I finally ran on Saturday. I ran 3 miles. Not much but it felt so good to be running again. I was relieved. Not just because I have a race in 12 days but also because I really missed it. As much as I love cycling and it feels like second nature to me, I love running more. Maybe because it’s something I really have to work at. Maybe because I feel like I’m running toward a goal where when I am cycling it’s more like play time. Whatever it is, I’m just glad it’s back!
I also ran 6 miles on Sunday. Both runs went pretty well, if a little boring. I chose a quarter mile section of the bike trail near my apartment and just ran back and forth on it. That way if I felt like my calf was having issues, I would be close to home and not have to walk a ways. I felt a little like a hamster but still that was a whole lot more fun than running on a dreadmill would be! I’ll take it. :)
I spent a lot of time on the bike this weekend and only a little time running but I did a lot of thinking and planning ahead on both. I had only planned the 1st half of the year as far as races go. I was hoping to hit 4 hours for the Seattle Rock & Roll (or close to it) but how I did there would determine the rest of the year. If I hit 4 hours, then the rest of the year would be spent on trails and running up mountains in preparation for a 50K by the end of the year. I would have been happy coming close to 4. But if I didn't come close, then I would run another marathon in November and go for 4 then and push back the 50K to January or February 2012.
The first scenario would have been ideal. It would have fit into my goals for the year quite nicely. However, things don’t always work out the way we want them to. So…
Change in plans!
I’m going to switch to the half marathon for the Seattle Rock & Roll. The info packet I just received said it’s not a problem. I talked it over with my coach, Jason, and we both agreed that I could run the marathon but would have to run it easy and we still don’t know if my calf will like the 26.2 miles. It’s untested. I know I can do the half marathon easily. Ha! Do you know what a kick it is to say that? That you know you could pop out a half marathon at any time? What a trip!
Sorry, back to the business.
Anyway, I also decided to run this one for fun and not worry about time either. I already hit my half marathon goal for the year so I am okay with just relaxing, seeing the sights, and enjoying the music. Plus, I’ll be able to enjoy Seattle that much more without the sore legs!
Am I disappointed? Hell yeah! I really, really think I was on track to get another PR. But the reason I run in the first place is because it brings me joy and makes me feel alive. I would rather take it easy in Seattle and keep running than risk more time off. You don’t even want to know how cranky I was last week! Trust me. ;)
I’m also a little disappointed because I was hoping to sign up for the Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon in November. It’s supposed to be one tough monkey of a race. Registration is August 1st and I already had it on my calendar. I guess I will have to try for it next year.
Right now I’m looking for a marathon at the end of August or beginning of September. Because, honestly, I’m still hoping to do a 50K before the end of the year. I’m not sure if that would be enough time but I would like to try. I still need another state to mark off for the year. I am hoping to run in one of these states in the fall: Texas, New Mexico, Utah, or maybe somewhere further north like Wyoming, Montana or Idaho. It doesn't have to be flat or big. I don’t care if there are spectators, just great views, coolish, and fastish. I will do the rest. :)
So that’s my plan now. Of course, I’ll probably be second guessing myself all the way up to the line next Saturday. Could I have run the full? Did I make the right decision? Did I let fear get in the way or am I being smart? It’s hard to let a goal go. Sometimes you have to.
What do you think?
Monday, June 13, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Silver Lining
I haven't run in a week now. I am a little cranky and a little nervous. It could be worse, of course. I can still ride so that's keeping me sane. I've been getting extra sleep since I don't have to get up so early to run. And best of all...I'm still eating properly!
In the past, when I was overwhelmed by my feelings, the first thing I would turn to was comfort food - donuts, cookies, candy, pizza, cheeseburgers, etc. All the stuff that is bad for you. I'd eat until I was way past full and then end up feeling worse than before. Which meant I'd reach for more food. It was vicious cycle and it's why I gained so much weight.
Running, more than riding, helped me control my eating. It's much, much harder to run after a bad meal than it is to ride. You can get away with it on the bike. It ain't pretty but it's not going to cause a problem. Usually. The thing about running for me is that my stomach does not like to have food in it when I run. It sorta makes it way out pretty fast if I've had any. For me, nutrition is one of the more frustrating aspects of getting the long run nailed down. But the benefit is that I'm always thinking about what my next run is going to be and do I want it to be hard or easy on my stomach. So I choose the sensible meal and watch my calories. Both to make sure I get enough and to make sure I don't eat too much.
Anyway, since I haven't been running this week and I haven't had to watch what I eat, I wondered what would happen with my food intake. After all, I was anxious. Maybe a little mad. Maybe a little depressed. The emotions that were most likely to trigger an "episode". Would I reach for that donut in the lunch room? Would I stop at Legends on the way home? Would I polish off the rest of the Grasshopper cookies?
Well, I am happy to report that I didn't do any of that. Not once. And it hasn't even crossed my mind! That's probably the part I am most happiest about. It means I've finally learned not to use food to solve my problems! (seeing as how it never did and only made them worse). I think I may even be a little leaner this week. Today I was able to pull my skirt on without unzipping it or undoing the button (good thing it has a belt...oh darn, more shopping ;) )
So no running but happy with how I dealt with it. And of course, I've had lots of extra bike time. I should hit 200 miles this week thanks to a 3 1/2 hour ride on Sunday. That will be the highest bike week for me ever!
In the past, when I was overwhelmed by my feelings, the first thing I would turn to was comfort food - donuts, cookies, candy, pizza, cheeseburgers, etc. All the stuff that is bad for you. I'd eat until I was way past full and then end up feeling worse than before. Which meant I'd reach for more food. It was vicious cycle and it's why I gained so much weight.
Running, more than riding, helped me control my eating. It's much, much harder to run after a bad meal than it is to ride. You can get away with it on the bike. It ain't pretty but it's not going to cause a problem. Usually. The thing about running for me is that my stomach does not like to have food in it when I run. It sorta makes it way out pretty fast if I've had any. For me, nutrition is one of the more frustrating aspects of getting the long run nailed down. But the benefit is that I'm always thinking about what my next run is going to be and do I want it to be hard or easy on my stomach. So I choose the sensible meal and watch my calories. Both to make sure I get enough and to make sure I don't eat too much.
Anyway, since I haven't been running this week and I haven't had to watch what I eat, I wondered what would happen with my food intake. After all, I was anxious. Maybe a little mad. Maybe a little depressed. The emotions that were most likely to trigger an "episode". Would I reach for that donut in the lunch room? Would I stop at Legends on the way home? Would I polish off the rest of the Grasshopper cookies?
Well, I am happy to report that I didn't do any of that. Not once. And it hasn't even crossed my mind! That's probably the part I am most happiest about. It means I've finally learned not to use food to solve my problems! (seeing as how it never did and only made them worse). I think I may even be a little leaner this week. Today I was able to pull my skirt on without unzipping it or undoing the button (good thing it has a belt...oh darn, more shopping ;) )
So no running but happy with how I dealt with it. And of course, I've had lots of extra bike time. I should hit 200 miles this week thanks to a 3 1/2 hour ride on Sunday. That will be the highest bike week for me ever!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
That Girl
Did you know that people are paying attention to what you are doing? Did you know that you are influencing people every time you run or ride outside? You may not think you are. You might think that you are just going about your own business. But that would be false!
When you make a habit of something like running or cycling or bike commuting…people notice, whether they are your friends or neighbors or complete strangers. I can’t tell you how many times people on the street have stopped me to tell me they've seen me here or there. They tell me how great I’m doing. They ask me how far I run or ride. They ask me if I’m training for something or if I’m nervous being out there by myself. They ask me about my gear. They stop me on the bike path or at a stoplight, even at the store or REI. They tell my mom and my friends they've seen me out and about.
I've always thought of myself as incognito when I ride and run because I always wear a hat or helmet and I don’t wear my glasses when I run and usually sunglasses when I ride. It amazes me how many people recognize me. Sometimes it’s a little weird but mostly it’s fun. It makes me feel like I’m part of community. That I’m not alone out there even if I’m running or riding by myself. Sure, there are the regulars I see every day out walking or in their yards. I just never thought about the cars going by me noticing too.
One day, I was on my bike at a red light and the truck next to me rolled down his window. I braced myself for a rude comment (which is what most cyclists hear from motorists) and to my surprise, he first gave me a caution (that he was letting the car in the left hand lane make a right in front of him so he would be going in front of me too) and then to tell me that he was impressed with how committed I was to bike commuting and with how much weight I’d lost.
Then, just this past weekend, I had another “encounter”. I was out on a 20 mile run with about 1 mile to go and as I was waiting for a light, a woman came up running to wait as well. She asked me how far I had run and when I told her she said “oh, because I saw you early this morning out on Baseline as I was taking my son to the airport. I work in the Lewis buildings (the company that I work for but other companies rent space as well) and I see you all the time. You are doing great.”
It made me feel like I had become “that girl”. You know “that girl who’s always riding” or “that girl you see running all over the place”. Like a character in the neighborhood. But in a good way. Who knows, maybe one of them will lace up their shoes or hop on a bike after seeing me!
So the next time you head out the door, remember…you are probably setting a great example for someone you may never meet!
When you make a habit of something like running or cycling or bike commuting…people notice, whether they are your friends or neighbors or complete strangers. I can’t tell you how many times people on the street have stopped me to tell me they've seen me here or there. They tell me how great I’m doing. They ask me how far I run or ride. They ask me if I’m training for something or if I’m nervous being out there by myself. They ask me about my gear. They stop me on the bike path or at a stoplight, even at the store or REI. They tell my mom and my friends they've seen me out and about.
I've always thought of myself as incognito when I ride and run because I always wear a hat or helmet and I don’t wear my glasses when I run and usually sunglasses when I ride. It amazes me how many people recognize me. Sometimes it’s a little weird but mostly it’s fun. It makes me feel like I’m part of community. That I’m not alone out there even if I’m running or riding by myself. Sure, there are the regulars I see every day out walking or in their yards. I just never thought about the cars going by me noticing too.
One day, I was on my bike at a red light and the truck next to me rolled down his window. I braced myself for a rude comment (which is what most cyclists hear from motorists) and to my surprise, he first gave me a caution (that he was letting the car in the left hand lane make a right in front of him so he would be going in front of me too) and then to tell me that he was impressed with how committed I was to bike commuting and with how much weight I’d lost.
Then, just this past weekend, I had another “encounter”. I was out on a 20 mile run with about 1 mile to go and as I was waiting for a light, a woman came up running to wait as well. She asked me how far I had run and when I told her she said “oh, because I saw you early this morning out on Baseline as I was taking my son to the airport. I work in the Lewis buildings (the company that I work for but other companies rent space as well) and I see you all the time. You are doing great.”
It made me feel like I had become “that girl”. You know “that girl who’s always riding” or “that girl you see running all over the place”. Like a character in the neighborhood. But in a good way. Who knows, maybe one of them will lace up their shoes or hop on a bike after seeing me!
So the next time you head out the door, remember…you are probably setting a great example for someone you may never meet!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Time...Management
I have not been doing a very good job of updating this blog. I think mostly because my life is pretty routine right now and I sometimes think…a little boring. But also, there is just so much I want to do and it seems like there is never enough time to do it all. I haven't even been to the bike shop to hang out in like 6 weeks. I don’t know how people who have kids manage!
Still, this past month has been a pretty darn good month:
-I started running long again. Woo!
-I got to see the Tour of California on a beautiful, sunny day up on a mountain (and did some running while we waited) with some great friends.
-I turned 43 and celebrated by going for an 18 mile run and then getting a massage.
-My tempo times have dropped significantly! I ran 6.5 miles today with 3 @ tempo and they were 8:17, 8:16, and 8:13! And I felt like I could have done another mile or two at that pace. Makes me smile to think that a year ago, my tempo pace was 9:45!
-I also went to the Renaissance Faire, had family in town, Mother’s Day, family gatherings, and got a raise!
May 2011 was one for the record books!
I can't believe May is almost over because that means there's only one month left until the Seattle Rock & Roll Marathon. I'm starting to get a little excited. I feel great and stronger than ever. I have dreamy goals and realistic goals for this race and I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do this time around. My goals are:
A+ - 4 hrs
A – 4:10
B – 4:14
C – Finish
4:14 is what I did at the Lost Dutchman in February and I'm pretty confident that I can do that again since this course will have less hills and no dirt. 4:10 is what Jason and I chose for my goal time for this one and that is what I’m going to shoot for.
But the 4 hour goal is my dream goal. I am just kind of putting it out there to let the possibility percolate in my mind. You never know what can happen. What's funny is that the last few races I've run, I picked a time for a dream goal and ended up hitting them. I know it will get harder to hit dream times as I lower them but might as well shoot for the moon, eh?
The good news is that I have plenty of reading to keep me occupied for the next month so I won't get too excited/anxious. I am currently reading two books: Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons by Byron Powell and The Wise Man's Fear (Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 2) by Patrick Rothfuss (993 pages long!). And I have 6 more books downloaded on my Kindle: 3 more running/sports books - Run! By Dean Karnazes, I'm Here to Win by Chris McCormack, and Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights? by Alex Hutchinson and then 3 more fiction books - A Discovery of Witches: A Novel by Deborah E. Harkness, and 2 Highlander romance novels (my guilty secret). ;) So plenty to read. If I can only find the time…
Still, this past month has been a pretty darn good month:
-I started running long again. Woo!
-I got to see the Tour of California on a beautiful, sunny day up on a mountain (and did some running while we waited) with some great friends.
-I turned 43 and celebrated by going for an 18 mile run and then getting a massage.
-My tempo times have dropped significantly! I ran 6.5 miles today with 3 @ tempo and they were 8:17, 8:16, and 8:13! And I felt like I could have done another mile or two at that pace. Makes me smile to think that a year ago, my tempo pace was 9:45!
-I also went to the Renaissance Faire, had family in town, Mother’s Day, family gatherings, and got a raise!
May 2011 was one for the record books!
I can't believe May is almost over because that means there's only one month left until the Seattle Rock & Roll Marathon. I'm starting to get a little excited. I feel great and stronger than ever. I have dreamy goals and realistic goals for this race and I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do this time around. My goals are:
A+ - 4 hrs
A – 4:10
B – 4:14
C – Finish
4:14 is what I did at the Lost Dutchman in February and I'm pretty confident that I can do that again since this course will have less hills and no dirt. 4:10 is what Jason and I chose for my goal time for this one and that is what I’m going to shoot for.
But the 4 hour goal is my dream goal. I am just kind of putting it out there to let the possibility percolate in my mind. You never know what can happen. What's funny is that the last few races I've run, I picked a time for a dream goal and ended up hitting them. I know it will get harder to hit dream times as I lower them but might as well shoot for the moon, eh?
The good news is that I have plenty of reading to keep me occupied for the next month so I won't get too excited/anxious. I am currently reading two books: Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons by Byron Powell and The Wise Man's Fear (Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 2) by Patrick Rothfuss (993 pages long!). And I have 6 more books downloaded on my Kindle: 3 more running/sports books - Run! By Dean Karnazes, I'm Here to Win by Chris McCormack, and Which Comes First, Cardio or Weights? by Alex Hutchinson and then 3 more fiction books - A Discovery of Witches: A Novel by Deborah E. Harkness, and 2 Highlander romance novels (my guilty secret). ;) So plenty to read. If I can only find the time…
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Randam Thoughts - Love Me Two Times Challenge
I can’t decide what I’m happiest about: that I won Sunday’s women’s race, that I ran under 2 hours on Sunday and got a PR, or that I came in 6th overall and chicked so many guys. ;) I think the 2 hours has a slight edge on the others. The other two were icing on the cake.
I am very happy with the way I ran both days. I think I held back enough on Saturday to get the job done on Sunday.
I forced myself to look around at the scenery on Saturday to help slow me down. It was gorgeous and quiet. The desert is definitely one of my favorite places to run. I was disappointed that I didn't see any horses, burros, sheep, cows, or coyotes though (there were signs as we drove up there telling us to watch out for them).
It was very, very hard to let people pass me on Saturday. I really had to fight the urge to chase them down.
I was happy with my PR on Saturday and told myself that whatever happened on Sunday was fine. But that if I felt good, I could go for it. I wasn't sure until we were into the first mile on Sunday that I felt like I could run hard for the whole distance.
I used to wonder if I had what it took to “hurt” during a race. Would I give up? Would I ease off the pace? Would I use any excuse to not do my best? Well, I think I laid that to rest with my last few races and that is an awesome feeling.
I wasn't nervous before either race. More raring to go than anything. The more I race, the less pre-race jitters get to me. I used to get almost nauseous before a race. Thankfully, that doesn't happen anymore.
The only thing I was worried about was blowing up on Sunday. I think because my mom had driven out from California to see me race on Sunday and I didn't want to DNF or have to walk the whole thing when she’d come so far. Luckily, I did well. :) She was so excited when I finished and won on Sunday that she was calling and texting friends and family to tell them about it. It made me feel 20 feet tall to know that she was so proud of me. Even more so because of how worried I know she was when I weighed over 300 lbs.
I loved the small race vibe on both days. There were quite a few people who’d raced it before and others in the series and it felt familyish but not exclusive.
There were runners there from all over the country and even a few from England, Canada, and Spain who’d heard about it from friends that had done it.
On Sunday morning, I got to see a couple of the 100milers finish and then I saw them out on the course as well. If ever I felt tired, seeing them was like a kick in the butt. Who was I to complain about a measly 13 miles when they were in the midst of 100!
And I couldn't complain about the Love Me Two Times challenge either because one of the 100milers (a 60 year old man) finished it in 23 hours 50 minutes AND then an hour later he did the 10K on Sunday as his Love Me Two Times challenge! Again, all I had to do was think about him and it gave me great motivation! There was also a man who ran the marathon route 5x and a man who ran the 50 mile on Saturday and the 50K on Sunday. And there were 7 people who ran the marathon on Saturday and the 50K on Sunday. When I was telling my coworkers those stats, one of them said “you're starting to look like a wimp”. I prefer to think of it as less crazy. ;)
Anyway, I think that the more I expose myself to the amazing distance running that humans are capable of, the less intimidated I am by going longer or running back-to-back halfs.
This was kind of a mini test because I hope to do the Goofy Challenge someday. After this weekend, I think it's doable for me.
Oh yeah, while the weather was cold, but great for us both mornings, the 50 milers and 100 milers had a blizzard blow through on Saturday afternoon! Crazy!
Next time I go to Vegas to race, I have to find a hotel that's quieter. I thought I was far enough off the Strip that it wouldn't be an issue but there was a bachelorette party staying in the rooms above me and I didn't get much sleep on Friday night or Saturday night. Again, I pushed that out of my head when I thought about the 100 milers running through the night.
Last, but not least…I wore skirts both days! Ha! Don't ever underestimate a girl in a skirt. ;)
I am very happy with the way I ran both days. I think I held back enough on Saturday to get the job done on Sunday.
I forced myself to look around at the scenery on Saturday to help slow me down. It was gorgeous and quiet. The desert is definitely one of my favorite places to run. I was disappointed that I didn't see any horses, burros, sheep, cows, or coyotes though (there were signs as we drove up there telling us to watch out for them).
It was very, very hard to let people pass me on Saturday. I really had to fight the urge to chase them down.
I was happy with my PR on Saturday and told myself that whatever happened on Sunday was fine. But that if I felt good, I could go for it. I wasn't sure until we were into the first mile on Sunday that I felt like I could run hard for the whole distance.
I used to wonder if I had what it took to “hurt” during a race. Would I give up? Would I ease off the pace? Would I use any excuse to not do my best? Well, I think I laid that to rest with my last few races and that is an awesome feeling.
I wasn't nervous before either race. More raring to go than anything. The more I race, the less pre-race jitters get to me. I used to get almost nauseous before a race. Thankfully, that doesn't happen anymore.
The only thing I was worried about was blowing up on Sunday. I think because my mom had driven out from California to see me race on Sunday and I didn't want to DNF or have to walk the whole thing when she’d come so far. Luckily, I did well. :) She was so excited when I finished and won on Sunday that she was calling and texting friends and family to tell them about it. It made me feel 20 feet tall to know that she was so proud of me. Even more so because of how worried I know she was when I weighed over 300 lbs.
I loved the small race vibe on both days. There were quite a few people who’d raced it before and others in the series and it felt familyish but not exclusive.
There were runners there from all over the country and even a few from England, Canada, and Spain who’d heard about it from friends that had done it.
On Sunday morning, I got to see a couple of the 100milers finish and then I saw them out on the course as well. If ever I felt tired, seeing them was like a kick in the butt. Who was I to complain about a measly 13 miles when they were in the midst of 100!
And I couldn't complain about the Love Me Two Times challenge either because one of the 100milers (a 60 year old man) finished it in 23 hours 50 minutes AND then an hour later he did the 10K on Sunday as his Love Me Two Times challenge! Again, all I had to do was think about him and it gave me great motivation! There was also a man who ran the marathon route 5x and a man who ran the 50 mile on Saturday and the 50K on Sunday. And there were 7 people who ran the marathon on Saturday and the 50K on Sunday. When I was telling my coworkers those stats, one of them said “you're starting to look like a wimp”. I prefer to think of it as less crazy. ;)
Anyway, I think that the more I expose myself to the amazing distance running that humans are capable of, the less intimidated I am by going longer or running back-to-back halfs.
This was kind of a mini test because I hope to do the Goofy Challenge someday. After this weekend, I think it's doable for me.
Oh yeah, while the weather was cold, but great for us both mornings, the 50 milers and 100 milers had a blizzard blow through on Saturday afternoon! Crazy!
Next time I go to Vegas to race, I have to find a hotel that's quieter. I thought I was far enough off the Strip that it wouldn't be an issue but there was a bachelorette party staying in the rooms above me and I didn't get much sleep on Friday night or Saturday night. Again, I pushed that out of my head when I thought about the 100 milers running through the night.
Last, but not least…I wore skirts both days! Ha! Don't ever underestimate a girl in a skirt. ;)
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Love Me Two Times - 2 Half Marathons and a win!
This past weekend, I took part in the Love Me Two Times challenge at that Labor of Love races in Lovell Canyon outside Vegas. To be a part of the Love Me Two Times challenge, you have to race on Saturday AND Sunday in any combination of races you choose. I decided to run the half marathon on both days. I was nervous when I signed up for it but thought I could do it. The question was...how well?
Race #1
The plan for Saturday was to take it easy and check out the course for Sunday. I would treat it as a long, easy run and not a race. The course is out and back and the profile said we would have a long uphill thru mile 4 and then a good downhill to the turn around before climbing back up and finishing with the last 4 miles downhill.
Saturday morning was cold! About 35 at the start. The high was going to be 50 so it would be great for racing. I did a little warm up before and then we were off and running. As planned, I paid attention to my breathing and kept it easy the first 4 miles. It gave me a chance to talk to some of the other runners and check out the scenery - which was gorgeous: big puffy clouds floating over the desert valley and the hills in the distance covered with snow.
After mile 4, we hit the downhill and when I saw how steep it was the only thing I could think of was "oh crap, we have to climb back up that!". And then my shoe came untied so I had to stop and tie it. Argh. Rookie mistake! I think I only lost 20 or 30 seconds though. I started up again and hit the turnaround feeling pretty good and prepared myself for the hill. I told myself to just run it and not think about it. And anyway, the faster I ran it, the sooner it would be over. And it wasn't so bad. Not! But I got thru it. Then it was all downhill to the finish. Again, I held back and took it easyish. Mostly. :) No, really I did. I didn't want to blow my quads before Sunday's race.
I finished feeling good. I felt I gave a good effort but didn't push it and felt ready for Sunday. The best part of Saturday was that despite taking it easy and stopping to tie my shoe, my time was 2:06:40! A 7 min 15 sec PR for the half! Woo!
And then...when I was checking the results and scrolling down the list, I found out I'd won my age group (40-49)! I was totally shocked and checked a few times to make sure. Yep, 1st. Woo! I was 10th woman and 28th overall.
First half marathon of the weekend was a success! Here are the stats from Saturday's run:
Race #2
On Sunday I woke up feeling pretty good. My quads were a little sore but not too bad. I felt like I could put together a good race on Sunday and was really looking forward to it. Even knowing about the big hill. I wore my Vizi Kinvara's and an orange tank to match them since Orange is a fast color. It put me in a racing frame of mind. ;)
It was about 5 degrees warmer on Sunday but still a cool day and great for racing. The number of people running Sunday's half marathon was less than Saturday's. I recognized a few people from Saturday's race so there were a few people doing the Love Me Two Times challenge. The race photographer had us gather at the start line for a photo and somehow I ended up at the front! Then the chatting and photo taking was over and it was time to race!
We took off and I settled into a good pace. My legs felt good so I tried to keep it 20 to 30 seconds faster than Saturday's paces. I relaxed and focused on the runners in front of me as we climbed to mile 4. I passed a few people and was working hard but not too hard.
When we hit the steep downhill, my quads protested a little but not too bad. I knew there was at least one woman in front of me and I could see she was extending her lead on me as we went downhill. I didn't know if there were any women in front of her but figured I would be able to tell where I was as we got close to the turnaround. That is definitely one of the advantages of an out and back: yu can see where the competition is. I remember thinking to myself "are you actually thinking of a top 3 finish?" and the answer was yes. But I didn't know who was in front so I just ran my own race with the hope of beating Saturday's time.
Then we were at the turnaround and I realized I was in second place! And then as I was heading back I saw that I had a good lead on the next two women in 3rd & 4th place. I began to hope...
I could see the woman in front of me and she seemed so far ahead that I just kept telling myself "run your own race". And then we were going up the hill and I saw she was walking. I was so, so tired going up the hill but I made myself keep running to see if I could get closer to her. And then I was at the top of the hill, thank god, and after a bit, I recovered from the hill effort and turned it up a notch. There were only 4 miles to the finish and I was feeling strong and my quads were doing fine on the less steep downhill.
And then...miracle of miracles...I was closing the gap on the woman in front of me. I kept getting closer and closer to her and caught up to her at mile 10! I remember thinking "should I pass her or should I settle in behind her?" Then I gave myself a little kick in the butt and said "duh, run your own race!". So I passed her! I was in first! Totally frickin unbelievable! I remember thinking she might pick up the pace when I passed her. That maybe she'd thought I was too far behind and hadn't expected me. But I passed her and her pace didn't change. So I ran my little heart out!
But I also tried to keep it in control. I knew that it would be my race to lose and I didn't want to make any mistakes: no tripping, no over doing it, hopefully no cramping or side stitches. Just ran good and hard. There was a man running in front of us and I focused on him as my next target. And then I passed him and there was no one in front of me to use as a rabbit. So I just kept it steady.
With about 1.5 miles to go, I passed the course photographer. He congratulated me on how well I was doing and I asked him if he could see anyone behind me. He said I had a good lead but I didn't want to look back so I just kept going.
The last mile was the hardest. You could see the finish in the distance but it seemed so far away. And then there was a headwind. Crap! I was starting to get tired but I WOULD NOT let myself slow down. There was no way I was going to work that hard and then give up at the end.
I looked at my watch when we hit .2 to go (the marker for Saturday's marathon was still up) and I saw that my time was 1:57. I had a chance to hit 2 hrs! So close. I pushed harder. As I ran up the last little bump up to the finish, I could see my mom at the top and she and Tony (her boyfriend) were cheering me on. I gave it my all and finished in 1:59:23! I'd made it under 2 hours! And I'd got another 7 minute PR. And...I'd won! Woo! Oh. My. God. It felt unreal.
It took me a minute to catch my breath and then they took my chip and gave me my two medals (one for the half marathon and one for the Love Me Two Times challenge). I grabbed some food and waited for the results to be posted. The race director gave me my award and a goody bag with a hat and some samples. And finally the results were posted. I was 6th overall. 5 men and then me. Me! Who would have thought.
I know that it was a small race, smaller even than Saturday but I won! And I did it after running it on Saturday too. I. Won. Sorry, I'm still a little shocked over it. Race #2 was a success. The whole weekend was and I couldn't be happier. Here are the stats for Sunday's race:
My mom, Tony, and I went to grab something to eat after and they asked me where I wanted to go to dinner to celebrate. I said I didn't care as long as it was steak. I was craving a really good steak. We went down to the Strip around 3 and walked around and we ended up eating at the Hardrock Cafe. The steak was delicious and really hit the spot. Then we went for ice cream after. And I thoroughly enjoyed every lick of it. :)
More thoughts later but for now I just want to thank my coach, Jason, who has really helped me grow as a runner. He's helped me really strengthen my legs and get to a place where I can run strong and recover quickly. Thanks Jason!
Race #1
The plan for Saturday was to take it easy and check out the course for Sunday. I would treat it as a long, easy run and not a race. The course is out and back and the profile said we would have a long uphill thru mile 4 and then a good downhill to the turn around before climbing back up and finishing with the last 4 miles downhill.
Saturday morning was cold! About 35 at the start. The high was going to be 50 so it would be great for racing. I did a little warm up before and then we were off and running. As planned, I paid attention to my breathing and kept it easy the first 4 miles. It gave me a chance to talk to some of the other runners and check out the scenery - which was gorgeous: big puffy clouds floating over the desert valley and the hills in the distance covered with snow.
After mile 4, we hit the downhill and when I saw how steep it was the only thing I could think of was "oh crap, we have to climb back up that!". And then my shoe came untied so I had to stop and tie it. Argh. Rookie mistake! I think I only lost 20 or 30 seconds though. I started up again and hit the turnaround feeling pretty good and prepared myself for the hill. I told myself to just run it and not think about it. And anyway, the faster I ran it, the sooner it would be over. And it wasn't so bad. Not! But I got thru it. Then it was all downhill to the finish. Again, I held back and took it easyish. Mostly. :) No, really I did. I didn't want to blow my quads before Sunday's race.
I finished feeling good. I felt I gave a good effort but didn't push it and felt ready for Sunday. The best part of Saturday was that despite taking it easy and stopping to tie my shoe, my time was 2:06:40! A 7 min 15 sec PR for the half! Woo!
And then...when I was checking the results and scrolling down the list, I found out I'd won my age group (40-49)! I was totally shocked and checked a few times to make sure. Yep, 1st. Woo! I was 10th woman and 28th overall.First half marathon of the weekend was a success! Here are the stats from Saturday's run:
Race #2
On Sunday I woke up feeling pretty good. My quads were a little sore but not too bad. I felt like I could put together a good race on Sunday and was really looking forward to it. Even knowing about the big hill. I wore my Vizi Kinvara's and an orange tank to match them since Orange is a fast color. It put me in a racing frame of mind. ;)
It was about 5 degrees warmer on Sunday but still a cool day and great for racing. The number of people running Sunday's half marathon was less than Saturday's. I recognized a few people from Saturday's race so there were a few people doing the Love Me Two Times challenge. The race photographer had us gather at the start line for a photo and somehow I ended up at the front! Then the chatting and photo taking was over and it was time to race!
We took off and I settled into a good pace. My legs felt good so I tried to keep it 20 to 30 seconds faster than Saturday's paces. I relaxed and focused on the runners in front of me as we climbed to mile 4. I passed a few people and was working hard but not too hard.
When we hit the steep downhill, my quads protested a little but not too bad. I knew there was at least one woman in front of me and I could see she was extending her lead on me as we went downhill. I didn't know if there were any women in front of her but figured I would be able to tell where I was as we got close to the turnaround. That is definitely one of the advantages of an out and back: yu can see where the competition is. I remember thinking to myself "are you actually thinking of a top 3 finish?" and the answer was yes. But I didn't know who was in front so I just ran my own race with the hope of beating Saturday's time.
Then we were at the turnaround and I realized I was in second place! And then as I was heading back I saw that I had a good lead on the next two women in 3rd & 4th place. I began to hope...
I could see the woman in front of me and she seemed so far ahead that I just kept telling myself "run your own race". And then we were going up the hill and I saw she was walking. I was so, so tired going up the hill but I made myself keep running to see if I could get closer to her. And then I was at the top of the hill, thank god, and after a bit, I recovered from the hill effort and turned it up a notch. There were only 4 miles to the finish and I was feeling strong and my quads were doing fine on the less steep downhill.
And then...miracle of miracles...I was closing the gap on the woman in front of me. I kept getting closer and closer to her and caught up to her at mile 10! I remember thinking "should I pass her or should I settle in behind her?" Then I gave myself a little kick in the butt and said "duh, run your own race!". So I passed her! I was in first! Totally frickin unbelievable! I remember thinking she might pick up the pace when I passed her. That maybe she'd thought I was too far behind and hadn't expected me. But I passed her and her pace didn't change. So I ran my little heart out!
But I also tried to keep it in control. I knew that it would be my race to lose and I didn't want to make any mistakes: no tripping, no over doing it, hopefully no cramping or side stitches. Just ran good and hard. There was a man running in front of us and I focused on him as my next target. And then I passed him and there was no one in front of me to use as a rabbit. So I just kept it steady.
With about 1.5 miles to go, I passed the course photographer. He congratulated me on how well I was doing and I asked him if he could see anyone behind me. He said I had a good lead but I didn't want to look back so I just kept going.
The last mile was the hardest. You could see the finish in the distance but it seemed so far away. And then there was a headwind. Crap! I was starting to get tired but I WOULD NOT let myself slow down. There was no way I was going to work that hard and then give up at the end.
I looked at my watch when we hit .2 to go (the marker for Saturday's marathon was still up) and I saw that my time was 1:57. I had a chance to hit 2 hrs! So close. I pushed harder. As I ran up the last little bump up to the finish, I could see my mom at the top and she and Tony (her boyfriend) were cheering me on. I gave it my all and finished in 1:59:23! I'd made it under 2 hours! And I'd got another 7 minute PR. And...I'd won! Woo! Oh. My. God. It felt unreal.
It took me a minute to catch my breath and then they took my chip and gave me my two medals (one for the half marathon and one for the Love Me Two Times challenge). I grabbed some food and waited for the results to be posted. The race director gave me my award and a goody bag with a hat and some samples. And finally the results were posted. I was 6th overall. 5 men and then me. Me! Who would have thought.I know that it was a small race, smaller even than Saturday but I won! And I did it after running it on Saturday too. I. Won. Sorry, I'm still a little shocked over it. Race #2 was a success. The whole weekend was and I couldn't be happier. Here are the stats for Sunday's race:
My mom, Tony, and I went to grab something to eat after and they asked me where I wanted to go to dinner to celebrate. I said I didn't care as long as it was steak. I was craving a really good steak. We went down to the Strip around 3 and walked around and we ended up eating at the Hardrock Cafe. The steak was delicious and really hit the spot. Then we went for ice cream after. And I thoroughly enjoyed every lick of it. :)
More thoughts later but for now I just want to thank my coach, Jason, who has really helped me grow as a runner. He's helped me really strengthen my legs and get to a place where I can run strong and recover quickly. Thanks Jason!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Creature of Habit
I am a creature of habit. I get into a routine and stick with it come hell or high water. It's why I gained weight so easy (bad routines) and why I was able to lose weight (good routines for eating and exercise). They say it takes 30 days for something to become a habit and if I make it thru those 30 days, I'm usually good to go after that.
But being a creature of habit can be a bad thing as well. Sometimes I feel anxious if my routine gets out of whack. Like if I can't get to bed by my bed time. Or if I have to eat at a time other than my plan. Or if I can't ride to work because I have to drive somewhere for business. I know my routine shouldn't cause stress and for the most part it's like a comfortable cloak but sometimes I feel more like Linus after Snoopy has stolen his blanket.
Knowing this about myself, I had to think about how I would feel having a coach. Would I be able to handle putting my "routine" in someone else's hands? Would I be comfortable with not knowing what my workouts would be for the next month (or two or three)? I'd read Matt Fitzgerald's Run - The Mind Body of Running by Feel and he talked about not having a long term plan but instead building your weeks based on how you feel. That you know what type of runs you should do in a week but not to be a slave to them. This concept was a little hard for me to grasp. I think because I thought if I didn't have a set plan, I might slack off...get lazy...take the easy way.
However...I really do need to learn be more flexible. And I'm not talking about running! Although that too. ;) So I decided that I would go ahead and get a coach and if it took me out of my comfort zone (with running or my habits), all the better.
You know what? It hasn't been bad. I trust Jason to give me the workouts I need. I still have a rough idea of what to expect but if I run on different days or do different workouts, I'm fine with it. It's kind of freeing actually. Kind of nice letting someone else dictate what I'm going to do. At that's saying something coming from this control freak.
I think an added bonus has been that my body is like "Whaaaat?" and the mixing it up has made it stronger, more resilient, less rigid. In more ways than one.
But being a creature of habit can be a bad thing as well. Sometimes I feel anxious if my routine gets out of whack. Like if I can't get to bed by my bed time. Or if I have to eat at a time other than my plan. Or if I can't ride to work because I have to drive somewhere for business. I know my routine shouldn't cause stress and for the most part it's like a comfortable cloak but sometimes I feel more like Linus after Snoopy has stolen his blanket.
Knowing this about myself, I had to think about how I would feel having a coach. Would I be able to handle putting my "routine" in someone else's hands? Would I be comfortable with not knowing what my workouts would be for the next month (or two or three)? I'd read Matt Fitzgerald's Run - The Mind Body of Running by Feel and he talked about not having a long term plan but instead building your weeks based on how you feel. That you know what type of runs you should do in a week but not to be a slave to them. This concept was a little hard for me to grasp. I think because I thought if I didn't have a set plan, I might slack off...get lazy...take the easy way.
However...I really do need to learn be more flexible. And I'm not talking about running! Although that too. ;) So I decided that I would go ahead and get a coach and if it took me out of my comfort zone (with running or my habits), all the better.
You know what? It hasn't been bad. I trust Jason to give me the workouts I need. I still have a rough idea of what to expect but if I run on different days or do different workouts, I'm fine with it. It's kind of freeing actually. Kind of nice letting someone else dictate what I'm going to do. At that's saying something coming from this control freak.
I think an added bonus has been that my body is like "Whaaaat?" and the mixing it up has made it stronger, more resilient, less rigid. In more ways than one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)