later competition, then it is running. I don't care if they are running relaxed at 7:30 pace, or ripping through intervals at 5:30. Even the slow painful recovery trot in between workout sets count. It is ALL running.”
Rock on Travis with your relaxed 7:30 pace! I might have seen something under 8 minute/miles while launching myself down steep hills, but it still took everything I had to get those numbers on the clock for a split second. Regardless, he seems to agree that I was running, this being a “painfully recovery trot” that worked to boost my confidence that I could keep running.
I really needed this boost, I have been feeling very upset since the Seattle Marathon, concerned that I wouldn’t be able to do these distances anymore. I love the marathon distance, I start to feel really good around mile 13, like I have finally finished my warm up and am ready to let my body play a little more.

My body was responding really well to the course. It was mostly flat and downhill, the inclines I had to push through some pain, but I was always rewarded with a downhill after. I had flash backs of Peru, climbing up forever and thinking you had reached the top of the mountain only to watch the clouds part on a peak another 50 feet above you. Not that this happened on this course, but the heavy clouds worry me.

Around mile 21 some course officials were cheering for us by number “Doing great 104!” “Almost there 27!” . “27, why I’ll be 27 on Tuesday,” I remark to the gent I am walking with. “Tuesday the 19th? I’ll be 68.” Yup, couple of stubborn Capricorns bringing up the rear.

Around mile 23 I parted ways with the man I now knew as #27, and started my most concentrated effort at running. Despite what I may go through during the rest of the marathon I am driven by deeply ingrained instinct to always finish strong. I picked off one guy almost immediately, I could tell from a distance that his legs were cramping up and that it was all he could do to keep shuffling along. “Just focus on pizza” I called out as I “breezed” past him with an awe inspiring 10:15 pace. The next few I took were in an out and back section that goes through the botanical gardens, one looked to be minutes from death (but still looking stylish in his fancy Boston Marathon jacket). The next guy didn’t look like he was hurting, but he was walking, I can only imagine that he was just exhausted, doing what he could to finish at all. Granted, picking off the weak and injured doesn’t give you the same rush as fighting it out with a matched competitor. To be honest though, it is always nice to put a few marks in the road kill column.

Turns out walking a marathon leaves your body in much better shape. Yes I was sore afterwards and have some aches today, but all in all I don’t think I have ever felt better after a marathon. Definitely worth trying!

my weakness

2009-12-16T16:13:00.000-08:00

I skipped a marathon last weekend, decided to try a trail run instead. Last week the chiro found my ankle to be locked up again, in the past when this has happened I felt the strain on the top of my foot. He worked it out and I thought I would benefit from trail running, let the uneven ground move my ankles around and build some more strength through them. So I set off with a group to run at Bridle Trails, the plan was two 5 mile loops. The weather had warmed a bit, but we saw the occasional snowflake and all the ground was frozen (Bridle Trails has a tendency to be very muddy). I felt pretty good for the first few miles, around mile 3 I could feel my knee but it wasn't anything serious. As we started on our second lap I felt fine and decided to keep on. A mile into it my knee, foot and ankle took a turn for the worse (not literally). I tried to keep up the pace, then I tried slowing. It was clear that I needed to stop, but I really didn't want to. I talked with one of my running buddies and he made the very good point, If I didn't stop now I might not be able to run for a long time. So I turned back.
I was in a good deal of pain on Monday, So I waited until today to try any running. I managed two miles and felt good. I don't think I have felt good on a run in over three weeks. I think the lesson is: self control (this is the weakness that I am referring to in the title of this blog). It seems that I may just need to stick to shorter distances (very shorter) for a while.
Bout a month till my next marathon. Redding California. The weekend of my birthday (I am getting dangerously close to thirty...although someone pointed out that it is really nice to be done with your twenties...we shall see).

Seattle Marathon

2009-11-30T07:24:00.000-08:00

I could tell on Friday that this was going to be a challenging run for me. I had started feeling sick on Tuesday and by Friday it was clear that some little bug had caught me. I slept as much as possible on Friday and Saturday, tried to eat something in the carb loading category, but only managed a salad and a bowl of popcorn. Sunday morning I was hungry, and I ate like I should have the night before (I paid for that on the course, but it wasn't the worst of my problems). I felt otherwise decent (I packed some migraine medicine and some cold medicine just in case, next time I am adding Ib preufen to the mix as that was the only thing I wanted). Right from the start my body didn't feel good. My mother was running with me and I had to keep making myself slow my pace at the beginning, to start where I like to. By the end I think she was the only reason I was able to maintain a respectable pace.
It was a perfect day for a race, cool and gray. I have been looking forward to running the full marathon course since last year when I did the half marathon (my first half marathon!). The full marathon diverts from the half to run out across the I-90 floating bridge then returns and runs along the water out to Seward park and back. From there you join the half marathon course for the hilly part of the run. The marathon is almost entirely flat until mile 20 or so, at which point runners are treated to a sample of our hills.
I love the views in this course. On the bridge you have a great view of mercer island and all the stunning homes that fly by too fast to see when you are driving. Running to and from Seward park is nice because it is a quiet road with a line of trees separating you from the water. Running the exterior of the park offers more great views of the surrounding areas (and a nice little park). On to Leschi, a very nice neighborhood that is always filled with supporters. After that we take on the hills and work our way into the arboretum. This is easily the most beautiful part of the course. Although it is still rather hilly and the road is lumpy and uneven. Then finally, the city. Grey with grey buildings yet lovely (I am riding past it in the bus right now thinking how much prettier it is just before sunset with the mountains in full view. We have mountains in every direction, but most days it is too cloudy to tell). And the space needle standing above the colorful EMP, marks our finish line. Well, kinda, you finish near there.

I know I was in a lot of pain, and I kept thinking to myself, "you don't have to sprint in the finish chute, just try not to slow down." But when I got inside the stadium my brain shut down and my body took over and I started sprinting for all I was worth. I glanced over my shoulder at my mother who was struggling to keep up (who could have dropped me at the start and never seen me again, mind you). She had a grin on her face and I couldn't help but laugh at this situation too. This scenario has played out exactly the same since I was a wee child. Our family was fond of 5ks, well my parents were fond of them, I don't think my brother or I had any say in the issue. During these races it was common for me to drag along until the end then rush off and finish before my parents (I am confident they let me win, if they read this blog they might appreciate that rare bit of modesty). Another favored tactic of mine was to say I had a side ache and needed to walk then sprint away from them when they slowed down. Some things never change.

The biggest concern of the run. Something new and upsetting was taking place in my lower leg. I had lots of pain on the outside of my knee (not new) and pain down the side of my ankle and under my foot (new). Every one's favorite part of running is the new aches and pains you get during a competition (and the phantom pains that come the night before), you get used to feeling bad in places that haven't felt that way before. Typically they are nothing (as far as I am concerned) however, sometimes they can be persistent and damaging. I have no idea how to tell the difference, although I have read up on this a bit. They say you should be wary of pains that continue to get worse while you run. Sees clear enough, but there is very little I am willing to do about such pain it turns out (as those of you who have read my previous blogs will no doubt recall). I think we are supposed to stop running...I think few would argue that marathons aren't a sport for cautious people. A story I was told in the beginning of the run addresses this issue very well. Barefoot John told me of a time he was running with my mother and she was breathing hard and groaning. Having run with her before, he knew this was unusual behavior. He asked if everything was OK and she replied that she had cracked a rib a few days prior (she would want you all to know she was scuba diving in Fiji at the time). Perhaps it is genetic, but I suspect that few runners would stop for foot pain unless they have had an injury in the area that they are keeping an eye on.

I managed my goal of finishing under 5 hours, but as I said earlier, I wouldn't have made it if my mother wasn't running with me. I am happy to say that I enjoyed running with her for more reasons than just this.

Recovery

2009-11-20T06:38:00.000-08:00

I find my mind is ready to get back to my regular running schedule, but my body isn't up for it. I know I could push my body and try for some longer distances but I feel fine just logging 4-6 miles every other day right now. I am able to do my usual gym workout (skipping the squats) without unusual fatigue. I have a really tight left quad right now, so I am hoping that a bit of rest and massage will have me ready to run the Seattle Marathon on the 29th.

In case I don't talk at y'all before then, Happy Thanksgiving!

That reminds me, I just found out I have a gluten allergy. I don't eat too many gluten products, I do however eat them daily. This will be an exciting new adventure learning how to cook without my precious gluten. My primary concern is how to eat when travelling. Trying to eat healthy, vegan, and now gluten free foods while at restaurants might be a challenge. Bring it on!

My first 50k

2009-11-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

I did it!
And enjoyed myself. The people hosting the race were just wonderful. They had aid stations every 2.5 to 3 miles fully stocked with Cytomax (my favorite), cool water, cliff shot blocks, peanut m&ms, mike and ikes, pretzels and Hostes snack cakes. Twinkies and snack cakes don't appeal to me under any circumstances but I was pleased to have the m&ms and the shot blocks.
I was able to confirm my suspicions that I was coming into this terribly unprepared right from the start. While the trails were flat compared to Washington trails, there were lots of small, steep ups and downs. So I did what I do and started really slow, the benefit of which was clear as I started passing half marathoners around mile 8 (one of them called me ma'am!!!).
The course was set up as a 13.1 mile loop and a five (ish) mile loop at the end. It was difficult to approach the end of the first loop and know that I would have to start it all again. I found some lost joggers on the way into the woods for the second lap, they decided to stay with me for a bit and it was nice to have some conversation to help eat up the miles. They had been in front of me for 13 miles, until I found them, so I figured they were 'resting' while they let me take the lead, but by mile 20 the last of them fell behind.
For the first time during a race, I took some Ibuprofen. (I really have no idea at what point I took it, in fact all of my memories from this race are very foggy. It was 80 degrees that day, way too hot for me. I think this is part of the reason for the brain fog) But back to the Ibuprofen, about an hour after I took it I started thinking that it wasn't working since I was still in pain. In reality I think it helped immensely (a certain amount of pain is to be expected in this sort of event).
As per usual I was struggling with my brain during miles 18-22. The most motivating thought is "If I walk, it will only take me longer to finish" That is all it takes to keep me running. As soon as the struggle was won, I started picking up the pace a bit. And I danced. The first dance was when I thought I had run further than I had ever run before, and the second dance was when I had in fact run farther than ever before...I suppose I could have danced every mile to the finish, but that would be ridiculous, and I am a very sober person(riiiiight). I continued dropping a bit of time off each mile until the last stretch of the race. The friend I was running with decided he didn't want to let me win, so we had an all out sprint to the finish. I think the few remaining spectators appreciated it. I didn't. I did however finish before him, although I don't know how fair it was, I stumbled in front of him so he couldn't pass me as we crossed the finish. And while I would like to admit to you all that this was some great strategy on my part, it was only luck. Also, he could have left me behind right from the start if he wanted, so I take this victory with a grain of salt.
Our wonderful hosts served pasta at the finish line. they managed to keep it good for the 7 hour spread between the first and last finisher. I drank water and chatted for a few minutes then helped myself to an enormous helping of spaghetti. I am reminded of a quote by the curves nutritionist, "If there is enough pasta for you to jump in and swim around, your serving is too large." Fortunately she is only addressing weight loss, not distance running. I talked and walked around for another 15 minutes then went rushing back for an even larger helping of spaghetti. After the second platter I no longer felt hungry, although I was a far cry from full. I love eating monstrous amounts of food...this is why I started running.

October

2009-11-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a rough month or so. My grandmother passed away on Halloween after being bed ridden for a month. Circumstances were about as good as they get. She was able to stay at home with my mother taking care of her. All of the family was able to spend time with her. And she was in very little pain until the end. That being said, it was still a very difficult time. I found myself tired and unable to motivate myself.
As I said in my last post, I found a friend to run with and that has been very helpful. I managed 40 miles that week, most of which was on trails. The following week I did very little and this week is shaping up to be an effective tapering week.
I am currently in Louisiana. I will be running my first 50k this Saturday. I feel like I could have trained better but sometimes I think we just have to go on faith. I know my body can handle the distance, I felt great on my long runs the other week. I have been good about doing my physical therapy and my strength training. So while I may not set any PR or course records I am confident that I can finish.
There are a few things I am pleased about... this is a fairly small event, they stock their aid stations with Cytomax (my favorite), and very few women compete in the ultra distance. In fact, last year it seems that no women competed. I might win by default...and I am ok with that.
I will make a better effort to run and blog regularly.
And I will have a race report up soon after the race this weekend.
Thanks for hanging in with me.
Mo

2009-10-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

I have been having trouble staying motivated to run lately. It worked in my favor going into the Victoria Marathon, but now I worry that I may be slowing myself down. Part of the reason I have been running less is because I have been extremely tired. For nearly a month now I seeem to be busy until after my desired bedtime. I really like 8 hours a sleep and can only go a few days with less than that before I turn into a zombie. When I do have time there are always other things that I need to catch up on. This lack of time is very frustrating, but I am greatful that I have signed up for so many marathons. It would be easy to get out of shape or decided against doing one if I hadn't already made the commitment. Now I am thinking that if I sign up for atleast one a month I should be able to squeek by with little training beyond running to and from work.
Other good news, I have someone to run with this afternoon. It helps to have someone holding you accountable when you might not feel like running.

2009-10-13T05:21:00.001-07:00

My debut as a Marathon Maniac was a raving success!
The course has a 5 hour cut off and my previous best was 5:24 so I was seriously considering the early start. While discussing this with my chiropractor I mentioned that I was worried about my hips, as they had been hurting me lately to which he replied, "Oh, they feel fine." (this statement reminds me of the classic doctor joke, "don't worry, this won't hurt me a bit") In the end I decided the cut off would be good motivation for me. It was terribly intimidating to run the first few Km with only a three person buffer between myself and the sweeper. I kept reminding myself to relax, start easy. Plenty of scenery to enjoy. Victoria is a lovely place and these Canadians sure know how to host a race.
There were some truly crazy supporters out there. One gent was dancing along singing about turkey. "ten pounds of turkey, ten pounds of turkey, ten pounds of turkey at the eeeeend!". It was a few more km down the road before the locals I was running with explained that this was thanksgiving weekend. I have no idea what Canadians are thankful for, but I didn't want to sound like a totally clueless American so I kept my mouth shut.
Happy Thanksgiving my Canadian friends!
Come on down for our Thanksgiving marathon, the Seattle marathon November 29th.
All was well for the first half of the marathon. I took it easy and kept a comfortable pace. My right IT band started bothering me, but I was not worried. After the half I decided to increase my pace a bit and was amazed at how good I felt. I started drinking my Cytomax at mile 14 and continued to eat Gu regularly. I felt my energy staying up and my body was pleased. As the race progressed I noticed that my right knee was was really starting to hurt. I thought I could give it a break by running towards the right side of the road, and sure enough, the slant of the road took a bit of pressure off of that leg. The hills were getting harder though. I found it increasingly difficult to bend my right leg without incredible pain. I tried to keep that leg as straight as possible to get up the hills, and that seemed to help. By mile 21.5 there was little I could do to avoid the pain. I kept checking my pace and my mileage and I was still looking at an easy finish under 5 hours. I did my best to move quickly, while trying not to aggravate the knee any further. I was happy to learn that I can limp at a good pace. The photos will tell, but I think I was smiling as I crossed the finish at 4h 51m...33 minutes faster than my last race.
Then we sat in the car for the next 6 hours...very bad idea.

2009-10-08T07:16:00.001-07:00

Anyone going to Victoria this weekend?
I am looking forward to my fourth marathon, and this one in a foreign land. I feel I haven't been running enough the last few weeks but I don't think my body could handle more than I did. I hope all this "rest" (laziness?) doesn't hurt me this weekend.
I would love to meet you all, so come join me for post run burgers and fries!

This is what I do for fun...

2009-10-06T12:04:00.001-07:00

These are from our local Octoberfest 5k.
I drank from a beer boot after.
There are more photos on facebook.

2009-10-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today was not a successful day... it gives me time to reflect on my successes of the weekend.(And now it is another week later and another failure giving me time to finish this post) Last wednesday morning a friend suggested we meet up in Ohio for the US Air Force marathon...why not? I had nothing as exciting planned. As it turns out, most things are more exciting than Ohio. To be fair all I saw was the city of Fairborne. I flew out Thursday right after work, arriving Friday morning with a few hours to spare till registration opened. Naturally I wasn't the least bit worried that I might not be able to run the race until I was standing in line with all the other late registrants. It started to seem a bit crazy to fly across the country to a race I might not be able to participate it. I didn't have much time to worry, I was very quickly accepted...and they had my shirt size, best fitting race shirt yet. At this point I stray briefly from my tales of success. My welcome to Ohio lunch was no good, so I went with a guaranteed winner. Pizza from a place recommended by the front desk person at the hotel. I was pleased when they said they were accustomed to requests for pizza without any cheese on it ( I know, but it is still better than not eating pizza). My faith in the infallible nature of pizza led me astray. Granted, I might be spoiled, living in the city. I am, however, positive that no one would find this pizza acceptable. Unremarkable crust and tomato paste instead of real sauce I can understand. To top that all off were four artichoke hearts (not even one per slice) and perhaps five olive slices per piece. I was not impressed. I was glad however that I was only responsible for eating half of it...the other half had cheese but that did little to salvage the mess. I woke up during the night, thinking about food. This is not a good start to a marathon.
The morning was lovely. I stood in the porta potty line watching the sun rise. Two paragliders were making large circles in the sky. One flew an American flag and the other a POW/MIA flag. It was lovely, more breath taking than a line of well used porta potties.
The race started with a canon rapport after two jets flew low over the starting line. And we were off to a trudge. I was pleased when I passed the army folks in full attire, including boots and packs. Oh yea, I still got it. The miles passed nicely. All the aid stations seemed to have a theme, giving us something to look forward to each mile...other than the passing of another mile. I was grateful to have a friend to run with, especially after the devastating loneliness of the prior weeks' marathon. A buddy really helps take the edge off the miles. A bit of conversation makes a world of difference.
Around mile nine we caught a woman with "mom" written in big colorful letters on her back. Her whole family was running the full marathon! We lost her, or she might have lost us, but who is keeping track? We found "dad" and ran with him for a bit, getting a different take on the story of how the family came to be running this event together. We had "lil sis" in our sights and dropped dad to catch her. She seemed glad to find strangers who knew a good deal of her life history. And who wouldn't be? After having run with her parents I was not the least surprised to find lil sis to be intelligent, outgoing and generally an uplifting partner to run with. I was hitting my rough miles and was grateful to have people talking to help take my mind off the race. They got me through my tough miles. We got Lil Sis through her tough miles. The other member of our trio doesn't have rough miles. As we approached my previous breakdown point I found I felt good enough to start speeding up. We passed Big Bro at mile 24 and I was in no mood to slow down and chat. We zoomed by. As we entered the finish area I pushed with everything I had and really sped up. I finished strong! Certainly stronger than the previous race. It occurred to me that I probably could have started pushing my pace before mile 24, shave even more time off my previous best. As is I dropped 14 minutes. Leaving me with a time I would still rather not admit to.
Running two marathons in 7 days got me accepted into the marathon maniacs #1794! (that is an exclamation point, indicating excitement, not factorial)

Skagit Flats Marathon

2009-09-14T03:51:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely morning as we began our drive to Burlington. A little too lovely, it was promising to be a very warm day. I was a bit too nervous to drink much coffee that morning, yes, i was nervous. Instead of finding somewhere warm to drink more coffee, I got to meet all of mom's friends (obligatory shout-out to the Marathon Maniacs). One was about to run his 450th marathon, he would turn 80 soon (Celebrating, naturally, with another marathon).

Blah, blah, blah and we were off...In a race this small, the half and full marathoners start together. Knowing the risk for starting too fast, I wore my garmin and kept an eye on the pace. I was quickly left in the dust. "It is OK," I rationalized, "the first goal is to finish." For what it is worth, the second goal is to get a good race photo (spoiler alert: I achieved both goals).
While running the first few miles I notice a couple of things; First, no one else has the same color number as I do...I am in half marathoner territory. Second, I am yawning still while people around me are breathing hard. And third, this race course is FLAT!
I find interesting people to talk to while we run. It is fun to learn why other people are running, a lot had the goal of running a marathon before they turned 30, 40, or 50. It was really exciting to be share in the glory of their accomplishment. We hit the half marathon halfway point and I was left alone. The next few miles were on my own.
We were in farm country, only the occasional house among miles of farm land. Not much to look at...I am not sure what topics occupied my mind, but I know I stayed positive and excited. Then the first marathoner passed me, and my time was spent smiling and cheering people on. As I approached mile 11 I could make sight of a couple in front of me, going in my direction, soon to be roadkill. Kills #1 and 2 were gratifying, #3 was too easy. She had stopped to walk. She witnessed my mother and I passing (she was about three miles ahead of me, just what I was expecting) and cheering for each other. #3 was very inspired to see my mother kicking my butt, not inspired enough to catch me though. #4 was holding a good pace, so I sped up to catch her and ran with her and #5 for a while before I dropped them. The fun and games continued for another 7 miles, then mile 20 struck. I was slowing down, feeling very worn out and no longer able to ignore the aches and pains. I decided to walk for a quarter of a mile, give everything a rest. I noticed the vultures were circling above (I never before noticed their resemblance to sparrows...). I had to keep moving or they would come after me.
The course was too flat, not even the slightest hill. Every step was exactly like the one before, there was no hope to rest one muscle group and work on another for a time. I tried high stepping, skipping, you name it, but the damage had already been done. I was worn out.
It was then I noticed the chalk writing on the road "Go Daddy Go!" It may not have been left there for me, but it worked to get me moving again. Thanks kids.
I was still slowing, I tried to push it, but there seemed to be nothing left in me.
I was in so much pain and I was really starting to hate the race. I couldn't see anyone in front of nor behind me. I was very alone. At mile 24 I decided to walk, it couldn't be good to hate the race this much. I had to stop thinking about the pain and the loneliness. I focused on the finish line. I had only to run into the stadium, through the flags and I was done, they had ice, in fact the stadium was cooler than the surrounding areas. The grass was lush and green, and I laid down in it, letting all the pain melt out of me. It was at this point in the dream that I realized I was leaving the course. I was veering towards a grass yard, fully prepared to lay down and rest. "WHOA!!" I yelled aloud, "no more fantasizing!"
So I walked alone. And I was lonely.
I wanted my mom to finish the race and run back to walk with me. I wanted to ask someone at the water station to walk with me. I was ashamed to ask. A little boy handed me sports drink and water, and suggested I "Finish strong" I informed him that I was just trying to finish at this point.
And I walked on, alone.
I saw the chalk on the street again. This time the kids wanted me (or perhaps their father still) to "Dig deep." And I thought about it. I thought it was taking everything I had to put one foot in front of the other. I didn't think I could dig deeper. But I was so close to the finish now, And I was in so much pain. How could I possibly hurt more than I already did. Perhaps I could dig deeper. Slowly I picked up the pace until I was running again. I found I had no desire to slow down or walk any more. and I ran the last mile of the race.
Once the high school was in view I practiced smiling again. It took a few tries but I managed to wipe the grimace off my face before I entered the stadium. I plastered a very convincing smile on my face for the few remaining spectators. And it was just like the fantasy, through the flags, cold bottle of water, plenty of ice, lush grass... the only difference is that it was no cooler in the stadium...and I was wearing a tiara. My mothers boyfriend gave me the tiara and the wand, celebrating my graduation from princes to queen (there are photos that prove I didn't hallucinate this).
Speaking of photos, I should explain what is happening in them. Mom and I did this marathon for the first time in 1983, I was 8 months old at the time, and didn't actually run it, I just hopped in the finisher photo. Mom wanted to recreate that picture 26 years later, that is why she is holding me.
Also, Assuming I live through the coming weekend I will qualify as a maniac myself. I was just invited to run in Ohio at the USAF marathon this weekend. Two in a week is all you need to get your foot in the door.
I am not in the mood to edit this now. I hope it is legible.

I did it!

2009-09-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

I managed to post pictures from my trip to Peru!
They are not in any sort of order, baby steps.

fame

2009-09-08T08:28:00.000-07:00

Our local 'paper' did a story on my run in Peru...not terribly accurate, but check it out anyway HERE

what a morning

2009-09-03T16:46:00.000-07:00

After a long painful run my least favorite thing to do is hurriedly shower, dress, inhale a protein shake, pack a lunch then rush off to work. And yet that is what I end up doing every Thursday, I just want to run till the last possible moment. Today was no different but I accomplished a number of firsts!
While packing myself a lunch I cleverly remembered that I will need extra snack food for the day. So I decided to make some popcorn (it is the only snack food I stock, and I use an air popper, lame, I know). While continuing the rest of my lunch preps I look over and notice that the bowl I am using is overflowing, so I grab another and attempt to quickly switch them. I end up knocking the lid of the popper off and popcorn starts flying everywhere. My brain stuttered back to life and offered the brilliant advice "just unplug the damn thing!" as the last kernel popped out. My faithful followers might be surprised to learn that this is my first time I have showered myself in popcorn.
Another first: I ran downtown today. I had a friend show me the route to the city from West Seattle. He has been doing this run for years and was able to make it a guided tour. We saw the fisherman bridge that is overwhelmed this time of year with salmon fishers. We saw one of so many over passes that has become a city of homeless. He pointed out a running store I was previously unaware of. It was quite the adventure.

And finally, today I logged my longest training run to date... 15 miles! I was tempted to keep going, take a longer route home, but as I mentioned earlier, I ran out of time (haha, cause I was running!) and had to get ready for work.
I am so tired...

Probably haven't proofread this enough

2009-09-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

I had a pretty good week.
Ran 42 miles last week without too much trouble. Everything still hurts from Peru. Part of that pain (like the bum shoulder) is from not visiting my chiropractor while I was away. Then of course there are the bits (ankles, knees, IT bands) that took an extra beating on the trail and are still upset with me. Starting to feel more "normal". My right thigh is aching, but that seems to happen when I walk into the corner of the desk...as I often do. I could walk around it, but then the desk has won.
42 miles is more than I usually run in a week. Perhaps my body wanted to make up for sleeping through the first week after the marathon.
**********
I started this post a few days ago, then got distracted.
I visited my chiropractor last night and he seems to have figured out the shoulder problem. Remarkable, I have seen all sorts of doctors and undergone all sorts of painful awkward procedures to figure this problem out. My chiro feels my neck and shoulders and finds a problem. I should clarify, I have two chiropractors, and I love them both dearly. Dr Scott owns the practice and is the one who solved my hip problems (again, after years of doctors visits and multiple other chiropractors with no progress). Dr Jeff, who may occasionally be referred to as Dr baby face (seriously looks like a highschooler. My jaw dropped when he was introduced as Doctor) is responsible for the progress we are making on my shoulder.
If they can cure my fear of bicycles...Triathlons, here I come!

A week and a half until my next marathon. I am looking forward to it, but i am also a little nervous. It will be sooooo much different than the Inca Trail marathon. And I have a shoe dilemma. The Mizuno wave alchemy 8 have been replaced by the new model...I ordered them but they won't ship for a few more days, so i won't have time to break them in before Skagit Flats. So I have a beat up pair of running shoes to work with. I am thinking I will just get new inserts to get through the marathon. But I am also considering buying another pair of shoes knowing that they will all get used. Please, any thoughts on this. The marathon is on the 13th.

The Trail

2009-08-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

We hiked 8 miles into camp (the itinerary suggested we would be running… right). I tried a bit of a walk with my new best friend but my legs were tired from the hike and I was supposed to rest for the marathon. Instead we opted for lying around camp chatting. It was a lovely day, nestled in a small valley, surrounded by mountains on the edge of a river. Across the river were terraced farm lands and other relics from Incan times. A family of Llamas was doing their part to keep the grasses down around the ruins.
In the hours before dinner the porters set up for the gift giving ceremony. We had been asked to bring gifts for our support staff; you might not be surprised to learn that most people donated cotton running shirts and used running shoes. They separated all the items then created piles that had equal numbers of most items. For the ceremony itself the staff randomly drew numbers and was given the corresponding pile. The whole process was entertaining, especially when the oldest porter won the pile with the trendy pink high heels.
Darkness came early but dinner came earlier. Most people retired to their tents shortly after the meal, hoping to get a full night sleep before our 3 am wake up. Conditions were perfect for sleeping; the evening was cool but didn't require the 15 degree liner I ordered last minute from amazon.com. The sound of the river just outside the tent was a perfect lullaby. The sky was clear allowing me to study foreign constellations during my many potty breaks.
Breakfast was available immediately after we awoke. Pancakes, which are very similar to crepes, wrapped around a banana...I ate two, a big bowl of porridge and all the instant coffee and coca tea you could stomach. As it turns out I dislike Nescafe, even with chocolate and sugar, but you wouldn’t have known that watching my slurp down cup after cup.
On the hike to the start line we passed numerous people on their way to work (presumably farming and weaving). There was little conversation at this point, all our concentration was on the trail. Although it was still reasonably flat and the footing was reliable there were too many rocks sticking up out of the trail with the clear intention of tripping us all. We had a few minutes when we arrived at the start line, I used the time to pee and saw a shooting star as I squatted. There was much debate after about what I should have wished for, some thought finishing the race, others argued for money, I wished for continued control of my bodily functions. Perhaps it was the timing of the wish, or the fact that most of the group had experienced some digestive distress at some point on the trip, but it was the only thought that occurred to me when I saw the star.
Promptly at 5 we took off. The first 3 miles were described as "the most runable (a word my spell check hates)" and that was intimidating. The first control gate, located at mile 3, wouldn't open until 6 am so we took the miles at a fast hike. It was guaranteed to be a long day, times for this course range from 5.5 hours to 12.5 hours. It quickly became clear why a marathon could take so long. The course fluctuates between 8,000 ft and 13,800 ft of elevation. The lack of oxygen slowed us down, that combined with the stairs made for a virtually unrunnable course (even with two n’s spell check doesn’t think this is a word). The trail consisted of narrow, uneven stairs with rocks jutting out at dangerous angles, along cliffs that offered a quick route straight down the mountains. You couldn't take your eyes off of them or you were guaranteed to trip. Stairs up the mountains and stairs down the mountains. No oxygen to feed the muscles and no breaks in the work they did.
We started with a steep climb. We tried different ways of moving up the mountain. Step-together...a few quick steps then rest for a few...move slowly with short rests...move fast with long rests... Do as you please, there was no fast way up the mountain...unless you happen to be a local. The people who crossed this path every day were rather adept at it.
The views were breath taking, sunrise over mountains and valleys. Some mountains so tall they were covered with snow. Getting so high you could look directly at clouds on neighboring mountains. Flora and fauna like I've never before seen, changing with every micro climate. Stairs so steep you had to sit down and scoot onto the lower steps to descend and use your hands to climb up.
The sun rose as we climbed. The air was still cold but the sky was clear, promising a warm day. I was so relieved to finally reach to top of the first, and highest, peak. The victory was short lived however as I realized that downhill posed its own set of problems. As it turns out oxygen is still necessary, even to descend. The hill was steeper on the way down and the rocks were still irregular and pointy. At the bottom of the first peak we were greeted with the glorious sight of our first aid station. I grabbed a peanut butter sandwich for the road, ate a banana and refilled on water. The banana didn't sit well and prompted me to eat the sandwich in hopes of settling my stomach. It was successful and I avoided the bananas at the only other aid station.
The way up to the second peak was just as hard as the first. The terrain was similar...tall brown grass all around. This ascent had the added excitement of multiple false summits. You would be positive you had made it to the top, and then one more step would completely change your surroundings. Suddenly the remaining portion looked as long as what you had just covered.
When we finally reached the top it wasn't as rewarding as I hoped. The descent was considerably more treacherous than the previous one... This was a pattern that would continue throughout the run, the trail continued to get harder and harder, steeper and steeper. And while we gained oxygen we grew more fatigued. Time flew by easily while we had to fight for each mile we logged.
The trail was gorgeous between the 2nd and the 3rd peaks. We were now in a "cloud forest", the surroundings were lush and the air was moist, a welcome break from the hot dry air. We were also seeing more hikers and campers. They looked utterly stunned as we ran. I made it a point to run as fast as the trail would permit any time there were witnesses, this usually resulted in a good wipe-out as soon as we passed them. There were more parts that could be run (this is where I admit that I did not run the entire trail…I ran all that could be run, and rolled my ankle twice and banged up my knee trying to run parts that couldn’t be run, just to prove they had to be walked…that’s dedication).
I had never run more than 14 miles prior to this event. So by the second aid station, mile 17, my mind and body were in a place they hadn’t been before…and they loved it. I was falling all over myself as I attempted to fill my bladder with Cytomax and more water, I couldn’t stop laughing at myself as I dropped everything multiple times. My running partner, Rich, sat down to eat when it became clear that we would be there for a while. I entertained our porters with my incompetence until they managed to wrestle my pack away from me and fill everything themselves. And then, with much assistance from the porters, we were off, stumbling down the mountain.
Eventually, we came to a point in the run where there were a lot more camps than we had seen previously, and a lot more potential for wrong turns. The campers cheered us on and pointed us in the right direction…we hoped. My partner pointed out to me that we had been running for a long time without seeing anyone, hikers or other runners. My overly confident self was not the least bit concerned with this, we were told the trail would be obvious, and if I was on it, it must have been the obvious choice. The ground was covered in leaves so all my runner-tracking skills went right out the window.
Still unsure of our trail, we ran into what must have been an Incan ladder (how on earth did they transport things along this trail?). These were the steepest stairs on the trail, 10-15 feet (I really have no idea, I was somewhat delirious at this point, and had been for the past few hours) straight up. We had to use our hands to climb up it, and they call this a run. At the top we started trudging along only to be stopped by a curious looking fellow who wanted to know where we came from. I pointed to my left and stammered “we have been so many places today.” He didn’t look satisfied by my response.
We were in the glaring sun now, shuffling through gate like ruins. And there it was, Machu Pichu, thousands of feet away (more stairs). It was a glorious sight; enhanced perhaps by fatigue, the sweat in my eyes and a shortage of oxygen (I may never have enough oxygen again). To commemorate this moment, I yelled “That’s how I know we are not lost!” There was not a dry eye in the crowd. I do have a way with words.
To continue the tradition the trail was again very steep, narrow and surrounded by sharp cliffs. I had already rolled my ankle twice and I was not in the mood to risk going over the edge, so I did what any reasonable adult would have done. I sat on my butt and scooted down the stairs, yup, and there are witnesses. Sadly most of them had only hiked up from Mauch Pichu so they didn’t understand the fatigue I was experiencing, nor did they think I deserved the right-of-way. They looked at me like I was crazy, not realizing that this humbling act was motivated by a strong desire to live to the end of the race. And I did live to the end, but it was much further off than I could have imagined, and somehow required us to run up more stairs. The finish line was in the Machu Pichu ruins, on a narrow stairway with a small cliff to the side, naturally. We still had to hike a mile to get to the bus that would take us to Aguas Calientes, a town located on a very steep hill. With the exception of the road the bus uses, all the other streets in the town are stairs. It was a rough town to maneuver the days after a race of this sort.

2009-08-16T09:27:00.001-07:00

I am working on my race report. The excitement hasn't stopped long enough for me to make much progress...I promise I will have it up as soon as possible. For now let me say that it is widely agreed that the Inca Trail Marathon is as hard as they come. I asked my mother at the end of it if it was the hardest race she had ever done... She thought about it and then replied that there were 2 hundred milers that she thought were more difficult.
Numerous people who have done the continents and states multiple times assured me that this was the hardest marathon they have done. I am ready for more..

2009-08-16T09:27:00.000-07:00

2009-08-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

Not a perfect post...this belongs with the previous section...still learning how to make it work on blackberry.

We just completed our 8 mile run today. Many of us contemplated doing a shorter run today after our experiences the day before on our 4.5 mile "downhill" run. While the run began and ended going downhill, there were some very steep "not downhills" in

2009-08-10T12:57:00.000-07:00

between. Our run started around 12,000 feet, at that elevation there just isn't enough oxygen to go around. I approached our first hill intending to slowly shuffle my way over it...optimistically imagining all downhill after this. I got to the top with my heart pounding in my ears. I could see my vision pulsating as well and decided there was no shame in walking the next hill. And yes, there was another hill and another and another. The last mile wove through Cusco, all unmarked, locals (who seemed utterly shocked to see people running) happily pointed us all in the correct direction.
As I said we were all a bit skeptical about today's 8 mile rolling hills. Fortunately most of us are stubborn enough to throw ourselves into the unknown trail. We were rewarded with a very comfortable run around the salt mines. Our tour guide (Freddy) gave us a short lecture (5 min) on the salt mines then pointed out that running through them was far more entertaining than the driving tour.
We are currently in a small town called Yucay, located in the sacred valley. We are near the Urambamba river which we will be rafting tomorrow, then its off to the Inca trail.
If anyone is interested, I am posting pictures on facebook... Mo Gillis... I will put them up here when I get home, my blackberry does many things well, but blogging is not one of them.

time to go

2009-08-07T03:57:00.000-07:00

Leaving for Peru in a few hours...I plan to keep you all posted.
Peace

wow

2009-07-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

A number of wow-worthy things right now.
1. It broke 100 degrees yesterday, 103 in my neck of the woods. The discomfort was added to by the surprising lack of breeze. West Seattle is surrounded by water, most of our summers are ruined by cold wind. But yesterday, of all days, the air was still. I left the safety of my air conditioned job to go to a movie. I watched The Ugly Truth...Not something I would have chosen on my own (I don't have a TV and thus, don't see previews, but any movie description that includes the phrase, "it's kind of a chick flick" is a no-no). I was promised hot guys and air conditioning, that was enough to sway me. The movie was funny, one of the male characters was lovely, and the air was cool. I recommend this movie for the ladies and for any man who needs to impress a woman in his life by consenting to see a movie that could be described as a chick flick. I am sure you will laugh, although I should warn you, the end is dumb. So hard for Hollywood not to ruin a movie by adding a plot.

2. In a week I leave for Peru. A woman from the gym brought in a photo album from her trip to Peru in the mid 90's. Our itineraries are strikingly similar, with the exception of the marathon. The pics are just lovely and reminded me very much of Ecuador. The colors and the clothing are so similar. My favorite pictures are the ones from around Machu Pichu. My stomach is swarmed with butterflies imaging what it will be like to run down the mountain into the ruins. In my fantasies there is a buffet set up right on top of one of the stone structures. I am having trouble thinking of any part of the trip other than the run. One reason is because it has been too hot to run here (of course that hasn't stopped me, but it has certainly slowed me down. I can't sleep much because of the heat either, so I decided this would be a taper week...although it is impossible to know what the weekend has in store for me...). And of course there is the ole elephant in the room, I have never done anything like this before. Not even a little bit.

Wow, again. I just ran spell check, exhaustion is murder on my spelling.

heat

2009-07-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

70 degrees at 4am...not doing any distance runs this week...mot sure I want to get up early enough to run before it hits 80.

bleh

3 weeks

2009-07-21T07:36:00.000-07:00

I woke up snuggling with my alarm clock, hoping the beeping sound was a dream...it wasn't. I frantically tried to find ways to avoid getting out of bed this morning. I could skip my run and take the bus, "not bloody likely!" and next thing I know I am brewing extra strong coffee. I added my new favorite hill to my morning commute (only added a mile in distance!) and felt great. My previous commute was getting a bit dull, and it didn't work up much of a sweat (you might disagree to look at me, but I wanted more). The new hill finishes off with 80 stairs, I was pouring sweat when I finished them. The run felt great, but I was disappointed to find that I was still sleepy after it. Remarkable how much the body can do while the brain is sleeping.

I made the mistake of looking at a calender...18 days till I leave for Peru. The link again Here Check out the altitude profile. Ouch!

my new drink

2009-07-20T12:41:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I sprang out of bed, a long run was in the very near future and I was ready for it. I got ready for my Alki loop and remembered at the last minute that I have been wanting to try a Cytomax sample I picked up at a race expo. I grabbed the last of my Agave gels too, just in case. The run started like so many others, a couple achy steps, an easy warm up, a last minute course change to swing by the pottys in the park, and then back on track and feeling good. It was a warm morning but I had a breeze for the first 8 miles at which point two things happened: I decided to take a longer hillier route home, and the temperature increased dramatically. I added more water to my Cytomax and kept sipping, not convinced I felt any different. Then I tackled the hill. It was in full sun and creeping toward 80 degrees F. As I cruised up the hill it dawned on me that I remember seeing something on the cytomax package implying that it "decreases perceived exertion." Initially the claim made me laugh, but now I was wondering if perhaps this wasn't a clever marketing lie. I decided that I would need to try it again on a day when I really didn't feel like running. I got that opportunity sooner than I hoped.
Sunday morning and I couldn't kick the migraine that had started the day before. The medicine had taken the edge off, but I was still hurting. Perfect time to try the Cytomax again. I started it easy in Lincoln Park then found some exciting new hills and started heading up, and up, and up.
I have decided that I like Cytomax.

Seriously??!?!??

2009-07-14T12:05:00.000-07:00

I was using my foam roller at the gym today, grimacing when it hit a hot spot, and a woman who was doing her stretches asked, "Is running worth it?" I had to laugh at the situation. "Absolutely" I replied, convinced that her opinion of me might have gone down a few notches at that moment.
I have had a series of lucky draws. Recently I won a Princeton tech head lamp in a drawing Gary Robbins did...if you haven't watched the video, you really ought to.
Today I recieved an email from the Royal Victoria Marathon Assoc letting me know that I had won two free entries to their Oct Marathon in addition to two nights accomodation and ferrry trip out there...AWESOME!!!! And it showed up in my inbox less than an hour after I registered for the race online. They offered to comp me the reg fee however. I will be bringing my lovely runner mother along for the trip...anyone else planning to attend?

Slow

2009-07-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

I have been slowly working on a 4th of July post...I am just gonna breeze over that then move on.
The weekend of the 4th was great. There is a new trail system in the woods around my mothers house and we finally had a chance to run them together. I love trail running for so many reasons. One of them is the way the uneven terrain feels on my feet and ankles. I love the way my body can respond so quickly to the rapidly changing terrain. These trails are used by a lot of mountain bikers, so there were some jumps and ramps built out of downed trees that I really enjoyed running on. We covered 7 miles each day. We finished the runs the same way, standing waist deep in the lake.
On a side note, my 57 year old mother decided to start doing triathlons. She can run, bike and swim, so why not?

I am not a fan of the taste of the rubber they use to make bladders and water bottles. I run with nuun in my bottles to mask the flavor, and I think with time it may have faded some. on Friday I used a new bladder and even with nuun the yucky flavor of the rubber came through after the first hour or so. In spite of the heat I couldn't make myself drink because the taste just makes me nauseous. I even threw up. managed to make it home first so it doesn't count as my virginal 'puke while running'. I decided that the best way to tackle this problem to fill the bag and let it sit for a day, then empty it, fill it again, and so on. Encourage all the nasties to leach out of it before the next run. I will have to use this thing in Peru...
Speaking of Peru, I leave on August 7th. Here is the link to the site and the itinerary... little frightened. My plan is to focus on the after race buffet. For a good time take a look at the finisher times from previous years. Yowzaa...this could hurt.

I had an extreme migraine by the time I made it home on Sunday evening so I was unable to prepare my food for the week. The bread takes about two hours from start to finish and the wheat gluten protein takes an hour. Both of these items are significant sources of protein in my diet, and I really noticed the difference in my energy for the week without them. Moral of the story, food is important. I need to really focus on taking my supplements and eating all the right things for the next month.

2009-06-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

I made it to work 15 minutes earlier than usual. Part of this is the result of me running faster! I think I left the house a bit earlier than normal, though I have no idea how much earlier. I thought of grabbing my watch before I left but decided against it. I also ate only one piece of toast with breakfast (brought the other with me). I cut a few minutes off my time yesterday even though I was dragging cause I was so full from breakfast. I make my own bread, I usually use whole wheat and whole grains, it makes for a very hearty bread. This week I used Kashi Pilaf, lots of good grains in that.
Wish I had brought coffee too...

I survived my first fall

2009-06-17T05:36:00.001-07:00

I was running home from work yesterday, dragging myself the whole way (imagining that I was burning more calories because of the extra effort of making myself continue), when I fell. I tripped over some uneven cement and all my momentum carried me into the ground (good thing I had so little momentum). My 10 oz water bottle saved me. The full force of my land was absorbed by the bottle, my left hand caught the ground just to stabilize me and I swung my knees outta the way to spare them some damage. The bottle survived with some minor scratches.

oh, right...

2009-06-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

I think I forgot to mention that I ran 43.6 miles last week. Many experts will tell you that it is wise to increase only 10% a week. Typically I agree, I really just wanted to see what I could do. Like with a new car, you just have to open it up and see what it is capable of, you aren't gonna drive like that all the time. I decided to take Monday off this week, not that I could have done anything if I tried. I am thinking of a more modest 25-30 miles this week. ahhh self control...

whoa

2009-06-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

I should have taken Friday off...As soon as I started running I knew I should be resting. I hit my front door at 4.79 miles.
Saturday would have been better if I had rested Friday. I ran a slightly modified version of my old west Seattle loop. I ran down California Ave till I hit Alki, then followed the water home, 9.87 miles. It was way too hot for long pants, but I have Kinesio tape on my leg and I felt a little self conscious (incidentally the tape was very helpful!)
Saturday was a popular day to be on Alki, I prefer running it in the early mornings when I can hear the waves lapping quietly at the shore. Past Alki beach, the road becomes Beach Drive, a gorgeous strip, almost quaint in areas. It has the feel of a tiny beach front community, periodically broken up with expensive, new homes and condos.
The entire time I was running I had the urge to stop for any reason, I imagined myself enjoying a seafood salad and glass of wine in the outdoor section of Angelina's. I fought the urge to stop for iced coffee at every coffee shop I passed. I finally settled for a rest stop at the bath house on the beach, cool water from the drinking fountain and a PowerBar vanilla gel. I had never had this brand of gel before, it was delicious. It didn't have any caffeine, making it a good one to keep around for the rare instances when I don't want the extra jolt.
Mile 7 is when the pain picked up some momentum. I started counting down the miles till I could stop. I decided that there was no shame in walking when injured, I just couldn't do it though. At mile 9 I was half a mile from home (i thought) and at the bottom of a steep hill. Now I could walk. I started running at the top of the hill and found that the hip pain had passed...a good lesson to learn. I was exhausted but finally I was home.
I have an area that regularly blisters and has been building a bit of a callus. I knew I should do something about it. After the run I figured I would eat, then take a bath, allowing the area to soak then scrub at it with a pumice stone. I took off my sock and found a large blood blister had taken over the offending area. Damn...

2009-06-11T10:41:00.000-07:00

Some days I really don't feel like doing anything. Most days I leave the house by 5:30am. Those days are easy, I don't feel or think anything, I just get dressed and start running. Today I had the whole morning free...I wanted to run at least 6 miles, but I kept finding distractions to keep me from leaving the house. I finally got myself dressed to run, but decided that since breakfast was a bit ago I should eat again. I chose coconut sorbet with dark chocolate crumbled on it...Then I had to run.
On Monday and Tuesday I ran 9.7 and 9.5 miles respectively, but not all at once. I wasn't sure if breaking the runs into convenient chunks would still help increase my endurance. By Tuesday afternoon I was so exhausted and it was so hot out that I really felt like this should count towards more than a 5 mile run. So this mornings run was supposed to be a test. The longest continuous run I have done recently was 6 miles so I wanted to see if that same distance felt easier this time, and if i could comfortably go farther.
Skipping right to the exciting news, yes, 6 miles was easier, I didn't want to stop running, but I had to get ready for work and I was starting to get hungry. I managed to make it to 7.78 miles before I had to call it quits!

Time is sneaky

2009-06-09T13:35:00.001-07:00

I realized yesterday that I am leaving for Peru in two months! Time to step up the training. I am feeling pretty good, less pain every day! I have been running regularly, though not as much as I could. If I want to keep up on the runs in Peru I really need to build up more endurance. To that end I am trying to run everywhere. Yea, I am that sweaty chick in the grocery store, book store, doctors office, etc... My chiropractor has given me a foam roller to help me work out some of the injured areas. I am also looking for a massage therapist in the area to help keep me moving. Lets hope for the best!

Failure...

2009-06-02T05:18:00.000-07:00

How difficult can it be to take a good picture? I ran the West Seattle 5k this weekend (a great race along Alki, all the proceeds going to local public schools) thrilled to beat my previous 5k time, only to discover that I look like a goon in the pictures.
During this recovery period I am learning that I need to run slow if I want to avoid pain. Fine with me, I would rather run long distances slowly, than short distances quickly. So my plan for this race was just have fun and support my community. Then the spirit caught me...I was able to remind myself to slow down for most of the race, but it is physically impossible to not sprint the last half mile. I felt great, then the pain caught up to me, I did my stretches and by Monday morning I felt fine. I caught myself looking up other races I could enter. I decided that there is no reason to spend my money for any races right now, I clearly don't have the control to run slowly the whole way and recovery is most important right now.
Moral of the story: I love running

I have been able to add a bit of distance...just a mile or two when I feel like I can. Tonight I am going to surprise my boyfriend at the Seattle Running Company club run. It is a lovely run that goes through volunteer park and the arboretum. I highly recomend it if you are in the neighborhood...I will be the one at the back of the pack!

Back again!

2009-05-12T04:34:00.000-07:00

Last week I managed to run to and from work, unfortunately the glory of that accomplishment was overshadowed by the screaming of my IT Band. The first half was fine (yea, only 2 miles...this is a humbling experience) I think I should have stretched more at work because the return trip was bad. I took two days off from running and tried a 30 min jog on Sunday morning. That felt great! I found an incredibly steep hill a few blocks from my new apartment that drops me onto Beach Drive, part of my old sunrise half marathon course. I was thrilled to discover that I could jog up the hill with no bad pain! Monday I ran to work, I have to play with my stride and speed a bit to keep the hips feeling good enough, all in all success! I learned from previous mistakes and stretched throughout the day and felt great on the return trip home. Even took a little detour through my new neighborhood and found another real steep hill (I do love the hills). My goal for the week is to run to and from work every day.
I would like to try a new chiropractor. I really want someone who spends more time working my body instead of just cracking a few spots at handing me a bill. I have been hearing good things about running specific chiropractors, and one in particular who recently joined with the Seattle Running Company...I'll let y'all know what I think.
It is good to be back.

I am back baby!!

2009-04-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, in spite of a terrible cold, I was taken by the desire to run. I was at work all day, so I had time to think it through and decide if my body was really up to it. Monday was the first day I was able to do my full routine at the gym, managed to push through it again on Wednesday,I took that as a sign that my body was ready to work. I am proud to admit that I made a smart plan and stuck to it. I ran around the block (I chose a block with a hill) and back. No pain (not true, my throat was burning, but that is just this dumb cold). Euphoria in fact. I had to force myself to stop running. I wanted to wait and see if it would start hurting later, and it did not! Life is good.
It is somewhat frustrating to think about starting from the beginning, but I keep reminding myself that I am grateful to be running at all.

Other good news: Congratulations to Gary Robbins for winning the Association of Canadian Ultramarathoners (ACU) 2008 Ultrarunner of the year!

How running saved me

2009-03-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went over my x-rays with the Chiropractor...I was shocked, utterly dumbfounded at what I saw. Starting at the bottom, my hips are uneven, and twisted. The spinal column in that area is bent in the wrong direction and twisted like my hips, the bend has resulted in some disk degeneration. Moving up the spine, in the middle of my back (right around the bra strap area) my spine is curved to the side (scoliosis). My neck is mostly straight (supposed to be bent) except at the very top it is bent in the wrong direction and there is disk degeneration through the lot of it.
With all of this, it is no wonder that I ache from top to bottom.
When I initially started writing this post I was still in shock...I am finishing it a day later and now feel grateful that there is a cause and potentially relief for the pain I have been feeling for so long. Over this last couple years I have felt my energy decreasing, myself getting sick more frequently (granted I don't get very sick, just feeling under the weather), and I have gone from zero migraines a month to 9 last month...None of this made sense to me because I am a very healthy person.
My chiro is confidant that with treatment and physical therapy I will find considerable relief from all of my ailments. There is a lot we can do to slow the degeneration of my disks and get them as healthy as they can be (although there is no way to reverse the degeneration).

BEST NEWS: I should be back to running in a month!!!
I am grateful that I started running and developed this IT band injury (and that it didn't get better with time off) because this is what got me into a chiropractic office.

Incidentally, I have gone to chiro a couple times in the past 10 years for hip problems and they have only dealt with the hips themselves. This doctor is the first to take the full x-rays and thus, the first to notice the spinal column's directional issues...

The problem is identified

2009-03-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

As it turns out my hips are twisted, creating a number of problems. The twist leaves one leg somewhat shorter than the other, and that is bad. Also, the twist causes tendons etc to move and stretch in unnatural ways when I move, this too is bad. My chiropractor is optimistic that all of this can be resolved. Additionally, she believes she can resolve the issues in other parts of my back that create pain, tension and numbness (she thinks the migraines can be resolved too)...it sounds too good to be true, I will be satisfied when I can run again.
I have been making some unwise food choices since I stopped running. While listening to a lecture on emotional eating the other day I realised that when I can't use running as stress relief I tend to frequent the candy aisle. Becoming aware of this has been helpful, but I just want to run!!!!

Darn these sexy hips...

2009-03-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Sad news all...
It has been recomended that I take a bit of a break from running to allow my IT band a chance at recuperation. I am doing some stretches I found online and I welcome any suggestions any of you have.

kisses,
mo

Slacking off

2009-02-27T06:40:00.000-08:00

I really haven't been running or writing much lately. I feel bad about both of those, but today is another day. I had a ridiculously busy week last week and decided against busing out to the SRC (Seattle running company) to have them take a look at my feet and the possible need for inserts. After a long day at work I decided I would rather relax with a glass of wine, then try to get some errands done. And relax I did. It took two glasses of wine (I am a lightweight, I know) but I finally got two things crossed off my 'to-do' list...Taxes and a haircut. I was long over due for both of these items. I hate HATE doing my taxes...I don't even do them, I just take the papers in and have someone else do them, and still I HATE them.
The hair cut is the big news...I chopped it all off!!! I have long been wanting to do something different with my hair, it has been long and dull for years.

Sunday morning I decided to try out my new haircut on a long run. It was a beautiful day for it, warm and overcast. I set out for Lincoln Park and ran around in there for about 5 miles. They have been cleaning the park up for spring so it is lovely and the trails are well maintained. I then set off to follow the water around to Alki, the sun started peaking out, making it a lovely day to be on the beach looking across at Seattle. At the farthest point from home my knee and hip pain started up. The pain is on the side of the knee and feels like it is right in the ball and socket of the hip. Being a mature adult, I decide to just keep running. Naturally the pain got worse, by the time I was nearly home I could hardly keep running. I was going out of my way to avoid stopping at intersections, knowing that I might not be able to start running again if i stopped. Half a mile from home, at the bottom of the big hill, I had to stop for a long traffic light and found that there was really no way to keep running. I was a bit bothered by that, I was really hoping to make 15 miles that morning (if you count the walking, I did 15.5 but it is just not the same).
I was going to a local restaurant for lunch to watch a former Curves member play harp for the brunch crowd so I had to keep moving as soon as I got home. Typically I would sit in the tub until I am all pruney, but I knew there would be no getting up again today, so I ran through the shower, styled my fancy new hair and was out the door in record time.
While watching the performance my knee completely froze up on me. I couldn't move the leg at all without incredible pain. Fortunately I carry an arsenal of pills with me to combat migraines of any degree, so I popped a few Excedrin with my tofu scramble and sat patiently, trying not to worry about the condition my knee was in. I learned that this high end restaurant is not the place to go for a post-run meal. The food was fabulous, and well presented, but the portion size was not designed for runners. There was no giant tray of bread or chips and salsa before the meal either, and I thought about ordering seconds...but no one likes to see a skinny girl pig out, it just makes them feel bad. So I nibbled slowly at my meal, fighting the urge to take food from other peoples plates.
Monday morning I limped down the very steep hill to get to the bus stop, eagerly awaiting the day (not too far off now) that I will be moving into an apartment that is located on flat ground. I will still have access to all the hills I love to run, but I won't have to deal with them after a run, when I just need to get to the store or get to work, and can't handle the pressure on my joints.
After a day on my feet, my knee was starting to feel better and the pain was predominantly from my quads, but it is OK when they hurt, their pain is the hard earned ache from a tough workout. It is respectable pain, if you will. But regardless of the nature of the pain, I was still walking funny on my way home.
Definitely need to get to the SRC...

New shoes

2009-02-16T04:56:00.001-08:00

I may have had a few bad ideas again this morning. I left the house without coffee...I am now home and it is brewing, doubt I can finish this post without it. The second bad idea was putting all my hopes in a new pair of shoes. I have been running funny lately. Perhaps I always have, but it has become much more obvious now that I am logging longer distances with none of it on trails. I feel like my feet are flopping all over the place, I try to maintain my form and the muscles along outside of my right leg become fatigued. If I just let my feet do what they want, I can feel my right one rolling in and out, not sticking to the back/front motion that seems appropriate, and when it leaves the ground it does a funny little kick. (this is actually embarrassing to write...like you will all point and laugh at my right foot next time you see me running) Also, it feels like one of my toes starts losing feeling when the foot does what it wants. Perhaps it is time for shoe inserts.
The moral story: Soon it will be warm enough to run in skirts and no one will notice my feet.
There are two races a week apart that I am struggling to decide between. The first is the Yakima River Canyon Marathon on April 4th. I had long been thinking that this would be my first Marathon. Then I found out about the Sun Mountain 50k/25k the following weekend. Sun and Mountains, who could argue with that? Having had my mind set on the marathon for so long I have trouble giving that up. But in all honesty, I really don't enjoy running on flat roads all that much. It is more convenient for me to train on the roads because they are located in abundance right outside my front door. The mountains require a bit of a drive, and I haven't a car. We shall see...

On waking up early

2009-02-11T04:13:00.000-08:00

3:30 in the morning and the only thought in my mind is how good it feels to lay in bed. Then I begin to wonder how long I can enjoy this before my alarm goes off, which leads to the thought "the earlier I wake up, the longer I can run" and I am up. I pause on the way out the door for coffee and a piece of toast.
As it turns out, my body didn't want to run, but my mind did. This is a curious reversal of the norm...how many times have our bodies wanted things our mind refuses. Fortunately my mind won. I managed 6 miles before the snow started...Yea snowing again. It has been coming down all day but is only now starting to stick. I was going to give a presentation at a local weight loss group, but too many people have canceled because of the weather, so we will try again next week. I really enjoy public speaking, apparently it is more feared than death by most people. How bizarre
The moral of the story: you need to keep your job and sleep...and run.
I have this coming weekend off, planning to run till i drop...WISH ME LUCK!

Love 'em or Leave 'em

2009-02-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

This morning I ran the valentines day dash with a friend of mine from the gym. This was her first race (Way to go Holly!) and she did great! She started running maybe 6 weeks ago, telling me at the time that she wasn't interested in doing any races she just wanted to be able to run a mile or two. This was an easy race to talk her into, she had already run Greenlake before so she new exactly what she was getting into. "It's like what you did last weekend except this time you will get a t-shirt" (sold). And the shirts are great btw, long sleeve, brown with the title "love em (in fancy lettering) or leave em (scrawled in a muddy footprint)" very classy. We are both going to wear them to the gym on Monday...hopefully others will want to join our running clique.
After the race, loving on her running high, she confessed that she might like to do this again, and maybe sometime try a 10k. And she keeps saying, "i just can't imagine running 13 miles" which makes me think that the half marathon seed has been planted in her mind...
She also confessed to being nervous about parking, getting our race packets, and navigating the crowds. If any of you are nervous about running your first race, it is always easier when you have someone along to share your anxiety with. However, if you are doing it on your own, DON'T PANIC! Start with a small race in an area you have run before...use your home turf advantage. If you will be getting a shirt or a race packet it can be helpful to pick it up early, either the day before or early enough in the am that you have time to walk back to your car to drop the extra stuff. Some races have clothing drops, where you can leave your stuff (like a big warm coat on these cold mornings or the race packet) while you run.
I am sure there is more to say on this point, but my attention span is MMMMMM salad

I watched the sunrise over the city

2009-02-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

It was a gorgeous sunrise, I was down on Alki, directly across the water from seattle. A went out with a ten mile run in mind, ended up logging 14 miles...very tired and sore now. This update could be longer, but i have to go to work...Ouch!

I finally made it over the half marathon hump

2009-02-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

I ran 13.27 miles this morning. I took it slow, thinking it would hurt less. I think that was a mistake. I would have preferred to get it over with a bit faster. I left the house at 5am, thinking the sun would rise any minute. I really wanted to be down on the beach for sunrise, I was way off. The sun never rose and the dark didn’t let up till mile ten, but I was on the beach (most of the run was along the water). I nearly gave up with a km to go but it hurt more to walk, so I just kept running and in the end was glad to have made that choice.
After the run I prepared my post race protein drink (rice milk, hemp protein and a banana…not as delicious as it sounds), then decided to reheat some leftovers (I really should have eaten more before I ran), and then decided I should add salsa and chips to the leftovers in honor of the Super Bowl. I decided against the chips, but smothered my mashed potatoes, veggies and tofu in salsa, grabbed the protein drink and headed to the tub. I am frequently very cold after running so I like to drink my shake in the tub (the tub was the reason I decided not to eat my leftovers with chips…it just seemed too complicated, messy). I added some Tums to the mix when I realized what I had just unleashed on my belly.
I am going to try to do a 15 miler by next weekend

I dreamt I was in a beauty pageant

2009-01-31T06:05:00.000-08:00

We got all glammed up then started adventure racing! There were some serious challenges on this course, but we managed it in heels and skirts...
I mapped out a course around my section of the city. Starts down in Lincoln Park running along the water for about six miles, then weaving through neighborhoods to camp long (which is going to be open today).
I have a few hours of teaching this morning then I will give this course a try...

Ultras are sexy

2009-01-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

It is good to run. Two days a week I don't have to be to the gym until 11 am. I love these days cause I can get so much done in the morning, although I frequently just sleep late. Today I reluctantly got out of bed at 6am, drank coffee, ate a piece of toast (very whole grain with peanut butter, black strap molasses and cinnamon on it) then went running. This seemed to be the perfect day to try out camp long, it is neither Monday nor Sunday, and the sun was rising (One can only assume the sun has risen in Seattle) the dark was lessening. I was very excited to find out how many miles I could manage in the park without doing straight laps. But today was not my day...they got me again...10 am it opens. I am sure I remember learning this already.

Fortunately there are other areas of West Seattle that I have wanted to explore. So I set out for one of those.

I know I have said it before but I love gray mornings. They create a beautiful backdrop to our lush greens that Seattle is known for (the rain isn't all bad) and the eclectic collection of houses we have in West Seattle. There are some very modern houses that have lots of strong lines and metal accents, a few Spanish style houses, a good deal of gorgeous brick houses, too many gigantic homes, and more and more condos all mixed together with classic craftsman homes. Naturally the gardens are as diverse as the homes, supplying no shortage of distractions when I need.
Today's run took me to a street not far from mine, I have long been intrigued by this area because the street is cut very deeply into the side of the hill. At the top of the hill the houses are large and beautiful, at the bottom, they are very basic and covered in moss (no sunshine in the hole). From there I ran to another fantastic find, a scenic outlook (surrounded by hills) that leads down to Lincoln park. I did a few miles in the park, including my speed work along the water (I got to 7:30 but couldn't keep it for more than 1/4 mile). I started my run with distance as the goal, but as is frequently the case I changed my focus to hills after mile 3...I do love hills. So I reversed my course to get home, and I am thrilled to say, I had to walk a few steps on my new found hill. It is long and steep.
I managed 6.7 miles, then walked 2.5 miles to work. The walk hurt. But I need the miles. I really want to get over the 13.1 mile hump.

one year ago

2009-01-26T18:23:00.000-08:00

Curious that I should need to say this to strangers. My mind has been drawn back to memories of last year. 2009 started well enough, I was grateful to have 2008 behind me. I was below the weather, but I was optimistic, running faster and more frequently. I made a "date" for my birthday...I put date in quotes because the gentleman is just a friend and I never expected him to see me as anything more. I bought the highest quality ingredients for our home made sushi dinner, I really enjoy having someone to cook for, though it is a pleasure I have not had recently. The whole week I was concerned that he would cancel, a few days prior I told him it would be my birthday so he couldn't cancel on me, he replied that he "wouldn't dream of it." But the morning of my birthday I woke with feelings of anxiety, I tried to put them out of mind, distract myself. My brother took me out to lunch, I always enjoy his company. Then I got the text that my evening plans wouldn't be going through, his flight back was canceled. Not his fault. I suggested a day that I was available if he would like to reschedule. But I didn't get a reply. And my spirits sank. The week was very difficult for me. I had PMS which only complicates matters. After I had been assured that he wouldn't dream of canceling on me, I thought it was safe to let the ladies at the gym know that I had something of a date. This is always a mistake, you will understand shortly. I am still receiving the question "how was your date?" Ahhhhh disspointment is so much more poignant when you have an audience. I know it breaks their hearts too, they all wish so much for me.
But the pain has little to do with the gentleman involved. This dissapointment takes me back to so many other instances when I have been left feeling deserted. The most painful instance has slowly materialized in my mind over the last week. It is the reason I am writing.

Valentines day, 2008. My one year anniversary with the man I planned on spending my life with. He was still living in Northern California, I had been in Seattle for 7 months, we had managed to see eachother nearly every month for a few days at a time. This time we planned to spend a week together to celebrate. I would go into work for the morning and he would be there to pick me up at 1. I woke up that morning and checked my phone...I was not surprised to see that he had not texted me or called me. Every time I woke up during the night I had done the same. He told me he planned on leaving during the wee hours to get here in time to meet me at work. He was an insomniac, he preffered to drive at night, less drivers on the road.
I was accustomed to this situation though. It was not unusual for him to plan to be home in time for dinner, so I would spend the whole afternoon preparing his favorite meals only to have them sit untouched for hours, he would show up 5-12 hours late.
So I did what I always did. I went on with my day, trying to stay optimistic. This was our anniversary, surely he wouldn't be late. I tried to convince myself that he was planning something special and wanted to surprise me. It turned into a beautiful, warm day, not a typical February day in Seattle. After work, I still hadn't heard from him, I started a slow walk home. Every time a silver car drove past my hopes rose then fell. Needless to say he wasn't home when I got there. He finally called that night to apologize, he said he would call in the morning to let me know if he would be able to leave that day. Every day of my vacation I waited for the call and got the same message each time "I'm sorry, I can't make it today, I'll call you tomorrow"
After my week of vacation all the women at the gym wanted to hear about it. Time and again I had to summon my strength to tell them that he was unable to make it, trying to sound like it was no big deal.
We finally broke up in April...apparently the wounds are still easily opened.
...
I finally made the sushi tonight, a week later, with the few ingredients that haven't gone bad. My stomach has little interest in food right now. I'll bring it for lunch tomorrow.

Thank you for understanding my departure from talk of running.

PMS

2009-01-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

I survived another cycle. Truly an accomplishment. Managed to run to work and workout this morning, haven't done either of those for too long. A car pulling out of its driveway threatened to hit me this morning, and I was pleased that it didn't. What a difference hormonal balance can make. Two days ago I was thinking of jumping in traffic.
Glad to be running again. I ate a lot of junk food this weekend. I could really feel it on the run, thought I might "toss my cookies" as they say (technicolor yawn is another euphemism I am fond of).
It is good to see that even when I feel as though I could quit, I don't. I took the time I needed, I focused on my work ( I am back to teaching weight management classes on top my regular management duties at the gym) and I got back to running as soon as I could possibly make myself. And I feel good again.
And that is good, because I need to start working toward my first ultra!

Nookachamps 1/2 marathon

2009-01-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

The fog we have been experiencing all week didn't clear till after the race. Lots of people told stories of past years, the beauty of the area and the snow geese that can be seen all around. This year all that was visible were the muddy pastures and fields. There was really very little to look at.
Since the Seattle half I have gained some more strength and a bit of speed. For that run my pace averaged 10:45 minutes per mile (or something close to that). Yesterday I managed 9:40 min/mile average. And I survived.
My mother also ran the race, around mile 8 there is an out and back section where I discovered that I was only about a mile behind her. This was a surprise to me, then again I was pretty surprised to see that I was keeping my pace under 10m/m. The last three miles of the course were very difficult, not really sure why. There was a bit of an incline and nothing to look at to help your mind escape. I had to keep pushing myself to keep up my pace. Blah blah blah
moral of the story, did well, recovered faster than the first time
rough week, don't want to deal with this posting

The Relay

2009-01-12T08:56:00.001-08:00

I apologize for the extra time it is taking me to get this post up. I have been fighting a cold for a handful of days (a couple handfuls now). Since the run I have been resting as much as I can, but that doesn't seem to be curing me.

The day of the race, I woke up feeling absolutely drained, it already felt like a long day. I stared at the coffee maker fully aware that I didn't want to drink coffee and I didn't want to eat breakfast, I did the best I could. The morning found me at work, convinced that I would fall asleep or burst into tears at any moment. I survived with neither of the expected scenarios taking place, bought a triple grande latte (soy) on the way to the race and was out of my skin hyper while stuck in traffic (where did all this traffic come from?). I was thrilled when it was finally time to start running. I started the run with friend from another team (the IT Hotties...My team went with the very descriptive "potential run and the aluminum day," it came from a band name generator one of my mates found online). Right, so we are running, the mud is still somewhat avoidable at this point in the run, but the rain shows no sign of slowing. About a mile into the run (it could be more, all the brain power I had was focused on maintaining my speed) people had spread out enough that you could comfortably run your own pace. This was a major concern of mine going into this run, the trail is so narrow, how would we pass people (or, heaven forbid, get passed by people)? The answer, jump off the trail and let them go...I am proud to say that I passed more people than I was passed by. The last I saw of my IT Hottie friend was at the top of a muddy hill, he yelled "ouch" and that was the end of his run. It was really difficult to stay upright with all the mud, a few miles into it there was no choice but to run through it (I was thrilled, my painfully green trail shoes were brown in no time).
I nearly ate mud out there, I rolled my ankle in 6 inches of mud and spent the next few steps staring stright into the mud. I just kept throwing my feet as far forward as I could and managed to recover myself without tasting the mud. This was an amazing moment for me. I have yet to fall on a run and I thought this might be the moment. My ankle hurt more than I cared to acknowledge but the only way to figure out if it is really hurt is to just keep running, and so I did. The whole course was a great ankle workout, in the days following the race I noticed my only sore muscles were the ones used to keep my feet stabalized.

To an extent I wish i had taken a spill on the course, this would have been a good time to get my "first fall" out of the way. The thick mud seemed like a good cushion for preventing injury on the way down. Then again, one of my friends was limping after the race due to a fall ( he also had mud all over his face and I must admit, he wore it well). Maybe the mud can hurt you...

I'm sorry, again, for the delay in posting this. It is now Friday and I still feel sick, I have only worked out once this week and it was not fun. Tomorrow I am running the Nookachamps half marathon in Mt Vernon, WA.

Learning is fun

2009-01-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes not so fun, but still important.
I ran to work this morning after an unusually small breakfast ~150 calories (versus my usual 450 cal meal). I didn't think it would be a problem, I would eat when I got to work. Then while running I decided to see if I could beat my time, I was coming close, but with a mile left i just felt drained. I kept pushing and held it around 9.5's but it wasn't enough to make my goal. I really felt great when I finished the final sprint up a slight incline, did my victory dance for the empty parking lot, then chowed down on a bag of sport beans while I toasted a bagel.
Moral of the story, always gotta be watching them calories. Btw I gave up on the 2000 calorie diet. My weight dropped too fast and my energy went with it. The extra weight can take its time coming off, its good training to carry around and extra pound or two.
Speaking of carrying things, I am using a hydration pack from Nathan it carries everything I want for a day at work. Extra clothes, lots of food, music, water, wallet and sundry knick knacks that I like to have on hand. I was thrilled to find a pack that distributes the weight so well. Even with a few potatoes, a glass tuperware stuffed with food, and water, it is still comfortable.

they closed everything

2009-01-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh Sunday...this was always a difficult day for me to get the hang of. When I lived in MA it was the day when we had all the free time in the world, but the liquor store was closed. In Europe this was a day when everything was closed. In West Seattle it is a day when Camp Long is closed (they are also closed Monday) (Sunday didn't mean a thing in Northern California, our entertainment grew on trees and no one new one day from another). Forgetting, as I am so inclined to do, that Sunday changes everything, I head out to camp long for a bit of a run. I have my new Blackberry Storm loaded with music and my new Garmin GPS watch telling me to keep moving (thanks SantaMom!) The park is closed. I overcome my initial disappointment and decide to wander the neighborhoods on my way down to Lincoln Park. There are some very lovely places in West Seattle, and this is my favorite weather, cool and cloudy with NO RAIN!!!

Lincoln Park has two distinct areas, a flat, paved portion along the beach, and the park. I popped out of a neighborhood and found myself at the beach. I picked up my pace a bit while running the beach, I held 9 minute miles then dropped it to 8 and a half, an older gentleman running by actually complemented my pace...ANOTHER FIRST!!!!!
All the bathrooms were closed...I had to pee since the first half mile (I always do), I tried to think about other things, around mile 6 I was happy with my distance and decided to go home. I found a hill I had never seen before (funny the things you find when you start looking), it looked steeper than the hill I live on, so I went for it. It was steeper, but shorter, than my hill...I could have hiked it faster than I ran it, but run I did. There was a very tiny park at the top, little more than a grassy spot to look out at the mountains. There was a bridge and a bunch of stairs, so I ran them too. My followers know how I hate to run stairs, but I could see no alternative. I wandered through the neighborhoods at the top of the hill and found myself at the base of the hill I live on...A dream come true, keep running up hills only to find myself at the base of another hill (I am slow, but I am determined, the hills make me feel tough).
I ran across one gym member out on my run...always nice to see them getting exercise outside the gym.
And now I eat.

FINALLY!!!

2008-12-29T07:42:00.000-08:00

Most of the show has melted, christmas is over...life can return to normal. I ran to work this morning! I can still run! I would like to take a moment to thank the makers of Imitrex, a migraine medication that works well enough to keep me running during migraine week.
I am hoping to make it to Bridle Trails tomorrow afternoon for 10 miles in the dark. I might have to buy myself an early birthday present on my way home from work today. I am thinking either night vision goggles or a headlamp...
Other good news, I still fit in my running clothes!

Back on track

2008-12-27T08:27:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I decided it was time to get back on track. Fortunately I left all the junk food at my parents house, so I bought more veggies and grains and started cooking and measuring my portions and keeping a food journal again. I had a solid workout at the gym, then got a bit of reading done on the stair climber. I was shopping for underwear online and after looking at so many models decided I would try for a body like an underwear model. The plan is to try to lose around a pound a week, so I will keep my calorie intake around 2,000 ( I typically eat around 2,500 to maintain my weight).

lots of snow

2008-12-22T10:15:00.000-08:00

The snow keeps piling up...now it is enough of a challenge just to walk anywhere so i haven't been running at all this week. I am gaining weight too, no surprise there. Nothing to worry about, gives me something to work on when the snow lets up a bit. I always do appreciate a challenge.

I jingled all the way

2008-12-17T07:59:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning (yea i realize I am a little late with this post) I woke up to snow...very exciting. Snow is a rare occurrence in West Seattle, it usually turns to rain and washes away children's dreams of school getting canceled. This time the snow stayed. I bundled up and headed to the bus stop a few minutes early, and low and behold, our rugged driver showed up only a few minutes late and made it to Seattle in record time. Seattle had no snow, probably safer for the thousands of runners (I am not really sure how many people turned out, but there were enough people to create a nice warm crowd).
My outfit was plenty warm for running, red and green tights, my new trail shoes (If you can believe it, I did not choose them for the color), smart wool shirt, I am wrapped in Christmas lights which looked great in the tunnels, and finally that outstanding skirt... A Joyce Maund creation. Joyce is a coworker of mine and an avid knitter, she typically knits smaller skirts for teddy bears, but was thrilled at the opportunity of making a big skirt for me. She really went all out with bells and sequins, I received lots of comments from fellow runners. The women at the gym have requested that I wear this skirt every day in December...I am happy to oblige (it keeps my bum warm).
The run was very slow, so many people in cumbersome costumes, but it was really fun. In all the tunnels people sang jingle bells, and as I mentioned earlier, my Christmas lights were in full glory (making little kids jealous, HAHAHAHA).

Monday morning the snow was still around. I was supposed to be sleeping in all week, but the snow had turned into ice on the roads and little had been done to make them drivable. The main roads were OK, but most of this area is hills and side roads. I was called in to open one of the gyms because of my amazing ability to walk/run places. I bundled up and made the 3.7 snowy mile run to work, it was 23 degrees (Fahrenheit you silly Canadians) with the wind bringing it to a frigid 17. I later discovered that one of my coworkers lives less than a mile from that gym, but I appreciated that chance to run in such cold. I think we can all guess what happened, no one showed up at the gym at 6:30, but we were open.

The snow is still out there (Wednesday) with promise of more snow to come. I have hit a bit of a plateau in my running and this cold weather is not helping me out of it. I have decided not to stress it, I will just do what I can, even if it is just a mile or two a day and trust that this will pass.

I conquered a fear

2008-12-10T17:18:00.000-08:00

I ran with the Seattle running club...I have long wanted to run with them, well since I first bought shoes from them, but have been too nervous to do so. This has been a big week for me (more on that later) so I decided to add this to the list of accomplishments. I haven't been sleeping well, so I had to run to work to avoid being terribly grumpy, and it certainly helped, I also worked out when I got there. All this would add to my concern later that I was too tired to join them. I could hardly eat all day thinking about running with them. I was nauseous the whole ride to the city, got to the SRC early and found another first timer waiting, along with the guy that sold me my first pair of shoes (both babes). I felt a little better. As the crowd gathered, the only other person who I recognized was the guy that sold me my trail shoes (this was turning out to be a rather lovely crowd...if you are ever in need of some eye candy hit up the SRC runs). As soon as we set out, the crowd pulled away from me. I don't know the course and I don't know the neighborhood. I tried to stay calm, someone would come run with me.
This is where the fears come in, as a child I remember being taught to ride a bike. I was never comfortable on a bike, I was always riding faster than I could, trying not to lose the others. Every time, while chasing after them in a cold fear, I would lose control and crash with no one around to help me. I tried ridding a few times in college and the results were always the same. Incidentally this is why I adamantly refuse to ride a bike or ski (yep, same thing happened on the slopes).
I caught up to the crowd while they were waiting for traffic to slow, the dude that sold me my trail shoes joined me after that and later the other first timer ran with us. I felt much better from then on out. The course borrowed some sections from the Marathon course, running through every park (and steep hill) they could manage on this 5.5 mile course. It was a tough course, but lovely...more importantly I DID IT!!!! I didn't chicken out!

Another big event this week: I invited a friend to read this blog...I haven't given out the address to anyone until now. The dude I chose to invite is someone I don't see often and we don't have many friends in common...Fellow bloggers, how do you decide to tell people about your site? My mind is not always a wonderful place to be, I can't imagine too many people wanting a peak...we shall see how this goes...

The biggest event for the week: I took off my ring!!!! My ex and I broke up in April. I think this is the reason I am not sleeping well. I catch myself throughout the day feeling the spot where it was and worrying. I hope to feel free by the time the callus leaves.

a great weekend

2008-12-08T04:05:00.000-08:00

Painfully early Saturday morning, a crowd gathered in Seward Park to set up for the Wondergirl 5K. By 7:30 am everything was ready for our 10 am race start...it was a long, cold morning. We walked around the park to stay warm. The sunrise was lovely, the park has a stunning view of Mount Rainier, almost made up for the bitter cold wind that came with the sunrise.
When people finally started showing up for the event I was banished to the far side of the park to function as an arrow, directing people to stay on the course...I was also expected to cheer. I happen to love cheering people on. It is one of the strengths that I bring to my job at the gym, and was one of my favorite parts of swimming in high school. I think if I were to enter a beauty pageant my special talent would be cheering, and I would cure aids by spreading awareness through the power of cheer...
Many of the running coaches were out with their girls, motivating and cheering them on. Two in particular really stood out. The girl they were working with was in no mood to run, at every opportunity she would sit down and complain. Her two coaches never gave up on her, they kept her moving, playing games with her to keep her mind distracted. At the end of the race they even had her running across the finish line. Very impressive, these two coaches really helped that girl accomplish something she can be proud of. And she was proud, her whole family was waiting at the finish line, thrilled to celebrate her victory with her.

Sunday I ran two laps at Bridle Trails with a group of people that had been off their feet since the Seattle marathon. All of us are planning to run the Bridle Trails 50k relay. My team is currently struggling with a name. I have been calling us "Eric and the hot chicks" which is a fairly accurate description of the team, although my modesty prohibits me from taking this name public. Instead I really like the idea of being "the all Bob band" this was the name of a group of math and science teachers from my earlier schooling that played a lot of Pink Floyd songs at assemblies. The moral of the story, I love running in the mud, especially when it starts raining.

back to normal?

2008-12-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was feeling like myself again, painfully hyperactive. So I ran around lincoln park, maybe three miles in all. While running up a very gentle incline I started to wonder why I do this because it really didn't feel good...so perhaps I am not fully recovered yet, I used to love running hills. I had a great workout at the gym after, but found the squats a little difficult still.

The days major disappointment came while viewing the race photos...I look dumb. I had every intention of throwing my arms over my head in victory, but they ended up out at my side as if I was trying to fly. I think I was cheering too, because my mouth is open...stupid pictures. Clearly I need to practice my finish line pose. Any advice would be appreciated.

I have a few races planned right now. First up is the wonder girl 5K, an event to encourage healthy lifestyles in preteen girls. I will be volunteering at this event, but like every race volunteer I have ever seen I will be wearing my running clothes under my warmer clothes just in case I am called upon to run. Next up is the Jingle Bell run, which supports arthritis research. I used to do this run with my parents when I was a very tiny child, I always enjoyed it because so many people dress up and they give out bells. I am planning a ridiculous costume to bring joy to all the little ones. Down the road a bit I have the Bridal Trails 50k, I will be running as part of a team. Bridal Trails is a really fun, easy loop, though I can't imagine running the 6 laps on my own...seems a bit redundant.

If you know of any other races I should consider, please let me know.

I did it

2008-12-01T11:07:00.000-08:00

It has taken me a few days to put this together, I had no idea I would be so drained after the half marathon.
I made both of my goals! I was able to run the whole way and I did it in 2hrs 19mins...Now I work on running twice the distance adding only one more hour to my time.
I arrived at memorial stadium around 7am, I quickly lost the people I had carpooled with while I was checking my post race clothing bag. I wandered toward an impressive lineup of porta-potties and was disappointed to see never ending lines sprouting from each one. I tried waiting in line but after 10 minutes of standing still I gave up and wandered toward the start line. People were pressed together, trying to move toward the start line, but unable to make any progress. there were rumors that the walkers hadn't started yet and that was why we couldn't line up yet. Too much drama for a first timer with a full bladder. Finally we hopped the fence and lined up.
We were off...2.5 minutes later I was able to cross the start line at a trot. I took it really slow for a few miles (some might argue that I ran slow for the whole race). I made it through the first 6.5 miles driven by the need to find a porta-pottie without a long line ( I did, right at the bottom of the hill, made it much easier to get through the rest of the race).

A quick question about race etiquette: Is it appropriate to complement the men on their lovely bodies as they run past? Unfortunately this temptation had passed by mile 4, not because of any self control on my part, turns out those babes are much faster than me. They are my motivation to start speed work.

After mile 9 I started getting tired, I focused on staying ahead of the 2:20 pacer, and managed to do so. Right at mile 11 I lost all interest in clothing...by this point in the run I was covered in sweat, Gatorade, and GU...I persevered and a quarter of a mile later the desire to run naked passed. My mental capacities had deteriorated significantly so to keep myself moving I chanted the time left until I finished (assuming I would cross right at 2:20), "20 minutes cha cha cha..."(and so on, this actually started at 50 minutes left, but didn't become the sole thought till 20 minutes).

It was a remarkably foggy morning in Seattle, when the race started only the legs of the space needle were visible (up to about knee height...not the best analogy, sorry). I was disappointed to see that this condition had not resolved itself before my finish. I knew the finish line was close, but without the needle to guide me I had no idea how close I was.
Finally the crowd could be heard shouting, "One more turn, then you are there!" So I plastered a smile on my face and took off. I was surprised how many people I passed in the last few hundred feet, everything hurts, but it no longer matters. Finish hard, this is where the cameras are, this is where the crowd is. (Watching my mom finish the full marathon I was pleased to see that she has the same strategy. Just a supermodel out for a sprint...)
My father and his wife met me at the end of my race and we went to the sunlight cafe for a lovely vegan breakfast. I got back to the finish in time to watch my gorgeous mother cross, then joined her and her fellow Marathon Maniacs for pizza. (if you want to check her out, she is number 12 in the insane asylum marathonmaniacs.com)
I hurt all day, my knees and hips were in incredible pain. I took the day off work Monday ( i never would have made it down the hill) and just rested and ate. I've been kinda bummed out since the runners high died off...hoping that will pass soon.

I wonder what challenge is next...

wow

2008-11-29T05:27:00.000-08:00

The race is tomorrow, and i definitely feel a bit of anxiety. I experienced all the aspects of prerace jitters they warn about (I turned to Runner's World knowing they would have answers). Most of my anxiety dealt with feeling unprepared. In Runner's World they warn about the desire to cram during the last weeks before the race. In college if I felt unprepared before a test I used this method, and I felt the desire to do some longer runs recently. Instead I ran to work, loving every hill, trying to maintain an average 10min/mile (watch out world records!) and I was able to do this. I know I can run longer distances, and I know I can run hills...I have only been running for two and a half months, I think the prerace jitters are ok...I think I would feel more concerned if I wasn't so excited.
I am cooking a prerace lasagna feed for friends and family tonight. I plan to make three vegan lasagnas (I am not sure if everyone knows they are going veggie for the night), and I am making a few loaves of bread, one garlic and two plain (how could I forget to buy flour?), and a big salad...mmmm...I love cooking for people
After the race my mother is hosting a get together at Zeeks Pizza 419 Denny way around 1:15 (my mother is very precise in her approximations). We are celebrating her boyfriends 200th marathon! I post this info because I am optimistic that one day I will meet someone who says to me "I have been following your progress and looking forward to meeting you" The second part is optional, it could be replaced with "and I was looking for a reccomendation where to eat eat pizza after the race" or, and this is the one that moves me to tears "and I have been dying to try your vegan lasagna"

bleh

2008-11-25T08:09:00.000-08:00

With less than a week till the race, now is not the time to increase milleage. This thanksgiving has been preceeded with so much drama (and I have no reason to expect it to stop before new years) that this is the worst time for me to even think of running less. My hilly run to work did little to improve my mood. Tuesdays are notoriously slow days at the gym...

2008-11-24T05:04:00.000-08:00

It was an absolutely beautiful day in Seattle. Even before dawn you could tell a lovely sky was in the making. The sun came up, the clouds cleared and every mountain was visible. My house faces the Olympics, I walk to the top of the hill and look out on the Cascades with Rainier making a showing to our south. A good day to run...
A few friends and I gathered at Discovery park to run what was supposed to be a 6 mile loop, in the end it was only 4.25 miles. Fortunately, we had some good hills. One hill was nearly all stairs. On a big hill I will vary my stride to give my legs a little relief, not so on the stairs. Every step is the same as the one before it, I am sad to admit that I walked the last 5 steps. As I ran in circles at the top of the hill waiting for my party to catch up, it dawned on me that I have PMS...I had gone the whole day not appreciating the splendor of the area I live in, frustrated with too many trifles to count. But now, a few miles in, a few hills up, I was feeling fine again. A note to my audience, run to feel better...it cures what ails ya!

Its now Monday morning...seems I didn't post this yesterday...Anyway, running to work today, need the hills.

ahhh exercise

2008-11-22T15:40:00.000-08:00

A lovely day...I ran to the gym, worked out hard, then worked all day. Feelin good. Also, I finally have a weekend free...at any rate a day off...still helps the good feelings.

A woman came in to join the gym today. While talking about health care with her husband the day prior she stated that health insurance shouldn't be so expensive. The only way this would work, in her opinion, is if everyone would do their part to stay healthier, including exercising regularly and eating right. And then it dawned on her...she needed to start doing her part.

I love running

2008-11-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

I am still surprised how good running makes me feel. I had a really tough day today, but I got through it knowing that I would feel better as soon as I went out for a run. This will come as no surprise to those of you out there that run, I did feel better after a few miles. None of my problems went away, but I was able to calm down and deal with them when I got home.
I am supposed to be tapering my mileage in anticipation of the half marathon. I don't really know anything about tapering, I asked my mother (a long time distance runner) her thoughts on tapering. She says she gets taper-crazies... I think I will run just enough to keep my head on straight.
ahhhh family

I did it again

2008-11-19T04:25:00.001-08:00

I had every intention of getting a ride home, or taking the bus, from work yesterday...I failed...ended up running again. I checked out the distance on mapmyrun.com and it looks like the distance is a measly 3.7 miles...good thing i did it twice.
I am currently losing the battle again, "just walk to work, let your muscles rest" Not a chance, I need those endorphins, and it takes so much longer to walk.

signed,
an addict

A grand idea

2008-11-18T07:38:00.001-08:00

Although I was convinced it was a bad idea, I decided to run to work today. I regularly run to the gym in West Seattle because it is a nice neighborhood and only 2.5 miles from home. Last night I decided it might be fun to run to the gym in White Center, a less friendly neighborhood (by West Seattle standards) and 5 miles from home with countless big hills (actually 3 hills that are nothing compared to Dravis). This idea arose from my desire to eat 2 giant dinners on top of a huge lunch without losing sight of my six-pack abs...HAHHAHAHAHA...ahhhhh a girl can dream.

As I climbed my first hill I knew this run was a great idea. I spent the run on my usual train of thought, trying to convert miles to kilometers, for the life of me I can't figure it out (a hand please, anyone?) I can get km to miles and kg to pounds and back again, but I can't convert miles to km...after I graduate from this challenge I plan to try to convert my pace to min per km. Whatever it takes to keep me moving...

I had, and still have, plenty of energy. In fact when I got to work I did a victory dance in the still empty parking lot (I count style points even when there are no witnesses). As the first crowd came into the gym it occured to me that I could probably ride the endorphin wave long enough to get me through a modest workout... and it did. Great start to the day!

Please remember to strength train 3 times a week,
mo

2008-11-16T13:43:00.000-08:00

Not every run is a great run. I managed two laps around the lake, not even 6 miles. Better to have run and to lose than to have never run at all...

2008-11-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

I woke up way to early, weekends are tough...I spend the whole week getting up at 4, how am i supposed to sleep in one day a week? I didn't do much worth mentioning today, finally at 4:30 this evening I went for a short run. my trainer and I did ran up Dravis(?) hill in magnolia...A proper training hill, it just keeps getting steeper and longer as you go. And now for my favorite part, dinner.

I fried up some garlic, onions and mushrooms with some vegan field roast 'sausages' I've never tried them before, we shall see. serving that with rice guacamole and black beans...mmmmm....

plans to run Green Lake around 9am
mo

In the beginning

2008-11-14T11:22:00.000-08:00

I started running two months ago.

I have been working at Curves for almost two years now, I think this really helped me get started. I was out of shape and chubby two years ago, not so any more. I also don't have a car, so I walk everywhere.

The real start happened the day after the Cle Elum 50k. I volunteered at the event thinking my mother had also signed up to help out, found out the day before that she was running it (14 years in a row). Watching her eat the day before the race I realized that this just might be the sport for me, I do love eating.

The race site was lovely, the runners were friendly, and every one of them seemed so happy when they finished. They were thanking the race directors and volunteers, then heading for the buffet. I do love eating with friendly people.

The next day I got all dressed up in my running gear and took off. I live near Lincoln Park in West Seattle, so that is where i decided to run. I managed about 3 miles, I walked when I had to. All in all, I felt good.

After running alone for the first week, I emailed one of the other volunteers from the Cle Elum race who was happy to sign on as my trainer. Together we ran a few short runs, then signed up for a 5K...two weeks into running I beat my goal time coming in under 31 minutes. A month later I ran a 10 K in less than an hour. Now I am training for the Seattle half marathon, I think I am well on my way. Yesterday I ran 10 miles on the Burke-Gilman trail and it felt great.

Eager for my next run
mo